Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Let's all be thankful to M'sians who still work

While we enjoy the festive break, let us also express our gratitude to Malaysians who still work to provide essential services, like operators of public transports, doctors, nurses, firefighters and also policemen.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Greetings for my Muslim neighbours & friends

Kepada kawan'-kawan serta jiran'-jiran semua bangsa yang beragama Islam, 'terutamanya pakcik'-pakcik dan makcik'-makcik yang sentiasa dihormati, diucapkan Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri / 'Maaf Zahir Batin. To all Malaysian neighbours and friends who travel back to respective hometowns to celebrate or to share the joy : 'Selamat Balik Kampung.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Book translation helps to increase knowledge

Mastering a world language or' two is' one way to' acquire useful ideas and'/'or knowledge. Another way is to translate more books written in world languages. Bi- or tri-lingual people can also contribute to bridge or narrow gaps in this multi-cultural and increasingly globalized world, whose economies, whether 'weak' or 'strong', are now interdependent. Civilizational dialogues and' cultural exchanges require many untiring, meticulous and also out-of-limelight efforts of, above all, translators.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Open to more ideas for betterment of English

Actually, there is still a significant number of retired English teachers and successful students of the language who can share their teaching and learnng experience(s) to positively contribute more ideas for the efforts to upgrade the proficiency of the language among Malaysians. Probably, 'some ideas in Edward De Bono''s books on Lateral Thinking, Parallel Thinking and Positive Revolution could help to design' or/and innovate teaching methods' to make learning process more effective.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

American psychologist examines social media

US psychologist' Larry D Rosen seems to share the recent observation of Britain's top scientist Susan Greenfield on overuse of social media, particularly among teens who may become "narcissistic" as the result. However, 'it has to be pointed out again that there are' also the good aspects of social media if it is ultilised with a sense of self-discipline.

Monday, August 08, 2011

In deep memory of teacher John R. Gurusamy

Indeed, I am very sad to know' that my learned friend as well as great teacher' John Ratnasingam Gurusamy' has passed away at 74. 'I would like to convey my deep condolences to his family. I remember John as a' thoughtful and philosophical person' who was always willing and also ready to share his life'-long wisdom with all. Dear John, rest in peace.

Sunday, August 07, 2011

Fear of measle outbreak amid Africa's famine

Reportedly, outbreak of suspected measles is now quite "alarming" in Ethiopia that is located in the drought-hit as well as war-torn Horn of Africa. 'Humanitarian relief efforts 'have begun amid some obstacles.

Friday, August 05, 2011

UNICEF needs cheaper air flights for food aid

The United Nations Children's Fund '(UNICEF)' has urged airlines to cut cost for urgently delivering food aid to the Horn of Africa where many people, especially children, 'are expericencing life-threatening hunger as drought hits the region where some of the areas are also war-torn.

Monday, August 01, 2011

UK scientist sees another side of social media

Reportedly, a top scientist from a world-class university in the UK has expressed observations on the not-so-wonderful dimensions' of social media that could make 'addicted' users self-obssessed as well as vain. Many socially concerned and more experienced people are also quietly worried' that the affected minds could lose patience to peruse thicker books with more nuanced reasoning or more sophisticated languages, such as Charles Dickens' A Tale Of Two Cities and A Christmas Carol. Of course, there are also the very well-known positive sides of social media. The point is how to 'ambil yang jernih' and 'buang yang keruh'. Moderation should be the guiding principle in the use of social media.