I wish I could swin.

Neri... Ocean Girl. I wish I could swim without breathing apparatus.

After months of keeping fish, I observed that my bettas are very responsive to my presence. They would greet me.

Sometimes I wish I live underwater and have a dog sized bettas. Beau is very cute when it comes to feeding time. Dancing, or pleading for more food.

1,2,3,4 underwater....

Measles and antibiotic???

I was listening to one of the popular radio station in this country. And the highlight of the day is always the prank call. I bet you know how the format is. If not, here, a wikipedia link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_of_Jacintha_Saldanha

In a nutshell, a husband (the host's gym trainer) wanted to prank her wife regarding their child's appointment with a doctor.

Basically, the host assumed the role of a rude doctor, and the wife told the 'doctor' that she missed an appointment because her daughter had fever, measles. The 'doctor' being rude calling the 'victim' an irresponsible mother.

What caught my attention was, the mother told the prankster (doctor) that the other doctor gave her antibiotic for measles?

Antibiotic for viral fever? Maybe for secondary bacterial infection. I wasn't there. But what worries me is the rampant usage of antibiotics to treat viral fever. And this leads to antibiotic resistance.

Currently, we heard of MERS coronaviridae and in the past MRSA outbreak in a rural hospital (which is actually in my parent's hometown)

Don't we learn for past history? Do we think antibiotic an elixir for all infectious diseases?

Doctor's should be careful when prescribing antibiotics. or maybe patients are so adamant on having antibiotic. Doctors should advise the patient their rationale. Well, doctors think that they are so 'brilliant' not having the time to advise the 'stupid' layman.

And if the patients are unhappy with the doctor for not prescribing antibiotics, then comes the social media. "Dr. X is so cheapskate... he wouldn't want to prescribe antibiotic for my fever..."

Rather than losing patient (read client and $$$$) they would rather please the patient, putting them at risk for antibiotic resistance.

Again, I wasn't there. I don't know the rationale behind prescribing antibiotics for viral fever, but this is just a comment on our doctor prescribing antibiotic like it's a standard operating procedure. I'm not sure about the current Clinical Practical Guidelines (CPG) though. I would check them later after I'm done with Business Law exam. Why would I read the CPGs when I am already a 'layman'? Well, it's a good-to-know information. And I think patients or any layman should read the CPGs so that they are well informed... and our doctors are 'apparently too busy' to explain.

New organic food store...

Yesterday, on the way back from the bazaar, I saw a new, brightly lit, signage in a nearby shop building. It's an organic store. At last, an organic store within a walking distance. Not a big surprise since most of the demography here is of upper middle class (not my words... it's my friends word, when I told them where I live, all they listen is ka-ching! ka-ching!) and of course... slum dwellers... contrasting much. 

So, this afternoon, I visit the store. The owner is Mdm. O. And I spent 45 minutes chitchatting with the owner. She is very friendly.

One would always associate organic food with high price. Yes, old Asians are quite cheapskate. I could imagine if my mother was with me. She would comment on the price.

Honestly, there's a bit difference compared to regular food. Of course if one were to comment about the honey, or maple syrup, it's more expensive. By maple syrup, I mean the original maple syrup from Quebec, Canada... not maple flavoured syrup, which is regular sugar cane syrup infused with maple flavour. And the honey is organic honey, imagine how much nectar to collect. And regular honey bees are sometimes fed with syrup. Yes, a bit expensive, but for the flavour, why not.

I told Mdm O that I buy organic foods only for the taste. They taste different, well, better. I told her, I don't really care about GMO's but sometimes opt for organic foods for the taste, variety (yup, regular honey vs alder honey and wilderness honey and acacia honey... more variety). And sometimes, I use organic goods for cosmetics and fish keeping, such as organic sea salt. 

She started the business this week. She did it to cater more people with organic foods. And this area is a strategic place as it is situated near a slightly upper class neighbourhood, and it's on the way to the new township. People would stop by on their way back home. And she consume mostly organic food for health reason. According to her, it's worth her money to feed her family with organic food than to use the money on medication. Good point. She added that, she used to suffer from hair loss (alopecia??) eating GMO food.  

It's good to have a place to buy brown sugar or organic ramen or extra virgin coconut oil (my staple... it's food and cosmetic in one bottle) or vinegars nearby. Prior to this, I have to drive further to get this stuff. The distance is nothing but the parking coupon is what I dislike. Well, at least our parking fee here is less complicate than inn the big city. So, I have to call that store to confirm if what I need is available and the price. Other than that, another store would be Dr. Transgender franchise. Not that I am against transgender, it's very expensive. Well, considering the rent in town, in the shopping mall. But I still get my brewers yeast from Dr. Tranny's store.

I bought aloe vera jelly from Mdm. O. It's konjac. Sometimes called as konyaku. I asked her if she had tried gelatine before. As she haven't tried one, I told her gelatine jelly is less QQ than agar or konjac. And we love our QQ texture. I've tried aeroplane jelly and that port wine jelly, I like the taste, but not the texture. It's flimsy, kinda like our tofu curd, except tofu curd is creamier (like!!!). Agar is less QQ than konjac but still better than gelatine. What is QQ? Basically, it's firm, you can bite into but not as hard. Chewy. But not like chewing gum. Another QQ thing would be tapioca pearl. It's hard to describe in one word. One have to eat agar/konyaku jelly, or nata de coco to feel it.

It's good to talk with business owners especially new ones. They are more than happy to tell you about their products as it's a mode of promoting their business. That is, if they are not busy. And to me, it's an exchange of idea. I told her that I substitute margarine with chilled coconut oil (they are solid if stored if the fridge). And buzzfeed video on coffee and coconut oil. Yeah, it's a win win situation. They get new ideas from customers and customers get new ideas from the business owners too.

So support your neighbourhood business.   

Am I funny??

Last night we went out for a drink. Jerry brought his missus and his missus brought a friend.

To cut the story short, the girl thought that I am funny.

Yes, some do find me funny or bubbly. But I think I am a nerd. A funny nerd? Sounds oxymoron. A nerdy hunk isn't an oxymoron (yes, a hunk wearing glasses will get girls wet...) Funny nerd? I imagine someone wearing thick glasses with buck tooth. And unibrow. I'm not wearing glasses though despite the fact that I am a nerd.

So funny nerd... an atypical nerd? Good looking and funny? Well, you'll be the judge on good looking. I'm not. Seriously. A person who envy Matt Bomer for his good look and charm? Yes, my standard on good looks is very high.

And I got teased by my friends after that. Apparently funny is the new in for a guy. According to some research (and I am too lazy to quote, but you can just google it online... or maybe you know it already) girls like funny guy. Hmmmmm... I don't think I am hot funny, just annoyingly funny... kinda like Annoying Orange. Or Phoebe Buffay... weird funny... or Chandler Bing... funny witty. Prince Philip... Trevor Noah... Huh?

Although being funny is an attractive trait, to me, it's kinda annoying to be not taken seriously. I like being funny (if I were) but please listen to my opinion. Back in medical school, nobody takes me seriously. They thought I am just pulling their legs. Being funny in medical school is akin to being blonde or bimbo. And Patch Adams is a misleading every doctor-wannabes.

Some even think that my PTSD is a made believe diagnosis. Because I don't look like a grumpy, gun-loving Nam veteran. (Actually, at home, I am grumpy... a dark secret that only my family and ex-housemates know). Yeah, Robin William commit suicide is another example, so is Jim Carey... yes, sometimes, our mental disorders makes us creative or funny.

So, I am funny. No, I'm not. Really!

Jurassic World...

Yes, finally, watching it with my chums.

I would rate it 9 over 10.

First the actors. Both hero and heroine portrays a genuine acting. The sexual tension seems real. And I almost forget that Chris Pratt is married to Anna Faris... at least on screen. Yes, the sexual tension is very convincing. Good acting Mr. Pratt (he's still with Anna... and very romantic the two) Well like what Joey of FRIENDS said, if the sexual tension on stage is convincing, the possibility of cheating is lower. Yes, I take Joey's words for this.

Scenery, it's not Costa Rica, it's Hawaii. Anybody watching Hawaii Five O would notice the terrain... like seriously. But a nice scenery though.

Storyline is perfect. The velociraptors are loyal to Owen. Which is true. If you love the animals, they would love you back. Did I tell you the story of my friend's grandma and her pet crocodile? No my friend is not Angela Anaconda... and her grandma's pet is an alligator. Another lesson is, not to make something bigger, cooler and better without weighing the cons... and trust. And don't be greedy.

The funniest character is Lowery. He's witty and sarcastic... like Nick Miller. And cute? Too bad, he didn't do his turtle face. That turtle face is cuteeeeeeeeeee!!!!

So would I recommend it? DEFINITELY.

Jamie Costa is funny

Diva cup...

I was watching my favourite Indonesian YouTuber... Sacha Stevenson

I was watching this

Basically, it's about feminine hygiene. Sharing. Considering that some of my readers are female, so it's good to share.

It's not relevant to me, but hey, I like new information. In this region, it's quite a 'taboo' for a men to discuss about feminine hygiene. Just watch the video in YouTube and you'll see a lot of men are 'offended' by this... offended??? by blood? or by vagina? Maybe those guys are delivered via LSCS. Vagina? Well, maybe because I had delivered babies in my life, so seeing or talking about vagina is not awkward.

If I were a girl. I would use this. Economical, green... no I mean it's the greener option... not the colour of menstrual. (Green... Beta haemolytic bacteria... actually alpha haemolysis is greener than beta)

Asians in particular are very conservative when discussing about virginity. Try to sell tampons here, I bet only a handful would buy them. Apparently, one can lose virginity to a tampon.

Over here, virginity is 'measured' with how intact the hymen is. So, tampons could ruin your hymen? Well, I'm not a girl, but it's tampon, not a dildo... tampon is small, short, and I doubt it could affect on hymen. And guys, be open minded. Torn hymen doesn't mean that the girl is not virgin. And how do you inspect one's hymen? Or you are too ego to admit that your dick isn't the first thing to be in your girls vajayjay... Guys, always want to be the first to... ah you know it.

There are some concern regarding to Diva cup... most are from the comments by the viewers.

How to pee when using Diva cup? Hey, do girls even know that they pee from different hole? Maybe we Asians should explore our vaginas better. (by we/our I meant the girls) So you can pee as usual. Well, it's anatomy 101.

Does it hurt? Or uncomfortable? Well, I don't have the answer. But Sacha has been using them for more than a decade.

Would it get stuck? I seriously doubt it. It's a cup, held inside the vagina. And vagina is not that deep. It's not the Indian Ocean where a large jetliner could gone missing...

Again the main issue here is virginity. Personally, I think, if it's not sex, you are still a virgin. And I doubt men know the difference between a virgin and not virgin. Unless if you have a label on your forehead telling the world that you are not virgin? Or brag about losing them to certain man.

Well, you could just go to the link that I've attached, and ask Sacha personally. She's Canadian, so you can just ask her in English.

Hating Jews without meeting one...

In this country, anything to do with Jews are frown upon... except Facebook, which is used to spread hatred towards Jews, Christians and the West.

It's hard to find Jew here. Used to have Jews living here years ago, but due to growing anti-Jewism (anti-Semitic is a misnomer...) they left.

Funny thing is, without any encounter with Jews, how did we first hate Jews? Based on stereotypes? Earlier this year... or late last year, a boy 'like' Israel on Facebook, and the whole school mocked him.

And, also last year, a couple decided to make their wedding more memorable by inviting their guest to step on the Israeli flag. Some defend their action as a protest towards Israel.

Boycotting is another thing that we excel in. Boycotting Americans and Israel. Last year, a worker in McD's was assaulted because of the 'alleged' link between McD with Israel. Baseless accusation but it happens. Well, the easiest way to boycott things here is to tell the public that the product helps/made by/anything to do with... Israel, or it contains porcine DNA... despite the process of istihalah etc etc. (Funny, alcohol is OK but pig?)

And the most amusing fact is, we worship Hitler because he killed Jews? Hitler is a hero here. He don't drink alcohol... he kills Jews... so he's a hero. Little did we know, if we were living in Germany at that time, we would be gassed to... Do you think Hitler would consider us Aryans? No... no matter how much whitening products we use, we are still non-white to the eye of Hitler. No matter how many Hail Hitler you said.

So, do the majority have power on who we support? Is it compulsory to hate Jews and help the Palestine? Anybody sitting on the fence is considered heartless. Heartless because apparently, we don't care their plights. They would spread pictures of Palestinian children killed or any gory pictures... blaming Israel.

First question, are we there to witness first-hand to judge? It is not right to stereotype. But the stereotype we have is Palestine is predominantly Muslim/Arab and Israel, Judaism/Jews. Being good brothers, we support our people. The media plays the news almost everyday (and nobody cares about Boko Haram... or ISIS until lately... media bias).

By calling Israel laknatullah or Nasrani laknatullah, does it means that we are pure, right and the truth? So the Israeli and Christians and the West would surely go to hell (according to popular belief here) but not our corrupt politicians... well, the politicians are not Jews or Christians or Western. Dangerous assumptions. Who knows that we were to be put in hell because of our baseless accusation and Jew bashing.

Before going into action, do some research. There are Muslims and Arabs in Israel. Are they laknatullah? And why is Fatah and Hamas always fighting? Fatah and Hamas doesn't seems to care about the plight, but fighting for power. Why are we helping Palestinian, if their government seems not to care. Publicity? Not against the Palestinian but there are many poor people in here. Aren't we supposed to help our people first. It's like "breastfeeding the monkeys in the jungle when our own child died of starvation at home..." Well, helping the locals don't bring much attention globally. We want to look good, even how crappy we are... crappy infrastructure, crappy management... but at least the Arab world respects us for helping the Palestinian (again I doubt that the Arab give a damn about Palestinian). Why aren't the Arabs helping Palestinians when they speak the same language, have similar culture than us. Ah yes, we are trying hard to be Arabs. Ya Habibi...

I think the mass media should give the facts... only the facts... world news should cover the world news, not only the Middle East. And instead of putting ideas into audience mind, let the audience think for themselves. Hell, our brain is rotting from the spoon-fed input/brainwashing. So Jason Lo is right about the news...

 Break prime time with surprise and lies

You're signed and sealed

With what you see with anybody else's eyes

You're talking the talk

But you ain't walking the walk man

One mike, one camera

And you become an educator

Can I trust you with my own

Give me time to believe

Those with too much power they fall down in history

Yea you might have us hanging onto your every breath

So be responsible

Learn to preserve, protect and respect

Not to destroy

Not to deplore

The angles of truth are so much harder to explore

And living your life is about waiting for the next test

So live for the moment

Cos it never turns out like you expect

And the majority should tone down on their supremacy agenda... ooooppppsss... I forgotten that they are Nazi/Hitler wannabes... Hitler is their God/Hero. Hence the overinflated ideas on supremacy. Think of it like Brain of Pinky and the Brain.

Yes, we are always the best. Everything is possible. No matter how crappy we are. Well, it's easy to have crappy things here, just blame them on Israel... potholes? Israel agenda to conquer the world... bad economy... blame Soros... missing craft... Israel...Even obesity, smoking/cancer, or drought... blame Israel. So basically, anything good is from us (yes us first, then God) and all bad things are from Israel and her allies i.e Western and Christians.

Well, what confuses me is Jews and Christians are people of the books... but at the same time the enemy?

Hating other race/religion blindly... because of stereotypes...

"Don't know so don't love" like the old sayings... Why don't we get to know any Jews, Palestinians, Arabs, Westerns, Eastern or Christians, Hindus, Buddhist first before we make our conclusion to either love or hate them? I mean at a personal level? Don't we like to know more about a person before hating that person?

Yes, we are weird... really REALLY WEIRD

*by 'we/us/our', I meant those who are anti-Jew, because they are the majority. So 'we/us/our' is used to represent the whole (insert my country) for the ease of writing this blog. Again, this is based on observation. Deny all you can, but it's happening.

_________________________________________________

And today, I went to McD, there are booklets, telling the customer how they are not anti-Palestine and so so... Does our anti-Jew sentiment that bad? Or is it just a boycott. Well KFC isn't affected by it despite being an American establishment. Yeah, funny. very very funny the way we think.