Hello dear friends and readers, 

It didn't take too long, and I have already found a new home for my blog. Come and meet

www.myunscriptedlife.net

It's a lot cleaner and simpler. Pretty much like me. I can pretend to be cool and hip all I want, but in the end, I am not all those things. :P (I'm a nerd at heart, I'll admit it)

It's got much more functions then blogspot too, which is a great plus. 

I've also decided not to include any advertisements. I guess the whole nuffnang thing has been a phase. I'll never get enough traffic to make any money out of it, nor do I want to. 

So I guess this will be the end of essenceofkamelia.blogspot.com. Who knows, maybe I will use it again someday for something else. 

I've been busy with work, but  current events have made me think seriously about getting internet at home. But since we don't have a landline, and the developer is not planning to install it anytime soon, I have to find alternative ways. 

Anyway, do drop by, and let me know what you think about the new blog. I'll try to move things around accordingly. 

Friends on my blogroll, do update your links accordingly, and thank you so much for being my loyal readers since I've started writing this humble online diary of mine. 

I stumbled upon a blog today. You may know her. Or not. 

She goes by the name Xiaxue. Her real name is Wendy. 

She's pretty big in the blogsphere, from what I could surmise. Her blog is mainly about her, or people she hate, or people who are unfortunate enough to like her. 

I've seen some pretty superficial people through blogs. They are all about the designer stuff, materialistic and down right ignorant and arrogant. 

People used to hate people like that, but nowadays, they are simply considered honest people, and admired for speaking their minds, not afraid of being called sluts or bitches, because it's become such a norm already. 

I've learnt to ignore and avoid blogs like these. A picture says a thousand words. And when there are thousands of pictures of themselves on their blog, you just get so sick of them. 

But Xiaxue takes the cake. One of her recent posts boasted about how she made her face skinny and put in fillers to make her lips plumper. 

Stupid woman. 

I mean, you can do whatever you want la, but to boast about your face and body transformation procedures is just plain wrong in my book. 

Unfortunately, I may be in the minority. With the advent of the internet, and total information freedom, it takes an exceptional person to not be influenced and stay true to oneself. 

But I have formed my own opinions, done my own mistakes, made great friends along the way that have shown me what it means to be good person, and an independent person. With no desire whatsoever to change my God-given body. 

Unfortunately for Xiaxue, she will never get that feeling. 

I've always been fascinated with the internet, and the endless possibilities it holds. It challenges one's creativity with an unlimited number of audience. 

A few months ago, a few of those who have been on my blogroll may have noticed that I have gone "commercialized" by changing my template, and theme and to some extent, even my content. 

My intent was never to make money out of anything, certainly not with all of the usual personal stuff that I usually post, but rather I loved the challenge of setting up something totally new, and see the reaction it gets, and how much I could really put into practice the art of advertising. 

Call me a nerd, but that is what truly gets me going sometimes, and have become like a pet hobby. 

So it's only natural that after almost four years on blogspot now, that I should move on to other things. Create a bigger playground for me to play around with. Which is why I took the plunge of buying a new domain, myunscriptedlife.net. It's in the works at the moment, and I'm having tons of fun with it, and with Baby, at least he could explain the technical terms to me in baby language. 

I even have my own email now at kamelia@myunscriptedlife.net! Abit of a mouthful, I know. 

But this will just be a personal website for me. And when I'm not too caught up with work, it'll be a platform for me to work with a lot of things. And also to connect with friends. It will be exciting. 

Also in the works are two other websites that I want to create and maintain. One is something fun me and Kas might produce and generate some cash. But mostly, for us to practice our marketing skills, since we are both in that line, and it could be a small side income for ourselves. 

Another website is something me and Baby is working at. A true business enterprise which involves cupcakes! Well, I'll explain once everything is more concrete. 

Till next post, cheers! 

Dear Muslim readers, 

Selamat Berpuasa, 

Jangan makan banyak-banyak, 

Nanti baju Raya tak muat, 

Menyesal lah pulak. 

:)

Not ready for change
BY SIMRIT KAUR

There have been conflicting reactions to the Selangor mentri besar’s proposal for UiTM to open its doors to non-bumiputras and foreigners.

SELANGOR Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s proposal on Aug 9 that 10% of Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) enrolment be made up of non-bumiputra and international students has been vehemently rejected by UiTM’s establishment.
 
Its students organised a mass demonstration on Aug 12 in Shah Alam in protest while vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Ibrahim Abu Shah said that Khalid’s proposal went against the original purpose of setting up UiTM, which was to help the bumiputras.

The government has also made its stand clear with Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin reiterating that there would be no change in UiTM’s enrolment policy.

Benefits of integration

Viewed objectively, isn’t Khalid’s proposal to open up UiTM and the reasons given — to prepare its students for competition and globalisation — valid?

It has been pointed out that UiTM has been enrolling foreign students for years. Why not Malaysians?

In its website UiTM says that it aspires to be world-class in all its endeavours and have a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. How valid is that claim in light of the university’s present enrolment policy?

Universiti Malaya economics lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Terence Gomez says that other Malaysian public universities benefit from the interaction and dialogue that occur between students from different communities.

“In a university setting, students are required to read extensively, debate ideas and engage in intellectual discourse.

“Different perspectives evolve from these discussions and this is something that UiTM students, with their mono-ethnic background, don’t get.”

Dr Gomez adds that students in other public universities experience an understanding of Malaysian society and its different viewpoints.

“There is a need for debate on policies along universal or targeted lines. You won’t get truly in-depth discussions with one ethnic group.

“The perspectives will be intra-ethnic and not inter-ethnic and this diminishes the quality of the interaction at UiTM which is so important in a university setting.”

Over-reaction?

Political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Agus Yusoff from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia says the reaction to Khalid’s proposal shows a lack of maturity among Malaysians.

“There was no need for everyone to become hysterical. The issue has been blown out of proportion by the media. It was merely a suggestion by Khalid.”

Dr Mohd Agus adds that UiTM students should not have demonstrated publicly against the proposal.

“Their action will create uneasiness among the non-bumiputras. This is not the way to build good ethnic relations.”

He says that the federal government, through its actions, had played into Pakatan Rakyat’s hands.

“Non-bumiputras will be even angrier with Barisan Nasional. This will affect the government in the Permatang Pauh by-election,’’ says Dr Mohd Agus, adding that Umno made a mistake in fanning the students’ protest.

The UiTM issue reveals a clear split in the government as Gerakan and MCA politicians have come out with statements in support of Khalid’s proposal.

MCA vice-president Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn pointed out that the Cabinet had been receptive to opening similar institutions, like the Mara Junior Science and Matriculation colleges, to non-bumiputra students.

Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said: “Nobody has denied that (UiTM was built under Article 153 of the Federal Constitution), but when people raise such a proposal or suggestion, is it necessary to pick a quarrel with them?”

And Gerakan treasurer Datuk Ng Chiang Chin commended Khalid “for having the wisdom to be open-minded and thinking like a Malaysian.”

I found this advertisement to be simply hilarious. It's a new beverage, with a radical approach to marketing and branding. Their carbonated drink is called "Anything" and their tea-based beverages are called "Whatever". The first thing I wondered about when I heard about the brand, was how are you supposed to ask for the drink when you are in the store. The advertisement pretty much answered it! But really, the brand highlights the apathy of consumers with regards to beverages now. I don't remember the countless times I have told someone to just get me "Anything!" to drink when we make a pitstop. 

Check out their teaser website here. Hilarious!

Wanted to wear something different today, so rumaged through my wardrobe, and found my old tie-around pants. Pretty? 

Lunch was a simple affair. I was still full from my breakfast. Which was Dorset Cereal. As anticipated, it was delicious. Lots of dried cherries and nuts. 

So for lunch, I had my humble sandwhich. But there was still feta cheese leftover from out office potluck. So I put in liberal amounts between the slices of bread. Only RM1.80. Nyam, nyam. 

And as for dessert. I indulged in a simple sponge cake. With lots of chocolate rice though. Hehehe.




I eat sandwhiches pretty often as my lunch in office, and I get rather full from it. Colleagues are still at odds with it. Sometimes pestering me to go eat rice with them. Saw Parween today, who is a student here as well. Her eyes went round when I said that this is my lunch. :P 

He died when he reached the hospital. It was featured in The Star today. 

I found out about it a little later. You get so caught up in life. 

I hope Hairil and his family finds peace of mind soon. It's horrible to have a death in the family, even worse when the person who was responsible is not brought to justice. 

My thoughts are always with you dear friend. 

Al-Fatihah~

It was 4.30PM. One and a half hours to go till I can get out of here. I am getting some serious munchies cravings. 

So I tak tahan edy, I took a short trip to the on-campus bookshop, which also sells snacks. And the first thing that caught my eye was this: 

It's 100 gramme cereal boxes, and the great thing is, it's the healthy version! Not some sugar-filled thing you usually see in supermarkets. Dorset Cereals is all natural ingredients, and it's 50% real fruit. More info here. Best of all it's only RM2.40. Abit on the pricey side, but when you think about it, that's about the average price of a Nasi Lemak. Kan?

I think it's a wonderful concept, and if you visit their website, you'll get a better idea of what their brand is like. It's cute, it's unique, and I am sure it'll be delicious. 

I'll let you know as soon as I pour it out into a bowl and get the carton of milk. (Yes, we have fresh milk in our office!) 

I was reading some online articles regarding allegations on some Olympics Fakery. The article basically highlighted on some of the important points, they are : 

1) Accusation: That viewers were misled by the use of CGI fireworks during a sweeping helicopter shot leading up to Bird's Nest National Stadium. Organizers note the fireworks were there, but the footage was created in advance due to the danger of shooting live from a nearby helicopter.

2) Accusation: That NBC is time stamping West Coast feeds of competition coverage with a "Live" tag even though the coverage is not live.

3) Accusation: That NBC edited the "parade of nations" from the original order to delay the entrance of U.S. athletes.

The best part is the comment after the article that I found really hilarious. 

Posted by: Don't Lie to Me NBC | August 11, 2008 at 01:41 PM 

You failed to address the biggest NBC fakery of the entire games: Bob Costas' (the comentator) new ill-fitting wig. That's a toupee that could use some digital animation, for sure.

Students adamant on keeping status quo 

SHAH ALAM: UiTM is for Bumiputeras -- that's the strong message from more than 5,000 Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) students to Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim. 

They marched to the Selangor State Secretariat to hand over a memorandum of protest over Abdul Khalid's suggestion that UiTM reserve 10 per cent of places to non-Bumiputeras and foreigners. 

Led by UiTM student body president Luqmann Ulhakim Mohamad Idris, the students gathered at the UiTM field before heading to Dataran Shah Alam at 7.30am.

They then marched 500 metres to Bangunan Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, singing the university song UiTM di Hatiku' while carrying banners and placards with various declarations -- "Jangan Rampas Hak Kami" (Do not seize our rights), "Selamatkan UiTM"' (Save UiTM) and "UiTM di Hatiku"' (UiTM in our hearts). The students, however, did not see Abdul Khalid as he was at a meeting elsewhere. 

Luqmann was not allowed into Abdul Khalid's office to submit the memorandum, and the situation became quite tense. 
Finally, the memorandum was handed over to the menteri besar's news officer Hasril Abu Hassan who met the students at the security booth.

Luqmann said the state government's statement showed that they intended to to politicise UiTM to gain votes from non-Malays in the Permatang Pauh by-election on Aug 26.

In Petaling Jaya, Abdul Khalid said he was willing to meet UiTM representatives to discuss the demands listed in their seven-page memorandum -- but only after the Permatang Pauh by-election.

He told reporters after the state Budget Dialogue 2009 yesterday that he would discuss with the students their memorandum to avoid any misunderstanding.

_____________________________________________________________________

I am a former UiTM student. In fact, I will be graduating from there in a few months time. Coming from the background that I am in, I found it strange and weird initially that everywhere I turned in campus, it was all Malays. I am used to having non-Malay friends. Not because it's a preference. It's simply something that happens. 

These students may think that they are being given their rights as Bumiputras, and it's their right to be in that prestigious University. Fact is, education is a right to everyone who wants to pursue it, regardless of race or religion. More so, when there are many other students who are non-Malays who WANT to study. Who WANT to excel. Rather than keeping a small percentage of Malay students in campus who are simply there for the ride. Because fees are cheap (RM450 per semester) and they are bored. I personally know such students. 

It pains me, because I have friends who have had to struggle to get their education. Some who are far poorer than the large percentage of UiTM students who come to class in their own cars and bikes. While some of my friends have had to scrimp and save every cent to enroll themselves in private universities. 

I'm am not an apathetic Malay. I am proud to be one. I believe in Malay rights. Especially where land is concerned (Tanah Rizab Melayu). But being the daughter of two teachers, I am fully aware of the implications of having the right education. And tertiary education is no longer a luxury for the few. It's a necessity for one to live. (In Malaysia anyway)

Having non-Malays on campus in UiTM should be the least of these students' worries. After being too used to the all Malay environment, and then stepping into the multi-racial working world, can they adapt? Can they accept other people? Or do they stand in a corner with other Malay workers, happily making fun of the other non-Malays? Or do they rise to the occasion? Many don't. They choose to do the former. 

Let's not jump the gun, and react in such a manner (as Malays often do). Listen first to what our MB has to say. Education for all...is never a bad idea.