How's Life

Folks,

Recently, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released a report baseda survey on the quality of life. According to the report, there are eleven dimensions that construct or define the quality of life of a person:-

1. Housing

2. Income and wealth

3. Jobs and earnings

4. Social connections

5. Education and skills

6. Environmental quality

7. Civic engagement and governance

8. Health status

9. Subjective well-being

10. Personal security

11. Work-life balance

Malaysia was not among the country survey.

OECD further noted that no country excel in all dimensions stated above, and they rank the countries surveyed according to three categories:-

(A) Top 20% performers -- Australia, Sweden, Canada, Switzerland, Denmark etc.

(B) Average 60% performers -- Austria, Germany, Ireland, etc.

(C) Bottom 20% performers -- Chile, Mexico, Estonia, Greece etc.

You may read, download and access the report here: http://www.oecd.org/statistics/howslife.htm

Powerful Statement by President of the World Bank

Folks,

The following statement by the President of The World Bank on the death of Nelson Mandela is absolutely powerful:-

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. On behalf of the World Bank Group staff, I convey my deepest sympathies to Graca Machel, Nelson Mandela’s family, and the South African people.

The world has lost a man who brought a rainbow of possibilities to a country that was segregated into black and white. But his gifts to humankind remain with us. He taught the world that no matter the sins of the past, no matter the horror of apartheid, the way ahead toward peace was to forgive but not forget, to remember what happened but also to offer a hand in order to start anew.

We are humbled by his leadership. We are inspired by his commitment to reconciliation. He showed us that fundamental change is possible and must be pursued when the freedom and well-being of people are at stake.

On this sad day, our thoughts are with the South African people.”

Look at the phrase used -- "rainbow of possibilities". Very metaphoric, and deep. At least to me.

I am always in awe at the choice of diction used in describing a person, an animal and even a thing.

--

Source: http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2013/12/05/statement-world-bank-group-president-jim-yong-kim-nelson-mandela?cid=ISG_E_WBWeeklyUpdate_NL

11.12.13

Folks,

Today is an auspicious day.

First is the birthday of the ruler (Sultan) of the State of Selangor. May he be continuously blessed by Allah with good health and wealth.

Second is the date. Today's date is 11.12.13. I am sure it doesnt come across quite often! Blessed are those who were/are born on this date!

Happy working, peeps.

Morgan Freeman vs. Nelson Mandel

Folks,

This is funny. Absolutely funny.

A hoax of death between two different individuals.

While there may be some (significant?) resemblance between Morgan Freeman (the actor) and Nelson Mandela (the late revered president), there too are distinct features that distinguish these two men.

And I am also not sure whether this is thw official tweet by Morgan Freeman as I highly doubt that he would go on a swearing rampage in the microblogging sphere.

Anyway, this is indeed funny! :)

Rest in peace, Nelson Mandela.

And may you live longer, Morgan Freeman.

Imagine Dragons - Demons

Folks,

Have you listened to the song titled "Demons" by Imagine Dragons?

I am in awe. The lyrics are philosophically deep. Deeper than Mariana Trench!

Anyway, YouTube it!

And listen also to a much more soulful  version cover by Marsha.

Love this song to bit!

This Yummy Thing!

Folks,

This is very surprisingly sweet and yummy.

I dont remember what this dessert is called, but you can definitely get this at a restaurant called "Hayaki".

I think it costs RM 5.90. But definitely less than RM 10.

The mango is absolutely irresistible. The puree is sooooo amazing. And the fruit is fresh and ripe and tasty and all those things.

You gotta try it, buddy.

I was on cloud 99th after taking the first sip of it!

Ridiculous Butt Dance

Folks,

This was quite an outdated issue, but nevertheless worth mentioning.

The issue of butt dancing to show protest. And the fact that it was performed by ex-soldiers who are in their twilight years disgust me.

I am sure that there is a better way of showing protest, than dancing ridiculously in front of someone's house!

--
Source: The Heat Newsweekly, Issue #14, Dec. 7th, 2013.