tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262828582024-02-21T10:50:21.133+02:00ezalman_too4Es Living but Missing homeEzalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-80113473662635709912008-08-25T22:54:00.000+03:002008-08-26T22:53:49.629+03:00Melancholic song - I'm Just a Girl, by Bachelor Girl<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2756789117_8755297a90.jpg?v=0"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3157/2756789117_8755297a90.jpg?v=0" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I might be a little, concerned with my hair</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I might need comfort, more than my share</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I might seem to follow fashion, but claim that I don't care</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">My heart is your best friend, when it rules my head</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I might want to talk alot, but don't ask me why</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And I'll get impatient, if you don't reply</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I might always search for something wrong, I want you to deny</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">But if you love me just stay close, and hold me when i cry</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Don't try to understand me, I'm just a girl</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">One of the greatest mysteries, you'll find in this world</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm not hard to handle, I'm just a girl</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I don't seek money, but I want your time</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Cos I'd give my life for you, when you are mine</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And it hurts me more than I can say when you pull away</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">But if you love me, you should tell me everyday</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Don't try to understand me, I'm just a girl</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">One of the greatest mysteries, you'll find in this world</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm not hard to handle, I'm just a girl</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">You might think I'm too demanding</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">But you're just not understanding, no</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I might like to take advice, but go my own way</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And it's when I hurt the most, I swear I'm okay</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And it's always when you least expect, I say I want to stay</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">it might take just a single kiss to steal my heart away.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Don't try to understand me, I'm just a girl</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">One of the greatest mysteries, you'll find in this world</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">You think I'm an x file, I'm just a girl</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm just a girl</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Don't try to understand me, I'm just a girl</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">One of the greatest mysteries, you'll find in this world</span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm not hard to handle, I'm just a girl</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I'm just a girl</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Note : When I listened to this song, I was reminded of Ckn - I miss her; I guess there is truth in the saying that </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >distance makes the heart grow fonder</span>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-84806197643064906952008-07-14T11:34:00.004+03:002008-07-14T14:14:12.323+03:00UK Panoramas<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Here are some more shots from our UK holiday (Click each one for a much wider version!)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6AyR8kuTSsNMoAbsGr_2EPdmcLiGPQDYV4KLFieoLIvjK32WsK9Bno_M-rBWhQdnlObsFq707Q8ahmgmMVNl1NldZFbAdtsX3EXRvtHYkKmgU1V4N6cfSx4vc1ZWYDYw9xlo/s1600-h/Panorama+-+Windsor+Castle+small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6AyR8kuTSsNMoAbsGr_2EPdmcLiGPQDYV4KLFieoLIvjK32WsK9Bno_M-rBWhQdnlObsFq707Q8ahmgmMVNl1NldZFbAdtsX3EXRvtHYkKmgU1V4N6cfSx4vc1ZWYDYw9xlo/s400/Panorama+-+Windsor+Castle+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222787851739783186" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Inside Windsor Castle</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvti_dsQCy3JSK3s3VYc6HrnS4EycqM9JzQqCEiqP-ZUELDdg20X6WK4d7_3Qs4XWb11ZAbcHAlzWvFT3VH-8p5YwQQ3FoLa2z3QmSTyhhf12wO0KozVfo9IE0rZirZv1Of8nL/s1600-h/panorama+-+London+from+greenwich+small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvti_dsQCy3JSK3s3VYc6HrnS4EycqM9JzQqCEiqP-ZUELDdg20X6WK4d7_3Qs4XWb11ZAbcHAlzWvFT3VH-8p5YwQQ3FoLa2z3QmSTyhhf12wO0KozVfo9IE0rZirZv1Of8nL/s400/panorama+-+London+from+greenwich+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222787528634732610" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">View of the Docklands from the Observatory at Greenwich</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kS_Vyfv0f4mkynegYkq7576ce7vlFNNS9go8accFeh76DSAHH-Ac1JXOp5el6xFNyp5HXn9hseGDGcbLzIUVxhoFc-gSGGE7DIZyGuPxUaByL8YgBCHkArB8ViUUPrBsGYbu/s1600-h/Panorama+-+Park+small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2kS_Vyfv0f4mkynegYkq7576ce7vlFNNS9go8accFeh76DSAHH-Ac1JXOp5el6xFNyp5HXn9hseGDGcbLzIUVxhoFc-gSGGE7DIZyGuPxUaByL8YgBCHkArB8ViUUPrBsGYbu/s400/Panorama+-+Park+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222787530870106466" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The family walking in St. James Park, near Buckingham Palace</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWUe8AgQGTHRSsbN5wlEBpdM7rP6nhwKJAbqtIIGrvU2-kUc6VDF0sPkFu8WeSimkPYnlSyhR2XP_ht7PLXByKie0OodwB7DgwFDTKcp2cM7pUizbl0n1USxa4Z-7xvyN7QFr/s1600-h/Panorama+-+Stonehenge+small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWUe8AgQGTHRSsbN5wlEBpdM7rP6nhwKJAbqtIIGrvU2-kUc6VDF0sPkFu8WeSimkPYnlSyhR2XP_ht7PLXByKie0OodwB7DgwFDTKcp2cM7pUizbl0n1USxa4Z-7xvyN7QFr/s400/Panorama+-+Stonehenge+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222787541524942834" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Stonehenge</span></span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZKcHWvOzoGkEHz6sAua3Pw7Se58Aw4gEhuWhTqFJIc7Ync-Xf3-bd_aauq4kZ4uShU1C-kArbxTKelE5H3qzMsFgCoEKsIA09hyphenhyphenJuuVz7Kn34z17SJN2yRIqQQod0xorxS1B/s1600-h/Panorama+-+The+Serpentine+small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZKcHWvOzoGkEHz6sAua3Pw7Se58Aw4gEhuWhTqFJIc7Ync-Xf3-bd_aauq4kZ4uShU1C-kArbxTKelE5H3qzMsFgCoEKsIA09hyphenhyphenJuuVz7Kn34z17SJN2yRIqQQod0xorxS1B/s400/Panorama+-+The+Serpentine+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222787544537155314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">View of the Serpentine in Hyde Park</span></span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdz2sI5EnUoI1fxZXoyuLZF4Z6ISx2b330vsb01w1gLvtq-K5kgfwqwqsJYtC-OlrBX1M3Gn7eg_K_C_u8RYpND0eV6JKhc-sxoxCBJYhrCcKgazltOGlk_vOlkaKe3V2GcrK/s1600-h/panorama+-+trafalgar+square+small.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqdz2sI5EnUoI1fxZXoyuLZF4Z6ISx2b330vsb01w1gLvtq-K5kgfwqwqsJYtC-OlrBX1M3Gn7eg_K_C_u8RYpND0eV6JKhc-sxoxCBJYhrCcKgazltOGlk_vOlkaKe3V2GcrK/s400/panorama+-+trafalgar+square+small.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5222787563511325282" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column</span><br /></span></div><br /><br />Ever since I had my dSLR, my interests have been piqued by the concept of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panoramas">panoramas</a>. To me it's mind boggling while insanely beautiful; it's eccentric and mystifying (the latter describes immersive, or VR panoramas). To that end, I invested in an ultra wide angle lens, a Sigma 10-22mm. That lens sort of got me started due to very wide angle shots, with the only problem that pictures were warped near the edge of the field of view. The quality is very very good and I loved the pictures that came out of Istanbul.<br /><br />So, I next tried another technique : the multiple panning shot technique using my normal zoom lens - and used software to digitally blend and merge the pictures into one continuous panorama. My poison of choice is Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0; it's a cool piece of software, but you do need a serious kit to run it fast (mine takes forever to complete tasks on a 3 yo Tosh). While preparing for this post, I also found <a href="http://www.panoramas.dk/">this website</a> that have these amazing immersive VR panoramas. I'll probably try doing that when I invest in a proper tripod and rotating head... I hope I can find a printer in Malaysia to print some of these; I'd love to mount them on my walls one day!<br /></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-37324645326146695472008-07-11T02:00:00.001+03:002008-07-12T03:00:59.534+03:004Es in the UK<div style="text-align: center;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQp7Fcd9cfE3wWb2MqNex0IdwTMy4FHOyjexdIJN0na0usuBGzu0eayAJHWjzyHeX8t32kqKJaqEEeUa1qeuZquw7zqDqtam8yhm0RnIg9ni5pAE634pq5YJTnMTwEDmVh_PjY/s1600-h/IMG_5720+together.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQp7Fcd9cfE3wWb2MqNex0IdwTMy4FHOyjexdIJN0na0usuBGzu0eayAJHWjzyHeX8t32kqKJaqEEeUa1qeuZquw7zqDqtam8yhm0RnIg9ni5pAE634pq5YJTnMTwEDmVh_PjY/s400/IMG_5720+together.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221878887283306754" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div face="trebuchet ms" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;">The explorers at Trafalgar Square</span><br /></div><div face="trebuchet ms" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify;"><br />Alhamdullillah, after being 11 years away, and after a year of planning, researching, saving and swearing, we finally made it to the UK, specifically London and some spots in the south and west of England. Our rendezvous was on Monday 23rd June, in London where Baba, Mama and Fyan came in via Dubai, while the 4Es traveled from Khartoum via Doha. Our trip lasted about 10 days and I'm glad that everything went to plan (except some last minute changes).<br /><br />I know Ckn will be doing a day by day breakdown (like with previous 4Es outings), hence I'll just do a simple post to list down the experiences and things that we enjoyed (and a few that we didn't!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNhoKWg4g9PlV3fYEmJBo6uX71_fRa_RanLZ2ibzobvCqB_OrrKpOR2BC9w_desQMGjoLtYIAm8YA_Bj4pKSMU86KCzvlhr9WFvA_iTkel0AyVFd2GmxP1hbIrG2eVPnsePKA/s1600-h/IMG_5974.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNhoKWg4g9PlV3fYEmJBo6uX71_fRa_RanLZ2ibzobvCqB_OrrKpOR2BC9w_desQMGjoLtYIAm8YA_Bj4pKSMU86KCzvlhr9WFvA_iTkel0AyVFd2GmxP1hbIrG2eVPnsePKA/s320/IMG_5974.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221901647575342002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Meeting a Beefeater who served in Malaya, at the Tower of London</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What we enjoyed on our trip...</span> </div><ol style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify;"><li>Buying an off-peak travel card and taking the London Tube<br /></li><li>Crossing over to the Eastern hemisphere at the Greenwich meridian line<br /></li><li>Finding (and buying) seven Ben 10 action figures - at Woolworth's and Argos<br /></li><li>Experiencing Stonehenge </li><li>Revisiting 10 Upton Close, Henley-on-Thames, where I lived 27 years ago<br /></li><li>Doner kebabs (got to love those unhealthy meat products!)</li><li>Strolling through Hyde Park </li><li>Enjoying a street performer's breathtaking show at Covent Garden<br /></li><li>Taking pictures - with a total of 4 photographers and thousands of snaps</li><li>Meeting Penn Steynor - my mother's English friend since the 60s<br /></li><li>Learning the history and tales of wharfs and canals on the River Thames<br /></li><li>Getting a sun tan - in England</li><li>Shopping</li><li>Finding the Ckn Pfordtens' family coat of arms</li><li>Catching a west end show - the Lion King</li><li>Having an interesting conversation with a London cabbie - on Malaya, the Empire, and God</li><li>Picnicing on the grounds near Templeman Library, at the University of Kent </li><li>Witnessing Ehsan giving his mom a buttercup flower</li><li>The weather; it was perfect throughout the trip despite the forecasts</li><li>Testing the hot springs at the Roman Baths</li><li>Being treated courteously, wherever we went</li></ol><div face="trebuchet ms" style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkXbXW2pGmpBxZbg7GK9MvUuTTzCuGjRsL-AQfy5i7hMgUDfdt-xX0QiKqDbvIzO0vCNeBvpmLAYGgjDIOkgnG2etBkiWCqsqtmBPQTW7ulb_nkPBTadiPWvXw8vowCEaYswg/s1600-h/IMG_6002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkXbXW2pGmpBxZbg7GK9MvUuTTzCuGjRsL-AQfy5i7hMgUDfdt-xX0QiKqDbvIzO0vCNeBvpmLAYGgjDIOkgnG2etBkiWCqsqtmBPQTW7ulb_nkPBTadiPWvXw8vowCEaYswg/s400/IMG_6002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221902381847366818" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Ezal & Ckn posing at the Tower Bridge ...auuw!</span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What we did not like...</span><br /></div><ol style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify;"><li>6 hr transit times at Doha Airport, each way (thankfully, we all slept have way thru it on the way back)</li><li>Early shop closing times</li><li>Getting tired from all the walking</li><li>The Security, The crowds in Heathrow Airport<br /></li><li>Changes at the immigration hall in Khartoum upon our return - really tested our patience and nearly spoilt the whole holiday<br /></li></ol><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Thanks go out to </span> </div><ol style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify;"><li>My family for being such sporting travel buddies and were so helpful with us and the kids<br /></li><li>My friends Shahrin Imran, Raja Zurina, and Azam Abdullah(who all live in the UK) and Salina (who still thinks of the UK), who all helped fill in the blanks</li><li>and last but certainly not the least, My Ckn - the inspiration, the support and for being such a good packer!!</li></ol><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFV_KEuAkrhuvME1C0NLpHF965u0S9t1YNBW11gonVrYomm_UevqlsPzfOgptN-TNH9_VuYj7CliFWbcIZ7nUsjuWVNbV4789GYXHc2tKJnYkdvO52Iuw6Q3ueOH_q9EXWrXn/s1600-h/IMG_6295.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFV_KEuAkrhuvME1C0NLpHF965u0S9t1YNBW11gonVrYomm_UevqlsPzfOgptN-TNH9_VuYj7CliFWbcIZ7nUsjuWVNbV4789GYXHc2tKJnYkdvO52Iuw6Q3ueOH_q9EXWrXn/s400/IMG_6295.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221900420190008130" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">4Es at Stonehenge - it was my first visit too</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHhR6SU5PBEIRshXebqKgYGlLApNkXiEgGvl3vwa6WQjEptJlq8xMwP7ETfeG_yF9fVngDSk5nAdPUA7vuPzOIOuw2G0RMriArUus_eqLD_i0UXsbtoRXwcs9cfM8jNPfHRe1/s1600-h/IMG_6070.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEHhR6SU5PBEIRshXebqKgYGlLApNkXiEgGvl3vwa6WQjEptJlq8xMwP7ETfeG_yF9fVngDSk5nAdPUA7vuPzOIOuw2G0RMriArUus_eqLD_i0UXsbtoRXwcs9cfM8jNPfHRe1/s400/IMG_6070.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221904760797000034" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Henley-on-Thames - the annual Henley regatta would have started a day after we left for home...</span><br /></div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Though it was hard for us all to say goodbye to London, I felt happy knowing that I've finally fulfilled my plans to bring my wife and children to show them the country where I spent 10 years of my life. Who knows; maybe next time, I need not wait another decade to return?</span> </div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-62619943227901192842008-06-19T14:39:00.003+03:002008-06-19T15:06:03.720+03:00Firefox 3 downloaded!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ILt4uqHRfsHbCRkQ2DKss35LqvEn8Dbg79bkOEgwPLCvKU9oIQ8oogeuW2oiuFdY0JhRl_gpmMnJhTDbAE7ifiHNx9uZcOZ_XLyC80cr0qN79l-Yod3HQtGjS5eVrvtJlMgU/s1600-h/firefox.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ILt4uqHRfsHbCRkQ2DKss35LqvEn8Dbg79bkOEgwPLCvKU9oIQ8oogeuW2oiuFdY0JhRl_gpmMnJhTDbAE7ifiHNx9uZcOZ_XLyC80cr0qN79l-Yod3HQtGjS5eVrvtJlMgU/s320/firefox.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213556627437819186" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Hopefully it was worth it... I've been using <a href="http://www.spreadfirefox.com/en-US/worldrecord/">Firefox</a> as my main internet explorer (pun intended) for the longest time - just because. We'll have to wait a week for the record to be ratified by Guinness World Records (it's reported that there were 8 million downloads during that 24hrs period)Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-47586098219192704362008-06-19T12:50:00.004+03:002008-06-19T14:30:47.585+03:00Of Tahmiah and Samak<div style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ucuxUYzRTjJf_AjrBIaipuiMPKJdlWgFcYFulGh5QKj1HEZuugD5_EOEdsIPM_aVfNcku3y0qjsuxG17vlAUq-rFo13etmsTuJxyW2wZAu-78UaqBNhy9LQfSR4gb15QGoHi/s1600-h/DSC00059.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ucuxUYzRTjJf_AjrBIaipuiMPKJdlWgFcYFulGh5QKj1HEZuugD5_EOEdsIPM_aVfNcku3y0qjsuxG17vlAUq-rFo13etmsTuJxyW2wZAu-78UaqBNhy9LQfSR4gb15QGoHi/s320/DSC00059.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213551660563179826" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">View of the Burj Fateh from the Friendship Hall</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Well it's the 2nd last working day before the 4Es embark on our holiday! Why 2nd last? Because I'll still be coming on Sunday morning for half a day of work.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Today Ckn tak larat nak masak lunch, pity her, since she has a few more of her MBA assignments to submit. At 12pm I went out to look for a driver to take me to any of the restaurants in Riyahd area.. Unfortunately, and this is nearly everyday, all the drivers have dissapeared. The office is running on a skeleton crew, and all the drivers have dissapeared...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >So I thought - should I go starving waiting for the phantom drivers or should I find an alternative? I decided on the latter. I upped and walked about 10 mins to the Friendship Hall, which is west of the office, to have some 'Kusairi' (A cheap Egyptian dish, which is a bowl of various pasta shapes, topped with a nice sour onion sauce + shata) at the roadside restaurant.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >It wasn't too hot; in fact it was nice and windy. The only thing is, no one was selling Kusairi today...Crap-usairi! I don't dig Sudanese Fuul, so I opted for the Tahmiah sandwich instead. Tahmiah is exactly like vade from back home - they stuff it in a bun (aish) with chili paste (shata), and sesame seed sauce (tahmiah), and it costs 1 pound (cheap, in any language!). I washed it all down with <a href="http://www.haggarholding.com/pasgianos.htm">Pasgianos</a> - it's only available in Sudan, but it tastes exactly like the cough syrup you can get in clinics back home; you know the kind in plastic bottles that them addicts like soo much...errr...</span><br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm-YnFNgNYIh-QPiIRH5iAs88F4bcnWKnEBZVRsAQ_4jqbn7ihaH9zN25ZLYVc7WP6OLX1NTrNg2tVIV6qymzxGoNS-5bNQBYFZEhrKZYDP1Vx57hhCcMZRYFRMpPeCo34jgo/s1600-h/Photo_061908_002.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQm-YnFNgNYIh-QPiIRH5iAs88F4bcnWKnEBZVRsAQ_4jqbn7ihaH9zN25ZLYVc7WP6OLX1NTrNg2tVIV6qymzxGoNS-5bNQBYFZEhrKZYDP1Vx57hhCcMZRYFRMpPeCo34jgo/s320/Photo_061908_002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5213539687866453682" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Today's lunch - scrumptious!</span><br /></div><br />It was a pleasant lunch, and after finishing 20 mins later, I walked back. Only this time, it was a little hotter. I stopped to take some pics of the friendship hall, but all I got on me was my crappy Palm Treo cam, so I couldn't post nice pics - maybe next time!<br /></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-80152878866843505512008-06-07T00:59:00.004+03:002008-06-07T02:03:54.845+03:003rd 4Es' 3rd Birthday<div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Ehsan was born on June 3rd 2005 - it wasn't easy as he put Ckn through hours of labor, only to stop at 7cm dilation, forcing a c-section delivery. Alhamdullilah, all went as planned (except a slight infection on Ckn's stitches). And now, Ehsan is 3 years old!<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHanO2LJvBzy7U2ialxB5CmVAdm68QICVnE3S3aXNPF3qIDA227yFkRnrydSXdBHqUN9eyaR3agYO5L650d_Ie-bY7CFne_Xu36f-Ho5Np-RJvmoahKbZFI-fs-KUimuxVwrL0/s1600-h/ehsan+and+candles.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHanO2LJvBzy7U2ialxB5CmVAdm68QICVnE3S3aXNPF3qIDA227yFkRnrydSXdBHqUN9eyaR3agYO5L650d_Ie-bY7CFne_Xu36f-Ho5Np-RJvmoahKbZFI-fs-KUimuxVwrL0/s320/ehsan+and+candles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208900790145369170" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Our own speed racer - this is the 3rd time blowing out the candles</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;">When we were discussing Erica's besday party last January, we also looked ahead to Ehsan's as well. I had a trip back in February, so I was tasked to look for stuff for their parties. However, the one big dampener for Ehsan's besday was that it was in June; which is the height of summer and when our colleagues (and their children) were mostly away. So, it wasn't possible to organise another big do for Ehsan, like we did for Erica. Since we are planning to go away ourselves (2 weeks and counting!), we decided to have our own little party for Ehsan instead.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYDwKEqxhwqWa_lz517ftZVlLal56JW0m36yYZMh2HmUtuMrTufSJ_FVVKy6XLxWVtdsDFLYtLTzLP6UZWRfq44Lj9lUpqNBpaEFPYr3knieDwU0O-oca7dku1ZNuGiOTVkI2/s1600-h/ehsan+and+cake.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYDwKEqxhwqWa_lz517ftZVlLal56JW0m36yYZMh2HmUtuMrTufSJ_FVVKy6XLxWVtdsDFLYtLTzLP6UZWRfq44Lj9lUpqNBpaEFPYr3knieDwU0O-oca7dku1ZNuGiOTVkI2/s320/ehsan+and+cake.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208900777891615234" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ehsan really liked that cake...or was it the singing and blowing out the candles bit?</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Ckn baked a chocolate cake for Ehsan. We couldn't find cooking chocolate for the topping, so Ckn bought some Cadbury bars instead (The side effect was that I enjoyed the cake immensely!). We propped the candles on 3 cute sports cars, and we had a fun time blowing out the candles the moment I came back from work.<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzX6O0Ewxajovm8pcWPpH2jUVihoAyrBUrdZW_LkK1uY-qz0ht053wzwH58CBPyg9PMMVbvqHex6NbNuR7NfEeveTrUPGXW_fisdwK_YUYarVmGqR5jtonU2xPxPTYbejO7h8/s1600-h/ehsan+and+2es.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzX6O0Ewxajovm8pcWPpH2jUVihoAyrBUrdZW_LkK1uY-qz0ht053wzwH58CBPyg9PMMVbvqHex6NbNuR7NfEeveTrUPGXW_fisdwK_YUYarVmGqR5jtonU2xPxPTYbejO7h8/s320/ehsan+and+2es.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208892420863922658" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">My mom joined us on the phone as we were singing Happy Birthday to Ehsan. He behaved well and waited till we finished singing before huffing and puffing! </span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Ckn prepared a dinner of grilled lamb chops and I promised to help with the roasted potatoes. I even managed to make a sauce from the drippings (but it was crap!). I just digged the cake and I think that spoiled dinner a bit for me! We hope to have another mini party with Mama, Baba and Fyan in the next 2 weeks, and I'm sure Ehsan will enjoy his trip to the toy store then! I know I would... Happy Birthday, son!<br /></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-66246246854759723882008-06-07T00:42:00.005+03:002008-06-07T02:19:22.095+03:00Baking Therapy<div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqOR_i78TpyX-ozbMGjiRs_2-If_WRjGkoO-Jbq5CQKVLX2R8BUddeNXf5m65LgwFOavmOeUMp_KMBN75rd9vDUovIISBaH6pMHRhJbA9hwDn4cmXg6bKOwp1ZXqmaxAHYoyt/s1600-h/IMG_5582.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvqOR_i78TpyX-ozbMGjiRs_2-If_WRjGkoO-Jbq5CQKVLX2R8BUddeNXf5m65LgwFOavmOeUMp_KMBN75rd9vDUovIISBaH6pMHRhJbA9hwDn4cmXg6bKOwp1ZXqmaxAHYoyt/s400/IMG_5582.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208889413773058930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ezal's frankfurter rolls</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I told Ckn yesterday that I wanted to bake frankfurter rolls...and she gave me the usual 'we'll see...' look. Can't blame her coz I've always shared my intention of cooking this or that, but never got around it! so to surprise her, I really did my best this time.<br /><br />I woke up early (well 8.30 on a Friday is early) and set about my task. I got the recipe while browsing to a website called <a href="http://visualrecipes.com/recipe-details/recipe_id/529/Sausage-Buns/">Visual Recipes</a>. We can't get these rolls in Sudan, and I really missed having them. I was determined to do this all by myself - and to my surprise, I did. When Ckn later joined me, she did point out that my yeast was expired and that the risk of that was that the dough would not rise...fortunately it did! I managed to yield 14 pieces (only had 7 franks in the fridge). Even Ehsan got in the act and helped roll out the dough - well, at least in his own special way!<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Well, I finished the last roll at dinner; we had plenty of samplers today - Ckn, Devin (my colleague who was over to discuss her wedding montage), Nazri and Mahadir (our neighbours who joined us for lunch). They were polite enough to say that the rolls were good. </span><br /></div><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-family: trebuchet ms;">hehe and I agreed!</span>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-91195740705237049992008-06-04T13:03:00.001+03:002008-06-04T14:14:34.289+03:00Sea Monstar!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8lXZOMHW5_bUPON9iel70NlTUrwkVnQHhyLv9_J140E03wvuvijc9XMW_6mApEik_3hyphenhyphenrtMbc3Krkkd6qDbrixlF5BAAfMokkjGlXFGunQEak9OuaJHZ8Lw8c9Ii6NdeSAHU/s1600-h/P1020855+edited.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ8lXZOMHW5_bUPON9iel70NlTUrwkVnQHhyLv9_J140E03wvuvijc9XMW_6mApEik_3hyphenhyphenrtMbc3Krkkd6qDbrixlF5BAAfMokkjGlXFGunQEak9OuaJHZ8Lw8c9Ii6NdeSAHU/s320/P1020855+edited.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206867383160112226" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Look Mama - No Baba!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Ehsan's 3 years old yesterday - but more on that later.... Anyway, just to register that Ehsan is now a good swimmer; I can just leave him in the big pool now, and he'll merrily swim left and right, and float backwards to expose his feet. Not a great swimmer just yet (my definition of great is no Floaties and he can canon ball into the pool) but he is definitely getting there. We try to go for a dip every Friday evening or Saturday morning, and the weather currently is just nice for it - but we wouldn't last more than an hour in the hot sun. Pity Ckn who is the standby 'lifeguard'; she has to survive the heat blast!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The other good news is that Erica is also an avid swimmer - she can't do a lot, but she enjoys the water and splashes around, much to Ehsan's delight. We also have video proof of the elusive Ehsan and Ezalman swimming duo, courtesy of Ckn and her Pana:</span><br /></div><br /><center><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xEM5UjjHzKU&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xEM5UjjHzKU&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /></center>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-71364178252055321872008-06-04T01:00:00.001+03:002008-06-04T01:18:34.881+03:00Al Karaoke fi Khartoum<div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><div style="text-align: justify;">What have the Alleycats, Lionel Richie, Anuar Zain, and the incomparable Sudirman all have in common? They are all here in Khartoum!! Not physically, mind (that would be silly), but their songs are karaoke-d here.<br /><br />Thanks to our friends who have a well equipped karaoke system in their appartment, we've been able to let some pressure off by singing. We'd always go just the two of us (and sometimes some of our friends tag along!), and our sessions will be on a Friday afternoon (single staff frequent the place at night). We have a whale of a time! But we really owe them as we are sort of intruding; but they insist on us crashing their place and even carry a tune or two themselves.<br /><br />Ckn's permanent playlist includes : Amy Search's 'Tiada Lagi', the whole Alleycats catalogue, and some Rahim Maarof's 'Cinta Kristal'. Ezal's playlist covers : Zainal Abidin, Alleycats as well and Lionel Richie - no Elton John 'Sacrifice' here, unfortunately!. We're quite 'competitive' when it comes to hogging the mic but we recently discovered some nice duets that helps reduce the hogging!<br /><br />Good to have a choice of activities here in Khartoum then eh?<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFE62Mf7eZTbtOMBq9irupQuGw4OQr-3H76IIjkMdAXunFjxuBftJBRGwZPXy7jq20VQb59KAz9F6UfgETh3pEJB-UBGWCpeJO3TH9B0l6gA7Uq6Ki1k3PdyNdxhg3jJuZzMY/s1600-h/P1020805+edited.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFE62Mf7eZTbtOMBq9irupQuGw4OQr-3H76IIjkMdAXunFjxuBftJBRGwZPXy7jq20VQb59KAz9F6UfgETh3pEJB-UBGWCpeJO3TH9B0l6gA7Uq6Ki1k3PdyNdxhg3jJuZzMY/s320/P1020805+edited.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206869681631275666" border="0" /></a><br />Ezal striking a pose near the massage chair, while Ckn is picking her next song. Our host, Azizan is so impressed with my singing that he had to sit down...<br /></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-72018148746324619652008-06-02T07:30:00.002+03:002008-06-04T01:29:17.423+03:00Operation Ipod Battery<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;">* updated : industrial design wiki<br /><br />I have 2 iPods - the first, I bought back in 2004 (I think...dah tak ingat), and it was an end-of-line model; officially it's the 3rd Generation Ipod with a whopping 20gb capacity. At the time I didn't even look at the iPod due to the cost, but when I saw it at the computer fair in PWTC, I was tempted and so bought one. And I've never regretted it once!<br /><br />I bought my 2nd iPod in 2006 - a 5th Generation iPod, with a 30gb capacity. I transferred all our songs (about 3,000 or so) into the new iPod, and it has since accompanied me everywhere I go (it's in my office bag)<br /><br />The main reason I upgraded was that my second iPod can play videos and show pics; essential as I wanted to back up my pictures into a digital wallet. Further, my first iPod had a chronic battery problem - it would die after 20-30 minutes (which was expected, as a lot of the 3rd Generation iPod's complained of the same thing), but functionally it was still good. I had bought a Logitech mm50 micro speakers to house the iPods, and it was a great way for Ckn to use it at home as a cute music centre.<br /><br />So to ensure that we can get the most out of our first iPod, I did a little project with Ckn - we changed it's batteries! It was no mean feat, and it involves ordering a new high capacity battery from B<a href="http://shop.brando.com.hk/">rando Hong Kong</a> (my fave online shop!), 2 plastic flat-top screw thingys, a real _metal_ flat top screwdriver, fingernails and patience.<br /><br />Why so many tools? well, if you've seen an iPod then you'll know that it has a nice flush appearance; there's no visible screws holding everything in place and everything's hidden. Therefore, some prying was needed. Took us some effort too, as the instructions were not very clear, and the plastic tools were nearly useless! But with a little preserverence and the metal screwdriver (with a little TLC) plus Ckn's ideas, we finally managed to open up the iPod casing...<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcu979WJPBE7p46KyXC6vFewQf3cImHOgGnPnU61IMo4R4wWtBoCvQE72iTFrlzX9DEm-_iKcri9YE5ddQB9raKg0c5X0ULGKH-ydFWqukKMKi64iW2gzAIwOcNLODlG9pbvIj/s1600-h/P1020859.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcu979WJPBE7p46KyXC6vFewQf3cImHOgGnPnU61IMo4R4wWtBoCvQE72iTFrlzX9DEm-_iKcri9YE5ddQB9raKg0c5X0ULGKH-ydFWqukKMKi64iW2gzAIwOcNLODlG9pbvIj/s320/P1020859.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206866566379275378" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Here you can see the ipod's innards in all its glory. The blue rubber on the left is the shock absorber for the tiny hard drive. You can also see both the new and old batteries. Even naked like this, I'm just amazed at the wonders of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_design">industrial design</a>! Following the instructions, I then proceeded to replace the battery and promptly closed the case and rebooted the iPod (and held my breath) - it worked! hooray!!<br /><br />One slight hiccup though at this stage. Despite my careful planning, I had inadvertently re-inserted the old battery into the iPod; I guess excitement took over ...and I felt like a right idiot! oh well, had to call Ckn again (can't blame that she was annoyed!) and we repeated the process again, only now making doubly sure which battery to insert!! Hooray (genuine one this time!)<br /></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-84631761948838587902008-06-01T13:45:00.000+03:002008-06-01T15:06:16.908+03:00KMA - not so obvious slang...<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;">I found this interesting link - <a href="http://www.messybeast.com/dragonqueen/medical-acronyms.htm">about doctors' private slang used at the hospital </a> - makes for fun reading! I had no idea my trusted doctor would be using these kind of abbreviations on their report - but then again, I'm not privy to their charts during my stay in the hospital!<br /><br />Now if my cousin <a href="http://jinggastudies.blogspot.com/">Azlie</a> and his wife Nazlin can confirm if a similar lexicon is shared by our Malaysian doctors in Malaysia... if not, then may I share some suggestions:<br /><br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li>BK - "Buntut Kurap". Used by proctologists when inspecting one's derrier (sic..read : ass)<br /></li><li>GAEWFO - "Gave Atomic enema - wait for outburst". I guess this can be used from GPs to dentists...</li></ul>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-4401692036947556192008-05-31T08:31:00.004+03:002008-05-31T09:07:06.732+03:00Washing instructions (for those Stubborn ones)<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 1</span><br />Collect stubborn ones. The timing is entirely up to you, but it is suggested that the following times are most ideal:<br /></div><ul style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><li>After they have been playing non-stop for 2 hours</li><li>After they have 'going to the toilet', but not at the toilet</li><li>After your domicile acquires a 'comforting' smell and you can deduce that such smells come from the stubborn ones</li></ul><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Be careful; they may be strewn about in the house, or in corners where you would least likely to find them. Also, they may bite.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 2</span><br />For more stubborn ones, you must firstly give them a good soak. To do so, place a stubborn one into a pail half filled with water (for optimal results, please use warm water. cold water may cause shriveling). Clothing is optional.<br /><br />Then, proceed to squeeze some soap into the pail and stubborn ones. Not too much as they have a side effect - they make the stubborn ones smell nice. See Illus. 1<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UdZk65zRGXj7ZrB_iUbobJlWRF0_xBCSLZSPnapEaSbwq0vkIyt83w7ON3yEN3F_HD_Ju9EjQG64DajsM_88yXIqv_dFLS525Q3VlzXDlc4XaF6b5-evwed6HeZhMr0ApAiU/s1600-h/ehsan+washing.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UdZk65zRGXj7ZrB_iUbobJlWRF0_xBCSLZSPnapEaSbwq0vkIyt83w7ON3yEN3F_HD_Ju9EjQG64DajsM_88yXIqv_dFLS525Q3VlzXDlc4XaF6b5-evwed6HeZhMr0ApAiU/s320/ehsan+washing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206410302825300162" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Illus. 1 . The stubborn one must be carefully placed, in order to avoid yourself being splashed when soaking them. Please note the aforementioned biting (teeth)</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3</span><br />You may then proceed with the hand washing. Start at the top and work yourself downwards to the bottom. Otherwise, just start anywhere convenient to you as the stubborn ones are not known to stay dormant during this critical phase. You may find yourself occasionally losing the stubborn ones, as they have a habit of sliding everywhere and hiding. Please refer to step 1 on how to re-locate them in such circumstances.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4</span><br />If you are satisfied with the hand wash results, you can then rinse the stubborn ones. Be sure to check all areas for leftover soap or suds. Also, it is best to make sure that there is no more 'leaking' from the stubborn ones, lest you find yourself feeling warm from said leaking when you carry them back from the washing.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 5</span><br />If you are NOT satisfied with the hand wash, you may then proceed to bring the stubborn ones into your top-loading washing machine. Top loaders are better, compared to front loaders, as they are easy to operate and the stubborn ones can be easily fit in it with the minimum of fuss. Washing instructions are the same as before, except for <span style="font-style: italic;">Step 3</span> as all the washing up is done by machine.<br /><br />Just be sure to set the machine to 'super wash', 'hyper rinse' and 'spin to dry' functions to complete the wash. See Illus. 2<br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__oA8H2vO3Vm5dTp7-SeKJXMFYTW2jZaOfkEQKIPjzxRlb0nLkF2tIyr3NbbVLYjP4qGQs7835dhF_2Bcwmw9vZ2bz7UsvR53C_cW9Kv0lnCUI4zI_OgS3m9yXTF7aehGClOe/s1600-h/erica+washing.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__oA8H2vO3Vm5dTp7-SeKJXMFYTW2jZaOfkEQKIPjzxRlb0nLkF2tIyr3NbbVLYjP4qGQs7835dhF_2Bcwmw9vZ2bz7UsvR53C_cW9Kv0lnCUI4zI_OgS3m9yXTF7aehGClOe/s320/erica+washing.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206410307120267474" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Illus. 2. This illustration shows the stubborn ones in the top-loader. Please ensure that the cover is completely closed, or risk losing the stubborn one. Again, please note the biting teeth.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;">Step 6</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Repeat. Please note : <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">YOUR RESULTS WILL VARY</span></span><br /></div></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-51968023527025854072008-05-27T01:51:00.008+03:002008-05-27T03:33:50.265+03:00The Attack<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;">I think by now everyone has heard of the JEM attack on Khartoum, which is unheard of - I don't think since the Mahdi times (when he fought the British in the 19th Century) has Khartoum itself been under siege by armed groups. but then again, I've just been here 2 years and Sudan has been through numerous coups in its 52 year history! Anyway, it's been 2 weeks since the rebels descended onto Ombdurman, which is the old capital city of Sudan, and is located just under 20km from our home in Khartoum Two.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Friday, 9th May</span><br />We heard of it at first as a possible threat, and we were advised to stay indoors - which we did - I was supposed to bring Ehsan swimming that evening.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Saturday, 10th May - evening</span><br />When nothing happend, we assumed that it was just rumors flying about. Until the next day that is, when Ckn received a call around 6pm, from a friend who is working in Ombdurman (the person was specifically in a place called Souq Libya - a market next to where we have our <a href="http://cknpfordten.blogspot.com/2008/03/birthday-celebration-part-2_09.html">kharouf breakfasts</a>). She told us that she could hear gunshots and a huge commotion from the streets. The fighting had begun.<br /><br />The first thing going thru my mind was the safety of my family; I knew it was safer to stay put, and not appear on the streets. Ckn took it on herself to start communicating by any means necessary with all our friends in the city (ym? facebook? u name it, she had it! both my cousin Azlie and brother Fyan helped manned the Malaysia end!) while I tried to contact our security manager. The phone lines were undependable due to the congestion. I received a call from Mama from Malaysia the moment the news broke on CNN. Although we have never been thru this kind of experience before, I think we all kept our heads as everyone in our block was kept informed of what was happening in Ombdurman.<br /><br />I kept going to the rooftop to check the conditions on the roads (which looked pretty normal to me - people were milling about, but traffic was light. A curfew was being imposed). But I felt something in my gut (and gasped!) when I looked to the west; we can make out the smoke trails in the distance, and see flashes from the fighting - and once in a while, we can hear loud noises, booms and even felt vibrations in our appartment.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Saturday, 10th May - night</span><br />Major fighting ended at dusk. In all, heavy fighting lasted for about 3 hours that Saturday, although reports said it started much earlier than that. Khartoum was eerily quiet that night. Most buildings were lit, including the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnmDzmlxdw_76ROQJWojwxq6Ud0WAICFIhhQeUv4lNLpyVneEmlWuaPlb8fFag0QocK2HQ90A0P8gtb2KzFfigWmI4us5qhmAo3rbeNVGaUV_zhClDqe0Jl53UhYcTDgB1FMnU/s320/IMG_5115.jpg">Fateh tower</a> which can be act as a beacon for anyone looking for the Presidential Palace (which was the prime objective of the rebels). The main road in front of our block was blacked out, but a strategic bridge leading to Khartoum North was lit.<br /><br />Ckn wouldn't leave her makeshift communications center (read:laptop in the bedroom!), so I made us a simple instant noodle dinner, which she readily devoured despite earlier protests. The kids were their usual selves, but even they noticed our anxiety and kept out of our way (most of the time!). I wasn't concerned about food or drinking water lasting a few days, as we just went shopping on Friday, but I did fill the kids wading pool and charged all 3 emergency lamps, just in case (Others weren't so lucky. My big boss was due to leave on the ill-fated day, but had to turn back as the airport was closed - and as he was not expecting to stay in Khartoum, he didn't keep extra cash or had fresh food for 2 days...)<br /><br />Throughout the day, Sudan TV was only broadcasting folk songs and documentaries, until around 9pm when the first news report on the 'failed' attack was broadcast. We couldn't understand the news, but the pictures spoke for themselves - burning 4WDs on the roads, captured vehicles and heavy weapons being driven around by security personnel and militias, prisoners, and of course, bloodied corpses. I stayed up late to watch all the news channels to get any scrap of information possible.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sunday, 11th May</span><br />Although the rebels didn't cross the bridge from Ombdurman into Khartoum, they did however, managed to disappear in the vast surburbs of Ombdurman. So the curfew was extended a few times, and we all just 'worked from home' that Sunday (hehe if you can call it that). The situation was calm, but we _think_ we heard some shooting in the distance.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Monday, 12th May - midday</span><br />On Monday we were told that the situation was under control and that we were allowed back to the office. Traffic was nearly normal, although Ombdurman was still closed off. There was a sense of normalcy at the office, and everyone was excited to share their experience of the attack.<br /><br />But any illusions of safety were crushed when we started hearing about 'clashes' at midday - and in Khartoum no less! So we just put everything down, and scrambled for our block drivers to come and pick us up! hehe - got an earful from Ckn for that episode! (We learned later that there were clashes with students and not rebels, and that the city was secure). To be sure, we only went back to work on Tuesday, 13th May, and even that was at midday. Alhamdullillah, nothing untoward happend!<br /><br />So that was how we spent a 'nice' weekend cooped up while the city was under siege. We have friends who have even revisited the kharuf market recently and reported things are back to normal. We didn't realise how many friends and families prayed for our safety. Life here may have returned back to normal, but it doesn't feel normal - not anymore. We are comforatble going out, but seeing the extra 'uniforms' on every corner does raise our anxiety occasionally. The rebels may have lost terribly, but they did win in some ways too.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Epilogue</span><br />Back in the office on Monday and Tuesday, we all came together to try and figure out how the rebels managed to attack Khartoum. I've enclosed our observations here for my benefit (there is nothing secret here; everything was as reported in the press, but the maps are mine). Click on the picture below for a bigger size :<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8vSr4Mw33AdOSDLDrQKkaFNLMbr935T6_Gqydg9o0Ghuv1Mt5g__AAZBgKURkN3EhFCAgGMm5qg49zq0xULLl_WuzbzLN1oIFQNe8lwWQwrmJGXozh1SDN7vdwlfWfX9ArNK/s1600-h/jem.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8vSr4Mw33AdOSDLDrQKkaFNLMbr935T6_Gqydg9o0Ghuv1Mt5g__AAZBgKURkN3EhFCAgGMm5qg49zq0xULLl_WuzbzLN1oIFQNe8lwWQwrmJGXozh1SDN7vdwlfWfX9ArNK/s400/jem.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204826209004916738" border="0" /></a><br /></div>p/s Our home in Khartoum Two is right next to the airport...<br /><br /></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-18526071907636876142008-05-26T16:43:00.002+03:002008-05-26T16:51:44.943+03:00Coldplay : Viva la Vida!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTjmX7sRzLy9o7orkLp7DkfkKQW4XHDx_GWYSpsdCUmib5VxkZtXCBvfggZHPa6-uOOjyjQXVoTB7vKRxHvEXHelEQ5wINeJX0b3lKxECHhIR9-47TpEqvYTMJcsiDdLHGbs1/s1600-h/VivaLaVida.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTjmX7sRzLy9o7orkLp7DkfkKQW4XHDx_GWYSpsdCUmib5VxkZtXCBvfggZHPa6-uOOjyjQXVoTB7vKRxHvEXHelEQ5wINeJX0b3lKxECHhIR9-47TpEqvYTMJcsiDdLHGbs1/s200/VivaLaVida.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204682426384748514" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />Can't wait for this album - which is Coldplay's 4th. Between me and my brother Fyan, we have all their previous records (and I think we have at least 2 of their debut effort, Parachutes!). I've listened to their first 2 singles - Violet Hill and Viva La Vida.<br /><br />So what do I think? For me, it's like their previous efforts - I need multiple listens to firm up an opinion...so far, I still think I still prefer <span style="font-style: italic;">X&Y, A Rush of Blood to the Head</span> and lastly <span style="font-style: italic;">Parachutes </span>ahead of this one...we'll see... and Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends!Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-77980402674542080702008-05-26T02:37:00.009+03:002008-05-26T09:04:06.356+03:00Mirai - A New Day (and the cool shows Ehsan Watches)<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;">I think a lot of my loyal readers (Thanks Sayang, and myself...I'm sure there are a few more!) are getting tired with my tinkering with the my template. Well I've found the perfect one! It's highly customisable, and links nicely with Blogger so it makes my job of editing (or changing the elements within the template easier!). Thanks to ourblogtemplates.com! (link's at the bottom) </div><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br />Now to a more serious topic. They say that our children become their parents, but in some aspects, <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">there are loopholes that cause the parent to become their children</span>. Case in point ; TV shows for the young...<br /><br />When Ehsan was with Ckn in Malaysia last year, he enjoyed the Astro Ria channel, in particular 2 shows : Tom Tom Bak (Whatever that is) and ... Ultraman Ace (I think...). Of course, we don't get that channel on Showtime, so Ehsan can't get his daily fix on these two shows. I did the next best thing - and it involves the internet, and a software protocol made by the kind people at bittorrent (and utorrent). But where were we to get a regular supply of the 'good stuff'? Well, I managed to find a nice website called <a href="http://www.fushigichan.com/">Fushigi-Chan Fansubs</a>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLOcDfC8Hym74pgNFNGKlJrJ6Q_3GOYwUX8Hr-BleZOU25eCy4Y3LO2XgWd_wtadu_GeIsV3PbIPTb2N5D9jyPZHqc37C3S3WJg95jUbTik_sxOb8S_9s1E49Bjvy6Ayx0c98/s1600-h/ultra.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLOcDfC8Hym74pgNFNGKlJrJ6Q_3GOYwUX8Hr-BleZOU25eCy4Y3LO2XgWd_wtadu_GeIsV3PbIPTb2N5D9jyPZHqc37C3S3WJg95jUbTik_sxOb8S_9s1E49Bjvy6Ayx0c98/s320/ultra.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204481550764314546" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ultraman Mebius (Brave) - upon combining his powers with Ultraman Hikari's Knight Brace in episode 18 where th... **groan** don't ask... </span> </span><br /></div><br />This cool website, based in Japan, provides 1) english subtitles to the most recent kid friendly <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultraman_Mebius">Ultraman Mebius</a> (Japanisation of the Mobius strip?) show, 2) torrent links to the TV show...28 episodes and counting (including one movie. The show has 50 episodes). Well, at first I downloaded just the odd 1 or 2 episodes, to keep the little tyke quiet, mind, but over time he got bored watching the same old monster getting the crap beaten out of him, so I was 'forced' to procure more...so much so, that said father (i.e. me) started to enjoy the show... The stories are actually really good, and the translators did a great job in capturing the humor. Nowadays, I can't wait for new episodes to be released by the Fushigi-Chan team, while Ehsan has moved on.(Yes, I have all 28 episodes and the movie in my Media Center). <span style="font-style: italic;">Mirai is the hero's name, and it does mean A New Day according to the subs...<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu9X6xOIjEvzKRVOREgg4r74j7RDzF9hbx6uOh8ZRuXaPwAdK3TisMmlJIoPyYTT4QxB4cb09mf8dUqoVhKR0IsC9A1i9c5VcWPxKPp1JUxkckgmv4Bg86v6oRKv41EvkloND/s1600-h/6a00d834518c7969e200e54f31c7918833-640wi.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEu9X6xOIjEvzKRVOREgg4r74j7RDzF9hbx6uOh8ZRuXaPwAdK3TisMmlJIoPyYTT4QxB4cb09mf8dUqoVhKR0IsC9A1i9c5VcWPxKPp1JUxkckgmv4Bg86v6oRKv41EvkloND/s200/6a00d834518c7969e200e54f31c7918833-640wi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204476083270946690" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">'WAITTOORR'</span><br /></div><br />Moving on to the second show that tickle's Ehsan (and my) fancy is a little known cartoon called Spongebob Squarepants. Now, I've heard of this cartoon for years; my friend Arman keeps praising it. But it's not until Ehsan caught it on Nikelodeon that I also started watching it. Let's just say that I enjoy - REALLY enjoy - their brand of 'comedy'. Which is absurd and hilarious, but cute in a way. We (father and son) don't bother with the regular TV episodes..we just watch the excellent <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0345950/">Spongebob Movie</a>. The best bits for me were 1) when Spongbob and Patrick get smashed on the Goofy Goober sundae and shouts 'WAITTOORR' 2) The Hasselhoff - like I said...hilarious.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjUYbu_SHRAd_-ghTMZDHDllEcs6pEozo7k4NzXc3CLEIjU0PpHzfZKLDAWRvnV53Ld-XprtAuFmGyYs17L8vqnokCYsTfFcHzWwKVCvbYvq22Q0eLNVuupXs9OaRN6-X3tWT/s1600-h/qoibdkzfpi.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbjUYbu_SHRAd_-ghTMZDHDllEcs6pEozo7k4NzXc3CLEIjU0PpHzfZKLDAWRvnV53Ld-XprtAuFmGyYs17L8vqnokCYsTfFcHzWwKVCvbYvq22Q0eLNVuupXs9OaRN6-X3tWT/s200/qoibdkzfpi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5204479437640404898" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Going Hero... Ooohh Maan!</span><br /></div><br />Finally, we come to the <span style="font-style: italic;">creme-de-la-creme</span>...of <a href="http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/ben10/index.html">Ben 10</a>... Oh Cartoon Network, you really hit me here! Ben 10 is a cool cartoon where the young hero, Ben Tenesson (or something) finds an alien watch called the Omnitrix (don't worry - <span style="font-weight: bold;">Ehsan has his own</span>. thanks to Ebay Malaysia) which allows Ben to convert to various Aliens like DiamondHead, Speedfreak, Grey Matter, Heat Blast, Four Arms (God Stop me!!) - and he saves the day. (p.s. check out the website - it's got tons of cool games!)<br /><br />And the best part of all this? Erica's started to have the same interests too!! so I'll enjoy watching all the past episodes of Ultraman Mebius and Ben 10 all over again...<br /></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-16946896024033006412008-05-24T15:16:00.003+03:002008-05-24T15:21:24.872+03:00My first words (or I just scrambled my dad's blog)<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">in February we took advantage XRFXRX vc</span><br /> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">kjk./okllke4se4</span><br /> <a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://cknpfordten.blogspot.com/2008/02/bijrawia-shendy.html">post</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> bvszbv b vsvn b bver4effffffffffahbhbh805rer498ugygv4 .;?L,.;4e,4.4eeayt hepo;k</span><br /> <br /> <span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This, by the way, is Erica Reeda's first ever blog post. My comment is that it's still a work in progress; needs a bit of polishing too.. Overall 3 over 5 for content. I'm so proud of my 1 y.o. daughter.. </span>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-66565095821126809642008-05-24T13:44:00.005+03:002008-05-24T14:44:50.167+03:00Baba - look ... Star Star!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNLRz_MBKvIDEiZW9c-oeE3UYbvJjUSUR29TLyvFLcL_ijIzUSwNJztiE8coL5WUyx10jSsclqkDGu-ttkq7gieYHqxF4ESsJOoowpBhkDEouVb7H31R-tFMcBL74A6njTIAm/s1600-h/0an4v-20080504160009.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNLRz_MBKvIDEiZW9c-oeE3UYbvJjUSUR29TLyvFLcL_ijIzUSwNJztiE8coL5WUyx10jSsclqkDGu-ttkq7gieYHqxF4ESsJOoowpBhkDEouVb7H31R-tFMcBL74A6njTIAm/s320/0an4v-20080504160009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203908378788728546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Found this <a href="http://labs.wanokoto.jp/olds">Japanese website</a> that turns your pics into really cool turn-of 19th century pics!</span></span><br /><br />The morning started normally. I left the room when Ehsan pointed excitedly to the back of my Nike T-Shirt, and shouted ' Star Star!!' . I knew my T-Shirt had a shoe print motif on the back and as I was still half asleep, I just shrugged and smiled at him and said 'yes, baju baba ada Star!!'. Ehsan gave me an 'okaayyy' look and moved on.<br /><br />I prepared banana pancakes for breakfast, and then sat down with Ckn to tuck in. Meanwhile, our lil pear saw us sitting down, and ambled towards us. Erica is now in the habit of playing peek-a-boo behind my chair when I'm at the dining table, but this time it was a little different.<br /><br />She snuck round me and proceeded to pick off something from my T-shirt - lo and behold, it was Ehsan's 'Star' - in fact, it was a honey Star cereal piece stuck to my T-Shirt. Erica, being the darling that she is, non-chalantly picked up the Star and proceeded to munch on it, much to our disgust! ... well we didn't stop her anyway...!<br /><br />Ahh, what a story to jump start my blogging episode once more!!<br /></span></span>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-62882302419528532952008-04-05T21:40:00.003+03:002008-05-26T16:44:48.629+03:00Our Pear turns One!<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/z3InuNsPGi0&hl=en"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/z3InuNsPGi0&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">We celebrated Erica's 1st birthday last weekend on the 29th of March - for me and Ckn it was our very first kid's birthday party, that I can proudly say we planned and executed! by ourselves (well, Erica helped by turning 1, and Ehsan helped blow out Erica's candles...). We never had the chance to celebrate as a family as Ehsan was away in Malaysia on both his birthdays. InsyaAllah, we'll have one for Ehsan when he turns 3 in June!<br /><br />Anyway, I created this video and put it into a VCD and gave it to the parents. We also had goody bags for the kids; I know Ckn is working on some updates on her blog so keep an eye out for her next posting on Erica's birthday bash!</span><br /></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-9433922408257759812008-03-27T12:27:00.003+03:002008-05-26T16:55:08.865+03:00A Message of Hope (Or Perutusan Pengharapan in B.Indonesia)<div style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: justify;"><div style="font-family: trebuchet ms; text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNt9gRG2HbxHLvZc-OkpB5YNsdDcZSKJFvi-ry7wpmDINeRiO8oeYSfzjhJjnrivVHDvW1I41AihH25U8ztM68eo8zVu4qA2m43u4voeyKLaRYHYc-6eOyltLyvrQC21qC6gG/s1600-h/firhan.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNt9gRG2HbxHLvZc-OkpB5YNsdDcZSKJFvi-ry7wpmDINeRiO8oeYSfzjhJjnrivVHDvW1I41AihH25U8ztM68eo8zVu4qA2m43u4voeyKLaRYHYc-6eOyltLyvrQC21qC6gG/s400/firhan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182341011622701826" border="0" /></a></div><br />There are many things in a man's life that are cherish; for example, I fondly remember my kain busuk (mama's baju satin from the 70s - which was cut into 2 - double the fun!), or the times I get sick when I go on theme park rides, and of course, when I lost my virginity...to CD players (1993, a Philips boom box bought from Argos in the UK!) ...<br /><br />So it has passed that someone dear to me, my brother, is close to experiencing what will be a cherished moment in his life; entering a new chapter of sharing his life with someone else.<br /><br />Tomorrow, InsyaAllah, Firhan shall be leaving for Indonesia with Karee, Rafek, Baba and Mama to meet some very important people (hehe, namely the parents of a certain young lady pictured here) to ask their permission for my dear brother to wed their daughter.<br /><br />To be honest, both my wife and I still can't believe that this time is here! I've just finished the 'obituary' for my sis, and now my brother is also getting on the act? Well, people say that we shouldn't delay good things, right? Although this is just the first step towards their wedding and marriage, it is an important one, nevertheless - as it sets in motion the 'tidal wave'!<br /><br />In my opinion, Firhan and Zariah really make a nice couple. I've had a lot of opportunities to see them together and with the family, and I can feel the love and respect that they have for each other, and for us all. Firhan has always been helpful to my parents, siblings and family (hehe anak bongsu, so easy to make the scapegoat for me and Karee!) and Zariah has been a good friend to my wife and kids.<br /><br />So, on this, the start of more cherished memories, I do hope that both of you will enjoy starting to build your futures together, and that apart from love, you must also have patience and perseverence. Your journey together will be filled with joy (and the occasional bump; now that's where the fun really is!). Remember that from this point on, we shall be responsible for our lives and for all the decisions (big or tiny!) that we make.<br /><br />Now for my hope for you is very administrative; save all your money! I've made that mistake of not saving enough in the past (I guess Karee is so much better at this than me). Yes, I know how tempting gadgets are; takpe, get Zariah to include one or two in the hantaran ok?<br /><br />Finally, it is now my duty to pass a piece of wisdom that I received from both Mama and Mummy. When in doubt or the situation looks grim, please turn to our parents for guidance and advice. They are truly knowledgeable and caring, and will dispense wisdom to help us. You also have your Abalone and Kak Ngah to turn to (just make sure of the time difference when calling me ok? I won't answer if you call at 3am sudan time...)<br /></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-84041510036354195012008-03-26T14:27:00.006+03:002008-04-25T06:03:49.635+03:00The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan<div style="text-align: justify;font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></strong></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=19622&l=3ef68&id=586208877"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwP-NOrEhr86wiX5CF91h6Su7HNYBShOM3UJnYkeQn0QKLthFixOKECy8ezwJMAku1uzt2lPYRozd-NPM8mAzAddMW8gtadu9zkuldCcACw8lcsNtTv16pSzmw_uv5IqAiKxCH/s200/4es+in+jordan.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182166056129899218" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=19579&l=a2f84&id=586208877"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroc1aVXnIFmscLYsTJWMAuWsY_3j8SgQ9TK0o-24irUzA4AHnceniI7OMNJts3mikEmXJGciamFJp1PQwi3-0sDKUni3MWadosxGcDZA_bGOA-XBPy1Fag5MBxI2qV5kVOiRv/s200/4es+in+jordan+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5182166069014801122" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">ave, Caesar, morituri te salutamus!</span></span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong style="font-weight: normal;"></strong></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></strong></span>It's been a busy March. End of financial year. Performance appraisal; you know the drill! But we managed to squeeze in a short getaway to Jordan over <span style="font-style: italic;">Maulidur Rasul</span>.<br /><br />We spent 4 days in this breathtaking country, and was truly an eye opening experience for the 4Es. I can't wait to put up stories about our travels (but I just know my spouse will try to make me finish my posts for our trip to Istanbul first!)<br /><br />For now, I've tried to select the best pictures of the country and the sights that we experienced, as well as selected family potraits on my facebook (please click on either of the albums above!). I learned so much from this trip and I hope I get to keep some of the knowledge here.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-63516925962410983282008-03-06T00:01:00.003+03:002008-04-25T06:00:18.058+03:00More than words can say...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4DbfqA3gGlV76n3wiDuQfJPPoDTSvSs-r2aq4tPu_ugeANuWQRYbhwWHeJa7jxaXEPWUS_9WrpVVXrCnw4iXJ-w-iBau3LKCr4A2JbpSrRCA35GG7XBvMmYzuxdtz63mCaDV/s1600-h/ckn+besday+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf4DbfqA3gGlV76n3wiDuQfJPPoDTSvSs-r2aq4tPu_ugeANuWQRYbhwWHeJa7jxaXEPWUS_9WrpVVXrCnw4iXJ-w-iBau3LKCr4A2JbpSrRCA35GG7XBvMmYzuxdtz63mCaDV/s320/ckn+besday+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193012288136337362" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">To my dear sweetheart</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">|</span></span></span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);">may you continually be blessed with bountiful rezeki, love, and happiness, on this, your 30th birthday</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">|</span> </span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">may we always have each other and our loving family</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">|</span> <span style="color: rgb(153, 102, 51); font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">from your partner, lover, and friend</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">| </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span>truly, madly and deeply - yours I remain</span></span></span> | <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ezalman</span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(153, 102, 51);font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> xox</span></span></span><br /><br /></div></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-89096203165158926442008-03-03T16:45:00.002+03:002008-05-26T16:55:08.866+03:00Obit : Cik Farah Kareena (19 Feb 1979 - 22 Dec 2007)<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGSjqPQOgJKs7-c-v1p9U-2t-b5XShDsw0DMZ1-taFAa6xkudfGmtxIrCbRROV5rh1857wf-4_FLHwV1y9edLPabLAP8GcoutzZQV9a60j4FByuTgv3YwKCL2Xmp2yeEzsdzV/s1600-h/IMG_4502.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGSjqPQOgJKs7-c-v1p9U-2t-b5XShDsw0DMZ1-taFAa6xkudfGmtxIrCbRROV5rh1857wf-4_FLHwV1y9edLPabLAP8GcoutzZQV9a60j4FByuTgv3YwKCL2Xmp2yeEzsdzV/s320/IMG_4502.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5173510214456765186" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />This is an Obit(uary) for my Sis being a single girl, anak dara, and my little sister. This is a statement for all the times that we never shared then; when I was away at boarding school and overseas. For all the advise that I never shared or bothered to tell you.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">This is a farewell to all the fights and raised voices we shared over the years. Of all the unfair requests and orders that, as your Abalong, was issued in spite. For all the anguish that I may have caused; is there a time limit for forgiveness to be given?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">This is my hope; that you will find 'eppiness' (a play on your very words) with your chosen partner. That you will, together, go thru thick and thin, and thru sickness and health. May Allah bless all of us, insyaAllah...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Note : I planned to post this in December, just after Kareena tied the knot. But after reading her <a href="http://curry_n_crap.blogspot.com/2008/03/2months-of-marriage-miscarriage-and-all.html">latest post</a>, I felt obliged to post this in response to her recent loss. Our sincere condolences and doa to you, sis...</span></span><br /></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-81861912691433550632008-02-03T15:42:00.000+03:002008-05-26T16:38:19.800+03:00StudioLine Photography<div style="text-align: justify; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeAghUzcJySl5HGzgb_YaDM_jz0K2RJNV3zit2pJEcYdb5lW5thJXgFq_7vjM4D-EKGwEjVwMf3KeX771BUpTKn7-Q1taeqxSQacTE-aRZ5zkyP9EJ0yPykeEcGCnlfM0PtHZ/s1600-h/IMG_4212+edited.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLeAghUzcJySl5HGzgb_YaDM_jz0K2RJNV3zit2pJEcYdb5lW5thJXgFq_7vjM4D-EKGwEjVwMf3KeX771BUpTKn7-Q1taeqxSQacTE-aRZ5zkyP9EJ0yPykeEcGCnlfM0PtHZ/s320/IMG_4212+edited.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5162737731484119410" border="0" /></a>Just a quick note - after much pestering(!) from me and Ckn (but I don't think it was just us...), our wedding photog, Zainul Firdaus and wife, Ema, finally 'opened shop' on the Internet.. woohoo!<br /><br />He did a good job for our wedding, and as a gift for my sis Farah, I also commissioned him to cover her wedding last year.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >(no, Zainul didn't take this pic - I did!)</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-47148709589866798632008-01-24T12:21:00.000+03:002008-05-26T16:44:48.630+03:00Erica is 10!<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bIEOqNFzxqYByvl0_5i1J_R6FQ7w0N0a_3wvf3LF3S-vdxRoY9iAl5hDwlCtK5DkcY03-3idB-eA_MC90Ut9k6dU_jChW98xgcZJKDzgvQa1COn8pOd_VLyw6mcHALgnkMz2/s1600-h/erica.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bIEOqNFzxqYByvl0_5i1J_R6FQ7w0N0a_3wvf3LF3S-vdxRoY9iAl5hDwlCtK5DkcY03-3idB-eA_MC90Ut9k6dU_jChW98xgcZJKDzgvQa1COn8pOd_VLyw6mcHALgnkMz2/s320/erica.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158972123202318690" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">...10 months old that is! It's fitting that she has learned how to stand up and wiggle her booty to the tune of Twinkle Twinkle Lil' Star, but still can't walk. So far we have 2 tiny teeth peeking out of her lower jaw, and she can kick... I know coz she takes turns every night climbing over me or her mama. On several occasions she even managed to crawl away from us! Her fingers are strong as well; they like to dig into my lips and pull them hard till tears appear in my eyes. Don't even start on the scratching!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I can see that Erica is so much alike and at the same time, so much different than her brother. We love the fact that she can eat - and eat a lot! She doesn't complain - but we expect that to change once she understands what Ehsan has been trying to teach her all this while! Thank God for Erica - I'm really looking forward to celebrate her birthday in March, insyaAllah. Hopefully it'll be the first birthday that we celebrate together in a long time (I've missed Ehsan's birthday these past 2 years...)</span><br /></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26282858.post-87908586623627955562008-01-23T00:07:00.000+03:002008-05-26T16:38:19.801+03:00Au Revoir dear Friends<div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1QZI8kPTPSj5KHe2HPK9M6esS7O51omRhgntQX5E_CvMLgAtmujLjwGlAyh1U_E3nP_8vMYxFgBcBs8AuelboYtvLh9cw9vSFj91jbzVMtaSUWe4A1nPJfzmCHTr8S2FD0xc/s1600-h/razman+dila.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1QZI8kPTPSj5KHe2HPK9M6esS7O51omRhgntQX5E_CvMLgAtmujLjwGlAyh1U_E3nP_8vMYxFgBcBs8AuelboYtvLh9cw9vSFj91jbzVMtaSUWe4A1nPJfzmCHTr8S2FD0xc/s400/razman+dila.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158424931218959490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We just came back from a lovely supper with our friends Razman and his wife Dila. So what's the occasion? Unfortunately our dear friends are going to leave Khartoum soon.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We first got to know them back when we first arrived on these shores. They were a lovely couple, and somehow we clicked. I guess we've had each of our families over for dinner/meals several times now, including a breakfast they invited me to when Ckn was in KL awaiting Erica's arrival.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">We wish them all the best back in KL, and God willing, we'll meet up again for some 'teh kangkang' again! (OK the actual term should be 'teh cangkung' but my BM is BAD)</span></div>Ezalmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01681528292034087671noreply@blogger.com0