Recycle Old Royal Selangor Pewter

Don't know what to do with some old pewter pieces that you have collecting dust at home? Send them to Royal Selangor to be recycled. Your generous act would also contribute indirectly to the environment as part of the proceeds goes toward the Malaysian Nature Society in their environment conservation efforts. Stand to win a lucky draw too. More details below from The Star:  

Royal Selangor has launched a donation drive to invite the public to donate their old and unwanted pewter items in aid of the Malaysian Nature Society. Only pewter made by Royal Selangor or Selangor Pewter will be accepted and melted down to be made into new pewter pieces for The Alam Collection, a new range inspired by Malaysia’s forest. One third of the sales from the collection will go to The Malaysian Nature Society to aid their continuous efforts in habitat conservation and environmental education. 

The first 100 donors will receive a free one year membership with the Malaysian Nature Society. All donors are eligible for a lucky draw with the prize of a 3 day 2 night trip to the 130 million year old Belum Rainforest. 

Closing date for lucky draw is Sept 30. Members of the public can drop off their old pewter pieces at any Royal Selangor store. For details, please call 03-4145 6233/6234/6237 or email communications@royalselangor.com.my. Image source: RoyalSelangor.com

X-Factor UK 2011 Auditions

The UK X-Factor is back again. A new season; new talents. Here are two you have to hear them sing.

Emmanuel Kelly, a victim, survivor of chemical warfare from Iraq, doesn't know how old he is but has managed to become a wonderful singer. Here is his performance on The X Factor - Emmanuel's version of John Lennon's Imagine. (You're going to need Kleenex for this one.)



16-year-old Janet Devlin from Northern Ireland with her beautiful voice is a contestant to watch. Listen to her version of Elton John's Your Song. I wish I could make it easier for you but the video has been disabled but you can watch it on YouTube - http://youtu.be/GaDFdtk0A2Y.  Enjoy it.

These are the judges.  Recognize anyone?

Image sources: - xfactor.itv.com - YouTube

American aircraft carrier in Port Klang

Update: The aircraft carrier will be here for 4 days in which Sailors will have the opportunity to volunteer their time at several local community service projects, including work in two children’s homes and a senior citizen’s home. - Source

Sometimes I wish Kuala Lumpur is situated by the coast where you can see boats, yachts or even ocean-liners gliding by, or at least located alongside a huge body of water such as a lake or a river where you can enjoy watching people sailing or watch fishing boats go by. Lovely!

Not sure whether the vessel is still at Port Klang but the American aircraft carrier, USS John C. Stennis, made a scheduled port call yesterday. The name doesn't ring a bell?

This same aircraft carrier was used in movies including Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Executive Decision and others. It also responded to disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the tsunami in Indonesia.

Image source: The Star

Motorbike lanes in Kuala Lumpur

Having just arrived in Kuala Lumpur and being a big bike fan, an expatriate colleague bought a brand-new big bike and took it for a spin downtown. As he was nicely cruising along taking in the city sights, a traffic policeman waved him down. Apparently, he was riding along a stretch of road that is designated for motorcars and bigger vehicles only. Motorbikes are to use an inner smaller road running alongside the regular road. This is for safety purposes.

The City is back to life

The almost-a-week-long holiday is fast coming to a close after the Hari Raya celebration. For those who made their way home to their hometown, most will be travelling back to the city today. If one were to see our highway from the air, the road would look like a lengthy slithering creature. The city is getting back to life, to its insane city jams and hustle bustle of activity.

Traffic jams and queues are really a test in patience - in a good way, of course. I once had to queue for two hours trying to get onto the cable car at the Genting Highlands Skyway. The line extended right down to one floor below! I'm kidding you not! I remember it was on a public holiday, Labor Day, and fearing there would be no parking uphill, we (friends and I) decided to park at the Skyway and take the cable car up instead. Officially known as Genting Skyway, the cable car station is located around midway from the foothill to Genting Highlands uphill. Genting Skyway is more or less opposite where Awana Hotels & Resorts is. This hotel complex (with golf facilities) is also part of the Genting Highlands chain of hotels.

Above, aerial view of Awana Hotels & Resorts borrowed from the hotel website.

After the day-trip, going downhill from the cable car station was another test. We were caught in the jam for another two hours. As if that wasn't bad enough, we had to put up with whiffs of burnt tyres as well. Quite an experience and a lesson learned on patience on this never-to-attempt-again Gentings day-trip on a public holiday..

Another queue I try to avoid is the supermarket checkout queue. Lining up behind shoppers with trolley loads of items is one thing, but having to wait for a cashier fiddling with (not her fault of course) a less than perfect POS system is another. One thing I've learned to avoid a supermarket queue is to check out at least an hour before closing. Also, to never pick up any item without a price tag and/or barcode tag.

BernamaTV cameraman killed in Somalia

This is sad. That a BernamaTV cameraman was killed in Somalia by a stray bullet on a humanitarian aid mission. Noramfaizul Mohd Nor, 41, passed away at 11.07pm while receiving medical attention.

From The Star: According to BernamaTV journalist Khairulanuar Yahaya, Noramfaizul was travelling with members of the electronic media on a truck heading to the city's commercial centre to send visuals that were earlier recorded.

Khairulanuar said shots were fired at a government army truck that was accompanying the media vehicle and a stray bullet hit Noramfaizul, who was seated by the door. The bullet pierced his lungs. More..

May he rest in peace.

Related article: Somali govt pledges probe into shooting that killed Bernama cameraman PM: Cameraman a true hero Condolences pour in for Noramfaizul’s family Sombre mood as BernamaTV cameraman’s remains arrive home

Genting Highlands is still the place to visit when in Kuala Lumpur

Genting Highlands is still a great local holiday destination. I like it for its close proximity to Kuala Lumpur. Just an hour's drive will take you right up to the top of the City of Entertainment as Genting Highlands is known as.

The climate is still cool and it offers a reprieve from the heat and humidity of the city. When I was there late July, the thermometer at the lobby of First World Hotel showed a cool 15degC. For comfort, a sweater, a scarf or a little extra clothing may be required.

Starbucks at the entrance of First World Hotel is still the place to hang out for a cuppa though I wish people would use the e cigarette instead. The air outdoor leaves much to be desired. Have you been to Genting Highlands lately? Photos taken will follow in another post..

Friday Frolcs - How Do You See Love?

Gosh, how quickly time flies! It's Friday again and the first Friday of the eighth lunar month. For the traditional Chinese community, there'd be more engagements and weddings this month. The eighth month is auspicious for such happy occasions. Let's go lovey-dovey this Friday too and find out how we see love..

You See Love As Sweet

You are a ton of fun, and you love to bond with others. You make instant friends with people. Whenever you are single, you are very ready to love. You have an open heart. You are an easy person to be with and an easy person to love. You are a joy to be around. If you have good food, good company, and good weather, then there's not much more you can ask for.

How Do You See Love?

More Free Quizzes for Everyone