As I was flipping the pages of Lifestyle magazine ...

I was taking a break and flipping through April's issue of Lifestyle and came across a page which had a list of courses by the People's Association. Being a member, I looked through the list and found some of them rather interesting. As I was about to turn to the next page, something red caught my attention and I took a closer look. I was thinking to myself that the photograph looked very familiar.

So what I did next was head to my flickr page and ploughed through my set of Fabrics that I had. And I found what I was looking for. Here, take a look at a screen shot of my flickr page with a photograph of a batik fabric that I took and posted on 15 October 2005 ...

And I also had a post on my blog with the same photograph on 16 October 2005 cuz I was so pleased with my purchases.

Now this is where I need you to make a comparison with the photograph that I took and put up on the net versus the one used by PA (see below). They did rotate the photograph (I tried and it looks exactly the same, where the flowers got cut off etc).

I was very very surprised. I have had people dropping me emails to ask if they could use this photo or that photo and I have never said no before. And yeah, if you're using the photograph for your own use, go ahead and 'borrow' photographs off the net (though I still think it's common courtesy to drop the person an email to let them know). But here, they have used this photograph, no credit given for a publication that they charge people for. Even New Scientist Magazine gave me a small token for the use of one of my photographs.

I have written to them to ask for an explanation and let's see if they will reply to my queries....

Update on 6 May 2009:

Received prompt reply and they kindly explained it all to me. Very enlightening actually. 

Firstly, their investigation showed that their staff did not download the photograph from my blog or flickr page as I quoted in my email. Hmmm, okay, have a better understanding now. Since it's not from my website, there is a possibility that it's not my photograph ...

And secondly, I need to provide 'a Statutory Declaration to that effect and further comprehensive proof of the ownership of the copy rights by negatives or the digital memory in which the photographs were originally stored in' before anything can be done. Hmm, silly of me to not have done this for all my 1,023 photographs that I have uploaded online. So please take note if you do share your photographs online, please ensure that you get an SD done. Homework for the weekend, let's find out how this is done. Anyone has any ideas? Can share so that everyone can learn and protect their photographs.

And thirdly, unless I can produce concrete proof of my 'allegations of copyright infringement' nothing will be done. Fair enough. Since I have no 'concrete proof', guess the matter will just have to end here. 

So learning point here for everyone, especially myself. On the internet, if you do not copyright your materials, it's free for all to help themselves to it. And I am so naive to think that out of courtesy, one would drop an email to ask for permission for use, especially if it's for commercial purpose. But I guess just because I do it, stupid of me to assume that others will do because legally, nobody needs to (unless materials have been copyrighted). Point noted. And because I have no concrete proof that the photograph is mine, there is a huge possibility that the photograph could really not belong to me. Lesson learnt!

Having said all that, I would like to take this opportunity also to thank all those who actually took the time to write to me to ask if you could use my photographs. I really appreciate it (even more now) because I learnt today that you didn't have to, and the fact that you did, really warms my heart to know that there are still people out there who share the same sentiments as I do about using photographs from others, even those like mine that I have not copyrighted. I have never said no to anyone who wanted to use my photographs (as long as they are used in a proper manner that does not harm or disrespect anything or anyone). Sadly though, I am really thinking carefully on how I should upload my photographs from now on .....

Excuse me, are you an LV?

I have been itching to blog about this but didn't have time to do it when it happened. But yay, it's the weekend so here goes. As I mentioned in my previous post, I went to Kuala Lumpur where I was on a Support Local Artisan Shopping Spree and bought quite a few things made locally, including two bags made from floral/batik like prints which the girl assured me were printed in Malaysia.

I used the red floral bag last weekend (as intended when I bought the bag cuz it just felt like a weekend bag) and happily went for hula class and then walked around in town before meeting up with Slawek. Bumped into a work colleague and we were just chatting about this and that. Then she noticed my bag and guess felt that she had to say something about it so she said, "So cute your bag, it's so eeerrr .... hmmmm....". To end her misery, I jumped in and said, "It's from Malaysia, part of my support cottage industry products" and I gave my bag a lil pat! And her reply,"Yes, it looks very handmade ...".

And I was surprised not by what she said but the tone she used as she said those words and as she clung on to her LV tightly as if my cottage-industry bag will infect her LV bag with some bag disease *laughs* It was actually quite funny and I would have burst out laughing but I am too nice so I just smiled back at her.

I guess this work colleague of mine would rather die than be seen carrying a non-branded bag. It's funny she probably defines herself by the material things that she carries. My lil cottage industry bag could easily have a fancy label or have a celebrity be photographed carrying it and this Missy would be dying to be seen with the same bag! We are such suckers *laughs*

On my trips to Chatuchak Market in Bangkok, I saw gorgeous plates, vases, pottery ... lots and lots of things which were stacked up in shops and you have to get down on your hands and knees to plough through to pick the ones that you want to cart home. And when I come back home, I see the same wares but with the dust removed, items placed on shelves in shops with fancy names and people are willing to pay so much more for stuff that they would probably shun if they saw the same items in Chatuchak Market.

Look, I have no problems with LV, Gucci, Prada and the whole lot. They do have some nice things that I salivate over. But for me, it's not the brand or what I pay for the bag. If I like the bag, it doesn't matter if it costs $15 or $1500. I am a bag lady and I have too many bags for my own good I know. Yes that is my vice. But I don't discriminate my bags. My Neverfull gets placed on the floor when I am out (to the horror of others who think that I am disrespecting the bag by just placing it on the floor *grins*). Isn't it all so funny? Anyways, read this article, 'Slaving in the Lap of Luxury' some time ago but thought it makes interesting read. So anyone interested, check it out.

Finally made it to Kuala Lumpur...

I spent the weekend in KL and after the last fiasco, it was by air and there was a good deal going with Malaysian Airlines so why not ya. The only thing was that Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) was an hour taxi ride away and would probably cost about RM90.00 to the hotel where I was staying at - Hotel Nikko.

I stayed at Hotel Nikko some years back when I was in KL with a friend and liked it. So this time, decided to splurge some and stayed in Nikko again. And it wasn't too bad because when I got here on Friday (took the morning flight), I took the KL Express which took me to the Central Station (28 minutes) and then took the KL Rapid and six stops away, I was at Ampang Park stop which was just across from Hotel Nikko. KL Express cost me RM35 and the KL Rapid was another RM2. And because it wasn't during the peak hour, the train rides were great.

Here's a photograph of how empty the trail was. Seats were very comfy and you get some nice views along the way.

There's also space if you're lugging around huge bags. No problem at all.

What have I done so far while in KL? I got a free map from the Information Centre and coupled with another map of KL and the airline magazine, I was good to go. We visited some temples, shopping sites (of course) *grins* It was super hot during the day and showers in the evening so the pictures weren't too great.

Anyways, here are some of my photographs from my visit.

Above: Photograph of the clan's house that was also a Chinese traditional medical centre.

Above: A Chinese temple that I came across but it was late and a couple of us got shoo-ed out. 

Above: One of the statues standing outside the Chinese temple.

I also did some shopping of course and to avoid the crowd at night, I headed down to Petaling Street (where Chinatown at) in the morning instead. This is the place where you can find all sorts of fake 'branded' bags, wallets, watches, DVDs etc. Anything fake, most likely you will be able to find it here. I was even surprised to find them Longchamp bags there!

Above: You know when you're in Chinatown when you see this!

Below: Lotus flowers and seeds that were sold along the street.

Below: Spoilt for choice ... just cannot guarantee that they have the right kind of protection for your eyes.

Below: As the sign says, trying is buying. So I didn't dare try any just in case I don't like what I tried!

And did I do some shopping? Yeah! And this time, my guiding philosophy was BUY LOCAL! Support local designers or artisans *grins* And yeah, I visited my usual haunt like Ms Read and Total Woman for clothes. And here are the other things that I got. They didn't have anything new that I like except for these two pairs, shoes from Schuetz.

I am so pleased that I discovered this Malaysian designer, Peter Hoe, who has the loveliest things. It's just a shame that I couldn't cart many of his things home!

He has a little quaint shop (Peter Hoe's Evolution) on the corner across the street from the Central Market (painted green). After you're done there, ask for a map to head to his bigger shop (Peter Hoe Beyond). Go down a short street and around the corner onto what used to be colonial Kuala Lumpur's High Street, now named Jalan Tun H. S. Lee. Climb up a stairwell (or take the lift) past offices to the second floor of the old Lee Rubber Building. You will surely find things to bring home, like I did (see below).

I am a fan of Lat and had to grab a copy when I was a Kinokunya for my dad *grins*


One of the places that I went back to was the Central Market. The last time I was there, it was a little disappointing because there were not many stalls up and running. This time round, it was much better. Only thing is that its catering to mainly tourists so you really need to do some bargaining as many of the shops don't put prices on their items and they seem to come up with prices depending on who walks in. So do bargain if you really like it.

Above photograph shows some wonderful traditional kites or Wau that were sold at the Central Market. They were so pretty with the many colours.

I also got two pareo or sarong skirts for hula class. I should have bargained some more but was too exhausted after awhile. Ohh, by the way, there is an interesting makan place called Old Town in there if you want to try something tasty!

And below are two rather funky looking bags, made locally of course, perfect for the weekend!

I wished I had more time because there was one thing that I didn't manage to do that was on my list to do - a massage. I could definitely do with one. So will just have to get one here *grins* I would like to head back to KL sometime soon and maybe the next round, check out the more natural areas that KL has to offer ....

The Wallace Experience ...

On 9 April 2009, as part of a work, a few of us met up with some other people to discuss how we could work on a collaboration that will be a win-win situation for everyone. And the meeting point was at the Dairy Farm Nature Park at 100 Dairy Farm Road and it was an interesting drive to the meeting spot. Was really nice because it was all trees for a good 5 minute drive. But do note that currently the place is out of bounds unless you're with the people working on the area so wait till the place opens up properly before visiting ya.

Above: Drive to the Centre

The area used to be a dairy farm (as implied by the name Dairy Farm Nature Park *grins*) and it's being converted to house a learning lab and a visitor centre cum exhibition area to capture the history of the area.

Below: The Washroom Facilities

Below: Original Cow Shed that has been converted to house exhibits.

Above: The Learning Lab

There are also trails being identified for the public to go on and that's the exciting part as it's really an awesome area and rich in flora and fauna so here's a sneak peek of what I saw as we had a sample of one of the trails. And the funny thing is this. I didn't expect to go on the actual trail so I was in my work wear and thankfully flat shoes. First time ever, a couple of us in the group went on a trek that lasted about 1.5hrs in our work wear! People back in the office weren't too impressed because I left a trail of sand and mud (my pretty shoes were covered with them mud from the trail!).

Anyways, back to the trail. The one that I went for was called the Wallace Trail. The trail was named after Alfred Russel Wallace, (8 January 1823 – 7 November 1913) who was a British naturalist, explorer, geographer, anthropologist and biologist. He is best known for independently proposing a theory of natural selection which prompted Charles Darwin to publish his own theory. It seems that Wallace was around in the area to pick samples so it was a suitable name for the trail and it's hoped that when one goes on the trail, they would have the 'Wallace Experience' *grins*. Unfortunately, am not able to put some of the photographs of the interesting part of the trails as there are others in the shot and it's not right for me to put those without their permission. So will have to make do with just these for now ya ....

Above: One of the lil streams we came across.

It rained earlier before we went on the trail so there were muddy patches all around but for most of the trail, it was flat land. Just a few points where we had to slide down or climb the slope but with proper shoes it will be okay. Below is a bridge that was built using recycled wood and it crosses that little stream you see above.

Further along the trail, we came across another stream and the water looks crystal clear. Really beautiful.

The forested area is made up of secondary forest so it's not very dense. There will also be points along the trail where you see evidence of human residence from before. An abandoned refrigerator taken over by vegetation. The clearing you see below used to be a vegetable plot. Am not sure if you can see from the picture but the land is undulated (bumps) where the vegetables were planted on.

Below you can see an abandoned well that broke up because of the vegetation that took over. It's pretty deep and water from the well flows out as the stream through the trail.

Unfortunately we had to rush through the trail, I didn't get to stop as much to take pictures of what was around me. The leaves below are the betel nut leaves or 'sirih' where in the olden days, the women will chew on them (chewing gum from the past?) and it would stain their teeth yet protect them from getting decayed.

Hmmm, dunno what fruit that I took below but just thought it looked interesting. Any ideas anyone?

Isn't this gorgeous? The fungi growing on the rotten log. Am sure there are other creepy crawlies in there too.

What is interesting about the photograph below is of a fallen tree. The tree has buttress roots which is typical of trees in the rainforest because the trees grow real high and the roots provide a strong support. But the roots are shallow (as you can see from the photography) because in the tropics, water and nutrients can be found on the top soil so the trees don't have to grow deep roots to obtain these.

The guide shared the name of the plant below but didn't quite hear what she was saying and before I could ask again, we had to move off ....

We finished the trail and the photograph below shows the end of the trail where we exited from.

And this house used to belong to the 'manager' of the area and it's available if anyone wants to purchase it. But alot of work needs to be done because the infrastructure is not very strong. So if you have $250,000 just to purchase this house, it's yours! *grins*

And during the trek, we thought we were the ones checking out the flora and fauna around us. But little did we realise that there were probably others checking us out too ....

Some pondering ....

Had a bit of a disappointing day today and though I know I should have expected this to happen eventually, I was still hoping that it wouldn't happen and that the person wouldn't disappoint me. But the person did. I believe that if I am kind to others, others will be kind to me. I believe that if I do good to others, there will be others who will do the same for me.

And the sad thing is that some people claim that they have your best interest at heart but when your back is turn, they do something to hurt you instead. I do wonder why they would do something like that...

Anyways, the best thing that I can do for myself is not let this incident get me down but rather to just move on and be more careful when I am around this person. I hate having to watch my every move or every word I utter. It's just not me. Right now, moving myself away from this source of disappointment, and in a way frustration is not an option. At least not yet. But I think everyone has their own limit and I hope that when the time comes, I have the courage to do what I need to do ....

The Dancer ...

The last few hours have been spent looking for a nice picture/illustration that I could use to cover my pink laptop. I have several ideas in mind. One includes having a field of sunflowers, another idea is to have a belly dancer as part of the image (yes, I still love the dance and would like to go back to it someday), another image I have in mind would be a mermaid and another one of a lake scene with a majestic moose *laughs* yes, for those of you who don't know this - I have a soft spot for them goofy moose (one goose, many geese, one moose many meese? *grins*). Fell in love with them moose when I visited Sweden many many many years back.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I am not looking for an image with a moose, mermaid, field of sunflowers and belly dancer all in one. Will pick one of these to be printed out.

While I was googling, I came across this beautiful piece called The Dancer by Maximunki and the artist was inspired by the gorgeous tribal belly dancer Rachel Brice (am a huge fan of her too). For more cool artwork by other talented artists, pop over to deviantArt. As to what I am going to have pasted onto my laptop .... haven't made up my mind yet so will continue to google some more!

Children Full of Life

I recently had a chance to catch the first two parts of this documentary and it was one that moved many of us to tears. You can catch it on youtube and I have also linked it here. What moved me was the passion of the teacher, in how he skillfully teachers them lessons which went beyond the textbooks. He was teaching them important lessons in life.

If only we had more educators like Mr Toshiro Kanamori , then many more children will be happy ...

This is a little description of the documentary:

"In the award-winning documentary Children Full of Life, a fourth-grade class in a primary school in Kanazawa, northwest of Tokyo, learn lessons about compassion from their homeroom teacher, Toshiro Kanamori. He instructs each to write their true inner feelings in a letter, and read it aloud in front of the class. By sharing their lives, the children begin to realize the importance of caring for their classmates."

Part One

Part Two

Part Three

Part Four

Part Five