Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by Mattrock

Are you a Doomscroller?

Mattrock — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 10:37:29 +0800

From Google Ai:

"Doomscrolling" refers to the act of obsessively scrolling through online news and social media feeds, often focusing on negative or disturbing content, despite the potential for negative mental health impacts.

Definition:
Doomscrolling, sometimes also called doomsurfing, is the habit of spending an excessive amount of time reading large quantities of news, particularly negative news, on the web and social media.

Motivation:
While the intention might be to stay informed, the behavior can become compulsive, driven by a fear of missing out (FOMO) or a desire to seek out distressing content.

Impact:
Experts warn that doomscrolling can be harmful to your mental health, potentially leading to anxiety, stress, and even depression.

Origin:
The term gained prominence around 2020, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, when digital news consumption increased significantly.

How to stop:
If you find yourself doomscrolling, consider setting time limits for news consumption, focusing on positive or uplifting content, or taking breaks from social media altogether.

Now you recognize the disease, can start treatment....

Importing Real Time Stock Values

Mattrock — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:41:42 +0800

Hi, does anyone here know how or if it possible to import real time stock values for selected stock into a cell in WPS Spreadsheet? I know it can be done in Excel in the 'Data' tab. Couldn't find a similar feature in WPS.

Monarchy vs Democracy

Mattrock — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 23:53:19 +0800

Sharing some thoughts I have about Muslim majority nations and how those that have monarch rule vs elected government seem to fare differently. If you look at the ones doing well, most are ruled by monarchs - Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Saudi, Dubai, while those which are governed by popular votes are mostly in the doldrums. I suppose the logic is that monarchs take on a father figure persona and ensures their family does well and is raised up properly, and competes and outdoes others, while elected reps play to populism to win and stay in power, and not necessarily does what is best for the nation. The exceptions would be democratic nations whose citizens have deep nationalistic pride, e.g., when first obtain independence or recovering from war. Monarch on the other hand do not need to play to the gallery, and can implement their vision without much resistance.

This brings me to where Malaysia is now with Madani. Economic growth seems to be taking a back seat, and government does everything to please the majority, whose priority appears to be race and religion, and not economic growth and prosperity and global competitiveness. As the percentage of population with such priority increases, there may be no turning back. Our monarchs meanwhile seem to have a different view and regularly espouse moderation, promote unity, and some, even human and economic development.

Democracy has its disadvantages, and may not be the best model for all nations when it comes to development and progress, depending on the mindset of the population. Whatever the case, we are at a tipping point.

How much Calcium score before

Mattrock — Sat, 26 Aug 2023 23:48:43 +0800

For those of you who have had Calcium score done, at what value did your cardiologist recommend preventive treatment, e.g., blood thinners, etc.,

Change Door and Frame

Mattrock — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 14:35:53 +0800

I will be renovating an old condo which I bought and among the upgrades I plan to do is to change out all the doors and the door frames (the stuff attached to the walls on three sides of the door). Want to give it a more modern look, but still preferably timber/wood look. Hope to have the doors and entrances look a bit more grand as well.

Anyone done this and can recommend supplier or carpenter or contractor who can do this? Hartamas area. Thanks.

Is Malaysia a Socialist Economy?

Mattrock — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 08:38:05 +0800

I see many similarities. Many jobs are in government and GLCs. Investments are handled by state owned entities such as TH, PNB, etc. Lot of industries are owned by government through GLCs. and they are growing. Also, distribution of wealth is one of top priorities, sadly not from rich to poor, but between races. Lot of subsidies and handouts. Private enterprise is reducing and many moving abroad.

What do you guys think?

Buying condo under son's name - pros and cons

Mattrock — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 20:33:13 +0800

Hi,

I am thinking of purchasing property under my son's name. He is above 21. I am thinking that this will eliminate transfer fees if something happens to me (I do have a Will with my son as beneficiary). Also, looking at the 50% first time buyer stamp duty discount for property < RM1M. Plan is to buy cash, no loan.

Is there any cons of doing this or any other benefits, either for me or my son? Obviously he will use up his 'first time buyer' privilege in case such benefit is offered in future.

Advise and opinions appreciated. Thanks.

Driving test with kopi O

Mattrock — Mon, 23 May 2022 13:45:47 +0800

Nowadays still need to belanja kopi o still when sitting for driving test? My friend said with kopi must have 800 karipap. Is this standard menu?

Why no milk?

Mattrock — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 11:58:59 +0800

Why do most restaurants (except coffee joints) use creamer instead of milk for coffee and tea? It used to be condensed milk but now it is condensed creamer. Even in Teh-C, you will get evaporated creamer instead of evaporated milk. Creamer is not same as milk as it contains palm oil and other additives. I don't want palm oil and starch with my coffee/tea. Why can't they just buy fresh milk from the supermarket for those who want milk? Even in Indian restaurants, the only way to get milk with coffee/tea is to ask for cow's milk. What's with the use of creamer? Oil palm industry pressure?

Internet for temporary work-cation

Mattrock — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 20:26:42 +0800

Hi,

I will be starting a 3 month job which allows me to work from home or anywhere. The work durations is approximately 5 hours/day. Need to access large documents on server, Zoom, Webex, etc. via internet (VPN). Since there is no need to be in one location, I plan to travel on 'work-cation' with my laptop. My worry is that the internet wifi at the hotels or Airbnb which I stay may not be good enough.

So my question: what is best solution to ensure a good connection for 5 hours a day for 3 months? Should I upgrade my mobile phone plan and use it as a hot spot or sign up for a new broadband (modem type)? I am not up to date with latest plans available. I understand that new plans sometimes have lock-in periods, so I don't want to get billed for service I won't require after 3 months. However, using phone a hot spot for 5 to 6 hours does not strike me as a 'clean' solution. Maybe there are unlimited broadband plan with shorter lock-in period or pre-paid type?

If anyone has faced this problem and solved it, or has a better suggestion or solution, I will be grateful to hear from you.

New launch above mall

Mattrock — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 10:33:01 +0800

Anyone know of any new launch condo above or walking distance to shopping mall, which is close to city? Reason for new launch is so I can pay cash installments over the construction period, and I don't need the property immediately. Secondary sale needs loan or full cash payment. I looked at KL Eco city, Vogue, but present block is sold out and next block launch is probably only in 2023. Tropicana Gardens also considered, but I know some people staying there whom I do wish not to have as close neighbors.

Prefer west side of KL or KL city center area.

Thanks.

Need police permit?

Mattrock — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 00:27:08 +0800

Do you need police permit to drive your family member cross state for vaccination, e.g. from Selangor to KL? I know if you go by yourself, you can just show Mysejahtera appointment, and you can do this for medical appointments, but can this be apllied for the case of sending family member for vaccination?

How frequently you wash your

Mattrock — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 20:11:38 +0800

How frequently do you all wash your:

1. Bath towel
2. Pillow cover
3. Bed sheet
4. Comforter/quilt cover

I do 1 & 2 weekly, 3 - once every two weeks, 4 - maybe once in 2 months.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Mattrock — Wed, 15 May 2019 13:57:16 +0800

Hi, I am mulling a late career change into financial planning area, and thinking of doing the CFP. I think I can do the whole course in just over a year. I understand that to be certified planner, so one can be self employed or run a practice, you need 3 years of work experience in some financial line, and this can be even part-time basis - insurance or UT sales. I don't think I will be any good at selling policies or UT, so may need to look at other options.

Any CFPs here, and how did you manage your 3 year work experience requirement? Any advice anyone has will also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

MNC also doing this?

Mattrock — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 09:42:59 +0800

Tempted to call to find out reason for this requirement for an entry level job. Doubt it is for dealing with overseas clients from Hong Kong.

Where to sell gold bullion coin?

Mattrock — Wed, 02 Jan 2019 17:08:40 +0800

I have a few gold bullion coins (ounce), 99.99% pure, which I bought from bank some time back. I misplaced the certificates and according to the T&Cs, they will not buy back. Bank suggested I sell via gold shops.

Anyone sold gold coins (PAMP, Maple Leaf) to gold shops before?

Local Netflix Account

Mattrock — Sat, 29 Dec 2018 06:34:04 +0800

I travel overseas a lot, sometimes for long periods. If I sign up for Netflix in Malaysia, can I access/watch it when I am abroad? Anyone tried? Probably sign up for their one month free trial and try if there is possibilty to access.

Thanks.

Care Giver for Elderly

Mattrock — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 10:43:47 +0800

Hi,

My dad is undergoing hip operation and will need some help at home while recovering. Anyone used services of a part-time or stay in care giver? I am thinking of stay-in for few weeks till almost recovered, to assist with cleaning, changing, etc. I saw some websites in the Net, but not active.

Thanks.

Sim Card for Tablet

Mattrock — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 09:17:04 +0800

Hi, I received a tablet as a gift and plan to give to my parents who are not heavy users, except for normal internet browsing and Whatsapp. I do not have wifi at home, so will need a sim card. Appreciate if can recommend data plan and provider suitable for this purpose. Post paid will be best. Probably around 5GB.

Thank you.

Skin Specialist for Strectch Marks

Mattrock — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 05:56:13 +0800

Hi everyone, my teenage son has stretch marks around his shoulders and chest. He has had this problem for few years now, but seems not improving. Anyone can recommend a good skin specialist to visit for this problem? I live in USJ. So Subang, PJ, Damansara areas will be ok.

Thank you.