Quotable Quotes (again!)

"I certainly will be taking care when I am out walking my dog - I don't fancy meeting a lion on a dusky summer's evening."

- Mandy Thomson, 42, after the sighting of a lion by residents and holidaymakers sparked alarm in the Essex Village of St Osyth on 27th of August 2012.

Neil Armstrong: 1930-2012

Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon during the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, has died, following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures. He was 82.

Armstrong's words, "That is one small step for (a) man, one giant leap for mankind," spoken on July 20, 1969, as he became the first person ever to step onto another planetary body, instantly became a part of history.

Those few words from the Sea of Tranquillity were the climactic fulfillment of the efforts and hopes of millions of people and the expenditure of billions of dollars. A plaque on one of the lander's legs that concluded "We came in peace for all mankind," further emphasized that Armstrong and fellow astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin were there as representatives of all humans.

Armstrong is survived by his wife, two sons, a stepson, a stepdaughter, 10 grandchildren, and a brother and sister.

"Neil Armstrong was a hero not just of his time, but of all time," President Barack Obama said via Twitter. "Thank you, Neil, for showing us the power of one small step."

Statement from his family:

"For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”

Image and story credit: NASA

Quotable Quotes

"Don't be defeatist, dear. It's very middle class."

- Dowager Countess Violet Grantham to Lady Edith when she voiced out her belief that she would end up as the maiden aunt in the family, Downton Abbey, Season 2.

A meaningful Aidilfitri

Come any festive season, local training company Zubedy Sdn Bhd will always remind us the true meaning of any religious/cultural/national occassion through their advertisements. In the ad, the company would usually quote a prominent figure to drive the message home. For Aidilfitri this year, the company quoted Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub. Below is an excerpt from the ad:

"Choose the middle path: The end does not justify the means."

- Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub - Saladin (1138 - 1193); the gentlemen warrior who was noted for his chivalry, magnanimity, compassion and sensibility even during times of war.

Conflicts exist in the realm of politics, business and personal interactions. There must be certain rules of engagement in dealing with dissension. We must learn how to disagree and yet, respect each other.

Saladin, in motivating his army, did not condemn the opposing side. He pointed out the virtues that make their opponents strong, honoured and made them an example. He was a true leader.

Unlike Saladin, many of our leaders and their supporters play the zero-sum game and push things to the extreme. This gradually creates a divisive “I’m right and you’re wrong” gulf, leaving no room or possibility in seeing the good in others. This is poisonous.

We need to better our rules of engagement.

We need Malaysians:

Who know how to balance ambition and courtesy.

Who know how to compromise and yet stay true to their core values.

Who know it is vital to find a win-win situation.

Who engage each other in a civil and gentlemanly manner.

Who can disagree while respecting the other.

Who believe the end does not justify the means.

When we have better rules of engagement, we will have a positive culture to pass down to our young. We will create a nation that encourages courtesy, civility, thinking in our discourse and articulation.

Our legacy is to create a nation who believes in winning with honour and not to sacrifice the means in achieving the end.

Have a meaningful Aidilfitri.

Cat Commentary - Post-op

Cookies and Arrow had their spaying operation a week and a half ago and I brought them home last Saturday. Unfortunately, they still had their cones on (to prevent them from licking their stitches) and the lady at the vet said they should wear it for one more night. I was a bit distraught because they looked really uncomfortable with the cones on and I couldn't just leave them outside where they might not be able to properly defend themselves. So my sis and I thought of keeping them in the indoor garden for the night.

It seemed like a good idea until Cookies went to a corner and stayed there the whole time. We were getting a bit worried and when my sis went to check her out through a window in the store room (connected to the indoor garden), she saw how sad Cookies looked. I saw her expression as well and it was heartbreaking. Then we decided to get our sis-in-law (who's a doctor) to check their stitches. She had a look and said that it wouldn't make a difference if they were confined for another night because the stitches were already dry. That was the best news I heard that day. My sis and I promptly took off those bothersome cones and set the two free.

I was still a bit apprehensive though; after seeing the sad expression on her face, I was worried that Cookies would run off. Later that night, I found Cookies outside the door, waiting for supper.

Grade 5 Theory - done!

I feel so happy that I actually sat for my Grade 5 Theory exam last Saturday. I've been diligently doing the past year papers last month but haven't done any the last two weeks due to work, mostly. Due to this, it almost made me feel like not taking the exam. Anywho, I finally did and glad I did because it wasn't as hard as some of the past year exam papers! I hope I get good marks :D