Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2015 Happy New Year - Goodbye 2014

Well, we've come to the last day of year 2014. It has been a good year for me but I won't bore you with details. I certainly hope it has been a good/great year for you too. Let me take this opportunity to thank you for being a part of my life. You have added spice to my life. Thank you.

Google has come up with this simple-looking doodle to end the year.


But click on the doodle and you will find Google Trending Topics for the year. Below are the topics that were trending in Malaysia and Singapore. What was trending in your country? You can check it out here.



My wish for you..

Goodbye 2014.. Hello 2015!


Monday, December 29, 2014

Air Asia Indonesia Flight QZ8501 missing - Second day & Update

Update on Day 3, Dec 30 - Wreckage found

NST reported that: An Indonesian warship recovered more than 40 bodies from the sea in the search for the AirAsia jet, a navy spokesman told AFP.

Dozens of floating bodies as well as bags and aircraft debris were first spotted by an Air Force Hercules C130 which flew over waters near Pangkalan Bun in Central Kalimantan at around 11:00am this morning. - Jakarta Post

CNN - Who was aboard AirAsia Flight QZ8501? A family, veteran pilots, a fiance and more

List of passengers aboard AirAsia QZ8501

AirAsia Emergency Call Centre
Malaysia: 03-2179 5959
Indonesia: +622129270811
Singapore: +6563077688
Korea: 00798142069940

AirAsia media statement on QZ8501


Day 2, Dec 29
Indonesia resumed at dawn this morning its search for the Indonesia AirAsia plane that went missing yesterday morning in the Java Sea with 162 people onboard.

Air traffic controllers lost contact with Flight QZ8501 around an hour after it left Juanda international airport at Surabaya in east Java at 5.35am local time Sunday.

The Airbus A320-200 was en route to Singapore when it disappeared after the crew requested a change of flight plan due to stormy weather.


According to Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency chief, the plane is likely at the bottom of the sea.

“Based on the coordinates given to us and evaluation that the estimated crash position is in the sea, the hypothesis is the plane is at the bottom of the sea,” Bambang Soelistyo told a press conference.

“That’s the preliminary suspicion and it can develop based on the evaluation of the result of our search,” he said.


According to aviation experts, weather conditions around the Java Sea towards year end are known to be violent but not unmanageable.

Indonesia AirAsia Flight QZ8501 pilot had asked the air traffic control at 7.12am yesterday to deviate its flight path.

The plane, however, disappeared at 7.24am. Departing from Surabaya at 6.35am, it was sup­­posed to have landed in Singapore at 8.30am.

A Met Separt­ment spokesman when contacted confirmed that the Java Sea region had been experiencing thunderstorms and rain from 6am.

Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology senior expert Ahmad Maulan Bardai said com­munication systems on aircraft such as the A320-200 was designed to work in bad weather.


The airline, Indonesia Air Asia, in an updated statement issued late Sunday, said it is cooperating with the relevant authorities to determine the cause of the incident.

For the families in Singapore, an emergency briefing room at Changi International Airport Terminal Two has been set up where AirAsia Indonesia will be providing regular updates.

An Emergency Call Centre has also been established, available for those seeking information about relatives or friends who may have been onboard the flight. The number is +622129270811.

Photo Gallery: AirAsia Indonesia Flt QZ8501 plane missing..



Source: The Star

Friday, December 26, 2014

Friday Frolics- What Do Your Initials Say About You?

Do you believe that your name has somewhat of a bearing on who you are? Never mind, just take the quiz below to see if it's true in your case and it's just about your initials only. Go on..



You Are Accepting and Open

When You Are Comfortable or in a Social Setting:

You are enthusiastic and flexible. You are open-minded. You prefer to learn from others... not judge them.

People see you as kind and cooperative. You are very supportive when friends are down on their luck.



When You Are At Your Best:

You are a hard worker. You need security and stability in your life, even if that means putting in long hours.

People see you as solid and dependable. You are always able to see the good in situations. Other find this comforting.

Have you taken The Color Test Quiz?


Flood situation in Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur is spared though

Wet is the word to start off the day. It's raining here in Kuala Lumpur.

This is the time of the year of the monsoon season. Malaysia experiences two monsoon seasons a year and this time it's the north-easterly monsoon which begins in September right up to December/January. Not so much of the wind but the rain is much feared. The flood situation currently is bad or rather worse off than previous years with six states being affected including Sabah on the island of Borneo.


On the bright side for KLites, KL is not experiencing any flash flood so far unlike the other six states with flood waters almost reaching the roof in some places.

Even our National Park in Pahang, Taman Negara, is not spared. Some 102 tourists were caught unawares and stranded but they are out of danger with food supplies reaching them and they being safely flown out to safe ground.


Kajang town, the town of satay was also not spared. Kajang suffered a flash flood last Saturday and some animals at an animal shelter perished.


An umbrella or a raincoat is a good item to bring along should you wish to visit Malaysia this time of the year. Alternatively, they are readily available at very affordable prices, anyway.


Image source: The Star


Thursday, December 25, 2014

Deputy PM said Christmas is a time for all Malaysians to come together

Hear hear! It's good that somebody up there is speaking up.. and about time too!

"Christmas is a time for all Malaysians, regardless of ethnicity and religion to come together and have a joyous time of merrymaking, said Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin." spoken at the Christmas tea event hosted by the Christian Federation of Malaysia (CFM) at Subang Jaya on Thursday.



Source: The Star

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

Miss World 2014 is Miss South Africa

Congratulations, Miss South Africa!

Miss South Africa Rolene Strauss is the new queen of the world, while Miss Malaysia Dewi Liana Seriestha places in the Top 25 and wins the talent competition!

Rolene Strauss, a 22-year-old South African, has won the Miss World 2014 pageant in London, the organisers said in a statement released on Sunday Dec 14. Hungary’s Edina Kulcsár came second and Elizabeth Safrit, representing the US, came third. Miss World 2014 pageant was held at the ExCel Centre in east London.

Rolene Strauss of South Africa (centre) reacts after being crowned Miss World 2014. – Reuters/Toby Melville

Strauss is the third South African to hold the Miss World title and puts the country just behind Venezuela (6), India (5) and the United Kingdom (4) for total number of wins. However, South Africa does have the longest gap between wins – Strauss’ victory comes 40 years after Anneline Kriel inherited the crown in 1974. Penelope Ann Coelen was the first South African to win the pageant in 1958.

Miss World, the crowning moment..

Miss World (Miss South Africa) at the Oxford Debate. What a speech!

Meanwhile, Dewi Liana Seriestha from Kuching, Sarawak represented Malaysia. The 25-year-old performing arts student from ASWARA placed in the Top 25 and won the talent competition. Well done!


Dewi clinched the title after a live sing-off against Miss Scotland where she performed a stirring rendition of Don Juan Triumphant from the 1989 film adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera.

Other than classical opera, which she picked up at the National Academy of Arts, Culture & Heritage (Aswara) – Dewi can also sing in over eight languages including Tagalog, Spanish, Mandarin and Hindi.

Each year at Miss World the contestants are encouraged to partake in a charitable project which enriches the lives of others through hard work, selfless acts and fundraising.

As varied as the contestants themselves, the projects are inspiring to behold, and are their 'Beauty with a Purpose'. Although there are many great projects, only one can be chosen as the winner of the Beauty with a Purpose Award, an accolade presented at the Miss World Final, on Sunday the 14th of December.

This is Miss Malaysia's project.. Commendable!

More information on Beauty with a Purpose @ http://www.beautywithapurpose.com

(L-R) Miss India Koyal Rana, Miss Kenya Idah Nguma, Miss Brazil Julia Gama, Miss Indonesia Maria Asteria Sastrayu Rahajeng and Miss Malaysia Dewi Liana Seriestha react after winning the charity section of the Miss World 2014 pageant. – EPA/Facundo Arrizabalaga

Previous Miss Malaysia queens who won a Miss World placing include Deborah Henry (Top 16 in 2007), Arianna Teoh (Top 10 in 1997) and Rahima Orchient Yayah, the last Malay winner from Malaysia (Top 10 in 1994). Lina Teoh remains the most successful Miss Malaysia World, placing 2nd runner up at the Miss World finals in 1998.

Sources:
- Med student, 22, ends South Africa’s 40-year drought at Miss World pageant
- M’sian beauty lets her talent shine



Saturday, December 13, 2014

Big Bad Wolf Book Sale - Dec 5 to 16, 2014

The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale is back! Regarded as The Biggest Book Sale in the World, 3.5 MILLION books are available to book-lovers this time and for prices you can't find elsewhere. Books are going at between 75 to 95% discount! Book-lovers come from miles around, some even interstate. An event not to be missed surely.

So, hurry! 4 days left, ending on 16 December.

Location: MIECC@Mines (Mines Exhibition Centre) Here's a map to MIECC.


An idea of how huge the venue is.

Just like at supermarkets, trolleys are also available (albeit limited).


But then again do not despair as the Wolf provides boxes. Fans at the Sale can use the Customer Storage section beside the cashiers to stow unpaid purchases, then go back for more. Cool, eh?

Some like to bring their own bags..

Remember this book sale is around the clock, 24 hours, but rest assured food is available too any time you want it.

All images here are courtesy of the Big Bad Wolf facebook page.
For more information, check out the Big Bad Wolf facebook page.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Friday Frolics - The Colors Test

Indeed, the colors you're attracted to say a lot about your personality and current emotional state. Pick the color combination that appeals to you the most to learn what makes you colorful.

Have a wonderfully colorful weekend, everyone!



You Are Colorful Because You Are Delightful

You are simply a joy to be around. You are cheerful, cute, and charming.

You truly respect and appreciate other people, and it shows. You are extremely non-judgmental.



You avoid confrontation, and you hate fighting. You try your best to make sure that everyone gets along.

Life is hard, so you try to be easy on people. More importantly, you try to be easy on yourself.

Have you taken the Socks Personality Test?

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Nice kitty

Cat goes green.. Nice!


From The Star:

Locals, who first spotted the feline in Bulgarian seaside town of Varna, had initially assumed that the cat was abused by vandals who had painted him green.

They even set up a Facebook group to catch the perpetrators.

However, it seems that the feline was sleeping on top of an abandoned pile of synthetic green paint in a garage.

It is believed that the paint gradually covered the entire cat, giving him unusually vibrant appearance.

It also seems that the colour is not coming off any time soon as each nap he takes just makes the colour stronger.

Based on reports, it is unclear to whether the green feline belongs to anyone or it is just another stray cat roaming the streets of Varna.


Friday, December 5, 2014

Friday Frolics - The Socks Personality Test

An easy-to-take personality quiz this week. Pick the socks you fancy and let your choice tell about you. Talk about choices!



Your Socks Say You're Charming

You Are:



- Infinitely enchanting

- Simply amazing

- An incredible person

- A true star



Have you taken last week's personality quiz? What Animal Print Are You?

Thursday, December 4, 2014

World's biggest stamp exhibition here in Kuala Lumpur this week

If you are a stamp enthusiast, this is one stamp exhibition not to be missed. Touted as the biggest philatelic event in the world, this first-of-its-kind exhibition opened on December 1 for just six days ending on December 6.

It is held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) and features over 300 stamp exhibitors from around the globe.

The Star reported"

On display are some 700 frames of stamp exhibits. More than 30 trade booths have been set up by stamp dealers and postal administrations from around the world. Countries participating in the exhibition include Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Spain, Maldives, Wales and Mexico.


Images courtesy of The Star


Wednesday, December 3, 2014

QSC K10 10" Speakers


If you are in the U.S, and are in the market for speakers, you have got to check out the qsc k10, known for its amazingly powerful output and killer sound quality for its size.

The QSC K10 10" powered loudspeaker features a revolutionary 1000W power module, delivers high-quality amplification, HF driver, and low-frequency driver of the K-Series speakers, offering ~90° conical coverage and 129dB peak output, low frequencies extending to ~56Hz.

The K10 offers exceptional power and performance from an extremely compact system, and it can also be used as an ultra low-profile, horizontal wedge or side fill.

User reviews indicate the following Pros:

Compact (13)
Good audio (13)
Durable (11)
Easy to use (11)
Lightweight (11)
Clear sound
Versatile
- among others.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Friday Frolics - What Animal Print Are You?

We had a great run in last week's Friday Frolics in that we covered the whole gamut of personality types in that Deep Down, Who Are You? quiz. See, variety IS the spice of life!

Check out the results:

Foong PC - You are a Rock Star


SK - You are a Naturalist
(For some reason I know Bananaz is also a Naturalist. :))

Rurousha - You are a Poet


Wenn - You are a Traveller

Princess and I - You are an Artist

If you are interested to know what each personality type is like, you can go here.. Deep Down,
Who Are You?
At the same time, you can also take the quiz there to check out your own personality type if you've not already done that.


This week, we're going all animal print to find out a little bit more about our personality. Take the quiz below to find out.

Happy weekend!




You Are a Zebra Print

You are a very unique and special person. And you like to surround yourself with similarly unique people.

It's hard for you to compromise with other people. You do things your own way, and you can be a bit stubborn at times.



You are intelligent and perceptive. You have a very interesting take on the world, and you tend to see things a bit differently.

You are always growing, changing, and learning. You question limits and always challenge yourself to do more.



Last Week's Quiz: Deep Down, Who Are You?

Saturday, November 22, 2014

RON95 and diesel prices to be determined by float system from Dec 1

The Star reported that come December 1, the retail price for RON95 petrol and diesel will be fixed on a managed float, effectively marking the removal of all fuel subsidies.

Under the managed float, similar to that now used for RON97, retail prices would be based on the monthly average world price of crude oil.

The current price of RON95 is RM2.30 per litre while the price of diesel is RM2.20.

The price of RON97 dropped by 20 sen on Tuesday to RM2.55 a litre due to the drop in world oil prices.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Friday Frolics - Deep Down, Who Are You?

Yeah, deep down who are you? Find out today.

Happy Friday, everyone! It's a gorgeous day here in Kuala Lumpur. Hope yours is just as wonderful!



You Are an Artist

You are a creator of sorts, but you are also a reframer and remixer. You see art everywhere.

You are a great appreciator of traditional beauty, but you also appreciate art that's a bit more obscure.



You love things that are different, even if they are an acquired taste. You don't think of art as purely hedonic.

You like to see the world from a new perspective, and art gives you that - even if that perspective is your own.



Last Week's Quiz: Are You a Thin Crust or Thick Crust Pizza?

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Petrol RON97 now down by 20 sen - 19 November 2014

Good news for those who use RON97 petrol because it now is less by 20 sen a litre starting midnight last night. It is now at RM2.55 a litre.

The last price change of the premium petrol was in September, where it had increased by 15 sen.

The retail price of RON97 petrol is determined by a 'managed float' in which the price changes according to the market. And this price decrease of 20 sen is in line with the current crude oil price in the market which is at around USD80 a barrel, I believe.

RON95 petrol is currently at RM2.30 per litre while diesel costs RM2.20 per litre. These prices came into effect on 2 October, last month.

Image source: The Star

Friday, November 14, 2014

Friday Frolics - Are You a Thin Crust or Thick Crust Pizza?

We all know what we want in our pizza. For this week's personality quiz, find out whether you are a Thin Crust or Thick Crust Pizza and see what your answers to the questions say about you.

Happy Friday, everyone!



You Are a Deep Dish Crust

You are the type of person who naturally keeps to yourself. You just enjoy life more that way.

You like to savor whatever you happen to be experiencing. You find peace and bliss in the simplest of moments.



You are not a very complicated person, but you see the depth in everything. You find simplicity satisfying.

You are indulgent at times, only when the moment calls for it. You tend to know exactly what you need.



Have you taken the Friends Quiz?


Saturday, November 8, 2014

Namewee - Didn't know he could sing

No offence, but didn't know Namewee could sing and sing like that too. Bravo, indeed! A nice video as well.. Well, nothing less from a film-maker.

Awesome! Video just published on November 1 and it's already garnered 1,974,767 hits. Plus it's on You Tube's frontpage. This post was drafted yesterday and as of now the number of hits has gone up to 2,062,470. The video is still featured on the frontpage of You Tube.

I like it that lyrics are also provided. Enjoy! - though you may need to stretch for that Kleenex, don't say I didn't warn you..

Check it out! High Pitched by NAMEWEE

Friday, November 7, 2014

Friday Frolics - Which Friend Are You?

Remember Friends?


Friends is an American television sitcom. It's about a circle of friends living in Manhattan. The series lasted ten seasons and catapulted the actors to stardom if not superstardom. Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, it originally aired on NBC from September 22, 1994, to May 6, 2004. It lasted ten seasons and is now in syndication.

You've never watched Friends? Aww! Alright, for those who are familiar with Friends, do you think there's a character you identify with most? Maybe it's Rachel Green? Or Monica Geller, Phoebe Buffay, Joey Tribbiani, Chandler Bing or Ross Geller?

Never mind, here's an easy way to find out as to which character you are most like. Check out the Quiz below.

Hmm, it's raining outside as I'm writing this and from where I am, it looks like KL is getting some rainfall this Friday evening and I'm thinking traffic jam and probably some flash floods? Whatever.. YOU have a great rest of the day and a wonderful weekend ahead!



You Are Chandler

You are quirky, smart, and hilarious to those around you. You have an edge that other people enjoy.

People who don't know you may find you difficult to read. You take a bit of time to get to know.



You pay close attention to the world around you. You are very observant and in the moment.

You often have great ideas that others never consider. You are quite creative and inventive.



Did you miss last week's Halloween quiz?


Image source: Google

Friday, October 31, 2014

Friday Frolics - Are You A Vampire, Witch, or Zombie?

Today being Halloween, I thought a personality quiz along that line would be befitting so find out whether you are a Vampire (like me), a Witch or a Zombie. An interesting questionnaire too. Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!



You Are a Vampire

Like a vampire, you can be a bit cold and heartless at times. You are very calculating.

You think with your head, and you know better than to follow your heart.



While you are as thick skinned and resourceful as a vampire, you aren't necessarily as evil.

You can easily manipulate people into doing what you want. Whether you actually choose to manipulate them or not is a different matter.



The Jack-o-Lantern Quiz


Happy Halloween!


Happy Halloween!


Halloween is not officially celebrated here in Malaysia. In fact, I think it's rather discouraged, more so of late, because it runs counter to the popular belief system here, suffice to say that.

However, drinking holes and such are still places where people can go to for some Halloween feel if you are far away from home enough to miss it. Also, Halloween paraphernalia is also available in shops. Toys R Us is a great place to shop for Halloween stuff here in Malaysia. In fact, if you are looking for toys, theirs is THE place to go to.

Happy Halloween!


Image source: Google

Friday, October 24, 2014

Friday Frolics - The Sky Inspiration Test

Oh, it's a gorgeous day outside today here in Kuala Lumpur! Though we still see a hazy KL skyline but clearly the sky is blue and the clouds cottony. Such a reprieve from all that drab rainy weather of weeks past.

Incidentally, today is the first day of the second 9th month in the Lunar Calendar. Baffling? Yeah, this year, we get two (double) 9th lunar months and today is the start of the second one. The reason for this 'oddity' or the 'leap year' I think it's called, is to re-synchronize the solar year with the lunar year - complicating stuff, this one. Suffice to know that there are two 9th months in 2014.

I thought a personality quiz about the sky is rather apt for this beautiful day. So, enjoy and have a lovely, lovely day ahead wherever you are.

By the way, have you entered for the Book Giveaway? Contest ends Sunday midnight. Come join, the more the merrier!



Beauty Inspires You

You are the positive and optimistic type. You can see how almost anything is a blessing.

You are a profoundly creative and downright delightful person. You inspire the world.



You are imaginative and even artistic. You have an eye for design and beauty.

You think there is too much ugliness and drabness in this world. You're trying to make everything a little more gorgeous.



Last Friday's Quiz: The Train Oracle

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Happy Deepavali - October 22, 2014

Malaysia is a multicultural nation. More than 10% are Indians, mostly Hindus. Here's a beautiful ad by Petronas to give you some glimpses of this Hindu festival. Deepavali or Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights. Enjoy!




** Btw, have you put in your entry to be in the running to win yourself a beautiful Batik book?

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Book Review and Giveaway - Malaysian Batik: Reinventing a Tradition

Gosh, was I excited when a parcel I expected from Tuttle arrived. It was a pleasant surprise when I saw it was such a big and beautiful book. *Gasp*


Malaysian Batik: Reinventing a Tradition traces the origins of batik history, the materials, methods and motifs of the block-stamped and hand drawn methods, and the ways in which Malaysian batik has been transformed into a craft with international appeal.

Published by Tuttle Publishing, this wonderful book on Batik is written bv Noor Azlina Yunus in collaboration with Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia, a charitable foundation set up by the late Endon Mahmood who was the wife of Malaysia's fifth Prime Minister, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

Noor Azlina Yunus has lived and worked in Malaysia for over forty years, where she has been involved in teaching, publishing and writing. She has a deep interest in the decorative arts of the Malay World and is the author of Songket Revolution.

All that you need to know about Malaysian Batik is packed in this wonderful book, Malaysian Batik: Reinventing a Tradition. This gem comes with 176 pages measuring 11.7 x 8.8 inches.


Chapter 1 starts you off on the story of batik where it touches on beginnings of batik in Malaysia, the trade paths, traditional fabrics and traditional wear. You will get to know about the roots of batik and forerunners of Malay batik plus the various types of kain (material) available and used.

If you are in the business of making batik products, Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 would interest you where you would learn about the methods and materials used. Chapter 2 covers with much detail Malaysia's metal block batik including types of metal blocks as well as the process of preparing the cloth, waxing, dyeing - an elaborate process that is well-documented by the author. Accompanying pictures provide for better understanding.

In Chapter 3 the reader is exposed to Malaysia's new stylus batik. Again, you can learn about the materials and methods used in this new method of print. This new style brings forth a burst of vibrant colours and prints which pave the way for an exciting new chapter in Malaysian batik.


Malaysian batik has been given a new boost both locally and internationally thanks to the foundation, Yayasan Budi Penyayang Malaysia. This book does justice to the work of this foundation which took pains in organising various activities to promote batik - from local design competitions to various collaborations overseas at art festivals, trade fairs and fashion shows. From this book, you will get an idea of what constitutes formal and informal batik wear and the designers and their specialities. Designs by Melinda Looi, Tom Abang Saufi and Carven Ong are featured, among others.



Malaysian batik has evolved into a multifunctional fabric. Initially restricted to just the woman's sarong, new developments have allowed batik to develop beyond its traditional use as clothing to soft furnishings and decorative items for the home and the hospitality trade.

Nowadays you can find tablecloths, table runners, napkins, pillowcases, bed linens, cushion covers, wall hangings, photo-frames, tissue boxes made with batik fabric/prints. All these and more are covered in the book.

The author hasn't forgotten Batik as Art. If you visit the National Art Museum in Kuala Lumpur you would be able to view these original batik paintings.

Malaysian batik has come a long way and has now gone global.

After going through the book, I would say this is a must-have batik reference book for anyone in the batik industry - entrepreneurs, designers and students of the art - for a better understanding of the business of batik. And a highly-recommended book for everybody's coffee table, but of course.

Why do I refer to Malaysian Batik: Reinventing a Tradition as a reference book? Because besides information about the history of Batik and how-to's and so forth, you can also find an exhaustive directory of Designers, Entrepreneurs, Batik Art Schools - names and contact information provided. That's not all, for ease of reference, the Index is a tremendous help for you to locate the what and the who in the book. A really cool feature this one.

Yes, this too is featured..
This is what we refer to as a 'sarong'. It is a hammock for babies. Because a sarong is normally used, it has been named such. This hammock is still is use today more so in the rural areas.

Thanks to Tuttle, I now have a copy of this truly amazing book.

And now you can have the chance of winning a copy for yourself courtesy of Tuttle Publishing.

Here's how you can win:

1. Leave a comment here on this blog post and tell me your impression of Batik and/or tell me something about a Batik item that you own. That simple.

2. Please make sure you leave a valid email address with your comment (but this will not be published). Your email address will be used to contact you should you win.

3. The closing date for entries is Sunday, 26 October midnight. The winner will be determined through a random draw.

4. Should you win, you will be contacted for your postal address for the prize to be sent to, and the prize will be mailed out directly by the publisher, Tuttle Publishing.

5. Contest is open to all. Hurry, you have only a week to enter.

Kajang and Satay


Looking at the picture below you have to feel sorry for the town-folk in the 'satay' town. Yes, Kajang was hit by a flash flood two days ago.

Why 'satay' you may ask. Kajang, the town about 15 miles south of KL is known for its satay.

Satay (or Sate) is grilled skewered sticks of meat (most common here are chicken and beef) dipped in a peanut sauce. Satay is normally served with cucumber and onions and ketupat (rice cooked in a casing of palm leaves).

If you are visiting Malaysia, don't leave home without trying our satay. They are easily available from roadside foodstalls to hotel restaurants. A picture tells a thousand words.. here's a thousand words (courtesy of Google). Yum!