Microsoft Tech-Ed SEA 2008, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre

Microsoft Tech-Ed SEA 2008 is back again at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia from August 11 - 14 2008. Tech.Ed SEA 2008

When you go to this page, you'll noticed an icon on top of the banner saying Get Microsoft Silverlight, "Light Up the Web". Install it and you'll see the banner playing the animation. Quick check shows that it's a new Web presentation technology that is created to run on a variety of platforms. Currently with version 1.0 up and running, and with version 2.0 coming up tomorrow! We'll have to see how impressive this can be in time to come..

Also, in conjuction with Microsoft Tech-Ed SEA 2008, Microsoft is having a "Blog about TechEd & Win!" Contest and is calling everyone to blog about anything and everything on Tech·Ed SEA 2008~ Cool prizes awaiting.. Tech.Ed SEA 2008

Baking at Jacq's place..

It was a fine Sunday and I went over to Jacq's place for a lepak-ing session. Started off with buying lunch for two. Bought it at Hoong Kee Seafood Noodle House, Taman Maluri. For RM4, I get a tasty bowl of seafood noodle soup. Next, grab a tub of Kings Macadamia, Raspberry and Chips ice cream.

While on the way, I had my experience with 'the spider' in my car. I don't know where it came from, but I noticed it on my dashboard at the traffic light. 'The spider' jump onto my 'dino-toy'. I grab the nearest paper to 'shoo-ed' it away, and it jump back to the dashboard.

The light turns green and the timing was just too right that 'the spider' jump from the dashboard all the way to 'I don't know where', but it has to be between the driver's and passenger seat. My GOD. I can see the long thread/web starting from the dashboard. I used the paper to break it, but no, it doesn't work that way. All this happens while I'm making a turn and driving. Dangerous! But there's no emergency lane to stop. My body is now getting too close to my door and I just kept mumbling in 18SX languages. Argh, it's no where to be seen.
The short 5 mins drive is enough to keep me insance but tough! (Yes 18SX languages made me tough..) Forget 'the spider'. I don't know where it went!

I reached Jacq's place. I asked Jacq to check my hair, my back for any signs of 'the spider'. No, luckily. Then, I emptied my bag. No also. I gladly concluded that 'the spider' is still in my car. (And it will be gone when I go home later).

Lunch from Hoong Kee, it's delicious, yummy. Soup is nice.

After lunch, we watch some TV, surf for some beginners butter cake recipe, Fagor oven user's manual and get things started with this.

Mixture of butter and sugar..

The flour sifter and 3 eggs...

Didn't manage to capture any more pictures beyond this, as we are busy with the 'real work' and messing up the kitchen.

Already inside the oven, bubbling.. like Earth's surface.

Our butter cake with Cadbury chocolate toppings.

It tastes better than my last cake, as far as I can remember.... We had some Chikadees, popiah floss rolls, and our cake while watching the movie 'The Messenger'.

Our girlie Sunday turns out fun and relaxing (except the horror part in the movie).. Hope we can spend more quality time together ya.

I wasted half of my Saturday because of Metalink...

I had some challenging tasks at work this weekend and need to log on to the internet 24x7. Because I need Metalink's support, which did not come as fast as I anticipate. What do you do if you are bounded to the computer. I'm at hour 11 facing my computer.. Freaking out...

Crazy things I did ...

Speed test

77 words

Create your cute photo album

Hour 12:
I made myself a drink.. it's Bragg's apple cider vinegar + honey. Wernn bought it for me sometime back. He said that it was good for health, to support healthy immune system by removing toxins. The taste is awful I have to say, but mixing it with honey, makes it much more bearable.
No honey? Ah.. no no ... It will taste just like raw vinegar and imagine gulping it down. O.. honey is the saviour.

Apple cider vinegar ..

The ' mother' at the bottom of the bottle. Gotta shake well ..

The famous face..

Must add honey to 'tone' down the vinegar taste

My pure apple cider vinegar honey to keep me awake tonight ...

Barisan Nasional wins simple and denied 2/3 majority

After knocking off last night, the first thing when I woke up this morning is to grab The Star Newspaper to see the results. Among the headlines are:

Barisan reels from worst-ever election performance
Barisan lost Kedah, Penang, Perak and Selangor, PAS strengthened grip on Kelantan
MIC in shambles with no leader in the wings
Barisan can form the next government
Sombre mood at Umno headquarters
Blogger Jeff Ooi headed for Parliament

One article that had me in thoughts.. it was an interview with Pak Lah.

Excerpts:

"On the implications to the Barisan of the losses by component parties, Abdullah said the losses had to be accepted.

“Dah kalah, kalahlah (If it’s a loss, it’s a loss),” he replied. "

I let out a "Huh??? What???"
I prefer to hear something roaring back positively.

We'll see in the next 4 years what Malaysia can achieve and will become.. Politics will just never be the same again for Malaysians.

Malaysia's 12th General Election Fever

I was caught by surprise to learn that the Opposition has taken over Penang, Kedah and Kelantan..
I think this election has many ups and downs and disappointments and victories. It's much more 'excited' as far as I can remember...

And much to my own surprises, I kept pressing F5 on the malaysiakini website to get the latest news... and the latest news now is that "Guan Eng to be Penang CM".

It's about my sleeping time, but still I'm excited to know on the rest of the results. Will continue with F5... but most important of all, all I wanted is a democratic, fair, beautiful and peaceful Malaysia.

FRIM Canopy Walk & a little of jungle trekking

Went to Forestry Research Insitute of Malaysia (FRIM) last weekend and spent about 4 hours there. Was looking forward to some exercises after all the CNY munching. Planned for a jog-a-walk at Kelana Jaya Recreational Park, but due to some plan changes, we opt for FRIM instead. Came to mind of FRIM when we saw the Canopy Walk on a book page cover. So, there we are, something to challenge myself too, for a 30m walk above ground and 300 m above sea levels.

After about 20mins drive from home, we reached FRIM. It was just a bit after passing Selayang Mall and Selayang Hospital if you're coming from Jalan Kuching. For details location, you can find it here...

We parked our car right outside the entrance (so we can walk in and saves RM5). We're all pack with towel, food, energy drink and starts our walk. RM1 for citizens, else it's RM5. It was nice scenery and because it wasn't sunny, I truly enjoyed the walk.

Reached the visitor information center, and quickly asked for the availability for Canopy Walk. Read it from Net that says, advanced booking is recommended, as only 250 people a day is allowed on the hanging bridge.. But luckily, we are early and after getting some guidance, we bought the tickets (RM5/person).

More walks and enjoying the forest, we climb up, down, pass some Pokok Kapur (you have to look up to see how beautiful it is). Malau (my team mate) says that they are a bunch of very harmonious trees. Then we reach the part where we start to jungle trek to reach the Canopy Walk. Sweats, rests, lizards, start to eat our food and drink our most needed energy drink and finally we reached a hut.. the start of the Canopy Walk. After a brief guidance, I started off on the bridge. I'm so scared though I knew the bridge won't fall. Malau also helps to steadies me. There are 3 platforms connecting 4 section of bridges. At the platforms, there's where I 'balanced' back myself and start shooting pictures... On the 2nd last part of the bridge, it starts shaking a little because it's a long section. O well, it is fun once I get the hang of it and I was saying to myself 'So beautiful'...

On the small platforms between the bridge, we can see the whole jungle, and also some part of the cities, as far as Sunway. It was amazing sight. When I'm back on ground, I wish I'm up there again.

Happy as a bee, we make our way down the hill and reached the track again much faster this time. Had a small picnic by the waterfall and had our way back... There are still people coming up at that time (almost 12pm), also some bikers and some uncles and aunties.

Felt so relaxed after sweating and the exercise. The sun is coming out now and then, but that's fine. We almost reached our car when we saw 2 couples taking their wedding photograph there. The background has very tall straight trees with coloured Autumn tree leaves full on the little hill slope. A beautiful scenery on a beautiful Saturday morning.

The spot where we rested

The slope we are going to climb after our rest

The Canopy Walk, built with cooperation with Germany

The view from the tree top Canopy Walk. I'm amazed at how straight the trees can grow

The walk

Long way...

It ain't a pipe, it's a tree

The rope, the planks, the wires that hold the bridges together

Last part of the walk

Looking back...

I'm not going to do this!

I wish to be up there again the next time in FRIM...

Still amazed at this straight tree

Canopy Walk

Looking up at the sky, I saw this...

Retreat Places

Experience a truly different way to relax & being pampered, surrounded by mother nature.

A feeling I will not forget for a long long time, for it is indeed a luxury to have.

Sekeping Serendah

Glass House

Mud House

Seapark Brickhouse

Sharon & Lee happily ever after !

Sharon girl, I'm happy that you are finally tying the knot and spending life together with Lee. Though you are so far la, but I'm happy for you. I miss you! No more kopitiam at night. No more shopping for clothes. No more late night mamaks. Adui~

But I'm happy you found such a good hubby. And must mentioned again, you are so pretty on your wedding day! Muahsssssssssssss... Miss You.

My dear Sharon's wedding favours

Bought the plants on the 17th Nov weekend, about 100 of them at RM2.50 each. Luckily it wasn't raining today. Now, it's kind of a headache to think of how we are going to wrap it decently to give away to Sharon's guests...

After some try, Jacq, Esther, Wei Hoong, Wern Ching, the bride and groom helped out with the wrappings, and we get it done. Boy, aren't we happy... Hehe..

Guests love it too and find it interesting.. Happy for you girl. Go go go Sharon & Lee.

Before ...

After ...

Sungai Buloh Nurseries 1 Day Tour

Went to Sungai Buloh to "view and survey" some plants. For RM3, wanna see if there's anything decent to be given to guest for Sharon's wedding favour. Got some pictures here... take a look of what we can get for RM3 there... Sharon, what you think?

International Fireworks@Putrajaya.

Pictures taken by Yong Wei ... Very nice.. Have a look.

Malaysia Team
Australia Team
Japan Team
Finale

Free Free Free !!!

Welcome to this site... Airmobiles.

Contains free mobile themes, mobile ring tones, mobile graphics for download.

Ugliest?

Elwood, 2007 World's Ugliest Dog

Unknown type of fish... A picture my sister took.
I think this fish is really interesting... Reminds me of Pirates of the Caribbean.

My half day at Subang Terminal 2, Jabatan Imigresen

This article is accurate as of 17 March 2007. . .

I spent one of my loneliest half day at the Imigresen department yesterday... I was there to renew my passport which is going to expire in less than six months time. It's been long since I've been to any government department to settle the important stuffs. Finally I need to face it to go and renew it, so I can smoothly fly to Siem Reap next Friday. It was a blessing I 'suddenly' remembered that my passport will expire soon. That is, after I heard on the radio when the dj mentioned the word 'passport'.

I reached around 7.30am and the queue was like about 100 people. I know that I needed a form. I printed it out from the internet the day before. But I wasn't sure if it can be use or not. So, I queued at the 'Pembelian Borang Permohonan' lane. The office opens around 7.45 surprisingly as it was supposed to open only at 8am. Thumbs up 1.

Then, I queued to buy the RM1 form. I asked if my printed form can be used or not. No.
Cannot. Because the form MUST BE PRINTED ON A PIECE OF A4, DOUBLE SIDED. BACK & FRONT. I had it on 2 piece of A4. So, I'm still at my lane, around 10 people in front of me. Thumbs down 1.

Ok, I got my form after about 10mins. And moved quickly to the queue to get a number.
Quickly filled up my form, very carefully. Searching my bag for old passport, making sure I had my photocopy of IC and 2 piece of passport size picture. At the queue for another 1 hour or more. Thumbs down 2.


Reached the counter.
Encik : (Flip through my document) Photocopy IC ?
Me: (Search my bag) Ini boleh ar?
Encik : (Flip Flip) Aiya, tak boleh... mana boleh.
Me: Ha, tak boleh ar?
Encik : Mesti satu page. IC depan belakang on one page. You pergi photostat. Nanti datang jumpa saya, tak payah beratur semula. (Put a stamp on my form)
Me: Oh. Ok.
Thumbs down 3.

... Rush to the photostat queue. And waited for another 30 minutes++ to photostat my IC in the NEEDED format. FRONT AND BACK IC on one single page. CANNOT DOUBLE SIDED or ONE TWO PIECE OF A4. While waiting, I overheard a guy saying that his photo was rejected because it didn't look like him now. My last fear... will they reject my photo?
When it's done.. rush back to the counter to meet 'Encik' and successfully get a number.
My number was 1155, and the current number is 1065.

I forgotten to bring my earphone, so I can't listen to music.
I had my laptop and used it for a while. I played with the kids around. The kid accidentally pressed my laptop and it was shutdown. I played with kids again. I on back my laptop and do some work. I read The Sun. I people-watched. I ate my bread. I drank water. I used gmail on my mobile. I people-watched again. A kid came to me and called me 'Auntie' and needed to change some syilling to buy drinks on the vending machine ... and on and on..

It was about 11 and it's near... pretty near.. 1155 on the board. I walked towards the counter to submit my form. My last fear. The photo I brought along was about 4 years back. The girl looked at my photo and then at me. Luck is with me, and pass! Thumbs up 2.
Fingerprint. Tissue. Back to my seat.

And I waited for another 30mins++ to make payment of RM300 now. I people-watched again.

1155 on the board. I make my payments and was very happy by now. All is over. Rushed to an other empty counter.

Me : Encik, nak tanyer. Kalau saya ambil passport hari lain, boleh tak?
Encik : Boleh, asalkan jangan lebih dari 3 bulan.
Me : Oh ok. Thank you ya.
Rush off.
Rush back to the counter.
Me : Encik, er.. saya cuma bawa balik resit untuk ambil passport?
Encik: Ya, dengan IC dan awak sendiri kena bawa la.
Me : Giggle.. (A friendly government staff. I must really be in luck) Kalau saya datang awal pagi pukul 730, kena tunggu lama untuk ambil ar?
Encik: Lebih kurang setengah jam. Datang counter nie.
Me : Oh okok. Terima kasih ya.
Rush off.
Thumbs up 3.

Went back to my car... feeling lucky and happy. Finally I get it done, although half day is gone.
I'm happy because I can go for my trip and meeting friendly government staff.
I have to say, their service really improved. The staff are helpful and wouldn't show faces when you ask them more than 1 question. They give clear information and they really deserve a thumbs up. Thank you guys! Thumbs up 4.


Notes (as far as I know, this is applicable to Subang Terminal 2) :
1. Passport are now ready 2 hours, after you make your payment.
2. The Subang Terminal 2 Imigresen Department closes after lunch on every 3rd Friday.
Please call them to confirm or you may be greeted with disappointment.
3. Make sure your IC are photostated in one single sided page. The photostat queue is long and slow.
4. The vending machine does not take in notes. Get syillings ready if you need a drink.
5. Save on the RM1 form, by printing your form from the Internet, provided its printed double sided on a piece of A4 paper.

Hope this helps and have a good experience during your trip there!

Rock & Republic collection

Vic Beckham's jeans collection label Rock & Republic really got me going Hoo Haa these few days. It all started when I saw it in China last few weeks. It was love at first sight at the jeans. After some bargaining (a must in China at least up to 80%) I walked out of the store. Because of my action at that time of that day, I'm now in a terrible state of mind. Terrible. Man. Duh...

The sales girl asked for RMB100 (about RM50). And I told her No, RMB70. She said No. The rest is history...

Nasi sudah menjadi bubur..
There is no use to regret over what you have decided, for there are always ways to overcome/solve it.

YES! I will get myself a pair of the Rock & Republic Crown Jeans! HERE itself in KL! or.. wherever!


Prices range from from $125 to $275. That's a lot! But there ain't any stores in KL. Singapore? I don't know. My 'agent' is searching for me.

Well o well, some links for you. I'm drooling over this pictures. I know it wont take any effort to be beautiful in this piece of jeans.
It's already a piece of art just by itself.

http://www.rockandrepublic.com/
http://www.blaec.com/rock-and-republic.shtml
http://www.eluxury.com --> Then points to Rock & Republic

Till I get one, I will be kept busy drooling over this piece of art..

Lovely Pink Roses

These lovely flowers are given to me on my birthday by Ayu Siao...

Aren't they just lovely?

Yea, most of the pictures look alike, but I just can't get my eyes of it!

LOVELY!

Thank you Ayu!

~ Gmail on my phone ~

Tried gmail on my phone recently, a Nokia 6230i.
Just type in http://mail.com/app at your phone web browser.
You will need to download the application for once.

Then, login using ur gmail id and ta dah! done!

I have to say that my phone screen is small, but I am satisfied and impressed that I still can read the mails easily.
Interface is cool, cute.
Accessing emails are easy. Replying is easy. It's fast I have to say.

Way easier than what I expected ~

Today...

1. I found Google Page Creator. It's very cool, with AJAX. 

2. I like how it can autosave my file. But I'm doomed to learn that it has limited undo. 
How can I stop it from auto saving my file?

3. Google Page Creator can't run on Opera. Not for now.

4. I learned that Firefox 2.0 can restore my session after an improper shutdown. Also, Firefox will now without miss, prompt me for themes/extension updates.

5. I tried Caffe Latte and I love it.

Yay!
G'nite...

Red Date Dessert with Lotus Seed

I was browsing the old Jusco's Pearl magazine and found this dessert recipe for Chinese New Year, yup.. the book is almost a year old... but who cares... recipes never go out of style...

O' well, so captivated with the picture that I 'pledged' to make this dessert for my family...

But first, let's see what are the nutritional values behind the main characters.

Red Dates / Red Jujubes (Hong Zhou)


Good for anaemics. Nourish blood. Best for fatigue, hypertension, physical exhaustion and malnutrition.





White Fungus / Snow Fungues (Suet Yee)

Nourishing the lungs, healing dry cough and clearing heat in the lung. Those who often catch cold can eat White Fungus and Red Dates together. If eaten with Hasma / Suet Kap (dried glands of a snow frog), it will give you a smooth complexion.

Sweet Preserved Apricots (Nam Hang) & Bitter Preserved Apricots (Pak Hang)



Target the lungs. Cures cough and constipation.





Dried Lotus Seed



Clear Heat and restore your health. It's always in my mind that this seed works wonders. Used to make the lotus paste (in mooncakes).




Dried longans : Dark Brown in colour. Sweet and nourishing.


Recipes courtesy from Pearl Magazine:
6-8 cups of water
40 gm white fungus (Shuet Yee)
3-5 gm Hasma (Shuet Kap)
3 gm sweet red dates (with seed removed)
1 gm sweet preserved apricots (Nam Hang)
1 gm bitter preserved apricots (Pak Hang)
180-250 gm Rock sugar(Adjust to taste)

As I didn't buy Hasma, I just replaced it with Lotus Seed (100gm or more if you like it, RM3.80/gm), dried longans and also add some Sago (for decorative purposes).

Steps:
1. Soak white fungus & hasma till soft. Blanch both in hot boiling water, rinse and drain again.
2. Rinse sweet dates, sweet and bitter preserved apricots, lotus seed and sago.
3. Put all ingredients in a pot except sago and sugar.
4. Add boiling hot water and leave to cook slowly for 2-3 hours (make sure ingredients are soft by then).
5. Add sago.
6. Then add rock sugar to taste.
7. Serve hot / cold.
8. Yummy..............



Ready to serve

Is this true, men?

I think the Urinal selection part is true, I was told...
I know why you guys are extremely fast now.
Walk in, Pee, Walk Out. Less than 30seconds.