May 19, 2009—Meet “Ida,” the small “missing link” found in Germany that’s created a big media splash and will likely continue to make waves among those who study human origins.

In a new book, documentary, and promotional Web site, paleontologist Jorn Hurum, who led the team that analyzed the 47-million-year-old fossil seen above, suggests Ida is a critical missing-link species in primate evolution (interactive guide to human evolutionfrom National Geographic magazine).

(Among the team members was University of Michigan paleontologist Philip Gingerich, a member of theCommittee for Research and Exploration of the National Geographic Society, which owns National Geographic News.)

The fossil, he says, bridges the evolutionary split between higher primates such as monkeys, apes, and humans and their more distant relatives such as lemurs.

“This is the first link to all humans,” Hurum, of the Natural History Museum in Oslo, Norway, said in a statement. Ida represents “the closest thing we can get to a direct ancestor.”

Ida, properly known as Darwinius masillae, has a unique anatomy. The lemur-like skeleton features primate-like characteristics, including grasping hands, opposable thumbs, clawless digits with nails, and relatively short limbs. …read more at news.nationalgeographic.com

Under early morning light, space shuttle Atlantis makes its slow way to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida after rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building. The 3.4-mile trip took about seven-and-a-half hours. (NASA/Jack Pfaller)

More photos (31 photos total): Boston’s Big Picture : Hubble’s final servicing mission

ps.: spectacular photos!

Oil and Gas Asia 2009 (OGA 2009) is opening its doors for the 12th time this year with a record sold out space of 17,000 sqm which will span across 6 exhibition halls at the KL Convention Centre. Mark the 10th – 12th June in your diary!

OGA 2009 has once again proven to be one of the biggest and most sought after shows in the Asian region. There will be over 1,000 participating companies from over 40 countries exhibiting. It is expected to attract some 20,000 trade visitors and decision makers from the oil and gas industry.

Amongst the leading national oil companies and leaders of industries that will participate are Aker Solutions, Cameron, Delcom, ExxonMobil, Global Process Systems, M3nergy, Neural Oilfield, Olio Resources, SapuraCrest, Scomi, Shell, Siemens, Sime Darby, Tanjung Offshore, Technip, UMW Oil & Gas and Weatherford to name a few.

OGA 2009 has once again proven to be a truly international event with 10 country groups joining as National Pavilions. The huge success of OGA has created world-wide interest among the major industry players in the world attracting International groups from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway, The Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States of America.

OGA 2009 showcases world class technology and services in the oil and gas industry and creates networking channels between exhibitors and trade visitors, providing opportunities to establish new partnerships. It is a platform for all the professionals, experts and industry specialists of the oil and gas industry to discuss and gather information on the current technology and innovation.

Show Title:
Oil & Gas Asia 2009 (OGA 2009)
The 12th Asian Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Engineering Exhibition

Website:
http://www.oilandgas-asia.com

Held In The Same Week As:
The 14th Asia Oil And Gas Conference (AOGC 2009)
8 – 9 June, 2009
Organized by PETRONAS

Venue:
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia

Date:
10 – 12 June 2009

Opening Hours:
10.00 am – 6.00 pm (10 – 11 June 2009)
10.00 am – 5.00 pm (12 June 2009)

Admission:
Professional, trade and business visitors related to the oil, gas & petrochemical industry only.

Status:
Asia’s Biggest Oil & Gas Show

Estimated Size Of Exhibition:
17,000 sq. metres

Expected No. Of Participating Companies:
1000 (local & international)

Expected No. Of Countries/Regions Represented:
More than 50 including;
Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, Philippines, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vietnam & UAE.

Previous Shows:
OGM was held biannually since 1987 and was re-branded to OGA in 2003

Expected Trade Visitors:
22,000 trade visitors

Pre-registration : (Before 30-May-2009)
http://www.oem.com.sg/prereg/oga09/prereg.asp

got this email from a friend of mine;

No such things as freebies these days my friends.
It seems too good to be true.
Check out these links:
SonyEricsson: Hoax Competition Email
http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/internet/a/ericsson_hoax.htm

the Ericsson T18 and Ericsson R320 are cell phones, not a computer.
Moreover, it’s a discontinued model.
Again, the Ericsson R320 is a cell phone, not a computer. And discontinued, to boot!
What gives? The email above is slightly revised version of a nine-year-old hoax promising free phones to frequent forwarders. Though the phrase “computer laptops” has been substituted in the newer variant to reel in more suckers, evidently the anonymous prankster who revised the original couldn’t be bothered to change the model numbers of the supposed promotional items.
The email address to which copies of the forwarded message are supposed to be sent,anna.swelung@ericsson.com, is a corruption of the address specified in the 2000 version of the hoax (anna.swelund@ericsson.com), which, of course, was never valid in the first place.
Excerpt from : http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/internet/a/ericsson_hoax.htm

ps.: Nice graphic work anyway.
pss.: Want A Real Deal on Free Stuff? (Not only Laptops!) Click Here!

To all mothers out there, happy mother’s day.

To my mom, you are the greatest mom on earth!

i couldn’t wish for more. thanks for everything.

I love you mom!

XOXO

yup!
consist of 4 letters,
our very own made in malaysia url shortening services by NetizensMedia.com
xs.my; xs stand for eXtra Short.

website: http://xs.my

truely malaysian,
from malaysian,
for malaysian.
malaysia boleh!

what really catch my attention was the side note:

side note:

– XS stands for Xtra Short.
– XS.my is 10x faster than other similar services, only if you’re in Malaysia and Streamyx doesn’t messed up.
– No ads and images on every page.
– If you feel like reciprocating, tell your friends and family about it.
– Not cool on IE.
– Brought to you by Netizens Media.

ps.: Learn Another Great Redirection Alternative Here.

read more : Netizens Media Melancarkan XS.MY; Malaysia’s very own URL shortening service

Paragliding Accuracy World Cup Jugra 2009

Location : Jugra Hill, Banting, Selangor, Malaysia [click here for event’s detail]

Date : 29-Apr to 4-May 2009 [click here for detail schedule]

read more : www.pgawc.org ; jugra.paraglidingmalaysia.com

read more : Labour_Day

Got this email from exabytes today.
Here goes…

From: Exabytes Network [admin@exabytes.com]
Subject: FW: Exabytes Web Designer’s MacBook Stolen

Dear All,

It is with great sorrow that we announce the loss of our Web Designer’s MacBook which was stolen yesterday (Tuesday), April 28th 2009 at Hongkie Kopitiam @ E-Gate, Penang.

It happened at night – 10.02pm to be exact – where someone from behind snatched the MacBook bag which he put on the floor right next to him, without him noticing since he was chatting with his friend then. When he did eventually realize that his MacBook was missing, he sought for help and saw the whole incident via CCTV.

The relevant information is as follows: White Apple MacBook, laptop Part No. MB061ZP/A and Serial No. W8730S60YA2. Following is the sample picture of the laptop.

If there is any info leading to the missing MacBook, please contact admin@exabytes.com. Exabytes is also offering a RM3000 reward if the laptop is returned in a good condition. We want to see if we can leverage the power of the Internet to help him. Please forward this email to you friends. Thank you.

Let’s all learn from this very unfortunate occurrence. Please don’t leave your personal belongings unsupervised anywhere, anytime.

For more details about this incident, please visit Exabytes blog at http://blog.exabytes.com.my/

For those who in Penang, RM3000 reward are up for grabs.

Now, Super Sleuth are on the case!

moral of the story : always keep eye on your valueable belongings.

METALTECH MALAYSIA 2009 (MTM2009)

The 15th ASEAN International Metalworking, Machine Tool, CAD/CAM, Metrology, Mould & Die, Surface & Heat Treatment, Sub-Contracting, Foundry, Industrial Automation, Robotics, Precision Enginnering and Welding Technology Exhibition

website :  MetalTech Malaysia 2009

METALTECH 2009 PROCEEDING AS SCHEDULED

We are pleasure to inform you that Metaltech 2009 (MTM 2009) scheduled to be held from the 6th to 10th May 2009 is moving into its final stages of preparation. The halls are currently filling up fast and we have secured an 80% confirmation from exhibitors.

Despite the current economic situation, the show is getting strong support from the industry worldwide as the event draws nearer. We believe exhibitors are looking forward to Metaltech 2009 as a spur to the manufacturing industry in these challenging times.

Rest assured we will as always be committed in assisting the industry in any way we can.

Thank you,

Yours sincerely
Trade-Link Exhibition Services Sdn. Bhd.

[source]

To all who have interest in CAD/CAM Systems, Prototyping Systems, Metal Cutting Machine Tools, Sheet Metal Processing & Metal Forming, Moulds & Dies, Metrology Equipment, Forging & Castings Equipment, Surface & Heat Treatment Finishing Equipment, Hardware & Power Tools, Welding & Fastening Industrial Automation, Factory Automation, Process Automation.

This is definitely, the place you want to be. Be there!

for more info click here.

‘1Malaysia’ Song To Be Symbol Of Unity And Struggle Of All Races – Dr Rais

KUALA KLAWANG, April 27 (Bernama) — The Information, Communication and Culture Ministry would launch a contest to identify the best composer for the ‘1Malaysia’ song.

Its Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said just like other patriotic songs that inculcate patriotism in their composition, especially songs like ‘Budi Bahasa Budaya Kita’ and those to promote reading, the Ministry also wants the ‘1Malaysia’ song lyrics to have all the values that can attract listeners.

“God willing, I hope we can get good response from composers and we hope to pick the best composition,” he told reporters after attending a dinner hosted by Kelab Rekreasi Warga Tua, Kuala Klawang here last night.

Dr Rais who is also Jelebu Member of Parliament said the song composition would have the representation of all races.

The ‘1Malaysia’ song, to be in composed in Bahasa Malaysia, would be widely aired on all TV and radio stations, just like what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had wished for.

Meanwhile, Dr Rais also said that he was surprised with his appointment to the Umno Supreme Council by Umno President Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last Friday.

“I did not expect to be among those appointed but I am deeply honoured with the announcement and hope to do my very best to strengthen the party,” he said.

— BERNAMA

so, to all song writers out there.

it’s time to put on your favourite thinking hat and start writing 1Malaysia song now.

good luck.

read more : Peraduan cipta lagu wawasan Najib; ‘1Malaysia’ Song To Be Symbol Of Unity And Struggle Of All Races – Dr Rais; 1Malaysia

SYNOPSIS :

Her name is Rafflesia Pong (Rafflesia=largest flower in the world, which reeks of animal carcass; Pong=stink). She’s a bottom-ranking arts show host who’s disillusioned with “those over-rated underachievers we call artists.” He’s Eric Tan (Eric=Eric, Tan=typical Chinese surname), a product designer who’s just about to learn that it doesn’t pay to be creative. They both work for FONY, a multinational conglomerate whose mission statement, copied from a Taiwanese company, is to be original. In the face of such pressure, will Eric and Rafflesia retain their artistic integrity or will they finally sell out to fame, fortune or some other nasty thing that also starts with “F”?

CAST LIST:
1. Jerrica Lai as Rafflesia Pong
2. Peter Davis as Eric Tan
3. Kee Thuan Chye as The Smoking CEO
4. Lim Teik Leong as The Forgetful CEO
5. Lee Szu Hung as Tony
6. Wong Wai Hoong as Yew Fai, the cameraman
7. Hannah Lo as Hannah Edwards Leong

read more : yoyooh.com ; www.sellout-themovie.com

Coming to Malaysia local cinema screens on 7 May 2009

NEW YORK, April 28 — How dangerous is the sudden outbreak of swine flu? What makes this virus different from previous flu viruses? Pam Belluck, a science reporter at New York Times, is answering readers’ questions about swine flu and its implications for health.

Q: I had a swine flu shot in 1976 while I was five months pregnant because President Gerald Ford decided that was a good thing (seven pigs in New Jersey had the swine flu). Would this 1976 swine flu shot immunize me and my 32-year-old son from the swine flu now?

— Marilyn Osborne Birmingham, Ala.

A: Dr. Scott P. Layne, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Public Health, said that the vaccine is “probably too far removed to be of much help.” He added, “There may be some mild lingering benefit, but I wouldn’t count on it. It’s certainly not going to prevent against infection.”

Q: What is the mode of human-to-human transmission of the swine flu virus? How long does the virus live outside the human host – i.e., on objects (like door handles) and in the air (for instance, on dust particles)?

— Andy Beckerman Bennington, Vt.

A: The swine flu virus is transmitted the same way other flu viruses are spread, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most common method of transmission is airborne – being in fairly close proximity to an infected person who is coughing or sneezing. It is also possible to become infected by touching a surface with a flu virus on it and then touching one’s mouth or nose, which is why experts advise people to wash their hands frequently and avoid touching their face.

How long a virus can live on an object like a door handle or in the air has a lot to do with temperature, humidity and sunlight, said Dr. Layne of the UCLA School of Public Health. The hotter it is and the more the virus is exposed to sunlight, the shorter it is likely to live, he said. Humidity can have variable effects, sometimes prolonging and sometimes shortening the life of a virus. The CDC says some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on cafeteria tables, doorknobs, desks and other surfaces.

…there is more from source : themalaysianinsider

read more : Flu outbreak spreads to US ; Swine flu hits UK amid pandemic fears ; Penternak babi diarah lapor perubahan kesihatan ternakan ; Swine Flu: 5 Things You Need to Know About the Outbreak

The indiscriminate use frames, annoying animated gifs, embedded midi files and seizure inducing blink tags were all the rage whenGeoCities was the spot on the Internet some 10 years ago. Providing users with a free lot in one of their many virtual cities, GeoCities kick started the idea of owning your own website as being cool.

Sure, a vast majority of the designs elements in GeoCities webpages were gut-wrenchingly horrendous, (then again, a quick visit to MySpace shows that not much has changed) but bad design habits alone weren’t enough to deter Internet big wigs, Yahoo!, from shelling out $3.56 billion in stocks and $1 billion in options in 1999 a take over bid.

I have many fond memories of GeoCities, as I’m sure most of you do too. I set up my first “website” there during high school, and it’s a little sad to see them finally closing their gates for good even though GeoCities still pulls a reported 11.5 million unique visitors a year.

Oh well… Au revoir GeoCities and thanks for introducing me to HTML coding!

[source : lowyat.NET]

ps.: geocities was where the place where i learned HTML codes and built my very first website.