Missing girl, Caitlin Anderson
Her name is Caitlin Anderson and she’s only 15.
She’s been missing since Monday, 26 September. Her family is worried for her safety and is seeking all the help they can to find Caitlin and bring her safely home to them.
We are doing all we can on Facebook to spread her photo around and praying for her safe return. I hope that you who are reading this will do the same. Every bit helps.
Thank you.
Here’s a joke that I pinched from a Facebook friend. It’s about a guy who bought his wife a Tazer for their anniversary. I’ll let him tell you his story.
“Last weekend I saw something at Larry’s Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked my interest. The occasion was our 15th anniversary and I was looking for a little something extra for my wife Julie.
What I came across was a 100,000-volt pocket/purse-sized Tazer. The effects of the Tazer were supposed to be short-lived, with no long-term effect on her assailant, allowing her adequate time to retreat to safety?? WAY TOO COOL!
Long story short, I bought the device and brought it home. I loaded two AAA batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button. Nothing!
I was disappointed.
I learned however, that if I pushed the button and pressed it against a metal surface at the same time, I’d get the blue arc of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs. AWESOME!
Unfortunately, I have yet to explain to Julie what that burn spot is on the face of her microwave.
Okay, so I was home alone with this new toy, thinking to myself that it couldn’t be all that bad with only two AAA batteries, right?
There I sat in my recliner, my cat Gracie looking on intently (trusting little soul) while I was reading the directions and thinking that I really needed to try this thing out on a flesh and blood moving target.
I must admit I thought about zapping Gracie (for a fraction of a second) and then thought better of it. She is such a sweet cat.
But, if I was going to give this thing to my wife to protect herself against a mugger, I wanted some assurance that it would work as advertised. Am I wrong?
So, there I sat in a pair of shorts and a tank top with my reading glasses perched delicately on the bridge of my nose, directions in one hand, Tazer in another.
The directions said that:
A one-second burst would shock and disorient your assailant, a two-second burst was supposed to cause muscle spasms and a major loss of bodily control, and a three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the ground like a fish out of water. Any burst longer than three seconds would be wasting the batteries.
Tazer
All the while, I’m looking at this little device, measuring about 5 inches long, less than 3/4 inches in circumference (loaded with two itsy-bitsy AAA batteries) ; pretty cute really, and thinking to myself, ‘no possible way!’
What happened next is almost beyond description, but I’ll do my best.
I’m sitting there alone, Gracie looking on with her head cocked to one side so as to say, “Don’t do it, stupid!” Reasoning that a one-second burst from such a tiny lil’ ole thing couldn’t hurt all that bad, I decided to give myself a one-second burst just for the heck of it.
I touched the prongs to my naked thigh, pushed the button, and … HOLY MOTHER OF GOD! WEAPONS OF DESTRUCTION! WHAT THE …!!!
I’m pretty sure Hulk Hogan ran through the side door, picked me up in the recliner, then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and over and over again.
I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal position, with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire, testicles nowhere to be found, my left arm tucked under my body in the oddest position, and tingling in my legs!
The cat was making meowing sounds I had never heard before , clinging to a picture frame hanging above the fireplace, obviously in an attempt to avoid getting slammed by my body flopping all over the living room.
Note: If you ever feel compelled to ‘mug’ yourself with a Tazer, one note of caution.
There is NO such thing as a one-second burst when you zap yourself! You will not let go of that thing until it is dislodged from your hand by a violent trashing about on the floor! A three-second burst would be considered conservative!
A minute or so later (I can’t be sure, as time was a relative thing at that point), I collected my wits (what little I had left), sat up, and surveyed the landscape.
My bent reading glasses were on the mantel of the fireplace. The recliner was upside down and about 8 feet or so from where it originally was.
My triceps, right thigh and both nipples were still twitching. My face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, and my bottom lip weighed 88lbs. I had no control over the drooling.
Apparently, I had crapped in my shorts, but was too numb to know for sure, and my sense of smell was gone. I saw a faint smoke cloud above my head, which I believe came from my hair.
I’m still looking for my testicles and am offering a significant reward for their safe return!
P.S. My wife can’t stop laughing about my experience, loved the gift and now regularly threatens me with it!
If you think education is difficult, try being stupid!”
Please don’t try this at home.
But if you do, please come back and share YOUR experience! LOL!
This is a long overdue respond to requests from Facebook friends for more info about the ‘mountain’ Hana and I climb every Sunday.
The steps at Batu Caves
The ‘mountain’ is actually a long flight of steps leading to some caves in a limestone hill – caves which house several Hindu shrines.
It is a sacred place for Hindus. Called “Batu Caves”, which literally means “Stone Caves”, it is situated about 7 miles from Kuala Lumpur.
There are also several temples at the foot of the hill and devotees show up as early as 6:30am to take part in prayers.
Thaipusam
Batu Caves is known for the annual festival of Thaipusam, when close to a million devotees and tourists make their way to the caves.
Thaipusam is the birthday celebration of the Hindu deity Subramaniam. It is also the time when devotees fulfill vows by carrying or pulling huge ‘kavadis’ with hooks attached to their skin or iron rods piercing their cheeks.
If you are squeamish, then scroll quickly past the next photo.
Thaipusam - kavadi
Not everyone has to inflict such pain on themselves to fulfill a vow. Many carry on their heads a simple urn filled with fresh milk.
Thaipusam - urn of fresh milk
One has to be there to view and appreciate the beauty of the limestone caves. These photos, taken with my smartphone will give you an idea of what to expect.
Entering Batu Caves
The view from inside the cave
Surreal view from the cave
The view of the steps and the huge statue of Lord Murugan at dawn is a sight to behold.
Batu Caves at dawn
Oh, did I mention the pigeons? There are hundreds of them that tamely crowd the empty space leading to the steps.
Pigeons at Batu Caves
Aside from the religious rituals, the steps at Batu Caves have become a popular exercise spot for all races. Many climb the 272 steps to improve their fitness levels while some do it as part of their training to climb Mount Kinabalu in East Malaysia.
Climbers
I am full of admiration for those who climb the steps effortlessly. Granted, they have been doing it for a long time, nevertheless, it is an enviable feat.
Many of the regulars help the priests carry their wares and offerings up the steps. Trust me, it really works your legs when you’re carrying a load that weighs close to 5kg.
The first few weeks were tough. We had to catch our breath a few times at each climb. We have since progressed to making two quick stops along the way and finishing 4 climbs a week.
Me climbing Batu Caves
The only downside from the experience is the stench along the steps. I suspect it comes from the droppings and urine of the monkey population.
It helps when it rains the night before to wash away some of it.
We have since move on to other weekend activities like visiting the park and the hot spring.
The lack of fresh air played a big part in encouraging us to look for ‘healthier’ alternatives.
Batu Caves is however one place you need to visit and experience at least once.
If you don’t mind large crowds, then Thaipusam would be a good time to be there. Not me, though. I stay away from sales in malls to avoid crowds.
Hope you enjoyed my brief description of Batu Caves. If you have similar experiences to share or have a question to ask, please leave a comment. 
Namaste.
It has been a long week since we visited the Selayang Hot Spring last Sunday. Hana was excited about going back, and so we did, yesterday and today.
"Essentials"
We were better prepared this time. Got us a bigger tub and a little chair to sit on while we soaked our feet in the smaller tubs.
It was drizzling when we woke up but we decided to risk it. Glad we did. It did rain heavily, but after we had spent over an hour there.
Interestingly, the rain did not deter some people, who came prepared with umbrellas.
I thought there were only three wells, but we made an interesting discovery when we arrived yesterday. Partly hidden by some bushes was another waterhole. This, we were told was the hottest one, which explains why few people spent time there.
Hottest waterhole - notice the vapor
We found the source of “mud” which many people, especially the ladies, had been using on their legs and faces. The “mud” was sulfur found at the base of the waterhole.
Hana enjoying her facial
I’m not sure what it is supposed to do but I agreed to allow Hana to apply some on my face. It was a soothing warm feeling.
Maybe if I do it often, my face will be smooth as “a baby’s butt”. I’m not saying I know what a baby’s butt feels like. I’ve just heard it said.
Health benefits aside, what I enjoy about the place is the rapport among the regulars.
It’s a mini “community” that is warm and welcoming to newbies like us, offering us advice and suggestions whenever deemed necessary. Strangers become acquaintances as quickly as it takes for us to accept a Facebook friend request.
Marie and hubby (right)
Marie and her husband – “aunty” and “uncle” – are an elderly couple who have been visiting the hot spring for the past 18 years.
Friendly and chatty, she’s filled with stories about the history of the hot spring.
All things aside, what we enjoy most is pampering each other. I mean Hana and me.
To us, it’s a nice weekend outing, spending time together. Making new friends and improving our health is a bonus.
I love knowing more about what I am involved in and will be checking out some of the health benefits the hot spring offers. Will post it her once I’ve gathered enough info.
Till then, I’d like to take a moment to remember those who were killed on this day, 9-11, ten years ago, and honor the heroes who risked their lives saving those who survived. My prayers go out to the families who lost their loved ones on that fateful day.
Peace be with you!
Check out Part 1 of our hot spring visit.
Yesterday, Hana changed our usual Sunday routine. Instead of our regular climb up the steps of Batu Caves and walk in the park, we chose to visit a hot spring.
It’s known as Selayang Hot Spring, a mere 15 minutes away from the city of Kuala Lumpur. At least, that’s how long I take to drive the distance.
Hana and I love visiting hot springs and have been doing so for the past few years. However, we have not done so very frequently as the one we used to go to, is almost 2 hours drive away.
The Selayang hot spring is only 30 minutes away from where we live, which makes it very convenient.
A quick Google search provided us with the necessary info about the hot spring but we later found out that some of the information were outdated. Can’t blame the authors though as they probably visited it once in the past few years.
I hope to provide more current information in due course as we plan to frequent it every weekend.
Selayang Hot Spring
Three wells at Selayang hot spring (click to enlarge)
The hot spring occupies a very small area, due to certain restrictions related to commercial development. There are only three wells, each with a different degree of heat.
The least popular well is well #3. The water is the least hot among the three wells.
That’s not the reason it is less popular. It is due to people submerging themselves in it.
We were told that people normally urinate in the well while soaking in it. Didn’t feel the need to find out for ourselves, so we avoided that one like the plague.
Well #2 was hot but tolerable once we got used to the heat. Glad it was hot enough to deter “soakers”. Most people use plastic dippers to scoop water from the well and bathe themselves with it. Someone offered me a small bucket saying it was more satisfying to when pouring more water.
Rub a dub dub (click to enlarge)
Our favorite was well #1. The water was so hot that we had to pour it into buckets to let it cool a bit before bathing with it.
I found it amusing that many came prepared with huge tubs, and were happily sitting in them while chatting and enjoying a meal of sandwiches and fruits.
Reminded me of the “three men in a tub” nursery rhyme.
We didn’t have that in mind, so we brought one to fill up with water to cool it. Hana somehow managed to get into it as you can see from the photo. Needless to say, we’re looking to get two huge tubs for next week’s visit.
Hana in a tub
What we enjoyed most was the wonderful atmosphere there. People were friendly and all it took was a smile and before long we were chatting like old friends.
There was also a picnic-like atmosphere as families brought food with them. Children’s laughter filled the air as they splashed water on each other. Even toddlers did not miss out on the fun as they soaked in little buckets.
A group of Selayang hot spring faithfuls (click to enlarge)
Most regulars are elderly people who frequent the hot spring because of its “health benefits”.
Many of them have their own stories of how their health has improved, and diseases cured.
One lady we met is said to be able to walk normally after suffering an illness that almost crippled her, thanks to regular use of water from the hot spring.
Another elderly lady who suffered a stroke is undergoing hot spring therapy. Her daughter and a maid help her as she takes slow careful steps towards the well where she sits on a plastic chair. The maid fills up several buckets with water while her daughter lovingly sponges her.
Her daughter later tells us her mom has shown improvement in the mobility of her affected arm and leg after several months of therapy. They visit the hot spring almost every day.
Some may scoff at such stories but I’m a firm believer that there is truth in everything and nothing is impossible. Does it work for everyone?
Of course not. Nothing does.
Hot springs have however long been known for the benefits they offer but that’s the topic of another blog post.
Here’s what renown Dr Andrew Weil has to say about the benefits of hot spring bath treatment or balneotherapy.
Water in the well. Notice the mineral deposits at the base.
Thanks to local government, there is no charge to use the hot spring. So, for a small parking fee of RM2 ($0.70), you get to spend as much time as you like, be it for therapy and in our case, fun as well.
Here’s Part 2 of our Selayang hot spring visit.
Racial harmony at Selayang hot spring.
Namaste
Child with iPad
Top iPad Apps for Children with Autism
This article was originally intended as an assignment on Helium but I got wind of it a bit late and had to rush it and ended up failing to include links as was required. It was rejected. 
(Note to self: always read the terms and conditions carefully)
In a way, I’m glad it was. I now have more time to extend my research and provide a more comprehensive (and edited) write-up with the help of images and videos.
Please be aware that I am not an expert on children with autism, neither have I personally used the apps mentioned here. I don’t even have an iPad2 yet. I prefer a laptop which allows me to work on.
I do have a soft spot for children, especially those with special needs, so when I saw the title, I knew this was one I would want to write about. I hope readers will find the information useful.
Kids with iPad
Since the inception of the iPad and now the iPad2, a large selection of apps have been introduced.
Parents and educators are now excited about the iPad as a teaching aid for autistic children thanks to apps specially developed for children with disabilities which make communication difficult.
These apps help children with autism improve basic skills such as social, fine motor, language and communication skills. Children learn to communicate and express themselves with their iPad without the usual frustration they feel.
I’ve come across may sites promoting apps for children with autism, and these are three that stood out. The info provided is a summary of the info found on the respective product pages.
1. Proloquo2Go
This app can be used on iPhones, iPod touch and the iPad. Highly recommended for people with autism, cerebral palsy and other brain disabilities, it provides an alternative communication solution for those who have difficulty speaking.
Utilizing natural sounding text-to-speech voices, colorful stick-figure illustrations, a high vocabulary of more than 7,000 words and advance word prediction, the Proloquo2Go is extremely easy to use.
I think this video from ABC News will explain Proloquo2Go better:
.
2. Grace
The Grace app is an award-winning* app which allows children with special needs to communicate by selecting pictures and linking them to form sentences, before showing them to others to hear them read each word.
Grace app screenshot
Users are encouraged to take control of what they want to say. With practice, users can learn to vocalize words with the pictures as a back-up. Although Grace has its own library of images, digital images from personal photo albums and other sources may be added, and stored images deleted, to customize it.
* Winner of the 2010 Irish Web Awards and United Nations World Summit Award Mobile.
3. iComm
The iComm is an affordable, easy-to-use communication system for children with autism and other disabilities which make communication difficult. Using pictures and words, written and spoken, it allows children to learn by associating pictures with their verbal equivalent.
iComm app
Fully customizable, it allows parents to add pictures that their children are familiar with, and also record words in their voice. When children select a picture and hear their parent’s voice saying the word, they love it.
While content is provided for certain categories, parents can create new categories by adding pictures and voice recordings.
This new content can be deleted when no longer needed. Users have control over the experience they want for their children.
These are only three of many iPad apps that may provide solutions to problems faced by parents and children with special needs. Many of these apps can also be used on your iPhone.
Here is a parent’s review of Expressive, another iPad app for children with autism.
Please share your experiences of other apps that will benefit our children.
(The images used are taken from the Internet. Please let me know if they are in violation of any copyright and I will remove them immediately)
