Water Ration April 2014, Water Woes Again

Yup folks it's official!

Syabas has issued a statement to this effect. Let there be no misinterpretation regarding the recent heavy downpours -- water supply is still low (at least that's according to what the folks at Syabas says).

So it's another month of water rationing. If you want to know what's fair, folks in the designated Zone 2 areas are short a day of supply. Why?

Instead of water on April 1 and April 2, they'll just be getting water on April 1 only instead of the 2 days. Blame in on the guys at Syabas to reschedule anew instead of continuing the cycle, bad maths or maybe plain convenience to them.

 Excerpts from Syabas' Statement:

This will be the 4th Phase of Water Rationing and extension of the rationing period for areas in Selangor, Wilayah Persekutuan and Putrajaya.

Decision made by the Selangor Government to increase the volume of rationing from 500 Million litres a day to 1000 Million litres a day for the Selangor River Dam and 30 Million litres a day for the Klang Gates Dam. Syabas has been "requested" by the Selangor Government to prepare a Water Ration Plan (4th Phase) to tackle the shortage of treated water caused by this decision.

[Gosh! The way I read it, it's like Syabas is blaming the Selangor Government for deciding. But wait, why does the state authority or any government authority "decide" on such matters?]

The 4th Phase Water Ration Plan was approved by SPAN (Commission of National Water Services) on 28 March 2014.

[After that we had more rain. "Apparently" it rained heavily at the wrong places and water source is still high in ammonia, or something to that effect!]

In addition, there will be new areas added and affected by the water rationing.

[Bummer! As I'm typing this out -- it's about to rain again, heavily too].

This new Phase is effective from 4 April 2014 hingga 30 April 2014 and will last as long to a date decided by the Selangor Government.

[Again Selangor Government to decide. Should it be for Syabas to decide as the supplier and the Selangor Government to announce -- what the ...?]

And the famous phrase, consumers are urged to refer to the said notice on the Syabas website (www.syabas.com.my). 

Quick Notes:

For zones scheduled for no water supply, water supply is expected to stop at 9am on the first day and resume approximately 55 hours later, or at 4pm on the 3rd day.

[Another publicity lie, 2 days indeed!]

Be prepared, over here plans made carry on once "approved" -- so maybe if there's ample water supply source -- the plan goes on...

Malaysia do you have USB?

YES and I'm not talking about Universal Serial Bus drives OR devices here!

Unacceptable–Social Behavior (USB) is a serious mental condition where a person experiences frequent unwelcome obsessional thoughts that are socially abnormal and acts upon them, often followed by self gratification for having achieved those acts. An extreme example would be terrorists; classic version some whom misinterpret religion and use violence to achieve their "holy" objectives.

BUT I'm pretty sure that most of us anyway are NOT.

USB may be considered an illness and it affects almost everyone, from young children to adults, regardless of skin, sex or social or cultural background. The question that you should ask yourself is whether you have severe USB or mild USB?

IF USB is really an illness, almost all of us are certainly unaware of it since there is very little highlight on it. Maybe being Malaysians we just don't care as long as it doesn't personally hurt us. 

GENERALLY, USB sufferers experience obsessions which manifest into physical form. These hard to ignore acts are intrusive, unwanted, disturbing, significantly interfere with the society and the population at large. To people with USB they often know that their obsessional thoughts and acts are unacceptable, but they believe they have the personal right to act as they please even if it causes resentment and pain.

Typical USB includes:

• Spitting indiscriminately
• Public tantrums
• Running the Red Light (Red means Go?)
• Cutting Q whether driving or not
• Obstructing others from passing (again, whether driving or not)
• Showing the universal finger sign at others
• Throwing rubbish everywhere but the dustbin
• Dog Owners who allow their dogs to roam and defecate freely (my neighbor)
• Forcing others to follow (My Way or The Highway style)
• Hoarding (Mine mine mine and no one else's)

And that's only to name a few! If at any moment you did think or consider that these are the norm and nothing to worry about, then that's the very reason why USB is rampant and growing.

For people with USB there is often an over-inflated sense of ego that prevents them from estimating the amount of damage that their acts will cause to others. The USB person often feels ultimately responsible to have things their way.

To some degree USB people have probably experienced, at one time or another, by most of them, times when their acts are met with equal corrective action -- a speeding ticket, an earload of scolding, etc. Even then their ego prevents them from not doing the same selfish acts in future.

In a nutshell:

• USB people know that their thoughts and behavior are irrational and senseless,
• They feel proud and responsible to act out their selfish thoughts, and
• They do not doubt that their acts causes resentment.

Left unchecked and untreated, USB will mushroom and feed upon itself and can have the power to consume if left unchallenged.

Unfortunately, we have yet to even slowly begun to understand and identify USB symptoms much more effectively, maybe it's because of the culture of this country we live in.

The writer is still trying to understand USB better and, more importantly, hope that someone with the power to make a change, will recognize it as a threat to society and find ways how to treat it, and to offer belief and hope that recovery from Unacceptable–Social Behavior is possible.

Hot Hazy Summertime Blues in Malaysia

Wikipedia the free encyclopedia describes haze as a traditional atmospheric phenomenon where dust, smoke and other dry particles obscure the clarity of the sky.

Well in Malaysia it is very traditional alright, right down to consistently during summer (since 1982 too). Just as if the ozone layer is already not depleted enough and so burning hot! The way I see it, only idiots (because there are definitely more than a few of them) in Indonesia who make it a point year after year to do massive wide open burning.

While the Indonesian Government has only made disparaging retorts so far and in the past along the lines of - "the 'people' doing open burning is no other than those from Malaysia and Singapore", they seem to be nonetheless appreciative of these business mis-adventurers from overseas. Otherwise, why would they be knowledgeable of the nationalities of the perps and yet do nothing constructive and effective against them !?!

Hell they don't even get fined...even if they do - money can't buy back what is already lost, or maybe they are thinking that when the haze lifts and until the next time - it is sufficiently timely for those poor affected souls (such as Malaysians) to "heal" before the next attack!!!

No action doesn't mean that the problem will go away, yes it does but then again what about a year from now !?!

Every year we in Malaysia suffer the same problem with hazardous levels of haze, what are we? Some meek neighbor who only hold weekend parties and stay indoors (gap shut) while the next door neighbor does open burning!?! Oh good! Maybe the wind will blow the haze back in their faces and into their haze-resistant lungs... Hmph! Fat chance of that happening!

Schools closed, eye irritations, breathing difficulties -- WHY WHY WHY must we meekly endure this annual assault to our precious health?

Surely there must be some responsible and caring people in Indonesia who do not appreciate the lack of action and who are equally concerned about their own health and the environment that they live in, right?

There is hope still:

Walhi or Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (Indonesian Forum for the Environment) noted that the root causes of the haze have remained the same, three decades after it became a trans-boundary problem. Quote Walhi's Southern Sumatra acting Executive Director Hadi Jadmiko, "Efforts to stop open burning should begin from the Indonesian Government". He goes on to say that the haze COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF the Government (of Indonesia) had been serious in tackling the issue by coming down hard on open burning over the years.

If not:

Let us pray that the good people in Walhi get elected to government roles of power and hopefully (and thankfully then) will we only have a hot BUT NOT hazy summertime in Malaysia...

Until that happens, I'll be indoors with the air-conditioners on and god forbid having to go outdoors mask on...

By the way, Malaysian Government is ramping up efforts WITHIN Malaysia by telling us to call 999 and report any open burning...

MAHAP

MALAYSIAN AGAINST HAZE & AIR POLLUTION

   

The New and Trendy MINI Watch 3D in Style

Timepieces, Watches and Jewelry...move over Gangnam Style!



Malaysia's latest fashion fun watches has got to be the from Korea, now introducing The MINI Watch from Korea.

The MINI Watch is fun & fashionable and extremely artistic. Each watch design features lovable themes that virtually pops out from a hand-crafted engraved dial. While others are calling The MINI Watch collection the loveliest and cutest of all worldwide, some watch enthusiasts are deeming it the new 3D Watch of the century, and I do agree so *after checking out TwinkleTimeKL*.



TwinkleTimeKL on Facebook is currently selling for a limited time at an introductory price, these simply-must-haves, for about Ringgit Malaysia Seventy Five (RM75/=) a piece; which is a good deal and I saved at least 40-50% compared elsewhere.

The MINI Watch could well become a collector's item easily as it's affordable and attractive. There are also many individualistic designs to choose from and to wear for different occasions *a fashion statement, dress watch or fun watch, you decide*.


Now that's The MINI Watch for you (and me)!

Find out more or how to get your MINI Watch in Malaysia at http://www.facebook.com/twinkletimekl

This blogger is normally quite reserved and against all form of promotion but TwinkleTimeKL deserves it.

A tribute to a living legend, now gone - Steve Jobs

Wednesday, October 5 2011 marks the saddest day in the lives of many people. Steve Jobs the man who brought Apple to it's shiniest and brightest moments left the world at the age of 56. Details of his long battle with pancreatic cancer - a disease that ultimately claimed him remains unknown.

He was more than just the man behind the Mac and iPhone. Even in Malaysia now, one cannot help but hear the tributes on radio and coffee shop chit chats. Even Twitter at the time of this posting remains inaccessible, possible due to overwhelming tweet traffic.

He believed in himself. Despite having the odds against him, he believed in himself. He believed in his vision. He believed that he could change the way we communicate. He believed he could make a difference. And he did.

 This past week we said goodbye to Steve Jobs - the co-founder of Apple who revolutionized the way we communicate, work and play. But life was never easy for him and the only reason Jobs succeeded is because he believed in himself.

 He didn't let the naysayers stop him. He didn't let the doubters hold him back.

 He dropped out of school because he couldn't afford the tuition. He collected used soda cans and returned them to collect the deposit money. He walked 7 miles just so he could get a hot meal from a shelter. But all along he believed in himself and his vision. He never gave up. When he slept on a cold hard floor with only a blanket he didn't give up.

 Through all those years of struggle, Steve Jobs directed his mind, his subconscious mind and his powers to follow his vision. That vision and belief was planted on his subconscious mind, success was sure to follow. And did it ever.

When he passed away on Wednesday - Steve Jobs was a billionaire, surrounded by his family. He built one of the most valuable companies in the world and he made a big difference.

 Steve Jobs was born in San Francisco on February 24, 1955. He was adopted shortly after his birth and reared near Mountain View, California by a couple named Clara and Paul Jobs. His adoptive father was a machinist for a laser company and his mother worked as an accountant.

 He leaves behind three children from his marriage to Laurene Jobs (Reed, Erin, and Eve), as well as his first daughter, Lisa Brennan-Jobs.

 Rest in eternal peace Steve Jobs... there will be no other like you...

The Perfect Out-of-Office Autoreply

I am currently out of the office on vacation.

I know I’m supposed to say that I’ll have limited access to email and won’t be able to respond until I return — but that’s not true. My blackberry will be with me and I can respond if I need to. And I recognize that I’ll probably need to interrupt my vacation from time to time to deal with something urgent.

That said, I promised my wife that I am going to try to disconnect, get away and enjoy our vacation as much as possible. So, I’m going to experiment with something new. I’m going to leave the decision in your hands:

• If your email truly is urgent and you need a response while I’m on vacation, please resend it to interruptyourvacation@[redacted].com and I’ll try to respond to it promptly.
• If you think someone else at [the company] might be able to help you, feel free to email my assistant, and she’ll try to point you in the right direction.

· Otherwise, I’ll respond when I return…

Warm regards,

Josh

Josh Kopelman, hat's off man!

Most Bizarre Questions and Requests from Air Travelers

As an Air Traveler Do You..in reply to How May I Help You?


Virgin Atlantic recently rounded up over 3,000 of its cabin crew and compiled a list of the most bizarre questions and requests put forth by its passengers.

Have you ever asked...

"Please can you open the window? It's stuffy in here."
"Can you stop the turbulence? I'm trying to sleep here!"
"Please turn the engines down because they're too noisy!"
"Please shut the crying baby up!"

Among many others include the classics as follows,

"Where's the shower?"
"Where's the kid's room?"

Believe it or not...

Holidays a'loomin Cops a'bloomin

Major holiday (Chinese New Year) coming up, fast approaching and I'm ready to rock and roll...so's police season!

Careful when driving, mind your stops n' turns.

See a traffic policeman, FEAR NOT! Instead if stopped, asked how you can help -- but beware! They can come in other colors besides Black and White.

Unsuspecting motorists caught unawares as camouflaged cop wearing dark jacket pretends to be a tree in hot afternoon signals buddies a stone throw away. The biggest crime you can have during cop season is beating the lights and illegal turns -- so if you do happen to be stopped, be a good samaritan and offer tea, it's hot after all.

On a serious note -- drive carefully, observe courtesy and the rules of the road.

Wishing all and sundry an early Chinese New Year Greeting (cops aside) that's gonna be full of goodness, health and prosperity! Cheers! Oops...I meant well, if you know what I mean.

Malaysia's Best Travel Company

“More Choices on Offer More Reasons than Ever”

As a reputable travel company, it is policy since 1969 to deliver responsibly, be it as a Brand, in the Product, or a Service...

HOW TO BUY:

1. Decide on the travel package of your choice;
2. Choose from any of the given dates that are convenient to you and call or visit any of our listed retail locations; and
3. Confirm your booking with payment.

As Simple As 1-2-3!

Alternatively, you may still seek further information by consulting any friendly & helpful Reliance Travel Consultants who are just a call or visit away. Look out for advertisements for an agent or location near you.

CALL OR VISIT TODAY AND BE SERVED A GREAT HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE ONLY WITH RELIANCE THAT IS WORTH YOUR TRAVEL TIME!

Of course, if you love it, do share it with your friends and family because Reliance would love to serve them too! And, a lot happens every month at Reliance so be in the know...

Stress Free Travel, is there such a thing? Expert Tips...

The notion of holiday travel: Crowded airports and lost luggage!

Here are a few tips that might help towards reducing the stress of travel...

By air

•Book your ticket ASAP. The key to securing the best deal is flexibility in travel dates. Also, consider traveling during the slow week between Christmas and New Year's Eve.

•Arrive early. Airport parking, long lines at security checkpoints and the possibility of the airline overselling the flight and bumping passengers should all be considered when deciding what time to arrive at the airport. Give yourself plenty of extra time.

• Keep a close eye on belongings. Be aware of your surroundings and maintain a close watch over tickets, wallets and purses at all times.

• Avoid getting bumped. Get an advance seat assignment; passengers with seat assignments are typically only bumped if they arrive late and their seat assignment is released. Check-in online. Don't be late.

Remember 3-1-1. New regulations limit the amount of gels and liquids passengers can take through security in their carry-on luggage to travel-size toiletries of three (3) ounces or less that fit comfortably in one (1) quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag and the one (1) bag per passenger must be placed in the screening bin.

• Know your limits. Pack light and know baggage limits. Some airlines now allow only one carry-on and charge for first and second checked bags.

By car

•Plan itineraries and arrange accommodations well in advance. Reservations for hotels, restaurants and rental cars get booked quickly during peak travel times.

• Get a tuneup. Before any long-distance drive, make sure to have the oil changed and the brakes, fluids and tire pressure checked.

• Get an early start to avoid holiday gridlock. Traveling during late night/early morning hours helps. Make sure all drivers are rested.

The number of people traveling in 2011 is expected to grow, so following some or all of these few tips may after all -- make travel more fun for you, and by what I mean by more fun is LESS STRESS! Happy & safe traveling, whatever the purpose -- business or leisure OR a combo of both, LET IT BE FUN!

Selling Travel the Right Way - Call yourself a Travel Company

Everyone deserves to travel!

Travel awakens the soul and he who has yet to travel has only lived a page of life...LOH Ivan (2010)

While everyone deserves to travel, not everyone will. Modern day life although made convenient with the advances in technology and transportation has still a long way to go. Of course, we are not talking about Buck Rogers, Star Wars or even Battlestar Galacticca - although such a day may come.

People will travel provided that they have the means to travel. So what means are we talking about? There's knowledge, budget and desire which basically translate into knowledge of the destination that forms the initial thought of travel, budget that defines the level of comfort and whether it is affordable to travel, and last but not least the birth of desire which makes it a goal to travel.

Any respectable travel agent today would best avoid the word agent or agency, if they know what is good for them (no offense intended...).

It is better to be termed as a travel company with proud ownership of the products and services that are provided to public. Agents are purely representatives...

Full Service Arlines = Fine Service Attitude

Travel is already the norm in our daily life. Stop. Undisputed.

When something becomes the norm, competition increases and everyone who's in will start trying to be better and bigger in their attempts to capture the hearts of customers and to fulfill the customer's needs.

Full service airlines, FSA are not new to us. Full Service Airlines are more beneficial than low cost careers.

Full Service Airlines are those airlines which not only provide traveling facility but they make the journey memorable one with their services. There is lot many services provided by them to the passengers so that they don’t feel bored in their journey. Airlines placing top priority to give maximum benefits to the travelers who fly with them.

The most interesting thing is that full service airlines keep a tab on minutest thing. The aircraft interiors are designed in such a way to give you relaxed feeling. The seats are lay-flat which recline to 180 degree for giving passengers a good sleep. They provide cozy blankets and pillows to add more comfort in getting sound sleep. Not only this, there are options of dimmed lighting as well.

The next important service is in-flight entertainment. There are so many facilities available like LCD, music, magazines, books, etc. They also provide mobile chargers, I-pod chargers etc. Apart from entertainment the other important service is FOOD. The passengers look forward for a healthy and tasty meal while traveling. Full service airline provides healthy menu inclusive of drinks. Some of the airlines have started serving local & international cuisines.

The full service airlines provide comfort and luxury to the passengers at a very reasonable price. The passenger has to become little smart to avail maximum benefits in less amount. The passengers can plan their journey in advance and book their tickets accordingly. If proper researches done the tickets can be reserved in lesser amount. Check all the travel sites and negotiate to get a better deal, not just www.reliancetravel.com!

Cheap flights are also there to cater the needs of passengers. They provide full services whatever required while traveling. They give attention to every basic need of travelers. The staff is courteous, well mannered and dedicated towards their responsibility. The passengers can enjoy all these benefits at a nominal price.

SO which is correct, does FSA equate both ways? Let me know what you think...

P/S: Sorry Tony!

Travel & Tourism

Jackie Chan's Dream Travel Itinerary

First destination: Hong Kong

Hong Kong is my hometown and of course it’s on my list of places that people should visit in China. The first place you should go in Hong Kong is Victoria Peak so that you can look down and see how amazing the city looks from up above. Next, take a ride on the Star Ferry; it’s the best deal in Hong Kong. Other places I suggest you go are Nathan Road, the New Territories, and the outlying islands. Although Hong Kong is small in size, there is a lot to see, so make sure you stay for a long time!

Second destination: Beijing

Beijing has always been an interesting place to visit and in the past few years it has become even more attractive. To get a feeling for Chinese history and culture, I suggest visiting the Forbidden City, the ruins at Yuan Ming Yuan, and the Badaling Great Wall. To experience the new Beijing, you should visit some of the magnificent structures built for the 2008 Olympics.

Third destination: Wuyi Mountain, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province

Wuyi Mountain is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever laid my eyes on. I found this place while filming The Forbidden Kingdom and I’ve encouraged many of my friends to visit. Wuyi Shan (’shan‘ is ‘mountain’ in Chinese) is famous for its River of Nine Bends, dense rainforests, and 36 mountain peaks. You can take a raft tour of the river and if you are lucky like I was, you will have an informed and humorous guide who will tell you great stories as she manoeuvres the raft down the river.


Fourth destination: Xi’an, Shaanxi Province

Xi’an is another place I discovered because I was making a film there. You must visit the Qin Shi Huang Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum and see the army of terracotta soldiers. Xi’an has so much history and there’s a lot to see. Don’t miss the museum where you can learn about the Silk Road (Xi’an is the easternmost part of the Silk Road). You should also see the Drum Tower, the Bell Tower and the beautiful pagodas.

Fifth destination: Harbin, Heilongjiang Province

When you visit Harbin, you get a feeling sometimes that you are in Russia or Europe because of the style of buildings there. The city is quite interesting because of the influences of so many different cultures. But the most wonderful thing about Harbin is the yearly Ice and Snow Festival which lasts for a month in January. Artists create ice sculptures and combine them with coloured lights to make a beautiful display that people come from all over the world to see.

Singapore Sun Festival 2010

The Singapore Sun Festival, the Leisure Event of the Year is Singapore’s leading music and lifestyle festival. The Singapore Sun Festival which was inaugurated by IMG Artists in October 2007 is an annual multi-arts and integrated lifestyle Festival that celebrates the ‘Art of Living Well’ through the 7 disciplines of Music, Visual Art, Literature, Film, Wine, Food and Wellness. The Singapore Sun Festival exposes both Singapore citizens and foreign visitors to many superb, high-quality and prestigious event. The Festival brings top international and regional artists to Singapore every year, including world premieres and exclusive performances by stars from all over the world. Singapore Sun Festival 2008 was recently awarded Leisure Event of the Year and is now firmly established as the leading leisure event for Singapore and the region.

The Festival is a global life-style brand owned by the global arts management group, IMG Artists. The Singapore Sun Festival is the 3rd installment and exclusive Asian continental home of this leading global festival which is already celebrated annually in Cortona, Tuscany (Italy) and the Napa Valley, California (USA).

Happening this 2010 from 29 October till 7 November!

Malaysia Welcome to the Busy Corner Restaurant

KUALA LUMPUR (Sunday) - Ringgit Malaysia RM42.50 for 3 Claypot Chicken Rice, 2 Soups, and Tea for 5. 1 Boiled Pebble of Road Gravel in Soup - the type that's used with tar on most Malaysian roads - FREE.

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.

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.

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

Guilin China

Guilin (Chinese: 桂林; pinyin: Guìlín) is a city in China, situated in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on the west bank of the Li River. Its name means "forest of Sweet Osmanthus", owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. The city has long been renowned for its unique scenery. I love the people and the karst formations especially.