What The Hell Is Syabu ?

Top: pic from The Sun on customs discovering syabu in luggage in KLIA Left: a retail packet of syabu

While many of us know that shabu-shabu is Japanese steamboat, not many know about the drug called shabu or syabu.

We read a lot in the newspapers about police making syabu raids, drug addicts getting jailed and rotan for syabu possession. We also read about Iranian syndicates smuggling syabu into the country.

Having possession and trafficking of syabu is illegal in Malaysia under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. If you're an addict, possessing just about 61.8g (3 tablespoons) of syabu can get you sentenced to 15 years jail and 10 strokes of the rotan. If you're a trafficker, you could be sentenced to death by hanging.

So what the hell is this syabu thing ?

Syabu (also called "ice", "speed", "crystal", "glass", "meth" or "blue diamond" on the streets) is the colloquial name for the psycho-stimulant drug called Amphetamine. Amphetamine is known to increase energy and attention while decreasing appetite and fatigue. Apparently during World War II and the Viet Nam War, amphetamines were widely used as stimulants to keep the soldiers fighting, increasing their alertness and energy while going on without sleep and much food. It gave them false confidence making them bold, daring and feeling invincible.

Amphetamine is related to drugs such as methamphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

Long term use of of syabu causes brain damage, depression and other psychosomatic illnesses.

Today, it is generally taken as a recreational drug as it enables one to party all night. It is also believed to be widely used by those working in the fringes of society: prostitutes, GROs, robbers and gangsters, as it makes them hyperactive all night long, bold and daring to commit acts which they would normally be socially restrained to do. It is also apparently common for taxi drivers, bus drivers, night club bouncers and mat rempits to be on syabu. Women addicts take syabu to keep slim as it prevents them from getting hungry.

Syabu is not only addictive, it eventually impairs your performance. Experts say, after taking syabu for a year, you become dependent on syabu and cannot perform normally without it.

If you want to know more, read these stories about Types of Party Drugs and Party Drugs That Kill.

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Avatar Is Overrated - The Perspective Of A Malaysian

Although critically acclaimed science fiction epic film, Avatar, broke many box office records and became the highest- grossing film of all time, I personally think this film is overrated.

Despite the brilliant 3D effect, this film lacks originality. It copied ideas from the Matrix, Pocahontas, Jurassic Park and the Lord of the Rings. This is my Malaysian perspective of the film:

The story takes place in a planet called Pandora. Pandora is somewhat like earth except that it is inhabited by strange giant flora, dinosaur-like animals, ala Jurassic Park and native blue human-like creatures called the Na'vi. The simple and peace loving Na'vi all live in their ancestral kampung which is actually a giant large tree with roots going deep into the round. Pandora is also rich in an expensive mineral called unobtanium - a natural resource highly valued by people on earth.

A corporation, based on earth, run by mat sallehs, intends to colonise Pandora and extract all the unobtanium in it without regard to the natural ecosystem of the planet. Under the pretext of helping the Na'vi natives with education, health care and technology transfer, the corporation sent a huge team of mat sallehs from earth to Pandora. Due to the large potential profits to be made in Pandora, the mat salleh team went equipped with technologically advanced weapons, machinery, vehicles, military personnel, scientists and mining experts. The Na'vi are suspicious of the mat sallehs in their planet but are in no military position to do anything.

The problem starts when the mat salleh team in Pandora discovers very large deposits of unobtanium lying beneath the Na'vi ancestral kampung - the giant tree. To mine this mineral, the mat sallehs have to vacate the Na'vi from their ancestral kampung, by all means necessary - including using force against them.

Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a middle ranking mat salleh in the company, is specially assigned to negotiate with the Na'vi in peacefully vacating their ancestral kampung to make way for mining works to proceed. To gain their trust, Jake must first assimilate himself with the Na'vi. Jake's human body is put into a special machine which technologically transports him into a new Na'vi body- his avatar; ala the Matrix. With this procedure, Jake becomes a mat salleh with a Na'vi body. As a half human, half Na'vi, Jake then commences the diplomatic mission to compromise the Na'vi.

The hospitable Na'vi accepts Jake as a guest and progressively initiates him into their culture, after the Na'vi priestess and Queen predicts that he is "the one", ala the Matrix. Jake then inevitably falls in love with the Na'vi princess, Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), ala Pocahontas as she mentors him in the ways of the Na'vi. Before long, Jake starts to enjoy and adapt himself to the Na'vi lifestyle.

Meanwhile, Jake's mat salleh colleagues become impatient with Jake's slow diplomatic methods with the Na'vi and decide to use force against the Na'vi. When the mat sallehs attack the Na'vi ancestral kampung, Jake predictably takes the Na'vi side. Upon first appointing himself the Na'vi leader, he then unites the other Na'vi tribes and animals of Pendora in fighting against his mat salleh colleagues. In the epic battle, despite the overwhelming military odds against the Na'vi, Jake miraculously leads them to victory, ala the Lord of the Rings . Jake then marries Neytiri and becomes king of the Na'vi.

If you haven't seen the film, I've just saved you RM18. If you've already seen the film, I've now given you a new perspective to it. Maybe you should now pay me RM18. ;)

Having said all that, I'd give the film 3 stars out of 5.

Please post your comments.

Time Is Money

Money can buy time - this is Patek Philippe’s Platinum World Time costing USD4 million. It is one of the most expensive watches in the world.

Please post your comments.

Look at the other watches here.

Tiger Tiger 2010 Feng Shui Tips

This year marks the year of the metal tiger in the Chinese zodiac. Some businesses are doing a roaring trade in tiger trinkets and merchandise. I predict a sharp surge in the sale of cats in pet shops similar to that of dogs during the dog year a few years back.

From the feng Shui point of view, this year of the metal tiger (also called the golden tiger), seems good.

Feng shui grandmaster Yap Cheng Hai told the Star recently, that the Metal Tiger ushers in a year of good prospects. It is a year of “thunder-fire abundance.

Grandmaster Yap Cheng Hai, one of Asia's top feng shui master, says thunder signifies prosperity and progressiveness, while fire symbolises brightness.

Grandmaster Yap Cheng Hai's son, Yap Boh Chu explained that the Golden Tiger years bring with it a time of "greatness and abundance". As this abundance will happen as sudden as the thunder, one must thus seize the moment as it presents itself.

Yap Boh Chu also adds that the year 2010 is the culmination of past efforts. All previous efforts done will bear fruit this year, according to him.

While Yap Jr. predicts more legal suits this year, Yap Sr. explains that earth related industries, such as those in timber and plantation will do well. Yap Cheng Hai also speculates good fortune for the electronics, beauty and education industries.

Yap Boh Chu however adds that the real estate and mining industries will remain static. He predicts more natural disasters involving volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.

Feng shui master Gan Wai Kwang says that earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions etc will happen sometime in April and August and among those countires to be affected are Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, the Philippines, South Africa, India, North-East of America, North-East of Canada, Australia, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Feng shui master Wong Keen Ming also predicts a good finances year. But, unlike Yap Cheng Hai, he is pessimistic about the metal businesses such as those in electronics, telecommunications, banking, automobile and insurance.

Master Wong Keen Ming is more in favour of water-related businesses like shopping malls, transportation, fisheries, construction, import and export businesses, and automobile workshops as these businesses are more likely to do well.

Read also what master Joey Yap has to say about the Tiger year.

This is not a good year to get married - no fu (meaning bitter and it also means tiger in Cantonese) marriages and tiger babies says feng shui master, Yap Jr.

Chinese zodiac expert, Ruth Q. Sun says that it is more compatible for those born in the year of the Tiger to marry those born in the year of the Horse, Dragon, Dog, Rat, Ox, Rabbit, Tiger, Goat, Rooster or Boar, but never a Snake or a Monkey

Datuk David Hew, co-founder of Visiber Sdn Bhd, a numerology based services company says that says that this year presents plenty of opportunities for changes in careers and personal relationships and it is the time for taking action.

Some people say Tiger beer and Maybank are estimated to see an increase in business. Tiger Woods is so expected to make a strong comeback this year.

Please post your comments.

What Are You Gonna Do On Valentine's Day ?

What are you going to do on Valentine's Day ?

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Valentine's Day, whilst believed to be of controversial religious origins and not been celebrated by church service and community celebrations, has nevertheless been glorified in the commercial world.

Whatever little religious significance of Valentine's Day, has now been overshadowed by its modern meaning - dinners, flowers, chocolates, teddy bears and an assortment of other gifts.

Worldwide spending for Valentine Day is expected to cross US$50 billion this year despite the global recession.

Love and affection which are inherently human instincts have been capitalised by commerce. It has and always will be about money.

Despite this, it is interesting to note that Muslims worldwide consider Valentine's Day a Christian religious festival and are thus discouraged from celebrating it. This may be a wise move despite its reasoning.

Undeniably, when Cupid starts his annual flights, men have very little to celebrate. Less than 2 months after the Christmas holidays and New Year's Eve celebration, the romance starved male is pressured yet gain to spend money because of another commercially centred gimmick. For the Chinese male, Chap Goh Mei (Chinese Valentine's Day) is also another wallet thinning exercise, albeit smaller, and its just about a week prior to Valentine's Day. Due to the circumstances of the event, it isn't surprising why girls are more enthusiastic about Valentine's Day than guys.
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Nonetheless, over the years there is a growing trend amongst single guys and some astute lovers to boycott Valentine's Day. While attached guys cuddle their girlfriends over candlelit dinners, single guys are getting together at nightspots and massage parlours to celebrate their independence. More adventurous single males are making the most of this dubious commercial celebration by purchasing girls from China, instead of purchasing teddy bears for their potential girlfriends.

I've asked some people what they gonna do on Valentine's Day this year and these are the answers (their names have been changed for privacy):

Guys

Thomas: I will be saving money this year, so I'm going to buy my girlfriend a lottery ticket, because she's worth millions to me. It will be even better if she wins something.

Yee Cheng: I'll be redundant romantically by Valentine's Day, so I suppose it will be a non-event to me. Actually, its better getting dumped before that day. Its a strategic move for me.

Edwin: Still far ahead, not thinking about it yet. I'm sure I can find somewhere to eat. The normal stuff, right ?

Andy: As I don't have a girlfriend, I think I'll just go to some club and find a girl to be my girlfriend that night. Simple.

Wee Kiat: I've been lining up my facebook potentials. I've been working overtime on my facebook activities - hope to "kena" a nice one.

James: Normal lah, dinner with guys...then off for a "happy massage", after that, happy hours then go clubbing "cuci mata", try my luck. What's your plan ?

Chee Kien: Valentine's Day ? Work lah, when people spend money, I make money. I'm thinking of selling flowers in Bukit Bintang..for the stupid mat sallehs to buy for prostitutes. If you got money, everyday can be Valentine's Day and every girl wants to be your bunny.
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Girls

Sabrina: He better take me somewhere nice this year. I've been looking out for a nice place to spend Valentine's Day...any good suggestions ?

Linda: I'm gonna spend some time with the girls...all girls night out. Hunting for cute guys hehehe.

Swee Li: I thought of having like 6 couples for dinner at a hotel somewhere, then book a suite and gamble...or whatever...Just wanna do something different this year.

Pik Wah: Don't ask me about this la. Boring, boring, boring...Useless guys !

Clove2 of the Star - Poll

So what you gonna do on Valentine's Day this year ? Please post your comments.

Water Theft

Nigel Ng Meow Giak

Someone is stealing water. Look at the water connection without a water meter.

Please post your comments.

2 Men Fighting By The Highway In Puchong

The man in red's car langgar (hit) the man in pink's car. The man in pink approaches the man in red with a stick. A fight starts...



Who do you think is in the wrong ?



Please post your comments.

Robot Fish

Masamichi Hayashi, a marine ecologist and educator, has created a few life-like robotic fish from various recycled items. The toy fish have been produced from all kinds of recycled objects including raincoats, used tires, plastic bottles and windscreen wipers.



Masamichi Hayashi's great knowledge in both robotics and sea animals has helped him create a realistic set of robot fish. The robots fish closely imitate the swimming styles of the species from which they are modelled.



Source: Telegraph







Please post your comments.

China Fashion Week

This is one of the new fashion revealed at the China Fashion Week in September last year. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought it was the China Comedy Week. The picture above shows a model wearing mismatched outfit bought from a pasar malam in Beijing. Honestly, who will really wear these clothes ? here's another one:

This creation can be called "Suit of the Times" ?. This joker got some clocks from IKEA and sewed it on a diving suit.

See more funny creations in the China Daily.

Please post your comments.

The Pongal Festival

The Pongal festival celebrated in Malaysia last week is a traditional harvest festival widely celebrated by Indians of Tamil decent, all over the world.

During the Pongal festival, milk is boiled in a clay pot until it overflows. Then, rice, sugar, raisins and cashew nuts are added inside.

Pongal in Tamil means "boiling over or spill over." The boiling over of milk in the clay pot symbolizes material abundance for the household. Pongal is celebrated at harvest time, is traditionally intended to thank the Sun God and farmstead livestock that helped create the material abundance.

Please post your comments.

Humans Kept As Pets

Spokesman for The International Human Rights Agency, Dr. Ugput Guggot (top left) says it is disturbing to see an increasing number of human beings being sold as pets to primates.

Dr. Ugput Guggot, who is also the Chairman of the Orangutan Council of Malaysia (OCM), warns that keeping human beings as pets will not change his nature as the exploitative and evil character of these humans are bound to reveal itself eventually. There are many reported cases where humans who were released from their cages by their primate owners killed their owners before escaping.

Further, human beings need lots of material objects and artificial stimulents created by other human beings to keep themselves occupied and happy. They also need large amounts of social interaction and attention from their friends to show off their material posessions to keep themselves sane.

Failure to provide for all these needs will result in strange behaviourial and psychological problems for the humans in captivity, where some have allegedly killed themselves out of boredom.

Dr. Ugput Guggot adds that the cruelest part of this activity is removing humans from their natural habitat - their artificial and make believe world. "Humans without their artificial world, will go crazy. But humans are animals too, and they should treated fairly as we treat all animals", said Dr. Ugput Guggot.

Please post your comments.

How To Pick Up Chinese Girls In Malaysia

Picking up Chinese girls in Malaysia is no longer as easy as it once was, two decades ago. This is thus the gwai lo (white man) guide to picking up Chinese girls in Malaysia today. Watch the video above first.



Here are some additional tips:



If you meet a cute Malaysian Chinese girl at a bar or club, don't start the conversation on topics like Karate Kid, ninja, anything kung fu, dragons or crouching tigers.



Don't try breaking the ice by asking if she's Lucy Liu or Coco Lee. Because chances are, she's not.



Trying to impress a Chinese girl by attempting some kung fu moves when you dance isn't cool.



As not all Chinese women are erotic masseuses and dancers, manicurists or hairdressers, as portrayed in travel literature, so don't ask her if she can "love you long time". In Malaysia, the social demographics is different. White collar Malaysian Chinese professional women are in the hundreds of thousands and a sizable number of them were educated abroad. These are the women you are most likely to meet in bars and clubs. The working class Chinese women in Malaysia speak mainly Chinese and are not proficient in English. They, for some reason, do not generally prefer to socially interact with Caucasians or anyone outside their race who don't speak Chinese.



Finally, don't ask her if she likes "White Guys". Because you won't want to be disappointed by her answer, as some can be sarcastic and will say they prefer Blacks instead. Others might just ask you point blank, "where did you do your tertiary education and what do you do for a living" or "whether you were you doing professionally well in your own country". They ask this to assess how much you're worth.



It is also important to bear in mind that Chinese women are materialistic and do evaluate men according to social hierarchy. Due to the "rise and fall" of Caucasian expats in Malaysia in the last two decades, they have learned that not all gwai lo are close to being Bill Gates or Prince William, and neither are they all top tier "Investment Bankers". But they will gladly accept all the free food, drinks and gifts from a gwai lo without feeling the obligation to reciprocate the courtesy in any way whatsoever.



However, having said all this, being flash and generous is, in most cases, a prerequisite to your success in picking up Malaysian Chinese women. Money will indeed still take you a long way, but not all the way, as it used to.



Please post your comments.

Batik

The original meaning of Batik refers to the technique of manually staining patterns on cloth by wax-resist dyeing. Due to the advances in the textile industry, Batik now refers to fabrics which incorporate traditional batik patterns even if they are not produced using the wax-resist dyeing techniques.

UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity on October 2, 2009.

Batik or fabrics with the traditional batik patterns are also found in several countries such as Malaysia, Japan, China, India, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, and Singapore. Malaysian batik often displays plants and flowers in basic patterns.

Please post your comments.

If the path be beautiful ...

Pic by Shoothead

“If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads.” Anatole France

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20 Weird Tattoos For Guys

I don't know whether these guys are making a fashion statement or just wanting some attention. The above is just one of the many weird tattoos on guys. Look here to see the others.

Please post your comments.

The Hungry Ghost Festival

I thought hungry ghost supposedly eat anything, but apparently not.

In Malaysia, people usually offer local delicacies like roast chicken, duck or pork, usually accompanied by steamed red Mi Ku and fluffy Uwa Ko Kueh and sometimes biscuits thrown in for dessert. I suppose these are what Chinese ghosts like to eat. I have yet to see food from KFC or McDonalds being offered to the ghosts. I dont' think the ghosts drink Starbucks coffee either.

According to a newspaper article, Hungry ghosts also eat fruits like pineapples, lychees and oranges. But not jambu or papayas.

This year, the hungry ghost month began on 20th August and will end on 17th September. The Chinese believe that during this time the gates of hell open, releasing ghosts and spirits to roam earth looking for appeasement, or food to satisfy their hunger.

In conjunction with this festival, makeshift stages and altars are contructed in Chinese populated areas in Malaysia especially in George Town, Ipoh, Taiping and the Klang Valley, for performances and prayers to appease the ghosts. Chinese operas and puppet shows are performed at this makeshift stages to entertain the ghosts in hope of keeping them from any mischief. These days, female singers wearing sexy outfits belting out Mandarin songs are also a common sight at these places. At these performances, the front row seats are always left vacant for the ghosts.

During the month, Chinese Taoists / Buddhists pray to dead ancestors and other spirits offering them food, money and other paper made luxuries.

Young children are discouraged from activities like swimming, cycling on the road or going out at night, throughout the festival, as it is believed they could be harmed by the ghosts. It is also considered bad luck to have marriage ceremonies during this time of year.

Please post comments.

RIP Michael Jackson, The King Of Pop

Michael Jackson as he was

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, 50, has died on 25th June. It was reported that Michael Jackson collapsed and died at his rented mansion at Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles due to a heart attack.

He dominated of pop culture in the 80s and early 90s with his unique brand of music and dance. Michael Jackson's 1982 Thriller album is still the world's best-selling album of all time and his other works remain among the world's top selling albums and singles.

HIStory world tour in Malaysia

27th and 29th of October 1996 at the Merdeka Stadium

Few people are born not just to celebrity but to stardom, Michael Jackson is one of those people. Despite his fame and fortune, he was born never to know what it was like to live a normal life, or even behave like everyone else. He started his singing career when he was 9 years old as part of his family's musical act, the Jackson 5, and was already celebrity when he was 14. This somewhat explains the mixture of his charisma, mystery, indulgence, isolation, eccentricities and loneliness throughout his life.

Despite the recent official news report about the heart attack that caused his death, rumours persist about possible suicide.

As far back as 2005, there were news reports that Michael Jackson may commit suicide. He was then facing charges for sexual molestation in court in addition to having to deal with pressures of personal financial dificulties.

Recently, his close friends have revealed that Michael Jackson had confided that he intends to die like Elvis Presley (who died by drug overdose in August 16, 1977). Even after all these years, there is still the infamous claim that Elvis faked his death to enter into the government's Witness Protection program. They believe that Elvis Presley is still alive and is in hiding. Not surprisingly, some people are already saying the same about Michael Jackson.

This is life. People can say anything they want, and they will, for many years to come. As I see it, whatever Michael was or whatever he was not in his personal life, isn't important. Michael Jackson was an extrodinary talent who has captured the imagination of billions of people around the world with his music and dance. He remains one of the greatest musical genius the world has ever seen.

To this, I say goodbye Michael. We sang your songs, we danced to your music, and now, we mourn your passing. Rest in peace. You will not be forgotten.

Please post your comments.

Tongue Piercing In Malaysia

The above is a tongue piercing procedure done in Malaysia. A tongue piercing is done usually directly through its center.

Historically, tongue piercing has been a long religious and cultural practice. The Aztecs practiced this as well as other perforations as a part of their religious ritual. Islamic Fakirs and Sufis from the Middle East are also known to practice tongue piercing. Asian Spirit Mediums of the Far East pierce their tongues as an offering to their deities and proof of being in the state of trance.

In recent years, in short of better fashion ideas, youngsters in Western countries and "wannabe western" Asian countries have been persuaded to adopt tongue piercing as a social ritual with fashionable implications.

Please post your comments.

Yuen Buffet Steamboat's Chicken Wings War

Yuen Buffet Steamboat, located at Sunway Mentari commercial centre (Opposite Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall) in Selangor, possibly offers one of the widest seamboat choices of meat, seafood and vegetables amongst the steamboat restaurants in Klang Valley. But this is hardly what its famous for.

While Yuen is generally a steamboat restaurant, it is more well known for its "honey chicken wings" (BBQ chicken wings marinated with honey) which patrons have to literally fight for.

If you think Kentucky Fried Chicken is "Finger Lickin' Good", then for some people, Yuen's Chicken Wings are "Worth Fighting For".

Watch this video and witness for yourself:



Please post your comments.

Money & Life

Money&life
What Is Money

For some, these videos and articles may change how you view life, the way you assess yourself and evaluate others.

Money is not real. It only exist in a system artificially created by human beings and has been manipulated by the elites to exploit others.

Watch this animated video explaining the origins of money.



This is an interesting 47 minute video by Paul Grignon which explains how money is artificially created.




The Credit Crisis And World Recession

This is is also an interesting 2 part video explaining how the credit crisis started and how it affects us.

Part 1




Part 2




As seen in the video, this is a primer of the financial crisis by the New York Times.

If you're interested to learn more, you can read the following articles:

Credit Crisis Timeline - From Foreclosures To Bank Failures

Credit Crisis — The Essentials


It looks like the best solution now is to begin looking for alternative ways of living less dependent on the money system. ie. grow your food and spend less on non essential stuff. :) We are lucky, in Malaysia, we have the option of living off the land if necessary. Singaporeans, for instance, do not have this privilege.

Please post your comments.