The little kebab shop in Notting Hill

Notting Hill in London is a popular place. It was even made into a delightful Hollywood movie by the same name starring Hugh Grant and 'Pretty Woman' Julia Roberts. Grant took on the role as William Thacker, a travel bookstore owner, who was all out to win the heart of American movie star Anna Scott, played by Roberts in the 1999 hit comedy. There is another special thing about Notting Hill although not on the scale of the gliterring movie stars. It is a little kebab shop on its main road which opened for business just about the time the movie was made. Apart from kebab sandwiches, it serves chicken, beef and fish burgers, continental and Lebanese cuisine almost similar to the 'halal' delicacies offered at other such shops in the vicinity of Marble Arch. The owner would not go into details about the business except to say that he has no complaints. From the look of it, business is brisk with its customers from all over like the Italian couple, a group of international youths and a lone Malaysian traveller who had supper at the place tonight. Just like the others, I did not have any complaint about the food although I miss satay.

A never ending question...

The fight against terrorism remains a global concern. Three years after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center in New York, the international community continues to grapple with the question of whether the world is a safe place to live in. Many books have been written about the issue while numerous discussions were held and would continue to be staged. A conference I remember too well was entitled ' Asian Perspectives on the Global War Against Terrorism' held at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington on June 27, 2003. It was co-sponsored with the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State. The panelists were Hiroki Fukuda, Asahi Shimbun, Japan; James Novak Luhulima, Kompas, Indonesia; Federico Pascual, Philippine Star, Philippines; Tulsthit Taptim, The Nation, Thailand; Xian Wen, People's Daily, China; Ming Zhu, Jiefeng Daily, China; Ahmad Zukiman Zain, Bernama, Malaysia.
I note here the report of the event:
http://wwics.si.edu/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.print&event_id=31136&stoplayout=true

Another year, another step closer to our destiny

As we approach the new year, my thoughts wander on what to expect in 2005. A new year would mean a year older and a step closer to our destiny. I've always been guided by the saying 'today should be better than yesterday and tomorrow even better'. Just as I am testing new ground by entering this emerging world of blogosphere, I have lots of anxiety as I tread the fuzzy path into the new year. I'm not sure if I had made any new year's resolution when the planet welcomed 2004. Even if I did, the year is ending with something I least expected. I had not imagined to be in England but here I am since the last two months for a wonderful experience that would last forever. I met new people and even learn how easy it is to start this blog. So what's in store for the coming year? Like everyone else, I'm hoping for the best.

Becoming a blogger -- free of charge

This is the beginning of my journey into blogosphere. What is it going to be like? Will I survive in this new world which is said to be changing the landscape of journalism? For something that requires no joining fee or writing qualification, I guess there is nothing to lose by hopping on to the bandwagon of online diarists. Just as millions of others who share their opinions with a global audience daily, it is my hope that this blog of mine will give me the space to connect with the international community.