Traffic Offences

With the installation of CCTVs all over the city, our traffic offences may be caught on tape without us realising it. Have you ever wondered as to whether you have any outstanding summonses?

Well, wonder no more as our Royal Police department (PDRM, Police DiRaja Malaysia) has made it convenient for road-users to check our record. This being the Hari Raya celebration and all, they are offering a discount, though not for all offences. This is where you can check out your summonses. Good luck! (Good thing I have none.)

Memories to last a lifetime!

Generally for a birthday, everyone has an inclination to the type of gifts to give. The common gifts would normally be toys and gadgets, books, clothing and accessories and the like. For a change, ever thought of giving something different, something personalized, something so memorable that it'll last a lifetime?

I came across this personalized gifts store whose gifts will surely wow any kid, any adult too for that matter. They have hundreds of amazing personalized gifts to choose from, from Photo Personalized NFL Posters to Disney Plates, each is sure to bring joy to anyone in your life, big or small!

You can even personalize a story on a DVD or a storybook with your child's photo on it. How cool is that! Of course, there are personalized gifts for adults as well. Check it out!

Mama's milk ice-cream?

Ice cream....YUM!! The above picture shows kids enjoying ordinary treats from Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream. Not sure if they'd still be enjoying the ice cream if they are made from human milk though.

That's what ice cream will be made from if PETA's advice is being heeded. PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has recommended to Ben & Jerry's to consider using human breast milk instead of cow's milk in their products. Besides health reasons given, PETA said "...it would reduce the suffering of cows and calves". And getting milk from mamas is different?! Duh!!

Well, I know that if human milk is used, I'm weaned off ice cream. Eww!!

Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri

To All Muslim readers, Best Wishes for a Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri.
To others, Happy Holidays!

Friday Frolics - What Color Purple Are You?

I almost forgot we have a Friday frolicking date.

Last Friday's quiz is on the color Red. Let's do another round of color quiz. This time, it's the color Purple. Interesting thought-provoking questions they have again. So, find out What Color Purple Are You.

You Are Iris

You are an interesting blend of fun and wisdom. You definitely make people think about themselves and their place in the world. But they'll have fun doing it. You definitely epitomize laughter therapy. You are a very enriching and entertaining friend!

What Color Purple Are You?

Other Fun Quizzes

Lost but Never To Be Found

The world is such an unsafe place. Just before the fasting month, a friend lost his car in a parking lot in a shopping complex. We also have highway robbery of cars where someone rams your car or let you ram into his and along comes another car to either steal your car or rob you.

The highway authorities must have got wind of some of these crooks that they have issued a list of vehicles for the public to be aware of. Their advice is for you to proceed to a police station if you are being followed by any of these vehicles:

ISWARA BIRU
Number plates
WFK 6929
WHN 8719
BWB 9325
BEB 8734
BEB 8320
BEB 8323

PROTON WIRA
Number plate
WKT 5371

It is surprising that they are using such small cars instead of more rugged vehicles. Whatever it is, these people need to be purged from society like Ephedrasil Hardcore, one that purges fat from the system. LOL!

Faucets in Feng Shui

Not everyone believe in Feng Shui. But really, there is nothing to believe or not to believe, as Feng Shui principles are in part based on practicality. We are actually practising the principles without even knowing it.

For instance, clutter in Feng Shui is discouraged as it stagnates the 'chi' or energy in a space. Even if one does not believe in Feng Shui, clutter is also discouraged in one's living or work area for practical reasons.

Another example is a leaking faucet. In Feng Shui, a leaking faucet is a sign of the inclination of wasting money or losing wealth slowly but surely. As a norm, we would get a leaking faucet fixed so that water is not wasted nor the dripping of water become disturbing which could disturb the peace.

The Art of Shopping

I was with some friends at dinner over the weekend and as always the subject of shopping came up. We all agreed that great bargains can be had if we know where to look and when. Why pay full price when you can have the same item for much less, eh? Every smart shopper knows that.

The other day, a friend was at a furniture fair looking for a king bed. The one she was eyeing came with a couch that she could have for below RM100. The fact of the matter is, Malaysia does have a surplus of furniture stores and discount furniture is everywhere. You just need the time to shop around.

Does Size Matter?

This sure takes a burger meal to a higher level, doesn't it?

This is the Biggest Burger at Denny's Beer Barrel Pub, Clearfield, Pennsylvania. You'll need to order ahead for this 123lb (56 kg) burger. Of course, if you're just after a snack, there's always the 6lb (3 kg) version.

Unfortunately, we don't have this here. But what's your favorite burger?

Picture source: Yahoo! News

Malaysia faces brain-drain

Many Malaysian students go overseas to further their education and many choose to stay back in the country after they graduate. Why is this so? They are willing to sacrifice not being with their loved ones and rough it out on their own. Some attribute the reason for not coming back to the absence of equal opportunity for promotion. The pay is also low compared to overseas, like in the United States.

A colleague's son who graduated from a university on the U.S. east coast chose to stay back in the United States. He has secured a job but is thinking of switching jobs looking out for some Philadelphia jobs that are closer to his field of study and interests.

Promiscuity in China

I needed this.

An American tourist goes on a trip to China . While in China , he is very sexually promiscuous and does not use a condom all the time.

A week after arriving back home in the States, he wakes one morning to find his penis covered with bright green and purple bumps.

Horrified, he immediately goes to see a doctor. The doctor, never having seen anything like it, orders some tests and tells the man to return in two days.

The man returns in a couple of days and the doctor says: "I've got bad news for you. You've contracted Mongolian VD. It's very rare and almost unheard of here. We know very little about it".

The man looks a little perplexed and says: "Well, give me a shot or something and fix me up, doc". The doctor answers: "I'm sorry, there's no known cure.

We're going to have to amputate your penis". The man screams ! In horror, "Absolutely not! I want a second opinion".



The doctor replies: "Well, it's your choice. Go ahead if you want, but surgery is your only choice".



The next day, the man seeks out a Chinese doctor, figuring that he'll know more about the disease.



The Chinese doctor examines his penis and proclaims: "Ah, yes, Mongolian VD. Vely lare disease".



The guy says to the doctor: "Yeah, yeah, I already know that!, but what we can do? My American doctor wants to operate and amputate my penis?"



The Chinese doctor shakes his head and laughs: "Stupid Amelican docta, always want to opelate. Make more money, that way. No need to opelate!"



"Oh, Thank God!", the man replies.



"Yes", says the Chinese doctor, "You no worry! Wait two weeks, fall off by itself! You save money."


Disclaimer: This is only a joke.

Google Search -- too much of a good thing

It's nice when you receive email from someone who has found something interesting enough on your blog to write. Sometimes, it could also be a query for place locations or information sources.

When I first started blogging, I was pretty sure that I would be the only one reading my own writing. Thus I did not see it necessary to even put in a profile picture much less an email address. Did not see the need to, afterall I was of the opninion that who would find my blog among the millions anyway, let alone write to me.

Never saw the importance of Google Search too, but these days this would be the first place to look. There are so many things on the Internet that you are honestly spoilt for choice. Heck, even looking up diet pill reviews will yield so many sites, which can be rather frustrating and time-consuming going through them. That's what I've been told.

Let's talk about the weather

Say, did you notice the Weather Forecast widget on the sidebar? Yeah, the one below the Favorite Blog Authors. So this weather forecast is correct afterall. Just as I'm writing this, it's raining cats and doors outside.

For people whose homes are on a hill, heavy downpour can be worrisome. It's the landslides and sinkholes that could keep house-owners awake at night when there is prolonged heavy downpour. Short of moving out, the next best thing would be to have mortgage life insurance. At least, should anything happen, they can get compensated.

Esquire - "The 75 Books Every Man Should Read"

What kind of books do you read? How do you choose what books to read? Is there a recommended reading list that you go by?

Esquire has come up with what they describe as unranked, incomplete and utterly biased list of the greatest works of literature ever published "The 75 Books Every Man Should Read". Every woman too, perhaps.

Going through the list, noticed that I do have a lot to catch up on. Yes, even The Postman Always Rings Twice is on this list which I haven't read but the movie I have watched, and the part that always springs to mind is the scene at the kitchen sinks. hmm..

How many have you read?














Source: Esquire

Do Fishes Sleep?

When mothers get together they talk about babies, fathers talk shop, pet-owners talk about their pets and girlfriends? They gossip and exchange notes... Oops! Scratch the last bit and let's talk about pets instead.

Did you know that some people keep fish to prevent their home from being burgled? In this part of the world where charms are still used to put home-residents into a tranced sleep, it is believed that if there is anything that is wide awake at all times, the charm will not work. So what animal does not sleep or does not appear to be sleeping? The fish, of course. That is why people keep an aquarium of fishes inside the home.

I have friends who have pet dogs are sometimes in a dilemma when they are planning a trip. They need to get someone to take care of their pets. Some would even send pets and pet beds along to their friends or relatives' home. So much for living a carefree life. To each his own, of course.

Join me for some Retail Therapy?

Summer is over. No, we can't tell the seasons over here but we know summer is here when our shopping malls and complexes are busy with foreigners with bags and bags of goodies.


We just finished with our Malaysia Mega Sale and now we have the Hari Raya Sale. This time around, the main shoppers are our local people, those who will be celebrating Hari Raya Puasa, a Muslim festival celebrated at the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan.

On the shopping lists would be new clothes for every member of the family , food, draperies and other stuff for the home sprucing up the home for the holiday where families get together and friends and relatives visit one another. Which reminds me, I was supposed to go check out some taps for someone, something along the lines of Moen faucets. Excuse me... got to make a few phone-calls.

Friday Frolics: What Color Red Are You?

As a child the color red made me squirm. I'd pick clothes that are greens or blues, never red. But these days, my closet plays host too to some happy reds. Funny how tastes change over the years.

This week's quiz is about RED. So, what color red are you? Interesting questions they are asking to get to your personality. Take the quiz to find out.

You Are Red Orange

You are a very genuine person, although it takes a while for you to show the true you. A bit introverted, you desire respect and affection from those close to you. You are quite empathetic, and you have a true concern for the well being of others. Many people have warm, heartfelt memories of you - even if you don't remember them well.

What Color Red Are You?

Other Fun Quizzes

Let's do the Locomotion!!

Yes! Friday again! Got up exceptionally early this morning. Got to work early. Missed an accident near the office - someone rammed her car into the gate. Ouch!! Caught Locomotion on the radio. Too cool!

Next to sight, I'd value hearing, and MUSIC, of course. Can you imagine a world without music and without the ability to hear? And without love? But that's for another day.

I feel gabby this morning but I gotta earn my keep, so I won't chatter any further but get on with what I'd like to share with you this glorious Friday morning. How about doing the Locomotion, eh?

Have a grrreat day ahead, People!

Enjoy Kylie Minogue's version of the Locomotion..

Malaysia 2008 & 2009 Public Holidays

Yesterday was a public holiday for some states, but not for the Federal Territory, Kuala Lumpur. Yesterday's public holiday is Nuzul Al-Quran or translated in English as the Revelation of the Quran. I believe Malaysia has the most number of holidays as compared to other countries.

There are 17 public holidays in a year and 18 this year, 2008, because there are two Awal Muharram days. This is because the Muslim calendar is not a full twelve months so after a cycle of a few years, Muslim holidays will appear twice a year - at the beginning of the year and towards the end of the year. This year is one of this phenomenon. Awal Muharram is the Muslim New Year's Day.

For our foreign friends, let me give you a rundown of this year's holidays.

2008 Public Holidays
Jan
01 - New Year's Day
10 - Awal Muharram (Muslim New Year's Day)
23 - Thaipusam

Feb
07 - Chinese New Year
08 - Chinese New Year

Mar
20 - Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

May
01 - Labor Day
19 - Wesak Day

Jun
07 - King's Birthday

Aug
31 - National Day

Sep
17 - Nuzul Al-Quran (Revelation of the Quran)

Oct
01 - Hari Raya Puasa (*)
02 - Hari Raya Puasa (*)
27 - Deepavali

Dec
08 - Hari Raya Qurban/Haji (*)
11 - Sultan Selangor's Birthday
25 - Christmas
29 - Awal Muharram (Muslim New Year's Day)

* Subject to change

Want next year's too? Okay, let me also give you next year's so you'd know when we would be taking blog-breaks. LOL!

For our Chinese friends, yep, Chinese New Year will be in January, next year.

2009 Public Holidays
Jan
1 New Year's Day
26 & 27 Chinese New Year

Feb
8 Thaipusam

Mar
9 Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

May
1 Labor Day
9 Wesak Day

Jun
6 King's Birthday

Aug
31 National Day

Sep
7 Nuzul Al-Quran
20 & 21 Hari Raya Puasa (*)

Oct
17 Deepavali

Nov
27 Hari Raya Qurban/Haji (*)

Dec
11 Sultan Selangor Birthday
18 Awal Muharam (Muslim New Year's Day)
25 Christmas Day

How to find the Right Web-hosting Directory

Many of us (me included) are using free web-hosts for our blogs. Even though free web-hosting is convenient and have its merits, we cannot deny that there are certain limitations and negatives to it. For instance, if you are operating your site to market products, your site would have better credibility if it is run on its own domain instead of on a free host.

There are many website hosting companies out there. So if you were to look for a web-host, how do you pick one that will give you the kind of service that you are looking for and best value for your money?

A wise move would be to check out a webhosting directory, of course, not any directory but one who is reliable, has good testimonials from existing users, has won many awards and has a good rating.

Webhostingrating.com is one such directory. Its many awards speak for itself. They include Best Budget Hosting, Best Blog Hosting, Best Forum Hosting, Best Unix Hosting, Best Windows Hosting, and many others. Domain names are in demand. Need help with choosing your domain name? They will be able to help you.

I think I will use Webhostingrating.com if I intend to get my blog hosted with my own blog domain. Why don't you too give Webhostingrating a try if you are looking for a new web hosting service.

I am not a Redhead/Foreigner (gua mm si ang moh lang)

Every now and again, my site stats show a string of keywords that I think nothing of as I am familiar with the words. No, they are not English words but romanized words of a local dialect, Hokkien.

The keywords showed up again today, so I thought I'd Google it and see which post of mine is deserving of this search. I found it but what is surprising is that it's ranked at the top spot, even ahead of Kenny Sia's site. For those not familiar with Kenny Sia. He is Malaysia's very own celebrity blogger. He is in Kuching, I believe.


Without further ado, for my regular and longer-time blog-buddies, let's revisit the post for another round of laughter, and for my new blog-buddies, enjoy gua mm si ang moh lang

Losing weight without even trying

What is the best way to lose some weight? Have food poisoning. No kidding, that is what a visiting colleague from the US said. She was part-joking, of course, but she did find her pants slipping down lower than usual after a bout of food poisoning that sent her visiting the bathroom (hurling and purging) throughout the night and fearful of eating a full meal afterwards for days.

No need for diet pills nor exercise at the gym. She just needed a belt to keep her pants from hitting the ground. Yeah, she got one from the mall next-door to where she was staying.

A Farmhouse in Muar

It's always nice to be invited to tag along a friend who is going home. By home, I mean going outstation, interstate, where she is from originally and where her parents are.

Recently, I was in Muar again and had the chance of visiting my girlfriend's aunt and her family, who live on the outskirts of Muar.

They live in a house with their orchard nearby with acres of durian trees and other fruit trees like papayas, rambutans and guavas, the latter with such low-lying and succulent fruits that I was so tempted to pluck them. (I didn't, of course.)

They also rear chickens and ducks like a normal farm and with farmhouse sinks to boot - you know those squarish stone sinks. A pond of pink and white water-lilies in bloom caught my fancy. Lovely. I have got to go back there again. Stay tuned.

Friday Frolics: Driving Personality Test

For those of you who are driving, does driving bring out the devil in you? Are you the cool, calm type off the road but turn into a road warrior once you are behind the wheel?

Although you might not know it, your driving personality could pose a danger; not just to yourself but others as well. Find out if your "engine" needs a little cooling and retuning by taking the Driving Personality Test. *Ahem..* But before you do the test, know that you will be safe sharing the road with me. Don't believe me? Here, check out my test result below:



Driving Personality Test
Other Fun Quizzes

...and some sound advice

Mid-Autumn Festival - 2008

How time flies. We are celebrating yet another Mid-Autumn Festival this Sunday though I suspect some of us still have last year's mooncakes in the fridge!

The Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as Mooncake Festival or Lantern Festival in Singapore and Malaysia) falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of the Chinese calendar (usually around mid- or late-September in the Gregorian calendar), a date that parallels the Autumn Equinox of the solar calendar. This is the ideal time, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest, to celebrate the abundance of the summer's harvest. Read the history of how it all began.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in Chinese communities all over the world.



The traditional food of this festival is the mooncake, of which there are many different varieties. Local varieties include green tea, pandan (a kind of aromatic leaves used for cooking) and even durian flavour. Of late, these mooncakes come packed in very inviting containers. Truth be told that some customers are more attracted to the containers than the mooncakes themselves. Some have made a hobby of collecting these pretty containers.

Wikipedia says that the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the two most important holidays in the Chinese calendar (the other being the Chinese Lunar New Year), and is a legal holiday in several countries. Not quite correct here. To the Chinese, the most important holiday or festival is the Winter solstice day (Dec 22) though it is not declared a legal holiday in Malaysia.

Back to the Mid-Autumn Festival - In ancient times, farmers celebrate the end of the summer harvesting season on this date. Traditionally, on this day, Chinese family members and friends gather to admire the bright mid-autumn harvest moon, and eat moon cakes and pomeloes together. Like all holidays, dinner is an elaborate affair on this day. Accompanying the celebration, there are additional cultural or regional customs, such as listed below though personally, I have not seen all of them being practised this part of the world.

The Traditional customs include:

1. Eating moon cakes outside under the moon - still practised here

2. Putting pomelo rinds on one's head - haven't seen this amusing sight

3. Carrying brightly lit lanterns - they are also hung in the courtyard

4. Burning incense in reverence to deities including Chang'e (who is supposed to be living on the Moon according to legend) - yes, for Toaists/Buddhists. I remember hinting to my grandmother (she's no longer with us) that man has landed on the Moon.

5. Planting Mid-Autumn trees - have not seen done.

6. Collecting dandelion leaves and distributing them evenly among family members - something new to me.

7. Lighting lanterns on towers - probably similar to #3.

8. Fire Dragon Dances - not seen this part of the world. We only have Dragon dances during the Chinese New Year.

For those celebrating, have a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.

Source: Wikipedia

Related posts:
Mid-Autumn Festival 2007
Mid-Autumn Festival 2006
Mid-Autumn Festival 2005 - What it means in various countries
Mid-Autumn Festival 2005

Is Today Your Birthday?

It has been said that the day you were born has a bearing on your character. Some cultures believe that. Do you?

Today is the 10th. Is it your birthday today? If it is or if you were born on the 1, 19 or 28, this old post on Numerology might interest you. (I have no idea how I got to this old post. Thought I'd repost it.)

Your Psyche or Nature Number is 1
------------------------------------------
Your Personality and Traits
- You have a strong mind and body. You are attractive to members of opposite sex. You love to lead your life on your own terms. ....Continue reading...

Of Names and Biology lessons

Clearing my email archive, I found these and I simply have to share them. I apologise if you find them a little crude. I know I needed a chuckle today.


WHAT'S IN A NAME?
A Red Indian boy goes to his mother one day with a puzzled look on his face.

"Say, Mom," he asked, "why is my big brother named Mighty Storm'?"
"Because he was conceived during a mighty storm." she replied.

"Why is my sister named 'Corn Flower'?"
"Well," his mother answered, "Your father and I were in a cornfield when we made her."

"And why is my other sister called 'Moon Child'?"
"We were watching the moon landing while she was conceived," the mother replied.

The mother then asked the boy, "Tell me, Broken Rubber, why are you so curious?"


BIOLOGY LESSON
At a Biology class, the teacher asked the class:

"Why is that during childhood, gals tend to grow taller than guys?"
A student replied: "That's because guys have balls and that weighs them down."

Teacher: "Then why is that at maturity, guys tend to grow taller than gals?"
Student: "That's because gals have breasts and they are heavier than the guy's balls."

Cameron Diaz

What attracts you to see a movie? Is it the cast, the script, the wardrobe?

I think for most of us, the cast is what draws us, at least it is for me. It will be difficult to get me to see a movie if I do not fancy the cast. Strange that I think I will enjoy the movie if the cast is who I fancy. My thinking is, if the cast is good, it would only stand to reason that the script or storyline would be equally so but it is not always the case, of course.

Based on the assumption that good cast equals good movie, it is little wonder that some actors/actresses get paid so much more than the others.

Cameron Diaz is on my favourites list - Something about Mary and My Best Friend's Wedding come to mind. My other favourites are Meg Ryan, Cate Blanchett, Diane Keaton, Julia Roberts, Eric Roberts - (did you know they are siblings?), Robert Downey Jr., Tom Hanks, Samuel L Jackson, Morgan Freeman, Keanu Reeves, Nicholas Cage, John Travolta to name just a few.

I came across a gallery on Cameron Diaz. Thought I'd post a few of the better shots or rather my favourites from the collection.

Who are your favourite actors and actresses?








Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher attend the premiere of their film "What Happens in Vegas" in Westwood, Calif., on May 1, 2008.

This sounds like a good movie. Think I need to hit the store to get a hold of it.

Friday Frolics - Art Attack / Which Artist should paint your Portrait

When I was in primary one, Art was one of two subjects I looked forward to. The other was P.E. (Physical Education).

In Art class, we were provided with everything, well, almost. We were given art paper, paintbrushes and paints and those paints came in powder form and in cans. Sometimes, we did not paint but were given plasticine to mold stuff. We also learned to craft things like making key-chains, bookmarks, fans, etc. Art class was indeed fun.

When Art Attack was shown on tv a few years back, it was naturally one of my favourite programs. If you have seen the program you would agree that there are a ton of ideas for people who love art and craft, art teachers, especially.

So, for this week, let's extend our Friday frolicking to include some dabbling in art, shall we?

Enter Primary Art Class.


And here's an art-related quiz on portrait painting, as in which artist should paint your portrait:

Who Should Paint You: Pablo Picasso

You are an expressive soul who shows many emotions, with many subtleties Only a master painter could represent your glorious contradictions

What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?

Other Fun Quizzes

Freeze no more with Fire pits

Everyone in the world is affected by Global Warming. Here in Malaysia, temperatures seem higher than they used to be, say, a decade ago. If it does not rain for an extended period of a week or so, the weather will be a common topic of greeting-exchange.

Personally, I prefer hot weather than cold weather. I remember being up at Genting Highlands one time and we ventured outdoors early one morning, and it was like freezing out there. Made me wish we had fire pits beside us. Oh yes, Genting Highlands can be cramp-cold in the mornings at that elevation of about 6000ft above sea-level.

Since 1955

No sex since 1955 !!!

A crusty old Marine Sergeant Major found himself at a gala event hosted by a local liberal arts college. There was no shortage of extremely young idealistic ladies in attendance, one of whom approached the Sergeant Major for conversation.

"Excuse me, Sergeant Major, but you seem to be a very serious man. Is something bothering you?"

"Negative, ma'am. Just serious by nature."

The young lady looked at his awards and decorations and said, "It looks like you have seen a lot of action."

"Yes, ma'am, a lot of action."

The young lady, tiring of trying to start up a conversation, said, "You know, you should lighten up a little. Relax and enjoy yourself."

The Sergeant Major just stared at her in his serious manner.
Finally the young lady said, "You know, I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but when is the last time you had sex?"

"1955, ma'am."

"Well, there you are. You really need to chill out and quit taking everything so seriously! I mean no sex since 1955!"

She took his hand and led him to a private room where she proceeded to "relax" him several times.

Afterwards, panting for breath, she leaned against his bare chest and said, "Wow, you sure didn't forget much since 1955."

The Sergeant Major, glancing at his watch, said in his serious voice, "I hope not, it's only 2130 now."

(Don't ya love military time?!)

Source unknown

*snicker*

Time to Stop and Stare

CC of Quaintmelody.com wrote about people rushing by, quickly in their paces. CC writes from Auckland and her post reminds me of the time I was there in New Zealand.

On a visit to New Zealand some years back, I could not help but noticed that people were rushing to get home after office hours. I saw that in Auckland, in Christchurch and in Wellington. That hurried pace took me by surprise. It was only 5ish then. I remember a feeling of sadness coming over me. I felt like they were deserting the place, deserting me to fend for myself in the strange city. Good thing I was not alone then. Nevertheless, it was still a sad feeling.

Here in Kuala Lumpur, it is a different scenario. People may be rushing home but a lot are not in a hurry to do that. We have other agendas.

We go to dinner, we go shopping, meet up with friends and hang out somewhere, Starbucks or DOME maybe, or go to a concert, a movie or karaokeing or just end up at some mamak stall (roadside eatery) for a simple teh tarik and roti canai and watch an EPL (English Premier League) game. (Friends tell me it is more fun to watch a soccer game with lots of other people around.)

I am sure a visitor to this city of a million+ residents will never feel sad (nor bored) when dusk falls because Kuala Lumpur is always alive and bustling with people and activity, after office hours. One can find plenty to see and do for the night is forever young in Kuala Lumpur. Retail shopping only ends at 10pm, some 1030pm every day of the week.

Clubs and other entertainment places stay open until 2pm or thereabouts. Mamak stalls are open 24 hours so are ATMs in banks which accounts for many people doing their banking after hours - to beat the traffic jams and bank queues. Petrol is available 24 hours as well. Food is available 24 hours, everyday, 365 days of the year.

Kuala Lumpur may be a bustling city, but people here have been reputed to be helpful and friendly to visitors. The country plays host to thousands of visitors every year in summer, some staying for the entire duration.

No time to stop and stare? Come on! Give yourself a break. Let me leave you with this poem my English teacher loved to quote:

Time to Stop & Stare

What is this life if full of care

We have no time to stand and stare?

No time to stand beneath the boughs

And stare as long as sheep, or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,

Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,

Streams full of stars, like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty's glance,

And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can

Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this, if full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare.



William Henry Davies 1871 - 1940

Goodbye August, Hello September!

STREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETCH..... Yawwwwwnnn!! Is it September already?

September... lots happening in September. For starters, let's crank it up with a song, shall we? None more befitting than September by Earth, Wind and Fire. Can't believe this number is three decades old.




Let's look at what's in store for September:

Sept 1 - Labor Day in the US (this year). Over here, the fasting month of Ramadhan begins for Muslims. Selamat Berpuasa.

- In India, Teachers' Day is celebrated on September 5. The date is the birthday of the second President of India, academic philosopher Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

- In Japan, Respect for the Aged Day is a national holiday celebrated on the third Monday of September. Autumnal Equinox Day is also a national holiday.

- In the United States, Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15 to October 15.

- In Mexico, Independence Day is celebrated September 15.

- In Saint Kitts and Nevis, National Heroes' Day is celebrated September 16.

- National Grandparents' Day takes place on the first Sunday after Labor Day in the United States and Canada.

- In the United States, September 11 is Patriot Day, in remembrance of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

- The equinox named the autumnal equinox in the northern hemisphere and the vernal or spring equinox in the southern hemisphere occurs on dates varying from 21 September to 24 September.

- In Australia and New Zealand, Father's Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September.

And we do have a number of Swans, I mean birthdays coming up in September, don't we?

Happy Birthday, my dear friends, and may sunshine and blue skies fill your days!

September spells the end of yet another fabulous summer vacation for tourists but no sad goodbyes. They are probably raring to go back to their real routine. Eh?

Adios amigos and have a pleasant flight back.


Source: Wikipedia