Friday, November 29, 2013

Friday Frolics - What Holiday Pie Matches Your Personality?

Just as readers here are reading this, people in the US and Canada and some other countries are celebrating Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving!

In line with this holiday, let's do a Thanksgiving personality quiz this week. Most of us do not celebrate Thanksgiving but we could replace the holiday with a major holiday or celebration in our culture, to answer the questions. Give it a shot and see which pie fits your personality.

Happy Thanksgiving again and Happy Friday!



You Are Pecan Pie

You love to open up your home during the holidays. You are all about generosity and hospitality.

You are the perfect holiday host, and even if you aren't hosting, you do your part to pitch in and help.



You really get into the spirit of the season without thinking about what you get out of it. For you, the holidays are about other people.

Whether you're baking homemade pies or picking out amazing gifts, you do what you can to put a smile on loved ones' faces.


Last week's quiz: What Kind of Soul Are You?


Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Chinese simple life-saving tips

Sometime ago, there was an email that was going around suggesting a tip to quickly react to someone who is suffering from a stroke to reverse the effects. The other day, I received an email with the same tip plus a few others - good to know, actually.

Apparently, these are traditional Chinese health tips. Four situations are covered as per below. Take a look. They are worth a try just to prove that the tips work, if nothing else.

I'm posting it verbatim from the email and it's in both Chinese and English translation - but no source indicated, so whoever compiled this, thank you.

A disclaimer though: do it at your own risk, but pass on the information, anyway.


Subject: Fwd: FW: 4 Important Tips & 3 Saving a life three therapeutic methods To Know-- 四个重要的 简单知识

FYI

四个重要的 简单知识

1 Choked While Eating 噎到东西
2、Getting A Stiff Neck 落枕
3、Foot Cramp 脚抽筋
4、Foot Numb 脚麻了

这个请大家千万千万要努力传哦,因是个知识,可以教人,也可以救人哦!
Everybody try to pass on these knowledge, may teach the others, may save life !
救命的方法分享:

Method share that saving a life:

1.噎到东西之处理方式----只要「把手举起來」。
1. Treatment for choked----"Raise Up Your Hands" Or "Hands Up"

2.落枕
您偶而早上起床会发现自己落枕了吗?就是脖子疼痛。
一旦落枕您該怎麼办?一旦落枕时,只要將你的脚抬起來!
把大脚姆指給掰开來,慢慢的以順时或逆时的方向按摩旋转。
2. You get out of bed by chance in the morning and discover getting a stiff neck? Is neck ache.
What to do once gets a stiff neck you should lifts your foot!
Slowly massage your big toes counter clockwise and clockwise .

3. 脚抽筋时
左脚抽筋时高高的举起右手,右脚抽筋时高高的举起左手,马上舒緩。
3. When the left leg cramps holding up high right hand, right foot cramp holding up high left hand, recover immediately

4. 脚麻了
若左脚麻了,用力甩你的右手掌。若右脚麻了,則用力甩你的左手掌。
4. If the left foot has been numb, swing your right hand palm. If the right foot has been numb, swing your left palm.


为咱爸咱妈一定记下来【救命三法】
Writes certainly down for our father our mother [Saving a life three therapeutic methods]
一、半身不遂(不管脑出血还是栓塞)、口眼歪斜,马上取缝衣针将患者双耳垂最下点刺破,各挤出一滴血,病人马上治愈,而且愈后不留任何后遗症。

First, is paralyzed ( no matter cerebral hemorrhage or embolism), the mouth & eye is crooked, takes the sewing needle to puncture the patient double earlobe most under spot immediately, squeezes out a drop of blood respectively, the patient cures immediately, moreover, does not have any side effect .


二、心脏病猝死发生后,马上脱掉患者袜子,用缝衣针分别刺破其十个脚趾尖,各挤出一滴血,不等挤完十个脚趾尖,病人即清醒过来。
Second, after heart disease sudden death occurred, takes off the patient sock immediately, punctures its ten foot tiptoes with the sewing needle respectively, squeezes out a drop of blood respectively, having finish punctures ten foot tiptoes, the patient wake up .


三、不管哮喘还是急性喉炎等,发现病人出不来气,憋得脸红脖子粗,赶紧用缝衣针刺破其鼻尖,挤出两滴黑血即愈。
Third, no matter asthma acute laryngitis and so on, discovered that the patient cannot breathe , hurry up to puncture its tip of the nose with the sewing needle, squeezes out two drops of black blood to recover.
以上三法均无任何危险,请放心操作,都在10秒内有效。一份孝心,我转了![爱心]

The above three methods: there is no any danger, feel relieved about operation please equally, is effective all within 10 seconds. A love toward parents, I have sent my [Loving heart]

Friday, November 22, 2013

Luna Guitars Maluhia Concert Ukulele Mahogany with Satin Finish

Looking to buy a ukulele? How about this beautiful Maluhia Concert Ukulele? This sweet sounding uke comes in mahogany with satin finish and, for a limited time only, you can own one for $129, a 33% saving and with stocks available, it is ready to ship.

With the following features, you know you'll be getting a steal:

Laser-etched "Peace"
Design by Alex Morgan
Body: 21" Concert
Top: Select Mahogany
Back/Sides: Mahogany
Neck: Nato/ Mahogany
Fretboard/Bridge: Rosewood
Open Style Tuners
Aquila Strings
Preamp: none
Scale:15"
Nut: 1 5⁄16"
Finish: Satin
24" x 8 1⁄8" x 2 3⁄4"
Gig bag included

Here's where you can place your order or get more information about it -- buy luna guitars maluhia concert ukulel. Happy shopping!

Best Interactive Google doodle - in honour of Doctor Who

Quick, check out the Google homepage for its interesting interactive doodle to celebrate Doctor Who's 50th anniversary. Doctor Who?

Doctor Who is a British science-fiction television programme produced by the BBC. The programme depicts the adventures of a Time Lord—a time-travelling humanoid alien known as the Doctor.


Yes, prepare to lose all productivity today as you can get hooked to this 8-bit platform game in which you play the Doctor through all his 11 incarnations. Google's best doodle yet. Enjoy!

Friday Frolics - What Kind of Soul Are You?

Surprise yourself this week with this quiz. Thought-provoking questions too.

Happy Friday, everyone!



You Are a Newborn Soul

You are tolerant, accepting, and willing to give anyone a chance.

On the flip side, you're easy to read and easily influenced by others.

You have a fresh perspective on life, and you can be very creative.

Nonconformist and nontraditional, you've never met anyone who's like you.



Inventive and artistic, you like to be a trendsetter.

You have an upbeat spirit and you like almost everything.

You make friends easily and often have long standing friendships.

Impulsive and trusting, you fall in love a little too easily.



Souls you are most compatible with: Bright Star Soul and Dreaming Soul


Last Week's Quiz: What's Your Money Type?



Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Today is Universal Children's Day

An outing outdoors in Kuala Lumpur today would be nice because it's not a hot day outside though somewhat overcast.

We are seeing more rain these past few days which could be due to the upcoming northeasterly monsoon season. East coast states are on the alert for floods which normally come with this weather pattern.

Today, November 20, is Universal Children's Day by United Nations recommendation.

I've lost touch with when Children's Day is here in Malaysia but according to Wikipedia, In Malaysia, Children's Day is celebrated on the first Saturday of November annually. Primary school pupils normally go to school on the Friday before the event to celebrate Children's Day. The schools that are involved would also organize numerous activities for their pupils.

Google celebrates this day with a nice Google doodle..

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Who has come visiting?

Sometimes I do wonder what were people looking for when they were directed here by the search engines. If you are one who looks at your blog statistics, you would have an idea what post(s) of yours are bringing in traffic, albeit just a one-time visit thingy maybe.

I've had people arriving here looking for 'sex partner in KL'.  My bad, it must have been a few supposedly 'sexy' jokes I posted.  And then there is the occasional visitor hoping to find KL rehab information, i.e., availability of rehab centers in KL.  I wish I have that information though I've written a few times about rehab centers in the U.S. either for oxycodone rehab or for other problems that may need some professional attention.

What's the most unusual keyword or keywords that you have encountered on your blog stats? Or you don't care?


Friday, November 15, 2013

Friday Frolics - What's Your Money Type?

Money, money, money, always funny, in a rich man's world.

I know, talking about money is kinda tacky but let's talk about it anyway, but more in an investment/financial sort of way. This week's quiz can tell you the Money Type you are. Take the quiz to find out more about yourself.

Happy Friday, everyone!



You Are a Planner

You are a master when it comes to finances. You are big on making your money work for you.

You feel comfortable making big financial decisions for the future. You love to crunch numbers.



Spending money in the here and now is not as easy for you. You need to see the big picture of every decision.

You will be fine in the long run, so make present day spending part of your plan. You can buy things without ruining your future.


Last week's quiz: What Do You Need Most?

Modern day multitrack recorders

Multitrack recorders have come a long way but you already knew that if you have been recording music for many years now.

A tape machine used to cost around $3,500 in the '70s. Not only are recorders expensive, they were also bulky, not exactly portable. These days, multitrack recorders can be just the size of a paperback book which makes them lightweight and mobile and don't take up much space.

One such analog multitrack recorder is the TASCAM DP-006 which is less than $200 and has built-in microphones. Other multitrack recorders available in the market include Fostex, Zoom and Boss.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Expat in KL shares her story

I admit being a blogger in Kuala Lumpur, what I've written about the city leaves much to be desired. My bad, I shall try to do better. Nevertheless it is comforting to know that this little blog at least has a regular reader, a nice lady from Portugal.

Being an expatriate here since August and loving it so much in KL, Marta Velez emailed me as to whether she could guest-post and share her pleasant experiences as KL is surprising her so much. I couldn't pass up on this wonderful offer, could I? So, read on for Marta's insights on her stay in Kuala Lumpur which would give you an idea of what to expect if you're planning on visiting Kuala Lumpur.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Marta (in red shorts) and friend in front of the Petronas Twin Towers
Hello! My name is Marta I am from Portugal (yes, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best one!!) and I have been living in Kuala Lumpur for three months now, planning to stay a couple of months more (or more, who knows?).

Why Malaysia? Honestly the right question is: Why Not Malaysia?! Kuala Lumpur would not be the obvious choice for a Portuguese girl looking for an adventure abroad. But obvious is boring right?!!

I came here by luck, as I found a really interesting working opportunity. I have to admit that before coming here my knowledge about Malaysia was pretty inexistent and Google was my best friend when it came to create some kind of expectations about what my life would be like here. The truth is that this country totally overcomes all my expectations and I totally fell in love with Malaysia and especially Kuala Lumpur.

First of all, being an Expat here is actually pretty easy. Local people are super available and open; they all speak English which is a huge advantage! Besides this there is a huge community of expats in KL which makes the adaptation process easier (you know that we are over 100 Portuguese people in KL? It is actually a really close community as we are all part of a Facebook group where we trade tips and make plans!!).

One of my main concerns was the weather. While I was picturing this almost unbearable hot and humid weather I had a pleasant surprise when I arrived here and you know what? It is not that bad. Actually it is perfect for me as I deal better with high temperatures than lower ones. One thing everyone can point out is that spending Christmas without snow and cold will be strange, sure, but I guess I’ll survive!

Nasi lemak
Talking about food (one of my favorite topics!!), I had super high expectations regarding the food… and I was not disappointed! I always loved Chinese and Indian food and in here, comparing to Europe, it taste waaay better! Naan bread? It is AMAZING! One of my other favorites is without a doubt Nasi Lemak, the local dish, especially when it comes wrapped in the banana leaf. To be honest at the beginning I was going to the same places all the time but once I got settled I started looking further. There are so many websites like VibeHero (among others others) or even Facebook groups to help you. I discovered and tried so many different types of food and restaurants so far and I am sure that KL has so much more to offer! Looking forward to keep discovering!

KL Tower
Last but not least: the lifestyle! I didn’t know what to expect concerning how people live their lives here. After overcoming less positive points like all the dirtiness, the constant energy really amazed me. With my Latin background I am used to see people in the streets, day and night, as Latin people are known to be extremely social. In that sense I totally identify with people around here! 24h/7 open restaurants and supermarkets help! (Nothing like having a naan after a night out). The night life is also pretty interesting close enough to what I have in Lisbon: nice bars to chilled nights and nice clubs to go a bit crazier (Don’t ask me why but I always seem to end up at Zouk!)! One of the other things that I simply love about Kuala Lumpur is that I am a few hours away from amazing islands, mesmerizing jungles or even other countries like Singapore or Thailand!

Concluding, Kuala Lumpur is my new addiction!

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Marta, thank you very much for this interesting article. Good to know that you are having a wonderful time here in Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur. Best wishes for continued happy times. We look forward to your next update.

If you are a visitor to Kuala Lumpur and would like to guest-post here to share your experiences, feel free to write me.


All images are courtesy of Marta Velez

Fasterners and Hardware and more..

One of the corners of a department store that I often gravitate to is the hardware section. Even though the supply there is nowhere near Reid Supply, you can still pick up some useful items like some S-hooks that I came away with the other day. Wish they have more size choices though. That's where shopping online has that advantage. There are more choices shopping online in terms of sizes and variety.

In case you may be wondering, Reid Supply serves manufacturers and businesses with easy sourcing of knobs, handles, hand wheels, clamps, tooling components, fasteners, hardware and much more.

Monday, November 11, 2013

How to Choose Diamond Jewelry Based on the Cs

Diamonds and women have some kind of a love affair. Every woman dreams of having at least one piece of diamond jewelry. If you are looking for any kind of diamond jewelry, a good guide is to start with the 4Cs when choosing your diamond. The 4 Cs are Carat, Color, Clarity, and Cut. Choosing the right diamond jewelry can be daunting to some but with an understanding of the 4 Cs, you can make an informed purchase.

Carat is the standard and objective measurement of diamonds. If you are looking forward to saving on your purchase, you can avoid the magic sizes (e.g. 0.5, 0.75, or 1). For instance, instead of buying a .5 carat diamond, you can save more with a .48 stone. Diamond jewelry is appraised and the carat weight is usually an estimate based on the outside dimensions of the stone. Always keep in mind that diamonds with more weight will also cost more. Engagement rings are sold in .5 to 1 carat, and once again, don’t hit the full magic size to save on your purchase of any diamond jewelry.

Colour. In diamonds, it is hard to find perfectly colorless stones. This is because natural diamonds tend to have brown or yellow tints, but look more icy white. Diamond jewelry with noticeable color (light yellow) are rated ‘Z’ while the colorless ones have a ‘D’ to ‘F’ rating. Diamonds with G to J rating is near colorless, K to M has a faint yellow color, and the N to R rating comes with extremely light yellow color.


Clearness is synonymous with clarity. The natural stones have internal inclusions and external blemishes, as well as other imperfections. Clarity is the measurement of these impurities. It is rare to find flawless diamonds, and since imperfections can only be seen under magnification, the clarity rating will serve as the buyer’s basis. This is the general rule - the higher the number, the lesser is the value of the stone. F1 pertains to flawless diamonds, IF is for internally flawless stones, VVS1 and VVS2 have minute inclusions, while the VS1 and VS2 have minor inclusions. SI1 and SI2 have inclusions that are visible from under the stone, while diamonds with a rating of I1, I2, and I3 have visible and obvious inclusions.

Cut is one of the most important characteristics of the diamond. Cut makes diamond jewelry sparkle and this is what amazes people. The sharpness and cleanest cut is hard to achieve, and it can have a tremendous effect on light refraction and light performance of the diamond. Finely cut diamonds are fiery and clear.

Now that you know the different Cs, you can make the right choice. Picking diamond jewelry is a personal decision. It depends on the personal taste and financial capability of the buyer. Follow the recommendations above, and you can buy the best diamond in the market.

Wait, there is the fifth C which is the diamond certificate. It is sometimes called the grading report because this contains a complete evaluation of your diamond that has been performed by a qualified professional. Listed on the certificate is the recognizable, individual characteristics that each stone bears.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

A new Blog platform to check out

Malaysia has been reported to have a high percentage of bloggers vis-a-vis it's population. We sure have much to talk about. LOL. Most of us are using a free platform such as Blogger or Wordpress, which are just as good as having your own domain. Methinks.

Here's yet another new blog platform to try out, imcreator.com. If you are not yet a blogger or is already one and are looking to set up a new blog, why not give this a try. I surely will check it out, when I get time.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Friday Frolics - What Do You Need Most?

I've been absent for a while, here and at yours, I apologise. Have been really busy lately, but, never too busy to give you that Friday dose of quiz fun. This week's personality quiz is interesting, even the questions will make you think a little, so, enjoy and find out What Do You Need Most and surprise yourself.

Happy Friday, everyone!



You Need Acceptance

You aren't truly happy in life unless you are able to accept yourself, flaws and all.

You also need to be accepted by other people. You like feeling you belong and that you're not being judged.


You are a welcoming and open minded person. It's not hard for you to accept others for who they are.

You believe that everyone is happiest when we live without judgement or prejudice. And you're doing your part to make that happen.

Last Week's Quiz: What Halloween Character Are You?

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Kawai MP6 Professional Stage Piano


If you are looking for a keyboard that has the touch of an acoustic piano the
kawai piano may be what you are looking for.

People who already own a Kawai MP6 Professional Stage Piano are giving it rave reviews for it being easy to use and good value for money among other good points including:

- Great looks
- Realistic Action
- Realistic Sound
- Responsive / Good Action
- Tone Variety
- Touch Sensitive Keys


Features include:

Keyboard: 88 weighted keys with Ivory Touch key surfaces
Action: Responsive Hammer action with Let-off
Sound Source: Progressive Harmonic Imaging (PHI)
Zones: 4 x internal, 4 x external (MIDI)
No. of Sounds: 256
and more.

This Kawai piano is suitable to be used for accompaniment, chamber music, concerts, electronic music and for learning.  Great for gigs as it is not too heavy to lug around. 

Friday, November 1, 2013

Friday Frolics - What Halloween Character Are You?

Did you all have fun last night, being Halloween and all?  Here's a spillover Halloween quiz for you this week.  Now you'll get to find out what Halloween character are you.  Enjoy!

Me, quirky? Hmm..

Your turn..



You Are a Skeleton

You are totally goofy and entertaining. You are simply charming.

You know how to have fun, and you're happy to be part of a group or crowd.



You can be a bit dark in your thinking sometimes, though other people don't see it.

You tend to develop strange obsessions and offbeat interests. You are delightfully quirky.

Last Week's Quiz: What Personality Disorder Are You?