ZingPtzPzz

Acapella - with beat box - wow!

2010-07-16T22:51:00.001+08:00

What can I say, but "wow"! Hopefully one day, my group can be this good!

To Sing and Dance this way comes!

2010-07-16T00:19:00.001+08:00

Watching this makes me want to sing and dance!!! Soon! Soon!

Homework!

2010-03-22T23:28:00.000+08:00

Ah, been a while. Was preoccupied with Facebook, and had mental block. Anyway, have postponed my "homework" for almost three weeks already, and doubt if I can get away with it again.

So, was researching Tosti's "Sogno", but came across Andrea Bocelli's Sogno instead:

Nice.

A Wicked Christmas This Way Comes!

2009-12-09T22:28:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas!

To spit, swallow or chew!

2009-10-20T22:41:00.005+08:00

Almost every time I go for my vocal class, I develop a cough, be it a mild or racking cough. A cough for sure it is. Not sure if psychologically, the thought of hitting those ever so high notes have somehow conditioned a fear in my body which manifests itself via coughs.

Then again, my teacher says I have weak lungs, to take less cold drinks, etc. So many dos and don'ts so that he can push me to soar above the harmonies so that the melody rings clear and true way way above all else.

And not only giving advice, he promotes the traditional type of medication. Should take this (insert a chinese sounding herb like name), should take that (insert another chinese sounding herb like name), all for a better health. Well, not that I scoff at traditional Chinese Medication, it is just that I am generally wary of it, especially not knowing the ingredients and how it will affect me internally. But my teacher swears by it, and says he is a living proof of such medication.

My teacher even brought me to see a sensei "down the road", who guaranteed him positive results for his own ailment with almost like a money-back-guarantee promise. Of course, after my teacher who spoke to him in Mandarin about my cough, (me no speakie Mandarin, and he no speakie English) like the traditional kungfu masters, he felt my wrist and listened for the internal drumming of my heartbeat for the hue and cry of my body, wailing non stop of the abuse and torture that I put it through. Even asked me to stick out my tongue for scrutiny.

And what did he say?

Sensei: You must drink less cold water! Your tongue is white! You have indigestion problems, and your throat is usually dry.

Errr.. right! I have already limited my cold drinks intake, but true, just a few minutes ago, I took a sip or two of cold water. And although I don't speak Mandarin much (well, almost never), I do understand bits and pieces, and when I heard about cancer and the sensei said can cure, I thought to myself this is a scam!

Of course, I am no expert, but surely if traditional medicine can cure cancer, it would already have been patented and sold like hotcakes all over the world. Perhaps it is the sensei's marketing technique or ploy, but talk about misrepresentation! When I mentioned it to my teacher later, he sort of hedged, and said the sensei mentioned will help alleviate cancer, but I know what I heard even if my Mandarin is not first rate.

And my medicine? For 9 packets of dodgy looking herbs, nicely wrapped in small rectangular paper, to take whenever my throat does not feel right (and I ribbed my teacher saying that I will take a pack every time before I come to his class), it cost me RM54!!! When I expressed a mild dismay at the cost (RM6 for a small miserable looking pack!) the sensei quickly defended that this is good medicine, and to take only as and when. Shish! Must be me being yellow skinned but speaking in ang moh language, so he took opportunity to slaughter on price! Ciss!

And now? I sit here staring at the medicine. Not sure if I will actually take it or not! But definitely will not let my teacher pressure me into buying such medicine next time. When I mentioned that my body is already full of other prescribed medication, he said I was too westernised and should consider my eastern roots!

And here I thought I am very "Cina" already, somemore must be more "Cina"!!! Aiks!

Conspiracy

2009-10-18T09:26:00.002+08:00

Rain conspired against me. Poured through the wee hours of the morning, and woke me up about 5am. So I cancelled my exercise plan scheduled for 730am, and when I woke up around that time, it was a beautiful day!!

Oh well, next week perhaps.

Grammatical Conundrum

2009-10-12T23:28:00.002+08:00

Oh dearie me.

Have always been puzzled by the usage of "You are welcome" vs "You are welcomed". I have always used "welcomed" instead of welcome in this context. Recently, someone said it should be "welcome" and not "welcomed".

After doing some research online, it was deduced that both are ok, depending on the usage. "Welcome" is used in the context of an adjective, and "Welcomed" in the context of a verb.

What brought this on? Well, came across this sentence in one report:

"The portfolio is expected to be underweight in bonds for 2009".

Should it be read as "The portfolio is expected to be underweighted in bonds for 2009"? Am still trying to reason it out. I think it should go in the context of adjective and verb as well.

How ah? What do you think?

I have a date with Spring

2009-10-11T21:48:00.004+08:00

It has been a while. Have forgotten about this movie until recently, when I heard that Dama Orchestra was bringing this to life on stage as a musical. The first time I saw this was on the big screen overseas, and I remembered it because of the beautiful music and story. Set in the period between 1960s and 1980s, it tells the story of four women and their lives.

I thought that the local adaptation was very well done. Dama, again, does not disappoint. The four female leads obviously shone. Some difficult music there, but well performed. The male leads held their own, with some good voices. Very nice sets, props, and use of stage too. Bravo! Bravo!!

Even after the show, I was still humming the music. Go watch!!!

Bright Blue Rose

2009-10-08T23:15:00.002+08:00

Attended a concert earlier on today, and heard this song being sung. It caught my attention immediately with the beautiful melody and lyrics. Still trying to digest the lyrics. Bright Blue Rose by Jimmy McCarthy.

I skimmed across black water, without once submerging
Onto the banks of an urban morning
That hungers the first light, much much more
Than mountains ever do.
And she like a ghost beside me, goes down with the ease of a dolphin
And emerges unlearned, unshamed, unharmed
For she is the perfect creature, natural in every feature
And I am the geek with the alchemists' stone

Chorus

For all of you who must discover,
For all who seek to understand,
For having left the path of others
You find a very special hand

And it is a holy thing, and it is a precious time
And it is the only way
Forget-me-nots among the snow, it's always been and so it goes
To ponder his death and his life eternally

Chorus

For all of you who must discover
For all who seek to understand,
For having left the path of others
You find a very special hand

And it is a holy thing
And it is the only way
Forget-me-nots among the snow, it's always been and so it goes
To ponder his death and his life eternally

One bright blue rose outlives all those
Two thousand years and still it goes
To ponder his death and his life eternally

A Panting We Will Go

2009-09-27T12:03:00.003+08:00

A panting we will go,
a panting we will go;
Heigh Ho and Cheerio,
a panting we will go!

Twice round the lake Perdana, yes. Twice around it was. Second time this week, and hoping to make it a regular at least once a week event.

Exercise seems to be an abominable word, but unfortunately, it cannot be a word any longer. Have to actually get physical!

The walk (yes, more walk than run) highlighted a few things. Am totally unfit, and need to lose weight (what's new?)! Am way, way above my ideal weight for my height, so time to do something about it! But, here's hoping I can see through my current push!!

Having been there twice, a few regulars were already noted. There's this guy doing a leisurely run pushing a baby stroller, with the baby sleeping, oblivious to the world (yes, he overtook me, even with pushing the stroller). There's also this group of more mature uncles and aunties doing tai chi at the park. Today, there were more serious runners noted, particularly a foreigner who overtook me 3 times!!! For every round I did, I think he did two!!!, and when I finished my two rounds, he was going for another! Cis! I console myself that it has been a while since I exercised, and will take it at my own pace.

Now, if only I could cut down on my breakfast intake after that! Hmm...

Short trip out

2009-09-12T13:26:00.004+08:00

Lemangs! lemangs! On the way to Kemaman. Lots of lemangs. Been told it is sold whole year round, as opposed to only the Ramadan period. Good! More incentive for me to go. :)

Was on a short break out of the city a week ago, to Awana Kijal. The last time I was here was at least 5 years back I think. How time flies. This trip, slightly on the quiet side as it was the fasting month. I guess it's good in that less people to "fight" over the pool, the food, and even the spa. But, I wonder how the resort tide over the low seasons to cover costs. Hmm.

The beach remains quite nice. Peaceful, as again, not that many people. Even managed to take a short drive to Kertih for the Ramadan Bazaar, but didn't stay till night to see the Paka power plant lit up. Heard it is very beautiful and good photo taking opportunity, but perhaps next time around.

Well, it was a good short trip, and good to catch up with friends again.

Unity?

2009-08-31T15:38:00.002+08:00

Adverts aired in the past. Children understand, but adults? ... sigh... and even then, amongst one's own race, disunity persists. In the financial markets, some would only deal with others who are of the same "kulit" (skin). Very sad, but true. Call me idealistic, but here's hoping for a truly united country... one day... Happy Merdeka!!!

Of one bleach chapter and another

2009-08-18T22:28:00.006+08:00

Yeah, been watching Bleach. Just finished chapter 133. Too preoccupied with the series to blog. Later... later... later...

Bleach Theme Song translated:

Your fragile, folded wings
are just tired from the pure blue sky.
You don’t have to force your smiles for anyone.
It’s okay to smile… for yourself.

That lonely feeling keeps creeping up on me.
A single candle burns still inside.
There shouldn’t be an expensive chandelier in a wild place like this.
Can I really bury it all with empty words?
I don’t even know anymore…

As long as we can swim freely in our dreams,
we won’t need that sky anymore.
Even if you can’t let go of the past,
I’ll still be there to meet you tomorrow.

Your fragile, folded wings
are just tired from the pure blue sky.
You don’t have to force your smiles for anyone.
It’s okay to smile… for yourself.

Yasmin

2009-07-26T09:33:00.000+08:00

Yasmin Ahmad, a wonderful talent, RIP. Will greatly miss all her wonderful heartfelt adverts and movies. A special tribute:

Bleach

2009-07-25T22:28:00.002+08:00

It has been a while since I watched any Manga show. Last I saw one was back in Uni days, and I remember violence, violence and more violence. And of course, the adult nature of it all.

But the ability to fly, fight and have supernatural powers seemed all the rage then, and even more so now. A secret society, fighting for good against the all consuming evil, well, what else is new? The Asian version of comics which have won the hearts of many. I guess it is the plot, the twists, and human relationship aspects and the ability to fight certainly becomes a major factor to draw in the viewers.

And against my better judgment, am starting on Bleach! First few episodes have already been engaging, and a bit worried that I will be hooked. Looks interesting though. Just finished episode 3, and starting on the fourth. Another 195 more to go! At least those episodes which a friend lent me anyway, and I gather that the series has not finished. It's akin to watching those Chinese Soaps or the Korean Soaps... oh my!

SFX Family Day

2009-07-13T23:28:00.007+08:00

What a contrast! From one family day to another. SFX recently had its Family Day, and boy, was it packed. Lots of stalls for games, for food, and even for books/stamps/plants etc. Plentiful indeed. Sure, there was a system to how the stalls were positioned, but it was really cramped at the Church Basement. In the end, it appeared like a huge market with endless noise. Although relatively fun, I had a headache after an hour of being there.

There were things I liked, and things I didn't. I liked the various stalls other than the food stalls. Enjoyed the stamps stall, and bought a miniature sheetlet to add to my collection. Almost bought a RM150 brochure with an unperforated
miniature sheet, but resisted! Out of my budget as I had recently gone on an online stamp shopping spree!

I think the main thing which put me off, besides the noise, was the hygiene at one or two of the stalls. The main culprit was the satay stall. When change was given, there were bits of satay sauce and chicken bits stuck to the money. Personally for me, it was very off-putting. Some of the dear ladies manning the stall were unsure what to do and were ungenerous with the satay sauce. Sigh. Still, I had to remind myself that this was for charity. Think food allocation didn't go as initially planned for some of the stalls, either running low on some ingredients, and had to be rationed. On the whole, prices were generally steep, but hey! its for a good cause! :)

I like the vegetable stall though, as it was decently priced. Certainly much cheaper than Cold Storage at the mall near my office. There was even a theme to save the environment. Plastic bag usage was minimised, and people were encouraged to bring their own tiffin carriers as well as containers.

Towards the later part of day, things quietened down, and it became more peaceful. SFX has undergone Phase 1 of the renovation works, and my, a wonder it certainly is. Threat of the roof collapsing has seen it undergoing a huge facelift. Coupled with the wonderful stained glass windows, a more inspired feel is achieved for a sacred space. Each of the stained glass window has a story to tell. Fr. Simon elaborated once when it was first installed, totally captivating, but I have forgotten some bits. Shhh! But if anyone remembers, do share! :)

And to cap the day, Fr. Gerald celebrated the 530pm Mass, chanting the preface to such a degree that I had goosebumps! The second time I have ever felt it (first time was Fr. Aloysius, also when he sang the preface), and with the tolling of the bells three times, it gave it such a profound effect.

Grumpy

2009-07-08T21:28:00.000+08:00

Grumpy, that's how I generally felt today. Easily irritable, but still need to keep a "game face" on when dealing with some people. Doesn't pay to be too nice to people, one can get taken advantage of.

Better recite my calming mantra... "don't frown, smile, don't frown, smile, don't frown, smile"... and if all else fails, I should just say, "WAT!" with my meanest look.

Autobots Rule!!!

2009-06-27T00:13:00.001+08:00

YAY!!!

I remembered black skies, the lightning all around me
I remembered each flash as time began to blur
Like a startling sign that fate had finally found me
And your voice was all I heard that I get what I deserve

So give me reason to prove me wrong, to wash this memory clean
Let the floods cross the distance in your eyes
Give me reason to fill this hole, connect the space between
Let it be enough to reach the truth that lies across this new divide

There was nothing in sight but memories left abandoned
There was nowhere to hide, the ashes fell like snow
And the ground caved in between where we were standing
And your voice was all I heard that I get what I deserve

So give me reason to prove me wrong, to wash this memory clean
Let the floods cross the distance in your eyes across this new divide

In every loss, in every lie, in every truth that you'd deny
And each regret and each goodbye was a mistake too great to hide
And your voice was all I heard that I get what I deserve

So give me reason to prove me wrong, to wash this memory clean
Let the floods cross the distance in your eyes
Give me reason to fill this hole, connect the space between
Let it be enough to reach the truth that lies across this new divide
Across this new divide, across this new divide

One night in Bangkok

2009-06-20T13:38:00.003+08:00

One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster... well, that's the title to one of the songs in the musical "Chess". But I was there this time (my second trip) for 3 nights at least. The first time was quite rushed, followed a tour, but this time also kind of rushed, because it was a working trip. However, managed to squeeze in some time between attending various sessions of the conference. Even got to hear the Prime Minister and Finance Minister speak!

Rather than talk about the conference, might as well let some pics do the talking. There was a lot of walking, and just exploring where ever curiosity struck.

Essentially:
1) Food prices can really range. Some reasonably cheap, others pricey, particularly at malls, etc.
2) A lot more tourists compared to KL.
3) Contrast between Chinatown area and the main upbeat shopping malls is so great. The agedness of Chinatown could be felt right down to the bones. There is a certain beauty, yet the feel of oldness permeates right through.
4) Patpong by day and night. Such a contrast, and they are all there to make a living what ever way possible.
5) Massage parlours galore, for both locals and foreigners. Reasonably cheap comparatively to KL. A 2-hour Thai massage costs about RM45, with aromatherapy massage slightly more.
6) Shopping, shopping, shopping. From the expensive, right down to the cheap. Just need to know where to go.
7) River transport for short trips still available. Makes sense too, as I reckon it is cheap. To cross the Chao Phraya River costs only 3Baht, which is about RM0.30.
8) Tailoring for a suit is quite a breeze and fast! They even deliver, and is cheaper than KL.

Of one family day and another

2009-06-06T13:00:00.012+08:00

What a bright sunny day it was! Almost cloudless sky, with even the just popped confetti, reflecting the radiance of the magnificent sun.

A family day it certainly was for the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, with the young and not so young aplenty, intermingling freely and smilingly in most cases, with scheduled song and dance as well as Tae Kwan Do exhibition, coupled with various telematches abound. All just a stone throw away, from the increasingly popular KL Sentral at the Girl Guide's Hall.

For the organisers, it was a hectic time making sure things run smoothly and that all are comfortable. Kudos to the Committee for taking time to plan and to carry through the process.

Being somehow involved via my BEC (yeah, was somehow roped in as Coordinator and then don't know how, Zone Coordinator!), more like a messenger to relay messages etc, it was an eye opening experience watching the various vagaries of human interaction. As though working in the salaried corporate world isn't enough to see the yes and nos, and cover backside events, it was certainly a different perspective on a volunteer basis. But to be honest, at times it was not so much volunteer but desperation because there was no one else to do it or help out. Name throwing became common to the extent that it was no longer a volunteer basis, but almost like a directive from the top. The funny thing is, I hardly attend Mass at this Parish and am not involved in any of the ministries, but by virtue of my residential address, I "belong" to this Parish. However, I have thoughts of lessening commitments in St. Francis Xavier Church in PJ (which is just "down the road" from where I stay), and contributing more to the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, but somehow, I don't feel a connection.

Having said all that though, I salute the aunties aunties who willingly wake up in the wee hours of the morning and do their bit to make the event successful in their own way. Stories of waking up at 5am to do mega rounds of cooking just for the family day for charity sale and other what nots somehow made the whole event a richer and more appreciated experience. After all, these are on a volunteer basis.

From here too, I learnt a few things:
a) Kesari - an Indian kuih/dessert is pronounced as "KaySeRee" and not "KehSarRee", which unfortunately happened to me, but am sure I have been forgiven by those who heard me.
b) Kolkattai (as vertically pictured above) - Heaven forbid if it is ever pronounced as "KolKhatTai" but more with a side shake of the head "KolKetTay"! You see, I have never been strong in languages, so had the daring misfortune to pronounce it wrongly in the presence of the aunties aunties and uncles uncles who excelled in the culinary delights of the Indian Community, who initially looked at me in shock and horror when I blurted the mispronounced names. LOL!!! You see, this is what will likely happen when a Banana Chinese have been assigned to coordinate the Indian dishes for sale!
c) Pulut Panggang - and not Nasi Panggang. Had a few blank stares initially, but subsequently clarified that it is pulut panggang! And you noticed the signage in the picture above? That's done by RF who saw me making the sign and said that my handwriting was too ugly to read and not to use white because it doesn't stand out! So, she revamped my signage for me instead. She asked me to put some pictures in, but I tactfully declined. LOL!!!
d) String Hoppers with Dahl Curry - also known as "Iddiyappam" which luckily, was given to me as "string hoppers" to pronounce! For the life of me, when I first heard of string hoppers, I thought of something green and stringy like thingy. Until I saw that! as pictured above. Had thought that the dish was Putu Mayam but didn't want to embarrass myself to ask, and now, after doing a bit of research, it is one and the same!

There were games aplenty too, with the usual throwing of rings to bottle necks, trying to catch moving fake fishes within a time frame, navigating balls through perilous (almost!) obstacles, and other carnival like games. There was even a guess the weight of the cake game!

In line with going green, potted plants were donated and put on sale. I saw the price they charged for the plants, and it was a veritable steal! Was almost tempted to buy a few of the potted plants to put in the office, but RF (who had been assigned to take care of my plants) would have a mega fit! After all, I had threatened to put it as a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) that for every leaf lost, deduct one point! Muahahahaha! (evil laugh!)

A quick trip to Bandar Ikan Patin - Part 3

2009-05-31T13:28:00.002+08:00

D. Gunung Senyum and Gua Terang Bulan

The story goes (taken from the plaque describing the place):
According to history, Gunung Senyum derived its name from an incident where Sultan Ahmad, the ruler of Pahang from 1863 to 1892 was on his way to Kuala Krau, Temerloh. Before reaching Kuala Krau, he saw a mountain on the right side of the river and asked his aides the name of the mountain. The aides smiled because no one knew the name of the mountain. To avoid embarrassment to the aides, the sultan declared the name of the mountain as Gunung Senyum or Smiling Mountain.

And to get a bit of the description out of the way (also taken from the same plaque):
Gunung Senyum is an archeological site located about 68 kilometres from the town of Temerloh and about 1,549 metres above sea level. This mountain is situated in the Jengka Forest Reserve covering an area of 794 hectares. The mountain is mainly of limestone estimated to be around 3,000 years old whilst the lowland in the east are made up of mudstone and shale estimated to be 2,100 years old. There are 19 caves with different unique characteristics. Among the notable caves are Kolam Tujuh Cave, Terang Bulan Cave, Gelap Cave, Taman Satu Cave, Taman Dua Cave, Angin Cave, Merlap Cave and Elephant Cave.

This is a pic of inside and outside the cave, as well as a few of the "younger" colleagues doing a Japanese like action sequence thingy.

There was no hiking involved, luckily, but a short walk to the entrance of Gua Terang Bulan (Bright Moon Cave). The cave is immensed, and purportedly the largest in the area. Quite dark inside, and advisable to bring torchlights. Certain angle of the cave face, makes it look like a skull face. Eerie that. I don't think anyone would want to be alone here at night!

It got its name from a certain hole inside the cave, and as you look up, it looks like a bright moon. There were also sounds of water dripping (limestone muh), and nature was abundant inside. We saw mini black crabs (but it moved too fast for me to take a picture of it), and almost got to see the white crabs but the guide didn't want to disturb the white crabs in the mini pool above ground. We were told that we were lucky enough to see the crabs, as sometimes they couldn't be spotted no matter how you look. Respecting nature, the guide put the crabs back where he found them. A few of us wanted to climb the slippery area to see the crabs in the natural habitat but decided otherwise due to the dangers involved.

Walking to the cave entrance allowed us to cross a bridge with a sign that says "Jambatan Rosak" or "Bridge Spoilt" if translated literally. Still, we crossed it safely, with the bridge looking sturdy enough. Some crossed the bridge with great aplomb, others with varied looks of apprehension fearing for balance, and some literally just strolled across taking time for a picture or two!

There was an erected tower for Flying Fox (zip wire) activities. With the line ending into the murky water. Can't imagine people doing it, and roughing it into the algae infested and god knows other what not infested water. But still, you never know, some like a challenge indeed.

Along the way to the entrance of the cave, there were flowers and plants aplenty, even bamboo trees, and other trees which I don't even begin to know the names. Even saw a Tongkat Ali tree. Flora and fauna in abundance indeed. Was also told there was also a house built nearby all natural, with not a single nail used. Didn't get to see it though.

Had expected to see more creepy crawlies, but perhaps I didn't look hard enough. Probably all there hiding, and peering from beneath whichever leaf or branches, eyeing us intruders ever suspiciously.

And how can a forest be a forest without greens? Some leaves were extremely huge! Had one or two shots with a person standing beneath the leaf, and the leaf could cover the entire person, height and width and more to spare!

Can you spot the red dragonfly? I almost missed it, until someone pointed it out to me. I was already the last one in line, so had to take a quick shot and hurry to catch up with the rest.

And inside the cave? We saw some casulties. There were bats flying high above us in the upper sections of the cave, but one baby bat was seen on the ground. Injured and scared with the guide subsequently putting the little bat in between the leaves and branches in the hope it does not become fodder for other bigger predators.

Alas, also saw the remains of another baby bat which was unfortunate to fall from the sky and couldn't make it back to safety. Almost like charred remains from being exposed to the sun. Vampire bats? JENG JENG JENG!!!

Incidentally, don't touch the bats, apparently they bite. I wonder if West Malaysians go bat hunting. I remember going hunting last time for fruit bats when I was a kid in East Malaysia, and once the bat was shot down from the sky, if still conscious, we would pick it up from its wingtip and slam it against the ground (not grass) to knock them out and put them in a box for cooking later. I did my fair share, but come to think of it now, kind of err...cruel. I think I was put off bats completely when I saw someone skinning the bats before putting it in a pot to cook! I never took a bite, ever!

And after all that, amongst the backdrop of the public loo, two beautiful butterflies in midair, dancing the dance of love. Ah, what a sight to behold.

A quick trip to Bandar Ikan Patin - Part 2

2009-05-31T11:18:00.003+08:00

Part C: Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
The trip for elephant rides were initially scheduled for the afternoon, but had to change to the morning because it was fully booked. Morning rides were brief and just went round once a small area, but I think the novelty of sitting on an elephant without harness, safety equipment, etc was quite exhilirating itself for most, especially the young kids.

Shouts of "Pau Ching Ching" or "Hold/hug tight tight" permeated through the air as the local guides attempted to speak Mandarin to the kids, with the kids' supervisors on hand also readily reminding and possibly worrying like mad for the little ones.

Afternoon rides will apparently, bring riders into the river, and a change of clothes is expected as getting wet is a certainty. Think there's a programme to bathe the elephants, etc. Now that would certainly be a novelty in itself. Perhaps something to plan for the future.

Could be the onset of school holidays, as there were bus loads of people, especially kids. However, was told that the crowd is quite large on a daily basis. Kuala Gandah elephant sanctuary is gaining more popularity. See? I didn't even know they had an elephant sanctuary right next to KL itself! Overshadowed by the likes of such camps by our neighbouring Thailand. There's even a deer sanctuary nearby.

All around, you could see the place is extremely popular with kids and adults alike. Here's the sanctuary of the great beast, a humongous sized being, in a semi wild life environment. Some were a little apprehensive, some were eager to touch, and some were just pleased to be there snapping photos away. I looked around, and hardly saw any grumpy faces. But the best is the look on the little ones' faces, as they come face to face with such a gigantic being. More so, the excitement and happiness after, which I am sure, will more than light up all parents' faces as the little ones look on in apparent joy.

However, unlike the more commercialised Thai elephant sanctuaries, this one has fixed show times and ride times. If walk-in visitors wander in half way between the programmes, there may not be much to see. Got to check and prebook the rides, etc. Can find out more about the place here and here.

A quick trip to Bandar Ikan Patin - Part 1

2009-05-31T10:01:00.003+08:00

It began a couple of months back, when the difficult task of getting everyone's calendar to agree on a single date for a day trip was underway. And the destination was proposed by a colleague who grew up in Temerloh. Imagine planning for an 8-car convoy, and almost 30 people! I think I would freak out. Luckily, it was left to the capable hands of some colleagues, with detailed planning, the maps, some initial drama of almost getting lost even getting to the meeting place, the food, and the ever gracious hospitality by my colleague's family (the Cheahs!), making such a wonderful day excursion possible.

Here's a sneak peak.

A. Summarised Itinerary:
7:15am: Gather at meeting point along Karak Highway
7:30am: Depart to Yik Kee coffee shop, Karak.
8:30am: Breakfast! Yee Wat (fish cake) with noodles, Char Siew, Dim Sum, Bak Chang, etc.
9:30am: Depart for Kuala Gandah, Lanchang, the elephant sanctuary.
10:30am: Arrive at the elephant sanctuary. Elephant rides were pre-arranged.
12:15pm: Leave Lanchang for lunch in Temerloh.
1:00pm: Lunch at Wee Kee restaurant (otherwise known as FeiLo restaurant I think)! Patin fish, Yee Wat, Chui Ha (Drunken prawns), etc.
2:15pm: Leave Temerloh for Gunung Senyum. A forest guide was engaged to ensure safety.
3:00pm: Explore Gunung Senyum caves.
4:15pm: Return to Temerloh for tea.
5:00pm: Tea break at colleague's family place! Lemang with serunding (beef and chicken), Nasi Dagang with fish, fruits galore, konyaku jelly, etc.
6:45pm: Head back to KL.

B. The food
Was uncertain how long it would take getting to the initial meeting place, so budgeted about 10mins spare for "getting lost", but in the end, was there about 6:45am! So, the few of us grabbed a quick morning snack at the 24-hour McD. Whilst some stayed healthy with orange juices, a few imbibed the much needed caffeine, together with the hashbrowns and pint sized burgers.

Yik Kee, Karak is apparently quite well known. Especially for its fish cakes. They also serve egg tarts and other bakery like sort of cakes which some of us ta-paued (for take away) in case we get hungry and to bring back home. But for the duration of the trip, I doubt if anyone ever got hungry because of the sheer amount of food we consumed.

Temerloh, as some of the signages put it, is also known as Bandar Ikan Patin. Patin fish is a river fish and surprisingly not as many bones as I had expected. Different grades of Patin fish exist depending on whether it's captured wild, or bred through various methods. The fish we had was exceedingly fresh, with no fishy smell usually associated with river fishes. But it was HUGE! and yet, was eaten right to the bones. Ravenous eaters, some of us be. The drunken prawns was a favourite among some, but somehow, the "younger" generation was not a major fan I think. Fish cakes were good, as were some of the other dishes.

And guess what! LEMANGS!!! I like! Usually I would eat it on its own or with heaps lots of Kaya, but there was serunding (meat floss) provided as well. We even got to ta-pau back home because there was simply so much food left. The Konyaku jelly (wonderfully home made by my colleague's mom), the various fruits (apples, mangos, rambutans, langsat - well, not quite langsat, but I forgot the name, and cikus!), and of course, the camaraderie of it all as we munched and filled our bellies through the day.

Movie Marathon

2009-05-17T14:18:00.002+08:00

Weekend movie marathon indeed. Finally caught the three shows that I have been eagerly anticipating, and another sci-fi movie (Push).

I guess I was slightly disappointed with Angels and Demons, probably because I have read the book, and the twist and turns didn't surprise me at all. Still a good movie though.

Wolverine? Yay! Now I know the origins of deadpool also. First saw the character with Cable. But what brilliant fight scenes towards the end. Overall, go watch! And make sure you stay right to the very, very end! Instead of one extra clip, there was an additional after all the acknowledgement and thank yous! :)

Push. Good attempt, but not enough suspense I reckon. Expected to see more kicking butt and fight scenes, but I guess it's enough with the various watchers, shadows, pushers, etc. I still enjoyed it though.

But Star Trek? What can I say? Simply marvelous!! One of the better movies I have seen. I felt thrills like never before while watching the movie. The whole set, the Enterprise!!!, the characters, the humour... Wow!!! A must see.

Now, I can't wait for three more to arrive at our shores: G.I Joe, Transformers and Terminator!!! Can't wait, can't wait...

Time and ages pass

2009-05-10T16:28:00.002+08:00

You know, everytime I "balik kampung" (direct translation = return village) or go back to my hometown, I feel reluctant to leave. It's not so much the good things we have here, the food, the laundry being automatically done, the peace and quiet, but more so the time spent with family (especially parents).

Have you noticed the age lines etched on their face as they sleep, the ever increasing tiredness with each task performed, the joy and happiness when they get a call from a loved one, and the love shared between husband and wife. It is a treasure to behold indeed, and what more with a grandchild! Pictures and videos in this modern age has transcended boundaries, and made the ever far distance that much nearer.

As I sit here at the airport waiting for my flight, I think back and can't help but feel that the week has passed by ever so quickly. So for those of you who have your parents at home or nearby, don't wait too long. Go chit-chat, go spend some time, no matter how brief, and enjoy those precious moments.

Eating Wind

2009-05-09T18:28:00.001+08:00

As I felt the cool breeze on my face outside the car window, the contentment and joy of a 10-year old is quite hard to describe. The exhilaration, the thrill and more importantly, the opportunity to be out of the house.

Come to think of it now, the dangers of such act in the city is quite real, like sticking your head out in a moving automobile. Even more so now with the ever rampant crime which sometimes bring a shudder to one and all.

But as someone who had grown up in a small town, the unhurried driving pace, the smiling passer-bys, the cooling slow evening drive around the small town will certainly bring a feeling of happiness to any kid (or even pets!). Yes, I am back in my hometown now, and at times reminising about the good ol' carefree days bring a warm inner feeling. As I walked the narrow alleyway between the shophouses this morning, I couldn't help but smile as I imagined myself back as a kid, with my rollerskates on, daring myself and jumping across those ever so high and wide gaps between the drains, and trying hard not to run right smack into the wall. Actually, I don't think I ever did crash against the wall, but I recall more than one occassion when I was definitely flat out against the wall with my hands barely cushioning the impact. Yes, I did lose a tooth or two and even broke my collarbone when I was young, but that's another story altogether. :)

Seriously, the gaps are not that big, but as a wee lad, those gaps looked wider than the widest gaps! A real daredevil then, with rollerskates, and even a skateboard and a later progression to a BMX, but as one grows up, the urge to try and push the adrenaline factor has waned down tremendously. No, no rollercoaster rides, no bungee jumps, and definitely no skydiving nowadays. A more sedentary lifestyle is much prefered, with the exception of an occassional walk (especially to view a new place). :)

But I digressed. Eating wind as it is called, a direct translation of "Sik Fung", is something I miss. The joy of just being driven around with the windows down on a cool evening breeze has not been felt for a very very long time. As a matter of fact, I can't even remember when was the last time I hopped in a car and just drove aimlessly around to enjoy the sights. Sigh, city life is so much different from a small town, or even a kampung. Yes, I do count my blessings that my parents even had a car back then, and I had the opportunity to experience such joy. But the fact of the matter is, this is just one example of childhood happiness. Each of us grew up in a different environment, and each of us experienced the joy and heartache of life differently. And as I remind myself everyday, count your blessings.

To boldly go

2009-05-07T19:38:00.002+08:00

Hats off for another Star Trek movie. This time, a younger Kirk and Spock to hit the big screen very shortly!

Am certainly looking forward to it. Have been a fan, but actually more to Star Trek - The Next Generation, and the ever brilliant Captain Jean-Luc Picard. I still have some memorabilia when I joined some fan club during my teens, and of course, recently, got some stamp sheetlets on this. Yippeee!! :)

But I came across a story from a local daily which took being a "fan" to new heights! Read it in full here. In short, taken from "The Star":

TREKKIES are among the most die-hard fans out there and many would think nothing of paying as much as RM25,000 for a car registration number matching that of a starship from the series while other have even named their children after Star Tek characters.

Richard Si, 40, and his wife May Teoh, 32, are living proof of this. Si actually paid RM25,000 for the NCC 1701 registration (which is also the number of the USS Enterprise in the Star Trek franchise) and the couple also meticulously timed (with the help of a gynaecologist) the birth of their daughter for Jan 17 at 1701.

Si’s son was christened Riker Si James Tee Kirk while his nine-month-old daughter bears the name Seven Si Kathryn Janeway after a character from Star Trek Voyager.

I really don't know what to say! Oh dear...

Oppressive Heat!

2009-05-06T13:18:00.001+08:00

Not sure if it is a spell of heat wave or not, but it is VERY HOT!!!

Am at the moment back in Sarawak, and yes, Sarawak is nearer to the Equator, which supposedly makes it consistently nearer to the sun (and thereby hotter) as the earth turns on its axis. My hometown, Serian, situated inland, although on higher ground, is actually situated that much closer to the Equator. Hot! Hot! Hot!

I wonder where we are on the chart now on the relative humidity and temperature scale. Some countries may have the heat, but don't have the humidity. Just standing for a while in a non-airconditioned room or in a non-fan circulating room, will make one sweat quite a bit, with the skin feeling sticky. That's humidity for you!!! I can't imagine those who work as labourers in this oppresive heat.

Was just speaking to a relative yesterday, and he said that up north, one glacier the size of Singapore has split and is melting. That shows how the global warming and heat is affecting everyone. To be honest, I don't know much about global warming except what I read, but I can certainly feel its effects.

Incidentally, now that I am back in Sarawak, it gets darker earlier here, due to the island being situated much to the East. As a matter of fact, I remember there was a time so many years ago when the time zone was different. Sarawak was one hour ahead of West Malaysia, with a subsequent adjustment made to the time zone in West Malaysia and Singapore to be in line with Sarawak.

And another incident made me pause a while, when during dinner one day with a group of 3 girls, one commented that the sunset was spectacular. When I commented the same, and that I viewed it from the PJ skyline, the girls were saying, nope, theirs was from the Batu Caves area. And being typical me, I blurted out something like this:

Alex: No matter where you are, it's the same skyline no?
G2: Yes, but Batu Caves nicer.
Alex: Sure, but the sun sets towards PJ side.

And then, I got a puzzled look. I wasn't sure if the girls were making fun of me, but reasoning was that PJ is towards the West of Batu Caves, hence with the sun rising in the East and setting in the West, the PJ skyline view would be amazing.

As a matter of fact, I have paused a couple of times to just take in the moment of sunset. Perhaps one day I should simply go to the pool side area of the higher blocks of the Condo I am staying to just simply enjoy the view.

Godspeaker Trilogy

2009-05-05T15:38:00.000+08:00

Finally finished the Godspeaker Trilogy by Karen Miller. Much, much better than the Kingmaker, Kingbreaker series. I enjoyed the first book, but the second book, "The Riven Kingdom" somehow didn't catch my attention, so it was a bit of a plough through until I got to the third book, "Hammer of God", which was much much better and tied the earlier two books together.

All in all, brutal in nature, good fight scenes (the Hotas!), and after finally watching "Red Cliff 2" yesterday, the attack on Ethrea was made even more real. A warring nation in the name of their God, the power of being "Right" and to exorcise the demons in the world.

This is a brief description of the 1st book taken from Amazon.com (by D. Gibbons):
Hekat is an interesting character; she comes from the humblest of beginnings in a remote, mostly abandoned part of Mijak where women and girls (or, in the local vernacular, bitches and she-brats) are seen as less than stray dogs, worthy only to breed more male children. Hekat grows up with no sense of love, only anger and disdain. She first starts to feel love when a caravan master who has seen how beautiful she will become and has purchased her for a great purpose, pampers her and treats her like a special child. She believes he loves her, but when she discovers his real purpose for doting on her, it shatters her ability to ever trust anyone again. Thus she takes life into her own hands and joins the military, rising in rank from canteen slave to soldier and upward. She does work very hard for her rise to power, not through seduction but though training in war arts, personal study and defying death on the battlefield. Her troops admire her because she is willing to face the same conditions they are. And she does seem to have some supernatural talent with divine support from the scorpion god.

That is as much good as one can say about her. She may be clever and a fierce war leader, but she is also manipulative, cruel and obsessed with her destiny. Her devotion to the god is such that she has no room in her for any other emotions but fulfilling its will. This makes her a very terrifing villain. She has no room in her to respect others and no room for compassion, even for herself. Her son Zandakar and the godspeaker Vortka seve as an interesting counterpoint to Hekat, a sense that there are people in Mijak who do believe in compassion and that all is not about sacrifice and death.

Personally, I enjoyed the trilogy (more so for books 1 and 3), and especially about Emporor Han from Tzhung-tzhungchai! More! More!

Ave Verum Corpus

2009-05-02T19:08:00.003+08:00

One of my all time favourites:

Translation:

Hail,true body
born of the Virgin Mary,
Who truly suffered, sacrificed
on the Cross for man,
Whose pierced side overflowed
with water and blood,
Be for us a foretaste
In the test of death.

Simply exquisite. I miss singing in a choir doing such 4-part works. Maybe I should start a revival in the local church choir.

Of one oink and another

2009-05-01T07:30:00.002+08:00

Am not trying to trivialise the matter, but Saucy Susie asked me a question the other day.

Saucy Susie: Why is the current pandemic called Swine Flu and not Pig Flu?

Alex: Err... cos' it sounds better?

Saucy Susie: And, and last time for the Bird Flu, it was called Avian Flu, and not Chicken Flu?

Seriously, good points form Saucy Susie, since the culling is on pigs. So, why should it not be called pig flu? After all, we don't hear about the culling of boars, shoats, sows and hogs? Incidentally, if you need to know your pigs, look here. I really think it is just a matter of a general name, but still, a pig is a common enough name. Take "Avian" for example, which means "pertaining to or characteristics of birds". It is more generic in nature, although it happened to the ever innocent chickens (some may disagree as to the innocence if they have been to a farm and have been pecked by a mother hen). I guess it is to put it bluntly, less "in your face" with terms like pig flu or chicken flu. Also perhaps to give it that more exotic name, and to perhaps cater for eventualities if the mutating strands do go for other birds that flock together or pigs that hog together.

An article came out in one of the local dailies of the severity of such pandemic cases. Malaysia is also not immune, with the Nipah scare a few years back. Even with this, I don't know if I can ever go without tasting the succulent char-sius (bbq pork) and siu yuks (crispy roast belly pork). Of course, I would go for the "pun fei sau" (half lean meat half fat)! And not forgetting my perennial favourite, the sweet and sour pork!

Incidentally, the only thing missing in Malaysia is the wonderful tasting chilli oil used in HongKong when eating char siu. Haven't found any here which comes anywhere close to the likes of Hong Kong's chilli oil. One day, one day. Maybe there's no real marketability for it in Malaysia, especially with all the differing curries, nasi lemak and other culinary delights with this spice and that spice added to tingle the tender tastebuds.

Entrapment

2009-04-24T21:18:00.001+08:00

Now this is cruel, to be done to a dog that is, but to a CAT? "Here kitty, kitty! Faster kitty, kitty! :)

Sometimes in life, you come across people who have nothing better to do than to make things difficult for others. Am not talking about the uncooperativeness nor the unresponsiveness of some, but more so the ones who seek to do damage to others purely for the fun of it. Such malice is unfortunately found in some, and whilst talking to my insurance agent the other day, it made me think back to some ex-colleagues who are now working for the insurance agent's company (my competitor). Never had I come across such political manipulation until casualties were strewn all across the department. In essence, "if you are not with me, you are my enemy".

I count my blessings now that the present working environment is relatively healthy, with good camaraderie and teamwork. Hopefully it remains that way, with no casualties such as poor ol' Fifi.

Recitative

2009-04-21T21:08:00.003+08:00

Recitative, defined as a vocal passage of narrative text that a singer delivers with natural rhythms of speech, is actually quite hard to do.

It's a fine line between singing in a narrative way for the recitation, and doing an actual cantabile on it. The previous Easter Sunday Sequence was one such example, where the singing became too much, and lost some of the recitative form. Instead of like telling the story in a singing style, it became like singing the story.

Hard to describe, but the only analogy I can think of is the walking marathon. Where if you walk too fast, and legs somehow get lifted too much, a person can be automatically disqualified. It's not a running marathon per se, but more like a walking marathon. The question then becomes, to what degree is the fast pace walking considered running?

Of one Kopi-peng and another

2009-04-13T21:08:00.001+08:00

Seriously, I miss the taste of a good Kopi-peng (ice coffee). It has been a while, especially considering my bout of coughing for the past one month plus. Stayed away from any cold drinks at all to prevent aggravation, and now, after my singing activities for Easter, I am back to full swing!

Finally had my first taste of Kopi-peng last Easter sunday during lunch. Nice, aromatic senses-inflating thrill! Actually, kopi-peng has been a recent "habit". When I was young, I used to frequent my neighbour's coffee shop, for the Kopi-O-Peng (ice coffee without milk), and a nice bowl of Kon Lo (dry) Kwei Teow with extra tomato sauce, all for about RM2.00!!! They had char siu as toppings. Strangely, have never been a fan of Sarawak's famous Kon Lo Mee (dry noodles). I guess the novelty is in the texture of the noodles, and the secret sauce many keep as their family secret.

Now with the likes of Starbucks, Coffee Bean, Gloria Jeans and other coffee outlets, selling those premium cups of coffee, it is sometimes wonderful just to go back to the small coffee shops for that specially brewed cup of coffee! Cheaper too!

Of course, it would also go very well with some special toast bread with Kaya or Peanut Butter. Yummy! Anyone for a good cup of coffee? :)

Tera anyone?

2009-03-30T13:38:00.002+08:00

Wow! First there was the megabytes, then the gigabytes, and before you know it, now it's the terabytes!!! Such capacity being made available to the man on the street, where none was possible previously.

And how much is a terabyte? It's a trillion (1,099,511,627,776) bytes or 1024 gigabytes. Or a million million!

Boggles the mind. But the financial markets are also seeing such numbers being thrown around. Scary indeed.

I can't think of so big a number... yet. Have just gotten used to the gigabytes on my PC.

Of earth and all them living things

2009-03-28T22:38:00.002+08:00

How much do you care? 60 minutes earth hour? Is that it? A concerted effort to highlight the plight of the planet, but many still choose to distance themselves from such happenings. Seriously though, the entire city lights cannot be switched off. Think of the criminal minds, with hands rubbing in glee, waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting. Just read the papers today, about a boy and a girl waiting at a bus stop together with two other motorcylists. A car stopped, two men got down and held all at knife point ("parang"), robbed them, then took the girl away and violated her. Then, ram into the cars of single woman drivers, and further robbed the poor victims. Such is the state of crime in the city, getting more and more rampant as economic dysfunction continue to pressure some to the darker unsavoury life.

My point? Yes, do the duties to protect the earth. Do your bits for charity. But how often have you walked away when someone said, "Please help. Am raising funds for this or that charity home?". How many can one help? Is it a crime to help one but not another? It made me think, because I myself am not immune to such indecisions. Was at a mall earlier, and someone came up to me asking for a donation for a welfare home, should I have given? Am I expected to give to one and all who come a knocking? Where does charity begin, and where does it end?

I seem to be digressing, but ultimately, we cannot help everyone. We can merely do our best to alleviate the pain of others, and do our fair share to prolong the life of the planet. Seriously though, an awareness is just the beginning. Good if one and all had switched off those lights between 830pm and 930pm today. But how many plastic bags do you have at home? How many non-earth friendly things do you unconsciously hoard? Are we then really united to show the world we care, or merely paying lip service, and said, "Done that! I switched off those lights. Have done my share. That's it!". An awareness, yes. But surely more will come from that. We can only hope.

Beezee

2009-03-22T22:26:00.006+08:00

Haven't been posting for a while. Since coming back from the holidays, been extremely busy at work, what with a few big meetings scheduled for middle of the month. At least now, have a bit of breathing space. But boss will be away for a bit, so pressure on me for a while to "jaga kedai" or "look after the shop".

Not only that, been attacked by the coughing gems. Think it is more the throat irritation which causes the cough. Strong antibiotics have helped somewhat, but a persistent and lingering cough is there. More so when I talk too much or sing too much.

Well, rather than writing a lot, will just have a brief summary of incidents/feelings:
a) Wonder why some people think too highly of themselves. Perhaps they have been whispered to wrongly and as a consequence, have been misguided. Unfortunately, reality checks have been unwelcomed.
b) Wonder why some people only see the black and white. Whatever happened to the shades of grey? Either you are with me or against me kind of mentality? Notice the "me" mentality.
c) Been royally screwed by the watchdogs TWICE! Firstly, with statements that interest rates are too low already, and have been "frontloaded" (that is, reduced by a lot early on already), and then, just about two weeks later, go and cut interest rates again! Secondly, shocked the market with quite a few long tenured bond tenders. And after repositioning portfolio for weaknesses in the long end of the yield curve, the auction calendar was unpresedentedly changed, with a reduction in the number of long tenured tenders and changing to short tenured tenders! WHAT DE!!! *&!~@^*#&. But it's Lent! Must not swear! Within a span of three months, have been jolted twice by regulatory inconsistency. In essence, the watchdogs are trying to influence the market.
d) Planning for a mini "contemplative" do. Someone suggested for compline (new word for me). Thinking of doing Mendelssohn's "If with all your heart...", but not sure how it will fit in. I haven't fully memorised it yet:

Of a land across the ocean - Macau - Part 4

2009-03-09T22:38:00.000+08:00

As much as I dislike to say it, the Venetian in Macau is nice BUT a pale comparison to the actual Venice. It's almost too clinical, too neat, too nice, too picture perfect!?! Water is too clean? But no doubt, it looks very beautiful, with the wonderful artificial blue sky, the sweeping arches, the canals, the wonderful buildings, etc. There are even gondolas to be tried. Customed performances, shopping galore, what is there not to like?

Seriously though, it is a marvel in itself, being housed within a building, with casinos, hotels, etc. It makes for an interesting visit, and promises wonderful architecture when one visits the European countries. Wonderful colours abound, but somehow, too picture perfect, at least to me.

However, it is a must see if you really visit Macau, as it is certainly an attraction in itself. So, after all that, I think Macau is a buzzing city, with bright lights and many tourist attractions. But within that hustle and bustle, there is a feeling of calmness, more so when you visit Coloane. Old folks aplenty, taking strolls, siting on benches whiling the time away on the phone (and one of my friends jokingly said, probably on the phone to the remisier punting the market away). And amidst all the visitors, life goes on, with bricklayers, road menders, bus drivers, and shopkeepers. All trying to make a living and make some sense of life.

I guess wherever one would go in Macau, the sights and sounds, be it in the city centre or outskirts, would draw one and all over and over again. For some, a day trip is sufficient, but for me, even three days were insufficient to see and feel this wonderful place. Just be prepared to be adventurous with lots of walking. After all, that's the best way to visit a new place. Sometimes it is not the destination which matters, it is the hidden gems you find along the way that makes it all worthwhile (but still, my poor aching feet!).

Of a land across the ocean - Macau - Part 3

2009-03-09T11:13:00.001+08:00

O lord, really, the egg tarts! Before going to Macau, I have been told to try a few things. Namely, the portugese egg tarts, the almond cookies and the pork chop buns! And I tried them a plenty certainly.

However, not all shops sell good ones though. For the egg tarts, many shops sell these, especially along the more touristy spots going up to the Ruins of St. Paul. Most are smaller version tarts. Taste quite nice, but nothing really spectacular. The ones we went for was in the sleepy town of Coloane, to try at Lord Stow's Cafe. The egg tarts taste quite good, and the difference is in the smoothness and richness of the fillings and the crispiness of the pastry, which incidentally, still stayed crisp even after 6 hours (yes! we ta-paued some back to the hotel). I think it is one of the better egg tarts I have tried, but alas, couldn't bring some back to Malaysia. However, not cheap though, each egg tart costs MOP7, which is about RM3.30!! Imagine paying that here in KL, but I guess when one is away on holiday, the willingness to spend is greater.

Another must try (as I have been told) is the pork chop buns. We went to various shops to sample the goods, but I think the nicest I tried was near the St. Joseph Seminary Church. They sell curry noodles there too, but I think famous for their pork chop buns. Since there were seven of us, we had to wait a bit to get seats, and even had share the pork chop buns. Couldn't even have one each!!! We wanted to order more, but the owners "rationed" us because they were fast running out! Imagine that! The shop was kind of small and a bit cramped, but I guess that's the novelty of it all. Lots of customers though, and at times, there was even a queue for seats.

What is not so commonly known, is that this shop called "Mak Si Fu Tim Pan", situated in one of the smaller alleyways near Senado Square. Think the owner has been in business for over 15 years, and his tong sui (dessert) is a must try! I particularly liked the black sesame tong yuin (glutinous rice balls) with some peanut paste filling, and had it three days in a row. It was creamy, rich tasting and non too sweet! Yummy!

The only thing is the lack of seats, but my group was comfortable just getting some chairs and sitting outside the shop. The weather in Macau was cooling the time we went, so it was very pleasant. We even did some promotional activities for Mak Si Fu, especially when som fae others walked pass the shop and contemplated whether to eat or not, we happily receommended our favourite desserts!

Almond cookies? Well, to be honest, not my favourite, but came highly recommended when one goes to Macau. I think the quality differed from shop to shop, and there were certainly so many shops selling almond cookies. The good thing is that one can try the cookies before buying, so can pick and choose which suited individual taste. They make good souvenirs to bring back home though, and the cookies were presentably packed as gifts. Still, I would prefer Lord Stow's portugese egg tarts or Mak Si Fu's desserts anytime. But alas, was unable to ta-pau back.

I didn't manage to take more food pictures though, but we certainly ate a lot during the trip. Even tried the local Dim Sum in one of the shops we chanced upon for breakfast. Left it to my friends who were more than trigger happy to do the snapping of photos. One thing we didn't manage to try, was authentic portugese food. Perhaps next time. The only thing I found not satisfying was the chilly oil. Think Macau shops used some kind of bean paste. Hong Kong's chilly oil still reigns supreme! However, Macau still have so much food types to offer, so, if you ever do go to Macau, do try out the various food there.

Of a land across the ocean - Macau - Part 2

2009-03-08T13:38:00.000+08:00

If you go to Macau, the local currency is MOP. Yes, although you can interchangeably use Hong Kong dollars, you would lose out slightly. The exchange rate when I was there at the Macau Airport was HK$1 = MOP1.01/MOP1.05. However, the money changers in the city itself provided better rates. So, don't change at the airport for a lot of MOPs unless you really have to.

Temples, yes, certainly a lot of that in Macau as well. Went to the famous A-Ma Temple, the oldest in Macau dating as far back as 1488. Quite a lot of tourists, I think mostly from China. Saw the NaCha Temple as well. From the various tour sheets, the NaCha temple is listed as next to the Ruins of St. Paul, but on our final day, when a few of us went our separate ways either to shop or take in further sights, I came across another temple supposedly also to NaCha, but the "ChiuPhai" or signboard said "Old Temple of NaCha", so I guess I saw two different ones. One of the movies I recall when young was the story of NaCha, saw it in the movie and was fascinated with the story of a young kid ascending to godhood.

In Macau itself, the grand architecture, with European influence, and signboards also in Portugese!, certainly delights. A cosmopolitan city filled with tourists, and locals providing a nice blend. I thought the weekend at Senado Square was too crowded, but other days was fine. Better for picture taking without the large crowd.

One of the evenings, we even managed to cover Macau's Fisherman's Wharf. It's a different place at night, especially with the monuments being lit. However, couldn't walk the whole length of the place as most of my friends' were suffering from walking fatigue.

Certainly interesting are the many alleyways, I call them hidden gems, as each is unique in itself. Many who venture to Macau perhaps miss these, and will miss the various small shops or eateries promising salivating food and what nots.

Food? I left out food in Macau?!! What de..!! Don't fret! Coming up next, together with the famous Venetian!

Of a land across the ocean - Macau - Part 1

2009-03-08T12:38:00.003+08:00

When someone mentions Macau, the first thing which pops to mind are the Casinos! Yes, there are plenty abound, for many to squander their hard earned savings away in the hope of striking it rich. The glitter of bright lights, and call of instant wealth, etc. certainly draw throngs to this unique land.

Myself, I went to see the sights instead, and certainly plenty to see, that is, if you don't mind walking quite a bit. Land of pilgrims and Catholicism, with a large Jesuit community I think.

There were certainly a lot of churches, and since coming back and reading about the historical facts, it made the whole trip even more meaningful. I guess to have read about them in the first place would be good, but may not be as interesting as couldn't put picture to fact. Should have done my research and brought details and read there and then, when the whole church and details are in front of me, but never mind. Still interesting to read post fact. And we managed to cover quite a few;
a) Macau Cathedral;
b) St. Dominic Church;
c) St. Augustine Church;
d) St. Joseph Seminary Church;
e) Penha Church;
f) St. Francis Xavier Church;
g) Ruins of St. Paul.

I think there are many other churches but we were unable to cover more given the time we had. I have heard comments that one day is enough in Macau, but seriously, there are a lot of things to see. One day perhaps, just to get a flavour of Macau, but even with three days, I thought it wasn't enough. Outskirts also had things to see, especially the St. Francis Xavier Church in Coloane. Had to take a bus there, but the sleepy town of Coloane is so peaceful.

And you know what? My friend who did the bookings for AirAsia (zero fare! yippee!) got the dates wrong and booked us one week ahead of the long weekend in Malaysia, but it was a blessing in disguise, as during the first Sunday of Lent, there's an annual procession between Macau Cathedral and St. Augustine across the streets and through Senado Square. Got to watch it first hand, but there were so many people.

When the procession started, there was a hushed silence even with the large crowd (well, except for the clicking of cameras). And as the Cathedral Bell tolled, and I watch the procession pass in initial silence, with a few god-fearing folks kneeling in front of me, I had goose pimples! I felt a deep sense of connection and awe. I guess it was a moment thing, with the reverential silence, the tolling of bells, and the beginning of chants, as well as the sombre band procession after. Cos' when I caught the procession the second time round across other streets, the feeling was absent. A magical moment for me indeed.

Of course, Macau is not only about churches, religious museums, as well as sacred artifacts and signs, it is also rich in other religious culture, with temples aplenty. And a friend commented, given the whole "religiousness" about the place, it is a contradiction in itself to see so many casinos within the vacinity as well. Well, true enough, but I guess that is what makes Macau unique. Will cover more in the coming posts.

Ashes

2009-02-25T20:08:00.003+08:00

Today marks the beginning of Lent, with what is called Ash Wednesday. A period of fasting and repentance, and a time of abstinance. The essence of which is captured via this hymn:

********************
Yes, I Shall Arise

Antiphon:
Yes, I shall arise and return to my Father!

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul;
In you, O my God, I place all my trust.

Look down on me, have mercy O Lord;
Forgive me my sins, behold all my grief.

My heart and soul shall yearn for your face;
Be gracious to me and answer my plea.

Do not withhold your goodness from me;
O Lord, may your love be deep in my soul.

To you I pray; have pity on me;
My God, I have sinned against your great love.

Mercy I cry, O Lord, wash me clean;
And whiter than snow my spirit shall be.

Give me again the joy of your help;
Now open my lips, your praise I will sing.

Happy is he, forgiven by God;
His sins blotted out, his guilt is no more.

********************

But sometimes it is hard... hard to repent, hard to do good. What is a white lie? still a lie, and many more...

One step at a time...

Of one nursery rhyme and another

2009-02-17T22:38:00.000+08:00

I grew up with nursery rhymes, and I remember Hush, Little Baby fondly, even singing it to a more traditional version and words, but this clip gives it a new take.

Nice!

25 random things about me

2009-02-14T23:28:00.002+08:00

Following a tag from facebook, thought I would do another one here:

1) My confirmation name is John Vianney. He is the Patron Saint of Priests.
2) I do not like being forced to do things. If I would have liked to do it, I would have volunteered.
3) When someone forces me to do something, I would rebel and do the opposite.
4) I can simply chill with a good book and a cup of coffee or tea.
5) I need quietness when I am doing something serious or studying. I have never been able to study and listen to music at the same time.
6) I wish I could be more talkative. I suffer from the quiet person syndrome.
7) I have been told I don't express enough emotions, especially when I sing.
8) I used to collect a lot of things as a hobby. But now I focus on a few items only, that is, postcards and first day covers. I have a lot of them. Sometimes I wonder what I would do with them all.
9) My parents gave me a pair of rollerskates as a kid. I was very active with it and used to do leaps across the drains and stuff. Helped with my balancing, and when I finally tried ice-skating (first time in Telford, UK), I managed relatively well.
10) I think I slept walk a few times when I was a kid.
11) I rely too much on my sight-reading skills as I am kind of lazy to run through music before classes. Maybe that's why I don't put enough emotions when I sing in class. My teacher commented, "Like Kayu" (wooden) only.
12) I have forgotten the "ABC" song, but remember Twinkle-Twinkle little stars. Same tune, but different words. Tried singing it to my nephew today, and I fluffed the words!
13) I can't do summersaults. My body is not flexible.
14) I tried yoga once and nodded off in class. I think I may have snored away! (shy!). No more yoga for me.
15) I first encountered nutella in Germany. My friend's mum prepared hot buns for breakfast with nutella and it was simply fabulous!
16) I keep reminding myself "if you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all". Maxim taken from the movie "Bambi". Watched it when I was young in the cinema. Sometimes hard to hold my tongue.
17) I don't think I have ever believed in santa claus when I was a kid. Yes, was definitely fascinated with the jingles, red nose, and all that happy things, but doubt if I ever believed he really existed.
18) My first penpal was from the USA, introduced by "The Big Blue Marble", a TV show I really liked to watch when young. I still have the picture my penpal sent.
19) I was enrolled in a Chinese school in Primary One, but refused to go to school after 1 week. My parents moved me to a Catholic School (but Malay batch).
20) I like to play with Legos, and other toys when young, and remembered my mum gave me a shell station legos set and my dad gave me a castle legos set when I was in Primary Two. They gave me the pressies I guess to comfort me as I had appendicitis.
21) I was very naughty when young, and used to run around alot.
22) Have never taken to football. I recall playing once as a goal keeper in primary school, and the ball went smack into my face! Never again!
23) Been told that I am too serious by half, and should lighten up occassionally.
24) I used to be addicted to coffee with four to five cups per day. Suffered withdrawal symptoms when I first weaned myself out of it in 1995. No longer addicted.
25) I don't get enough sleep during the weekdays, and usually catch up on my sleep during the weekends.

If you would like to know my name

2009-02-02T23:26:00.003+08:00

Or rather, "Se il mio nome saper voi bramate" from Il barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville), by Rossini. Yep, funny looking words, but it is actually Italian. And yes, am doing last minute homework for my vocal lesson tomorrow. Am learning this aria, and thank goodness for current day and age which makes learning more interesting to see interpretation.

This is an aria about the Count, who serenades Rosina, the intended bride of Dr. Bartolo, hoping to win her affections. He does not want her to love him for his wealth and rank, though, so he says he is poor man named Lindoro and that he would like to be her husband.

And this tenor, Florez, has such an easy high voice being a Leggiero tenor. As it is, I struggle as a lyric tenor hitting those high notes. BUT, but, the biggest struggle is getting the running notes smoothly done as well as the expressiveness of it all as a love song AND definitely cannot do as much coloratura or "colouring". Hmm, will get it done properly soon (I hope).

Note to myself, don't do homework last minute. :(

Of Chinese New Year this and that - Part 3

2009-01-30T12:54:00.003+08:00

Final post in this series. This time closer to home. More things to see.

1) Top left corner, taken from a chess set in the living room. I do play chess, but not very good at it. Played online a few times against the computer but haven't won a single game. Can just barely beat some of my younger cousins though!
2) Top right brass horse statue. Been in the family for ages. Slightly faded. Think I need to polish it sometime.
3) And of course, something red for the bottom picture. This is like an ancient chinese gold coin shaped container, with the mystical knot being a feature.

1) Top left corner, a basket of oranges (signifying KAM, or gold) placed in the living room. The more oranges, the more gold and thus, wealth.
2) Top right corner, a silk thread weaved picture of a cat and a grasshopper. Unsure of the significance though to the pairings.
3) Bottom left corner, lacquerware coasters I bought from Vietnam a while back at the Ben Thanh market. Haggled like mad for two sets, but am pleased with it.
4) Bottom right corner, some flowers I see in the garden at home. Fresh from a rain shower. Can't quite see it here, but have another picture with the raindrops just balanced on the flower. And no, I don't know flower (and fish!) names barring the few roses, carnations, tulips and what nots.

So there, and before one knows it, it will be back to work in the concrete jungle. Time certainly flies.

Of Chinese New Year this and that – Part 2

2009-01-30T12:34:00.002+08:00

Surely, with the Chinese New Year visitation, spring cleaning is a must. And the various decorative items have been put up aplenty. Of course, this is not unique just to our own homes, but to others whom we visited when they had their open house. This post is just to highlight some of the things I saw:

The colour red is of course a must!

1) Top picture showcased the year of the Ox, with six golden fishes swimming round it. Yeah, most Chinese are very into figuratively auspicious things. Took this from one of my uncle's house.
2) Bottom red fan made from angpows by another uncle. Although not as obvious here, probably due to the angle of the picture I took, he tried a 3-D effect, quite nice. Now about angpows, do you noticed that Hokkiens dominate? Why is it known commonly as ANG pows? Why not HUNG pows? Subtle domination by the Hokkien clans?
3) Middle bottom picture, showed the leftovers of the 25 firework shots the night before.
4) Of flowers and oranges and other fruits galore? Taken from my grandaunty's house. They decorated the fruit basket themselves. Thought it was very nicely done.

Yeah, visitation is common, especially those having open houses. Not sure if this is unique to the Malaysian culture or prevalent worldwide amongst other countries. These shots were taken from one of my uncle's house. Towering pillars, open spaces, good food! They catered a wonderful rendang dish and lamb satay! Yum!!!

Of Chinese New Year this and that - Part 1

2009-01-30T12:00:00.002+08:00

Back in my hometown with intermittent rainfall, far away from the clamours of city life, things slow down considerably. Meals are earlier, and by 6pm, what’s left to do but catch the various TV series on Astro. So, thank goodness for Astro! :) Last time, was renting those various mini series on video tape. And amazingly so, each series can last for like 100 over episodes.

So, for this new year, my parents' house hosted the reunion dinner (there's a rotation system). Family members gathered from near and far, renewing ties, though some "undercurrents" are noticed if one knows what to look out for, common I guess for such big families, especially when business gets in the way. Yet, the young ones are oblivious to such happenings, and hopefully remain so to build the next generation to come.

Fireworks aplenty, even before midnight. The reverberating echo of the PUMs and PAMs, I am sure, frightened many a dogs in the neighbourhood.

Food aplenty, but sometimes only get to taste like once a year. My grandaunty also makes a mean "drunken chicken", and the famous peanut "kuih" which I particularly like, and even get to tapau! :)

A younger cousin mentioned that he looked forward to visiting my parents, because my mum makes good chicken rice. And looking at his plate, the emphasis is really on the RICE. My mum didn't make much cookies and cakes this year, but got up extra early (like midnight) to prepare stuff, and even baked a wonderful butter cake!!!

So yes, since coming back, my pants definitely feel tighter, but am controlling my intake somewhat this year. Rationing how many cookies and keropoks I eat during the day. :)

To think a happy thought

2009-01-21T07:36:00.004+08:00

This was how my mind felt yesterday. Not too smooth a day at work in the afternoon and I think my "dark" face reflected my mood with nary a smile. Small unpleasant things would easily make me snappy. In one of the few rare occassions, I left the office with an unsettled mind.

My vocal class calmed me down somewhat as it made me forget about office stuff, ah the joys of music as a therapeutic mind salve. Was slightly calmer after that, but didn't get a good sleep. Automatically woke up extra early today and immediately thought about work. Sigh...

But I think the "man above" has been sending me messages:

1) Hearing an "advert" on the radio to think happy thoughts at the start of day, which will set the tone for the rest of the day. Immerse in positive energy and hopefully the day will be good.
2) Hearing an atrocious advert (I cringed at the words fitting the music) about shopping at one of the popular malls in PJ area, but the underlying message was that there are lots of things to "Smile" about.
3) Was in the condo lift, and a family entered. A little kid with lovely large eyes, looked at me and smiled, and quickly looked away. The kid stole another brief glance, held my gaze and smiled again. Couldn't help but smile back at such innocence (no, not my sometimes "fake" smile as a colleague is wont to put it, but a moderate enough smile).

Oh well...

Of seasons change and "Niu" year begins

2009-01-18T23:38:00.001+08:00

Just a week away, the New Year dawns. The Rat year ends, the Ox ("Niu") year begins, and the circle commences anew.

Of the twelve animals in the Chinese astrology, the Ox represents persons who are dependable, calm, methodical, patient, hardworking, ambitious, conventional, steady, modest, logical, resolute, and tenacious (so they say). But those born in the year of the Ox can also be stubborn, narrow-minded, materialistic, rigid, and demanding.

So, as the spring season begins, here's to a wonderful Ox year ahead.

Of seasons change and "Niu" year begins,
Of moments to cherish, and instances to smile.
Of family and friends to treasure anew,
And greetings galore to fully bestow.

Of one toilet and another

2009-01-15T22:38:00.003+08:00

Was cleaning the loo (otherwise known as the Water Closet or W.C.) the other day, and finally dismantled a metal shelve I had previously where I put the spare detergents, extra shampoos and other what nots.

Talking about W.C., it reminded me of an incident recently when one lady announced through the microphone over a dinner function, "Those of you who are in the TOILET, please come back inside the room!". I was like, errr... okaaaaay... But seriously, it was perfectly correct. Just that social norms doesn't quite entail blurting such words over a dinner function, no? So, what should one say? Use politer words like "W.C." or "loo" or even "lavatory"? But is it really allowable to use alternative words or just simply not done, especially over a wedding dinner function?

Ok, back to topic, finally found something to replace that metal shelve thing. Chose one long stalk of flower and a flat vase, and got the florist to perform some ikebana magic for me. After putting it where I wanted, I noticed that the seahorse and fish stickers sort of clashed. :(

What do you think?

To hit the shuttle.. or not!

2009-01-10T23:15:00.003+08:00

Had a session of badminton today. It has been more than 1 year (or was it 2?) plus since I last played, and it showed! Hand and eye coordination deteriorated significantly, and in the "excitement" as another player mentioned, I hit the shuttlecock too early too many times and missed completely. Definitely a disastrous 1st game.

And yeah, the whole fitness issue again. Sigh, need to go on the treadmill more. After one game only, and it's a faster 21-point system as opposed to the 15-point system that I am used to, I felt quite drained.

But as the matches progressed, the reflexes began to come back, and the familiary of the strokes and the various dropshots began to be more effective.

Alas, still a long way to go though before I get my fitness and my game to the level it was before in the days of old. And I am sure I would be aching at various places come tomorrow, but it felt good to at least perspire and comfort myself that I exercised this week! Hopefully more to come.

Of one debit credit and another

2009-01-05T23:38:00.003+08:00

In the world of finance, it is often plagued with complicated words, terminologies and most times ambiguous sentences describing the investment instruments, the criteria and even the risks as highlighted in various pamphlets. However, I guess it is the same in most fields, be it in engineering, IT or even in the music field.

Most recent case highlighted in the business news everywhere is the Madoff Ponzi Scheme in the US. Essentially, for those who have heart palpitations just by hearing the word "Finance" or even the words "Debit/Credit", it is where profits are paid to existing investors with the money received from new investors.

Usually, these investments tend to promise high returns, and the returns are "made" from money received from new investors who also want to enjoy the high returns. So, it is a cycle, and the cycle will carry on building and building until one day, something happens and it will fall flat on its face. This pyramid scheme will collapse if:

a) earnings (inflow of cash from new investors) are less than payments (outflow of cash to existing investors);
b) existing investors ask to get their money back;
c) regulatory or supervisory bodies clamp down.
Of course, there could be other reasons for the sceme to fail.

So, in such difficult financial investment landscape for 2008, where the Malaysian stock market was down over 40%, and bond funds barely touched the annual fixed deposit rate of 3.70%, it makes one ponder how an established fund in the domestic market was able to provide dividends of 9% and above. Most funds lost capital last year, and some barely made it to the positive territory to at least preserve capital.

Of course, who doesn't want the high returns promised and more importantly, delivered? So, as more and more funds chase the returns, is this a precursor to troubled times ahead? Scary thought.

So if you have queued extra early just to place money in the fund, and lamented system issues for not being able to handle the processing volume before the fund size is achived and the fund closes, I would actually closely relook at the terms in the pamplets and get a better sense of any of the investments made (if at all).

Of course, the pamplets could be speaking greek for all you know, with investments structured to generate Alpha, and price volatility within a certain 95% confidence interval, it is Delta hedged, with limited probability of default, etc... What? Don't understand? "Don't worry!!" as most financial sales personnel would tell you, "it is 100% principal protected, will get money back!". But really, who or what is providing the principal protection? What are the underlying investment instruments? Which markets? Sometimes these are not so clear cut. Better read the fine prints... but wait! don't understand? it has complicated words in it? Oh my...

A quick change to the East

2009-01-03T09:08:00.004+08:00

Chinese New Year this year falls early on 26 January, and most shopping centres in KL are gearing up for the celebration. Less days between Christmas and Chinese New Year for patrons to shop. A taxi driver in Singapore mentioned that it will be even earlier next year, around the 18 or 19 January but after doing some checks, it will actually be on 14 February 2010.

So, my Christmas deco stuff previously on the pussy willow tree have now been changed to a more oriental theme. I also left the blinking lights on to add a little something to it.

Actually, the red balls with golden lining and tassels are also really part of the Christmas deco stuff, but looked quite oriental and more importantly, CHEAP! Why? I found out that one or two days running to Christmas and a few days after, departmental stores tended to do a massive sale on Christmas items. Got mine from Metrojaya, where each ball originally cost RM12.90, but had an 80% discount, with another 20% discount on top of that, which brought down the cost to RM2.06 each!!! I managed to find 20 of the balls altogether, and needless to say, bought others as well for next year!!! Refrained from getting a bigger Christmas tree, with a six footer going for less than RM50 after an 80% discount! It's a clear BUY, but haven't factored in storage space, etc. :)

Well, here's to wishing all a very Happy Chinese New Year and happy holidays come end of January!!!

A sojourn down south

2009-01-01T23:28:00.000+08:00

As the dawn of a new year approached, we headed to Singapore after a one day rest back in KL from the Penang trip. This time instead of driving down, we took the express coach which was cheaper than catching a flight and reasonably comfortable. Went for a short family holiday, visiting both the paternal and maternal relatives as well as doing some shopping in various places.

Singapore, being such a cosmopolitan city, was bedecked with Christmas lights and Christmas decorations, particularly along the ever busy Orchard Road. One wouldn't guess that Singapore was in a recession with the amount of shoppers bargain hunting for that ever perfect pair of shoes and other what nots, but my guess is that most are tourists as opposed to locals.

Now something about the marketing aspect to target shoppers to Spend! Spend! Spend! For example, buy a pair of promotional jeans for S$33, but better buy THREE for only S$60! Now, I was in a dilemma. I wanted only one pair and it will cost me S$33! but I can average down by getting another two pairs of the same design in different colours for CHEAPER!!! I was shopping with my dad, and he said he doesn't need a new pair of jeans! So, I couldn't flog one off to him. HOW?!? What would you have done? In the end, after much internal deliberation, I opted to pay the "extra" and only spend S$33 as opposed to S$60 for two other pair of pants which I didn't need. I can tell you that such marketing gimic is rampant. At another shop, buy one item at a promotional price. Buy two items, get 20% off both items, but buy THREE items, get 40% off all three items! HOW?!? How not to spend like that?

And as the countdown began, the hotel provided free flow of drinks, but I stayed in the hotel room. Couldn't watch the fireworks except on TV, as the hotel room faced west of Orchard Road whilst the city was lit at the Marina Bay. Still, looking out the hotel room window, many thronged the streets with good cheer and jubilation, and reveled the night away. Some had to answer the call of duty, with cops seen patrolling the area to minimise untoward incidents and doing some form of crowd and traffic control.

As dawn broke, and shops opened anew, Chinese New Year music began filling the air, advertising Lunar New Year sales!!! Buy one, FREE one!!! Sigh, there goes the hardearned money!!! I guess shop keepers and retailers only have about 3 weeks and a bit before the onset of the lunar celebration, and so, are pushing sales geared for the coming festivities.

Through all the travelling up north to Penang, and then to Singapore and back, I finally found time to finish two of my outstanding novels by L.E. Modesitt Jr, "Natural Ordermage" and "Mage-Guard of Hamor". Brilliant 14th and 15th books of the Saga of Recluse! Can't wait for more!!! :)

So, after all that, here's to wishing one and all a Happy New Year!

Of 9 years and now a wedding

2008-12-29T22:30:00.005+08:00

Made a trip up to the Pearl of the Orient to attend my cousin's wedding recently, with this being the fourth and final matrimonial celebration. Typically, there will be a tea ceremony, but before that, there is this tradition of the groom and his merry mates being "bullied" by the bride's "chi-muis". I do wonder how did this culture arise, as the groom with his friends will need to brave the many challenges set forth by the ladies before the groom is able to claim his "prize". Many a times, the groom and his entourage will be "forced" to hand over angpows, eat specially made popiahs, or other food stuffed with hot peppers and perhaps wasabi, as well as perform feats which endanger the masculinity of the groom and his mates. My cousin's event even had an Oriental theme. Now seriously, why go through all these playfulness? What's the thinking behind it? Hmm... Something else which my other relatives and I were discussing as we were watching the happenings, is that most of these tradition have been passed down by word of mouth, and before long, most would have deviated or be lost through the generations. Wonder if anyone has ever compiled such variations in tradition for the Chinese folks.

Well, a wedding can be a momentous occassion, but stories abound which now sends laughter and disbelief that such happenings could occur, even with the best of planning. For example? Someone delegated with the task of bringing the wedding rings to the church service in Kuching, forgot to bring them on the actual day. Luckily, a mad dash home resulted in a delay of only about half an hour! Imagine if it had happened in KL and the one doing the mad dash home to retrieve the rings had to brave incessant traffic flow! That someone also almost forgot or was it totally forgot(?) to bring the groom's speech for the wedding dinner in Kuching! Egads indeed!!!

Through it all, I missed the three previous celebration, but managed to go for the Penang one. Lovely weather, and managed to visit "Lorong Bangkok" which had rows of houses of an era gone by. My cousin's wife's sister-in-law opened a boutique along the British colonial heritage row, nestled amongst stay-in houses and various other types of shops.

All in all, it was good to see my cousin again. Haven't seen him and his then intended for a while as both are working overseas. They have been going steady for over 9 years and finally tied the knot. Best wishes to the lovely couple.

The Dime

2008-12-16T18:29:00.002+08:00

Bobby was getting cold sitting out in his back yard in the snow. Bobby didn't wear boots; he didn't like them and anyway he didn't own any. The thin sneakers he wore had a few holes in them and they did a poor job of keeping out the cold. Bobby had been in his backyard for about an hour already. And, try as he might, he could not come up with an idea for his mother's Christmas gift. He shook his head as he thought,

"This is useless, even if I do come up with an idea, I don't have any money to spend."

Ever since his father had passed away three years ago, the family of five had struggled. It wasn't because his mother didn't care, or try, there just never seemed to be enough. She worked nights at the hospital, but the small wage that she was earning could only be stretched so far.

What the family lacked in money and material things, they more than made up for in love and family unity. Bobby had two older and one younger sister, who ran the house hold in their mother's absence. All three of his sisters had already made beautiful gifts for their mother. Somehow it just wasn't fair. Here it was Christmas Eve already, and he had nothing.

Wiping a tear from his eye, Bobby kicked the snow and started to walk down to the street where the shops and stores were. It wasn't easy being six without a father, especially when he needed a man to talk to. Bobby walked from shop to shop, looking into each decorated window. Everything seemed so beautiful and so out of reach.

It was starting to get dark and Bobby reluctantly turned to walk home when suddenly his eyes caught the glimmer of the setting sun's rays reflecting off of something along the curb. He reached down and discovered a shiny dime. Never before has anyone felt so wealthy as Bobby felt at that moment. As he held his new found treasure, a warmth spread throughout his entire body and he walked into the first store he saw. His excitement quickly turned cold when the sales person told him that he couldn't buy anything with only a dime.

He saw a flower shop and went inside to wait in line. When the shop owner asked if he could help him, Bobby presented the dime and asked if he could buy one flower for his mother's Christmas gift. The shop owner looked at Bobby and his ten cent offering. Then he put his hand on Bobby's shoulder and said to him, "You just wait here and I'll see what I can do for you." As Bobby waited he looked at the beautiful flowers and even though he was a boy, he could see why mothers and girls liked flowers. The sound of the door closing as the last customer left jolted Bobby back to reality. All alone in the shop, Bobby began to feel alone and afraid.

Suddenly the shop owner came out and moved to the counter. There, before Bobby's eyes, lay twelve long stem, red roses, with leaves of green and tiny white flowers all tied together with a big silver bow. Bobby's heart sank as the owner picked them up and placed them gently into a long white box. "That will be ten cents young man." the shop owner said reaching out his hand for the dime.

Slowly, Bobby moved his hand to give the man his dime. Could this be true? No one else would give him a thing for his dime! Sensing the boy's reluctance, the shop owner added, "I just happened to have some roses on sale for ten cents a dozen. Would you like them?" This time Bobby did not hesitate, and when the man placed the long box into his hands, he knew it was true. Walking out the door that the owner was holding for Bobby, he heard the shop keeper say, "Merry Christmas, son."

As he returned inside, the shop keeper's wife walked out. "Who were you talking to back there and where are the roses you were fixing?"

Staring out the window, and blinking the tears from his own eyes, he replied,

"A strange thing happened to me this morning. While I was setting up things to open the shop, I thought I heard a voice telling me to set aside a dozen of my best roses for a special gift. I wasn't sure at the time whether I had lost my mind or what, but I set them aside anyway. Then just a few minutes ago, a little boy came into the shop and wanted to buy a flower for his mother with one small dime. When I looked at him, I saw myself, many years ago. I too, was a poor boy with nothing to buy my mother a Christmas gift. A bearded man, whom I never knew, stopped me on the street and told me that he wanted to give me ten dollars. When I saw that little boy tonight, I knew who that voice was, and I put together a dozen of my very best roses."

The shop owner and his wife hugged each other tightly, and as they stepped out into the bitter cold air, they somehow didn't feel cold at all.

May this story instill the spirit of Christmas in you enough to pass this act along.

Have a Joyous and Peace-filled season.

- Author Unknown

The Immortal Iron Fist

2008-12-08T17:00:00.005+08:00

When I was much younger, I bought a comic book about The Immortal Iron Fist. Not that Iron Fist was actually immortal, but a title granted for his fighting prowess. Was totally fascinated about the once in a decade appearance of a mystical city called K'un-Lun and the constant drive to train, fight and be number 1 to face Shou-Lao the Undying, to survive and earn the mantle of The Immortal Iron Fist.

Actually, had forgotten about this Marvel created character, until I recently won a RM100 book voucher from Borders at my company's recent annual dinner via a lucky draw. The emcee claimed that one in three will win a prize, and I got the vouchers! Yay!

And as I was browsing through the comics section in The Gardens, I saw The Immortal Iron Fist collection 1 (The Last Iron Fist Story) and 2 (The Seven Capital Cities of Heaven)! And yeah! I snapped them up! Just within budget too! :) Just finished reading the books, and was totally riveted. The second book was fascinating and explained quite a bit actually about K'un-Lun, but I think this is a 6-part collection!!! Now I have to wait for the next few collections to come out or hunt for the individual comics. Bummer! Think I will just wait...and wait...and wait for the collection books to be published. sigh...

Of one shirt and another

2008-11-30T23:05:00.005+08:00

Did you know, that a bow tie could be worned with a regular laydown collar shirt? I have always thought that it had to be worn with a wing tipped collar shirt, and was surprised that it is possible. Thought I made a major fashion faux pas during my company's centennial dinner. Some came dressed to the nines with various blings, others were seen dressed more formally, and some looked down right smart. Most females had their hair done in various styles, some even hired external makeup artists. Sometimes I wonder why, but I think females love such occassion to dress up.

Yeah, after having a "black tie" function in August, never thought that there would be another black tie function in November. Though at that time, I wore a suit and a nice tie for the event. Technically, for a black tie event, a tuxedo is a must, with a cummerband or vest. This time round, I wore my bow tie, but chose to wear a normal white shirt (I seldom wear white, and have only one pure white working shirt). Also, no tux, but my regular suit. Yeah, none too conforming, but hey, it has been a very long time since I wore my wing tipped shirt (more than 7 years ago!), and the colour has sort of turned a bit yellowish since I didn't take care of the shirt properly (another reason why I very seldom wear white shirts). On the whole, looked decent enough, but was very conscious of the non conforming white shirt (i.e. non wing tipped). But after doing a bit of research now, am glad it is ok also. Personally, I think a wing tipped shirt would look better, but didn't fancy splurging on a white wing tipped shirt which I will hardly ever wear, with a fitting cummerband and a tux. Oh! I wore my camel active boots too instead of a pair of leather shoes! but it looked decent enough as a black pair of shoes.

At least I have my bow tie, right? :)

Somewhere...

2008-11-14T00:28:00.001+08:00

There is so much beauty in such wonderful voices, such pure tones!!! Wow!!!

Of one award second year running

2008-11-13T23:28:00.000+08:00

Was down in Singapore last week for a couple of days to attend a bond market summit, as well as to collect an award! :)

This is the second year running actually that I came in 2nd place, but I didn't make it down to collect the award last year, so this year, I thought I had better go. Never know if I will ever be conferred the accolade again. Actually, the award could be used as a marketing game, especially being in the asset management industry, but as I am in the Insurance industry, it could also look good to pad my curriculum vitae eh? :P

But really, I suppose it could be used for marketing as well within the insurance industry, especially if the agents are going out selling Investment Linked Plans, and performance of the fund is shown with such a tag to the fund manager, no? But, of course, the funds managed have to be performing and made sure to be ahead of peers.

How was the voting system? Someone from The Asset will call up bankers in Malaysia and asked them who they think are the most astute local bond investors. So, the bankers will provide a couple of names. And the ones with the most "hits", will of course rank higher. Seriously though, I am sure there are many good fund managers out there who don't talk as much to the market, so may be left out of the list. I guess it is the higher profile ones, and more active ones in terms of trades whom the bankers talk to who will get into the list. There are certainly other categories, but since I dabble in local currency bonds, hence the placement for this category.

Ok, nah! Here's a close up of what the award looks like. The "only" difference between No. 1 and the others are the words, "Voted as the" and "Voted as one of the". I have the "one of the". :)

Where is it now? Err, I think it is somewhere in the cardboard box together with other reports and paraphernalia in the office.

Hahaa, ok! ok! It's actually in the office somewhere on top of my cabinet, not too strategically placed so that people will not see it at first glance. Why? Shy muh! :P

Forty Six days to Christmas!

2008-11-09T15:01:00.004+08:00

It is forty six days to Christmas and the shopping malls are beginning to put up Christmas decorative stuff and goodies. Nope, they haven't started playing Christmas carols yet, but no doubt will probably begin soon.

As I was walking around Pavillion yesterday, I succumbed to the temptation of buying ornaments for my Christmas tree. I can tell you one thing for sure, the ornaments don't come cheap!, but I console myself monetary wise, that I had a gig the night before which earned me enough pocket money to splurge a little. :)

As I woke up this morning, was undecided whether to take the existing Christmas tree out of storage or decorate the pussy willow tree which is already in my living room. Ya, me being the usual indicisive self, FINALLY decided on decorating the pussy willow tree after a good time debating with myself. One thing for sure, I didn't set a theme, but got carried away yesterday buying the various new ornamental stuff. So, looked as though it was done in a slapdash manner, but I think for this year will leave it as it is. Yep, looked a bit like a minimalist approach without the usual greenery, and it sort of go with the overall oriental Christmas theme which I had in mind.

Have never thought of white ornaments, but it does lend itself a certain look. Usually, one would go for only red and gold combination or white and blue. But I went for the works!!! Egads!!! Must remember to have a colour theme next year!

Of course, at this time of the year, one would get carried away with the commercial aspect of the coming festive season, but I had a star or two to remind me of the significance of the celebration. I was even humming Christmas carols as I was putting the stuffs up! :)

Now, if you ask me why I decorate so early, I really don't know. After all, I have another forty six days to shop for other ornaments and can redo my colour theme if I have to. Watch this space ... :P

Being a local tourist

2008-11-09T13:41:00.015+08:00

You know, I have been in KL for quite a number of years already, but have not even been to some of the local attractions. After various rearranging of timetables, a few friends and myself decided to get organised and go being local tourists. With hats (some of us) and camera (most of us) in tow, we ploughed across various valleys and plains (ha, almost!)... more like the Forest Reserve Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Selayang Hot Springs, and Batu Caves.

Had to get up like 5:45am on one of the Sunday mornings last month just to get ready for a little bit of morning exercise in FRIM. This was my second time to FRIM actually, and quite enjoyable. Tried the canopy walkway, which was pretty exciting, and I think it is purportedly the tallest in the world. Some excitement for one of my friends, who suffered the fangs of a leech bite. Now personally, I don't have anything against leeches, but really am not a fan of those little suckers.

Next stop was at the Selayang Hot Springs. Malaysia's little "onsen". Ha, almost, but no skinny dipping I reckon. There were three sort of pools with varying degrees of hotness. The hottest had the clearest water, as I doubt anyone would dip themselves in there. One can even see the bubbles rising, that showed how hot it really was! The people around there mentioned that you can bring the water back and it would stay hot for up to 9 hours!

Of course, there were various rules as to what you can or cannot do. One interesting signage said "no undergarments in the pool", so does that mean one can go skinny dipping? The other two pools looked a bit murky. One had various people soaking their feet inside the pool under the scorching hot sun (out with the brollies! - it was around noon when we were there) and the other pool had a few old timers sitting around enjoying the natural heat. One lady took it one step further. She immersed her whole body into the pool, so I guess she must really believe in the natural healing properties of the Selayang hot spring.

Then after the earlier energising morning hike, and a sojourn to the hot springs for a bit of relaxation, we tackled Batu Caves and the 272 steps next! Yep, we climbed all the way to the top, and no, it wasn't as tiring as the walk up to the canopy walk at FRIM.

Interesting things to see, including monkeys which were perpetually hungry, eyeing tourists and locals alike for food. Batu Caves is of course a temple, frequented all year round, but peak time being Thaipussam, with devotees undergoing various body piercings and entering various spiritual state of being, climbing all the way up the cave to pay homage to their deity.

Me, I go just to look-see-look-see and enjoy the natural greatness of the limestone cave. And of course, a nice coconut drink at the very end of the long hot day. Oh, the little girl, Sasha, was very excited after being told by Yuin that the coconuts were free, and she wanted to take some home.

Another Day

2008-10-27T15:41:00.008+08:00

It's been raining almost everyday in KL, and as the air gets fresher, the view gets better. Took this photo yesterday evening from the window of the spare room at my place. A view overlooking Petaling Jaya. Can just about make out Amcorp Mall's logo in the background.

The view caught my attention, and made me feel grateful for another wonderful day.

A passage of time

2008-10-19T23:38:00.002+08:00

The beating of a heart, the yearning to be one. The longing for a part, for a time once lost. How close a person to get, how wonderful the moment spent. But time flutters its flowing wings, and lost those moments past.

Easily taken for granted, words sometimes does a wounding. Yet shared it cannot be, alone for pain to bear. Whither must I wander, a soul ever longing. Things for moments to cherish, yet only for a passage in time.

That fateful glance you ever did give, the searing touch you once gently did lay, upon the few precious instances, harbouring those ever infectious imprints. Alas, your yearning but now asunder be, and greatly needed for I, a wall insurmountable to build.

Perhaps in haste, a story too fast to tell. Perhaps a moment longer, a difference may be made. Yet the silent stillness of sound, ever do reverberate, to confirm those lost moments, of time and future past.

Of one childhood game and another

2008-10-05T23:31:00.019+08:00

Following my previous post on paper, rock, SCISSORS!!!, it got me thinking about what other childhood games I played, especially coming from a Co-Ed school in a small town. I could literally list a couple, and wonder if most kids would still play these games in this day and age. In this technological age, most of these games would most probably be lost with the onset of playstation, etc. and parents' growing paranoia about the child's safety and well being. What? You never climbed trees? :P

1) Ohhhh PEK!
This can be a game of elimination or to find teams, where each kid would indicate with his or her palm down or palm upwards. In elimination, the one who is unique (i.e. sole upward palm or downward palm) in the group would be out. Sometimes gleefully out as the process can be used as the "shortest straw" method for undesirable task. For team selection, those who have upward palms would be in one team, and downward palms in another. All through the process of saying "Ohhh PEK". "Ohhh" is said whilst the palm is struck to the chest repeated, and "PEK" is said when showing the "hand". Recently learnt that in West Malaysia, this is also known as "Lat talilat tali tampom". But slight difference in that the palms are like interchanged upwards and downwards in front of everyone (almost like a wavy effect) while saying that phrase, and with "pom!", the selection is then made.

2) Lo Seng
I remember this used to be my favourite game whilst in Primary 1 and 2 (about age 7 and 8). We used the lines of the outdoor badminton court to play guard. This is a team game, where a captain is selected, who can travel up and down the badminton court lines, with other team mates only on the horizontal lines. The rival team will try to outmanoeuvre the guarding team without being touched, running within the court from one end to the other. Of course, when one is about 7 or 8, the court is quite big, and extending the arms out wide doesn't even cover much of the court to guard!

And yeah, I sweat like mad for this almost every recess, and had to stand outside the classroom to "cool down" before the teachers allowed me to re-enter the class. Of course, I wasn't the only one, and my gang members were all in the same boat! 2 years!!! Imagine that! :P

3) 5 stones
I have seen this game played with artificial stones. That is, triangular bags that have been filled with sago seeds or similar. However, in my childhood days, we used REAL stones. Of course, we picked the smaller ones so as not to hurt the handstoo much! To hear the genuine "ping" of the stones as they hit each other after being caught in the hand following a difficult combination was definitely a joy to anticipate.

I think this is traditionally a female game, but at that age, there is no gender discrimination. It's a game of throwing and catching the stones in the air with various combinations. Got to the point that there were genuine rivalries between the boys and girls as to see who were best with hand and eye coordination. This game was played I think between primary 4, 5 and 6 (but could be earlier).

4) Marbles
Now this was almost a competitive game, but my friends and I generally took it as a friendly match. We would place our marbles (literally, not figuratively) in a circle, and try to hit them with another marble in our hand to get them out of the circle. If the marble lands out, then it is the hitter's for the keeping. Another variation is to place the marble quite a distance away. Whoever was accurate enough to hit the marble would get to keep it.

5) Police and Thief

In primary school, this was one of the best games to let off those extra energy. Running and screaming whilst being chased. Once you (as the thief) are caught by being touched anypart of the body by the "police", you had to squat. Other thieves can rescue you by touching you and then you are free to run helter skelter screaming your lungs out being rechased. Think this game is also known as "catcher".

6) Others
There are just too many other games to list. But another is similar to this picture, called hopscotch. However, as a young kid, we used chalk to draw the lines on the floor, and used tied rubber bands as the marker to be thrown and hop on one leg on the various numbers. Can even "own" a specific numbered box once a person completes the whole series of numbers hopping on one leg.

What more can I say? Hide and Seek is also a perennial favourite, and really, I think at one point or other in each child's life, this game would have been played. Of course, there are other games like congkak, legos, paper aeroplanes, rounders, skareboarding, roller-skates, catching "lei hu" or small fishes at the "longkang"! (translated = drain), etc...

Oh! almost forgot to mention another game. Sort of like skipping rope but the rope is made of rubber bands interlocking to form a long chain. One has to "skip" across different heights. Not easy that, especially at that age, girls were generally taller than the boys. Again, gender rivalry was instilled (it is a Co-Ed school after all). I seriously wonder why we have been mentally conditioned as such, or is that a natural order of segregation between boys and girls to see who was better at what?

Still, I guess all these games allowed us to "exercise" to release those extra bursts of energy (which can seem unlimited at that age - imagine the screams as one would run around), and learn hand and eye coordination as a useful child development skill for the future, at least that is what I would like to think!

So, what sort of games did you play when you were growing up? Would an all girls' school involved such games also? But given the recent news on student bullying (girls intimidating other girls) it clearly shows the various levels of discipline (or lack of it) between the schools. Generally also, more apparent when comparison is made between East Malaysia (gentler folks) and West Malaysia (rougher folks). The degradation of social friendliness standards and the need to dominate is more apparent in the city as compared to a kampung or country life. Well, how about an all boys school? Besides the usual football (or soccer as the Americans would call it), I guess there would be a lot of fisticuffs to while away the time. No? :)

Of beings around us and beyond

2008-10-03T22:32:00.014+08:00

"Angels", what a word. Used in many different context, be it spiritual beings attendant upon God, or even a kind, charming, and lovable person. Sometimes those who do good deeds upon us are also seen as "angels in disguise". This stain-glass picture depicts the angel at the empty tomb.

As a young kid, I have always been fascinated with angels. Looking at the glorious pictures or graphics in books (before the technological furtherance we see today - thus began the love affair with comic books), reading about them in certain passages of the bible (well, those few passages which I have ever read - you know, many Catholics don't read the bible enough, and I am generalising here, but yours truly is certainly one of them), and what more could I say when there's even an angel in the comic book X-men, who later become archangel! :P

In the general and biblical context, more info can be found here and here. When we read about the heavenly hosts, the seraphims and the cherubims, and even the four known archangels; Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel (each with their own roles), it is fascinating to consider the constant struggle between good and evil.

Michael - Field commander for the army of God.
Gabriel - Messenger of God.
Raphael - Archangel who performs all manner of healing.
Uriel - Angel of Repentance, who "stands at the Gate of Eden with a fiery sword".

Though sometimes, if one is not careful, the four can be unintentionally mixed up with Raphael, Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Donatello! That shows the power of the telly!!!

And once a fantasy show touches upon angels, I am generally hooked! Caught the first two episodes of the latest Supernatural series and was initially apprehensive about watching (usually, I avoid these horror flicks like a plague - quivering as my imagination would go wild anytime of the day, and NIGHT!!! - and would catch glimpses of fleeting shadow at the corner of my eye!!!), but this caught my attention with the introduction of Castielle, supposedly a soldier or warrior angel. Think for this one, I will dispense with my usual apprehension and follow the series (for once!).

I have read many stories online about angels being with us, be it guardian angels or angels in human form, alleviating the pain and suffering of the various troubled souls. And many questions have been posed as to whether you see "an angel" in the eyes of those around you. Myself, I personally believe in guardian angels, and occassionally pray for protection and guidance when I am frightened or lost in more ways than one. A prayer learnt even as a young kid, remembered to this very day to provide me comfort. And once a while, a beautiful song is written and wonderfully sung, essentially encapsulating the longing most feel in seeking comfort:

Of something red and warmly given

2008-09-30T22:35:00.013+08:00

Have you donated blood before? The last time I did, was on 15 July 1998! I was swept along by the "Give Blood, Save Lives" campaign or something similar of such slogan. And I remember it vividly, because I only managed to give slightly less than 400ml before I felt faint. And that almost 400ml trickled into the bag (which took a good half hour!), unlike others who filled up the 500ml bag in no time at all. The doctor and nurses immediately said enough after they had a look at my face which by then had turned quite pale. Even giving that little amount, I couldn't get up, and had to lie down for a good 45 minutes. Well, that was the first and last time I have ever donated blood, and it was during my pre-hypertensive days. Nowadays, due to the daily medication, am not entitled to donate blood.

Actually, I have always been apprehensive about needles poking me. I saw enough of it (well, not me, but others being poked) during my secondary school days as I was a member of the Malaysia Red Crescent Society, and helped out during one of the blood donation drive. I could barely look as the needle was inserted, and when I saw the blood gushing out into the bags, I was flabbergasted. And yes, I did cop a feel of the blood bag and it was surprising warm (to me anyway), but heck, the warmness was to be expected. After all, aren't all of us warm blooded beings?

The first time I was consciously aware of having a blood test, I saw the humongous needle and almost freaked out. The doctor reassured me that it wouldn't hurt, but who would believe the doctor after seeing the needle! Actually, it wasn't painful, just an initial pricking sensation as the sanitised needle punctured the skin and delved into the vein to draw out the required amount. But I didn't look in my moment of anxiety, turning away all through the process and even refused to see how much blood they took. After that, I made it a point never to look at the needles before a blood test and never to see the actual process of the insertion of needles and the withdrawal of blood.

However, today I did my blood test for a checkup required to purchase some insurance cover. As the matronly looking doctor was preparing for the "moment", I quickly looked away. The doctor chuckled, and I told her that I don't like needles. Somemore, after hearing that I don't like needles, she had the cheek to say:

Female Doctor (with her evil grin): Make a fist, and keep still. If I can't find the vein, I may have to prick you three or four times!

Me (thinking in my head!): What the *(&@#*!!!

Female Doctor (with her even more evil grin): And I am taking this opportunity to whack you, for never listening to me to lose weight and to exercise more! (and just as she said that, she whacked my hand a few times to find that elusive vein).

As though I wasn't feeling apprehensive enough, I had to hear that. But after the ordeal was over, I did steal a glance at the needle and the amount of blood taken, and I was like, "Wah! She took so much blood!". Somehow, the blood looked a lot darker, more like a deeper red than the one in this picture, but yes, I did see something like that little droplet at the end of the syringe.

I guess through it all, if I could donate blood, I think I would again, no matter my distaste for the needle. But I can't, so won't dwell on it too much. However, here's to hoping all would help in one way or another, to donate that little amount of blood for someone who may need it in desperate times. Give blood, save a life.

To spend or not to spend...

2008-09-27T12:38:00.002+08:00

Been a while since I had my regular paper tosei, and since my vocal lesson time was swopped to an earlier slot of 10:00am, I thought I would indulge a little bit at 9:30am. Need the energy to sing muh, otherwise cannot last the entire class. Never knew singing can be tiring, eh? Need to work those abdominal muscles. But alas, not sure why I still don't have my six-pack!

However, what shocked me was that for a small glass of teh tarik and a cone shaped paper tosei (and I noticed that it has gotten to be a smaller portion or shape), the bill came up to RM4.20!!!

Me: HUH!?! Empat Ringgit Dua???
(translated: HUH!?! Four Ringgit and Twenty???)
Foreign Waiter: Ya! Ini (pointing at the paper tosei) Tiga Ringgit.
(translated: Ya! This (pointing at the paper tosei) is Three Ringgit.
Me: TIGA Ringgit??!! [almost shouting, but trying to keep my voice down as I saw some other customers looking my way]
(translated: THREE Ringgit??!!) [almost shouting, but trying to keep my voice down as I saw some other customers looking my way]

I duly handed him the money but was aghast at the escalating cost. Last time, as in 2 years ago, it cost RM1.50. Last year, it cost RM2.00, TODAY it cost RM3.00!!! My goodness!!! That's like a 100% increase in price since 2 years ago (and the portion has gotten smaller too!). And here I thought commodity prices have come down. :(

But when I think about it, I can sometimes go shopping, and buy a nice tie which cost RM90 (cheap! on sale muh!), and am not appalled about the cost, yet, when it comes to paper tosei, I baulk at the price. Is this then a case of "Penny Wise, Pound Foolish"? But then again, I don't buy a tie that often anyway, well, at least not as often as I could consume a nice portion of paper tosei, but the point is that I am more conscious of the little stuff as opposed to the bigger ticket items. Like for lunch, I would notice that certain outlets in the foodcourt tend to overcharge for a plate of mix rice, and I would boycott that shop, yet sometimes, I wouldn't think twice about "premium" items, especially when there is a sale going on.

I suppose it is the regularity of it all, since the spending on the smaller stuff are on a regular basis which can really add up over a period of time. But at the end of it all, the more fanciful cup of coffee, or that nicer looking shirt or tie going for a bargain, can also hit the wallet in the same way.

And when I hear about people holding two jobs to earn extra pocket money, I do feel a tad guilty. I guess I can only console myself that I also sing for various occassions and earn those little extra angpows to supplement my regular income. Not that it amounts to much, but hey, every little Ringgit helps to pay for the higher cost of paper tosei!!!, and my occassional shopping spree.

One! Two!... WHAT?

2008-09-20T16:38:00.006+08:00

"Koooooom-Choom!"

That's the sound we make in Hakka when we were young playing rock-paper-scissors. The long drawn out "Kooooom" is like the pace of counting "1, 2", and a fast expelled "Choom!" will seal the game at "3" to show either a rock, a paper or a pair of scissors with the shape of the hand.

It's also used when trying to decide something without using the flip of a coin. And you know what, there are even competitions for this rock-paper-scissors thingy, and it is interesting to find out the history regarding this game. Can read more about it here.

Since I have been in West Malaysia for so long, I have heard various versions of the counting, most notably, "1, 2, Jus!". And the first time I had to "play" this game to decide on something, it went like this:

Me: Ok, ready yet?! (Me just about to go "koooom...")
Friend: Ok. ONE.... TWO....
Me: Wait! Wait! Ok, ONE... TWO.... and I kept silent, whilst my friend went...
Friend: JUS!!!

Thinking to myself "so different wan!", I showed PAPER, whilst my friend showed something peculiar. I was like... errr... something like this picture, but with the thumb pressed towards the fingers like the shape of a bird's head, without the painted bits of course.

Friend: I won!
Me: HUH?? What's THAT!
Friend: Bird'lah! Bird to TIOK your paper!
Me: NO SUCH THING!!!
Friend: GOT!
Me: It's either rock, paper or scissors! Where got bird wan!!!
Friend: GOT!
Me: All the while growing up in Sarawak, I have never come across BIRD!
Friend: Of course got BIRD!

Wah! Show me "bird" somemore by my friend who was female! Lucky not the middle finger type of bird! I was like, "Ciss!". West Malaysians ah, trying to con East Malaysians!

Me: Where got like that wan! Cheat!
Friend: You come from ulu-ulu, don't know anything!

Tsk! Tsk! What prompted this post? Well, I have been meaning to post this for a while, but kept forgetting. Suddenly, as I was waiting for my car to be serviced this morning, two young chinese kids, but conversing in English (about 6 and 5 I reckon) were seated next to me and they were playing "1, 2, JUS!". When I glanced over, one of the kid had his hand with the "BIRD" shape! "What the *&&*^*!". I wanted to correct them but held my tongue!

So, hence this post, and you know what? since coming back, I googled for "rock paper scissors", I managed lots of findings, but for "rock paper bird!"??? Nothing!! Now, thinking objectively, maybe the kids in west malaysia were corrupted by someone somewhere who thought it was difficult for kids to do the scissors shape and thought it easier for the bird shape to be made. And somehow, that variation came about through cultural distortion. Well, I will give them that at least, but for my HOKKIEN west malaysian friends who kept insisting it is "BIRD", I still think it is SCISSORS, not bird! The powers of brain washing whilst young...

Then again, researching rock-paper-scissors online, I understand that this game was originally invented by the Chinese! With my HOKKIEN chinese friends insisting they are right, perhaps I need to reconsider which culture has made the distortion. But hang on! I am also chinese what! But HAKKA instead. And all my HAKKA friends play the rock-paper-scissors version, never bird!

How ah??!

A hotpotch of worry

2008-09-15T22:34:00.012+08:00

It's rare that I post something related to work, but today, the news in the financial markets, and in particular the US has been shocking. The collapse of Lehman Brothers, after 158 years in the making, and the acquisition of Merrill Lynch by Bank of America amounting to a staggering US$50 billion after only a purported 48 hours of negotiation simply boggles the mind.

Of course, financial markets are reeling with the effects, and one can only imagine what is next. As AIG, the world's largest insurance company scrambles to raise capital amidst a potential downgrade in credit ratings which will have serious knock-on repercussions, the sheer thought of how many more such stories will surface following the turmoil in housing and credit markets is pretty scary.

And you know what? Just a few years back, many financial trainers were teaching agents that there is minimal risk in fixed income, that the main risk lies with equity, which is sort of true in terms of price or market risk, but given the quantum leap in financial engineering and the development of the accounting standards to include marked-to-market of securities, both price and credit risk have become of extreme importance in the fixed income market. At least 3 years back, we have gone on roadshows around the country to educate agents on what is fixed income and that it is incorrect to associate fixed income with no or minimal risk.

The rise in any bubbles will one day be pricked. Amidst the hot sales of structured products these days, with many unfamiliar with the underlying risks and the hidden costs, the lure of high returns and capital protection seems too good to be true. Back testing of data shows wonderful historical returns, and though there are disclaimer clauses in the various leaflets or documents, it is usually mentioned that the past is no predictor of the future. But you may say that no matter what, the principle is protected? Well, it is only protected to the extent of the financial health and on-going concern of the the party or institution providing that guarantee (and usually at a cost I might add). Then again, I am in the insurance line, and the sale of insurance products depends on the certainty of payment, which will again depend on the well being of the company involved. Not that I am implying or speculating about any specific institution of course.

Yes, we have regulators and watch dogs, auditors and what nots, but really, risk appetite and risk controls depend on the human factor. At the end of the day, how one chooses to take on risk and what controls are put in place depend on the willingness to implement. However, such controls or lack of controls, are caused mainly by human resource contraints or issues.

Tomorrow, a few of us have a session with the regulator who requested for a presentation on our activities, our risk appetite, our controls, our monitoring programme and our reporting lines and oversight function, and to specifically dwell on communication within the organisation. I guess they are targeting the bigger institutions first to generally see the operational and financial controls in existence, before perhaps implementing such on the smaller market players.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand, I have sort of felt detached over the past year or so after hearing about writedowns and losses being incurred by various institutions, particularly in the US and the European markets. It is worrying to think how much of such exposure lies in the Asian markets. But today was an exception, I felt shock and horror over the Lehman news, maybe because the company I work for recently crossed its centennial mark. To have such history, and being one of the top players in the investment banking market to collapse sends shivers down my spine. Now, I personally don't know anyone in Lehman Brothers, but the sheer thought of the potential loss of jobs and income security by many following the credit markets crisis is scary indeed. Have they saved enough to ride out the bad times? For me, worrying is one thing, and being affected emotionally is another, but this time, I sort of feel both, which I cannot carry on brooding for long. Was quite caught up with the news, but concluded that I will focus on my little pond, or perhaps my little fish tank, to improve the operational matters, to look after the well being of the portfolios under my care, as well as the general well being of the staff in the team.

Just to digress a little, since this has been on my mind for a while, in our country, the various negative news on the political front and the injustice of various parties echo the sentiment of double standards and "a subtle persecution". As one ages, greater awareness abounds, and it is such that the understanding and the feeling of "hang on, that's not right!" permeates through the very air we breathe. Dare I draw parallels to the atrocities of the second world war? But that was a case of open persecution, whereas here, it is more a progressive splintering of ones values and pulling wool over one's eyes. Yet, this is the country I would call home.

Of one moon and another

2008-09-13T16:41:00.010+08:00

A tale of immortality and revolution. Believe what you may, but in this modern society, the tradition is brought back to life via the plentiful mooncakes and lanterns which are aplenty during this period!

I recall an occassion so long ago, when I stayed over my grandaunty's place, and we were up late watching the moon and lighting some lanterns. Of course, back then, the lanterns we had were more traditional looking without some of the frills and shapes we find today.

I must say that most of us are so blessed to have received so many mooncakes, but sometimes the joy is in the sharing and eating, and of course also the giving! :) Had so many varieties, but my favourite remains the ever humble red bean mooncake (but then again, I also like the Yam mooncake without the yolk!). Simply yummy, although I must say there are some flavours out there which are simply divine. Think the best I had to date is from Shangs', in particular, the snow skin durian mooncake!!! What I find however, is that every year, prices of mooncakes simply escallate. In my line of work, truly blessed to have received quite a lot of boxes of mooncakes from various bankers which are duly shared.

I think I have eaten too many mooncakes already, but how to say "no" to the simply wonderful ones still waiting to be opened? Alas, destined never to lose weight....

psst - the two photos in this post were not taken by me, but nicked off the www.

A little birdie this way comes

2008-09-11T22:22:00.008+08:00

Well, not quite. More of a trip to the birdpark in KL. Honestly, after being in KL for close to 13 years, I finally heard that there was a birdpark nearby. A few friends decided to have a day out to take some pictures, and I was asked whether I wanted to join. Heck! Why not? After all, it purportedly has the world's largest free-flight walk-in aviary.

The only problem was that it entailed waking up early on a Sunday morning to meet for some Dim Sum along Jalan Ipoh before heading to the birdpark. Entry price cost RM15 for locals (foreigners pay more), but if you are a Jusco member, with a membership card for verification purposes, there is a RM5 discount.

Upon reaching there, I saw that the place was quite popular with avid photographers, brandishing cameras with long lenses, etc. I made do with my steady digital Canon Ixus 960 IS, with a new 4G memory stick which I got for my birthday last month. After all, as a friend told me, in most cases, it is not the camera, but the cameraperson which matters. :)

Incidentally, there were also other things to see besides birds. Some long tailed primates were abound in certain zones, with nice scenery of cascading waterfalls and peaceful surroundings. Overall, it was quite a pleasant trip. Took just slighly over 600 shots that day, but only some were nice or decent enough to be displayed (posted in my facebook profile).

There were of course, the "cute" birds, with my friends trying to decide which were cuter, the little chicks or the little ducklings. Most said ducklings. What do you reckon? There were also predatory birds as well as a zone for flightless birds.

Quite a good day trip, and it made me realise that there are other things to do in KL besides shopping and eating. :)

Of one book and another

2008-09-08T22:11:00.013+08:00

Got this meme from absolutginger last month, and only now I am attending to it. Actually, been meaning to post more often, but at times, totally no inspiration to write. Sometimes, totally tired out from the day and have to be in the right frame of mind, otherwise will be bitching away. Still, now seems to be a good time. :)

Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
Yes actually, it was when I walked along one of the streets when I was studying abroad (initially thought it was in Cottingham (in Humberside), but come to think of it, I think it was earlier when I was still in Dover), browsing the various shops that I first picked up a book by Anne McCaffrey, entitled "Dragonflight". And this is the very cover (publication by Corgi) of the book that I bought second hand. It cost me 80 pence! At that time the exchange rate was about RM3.50 or so to the British Pound. And yes, I still have the book! It opened my eyes to a whole new realm of fantasy with dragons and magic, and later, the magical world of sword and sorcery!

What are some books you read as a child?
As a child, my parents encouraged me to read, and I read collections of various rhymes, Aesop's Fables, Enid Blyton (but somehow, don't remember much of this, guess it didn't make an impact on me), fairy tales (the likes of sleeping beauty, snow white, etc). And would you believe it, Archie's comics as well as other comics like Green Lantern, Batman, Spiderman, etc.

Oh!! oh!! Once a while, my mum would bring us to Kuching to India street, and there I would get my dose of Beano Annuals, Beezer Annnuals, and such! I think I still have some of these old collection back in Sarawak, dating back to the early 1980s.

What is your favourite genre?
It varies. I used to read trashy novels like, ahem.. "Chances", "Lucky", etc, and got on the bandwagon of Sidney Sheldon and Jeffrey Archer. Actually, some of these are still very good. However, my favourite genre is undoubtedly Fantasy! It is simply, the BEST!

Oh, incidentally, I like comic books as well, but I tend to read the collection types rather than wait for single releases. But then again, this is also partly fantasy, no?

Do you have a favourite novel?
No real favourite novel, but one which made an impression on me was "Legends" by David Gemmell. I guess if I have to say a favourite, it will be this. It brought everything to life, the characters, the story! My oh my, the essence of humanity, triumphant against all odds. The thing I remember most of it was the gates, and how as each gates fell (and each had a name!), the odds for survival diminished, yet the strength to persevere and fight to the very end made me cling to the very pages through various sleepness nights unable to let go. It was that good for me.

Where do you usually read?
Usually in bed, or on the sofa on a day when I just want to chill. Sometimes at a coffee joint waiting for friends who may be late.

When do you usually read?
I usually read before I nod off for the day (sometimes just a page or two), or when I am travelling. At times, it is nice just to have a relaxing day in during the holidays just to read, and before you know it, the day is gone.

Funny stories abound when I travel with friends and we all crash into one room. I would like read a page or two, conked out, snore here and there, wake up, read another page or two, and repeat the cycle.

Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?
Oh yes. I have a stack of books waiting for me to read. And I am currently reading these at the same time. More focused on Steven Erikson's Reaper's Gale though.

Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction?
Seldom read nonfiction. I used to be hooked on war stories when I was studying history. By my own interest, I saw pictures and read stories of the Vietnam War, The Last Emperor of China, etc. So during the trip to Ho Chi Minh City, an afternoon sojourn to the CuChi tunnels was indeed an eye opener, and brought many further insights to the stories I read. Crawling through a small section of the tunnels (widened for tourists), was enough to give me heart palpitations amidst a mild case of claustrophobia. Mind you, I am normally ok in confined places, but it was an experience indeed. I shudder to think of a whole city underground with a whole network of tunnels for warfare. Other than that, to be honest, not really my cup of tea.

Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library?
When was studying, I bought some books second hand (cheap! cheap!) through the various car boot sales and the likes, and borrowed others from the library. Books were expensive, especially on a student budget.

Then when I began working, expenses piled up, so still couldn't affor to buy the books, so I rented some from the shops providing such business. Somehow, I have never been to the national library in Kuala Lumpur. Perhaps one day.

Nowadays, with the government's drive to inculcate a reading habit, book purchases have been given certain tax allowance. So, I buy them nowadays and claim to the max to reduce my taxes. Incidentally, comic book purchases are also tax deductible! :P

Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them?
Yes, I keep the books I buy, and have two book cabinets already. Some of my books go missing, having been borrowed by friends or relatives and somehow, forgotten to be returned.

If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child?
Now that is a big "If" considering my current singlehood status. But if I have children, I would share with them the various nursery rhymes, fairy tales, as well as the fables. So, yes, it would be the same ones I read as a child.

Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list?
I don't have a TBR list per se, but do have a stack of books waiting to be read. I tend to buy the books during sales and keep them aside pending my mood to read.

What’s next?
Well, some friends lent me Eoin Colfer's "Artemis Fowl and the Lost Colony" as well as Haruki Murakami's "Norwegian Wood" which I have yet to read. I have read some of Eoin Colfer's works pertaining to Artemis Fowl which are quite interesting, but for these two, having gotten round to them yet in terms of priority to read.

What books would you like to reread?
At the moment, none as I have so many pending reading. But have reread most of David Gemmell's books and some of L.E. Modesitt Jr's books. Yeah, I have almost all of David Gemmell's books, and most of L.E. Modesitt Jr's fantasy books (he also writes SciFi).

Who are your favourite authors?
Undoubtedly David Gemmell tops the list with his Drenai Saga, but with his demise in 2006, the fantasy world lost a fantastic story teller. I also particularly like L.E. Modesitt Jr (his Recluce Saga is brilliant - I have the whole series! amongst some other of his books), Raymond E. Feist, and lately Steven Erikson.

Others I read include, Anne McCaffrey, R.A. Salvatore, Trudi Canavan, Robin Hobb, Terry Brooks, Janny Wurts, Lian Hearn, and quite a few others.

Pheww! So, what books do you read? :)

Of one Bday bash

2008-08-24T14:42:00.005+08:00

Time certainly flies, and before I knew it, another year has caught up with me. As I edge pass the mid 30 stage, plus minus a little bit :P, it is extremely pleasing and am VERY grateful for all the warm wishes, greetings, pressies, CAKES!, and surprises!

Even had a watermelon as a pressie, supposedly all the way from a ship sailing in an ocean some place far far away, but heck! but I know your delivery secret! :) Haha!

This year, I think I had the most cakes ever, but I left out taking pictures of one earlier on when I was feeling under the weather. All in all, four big cakes over the span of 3 days (with a whole Pavlova to boot! Yum!!), and mini cupcakes numbering the age I am celebrating this year with candles galore! Certainly took a while to blow those candles out.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to all for the wonderful wishes, gifts, effort and time spent for a happy time. Xie Xie Ni!

A journey to the Land of the padi fields

2008-08-17T14:28:00.002+08:00

Well, almost. More like the highly commercialised island of Phuket! So, here's a hearty "SAWADIKAP"! to all. :) Unlike the previous trip to Japan for work purposes (really!), this time, it was a family outing to take advantage of the cheaper flights offered by the local no frills airline.

First impression was that it was HOT (as in heat hot), requiring a journey of close to an hour by van to the hotel along Karon Beach. Stayed in Karon to enjoy a more serene atmosphere compared to the busy Patong Beach. All in all, felt that Phuket was way too commercialised with locals trying their best to fleece tourists, particularly when it comes to transport as well as food. There were some genuinely nice people though and some sights which were especially scenic. It was good to visit the place as I have never been there before, and took it more as a relaxing trip with the family.

Of time spent in The Land of the Rising Sun

2008-08-17T13:56:00.006+08:00

Haven't blogged for a bit as was travelling as well as procrastinating too much. Towards the end of last month, was in Japan to attend a course related to my work. One thing I must say is that the people were extremely organised and even allowed us time to sight see by finishing at 4:00pm almost everyday that the course was on. Weekends allowed for even more shopping (but things are very expensive comparatively to Malaysia) and to travel around for the sights.

Was in Yokohama and Tokyo mostly, but managed to pop by Kamakura as well as seeing the sights of Hakone. Initially planned to blog my way through each day, but decided against it. Suffice to say that it is a beautiful place, but very hot in the summer. Came back with a tan just by walking around. It is a place intermingling the fast paced modernised world as well as the more zen like historically rich culture.

During the course itself, even managed to do a cultural exchange programme, whereby a few of us enjoed a cosy home style dinner at one of the staff's own private residence exchanging stories of our differing lifestyles as well as the type of food we have in our country. A wonderful experience indeed and a special Domo Arigatou to Taki-San and wife for the experience.

A note from afar

2008-07-22T12:58:00.003+08:00

Greetings from the land of the rising sun! Took a 7 hours night flight over with a time difference of an hour ahead over here. Been so long since an overnight flight that somehow, didn't manage to catch that good a sleep. Then another 2 hour plus train ride from Narita Airport to Yokohama. Would have been great if this was a holiday trip, but work cum semi holiday is also ok for me. Honestly though, looking at the schedules, not much free time except for full day Sunday and of course this afternoon since I arrived at the Training Centre about 10:30am Yokohama time. Incidentally, the trains are quite packed, with many commuting quite a distance by rail just to get to work.

So far, adjusting to the environment here and will probably blog more once I get back home. One thing I noticed immediately though, the streets seem kind of quiet barring the rat-tat noise of the various construction projects going on. Don't see as many people walking around, I guess probably due to the heat. But once you enter the malls, it is another matter. The interlinking malls may seem like a maze, but keeping some key points as bearings, can find my way back. I guess the current summer heat is keeping many indoors. Will probably not explore much more today, and might just get a quick nap later to recuperate from all the travelling. The sales people appear very friendly, and as I was exploring a shop displaying some decorative cloth pieces, the sales lady initially spoke to me in Japanese, but after saying that I am from Malaysia and excused myself for being unable to converse in Japanese, her eyes lit up, and she has indeed heard of Malaysia. She was regaling as best as she could in English, saying her son and cousin have visited Malaysia and thought well of the place, especially the snorkelling and the food. Incidentally, I enquired about the price of the beautiful piece of cloth, hand sewn with light coloured threads depicting an olden Japanese village against a snowy mountain backdrop! Breathtaking scene with an equally hefty price, all for a cool 819,000 Yen!!! The sales lady did admit that it was quite expensive, but I guess for such an exquisite piece of work, and with all the various markups charged in, there may be willing buyers out there. Alas, unfortunately, I am not one of them. I liked it heaps and had wanted to buy it for my empty wall back home, but couldn't afford the hefty price.

Yep, things are not cheap here. 1,000 Yen can get you a proper meal (which costs about RM30). But I had my first bite at the local McD's and went for the McPork! I only had one McPork burger and some fries, but it cost me 330 Yen, which is slightly over RM10! Initially, I didn't see many food outlets and thought that I might have to frequent McD during my stay here, but once I started exploring a bit more, especially in the malls, there are just so many choices around for food depending upon one's fancy, and of course, budget.

Oh! One other thing, apparently, my yellow DIGI man didn't follow me over, so no internatinal roaming on my handphone! Bummer! Till the next post then, Sayonara!

Something fishy this way comes

2008-07-20T21:42:00.005+08:00

After the morning run throughs for the charity do thingy, my acapella group had some time to spare before the actual session in the afternoon. We headed to The Pavillion opposite Westin Hotel (which was where the event took place), had our breakfast cum lunch, and headed off in various directions. Two went shopping, two went back to the Hotel (we were given a free room to rest, put our stuffs, etc), and Cheryl (one of the Sopranos) and myself, went to check out the Fish Spa!

It was just for the novelty of it all, since it is all the rage nowadays in KL, with various outlets of fish spas being set up. It was relatively early, so there weren't that many people. It costs about RM38 for a half hour session for adults, and since we were told we could sit anywhere, I plonked down on a spot which looked fairly comfy, and when I put my feet in, you could see so many of the HUNGRY FISHES rushing over to nibble. Apparently, the more fishes nibbling, the more dead skin you have. It was initially quite ticklish and I wanted to laugh, and it was a new sensation indeed, like a constant nibbling of the skin. No, the fishes had no teeth but the constant nibbling is quite hard to describe.

And you know what? We didn't realise that there was a difference between big fishes and small fishes! Normally, people would start with the small fishes for about 10 minutes or so, to get used to it at least, and move position to the bigger fishes to nibble. However, I started immediately at the big fish area so it was indeed quite a jolt! The ladies at the fish spa were quite surprised when we got talking, and I told them it was my first time trying this out. They did say that the nibbling sensation is intensified by the bigger fishes and true enough, when I tried the smaller fishes, it wasn't as great a feeling. Of course I moved back to the bigger fishes! :P

One of the sales lady kept pestering to sign up for a package, which kind of put me off, but I hedged by repeatedly saying that I will think about it. However, the staff were friendly enough, and even volunteered to help me take pictures!

After the half hour session, I was told that my legs would feel very smooth and I would have a lighter feeling. I joked that I don't feel any lighter (especially after the breakfast cum lunch earlier on), but my legs were really smooth, and as they say, "as smooth as a baby's bottom"!

And you know what? They have the Full Body Fish Spa treatment (wearing swimming trunks of course!), but I didn't try! Will probably squirm quite a bit as the fishes come nibbling at various parts of the body, especially at the initial submersion part! Just thinking about it would make me want to laugh out loud!

Dare you try it? :P

Charitable Deeds

2008-07-20T20:18:00.005+08:00

When one of my acapella group member asked if I would be available to sing for a time-and-fund raising charity do to raise awareness for Breast Cancer (notice the logo, I think the helpers got the ribbon the wrong way around, the fold should be right over left, but still, not obvious from afar) via a Bachelor Auction thingy jointly organised by the Soroptimist International Club of Petaling Jaya and the UK Women's Alumni Network, I was initially apprehensive in terms of time. And no! I was not one of the "charitable bachelors" as they put it, and my group was asked if we could just do one song "Man In The Mirror" at 3pm, and because it was just ONE song, most of us kind of agreed to it, after all, it was for charity!

Imagine the horror!, when we were told that sound check was at 8am!!! on a Sunday some more!!! and a run through with the 15 bachelors at 8:30am while we sing, and they parade in.

However, they didn't do our sound check until 9:15am, by which time, we were getting grouchy, as we could have slept in longer, AND they only had three mics available for sound check for six of us! What the !#&@*!#!!! But it was ok, we reminded that this was after all, for CHARITY!!! But still, would have liked things to go according to schedule. Noticed that other people rehearsing their various "duties" were also starting to get a bit high strung.

When the time arrived (and we started about 15 minutes later than expected, which was a fairly respectable time delay - I have had other events starting well over an hour or two delay!!!), we sang the specially arranged music by Deke Sharon just for this occasion (which was very well arranged I might add, one of the tighter versions I have heard whilst researching online), and my oh my, the women there literally got excited and screamed aloud when the various bachelors strutted in and did various poses!

Our music gave the beat for the bachelors as they entered for the women's very first glimpse. We joked about adding in an extra beat here and there to trip the bachelors, but that was rather mean! The good thing about live music then is that we could time the beginning and the end, and do a repetition of phrases to suit the duration of the catwalk so to say, and the whole thing lasted just over 3 minutes!

At the end, after all the "happenings" in the morning, it was kind of enjoyable. Despite the various headaches of rehearsals (and we had minimal at that because of time constraints of members), we did fairly well. We sang, we grooved, and it was a joy to see the bachelors enjoying themselves to the beat and the women screaming their heads off, cheering them on, all in the name of charity.

However, I didn't stay for the actual auction, as I had to go off for something else, but think that it would have been great as during the rehearsals, we saw the various bachelors doing "their thing" to get the women to bid and raise funds (their thing being singing, dancing, etc...nothing "fishy" although I heard stories of last year's event when the guys were asked to remove their shirts during the auction itself, etc).

In case you are wondering, the bachelor auction thing is an auction for time and funds. Obviously funds for charity, but also, more importantly, TIME with the bachelors as they do community work. Worthwhile cause I reckon.

Happenings and other what nots

2008-07-19T16:27:00.017+08:00

Was travelling for a bit the last few days for work purposes down South to the land of the Merlion. A few things I noticed:

1. Bags and Taxi

Now this didn't happen to me, thank goodness!, but to another colleague from a different department who also travelled down for the training session. On our final day, most of us had our travel bags with us, except for a few. Two of the girls left their bags in the hotel, whilst one guy, when asked where was his bag, he replied in a deadpan face, "I left it in the taxi".

We went like, "Err.. you sure". He replied, "Yes!", and we told him to stop kidding us. Actually, he was serious about it, and luckily he had the receipt of the taxi with the taxi company's phone number and the taxi's registration number. So, he was able to reclaim his bag! Pheew!!

I think we were more nervous for him, either that, or he was in shock that it happened. Good that he kept his passport and travel documents separately on his person. Well, he did say that the only thing of value was actually his bag, and the stuffs he had in his bag didn't amount to much. We jokingly told him that his bag is telling him to stay on in Singapore and gave him an opportunity to go shopping!

Incidentally, taxi fares have gone up. Taking a 2.1km journey over a span of 6 minutes, the cost of the taxi was about S$4.20, with an additional S$3.00 city surcharge!, altogether S$7.20!!! My, oh my! Petrol prices have risen indeed, and the various ERP (which is Singapore's Eletronic Toll system) charges factored in for the consumers.

2. Pocket Knife

Another colleague, upon bags being screened before entering the aeroplane, was told to take out the pocket knife he had in his carry bag.

However, he insisted that he had put his pocket knife in the checked-in luggage earlier on, but the security guard rescanned his bag and showed him that the knife was in the bag.

Still not convinced, but since the security guard insisted, he reached into his bag, felt around, and the first thing he took out was his pocket knife!

Luckily for him though, the pocket knife wasn't confiscated, but was brought into the plane by security. He could reclaim his pocket knife over at the security section in the airport at the destination point.

3. Elderly man

During one of the evenings after finishing the training session, I walked to the nearby Chinatown to grab a bite to eat. I tapaued some crispy rojak from a hawker stall and sat along the pavement to eat (along with a lot of other Singaporeans sitting there enjoying the sights and sounds and willing the time away).

As I was halfway eating my dinner, I saw an old man hurrying past (almost to the point of running) and saying "Uncle! Uncle!" whilst chasing a middle aged man. Apparently, the middle aged man tapaued something from the old man's shop and forgot his packet of chilly sauce which the old man quickly thought to deliver, even whilst the other man was walking away.

What made the situation unique for me was that the old man calling a younger man "Uncle". Incidentally, the old man was manning the shop himself, selling different types of BBQ meat with rice.

Now, if you walk around Chinatown area, especially the market, you will notice that there are so many elderly folks. An aging population indeed, with many still working, either for the extra pocket money or just to have something to do. Whatever happened to the Golden Retirement years for elderly folks? Are modern times so difficult that old folks still need to slog through daily life, oft times doing menial jobs like sweeping the streets, cleaning public toilets, etc? Where is the justice in this world, or perhaps I am being too idealistic in nature.

4. Breakfast at SriNeela's

Most Saturdays, before my singing lesson, I would eat a Paper Dosai with a strong cup of teh tarik to give me the extra energy to sing, whilst perusing the local newspapers to catch up on happenings. Today was no exception. However, this time, there was a man and woman with a child at the table next to mine, and I saw them ordering one nasi lemak and a plain roti canai, with two drinks between them. When the nasi lemak came, it looked absolutely tempting, and after I finished my paper tosai, I ordered one nasi lemak, just to try!

Whilst waiting for my nasi lemak to come, I saw the man eating his plate of nasi lemak and then half way through, offered the remaining portion to his wife. Similarly she did the same for the plain roti canai and offered her husband the balance whilst feeding the child with a bite sized portions of the roti canai.

Inside, I went like, "Oh oh, this is not right!" There I was having ONE paper tosai to myself, and ONE plate of nasi lemak to boot, then at the other table, the family of three were sharing their portions. BUT in my defence, paper dosai is supposed to be like a light snack, right?

Ok, ok. It was supposed to be only breakfast, but I ended up having extra helpings and considered that as my lunch as well. So there! Brunch it is!!!

But seriously, when I think about it, am I generally eating too much?, or has the cost of living increased to the extent that some have to eat less and share among them. Maybe it is a good time for me to reflect on this. Perhaps I should cut down on my intake and save some money instead. But, it only cost me RM5 for the meal, and it is within my daily lunch budget!!! So how???

Learning my music

2008-07-12T17:46:00.005+08:00

Am learning this Arietta at the moment by Beethoven, "In Questa Tomba Oscura", literally translated to mean, "In this dark tomb". My music sheet starts with an E flat, but goodness me, Pavarotti starts with an A flat, which is FIVE semitones higher! Truth be told, E flat is kind of low for a tenor, but it achieves that dark sound if chest voice is used (what? a tenor impersonating a baritone?? Crikey! The mere suggestion itself - horror!). Maybe for myself, somewhere in between for now. The difficult bit is not the notes, but the interpretation or feel to the entire song, and Pavarotti sang it so wonderfully. I think I have to be more passionate vocally, and let the voice caress the soul... alas, not there yet. One day, one day...

Italian text
Lyrics: Giuseppe Carpani (1752-1825).

In questa tomba oscura
Lasciami riposar;
Quando vivevo, ingrata,
Dovevi a me pensar.

Lascia che l’ombre ignude
Godansi pace almen
E non, e non bagnar mie ceneri
D’inutile velen.

Taken from here:
The tone of Beethoven's In Questa Tomba Oscura, WoO133, a setting of an Italian text by Carpani, is set by the piano's grave, steady accompaniment and the uncomplicated vocal lines.

For most of the song, an atmosphere of meditation and resignation predominates; moments of dramatic bitterness and anger, however, create a sense of ambiguity.

"In this dark tomb, let me repose. While I loved, ingrate, you should have thought of me." The vocal line moves upward on "Let my bare shadow enjoy its peace at least " and deepens with bitterness on the words, "And do not, do not bathe my ashes with futile poison!" Calmness settles in; after a repetition of the first two lines, the voice drops dramatically, twice repeating "Ingrate."

The song ends with an ominous, rumbling chord.

Jump Starting

2008-07-11T23:23:00.005+08:00

Really now, I have a pair of cables for jump starting a car for quite a while. Actually, since the very time I bought my first car more than 9 years back I think. I bought it so long ago because a friend told me that I never know when I may need it. And since it was my very first car (a proton saga aeroback), I got it just to be safe. So there! After changing cars a few times, the cables have now migrated to my third car, and I wasn't sure whether I still had it. Until today that is.

Was still in the office working late, and a colleague came up to me asking if I had a pair of cables to jump start his car. His car battery went flat apparently. Well, I sort of recalled having one, but wasn't 100% sure, so I trotted down to the car park and voila!, I still have my jumper cables after all.

However, what's good with having the jumper cable if I don't know how to use? Which I really don't!! Sad, eh? But at least I have the cables!!! and I did come clean and say I didn't know how and have never jump started a car.

Well, lucky for us, my colleague knew how, and I watched how and where he put the cable points, etc. But after coming home and checking online on how to use, it was not 100% correctly done. The "error" was in the connection of the negative cables:

Since the entire engine block is grounded to the negative terminal, the cable need not be connected directly to the dead battery's negative terminal, and in fact it would be unwise to do so as sparks from the connection (when the circuit is completed) could ignite the battery. (Highly explosive hydrogen gas can be given off by a battery, though this is less of a risk with the completely sealed "maintenance-free" batteries unless their case is compromised). A good connection point would be a piece of unpainted metal at least eighteen inches away from the dead battery. Some engines have eyelets which are used to attach chains when the engine needs to be lifted out of the car; these make good connection points for the jumper cable.

Luckily for us, there was no explosion or visible discharges observed, and I was trying to stand at a proper distance without being too apparent about it. Still, he managed to start his car battery to drive home at least. Poor guy, he was ill for the entire week, his team was short-handed, and current market conditions giving him added stress. The only consolation is, it the WEEKEND (yippeee!). Even for me, it has been certainly a long week, rushing reports, trouble shooting this and that, trying to understand regulatory changes, soliciting deals, and helping to ensure my new staff is settling in fine; all in the course of trying hard not to bite people's head off or being too sarcastic. Oh, but I managed to run, amidst a hobble here and there on the treadmill today! Finally made it. This month alone, been to the gym twice already, a record for this year!!

Unfortunately, my cough has been aggravated. Probably due to the lack of oxygen as I was exerting various parts of my body trying to be a fitter and slimer me. Well, I can only hope that my waist will shrink soon but hard to tell after only one workout, yonks since I last did some form of exercise!

But I digress.... If you are like me, and don't know how, or you just want to verify that what you know is actually correct, or not, the method is explained here and here. Of course, for alternatives, can also see here and maybe here for other descriptive ways of what and what not to do to jump start your car.

Incidentally, do you have a set of jumper cable in your car? If not, better get one. You never know when you will ever need its assistance. Be safe.

A little bit of something

2008-07-10T23:02:00.008+08:00

A) About The Food

Been eating too much lately, and although I resolved to eat less, it gets harder and harder to do so. Been having one too many eating sessions. Just had dinner with my siblings at this outlet in Jaya 1, Petaling Jaya. My elder sis was raving about it, and true enough, the food was quite ok, but I had a slightly different verdict. Oh, pictures were taken with my handphone camera, not my usual digital camera, because I didn't have it with me (no I don't carry it around everywhere I go - not yet anyway!):

a) Nice charsiu and siew yuk, but a tad too oily and fatty for me.
b) Rice with pork lard. Err.. didn't quite like this one. Smelt funny.
c) Half a peking duck! Not bad...
d) Sweet and sour pork! Slightly different as they added strawberries. Not bad. Pass my general standard, but not my specific standard. A tad sweet for me.
e) Some veggie thingy, with the leafy part being deepfried I think to a certain crispiness. Again, a tad too oily for me. I think the one in Pantai Seafood is better.
f) Duck in mango something or rather. Quite ok, but too creamy. Preferred if the inside was a tad drier.
g) Durian deepfried pancake. Nice durian, and can literally smell the durian across the whole restaurant as they were preparing the dish. Not bad, one of the better food I tasted at the restaurant. But, I think the Mandarin Oriental's Durian pancake is better, cold creamy with lots of melt in your mouth yummy durian!
h) Had to take another shot of it, you can see in the middle bottom photo, the durian filled deepfried pancake.
i) Incidentally, was told that this is an Indonesian chain, and is very popular over there.

Overall verdict? Ok, but almost everything was too oily for my taste. Heard they also charge a mega bomb for the fishes, crabs, etc. These items had no price tags, so best to ask before ordering.

Surprisingly, they have a lot of eateries over at Jaya 1, with more stores yet to open. I guess they are trying to make the place a very happening venue for hanging out, etc.

B) About The Places

Saw the first picture when I was walking at the beach front in Penang last month, and yes, again, taken with my trusty handphone camera. Travelled up there for work and had to stay overnight. Was walking around, and I chanced upon the scenery. Incidentally, certain places in Penang have been granted a World Heritage status thingy. Read about it in the papers today, but didn't read fully as I was already later than my usual self when reaching the office.

The second picture I took when I was walking back to the car park after having dinner today. Thought the colours were real nice, but again, didn't have my digital camera to do it much justice. However, my friends say it is not the camera, but the photographer. Personally, I think it is both... what do you reckon?

C) About The Words

I learnt a two new words this week:

a) Vacillation - Was reading a market writeup done by a colleague, and came across this word. Had to look up my dictionary for it. Hahahaa, see? never too old to learn new words. :)
b) Phitt - Now this one is tricky. Not in English though, but in Cantonese. After some consultation, I found out that it means, "I am out of here" if used as in "I Phitt". Specific context used was "I phitt first ah!". Apparently, used in a casual setting, but you know'lah. Me, being a banana, have never heard of that word before. As I was walking to someplace and my mind was on something else, when I heard that phrase said to me, and my brain didn't process the phrase carefully, I turned around and said out loud "What? You Pee-ed? No need to tell me! You went to the toilet, and want to go again, just go!". Not sure who was more embarrassed, but then, I have the excuse of being a banana and only speak the "half past six" type of chinese!...

Will wonders never cease, I learn something new everyday! :P

A bit of going ons

2008-07-03T23:29:00.010+08:00

Groan, these days, I have been going on a food binge. Not like I really want to of course, but the constant invites for lunch, tea breaks and then dinners! You know, I went to the same outlet for coffee break after work down at the office Mall for a bit of coffee and cakes for three consecutive days following invites from external parties. Then come the lunches, Japanese buffet, etc.

But honestly, I can't complain. I can always eat in moderation, which of course I do try!!! But how to go easy on the pavlovas and nutty meringues, when I visited the outlet three days on a trot? Luckily, the first day, they didn't have any of the meringues, so I had "others". Second day, they had the pavlova but not the nutty meringue, so I ate one pavlova (shared of course), and the third day, they had the nutty meringue! Yummy! I think I like the nutty meringue better now. Good thing is that the meringue is light, so not as full a sensation after eating. But of course, that's only trying to console myself, as I have often been reminded that there really is A LOT of cream and sugar in all that light fluffy cake.

And yes, after all that, my pants do feel tight, and I am especially conscious of my ever expanding tummy!

So, after three consecutive days of never feeling hungry, I FINALLY made it to the gym (after a prolonged absence of 9 months!). Wanted to go easy since I have not exercised for a very long time. But when I went there, all treadmills were taken, so after doing a stretch or two (I noticed my tummy got in the way), I decided to play ping pong with a colleague. No, am not an expert at ping pong and my colleague can thrash me "kau-kau" but she went easy on me. More like a chitchat session over a casual game of table tennis. The problem? I didn't do my cardio and hardly perspired. After playing and talking non stop, we noticed that it was getting late, and I decided to hit the treadmill for a bit, but the gym guy was switching off all the machines because it was closing time!! Oh no! My colleague asked me to come to the gym again the next day, that is, on Thursday (which is today) and initially I said ok, but as I was getting changed, I suddenly remembered that I will be out of the office for an appointment towards the afternoon, and won't be headed back to the office after that. Sigh. Not enough exercise this week, and I promised my colleague I will go to the gym again next week. She said she will only believe it when I actually go!

So, instead of exercising at the gym, I decided to exercise at the shopping mall, and indulge in some Retail Therapy!! Metrojaya was having sales! Gosh and guess what, I had to go renew my membership card, so while I was there, can't help but look around for bargains. I ended up buying two work shirts and two collared T-shirts. Oh, I bought another three round neck T-shirts also from another shop. Guess what colours they were? Yep, black and navy blue! :)

I lost count how many shirts I have already, but I know most of them are getting tight. So since my clothes are getting tight, and I can't exercise at the gym, might as well go walking around MidValley Shopping Mall checking out the various shops. "A bit" painful on the wallet though, and I seldom indulge in shopping, but once a while? What the heck! :P

To be honest, my shopping started during lunchtime as I have been procrastinating too long over a change of decor for my humble abode. Finally gotten round to buying the plant thingy (fake ones! life ones don't last long with me since I have a tendency to forget to water them and let whatever parasite grow on them). Actually before the shopping spree started (now why does that have to rhyme with "weeee?!?"), I was running low on petrol, and went to the Shell station to load up my car (of course Shell! I have a bonuslink card! Seriously, I think all these loyalty card programme thing really works on me. I dare not reveal how many different types of loyalty cards I have, suffice to say, I have a separate card pouch just for all these cards. Ok, ok, back to pumping petrol, not even full tank, and it already cost more than RM110! Previously, about RM80 or so will get me by for slightly more than a week (ya, I don't go "sik fung" (direct translation from cantonese = "eating air") so much. Oh, I had to reload my touch&go card too, running low on balance already after having to pay toll everyday for using certain highways in and out of the city (just to avoid the daily incessant traffic jams).

So after coming back home and totalling how much I spent today, my eyes literally popped, and I am now officially on a shoestring budget until the next pay cheque! Oh wait! I have an overseas trip coming up in two weeks time! Groan!!!

Crash Boom Bang

2008-06-29T22:52:00.009+08:00

I have always been fascinated by percussion instruments, and in particular, drums! Especially the chinese drums or even the Wadaiko drums. There is something so primitive about it and coupled with a strong performance, it is simply a feast to the senses. The first time I saw a Wadaiko drum performance, it was quite a few years back by a diminutive Japanese guy performing with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. He literally used the entire surface of the drum, showcasing the myriad sounds which can be produced by a single drum. It was simply superb! This is just a sample:

And more and more now, we see such performances rendered on stage for pure entertainment. There is such beauty in perfecting the unity. What's more, for such performances, it is not only the music, but the entire conceptualising of the movements and all the other what nots:

Not that this is restricted to Japan, with the Americans also having a go at it, using their marching drums in similar fashion. And in our own shores, I have seen our local group, the Hands Percussion group perform, mingling stylistic drumming to ever fascinating rhythms.

And who is to say drumming needs to be restricted to err.. drums? Enjoy:

And do you know, our local Klang folks have their own Stomp group. Have seen them perform last year. Quite good too! Now, if only I have such rhythm in me and the fitness to play as such. Maybe I should sign up for some classes... hmm... good way to exercise too! :P

Man In The Mirror

2008-06-29T21:57:00.004+08:00

Trying to learn this for a gig next month. Different arrangements though, and not that big a group. Only 6 of us trying to do this acapella. Hmm... have to learn to get it crisp, with even more oomph and angle it to more pop! This is by the MADZ Philippine Madrigal Singers:

Fingers crossed all will go well.

Innate ability

2008-06-29T21:34:00.004+08:00

Truly I believe, that everyone is unique. And inherent in each one of us, is an innate gift. The ability to pick up languages easily, to be musically inclined, to be financial savvy, to interact easily with others, to bake or cook especially well, to have green fingers, and a whole lot more.

As I sit here thinking about this, I do wonder if this is a product of reading comic books too much, and the exaggeration of such gifts renders a person to become extraordinary. I think there's also a fine line of being competitive to an extent that that the "kiasu" factor sets in, and the drive to win at all cost to the point of practising and being the very best all the time becomes contrary to the notion of being gifted. However, I do think that talents may be honed and may radiate brightly should the occasion arise.

I don't know, but a person's extraordinariness need not be a visual gift. Some find their gift early on, others later, but those gifted with a compasionate soul, may forever retain that compasionate soul.

What do you consider as your gift? And how have you displayed such gift or gifts to friends and family, and to society as a whole? To exercise a bit of humility, I guess I would say I have no gift, and I am just mediocre in most things. There are definitely a lot more people better than I am in all the things that I do, but I make do with my limited talents, and thank God for gracing me as who I am today.

Attack of the Coughing Germs

2008-06-19T22:58:00.003+08:00

One of the things I detest most is falling ill. With the unhealthy city air (despite the rain to clear the very air we inhale), and the various congestions, both human and traffic, it is a wonder that one isn't ill most of the time.

I guess germs would happily sing their la-la songs and would greatly procreate in such environment. With me being of such frail health, am easily susceptible to the ever constant migration of such microbes.

I tell you, every year, towards the middle of the year, I would get long bouts of chesty persistent cough which would be so difficult to get rid of. At the moment though, have progressed to the initial stages of coughing. Not to the extent of coughing until I wheeze and what nots, but bad enough that when I talk, my conversation repeatedly gets interrupted by me noisily expelling air from my lungs.

Oh, and headache comes with such symptoms too. Not only that, my vocal chords are slowly going off, gets harder to talk (let alone sing - arghh! may have to cancel my vocal class this Saturday). And what's more, my mood gets affected, and I get really crabby easily, shooting daggers with my eyes and woe to the unfortunate souls who cross my path and test my patience. Sigh, my only consolation is that my voice gets "sexier", but certainly not appreciated in such circumstances.

And you know what, I think my parents had the foresight to bestow upon me a chinese name "Great Health" as a form of protection or charm, otherwise, I wouldn't know where I would be today, probably coughing my lungs out even more I guess.

Anyway, as one would often wish to others, "Drink lots of water with extra dollops of honey" and don't stand too close to me, otherwise I won't be held liable for my coughing germs to go merrily a trotting to you to get better aquianted. Be well.

A mixed bag

2008-06-16T22:46:00.010+08:00

Was back in my hometown over the weekend, and for those who generally display scenes of disbelief when I say there is such a thing as Tomato Kuay Teow, here is the proof. Slurpp!

And of course, the authentic Sarawak Laksa. Personally, I don't know what the craze is about for Sarawak laksa. True enough, the laksa sauce plays an integral part, but the real taste comes from the belacan me thinks.

The recent bak chang season is over, celebrated last weekend I reckon. Have tried numerous bak changs, and I like the nyonya type the best, not that I don't like the other types though. The blue thingy you see on the bak chang is not colouring, but an actual edible flower. Cool!

As for the more typical type of bak chang, well, I don't really like eating egg yolk, particularly if it is salted, and don't really fancy the dried shrimps (hay bee), and get put off "a bit" if the meat in the bak chang has so many layers of fat, so nyonya bak chang suits me best. And yes, I am not fussy, just particular in what I eat! :) And thank you to my friends who let me have a taste of their home made bak changs!

Saw this in the home compound area. My father is trying to grow pepper trees. My siblings asked:

Siblings: Is it white pepper or black pepper?
Father smilingly said: Black!

Get it? :P

Decision Making

2008-06-06T13:38:00.004+08:00

Got this via email. Thought it was very good:

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.

A group of children were playing near two railway tracks, one still in use while the other disused. Only one child played on the disused track, the rest on the operational track. The train is coming, and you are just beside the track interchange.

You can make the train change its course to the disused track and save most of the kids.

However, that would also mean the lone child playing by the disused track would be sacrificed. Or would you rather let the train go its way?

Let's take a pause to think what kind of decision we could make........

Most people might choose to divert the course of the train, and sacrifice only one child. Because to save most of the children at the expense of only one child was rational decision most people would make, morally and emotionally.

But, have you ever thought that the child choosing to play on the disused track had in fact made the right decision to play at a safe place?

Nevertheless, he had to be sacrificed because of his ignorant friends who chose to play where the danger was.

This kind of dilemma happens around us everyday. In the office, community, in politics and especially in a democratic society, the minority is often sacrificed for the interest of the majority, no matter how foolish or ignorant the majority are, and how farsighted and knowledgeable the minority are. The child who chose not to play with the rest on the operational track was sidelined. And in the case he was sacrificed, no one would shed a tear for him.

The great critic Leo Velski Julian who told the story, said he would not try to change the course of the train because he believed that the kids playing on the operational track should have known very well that track was still in use, and that they should have run away if they heard the train's sirens.

If the train was diverted, that lone child would definitely die because he never thought the train could come over to that track! Moreover, that track was not in use probably because the track was not safe. If the train was diverted to the track, we could put the lives of all passengers on board at stake! And in the attempt to save a few kids by sacrificing one child, you might end up sacrificing hundreds of people to save these few kids.

While we are all aware that life is full of tough decisions that need to be made, we may not realise that hasty decisions may not always be the right one.

"Remember that what's right isn't always popular... and what's popular isn't always right."

A Silent Lamentation

2008-06-04T21:00:00.009+08:00

The last time I wrote about a petrol price hike, it was in 2006, and today, effective midnight, prices of unleaded petrol will go up by 78 cents to RM2.70 per litre.

Before 1990 - RM 0.89
Year 1990 - RM 1.10 (up RM 0.21)
01/10/2000 - RM 1.20 (up RM 0.10)
20/10/2001 - RM 1.30 (up RM 0.10)
01/05/2002 - RM 1.32 (up RM 0.02)
31/10/2002 - RM 1.33 (up RM 0.01)
01/03/2003 - RM 1.35 (up RM 0.02)
01/05/2004 - RM 1.37 (up RM 0.02)
01/10/2004 - RM 1.42 (up RM 0.05)
05/05/2005 - RM 1.52 (up RM 0.10)
31/07/2005 - RM 1.62 (up RM 0.10)
28/02/2006 - RM 1.92 (up RM 0.30)
05/06/2008 - RM 2.70 (up RM 0.78)

It's a massive 40.6% increase, and more price upside to be announced in August this year. Going by what has been previously announced, that prices of petrol will reflect global prices by August, that means there is at least about another RM1.00 to go in August.

Sure, the Government announced subsidies, and no details as yet at this present moment in time, except that there will be a yearly subsidy of RM625 if the vehicle is below 2000cc (which luckily, mine is just below that mark). Probably subsidise via road tax payments I reckon, but hard to say.

Following the price hike in 2006, we noted that the Consumer Price Index (which measures inflation), rose by about 0.53% for every 10 cents increase. Looking at it at a simplistic level, assuming that the CPI is now about 3.00% (due to heavy subsidisation), the CPI might very well hit 7.1% just on this petrol price increase, and thus is more reflective of current regional inflationary numbers (heck, even Singapore has an inflation rate of over 7.00%).

In 2006, petrol prices were about US$40 per barrel, and today, has hit above US$125. At that time, one of our internal oil and gas sector analyst predicted prices will hit US$100 and we heard with some disbelieve. His analysis was based mostly on demand and supply theory, but I guess the recent spate of bullish commodity as an asset class have pushed up prices above what may be fundamentally not right. Many have said that this is now an asset class which is hitting a bubble, and before you know it, the bubble will burst and prices will come a tumbling down, creating another round of financial crisis. Beware the commodity funds! As we like to remind ourselves in our line of work, "Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful".

One direct repercussion is that transportation costs are going to go up, be it for private vehicles or for public transport. However, I think the ramifications are more severe, especially the knock on effects on the prices of other goods and services. Already, news of several airlines in other countries have gone bankcrupt, unable to cope with the rising petrol prices. How many other sectors are going to be hit?

Mentioned to my colleagues just now upon hearing the news of the 78 cents hike, that my lunch pocket money is limited to RM5 per day, now I need to tighen my belt somehow and reduce it to RM4 per day. But with food prices going up? Even eating lunch in this day and age, I noticed that portions are getting smaller, or for the same amount of food taken, the vendors charge a higher price. Food prices have risen, along with prices of other commodities. You know how much rice costs nowadays? So waste not, want not.

After all that though, we are like children given a toy (petrol subsidy), and once the toy is taken away, there will be a whole lot of hullabaloo, but after a while, acceptance will be there. How spoilt can we be? But then again, we are not talking about toys here, but our own livelihood and the choices we make in our everyday spending patterns.

I remember something which my company's Human Resource staff once said which didn't sit well with me, that our yearly salary increment is based on the inflation numbers. I hope this time, they practice what they preach and adjust all our salaries higher in line with our fall in purchasing power. But alas, that is another year to go before we see any such adjustments.

Is that the end for today? Alas, also announced is that electricity prices will also be going up... Sigh...

College

2008-06-01T22:26:00.004+08:00

Since the last time I posted about my old college, some of my old school mates have been reminiscing about old times, and the bunch in Hong Kong recently got together for a reunion. I was invited of course, but didn't make the trip over.

The recent facebook craze has indeed found old friends, and found old pictures of my college and the town of Dover. Will leave some pics taken from the photo archive created in facebook:

The upper picture shows the school chapel and school house, with the "close" (the green lawn) in front of it. That's where punishment is meted out by making the juniors run around the close. The bottom left shows the school's entrance, and towards the left side of the gate, you can just about see Leamington House, my boarding house where I stayed for a good four years.

This shows the school chapel where I sang as a member of the choir. It's an Anglican Church, with beautiful Anglican music in four parts. I fondly remember the various Christmas services towards the end of Michaelmas term. Oh, the chapel has a pipe organ too! The bottom picture is the living quarters of the senior members of Leamington House (6th formers) situated at the back of the main Leamington House. The white looking room (bottom right picture) is a special classroom for foreign students whose English was the second language. Intensive English classes to brush up the linguistic skills.

The top picture is the Dover waterfront. Alas, it wasn't sandy beaches, but pebbles. Spent some good afternoons there just chilling listening to the sound of the waves. The bottom left picture is the main Dover street, and next to it, a picture of a guy from Cyprus who serves the best Donner kebab ever, and comparatively cheap and affordable for students. GBP2 for a small Donner kebab and extra large was GBP3. The exchange rate at that time was about GBP1=MYR3, but if you don't convert, it's like having RM3 for a extra large helping of an out of this world Donner kebab! And you know how fussy I am with food! :) I think the secret was in the sauce, and since leaving Dover, I have not enjoyed a good Donner kebab like the one sold at the shop.

This is a picture of inside the Refectory, where we would gather to have our meals. I remember there was a "hot" section and a "cold" section of food where we lined up for our choice of food, before entering the main area to goggle them all up. Not as glam as the Harry Porter one, but has similarities.

And how could I finish this post without a final photo? :) This is me playing the piano during one of the various concerts. It was in a hall situated outside the school grounds. I don't remember what music I was playing in this photo though, but my goodness, it has certainly been a while!

A Tribute

2008-05-24T12:41:00.004+08:00

By now, most would have heard about Nargis in Myanmar and the recent earthquake in China. And as they say, a picture paints a thousand words, so how much more would a video tell you. It's in Chinese but with English subtitles. This is the story of Chen Jian, may he and all the victims rest in eternal peace:

After all these, the story is not over. What about the loved ones, what about the survivors. What about all those affected in one way or another... may all find solace and peace.

Fever! What a lovely way to burn... not!

2008-05-20T22:49:00.009+08:00

Imagine the double bass plucking away, Dum, Dum, Dum......Dum, dee, dum, dee, Dum, Dum, Dum...

Never know how much I love you, never know how much I care
When you put your arms around me, I get a fever that's so hard to bear
You give me fever - when you kiss me, fever when you hold me tight

Fever - in the the morning, fever all through the night.
Sun lights up the daytime, moon lights up the night
I light up when you call my name, and you know I'm gonna treat you right
You give me fever - when you kiss me, fever when you hold me tight
Fever - in the the morning, fever all through the night.

Everybody's got the fever, that is something you all know
Fever isn't such a new thing, fever started long ago.
Romeo loved Juliet, Juliet she felt the same
When he put his arms around her, he said "Julie baby you're my flame"
Thou givest fever, when we kisseth, fever with thy flaming youth
Fever - I'm afire, fever yea I burn forsooth.
Captain Smith and Pocahontas had a very mad affair
When her Daddy tried to kill him, she said "Daddy-O don't you dare"
Give me fever - with his kisses, fever when he holds me tight
Fever - I'm his Missus, Oh daddy won't you treat him right.

Now you've listened to my story, here's the point I have made:
Chicks were born to give you fever, be it Fahrenheit or Centigrade
They give you fever - when you kiss them, fever if you live and learn
Fever - till you sizzle, what a lovely way to burn.

What a lovely way to burn. What a lovely way to burn.

Alas, I didn't get that kind of fever recently, but was down with the REAL fever on Monday. Being a public holiday, I was literally bedridden due to a stomach illness, and my body temperature soared past 38degrees for most of the day. I suppose it was a good day to rest, but surely didn't fancy having a temperature when I could be revitalising in other more soothing ways. And had a pounding headache to boot! Sigh...

Of things to hoard and what nots

2008-05-10T22:31:00.004+08:00

I noticed that I tend to keep things. Things like plastic bags, empty bottles, unused envelopes for recyling, hotel shampoos and bath gels, soap bars, etc. Unsure whether it is the "chinese" in me to tend to want to keep things for future use, but seriously, now that I am rearranging furniture and stuffs at home, I have gotten rid of quite a lot of other stuffs. Definitely need to declutter a bit.

Yes, admittedly, I still have those hotel shampoos and what nots sitting in my cupboard, but I think my penchant for keeping stuffs stem from my childhood craze for collecting stuffs.

When I was younger, I guess I was kind of spoilt. I collected stamps, stickers, marbles, bookmarks, postcards, keychains, foreign coins, shoe laces, books, toy cars, toy soldiers, toy cowboys and indians, legos, and literally, the works! As a matter of fact, I still have some of these collection back in my hometown.

Now? I have progressed a little bit further. Have three main collections which I focus on.

I kind of stopped collecting stamps, but have gone on to First Day Covers. Easier to maintain, and have quite a few to be considered a "collection". The ones in this picture are not mine though, but have progressed to collecting First Day Covers from various countries (at least seven countries now). To be honest, quite an expensive hobby, and I sometimes wonder why I continue. But I guess the joy of admiring the covers and perhaps someday, may look to display it in one form or another. Have never considered it from the point of view as potential appreciation in value, but you never know, eh?

My next biggest collection I guess would be postcards. I have a huge pile back in my hometown, and as I was tidying up my place recently, the ones here with me in the city have been steadily increasing in number. Again, I wonder what I will do with them in the future. How on earth am I going to display them or perhaps just leave them in boxes somewhere in the cupboard. Maybe one of these days, when I am utterly bored with nothing to do (which is seldom by the way), will take them out and view them one by one.

And by default, since I enjoy reading, I also seem to be collecting books. Be it science fiction books or comics. Again, not a cheap hobby but my only consolation is that these are tax deductible! However, none of my books are the intellectual type ones though, as I guess it reflects my character. Am not one to think of serious stuff outside the office and prefer to chill with non market, non intellectual stuffs during my time away from work.

Of course, the usual hoarding of plastic bags to be reused for refuse collection, empty bottles, and other what nots is perpetually on going, but am trying to limit these somewhat. Not to forget, my home seem to be collecting a lot of dust. Now this is something which I definitely don't want to collect, but don't know why, I see dust everywhere, even though I have invested in an ever handy feather duster to brush the ever present microscopic materials as best as I can. Some say dust is just dead skin. Ewww! Am I shedding? Metamorphing into something else? Shish, been reading too many fantasy books...

Then again, sometimes when I am feeling a bit morbid, I realise that these are temporary pleasures. I can't take them with me, but maybe it will do some good for others in the future (like if I ever decide to part with my collections either by giving them away or selling them).

So, do you think it is in the genetic makeup of being Chinese or is this a cultural phenomenon to keep things for future use. What do you reckon?

Of one "Ohiooo" and another

2008-05-01T10:11:00.007+08:00

Today is the 1st of May, and four months have passed by so quickly. It's Labour Day (yay! public holiday), but have a series of eating engagements today, and I just came back from breakfast, Dim Sum in SS2 to celebrate someone's birthday.

This being a shortered week, and since most people will be taking Friday off to get an extended weekend break, the fixed income market has been exceedingly quiet, even yesterday. So, with most market players away on Friday, not much activities are expected in the interbank market. Was just thinking that since this is a new month, and I usually answer the phone by saying, "Investment", I will try a change just for tomorrow. Of course, this is done just to spice up the bankers' life a little when they call me.

In the morning, if my office phone rings, I will pick up the phone and say in my best Japanese impersonating voice possible, "OHIOOOOO!" (dragging the end of the word a little). And in the afternoon, will say "KONICHIWAAAAAA!". And if the person on the other line goes "Errr...", I will immediately say, "CHOTOMATEEEEE!", and put them on hold. (Of course, I had better learn which button on the phone to press first thing tomorrow morning to put people on hold! Am quite "lost" with my office phone. I think I have to press the "flash" button? or err...). And when the person is on hold, the company theme song will play in the background, "Life is ....". Hahahaaaa. Wonder how this will play out tomorrow.

SAYONARA for now... Stay tuned...

Sorry seems to be the hardest word

2008-04-29T18:56:00.008+08:00

I came across this in the email today, and it made me think of the times when I have encountered such a situation, though not to such an extreme ending:

Last night you and your best friend had a fight. You decide not to talk to her the next day.

She smiles at you. You grind your teeth at her. She tells her friends nice things about you. You spread bad rumors about her. She tries to come and talk to you. But you push her aside. She thinks you are a great friend. You think she is a terrible friend. She writes nice notes to you, telling you about the best times you shared together. You write about all the bad times you can remember experiencing together. Deep down you know she's sorry. But all you have is hate.

The next day you find a note. It reads:

Dear ------------ -,

I tried to tell you yesterday, but you didn't let me speak, I tried to tell you good things, but you were afraid to hear them. I tried to smile at you, to take away the hate. But now it's time to tell you, even though it's a bit late. That I am dying.

I have a bad condition and it is getting worse. I'm sorry to have to tell you that I won't be able to see you today. I wrote this to you today in thehospital. My time is up. I'm sorry I should have told you sooner. I'm really sorry about our argument; you are such a great friend. I promise I shall watch over you.

Lots of love

------------ -

You run to the hospital to tell her you are sorry,
But only her mum is left.
Her hand clasped over her face.
And she was crying. Down on her knees she prays, for her daughter to come back.
You are too late.

You wish you told her sorry sooner and got to say goodbye.
All friends have their ups and downs, and sometimes you need to say sorry...
Don't wait for the other person to do it first.
Because you never know what could happen.

-- Author Unknown

To manage Handel

2008-04-28T23:03:00.004+08:00

Classical music, often thought of as "stuffy" and outdated is actually very nice. To be honest, am not a fan of certain classical music, but when a piece of work is so magnificent, to hear it being performed is just so superb. I particularly like certain piano pieces and certain vocal music. However, it wasn't always the case, especially when I was constantly struggling with my exam pieces year after year, and being a rebel, prefered to play those soothing melodies which were not so classical in nature.

When I first studied music, the repertoir was very limited, but the musical journey took a dramatic turn when I went to college. And when I first heard a full orchestra in Canterbury, Kent, it was just amazing. It opened my eyes to another side of music which I have never been exposed to. I will always remember Sibelius' Finlandia, and being totally captivated by the percussion instruments, in particular the kettle drums or tympani. And yep, at a later stage, I did get to play the instrument in the college orchestra, and remember having to tune the old kettle drums manually!

Of course, not all classical music is my cup of tea. I have fallen asleep in numerous concerts before when I got bored with certain unfamiliar music. Embarrassing, yes I do admit, but I guess I am just a tad picky over music.

I like musicals though, but my vocal teacher refuses to teach me, saying that I can learn those on my own. In my vocal class now, my teacher is trying to push me harder and make me attempt more difficult works. Latest one, is of course, Handel's Messiah, and in particular, "Comfort Ye, and Every Valley". I think I can manage Comfort Ye, but Every Valley is very difficult with the numerous leaps in notes and the constant running notes. And the breathing only at appropriate places! As I said, difficult. Can't cheat and go to my class without doing homework, because the piece of music is complicated. My teacher told me last weekend that he wanted me to learn it well enough to perform it in a concert, and I told him "Are you mad?, I am not ready!!".

But one thing I am grateful for now is YouTube. I can search, listen and study the various interpretation, techniques and styles of the vocalists. This is one which I think is very good:

To be able to sing like this is so amazing. And hopefully, even with my slow pace of learning (I seldom do homework), I am hoping one day, I would be able to do this piece with equal aplomb. However, ... a very long way to go.

To try a herbal egg

2008-04-26T21:07:00.004+08:00

Well, the first time I tried to make herbal eggs, it was a disaster. Not that I wrecked the kitchen or anything, but the eggs were simply tasteless. I boiled the eggs as per required but forgot to crack the eggs a bit before reboiling in the herbal concoction.

The second time I tried it (today), the colour came out slightly better, but still not enough taste. I think I only reboiled it in the herbal concoction for an hour. Heard that the eggs needed to be redone over a slow cooker for at least two to three hours!

Just thinking of the time required to do the herbal eggs dish is simply mind boggling. Three hours or so just to get it right. And with my half past six cooking skills, no guarantee to get it right. Hmm... I think it will be a lot easier for me to just go out and buy the herbal eggs from the shop. A lot less hassle eh? But then again, cannot apply a personal touch to the egg dish (incidentally, garnishing doesn't count!).