Malaysia. My Country, My Home

Malaysia... What can I say? My country, my home. Despite the recent developments in the country, I must say that Malaysia is still a beautiful country. A rich country.

Rich? You would ask. Yes. Rich.

Rich in culture.

Rich in colours.

Rich in food.

Rich in people.

Rich in resources.

Rich in destinations.

Rich in talent.

Rich in so many other things.

Now you may ask. Is Malaysia really that rich?

Why not? Here's why.

Rich in culture.

Over the years, different races have been living harmoniously under one 'roof'. Yes. Amazing but true. Our cultures have blended so well that the oh-so-famous Coffee Bean Ice Blended Coffee can't beat that.

We see the Malays giving green packets during Hari Raya. Notice something familiar? Red packets during Chinese New Year.

And when it's EPL season, you'll see people from all walks of life floodingthe mamak stalls to catch their favourite team in action on the big screen.

What about the ever famous batik cloth now fashionably made into cheongsam. It's totally fabulous!

Rich in colours.

Have you ever seen all the different traditional costumes of all the different races in Malaysia all put together? You'll be amazed at the colours on display.

And then there's the Annual Flora Fest held in Putrajaya. Oh! The colours are such a sight for sore eyes.

Rich in food.

Anyone ever tried going on a 'makan' trip anywhere in Malaysia? For the benefit of overseas readers, 'makan' means eat in Malay. The culinary delights you'll find here are of (g)astronomical proportions. I read in a magazine recently that for every hour of the day, you'll be able to find something to fulfill all your cravings.

From the ever so famous nasi lemak to bak kut teh to durian tarts to fish head curry to Portugese grilled fish to chocolate banana cake to asam laksa to char kueh teow to hokkien meehoon to grilled chicken wings to satay to banana leaf rice to roti canai to dim sum to otak-otak.

I have to stop here. My mouth is watering...

Rich in people.

Some might think that there are only three races in Malaysia. The Malays, the Chinese and the Indians. Many have forgotten about the Dayaks, the Kadazans, the Ibans, the Bidayuhs, the Melanau, the Minangkabaus, the orang asli. And just imagine, we all live happily under one 'roof', regardless of race and religion.

Rich in resources.

Has anyone ever pondered upon the fact that the people of Malaysia are one hell of a lucky bunch?

We are strategically located in a little circle within the Pacific Rim of Fire, free of volcanoes, earthquakes, typhoons and hurricanes. Our neighbour, Indonesia, isn't as lucky as us. They have volcanoes which are the most active of the Rim. And to think we are only separated by the Straits of Melaka.

And within this strategic location, we are blessed with petroleum and tin. We have soil so fertile that rubber and palm oil flourish in plantations. Not to mention the various types of fruits that we export to the Western countries.

Rich in destinations.

One will be amazed at the inbound tourists that flood the country year in year out. We have Americans, Europeans, Middle Easterns, Australians, Japanese, Koreans and even Singaporeans constantly arriving on our shores. But have you ever wondered why we have tourists from all over the world coming here year after year after year?

One thing I have to admit is our government does a really good job promoting Visit Malaysia Year. And it's really not that difficult a task to do.

We have some of the best island destinations in the world. From Pulau Pinang to Pulau Langkawi to Pulau Redang to Pulau Perhentian to Pulau Tioman and not to forget Pulau Sipadan, home to one of the best diving locations in the world.

And how can we forget our beloved Mount Kinabalu, tallest mountain in Malaysia. Home to the Rafflesia, the largest single flower in the world. Mount Kinabalu is also home to thirteen species of the insectivorous pitcher plants, the Kinabalu giant red leech, the Kinabalu giant earthworm and the Rhinocerous Hornbill.

Rich in talent.

The above said, we have yet more richness in us. And that is talent. One may not know but there are quite a number of Malaysians who are internationally renowned.

We have Jimmy Choo (shoe designer), Zang Toi (fashion designer), Melinda Looi (fashion designer), Nicole David (squash player), Lee Chong Wei (badminton player), Siti Nurhaliza (singer), the late Sudirman Arshad (singer), Sheila Majid (singer) and oh so many more.

I was born here. I grew up here. I studied here (although I did a twinning program). I work here.

My life is here. My Malaysia.

Here In My Home

Absolutely lovely video...

Quote Of The Day

There are two things to aim at in life; first to get what you want, and after that to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind has achieved the second. - Logan Pearsall Smith

How Fast Can You Type?

How fast can you type? Try out this cool SpeedTest.


101 words

Rocky Inspirations!

By ELIZABETH NG

So what does Sylvester Stallone have to do with a Penangite writer’s first book? The answer: everything, as the soon-to-be released book is a collection of the Hollywood actor’s “life values”. The philosophies are not only gleaned from Stallone’s life but are also mined from his most popular film character – the underdog pugilist Rocky.

The principles of persevering despite the odds and how winning isn’t the only thing that matters are found in Gerald Chuah’s inaugural book entitled In the Eye of the Tiger: Survival Principles from Sylvester Stallone’s Life & Films.

“The book offers fundamental principles on how to be successful in life,” said the slightly overwhelmed and nervous author during the book’s soft launch at Borders, Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur on Jan 22. “My first draft was written in 1990.”

Jacqueline Stallone (right) -- mother of the Hollywood actor -- launches Chuah's book. -- Picture by ELIZABETH NG.

Chuah has come a long way since then, rewriting the book countless times before finally deciding to complete it to coincide with the release of Stallone’s Rocky Balboa, the sixth and final movie of the Rocky franchise.

Of course, part of Chuah’s “final boost” came in the form of Jacqueline, Stallone’s mother, who wholeheartedly endorses Chuah’s dream project-turned-reality.

“I met Gerald through e-mail 10 years ago and when I saw the book about two years ago, I thought it was wonderful. I showed it to Sylvester and he said every bit of what is written is actually true,” said Jacqueline, a noted celebrity astrologer, who was also present at the launch.

According to Jacqueline, the principles in the book were what Stallone was raised on and her son had a really difficult time while growing up.

“His face was half-paralysed and his body half-crippled because he was injured at birth. He didn’t have many friends growing up and he couldn’t get along with the other kids -- they were mean.”

Chuah's book (above) will be available in Borders bookstores in February.

Stallone was also thrown out of 17 schools and didn’t excel in any subject, even physical education! So when Jacqueline turned to her astrological charts to see what the future had in store for him, she discovered something surprising.

“His chart said that he would be a writer so I told him about it and he got angry. Didn’t want to talk to me, but see now…” she said of Stallone, who penned all the Rocky movies.

Of Chuah’s book, Jacqueline hopes that readers will like the quotations and gain something from the insights as they aren’t dispensed by geniuses or experts, but a regular guy who has had experience fighting for what he believes in and achieving goals that others deemed impossible.

It looks like the zen-like principles do pay off. Just ask Chuah, who continued to pursue his dream even when he couldn’t see an end in sight. Holding on to the very values he was writing about, the New Straits Times journalist worked on his labour of love without knowing whether a book would ever be published.

“I didn’t know that today would ever come. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine my book would one day be endorsed and launched by Jackie. This is indeed a great honour, and a high point in my life.

“I want the legacy of the Rocky spirit to continue and if I can do it (publish a book), anybody can do it,” added Chuah, who has yet to actually speak to Stallone.

With materials sourced from newspaper archives, books, magazines, rare documentaries and the Internet, Chuah’s collection of Stallone-esque principles touches on various aspects in life such as love, faith, courage and spirituality. Apart from the inspiring insights into reaching one’s goals, the book also contains 36 hand-drawn illustrations of Stallone’s popular film characters.

Now that that’s done, what will Chuah attempt next?

“I would like to write a book on people who’ve gone through hardships and make it in real life. Stories of how people can be the best they can be. It would be about real ‘Rocky’ stories.”

In the Eye of the Tiger: Survival Principles from Sylvester Stallone’s Life & Films will be available in all Borders bookstores in February. Those who would like to pre-order the book can do so at www.stallonism.com. Rocky Balboa is scheduled to open in cinemas on Feb 22.

Happy New Year 2007 http://www.audreychooi.com

Tens of thousands of Malaysians ushered in the New Year on a boisterous note at various venues. Packed with tens of thousands of revellers for the New Year street party. A magnificent 15-minute pyrotechnic show took place. Roads in the vicinity of The Curve in Mutiara Damansara in Petaling Jaya were closed to traffic for a street party attended by a large crowd. At nearby Bandar Utama, thousands were entertained by Australian boy band North, Taiwanese singer Jenie Chuo, Singaporean Apple Hong and others. http://www.audreychooi.com

Non-threatening, homely, down to earth, informal and relaxed.

Easy-going, organised, loyal, sometimes shy, an avid shopper, respectful of others' feelings.

A: With such an informal and relaxed demeanour, it's no wonder people feel so comfortable around you. That's what makes you even more approachable and others come to you simply for comfort and advice. Another reason is because you're a loyal and modest friend who genuinely respects what others feel and think. Be approachable effortlessly with 516 Secret Garden of L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Star Secrets.

Take your personality test here: clovetwo.com

Aren't they just pretty?

It's been a while since my last post. Have been busy. Anyway, had the pleasure of visiting Sungai Buloh nurseries recently and came across my fave flower. How could I resist?

Bad Day About To Get Worse

Polite Way to Pee

During one of her daily classes a teacher trying to teach good manners,
asked her students the following question:

"Michael, if you were on a date having dinner with a nice young lady,
how would you tell her that you have to go to the bathroom?"

Michael said, "Just a minute I have to go pee."
The teacher responded by saying, "That would be rude and impolite."

What about you Peter, how would you say it?"

Peter said, "I'm sorry, but I really need to go to the bathroom. I'll be
right back."

"That's better, but it's still not very nice to say the word bathroom at
the dinner table. And you, little Johnny, can you use your brain for
once and show us your good manners?"

"I would say: Darling, may I please be excused for a moment? I have to
shake hands with a very dear friend of mine, whom I hope you'll get to
meet after dinner."

The teacher fainted...

Is it true???

How would your life change if you earned an extra $120,000 online this year?

Smart Kid!

A first-grade teacher was having trouble with one of her students. The teacher asked, "Harry, what is your problem?" Harry answered, "I'm too smart for the first-grade. My sister is in the third-grade and I'm smarter than she is! I think I should be in the third-grade too!"

The teacher had enough. She took Harry to the principal's office. While Harry waited in the outer office, the teacher explained to the principal what the situation was. The principal told the teacher he would give the boy a test and if he failed to answer any of his questions he was to go back to the first-grade and behave. The teacher agreed. Harry was brought in and the conditions were explained to him and he agreed to take the test.

Principal: "What is 3 x 3?"

Harry: "9"

Principal: "What is 6 x 6?"

Harry: "36"

And so it went with every question the principal thought a third-grade should know. The principal looks at the teacher and tells her, "I think Harry can go to the third-grade." The teacher says to the principal, "Let me ask him some questions?" The principal and Harry both agree.

Teacher: "What does a cow have four of that I have only two of?

Harry: "Legs"

Teacher: "What is in your pants that you have but I do not have?" (The principal wondered, why does she ask such a question!)

Harry: "Pockets"

Teacher: "What does a dog do that a man steps into?"

Harry: "Pants"

Teacher: "What starts with a C and ends with a T, is hairy, oval, delicious and contains thin whitish liquid?" (The principal's eyes open really wide and before he could stop the answer...)

Harry: "Coconut"

Teacher: "What goes in hard and pink then comes out soft and sticky?"

Harry: "Bubblegum"

Teacher: "What does a man do standing up, a woman do sitting down and a dog do on three legs?" (The principal's eyes open really wide and before he could stop the answer...)

Harry: "Shake hands"

Teacher: "Now I will ask some 'Who am I' sort of questions, okay?"

Harry: "Yup"

Teacher: "You stick your poles inside me. You tie me down to get me up. I get wet before you do."

Harry: "Tent"

Teacher: "A finger goes in me. You fiddle with me when you're bored. The best man always has me first." (Principal was looking restless and bit tense)

Harry: "Wedding Ring"

Teacher: "I come in many sizes. When I'm not well, I drip. When you blow me, you feel good."

Harry: "Nose"

Teacher: "I have a stiff shaft. My tip penetrates. I come with a quiver."

Harry: "Arrow"

Teacher: "What word starts with an 'F' and ends in 'K' that means a lot of excitement?"

Harry: "Fire truck"

The principal breathed a sigh of relief and told the teacher, "Put him in the fifth-grade, I got the last ten questions wrong myself."

Ever wonder...

Rise and shine :)

..why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?
..why women can't put on mascara with their mouth closed?
..why you don't ever see the headline "Psychic Wins Lottery"?
..why "abbreviated" is such a long word?
..why doctors call what they do "practice"?
..why you have to click on "Start" to stop Microsoft Windows?
..why lemon juice is made with artificial flavour, while dishwashing liquid is made with real lemons?
..why the man who invests all your money is called a broker?
..why there isn't mouse-flavoured cat food?
..who tastes dog food when it has a "new & improved" flavour?
..why Noah didn't swat those two mosquitoes?
..why they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?
..why they don't make the whole plane out of the material used for the indestructible black box ?
..why sheep don't shrink when it rains?
..why they are called apartments when they are all stuck together?
..if con is the opposite of pro, is Congress the opposite of progress?
..why they call the airport "the terminal" if flying is so safe?

AND...

In case you need further proof that the human race is doomed because of stupidity, here are some actual label instructions on consumer goods.

On a Sears hairdryer: Do not use while sleeping.(darn, and that's the only time I have to work on my hair).
On a bag of Fritos: You could be a winner! No purchase necessary. Details inside. (the shoplifter special?)
On a bar of Dial soap: "Directions: Use like regular soap." (and that would be how???....)
On some Swanson frozen dinners: "Serving suggestion: Defrost." (but, it's "just" a suggestion).
On Tesco's Tiramisu dessert (printed on bottom): "Do not turn upside down." (well...duh, a bit late, huh)!
On Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding: "Product will be hot after heating." (..and you thought????...)
On packaging for a Rowenta iron: "Do not iron clothes on body." (but wouldn't this save me more time?)
On Boot's Children Cough Medicine:"Do not drive a car or operate machinery after taking this medication." (We could do a lot to reduce the rate of construction accidents if we could just get those 5-year-olds with head-colds off those forklifts.)
On Nytol Sleep Aid: "Warning: May cause drowsiness." (and...I'm taking this because???....)
On most brands of Christmas lights: "For indoor or outdoor use only." (as opposed to...what?)
On a Japanese food processor: "Not to be used for the other use." (now, somebody out there, help me on this. I'm a bit curious.)
On Sunsbury's peanuts: "Warning: contains nuts." (talk about a news flash!)
On an American Airlines packet of nuts: "Instructions: Open packet, eat nuts" (Step 3: maybe, uh...fly Delta?)
I don't blame the company. I blame the parents for this one: On a child's Superman costume: "Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly."
On a Swedish chainsaw: "Do not attempt to stop chain with your hands or genitals." (...was there a lot of this happening somewhere?)

Now that you've smiled at least once, it's your turn to spread the stupidity and send this to someone you want to bring a smile to (maybe even a chuckle)...in other words send it to everyone.

Seven Wonders Of The World

A group of students were asked to list what they thought were the present "Seven Wonders of the World." Though there were some disagreements, the following received the most votes:

1. Egypt's Great Pyramids
2. Taj Mahal
3. Grand Canyon
4. Panama Canal
5. Empire State Building
6. St. Peter's Basilica
7. China's Great Wall

While gathering the votes, the teacher noted that one student had not finished her paper yet. So she asked the girl if she was having trouble with her list. The girl replied, "Yes, a little. I couldn't quite make up my mind because there were so many."

The teacher said, "Well, tell us what you have, and maybe we can help.

"The girl hesitated, then read, "I think the 'Seven Wonders of the World' are:

1. To see
2. To hear
3. To touch
4. To taste
5. To feel
6. To laugh
7. And to love

The room was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

The things we overlook as simple and ordinary and that we take for granted are truly wondrous!

A gentle reminder -- that the most precious things in life cannot be built by hand or bought by man. Don't be too busy to pass this along.

Girlfriends...

On this day when I'm missing my friends... here's something about girlfriends...

I sat under an Oak tree in Wyoming on a summer day, drinking iced tea and visiting with my Mother.

"Don't forget your girlfriends," Mother advised, clinking the ice cubes in her glass. "No matter how much you love your husband, you are still going to need girlfriends.Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them.And remember that girlfriends are not only friends, but sisters, daughters and other relatives too."

What a funny piece of advice, I thought. Hadn't I just gotten married? Hadn't I just joined the couple-world? I was now a married woman, for goodness sake, not a young girl who needed girlfriends. But I listened to my Mom.

I kept contact with my girlfriends and made more each year. As the years tumbled by, one after another, gradually I came to understand that Mom really knew what she was talking about.

Here is what I know about Girlfriends:

Girlfriends bring casseroles and scrub your bathroom when you need help.

Girlfriends keep your children and keep your secrets.

Girlfriends give advice when you ask for it.

Sometimes you take it, sometimes you don't.

Girlfriends don't always tell you that you're right, but they're usually honest.

Girlfriends still love you, even when they don't agree with your choices.

Girlfriends might send you a birthday card, but they might not. It does not matter in the least !

Girlfriends laugh with you, and you don't need canned jokes to start the laughter.

Girlfriends pull you out of jams.

Girlfriends don't keep a calendar that lets them know who hosted the other last big party!!

Girlfriends will give a party for your son or daughter when they get married or have a baby, in whichever order that comes!

Girlfriends are there for you, in an instant and when the hard times come.

Girlfriends listen when you lose a job or a friend.

Girlfriends listen when your children break your heart.

Girlfriends listen when your parents' minds and bodies fail.

My daughters, sisters, family, and friends bless my life!

When we began this adventure we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead.

Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

Pass this on to your girlfriends/sisters/daughters. I just did (to all my girlfriends reading this).

All-time favourite car!

Mini Cooper S... Whoa!

David Copperfield Found Fountain Of Youth!

Friend sent me this snippet from www.i4u.com.... Do you think it's true?

I am not making this up. It is on bloody Reuters: Famous Magician David Copperfield says he found the Fountain of Youth on one of the Bahamas Islands he bought recently.

Apparently if you drop dead leaves or near dead bugs into the magic water, they become full of life again. Mr. Copperfield has hired biologists and geologists to figure out how the effect of the water on humans might be.

To live forever is a ancient dream of human kind. We are (at least in the industrial nations) are anyway getting older because of advances in medicine and the convenient life. I do not think we are in the need for Copperfield Bottled Water.
See also the David Copperfield site.

TV in Stores!

The wait is over! Television is in stores now! Go grab it!



Check out Pete's newly revamped website while you're there...

Fire at the old Swettenham Bus Terminal

Trailed two fire engines yesterday evening during rush hour and found this. The old Swettenham Bus Terminal was on fire! Massive jam during rush hour yesterday evening causing the fire engines delay in getting to the site. Talk about motorists who are supposed to obey rules. As the fire engines were trying to rush to the scene, lorries and cars were just not willing to give way. Screeching sirens went unheeded. Sigh... What has become of the world...