Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Effects of Direct Translation (IT perspective)

We've seen direct translation in subtitles and laugh at the effects of the whole sentence. Well, I received an e-mail with another example to illustrate that (from English language to Bahasa Malaysia).

*warning - only people with creative minds will understand this* lol

The direct translation:

Hardware = barang keras
Software = barang lembut
Joystick = batang gembira
Plug and Play = cucuk dan main
Port = lubang
Server = pelayan
Client = pelanggan

(I assume this is written by a guy!! ahem)

Try to translate this:

ENGLISH:

That server gives a plug and play service to the client using either hardware or software joystick. The joystick goes into the port of the client.

Now in BAHASA:

Pelayan itu memberi pelanggannya layanan cucuk dan main dengan menggunakan batang gembira jenis keras atau lembut. Batang gembira itu akan dimasukkan ke dalam lubang pelanggan..


*****
As an after thought, what does this joke mean with "either hardware or software joystick"? Some people should go through their joke first before circulating it out to people. What is a "plug and play service"? I tell you... maybe I shouldn't have posted this joke here... Horrible sentence in the first place.

Monday, March 29, 2010

What is Earth Hour to you?


No offense, I find Earth Hour a good attempt to be kinder to Mother Earth but in the end, I find it just a gimmick for some retailers to earn more money.

I was flipping through the papers on Saturday and surprised to see the event marked with celebrations, promotions and merchandise. I thought to myself, "Hmm... looks like a gimmick to earn more money".

Restaurants creating special promotion, hotels having special dinners and to my surprise, (because it sounds fun), air-balloon ride in a college! I even caught a glimpse of the advertisement saying National Geographic channel will be suspended an hour during the Earth Hour. (Didn't switch on to check if it's true.. lol)
Earth support: Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower disappearing into the night as Malaysians observed Earth Hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm last night (main picture). — EHFAN SHAH / The Star

 A ‘before’ picture taken from Bukit Permai shows a much brighter Kuala Lumpur skyline. — EHFAN SHAH / The Star

How many of you really took part in this event honestly to pay respect to Mother Earth? How many of you went out with friends just for fun? How many of you went out to buy Starbucks tumbler for the free drink during the Earth Hour? There are many more examples but this is just some I could remember off-hand.

I still think Earth Hour is every hour, every minute, every second. It takes every single one to realise the impact of everything they are doing daily. It's like the analogy of going to the island and just leaving footprints and not garbage. But do you know, our footprints left there has an impact on Mother Earth already.

I wish the goverment would just enforce directly that there will be no more plastic bags use in shopping malls. I've noticed despite making Saturday a no-plastic-bag day, some malls are still giving out bags freely. I wish that they will enforce the people to separate the garbage - waste and recyclable. I wish they can reduce the cost of PV cells so everyone can harness solar energy. I wish that everyone will go back to cycling around instead of driving and producing fumes and poison to our air. How I wish for so much more but wishful thinking is just in my mind. It takes action to make a difference.

There are many other thoughts and different opinions out there. But take a look at the polls www.thestar.com.my conducted as of today at 11a.m.:


Do you think that events like Earth Hour actually help raise awareness on global warming?
Yes, definitely
48% (1171 votes)
No, it is just another clever gimmick
52% (1293 votes)
Total 2464 votes

What have I done? A simple individual like me could only bring shopping bags, try to separate the recyclables and waste, switch off the lights when not in used (or don't switch on if the natural light is sufficient) and perhaps advocate the use of renewable energies for new development. In the meantime, I'm curious to see how GBI (Green building index) will be fully implemented to Mother's Earth benefit!
Lights out!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Shopping Haul for Mother's Day!

Another great buy which was not expected. I've found the Mother's Day gift for my mum. What is it?

Ta-dah! It's a Natio Spa Retreat set. Different from the ones I bought before. I unintentionally found this only one hidden in another Sasa outlet without showing the discounted price or it was even on sale. I remembered my last buys hence, I curiously asked to check the price.


The Natio Spa Retreat set consists of a pep-up body cleanser, coconut and shea body butter, heavenly hand cram, cotton robe and Natio tote bag. Guess how much I paid for it? The price tag states RM138 while the receipt wrote the original price as RM254. After discount, it's only RM69! :)



It's a simple nice body pampering gift for my mum. I think she'll like the robe to slip into after a nice hot bath (like in the hotel). In the meantime, I'll have to abstain the temptation to just give this to her now instead of waiting for May to come! ;)

Movie Review: How to Train Your Dragon (spoiler alert)

Yay! How to Train Your Dragon is another entertaining animation by Dreamworks Animation. It's meant for children but there are some lines which adults would catch i.e. "It's part of the occupational hazard".


Anyway, why should you watch it? Because it's more of an adventure story with lessons to learn for all ages. The story goes about this scrawny looking Viking kid, named Hiccup who just doesn't fit in with the rest of the strong, muscular Vikings. The main aim of the villagers are to fight and kill dragons which pillage their village of their livestocks. Hiccup couldn't even lift a sword let alone join the fight. Ironically, he's the son of the head of the village. Here, it's highlighted that fathers don't communicate with their sons.

Somehow, he catches the elusive dragon, Night Fury and couldn't kill the dragon. Instead he learns about dragons and their habits while trying to help the dragon he named "Toothless" to fly again. During the capture, Toothless' tail wing was injured, so Hiccup tries to help him fly again when he heard this phrase "A flightless dragon is a dead dragon".

In the end, it's nice how Hiccup reconciled with his father and the villagers learned to live with the dragons. The part where Hiccup rides Toothless (or the red dragon called Monstrous Nightmare) reminds me a little of Avatar where Sully rides the Toruk (which is red too). Lol
Monstrous Nightmare

Sully riding the Toruk in the movie: Avatar


 
In short, I recommend you to watch it as it'll not be a waste of your money and time. :)

Other detailed reviews to check out.
In the meantime, I'll quote my friend, "I want a dragon!!" Lol

Friday, March 26, 2010

Food Review; Posh Scallop vs Road side Scallop

Last chinese new year (CNY) dinner, we had a special set CNY buffet (RM129) at the Restaurant Sudu in Hilton ,KL Sentral. In the set, we were given choices of a main dish on top of the usual array of buffet at your own picking.

I chose this set thinking it’ll be interesting: Seared scallop with “XO” sauce with somen noodle, burn scallion puree and pickle cucumber.

This is what was served:


First reaction:
Eh? This is the noodle? “So little
Second reaction at first bite into the scallop:
Eh? Why taste so bland? Even a fishball tasted fishier and nicer. This is just bland and slightly chewy.

Sorely disappointed but since it’s a company dinner, I obediently swallowed the rest of the scallops and pour the juice down my throat to clear the taste.

I say presentation is interesting to represent something : is the coin tree? But come on, I’ve tasted better scallops.

For example, these baked scallops with some nuts and herbs I had by the roadside of Ho Chi Minh city… Mmmm… * my mouth salivates* thinking about it.

Pssttt.. and it’s cheaper!! ;)

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant

I admit I’m not daring as Miu to dress up as a sultry sexy kitten… but I think I can learn to try. Lol.  Miu is having a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant with 9 other food bloggers. What do you have to do?

"If you're up for a one of a kind food review party with me & crazy 9 bloggers, please leave your blog links here and tell me why you should be there! Of course you gotta be a food blogger first and foremost or really dam famous like me (cough cough anyone passed out?). Don't FORGET! you need to make a post in your BLOG about this party and WHY you should join. GET CREATIVE with it! you can tell us who you'll be dressing up as! Then come back here & leave your blog link & email.

ARE U MAD? ARE U FASHIONABLE?
ARE U A FOOD BLOGGER?
ARE U FUN?"

MY RESPONSES

ARE YOU MAD?
Yes, I’m mad enough to even blog… lol because I tend to be a private person but sometimes the madness in the world makes you say, “Enough is enough!” Then you use your blog as a powerful tool to tell people about the madness of traffic, bad customer service, fabulous food to eat and crazy warehouse sales to go to. Then you become mad enough to follow blogs like http://www.plusizekitten.com/ and get crazy about Stila makeup…. The list just goes on and on!

ARE YOU FASHIONABLE?
Fashionable? I’m thick-skinned enough to admit I was until my clothes cannot fit.. arghh.. Perhaps it’s time for a new wardrobe time and new makeover!!
ARE U A FOOD BLOGGER?

Food blogger? There are a few dozen links of my food reviews but do notice, not much new ones recently. I neeed inspiration from new yummy delicious, sumptuous, gastronomical and heavenly fooddd….. Help! ;) Let me have a chance to feed food to my soul.

ARE U FUN?
I know I’m fun when I want to… just try out or ask my friends … muahahaha!(Refer to my naughty fun plan below)

WHO WILL I DRESS UP AS? 
Frankly, I have no idea. Why don’t you give me a list of the other characters who are always left out. Hehe…Just kidding.

Anyone wants to dress up as the twin boys (Tweedledee and Tweedledum) with me? Will be interesting. Black and white striped t-shirt with black shorts. Pale white face and coconut-shell hairstyle? Lol.. or just throw over a beret over your head.  Or do we follow the Disney's version with big red blue? Ehh, do we need suspenders?

Then we can annoyingly give opposite road directions and answers to annoy people during the review. Lol. (Isn’t that fun enough?)

Tim Burton's version?

Disney's version?
How’s that? Can I join the party of madness too? Pretty puhlleeassee? ;)  

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

White Screen of Death

I am so sad. I’ve lost 2-3 years of contact numbers in my handphone because I didn’t realize the need to update the software. I’ve taken granted of my trusty handphone: Sony Ericsson Walkman W810i. It’s my 2006 Christmas present from my other half (and it extends to the next few years as a Christmas gift.. ahem)

What happened? Last Saturday, I encountered a new term called “White screen of death”. My trusty handphone stared back at me continuously with a blank white screen despite taking out the battery, sim card, memory card and reinserting it. I was frantically googling about it and even put it in my Facebook (fb) status.

I usually take most of the pictures here with my handphone. So I could only goggled this picture to show you how the white screen looks like. (except mine is not an Iphone)

My google search resulted in “flashing the phone with a programme call DaVinci”. ?!??! Puzzled. My FB friend gave me the Sony Ericsson link to update the software of my phone. Alas, my usb cable was with my bf.

So there goes one whole day without using my handphone. I didn’t feel much impact except that I kept borrowing my bf’s phone to call my parents to ask something. I was a little worried that my bf would scold me for “spoiling his phone” and also a little apprehensive on the need to send the phone to fix or even worse, buy a new one (secretly wondering should I get those new gadgets..... ) !

Thank God, my phone is alive again by Saturday night!! Yipeee, thanks to my bf who revived it. But I only realized and felt the effect by Monday.

1st – My contact numbers were kept in my phone and they literally were gone. I only had contact numbers in the memory card (which was last updated 2-3 years ago) What a horror!!

2nd – My smses (those cute little messages from friends and loved ones) were also gone! Poof!! Disappeared forever.

3rd – My phone settings from speed dial, shortcuts, ring tones, theme were gone. I have to set it all over again (and I think I forgot how! Lol)

Hence, I updated the status in my FB to ask my friends to sms me their numbers. Only 4 people replied back. Oh well, too bad for the rest who won’t receive any calls from me in future. I’ve even emailed some friends’ for their contacts.

Lesson learned? My bf told me the problem occurred because I didn’t “shut down” my phone properly. Well, it happened many times because in my defense, the connection of the battery and the phone is a bit faulty. It tends to shut down by itself.

Now, I have to be extra careful in placing my hp on any surface and quickly learn how to back up the new contact numbers I’ve just keyed in! Argggh…

Music Review: Cinderella (Steven Curtis Chapman)

I was listening to the lyrics of this song by Steven Curtis Chapman and found it very touching. It's a father's song to a daughter on her growing up, whereby he cherishes every moment with his daughter as she will grow up and marry. It reminds me of "Butterfly kisses" by Bob Carlise, which is also one of my favourites.

Picture of the Chapmans

A little background of the song: Chapman wrote this song for his daughters in 2007; not knowing that in 2008, a tragic accident would have taken his 5-year-old little girl's life. Here is an excerpt about it:

'Cinderella' was written about Chapman's daughters, to remind him to appreciate each moment he had with his girls before they grew up. After the accident, he thought he would never be able to sing it again, but the words have now taken on even more meaning for the singer/songwriter.

"I thought, you know what, I've got to sing this song," Chapman told GMA's Robin Roberts. "I have to sing it because I have to continue. These chapters that are still being written with my two little girls, Shaohannah and Stevey Joy, and my older daughter Emily, who is getting ready to be married ... I need to be dancing with my Cinderellas."


Hence, to all parents out there, remember to kiss your children and tell them you love them every night. Cherish every moment you have with your loved ones for life is short. So don't forget to give extra kisses and hugs every night! ;) Enjoy the song as I have! Click on the title to link to the youtube video.



She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you

There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

She will be gone

Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

Monday, March 22, 2010

Spa Haul

I was looking for body scrub and some body pampering items when I stumbled upon these goodies at 50% off last weekend. I just couldn't resist. Initially, I was contemplating on spending in Body Shop but just decided to give these a try. :) I found them at the lower shelves in Sasa while waiting for my friend to buy her stuff. Never expected to spend that weekend!!

I got these 5 items for less than RM100 after discounts. 1st set consists of a body shower, body mask & body butter with free bag and loofah.
 
1st set (from left): Coconut & Shea Body Butter, Coconut & Vanilla Creamy Shower Cleanser ,Detoxfying Clay Face & Body Mask

2nd set consists of the body polish (body scrub) and an intensive hand cream with a free polka-dotted bag & mirror.
2nd set (from left) : One minute miracle body polish, Heavenly Hand Cream


These are from Natio Spa, Australia. Have anyone tried these before? I find the body polish a tad too oily for me but so far, I love the body butter. :) 

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Concert: Zee Avi

I've never really been to a concert. Just too lazy to drag my butt into the crowd of fans. However, my friend suddenly called to suggest we go to Zee Avi's concert this weekend and she's about to buy the tickets. I thought, why not support our local upcoming artist and said yes! :)

Who is it?
Local sweetheart Zee Avi, a Malaysian singer-songwriter, guitarist, and ukulele player named Zee Avi. I wrote briefly about her in previous entry.

What is it?
It's a concert by the singer-songwriter of hits like Kantoi, Bitter Heart, Honey Bee, Is This the End, and Is That All There Is.

Where is it?
KL Live @ 1st Floor, Life Center

When is it?
20 March 2010 (Saturday) 8pm

How much is it?
Only tickets for the main hall is available.
Buy online for RM55 here
or RM105 at the door.
There are also discounts for special cardmembers/ staff.

Anyone else going? Anyway, lets hope I'll enjoy it to share my experience with you all! :)

Updates:
My friend couldn't get the tickets online. Sniff!! So I missed the concert and had a nice long dinner instead. :)

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The Proposal

I’ve suddenly recalled about this topic (not the movie) because I’ve met someone who shared the way he proposed to his wife last time. No.. this is also not about my proposal. :p

Anyway, the conversation started because of a guy who rented a giant billboard along the LDP highway to propose to his girlfriend.

The older guy in our group complained about the silliness and expense (RM40,000 billboard) on such a move. He happily shared with us how he proposed to his wife and even acted it out. (This is roughly and not precisely, how I remembered it)

He picked up a calendar and showed it to us. He pointed to a date and said, “That day, ok?”

See. Isn’t that straightforward and simple? Better yet, I made a commitment.” He happily continued.

But, the generation these days are very creative, more expressive of their emotions, unlike the generation before who was brought up with “Children are seen but never heard”.

From my friends, I’ve heard the unique, romantic style, movie-inspired methods. Here are some worth sharing:

Proposal 1
He took her on a river cruise along London River. Suddenly, he was on his knees and he brought out the ring and flowers.

Proposal 2

He sent her out of her apartment on an errand. She came back to a dark apartment lit with candles and rose petals scattered all over the living room; leading to the coffee table with a box in the middle. He came out with roses and bent down to propose to her.

Proposal 3

He brought her to a holiday and secretly conspired with the restaurant on his intent. She unknowingly entered the restaurant (was told it was a free meal – part of the tour) and sat at a specially decorated table. Music was played and he proposed to her.

Proposal 4
He invited her to a special dinner and had friends secretly recorded the proposal. He left her at the table to change into a specially-designed t-shirt which wrote “Will you marry me?”. He came out with roses and the ring. Then proposed on his knees.

Well, doesn’t those example make you go “Awwwww”? When I told someone this, he grunted and ignored me. I don’t know if it’s good that men are more expressive or will these “minority group” give too much pressure to the remaining “caveman” men we have around us. ;)

Good luck, all you cavemen out there!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Giveaway: Free Ribbon Necklace

Thanks Sherry for dropping by my blog. She even announced to me about her free ribbon-necklace giveaway.

Just go to this link and follow the instruction to get one necklace for yourself! (Limited to the first 10 bloggers!) It's such a cute little kitty charm on such a dainty lace/ribbon necklace. Sherry, do we get to choose what we want or trust your creativity to surprise us?? ;)

FYI, I'm not affiliated to the next 2 post. Just following the instructions to promote for Sherry.

Kaye & Pehpot's Blogversary Contest

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Sunday, March 14, 2010

Movie Review: Alice in Wonderland (spoiler alert)

Yay! I've managed to catch a movie I wanted to watch. Who doesn't know the story of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll? From chasing the rabbit and falling down the hole to meeting the Queen of Hearts who shouts "Off with his head"!

I've watched the movie by Tim Burton last weekend and find that it's made for a 3d movie with the setting and layering of the scene. But someone told me it's not very nice in 3d - so go figure.

The storyline sticks to basic of the original story with a little Alice going to Wonderland and meeting the creatures in the novel. However, it twists with a catastrophe which needed an adult Alice to save them to fulfill the prophecy.

What I find interesting about the movie is that it was not as dark as I thought it'll be; being a Tim Burton's movie. I find that it's more suited for adults than children.

I like the way armory of the army of the Queen of hearts. It's interesting the way they look buffed up and card-ish. The other creatures are very reminiscent of most animations of Alice in Wonderland but little different darker taste. Oh yes, the Cheshire Cat looks a little creepy. Heh..

Cheshire Cat

One thing I don't like is Johnny Depp. Why? Well, I find that he's too associated with heavy make-up and fancy costume that I start to wonder, when was the last time I saw him looking more himself. When you mention Johnny Depp, the first thing you remember is his drag-queen outfit as the Captain Jack from Pirates of the Carribean (remember the black eyeliner?). Then there's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd and of course, who can forget Edward Scissorhands.

The Mad-Hatter

Captain Jack Sparrow

Sweeney Todd

Back to the story, I think Alice is a different kind of movie. Don't expect magical fairy tale movie but more of the adventure quest story. I think it's worth watching if you're a fan of Tim Burton but don't watch expecting a children's movie, okie? :)

Friday, March 12, 2010

A Slithering Experience

As I’ve mentioned in my previous entry, I’m quite squeamish when I accidentally touch a lizard. But what about a snake?

Have you been to the Snake Temple in Penang? Have you tried touching the skin of the snake? I know most have reluctantly or curiously touch a nano-second of it. In fact, I’m one of those people who would not carry a python on my shoulders to snap a picture. (Minus the fact that you will be charged a fee for it)

Snakes found in Penang Snake Temple

So weird enough, when I was in Ho Chi Minh during the Delta Mekong trip, during a tea break, the tour guide brought over a venom-less python over to be photographed by the tourist. After a dozen other tourists in our group did that, I tried too (in my typical Malaysian mind, I told myself – since I don’t need to pay extra surcharge and assumed it is part of the trip – why not?)

Hence, here is a picture of me with the snake shawl on my shoulders! I cannot believe I did it. All I can remember now is how heavy it felt on my shoulder and I couldn’t wait to pass on the snake to someone else in case it decides to be more active. My advice, swallow the fear in your stomach and go for it! Then you’ll get a nice picture like this. Haha!

Obviously, my snake-shawl is not as elegant as the picture below but unique in its own way (plus the python matches my green smurf t-shirt!)

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Upcoming Food Reviews

I've been busy with work and haven't got my pc fixed. Hence, I'm getting lazy to blog. Arghh..

However, I can't wait to share about the huge portion of meal I had last weekend. I can't wait to organise a makan-makan group to try the other dishes.

Finally, I have received my Vietnam pictures from my other friends. The Vietnamese food review I have in mind hasn't been materialised here yet.

Well, do stay tune for all those juicy pictures which I hope to edit soon! ;)

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

How to Stop Splurging

TIPS: How to STOP splurging? Get banned from the store!
In fact, when I googled about "avoid shopping", I stumbled upon an interesting blog which had this newspaper article on how to avoid shopping. Get banned from the store!!(courtesy of the reluctant husband or boyfriend who had been waiting for his other half to shop)


That would be really effective, but I don't want to get banned!! Somehow, I've also matured from shopping. Seriously! (I hope)

Amazingly, today I went window shopping and selected a few items for purchase but at the last minute, I decided not to buy it. It happened again in the second store.

Why amazing?
Well, I do indulge in retail therapy once a while and recently, the thrill no longer holds the same sparkle as it used to. Hence, it's amazing to me.

How did that happen?
First, I had no income temporarily. That made me avoid all the New Year and Chinese New Year sales early this year. In fact, I had to patiently wait for my new paycheck to pay my loans.

Secondly, the act of refraining to shop during the Chinese New Year sales, had made me more resistant to the sales.

Thirdly, I'm in the midst of moving hence I realised I already have TOO much stuff. My dad casually mentioned that my room is a store room. Sigh...

When I shop, I ask myself...?
Looking through my stuff has made me asked myself this: (The blue lines is the little voice inside of you who justifies your buys.. lol)

How many more bags do I need? (Yes, that one does really match a dress that I have)

How many more clothes will I buy and not wear? (Maybe I'll lose weight and fit in those someday. Or the trend might come back!)
 
How many more shoes shall I buy and keep for years?  (But it's so hard to find a nice pair of court shoes!)
 
How many more magazines shall I keep and collect dust?(But that article inside the page could be useful in future. I just like that outfit in page XXX.)

The list goes on and on..

Hence, what do you think of "Buy Nothing Day"?

Personally, I don't think a day of not buying anything justifies a whole year of consumerism. Lol

I remember browsing an article in the newspaper few months back which mentioned about a group of people who made vows not to shop except buying daily necessities. (Forgot what it is call). The writer shared that it really changed his/her life.

I wonder if I can take it to such an extreme. I still think everything done in moderation is all alright because it's like trying to quit smoking. If you stop shopping cold-turkey, you might get withdrawal syndrome and even worst, bounce back suddenly with excessive shopping in a day!

Meanwhile, I'll just stay at home and be a couch potato! Hope I don't turn into the cat like this!