Thursday, February 27, 2014

Thistle A Gem In The City


 
At BodyWork Spa at Thistle Hotel


At the BodyWork Spa in Thistle Johor Bahru, I shared a light moment with  the spa's executive director Lynda Eunos (right) while having a foot bath before my body massage.

A Resort In The City
I never took the time to explore Thistle till yesterday.  Wow!  It took me so long to discover this little gem of a hotel in the city.  The room  I stayed in offered an astounding view of the Dataran Bandaraya.

The view from the 16th floor of the hotel


The landmark clock tower was built to commemorate the proclamation of Johor Baru as a city in January 1994.  That was 20 years ago.

Dining at the Oasis, a food and beverage outlet by the poolside that features Italian and Japanese cuisines, was a heavenly experience and an amazing gastronomic journey.

I had the Wagyu Beef Sirloin Steak, which is Oasis' signature dish.  It was just exquisite.   Other notable dishes on the menu --- the Mix Furai To Unagi Bento, Risotto Al Funghi Di Bosco, Grilled Fish and Seafood Platter, Selected 5-Spiced Glazed Australian Lamb Fillet and the Supremo Pizza baked in a wood fired oven.

After dinner
Before breakfast
with Thistle's director of marketing communications and public relations M.S. Bobby


More on Thistle.... coming soon!

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Action Taken

Johor Baru MCA division public complaints bureau chairman John Cheah at the site of the water leak.

Work-in-progress to repair water leak.  Contractors visited the site after the matter was highlighted

Can You Solve This Mystery? 

It's Still Flowing

It also appeared in Johor Streets on Feb 25.  Please go to 
http://www.nst.com.my/streets/johor/water-leak-causing-problems-1.492223#ixzz2uIVogkjf

Life's Transience 


Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Life's Transience

shake belly sashimi
shake belly sashimi
ebi an chawan mushi
ebi an chawan mushi


Decided to treat myself to "shake belly sashimi",  which is one of my favourite indulgences, and a "ebi an chawan mushi".

Felt the craving for sashimi after reading this from the "Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, Chapter 2"

"What is our life but a dance of transient forms? Isn't everything always changing: the leaves on the trees in the park, the light in your room as you read this, the seasons, the weather, the time of day, the people passing you in the street? And what about us? Doesn't everything we have done in the past seem like a dream now? The friends we grew up with, the childhood haunts, those views and opinions we once held with such single-minded passion: We have left them all behind. Now, at this moment, reading this post seems vividly real to you. Even this page will soon be only a memory."

Also, would like to share my commentary which came out in Johor Streets, a pullout of the New Straits Times on

Water leak causing problems

 
I READ with much concern the front page report "3 States on Alert" in the New Straits Times recently.The article was about how water supply from dams and rivers nationwide were drying up.
Johor is one of the three states on alert.
   After reading the article, I stumbled upon a puddle of water bubbling up from a road in Susur 1, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak in Johor Baru. The water was overflowing into a nearby drain.
   I talked to office workers who work in the neighbourhood and found out that this has been going on for more than a month, maybe even two.
   One of them was former State Tourism and Environment committee chairman Freddie Long, whose legal firm is in the vicinity.
   Long told me he had reported the matter to Syarikat Air Johor (SAJ) Holdings Sdn Bhd which told him that the water samples taken from the site did not contain chlorine and thus, could not have been from a broken water pipe.
   N. Usha Devi, 55, a secretary in an engineering firm there, said she, too, was concerned as well as outraged because of all the water which could have been saved if the relevant authorities had looked into the matter sooner.
   Usha even brought the matter up to the Johor Baru MCA division public complaints bureau chairman, John Cheah, who said the incident occurred after workers from Tenaga Nasional Bhd had dug up a stretch nearby to lay some cables.
Cheah, who is also part of the Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi), said not only does the wastage of water bother him but also the fact that some parts of the road may become a breeding ground for the Aedes mosquito.
   No doubt the water is flowing into the drain, but there are some areas with stagnant water.
I feel that this is another cause for concern and if this is allowed to continue, it could cause the road to sink.
   I have also checked with the local municipal council which said no public complaints have been lodged so far.
   With dengue cases mushrooming all over the country and the possibility of taps running dry, can the authorities please do something about this?
   If SAJ claims that the leak is not from a water pipe then which department should look into this?
   Sometimes, the public is at a loss when it comes to matters like this.
   They just do not know who to turn to.
   In the end, the issue goes viral and on social networking sites like Facebook.
   In fact, people have already started posting the issue on Facebook with various comments

Monday, February 24, 2014

Journo Recognised For Her Contribution

Certificate

It was a sweet surprise for Harian Metro journo Mary Victoria Dass (left) who received a certificate award of appreciation for her work from Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin (next to Mary) yesterday.



Mary, my dear friend, graduated from the Malaysian Institute of Integrative Media (MIIM) in 2005 and joined NSTP in 2007.  She works diligently not merely to fill up the pages of the Malay daily, but to highlight the plight of the underprivileged seeking help, so that those who are looking to render aid can reach out to them.

The award is a due recognition of her tireless effort and dedication.  Mary's biggest motivation is her love for her mother and sister. 

Keep up the good work, Mary.  Johor loves you. I love you.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

It's Still Flowing

At about 10.30am I was in town so I decided to check out the mysterious "spring water" at Susur 1, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak.  I first came across it on Friday.  Can you solve this mystery?

Water flowing out of a road surface

It was a hot sunny morning, but water was streaming into a nearby drain from a hole in the road surface.


A Whole Lot of Talking

Spend more time in the South, Southwest and North sectors of the house or office, and avoid the Northwest in 2014.

That's the advice given by Datuk Joey Yap, founder of the  Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics --- a global organisation devoted to the teaching of Feng Shui, BaZi, Mian Xiang and other Chinese Metaphysics subjects.

Fengshui is not a religion, so one doesn't need to be a believer.  But one can always test it.

Yap, who is also the chief consultant of the Joey Yap Consulting Group, an international consulting firm specialising in Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology services, was at the appreciation dinner of property developer Eco World Development Sdn Bhd.

Datuk Joey Yap
Yap shared a few tips, like having the Fire, Wood and Metal element in one's "bazi" (birthchart) to enjoy success this year.  One's features such as the eyebrows, ears, eyes, forehead also tells much about a person.  The details I can't remember already as I was listening whole-heartedly at the time and didn't take down notes. I just remembered that I have a bad memory.  Maybe I need to read Yap's books.

And Yap also does not promote fengshui cures, such as displaying fengshui items.  He says that is the work of an interior decorator.

Also present were Eco World chief executive officer Datuk Chang Khim Wah and its divisional general manager Phan Yan Chan.

with SP Setia Bhd group divisional general manager Hoe Mee Ling
The appreciation dinner was held at the banquet hall of this hotel.


Yes, I am back at the Renaissance Hotel Johor Bahru located in Bandar Baru Permas Jaya.

Earlier, I attended another talk.  This one was at the Pekin Restaurant, and organised by another property developer Tanah Sutera Development Sdn Bhd.

It was an education talk.  One of the speakers was Matahari Private School principal Dr Lim Poh Ju, who gave a very lively and interesting talk.  Another speaker was this lady who "talked" rubbish.

Dr Hia Hui Ching

Dr Hia Hui Ching is the in-house effective micro-organism consultant at Tanah Sutera.  No, I didn't mean her talk was rubbish.  I meant she was talking about how to make good use of rubbish using the concept of the 5Rs --- reduce, re-use, re-think, recycle and responsible --- which have been adopted by Tanah Sutera in all its development projects and the cleaning and maintenance of the Sutera Mall.

By adopting the 5R concept and technology, one can contribute to earth conservation efforts.

Enough talking for the day.  It has been a memorable, eventful day.  Much to be thankful for.  Going to sleep now in the room located in the Southwest part of the house.  Good night.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Can You Solve This Mystery?


What is this?


Watch the video 




While taps are running dry due to no rainfall and the dams are drying up in Johor, Negri Sembilan and Selangor, water is sprouting from the road surface here in Susur 1 of Jalan Tun Abdul Razak in Johor Baru and flowing to a nearby drain.

Can the relevant authorities please look into this?  And with the number of dengue cases going up, this spot also poses the risk of being a breeding ground for the Aedes mosquito.

This water from the ground mystery has been going on for a month or two.  No one seems to know where this spring water is coming from?  If you think it's a burst water pipe, water samples taken from the site for tests revealed that it contains no chlorine.

Meanwhile, my lunch time treat ...


grape smoothie and deep fried chicken chop at the Cheelicious Bakery and Cafe.

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Pamper Yourself At Le Spa

20 February 2014

Try a chocolate facial at Le Spa

Le Spa manager Noreen Rahim (right) with therapist Siti Salwa Nasir.

UNIQUE: The spa at the Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor is offering cost-saving promotions for its therapy sessions including an aromatic chocolate facial

SENAI: LE Spa has introduced  a series of competitively priced spa packages tailored to soothe your senses.

Le Spa, located at Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor, is currently offering an 8+2 Spa Indulgence voucher where clients can enjoy 10 sessions and save RM555.

The package includes eight sessions of LeSplendeur body massage, a foot bath and three sessions of ear candling.

There is also the 6 + 2 Total Revival voucher promotion priced at RM1,155 where clients will be entitled to eight sessions and enjoy saving of up to RM565.

This package includes the chocolate Total Indulgence, three sessions of LeSplendeur's body massage, a foot bath and two sessions of manicures and pedicures.

Alternatively there's the 4+2 Body Wellness Vouchers where clients are entitled to six spa sessions with savings of up to RM210.

This includes four sessions of LeSplendeur's body massage, a foot bath and one session of ear candling.


The inviting environment of the spa
Spa manager Noreen Rahim, 39, a beautician who has been in the industry for 19 years, urged guests to give the chocolate facial a try.

"Chocolate or cocoa is known for its antioxidants, promotes blood circulation, hydrates the skin and nurtures it.

Wawa, 27, applying the chocolate face mask.
"At Le Grandeur, we also make our own chocolate.

"So, we blend the dark fondant chocolates with other ingredients such as milk and brown sugar and bring the mixture to a boil," said Noreen.

"When the therapist applies the mixture to the face while massaging it, and putting the coat of chocolate as a mask, the aroma will cajole you into a state of bliss," she added.

Noreen also said the spa industry is a competitive one and Le Spa has to come up with new and innovative products from to time.

She added that the ingredients are all natural and free of chemicals.

A cup of ginger honey tea will be served before and after each session.
 
The spa is open daily from 10am to 10pm.

For enquiries, call 07-599 600007-599 6000.


Sunday, February 16, 2014

Pre Digital Photography





For some of us,  this 135 film rolls certainly brought back the sweet memories of yesteryears ...

It was introduced by Kodak for still photography in 1934. Kodak also has the 120, 116, 127, 110, 126 film rolls (according to Wiki).

A wide range of antique cameras from as early as the year 1912




Checking out the Telyt 1:6.8.560 Leitz Wetzlar lens.




This is the Voigtlander, the name of an optical company founded by Johann Christoph Voigtländer in Vienna in 1756, and probably one of the oldest names in cameras (Wiki).  According to shop owner Othman Zakaria, 58, this Voigtlander that I am holding was from 1912.


This is something new.  It's an action camera that records video and still photography.

For those who want to take pictures while diving, or they can have the cam strapped to the chest or head while coming down a cliff.

If you're a photography enthusiast or a collector of antique cameras, this shop has a wide range of old and new photographic equipment and accessories.

It also offers wedding photography service, photostat (B&W and colour), book binding, lamination, etc. etc.
Address:
Classic Photo
F09, Giant Hypermarket Taman Nusa Bestari          
No. 1, Jalan Bestari 7/2
Taman Nusa Bestari
Johor Bahru
017-796 7750

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Enchanting Le Grandeur

Le Spa at Le Grandeur
A face and hair treatment at Le Spa in Le Grandeur

A cup of ginger honey tea was served before and after my chocolate facial at Le Spa in Le Grandeur Palm Resort Johor

In my post the chocolate factory, I wrote that chocolates enhance the mood and makes one calmer.  At Le Spa, I learnt that cocoa and chocolates also have antioxidants that does wonders for the skin.  A chocolate facial promotes blood circulation, soothes and hydrates the skin, and has anti-aging benefits.

Le Spa has come up with a series of affordably-priced treatments tailored to promote wellness and rejuvenation.  I will write about that on another day.

For now, I just want to relive my enchanting al fresco dining experience at the Le Grandeur.  This took place after my two-hour relaxing spa session. 


Dining by a pool with floating candles and romantic ballads that lull you into a mood for romance and nostalgia. Last year "Chap Goh Meh" I heard Richard Marx belt out "Right Here Waiting" in person at a concert in Setia Tropika, Johor Baru.  This year I'm hearing this beautiful ballad again here, albeit a recording, but the ballad was just as magical.                                    


grilled lamb rack

Have I Told You Lately?  is the name of the main course that I had.  It comprise of grilled lamb rack served with mint chutney and crispy Zucchini cakes with sweet potato gratin.  Superb.
 
Feelin' Fabulous



Feelin' Confident

Feelin' Loved




Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day

A Hello Kitty bouquet
A Hello Kitty bouquet. Pic by Nur Aisyah Mazalan



LOVE ...

there's so many ways to express it.

Don't waste this day (or any other day) by not expressing your love, gratitude and appreciation for that special someone

Those who don't have a "special someone" can still celebrate friendship,  kosen-rufu (world peace through individual effort) or self-love.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

and also have a merry CHAP GOH MEH celebration!!!  Peace....!!!

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Valentine's Day and Chap Goh Meh

Let me introduce to you Valentina Kim, a lovely lass who was born on Valentine's Day.

The 27-year-old runs Kim's Florist and Floral Supplies, established in 1981, at Jalan Sungai Chat in Johor Bahru. 

Valentina
Valentina Kim (centre) with me and Norbaiti Phaharoradzi
At Kim's Florist, luscious red roses are the best-sellers for Valentine's Day.  A bouquet with 101 roses, where a single white rose is found among 100 red ones, translates to "You're my one and only."
By the way, a bouquet like that costs RM950.

This year's "Chap Goh Meh", which is the 15th day of the Chinese New Year celebration, also falls on Feb 14.  Some have dubbed the last day of the CNY as the Chinese version of Valentine's Day.

In the old days, Chinese girls are not allowed to go out on their own.  But on "Chap Goh Meh", they get to go for a stroll, albeit chaperoned, in the hope of finding love.  Single ladies also get to throw Mandarin oranges into the river for single men to pick up.  This tradition is still practiced today among the Chinese community.

Come Friday, I, too, will celebrate this day but I pretty much doubt there'll be roses or Mandarin oranges.  It'll be a quiet day with

soft toy
My Valentine


Monday, February 10, 2014

A Happy Boring Day

Don't forget to head over to Setia Eco Cascadia, Johor Bahru, for the SP Setia's Carnival on Feb 15.  If you're lucky, you may just win yourself an iPad Air or an iPad Mini.

It'll be a wonderful way to bond with family and friends at this fun-filled outing.

The article appeared in today's JOHOR STREETS (a pullout of the New Straits Times)

Setia Write Up

By CHUAH BEE KIM

ATTRACTIONS: The event will feature 150 performers, a special lion dance and a Candy Street with giant lollipops

JOHOR BAHRU: EXPERIENCE the "Festive Colours of SP Setia" at the Setia Eco Cascadia Show Village on Saturday from 5pm to 10pm. The event is organised by property developer SP Setia Bhd Group and will feature 150 performers ranging from fire eaters, samba dancers, stilt walkers, cheerleaders, bhangra drummers and Spanish masqueraders.
  SP Setia property division (south) general manager Hoe Mee Ling said the fun-filled street carnival will also feature a dragon and light emitting diode (LED) lion dance performance.
  Hoe said the children will be captivated by Candy Street, which has been filled up with thousands of sweets. She said that visitors will also be enthralled by the numerous giant lollipops standing three metres in height at the entrance. There are also candy seats which is a waiting area for parents while their kids explore Candy Street.
  "Also, look out for the balloon candy trees that line the walkway and Candy House, where visitors can redeem free candy, popcorn and cotton candy. "To make the experience a memorable one, visitors can head to the 40-metre wide three-dimensional wall to snap a photograph. The wall can fit 50 faces.
  "After the snapshots are taken, visitors can collect them at the counter," she added. Visitors can also check out the Face and Body Painting booth as well as the Sand Art area. Children will also have a fun time playing the Inflatable Game. There will also be a limited number of free Chinese New Year goodie bags.
  If you have been dreaming of buying the iPad Air or iPad mini, these two gadgets are going to be among the lucky draw prizes.
  Meanwhile, the developer is also opening new double-storey terrace houses and bungalow show houses for viewing. Home owners are entitled to a one-day special bonus worth up to RM30,000 for bookings made during the event.

***

 LUNCHTIME INDULGENCE: Grilled Norwegian Salmon.  

Grilled Norwegian Salmon
Grilled Norwegian Salmon

Sunday, February 9, 2014

OMG! An Angry Note

"I'm sorry for the fate that has befallen your family, but that is the result of your karma."

"Through your actions you have confessed to others that you're evil"

"You need medication more than divine intervention."

These were just some of the words from a note that I had stumbled upon yesterday.

OMG! Where was all this anger coming from?

It's not that I was poking my nose into other people's business but the note was put out for all to see.  So, I guess it should be ok for me to give my two cents on the matter.

Clearly the person who penned the note must have been in a state of extreme and utter anger to churn out such a dazzling display of talent for cussing.  Dwelling in such a state only causes distress, depression and maybe even dementia, in the long-term.

However, there are lessons to learn from this angry note.

I write too when I am angry, and say things that I would not have said when unprovoked.  It's best not to re-act when consumed by anger, but sometimes we let our emotions take over.  And I guess the ocassional vent is acceptable. "Drama drama a bit".

But if you can, always try to be mindful of what you're doing or are about to do.  I know too much thinking also holds one back, but think of the consequences before embarking on any action.

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction (Science) and there is the law of cause and effect (Religion). 

Have a good day everyone. 




Friday, February 7, 2014

Hot Sauce Experiment


Today is sambal making day.  I'm experimenting really.  I am making two variations of sambal.

Sambal 1 (Recipe)

15 fresh chillies
three limes
a piece of belacan (dried shrimp paste cake)
salt and sugar


Put the cut chillies into the blender.  Add a cupful of water with squeezed lime juice and a spoonful of sugar and salt and blend at low speed.

Meanwhile toast a piece of belacan in the frying pan.  Pour the blended mixture (not too fine) into the pan with the belacan and fry till the spicy condiment looks and smells nice.

No cooking oil was used for the sambal.


Here are the two sambal that I made today.  In case you're wondering where's the recipe for Sambal 2 where dried chillies, garlic, ginger and onions were some of the ingredients... errr, I think that one didn't turn out well.

At least one sambal was a success. Yes!


Feb 15 Street Party in Setia Eco Cascadia

If you haven't made any plans yet, mark Saturday (Feb 15, 2014) in your calendar for the "Festive Colours of SP Setia" street carnival from 5pm to 10pm at the Show Village of Setia Eco Cascadia in Johor Bahru.

There will be 3D fireworks set to blow your mind, and 150 street performers who will entrall and captivate you.  There will be fire eaters, Spanish masqueraders, Samba dancers, stilt walkers, cheerleaders, lion and dragon dance performances as well as lucky draws with attractive prices such as an iPad Air and an iPad mini to be won.

Children will love the inflatable games and Candy Street which will have an array of sweets.  There will be activities like sand art and face and body painting.
 
Setia Eco Cascadia
And if you decide you want to stay in this paradise, the Aurora double-storey houses and bungalow units are open for viewing and booking during the "Festive Colours of SP Setia" event.

The Bungalow Show Unit at Setia Eco Cascadia


An artist impression of the backlane garden of the Aurora unit.  If you book a unit on Feb 15, 2014, you are entitled a special bonus worth up to RM30,000.

Don't miss the opportunity, and don't miss the fun.  See ya on Feb 15.

For further info on the development, go to Setia Eco Cascadia



Wednesday, February 5, 2014

The Monkey King



The TGV cinema at Bukit Indah, Johor Baru, was packed yesterday.  Tickets for The Monkey King was all sold out for the 8.30pm screening, so I had to watch the 9.30pm show.  The previous day, both the 8.30pm and 9.30pm shows were fully booked when I got there at around 5pm.

I have always been a big fan of Donnie Yen.  The Hong Kong action star has such awesome moves.  My all-time favourite Donnie Yen movie --- SPL --- love the knife-baton fight scene in the alley.


Donnie Yen then went on to star in movies like "Seven Swords", "Ip Man" and "Dragon Tiger Gate".

In the Monkey King, the story of Sun Wukong started with the battle between Good and Evil, and how the protagonist was born from the crystal of a deva/goddess.

Sun Wukong has many negative traits such as arrogance, brashness and impudence, but he also has a big heart and cares for the well-being and happiness of all, not only his own.  Both the dark forces and the light wanted him on their side, but eventually it is Sun Wukong who has to decide which side he wants to serve.

The Underworld resorted to trickery while the Heavenly beings offered free will.

The CGI effects was nothing to shout about but the storyline and  Donnie Yen's stellar portrayal of Sun Wukong deserved a thumbs-up.  There were also moments where I had burst out in laughter.

The Monkey King reportedly grossed $1.8 mil on Jan 31 and took in $20 mil throughout China on the first day of the Chinese New Year. And it garnered $4.5 mil during the three-day CNY weekend holiday in China.

The film will undoubtedly achieve number 1 status in both the Malaysia and Singapore's box office.