Monday, April 21, 2008

Catatan Semalam

21 April 2008
C7 Flat UTM 01:00 am

Time ni semua dah tido, Cuma aku jer yang x tido2 lagi. Semalam – aku OT lagi, tapi sebelum ke ofis, aku ke MMC untuk collect RM50.00 elaun mesyuarat KOTAMAS.

Cerita menarik dimana seorang ahli senat US berdarah Arab, James G Abourezk, South Dakota, mempermain lobbyist yahudi bernama David Brody;

Pada tahun 1974, dengan harapan untuk dilantik bagi mengisi satu jawatan kosong di dalam Jawatankuasa Kehakiman Senat, beliau memberi amaran kepada David Brody, seorang pelobi Anti – deformation League, jika dia tidak mendapat jawatan itu, dia akan berusaha mendapatkan kerusi dalam Jawatankuasa Perhubungan Luar Negara… “Brody akan sedaya upaya untuk menghalang saya masuk ke dalam Jawatankuasa Perhubungan Luar Negara dimana bantuan kepada Israel akan ditentukan. Saya berhutang budi kepada lobi yang membantu saya dilantik ke dalam Jawatankuasa Kehakiman Senat”,.. Perlantikan ini memberi kesempatan kepada Abourezk untuk membicarakan hal tentang hak milik Israel di Tebing Barat dan Gaza, sama ada ia sah dari segi undang – undang atau tidak, pada tahun 1977. “Ini adalah pembicaraan pertama – dan terakhir – tentang tajuk ini.” [1]

Begitulah kuatnya genggaman puak Yahudi pada politik US

Dalam buku Tentera dalam Politik karya Eric A Nordlinger aku tertarik akan satu ungkapan yang ditulisnya;

Pemimpin adalah orang yang boleh menentukan punca satu – satu masalah – sama ada teknikal, tentera atau social – dan orang yang bersedia membawa ke matlamat yang dikehendaki. [2]

Cuba kita lihat apa kata bekas Setiausaha Negara US, Dean Acheson mengenai ketua, katanya;

Strong men can accomplish a lot even with poor organization, but weakness at the top cannot be overcome by the best.” [3]

Hmmmm..Pak Lah ader nak komen aper – ape ke?

OK la mata dah ngatuk… esok malam kita sambung tulis lagi ekk


Chaloo…

**
Nama yang disebut dalam tulisan hari ini:
James G Abourezk – Ahli Senat US dari North Dakota
David Brody – Pelobi Yahudi dari Anti – Deformation League
Eric A Nordlinger
Dean Acheson – Setiausaha Negara US
Pak Lah - PM Malaysia

Nota Kaki
[1] Findley, Paul. Mereka Berani Bersuara. Trans. Media Indah Sdn. Bhd. K Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa Pustaka, 1993. Hal. 121 – 122
[2] Nordlinger, Eric A. Tentera dalam Politik: Kudeta dan Kerajaan. Trans. Ghazali Mayuddin. K Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa Pustaka, 1986. Hal. 167
[3] Vitullo – Martin, Julia, and J Robert Moskin. Executive’s Book of Quotations. New York: Oxford UP, 1994. Hal. 162

Friday, April 18, 2008

Kutipan dari pembacaanku


Percaya atau tidak, bekas Setiausaha Negara US, Collin Powell pernah bertindak sebagai penggerak Kerajaan US dalam menyokong golongan Contra menentang puak Sandinista di Nicaragua, petikan dalam buku beliau, My American Journey;
Working with Jose Sorzano and two White House legislative aide, Dave Addington and Alan Kranowitz, I became the chief administrative advocate, trying to win enough congressional support to keep contras afloat. [1]


Apa dia Reign of Charlemagne (768 – 814)
Greatest ruler of Western Europe during the Dark Ages; reunited much of western Europe; brief period of peace and cultural revival. [2]


Ketika membaca buku karya Alvin Toffler yang bertajuk Future Shock: The Third Wave aku tertarik akan salah satu tulisannya yang berbunyi:
… our demands on the planet are escalating wildly. As result the biosphere is sending us alarm signals – pollution, desertification, sign of toxification in the oceans, subtle shift in climate – that we ignore at the risk of catastrophe. [3]


Bercerita tentang teknologi, elok aku perturunkan salah satu tulisan yang aku baca dari buku The Last Mile tulisan Jason Wolf dan Natalie Zee, tulis mereka;
Of all the broadband technologies that are competing with one another, wireless is my favorite. The Technology is simple: Hook a cell-phone type device in your computer, place a call to your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and you are connected to the Internet from anywhere. Beside ability to roam and still be connected, you also won’t have to deal with ugly wires everywhere. [4]


Cerita tentang politik gak best…. Maklumlah lepas – lepas PRU12 ni…

Pengundi luar, ugutan samseng, salahguna media massa oleh parti pemerintah bagi menakutkan pengundi dan sebagainya – semua ini menghancurkan dan mereputkan system demokrasi di Malaysia. [5]

As Malaysia, I am truly fed up with all this back – stabbing and bickering in Umno. There are greater issues that need to be address. They should focus on running the country instead of wasting time jockeying for power…[6]

End Note
[1] Powell, Collin, and Joseph E Persico. My American Journey. New York: Ballantine Books, 2003. Hal. 328
[2] Horowitz, Sidney, PhD. World History. New York: Collier Books, 1963. Hal. 13
[3] Toffler, Alvin. The Third Wave. New York: Bantam Books, 1981. Hal. 235
[4] Wolf, Jason, and Natalie Zee. The Last Mile: Broadband and the Next Internet Revolution. New York: McGraw – Hill, 2001. Hal. 28
[5] Rasiah, Mohanarani. Skandal Pengundi Hantu di Sungai Siput. Ipoh, Perak: Alaigal, 2004. Hal. 37
[6] New Straits Times, April 17, 2008. Hal.1

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Emergency Preparedness

In Feb. 2003, the DHS launched its public service "Ready" campaign in association with the Ad Council and the Sloan Foundation. People are advised to take 3 steps.

1. Make a Kit.
Make a home emergency supply kit with at least 3 days worth of essential provisions for "sheltering-in-place," and assemble a lightweight version in case evacuation is necessary.

Kits should include 1 gallon of water per person per day. Provide enough easily prepared canned or dried foods. In colder climates, supply warm clothes and a sleeping bag for each member of the family. Kits should contain a first-aid kit, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, toiletries, and any needed medical presciptions. They should include a filter mask (available in hardware stores) or other covering to use as a filter when breathing. Duct tape and heavy-duty garbage bags or plastic sheeting should be available in case it is necessary to seal windows and doors.

2. Make a Plan.
Form a communication plan, with designated contacts for each family member. Provisions should be made both for staying in place and for evacuating.

Shelter-in-place.
Designate in advance an interior room, or one with the fewest windows and doors, for shelter. In an emergency, if there is heavy debris in the air or authorities deem the air contaminated, close windows, doors, vents, and fireplace dampers, and turn off air conditioners, forced-air heating systems, exhaust fans, and clothes dryers. Take family members and emergency supplies to a selected room and seal doors and windows as needed. Follow TV or radio broadcasts, or the Internet, for further instructions.

Evacuation.
Create an evacuation plan with a specific meeting place for family members. Keep at least half a tank of gas in the car at all times, and learn alternate driving routes, as well as alternate means of transportation in your area. If the air is contaminated, drive with the windows and vents closed and keep the air conditioning or heater off.

Work and School.
Talk to schools and employers about emergency plans and how they will communicate with families in emergencies.

3. Be Informed.
What to do depends partly on the nature of the threat.

Biological Threat.
If a biological danger is reported, keep in contact with TV, radio, or the Internet for news and advice. If you become aware of a release of an unknown substance nearby, get away and cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still allow breathing. Wash with soap and water, and seek medical attention.

Chemical Threat.
In the event of a chemical attack, leave the contaminated area immediately, if you can safely do so. Signs of a chemical attack in the area may include people with symptoms such as watery eyes, twitching, choking, difficulty breathing, or loss of coordination. Listen to news reports. If you believe you may have been exposed to a chemical agent, remove clothes promptly and wash with soap and water. Do not scrub chemical into skin. Be sure to seek medical attention.

Explosions.
If there is an explosion, take shelter from the blast under a desk or table. Leave the building or area when feasible; check for fire, and never use elevators.

Nuclear Blast.
In case of a nuclear blast, take cover immediately, preferably below ground. Decide whether to shelter-in-place or evacuate; bear in mind that the more shielding and distance between you and the blast, and the less time of exposure, the more you reduce your risk.

Source: http://www.ready.gov/america/index.html

Emergency Preparedness

In Feb. 2003, the DHS launched its public service "Ready" campaign in association with the Ad Council and the Sloan Foundation. People are advised to take 3 steps.

1. Make a Kit.
Make a home emergency supply kit with at least 3 days worth of essential provisions for "sheltering-in-place," and assemble a lightweight version in case evacuation is necessary.

Kits should include 1 gallon of water per person per day. Provide enough easily prepared canned or dried foods. In colder climates, supply warm clothes and a sleeping bag for each member of the family. Kits should contain a first-aid kit, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, toiletries, and any needed medical presciptions. They should include a filter mask (available in hardware stores) or other covering to use as a filter when breathing. Duct tape and heavy-duty garbage bags or plastic sheeting should be available in case it is necessary to seal windows and doors.

2. Make a Plan.
Form a communication plan, with designated contacts for each family member. Provisions should be made both for staying in place and for evacuating.

Shelter-in-place.
Designate in advance an interior room, or one with the fewest windows and doors, for shelter. In an emergency, if there is heavy debris in the air or authorities deem the air contaminated, close windows, doors, vents, and fireplace dampers, and turn off air conditioners, forced-air heating systems, exhaust fans, and clothes dryers. Take family members and emergency supplies to a selected room and seal doors and windows as needed. Follow TV or radio broadcasts, or the Internet, for further instructions.

Evacuation.
Create an evacuation plan with a specific meeting place for family members. Keep at least half a tank of gas in the car at all times, and learn alternate driving routes, as well as alternate means of transportation in your area. If the air is contaminated, drive with the windows and vents closed and keep the air conditioning or heater off.

Work and School.
Talk to schools and employers about emergency plans and how they will communicate with families in emergencies.

3. Be Informed.
What to do depends partly on the nature of the threat.

Biological Threat.
If a biological danger is reported, keep in contact with TV, radio, or the Internet for news and advice. If you become aware of a release of an unknown substance nearby, get away and cover your mouth and nose with layers of fabric that can filter the air but still allow breathing. Wash with soap and water, and seek medical attention.

Chemical Threat.
In the event of a chemical attack, leave the contaminated area immediately, if you can safely do so. Signs of a chemical attack in the area may include people with symptoms such as watery eyes, twitching, choking, difficulty breathing, or loss of coordination. Listen to news reports. If you believe you may have been exposed to a chemical agent, remove clothes promptly and wash with soap and water. Do not scrub chemical into skin. Be sure to seek medical attention.

Explosions.
If there is an explosion, take shelter from the blast under a desk or table. Leave the building or area when feasible; check for fire, and never use elevators.

Nuclear Blast.
In case of a nuclear blast, take cover immediately, preferably below ground. Decide whether to shelter-in-place or evacuate; bear in mind that the more shielding and distance between you and the blast, and the less time of exposure, the more you reduce your risk.

Source: http://www.ready.gov/america/index.html

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Organization of the United Nations


The United Nations consists of 6 principal organs, 15 agencies, and many programs and other bodies. The 6 principal organs are the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Secretariat, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, and the Intl. Court for Justice.

General Assembly. The General Assembly is composed of representatives of all the member nations. Each nation is entitled to one vote. The General Assembly meets in regular annual sessions and in special session when convoked at the request of the Security Council or a majority of UN members. On important questions a two-thirds majority of members present and voting is required; on other questions a simple majority is sufficient.

The General Assembly must approve the UN budget and apportion expenses among members. A member in arrears can lose its vote if the amount of arrears equals or exceeds the amount of the contributions due for the preceding 2 full years. Website: www.un.org/ga


Security Council. The Security Council consists of 15 members, 5 with permanent seats. The remaining 10 are elected for 2-year terms by the General Assembly. Website: www.un.org/docs/sc



Permanent members of the Council are: China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and the United States. Nonpermanent members are (with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2003): Bulgaria, Cameroon, Guinea, Mexico, and Syria; (with terms expiring Dec. 31, 2004): Angola, Chile, Germany, Pakistan, Spain.



The Security Council has the primary responsibility within the UN for maintaining international peace and security. The Council may investigate any dispute that threatens international peace and security.



Any member of the UN at UN headquarters may, if invited by the Council, participate in its discussions, and a nation not a member of the UN may appear if it is a party to a dispute. Decisions on procedural questions are made by an affirmative vote of 9 members. On all other matters the affirmative vote of 9 members must include the concurring votes of all permanent members (giving them veto power). A party to a dispute must refrain from voting.



The Security Council directs the various peacekeeping forces deployed throughout the world.
Secretariat. The Secretariat is an international staff of about 8,900 that carries out the day-today operations of the UN and is headed by the secretary general. The secretary general is the chief administrative officer of the UN, and is appointed by the General Assembly, on the recommendation of the Security Council, for a five-year, renewable term. The Secretary General reports to the General Assembly and may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter that threatens international peace.



Economic and Social Council. The Economic and Social Council consists of 54 members elected by the General Assembly for 3-year terms. The council is responsible for carrying out UN functions with regard to international economic, social, cultural, educational, health, and related matters. It meets once a year. Website: www.un.org/esa



Trusteeship Council. The administration of trust territories was under UN supervision; however, all 11 Trust Territories have attained their right to self-determination. The work of the Council was suspended May 1994.



Budget: The General Assembly approved a total budget for the biennium 2003-2004 of $2.17 billion.



International Court of Justice (World Court). The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the UN. All members are ipso facto parties to the statute of the Court. The Court has jurisdiction over cases the parties submit to it and matters especially provided for in the charter or in treaties. It gives advisory opinions and renders judgments. In disputes between nations, the Court's decisions are binding only between parties concerned and in respect to a particular dispute. If any party to a case fails to heed a judgment, the other party may have recourse to the Security Council.



The 15 judges are elected for 9-year terms by the General Assembly and the Security Council. Retiring judges are eligible for reelection. The Court remains permanently in session, except during vacations. All questions are decided by majority. The International Court of Justice sits in The Hague, Netherlands. Website: http://www.icj-cij.org/



The text of the UN Charter may be obtained from the Public Inquiries Unit, Department of Public Information, United Nations, New York, NY 10017. (212) 963-4475. Website: www.un.org/aboutUN/charter/index.html

Mark Pissone of Cassaholm Confidential FC Diary (Part 5)

 October 22, 2013 - The Goalless Tango, Oldkamps Outlaw Standoff, and Dr. Cassa's Cryptic Satisfaction! Dear Diary, In the ever-unpredic...