state of fear - michael crichton

title: state of fear
author: michael crichton
genre: mystery/thriller
rating: 3.5/5

NERF, an environmental group prepares a controversial lawsuit against EPA over negligence to control global warming. a wealthy philanthropist, george morton, who funds the group mysteriously disappears after announcing his withdrawal from funding the litigation. a man (kenner) who claims to know morton approaches peter evans; george morton's lawyer, after morton's disappearance. evans suspects kenner as a rep from industrial group. kenner, a realist appears to be against all that NERF represents. morton withdraws his funding after he suspects that NERF is behind several environmental-extrimist group activities.

typical of crichton's novels, this story is backed by extensive research on the subject of global warming. i do enjoy the facts discussed in this book. we are made to believe that global warming is real and inevitable disasters are caused by it. this book presents its readers with arguments and facts questioning the validity and reality of global warming.

i find that the story emphasizes more on kenner and evans, the good guys. not much is told about NERF, the bad guys. it would be more enjoyable if the bad characters are explored more. a light read and enjoyable one.

the sounds new single

if you like blondie, you're gonna love this band. this is their new single, taken from their latest album, to be launched on June 2.

running with a sense of humour

manglish 101: need a plubmer?

desa pandan, kl

shoe lacing: "my heel slides up and down"

run run baby run + saucony progrid jazz 12

i've started running again after more than two years of rest (almost three years). i had a bad case of ITB injury from racewalking. i had never racewalked before but i joined my friends training for Genting 24hr walk. i did 18km the first time i tried racewalking, and right after that, i just couldn't run anymore. since then, been spending most of my time cycling and doing nothing.

since i joined this new company i work for, i've had little time for myself besides working. i've put on 10kg, and it's not funny. even my old running shoes can no longer be worn. the eva soles have disintegrated and came off.

i have a wide forefoot, narrow heel, and normal arch. i'm not sure if i have a neutral gait, or overpronate. maybe mild overpronation.

so far, i've run in:
- Nike Icarus
- New Balance 717
- Mizuno Maverick 3
- Asics GT-2090

my Pacesetters membership has expired, and i can't afford to buy new shoes without discounts. luckily a friend told me about Ccube Sports Hub. he sells saucony shoes at a very attractive price. i used to see saucony shoes being sold at Studio R (now Stadium), not until their dealership got terminated. i wanted to try the New Balance 903, but couldn't afford it without the discounts, so i settled on saucony. i bought two models, Saucony Progrid Jazz 12, and Progrid Trigod 5 Guide.

for now, i'll write about Progrid Jazz 12 first. will write about Progrid Trigon 5 Guide once i've finished breaking it in.





the cushioning was kinda hard at first. it took quite a lot of mileage to break it in, about 50-60km. after once it's broken in, the shoes are very comfortable. it has the right amount of cushioning, not as plush as Asics GT-2090, but just right. quite flexible, but not too flexible. the toe box is low, so it looks quite "sporty".

i absolutely love the fit. it has narrow heels, but wide forefoot. i don't even have to use the extra shoelace eyelets. the heel feels snug. the heel counters are very noticeable. i think the counters really help to keep the heels snug too. hold your heels firmly, no slipping at all. and quite light too. as light as Mizuno Maverick.

among the shoes i've had, i loved Mizuno Maverick 3 the most, but the heels were not snug. it fits like Asics GT-2090, but the ride is like Mizuno Maverick 3. to sum it up, it's perfect for me!

also, it comes in blue + white = i like.

manglish 101: RM1 desert

keramat, kl

cacti for dessert?