Travel,Shopping & Food in Asia

Raya Trip to Penang

2011-09-11T13:40:00.001+08:00

Ya...joining the crowd but lucky no jam when I head towards north Saturday....easy drive just a few slow down area along PLUS highway.

Made a stop in Ipoh to buy some Salted Chicken. Bought this shop many times but never had a chance to introduce it. Often people would just go to famous Aun Kheng Lim which I personally find them too salty. And when u steam the chicken, the paper that they used to wrap the chicken stick on to the chicken as you tear.

ooohhh..here the shop that I wanna recommend besides the famous one
49-71 Jalan Theatre, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Cost about RM17 per bird. The shop is directly located behind the famous Ipoh Lou Wong Bean Sprout Chicken. You won't miss. I love it cos is not too salty and can just eat it like that and when you unwrap the chicken, the paper won't stick on the chicken.There are several shops selling the salted chicken. But I personally find this best. The other one is called Wan li Xiang which I find even saltier.

Next stop ,opposite See Hiong is KAcang Soya Lai Kee.Well I don't know whether they are famous or not, I just ppoped for a bowl of "Tau Fu Fah" with Soya milk and ginger syrup....ummm good ah...however I still can't find bean curd that is soft n tender like what I had in China or HK which taste like steam egg. M'sia's tau fu fah still so so only if u have tasted the one in HOng Kong or China.

It was a non stop makan event for me while in Penang. This trip to Penang was quite of dissapointment. Being Penangite, I m very proud of the food and always brag about it to my friends in Penang

It has now loseit's essence of having good hawkers food. Hawkers food are getting expensive but the portion remain unchanged. At least u see portion in KL is bigger than in Penang although they charge may be of a RM1 difference. I guess nowadays hawkers hired maids to cook and they just laid back and watch (may be sometimes they are away or sleepng) And they really want wanna be towkay only, not hands on anymore. Unlike their grandparents or parents , they personally look into everything including the cooking and selling.

I heard that Balik Pulau has got good assam laksa and I wanted to go there to buy fresh nutmeg to make nutmeg syrup.

This coffeeshop is just beside the market. Apparently, people say it is the famous one. So I hear, so I go.

Look at the crowd and u got que for the table .BIG DEAL!

Everytime I eat assam laksa. The first thing I do, taste the soup.....oooohhhhhh....where's the sourish taste, got spicy ah, why no salt ah. So...needless for me to express any further....Just look at the presentation....all vege....where's the "ong lai" (pineapple)...why so diluted...No fish ahhh....!!! Are these patrons has no taste bud or what....desperate for assam laksa....???!!!!

I ordered a nutmeg juice.I always had in mine that is like the one I homemade. But, this is fresh nutmeg blend juice with sour plum. .....ohhh lala..RM1.60 per glass. Luckily got sour plum otherwise taste numb on your tongue, sour & sort dry your tongue.

On the way down from Balik Pulau to Air Itam, I stopped over at a look out point. U get awesome view of the other side of Penang.And there's a Thai restaurant here. Very beautiful, food wise I have no clue.

Then went to downtown thinking of getting "tau sar pheah"...yea...Him Heang will be the top of my list. Went to Burmah Road....jammmmmmm...fuyoh...cos by WHO...the cars are all heading to Him Heang lor causing the jammmmm. N the jam not only confine to the road...but the shop too. The que to buy the biscuits is from the kitchen till the entrance.

Here's what the owner has to say...if you want to buy, pay first and que up. Waiting time 1 hr...crazy isn't it. The those who pre-order...here's what I hear."I told you d to come and take before 3pm"...that's is how they do biz when they are in demand.

Well 1 hr waiting time forget abt it .I went to another shop whom my uncle recommended.It is call Ban Heang.Located at Mc Calister Road.Next to Little Red Rock Hotel. They were used to be at Melaka Street. No jam. No que. Everything freshly bake too. Price is so much cheaper. Taste not bad too. Can consider this shop

Hungry for food again...went down to Carnavan Street (lot's of shop selling coffin here).There's a famous fried oyster. Uncle warn me not to go cos no good.Didn't hear his advise, I went ahead.Yewww.....it was oily.And the taste was...well u can imagine yourself. Cost RM8.00...it wasn't that great at all.

Later in the evening, I went to Air Itam for dinner.Mostly locals will know this place .It is called Choong Nam . Packed of people. Love to go there since I was very young. But more happening at night as more hawkers would be selling on the street at night. If u heading the Bt Bendera you will pass by this place.It is on the right, after the Kg Melayu cross junction traffic light. There's a Shell petrol station near the hawkers.

Steamed Otak otak @ RM2.00.Love this better than Muar Otak otak.It has got Daun kadok and kaffir lime leave that makes them different from Muar Otak2.

Ju Hoo Eng Chai .The prawn paste sauce play very important role. If too diluted,it will not give you the kick of it.

Char Koay KaK ...Yummmy.......May be they use pork oil...I dunno ler but taste good

Look at the big oyster.This is definatly better than what I had at carnavon street. And their chilly sauce taste so good with some garlic. That's how it should be. However I prefer it to be drier as I find the tapioca flour is too much.Cost RM6.00

Overall, hawkers food in Choong Nam was not bad. They still maintain the quality.

I didn't have the chance to try good laksa, Hokkien mee (prawn mee) and Char Koay teow. I hear from uncle said the one at Lrg Aboo Siti Lane cost RM11 per plate, and people still que up for it. Well, never had the chance to try and dunno whether will pay for that kind of price .

And was in Kedah for a few days too. And eat alot. This trip was like just makan trip for me and ate non stop. Will introduce good food there next time around.

Mode of transportation in Guangzhou & Hong Kong

2011-03-12T14:35:00.002+08:00

GUANGZHOU

To Travel within Guangzhou for a tourist like me, I prefer walking (if it is within 2km),Metro & taxis. Taxis will start the price from RMB7.00 and they will also imposed fuel surcharge of RMB2.00 & RMB2.60 depending on which taxis u are taking (small or big). I will take taxis as it will take me right to the door step . But if u have a group of 4 , it will be quite cheap too by taxi. Travel after peak hours like after 9am and also before 5pm or after 7pm. This is to avoid the traffic jam.

For those who are more adventurous & plenty of time, you can take the bus route.

And to go to Hong Kong,Go to their Guangzhou East Railway Station, take the direct train to Hung Hom station in HK. cost about HKD190 per way. There's a schedule to follow.And from Hung Hom station you can travel to Tsim Tsa Tsui East to go anywhere you want unnless there is further changes depending on where you are staying.

And if you want to travel cheap and want to go thru the hassle of walking, you may also attemp to take the bullet train which runs every 20 mins from Guangzhou East Railway Station to Shenzhen (Lo Wu) @ RMB80 per way (2nd class) comes with 3 + 2 seats. 1st class @ RMB100 - 2 + 2 seats. And when you reach the station, look out for Hong Kong signage and follow. It was quite a distance walk and it felt like never end. And chinese nationalities and foreigners has a different counter for immigration.Just follow the sign

And REMEMBER their peak hours before 9am and 5pm - 7pm.

Once you pass thru both immigration, you will reach the Hong Kong railway station (Lo Wu) from here get a ticket to where ever you are heading to but get down at Kowloon Tong station to your respective MTR lines.

HONG KONG
In Hong Kong - needless to say by MTR.Taxis are extremely expensive means of transportation.As a tourist I do not recommend MTR 2 days pass (HKD120) or even 1 day pass (HKD55). Anyway, do your calculation of where u want to go and see whether it is worth it or not.Get an Octupus card 150HKD includes 50 deposit and 100 to use.The 2 days pass will give you some discount vouchers like for Ngo Ping 360,Disneyland, the Peak etc. However, I have recently read an update from Low yat forum,

"Go to Nathan Road and search for Ding Ding travel agency when you reach HK. He sell to me disneyland ticket includes 1 meal set too.. and still cheaper than the actual price. All together i pay 880HKD only for Disneyland ticket + meal set, Ngong Ping 360 enlightenment journey , Ocean Park, Madame tussades + peak tram + Sky Terrace. "

Base on their respective published rate , here it is

Disneyland - HKD350
Madamme Tusaunds - HKD160
Ngo Ping return - HKD115
Peak Tram & Sky Terrace - HKD56
Ocean park - HKD250
meal vouchers - not very sure?
definately safe some money here.

And if you knw the Double Deck bus route or mini bus route, you can of course travel with that.

Hong Kong Hotels

2011-03-12T13:34:00.003+08:00

After 2 days in Guangzhou, I also travelled to Hong Kong. The last trip I went to HK was way back in 1997.It was a month after the handover to China and I remembered so well that it was Princess lady Diana met with an accident in France and passed away in the crash...sad indeed.

The last trip I had was with a tour agency so everything was arranged and cost me about RM1500 with SQ flight, 4 nights accomodation, tour and a trip to Shenzhen as well. And I enjoyed good exchange rate those days.

So this time it was a DIY trip and I popped in HK via train from GZ to Lo Wu (Shenzhen). Hotels in HK are relatively EXPENSIVE and small. Since m a budget traveller, what can I say,with low budget, I can't afford to stay in hotel but Hostel like room.Anyway, just wanna share tis hostel http://www.cleveryear.com/

Been searching around, luckily a friend in HK mentioned that their parents operate budget hostel & smack in MONGKOK. So what a deal.Moreover heading to a place that I feel safe and I know.
This hotel is frequent by mostly china tourist (Individual travellers) Location wise very convenient. Near Shantung st, Sai yong choi st, Lui yan kai,Shanghai st (all within walking distance) And around this hotel you will find BIG goldsmith like CHOW TAI FOOK and branded watches like Rolex brand which goes up to HKD500,000 or and above. Nvr seen so expensive watches.

Mongkok MTR station also very near.

And about the room. Pretty small enuf to put in 2 single bed and one big luggage.Comes with attach bathroom which is good. You can view pictures of the room via their website.And nothing shout about and m a real budget traveller. So don't expect much. This is a family operated biz.And the owner is from Fujian so I felt wahhh from the same kampong lor. The reason I stayed here because I also know them. So I felt safe with my luggage inside.

entrance to the hotel.This is a budget hotel, so need not expect big lobby or grand entrance.

The hotel is located in a building, where downstairs are commercial shops.The hotel is on 25th floor.And there are many hotel too in this buildingThat's how the people in HK operate hostel.

Btw, if you wish to purchase disneyland tickets cheap, you may go to Golden Crown @ Tsim Tsa Tsui http://goldencrownhk.com/reservations/en. The tickets is only HKD320. If you purchase directly from Disneyland it cost HKD350. You can even stay at this hotel as I have checked them out ..Rooms are not too bad @ HKD350 for twin bed. However during any major events in HK, be prepare to pay DOUBLE. Manage by an elderly couple.

Other budget hotel you may want to consider
1) http://www.yiufaiguesthouse.com/accommodation.html
2) http://www.cosmicguesthouse.com/room_rates.htm
3) http://wonderfulinn.com.hk/en/site/index
4) http://www.hktaisanguesthouse.com/eng/

GuangZhou Hotels

2011-03-12T11:52:00.001+08:00

Just made a trip to Guangzhou & HK. This is my 1st overseas trip in 2011. Very tired and exausted. And feeling well when I got back here. It was heaty for me. Drink less water I guess

Anyway, I have been doing research for few weeks about where to stay in Guangzhou. And of course, the 1st priority is convenient, clean & comfortable. I always look into a few website and also reading reviews from TripAdvisor as well. The sites I will go into would be Agoda most of the time, However this I found ctrip.com (is a chinese portal but they english version since m a banana) and the other one would be elong.com. They are relatively cheap for hotels in China.

After reading Tripadvisors review and some bloggers recommendation, I have chosen Home Inn East of Changshou Lu which is a budget Inn and also for budget travellers. This Inn is frequent by local travellers and I could only find we are the only M'sian .

Location - They are just less than 1km away of Shang Xia Jiu pedestrain street Mall area (walking distance) and 15 mins walk from Metro station (is just a straight walk and you will find it interesting walk cos there's so many things to see n buy along the way. So the 15 mins walk don't feel long at all). The surrounding got food to eat as well even at wee hours.

Don't just walk in to the hotel .Must prebooked cos they get 100% occupancy during the weekend. Many got dissapointed when they walk in as we arrive at the hotel pass midnite. Rack rate is RMB199 and if you become a member of the Home Inn chain @ RMB40, you will get 8% discount .Otherwise you may booked thru Ctrip or elong.com @ RMB189 which is cheaper cos I don't have to buy the membership.Prices will also increase should there be an exhibition, expo or convention in Guangzhou. Booking thru Ctrip or elong is still cheaper than hotel price. Both website do have allocation with hotel and give the same rate. So if you can't get Ctrip then try elong

Hard to get taxi to airport at night but can get the hotel to call for taxi.(taxi from airport cost RMB160 inclusive of toll and from Hotel to Airport cost RMB113 inclusive of toll) Hotel offer morning b'fast @ RMB15 from 7 - 9.30am.Nothing to shout about. Room 206 which I stayed was not satisfying cos everything smells of cigarette smoke including bedsheet, comforter as well as the towels. And even I close the window, you smell cigarette smoke coming into the room.(It was Spring, so I thought of opening up the window to allow fresh air) .Some rooms may not have window, but fire safety sake, you must always choose a room with window. But in room 206, the window is blocked by another building, so looks quite useless, isn't it.Can't even escape should there be fire. (I STRONGLY DO NOT RECOMMEND ROOM 206) So you will be inhaling smoke as long as you are in the room. I have used air refreshner but didn't work. And the aircond too smell of cigarette.

And if you stay on 7th floor there's no lift to that floor.It goes up to 6th flr only. Sound insulation poor. Bed is hard (standard for most hotels in China) however is good for our back.The room is generally clean,bed sheets are clean, bathroom are clean too (very important) and there's broadband provided in the room otherwise you may use the pc at the lobby.

Reception aren't big.Best you can speak cantonese or mandarin.English is very minimum.And they are all friendly.

Good thing - they do provide disposable shoes,toothpaste, tooth brush,shower cap,huge water dispenser (hot & cold),free broadband in d room,soap & shampoo ,towels & hand towels

Well , there are many Home Inn chain in Guangzhou, do ensure to choose the right one where you wanna stay. And other Guangzhou hotels that I have also searched Customs Hotel .

And Five Rams City Hotel has a bad review from our Malaysian blogger

Seeri Authentic Thai Restaurant

2010-07-12T00:00:00.003+08:00

Feeling like going for Thai Food today (and guess what I just got back from BKK and still can't get over with Thai food).... and a friend recommended this place Seeri Thai Restaurant. Location - SS2 Chow Yang - same row as Kayu Nasi Kandar.

Set up by a couple Thai wife (Ms Rose who is also the chef) and Ricky the hubby (Malaysian chinese - speak Penang Hokkien)

FYI, this restaurant is non halal and NO MSG (printed on their menu). Total cost was RM104 for 6 ppl. Must try the following dish (my recommnendation lar). And tell them to cook like real Thai (FYI, is real hot & spicy). We also had pandan & lemongrass tea (take it warm)

Laab Mu - Pork Salad. Goes so well with my rice. But Thai ppl usually had it with Glutinuos rice. It taste so spicy & sour

Green Curry with Chicken. This is so far the best green curry I ever try. some tasted so yucky. This is perfect. The texture is right.

Steamed Fish (seabass) with lot's of garlic & chili (It's spicy) ...A MUST MUST TRY. The fish is fresh. We finish the soup as well.The good thing is they have got charcoal below it to keep warm but not to continue to cook it like other chinese restaurant would have put a candle /burner that keep cooking the fish. With this we didn't order any Tom Yum Koong.Perhaps we will try next time.

Fish Cake Thai Style

Stir Fried Paku vege - this is so good . Not soggy like other chef made it. It is stil crunchy.

There are other dishes that we didn't try but will definately go back there to try other dishes. They even have curry crab and other crab dishes. And they have special lunch meal during weekdays who needs to have a qucik bite from rice to noodle and cost only RM6.00 (individual portion)

We have desserts too pumpkin cooked with coconut milk, "tau suan" with coconut milk (fyi, the tau suan got taste to jasmine flower cos Rose has secret recipe) and tam tim krop (with coconut milk, waterchestnut, jackfruit)...SUPERB...Yummy!Yummy !Yummy!

One last thing about this restaurant - No MSG in the cooking.Isn't it wonderful?

Address
No 26G, Jalan SS2/10
47300 Petalin Jaya
Selangor
Tel : 03-78777859

Kop Khun ka!

Porridge with Ipoh Salted Chicken

2010-05-25T20:40:00.001+08:00

My last few post I did mention about Ipoh Salted chicken whic I couldn't finish cos it was too salty.However, I can't cook it with porridge cos is black pepper.It will definately taste funny!

However today I got Ipoh Salted Chicken with "Dong Kuai" ...voila..dinner!...Porridge with the Salted chicken. I just took some of d meat (I used the drumstick cos is tender and smooth) n throw them in the Porridge with I have added 玉竹 "Yuk Chuk" (easily available in the chinese herb shop. Yuk Chuk will make your porridge sweet instead of using raw meat), chinese sausage (this is special sausage that contains some chinese wine)and Hua Tiao wine. Bolied the rice and the ingredient till is soft and starchy. When is ready served with dash of pepper, sesame seed oil and deep fried shallot .

Bon Apetite

Homemade Pork Dumpling (Wan Ton)

2010-05-08T23:21:00.001+08:00

Ever wonder you could do it yourself at home and you could include any fillings (be it pork, chicken, beef or mutton)..well up to you.

The good thing about wanton is I can make a lot and keep them in the freezer. And use them to cook instant soup with some vege, deep fried it as snacks or add into our instant noodle, it can be dry or soup instant noodle.

Here's the recipe.

100g of wanton skin (can get it from wet market or in Supermarket but I prefer wet market cos is freshly made skin)
300g of mince lean meat (your choice, I don't eat fats.If you choose pork, you may use skinless pork belly or leg tendersiden and mince it yourself. If lazy, you may purchase ready mince meat however I hardly buy those cos I have no idea what kind of meat has been included)
1 onion - tiny dice and stir fry with oil till transparent & fragrant. leave it aside to cool down
15 pcs of prawn - cut into dice
5 pcs - waterchestnut (just buy from the fruit seller which they peeled, easy not need to peel yourself. Then chopped it)
3Tblsp of soya sauce
4 tbsp - Lee kum Kee superior oyster sauce (different brand has different taste)
1 cap of Hua Tiao wine
1tbsp if corn flour
dashes of Ghee Hiang Sesame seed oil (other brand don't seem that fragrant)
dashes of pepper
chop spring onion

METHODS

Mix all the above ingredients together in a big bowl and let it marinade in the fridge for 4 hrs. However do taste it whether is tasty enough.

Then take a bit of the mixture, put it on the centre of wanton skin. Close it up . Make it into triangle shape. Put both end angle together and you will get a sort of rose bud. To seal the angle, use some water. Set aside for those you want to cook immediate and the rest can be kept in the freezer.However, do divide them first of how many pcs you want to use or else it will be hard for you to get them separate when they are all stick together.

For soup wanton.

Use Maggi chicken cube stock or you may use real ikan bilis stock to make the soup. (500ml of water). Let it boil then put it the wanton (up to you to use how many pieces), then when is ready all wanton will float. Add in Vege (yaw mak), dash of pepper,hua tiao wine ,sesame oil and deep fried garlic

Deep Fried Wanton

Instant Noodle with Roasted Duck

2010-05-05T19:37:00.001+08:00

My another version of cooking Maggi Mee

Ingredient

1 pack of Maggi Mee (Any instant noodle but my favourite is Maggie)
1/2 cube of maggie instant ikan bilis stock
500 ml of water
5 pcs (Just purchase 1/4 roasted duck.can eat 2 person)
Sesame seed oil
Hua Tiao Wine
white pepper
Some green vege (yaw Mak, lettuce or anything suitable for soup)

Method

-Boiled the water with the ikan bilis cube, add in Hua Tiao wine
- And another boiling water to cook the instant noodle
- once the noodle is half cook pour out the water place the noodle in the boiling soup
- once the soup come to a boiling stage, add in the vege and switch off the fire. Add the roasted duck
- dash in some sesame seed oil & white pepper

NO NO NO for this Salted Chicken

2010-05-05T00:05:00.001+08:00

Was away up north over the weekend and had a stopover in Ipoh to "cari makan", love to buy salted chicken to be given away to friends. Unfortunately, the usual shop that I used to go was closed. Therefore I opt for another shop - Wan li Xiang (Near Lou Wong Chicken Rice). There are approximately 4 shops selling salted chicken around this area.

This is only my personal opinion that I don't recommend this shop though they had a picture taken together with Hong Kong celebrity chef. They have got a variety besides the normal "tong kwai ' salted chicken@ RM16 per bird , there are 'tong kwai" salted duck @ RM25 per bird & black pepper salted chicken @ RM16 per bird

Bought 3 "tong kwai ' salted chicken and 1 black pepper salted chicken. And gaveaway the tong kwai salted chicken and I ate the black pepper chicken

OMG.....!!! SO SO SO SALTY. I guess that shop got free SALT. Like eating salted fish. Can't taste the chicken's sweetness. Can't eat it for fun but u need to eat with rice. Don't smell of "tong kwai' also. Can't finish all. Worried I will get hypertension if I eat too much. Therefore I kept some and may be making them into another dish....haiizzzz!! VERY DISAPPOINTED!

Conclusion - I don't favour or vote for this shop at all.

Pomelo or Pear or Papaya???

2010-05-04T22:54:00.000+08:00

Look at this picture and it is definately look like a pear ...or when I see the real thing it looks like Gigantic Pear and also look like Papaya...LOL...Actually it is only a mini pomelo from Guilin

Many of you may have seen our Malaysian version Pomelo from Ipoh and you will normally purchase it during the festive season such as during Chinese New Year & also during the mooncake festival. And it is either sweet & sour taste or very sweet & juicy.

Well, this was brought back from Guilin,it has a pear shape however when cut it open it was round shape. Got a lot of seeds. It was dry but very sweet indeed.. Dunno whether the nature of the flesh is like tat or we don't know how to choose them.

Anyway to choose a good Ipoh pomelo, it has to feel heavy (meaning lot's of water, is going to be juicy), and the skin surface is very smooth. And Ipoh , one pomelo will cost around RM12 to RM13 per fruit

And if I am not mistaken the leaves and skin is useable among the chinese.

Instant Noodle with Lala (Clam) & Prawn

2010-05-04T22:36:00.001+08:00

In my last post it was Lala with Superior Soup and here's another dish from my previous dish.

Ingredient

1 pack of Maggi Mee (Any instant noodle but my favourite is Maggie)
1/2 cube of maggie instant ikan bilis stock
500 ml of water
4 pcs prawn
6-8 pcs of clam
Sesame seed oil
Hua Tiao Wine
white pepper
Some green vege (yaw Mak, lettuce or anything suitable for soup)

Method

-Boiled the water with the ikan bilis cube, add in Hua Tiao wine
- And another boiling water to cook the instant noodle
- once the noodle is half cook pour out the water place the noodle in the boiling soup
- add in the clam & prawn as well
- once the soup come to a boiling stage, add in the vege and switch off the fire.
- dash in some sesame seed oil & white pepper

Bon Apetite

*Readers - This is solely my personal recipe & method of cooking of my maggi mee and not a paid write up. SO NESTLE MAGGI - please don't copy CAT

La La (Clam) with Superior Soup (Xiong Tong La La)

2010-04-26T23:00:00.012+08:00

Not working today cos was too tired after an event over the weekend. went for an Indonesian Massage @ Sanctuary Wellness SS2 (PJ)opposite. Yuan Garden Dim sum (probably a lot of ppl don'tknow this new outlet cos they just open on Apr 17 2010. Use to be Sri Siam Restaurant, I guess).

The price attracted me - RM28 for 1 hrs and 11/2 hrs @ RM45.15 (very odd). How was it....umm...so so nia for me especially I frequent massage at SS2. M so used to deep pressure point like those from China. This one is kind of light for me with oil massage. No feeling. Did not ease my tireness,shoulder & neck stiffness and muscle too. May be is for people who like light & soothing massage.

Anyway, is not abt my massage ...hehe. After the massage, I went to Pasar malam @ SS2 (PJ),just to look see look see. I went to my usual fishmonger and voila I found lala - 1 bag for RM10.00 (I think approximately 1 kg). And I was suppose to cook Mee Suah (rice noodle) serve Kampung chicken with Hock Chew red wine soup. But Lala attracted me and they were big . D last time I saw big lala was ages ago. Nowadays the thick shell clam are so call Lala but do you know they are not Lala...and I don't knw what they are call. And some were really small.

And here 's d lala that I bought from pasar malam

There are many ways to cook lala.Steamed it with Ginger & wine,stir fry with lot's of ginger & garlic,Stir fry with chili,dried shrimps & curry leaves (kam heong lala) etc

Here's the recipe
1) 500g Lala (up to you how much you want to eat)
2) Ginger ( 7 pcs of thin slice then shred it into tiny strips)
3) Kei chi (or wolfberry http://www.teacuppa.com/Wolfberry.asp.easily available @ chinese medicine shop) - 15g
4) Rice wine/ Hua Tiao wine - 2 caps
5) 80g Anchovies (tiny ikan bilis not the nasi lemak ikan bilis, this is much smaller).This is to make the soup/stock. You may also use Maggi ikan bilis cube (without added MSG)
6) 300 ml of water (adjust accordingly)
7) Dash of sesame seed oil
8) Spring onion or cilantro

Methods

I recommend to purchase the big Lala cos small lala do not have much flesh to enjoy. Secondly you have to wash every lala reason being there are some left over sand inside. You don't want to eat that!

First boiled the anchovies, ginger, wine & wolfberry till flavour is out & the soup has a sweet & salty taste and a bit spicy taste.(if you like more spicy add more ginger).

Last add in the lala and boiled for 2 - 3 min.Don't over boil the lala, it may not have the sweet taste.

When is ready, add in a few more dash of wine,pepper & sesame seed oil and Cilantro

Bon Apetite

Hatyai - Southern Thailand Getaway

2010-02-23T23:28:00.024+08:00

Before I finished blogging my Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai trip last year, here I am blogging about Hatyai (Southern Thailand). A very popular destination among the Malaysians & Singaporeans who will always make a short excursion during the public holidays.

Hatyai was in fact my first overseas trip when I was young being from the Northern region. I only need a border pass which is valid for 3 months and many years ago it cost me RM0.50 to make one...cheap ah! And I made numerous trip with parents and friends when I was young.

Well, I have not travel there for almost 5 - 6 years.Well, I made my first overseas trip this year by going to Hatyai during SUPER PEAK SEASON during CNY... Took a train from my hometown cost only RM20 per way.But can only purchased ticket on the day itself.I have to be at the train station @ 5.30am...Zzzzz.Train was supposed to leave at 6.15am however I waited till 8am only the train came. And while waiting luckily I went to nearby town to have some dim sum...phew.

I booked a budget hotel way 2 months ago . Called numerous 4 stars however it was fully booked d (yeah - 2 months ago). Then someone managed to book me in The Regency - sounds highclass....nahhhh - I have to say NO cos I won't spend a high price of 1800THB in Hatyai. You will know why later. So I decided to take the usual budget hotel that I used to stay (Center Mansion - 80/1, Prachathipat Road,Hatyai - Tel : 00 66 74 351430- walking distance from Lee Garden, opp Mayflower Hotel ) that cost me only 380THB which I used to stay. Don't expect much from this budget hotel - very very basic.Cleanliness is 5/10

Why I say NO to The Regency...luckily I didn't book with the rest of the geng....You won't believe it...this is a huge hotel consist of 26 floors...My goodness the room that I went it to check out was dusty on the TV top, side tables too. Only left 3 pcs of tissues (don't even replace them the next day). The toilet bowl seats & cover got fungus....yeewwww, stain on long bath tub, floors etc..Well if m paying that kind of price I expected tip top condition. Center Mansion's 2 star budget hotel has a clean white toilet bowl and I pay cheaper for that....LOL!

Well, there are other choice of hotels available like Lee Garden (a lot of M'sian staying here)http://www.leeplaza.com/leeplaza_new/home.asp , Novotel http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-3727-novotel-hat-yai-centara/index.shtml, BP Grand Tower Hotel http://www.bphotelsgroup.com/bpgrd/bpgrdset.html , B.P Grand Suite Hotel ,New Season www.newseasonhotel.com/, Mayflower Garden, Mayflower Grand Hotel (rate from 900THB -non peak rate).These are some 3- 4 stars hotels)

I would like to recommend another budget guest house- Be My Guest. I would give 9/10 for cleanliness,Rooms comfortability 9/10 for a price of 450THB (NON PEAK SEASON RATE).I managed to take a peek...I love it. See it for yourself

Email Add : morn008@yahoo.com

LOBBY

Corridor

And opposite this guest house, I found a delicious beef noodle (40THB) and "Sar Hor fun" (next door but if u are eating beef noodle shop, just call a plate of Sar Hor fun from the next door) - they fried using a wok over a charcoal stove - so authentic. And lot's of ppl were queing up for the Sar Hor Fun

And over in the morning we have sumptious dim sum...u must be thinking why Hatyai Dim sum.But this is good and cheap. We spend about 850 HB for 9 adults & 1 child for Dim Sum (40 - 50 baskets + drinks). Was packed with diners. You got to get there as early as possible to get more variety of the dim sum otherwise a lot of things will be gone. A must try is their pork ribs- different from M'sia but damn good. And you get vege in their dim sum (not the one in M'sia). And I love the chili sauce (Sweet, spicy & sour)...so appetising. And the steam Glutinous rice"Lo mai kai' ...so yummy. FYI, the dim sum is standard price for whatever u order. No price difference.So many people eat as much as they can. And the portion are rather small...dim sum mah..suppose to be small.

For massage, don't go to this shop that I tried. Foot massage was ok (200THB for 1 hr) but I requested for manicure...OMG ... so teruk.Is cheap @ 150THB.My nails were badly done. My nails were kept nicely all this time however the so call manicurist had totally spoilt it. My nails were square and she gave me a diamond shape. (some were out of shape too). She cut the side skin which I totally didn't enjoy at all and it hurts & some nearly bleed...SO NONONONO for this shop . Do recognise this shop

If you are really into good massage, I strongly recommend this shop . Best to call for an appointment. they have no more than 10 masseuse.They really give you a pressure on the right point and work on your aching area or stiff shoulder and neck. They even use hot stones (Wrapped with towels) n all over your body. The shop next to it belongs to same owner sells steam soup (got 5 - 7 varieties) and dessert "tong sui" like glutinuous rice ball with black sesame - must try, very good. To get a good massage & try the soup, go early. Massage first then eat. Never do the other way. Print out this picture and ask your hotel reception how to get there. Is only walking distance from Regency, Lee Garden, New Season and Novotel (don't need tuk tuk). Call them for direction if you need. The lady boss is very helpful. She speaks hokkien, mandarin as well.

Soups & desserts (MUST TRY)

Picture coutersy of other blogger
Visited a few temples in Hatyai (this is the place I have not been. Sorry I don't recall the name). Rented a van that cost us 1300 THB...normal day it will only cost 700 -800 THB only..haizzz!

And there's this night market open from 6pm - 10.00pm from Thursday to Saturday. Just take tuk tuk there @ 20THB per person (anywhere u go in Hatyai within the city the price is 20THB). Tell tuk tuk to go "pe thai" - sounds like petai. Food & clothes are cheaper here compare to city centre. You can get Man T Shirts (plain colored T shirt) @ 100THB and lady's clothing from 150THB to 399THB.

Must try food here is "kueh chap" @ 35THB...just tell them to mix everything.

There's one stall near the street that sell the local sausage...must try oso.

Hawker's food near Lee Garden Plaza Hotel are not cheap.More expensive than KL. Wonder why? They don't even need to pay rental. Anything u order be it noodle or rice or leng chee kang, it will cost 50THB...KL cheaper hor..and portion also big. Their portion is like Penang portion...the bowl looks big but the portion is only may be you can finish in 5 mouth full....!

For other shopping area that you can head to is Big Plaza - big market or just tell tuk tuk to go to "talat". You can buy clothings (old & young), handbags, leather shoes, rice, food etc. There are 2 blocks of building, so go both.This big market closes at 5pm.

And interestingly, my mom said there's a floating market in Hatyai and sadly I din't manage to get there cos it opens on on Sat & Sun. I left on Sat morning, otherwise I would have made some comparison comments between this one & the one in Bangkok. Anyway, you may read from this blog if you plan to go http://www.icalvyn.com/hatyai-klong-hair-floating-market/

For those of you, driving from south of Malaysia or using the PLUS highway, you need to get yourself all the way to Bt Kayu Hitam and park your car @ duty free shop. The fee is RM12.00 per day. But if you wanna drive in to Hatyai, you got to have all the necessary car documentation and purchase Thai insurance.btw, the insurance only compensate their Thai vehicle not any foreign vehicle should there be any accidents. ( I really don't suggest that cos driving in Hatyai is crazy) . After you have passed the Thai immigration, there are van transport to take you to Hatyai Bus station @ 55THB. From bus station, take a tuk tuk to which ever hotel you are heading to. And when you want to return to the border from Hatyai city centre, ask tuk tuk to take you to bas station to go to Danok @ 55THB also. From Kayu Hitam border to Hatyai city centre it will take approximately 45 min.

When you pass the border, you got to pay 10THB to the Thai immigration officer (they said overtime fees or public holidays fees). Very daring lor ...openly they ask for it. However, those taking train going thru Padang Besar, Thai immigration will not ask for it. It seems double standard that Thai immigration officer will only ask from Malaysian or Singaporean...they will not ask the "farang" regardless they give or not.

Lastly, I find that exchange rate is higher over in Hatyai. RM10 = 9.62THB (during my trip). U will be able to get good exchange rate opposite "Pink Lady".

Kop Khun ka!

Bedroom

Photo Contest - British Airways High Life

2010-02-03T22:54:00.003+08:00

Hi All

Appreciate your VOTE! You got to sign up first before you could put in your vote for my photo, this was taken in Chiang Rai- witnessing a Thai wedding ceremony....DOMOARIGATO, XIE! XIE!Thank you!Nandrit!

Click BELOW LINK
http://www.bahighlife.com/Competitions-and-Offers/Photo-Competition/Gallery/View.html?EntryId=1751

Cheers!

Ajahn Chah Remembrance Day - Sat, 16 Jan 2010 @ HGH Convention Centre, Jalan Sentul, KL

2010-01-05T23:24:00.000+08:00

Hot & Spicy Chiang Mai/Chiang Rai...Part 3

2009-12-30T16:34:00.010+08:00

The bridegroom's cousins took us back to the hotel however, we wanted to go get eye-more, couldn't find any in local pharmacy then I suggested to go to d BIG C...yes, u can find a lot of things there. It is Thailand's hypermarket.I always love to go there whenever I am anywhere in Thailand. I usually get some of my toilettery supply here..It is cheap like tooth paste, lingerie detergent & Loreal range of product. I even get Thai chilli paste here for fried rice, Tom Yam paste & Tom Yam instant noodle. ...crazy huh!

After Big C, we went back to hotel and we got out again (without the cousins as they went back to the village). This time we went to walking street bazaar which open only every saturday.Just don't want to miss it. It is very near the hotel however we need to take a tuk tuk there.Got the receptionist to call for us . Cost abt 80THB. (fyi ,the return trip was only 60THB).Heard that tis walking street bazaar is better than the daily night bazaar and this is where the locals would go & prices are rather reasonable.

And the moment we enter the bazaar is about abt food food food..and yeah we couldn't resist them. As we walk we bought food. And it was cheap. The price was abt 20 -25 THB. And lot's of clothing and souvenirs (you name it) ...better than our pasar malam. And not so many repetitive of each stalls.I love it. Weather that nite was a bit chilly but pleasant to walk around with fresh air. U just wanna grasp the air as much as possible.Just feel good abt it. And u don't sweat either. And the bazaar is never end and it was hive of activities. FYI, it was 2 days before Loy-Krathong.And on the street vendors were selling "Gong Ming Deng"- the white huge latern and also bouquets of flowers for offerings and to be released into the river.

We didn't buy any that cos we wanted to wait ...hoping prices would go down and fresher flowers....LOL! Clothings were cheaper than BKK. As u don't need to get wholesale price of 3 pcs like Platinum mall (prices were between THB100 -190) depending on what you want. Sellers here don't go down the prices that much).I tried and they will just ignore you. You can do it at the night market.A lot of ppl sell winter clothes like from China which I don't think that they will be that cold compare to China which is freezing cold during winter. Chiang Rai was quite mild for me that you only need a shawl with a long sleeve top. (may be it was too early in Nov that the winter has yet to set in).But I saw the locals were wearing winter jacket & I was only on T shirts & jeans. even Cameron Highlands or Genting are colder. Guess coming from my previous experience in Shanghai, this is so mild.

Half way thru the bazaar, we saw a huge field....OMG...FOOD AGAIN! this is big area for food only.Lot's of food that U probably never seen before.I bought 2 drumstick with soya sauce ("si yau gai')...Guess how much ?U will never get the price in our pasar malam..It was only 50THB for 2 pcs (FYI, it was the drumstick including the thigh).Ayam percik in our pasar malam would cost RM4.00 - RM4.50 for one pcs.And it was so tasty....so yummy!Only one stall that sells that. They have got wings as well as chicken feet if u love them. We were looking for a place to sit down n to enjoy the food however we could find any. The locals were like just picnicking on the grown with just a mat or newspaper and they truely enjoyed the food and chatting & drinking...nice weather.So syiok!

Well, since we couldn't find a place to sit, we continue to walk and we saw huge latern nearby (for loy -kratong) and ppl were doing line dancing there...so happening. And there was also a Top competition (Gasing) .Wah..it has been donkey years I see ppl spinning top with such a great skill.Then we walked further down I saw flower hair clip which I wanted to buy so long however, KL is expensive and it cost more than RM10 @ the Curve flea market. Guess how much I got it there....120bath for 3 pcs (different style) and the girl gave me one free clip (not the flower type). And the seller was a beautiful lady, she demostrated on her beautiful hair and passers by just couldn't help themselves but snapping pictures of her non stop. She look so beautiful to be at the bazaar. A lot of ppl buy from her too. The bazaar seems so long that we were so tired and called it a day. So we made a u turn, the bazaar was long way to go & never end. And we continue to shop on d way back...bought a few more T shirts...LOL!Very tired indeed....To be continued

Back to d Pearl of Orient

2009-12-28T21:22:00.019+08:00

Pearl of the Orient...where?...Well..it is the other name for Penang. M Penagites myself.Will travel back a few times in a year.Only have time to go there during the long weekend. Jamming together with holiday makers...ummm..luckily I departed on Friday afternoon...JAM Free.

Was in Penang Island itself on Saturday afternoon...first thing came to our mind was to eat chee cheong fun..and where to? To Genting Kopitiam (not in Genting but Island Glades).Unfortunately, chee cheong fun "bo liao". The reason the "chee cheong fun" is good cos the chili sauce make a difference from the rest.It has got dried shrimp inside.

Genting was packed of people but then I saw patrons were in a shop that soya drink ordering food from Genting..and that is a good idea cos Genting was quite humid & hot. The other shop has less people but one got to order the soya drink or "tau hu hua". The drink is very tasty compare to the one I had in KL which is watery & diluted.This is good.

soya drink (either brown sugar or plain sugar syrup) @ RM1.10 per glass

We have ordered the following food.

Assam Laksa @ RM2.50

Char Hor fun@ RM3.50

Kuih Talam -3pcs @ RM1.40 (d above picture consider 2 pcs)

After makan we went downtown to buy some famous biscuits. Guess none of you will know this shop Ban Heang Biscuits shop at Melaka St . Recommended by my aunty and a friend that their Heong Phneah is so good. The inside filling is soft unlike some others which is hard when u bite. And so true.I have already finished a packet before coming back to KL. It costs abt RM3.00 a packet. Then I also bought "pua kiam tee tau sar phneah"@ RM1.80 per packet

Then drove into Burma Rd...alamak so jam.Just wanna check out Him Heang Biscuits.Didn't expect this road to be so bad.And a few metres before the famous Him Heang biscuits shop we turned right to park our car. Walk to Him Heang..wau lau eh! So long que..right to the kitchem waiting to buy tar sar pneah....!well forget it.I just turn back.Not going to wait.Just before I leave the shop I checked out the Heong Pneah price -Guess how much....???RM6.20. Fuuyohhh!

The que is right to the kitchen

After Him Heang ,I wanted to look for some Kongsi however I missed a turn. I end up at the Sleeping Buddha and Burmese Temple.

Then I bump into my cousin who is deaf. He has been earning his own living for many years outside the Burmese temple by selling souvernirs. Well, if u are unable to communicate with him via sign language, you may write down your messages & show it to him (either English or BM).

Cousin Brother

Later that night, met up with my brother & uncle.We went to Bukit Dumbar to have seafood dinner - Hai Boey Seafood Restaurant. Packed of diners from 8pm onwards.Must go early.Service bad- hard to get them to take orders.I guess if you get up & walk away, they don't even bother or felt the loss of business..Yup...to that extend!I guess.How good it is.....umm..not really up to my expectation. Total damage was Rm138.00 plus drink. Here's the menu.There's one more dish that I dun have a picture - Steamed pomfret in Claypot (cost RM30 - very small only - damn expensive).

Honey Chicken

Tofu with seaweed & Enorki mushroom

Sizzling Plate sotong & prawn @ RM30

Stir fried Kai Lan with Salted Fish

Calamari - not so good as u can see the batter is not sticking well to the squid.I guess they forgot to dip in the egg before the flour or only use egg....dunno lar

Getting around in China - TANJOOBERRYMUTTS!

2009-12-18T23:06:00.001+08:00

"TANJOOBERRYMUTTS" ...

By the time you read through this YOU WILL UNDERSTAND "TANJOOBERRYMUTTS" ...and be ready for China .

In order to continue getting-by in China , we need to learn English the way it is spoken...... ......... ........

Practice by reading the following conversation.

With a little patience, you'll be able to fit right in.

Now, here goes...
The following is a telephonic exchange between maybe you as a hotel guest and room-service today......

Room Service : "Morrin. Roon sirbees."

Guest : "Sorry, I thought I dialed room-service. "

Room Service: " Rye . Roon sirbees...morrin! Joowish to oddor sunteen???"

Guest: "Uh..... Yes, I'd like to order bacon and eggs."

Room Service: "Ow ulai den?"

Guest: ".....What?? "

Room Service: "Ow ulai den?!?... Pryed, boyud, pochd?"

Guest: "Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry.. Scrambled, please."

Room Service: "Ow ulai dee bayken ? Creepse?"

Guest: "Crisp will be fine."

Room Service: "Hokay. An sahn toes?"

Guest: "What?"

Room Service: "An toes. ulai sahn toes?"

Guest: "I.... Don't think so.."

RoomService: "No? Udo wan sahn toes???"

Guest: "I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what 'udo wan sahn toes' means."

RoomService: "Toes! Toes!...Why Uoo don wan toes? Ow bow Anglish moppin we botter?"

Guest: "Oh, English muffin! !! I've got it! You were saying 'toast'...
Fine...Yes, an English muffin will be fine."

RoomService: "We botter?"

Guest: "No, just put the botter on the side."

RoomService: "Wad?!?"

Guest: "I mean butter... Just put the butter on the side."

RoomService: "Copy?"

Guest: "Excuse me?"

RoomService: "Copy...tea. . meel?"

Guest: "Yes. Coffee, please... And that's everything."

RoomService: "One Minnie. Scramah egg, creepse bayken , Anglish moppin, we botter on sigh and copy ... Rye ??"

Guest: "Whatever you say."

RoomService: "Tanjooberrymutts. "

Guest: "You're welcome"

Remember I said "By the time you read through this YOU WILL UNDERSTAND 'TANJOOBERRYMUTTS' ......and you do, don't you! :-) :-)

Steamed Spicy Soft Spare Ribs

2009-12-08T19:56:00.005+08:00

Just simply dish up something this evening, taste good...so here's the recipe

Ingredient

1) 400g soft spare ribs

2) 1 tbsp chili black bean (made in Taiwan & bought from Mega Herbs Taman Megah,PJ Selangor)

3) 1 tbsp chili bean sauce (dou ban djan) from Lee Kum Kee

4) A few drops of sesame seed oil

5) 1/2 a tbsp of corn flour

6) 3 tbsp of hua tiao wine

7) a few dash of white pepper

Garnishing

- some cilantro

Marinade the spare ribs with the above ingredients and keep in the fridge for 1 hr at least. Then steamed it for at least 45 min to 1 hr.

When it's ready put the cilantro on top.

Bon Apetite!

Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve.

2009-12-03T11:21:00.002+08:00

Would like to share the following.This message is not intended to offend any religion or anyone. Have a read and you know what I mean....

God: Hello... Did you call me?

Me: Called you? No.. who is this?

God: This is GOD. I heard your prayers. So I thought I will chat.

Me: I do pray. Just makes me feel good. I am actually busy now. I am in
the midst of something..

God: What are you busy at? Ants are busy too.

Me: Don't know. But I can’t find free time. Life has become hectic. It's
rush hour all the time.

God: Sure..Activity gets you busy. But productivity gets you results.
Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.

Me: I understand. But I still can’t figure it out. By the way, I was notexpecting YOU to buzz me on instant messaging chat.

God: Well I wanted to resolve your fight for time, by giving you some
clarity. In this net era, I wanted to reach you through the medium
you are comfortable with.

Me: Tell me, why has life become complicated now?

God: Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis is what makes it
complicated.

Me: Why are we then constantly unhappy?

God: Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about yesterday. You are
worrying because you are analyzing. Worrying has become your
habit. That's why you are not happy.

Me: But how can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?

God: Uncertainty is inevitable, but worrying is optional.

Me: But then, there is so much pain due to uncertainty. .

God: Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional.
Me: If suffering is optional, why do good people always suffer?
God: Diamond cannot be polished without friction. Gold cannot be purified
without fire. Good people go through trials, but don't suffer. With
that experience their life becomes better not bitter.

Me: You mean to say such experience is useful?

God: Yes. In every term, Experience is a hard teacher. She gives the test
first and the lessons afterwards.

Me: But still, why should we go through such tests? Why can't we be free
from problems?

God: Problems are Purposeful Roadblocks Offering Beneficial Lessons (to) E
nhance Mental Strength.
Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance, not when you are
free from problems.

Me: Frankly in the midst of so many problems, we don't know where we are
heading..

God: If you look outside, you will not know where you are heading. Look
inside. Looking outside, you dream. Looking inside, you awaken. Eyes
provide sight. Heart provides insight.

Me: Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than moving in the
right direction. What should I do?

God: Success is a measure as decided by others. Satisfaction is a measure
as decided by YOU.
Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying than knowing you rode
ahead. You work with the compass.
Let others work with the clock.

Me: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?

God: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far you have to
go.
Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.
Me: What surprises you about people?

God: When they suffer they ask, 'Why me?' When they prosper, they never
ask 'Why me'. Everyone wishes to have truth on their side, but few want to be on
the side of the truth.

Me: Sometimes I ask, who am I, why am I here. I can't get the answer.

God: Seek not to find who you are, but to determine who you want to be.
Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are here. Create it. Life is
> not a process of discovery but a process of creation.

Me: How can I get the best out of life?

God: Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence.
Prepare for the future without fear.

Me: One last question. Sometimes I feel my prayers are not answered.

God: There are no unanswered prayers. At times the answer is NO.

Me: Thank you for this wonderful chat. I am so happy to start the New Day
with a new sense of inspiration.

God: Well...Keep the faith and drop the fear. Don't believe your doubts
and doubt your beliefs.
Life is a mystery to solve, not a problem to resolve.

Opening of New Restaurant - Societea...Check it OUT!

2009-11-27T00:56:00.002+08:00

I have not been to this restaurant yet. Is new. Is friend's friend's restaurant.Will try one day. There's promotion going on during the opening period, so food lovers ...do check them out and tell me ya!Cheers!

Krups, Lagostina, Moulinex, Rowenta, Supor,Tefal (Malaysia) Warehouse Sale

2009-11-24T00:37:00.001+08:00

Discount Duration : Thu, 26 Nov 2009 - Sat, 28 Nov 2009
Company : Krups, Moulinex, Rowenta, Tefal
Location : Unit 102 Block B, Kelana Square No.17 Jalan SS7/26, 47301 Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Promotion : Krups, Moulinex, Rowenta, Tefal Warehouse Sale Up to 70% Off
Products Offered : Cookware - up to 70% Electrical Items - up to 50%

Brands Offered : Krups
Lagostina
Moulinex
Rowenta
Supor
Tefal

Hush Puppies Malaysia Warehouse Sales 2009

2009-11-24T00:16:00.001+08:00

Discount Duration : Fri, 27 Nov 2009 - Sun, 6 Dec 2009, 10am-10pm
Company : Hush Puppies
Location : Hotel Sri Petaling (function Room) Jalan Radin Anum, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling Telephone : 019-386 0364
Promotion : Hush Puppies Malaysia Warehouse Sales 2009 up to 70% off , (Additional 5% off for PB Credit/Debit Cardmembers)
Products Offered : on Apparel Footwear Luggage Bedlinen

Philips Warehouse Clearance Sale 2009

2009-11-21T16:50:00.002+08:00

Discount Duration : Fri, 20 Nov 2009 - Sun, 22 Nov 2009, 10am – 5pm (Fri & Sat) 10am – 3pm (Sun)
Company : Philips

Location : Maple Tree Logistics Centre, Menlo Worldwide (M) Sdn Bhd, Lot 14 Unit B-04, Persiaran Perusahaan Section 23, 40300 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia

Promotion : Philips Warehouse Clearance Sale 2009 Up to 80% Off

Products Offered :
Home Appliances
Kitchen Appliances
TV
DVD Player
Home Theatre System
and more

CROCS Malaysia WAREHOUSE SALES (Price: start from rm10 )

2009-11-21T16:40:00.000+08:00

Discount Duration : Fri, 20 Nov 2009 - Sun, 22 Nov 2009, 9am-6pm
Company : CROCS Malaysia
Location : Pinang Medical Supplies S/B. 25 jln SS15/5A, 47500 Subang Jaya. (same row as Bank Muamalat)
Telephone : 03-56323919/3920
Promotion : CROCS Malaysia WAREHOUSE SALES Up to 70% discount!!!

Dried Mussel Porridge

2009-11-20T18:45:00.003+08:00

My brunch cum lunch today

Ingredient

1) Dried Mussel
2) Dried Scallop
3) Dried Shrimp
4) Strips of lean pork
5) Black Mushroom
6) Oyster Sauce
7) Rice (used brown polished or brown rice)
8) Sesame Seed oil
9) Hua Tiao wine
10)Shallots

Condiments

1) White pepper
2) Spring Onion- cut
3) Ginger - strips
4) Deep fried shallot
5) Dash of sesame seed oil

Method

1) Heat up d oil and fried d shallots till fragrant.
2) Add the pork,lightly fry it, add a dash of hua tiao wine
3) add the dried shrimp,scallops,dried mussel. Fried them till fragrant.Then add the mushroom
4) Finally the rice. Incorporate in evely. Add pepper, oyster sauce & a few dash of hua tiao. Fried for few minutes
5) Add in water (5x d amount of rice you have used)

Let it boiled till the rice become porridge. Some people may like very fine like cantonese porridge (must constantly stir) or some people may like it like teochew porridge. It's up to you. However, must ensure that the scallop,dried mussels and dried shrimp are all softened.

You may need to correct the taste according to your taste bud.You can add on oyster sauce or salt & pepper. Up to individual.

When u serve, put all d condiments mentioned above.

Bon Apetite!

Hot & Spicy Chiang Mai /Chiang Rai ..Part 2 (the wedding day)

2009-11-13T18:25:00.015+08:00

Later in d evening,the wedding organiser came the decorate the house for the big day and was rather reasonable fees that they charge. Came with lot's of fresh flowers,backdrop,props,roman pillar, wedding ceremony stuff and they even decorate the bed with rose petals

Backdrop

Event organiser for the wedding who is a he/she

Oct 31,2009 - The wedding day. Woke up at 8am and really dunno what to wear. I guess i don't need to dress to kill in a vilage.After having b'fast at the hotel,we depart from d hotel to bride's house which took us 45min.

And WOW the house had some transformation for the wedding.Just loved the flower decor.
The wedding ceremony started abt after 1 hr we arrived. Before that I was snapping pictures all the way before the ceremony start. And so many relatives came also wanna take pictures. I heard that villagers came as early as 4am to the house to start cooking for the day.

Then the bride appeared before my eyes....so beautiful so THAI...LOL!what m I taking about. Couldn't recognise her. With her body hugging wedding dress, she look like hour glass...Actually the wedding dress material don't feel like the western wedding gown which is normally...feel like satin. This is thick, sort of non breathable material...very hot. Same goes for the man...very hot material. But it looks smart & neat like the navy man.And the bridegroom actually had some lite makeup on the face...KEKEKE

And finally all are called to the front of the house and all parents are seated beside the couple. Invited guests seated right infront of them. First, parents put on jewelleries for the bride.Then a man came to bless the couple ....was rather a long chanting, then they have this long white thread going round the couple's hand with cash or "ang pow" to bless the couple. And it could go up to 100packets on their hands...very loaded....LOL!

After the ceremony,the bride got to wash the husband's hand before entering the house and then to the room...and here's come the funniest part, relatives & friends would join the couple in the room as well. And what they do is to put the couple on bed and ask the couple hug each other, kiss & also lie down on the bed with body hugging each other....isn't it interesting. Well for our chinese custom, when the couple enter the bedroom, all of us must get out (it is the "tong fong), we must leave them alone. So different for Thai. And I noticed that Thai had very little pantang larang...and I don't notice any! Or may be I don't understand any..LOL!

At noon we were served lunch...the bride's mom came to me and said "khao"..I obviously have no idea. They only speak Thai and we speak "head" , hands & shoulder language back to them....whatever sign we could produce in order to communicate...LOL! Then later she showed her hands to the mouth then only I understand she asked whether we wanna eat. And I just shook my head....And voila...we got our delicious food.. It was very local home cook food unlike 5 star course by course. It tasted very very good and you don't need shark's fin or prawn or suckling pig...their food were simple and simply delicious. Northern Thai ppl ususally eat steam glutinuous rice however being Malaysian, they cooked for us steam rice. And the rice itself tasted so good. It is actually homegrown rice. The surroundings of the village are paddy fields.The dishes consist of laap (pork salad-similar to Laotion salad), kerabu tang hoon with black fungus, vege,etc.

And the wedding reception actually started in the morning and till late eveving and the ladies in the kitchen will continue to cook and bring out the food as long as you sit there whole day and alcoholic drinks all time. The ladies be it old or you and the man as well will drink non stop together.They have Karaoke till 5pm and the old ladies were drunk & dancing...just funny to see them drunk and dancing the whole day. Very entertaining indeed.

Well at 3pm, we left the place together with the bride's relative's who drop us at Chang Mai city and the party continue till late evening.

To be continued...

Hot & Spicy Chiang Mai /Chiang Rai..Part 1

2009-11-07T21:23:00.015+08:00

Haizzz....2 days before the flight, received an sms that AA flt to Chiang Mai will be earlier from 10.30am to 7.30am...Can u imagine, I have to leave d house by 5am d latest. Wake up by 4am

Goshhh.. always pack my back last minute.So I packed till 2am...i have got only 2 hrs to sleep comfortably before boarding AA flt.

Well, this is my second trip to Chiang Mai.Been to most places by motorbike (within Chiang Mai)and infact I have travelled to outskirt like Mae Sa,Mae Hong Song & Pai district by 4 WD.It was indeed interesting and adventurous. One should try this. It's very beautiful & worth the money .Paid around 4500THB 2 years ago for this trip.Inclusive of 3 nites accomodation,2 meals, 4WD with driver (you can drive yourself too) plus all the entrance fees to where ever we go.

The main reason, I was in Chiang Mai was to travel to Chiang Rai to attend a wedding. I always love to see the local culture. and ...yeah dreams come true.

I reached Chiang Mai around 9.30an (local time). There was a delay of 20 min as announced by the captain.And he also informed us that there was a military exercise and the plane has to stay out from the Chiang Mai Air space.My heart was pumping when I heard this cos I thought there was a riot going on in Chiang Mai and the plane has to stay out

Finally when the captian announced "Cabin Crew, please be seated for landing"...it was such a relieved. We took a taxi (approx 2300 THB).We sat comfortably in something like Toyota Innova.Made a stop in Chiang Mai City to grab some food.Driver took us to eat thier famous congee...real yummy indeed. We had some Thai version Dim Sum...no chili or sweet sauce but gave us black vinegar...taste funny but OK.

Chicken Congee ala Thai (very smooth like cantonese porridge)

It says Roasted Pork Rice..I guess this is Thai style

Thai Dim Sum

It took us abt 2 1/2 hr to reach Chiang Rai. On the way, we saw many small stalls selling grilled corn and grab 2 sticks...YES stick they have got this bamboo thrust into the corn. Very easy to eat instead of holding the corn itself that made it hard to eat like our version.Hands got dirty and messy.Love it very much.They don't grilled it at the stall and they kept the corn hot in a styrofoam box.FYI, the corn tasted DAMN good...very sweet and not dry like ours.It is a MUST TRY. The scenery to Chiang Rai was awesome...reminds me of going to Kedah via the coastal road.

Finally we reached our hotel - Palm Garden http://www.thepalmgarden.com/ . Paid abt 767THB per nite with bbf. Very clean (room & bathroom -m very particular), friendly staff including the GM who is an American married to local Thai wife.They will greet us whenever they see you of course with Amazing Thai hospitality. They are a bit out fr the main city however I really don't mind since m staying in the city already and I just don't want to land myself in the city again. Tuk tuk is easily available.Just get the receptionist to call for you.The hotel is over looking the paddy field .What a view! Basic facilities.Only 1 restaurant that serves b'fast every morning. FYI, No elevator.Choose to stay on the 1st floor.

At around 3 pm the bride & bridegroom (bro in law) came to the hotel...bought us some local food (kuih)...macam macam ada.Like some only. Then took us to Wat Rong Khun which is just 10 - 15 min to from our hotel. It was WOW!Just take a look at the pix. It is all white.Still under construction.They are building something beside which is GOLD in color. A must go place.

Wat Rong Khun

Then later we head to outskirt which took us 45 min to reach. It was the bride's house. Errr...can't recall the name.Is a simple village. And directly outside the house is a market. So easy if you wanna grab anything.And there's mini mart beside the house.Behind the house is a river. The bride's father breed cat fish there. There were lot's of ppl at the house helping out to get ready for the big day. All the villagers came voluntarily to help out. They were bz cutting veges, pork, beef etc.When we reached there,we had a lot of food to eat but what it is I had no idea. Then they served hubby some spirit (HOMEMADE)....GOD KNOWS WHAT IS THE ALCOHOL CONTENT...I guess is worst than tuak...it is made of glutinous rice.

Some kuih muih ala Thai

Neighbours & Relatives came to help on the pre-wedding day

The bride's mom make us BBQ pork with special chili sauce.Then later in the evening the aunty made us cat fish soup and had it with glutinous rice (sticky rice) They hardly eat steam rice.The fish was fresh and the soup tasted like Tom Yam but it wasn't spicy...specially tailored made for us. Mind you Chiang Rai people eat EXTREMELy spicy food. M a fan of spicy food however I couldn't take it. It felt like the volcano is going to errupt....yeah! Because of the spiciness, I had gastric pain for 2 days and lucky me to have brought along Zantac and restrain myself from eating chili for the last 4 days I was there. Drink milk every now & then

Grilling Pork

Cat Fish Soup.

Their Som Tam too tasted different...very salty & spicy, they used fish sauce and prawn sauce/paste (very strong smell of belacan & Kelantan's budu. I do eat belacan however I have stay away from this one). I prefer the one I had in BKK or Hatyai. Sweet, Sour & Spicy.

Zzzzz...To be continued.

L'Oréal Malaysia - Luxury Products Division Great Deals 2009

2009-10-27T12:10:00.003+08:00

Discount Duration : Sat, 31 Oct 2009, 10am-7pm

Company : L'Oreal Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Location : Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur, Plaza Ballroom, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur

Promotion : L'Oréal Malaysia - Luxury Products Division Great Deals 2009 (Goods purchased are limited to a maximum of 5 pieces per item per customer.) Handbags, Pouches, Carrier Bags or any form of bags will not bet allowed at the sales location.

Brands Offered :

Lancome
Biotherm
Shu Uemura
Ralph Lauren
Giorgio Armani
Cacharel
Guy Laroche

Shogun Japanese Buffet Restaurant Lunch & Dinner Promotion

2009-10-02T11:51:00.002+08:00

Discount Duration : Sat, 1 Aug 2009 - Fri, 30 Oct 2009
Company : Shogun Japanese Buffet Restaurant
Location : Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall, LG1.42 No 3 Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Promotion : Shogun Japanese Buffet Restaurant 35% Discount Lunch , 30% Discount Dinner

Job Seekers - BEWARE OF JOB SCAM

2009-09-17T15:58:00.002+08:00

Job offers are sometimes NOT what they seem! Tough times and a difficult job market have resulted in numerous shameless job scams by dodgy companies out there.

However thanks to the diligence of some of our members, below are some examples of what these illegitimate advertisements look like and how they operate:

Scam Example #1 "Marketing/Customer Relations Executive" By using an "official" letterhead, the job seeker is informed that he or she will be working overseas. But before that, job seekers are requested to pay for the processing, procurement and acquisition of their necessary permit clearance documents with an "appointed" travel agent. The employer of course mentions in the letter that all these fees will be "reimbursed later". To seal the deal, the letterhead also includes an "official' signature by a legal advisor.

Scam Example #2"Home-based Typist" This company asks job seekers to pay a "fully refundable" deposit of $380 for copy-typing jobs. The company emails the applicants directly and takes desperate measures to explain in great detail why they are legitimate. Once the deposit is paid the contact person becomes very difficult to reach on the phone. To make it more convincing, the person signs off with a "Dr" designation in the name.

Scam Example #3"Data Entry/ Filing Clerk" The employer typically confirms and calls applicants (part-time) in for an interview but will request a payment of around $185 for administration or consultation fee. Once they have signed the "job agreement" and payment is made, the company will give excuses on why the applicant can't be hired. Excuses such as how the client's company has not made their selection or how they have been robbed and are under police investigation are not uncommon excuses. This might go on for a month or so and eventually, the applicant would be left jobless and $185 poorer.

These job scams are very real and we would like to advise you to be EXTRA careful with your job applications.

MY PERSONAL ADVISE - DON'T PAY ANYTHING TO ANYONE IF A COMPANY WANTS TO EMPLOY U, THEY SHOULD BE PAYING YOU INSTEAD!

Join the Klang Valley Food Hunt 2009

2009-09-15T09:19:00.004+08:00

WHAT could be a more exciting way to enjoy Klang Valley's multi-ethnic food heritage than a hunt that combines culinary delights with a series of thrilling activities? Klang Valley Food Hunt 2009, to be held on 3 Oct 2009, promises to tickle your gastronomic senses and pump up your adrenaline.

The success of RASA RASA's previous hunts -- Penang Food Hunt 2007, held over Dec 1 & 2 which attracted 98 cars and Penang Food Hunt 2008, held over Dec 6 & 7 with 96 cars -- has proven that hunters enjoy themed hunts with local experiences.

This year, we will have a host of new challenges to extend the food-hunting experience. Our theme "Going by Mobile" is supported by a new SMS-based location finder directory service by Maxis. Other attractions include:

RM20,000 worth of prizes including cash to the top 20 teams

Special discount of RM20 for all Maxis users, who will pay RM70 instead of RM90 as the entry fee

Attractive goodie bags for every participant

Registration : 6:30am
Flag off : 8:30am
Date : 3 Oct 2009 (Saturday)
Venue : National Science Centre, Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur
* Limited to 120 teams
** Closing date for registration: 28 Sep 2009

Prize-giving will be held later in the evening. For ENTRY FORMS and more information,
please log on to: www.rasarasa.net or www.timeoutsolutions.com or call 03 5621 4818

Walk for World Pink - World Without Breast Cancer

2009-09-08T13:42:00.000+08:00

Date: 3rd October, 2009 at 5p.m.
Venue: Menara Kuala Lumpur

Join Estee Lauder and be one of the 1,200 big hearted Malaysians in Walk for World Pink. This exciting event will be the prelude to the illumination of KL Tower in pink as a symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness. Bring your family, friends, children and we also welcome the whole village. Dress in pink head gears, adorn yourselves with pink hats and pink accessories and we will make this event something to remember.

Participation is as follows:
A donation of RM30.00 registration fee and in return you will receive a World Pink t-shirt and a door gift of our products worth RM100. You will also stand a chance to win 20 fabulous hampers in the lucky draw at the end of our event.

How to participate?
Simply print out this registration form ( page 2) and submit it to FTAA (address as in the form) or you can register online at www.hooha.asia
For enquiries, please email worldpink@my.estee.com or call 03-2092 6000

Wait no more.. take action now and do your part in raising awareness that early detection of breast cancer saves life!

Where got GHOST Phone Teaser?

2009-09-08T11:04:00.004+08:00

See LAH!

Xing Chao - Greetings in Vietnam (part 1)

2009-05-22T09:42:00.005+08:00

Went to work in d morning for half day and rushed back home to catch a taxi to LCCT. Got my free ticket (who else Air Asia lah) since last year n cost me about RM300 (KL/HCMC/KL) which include 15 kg bag charge.(is expensive cos fuel surcharge involved)....I didn't get refund even though the fuel surcharge is no longer applicable for this year.

Flight was delayed for 1 hour and by the time I reached HCMC it was 7.30pm (HCMC is 1 hr behind M'sia) . And poor boy (Eric from hotel) waited for us and was very hungry. WOW! it was a Freelander 4x4.WOW! this budget hotel definately got a little bit of class.It was a wet wet wet day.It took us about 30 - 45 min to reach District 1 which was bustling at nite and we were so confused with our bearings .

According to Eric - it was the beginning of rainy season or the wet season (was there late April to early May). And finally we reached our hotel, and the driver stopped by the road side and some ladies came running to us with umbrellas, OMG where's the hotel, do I have to walk somewhere. For a moment , I regretted to have book this hotel. The next thing was, they took us to walk down an alley...OMG where are they taking us too? Was clueless, and the more regrets I had. Thought it was a red light district area.Finally less than 1 min, we reached the budget hotel which was run by the family and...WOW! so clean.So they gave us the key. We all have to leave our passpost with them. Reason being every night they need to report to the nearest police station who are the in house guests.So police will know that all tourist do not carry their passport. My room was on the 1st flr, and I had my triple sharing room. Towels super white, comes with mini bar (beer, juices,mineral water etc - chargeable of course), bathroom was clean with soap, tooth brush & paste and hot shower too....So was I happy with room ...YES...!Actually, it was good to have the hotel at this quiet alley cos it is less noisy compare to the hotel by the main street.

So the next thing was, we went for some munch and Eric actually gave us some restaurant name ...got a lot of choice but we have no choice but to eat there. Quite expensive.M expecting some hawkers food like Thailand...U know what I mean. This restaurant called Gom was just next to the famous Travel agent called Sinh Cafe. Can you imagine 4 pcs of Spring Roll (Vegetarian ) cost me VND45000 (RM10.00)....it is not cheap at all being a 3rd world country. What d heck , we really dunno where we are ,so makan saja lar.

Then we went to get some mineral water 1.5L @ VND8000 (RM1.80) and I found out there is this convenient store further up d road cost VND5000 (RM1.10). By the way, it is only drinking water not mineral water.Mineral water will cost more. It is advisable not to drink any roadside drinks which may cause diarrhea, however I guess being Malaysian, we are used to hawkers' food...so I did drink and eat roadside hawker's food... so far no problem.

And end of my first day in Saigon

Hotel that I stayed in was www.nhatthaohotel.com . How it looks like, it is exactly what u see on the website.

Here's some uploaded photos Vietnam - Ho Chin Minh City, Dalat & mekong Delta

Chao!

Free Public Forum - Cervical Cancer on Mar 15,2009 @ Sheraton Subang

2009-03-06T10:26:00.003+08:00

Cervical Cancer is among the commonest cancers in women, often affecting women in their prime. It is estimated that annually about 250,000 women die from the disease, and about 80% of these deaths occur in developing countries.

A recent survey in Hong Kong revealed that only 30 percent of the the respondents correctly pointed out infection with Human Papilloma virus (HPV) as the main cause of cervical cancer; 43 percent thought that having too many sex partners and smoking were the main cause (which were only risk factors); 19 percent erroneously considered heredity was the main cause.

The result also revealed only 32 percent were aware that all sexually-active women are exposed to the risk of the cancer and only 22 percent had the idea that it is preventable by HPV vaccination.

In conjunction with our Cervical Cancer Congress, we will be having a Public Forum on 15 March 2009, from 2:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m at Sheraton Subang Hotel & Towers. The topics are on:

1) Cervical Cancer, Current Status by Dr Matin Mellor, Consultant Clinical Oncologist and Radiotherapist,
Sime Darby Medical Centre Subang Jaya Sdn Bhd

2) Prevention and Early Detection by Dr Fong Chee Kin, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist,
Sime Darby Medical Centre Subang Jaya Sdn Bhd

This is your chance to find out more on Cervical Cancer!
Please call us at 03 5639 1333 or e-mail to healthcare@simedarby.com to reserve your seat.

Free Admission but seats are limited, so please hurry!

Package and Mail Forwarding, USA mailing address, US Order Fulfillment

2009-01-23T10:59:00.005+08:00

Get A US Mailing Address

Use your U.S. mailing address to receive items anywhere in the world Establish a virtual office in the USA

Shop online and receive your purchases
Receive Mail, Packages, and Faxes from anyone

Access you Mailbox Manager online: Distribute your products in the USA:
-View your mailbox contents and have us forward them to you
-Order package or mail forwarding services to your country or wherever you are
-Discard unwanted mail – don’t pay to for unnecessary remailing services
-Order scans for documents that you need to urgently review

Take advantage of our member services
-USA magazine subscriptions and Personal Shopping assistance
-RV Mail Forwarding Services - wherever you are!
and much more...

Low Back Pain - Tips on Pain Relief and Prevention

2009-01-20T09:50:00.006+08:00

Food Republic @ Pavillion Kuala Lumpur

2008-12-31T17:14:00.012+08:00

It has been a while ...or shall I say I have not made any trips to any mall in KL. So I decided to go during Awal Muharram as I expected there weren't any traffic jam.N I was right. Traffic was perfect.

I have not really explore Pavillion. And this is my 3rd visit to Pavillion n most of the time I went to meet up friends an chit chat at those eating outlet...can't even remember the name... I used to work around that area however Pavillion was still in progress years ago.

I was hungry n went down to the so call food court....WOW!so nice...like those in Singapore. And u can find all sorts of variety and from different countries. I saw one particular stall which is quite different from the rest, it was fried prawn noodle serve in Nipah leave...YUP not banana leave. We usually have out Mee Goreng or Char Koay Teow serve on banana leaves. So this one is differeny..I had that before while in Atria food court Singapore.And it tasted very good while I has it in S'pore.This one is not too bad either however the sambal chili quite dissapointing.And not quite the same as it expected it to be. Too diluted.

And it cost me S$4.00. And the one in PAvilion cost me RM7.00. Ummm...I think is too expensive for a Malaysian. And m comparing dollar to dollar count. Why can't they charge us only RM4.00.Is the nipah leaves imported from Singapore and the prawns, noodle are imported from Singapore?FYI, we have all the resources and I dunno why Malaysian always have to pay so much for food. When Singaporean pays lesser in their own country.Is the rental very high?Atria is also located at the prime area - Orchard Road.And m sure their rental don't come cheap either.And many years ago, I could get a glass of soya milk at S$0.80 and while in Malaysia, we are being charged at RM1.00 during that time.Wonder what is the different?

Anyway, here are some food that I managed to capture.Food looks great but m not sure about the taste. By the way, I don't recommend the Pan Mee....I think normal hawkers centre taste better.Tried some tarts... really good. I tried the durian tart and egg white with milk (healthier)...it taste good without the yolk and can taste the milk too

That's for the time being and more food pix will be posted later!

Christmas Charity Treasure Hunt - Let's Do Our Part!!

2008-12-18T13:31:00.004+08:00

Is a season of caring,sharing & giving. R u GAME for it? Check this out .

This is a great time to get friends and family together for a good cause. If you have yet to go for a hunt, this is a good one to start you off.And if you have any items that you would like to donate, whether as prizes, door gifts or to be given to children's homes, please do give them a call - 03 -5621 4818

Can't see? View here for more info & entry form
http://www.timeoutsolutions.com/index.php?option=com_extcalendar&Itemid=51&extmode=view&extid=56

NGO Year-End Appeal

2008-11-25T15:03:00.003+08:00

Dear Friends,

It's near the year-end, what good deeds have you accumulated for yourself and your family this year? While some of us are worried with the current economic downturn thus cutting down on luxurious dinings and vacation, some of you are taking this golden opportunity to buy-in on Mainboard Blue Chip shares and foreign currencies. Everyone of us can easily survived this downturn as we have stable source of income. Unfortunately, the current economic downturn has badly affected the financial position of many welfare-based NGOs. Donations to many of these NGOs are tax-exempted, which is the perfect way to reduce your tax %, why contribute to the government when we can help the poor and needy?

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled require about RM100,000/month to operate 6 centres. Besides providing skills training programme and employment assistance/counselling services to more than 1000 non-resident trainees, they also provide food, lodging and education to 120 resident trainees age from 6 yrs old to 60 yrs old.

Beautiful Gate is currently facing serious financial crisis and wishes to appeal for your support to carry on their noble work for the disabled community.

How you can help:
1) Donation (all donations is tax exempted)
2) Purchase Charity Coupon @ RM20/book. There will be a Charity Bazaar at The Summit USJ on Sunday, 7th Dec 08 at 11am to 3pm. Arts and Handicrafts by the disabled will be on sale.
3) Spread the news, sell charity coupons and appeal for donations from family and friends.

Deeply appreciate your kind consideration on this request and generousity. If you are interested to make a donation, you can either get in touch with Ms Shi Yun(She will collect it from you) or send a cheque directly to Beautiful Gate at SS2. For coupons, she willbe at Summit in the morning to pass to you. If you would like to buy coupons but not able to "spend" it, she will take the coupons and pass on to orphanage for the kids to have a splendid time at the Bazaar.

Beautiful Gate Foundation for the Disabled
29, Jalan SS 2/59
47300 Petaling Jaya

Please keep Ms Shi Yun in the loop so that she can follow up on your tax-exemption receipt. She can be contacted ShiYun.Tan@shell.com

McD/KFC/Oldtown white coffee - Price Difference in some outlet

2008-11-25T09:40:00.005+08:00

Consumers or junk food outlet fan,

Received this from an email. How true it is, do check it out yourself. The receipt looks not too long ago.(See the date of transaction)

So far, I do know KFC & McD have price differences in Genting & Airport outlet and no goverment tax on a duty free island. However, it is not to my knowledge of any price differences in different states.As far as I know all these chain/franchise outlet sshould have a standard pricing charge to consumer.

So if any of you from that particular states, do check it out for all of us.Let us share this information.

Koh Samui/Koh Phangan - Part 1

2008-11-08T09:00:00.027+08:00

3 weeks ago, I had my first maiden flight with

Fire Fly
to Koh Samui from Subang Airport. Check in took sometime as the counter staff said there’s only 1 counter to check in to Koh Samui but she seems to look like a trainee to me cos she got her colleague’s assistance most of the time. Should she not familiar with the system , have her training in a mock up area before putting her on a real one! She was slowing down the check in que cos she was like sort of figuring out how to use the system.

Subang airport is under a major renovation or facelift. With new design, it is going to look very futuristic. So it was very dusty inside. You just don’t want to stay inside for that long and inhaling the dusty air.

While in d flight I didn’t expect anything cos this is a low cost flight as usual. And guess what, we have got muffin (taste good or was I hungry??ummm) , coffee/tea & juices and they offer us 2 rounds…Not bad huh!.

The interior looks very new (guess this is the newly purchased plane) . We have our seat right at the front. Good cos it is not near the engine or propeller. By the way, the entrance to the flight is at the back and those at the front seat are last to get out.

And finally 2 hours of flight , we finally reached Koh Samui Airport. It was a smooth landing by the Captain.KUDOS! This is an open airport (no aircond lar) and you could feel the heat. Very beautiful.

Outside Koh Samui Airport (a lot of outlet)

Shuttle to ferry us to main building

Aerial View of Koh Samui

As I reached the arrival hall, was quite blur , thought of getting a taxi like any other airport. FYI, there’s no taxi but there’s Mini bus or limousine. So, if it is just you or 2 person traveling, I suggest you take the Mini bus (buy the coupon over the counter) but if is a family of 4 or 5, make your calculation which is much cheaper for you .

Mini Bus (van) Price for all destination

I have planned for 4days /3 nights in Koh Samui but 1 night in Koh Phangan.. So, I purchased a transfer coupon to Maenam Pier (150 THB pp) to take the Lomprayah Ferry (250 THB pp) leaving at 12.30pm to Koh Phangan (Thong Sala Pier).

While waiting at the pier, we are kind of hungry and had fried rice with prawn ...guess how much?...110THB!!!??? And this is a price that I will not pay for cos is too expensive but what to do this is the one and only restaurant available.Eat it or get hungry!For "kwai lo's"..is definately cheap here.

And the hotel that I have booked will provide free pick from the pier but I have to inform them what time my ferry was. You can actually inform the counter staff when you purchased the ferry ticket to tell the hotel. Keep the hotel contact with you. FYI, Lomprayah ferry will be suitable for those who take Firefly from Subang and planning to go on the same day. There are a few ferry services leaving from different pier. Info is available on the net. Lomprayah ferry do provide free transfer when you return to Koh Samui and drop you at your hotel door step or even to airport.Just tell the counter staff where you are heading to when you purchase the ticket.

I heard so much about Koh Phangan like the full moon party. The have got half moon /full moon & black moon party. Is a peak season during these period therefore most hotels are at higher rate.They followed the Chinese lunar calendar or you may search for the specific date of the full moon party on the internet. There is a schedule thru out the year.The party will start at late night till the wee hours and some hotels do provide you transfer to this party at Haad Rin area and pick you up in the next morning.

Well, I wasn’t interested in the party but the island itself. I have booked myself at the Grand Sea Resort http://www.r24.org/siameservices.com/kohphangan/grandsearesort/pictures.html
which is about 5 min from the pier and they were there to pick me up. And don’t expect a limo or car but Toyota Truck (sort of). I booked this resort becos I read so much of good things abt this resort thru hotel reviews. Not how fancy or décor or facilities but the people here and they have nice Thai architecture.

I was a bit disappointed as I entered the resort cos I saw there’s a construction going on behind the rooms that I booked in…gees...this is going to spoil my holiday. And they didn’t place an announcement on the internet where I booked my room. As I have been working in hotels for many years, one must inform guest when you are doing renovation or constructions.So it is up to guest whether or not you want to stay at the resort. And I have already paid my room and I can’t go anywhere. And I state my dissatisfaction while check in. So the wife called the husband who manages the resort, and here he comes Mr Duncan ( a british) and yes he understand me well and very helpful, got me a room near the pool and sea. He provided us info on where to go and where to enjoy sunset.

Rented a bike (200 THB – Auto/ 150 THB – manual). I strongly suggest auto even though u dunno how to ride. Is ez if you know how to balance a bicycle. And my hubby had never ride on an auto bike, he is so used to changing gear and using the leg to start the bike. However, this auto thing is kind of new. He didn’t how to start and it was just a push of a button. We stopped the bike and we couldn’t start it and tried numerous time and we started the bike by accident. Then the bike need some air and we told them, there’s something wrong with start button. But that boy make it so ez that it started by just a push of button and we finally came to know we got to press the break while he pushed the button and when we put down the stand, it will automatically switch off, we need not use the key or button to switch off…ummm how advance! And how DUNGU V R!

Kind of hungry when we arrived, we traveled up north with a bike and reached a small town with 7/11 and some local food around. Couldn’t resist and bought some thai pork sausages with glass noodle…YUMMY ! Went inside 7/11, bought some junk food like Lays potato chips…so cheap only 20 THB for the smallest pack. It is very expensive in Malaysia and bought a beach slippers – 79THB. Cheapest slipper so far cos the rest of the shop are selling 150THB and above. I like 7/11 in Thailand cos they have got quite a range of stuff to look at. Even Food was quite an array – u only need few minutes to heat it up like pasta,pizza,Thai noodles (not instant noodles), hot dog (varieties), Chicken burger,porridge, siew mai, pao,even prawn dumpling…can’t resist and bought prawn dumpling to try out (38THB) per bowl – 5 pcs. Is frozen and they just heat up by micro oven for 120 sec.It comes with soup and spring onion too. Very tasty & prawns taste fresh.So if you are hungry and want a quick food and cheap, 7/11 are everywhere near you. Prices for the food range from as low as 20THB to 60THB…To be continued

View Photos here Koh Samui/Koh Phangan

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)

2008-10-14T18:04:00.002+08:00

There is an epidemic in Sabah and Sarawak and have been so for almost 2 months now. The current strain that is being transmitted is EV71.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a human syndrome caused by intestinal viruses of the Picornaviridae family. The most common strains causing HFMD are Coxsackie A virus and Enterovirus 71 (EV71).

HFMD usually affects infants and children, and is quite common. It is moderately contagious and is spread through direct contact with the mucus, saliva, or feces of an infected person. It typically occurs in small epidemics in nursery schools or kindergartens. The usual incubation period is 3-7 days.
It is extremely uncommon in adults; however, still a possibility. Most adults have strong enough immune systems to defeat the virus, but those with immune deficiencies are very susceptible.
Symptoms of HFMD include:
Fever
Headache
Vomiting
Fatigue
Malaise
Sore throat
Painful oral lesions
Non-itchy body rash, followed by sores with blisters on palms of hands and soles of feet
Oral ulcer
Sores or blisters may be present on the buttocks of small children and infants
Irritability in infants and toddlers
Loss of appetite.
Diarrhea

Early symptoms are likely to be fever followed by a sore throat. Loss of appetite and general malaise may also occur. Between one and two days after the onset of fever, painful sores (lesions) may appear in the mouth and/or throat. A rash may become evident on the hands, feet, and occasionally the buttocks (but generally, the rash on the buttocks will be caused from the diarrhea.) Not all symptoms will be present in all cases.

There is no specific treatment for hand, foot and mouth disease. Individual symptoms, such as fever, lameness, and pain from the sores, may be eased with the use of medication. HFMD is a viral disease that has to run its course; many doctors do not issue medicine for this illness, unless the infection is severe. Infection in older children, adolescents, and adults is normally very mild and lasts around 1 week or sometimes more.

Only a very small minority of sufferers require hospital admission, mainly as a result of neurological complications (encephalitis, meningitis, or acute flaccid paralysis) or pulmonary edema/pulmonary hemorrhage.

Advice for Parents

Parents are advised to consult a doctor early if their child has symptoms of HFMD. They should be alert to any change in their child's normal behaviour, e.g. irritation and sleepiness, should they refuse to eat, have persistent vomitting or drowsiness.

PREVENTION

Children should be kept away from crowded places e.g. schools, preschools, play groups, public transport if they show signs of infection. Family members are advised to follow good hygiene practices, including frequent hand hygiene, to limit the spread of infection.

Please be careful and be aware when you are in public places and especially when going to East Malaysia.

Eat 2 Banana a Day

2008-10-13T12:49:00.001+08:00

EAT TWO BANANA A DAY AND DISCOVER......

If you want a quick fix for flagging energy levels there's no better snack than a banana.

Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose - combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proved that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions making it a must to add to your daily diet.

Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect food for helping to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from! depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain trypotophan,a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heart-burn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body so if you suffer from heart-burn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system. Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at ! work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods such as bananas every two hours to keep levels steady.

PMS:
Forget the pills eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chroniculcer cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature Control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer, trypotophan.

Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking, as the high levels of Vitamin C, A1, B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water-balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, there by reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassi! um banana snack.

Strokes:
According to research in 'The New England Journal of Medicine' eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that, if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So you see a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, tw! ice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron,and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-know phrase so that we say, "A Banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

I was suffering from cramps in my feet, ankles and calves of my legs, and was told by a Therapist to start eating a banana everyday, and to my surprise, the cramping is gone, and it began working instantly

Products contaminated with Melamine

2008-09-29T10:40:00.001+08:00

Recently there has been circulation of news on dairy products and food products containing dairy, that has resulted in babies/ children having kidney stones. This has even been found to have affected some of the animals. In the media, they have provided a list of approved food products ( confirmed non-contaminated with melamine ). The list is continuously being updated daily, as test results continue to be released.

For latest update, check Ministry of Health website : http://fsq.moh.gov.my

A Call Centre has been set up for this matter, you can call : 03-88833655, 03-88833652, 03-88833503 or 03-88833500.

Be safe.

Hokkien Joke

2008-08-16T09:43:00.000+08:00

Ah Beng was on a motorbike with Ah Lian after a
durian shopping trip

Ah Lian was holding on to 2 big bags of
durians when they rode over a
hump, Ah Beng heard a loud
bang. He asked Ah Lian: 'Lewlian wu kalau
boh?
(durians got dropped or not?).' Ah Lian
shouted: 'boh kalau lah!'

So Ah Beng continued with the journey. When
they reached home, Ah Beng
got down from his motobike
and was shocked to see that Ah Lian was not
wearing a helmet.

He asked Ah Lian: 'Where is your helmet?' Ah
Lian was very angry and
replied: 'Just now I already told you 'boh
kalau' (helmet drop)!'

Superb Bill Gates Comments

2008-07-29T11:30:00.001+08:00

Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this! Bill Gates recently gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.
Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2:The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

Charity Durian Fest in aid of the Children's Wish Society of Malaysia

2008-07-29T09:33:00.001+08:00

Just sharing below info who loves local fruits & doing charity at the same time. So, fruit lovers out there, if you are planning to eat the king of fruit (which is the season now), how about eating it for charity?

YES! It's taking place at Subang Parade August 10 Sunday. 1,000 premium durians + rambutans + mangosteens for a minimum donation of RM10 per person.

Help is needed

1. 100 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED ON AUGUST 10, SUBANG PARADE FROM 11.30AM-4.30PM

We need help with registration of public, donations and crowd coordination...

Also need avid photographers to help us capture the best pictures from the event...

Contact Allan at cwsmalaysia@gmail.com

or call him at 019-2103623

2. TEL ALL YOUR FREINDS!!

~~00~~

The Children's Wish movement is worldwide and its purpose is to grant a wish to children who are terminally ill. CWS serves these children who reside in East or West Malaysia. A number of checks and balances are in place to ensure the requests are valid and grants are warranted. Behind this is a very unique business model structure which shows donors and members just exactly how their money will be used.

We have two revenue streams, memberships and donations. Membership funds are only used to cover the costs of administration. We are a business and as such, we have certain costs which we must cover.

Donations are used exclusively for granting wishes. Most NGOs collect funds and then take a percentage to cover their administrative costs. We decided not to run our operations that way as its not transparent and we do accept donations from non members; its not a requirement.

Why should you join us? When a child is stricken with an illness that can not be cured, it is something outside anything they did. Most wonder why they are in hospital and not getting better. They wonder why their friends can play outside while they are confined to a bed. Our purpose is to fill in this gap by granting a wish that they might make. It helps to provide the entire family with some quality time and put aside what lies on the horizon. The parents are burdened emotionally and financially and the ability to do something is not possible. You can help by joining our family and being a part of this mission. Members will have access to Board meeting minutes and financial details as well through our website when it goes online.

If you feel that we are doing the right thing both as a mission and as a business, then please join our family and become a member, make a donation or do both. We are truly in a race against time.

Allan Hubbert

Executive Director

for more info: check out

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=32075882880

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8450314491

New Meanings to Words

2008-07-25T15:38:00.002+08:00

Take note! New Meanings to Words - add them to your dictionary...!
Antibody - against everyone
Artery - The study of the paintings.
Bacteria - back door to a cafeteria.
Caesarean section - a district in Rome.
Cardiology - advance study of poker playing.
Cat scan - searching for lost kitty.
Chronic - neck of a crow.

Coma - punctuation mark.
Cortisone - area around local court.
Cyst - short for sister.
Diagnosis - person with slanted nose.
Dilate - the late British Princess Diana.
Dislocation - in this place.
Duodenum - couple in blue jeans.
Enema - not a friend.
Fake labour - pretending to work.
Genes - blue denim.
Hernia - she is close by.
Impotent - distinguished/well known.
Labour pain - hurt at work.
Lactose - people without toes.
Lymph - walk unsteadily.
Microbes - small dressing gown.
Obesity - city of Obe.
Pacemaker - winner of Nobel peace prize.
Proteins - in favour of teens.
Pulse - grain.
Pus - small cat.
Red blood count - Dracula.
Secretion - hiding anything.
Tablet - small table.
Ultrasound - radical noise.
Urine - opposite of you're out.
Varicose - very close.

It is Easy to Critisize But difficult to improve.

2008-07-18T16:45:00.001+08:00

Once upon a time there was a painter who had just completed his course under disciplehood of a great painter. This young artist decided to assess his skills of skills so he decided to give his best strokes on the canvass. He took 3 days and painted beautiful scenery. Suddenly an idea flashed in his mind and he decided to display it on a busy street-square of that small town he was resident of. He wanted people's opinion about his caliber and painting skills..

He put his creation at a busy street-crossing. And just down below a board which read–
'Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. Please put a cross wherever you see a mistake.'

While he came back in the evening to collect his painting he was completely shattered to see that whole canvass was filled with Xs (crosses) and some people had even written their comments on the painting.

Disheartened and broken completely he ran to his masters place and burst into tears. Sobbing and crying inconsolably he told his master about what happened and showed the pathetic state of his creation which was filled with marks everywhere. Such was the state that colors were not visible, only things one could see were crosses and correction remarks. This young artist was breathing heavily and master heard him saying 'I'm useless and if this is what I have learnt to paint I'm not worth becoming a painter. People have rejected me completely.. I feel like dying'

Master smiled and suggested 'My Son, I will prove that you are a great artist and have learnt a flawless painting.'

Young disciple couldn't believe it and said 'I have lost faith in me and I don't think I am good enough.. don't make false hopes..'

'Do as I say without questioning it.. It WILL work.' Master interrupted him.'Just paint exactly similar painting once again for me and give it to me. Will you do that for your master?..' Master instructed.

Young artist reluctantly agreed and two days later early morning he presented a replica of his earlier painting to his master. Master took that gracefully and smiled.'

Come with me.' master said. They reached the same street-square early morning and displayed the same painting exactly at the same place.

Now master took out another board which read – '
Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. I have put a box with colors and brushes just below. Please do a favor. If you see a mistake, kindly pick up the brush and correct it.'

Master and disciple walked back home.They both visited the place same evening. Young painter was surprised to see that actually there was not a single correction done so far. But master wasn't satisfied as yet and he told his disciple 'May be one day was too little a time for people to come up with ideas and take out time out of their busy schedules to correct it so let us keep it here for one more day.

Tomorrow is Sunday, so we can expect some corrections coming in.'Next day again they visited and found painting remained untouched..They say the painting was kept there for a month for no correction came in!

Moral of the Story: It is easier to criticize, but difficult to improve

Fragrance Warehouse Clearance in Subang Jaya

2008-06-13T14:20:00.005+08:00

Address

3K Sports Complex & Inn
Jalan SS13/1, Persiaran Kewajipan
47500 Subang jaya
Selangor

Head to Submit if you coming from SJMC. The complex is just before the Summit and beside A&W Restaurant

BANGKOK JAM!

2008-05-09T12:46:00.005+08:00

Sawasdee ka!

Again m in Bangkok for the 5th time I guess. And thanks to air asia for the low fare. But I hate this flight cos it was delayed by 2 hrs leaving KL & when I came back from BKK. Reached BKK abt midnite. Went to bed straight ZZzzz.

This time, I have 2 have China friends & one Malaysian. Went to touristy places like Wat Arun, Wat Pho, Grand Palace, Shopping at World Trade Centre,Pratunam Centre & market.Where I stay , check this out http://www.staybangkok.com/watana.html. Need not take the package they offer. Just go for room & breakfast basis. From new airport, just walk out from the airport building (walk out from gate 8), go to the counter and get a coupon (no payment require), get a taxi from here.Print out the map & address in Thai from the site & show it to taxi driver.It is by metre.Cost no more than 350 baht to this hotel. You will probably bombarded by airport limo taxis as you exit the arrival hall just ignore them (they are legal) but expensive. Why pay so much when u can use a metre taxi which is Toyota Altis - clean & running fast & colorful...pink...errr eeew, orange, blue etc

This hotel is convenient though not near the city.Is a service apartment,very basic & clean. Need not pay high cos you will probably out the whole day.Nearby the hotel there is MRTA station (subway) -Sutthisan station which takes you to everywhere & also connects you to BTS station(skytrain) interchange (Sukhumvit) to Asok station.On the first day, like all tourist we went to Erawan Shine to "report" oursleves..the famous "4 face buddha", then travel by BTS to Saphan Thaksin to take a boat ride (don't take the unlimited wholeday boat @ 120 baht - not worth it), just get into the local tourist boast cost us 20 baht to Tha Thien pier to Wat Po & Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). To go to Wat Arun , from Tha Thien take a boat across. (0.35 baht).

From Wat Po you actually walk to Grand Palace (may be 1 - 2km) walk.There's entrance fees to all the temples & grand palace too.respect the temple rules, don't wear shorts or short sleeves.You may not be allow to enter.Bewarer of liars telling that these places are close & take you for ride in their tuk tuk & charge you a BOMB.

Then at night we went to Suan Lum Night Bazzar near Lumphini Park. There's open food court with ppl singing on stage. Just enjoy the food . Not really expensive. You can food from 50baht. I tried something new, Raw Shrimp Salad.I must say it tasted real good. I dunno whether how clean or fresh is that shrimp.(Saw on TV , the shrimp must be alive when they wanted to make the raw shrimp salad). Cost us about 70baht for a small plate.Very spicy. The sauce consist of lemon juice (is a must to kill bacteria), fish sauce,chili padi, garlic, cilantro etc...The hot chili sort of kick in few seconds later. So get ready your cold drink beside you.

Must buy coupon and excess is refundable on the very same day before midnite.For those of you wholoves to drink beer & listen to local music, you will probably like it here. Don't even understand whta they are talking & singging. And here you can do some shopping too (I advise you to eat first & shop later). People who don't like shopping in the day time might like it here cos they only open at night. Things are a little expensive than Chatucak. If you are going to chatucak, need not come here.2nd day we went to all shopping centres.

Lingerie, tooth paste.tom yam noodle (mama brand) are relatively cheap here (go to Carrrefour, Tesco, or Central). You can also get dried pork meat (deep fried) in Bangkok (can't get in Malaysia). More choices of dried pork meat if you go to China Town (Hua Lam Phong).During weekend of course we didn't miss the weekend market (Chatuchak). From our hotel take MRTA Sutthisan to Khampeng Phet station. Traders don't really give you a good bargain cos price cos already very low here. Unless you buy a lot. U can bargain on certain things for abt 30 - 50% lower. Well all depends. Some are wholesaler here, therefore they don't lower the price anymore. So it all depends on what you want. Chatucak open very early on weekend only. Go early to avoid the late hot sun. Very big - take your time.

Massage are everywhere in Thailand. Well,I went to the one I familiar which is just next to Sutthisan MRTA station - Massage 7 - operated by Korean.2 hr for 300 baht...good deal!Open from 10am - 10pn.At the hotel I stayed in, they do have, booked it before 10 pm and they will go to your room - 500 baht for 2 hours.I went to Pratuman Centre (2nd floor) and had my foot massage @ 129 baht for 1 hr. Complete with head, neck & back massage...ahhh so good..after hours of shopping spree. Well, everyone offer the same price here.For bargaining conversation, you just need a calculator & press the figure u want.

Food - try everything on d street. Bangkok is famous for braised pork's leg rice ("ka - leg moo - pig)", freshly squeez orange juice & coconut water is a real thirst quenching.I suggest go for it.Other food that you must try are Mango with Glutinuous rice, Tom Yam Gung,pork sausages, local fried koay teow and their other desserts.

Bangkok jam - not really for us cos we travel very little by taxis. BTS provide a special preloaded card of 120 baht for unlimited ride a day. And MRTA will also provide a preloaded card where u travel at a cheaper rate.Well, calculate the cost whether is cheaper for you.Make your choice. They do have single journey ticket.

Overall shopping & massage is great here except that this time I have very bad foot & leg ache which made me no mood to explore more.Upper thigh muscle were in pain .Never happen like this before. Guess age is catching up...LOL!

View picture http://rockerteers2.multiply.com/photos/album/46/BANGKOK_JAM

kap khun ka!

4 DON'TS when you are sleeping

2008-04-17T11:48:00.002+08:00

1 DON'T SLEEP WITH WATCH
Watches can emit a certain level of radioactivity. Though small, but if you wear your watch to bed for a long time, it might have adverse effects on your health.

2 DON'T SLEEP WITH BRA
Scientists in America have discovered those that wear bras for more than 12 hours have a higher risk of getting breast cancer. So go to bed without it.

3 DON'T SLEEP WITH PHONE
Putting the phone beside your bed or anywhere near you is not encouraged. Though some of us will use phones as alarm clocks, but please put the phone as far as possible.Scientists have proved that electrical items including mobile phone and television sets emit magnetic waves when used. These waves can cause disruptions to our nervous system. Therefore if you need to put your mobile phone near you, switch it off first.

4 DON'T SLEEP WITH MAKE UP
People who sleep with make up might have skin problems in the long run.Sleeping with make up will cause the skin to have difficulty in breathing and problem in perspiring. You will also need a much longer time to go into deep sleep.

Station 1 Cafe @ Niu Zhe Xui

2008-04-16T17:13:00.006+08:00

Last nite, I had dinner at Station 1 Cafe।Is a newly open cafe at Ara Damansara. Serve local & western cuisine. Is a pork free restaurant.

Nice environment/decor. Ample parking space. And I understand that there are band singing every nite from 10pm. Is a 3 pcs band. They are youngsters and stepping their foot in the music industry. They have passion for music. You may do a song request .They have got quite a variety of food & fancy drinks

Anyway, back to the food. I ordered Pan fried Cod fish & my other half ordered a nasi lemak with chicken curry + 1 glass of apple juice. Food came within 20 min.To my surprise the cod is very small portion. The fish pan fried till the outer layer is crisp.(looks like deep fried fish) serves with mashed potato, coleslaw, & small corn. The fish is nothing to shout about, mashed potato taste like some hospital medication, corn ok and coleslaw ok. May be this is not their specialty

Secondly the nasi lemak with curry chicken....ummm the nasi is very good & rich। Can taste the coconut. It taste great even without the sambal. The sambal was a bit disappointing...no ummmph! The chicken curry is so so only. May be Penang people like me who has strong taste bud won't like it cos is neither here or there. The spices used are not enough to get good taste & aroma.The ikan bilis was hard & dunno why must they use that fat & thick ikan bilis (Anchovies). Prefer the thin & crispy ikan bilis. The sunny side up eeg was ....err egg yold was spoilt .And the edge of the egg was burnt or the use the used oil to fry it or the oil is dirty...something like that.They include a muar otak otak which is not necessary, don't taste good at all

Food presentation needs improvement. Service is good. I obeserved some ppl request their ice lemon tea for extra syrup cos is bitter and some table request to change the soup...dunno why.
Apple juice was a bit salty...dunno why.May be to keep them from turning brown??? but a pinch is enough..I believe.

Well, they are fairly new, need to give them sometime for improvement if they take the biz seriously.They have got a good crowd daily but they will loose the crowd if the don't buck up on their food.
I will give them another chance , perhaps few more months down the road, I will give it a try again।

Dengue Fever

2008-04-07T09:28:00.000+08:00

PKD ( Petaling District Health Office) informed that the current hotspot is Shah Alam and have been so for a few months now. Please be aware of your surroundings and keep your areas free of mosquito breeding sites.
Please see your doctor for a check up if you have any symtoms of ;
fever
chills
headache and/or bodyache
fatigue
rashes
bleeding gums
nausea and/or vomiting
joint pain.

Please check for mosquito breeding sites in your home to protect you and your loved ones from dengue fever.

Discard your rubbish properly. Do not leave open containers, tyres, coconut husks lying around.
Clear your drains of fallen leaves to prevent stagnant water.
Clear blockages in roof gutters regularly, e.g. monthly.
Turn over all pails and water storage containers when not in use. Cover these containers when in use.

Change water in flower vases every other day.
Remove water from flowerpot plates every other day.
Wear long sleeved shirts, long pants/ skirts when going outdoors in the evenings to prevent mosquito bites.

Close windows and doors in the evenings or put up netting on your windows to prevent mosquito from coming into your home.

Selangor executive councilor for health, Dr Xavier Jayakumar said that there were 4 strains of dengue in Malaysia and the disease was no longer considered a seasonal problem because of changing weather patterns. He said mosquito eggs could last up to 6 months and hatch when water becomes available.

Healthy Mind,Healthy Weight

2008-04-03T16:05:00.001+08:00

Making some positive changes in your lifestyles or losing some weight will definately boost your health and mind.
Stay healthy!

To find out more click here
http://rockerteers2.multiply.com/journal/item/40/Healthy_Mind_Healthy_Weight

March SALE - Ladies Apparel...MUST SEE!

2008-03-06T18:06:00.002+08:00

Check this out.Don't miss the opportunity to grab your favourite dress. First come first serve basic with payment. Only ONE piece. The price has been reduce. To view the dress,measurement & price, click on the link. If you are not an ebay member, please email me rockerteers@gmail.com.

New item #350033522962 - Lovely Pink Summer Dress from Japan...MUST SEE!http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033522962
New item #350033522967 - Cotton Lace Long-style Blouse http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033522967
New item #350033522972 - Lovely Summer Dress from Japan...MUST SEE!http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033522972
New item #350033522977 - Elegant Characteristic High Collar Dress (M) -Apricot http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033522977
New item #350033522985 - Jacquered Printed Short Jacket -Price SLASHED fr RM64http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033522985
New item #350033522992 - Lovely Pink Tank Top..price SLASHED fr RM49http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033522992
New item #350033522995 - NEW Flower printed purple pink and white Top from Japanhttp://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033522995
New item #350033523003 - Lovely Printed Dress with Lace...Price SLASHED fr RM70http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033523003
New item #350033523008 - Stylish Characteristic Chest Lacework Dress (M) http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033523008
New item #350033523015 - Elegant Characteristic High Collar Dress (L) -Blackhttp://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033523015
New item #350033523020 - Lovely Waist Band Sky Silk Dress-Price SLASHED fr RM110http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033523020
New item #350033523027 - Schoolish Wide-Neck Sexy Blouse - Price REDUCED fr RM54http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033523027
New item #350033523034 - Lovely Waist Band Sky Silk Dress-Price SLASHED fr RM110http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033523034
New item #350033523038 - Lovely Two Piece Suit ... SALE!..price reduced fr RM62 http://cgi.ebay.com.my/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350033523038

MAS Fare

2008-02-21T11:40:00.002+08:00

Planning a Holiday? Find out the latest MAS fair promotion price which begins tomorrow Feb 22 - 24,2008

Click here
MAS fare Feb 22 - 24,2008- Check tis out

Breathing Therapy/Exercise

2008-02-05T16:23:00.000+08:00

A brething info that a friend mail to me and I wish to share with everyone.Yet to try it myself. Leave me a feedback if you have tried it.

Left nose, right nose breathing therapy

我們有左邊、右邊鼻孔，吸氣、吐氣時有沒有一樣？
We have left, right nose, is that the same for inhale and exhale?

其實不一樣，可以感覺不一樣；右邊等於是太陽的意思，左邊等於是月亮.
Actually they are different, can feel the difference; right side represent the sun, left side represent the moon.

平常頭痛時可以用手把右邊鼻孔關起來，只用左邊鼻孔吸氣、吐氣，約五分鐘，頭痛就好了。
When having headache, try to close right nose and use your left nose to do your breathing, about 5 min, headache will be gone.

如果疲倦、累了，相反的關起左邊的鼻孔，只用右邊吸氣、吐氣，不用多久，馬上精神好起了。
If you feel tired, do it the opposite round, close your left nose and breathe through your right nose. After a while, you will feel your mind is fresh again.

因為右邊屬於火氣，比較會熱，左邊比較會涼。
Right side belongs to heat, so it gets hot easily, left side belongs to cold.

女生大部分吸氣、吐氣在左邊，所以心比較會涼快。
Most of the girls breathe with their left nose, so their heart gets cold easily.

男生大部分吸氣、吐氣在右邊，所以他們比較會生氣。
Most of the guys breathe with their right nose, so they get angry easily

我們起床時，可以注意哪邊吸氣、吐氣比較快？左邊或右邊？
Do you notice the moment we wake up, which side breathes faster? Left or right?

如果左邊比較快，覺得提不起精神，可以關起左邊鼻孔，用右邊呼吸，很快的精神會好起來。
If left is faster, you will feel tired. So, close your left nose and use your right nose for breathing, you will get refresh quickly

這也可以教給小孩，大人用更好。如果你有警覺心的話，速度更快。
This can be taught to kids, but the effect will be better if apply by elders.

以前我曾經頭痛，痛得非常厲害，去看醫生，醫生說：你去結婚就好了！（眾笑）,醫生說得沒錯，他有理論根據。
used to have headache, it was so painful, go to doctor, doctor told me: it will be all right if you married! (All audients laugh), doctor does not bullshit, what he said is supported with proofs.

當時每天晚上都頭痛，沒有辦法看書，有吃藥，也不是辦法。
That time, every night I am having headache problem, not able to study, I did take medicine, but that is not a good way.

有一天晚上靜坐，關起右鼻孔呼吸，這樣子做，不到一個禮拜，頭痛好了！持續做了一個月，從那天晚上到現在，一次也沒有頭痛過。
One night, I sit down and close my right nose and breathe with left nose, less than one week, my headache problem is gone! I continue to do it one month, from that night until today, headache does not attack me anymore.

這是我自己親身經驗過，每一次我告訴別人，你們頭痛的話，試試看，因為我的身體有效果，很多人試過也有效果。這是一種自然的處理，不像吃藥會有副作用，為什麼不用呢？
This is what I experienced myself, I told others, if headache, can try this way, because this is effective for me. Many people have tried and it works for them as well. This is a natural therapy, not like medicine, taking for long term will get side effect. So, why not try it out?

經常清楚的吸氣、吐氣，身體會覺非常輕鬆。
Always breath, your body can feel very relax.

Gong Xi Fa Chai

2008-02-05T10:45:00.001+08:00

2008-02-04T11:56:00.000+08:00

This is not a normal Spring Roll that u see on the street or u eat it while having dim sum.Penangites, you would probably tasted it if u have dined in the old restaurant called Hollywood (ummm ...I don't know whether this restaurant still exist, went there before in the 80s perhaps) near Tanjung Bungah. The Hokkien would called it "Choon piah".

Ingredients:

750g - Mixed Vege

500 g - Cabbage (shred)300 g - Crab meat (not crab stick).(Can buy frozen crab meat from Hypermarket)

300g - small or medium prawns

300g - lean pork (diced)1 can of button mushrooms (diced)

5 chinese black mushrooms (diced)

6 cloves of chopped garlic

2 big onions (diced)

SEASONING

5 tbsp of oyster1 cap of hua tiao wine

3 drops of sesame oilsalt to tastepepper to taste

For wrapping

Buy 190mm x 190mm spring roll sheet from supermarket (comes in 40 or 50 sheet)

Sauce for Diping

U can use Maggi chilli sauceor prepare the following:-

1) Worchestershire Sauce (Lea & Perrins)

2) 10 cloves of shallots (cut thinly)

3) 10 chili padi & 5 red chillies- shred it.

Mix all (no 1 -3) & leave it in the fridge

Directions:

Prepare all ingredients as mentioned. Marinade the pork with a bit of corn flour, soya sauce, pepper & sesame oil and leave them in the fridge for 30 minYou need to stir fry all ingredient.heat up the pan & put in the chopped garlic.Fried until fragrant.Add in the pork,mushrooms (both),prawn,onions,mixed vege & cabbage. Add in the seasoning. Always taste it whether is tasty. This should taste sweet & salty. Keep stirring and allow it to simmer for 10 min. The cabbage should look soft but crunchy.

Finally add in the crab meat & sesame oil and stir for a while.Allow it to cool down. Then prepare the spring roll sheet and put enough of the ingredient (probably 2 - 3 tbsp - adjust accordingly) and wrap it up like spring roll. Use water to seal it or else it will open when u deep fried it.There might be some sauce while stir frying the ingredient, drain it when u take the ingredient for wrapping or else when u deep fried it, the liquid will go into the oil.Deep fried when all is wrapped up in hot oil using medium fire.(high fire will make the spring roll sheet black)Take it out from pan once u see the spring roll sheet turns golden brown. Serve it when it's hot. Dip in the sauce as recommended.You can do a lot and keep it in the freezer.And just take it out & deep fried as and when you want.Try this on the 1st day Chinese New Year or it may be served your guest.

Bon Apetite!

WARNING - DO NOT OR NEVER RECYCLE THE OIL.PLEASE THROW AWAY AFTER DEEP FRYING.

Kiam Chai Teng - Salted Vege Soup

2008-02-01T16:27:00.000+08:00

This is another one of my favourite soup during Chinese New Year. A very apetising soup cos is sourish . Here's another recipe from mom and I love the way she do it.

Ingredient

3L of water
300g salted vege from wet market (washed & tear into pcs)
4 bigTomatoes (cut into halves)
3 onions (peeled & cut into halves)
6 pcs tofu (cut into 4 pcs & to be added last)
1 nutmeg seed or buah pala (can get from Indian mamak shop)
3 star anise (bunga cengkih)
2 cinamon stick (kayu manis)
1/2 kg of pork ribs for soup
1/2 bird of duck (optional)

Method
Here's a secret.In order to make your soup clear & not dirty, dip your meat into a hot boiling water for 5 min. U can see a lot of dirty stuff floating at the top of the water & also the fats/oil. Take the meat out & wash with runing water (tap)

Put all ingredient into soup pot (except tofu) & boil for 3 hrs . Allow the soup to boild for 30 min high fire (this will extract all the goodness from all ingredient into the boiling water) then later change to low fire to boild for another 2 1/2 hrs. Put in the tofu when u are ready to serve the soup , just boil it for another 5 min.

If u have a good pressure cooker, boil the soup for only 45 min. Do not open the lid immediately after 45 min.Read your mannual.You must allow the internal pressure to go down before opening the cover.

Some of you may not like Star anise & cinamon stick- you may skip this

"Ju Hu Char"

2008-01-28T14:30:00.002+08:00

This is another favourite among the Nyonya or the chinese community especially during Chinese New Year.

Many people or home chefs has different ways of cooking it.Some people called it "Bang Kwang char" - literally means Fried Turnips.

Anyway, here's my recipe that I learned from my mom.It is up to you how large the portion you want but m cooking smaller portion.You can cook more once u are familiar with it.I guarantee that you will like this one compare to those Nyonya or Penang restaurant that sells "Ju Hu Char"

Ingredient

1 Turnips - cut into thin strips
1 carrot (big & long) - cut into strips
1 cabbage - shred
75g of Ju hu (dried cuttle fish strips)
10 dried black mushrooms (to be soaked in water) - thin slice after soaking
200g lean pork (cut into strips & marinade with soya sauce,pepper & corn starch) - thin strips
3 Big onions (if your onion is small like golf ball use about 5 -6pcs) - thin strip
10 cloves of chopped garlic
Oyster Sauce to taste
sesame oil
sugar
salt
Hua Tiao wine

METHOD
1) Heat up the wok with oil and add the garlic.Fried until u smell the garlic
2) Add in pork,ju hu,mushrooms,turnips & carrot - fried until everything incorporated well & fragrant. Add in 3 tbsp osyter sauce,1tsp sugar,& few pinch of salt (everything is to taste) & a cap of hua tiao wine
3) Then add in the cabbage & onion (this 2 must be last cos they cook faster).
4) Should the wok looks dry, you may add in some water as you need to sort of let the whole thing simmer for sometime (may be 20 min -use low fire during this time or else it will burnt). This is to allow all ingredients' flavour to come out & mix together. After that add a few drops of sesame oil
5) Finally when is ready to serve, sprinkle some fried shallots. Prepare some chinese lettuce or "sang choi" to wrap together with sambal belacan.

NOTE - any left over, it can be use for "Kiam Chai boey".Makes it more tastier.

Chikungunya Fever

2008-01-28T10:51:00.000+08:00

What is chikungunya fever?

Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a member of the genus Alphavirus, in the family Togaviridae. CHIKV was first isolated from the blood of a febrile patient in Tanzania in 1953, and has since been identified repeatedly in west, central and southern Africa and many areas of Asia, and has been cited as the cause of numerous human epidemics in those areas since that time. The virus circulates throughout much of Africa, with transmission thought to occur mainly between mosquitoes and monkeys.

What type of illness does chikungunya virus cause?

CHIKV infection can cause a debilitating illness, most often characterized by fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, rash, and joint pain. The term ‘chikungunya’ is Swahili for ‘that which bends up.’ The incubation period (time from infection to illness) can be 2-12 days, but is usually 3-7 days. “Silent” CHIKV infections (infections without illness) do occur; but how commonly this happens is not yet known.

Acute chikungunya fever typically lasts a few days to a couple of weeks, but as with dengue, West Nile fever, o'nyong-nyong fever and other arboviral fevers, some patients have prolonged fatigue lasting several weeks. Additionally, some patients have reported incapacitating joint pain, or arthritis which may last for weeks or months. The prolonged joint pain associated with CHIKV is not typical of dengue. Co-circulation of dengue fever in many areas may mean that chikungunya fever cases are sometimes clinically misdiagnosed as dengue infections, therefore the incidence of chikungunya fever could be much higher than what has been previously reported.

No deaths, neuroinvasive cases, or hemorrhagic cases related to CHIKV infection have been conclusively documented in the scientific literature.
CHIKV infection (whether clinical or silent) is thought to confer life-long immunity.

How do humans become infected with chikungunya virus?

CHIKV is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person infected with CHIKV. Monkeys, and possibly other wild animals, may also serve as reservoirs of the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other humans when they bite. Aedes aegypti (the yellow fever mosquito), a household container breeder and aggressive daytime biter which is attracted to humans, is the primary vector of CHIKV to humans. Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito) may also play a role in human transmission is Asia, and various forest-dwelling mosquito species in Africa have been found to be infected with the virus.

Where does chikungunya virus occur?

The geographic range of the virus is Africa and Asia. For information on current outbreaks, consult CDC’s Travelers’ Health website (www.cdc.gov/travel). Given the current large CHIKV epidemics and the world wide distribution of Aedes aegypti, there is a risk of importation of CHIKV into new areas by infected travelers.

How is chikungunya virus infection treated?

No vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya fever is available. Treatment is symptomatic--rest, fluids, and ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or paracetamol may relieve symptoms of fever and aching. Aspirin should be avoided during the acute stages of the illness.

Infected persons should be protected from further mosquito exposure (staying indoors and/or under a mosquito net during the first few days of illness) so that they can't contribute to the transmission cycle.

What can people do to prevent becoming infected with chikungunya virus?

The best way to avoid CHIKV infection is to prevent mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or preventive drug. Prevention tips are similar to those for dengue or West Nile virus:

*Use insect repellent containing an DEET or another EPA-registered active ingredient on exposed skin. Always follow the directions on the package.

*Wear long sleeves and pants (ideally treat clothes with permethrin or another repellent).
*Have secure screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
*Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets and barrels. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they aren't being used.

*Additionally, a person with chikungunya fever or dengue should limit their exposure to mosquito bites in order to avoid further spreading the infection. The person should stay indoors or under a mosquito net.

Tock...Tock..Tock

2008-01-15T09:42:00.000+08:00

No it's not the clock ticking away.

Is something you would probably heard when u were young, this man will go around your neighborhood, he peddle his bicycle or while he stop to attract his customers, he will start flapping the 2 steels...tock..tock..tock

And no is not the 'Tock Tock mee" or what u call now "wan tan mee.I am sure people from Penang would know what is tock tock mee.

He is the man who made the tock tock sweets. U hardly see it on the street this days. Youngsters may not know what is this man selling, perhaps your parents or grandparents would know.

I found this man in the picture in SS2 Petaling Jaya.So I bought the long forgotten sweets...ummm ya, it did bring back some old memories (Costs RM4.00...yea...is a bit pricey but hey..if u buy any sweets, it will probably cost you RM3.50 for 100g. This is more than 100g). It was good as ever.I saw him had this sticker in front of his bicycle if u watched AEC channel on Astro (Channel 301 every Sun at 10pm , Ah Xian - he recommends all types of food around Malaysia with some history background of the food bussiness and Ah Xian is a very humourous guy. Watch it cos he is very different from any food programme on TV)

Then a few days later I saw him in front of O & S coffee house at Sea Park, PJ. He is very old, already 70+ (if I am not mistaken).He is selling this sweets even before our Malaysia Independence day. This old man is from Seremban..and no he didn't peddle from Seremban but he got a van transport (yes together with his bicycle) that will take him to KL, Ipoh and Johor.Yes, u got it right, This is where he sells his sweets that he made by himself.

Why is he still selling at this old age? I guess this is what makes him happy & strong, meeting people, telling his stories from north to south. Wonder he has children to inherit his little business or even expand it to bigger market before people forgot about this handmade sweet in future.Wonder will he teach anyone how to do this sweet.Is not easy and u need some "kung fu".Is a combination of sugar and honey and u got to keep on kneading it to the right texture...well,I hope someone will remember this traditional & authentic handmade sweet.

Chinese New Year Shopping!

2008-01-15T09:16:00.000+08:00

Chinese New Year is just around the corner.

Some of you may be bz looking out new clothes now. Well, you need not go far cos is just a click away from your PC or u can shop while working too. It will be delivered to your doorstep.

Click here http://search.ebay.com.my/_W0QQsassZrockerteers

These are latest ladies fashion for Hong Kong , Japan & Korea market. Besides the ladies apparel,I have ladies assesories & shoes too. So check it out.

Send in your order NOW so that you could get it on time and to avoid dissapointment. FYI,CNY is a busy period, don't order last minute. All items are subject to availability of stock

If you are not an ebay member and from Singapore, please contact me directly if you are interested in any of the items.Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any further enquiries.email :Rockerteers@gmail.com

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T16:47:00.000+08:00

Wishing everyone Happy New Year..."Yee Leng Leng Fatt"..Here I come :-)

Season Greeting

2007-12-24T16:58:00.000+08:00

Super Rich Fruit Cake

2007-12-22T10:09:00.002+08:00

Tried to bake this cake twice and managed to get it right on the 2nd trial. So here's the recipe & some tips as I baked the cake.

(ingredient A)
500g mixed fruits (to be soaked in brandy + Rum+honey ) for 3 days
30g honey
125ml brandy
250g butter (it is actually 1 block of butter except Anchor butter. To taste better only use pure butter )
70g soft brown sugar
1 tbsp molasses
1tbsp of vanilla

50g semolina
5 eggs
125g hazel nut or almond chopped coarsely

Sift:
250g plain flour (soft or fine)1½ tsp baking powder
1½ tsp mixed spice
½ tsp ground cinnamon (cinamon powder)
¼ tsp nutmeg powder
¼ tsp salt
4 – 5 tbsp brandy

Method
Combine ingredients (A), honey and brandy in a mixing bowl. Mix well to blend then cover with a piece of plastic wrap. Leave aside for three to 7 days for the fruits to macerate. Use a wooden spoon to mix the fruits everyday. (FYI, if you didn't mix honey into it, the fruits will taste bitter cos of the brandy)

Line the base and sides of a 20cm square baking tin with two layers of non-stick parchment paper, leaving about 4cm above the sides of the tin.(Or line the cake tin with tracing paper, brush with melted butter, sprinkle flour into it evenly - to dust it)
Cream butter and sugar until just creamy. Add semolina and continue to cream until mixture turns light. Beat in eggs one at a time. Stir in molasses and essence to combine.

Add macerated fruits to the creamed mixture, alternating it with the flour (very important to follow this so that the fruit do not sink when is ready). Mix the ingredients using your hand. (It is not only easier this way but ensures thorough mixing as well.) Stir in chopped hazel/almond nut and mix. (use wooden spoon also can)
Turn out mixture into prepared tin, spreading well into the four corners. Hold the tin firmly and drop it from a height of about 15cm on to a firm tabletop. (This is to settle the mixture into the tin properly and also to break up any air bubbles.)

Level the surface with a clean plastic spatula then place the cake in a preheated oven at 150°C for 2½ – 2¾ hours (I only baked the cake for 1 hour & it is already cooked. Try 1 hour first - do not bake the cake for 2 hrs or more without checking it). Half-way through baking, cover the cake with a piece of aluminum foil for an hour then remove the foil and continue baking until it is cooked through.

After cake is baked, brush with the extra brandy and leave it to set for 30 minutes (poked the cake with fork so that while brushing the brandy is easier to be sipped inside the cake). Cover the cake tightly with a piece of foil. Leave the cake to cool in the tin, covered with foil. Remove the cake from the tin and discard the nonstick parchment paper. Rewrap the cake with clean greaseproof paper followed by foil outside. You can leave the cake outside at a room temperature and it will last quite long cos of the alcohol. Any self made/homemade cake must be consumed within 3 days if left at room temperature.

P/S : I find that the cake are rather dry when I first baked. Therefore I added 5 table spoon of milk.

Bandung..Shopping Heaven

2007-12-22T10:01:00.000+08:00

I Heard a lot about Bandung .. a great shopping area for factory outlet.Yes! U hear me right shopping for branded goods.Some says is even better than the US Warehouse sale. How true it is...Well, I have no idea cos I have not been to US.

You can fly direct to Bandung with Air Asia (www.airasia.com) from KuaLa Lumpur (Malaysia).Unfortunately I didn't manage to get a direct flight therefore I have to fly to Jakarta (MH- cost >RM1000) then took MPV to Bandung . Is about 2 and half hours or 3 hrs journey via highway. Cost RP550,000 after we bargain or else they will ask for RP750,000. Insist to take your own luggage & if u handed over to porter, u have to pay.That's what I got when I was half way walking towards the car and the driver somehow hand over my luggage to a porter & I have to almost pay for it. And I don't have small change at all.It will probably cost you RP3000 - RP5000.

The highway was not as pleasant as our North South highwayin Malaysia. Is very bumpy along the way. They have great R & R . You have to pay some money to enter the loo...dunno how much.

I was staying at Jalan Cihampelas - not a great area to stay.So I don't recommend to stay this area.Hardly find good & clean food stalls. This street is also known as Jeans Street. Yes, they sell all kinds of jeans...well I never bother to take a look.But the outlet here are very interesting cos they build super heroes character like spiderman, tarzan, batman etc outside the outlet to attract people.

You can actually rent a car to take you around. Hotels here are not cheap.The one that I stayed in cost a BOMB...Approximately USD152...north worth paying for an Asian & is just normal to me! However, u can stay at this hotel called Sukajadi Hotel.Quite convenient & happening. Walking distance to all the factory outlet .Very reasonable & clean as per my friend.U can book it via Air asia website or contact them directly http://www.sukajadihotel.com/contact.html.

Went to a factory outlet called Rumah Mode - got variety of branded clothes that u don't want to miss. From casual wear to office wear (for man,woman & children too) If u are tired, there are places for u to sit or hang around & have a drink. The clothes prices will range from RP20,000 (USD2) to RP200,000 (USD20 - 30) may be.So choose whatever you want. There are more outlet next to Rumah Mode (pronounce as Mo de not Mode) which is actually called Jln Setiabudi. You can even go to Dago for shopping as there are many more outlets.And the factory outlet are every where.So check it yourself too.

Well, my trip to Bandung was actually short & I didn't have time to go around by myself & to venture more abt this area. Didn't had the chance too to try the local food which I am very dissapointed or to get to know this place more.

By the way, if you are flying direct to Bandung, just got to becareful with the porters too.Just take your own luggage.

According to the local, the weather used to be very cold but not anymore.While I was there it was about 31 degree.

Well, if I have opportunity to go again, I will tell you more .

Click here for photos
Bandung..... Shopping Heaven!

Animator Vs Animation

2007-12-18T11:02:00.000+08:00

Just to show that no matter how much the creation fight the creator.. at the end, creator can just click reset and kill off all the creation to start again...... :-)

Click here & the attachment.

Animator vs Animation