-Proposed an initial budget for grants application with Paul and Matt Owens last week. Did some "balooning figures" on the numbers...seems that it's the best way to get more $$$ .....
- Penn Relay was last weekend but was at Linford's place on Baltimore Avenue playing with concrete and testing out various tools...
- Sent it my visa application and surrendered my passport to the embassy. Also had a travel consult today with Dr. Urevick...she mentioned about various immunizations but there were just too many that i could remember....-Wasn't really prepared for the construction manual presentation with Dr. Keenan today but we managed to pull through somehow...... lots of changes needed to be done before we leave...
- Technical design done for the piping system although Tony mentioned that we might need to make changes again once we are there...
Each dots represent a standpipe and we will linked the dots with pipes....
Project 1: Chenam Flow
Project 2: Fon ("Meta" Language for "Chief") Flow
- Am still waiting for the IJSLE grant money to arrive....It was suppose to arrive last week...gahhh..
- Attended "One Water" screening today with PJ and Evan... nothing really interesting or exciting...Many left before it was all over
- Had the first course lesson with Dr. Keenan and Tony last week...Tony was there to teach us hydrology and reminded us of the water cycle we learn in high school and a bit of hydrology. The scientific formulas used were "refreshing" (P-R-ET = F which is the conservation formula for spring water ie Precepitation - runoff - evaporation - transpiration = infiltration)...considering i was taught about it in Malay 7 years ago.... Because it was held so late in the evening, we had peanuts M & M's courtesy from the profs.
- Did some work on the water budget problem and also mechanism of Precipitation in Cameroon. It seems that June-July will be VERY wet!
- Was assigned randomly by Dr. Keenan to do the construction manual..crapsss..... 2 whole books to read before next week....
- Great news this week...Dr. Colledge from PSU sent me an email a few days ago notifying me that the CASE-IJSLE grant for the Gundom-Project has been approved! Wheeee..... Jay and Davesh were still asking if they could look at the application last week! ahaha...
- Had the interview last week with Megan and Dr. Keenan for a place on the implementation team this summer. Was probably the first to be interviewed for the program and Dr. Keenan remembered me from his ESE 210 class...free-ride here... after 15 minutes or so..everything was done... megan asked if i was interested with the materials-finance but i said i was more interested with technical designs... not sure what Tony said about me..but o well....
-Davesh scared the hell out of me today with his "sudden appearance" while i was applying for the SII position for spring break at the Towne lab. He told me unofficially that I was "in" the team. And true enough....received an email from Davesh, Paul, Joe Sun, Megan and Keenan the next day to confirm my admittance...
-First meeting after winter break. Davesh and Paul reported that the Assessment trip went well with the GPS done on the pipe grid lines. Mapping over the Kobe Valley also done amidst the first few days of classes. It seems Google Map doesn't have detailed satellite images over the valley so we are first to it! Thankfully, PGWI and EWB are pleased. Attended EWB GBM (making my $10 worth a vote). Presentation at Pennoni Engineers on the 26th - much more work piling up.
-Also heard that Boeing has granted $6k last winter =) but the Assessment trip costs us a cool $12k!! goshhh...
-Rafael suggested going for boot camp this spring break but all of us gave him a look and decided against it. ahaha..
-Submitted the IJSLE documentation though Davesh has not seen it (until today). He keeps emailing me enquiring from time to time but he keeps forgetting that it's been done and sent. Must be a serious case of forgetfulness which is probably a by-product of school hecticness anyway.
-Drafted a letter to PSU's Dean's of Aggriculture Sciences, Dr Robert Steele with Paul but highly doubt the convenience of collaborating considering the geographical distance between the schools.
-Last meeting before winter break. As expected, EWB USA granted us a convincing approval. Downside - We'll be looking to raise $25k for the project!
-Looks like we'll be banking on J&J once again though the economic situation is not helping.....
-Might need to make some amendments on the MOU but it looks alright for now. The group elected Paul as the new co-leader for the project..... Tony, Dr Keenan, Davesh and Paul will be assessing the site on 4th - 13th January. Hopefuly all goes well and we can start on the design work soon.
- Boeing Grant is due on the 19th...and IJSLE on 23rd..damn...
-Received an email from Jay today asking if i would like to apply for the Co-Project leader Position. It seems PJ is no longer the Project Leader considering we are in a playing a new ball game with Gundom instead of Ntisaw. I told Davesh i can't do it because of the insane workload of classes next semester but I'll do the grants applications if needed.
-Finished the 507 and 508 forms and would be hoping that EWB will approve them a.s.a.p. Davesh doesn't seem to be worried at all. He told us that we can always postpone the assessment to May and implementation to next December IF problems crop out. Besides, it'll be the rainy season in the summer.....
-Have been procrastinating on the CASE-International Journal of Service Learning in Engineering Grant on servicebook.
- Davesh and Jay announced today that the Ntisaw Project will take a back seat at the moment as Tony Sauder, the Pennoni Engineer has received a new EWB project in the Kob Valley by MQLIF Foundation.
- I thought Gundom, located at the other side of the Kob and Tudiq mountains, will be much more accessible for the team as we have done previous assessments and implementations in the Kob Valley as compared to the Ntisaw area. Moreover, I've a feeling that Davesh is sceptical about the Life And Water Development Group for reasons I'm not sure of..
- We'll still be working on the 507 and 803 forms for the Ntisaw Project to ensure that our chapter gets the "adoption" status. Assesment date has been set for this winter while the implementation will be in the summer. It's going to be a tough hill to climb with getting the funds and grants ready......
It would be beneficial for those who are looking for opportunities to volunteer in the Southeast Asia Region.
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Projects
The application for our 2009 projects is currently open. For more information on policies, procedures, and requirements, please see the FAQ page.
SEALNet will conduct 8 projects during the summer of 2009. The projects were selected by the SEALNet Board of Directors based on proposals submitted to SEALNet in November. We will conduct the following projects this year:
Our summer service leadership projects are the primary vehicle for SEALNet. We led six exciting projects during the summer of 2008 and to date, we have completed 15 projects total between Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Applications for general team members are now open (as of 12:00AM Monday March 2, 2009). You may also donate to SEALNet, or get involved in other ways. If you have any questions, you can contact us at contact 'at' sealnetonline.org
SEALNet would also like to announce our new program, the SEALNet fellowship. The fellowship is open to past project participants. Please click here for more information on this program!
When: Monday 10 August 2009 – Tuesday 25 August 2009 Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Project Cambodia 2009 (PC09) aims to help renew interest in traditional Cambodian performing arts through the production of two outreach concerts in Phnom Penh. PC09, partnered with Cambodian Living Arts, hopes to innovate the presentation of traditional Cambodian dance and storytelling by incorporating elements of other contemporary performing arts styles. In creating a very dynamic program, the production will particularly appeal to youth and overall provide greater access to exciting arts for the wider community. We envision the establishment of the first annual youth concert in Phnom Penh and celebration of traditional Cambodian arts, which is independently owned by Cambodian youth of diverse social backgrounds.
When: Sunday 16 August 2009 - Friday 28 August 2009 Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia
The only dumpsite in Phnom Penh, Steng Meanchey, bears witness to the destruction in the wake of the Khmer Rouge genocide. Here, a large number of street children live under conditions of chronic poverty, rampant disease, a torn social fabric and lack access to healthcare and hygiene facilities. The Center for Children's Happiness (CCH), our partner, seeks to empower these children by affording them an education and with that a chance to break out of the cruel cycle of poverty. However, long-term sponsorship is elusive, and the immense challenges present necessitate greater volunteer involvement. Our project will address these concerns by boosting publicity and outreach efforts, and integrating the concept of service into the local high school scene to promote long-term volunteerism. We will also work on strengthening the educational programs via the creation of a comprehensive curriculum package for language and computer skill instruction.
When: Sunday 28 June 2009 - Saturday 11 July 2009 Location: Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia
The SEALNet team aims to reduce the high incidence of diarrhea and improve the health condition of the population in the Makassar region, Indonesia, by tackling the issue of water safety. In Indonesia, a large percentage of the population lives without access to clean water even in a big city such as Makassar, the capital of the Sulawesi Island. Together with the local high school and university students, the SEALNet team hopes to contribute to water quality improvement through the provision of related education and physical construction.
When: Friday 21 August 2009 - Thursday 3 September 2009 Location: Xieng Khouang, Laos
Our stake is “Ton Ka – Growing the Future.” “Ton ka” is Laos for “a young sapling,” but “ton” means “root,” while “ka” means “courage.” We want to plant the courage for entrepreneurship in the hearts of the students in a free English school in Xieng Khoung, where it will take root and grow into a full-fledged social entrepreneurial project. Like a mature tree that provides shade for people, the students’ project will benefit their community, as well as supplement the money needed to run the English school. We also want to improve the way English is being taught at the school so that each student has a better command of English, which will help them achieve their higher education goals.
When: Saturday 30 May 2009 – Saturday 13 June 2009 Location: Kuala Selangor, Malaysia
Project Malaysia 2009 aims to inspire local youths to become service leaders in their communities and to address the growing environmental issues in Malaysia. The project will be held in Kuala Selangor, where eco-tourism plays a vital role in the livelihoods of its people. Through a variety of hands-on environmental activities (e.g. mangrove planting, water quality monitoring) and volunteer work with the Malaysian Nature Society, we hope to spark the students’ interest in continuing environmental-related work in the future.
When: Sunday 23 August 2009 - Sunday 6 September 2009 Location: Cebu, Philippines
Unsafe water, inadequate availability of water for hygiene, and lack of access to sanitation has given rise to a high prevalence of gastrointestinal worms in the Philippines. It is estimated that a child in the Philippines has a 70 percent chance of becoming infected with gastrointestinal worms, making them that much more susceptible to poor physical and mental development. The future of the Philippines being with its children, thus it is important to attack the problem of high worm prevalence. Project Philippines 2009 aims to reduce the number of worm infections in the Philippines by bringing college and high school students together to develop and implement an educational campaign. Our hope is that our actions improve the quality of life in the Philippines.
When: Saturday 22 August 2009 – Friday 4 September 2009 Location: Lampang, Thailand
In the Thai education system, because of rote memorization learning, students experience a decrease of interest in learning and a lack of preparations for the problem-solving skills and flexibility demanded in future jobs. Our team will collaborate with teachers and teach students with the active learning teaching style by engaging students in activities that require critical thinking, discussion, and problem-solving. In addition, we will foster an environment for students to do active learning by renovating the library and assigning them a project on solving the community illiteracy. This project will not only train students with important learning skills that can be applied in their careers, but also inspire them to lead their community in solving the literacy problem.
When: Sunday 24 August 2009 – Sunday 6 September 2009 Location: Ha Noi, Vietnam
Hanoi’s recent rapid development has resulted in increased consumer consumption and waste generation. However, due to a lack of public awareness, garbage is commonly seen strewn along the streets. In face of the current situation, SEALNET Project Vietnam 2009 plans to work with 3R Hanoi to empower local students to tackle the growing garbage problem in their community and equip them with the necessary skills to expand their own influence.
Like chocolates? Hate chocolates? Want to have your thoughts heard? Now you can! My management class group is conducting a survey for a project and we would like to have your input.
The best thing is.....it just takes a minute or two!
Something caught my eye this afternoon while waiting at the Securities Industries Institute Program in Huntsman.
I was reading the Financial Times and Najib made an extremely rare appearance on the premier 3rd page today!
It was reported that Najib said:
1. M'sia will not achieve firm recovery until 2011! 2. M'sia will look to model a new economic system by emphasizing more on service export rather than manufacturing. 3. NEP will be gradually reduced!
Point 1 is very realistic and pragmatic. Point 2 is easier said than done and I'm wondering if Msia has the capacity to do that. Point 3 is absurd, to say the very least and the Star, no surprise here, has a very watered-down version of the article: DPM favours gradual reform of pro-Malay policy of helping the poor today.
Below is the article reproduced from the Financial Times.
Malaysia expects little recovery until 2011
By John Burton in Kuala Lumpur
Published: March 11 2009 23:34 | Last updated: March 11 2009 23:34
Malaysia is unlikely to achieve a firm recovery in growth until 2011, Najib Razak, the country’s finance minister, said on Wednesday.
But he said the country would use the downturn to form a “new economic model” focused on services rather than manufacturing,.
Mr Najib, who is expected to become Malaysia’s prime minister on March 31, said his goal was to increase the service sector to 70 per cent of gross domestic product, from54 per cent, in an effort to establish “a knowledge-based economy” that would be less reliant on manufactured exports.
“This is part of the transformation of the Malaysian economy. Services offer tremendous scope for growth,” Mr Najib told the Financial Times in a rare interview with a foreign publication a day after he published a M$60bn ($16bn, €13bn, £12bn) stimulus package to prevent the economy sinking into a deep recession. The government forecasts growth between 1 per cent and minus 1 per cent for 2009.
Malaysia has one of the world’s most trade-dependent economies and the global recession underscores the need to make changes in tits economic structure, Mr Najib said.
Manufactured goods now account for 72.5 per cent of total exports against 14.8 per cent for services.
Mr Najib identified Islamic financial services as an important area for growth. Malaysia has the world’s biggest Islamic bond market when interest in Islamic finance is growing as an alternative to western capitalist models.
The country also wants to expand healthcare by attracting more foreign patients and to become a regional centre for education and eco-tourism.
Mr Najib hopes to focus more on high-value-added manufacturing in electronics, biotechnology and green technology. “We can no longer rely on cheap labour as a basis for our manufacturing,” he said.
Malaysia intends to reduce its dependence on its traditional export markets in the west, such as the US, by expanding trade links with south-east Asia, India, the Middle East and China.
Mr Najib said he favoured gradual reform of the government’s policy of preferential treatment of the ethnic Malay majority population to help support economic restructuring.
The policy, introduced by his father as prime minister in the early 1970s, has been attacked for creating an inefficient economy based on ethnic politics that have put the country’s Chinese and Indian minorities at a disadvantage.
The finance minister said: “We must accept policies that are attuned to the changing times”.
But he added: “We cannot have too drastic a move until people are ready for it”, in apparent reference to the widespread support that the pro-Malay policy enjoys in the United Malays National Organisation, the dominant party in the governing coalition that has ruled Malaysia since independence in 1957. Mr Najib is poised to become Umno leader as well as prime minister in late March.
As part of the easing of the pro-Malay policy, Mr Najib suggested that rules on foreign investment in the services sector would be relaxed. Foreign investors are required at present to have ethnic Malay shareholders in such industries as financial services.
Mr Najib said the pro-Malay policy had successfully raised living standards for the majority population but he acknowledged that some mistakes had been made in implementation. He said he favoured a return to his father’s original vision of improving conditions for the poor of all ethnic groups, not only Malays.
Mr Najib’s stance on the issue could undercut support for the recently resurgent opposition, led by Anwar Ibrahim. The opposition made a similar argument in attracting ethnic minority voters last year when it increased its parliamentary representation and captured several state governments for the first time.
"11.20am: Nizar to seek audience with Sultan Azlan Shah to ask for dissolution of Perak state assembly as soon as the documents from Tuesday’s emergency sitting under a tree in a vacant lot is completed."
I believe it's a first for Malaysia. An Emergency Meeting under a rain tree!
Morgan Stanley, Goldman and Bear S. in Malaysia????
Source: The Star Bank Negara blueprint to include bigger presence of foreign banks By FINTAN NG
PETALING JAYA: The banking industry in Malaysia is set to become more open with Bank Negara getting ready the blueprint for further liberalisation, which may entail not only a bigger presence by incumbent foreign banks but also the entry of new foreign banks.
The blueprint, which is part of the third phase of the Financial Sector Master Plan (FSMP), is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.
Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz had recently said the domestic financial system was “in a greater state of readiness to have greater foreign participation.”
On the cards, according to a report by a bank-backed brokerage, are moves to allow more branches for foreign banks as well as allowing them access to the national automated teller machine (ATM) network.
Other changes may include increasing the limit for foreign shareholding in local financial institutions from the current cap at 30%, granting new Islamic banking licences to foreign parties and opening up the hire purchase market segment, which is currently dominated by local banks, according to the same report.
The FSMP, launched in 2001, involves three phases.
The FMSP calls for the development of a more resilient, competitive and dynamic financial system by building the capability of domestic financial institutions, maintaining stability of the financial system and promoting a more market-driven financial infrastructure.
Analysts who track banking stocks are generally positive about the impending changes, saying it will enhance competition and result in more choices for consumers in terms of both the number of banks and the products and services offered.
A more competitive market would spur banks, both local and foreign, to improve on their services, and might also prompt local banks to expand abroad or look for strategic partners, the analysts said.
A local analyst with a Singapore-based bank said the change to look out for was the increase in the limit for foreign shareholding, which foreign investors favoured.
“Everybody wants it (increasing the limit on foreign shareholding) because Malaysia has one of the most restrictive foreign shareholding limits in the region,” she said.
Vietnam had just changed its banking regulations to allow foreigners to take up to a 49% stake in local banks while in Indonesia, foreign investors could own up to a 99% stake, she noted.
State minister Nizar Jamaluddin falls victim to fractious Malaysian politics A Malaysian opposition leader has been forcibly removed by police from his office in a political tussle over which party controls the state's legislature.
Perak state's chief minister, Nizar Jamaluddin, described his removal as a "coup" and promised legal action.
The opposition won control of Perak state in general elections last March.
But the ruling National Front coalition said it was wresting control of Perak state legislature after the defection of several opposition lawmakers.
Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said the lawmakers were now "friendly independents".
Mr Najib is expected to become prime minister next month in a transition agreed with incumbent Abdullah Badawi.
Commentators have described the Perak manoeuvres as a burnishing of Mr Najib's image as a decisive and politically adept leader before next month's internal party vote.
He had recently run two by-election campaigns in which the National Front coalition lost.
Public concerns
The National Front claimed it had wrested control of Perak's legislature after three lawmakers quit the opposition on Wednesday.
Following the defections, both sides have 28 seats in Perak's 59-member legislature, but the National Front claims it effectively has control because the three independents would back it in any vote.
Such a takeover is really a big blow to democracy and insults the wisdom of the masses
Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim The takeover was endorsed by Sultan Azlan Shah, the influential hereditary ruler of the state.
Chief minister Nizar Jamaluddin insisted he had the popular mandate and refused to leave office, but when he arrived at work on Friday, he found all his personal belongings had been removed.
Police escorted him out of the building less than an hour later.
More than 2,000 opposition supporters had gathered late on Thursday at his home in a show of support, shouting "Reform" and "Long live the people"
"Such a takeover is really a big blow to democracy and insults the wisdom of the masses," opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim told the Associated Press news agency.
Senior opposition leader Lim Kit Siang accused Najib of making an "illegal and unconstitutional grab for power in Perak".
The respected Malaysiakini news website reported extensive blogging activity in support of the ousted chief minister and calls for fresh elections.
Due process?
Opposition leaders have criticised the conduct in the Perak change of power, saying the use of defections instead of an open by-election has damaged democracy.
Anwar Ibrahim's opposition Pakatan Rakyat alliance won an unprecedented five of Malaysia's 13 states in general elections last year.
He later tried to take over the government by engineering defections but failed to gain adequate numbers.
The same party has controlled Malaysia for more than 50 years but analysts say there is no doubt the government is struggling.
What the Constitution says (Undang-Undang Tubuh Negeri Perak).
Article 16:
The Sultan has the prerogative to elect the MB "in his judgment is likely to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the Assembly."
Article 16(6) - which was used by the Sultan to terminate Nizar as MB of Perak
"If the MB ceases to command the confidence of the majority of the members of the Legislative Assembly, then, unless at his request His Royal Highness dissolves the Legislative Assembly, he shall tender the resignation of the Executive Council."
Article 16(7)
"Subject to Clause (6) a member of the Executive Council other than the MB shall hold office at His Royal Highness' pleasure, but any member of the Council may at any time resign his office."
I'm not good with laws and I've no idea what the Malaysia constitution is all about but Art Harun is right by quoting R. Hickling's, "Malaysian Law", (published 1988), where it's mentioned that:
"The advent of constitutional government in Malaysia marked the beginning of the end for the prerogatives of the Rulers. While assiduously reserving these prerogatives by express savings in the state constitutions, the very act of defining rights and powers restrict them. With the advent of formal constitutions government in Johor in 1895, limitations on arbitrary rules set in, and the pattern was set for progress to the modern concept of constitutional government: that is to say, not merely government in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, but government in accordance with the wishes of the elected representatives of the people."
On a lighter note...Arshavin is finally with Arsenal....(though it's probably too late to change anything)
The-Empty-Vessel kind-
Man City hands down. I guess Kaka, Cech, Ronaldo and all the other galacticos will need something more from the Sheiks before donning the cash-free blue. Money talks but sometimes talking is not enough.
The OMG kind-
Shockingly, Robbie Keane is back at Tottenham. Signed for 19 million quids, and sold for 12 million quids, a loss of 7 million quids in a span of 5 months! That sums up to around 45k-46k quids down the drain daily for LiverpooL! And that is not even inclusive of his humongous wages.......
It must be hustle-bustle for all 4 bosses at the very last day of the transfer window.... See, SAF is nowhere to be seen nor heard....
Today, tomorrow and Friday will witness one of the craziest auction of bonds in world history. I wonder if the citizens and corporate firms of the US are willing to hand their hard-earned money to the government to fund those bailouts.
United are out to land a new £125million shirt sponsorship deal - with Saudi Telecom favourites to get their name on the famous shirt. AIG yesterday confirmed they would not be renewing their £19m-a-year sponsorship deal at the end of next season. The firm has collapsed in the credit crunch and had to be propped up by the US taxpayer. Saudi Telecom, the leading provider of telecommunications in Saudi Arabia, have no such problems. They are desperate to increase their influence with United, who are massive in the Middle East. Saudi Telecom already have a £15m, five-year deal with the club to use United’s branding with their products inside their own country. But the prospective shirt sponsorship deal will dwarf AIG’s and be worth £25million-a-year over five years. A United spokesman said: “[We are] exploring the possibility of a shirt sponsor for the 2010-11 season. The club is in dialogue with a select number of top companies worldwide and has so far received sufficient interest to be confident it can improve on its £19m annual partnership with AIG.” United have also made contact with Indian financial services corporation Sahara. Staff reporter, The Sun
Today marks a memorable day for a United States citizen, shoulder to shoulder with the events of WW II victory, assassinations of JFK and MLK and the freedom of slaves by Lincoln,..... or so say my profs.
Anyway, below are some clips of the 44th president Obama's inauguration oath and speech:
Text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address on Tuesday, as delivered.
OBAMA: My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.
For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers ... our found fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent Mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."
America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.
---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Date: Fri, Jan 16, 2009 at 11:29 AM Subject: Penn admissions interviews Jan 30, Feb 7 & 14 To:
Dear all, The Alumni Secondary School Committee is running admissions interviews for freshmen applicants to the University of Pennsylvania and we would like to extend an invitation to interview to everyone who applied. The interview is entirely optional. We would greatly appreciate it if you could forward this email to anyone you know who applied this year from Malaysia and cc me. We have not received the final list from Penn and want to be sure that everyone who applied gets this offer.
The main interviews will be held at the following dates and times:
Dates: Saturday, February 7 and 14 Time: 2pm or 3.30pm Venue: Dress code: Smart casual
I would appreciate sign-up responses via this e-mail address though I can take enquiries via my cellphone at xxxx during business hours. Information required:
First Name, Last Name as per Penn application: Birthdate: Current school: Cellphone no: Available dates and times (indicate preference):
The format will be similar to last year's:
1. You will be scheduled for a time slot at either 2pm or 3.30pm depending on available slots and your availability. Slots are limited by the number of alumni available to interview and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
2. We will begin interviewing applicants in each time slot in the order of sign-in at the business centre and we'll try to match applicants to alumni by school so that we can be more helpful.
3. Each interview should take about 20-30 minutes so the longest you should have to wait is an hour.
xxx has also kindly agreed to take interviews in Penang on the afternoon of Jan 30th (Friday). Please contact her directly at the email copied above to make arrangements.
Thanks in advance for your help, note: Alumni contact details have been blanked out. Drop me a message if you would like to attend =)
I was just looking at my schedule and i can't believe that at least 3 of my courses (and counting) have finals on the 6th and 7th of May!!! *faints* wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...................................................
Roosevelt Island was great, Cambridge/boston/MA was freezing,Hell's kitchen was creepy, Picasso's and Van Gogh's paintings were hmmm..interesting while the company of crazy guys..were.......enlightening.....
Anyway, term starts next week....
In Need To get b.O.o.k.s ......
Here's M & M wishing you Happy New Year and a great year ahead!
- lXl -
n 1. An integer that can be 'divided' without 'remainder' into the 'difference' between 'two' other integers
2. The absolute value of a 'complex' number
3. Coefficient that expresses how much of a specified property is possessed by a specified substance
