Friday, 3 December 2010
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
White Water Rafting in Sg. Selangor
Back in 2008, during FH SEA Bali retreat, we had an awesome white water rafting experience.
It was so good, we made a promise to do it again, soon. Now fast forward the time to November 27th, 2010, we finally did it!!
Thanks to Jon's effort to put things together, we managed to hit the road early in the morning. A big kudos to our two drivers, Jon and Steph!
Since I only managed to catch 3 hours of sleep the night before thanks to Kancil Awards, I was zombefied throughout the drive, until the "river orientation" when we were instructed to "throw" ourselves into the current, line up our body, and get washed down the stream.
It looked easy, yep. I was the first to go and man, I gulped in so much water! But, it was effective in waking me up, and later proven to be a life-saving orientation.
Why? See the photos below.
Here you can see our second capsize, which happened at the end of rapids, so it wasn't that bad.
The worst was our first, when our raft flipped over at the beginning of rapids! It was totally unexpected and I have never been that frightened before. When we were thrown into the river, I knew that there were people on top of me. So, I wasted no energy to struggle and just allowed myself to be washed down. After a good 40 seconds or so, when I thought it was ok for me to swim up, I couldn't! Even with the life jacket, the rapids were just too strong for me to gain any control. I started to get worried because I was running out of breath!
What's worse was my body hitting river rocks left right centre, and the water drowning me alive. At that moment, I thought "Am I going to die? Is this the end?"
But of course it wasn't.
I remembered the instructions, and tried to line my body up. After I did that, I managed to see what's coming and saw two big boulders. I held myself in between them, and caught that much needed breath. Soon after, a rope was thrown in and I was rescued. Intense!
Never been so close to death? Yep. Best experience ever? For sure!
Here, look at our faces after surviving the first and second capsize.
So, when are we doing this again? I hope it's not another two years wait, regardless, I'm looking forward to it! Sg. Singgor, anyone?
It was so good, we made a promise to do it again, soon. Now fast forward the time to November 27th, 2010, we finally did it!!
Thanks to Jon's effort to put things together, we managed to hit the road early in the morning. A big kudos to our two drivers, Jon and Steph!
Since I only managed to catch 3 hours of sleep the night before thanks to Kancil Awards, I was zombefied throughout the drive, until the "river orientation" when we were instructed to "throw" ourselves into the current, line up our body, and get washed down the stream.
It looked easy, yep. I was the first to go and man, I gulped in so much water! But, it was effective in waking me up, and later proven to be a life-saving orientation.
Why? See the photos below.
Here you can see our second capsize, which happened at the end of rapids, so it wasn't that bad.
The worst was our first, when our raft flipped over at the beginning of rapids! It was totally unexpected and I have never been that frightened before. When we were thrown into the river, I knew that there were people on top of me. So, I wasted no energy to struggle and just allowed myself to be washed down. After a good 40 seconds or so, when I thought it was ok for me to swim up, I couldn't! Even with the life jacket, the rapids were just too strong for me to gain any control. I started to get worried because I was running out of breath!
What's worse was my body hitting river rocks left right centre, and the water drowning me alive. At that moment, I thought "Am I going to die? Is this the end?"
But of course it wasn't.
I remembered the instructions, and tried to line my body up. After I did that, I managed to see what's coming and saw two big boulders. I held myself in between them, and caught that much needed breath. Soon after, a rope was thrown in and I was rescued. Intense!
Never been so close to death? Yep. Best experience ever? For sure!
Here, look at our faces after surviving the first and second capsize.
So, when are we doing this again? I hope it's not another two years wait, regardless, I'm looking forward to it! Sg. Singgor, anyone?
Monday, 29 November 2010
Life changing moments.
Hi all, this is one late entry. My apology. Life has been very different since 1 Nov for me.
1. I have resigned from Fleishman-Hillard Kuala Lumpur.
2. I have joined G2PR as account manager.
3. I have moved out from Klang and is now staying in Ampang during weekdays.
I guess when I said "moving out from my comfort zone" two months ago, I wasn't expecting something this drastic. Certainly I missed the old times, the old colleagues, my old cubicle, lunch breaks, the curi tulangs, the convenience of Mid Valley...
We shall find out together if things have changed for the better, or worse in due time.
Until then, I will just do my best. It is still a new chapter in my life, and I intend to make the best out of it.
Cheers.
1. I have resigned from Fleishman-Hillard Kuala Lumpur.
2. I have joined G2PR as account manager.
3. I have moved out from Klang and is now staying in Ampang during weekdays.
I guess when I said "moving out from my comfort zone" two months ago, I wasn't expecting something this drastic. Certainly I missed the old times, the old colleagues, my old cubicle, lunch breaks, the curi tulangs, the convenience of Mid Valley...
We shall find out together if things have changed for the better, or worse in due time.
Until then, I will just do my best. It is still a new chapter in my life, and I intend to make the best out of it.
Cheers.
Friday, 13 August 2010
Something fun. Something about work.
For the last couple of minutes, I had been scouring the net, searching for the drive to put me back to work on this dreadful Friday the 13th.
Then I saw this, and decided that it would be a good idea to list down words I was introduced to from work place. Terms that college never teach but should. Admittedly many are 'inspired' from Account Speak Bingo, so, in order to not appear like a copy-&-paste con job, I decided to include my impressions of these words.
1. Deliverables - Things promised to be done.
2. Social media - This fad that simply won't go away, so we just have to adapt.
3. Media - Frenemy. The feeling is mutual.
4. Time-entry - Fancier card punching system. So that business heads will think that they own us.
5. Low hanging fruit - Presumed easy targets. The fact is, nothing is easy.
6. Web 2.0 - Some online thing you create, and getting people to participate via content contribution. Most successful examples are online sex video sharing sites.
7. Platform - Most used word to describe something difficult to visualise, also because 'THING' sounds stupid.
8. Draft - To be inserted after every writing assignments, such as news release draft, invite letter draft, why? Cause it means changes are allowed, so pardon the grammar mistakes you know you are going to make.
9. Thought-leadership - Status claim. Basically using some statistics to convince others when you say cost-saving is the way forward, it is THE way forward according to YOU, common-sense or not is irrelevant.
10. 360 - Something that involves everyone from marketing, to sales, to comms, to advertising, etc. Also means minimum three hours meeting.
11. Out of pocket - Pay first then claim with added %.
12. Return of investment (ROI) - Attempt to justify the cost for doing something, such as walking to night market is not enough, one have to come back with snacks.
13. Top of mind - This thing about making people always wanting to think about your brand immediately, such as when I say oil spill, the brand you immediately think of is Bee Pee.
14. Scalable - Things that can be done from 10k budget to infinite-k budget. Results of course, are going to be scalable too.
15. Viral - This fad that simply won't go away, so we just have to adapt =)
This list is not comprehensive, but my executive lunch is NOW, plus, a list of 15 is probably the threshold of your attention span. So..
Then I saw this, and decided that it would be a good idea to list down words I was introduced to from work place. Terms that college never teach but should. Admittedly many are 'inspired' from Account Speak Bingo, so, in order to not appear like a copy-&-paste con job, I decided to include my impressions of these words.
1. Deliverables - Things promised to be done.
2. Social media - This fad that simply won't go away, so we just have to adapt.
3. Media - Frenemy. The feeling is mutual.
4. Time-entry - Fancier card punching system. So that business heads will think that they own us.
5. Low hanging fruit - Presumed easy targets. The fact is, nothing is easy.
6. Web 2.0 - Some online thing you create, and getting people to participate via content contribution. Most successful examples are online sex video sharing sites.
7. Platform - Most used word to describe something difficult to visualise, also because 'THING' sounds stupid.
8. Draft - To be inserted after every writing assignments, such as news release draft, invite letter draft, why? Cause it means changes are allowed, so pardon the grammar mistakes you know you are going to make.
9. Thought-leadership - Status claim. Basically using some statistics to convince others when you say cost-saving is the way forward, it is THE way forward according to YOU, common-sense or not is irrelevant.
10. 360 - Something that involves everyone from marketing, to sales, to comms, to advertising, etc. Also means minimum three hours meeting.
11. Out of pocket - Pay first then claim with added %.
12. Return of investment (ROI) - Attempt to justify the cost for doing something, such as walking to night market is not enough, one have to come back with snacks.
13. Top of mind - This thing about making people always wanting to think about your brand immediately, such as when I say oil spill, the brand you immediately think of is Bee Pee.
14. Scalable - Things that can be done from 10k budget to infinite-k budget. Results of course, are going to be scalable too.
15. Viral - This fad that simply won't go away, so we just have to adapt =)
This list is not comprehensive, but my executive lunch is NOW, plus, a list of 15 is probably the threshold of your attention span. So..
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Mini Cupcakes
Ok, let’s talk about something fun.
On Monday, I got myself a pack of pre-mixed flour from Cold Storage, and booked a kitchen that comes with an oven and instructor.
The box says “mini cupcakes in 15 minutes”.
The preparation was simple and work space was quickly filled up with citrusy aroma of lemon flavoured cupcakes. They were baked for 15 minutes, slightly more than instructed.
After the cupcakes cooled down, I sprinkled some sugar frosting on top, minimalistic-ally decorated it, then TA-DAH, my first cupcakes baking adventure arrived at a beautiful end.
They are my gift to you. Happy birthday Jess =) Hope they don't taste too bad =P
On Monday, I got myself a pack of pre-mixed flour from Cold Storage, and booked a kitchen that comes with an oven and instructor.
The box says “mini cupcakes in 15 minutes”.
The preparation was simple and work space was quickly filled up with citrusy aroma of lemon flavoured cupcakes. They were baked for 15 minutes, slightly more than instructed.
After the cupcakes cooled down, I sprinkled some sugar frosting on top, minimalistic-ally decorated it, then TA-DAH, my first cupcakes baking adventure arrived at a beautiful end.
They are my gift to you. Happy birthday Jess =) Hope they don't taste too bad =P
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Friday, 11 June 2010
Thursday, 3 June 2010
Woman dies in fire as BHP staff refuse to loan fire extinguisher
We all know that public security is gone case in most part of the country. Read the papers. News about decrease in crime rates garner more attention than it going upwards.
But.
This event which happened around 3am today will serve as a reminder to everyone how sick we all are.
Woman dies in fire as BHP staff refuse to loan fire extinguisher
3 Jun, 2010
News source: KomunitiKini
When a Perodua Myvi caught fire this morning on Jalan Cheras, bystander Teo Chai Yong rushed to a nearby BHP petrol station for help. He little expected that his request for a fire extinguisher would be refused by the two BHP staff on duty and as his pleas fell on deaf ears, the Myvi’s female driver died as the car burned.
The Myvi in question was severely damaged in an accident involving a lorry and a Toyota Vios. According to Teo, he heard the Myvi’s female driver call for help while at the same time, a fire around the engine area was spreading. The accident occured at around 3.30 am, near the Cheras velodrome according to Bernama.
While making calls to the fire department and police, Teo made his way to the petrol station. His requests were denied, the staff claiming that the management did not allow the loan of fire extinguishers to the public.
“I was willing to leave my IC with the staff as a guarantee, but they refused,” said Teo.
Angered at the staff’s refusal to cooperate, he started yelling at the staff and said that if the victim died, they would be the murderers.
In retaliation, the staff instead threatened to report Teo to management as well as the police.
When it was clear he would not get any aid, he returned to the accident site.
By the time he returned, the fire had consumed the car along with its driver.
What saddens Teo is that he claims police at the scene said that the driver’s life could have likely been saved if a fire extinguisher had arrived in time.
According to a representative from the fire department, the accident claimed one life in total with two others in critical condition while another person, the lorry driver, was stable. The name of the deceased has yet to be confirmed at press time.
BHP government relations manager Abdul Kaiyum when contacted claimed that the BHP attendants refused to open the door for Teo as he was not ‘acting calmly’ when asking for assistance. Neither did they refer to their supervisor because it was past midnight.
In defence of the staff in charge, he said that the two of them previously had been attacked and beaten up by assailants while on duty at the station. Abdul Kaiyum said that BHP would hold a press conference over the matter this coming Monday, June 7.
***
While this case is being investigated and, hopefully, presented to the public, questions that swirled in my head are:
1. Why do big brands draw negativity so easily?
2. Is it human nature to wish for the fall of successful brands/ personalities/ organizations/ countries?
3. Why is it easier to incite hate, than love?
4. What it takes to educate the masses in detaching individual faults from a brand/ organizations/ countries?
5. What it takes to educate the masses about the belief of innocent until proven guilty?
6. Is it even humanly possible to rectify this envious, selfish and paranoid world?
To me, this is a big sad story about how we have failed each other.
Sigh. Depressing thoughts are no good for hectic work week. Perhaps a few days later I will forget about it and go back to my happy self.
But.
This event which happened around 3am today will serve as a reminder to everyone how sick we all are.
Woman dies in fire as BHP staff refuse to loan fire extinguisher
3 Jun, 2010
News source: KomunitiKini
When a Perodua Myvi caught fire this morning on Jalan Cheras, bystander Teo Chai Yong rushed to a nearby BHP petrol station for help. He little expected that his request for a fire extinguisher would be refused by the two BHP staff on duty and as his pleas fell on deaf ears, the Myvi’s female driver died as the car burned.
The Myvi in question was severely damaged in an accident involving a lorry and a Toyota Vios. According to Teo, he heard the Myvi’s female driver call for help while at the same time, a fire around the engine area was spreading. The accident occured at around 3.30 am, near the Cheras velodrome according to Bernama.
While making calls to the fire department and police, Teo made his way to the petrol station. His requests were denied, the staff claiming that the management did not allow the loan of fire extinguishers to the public.
“I was willing to leave my IC with the staff as a guarantee, but they refused,” said Teo.
Angered at the staff’s refusal to cooperate, he started yelling at the staff and said that if the victim died, they would be the murderers.
In retaliation, the staff instead threatened to report Teo to management as well as the police.
When it was clear he would not get any aid, he returned to the accident site.
By the time he returned, the fire had consumed the car along with its driver.
What saddens Teo is that he claims police at the scene said that the driver’s life could have likely been saved if a fire extinguisher had arrived in time.
According to a representative from the fire department, the accident claimed one life in total with two others in critical condition while another person, the lorry driver, was stable. The name of the deceased has yet to be confirmed at press time.
BHP government relations manager Abdul Kaiyum when contacted claimed that the BHP attendants refused to open the door for Teo as he was not ‘acting calmly’ when asking for assistance. Neither did they refer to their supervisor because it was past midnight.
In defence of the staff in charge, he said that the two of them previously had been attacked and beaten up by assailants while on duty at the station. Abdul Kaiyum said that BHP would hold a press conference over the matter this coming Monday, June 7.
***
While this case is being investigated and, hopefully, presented to the public, questions that swirled in my head are:
1. Why do big brands draw negativity so easily?
2. Is it human nature to wish for the fall of successful brands/ personalities/ organizations/ countries?
3. Why is it easier to incite hate, than love?
4. What it takes to educate the masses in detaching individual faults from a brand/ organizations/ countries?
5. What it takes to educate the masses about the belief of innocent until proven guilty?
6. Is it even humanly possible to rectify this envious, selfish and paranoid world?
To me, this is a big sad story about how we have failed each other.
Sigh. Depressing thoughts are no good for hectic work week. Perhaps a few days later I will forget about it and go back to my happy self.
Monday, 17 May 2010
I say.
I need to revive my blog, I need to revive my blog. So was my thought for the past N-weeks. Many interesting things happened, and I was living my life in full.
1. Everyone is back. Almost. Leonard will be, soon. So lots of hang out.
2. Phuket trip is confirmed in October.
3. I got a new car =)
4. Going to Justin Lo's concert. Time to do some homework.
5. Read a few good books, movies been kinda below average, except Kick Ass & Coco Avant Chanel.
6. New found itch to shop in Daiso.
7. Bought similar shirts as Jon, for the second time =)
8. Chant my life for Aiur in the office.
9. Disappointing Cleveland Cavaliers' playoff performance.
10. Star R.age twitter contest owns =)
So all the above, mixed with working life, bercouple-couple, lazy weekends and time spent talking nonsense, sums up my first half of 2010. I really wish that the later half will be as good, and I will have the time to blog about them =)
1. Everyone is back. Almost. Leonard will be, soon. So lots of hang out.
2. Phuket trip is confirmed in October.
3. I got a new car =)
4. Going to Justin Lo's concert. Time to do some homework.
5. Read a few good books, movies been kinda below average, except Kick Ass & Coco Avant Chanel.
6. New found itch to shop in Daiso.
7. Bought similar shirts as Jon, for the second time =)
8. Chant my life for Aiur in the office.
9. Disappointing Cleveland Cavaliers' playoff performance.
10. Star R.age twitter contest owns =)
So all the above, mixed with working life, bercouple-couple, lazy weekends and time spent talking nonsense, sums up my first half of 2010. I really wish that the later half will be as good, and I will have the time to blog about them =)
Thursday, 22 April 2010
香港，福莱
刚结束的香港行主要是为了上课。课程的主题只有一个，范围却茫无边际。
这是个进行式的领域，很多事物都还未有规范。我们是第一代，以后如果有幸讲课或许还能胡乱炫耀一番。
学习，是为了走更长远的路 =）
当然，也有好玩的，就好像以下：
Geek rules =)
澄清：退休后当讲师是我目前的理想，明天可能就不一样了。16岁那年，班主任问我职业取向，我说我想参加Survivor。当然没实现。
这是个进行式的领域，很多事物都还未有规范。我们是第一代，以后如果有幸讲课或许还能胡乱炫耀一番。
学习，是为了走更长远的路 =）
当然，也有好玩的，就好像以下：
Geek rules =)
澄清：退休后当讲师是我目前的理想，明天可能就不一样了。16岁那年，班主任问我职业取向，我说我想参加Survivor。当然没实现。
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Harikin Debut
没有去过，没有导游，没有行程表。
我就这样带着 Harikin + 三卷菲林前往香港。
此行不带 SLR^^
在工作的你，别气馁，别伤心，别放弃。凡事皆有解决方法^^
我们不输给别人看。JAYOU~
我就这样带着 Harikin + 三卷菲林前往香港。
此行不带 SLR^^
在工作的你，别气馁，别伤心，别放弃。凡事皆有解决方法^^
我们不输给别人看。JAYOU~
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Bangkok
Thought of the day:
I’m a better observer than listener, especially over phone. I have problem concentrating if I am not looking at the 'speaker'. I guess I am the kind of person who ‘feels’ conversation. But, I got better now, I think ^^
Ok, let’s move on to the main story. A simple travel guide if you are visiting Bangkok for the first time.
Packing
When you are packing for Bangkok, remember one thing- you don’t need anything more than one day supply, clothes especially. Follow this age old trick - lay down all the things you think you need, and then pack only half. And yes, you really need to bring that extra luggage everyone been telling you about.
Accommodation
Stay in Bangkok is wasted if it’s not in a boutique hotel. There are a number of good ones, but this is highly recommended – The Key Bangkok. Located ‘almost’ next to BTS Asok station (two or three blocks away from Westin Bangkok) and offer really good prices, the room fulfills my personal 3C – clean, comfort and chic. Reservation can be done through asiawebdirect.com that offers better rate.
Going Around
BTS FTW.
Stuff to do in Bangkok
You don’t need me to 'guide' you about shopping in Bangkok, or visiting Grand Palace, Sky Bar, etc. But try these when you are in Bangkok:
1. Afternoon tea at The Oriental Bangkok (Get a cab, or boat ride if you happened to be at Grand Palace)
2. Catch a movie in SF World Cineplex
3. Check out The Bed Club if you fancy nice interior and dancing angmohs
4. Get a haircut
Useful pointer for shoppers
Most of the international retailers/ brands offer VAT refund for tourists. Now, a tourist can only claim it back after spending no less than 5,000 Baht in total and no less than 2,000 Baht in any one day, paid under one name.
So the trick is, shop for goods that gives VAT refund in a single day (Just dedicate one day for mall crawling, and you will achieve this easily). Pay using one credit card (I think) and fill up the VAT forms under one name.
Leaving Bangkok, it would be wise to pack all the VAT refund goods in the same luggage for inspection. At the airport, go to the VAT office to get the VAT form validated first. Then only you check in at the airline’s counter. Pass the immigration gate and look for the refund counter.
Buildings spotting
I hope you find this useful. Have fun^^
***
曼谷是购物天堂。真的会买到手软，男生也会。有卡的请自重。
临去之前， 我本想跳过大皇宫，睡佛，水上市集这些景点。因为很俗啊。
朋友，如果您是第一次去曼谷，然后对文化建筑稍有兴趣，拜托一定要去大皇宫。
看着一块块镀金的瓦砖，还有艺术家小心翼翼地在壁画进行修复工作，感觉真的很棒。
观后感是，一点都不俗，只是很热。
更衣间有游客留下来的字迹，很搞笑。
其中有位说- “天气太热，我的蛋蛋溶了”.
这位仁兄，你好可怜哦，希望我借到的Hip Hop裤不是你穿的那件。
I’m a better observer than listener, especially over phone. I have problem concentrating if I am not looking at the 'speaker'. I guess I am the kind of person who ‘feels’ conversation. But, I got better now, I think ^^
Ok, let’s move on to the main story. A simple travel guide if you are visiting Bangkok for the first time.
Packing
When you are packing for Bangkok, remember one thing- you don’t need anything more than one day supply, clothes especially. Follow this age old trick - lay down all the things you think you need, and then pack only half. And yes, you really need to bring that extra luggage everyone been telling you about.
Accommodation
Stay in Bangkok is wasted if it’s not in a boutique hotel. There are a number of good ones, but this is highly recommended – The Key Bangkok. Located ‘almost’ next to BTS Asok station (two or three blocks away from Westin Bangkok) and offer really good prices, the room fulfills my personal 3C – clean, comfort and chic. Reservation can be done through asiawebdirect.com that offers better rate.
Small lobby but impressive room
Sukhumvit Soi 19, 7 Eleven is nearby for all your toiletries & snacking needs
BTS FTW.
Yes sir, I won't run for the train.
BTS connects all the major malls and can get you to Chatuchak (Mo Chit station)
You don’t need me to 'guide' you about shopping in Bangkok, or visiting Grand Palace, Sky Bar, etc. But try these when you are in Bangkok:
1. Afternoon tea at The Oriental Bangkok (Get a cab, or boat ride if you happened to be at Grand Palace)
990 Baht per person, great place to impress chicks. For my case, mom and dad too =P
2. Catch a movie in SF World Cineplex
We watched Wolfman, without subtitles @.@
3. Check out The Bed Club if you fancy nice interior and dancing angmohs
4. Get a haircut
Before. Styling by Grand Palace Wardrobe Department
After. Total ownage.
Useful pointer for shoppers
Most of the international retailers/ brands offer VAT refund for tourists. Now, a tourist can only claim it back after spending no less than 5,000 Baht in total and no less than 2,000 Baht in any one day, paid under one name.
So the trick is, shop for goods that gives VAT refund in a single day (Just dedicate one day for mall crawling, and you will achieve this easily). Pay using one credit card (I think) and fill up the VAT forms under one name.
Leaving Bangkok, it would be wise to pack all the VAT refund goods in the same luggage for inspection. At the airport, go to the VAT office to get the VAT form validated first. Then only you check in at the airline’s counter. Pass the immigration gate and look for the refund counter.
Buildings spotting
The Elephant building & Grand Palace Weapon Museum
Brushock! & Erawan Shrine
I hope you find this useful. Have fun^^
***
曼谷是购物天堂。真的会买到手软，男生也会。有卡的请自重。
临去之前， 我本想跳过大皇宫，睡佛，水上市集这些景点。因为很俗啊。
朋友，如果您是第一次去曼谷，然后对文化建筑稍有兴趣，拜托一定要去大皇宫。
看着一块块镀金的瓦砖，还有艺术家小心翼翼地在壁画进行修复工作，感觉真的很棒。
几个世纪前，工匠们的 OT应该蛮够力的。无法想象他们的 Time Entry...
观后感是，一点都不俗，只是很热。
更衣间有游客留下来的字迹，很搞笑。
其中有位说- “天气太热，我的蛋蛋溶了”.
这位仁兄，你好可怜哦，希望我借到的Hip Hop裤不是你穿的那件。
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Friday, 12 March 2010
The many kinds of food – Muffins VS Brownies
I grew up with ‘bread’ (面包)’, ‘baozi’ (包子), ‘biscuit’ (饼), ‘cake’ (糕), and ‘mantou?’ (馒头). My understanding of this type of food spanned from here, grouping future encounter of foreign/ domestic variation into this four main categories. For example, I think of croissant and baguette as subset of bread, and to differentiate them from the good old loaf of Gardenia, my brain Google Translates them as French Bread (法国面包).
My system worked quite well for a while, until I inevitably grouped too many variations into one type and confuses myself.
It also dawns upon me that I don’t know much about Cupcakes, Biscotti, Tart, Fudge, Toffee, Meringue, Pavlova, Tiramisu, etc, apart from saying that this is a type of western cakes/ biscuits, and proceed to swallow them down.
Plus, due to another mistaken id of muffins and brownies, I now have images of each pasted on my FB wall by the ghost of FHKL.
My lack of understanding prompted me to do something about it. My first step is to ATTEMPT to tell you something about Muffins and Brownies!
Muffins
Muffins are a type of bread, but smaller in size. The ones we (Malaysians) most familiar with are cornbread muffins, invented by Americans. Think Kenny Roger’s muffins. They are sweet, but not as sweet as cupcakes, and most of the time contains raisins and/or chocolate chips, and served in paper muffin cup.
There is another type of old school muffin called English muffin, which is disk shaped and less savoury. Think of the McMuffin’s buns, ya, something like that.
Brownies
Now, brownie is like a hybrid of cake and biscuit, served in square or bar shape. Think Secret Recipe’s chocolate brownies. You can pour in extra chocolate sauce, and eat it with ice-cream or whipped cream. Did I mention that American invented brownies too? During the Chicago World Fair in 1893.
I hope you enjoy reading this little introduction. Maybe we can talk about cupcakes and scones next time.
This advertorial is sponsored by the Malaysians Love Brownies & Muffins Association.
My system worked quite well for a while, until I inevitably grouped too many variations into one type and confuses myself.
It also dawns upon me that I don’t know much about Cupcakes, Biscotti, Tart, Fudge, Toffee, Meringue, Pavlova, Tiramisu, etc, apart from saying that this is a type of western cakes/ biscuits, and proceed to swallow them down.
Plus, due to another mistaken id of muffins and brownies, I now have images of each pasted on my FB wall by the ghost of FHKL.
My lack of understanding prompted me to do something about it. My first step is to ATTEMPT to tell you something about Muffins and Brownies!
Muffins
Muffins are a type of bread, but smaller in size. The ones we (Malaysians) most familiar with are cornbread muffins, invented by Americans. Think Kenny Roger’s muffins. They are sweet, but not as sweet as cupcakes, and most of the time contains raisins and/or chocolate chips, and served in paper muffin cup.
There is another type of old school muffin called English muffin, which is disk shaped and less savoury. Think of the McMuffin’s buns, ya, something like that.
Brownies
Now, brownie is like a hybrid of cake and biscuit, served in square or bar shape. Think Secret Recipe’s chocolate brownies. You can pour in extra chocolate sauce, and eat it with ice-cream or whipped cream. Did I mention that American invented brownies too? During the Chicago World Fair in 1893.
I hope you enjoy reading this little introduction. Maybe we can talk about cupcakes and scones next time.
This advertorial is sponsored by the Malaysians Love Brownies & Muffins Association.
Monday, 8 March 2010
Chinese Lessons
I thought I will start this post quoting something smart from the book I had just finished reading, I can’t.
The book is- “Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China”.
As a Chinese myself, I think I have a good understanding of our qualities. We make good entrepreneurs, and are competitive, diligent, hardworking, prudent, humble, excellent with numbers, and hold great respect to the elders. On the contrary, our weaknesses lay in selfishness, rude, loud, jealousy, and ironically, once successful, we can be very arrogant, and corrupted.
It is safe to say that for a typical Chinese, there’s no such thing as equal, you are either better or inferior.
I have always been enthusiastic about China when it comes to its rich history. I finished reading two huge tomes that consists stories of the kingdom’s great battles and generals for 3000 years at the age of twelve. Those close to me are often perplexed at my fervent interest of Chinese historical documentaries, movies and drama series. (Jess probably just rolled her eyes at this point =P)
My interest in China's long history stop exactly at the chapter where communism emerged, which I view as the darkest period of Chinese history, not just to those living in the Middle Kingdom, but including those who fled overseas as well. I was disgusted by it, and often hoped that KMT had won the civil war instead. (See disclaimer)
I started reading Chinese Lessons half-heartedly. USA Today described the book as “A compelling account of China’s evolution. The communist country’s emergence from isolation and impoverishment has been told before, but rarely in such intimate, and occasionally heartrending, detail.” I couldn’t agree more.
I envy John Pomfret, whom is able to witness the transformation and thank him for changing my view on this country and its people. Now, I understand that the attitudes and behaviors are necessary to release decades of mount up dissatisfactions and grieves caused by the thuggish revolution. I would have gone crazy.
I was disgusted because I never really tried to understand the people.
Having to survive Cultural Revolution, Great Leap Forward, Tiananmen Massacre and catching up with the international economy after decades of detour, I found utmost respect to the generation that had made it.
For the record, I’m still extremely grateful for my grandparents’ decision to flee the country and resettle in Malaysia.
Perhaps I should chat more often with my grandma and ask for her story. (According to my mom, she left China at the age of 16, already married to my grandfather) You should read this book if you haven’t.
Disclaimer:
If you read the entire article, you should understand by now that it was meant to say how much I had misunderstood the Mainland Chinese, if you have not, I urge you to. This post was written with my new found respect to them, as well as my continuos admiration for Taiwanese Chinese.
***
My Bangkok post is work in progress.. =)
At the mean time, you can visit my FB photo album to check out some b/w, cross-processed and toy cam's images.
The book is- “Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China”.
As a Chinese myself, I think I have a good understanding of our qualities. We make good entrepreneurs, and are competitive, diligent, hardworking, prudent, humble, excellent with numbers, and hold great respect to the elders. On the contrary, our weaknesses lay in selfishness, rude, loud, jealousy, and ironically, once successful, we can be very arrogant, and corrupted.
It is safe to say that for a typical Chinese, there’s no such thing as equal, you are either better or inferior.
I have always been enthusiastic about China when it comes to its rich history. I finished reading two huge tomes that consists stories of the kingdom’s great battles and generals for 3000 years at the age of twelve. Those close to me are often perplexed at my fervent interest of Chinese historical documentaries, movies and drama series. (Jess probably just rolled her eyes at this point =P)
My interest in China's long history stop exactly at the chapter where communism emerged, which I view as the darkest period of Chinese history, not just to those living in the Middle Kingdom, but including those who fled overseas as well. I was disgusted by it, and often hoped that KMT had won the civil war instead. (See disclaimer)
I started reading Chinese Lessons half-heartedly. USA Today described the book as “A compelling account of China’s evolution. The communist country’s emergence from isolation and impoverishment has been told before, but rarely in such intimate, and occasionally heartrending, detail.” I couldn’t agree more.
I envy John Pomfret, whom is able to witness the transformation and thank him for changing my view on this country and its people. Now, I understand that the attitudes and behaviors are necessary to release decades of mount up dissatisfactions and grieves caused by the thuggish revolution. I would have gone crazy.
I was disgusted because I never really tried to understand the people.
Having to survive Cultural Revolution, Great Leap Forward, Tiananmen Massacre and catching up with the international economy after decades of detour, I found utmost respect to the generation that had made it.
For the record, I’m still extremely grateful for my grandparents’ decision to flee the country and resettle in Malaysia.
Perhaps I should chat more often with my grandma and ask for her story. (According to my mom, she left China at the age of 16, already married to my grandfather) You should read this book if you haven’t.
Disclaimer:
If you read the entire article, you should understand by now that it was meant to say how much I had misunderstood the Mainland Chinese, if you have not, I urge you to. This post was written with my new found respect to them, as well as my continuos admiration for Taiwanese Chinese.
***
My Bangkok post is work in progress.. =)
At the mean time, you can visit my FB photo album to check out some b/w, cross-processed and toy cam's images.
Friday, 19 February 2010
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Your Grandfather's Road?
Sometime late last year, I received an email from a stranger, introducing herself as a local film producer, and seeking support from my then-client for her production that features story inspired by real everyday Malaysians.
After reading through the email, what I did next was summarized her proposal, and sent it to my client. I still remember over the phone call, I said, "This looks really interesting. You should meet them."
Soon after a few emails exchange to confirm the meeting details, my working relationship with the client ended. Naturally, I wasn't there when they meet and after two months, it slipped out of my mind.
Ten minutes ago, I saw this website.
I'm not trying to claim credit what so ever- in fact I'm quite sure that the producer will eventually find her way around. I'm just putting this down to remind myself that- sometimes it takes nothing to contribute.
***
Ban Kee is tonight and my throat is swelling. It is going to be a glorious night.
After reading through the email, what I did next was summarized her proposal, and sent it to my client. I still remember over the phone call, I said, "This looks really interesting. You should meet them."
Soon after a few emails exchange to confirm the meeting details, my working relationship with the client ended. Naturally, I wasn't there when they meet and after two months, it slipped out of my mind.
Ten minutes ago, I saw this website.
I'm not trying to claim credit what so ever- in fact I'm quite sure that the producer will eventually find her way around. I'm just putting this down to remind myself that- sometimes it takes nothing to contribute.
***
Ban Kee is tonight and my throat is swelling. It is going to be a glorious night.
Friday, 22 January 2010
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
理发奇遇记
这是一篇藏在脑袋里差不多三个多礼拜，一直很想写的投诉文（呵呵）。
Ehem，好，您是否曾经无聊没事，又见头发长了，所以光顾从没进过的理发店？
我就是这么一个笨蛋。
三个星期前，在前往周末篮球的路上，我经过S牌连锁理发店，心血来潮想理个发（现在想起应该是撞邪），再想S牌分行遍布巴生谷，请他们把头发剪薄剪短不会太难，太贵吧。
好，泊好车走进店前，先看看价格表。Junior – RM20。分行遍布巴生谷嘛，小埃贵点也难免 （平时我的Stylist才RM30左右）。算，让你。走近店里，第一眼看到的是天花板漏水，地上有个小桶盛着。Okay，分行多，疏忽在所难免。再让你。
点了Junior Wash & Cut配套，我就坐下来等，看看杂志。等待。等待。另一个女生去洗头。等待。等待。女生头洗好了。我的Junior呢？
就在我等得很不耐烦的时候，一名染了整头金发的小弟从店外走了进来。原来我的Junior在吃午餐啊。当时我还有点愧疚，因为觉得自己打扰了他的午餐时光。
午餐小弟匆匆的领我去洗头。洗好后就是我恶梦的开始。
我说：“我要短，薄，不留尾。中间能弄Spiky，平时我用Wax。”
很简单啊， Easy Money。
结果，午餐小弟用了很久很久很久，剃了又剪，剪好又剃，总之就是搞不好。折腾了许久，在我无数次钓鱼之后，午餐小弟对坐在柜台的仁兄说：“好了。可以看一下吗？”
霎那间，我吓到了。我不是点Junior，怎么给了我个Student？！
柜台仁兄看了看，就赶紧拿出自己的剪刀和剃发机修。手法当然纯熟许多，但是他的手指有蒜味。
天啊，蒜味指。我曾经遇上烟味指，不足矣，但是蒜味指恶心一百倍好不好！
蒜味指修好后，我也奄奄一息了。戴上眼镜，镜子拿来一看。
我的妈。
我的妈。
我的妈。
两边和脑后三份一的头发短剩一毫米，头皮对着我说嗨。
当时我不知是惊讶过度，还是脑充血，根本就没反应。只听到蒜味指说：“薄点比较清凉。”
米已成粥，我带着沮丧的心情结帐，他们收我RM25。慢，为什么是RM25？价格不符啊。还给我张名片，原来蒜味指是Principal。看来是想邀请我带队踢馆劈友。车上，手机拿来看，发现午餐小弟和蒜味指共耗了我一个小时半。
三个礼拜后的今天，我头发的两边和脑后三份一才恢复正常。女友也终于肯接受回我(Just kidding :P)。赔偿？算了，我本性不好斗，头发也只是小事。但我就是不爽想告诉身边的朋友们，千万别上当！
For those who can’t read Chinese, it doesn’t matter; the whole point of this post is to tell you, SNIPS Bukit Raja sucks, run away from it unless you like having chop-till-can-see-scalp hairstyle done by student pretending to be junior stylist.
以为我不敢写店名吗？哈哈，有单为证哦。
Ehem，好，您是否曾经无聊没事，又见头发长了，所以光顾从没进过的理发店？
我就是这么一个笨蛋。
三个星期前，在前往周末篮球的路上，我经过S牌连锁理发店，心血来潮想理个发（现在想起应该是撞邪），再想S牌分行遍布巴生谷，请他们把头发剪薄剪短不会太难，太贵吧。
好，泊好车走进店前，先看看价格表。Junior – RM20。分行遍布巴生谷嘛，小埃贵点也难免 （平时我的Stylist才RM30左右）。算，让你。走近店里，第一眼看到的是天花板漏水，地上有个小桶盛着。Okay，分行多，疏忽在所难免。再让你。
点了Junior Wash & Cut配套，我就坐下来等，看看杂志。等待。等待。另一个女生去洗头。等待。等待。女生头洗好了。我的Junior呢？
就在我等得很不耐烦的时候，一名染了整头金发的小弟从店外走了进来。原来我的Junior在吃午餐啊。当时我还有点愧疚，因为觉得自己打扰了他的午餐时光。
午餐小弟匆匆的领我去洗头。洗好后就是我恶梦的开始。
我说：“我要短，薄，不留尾。中间能弄Spiky，平时我用Wax。”
很简单啊， Easy Money。
结果，午餐小弟用了很久很久很久，剃了又剪，剪好又剃，总之就是搞不好。折腾了许久，在我无数次钓鱼之后，午餐小弟对坐在柜台的仁兄说：“好了。可以看一下吗？”
霎那间，我吓到了。我不是点Junior，怎么给了我个Student？！
柜台仁兄看了看，就赶紧拿出自己的剪刀和剃发机修。手法当然纯熟许多，但是他的手指有蒜味。
天啊，蒜味指。我曾经遇上烟味指，不足矣，但是蒜味指恶心一百倍好不好！
蒜味指修好后，我也奄奄一息了。戴上眼镜，镜子拿来一看。
我的妈。
我的妈。
我的妈。
两边和脑后三份一的头发短剩一毫米，头皮对着我说嗨。
当时我不知是惊讶过度，还是脑充血，根本就没反应。只听到蒜味指说：“薄点比较清凉。”
米已成粥，我带着沮丧的心情结帐，他们收我RM25。慢，为什么是RM25？价格不符啊。还给我张名片，原来蒜味指是Principal。看来是想邀请我带队踢馆劈友。车上，手机拿来看，发现午餐小弟和蒜味指共耗了我一个小时半。
三个礼拜后的今天，我头发的两边和脑后三份一才恢复正常。女友也终于肯接受回我(Just kidding :P)。赔偿？算了，我本性不好斗，头发也只是小事。但我就是不爽想告诉身边的朋友们，千万别上当！
For those who can’t read Chinese, it doesn’t matter; the whole point of this post is to tell you, SNIPS Bukit Raja sucks, run away from it unless you like having chop-till-can-see-scalp hairstyle done by student pretending to be junior stylist.
以为我不敢写店名吗？哈哈，有单为证哦。
Thursday, 14 January 2010
2010 成年
成年，除了看不到的流逝岁月，倒是有几样tangible（有形，具体的）的物件让我们逐步肯定自己不再是个小孩了：
1. 工作
2. 另一半
3. 贷款（教育、车子，房屋等）
4. 信用卡
近日带着Pay Slips，EA Form等文件前往汇丰银行申请我这辈子第一张信用卡。听说此银行还会严格筛选顾客，稍有风险，银行会豪不犹豫地拒绝送上门的肥羊。好，我喜欢。
逃避了廿多年，此番申请信用卡是因为来着的华人新年，我们将到曼谷一游。还神啦，盼了这么久，终于可以一睹Sawadeekap land的神采。
懒人扮演导游的角色，上网找住宿，安排行程，辛苦死了。又担心图文与实况出入太大，忙拜访部落格了解。我发誓我回来以后肯定写篇详细的all in one review，方便街坊!
仔细一看，其实以上每样tangibles都是一种责任。所以成长=责任，逃不了的.
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