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What's money?

  Bob Dylan What's money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do. --Bob Dylan Good judgment comes from experience, and often experience comes from bad judgment. --Rita Mae Brown Take calculated risks. That is quite different from being rash. --George S. Patton Let the fear of danger be a spur to prevent it; he that fears not, gives advantage to the danger. --Francis Quarles For most of history, Anonymous was a woman. --Virginia Woolf I take it that what all men are really after is some form or perhaps only some formula of peace. --Joseph Conrad A torn jacket is soon mended; but hard words bruise the heart of a child. --Henry Wadsworth Longfellow For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. --Nelson Mandela I am patient with stupidity but not with those who are proud of it. --Edith Sitwell What you do speaks so loud that I can...

When a man says...

  Otto von Bismarck When a man says he approves of something in principle, it means he hasn't the slightest intention of putting it into practice. --Otto von Bismarck Dignity consists not in possessing honors, but in the consciousness that we deserve them. --Aristotle Be sincere; be brief; be seated. --Franklin D. Roosevelt Reading maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man. --Sir Francis Bacon What is the use of a house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on? --Henry David Thoreau There are two kinds of light--the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures. --James Thurber The older I get, the greater power I seem to have to help the world; I am like a snowball - the further I am rolled, the more I gain. --Susan B. Anthony Of all noises, I think music is the least disagreeable. --Samuel Johnson I have been through some terrible things in my life, some of which actually happened. --Mark Twain Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a m...

By all means marry...

  By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll be happy. If you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. --Socrates The artist is a receptacle for emotions that come from all over the place: from the sky, from the earth, from a scrap of paper, from a passing shape... --Pablo Picasso It is as hard to see one's self as to look backwards without turning around. --Henry David Thoreau The person who makes a success of living is the one who see his goal steadily and aims for it unswervingly. That is dedication. --Cecil B. DeMille Friendship with oneself is all-important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world. --Eleanor Roosevelt We turn not older with years, but newer every day. --Emily Dickinson One should always play fairly when one has the winning cards. --Oscar Wilde You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it's a little thing, do something for others - something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it. -...

Looking back at 2024: Progress amidst uncertainty

Image by ChatGPT As 2024 winds to a close, it stands out as a year marked by transformative changes, breakthroughs, and challenges.  The past twelve months have been a testament to humanity’s resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving world.  From geopolitical milestones to technological advancements and cultural shifts, 2024 has set the tone for the years ahead.   On the global stage, leadership transitions dominated headlines. Several major elections reshaped governments, with shifts in policies addressing critical issues such as climate change, economic recovery, and public health.  In the United States, the presidential election captured worldwide attention, signaling potential changes in domestic and international policies.  Meanwhile, Europe witnessed debates on energy independence and migration policy, highlighting the region's ongoing efforts to balance economic growth with social responsibilities.   Climate change remained a pressi...

Accidents caused by heavy vehicles are a growing threat to road safety

  The frequent occurrence of accidents involving trucks and trailers in Malaysia has become a pressing concern, highlighting systemic issues within the country's transportation and enforcement systems.  These heavy vehicles, essential for the logistics and supply chain sectors, have been implicated in numerous fatal accidents, often due to negligence, poor maintenance, or inadequate oversight. One of the glaring problems is the lack of enforcement on overloaded trucks. Overloading not only compromises the stability of these vehicles but also accelerates wear and tear on roads, increasing the risk of accidents.  Despite stringent regulations, enforcement remains inconsistent, allowing errant operators to prioritize profits over public safety. Driver fatigue is another critical factor. Many truck drivers endure grueling hours to meet delivery deadlines, often at the expense of rest and alertness.  Without strict adherence to working hour limits and proper monitoring me...

The story of Pulau Batu Puteh

  Pulau Batu Puteh, known as Pedra Branca in Singapore, is a small rocky outcrop located at the eastern entrance of the Singapore Strait. Despite its modest size, this island has been the center of a prolonged dispute between Malaysia and Singapore over its ownership. The history of this contention sheds light on colonial legacies, sovereignty, and international diplomacy. Pulau Batu Puteh's strategic location made it significant as a maritime navigational aid. In 1851, the British colonial administration constructed Horsburgh Lighthouse on the island to assist ships navigating the busy trade routes. During this time, the region was under the British Empire's control, with Malaysia's Johor Sultanate maintaining nominal sovereignty over many territories. In 1953, the Singapore colonial government, then under British administration, sought clarity from Johor's government regarding Pulau Batu Puteh's status. A letter from Johor’s Acting State Secretary indicated that J...

Give peace a fighting chance in Syria

  Illustrative image by ChatGPT Syria faces increasing turmoil as its prolonged conflict intertwines with growing regional tensions, exacerbated by Israel's recent escalations in the Golan Heights.  These developments not only worsen Syria's internal struggles but also heighten the risk of broader instability in Western Asia. The humanitarian crisis in Syria remains acute, with over 15 million people requiring aid and 12 million facing food insecurity.  Economic collapse, fueled by war, sanctions, and inflation, continues to devastate livelihoods.  Meanwhile, the resurgence of violence, particularly in Aleppo and government-controlled areas, complicates humanitarian efforts.  The ongoing clashes between Syrian government forces and Turkish-backed factions, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, signal a return to high-intensity conflict. Adding to Syria’s woes, Israel has intensified its military operations in the Golan Heights. Actions include demining, erecting forti...