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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Lin Ping the Panda Cub

Lin Ping, the panda cub Since its birth in May at the Chiang Mai Zoo to proud parents Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui (on loan from China), Lin Ping has been delighting visitors, Thais and foreigners alike. A 580m2 Snow Dome, built specially for the panda family, was opened in July but visitors have to shell out 150 baht (US$4.40) per person and brave chilling -5 degree Celsius temperatures. Lin Ping is usually in the nursery.

Other Chiangmai Treasures:

Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium A five-minute walk from the Panda Observatory, the 600-million-baht Chiang Mai Zoo Aquarium claims to have the longest aquarium tunnel in the world, at 133m. The 66.5m sea water tunnel and 66.5m freshwater tunnel feature more than 20,000 freshwater and aquatic creatures of more than 250 species. Admission to the facility costs 450 baht per adult.

Sunday Walking Street The 2km stretch of Ratchadameon Road and the inner streets and alleys off the main thoroughfare come to life every Sunday from late afternoon to nearly midnight. Locals set up stalls on the footpaths and streets selling everything from arts and crafts to clothing, paintings and local snacks at unbelievably low prices. School children, teenagers and seniors also take to the streets, showing off their talent in local and western musical performances.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar Hundreds of stalls, street-side shops and malls line a long section of Chang Khlan Road nightly from late evening until nearly midnight. Popular buys include silks, cloths, handwoven fabrics, hilltribe crafts, silver accessories, woodcarvings and pottery. This is definitely a good place to practise haggling skills.

Bo Sang & San Kamphaeng route San Kamphaeng Road is flanked by shops, showrooms and factories that sell local artworks and handicrafts, ranging from woodcarvings, lacquerware, silverware, leather, ceramics, silk, cotton woven fabrics and antiques.
Bo Sang village is famous for mulberry paper parasols and colourful umbrella souvenirs.

Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center Since opening in 1971, the centre has been serving Khantoke Dinner while staging cultural performances in a traditional Lanna setting.
A tiered tray made of wood or rattan, Khantoke is traditionally used to serve meals in Thailand’s northern provinces. Cultural shows include fingernail and candle dances, Thai boxing and sword-fight exhibitions.

Chiang Mai Night Safari It may be a tad controversial having been built during the former Thaksin Shinawatra administration but the theme park has its merits as it boosted the province’s appeal by creating a nocturnal activity for visitors. The theme park’s Jaguar Trail that weaves around the Swan Lake is also open during the day. Guided tram rides of the Savanna Safari and Predator Prowl only operate at night. Each tram ride ends with a musical fountain and water-screen show.

Ratchaphruek Garden This was the venue for the Royal Flora Ratchaphruek horticultural exposition, from December 2006 to February 2007, to commemorate King Bhumibol Adul-yadej’s 60th anniversary on the throne. Since then, the garden has been open to visitors. Ratchaphruek Garden is located next to the Night Safari, some 30 minutes by car from downtown Chiang Mai.

Doi Inthanon National Park Sprawling 1,005km2 across Mae Chaem and Chom Thong districts, Doi Inthanon is Thailand’s highest mountain at 2,565m above sea level. Park entrance fees are 400 baht per adult and 200 baht per child. The park is open year-round but the attractions are quite seasonal. The best time to view the waterfalls is from May to November. Wild flowers are in full bloom from December to February. And indigenous and migratory birds populate the park from November to March.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Locals believe that tourists cannot claim they have been to Chiang Mai unless they have visited this mountaintop temple perched around 1,000m above sea level. In addition, according to local lore, good things will come to those visitors who take on the challenge of climbing the 290 steps to the temple. If that were not enough, the excellent views are an added incentive for the arduous climb. Located 15km from downtown, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep has been watching over the province for more than a millennium.

Khao Soy Finally, a visit to Chiang Mai is not complete without a taste of khao soy.
This local favourite is a soupy dish of curry-like sauce using coconut milk as a base. Available at all local restaurants, khao soy can be served hot with egg noodles and meat or sprinkled atop deep-fried egg noodles. The flavours can be enhanced with condiments such as pickled cabbage, fresh shallots, lime juice and nam prik pao (chili paste). A word of caution though to the uninitiated – khao soy is on the spicy side.

Friday, April 10, 2009

Mr Karpal Singh you are so darn right

In The Star paper today, an article appeared alongside the news bearing the long awaited outcome of the Atlantuya murder of which has plagued us for many months and years to effect:

The 2 UTK (Special Action Unit) personnel has finally been found guilty and as expected the case will be drawn longer with review when they make their appeals against the judgment. Karpal Singh in a separate article called for the mastermind to be charged with the murder as well. It is agreeable to a certain extent that these 2, although having carried out the ghastly and overly method(s) of the murder are mere pawns. In the absence of a motive for the murder, they are only accessories and tools to carry out the same. It is only logical that the real instigator and person behind them should be identified and brought to justice.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

My Kind of PM

Respects (and Expects) the Crazy
The way he handles it is a true test of what kind of man he is.

Is Enthusiastically Curious
Gets up every day and is incredibly excited about whatever he's going to learn, whether it's politics or something else. He has to be interested in the rest of the world. Everything is so much bigger than we are.

Is Inherently Generous
You can tell a lot about a man by how he treats the people around him, whether it's a friend or just someone on the street. If you're a generous person, you're generous all the time."

Knows How to Merge
On Malaysian Unity, it has to be a merger, not a takeover.

Good bye Pak Lah

It is a sad day for Malaysia. Yours truly is really affected by having to bear witness, in my lifetime, of a great statesman Abdullah Badawi. In his last formal press interview as the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Pak Lah showed much of the great charisma he has from the days of the old. It is most unfortunate that most people consider him as a failed politician. I for one, beg to differ. If not because of Pak Lah there would not be so much freedom in the country. Those that do not condone his actions are the remnants of the old ways, for them power must be absolute and unquestionable. To me I studied history and learned of the struggles of our Malaysian forefathers. To our Bapa Malaysia (the late Tunku Abdul Rahman), Bapa Kereta (Mahathir Mohamad), and Bapa Kebebasan (Pak Lah), I salute you all and admire you all for making Malaysia what she is today. Hopefully Najib will assume the mantle of being the most powerful man in Malaysia with the support and devotion of the masses. He may yet become the wisest and best Prime Minister yet by attaining the title of "Father of Unity and Equality" with his One Malaysia Concept.

Ringgit Malaysia 2 Million Fine for Serious Offence

It was reported in the Malaysian daily The Star that 2 Malaysian women of Chinese descent were charged in court and fined a combined total of over RM2 million. According to the presiding judge the quantum of the offenses committed were unforgivable, serious, and the amount of the fine is justified to serve as a deterrents for any future similar cases.

The offense? Both were found guilty of being involved in pirated DVDs.

Compared to other well known cases here like Atlantuya and Cannie Ong both of which involved the loss of dear life, justice was deemed fair and swift in the war against piracy of this nature.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Malaysians Beware Nasty White Male Motorcyclist on our Roads

The time is between 7.30am and 7.50am on a rainy grey Friday morning in dear ol' Malaysia along the Jalan Kuching to Kuala Lumpur City Centre route. A White Male on a big bike (the type with saddlebags on each side at the rear) harassed a lady driver. Apparently, the poor soul had switched lanes from the fast lane on the right to the middle lane, and in so doing had incurred the wrath of this wretched road bully who was speeding in the rain and in between the fast and middle lanes. The big bike he was on appears to have white mudguards as well. The wretch had the nerve to intimidate the lady driver by stopping her car and banging on her window. This caused the lady driver to become hysterical with fear and she wound down her window and screamed for help. The wretched "mat wretched-salleh" sped off in the direction of Jalan Tun Razak after neighboring cars around stopped. I believe that this is not the first time that this white visitor to our country has been nasty on the roads as I encountered him a few months back along Jalan Raja Chulan, not once but twice. The first time he had a pillion rider who was a Malaysian-Malay female and he was brushing his way thru the vehicles caught in the evening rush hour jam. Second time, he was alone but speeding as well along the short stretch.

If our efficient police need to find him it would be extremely easy since he may as well be the only foreigner riding a big bike to the city centre on Jalan Kuching.

Perhaps it was raining and that's why help did not come as soon as it should but one thing is clear, we Malaysians have evolved to a different level.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Malaysian politician quits over nude photos - Rape of An Individual's Privacy

The prominent Malaysian Opposition Party politician has been identified as Elizabeth Wong. She has since submitted her resignation after the photos of her in the "nude" were circulated to the media. The pictures purportedly shows Elizabeth Wong, one of Malaysia's top human rights activists, sleeping in her bedroom. If that is the case and if the pictures were taking unawares to her, I stand by that there is then no issue at all and no need for her to resign at all. If morality, and to venture a step higher, the personal habits of people were to be used as yard sticks I believe that many politicians would fail in that area.

Speculation by the media is that the images may have been taken by a former boyfriend.

The photographs, which are circulating via mobile phone but have not yet been published in the media, have caused a political storm in Malaysia.

Wong, a bespectacled 37-year-old who is not married, is a well-known member of the multiracial Keadilan party led by Anwar Ibrahim, who helms the three-member Pakatan Rakyat opposition alliance. She has won support from both sides of the political divide, including from women in the Barisan Nasional coalition and the Pakatan Rakyat.

The prude of a man Mohamad Khir Toyo, the former Barisan Nasional chief minister of Selangor has also questioned her moral values for allowing a man in her room since she is still single. Mind you Mr. Toyo, every individual is entitled to their own lifestyle and social norms. Just because you "don't" does mean that others can't even if they did.

Vote that Elizabeth stays on. On this matter, dear Elizabeth you should have no qualms about staying on since you were in the dark of those pictures taken. By all means possible the police should bring the culprits to book and ensure that the heaviest penalty is imposed.

Thought of the Day - 17th Day in the month of February 2009

It's a good start and rather timely to review just how well I've fared this early into the year 2009. I'm still keeping optimistic and my fingers and toes crossed that the year will finally balance itself and behave.

At this moment I feel very generous and forgiving, thanks to the affectionate 'can we still be friends' characteristic of mine. I shall stop toting around miserable ancient grudges that affect me more than anyone else and decide to deposit them in the 'bygones' cubbyhole. Ah - almost instantaneous relief. This is my decision. It's my call.

Ambient tension or stress is better to be released rather than harbored where it will fester and spill over. Not that being in control is less of a human being but it shows us in better light and makes us healthier as well when we choose not to be bothered at all. That's a higher plane of existence. I once read somewhere that people that bother others are so full of shit and they always look for other people to unload their shit.

Past events and present circumstances are only a continuation of time and it serves naught to let it dwell too long in the former. If we remain trapped in that twilight of past blurring the present, we'll feel anxious, slightly angry or resentful, and possibly disappointed with our situation. It's a no-brainer. Don't be another person's dumping ground for pain, suffering, and misery; either detach or stay away from them.

Devil on the Road : Tuesday, February 17th, 2009

At last - I shall mislead myself to believe that it is the current economic situation that brings out the worse in people. The last bit of the puzzle fell into place yesterday evening on my drive back from wonderful dusty and dirty Kuala Lumpur. On the road was a "grey" colored Toyota VIOS driven by a middle aged woman. Although it was rush hour traffic and the cars were practically inching their way ahead slower than a tortoise, this woman driver insisted on shaving closely to me in an attempt to force me off the road. I would have easily given way should she have used her turning indicators. When I chanced a look at her and gave her an inquiring glance, she looked liked a demon on the phone busily yakking away and glaring at me at the same time. I took a deep breath and allowed her to slip in. Did I say allow? I meant stopped abruptly to avoid her grazing against my car.

Now, what have people and for that matter a woman driver become?

More on Malaysian Nurse Nude Pix

I guess we all have Edison Chen to thank for all the recent interest and continued fascination by the masses towards personal and intimate pictures of such genre.

Whatever a couple may want to do and that includes taking intimate pictures is their own business and should by all means remain private. The emergence of such pictures are only a measure of the person that released those pictures to the public. I again stress that I am not a prude even if it was to be shared by friends. Shame on these people that take advantage of others.

So what if it was Han Bee Yin, Elizabeth Wong, or even someone we know...for that moment of cheap thrill the imbecile who avail these pictures have degraded themselves to a level of the lowest.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Malaysian Nude Pix of A Nurse

I personally have not seen any of these Internet circulated photos of Han Bee Yin who is supposedly working in a private hospital in Penang as a nurse. However, I believe many have already seen the nude photos that are being circulated.

In an interview with Guang Ming Daily, Han Bee Yin admitted and revealed that she was indeed the person in those nude photos. This story was further highlighted in The Star in its February 14 publication which coincidently is on Valentine's Day, and which is how yours truly learned of this despicable act of a spurned suitor. Why can't men be more understanding and accept rejection? To what purpose was it if not only to bring shame to Han Bee Yin?

Well Bee Yin, if you do ever read this do not fret over it too much. Our body is god's gift and especially in such modern times there is no shame to feel. The idiot who posted your photos is more likely to get retribution ten-folds over for being a coward and a hopeless loser.

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Perak's Crisis Fiasco

With due respect the recent "minor" upheaval in Perak Malaysia is anything but "happening". What more can I expect from a state government that's barely a year old? It's like taking candy from a baby. Now if the states in East Coast were to be as such, then perhaps the show would be impressive and well deserved a pat on the back.

The occurrences of governments falling, in this case that of a state, should be of certain standards. For one, the instability must be caused by great grief for acts done that fail to protect the interest of the public. Secondly or in conjunction with the former acts that have harmed the public and/or their interest.

Members of Parliament are MERELY elected representatives of the people under the banner of their respective party or party-free candidacy. It is not a position to be traded for political and/or monetary advantage.

A simple approach would be to implement a guideline that will state that any Independent (Party-Free) MP so-elected is FREE to align them to the powers-that-are. MPs that won their seats based on support for their political party should vacate those seats if their ideologies differ from that of their party and to have the party appoint another candidate as suitable replacement. This is because the public votes for the candidate is based on his type of candidacy, and not a hundred percent on personal character. It's simple yet effective and would make Malaysia less laughing fodder in the eyes of the world. Although, who cares what the world thinks since its not anyone's business what goes on with others...but then again politics will always remain politics.

Saturday, February 7, 2009

My Life Today in Malaysia

It’s Saturday, the 7th of February in the year 2009, and yours truly is in the green. Being in the green means that my mind is jam packed, as usual, with thoughts. The only one I recognize is the constant itch to travel out of the country. But that’s not the point, my friend. The point is the beautiful people and places. There’s Singapore with all its supermodel pedestrians, and there’s my favorite country, Australia, and above all, there is the heart-stoppingly scenic, ultra ancient modern young and happening China, and the big boss, Japan, also beautiful. And then there are some others I haven't been to yet, but I’d like to.

The point is that they’re all not Malaysia, all beautiful travel destinations, and all here in this world where the local scene is bracing up to face the economy and business and fears of inflation and the credit crisis. And it’s all a torrent of wants, and they’re all so alluringly make-me-forget-and-relaxed, and I’m thinking, Why? When do I go from here?

When I finished breakfast at the local kopitiam, I hightailed it back to my abode, and what should be waiting there to greet me in the news is but the one and only stuff that is utterly embarrassing and disturbing, the one news that sort of puts one on the whole concept travel far far away, political instability in the country. Its been around a few years now, and we have all had our share of controversy lately. But I do hope that it'll be the last so that Malaysia can forge ahead and make right the wrongs in the past. Malaysia is still pretty young in terms of maturity at half a century. Looking mighty sweet to outside investors, she may soon sour if we don't get a firm grip at improving ours mentally and financially. We all know more than a little about the inner workings of the financial world - the strong oppresses whereas the weak meekly follow.

And the next day, there’s still us in the news with the political issues and such. I hope to see more of news that tell how well we are progressing, plans for the country's future, and lika lika lika.

What we have is a flood, a wakeup call, a tsunami of politic and economy. Pak Lah our beloved Prime Minister is still by far the best in my eyes. A leader that commands respects even till today and this is coming from someone who is a mere three decades of acquaintance from afar.

Long be well Malaysia.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

McDonald's @ Malaysia - unforgivably Malaysian

"Had an awesome time at McDonald's and can't wait to share it with someone? Think you've got an idea to help us boost our service? Let us know! We'd like to hear what's on your mind to improve our services. We want you to love every encounter with McDonald's. After all, we're supposed to be your favourite place to be, not just a place to eat!"

And, that's how the fat lady sings or in my case, screaming...at least they have the gall to make it an online tagline of sorts.

McDonald's in Malaysia is a very poor ripoff of the international Golden Arch chain. The food served is anything but fast. Quality for instance will have you served with a fish fillet burger that has hard crusty sides that makes you wonder if its because you're the first to order for the day and that's the leftover from sometime back (I wouldn't dare say its "overnite").

Compared to other joints or reputable outlets - there seems to be an awkward gap in the communication skills of the staff that's employed in McDonald's Malaysia. It's the only place in Malaysia I think besides the obvious mamak joints and some food courts where the official, common, and only language spoken is Bahasa Malaysia. It's rather embarrassing as a Malaysian to translate for a foreign guest and rather rude of the McDonald's staff to not answer in English. I however find it very comical to be engaged in this childish defiant play. At the same, HR hiring is restricted to a very un-Malaysian representation.

The best parts are,
1. KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken), Pizza Hut, and even Burger King hire better staff.
2. Their staff are more attentive.
3. They are also respectful in communication with better language skills.
4. They do not chat with their co-workers when serving a customer.

Now, McDonald's anyone? Awesome? I don't think so. Can't wait to share it? Definitely, so that others can read and see that their experience is not that much different. I'm lovin' it? No No No...

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Welcome to the Year of Earth Ox!

Well CNY this year is pretty wet and hot. It seems that this is the first memorable CNY where the weather is rainy. A first of many kinds. Perhaps its signalling great changes in the world. Whatever it is, I hope that the changes are good and beneficial to mankind.

In Chinese culture, each year is determined after a zodiac sign which is taken from a composition of 12 Animals. Namely, the Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig and Rat. The Rat is actually the first zodiac sign according to list and since its the rota cycle of the Ox this year, its placed first here.

People born in the Year of the Ox are believed to be hard and tough, strong and silent, a planner who plots his stratagem. Someone who thinks before speaking and is very sure and clear about life. At times, they may come across as unfeeling and the sense of disdain for others too apparent. Their serene composure and modest exterior makes others misjudge them, as they are brilliant and easily able to assume leadership mantle. They are however not very chatty, less flashy and visible though intelligent enough to understand. For them, actions speak volumes.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Ho Chak on Malaysia 8TV

I enjoy watching Ho Chak. It's a foodie documentary aired weekend on the best places to eat. Typically a show and tell of what's good for the palate. Yoon (吳家潤) female host of the show is so cute and watching her antics on the show makes it even enjoyable for a non-foodie like me. I mean as in a person who loves food but not to desire the same.

The show's namesake Ho Chak is Hokkien (a Chinese dialect) for “Tasty”.

Kudos Yoon...I'll be watching out for more of you.

Monday, January 19, 2009

A Sincere Wish for this Chinese New Year 2009

I wish you all a Happy, Wonderful, and Prosperous New Year come this 26th January 2009. May we all be in the best of health and wealth starting this Chinese New Year. Happiness starts with you.

On the international scene, I would like to see:-

1. President Obie take office and show us the changes he looks set to do positively,
2. Wars and bloodshed a memorial of the past and never to recur,
3. A unification of trade organizations to protect and not fleece the consumers,
4. A China of greater reforms and with proper regulatory systems,
5. A Taiwan that maintains its own sovereignty,
6. Governments of more developed countries helping countries that are not, and
7. Peace and Prosperity.

Locally, I hope to see:-

1. Less Talk and More Action (LTMA) from the Pakatan Rakyat government which is still sluggish,
2. A stop work and demolition order for a Chinese Temple that is in the ending stages of construction despite opposition from local residents in Bandar Mahkota Cheras (not to mention the highway saga),
3. Proper decorum from Members of Parliament whenever they carry out their duties, whether in debates or so,
4. A ceiling price capped for petrol and a reflective showing in the same when the CO price per barrel is down,
5. Malaysians think of themselves more of a single race, the Malaysian Race, instead of by ancestral roots. Here I think our forefathers were even more friendly and united back then than we are now. If we cannot move forward then look back and learn from our past,
6. The total eradication of the Mat Rempit menace and an end to the lack of public safety, and
7. That we all Malaysians regain our pride and love for this land where we were born - Unity is Strength.

Gong Xi Fa Cai.........many times over