Happy Birthday Malaysia

Merdeka..Merdeka..Merdeka
Happy Birthday ...dear Malaysia.
You're a matured 52 year old ...
Hope you become a peaceful country.
That all Malaysians can be proud of.

Bribery

I was driving along the busy Jalan Pasar and it was packed like 'sardine'. Sunday, everyone is out to perform their routine errands like shopping of household item, groceries.....

It was unusually crowded today. Owing to the Fasting month and Hungry Ghost's Festival. The roads were narrowed down to a single lane. The parking lots were turned into make-shifts by traders selling clothes, cookies,...etc. One the right, was a row of Malay traders selling their Raya goodies. Meanwhile on my left were the Chinese selling praying paraphernalia during this 7th Lunar Month. Fruits, ang koo kuih, paper clothes.....
What a contrast view on both side but it shows clearly a 1-Malaysia concept.

The Chinese believes that on the 7th Lunar month the Gates of Hell will open and the hungry ghosts will be free to roam in the living world for a month. They erect sheds and make offerings to the King of Hell and the hungry ghosts. This is called "Phor Thor". Meanwhile Chinese Opera in various dialects and puppet shows are staged to "entertain" the deceased.


Heard a loud speaker from afar, the Malays..."Jualan Murah Hari Raya...baju kurung, baju melayu, kasut... semua ada..harga istimewa" and at another side was the sound of Teow Chew Opera performance...... "Tong tong Chiangggggg"
Isn't it "MUHIBBAH" ?


Not far away, a group of Chinese Aunties were squatting along the railway track. At a closer look, I noticed they were actually offering food and praying in conjunction to the the Lunar Ghostly month. They burnt stacks of paper money and 'gold silvered paper'. The joss sticks created a smoky view. This is an annual ritual. They believe by praying here will ease them from the future unfortunate and getting blessings from the death.

Come to think of this, the Chinese community likes to perform bribery. They offered bribe to the death as well as the the living beings in return of a favour.....
We bribe the death for a peaceful life, we bribe the uniformed personnel for a peaceful life.....

Are we living in a bribery world ? What say you ?

Ipoh Food

Tried the Ipoh's famous beansprout chicken @ "Nga Choi Kai" at this restaurant...Lou Wong Tauge Ayam Kuetiau shop. The corner lot restaurant located at Yau Tet Shin Road. And was told ...this is the best among the best.

It consist of steamed chicken meat with soya sauce and sesame oil toppings. Another must have dish, the short and fat beansprout which is different from any other beansprout elsewhere. This dish is served with a bowl of Sar Hor Fun @ Kuey Teow (Ipoh signature food).



While waiting for my order, I noticed several shops nearby who offered the similar dish. There's one next door and another at the opposite road. Great competition...

Next, the Ipoh salted Chicken
This is a must try when one visit Ipoh. The chicken is baked in salt in such a way that the skin and meat is tender and juicy. Whole chickens are wrapped in "oil paper" and then baked in large woks filled with heated salt. I bought a few to take home coz unable to stomach all the goodies in one go.









Ipoh White Coffee
Opps...gotta skip this as I'm no lover of coffee.
The coffee beans are specially roasted with palm-oil margarine. Its colour is similar to that of cappuccino when served with milk. The aroma and texture of the coffee is fabulous. People usually savour the blended white coffee with kaya-butter toast bread (coconut jam)known as "Ying Yang Toast". White Coffee with Ying Yang Toast...the right combination.
Heard that the best can be found in the few coffee shops namely Nam Heong Restaurant and Xin Yun Loong restaurant. These coffee shops are generally crowded during peak hours @ teatime and on weekends. No pics taken.

Pomelo









Another "must tar pau" home from Ipoh. Was told...the best pomelo is believed to be from Tambun, not far from Ipoh. The Tambun's Pomelo farms surrounded by limestone hills which is rich in calcium, provide the trees with a natural fertiliser to produce quality pomelos.......well known for their juiciness and sweet taste. These delightful Tambun's pomelos are seedless and have a high juice content.



Hope to return to Ipoh for more food...

Vacation 2

Gone for a day trip down south @ Ipoh. Jalan-jalan cari makan but unfortunately, yours truly is a small eater. The lil tummy unable to stomach all the good stuff the mining town could offered. It rains throughout the journey which made the trip a lil unpleasant. Photo session was confined and limited. However, the visit to one cave temple @Sam Poh Tong was breathtaking.

Here's the shots for an amateur photographer..Ms Ann.

The tunnel....
















Journey to the west.....
















Lover's seats



































Cave wall painting

Vacation 1

Had enough of couch potato activity at home. Before I turn into mother hen, it's time of a short vacation. Gone for a short trip with my boy up North @ Kedah. Visited "Lye Huat Garden" on Tuesday. It's a privately owned garden/museum/art gallery/mini zoo which opened to public a few years back. Situated along the highway to Thai border, a small township called "ChangLung". Entrance charges RM10 for adult meanwhile kids RM4. For those of you who loves paintings, crystal, ceramic pots....well this is a haven for you.
As for me, I'm ain't an art lover neither do I know how to appreciate stones and rocks. I have this fear looking at bronze statue of the terracotta warrior. They are simply to scary to look at, the fierce looking stares...I daren't get near them to even snap pics. opps revealingAnn !

...the coward version of

Here are a few snap shots to remind me of the trip. In random order ....

Song of Burning Flame 3

Scroll down...and listen to the featured song of Burning Flame 3 ~ Have Intention .
A lovely song sung by Kevin Cheng and Myolie Wu.

It wasn't a "love at first heard" song. My interest in this master piece gradually grows as I watched this drama. This song was used throughout the show....whenever Rex (Kevin) and Yeng (Myolie) meet. The piano background was simply soothing. The couple's chemistry depicts in this song. Therefore it makes a lot of sense and I slowly began to fall in love with this sub theme song.

The cast of Burning Flame 3

I watched Burning Flame 3...several rounds because firstly, I practically have nothing much to do. Secondly, I always like guys in uniforms. Thirdly, it has the combination of action and love genre. In addition, Kevin and Wong Hei are definitely some of my favourite TVB actors. Esp Kevin, he memang has the look and a kind of aura..the way he speaks, he walks and his eyes...makes one very 'lummmmmm'. No words to describe. However..he can be a nice boyfriend but not a hubby. The wife will feel rather insecure all the time...to have such a good looking hubby....

I wouldn't want a good looking hubby.....as I need to be worrisome 24 hours a day if he's away from me....phew...cannot la..like that. Preferred someone like Ah Ngau @ Wong Hei...who has an ordinary look. More secured feelings...

Which one will be a better hubby prospect?

Meanwhile...Myolie is so sweet looking esp her soothing voice. I started to like her in "Triumph in the sky" where she acted alongside with Francis Ng and Ron Ng.

Opps...I don't really watch Cantonese serials unless I have the time. Therefore..I can't give good precise comments. Just my 2 cents worth point of view.

I watched "Burning Flame 3"..several rounds

A colleague passed me a TVB serial "Burning Flame 3", weeks ago...but I had not been interested in watching these drama as I was always tied up with my studies, exams and assignments. However, lately I had been 'too free' meaning...I was on my semester break..away from studies as well as school work.

Therefore, I decided to kill time by watching the serial. Initially, it was just a fast forward play, whereby I watch and skip watching the serial..jumping from episodes to another. Skipped the boring ones and only watch the interesting part. Gradually I became 'addicted' to it. The actors..were 'handsome' and so are the actresses "beautiful". It's indeed nice to see the gentlemen in uniforms on duty helping people. Undergoing the fire scenes are pretty dangerous and the heat...

Kevin Cheng Kah Wing and Myolie Wu played a fantastic couple here. Very romantic as perhaps they must have the chemistry with each other.

Wong Hei, featured in Gem Of Life..and I had liken him since then. He aways played a pitiful role whereby he would lost his girlfriend to another guy and always ended up being single. He often sacrifices for his lady...just like in Gem Of Life, he waited for Aida. And now in Burning Flame 3, he loses Myolie to Kevin. Very kesian type....! He must have had the pitiful "Chai Leong" look...that's why the producer lets him act this kind of role all the time.

The love triangle focused in this drama is a bit heart breaking and it often makes me feel sad. This must be the director's tactic to win over the viewers' heart. Loved Kevin and Myolie in this drama.....perfect couple.

If you're watching this serial, pay some attention to the dialogue..very meaningful at times. Sometimes, it also rhyme with English words. I recommend you this superb film.

Too free

I've completed my exams for this sem...and now 'enjoying' a short break before resuming my Semester Sept. When I was tied up with my assignments and studies, I kept remiding myself that I want give myself a rest after all the hardwork.

One thousand and one plans and things to do. And now the time has arrived. But I am lost. I do not know how to fill up the extra time that i am enjoying now. Suddenly so lost....nothing to do or simply too lazy ! Had downloaded some latest TVB serial..but just don't have the mood to watch them. Wanna update my blog...but my brain gone on holiday..."idea-less". Tried out some recipes...but too lazy !

What's wrong with me..ya? Perhaps I'm experiencing the 'post-exams' blues. Still under the 'tension spell'. Got to detox this ......next week...holiday..away from work (school). Must take a short break to indulge in a facial spa session.

Happiness

MERDEKA...MERDEKA...MERDEKA



Hooray...just finishes my exams for this semester May 09. Have a couple of weeks to enjoy before I resume my Semester September 09. Going to have a good night sleep ....a well deserved one after all these stressful days.

Phonetics Exams

Tomorrow's the DAY...my dreaded Phonetics and Phonology paper.

This examination tension is so freaky. I can't sleep but neither can I concentrate on my books. Wonder why..? I felt the stress and it's driving me up the walls. I confess that I am not brainy being. I admit for being lazy and always wait till the very last minute to perform my revision. My ritual...burning the midnite oil.


I'm sitting here feeling as nervous as can be,
Starring into out of the window to keep me calm,
My brain a livewire, charged with so much tension;
Revising for my HBET 1203 Phonetics and Phonology paper

Consonants, vowels, diphthongs....
All the various place and manner of articulations
Need to memorise and bury everything into my loaded brain.

Places of articulation...
Bilabial, Labio dental, Interdental, Aveolar, Palatal, Velar, Glottal.

Manner of articulation..
Stops, Fricatives, Africates, Nasal, Approximants, Lateral
many many more...
How much could a rustic brain store...
depends on my brain cells.
I don't have any gigabyte but a desperado brain.

Another disastrous paper

Took my HBEF 2503 ~ Research Method in Education this afternoon. A 3 hour & 10 mins paper...and I was like sitting there with nothing in my mind. My brain went frozen for a good 30 minutes.

It took me some time to rebuild my composure and gradually put myself to write what were needed from the questions. It was tough as this time around, the questions swayed a lil bit off from the 'direct from module' concept. I was actually focusing on the past years questions as well those questions in the module....as I thought it would usuallly be 'photocopy' from the module. A lesson well learnt.

At least this paper wasn't as bad as the previous one HBME 1203 ~Pendidikan Moral 1. I really pray hard (as hard as stones and diamonds) that I would pass this paper with a least a 'C'. I don't want to RESIT.....the hazzle of going thru the same paper again....arghhhhh.

OK...need to pay attention to my last paper on 18 August. HBET 1203 English Phonetics and Phonology....a very scientifical paper with lots of memorizations. Need to read up in order to understand. Still got a couple of days....4 days to be precise....plus minus the sleeping hours...actually not much time left. Oh Gosh.

Today's Exams

Looks likely that I won't be getting my dean list this semester. Crying....in desparado !

Finished my Moral paper this morning. A total wreck this time around. The questions were totally alienated with me. What I studied was no where to be seen. Primafacie, at first glance, I thought there was a printing error. However, when I double checked the cover...nope..it's the correct paper HBME 1203. Nothing wrong but my own mind and brain.

Phew...3 hours and 10 minutes...barely could answer any of the 9 questions. 5 short descriptive and 4 long essays. Frustrated and disappointed. I really pray hard that I could get at least a C or better a B+. Please..Lord Buddha...grant my wish...grand my wish !

The initial half an hour, I experienced mental blockage. Mind went total blank. Hands freezing though the air cond was at high temparature mode. With mask covering my face...ya it's compulsary to don a mask in my exam centre..due to H1N1 outbreak. A bit uneasy but got to wear. Wonder how doctors and surgeons could bare the discomfort wearing masks..!!!!!

I have another two more papers due this Saturday and Tuesday. Meaning..no honeymoon yet but continue studying.....ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Music Therapy

In the afternoon.....was actually reading and revising for my exams. Spent 1 solid hour reading my module...a great achievement thus far..as I could barely stay awake reading my Moral notes...boring and unable to concentrate. Remember facts...a lil or so la. Hopefully I could recall the keywords and then elaborate using my own words and experiences. Usually like that la...
In between blogging and MSN-ing, managed to read up some notes. Multiple tasks..that's Ann's outstanding capability.

Got tensed up with my revision....never mind. I recommend a way to relax.

Look what I've found while surfing. "Ave Maria"...interesting musical. Soothing to the ears. Loved the voices of the various singers who managed to bring this song to life. Preferred the ladies voices....just wonder how the could drag and pull those sounds so soothy....

Click my Playlist at the bottom of this page. Look for "Ave Maria". I've a collection of this song in various version sung by differ singers. Lie down on a comfortable sofa, place a pillow on your lap or hug a lil teddy just like what I used to do. Filled up your lungs while keeping your shoulders down, relaxed, plug your ears...quiet...dream. Close your eyes....dream ! Believe me..trust me. All your stress will drain off.....
By the way, make sure your sound system is good....invest on a good set of speakers...quality a bit la.

I shall name this music therapy based on "Ave Maria". Give it a try....

Ann's Buffet Lunch

Had a sumptuous Japanese buffet lunch today. I always like Jap. food...due to it's elegance and simplicity.

As usual, my favourite is of course the sashimi. Dipped in wasabi laden soya sauce ketchup....umppp ! Loved the kick that I get each time the wasabi hits my nerves system. Thrilling sensations......as if I'm experiencing 'orgasm'...haha.

My boy too enjoyed his plates of grilled salmons and eel aka unagi in teriyaki sauce.

Son opted for the grilled stuff while his mummy prefered the raw.

Though the choices were limited but it's worth the money I paid. RM 45 ++ for Jap food...what more can I ask for !!!

Besides the good food, the service was wonderful and the staff were attentive...10% service charges worth paid. Their effort of regular trips to our table to check our needs and tea refill.
Being an ala carte buffet, they certainly didn’t give us the impression that we ordered too much and they were patient with our endless orders. I prefer such ordering buffet rather that the buffet counter type.
Salute to the waitresses...

The desserts of green tea ice cream...wow !

We had almost 10 scoops of that. Really eat till my tummy burst. Too engrossed with the food that I had forgotten to take photos.....allow the pics to tell the story. Soft shelled crab, scallop

My favourite..sashimi...I had 4 trays of it...my tummy could witstand the raw materials...no tummy ache..touch wood !

ありがとうございます。

Mr. Lim

Mr. Lim was washing his new Benz, his 5 year old boy picked up pen and created some scratches on the bonnet. Out of anger, Mr. Lim grabbed the boy's hands and hit it repeatedly. Not realizing, he was actually holding a pair of pliers.

At the hospital, the poor boy lost 3 fingers due to severe bone fractures.
The boy asked, "Papa when will my fingers grow back?"

Mr. Lim was totally speechless as he was so terribly hurt. Devastated by his own actions towards his beloved son.

Sitting in front of his Benz.....his heart broken into pieces when he noticed...'Y U PA' scribbled on top of it's bonnet.

The next day, Mr. Lim committed suicide...as he couldn't bear to face his handicapped son.

Hmmmm....anger...! Anger may kill. Don't let yourself ended up in such predicament. Control your anger. Regret over spill milk is USELESS.

Teenage Girls N Moral Issues

Form 5 girl gave birth in her school's toilet, hid the infant in her bag. The child suffocated and died.

Our children are growing up pretty fast and we as parents should teach them life education pertaining to 'biology' @ not the birds and bees but the real life issues...abstinence.

What a 15 year old girl thinks nowadays is totally different from those days ( our time in the 80. Today's kids indulge in activities that differs from our time. Today's teenagers are easily persuaded by their friends. Though they're good girls but even good girls can make bad decisions.

I've seen many young teenage girls moving freely with boys..in public without feeling much fear. Parents..do you know what your child are doing away from home ?

Many a times in groups but after a while it would turn out to be twosome. I can't imagine what would happen to the couple if they're being left alone ?

I honestly don't know how parents would allow their teenage daughters to have opportunity to be alone with a boy at this young age. She is always in a group when Yes..teenagers are smart but but but.....things do happen ..right? Under the influence of drugs and many other things....what can't happen will happen eventually.

I have a son who will soon becoming a teenage in a couple of years time...and I'm starting to get worry about him.

What are your thoughts on this issue?

One Paper

What a relief...a temporary relief. Completed one paper yesterday...three more to go and I'll bid farewell to Semester May 09.

OUMM 3203 - Professional Ethics...“I was expecting to look at this paper and be like ‘aargh’...blank, but I flew through it,”. Thank Lord Buddha. OK lah...I think I could get thru it quite easily.

But I’m dreading my next paper...next week. and I’m dreading my English Phonetics and Phonology paper @ HBET 1203. It’s going to be much harder. it's very factual and scientific...very much formulaic and lots to remember. This paper is certainly not my cup of tea. I hated formulas. My brain doesn't have the numeric calculative kind of cells...hah.

Alright..I need to get back to what I was supposed to do...STUDY. Sigh..!

OUMM 3203

I woke up at 4 am and I was like, ‘What the heck am I doing awake?’ At four o’clock I decided to study for at least an hour (SOLID). I have an exam paper later today.”

Yes you are absolutely right. It's my Uni final exams season. I'm taking four papers this sem. And today is my first paper OUMM3203 Professional Ethics. Hadn't been study lately coz I was busied with my school administrative work. Even if I have the golden opportunity to revise, I knew I would still burn the midnight oil to complete my studies. It's a norm 'thoughts of behaviour'. Unable to change..it's inborn inside me, flows in my blood buried underneath my flesh.

I hope I'll be able to get my Dean List this sem..I HOPE la...

Hey..why am I blogging here where I should be doing my last minute revision. Attempt to memorise and remember as much facts as possible during these few precious hours before the exams. Excuse me...