On my book shelf: May 13

I picked up a few copies of the May 13 book by Dr. Kua Kia Soong on Tuesday from Gerak Budaya after hearing about it here and here.



Excerpt of the synopsis:

This is the first credible account of the May 13, 1969 racial riots in Malaysia using documents recently declassified at the Public Records Office, London after the lapse of the 30-year secrecy rule. These documents provide the only available confidential observations and memoranda by British and other foreign embassy operatives based on their intelligence and contacts with local officials and politicians. They include dispatches by correspondents which were then banned in Malaysia. The local media were suspended at the time and local documents remain classified under the Official Secrets Act.

Interesting read, as it paints a different picture of the events that occurred back in 1969 and the years to come.

I've got a few extra copies with me. If you're looking for a quick read which may influence your viewpoints on Malaysia, I'd suggest this one. emailme at praveenrajan dot com.

Related links:

• Wikipedia: About the May 13 incident
• The Star: Another look at incident on May 13
• Screenshots: Surviving 38 years of the May 13 bloodshed
• Elizabeth Wong: Book Launch and Public Forum: "May 13"

Choco's growing up by the minute

Seen here with the my cousins Vajra and Varuna. She's learnt how to sit, "un-sit", and make a mess of their porch.

From Choco & the boys

SMART looking tunnel!

I had the privilege of driving through the newly-opened SMART tunnel on Tuesday. It's free until 14 June 2007.



It was a smooth drive throughout the 3km tunnel. It has been said that the toll rates will be high for this one; pity, as it probably has the potential of moving lots of traffic from the Golden Triangle out towards the Cheras / Sungai Besi areas.

Related links:

• Wikipedia: What is STORM?
• SMART: StormWater Management And Road Tunnel
• SMART: How does SMART help?
• The Star: Higher toll expected for SMART tunnel
  
• Alfred Molon: Stock photos of KL's Golden Triangle

How much does it cost to print on your inkjet?

Ever wondered whether your cheap printer was actually worth the money?

The illustration below compares inkjet printers from HP and Eastman Kodak. Cheap printers usually mean paying more for printing (ink cartridges) in the long run.



When manufacturers slash the prices of their ink cartridges, then tend to also reduce the volume of ink. This in turn means a higher cost per page.

Lower-priced cartridges from Eastman Kodak ($9.99) and Hewlett-Packard ($14.99):


Related links:

• WSJ: What's Behind Cheaper Printer Cartridges
• Wikipedia: What is an Inkjet Printer?

*p/s: Vignesh, thanks for the WSJ forward!

Folding t-shirts is suddenly cool again!

This came up over mamak last week, and Melissa forwarded this to the gang. I played the Japanese video a few times over, and have now mastered the art. A new skill is always a good thing!

The original Japanese way of folding t-shirts:


Related links:

• YouTube: Martha Stewart does it too!
• YouTube: Clones of the Japanese t-shirt folding method
• Wikipedia: What is a mamak?

It's nice to have followers

...even if it's only 2 of them =)



I promise to blog (more).

Related links:

• Yes, I'm still alive!