With one in 110 children diagnosed with autism, and therapists in short supply, researchers are developing humanoids to fill the gaps. But can robots help patients forge stronger bonds with people?
Smile for the Camera Bandit, a robot designed to engage children with autism, has stereo cameras for eyes. John B. Carnett
In a small, sparsely furnished room, a young boy in a black T-shirt backs himself into a corner. He’s cautious. Cameras capture his movements, and microphones record every sound. But this doesn’t intimidate him; he doesn’t even seem aware that he’s being observed. His mom, sitting nearby, is not the object of his focus either. Brian (his name has been changed here to protect his privacy) is autistic, and he’s staring across the room at a two-wheeled, gray, humanoid robot with big, cartoonish eyes. The machine, Bandit, is roughly Brian’s size, and it has been trying to engage him by slowly rolling toward him. Continue reading...
It's a small step actually. Just like what Winston Churchill said in his speech (refer your Talley O'Connor right at the back). This is the second time I mention this quote:
Now this is not the end.
It is not even the beginning of the end.
But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.
Thanks to Allah. I really hope I can be your instrument of your Mercy.
Thanks to my parents for their endless support. Mak, ayah, dan adik-adik. There's no way I can go on without them.
Thanks to my teachers - be it back in Ireland, here in PMC, and of course the staff in Penang Hospital, Seberang Jaya Hospital and Taiping Hospital. There's more, KK Bayan Baru and Klinik Sadha. One more, Charis Hospice for their excellent insights on palliative care. As what all clinicians in existence would say, we strive for the best interest of the patient. No more, no less.
Thanks to all patients, who were willing to spare some time, and more than happy to share their stories about everything - from the best dining places in Penang, to deeply sibling rivalries on inheritance.
Thanks to my colleagues, from premeds, all the way to final year. It's a roller-coaster ride to remember for life. We will be distant apart soon. Just forget the bitter part, and move on. After all, we're just humans, bound to make mistakes, be it a miscommunication or it was just plain wrong.
Thanks to a special friend (Hafiz Hashim / Ipin), I managed to get my hands of the original copy of this banned movie. Directed by Amir Muhammad, who is seen by the film board as 'controversial' (just a nice way of saying 'you can go to heaven'), I think he just wanted to test the water (again).
So how does it feel watching a banned movie? Biasa saja. Heh, I can say this is the second popular non porn Malaysian movie. The first place goes to The Last Communist, denounced by the press and ministers alike. Heh, who owns the press? By the way, Pramugara Terlampau remained indisputable in the other category - all the stars were convicted!
Upon seeing the lush greenery, (set in Southern Thai) I was immersed with the atmosphere - well my kampung is wayyy south, Batu Pahat. In fact, this movie should be categorised as 'Nature', sitting next to endless yellow frame series (NatGeo) on DVD shelf.
I don't like spoiling the movie for you, but it is not what exactly what title says. There's no throat slashing, castrating, and all those gore. Heck, this is totally peaceful movie. It's combination of interviews, coupled with Thai radio show (don't worry its subtitled), of what some Communist did in those days. It is more like Majalah Tiga, if you get my drift.
Actually its about the idea that makes this movie banned. Ideas. Questions. Being critical. Daya inkuiri yang tinggi. Heh, for the record, stopping people from being educated (going to uni doesn't guarantee it, look at the UKM 4) is the easiest way to keep on governing. I rest my case here.
Last year, my family moved out from Ampang to live in a very secluded area called Jenderam Hulu, deep in Sepang district. Sigh... growing up in Ampang equals to being 'anak metropolitan', therefore staying close to nature is a strange thing.
Well, Ampang previously a tin mining area, much like Kinta Valley in Ipoh. Pandan Indah was just a huge man-made lake. I can't believe the whole Ampang was so urbanised, it holds almost 60k of population! I was surrounded by concrete jungle back in Taman Cempaka - Ampang Point is a 10 minute drive, Galaxy is reachable in 3, and now Axis Atrium, I suppose I can be there within 2 minutes!
Fast forward, my home is in the middle of durian orchard, and next to palm oil plantation. It sounds peaceful is it not? Add a PLUS highway which is 400 metres away, the decibel has gone up. However, it is a place where no one can hear you scream... and we've been robbed by a gang of 5 in the early dawn once mind you. Thank God nobody was hurt. Such a life.
As for Jenderam, suffice to say this place has a rich history. During its heyday, it used to be one of many centres of pondok in Selangor, with teachers hailing all the way from Acheh and Jawa. I have no idea how extensive the centre was, however according to elderly lads I meet at the mosque, for a time this is a centre of choice for many interested souls.
Then came the British. 1948 was a bleak year for this blessed community. Most of the populations were evicted on the pretext of supporting Communist Party, to Johore and Perak. Purge is the better word.... Haih...
Now Jenderam is famous for Yayasan Al-Jenderami. Masjid Ar-Redha pun selalu ada kuliah. Apa-apapun, Darus-Syifa di Bangi tidaklah jauh sangat. Yeay!
Alhamdulillah I'm now qualified. Which means I can start working as house officer...
It is enlightening listening to seniors about their working life. The good, the bad and the ugly. All of it. It's more liberating to note down mistakes they've done, especially if its fatal. Then tales of how (shall)low some of us can go. Just like what Dr Zaid Azhari (ex-218) puts it - Harap saja pakai white coat dan nametag Dr, tapi pemalas, berlagak dan menyusahkan orang!
Then there's stories of how housemen went mental. Semoga dijauhkan darinya...
Allow me to quote from Talley & O'Connor, right at the back:
Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. Sir Winston Churchill, Speech in November 1942
As always, somebody will take the charge of calling Chicken Hut. 01 4736888. Got it!
Me: Hello, is this Chicken Hut?
Chicken Hut (CH): Yes, its Chicken Hut. Where are you calling from sir?
Me: South Circular Road
CH: Alright, which house then? 218? 254? 308? 318? 322?
Me: No, its 380 (heh banyak rupanya yang rajin memesan Chicken Hut)
CH: OK so there's a new place?
Me: Yes! (smiling)
CH: So what you'd like to order?
Me: Give me 2 Family Pack please
CH: Pepsi or Club Orange?
Me: Club Orange
CH: Now I repeat it again - 2 Family Pack, Club Orange. The address is 380 South Circular Road... and it will be ready in 30 minutes, and your contact number sir?
Me: 0851477775, four seven altogether
CH: OK thank you very much
The amazing true story of Zeitoun
Abdulrahman Zeitoun is the real-life hero of Dave Eggers's new book. In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina he paddled from house to house in a canoe, offering help to his neighbours. For his trouble, he was arrested as a suspected terrorist.
Abdulrahman Zietoun in the New Orleans Greyhound bus station where he was held after being arrested. Photograph: Julie Dermansky/Polaris
//Matt Damon is Richard Miller, tasked to search for WMDs, which turns out to be one good bogus reason for America to go to war.
Few weeks back my buddies and I managed to go to eye clinic ie. GSC, for Green Zone. Directed by the same guy who did the Jason Bourne trilogy (buku dia pun layan sehh), hence the screening was almost full house.
Heh, terrorist terrorist terrorist. Then somebody (they say its from local intel whereas its just manufactured from some analysts who stayed at parents' basement for yonks), someday, one way or another there will be attempts to connect those baddies with weapon of mass destruction, or deception - more politically correct.
Anyway its a good watch, I'd say this clearly - if you have bought Robert Fisk's The Great War for Civilisation, or any middle-east history books, and couldn't find time to read, re-read, or it's still in the shrink wrap, you would better off spend one evening watching this. It's a documentary in its essence.
Sempena Maulidur Rasul, Masjid Negeri Pulau Pinang ada menganjurkan majlis mengupas buku di atas, yang memperincikan peribadi Nabi kita, dari segi tuturkata, cara melayan tetamu, sahabat-sahabat (dalam konteks kita rakan sekerja), dan macam-macam lagi. Sayang tidak berkesempatan pergi... dek kursus ACLS.
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My favourite Burdah. Yea I know it is not the one recited during Maulid...
Another statement deserved for "WTX" remark, whereby X is whatever unpleasant word you could think of. Eg. What the cuss?
Norani Othman, a sociologist and founding member of SIS Forum Malaysia, a Muslim women's organization, said some in the government may be playing dirty politics, but Anwar is being stubborn and vain.
"Whatever his sexual orientation is, I'd advise him to just let it go and resign so our alternative politics is not held hostage," she said. "Whether Monica Lewinsky's blue dress or the underwear here, they belong to the same rubbish bin of contemporary history."
Everyone knows about the Chilcot inquiry. On the other side of the Atlantic, things are different. They're at the forefront, with full determination despite new guards are now staffing the White House.
If you fancy satire, you should try Full Battle Rattle. Location: Iraq. Yes, it seems Afghanistan is much prominent now. Hmmm... not at the best time to write a movie review...
After spending almost one and a half hour watching this: Inilah Filem Paling Sengal
What it means: Wishing you to be prosperous in the coming year, and red envelope please! Source: http://goodcharacters.com/newsletters/gong-xi-fa-cai.html
Heh, because of 1Malaysia spirit, I can give green angpows too!
// Photo op with Mr Kevin @ PMCSA CNY Dinner
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Hmmm... Maulidur Rasul. Celebration by Prophet Muhammad's birthday. My oh my, so you want to organise a parade? Its not even a tradition by the prophet Muhammad, but hey, no harm doing it as long as you don't claim it is his instruction. You see, Kelantan has no parade organised, but nobody make any noise?
Anyway, this brouhaha reminds me of the jolly of having Maulid celebration back in high school. Apart from parade, we have lectures on and quiz up and running - with aims to refresh back thought and knowledge about our prophet Muhammad. Everyone was kinda happy about it.
As for the parade, at one particular year it was decided that each batch need to assemble a team, more of a choir, to recite appraisals of the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him (selawat in arabic), or poems (burdah), and then have them do the parade around the school compound.
// An example of Maulidur Rasul parade. This is quite advanced and extravagant, ours were simple - no banner at all, everyone just dressed the same - white baju melayu, green samping, with black songkok. In the light of current situation, you might want to hold up a huge banner saying - "Nabi Anti Rasuah", "Perasuah Masuk Neraka", "Rasuah HARAM!". Heh, let's see if anyone got detained under ISA, heh or State Religion Department for that matter.
This effort prompted many discoveries of 'selawat' and 'burdah' version, including its meaning. A form of intellectual pursuit eh? Yes! At least most of us has no problems comprehending - since all of them in Arabic. Did I tell you that we learn Arabic in school?
The day came, and every batch was duly prepared. And then there was a surprise : One of the selawat rhymes exactly like Siti Nurhaliza's Cindai, originally by Imam as-Syed Jaafar bin Hasan bin Abdul Karim al-Barzanji - in short Imam Al-Barzanji - yes the Malay word Berzanji comes from his name!
Alright let's do some karaoke here:
Marhaban Jaddan / Jaddal Husaini - Welcome! The grandfather of Imam Husain
Marhaban Ya Nur / Ya Nur 'Aini - Welcome! Oh the light of my eyes!
Marhaban Jaddan / Jaddal Husaini - Welcome! The grandfather of Imam Husain
Marhaban Ya Nur 'Aini - Welcome! Oh the light of my eyes!
The stanza above rhymes with: Cindailah mana / tidak berkias
Jalinnya lalu / rentah beribu
Bagailah mana / hendak berhias
Cerminku retak seribu
Then here comes the chorus, no doubt everyone cheered!
Anta Shamsun Anta Badrun - You are the sun, you are the moon
Anta Noorun Fawqa Noori - You are light upon lights
Anta Ikseerun wa Ghaali - You are gold and even more priceless
Anta Misbaahu's-Sudoori - You are the light of hearts
Hendaklah hendak hendak ku rasa
Puncaknya gunung hendak ditawan
Tidaklah tidak tidak ku daya
Tingginya tidak terlawan
When the result was announced that team didn't win anything. Heh, obviously too much of a parody... Duhhh its quite hard for the judge (our teachers of course!) to accept such a brave stunt. Well, now everyone knows Cindai and Selawat cannot sit together, its hedonisme and spiritual. Yeah, like oil and water.
Morale of the day - If you want to do selawat, do it right. Dapat pahala! Check this link out eh?
Postscriptum - That weekend, am going to have ACLS course. No parade I suppose.
Alright, the first column is what you want to do. You can read it up alongwith translation, or you pursue on further, by memorising. It will be a remarkable feat, not to mention the rewards from Him. Aisemen, alot to catch up laaa...
Somebody forwarded this nifty table to me on Facebook recently. First time I came across with this, it was yonks ago, back in Form 1, albeit in written form. Lama... Upon enrolment to a secondary school in Kajang, I was surprised to see everyone was competitive in terms of memorising the Quran. It was the 'in' thing. If you don't follow the crowd, you are a loser with a capital L.
Everyone was so committed to it and if you throw a stone during school assembly, you're bound to hit someone who'd memorise at least 2 volumes (out of 30 excluding the bonus volume Juz Amma). Urgh, what a peer pressure! Translation-wise, we had Arabic lessons anyway, ultimately for PMR and much later, SPM, so everyday there is a word to learn.
Of course all the Arabic vocabs and grammars seem to be dissipating continuously, until now. Heck, even my Arabic ustazah, cried when advising me on how to do with it, as the final exam was around the corner. "Abadi, jangan gagal dalam Bahasa Arab, ya? Paling kurang, dapatlah faham apa yang imam baca," I just sighed, and said to myself - "Apalah lembab sangat aku...."
Anyway I think I'd drifted too far from the main point. Reading Quran, is quite simple to grasp as its about eye to voice coordination, and with lots of practice - read it everyday, you should be fluent in no time. However, one should remember, its a bad thing to read it without Tajwid - reciting in proper pronounciation and intonation, as even slightest mistake could alter the meaning.
C'mon, most of us will be parents soon enough, and it is a shame if one still having problems with Tajwid. How can one teach own child then? Ketam hendak mengajar anak berjalan? Then you'll need someone else to teach them, but it is sad to hear stories about parents being stingy - they can pay hundreds for private tuition, but for this, a tiny RM10 a month! (Sepuluh ringgit cukuplah....) And yet they expect the teacher to do it everyday. What the!
Heh, it was still vivid until now. The teacher wielded a long cane while going through checking out our recitation one by one. One mistake, that's it - a gentle hit on fingers, and you gotta restart all the way from the beginning. Some of us were damn quick like a bullet train - "Baca perlahan-lahan, sikit, bukan macam keretapi, main langgar saja..." When everyone was finished...
Heh, this is not about Tarannum yet - reciting it out with melody. As what Adnan Sempit puts it - "When there is a will, there is a highway"
