Friday, February 29, 2008

Friday Frolics: What Color Is Your Aura?

According to Wikipdia, in parapsychology, spirituality and New Age belief, an aura is a subtle field of luminous multicolored radiation surrounding a person or object as a cocoon or halo. An aura may be held to represent or be composed of soul vibrations or chakras, and may reflect the moods or thoughts of the person it surrounds.

It is believed that auras may be viewed by the naked eye, though some psychics, believe this ability weakens with age. Layers of aura are seen as separate and distinct, yet connected to all of the remaining layers. Auras are also thought of as special kind of shields which certainly have more defensive power.

According to western tradition, each color of the aura is supposed to have a precise meaning which would indicate a precise emotional state.

Not sure how true the result is from this quiz but find out anyway about the colour of your Aura, if only just for fun.




HappySurfer's Aura is Violet



Idealistic and thoughtful, you have the mind and ideas to change the world.

And you have the charisma of a great leader, even if you don't always use it!



The purpose of your life: saying truths that other people dare not say



Famous purples include: Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Susan B. Anthony



Careers for you to try: Political Activist, Inventor, Life Coach



Check out more Quizzes here

Nuffnang's Pajama Party

Nuffnang, the Blog Advertising outfit is organizing a Pajama Party in conjunction with it's first anniversary. The original date of March 8 has been moved to the following week to allow for members casting their vote on Malaysia's Polling Day.

Pajama Party brings to mind the same sort of party at Ikea which is held annually. I wonder how many of the participants will get to sleep, or perhaps sleep is not on the agenda at all. Strange bed, strange pillows do not provide for a good night's sleep. No matter. One does not need sleep in a party. Will you be there?

Hotels in Las Vegas


Even though there are many hotels in Kuala Lumpur, when it comes to certain times of the year, almost all rooms in 5-star hotels are being snapped up. A case in point is the end of March when Malaysia plays host to Formula One from Mar 21 through 23. Even the week following that is also packed and it can be rather trying for corporate clients.

Perhaps KL needs more hotels like the huge number of hotels in Las Vegas where you will be able to secure a room anytime of the year.

There's Magic on Fridays

At long last (yep, seven days is long enough after a crappy week) we are at Friday again and it's often a day of the week that people go nuts. Even friends who are normally stoic and serious, get a little off-key, just like the one who sent me this little baby story. She's human afterall.


Baby's first doctor visit

A woman and a baby were in the doctor's examining room, waiting for the doctor to come in for the baby's first exam.

The doctor arrived, and examined the baby, checked his weight, and being a little concerned, asked if the baby was breast-fed or bottle-fed?

"Breast-fed,"she replied.

"Well, strip down to your waist," the doctor ordered. She did.

He pinched her nipples, pressed, kneaded, and rubbed both breasts for a while in a very professional and detailed examination.

Motioning to her to get dressed The doctor said, "No wonder this baby is underweight. You don't have any milk. "

"I know," she said, "I'm his Grandma, but I'm glad I came."


Source: funlok.com

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Public Forum on Heartburn at Pantai Medical Centre

If you are in the Kuala Lumpur or Petaling Jaya area or happen to be in town this Saturday, and would like to learn more about heartburn and bloatedness, there is going to be a Public Forum at Pantai Medical Centre, Bangsar, conducted by Dr Abdul Fahmi Karim, Consultant General Surgeon. Details are as follows:

Date: March 1, 2008 (Saturday)
Time: 1.30pm to 3.15pm
Venue: Dewan Pantai, Ground Floor (Block C), Pantai Medical Centre, Bangsar, 8 Jalan Bukit Pantai, 59100 Kuala Lummpur

**************************************************

PROGRAMME

1.30pm
Registration

2.00pm
AN END TO SEVERE HEARTBURN AND BLOATEDNESS
- Laparoscopic Anti-reflux Surgery by Dr. Abdul Fahmi Karim, Consultant General Surgeon

2.45pm
Q & A

3.00pm
Refreshments

3.15pm
End

Monday, February 25, 2008

All We Need is Love








Good Morning! Hope you have had a wonderful weekend. Spurs won the Carling Cup. Hooray to that! Maria Sharapova probably won the WTA in Doha too. (I missed the last bit.) That was the first time I watched her play. And some of your favourite actors and actresses could have won an Oscar or two or three yesterday.

It's a fresh new week again. Let's start it off with a little love story. This one made me cry when I first read it. No, not because it's a sad story but because it is a beautiful story with an important message that everyone could use.

Happy Monday!


How To Dance In The Rain

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb.

He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him.

I saw him looking at his watch, and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound.

On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.

The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I inquired as to her health; he told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are'?

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is'.

I had to hold back tears as he left; I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought, 'That is the kind of love I want in my life'.

True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message.

This one I thought I could share with you.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.

I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did.

'Life isn't about how to survive the storm,
But how to dance in the rain.'

Source unknown

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Real Estate Investing

If you are interested in investing in real estate, here is something you might be interested in. It's been told that wealth is more often created in real estate.

At Nouveau Riche University, they teach their students how to become successful real estate investors by providing proven strategies, tools, and investment opportunities. Theirs is an educational environment that teaches adults the way to create wealth, using the time-tested, foundational principles adhered to by all higher-education institutions.

Each Nouveau Riche University college course has been designed to teach the “how-to” real estate investment concepts and strategies. Students participate in case studies, classroom discussions and role-playing exercises that all aid in information retention.

More detailed information can be found on the Nouveau Riche blog - information on their instructors, the college curriculum, their products, their marketing strategies, investor testimonials and lots more.

Humidifiers

When we move especially to another place with a different climate altogether, it is sometimes difficult to know what's needed and what's not. Even though we may know for certain that certain things are not needed, we would still pack them along, just in case, we rationalize. An expat friend who recently moved to Malaysia to her new posting, brought along the humidifiers she's been using back home. I am sure she won't need them here in this humid weather, but she may find a reason for it.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Friday Frolics: What Punctuation Mark Are You?

The people who designed these quizzes must be something else, huh? In the last frolic we found out the fruit that best reflects our personality. This week, find out which Punctuation Mark are you.




I Am a Comma



You are open minded and extremely optimistic.

You enjoy almost all facets of life. You can find the good in almost anything.



You keep yourself busy with tons of friends, activities, and interests.

You find it hard to turn down an opportunity, even if you are pressed for time.



Your friends find you fascinating, charming, and easy to talk to.

(But with so many competing interests, you friends do feel like you hardly have time for them.)



You excel in: Inspiring people



You get along best with: The Question Mark



More Fun Quizzes

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Romantic Cancun Vacation

Every year, The Star would feature on its frontpage someone's romantic gesture for Valentine's Day. Last year was a romantic boyfriend sending 99 roses to his lady-love and this year's feature is a fiance proposing marriage by way of a billboard ad which he forked out RM40K to have it up for a day along a busy stretch of highway.

I think I'd prefer a romantic cancun vacation. Cancun is half a world away in Mexico in the part that is referred to as Riviera Maya, a world of sensuality and seclusion on white sandy beaches.



At Karisma Resort, holiday-makers will get to experience an elite level of service that makes a vacation truly relaxing. Beach beds with retractable curtains for impromptu moments of ocean-view intimacy, beachside bar swings, dedicated Beach Butlers and design-conscious details all bespeak a private haven of privilege. Hot tubs and hammocks, swim-up rooms with ocean views, white gauze curtains floating over four poster beds, sunset margaritas served by a Beach Butler on a private stretch of sand, exquisitely presented food prepared by expert chefs...…it’s all part of Karisma’s way of continuous pampering. These are what memories of a romantic holiday are made of.

Karisma offers five signature resorts:

1. El Dorado Royale Spa Resort (adults only)
2. El Dorado Seaside Suites (adults only)
3. Azul Beach (family-friendly)
4. Azul Blue (family-friendly
5. Hidden Beach Resort (naturalist) - caters to nudists who desire luxury and comfort.

Something uniquely extraordinary about Karisma is its Gourmet-Inclusive concept which provides exceptional quality and personal dining experiences. They only use the finest authentic ingredients and produce most of their foods inhouse. Each property bakes its own bread and pastry on a daily basis. They make their own pasta. All of their sauces are made from scratch as they do not believe in pre-made or canned foods.

For the diet-conscious, there are low-carb menus, lobster-only menus, South Beach diet options and other specials are available at Azul Beach’s eclectic Blue Restaurant.


A Cancun vacation at Karisma Resort would certainly be the most romantic vacation anyone could ever experience, with luxurious accommodations and invigorating entertainment that would meet the satisfaction of any discerning traveler.

Women's Goofy Moments

When we come across an auto accident, we sometimes wonder how that came about noticing that the vehicle is in an usual position. And if it's way too awkward, chances are people would often conclude that the driver must be a woman. Are women drivers that bad? Now, did I hear a unanimous "Yes"?! Tsk, tsk!

Anyway, here are some goofy moments assumed to be caused by women drivers. *Sigh*






And this lady has her helmet worn backwards! Yes, it's definitely a woman thing! Look at this picture long enough, you'll burst out laughing. Oops!


Source unknown

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Lydia Shum, Hong Kong Veteran Actress Dies at 60


Hong Kong television veteran Lydia Shum Din-Ha or Shen Dianxia, in Mandarin, succumbed to liver cancer yesterday, Feb 19, at 8:38am Hong Kong time, at the Queen Mary Hospital. She was 60.

Born in Shanghai, the actress was affectionately known as Fei-fei for her plump appearance and jolly disposition. "Living with Lydia", her work in a Singapore sitcom, won her an award as the "Best Comedy Performance by an Actress" at the 2003 Asian Television Awards.

Shum starred in more than a hundred movies, including some of Hong Kong’s most popular classic films, such as Drunken Tai Chi, Millionaire’s Express, and It’s Mad Mad World (1987), and even directed and starred in You are Wonderful. She also hosted numerous variety shows produced by TVB, most notably the popular Enjoy Yourself Tonight.

Farewell, Fei Fei, you will be missed.
R.I.P.

Related articles:
Popular Hong Kong entertainer Lydia Shum dies at 60 - AFP
Farewell, Fei Fei - The Star, Malaysia
Hong Kong veteran actress Lydia dies - Xinhua

Letter of Complaint

One of the good things of forwarded email is that you get to receive recycled good stuff sometimes. Take the following funny story, for instance. Have received this many times but it's still a good read for a good laugh each time.

It's a classic example of what can happen when one is a duck while the other is a chicken, a Chinese proverb indicating a language problem. This is hilarious but I hope no one gets offended though. It's only a joke. (Hump days are well... humpy!)


The following is a letter from disgruntled Italian guest to an English hotel director.

Dear Signore Direttore,

Now I am tell a you story wot I was a treated at your hotella.
I am a-comma from Roma as a younga Christian man at your hotella.

When I comma to my room, I see there is no sheet on my bed.
I call down to receptione and tella : 'I wanta sheet'.

They tella me : 'You go to toilet".

I say : 'No, no, you don't undestanda me. I wanta sheet in my bed".

They tella : 'You bettr not sheet in your bed, you sonna-wa-beach!"

What is 'sonna-wa-beach"?

I a-go downe for breakfast in ristorante. I order egg and bacon and two pieces of toast.

Butta I getta only one piece of toast.
I tella wait-ress and point at toast : "I wanta piece".

She tella me : 'You go to toilet'.

I say : 'No, no, I wanta piece in my plate!".

She scream : 'You bloody wella not piss on the plate! You go to toilet!".

Why is your staff always saying 'go to toilet?" Is that modern British tella?
You know, I am 23 years old and I knowe for myself when I wanta go to toilet.

Then in the evening I a-go downe to ristorante for dinner.
Spoon and knife is laid out on the table. But no fock".
I tella waitress : 'I wanta fock".

And she tella me : 'Sure, everybody wanta f%#k !".

I tella her : 'No, no you don't under-standa me. I wanta fock on the table".

She tella me : 'So, you wanta f%#k on the this table, huh? Get your ass out of here!'
How comma this Cristian hotella tella the guests in such a bad manner?
So I go downe to receptione and ask for bill. I no wanta stay in this hotel
nomorrow.

When I have a-paid the a-billa the porter say to me : 'Thank you, and peace on you".

I say : 'Piss on you too, you sonne-wa-beach !, I now go back to Italy".

Direttore, I never gonna stay in your hotella nomorrow, you sonna-wa-beach.

Sincerely,
Luigi B.,
Roma.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

A Toasted Message

Tired of leaving messages for spouse and children but no one reads them? If your spouse or children bring food to work or school, here's a perfect solution. Have the message on the toast.

When the toast is done, the message that you've scribbled, gets inscribed onto the toast. How cool is that!


Monday, February 18, 2008

Monday Monday!

Is it Monday already? Gosh! Sometimes I wish weekends are three days or even four?! That's stretching it a little, I know. The mind is still in bed. This happens when I'm sleep-deprived and "me-time"-deprived from OD-ing on couldn't-escape social functions (this is still the Chinese New Year, is it not?)

Music is uplifting. So, let's have some uplift from The Beatles! Watch John Lennon in the first video. Fun character!



...and Here Comes The Sun and I say, it's alright.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

The Lovely Branson Condos

Awana Golf & Country Resort is a popular venue for offsite corporate meetings. The place is at the foothill of Genting Highlands which is merely an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur city. Guests have a choice of between their chalets or their tower block, something quite like the Branson condos in Missouri.

Awana (for short) is popular for its golf facility and the cool temperate climate being about a thousand feet above sea-level. People who visit Awana usually make it a point to go up to Genting Highlands which is known as The City of Entertainment, the casino being its biggest attraction besides others such as their indoor and outdoor amusement parks and their live concerts.

Chilling with Dolphins

I read that dolphins are next in intelligence to humans. Dolphins and whales are known to be able to blow bubbles. Watch dolphins blow bubbles in this awesome video. It's very relaxing to watch, just like watching kids at play. Thanks to Frogma and Pandabonium for highlighting this video.

Enjoy!

A Fiber Cable Analogy

Recently, a friend had to go scrambling for an item on an assignment ending up buying it as a last resort. He left one of the cables behind in the office.

Would you agree if I say that a fiber cable is akin to an artery or a vein in our body? Our body would suffer a breakdown somewhere if one of it is missing, likewise if a cable is missing, our gadgets won't work. Funny how so many things in our life do resemble parts of our physical anatomy.

Permit Required to Light Up

A colleague has been smoking since he was 18 or 19 - some start even younger. He is finding it difficult to kick the habit. Addiction is a tricky thing. Many know the hazards of smoking and yet...

Over here, smoking is not permitted in most public places. Clubs and drinking holes are exempted, of course, and restaurants still permit it in designated zones. I wonder if people are required to get a permit for smoking, would there be less smokers?

That's what UK is proposing: £10 government permit plan to deter smokers.

"Suppose every individual who wanted to buy tobacco had to purchase a permit. And suppose further they had to do this every year. To get a permit would involve filling out a form and supplying a photograph, as well as paying the fee. Permits would only be issued to those over 18 and evidence of age would have to be provided."

Get a Medical Id if you need one

Over here in Malaysia, people who are in need are not in the habit of using medical jewelry, which leaves much to be desired.

Recently, a colleague and her family went through a harrowing experience as her sister suddenly collapsed while out shopping and ended up in a hospital.

Paramedics who came to her rescue had no idea of her medical condition. Her sister is diabetic. If she had a medical id with her, treatment would have been more precise and speedy. Luckily, her sister survived the ordeal. After that incident, the family insisted that she wears a medical id. She was given the choice of a watch or a bracelet. She picked the bracelet. Medical ids could save lives so wear one if you need to.

What's Your Game?

It's one thing to be participating in sports events and something else to be lugging all that sports equipment. A friend is going on a business trip overseas, and for leisure, a golf game has been included. He's just bought a set of Nike golf clubs but he won't be bringing them along. Ten-pin bowling is another sport that requires lugging stuff around - (heavy) balls, this one. I'll stick to the gym.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Friday Frolics: What Type of Fruit Are You?

Stop for a moment and take a pick. Now, if you have all the fruits in the world to choose from, which fruit do you think you would most resemble? See whether your choice matches the quiz assessment.




I am a Banana



You are mellow, easy going, and a total softie on the inside.

People find it really easy to get along with you. You suit most tastes.



And while you're very sweet, you're not boring or ordinary.

You have an attraction to the exotic, and you could show up anywhere... doing almost anything!



You are spirited, energetic, and a total kick to be around.

You're also quite funny. Your sense of humor is on the goofy side, and it fits you well.


Other Fun Quizzes

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Malaysia Polling Day - March 8

The Star reported today that the Election Commission has set Feb 24 for parties to nominate candidates for 12th general election; Malaysia goes to the polls on March 8.

Parliament was dissolved yesterday, ending weeks of speculation.

Malaysians will be asked to give a fresh mandate to the government of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who will lead the Barisan Nasional into the election for a second time.

Candidates will vie for 222 parliamentary seats and 505 state seats. Except for Sarawak, the assemblies of all states were also dissolved Wednesday after the mentris besar and chief ministers sought consent from their respective rulers.

Have You registered to vote?

Make Every Vote Count!


Happy Valentine's Day

My Dear Friends,


and May you have Love and Happiness every day of your life!

- HappySurfer

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Hump Day

One of my favourite books, if you can call it that, is the Dictionary! It's hard to kick the habit from those English class days. LOL

Anyway, found something interesting from the Urban Dictionary. For the uninitiated, the Urban Dictionary is a slang dictionary with definitions you and I can identify with, sort of. The words I stumbled upon applies to today, Wednesday. Wednesday is also known as Hump Day, nothing to do with the humping dog, of course.



And I quote from the Urban Dictionary:

1. Hump Day - The middle of a work week (Wednesday); used in the context of climbing a proverbial hill to get through a tough week.

2. Wednesday, the middle of the week, implying that you have to get "over the hump" before you can anticipate the weekend. The term was not originally intended to carry a second, more risque meaning.

3. Wednesday, or the hump of the week
The absolute BEST day of the week, the day of maximum hope that maybe, you might make it out of this week alive. A particularly good hump day can last you the rest of the week, and by Doomday morning (Monday) you survive by anticipating hump day. Nothing goes wrong on hump day.

Most other days can be defined by hump day. Tuesday is the day before hump day. Thursday is one day after hump day. Except Friday is WOOOH!!! FREEDOM!!! Day, Saturday is Mostly Hungover day, and Sunday is PreDoom day.

More...
Hump day has nothing to do with sex. Unless one wants it to. I like to declare the existence of hump day just to see people's faces. Usually being conservative and all.

"Do you know what the best thing about Tuesdays are? Its the day before Hump Day!"
"What's hump day?"
"It's the hump of the week!!"
(they all shake their heads in pity)


Oh, by the way, today is the 7th day of the new Lunar year and it's known as Man's Birthday, as in every human's day of birth. So, Happy Birthday!

Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

A colleague had shingles. From her reading up on it, she was sure the spots she had were symptoms of shingles. Her doctor confirmed the condition.

Unfortunately, sometimes we are not able to tell the ailment from the symptoms alone. Take for instance, cerebral palsy symptoms. An untrained eye can easily make a wrong assumption. It is best to leave it to trained, professional medical personnel.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Rat People in the Year of the Rat

H A P P Y_ C H I N E S E_ N E W_ Y E A R!

We are now officially in the Year of the Rat. According to The Star, Theodora Lau in her book titled The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes said this smallest animal among the 12 would bring plenty of opportunities and good prospects.

Rat years are 1936, 1948, 1960 and 1972. Famous Malaysian Rat personality includes MIC president and Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu. He turns 72.

How does this Chinese Zodiac come about? Legend has it that before Buddha left this life on Earth, he summoned all the animals. The Rat was the first to turn up, thus he was given the prestigious first position in the Chinese Zodiac of twelve animals. Next came the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and finally the Boar or the Pig.

Those born under this Chinese Zodiac sign are considered lucky as the Year of the Rat has always been thought to be a bountiful one, particularly with a good life likened to “a rat falling into the rice bucket”.

Not all Rats are the same though. Those born in 1936 are said to be openly aggressive by nature and have a penchant for travelling and fashionable clothes.

At the extreme end are those born in 1948 who are said to be very realistic and not at all flashy.

Idealistic in thought, quick in speech and actions and intensely emotional are some of the traits of people born in the year 1960.

And those born in 1972 are said to possess excellent insight and have great people skills.

If you would like to know more, Wikipedia has good information on the Chinese Zodiac, especially on the twelve animals.

Peaceful Kuala Lumpur on a Holiday

Kuala Lumpur was peaceful the past few days. In fact, the best place to be during a major festival or holiday is right here in the city when folks return to their hometowns to spend time with their family.

However, for some, work commitments overrule holidays, yes, even a major festival like Chinese New Year. A girlfriend had to stay back to work on a project involving trade show booths. She is not complaining as she is used to working extended hours being in the event management line.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Islamic Civilisation theme park in Terengganu


This is Terengganu’s latest icon: A local ferry fondly known as ‘Bot Penambang’ adorned with Barisan Nasional and Umno flags cruising along Sungai Terengganu passing the Crystal Mosque at Pulau Wan Man in Kuala Terengganu yesterday.

The new Islamic Civilisation theme park was declared open by Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. The theme park is open to all, including non-Muslims. (Frankly, I can't imagine a public park that's out of bounds to anyone by virtue of his race or religion. It's unthinkable in this time and age!)

The 23ha park features replicas of 12 mosques, the Al-Hambra of Spain and Taj Mahal of India and is a project under the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).

It's "Visit Terengganu Year" this year.

Source: The Star

Saturday, February 2, 2008

A Feng Shui Tip

If you believe in Feng Shui, here's something that will be worth your while. An action you take this Monday, Feb 4, will have a bearing on your finances throughout the entire Year of the Rat.

If you have a checking account, write yourself a cheque and bank it in on Monday. It has to be this Monday. This tip comes from a renowned Feng Shui master.

Friday, February 1, 2008

Friday Frolics: What's Your Dominant Thinking Style?

Whether consciously or unconsciously, we all gravitate towards a certain way we do things and that includes thinking. What do you think is your dominant thinking style? Find out below.




Happysurfer's Dominant Thinking Style: Modifying



Super logical and rational, you consider every fact available to you.

You don't make rash decisions and are rarely moved by emotion.



You prefer what's known and proven - to the new and untested.

You tend to ground those around you and add stability.



More Friday Frolics