Thursday, June 30, 2011

Great Gifts for Men from Personal Creations

Do you have trouble getting gifts for men? Some of us do. Worry no more. Here is a great gift idea.

A galvanized beverage tub from Personal Creations is just the thing to get for a guy. When he finds it so convenient to have his friends over for a few cool drinks, he'll thank you for it. Check out the site for more gifts for men.

Come to think of it, a beverage tub is also just the thing for a housewarming gift. Summer's here and barbeques just won't do without cold beverages. A beverage tub would be one perfect gift for a new homeowner!

Inset shows beverage tub on a stand.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Durian, that heavenly fruit

One of the spaces I make it a point to check out when I read The Star online is Thumbnails. Thumbnails is a little column that features daily a few reader-submitted captioned pictures with the best shot for the day winning a RM50 prize. I thought today's picture warrants a posting even though it did not win the prize. Titled A thorny challenge by Ch’ng Huck Leong, it features three durians on a tree - and a squirrel having a durian feast.

If you haven't seen durians, this is a great shot. I like it for its clarity and close-upness (you get the drift). Not many of us have seen durians on trees. This is what they look like. Notice one ripe fruit has dropped off as seen by the fruitless stem at the middle fruit. One of the reasons my preference for Malaysian durians as opposed to Thai durians is that Malaysian durians are harvested when they are ripe and when they do ripen, they fall to the ground. That's when they are picked up and go on sale.

The price of durians can range from a cheap RM1 for a (small) fruit during a glut to a high of RM30 a kilogram for a high-end fruit (species-wise). A regular price is likely to be RM5 a kilogram to RM10 for the D24 species. It is usual to pay around RM10 for a reasonably-sized (common species) durian in Kuala Lumpur. D24 remains my favorite because the flesh is smooth (neither too dry nor soggy) and sweet, and most importantly guaranteed wormless according to the durian-vendor.

Here's something to remember.. best not to leave durians on the floor for too long especially overnight as the flesh will turn soggy from all that dampness from the floor. If you have unfinished durian, transfer the flesh from the husk to a (preferably snug-cover) container (Tipu-ware will do too) and store it in the fridge. Durians taste even sweeter when chilled - my personal take.

As to how to get rid of durian smell in the fridge, leave some orange or lemon peels or another other citrus peels in the fridge. If you can find Charcoal, it works better. A few pieces would do wonders. Charcoal pills can be used too.

According to a Chinese belief, durians do have eyes which accounts for why there has not been anyone being hit by a falling durian. This is an assumption, of course. The actual reason may be because durians normally fall at night when no one wanders out at the orchard during that time of the day/night. Durians are collected in the morning and distributed to the various marketing spots, mostly outstation as the orchards are normally located in rural places and away from towns.

During durian season, like now, if you go interstate, you will come across durian stalls along trunk roads. It is not uncommon to see people sitting or standing around at roadside durian stalls sampling the taste-like-heaven but smell-like-hell king of fruits.

If durians are not for you, sample our mangosteens and rambutans. They are in season now too. In the context of Yin and Yang, mangosteens are a cooling fruit while rambutans are considered heaty, thus best to take everything in moderation.

A word of caution here though: Durian is a heaty fruit (- hot dry weather bears best yield). Take heed that durian and cognac DON'T go together. Take one or the other but never both together! Result can be rather unpleasant (understatement here probably). I believe people with hypertension should also take the fruit in moderation.

Like cheese, durian is an acquired taste. You either hate it or love it - no grey, just black or white! Anthony Bourdain went looking around for the fruit in Cambodia and found it nice, while the bizarre food-eater, Andrew Zimmern found it not so agreeable. What about you? Do you love it or hate it? LOL!

Raising purr-fect kids - Tiger Cubs

We have sometimes come across stories of high-achieving children and wondered how they do it. In all instances, nothing succeeds without hardwork and some sacrifice. Here is another story featured as one of the top stories in The Star today. This is especially good reading for moms-to-be and moms with small children. Some lessons to take away perhaps..

ESTEPHE and Perrine Corlin, twins aged 10, were in Kuala Lumpur recently to visit their mum’s family, and to promote their new book The Roar Of The Tiger Cubs to help raise funds for their favourite charity project. The children reside in Hong Kong with their Malaysian mother and French father.

Estephe and Perrine shot to fame when they sat the Cambridge University International General Certificate Secondary Exam (IGCSE) Mathematics for 16-year-olds last November, and scored As!
More..Raising purr-fect kids.. The Star

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Summer Solstice Celebration at Stonehenge

For those of us living in the tropics, season changes and season solstices do not hold much or any significance because we get the same weather conditions all-year-round. Flowers bloom throughout the year, the sun shines almost everyday and rain comes and goes as and when.

Winter solstice, however, is celebrated by the Chinese community. This is not a religious celebration but one that is celebrated as part of the Chinese custom. It is celebrated either on 21 or 22 December every year.

Summer solstice has just passed us by. Do you remember what you did on June 21? Summer solstice that falls on this date is the longest day of the year and the sun is at its highest point in the sky in the northern hemisphere. I remember it was a cloudy day and I was trying to spot the other sun but no such luck.

Summer solstice is celebrated with much pomp and splendour at Stonehenge in Wiltshire county north of Salisbury, England. Usually roped off, the prehistoric monument site is opened to visitors for the summer-solstice celebrations where druids, revelers and tourists gather at the ancient stone circle.
Stonehenge and its surroundings were added to the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites in 1986. The site is believed to be built between 3000 B.C. and 1600 B.C. Archaeological evidence indicates that Stonehenge served as a burial ground from its earliest beginnings according to Wikipedia.

For this year's Summer solstice 2011, more than 18,000 people gathered for the celebrations in southern England.


Have you been to Stonehenge? What's it like to be there?

Here's a map of Wiltshire showing the location of Stonehenge - Wikipedia.

More pictures of Summer Solstice at Stonehenge from TIME magazine..

Gone too soon - Michael Jackson - 2nd anniversary of his death

Yesterday was the second anniversary of Michael Jackson's death. Am listening to Mix FM right now as I'm writing this. The radio station is having a Michael Jackson weekend in his memory playing MJ hits. Quite a treat, I should say, with hits like Thriller, Dangerous, Jam, Come Together, The Girl is Mine, Free Willy, Gone Too Soon (of course), Heal the World, Dirty Diana, Smooth Criminal, Beat It, etc.



Gone too soon
Like a comet
Blazing 'cross the evening sky
Gone too soon

Like a rainbow
Fading in the twinkling of an eye
Gone too soon

Shiny and sparkly
And splendidly bright
Here one day
Gone one night

Like the loss of sunlight
On a cloudy afternoon
Gone too soon

Like a castle
Built upon a sandy beach
Gone too soon

Like a perfect flower
That is just beyond your reach
Gone too soon

Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight
Here one day
Gone one night

Like a sunset
Dying with the rising of the moon
Gone too soon
Gone too soon

Saturday, June 25, 2011

SuperiorBath, the best source for bath vanities and bathroom fixtures

Nowadays, homeowners are placing equal if not more importance on bath vanities just as they are on furniture for other parts of the home. If you are checking out bath vanities for your new home or remodelling your new home, Superiorbath is a good place to start. They are the best source for bathroom fixtures having a selection of different styles to suit a homeowner's choice. You can choose from contemporary, transitional or antique style bath vanities, medicine cabinets and other bathroom accessories including mirrors and faucets. You'd be surprised they carry many unique items such as their narrow depth vanities and extra small sinks, as well as traditional wall-mounted and freestanding vanities.

If your bathroom is spacious, a double-sink bath vanity may be what you are looking for. Dual-sink bath vanities are becoming popular nowadays where couples can have a little more time in the mornings discussing the days plans since they can both use the sink at the same time.

Why buy from Superiorbath? Their products are constructed of quality solid brass, wood and tempered glass. Their bath vanities are handmade of solid Malaysian oak, a durable and environmentally-friendly wood.

Visit their bath vanity showroom if you are in the area. Their showroom is located in Northern California between San Francisco and the Silicon Valley. They invite everyone to touch, feel, and see the rich designs of their handmade bath vanities and complete line of fixtures and accessories. Or you can shop online where you will get the same deep discounts offered to contractors and designers.

Is it or Is it Not Anwar Ibrahim?

Showing pornographic material in public is an offence here in Malaysia. Yesterday, Datuk T(rio) were fined in court for playing a sex video clip of the man alleged to be Opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, to a gathering of reporters at a hotel in March.

According to The Star, Businessman Datuk Shazryl Eskay Abdullah and former Perkasa treasurer-general Datuk Shuaib Lazim were fined RM3,000 in default three months jail and RM1,500 in default two months jail respectively, for openly displaying an obscene film at Carcosa Seri Negara on March 21 this year.

Former Malacca chief minister Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Thamby Chik, who was charged with abetting them, was fined RM1,000 in default one month jail.
- Source: Sex video case: Datuk T trio fined for showing obscene film (Updated)

Some 100 people gathered outside the court complex in Jalan Duta from as early as 8am to show their support for the Datuk T trio. Earlier, the supporters collected donations from among themselves to help pay for the men’s fines totalling RM5,500.

The plot thickens..

Based on the statement of facts which were presented in a magistrate's court yesterday, US experts from Dartmouth College were quoted as saying that the video was authentic and that the man in the video was 99.99% likely to be Anwar.

In the statement of facts, it was also revealed that Shuaib (one-third of Datuk T), who had surrendered himself to the police on May 25, had given a statement to authorities, saying that the recording of the sex video was taken from an apartment in Ampang here.

It was also stated that the police had gotten CCTV recordings from the apartment showing Anwar with Shazryl Eskay at its lobby on Feb 21.

The sex video was also played in court.
- Source: ‘Man in sex video most likely Anwar’

At the same time, a PKR leader has produced a 40-minute video clip to debunk the claim that Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was the man in the sex video.

Sungai Petani MP Datuk Johari Abdul, who narrated the clip which featured scenes from the sex video, gave his views on the “faults” found in the video.

Johari’s video made a zoom-in comparison between Anwar’s physique and that of the man in the video.

Besides noting the bulging belly, chest and nose, Johari also pointed out a difference in their haircut.

“The perpetrators behind the sex clip claim that it was recorded on Feb 21 in which the man was seen as having extremely short hair.

“Anwar, who attended a court hearing on Feb 22 was photographed by the media with a full head of hair,” Johari said at the screening of his video to the press at PKR headquarters yesterday.

Johari was among the first PKR leaders known to have viewed the full-length sex video clip on March 21 at a hotel in Ampang following an invitation from Datuk Shuaib Lazim, the former Perkasa treasurer-general who is also a part of the trio known as Datuk T.

To further prove that “the person in the video could be anyone”, Johari also included scenes where he travelled to Thailand for a facial makeover service.

He demonstrated how a four-hour transformation could make him look like the late P. Ramlee.
- Source: Johari rebuts claims with video clip

The 40-minute video was shown to reporters during a press conference at the PKR headquarters Friday. It will be uploaded to YouTube according to Johari and the plan is to have copies of the video to be on sale to the public. I bet it will be a sellout..

Free dating online

I read the other day that more and more people are joining dating sites not because they are lonely but because they want to make more new friends.

There are many dating sites available in the west, particularly in the United States and some even offer free dating online. This means that joining is not only easy, it is free. It is free because the site is supported by the advertisers we see on the site. Some dating sites even email members when new members join in their local area. If you're single, create your FREE profile and you're on your way to a new relationship.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia Thrift Store

On Wed, June 22, Klang Valley saw the launch of the first Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia, Malaysia's very own large-scale thrift store or 1Malaysia shop.

The store located at the Kelana Jaya LRT station was launched by the Prime Minister. The shop retails 250 grocery items under the brand name “Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia” at prices 30% to 40% lower than market prices. I suppose you have to shop there to confirm the difference in pricing in comparison to prices at other stores. People who live around Kelana Jaya area would be at an advantage though the store is located near an LRT station for others to shop there.

The Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia is run by Mydin Mohamed Holding Berhad. There are plans to open more outlets. The shop operates from 7am until 11pm daily.

Have you already been there?

First customer: PM Najib paying at the check-out counter after shopping at Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia at the Kelana Jaya LRT station in Petaling Jaya. The shop sells 250 types of groceries under the brand name “Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia”. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star


Sources:
Cheaper grocery items at Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia - The Star
Shoppers, experts give store thumbs up - NST

Custom printing at its best at My1Stop.com

Looking for a good reliable printing service? Your search stops here at My1Stop.com, an online printing superstore where you can order Custom Printing of every kind. From simple color printing to full color printing, My1Stop provides online printing solutions for your business and personal needs. As their shop name says it, they are your one-stop for the best printing service available, whether online or offline.

Whether it's Flyer Printing or Gift Card Printing, you can be sure of getting the best quality work and pricing. Check out the types of products they have available including business card printing; forms printing; commercial printing for books, calendars, greeting cards, postcards, rack cards, envelopes, etc.; label printing; printing on magnets; even eco-friendly printing on biodegradable pens or green office products; and many more types of printing.

If you need ideas for your printing, they have a wide selection of templates you can choose from. My1Stop also provides other services including services for graphic design, direct mail, help with becoming Green Business certified, and more.

For printing requirements, ordering is easy with their 3-step ordering system. Firstly, you need to quote your product as in tell them what kind of printing is needed, then fill in your Billing and Shipping details and finally upload your artwork. If you have any enquiry, their custom printing team has years of experience providing insightful answers to questions. You can get accurate quotes and plain old custom printing service on the phone, instant chat, email and even by fax.

Any new order is given a 5% off up to a max of $200. Custom printing coupon offers are also available though they vary from time to time so best to check back often.

My1Stop.com - Make it Your online printing superstore for all your printing needs!

Friday Frolics - What Hobby Are You?

My! How time flies! It's Friday again. Bet you are looking forward to the weekend and to be doing the things you love, such as a hobby, for instance.

This week's personality quiz is about Hobbies. Find out what Hobby you are. I am Gardening.



You Are Gardening



You are a very patient and nurturing person. You love to help people grow and change for the better.

You feel for the whole world - people, animals, and plants. You love having creatures and humans under your care.



You are a responsible person, and having many responsibilities makes you feel good. You love to be needed.

You are a perfect gardener because you are able to be there for your plants every day. Watching them grow delights you.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Nature's Vision - Nature Fundraising for a Greener World

The next time you are involved in fundraising, bring it a notch up by using products that contribute to the environment for a greener world.

Natures Vision Fundraising with 30 Years of fundraising experience, supplies top quality fundraising products and provides environmental fundraising ideas for schools and organizations.

They have a wide range of nature fundraising items in their catalog. There are organic t-shirts with a variety of animal prints and colors, 100% cotton hats, jewelry items, wallets, carnival bags, mugs and sports-bottles, pure soy candles and diffusers, bath towels, towel ponchos, gift items and more.

The best part about choosing Nature's Vision for all of your green fundraising needs is that you will be raising environmental awareness as you raise funds. Part of the proceeds from sales go towards environmental causes, for example, Gulf Coast restoration projects, nature conservation projects and efforts to support a sustainable future for our planet. Nature's Vision donates 6% from the sale of World Wildlife Fund products to the WWF to support their global conservation efforts. Your purchase of t-shirts from Animal Planet benefits the principle partners of R.O.A.R., Animal Planet's project to help make the world a better place for animals.
Nature's Vision is a service-oriented company. They are committed to providing you with products of the highest quality. To make your next fundraiser headache free, they individually package each item and then bag each seller's order separately. This translates into easy order fulfillment and distribution for you and your team, with no need for you to repack or sort anything. Think Nature's Vision for your next nature fundraiser need!

Fundraising for a Greener World.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Wireless Speakers for a Father's Day gift


Wireless technology is a great stride in the area of technology and innovation. We can go around hands- and wire-free and as if talking to yourself or to thin air with that bluetooth headset, for instance.

And now, wireless speakers are the in-thing. A colleague made her dad very happy over the weekend with a set of wireless speakers for a Father's Day gift. Going wireless is the neatest thing, I should say. Literally..

Cheap Shopping at Two Ringgit Stores

I was passing by a Two Ringgit-shop the other day and noticed a good crowd in there.  There was even a queue at the checkout counter with shoppers waiting in line holding on to cutlery and crockery, slippers, men's socks, a mop in a pail, artificial flowers, and a packet of toy weapons (one with a rifle scope as well).

Have you ever shopped in one of these stores?    Of course, the products are mostly locally-made but they serve the purpose well.  Besides, if you were to buy, for instance garbage-bin liners, at a regular store, you would have to pay more for the same item.

Daiso at The Curve comes to mind, doesn't it?  Theirs is RM5 a piece. though their products are mostly imported from Japan and China.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Healthy Women - A Health & Fitness resource to bookmark - for Men and Women

The Internet is filled with information on any topic imaginable, which is a good thing and a big help, I feel. Here is a site I found recently that has useful information on womens health, womens fitness, even pregnancy information. It you like articles like "9 Sunscreen Booby Traps to Avoid" or "Essential Tips for Men's Health", then read on.

The site, Healthy Women, is easy to navigate with articles categorized into a number of topics or folders. The first folder, Health Centers, covers general information from Aging & Memory, Allergies & Asthma to Birth Control to Eye health, Hearth health to Sexual health, Skin health and lots more.

Conditions & Treatments has information on health conditions and treatments available for illnesses and conditions including breast cancer, cholesterol, diabetes, stroke, thyroid disorders, and more.

You can also find tips on Healthy Living on how to control stress, diet and nutrition, beauty and aging, etc. A great how-to resource here.

If Pregnancy & Parenting information is what you are interested in, you can find it here too. Useful information on Midlife and Beyond is also available here. The site highlights the weekly features so you won't miss out on current topics. If you have a question or two, there is the 'Ask the Expert' section. More information is also available on their WomenTalk Blog as well as on a number of other great health publications the site features. We can also get 'Breaking health news' here which truly keeps us abreast of health news around the world.

Healthy Women with the vast amount of information it shares, is truly a site to bookmark as a go-to health and fitness resource. Share it with your friends and family. I'm sure they would appreciate it.

By the way, don't forget to check out their Contests & Freebies section.. (under WomenTalk folder).

Friday, June 17, 2011

That thorny fruit - Penang's famous Balik Pulau durians


Tis the season for durians..

If you are in Penang and love durians, you are at a sweet spot! Everyone knows Balik Pulau is famous for its durians but going there to the orchards could be quite an effort. The great news is the durians are now coming to you in the form of a durian promotion which will be held at the New World Park on Burmah Road from noon to 8pm daily from today until the July 31.

Durian varieties available include the famed Mao Shan Wang (King of Civet Cats) as well as Ang Sim (red heart), Khun Poh, Ang Heh (Red Prawn) and D24. Mangosteens and rambutans will also be sold alongside the durians.

Tip from a durian farmer: “Good durians can be smelt from a distance instead of having to sniff up close, and are lighter compared to durians yet to fully ripen.

“You also find the thorns less hard when you brush it against the palm of your hand.”

Know more about durians, that heavenly fruit.


Source: The Star..Easier now to savour Balik Pulau durians

China's Got Talent 2011 - 12-year-old Mongolian boy singing "Mother in the Dream"

After watching Choi Sung-bong of Korea's Got Talent, we now come to a 12-year-old Mongolian boy who sings to his mother in heaven in China's Got Talent.

Uudam (乌达木 Wudamu in Chinese) lost his parents at the age of 8 in a road accident. His song, "Mother in the Dream" (梦中的额吉) is sung to his mother in heaven. He seldom talks about his story but when he misses his mother, he will sing this song. Besides, he always dreams about his mother, sitting beside him.

The song, a beautiful, haunting melody, is in Mongolian, therefore, not everyone can understand the lyrics. However, his singing touched every judge and audience in the hall without the understanding of the lyrics. He sang out all his love through to his mother.

A touching song, performed by a boy who has a sad story behind, a voice comes from far Mongolia sending his love to his mother in heaven. A great performance by a 12-year-old boy! He also has an interesting and beautiful dream which is to invent a kind of ink that you just need a drop to drop on the ground, and the whole world will be covered with green grass. His mother's wish when she was alive was to see him singing on stage.

(You're going to be needing tissues for this.)



Find out if he is the winner of China's Got Talent 2011.
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Related post:
Winner of Korea's Got Talent 2011

Friday Frolics -What Color Pumpkin Are You?

It is believed that a healthful diet involves eating food of various colors. For yellow, I choose pumpkins. This week's quiz is about pumpkins and it says I'm a Blue Pumpkin.

Have a wonderful pumpkinny weekend! tee-hee..

SK, happy birthday!



You Are a Blue Pumpkin



You are unique, fascinating, and even a bit mysterious. There's not a lot of people like you around.

You believe life's too short to not seize the moment. You embrace every opportunity and live each day like it's your last.



You are playful and energetic. After a hard day of work, the last thing you want to do is lay around.

You love to get your heart racing, and it's hard for you to say no to an exciting or interesting invitation.


       

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Wigs and hairpieces from LeeBeauty

If you are shopping around for wigs and hairpieces, hair and beauty products or even jewelry, you have come to the right place.

LeeBeauty is an online beauty store whose products are priced lower for customers to realize better savings. Everything pertaining to beauty can be found here. Check out the site. It's user-friendly being easy to navigate. Products are categorized accordingly for ease of location. You would be surprised at the range of products available. Take for instance, their Hair extension range that includes a good variety of extension types from Weaving to Braiding to Fusion and more down to specific black hair extensions. Each hair extension category is further broken down into brand, type and style. Do check out their popular remy hair extentions which now come with a big saving of 30% discount.

If wigs are what you are looking for, their Wigs Center will certainly have what you are looking for given their extensive brands, types and styles available.

You can also find quality Skin Care products from cleansing products to skin lightening to hair removal to foot care and more. LeeBeauty also carries products for men including shaving cream and powder to hair care and hair color products, skin care, even wigs. Beauty tools including hair accessories, dryers, clippers, brushes and combs are also available. Nail care is not left out as you can also find Nail care products here. When it comes to beauty, Jewelry is part and parcel of it. Find beautiful pieces of earrings, necklaces, rings and more on LeeBeauty. All products come with a discount currently.

If you are in the United States, shipping is only at $2.95 and free shipping is extended to any purchase above $100. Check out this shopping beauty store. You would be surprised at the range they have and their awesome price reductions! Happy shopping!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

RON97 petrol reduced by 10 sen to RM2.80 a litre

From The Star:

The price of RON97 petrol will be reduced by 10 sen to RM2.80 per litre from midnight Wednesday, according to Petrol Dealers Association of Malaysia president Datuk Hashim Othman.

This is the first reduction since the price was floated at market rates.

There have been four increases in RON97 petrol price since the beginning of this year.

The last increase on May 5 saw a hike of 20 sen to RM2.90 per litre.

However, the price of RON95 petrol remains at RM1.90 a litre.

Check out Military auctions to increase your collection

If you are a collector of guns or military memorabilia, here is a site for you. Affiliated Auctions & Realty specializes in buying and selling a wide variety of items. If you are looking for the best military auctions this is the place. Theirs must be one of the best gun auction sites around. To gun-collectors, this could be a go-to site to expand one's collection of either civilian or military firearms. For militaria, you can find a variety of items here including Uniforms, Medals, Photos, Badges & Equipment.

Besides firearms and military items, Affiliated Auctions & Realty buys and sells Coins & Currency, Jewelry & Diamonds, Watches & Timepieces, Gold & Silver (Including Bullion, Bars & Scrap/Broken Jewelry), Art Glass & Glassware, Porcelain & Pottery, even Dolls & Toys, and more. If you want to buy or sell jewelry, this could be the best place to go to.

Affiliated Auctions is constantly on the lookout for new items. They accept consignments, so if you have items to consign to their upcoming auctions, stop by their gallery or give them a call.

If you have a property to sell or are looking for one, they are the people to go to too. Why should you place your trust in Affiliated Auctions & Realty to sell jewelry online, locate real estate or sell coins?

Affiliated Auctions & Realty is an established auction house, reseller and buyer. They have years of experience in the business and carry membership with such associations as the National Auctioneer Association, the Tallahassee Board of Realtors, the Georgia Board of Realtors, the Orders & Medals Society, the Jewelers Board of Trade, the American Numismatic Association and more.

Two suns in the sky

The skies hold much fascination and mystery beyond our comprehension. One morning last month, I was surprised to look up at the orangy morning sky to find what looked like a huge round moon very near to the rising sun. If you use your hands to measure the distance, it would be about two feet apart. Was that possible, I was wondering. Did the moon forget to retire for the night or did she stay back to enjoy a morning cuppa with the sun. Of course there is a logical explanation. Round about that time, I read that a star (forgot its name) was coming close to Earth and that it could be seen in our skies. There, that explains it. Then as the sun became brighter, the 'moon' was nowhere to be found. Interesting..

And now, we hear that we are in the midst of being able to see two suns! How bizarre! Here's a video of two suns being spotted in China..



There is an email circulating right now about two suns on June 21.


The email says,

21st June - the Whole World is waiting for.............

Star Aderoid will be the brightest in the sky, starting 10 June. It will look as large as the sun from naked eye. This will culminate on 21st June when the star comes within 34.65M miles of the earth. Be sure to watch the sky on June 21 at 12:30 pm. (S'pore: 3pm) It will look like the earth has 2 suns.!!

The next time Aderoid may come this close is in 2287.



This should be a sight to behold.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Earthquakes in Sumatra and Tremors felt in West Malaysia


Did you feel the tremors this morning?

Two earthquakes hit northern Sumatra this morning sending tremors that were felt in Selangor, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Perak, Putrajaya and here.

According to Jakarta Post, a magnitude-5.5 earthquake rattled Tarutung in the North Sumatra regency of North Tapanuli on Tuesday morning, with no casualties reported so far. The epicenter of the quake was 30 kilometers southeast of Tarutung, at the depth of 10 kilometers below sea level.

The Google Map below will give you an idea of the location of Tarutung which explains why we felt the tremors this morning.

View Larger Map

The epicenter of the earthquake was also 39 kilometers from Sibolga and 49 kilometers from Padangsidempuan, two North Sumatran cities.

The agency reported that the quake had not triggered a tsunami.

The first 5.5-magnitude earthquake hit Sumatra at 8.08am and the second 5.6-magnitude quake hit the same place at 11.01am Tuesday.

Firemen carrying out checks at several government buildings in Putrajaya after the tremors
However, there was no tsunami threat, said the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

In other parts of Indonesia, The Jakarta Globe reported that a 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck off Palu, Central Sulawesi, on Monday, according to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG).

The moderate quake struck at a depth of 10 kilometers at 15.40 p.m. 120 kilometers off Palu.

It was the second quake in Indonesia today after a 4.7-magnitude quake hit Blitar, East Java at 10.17 a.m.

A third earthquake, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake, hit off Tahuna, North Sulawesi, at 9:31 p.m.

It was Indonesia's third earthquake on Monday — the first was in Blitar, East Java, and the second in Palu, Central Sulawesi.

There were no reports of injuries or damages. No tsunami warning had been issued.

Indonesia sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where the meeting of continental plates causes high seismic activity, and Sumatra is particularly prone to earthquakes.

Sources:
The Star
5.1-Magnitude Quake Hits Central Sulawesi
6.9-Magnitude Quake Hits North Sulawesi
Images from The Star

Monday, June 13, 2011

Avoid Korean noodles (until further notice)

Malaysians, being Asians, eat rice as a staple. Noodles come in a close second and they include those easy-to-cook 2-minuters packed in single-helping packages and cups or bowls.

Thanks to the Health Ministry, imported food products are monitored closely and tested for unsafe additives. Lately, there has been a spate of Taiwan food products being banned for containing carcinogenics.

Two products from a local multi-level company, Cosway (M) Sdn Bhd were analysed and found to contain di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP).

Following this, the ministry had ordered the company to destroy Oriyen Nutri Grow (Boy) Orange Drink Premix, 330g product (code: 36135).

Oriyen Nutri Grow (Girl) Cranberry Drink Premix, 330g product (Code: 36136) was found to be safe.

However, the ministry advised consumers, who had earlier used the tainted product Oriyen Nutri Grow (Boy) Orange Drink, not to worry as the health risk from the contamination was low.
Source..

The latest consumer warning being for two brands of Korean noodles, Shin Ramen and Shin Ramyun. Consumers have been advised to avoid eating these two noodles until tests confirm they are safe for consumption.

Both products from the same company had been recalled for tests to determine if they have excessive amounts of plasticiser, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and di-isononyl phthalate (DINP).
Source: Avoid Korean Noodles


Related article:
Two more Taiwanese food products recalled

Saturday, June 11, 2011

How to Test for mold in your home or business premise

Ever heard of toxic mold? Mold is everywhere, even in our home but when it threatens our health and the environment around us, it can become a real concern. In our humid climate, mold can easily thrive. Guessing and ignoring the problem will not make the problem go away but taking action will. When you suspect there may be mold contamination in your home or office, best to conduct a Test for mold and get timely help from the experts.

ImmunoLytics is an authoritative mycology lab that can help analyze mold samples. Results of the analysis can help properly identify and evaluate potential dangers providing homes, businesses and schools with definitive answers for proper cause of action to tackle the mold contamination.

At ImmunoLytics, they are continually studying different methods of collecting mold samples and finding solutions to the mold problem. An easy-to-use Mold detector kit available to purchase from them is able to collect mold samples for analysis by their state-of-the art analysis methods and equipment. Problem areas can expertly be identified for proper and effective corrective action.

If anyone is feeling under the weather all or most of the time, it's time to determine if your environment is making you sick. Get one of those Mold test kits available to determine mold contamination for corrective action. Getting sick due to mold contamination is indeed avoidable.

Check out their website. There is a whole lot of information from these Mold Experts. For starters, get your own copy of The Mold Guide from the website where you can find the latest news and discounts on their products. Really, check out the site. It does have a lot of information we can learn from. They are not called The Mold Experts for nothing..

Friday, June 10, 2011

Friday Frolics - What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Well well, whaddaya know! You type in just ONE name and you get a reward of ego-busting (not all bad, fortunately) long list of traits about you. I say! Try it, and get a giggle or two or just be amazed. Whatever..

What can I say! Some things in life, we will never understand. All the same, happy Friday-frolicking..



You Are Seductive and Ruthless



You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong.

You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know.

You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do.



You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out.

Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia.

Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.



You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic "Type A" personality.



You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.

You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.

You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.



You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.

You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.

At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.



You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.

You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.

You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Korea's Got Talent - Choi Sung-bong

Choi Sung-bong reminds me of Paul Potts of Britain's Got Talent fame. Paul won the contest 4/5 years ago.

Watch Choi Sung-bong's performance. You're going to be needing tissues - don't say I didn't warn you.



Choi's performance of Nella Fantasia was on June 6, 2011, and he successfully advanced to the next level of competition of the show, Korea's Got Talent.

Related posts:
Winner of Korea's Got Talent 2011
Winner of China's Got Talent 2011

Shopping bags that tickle, a lot..

Shopping is not quite complete without the shopping bag, isn't it? What kinds of plastic/paper bags or carriers have you got so far? Any one of these?

And imagine the stir you'd create with these bags! tee-hee..

Have a lovely day ahead, y'all..


Source unknown. These are from an email. If you know the source, please let me know.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Best tactical boots are from Magnum

Looking for boots for on-the-job or for recreation? Magnumboots.com is the place, whether it's tactical boots or non slip shoes you are interested in.

Boots today are not what they used to be. Advancement in technology has also extended to boot-making. With hydro management nano technology, boots nowadays are made with many improved features and considerations in mind.

Magnum boots have been used by law-enforcers, the military and medical emergency services personnel (paramedics), security forces and firemen for a very long time and they have become the footwear of choice, even more so now for their enhanced features. Boots being an essential part of the whole ensemble in a uniformed work environment, no police equipment is complete without boots, for instance.

Magnum designs boots that are lightweight, comfortable, and full of features—all to make sure your boots are the last thing on your mind. Many of their styles feature ion-mask technology, which repels water and all kinds of other liquids, including blood. Not only are Magnum boots hydrophobic or water-resistant, they are breathable, lightweight (without sacrificing on durability) and environment-friendly and the highest-quality stitching thread is used. These boots are comfortable and keep your feet dry all the time.

If I were looking to buy a pair of boots, I know these would be the boots I would go for.

Grow apple trees in your yard

Almost all houses here that have land around their property have at least a fruit tree or two on their land or compound. Ever noticed that? In our climate, mangoes, rambutans, guavas, even durians are the common fruit trees grown. Grapes have also been added of late when people discovered that grapes can also be grown in our tropical climate. There is no denying how amazing a fruit can taste when it’s picked straight from the fruit trees or fruit plants.

If you are looking out for a fruit tree or two to plant or have an orchard and are planning to increase your crop and variety, Willis Orchards may be just the site for you. They have a wide selection of fruit trees for sale - from apple trees to apricot trees, kiwi to pears, bananas to passion fruit, and more.

Besides fruit trees, you can also find berry plants - strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, elderberries, and more. Berries are delicious and so very healthy for your body. Berries are high in vitamins and antioxidants which in recent years have driven the high demand for the products and the subsequent high prices at grocery stores.

Grape vines are also available at Willis Orchards. Check out the different varieties of grapes that they have. If nuts are your interest, you can find almond trees, pecan trees, chestnut trees and more. Need some flowering trees, shade trees or palm trees to spruce up your garden landscaping? They do have them too, lots of varieties to choose from. Bamboo plants are also available and you would be surprised at the many species of bamboo plants they carry - from Golden Goddess Bamboo plant to Black Bamboo plant, American Native Bamboo plant, Japanese Timber Bamboo plant, just to name a few. Willis Orchards, definitely a site to check out. Bookmark it!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Gift Wrapping Supplies

If you are one who enjoys doing your own gift wrap instead of letting the service counter do it for you, this Paper Mart site is for you.

Paper Mart is without a doubt the largest and most complete packaging store. I have not come across any store just like it. You can find all kinds of gift wrapping supplies and packaging material. Just bags alone, you can find from fabric bags to food bags to shopping bags and shrink bags to vinyl bags and more, each with a number of different choices to suit every need. As for boxes, there are cardboard boxes, corrugated boxes to gift boxes to jewelry boxes and many more. Even their range of gift wrapping papers alone is mind-boggling!
Other supplies available include tubes, baskets, pouches, ribbons, bows and ties, papers, plastics and films, even supplies for party and crafts.

Navigating the site is easy. Supplies are further classified into types of packaging categories such as Animals, Baby, Candy, Christmas, Floral, Jewelry, and so forth.

Paper Mart is definitely a place to shop for gift wrap and packaging supplies. Don't just take my word for it, check out the site. I am sure you will be amazed at their wide selection of supplies.

Grow Your Own Drugs - James Wong

I had the chance to visit a nursery over the weekend - the horticulture kind, that is - and had a great time checking out plants I have never seen before, not that I've seen many. One of the things I found out is that there are many species of pitcher plants. Guess you knew that already. But more of the nursery later. In the meantime, let's talk about something else, yet still related to plants and flowers.

A few weeks ago, I read with interest a garden creation for Tourism Malaysia that was awarded a gold medal at the recent annual Chelsea Flower Show in London. The rainforest-inspired garden was jointly designed by James Wong and garden designer David Cubero.

The Star two days ago wrote about it again covering a little more information on James Wong and what he does.

James is an ethnobotanist and even has a popular tv show called "Grow Your Own Drugs". According to the dictionary, ethnobotany is the branch of botany concerned with the use of plants in folklore, religion, etc.

James is a Malaysian from Sarawak who has been living in England for twelve years. Wanting to know more about his work and his tv show, I went on to check out You Tube. Surprise! There are many different episodes of the show on You Tube. Below are just three. Check them out. The first one says Part 1 of 3 but I couldn't locate the latter two parts. Anyway, each video is complete in itself so no worries there. The part on goji berries is interesting. You could even grow them in your garden or even in a pot on your balcony. Take a look.

There is more than just planting. Learn how to make bubble-bath salts, potpourri to keep moths away from your clothes, treatment for acne as well as eczema, lozenges for your sore throat and lots more home-remedies from plants and flowers from your garden or even in the wild. Really refreshing knowhow.



In these two videos, James covers flowers and their use for various remedies. Good to know and for enterprising readers, you could even try to make them for your own use. If you love nature and gardening or even home-remedies, you will enjoy these videos.





James has even published a book to share his knowledge. He talks about what's in the book in this video.



Here's where you can buy the book..

Monday, June 6, 2011

Dumpling Day - A Chinese festival


Today is Dumpling Day or Duanwu Festival, one of the major festivals that has been celebrated for thousands of years as part of Chinese culture.

The festival occurs on the 5th day of the 5th month of the lunar calendar on which the Chinese calendar is based. Today is the day for 2011. The focus of the celebrations includes eating rice dumplings wrapped in lotus leaves though in Malaysia, bamboo leaves are used. In the old days, probably still practised in Hong Kong, racing dragon boats is still part of the tradition. In this part of the world, for those celebrating this festival, the family would gather for a more lavish dinner than usual. For Buddhists, offerings of food would be made to deities and ancestors at the prayer altars.

More information on the origin of Dumpling Day..

Happy Dumpling Day!


Image source: Wikipedia


Related posts:
Happy Duanwu Festival or Dumpling Day! - June 12, 2013
Dumpling Day or Duanwu Festival - June 24, 2012

Friday, June 3, 2011

Conference calls eliminate cost of travel

With escalating costs of running a business, companies are constantly on the lookout for ways to stay competitive and profitable. With the advent of internet, business partners and associates are no longer just down the street or even in the same neighborhood. Business is now conducted with people who could be miles away, even an ocean away. Fast communication ensures early closure and success for both companies. Conference calls can bridge the gap making distance no longer a barrier to business. People no longer need to fly half way around the globe to attend meetings. Teleconferencing can replace that and which leads to cost-cutting thus improving company margins, and speedier decision-making.

When your business requires teleconferencing services, you now have choices which include Video conferencing, Web conferencing and Audio conferencing. The Conference Group can help your company choose the type of teleconferencing that suits your needs. If you are an agent or reseller of web conferencing services, they can also work directly with you to develop a plan that can help your business grow.

Thanks to the availability and acceptance of the Internet, the business world has completely changed. With relationships with other businesses across state and even country boundaries, speed of communication has become critical to mutual success. The changing face of the business world has heightened the demand for better forms of communication. The Conference Group meets those demands. By offering Audio conferencing, Web conferencing and Video conference solutions, they have the answers your company needs to stay ahead in the global marketplace.

Friday Frolics - What Form of Urban Transportation Are You?

Gee, this is nice.. I'm nice. hehe..

Happy Friday, Everyone!



You Are a Hybrid Car



You're the type of person who likes to pay it forward. When you're kind to people, you mean it.

You are peace-seeking and even a bit of a hippie deep down. You want to make the world a better place.



You like to help and support others. You're always willing to do a favor for a friend.

You are predictable, stable, and consistent. You try to tread lightly and leave each place a little better than you found it.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Importance of Maintaining Normal Testosterone Levels

I read that having normal testosterone levels is not only important for men, it plays a key role for women as well. For women, these sex hormones are thought to have important effects on Ovarian function, i.e., for the ovaries to work normally; maintain or increase Bone strength and may in a good way, regulate sexual behavior.

In men, testosterone is the major sex hormone and plays a number of important roles, including

1. Development of the penis and testes
2. Deepening of the voice during puberty
3. Appearance of facial and pubic hair starting at puberty; later in life, it may play a role in balding
4. Muscle size and strength
5. Bone growth and strength
6. Sex drive (libido)
7. Sperm production

Testosterone may also help maintain normal mood - for both men and women. In adolescent boys, if they have too little or a low level of testosterone, they may not experience normal masculinization. For instance, the genitals may not enlarge, facial and body hair may be scant and the voice may not deepen normally.


Source: MSN Health

McDonald's GREEN Coca-Cola Can Glass completes the series

The release of the Green McDonald's Coca-Cola Can Glass today marks the completion of the collectibles set of six which began with the Charcoal tint on April 28, followed by Purple, Blue, Pink and Lime.

Need to buy a Can Glass to complete your set? Here is where to check out if there is one for sale. Or perhaps you have one or more to let go?

I wonder what has McDonald's lined up next.. Any guesses?

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

R.I.P. Jonas Bevacqua

A sad day for the world of fashion, and even more specifically the streetwear culture.

Jonas Bevacqua, co-founder of LRG (Lifted Research Group) was found dead in his home on Bern Drive in Laguna Beach on Monday. Bevaqua was 34. No additional information has been officially released.

Bevacqua, along with Robert Wright, founded LRG in 1999. The company became profitable by 2002, and made its first $1 million in 2000. In 2006 sales figures were at an estimated $150 million. - Wikipedia

LRG focuses primarily on the design, production, and marketing of streetwear clothing and accessories. LRG both supports and is supported by a community of musicians, artists and athletes who have donned the company's clothing. According to LRG, the company's clothes have been worn by celebrities from Kobe Bryant and Reggie Bush to Kanye West and John Legend to Quentin Tarantino and Tom Arnold.

According to Orange County Register, his family is a veritable melting pot. Bevacqua, who is U.S-born Vietnamese, was adopted along with six others by Helen and Joe Bevacqua, who also have one biological son. He has a black brother and sister, Filipino brother and sister, half-white-half black sister, half Jamaican-half-Spanish brother and a white brother.

Bevacqua is survived by his fiancé, son, seven siblings and his mother and father, LRG officials said.

With P Diddy

With Kanye West

With his parents

RIP Jonas Bevacqua.


Image sources:
- Vibe.com
- Freshnessmag.com