So, Where Are Hang Tuah, Hang Jebat, and...

When there are so many streets bearing the same 'first' names it is hard not to notice them. That was what happened when Nakamora walked the streets of Hanoi Old Quarter. His mind could not helped but wonder, could all the 'Hang' in the histrory of Malacca back in Malaysia be related to the naming of these streets? Vietnam, after all is part of Indo-China.
Nakamora left the city for home with that questions playing in his head...Apparently, Nakamora is not the only one asking the same question. There are others too, for example who is Hang Tuah?

Tips on Crossing the Streets of Hanoi

The streets of Kuala Lumpur is hard to cross. Well, try the streets of Hanoi. Pedestrian bridge is not seen anywhere. Zebra crossings and traffic lights are frequently over-ruled by the motorcyclists, and the taxis too. By the way, Nakamora noticed that there are not many private cars around, most cars operate as taxis.

So, how do you cross a busy street in Hanoi; and most streets are busy. After observing the locals, Nakamora tried the same way. It worked, but only after some practices and with loads of confidence.

Just move across the street, do not stop, but vary walking speed appropriately so that both you and the motorist have space to move ahead. Eye-contact is essential, even momentarily, or even by the corner of the eye. The trick is make sure that the motorist notice you and acknowledge your presence. He/she would steer accordingly to avoid being in a collision course.

Walking along the streets of Hanoi is interesting too. The temperature is nice, around 24 degrees Celsius at this time of the year. If too tired, then just take a taxi. But beware, you could be taken for a ride. The taxi driver may choose the longest route or drive as slowly as possible or both to maximize the fare. The alternative is obvious - trudge along, drag the weary feet. That cost may be higher compared to paying extra.

A Mouse by the Windows

Context gives meaning to words. Every word has different meanings when used in different situations. Within the context there is the philosophy that the word represents. Thus, words are mere labels, if we can say it that way.
Context is also connected to culture, as words are manifestations of culture, to certain extent. So then, what are 'mouse' and 'windows?' What do they represent? They both refer to everyday 'objects' and IT 'objects'; but they hardly sound scientific and technical.
Is that a manifestation that IT has already became an everyday thing? or is it a manifestation that that particular culture has extended the use of its everyday words as technical terms, used worldwide. Is that a manifestation that using its own language in science and technology has somehow over the years makes common, mundane words become acceptable as a technical term? May be so.
'Barn,' which is the unit of the cross-sectional area representing the 'probability' that neutrons would interact with a particular atom, also has its roots in everyday word. A barn, is an area the size of 10E-24 square centimeter.

It's Only Words?

Many English words have multiple meanings depending on the context in which they are used. Take 'plant' for example. It can mean an industrial plant. It can also mean biological plant - the tree that we plant.
See, we have just used another meaning of the word. It can be a noun, it can also be a verb.
When the context within which the word is spoken and the word is received is not the same, then mismatch in interpretation also arise. Because of that it is easy to label the same thing differently, depending on context defined by the user to justify the use of the label.
Take 'terrorists' or 'terrorism' as examples. Someone's terrorists are another warriors. Who is right, who is wrong? Or does that matter as long as everybody can live in peace and make the live of others matter.
From current events it appears that the lives of some people including their children are cheaper than others. Thus, the world stood in silence, helpless or hopeless, while bombs inflict countless damage - body and soul - to another fellow human. The real atrocities rage on, and somewhere else, another kind of war is going on. The 'war' on the right to use certain words and wordings...

Multidimensional Life...

One new year has just passed by. We are now well into the third day of 1430H. The new year 2009 is trailing close behind, and will be with us in no time.
From his new vocation Nakamora looked back. How many things now look different. How relationships and friendships change. How things that mattered before became reduced in significance. How things that were not very significant before became the center point. How similar concepts change in meaning in different context.
PESTELSS, that collection of dimensions representing the political, economic, societal, technological, environment, legislation, safety, and security spheres to him now has a new dimensions - a meta dimension, he would like to call it.
It takes on a new context and concept embodying life in general. Some remains just a thought in passing. Others could be practiced still.
Can the world prevent the senseless and cruel killings of the innocents.
Can the economic crises, if we can call it that, be cured.
Can the rise in social decadent among the youths and adults alike be arrested.
Can making the world better for everyone be the only motivation for pursuing technological progress, instead of for making better and more effective weapons.
Can the senseless and heartless exploitation of the environment be stopped.
and so on, and so on...

Caring for New Toys

When we were small toys are not just meant to be played around, but also to be thrown away, dismantled, and dismembered. Small wonder that product testing includes repetitive application of force, pressure, and everything else to ensure that they can endure rough handling.
Some of us however are extra careful when having something brand new. New laptops are handled carefully, its screen wiped clean of dust and thumbprints before and after every use.
Some even go to the extent of switching off the car radio and the air condition before switching off the engine, perhaps to prevent the car experiencing a shock arising from too many 'devices' going off all at the same time.