Gossip with DaviD

Tsunami Strikes 2009

2009-09-30T18:31:00.004+08:00

Breaking News

An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.9 struck Indonesia on Wednesday, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The quake was recorded about 33 miles from Padang, the capital city of West Sumatra, which is home to more than 800,000 people.

Several buildings were damaged, Metro TV reported. People were seen running out of their homes and toward the hills.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a tsunami watch for Indonesia, India, Thailand and Malaysia.

NOAA could not immediately say whether the quake generated a tsunami, but such advisories are issued when a quake has the potential to cause one. On Tuesday, a magnitude 8.0 quake -triggered tsunami killed at least 84 in the Samoan islands and Tonga.

Breaking News

Tsunami strikes at Samoan Island late tuesday or our local time at 6:00pm (Malaysian Time). A huge emergency effort is under way in the Samoan Islands after towering tsunami waves triggered by an 8.0 earthquake left dozens dead and entire villages flattened or submerged. Full article please follow the link with CNN (CNN link).

Various area in Malaysia like Serdang, Petaling Jaya, Selangor Malaysia have signal of earthquake for those resided in high rise office building, apartments, condominium and etc.

However, I don't think Tsunami will hit us who live in Kuala Lumpur or Peninsular Malaysia which is protected by Sumatera (Indonesia) and Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak). However, for those who is happily enjoy their holidays in famous beach areas in Taiwan, Japan, Philiphines, Sabah Malaysia will be more cautious as the Tsunami waves is very great like what we sufferred in 2004.

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami killed over 300,000 people with many bodies either being lost to the sea or unidentified. Some unofficial estimates have claimed that approximately 1 million people may have died directly or indirectly solely as a result of the tsunami. According to an article in Geographical magazine (April 2008), the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 26, 2004 was not the worst that the region could expect. The first waves hits India then Sri Lanka, and the tsunami waves never rest and hit to South East Asia where Sumatra Indonesia and Phuket Island and several other islands in Thailand were badly hit by the Tsunami.

Readers please remind your friends who is leisuring or plan to holiday in the beach to evacuate yourselve or postpones your trip as soon as possible to prevent this tradegy happen.

To read more about Tsunami please click here.

Gossip resUme

2009-09-29T16:50:00.006+08:00

Hi there, it has been a long long time that I barely open my blog to update the recent stuff. Well, here it goes from now on Gossip resume (after hibernating for 1 full year).

After some thought I really think I need to do some changes in updating this blog in order to reward readers to have the most out of it from every single entry that I post. At least it brings you laughter or benefit to you.

In the past, I update my blog with things that happened personally to me but i think that is not too fair for readers that one do not understant what is it about secondly, who cares!! Therefore, I plan to restrcuture abit of the entry that I'll post in the future. I would like the readers benefit from here and reading or following this blog that will lift up your boring life. The topics will only cover interesting topics that happen around you and me on a weekly basis.

The introduction entry after the long hibernation will be a little update of myself. I was busy with my kids for almost a year. Apart from work then there is only Family Life. To be a father is no easy task because I need to look after their FMBG (Fast Moving Baby Goods) the list goes on like Milk, Pampers, Body Lotion, Baby Cream, whatever stuff started with Baby. I no longer walk in to Zara, hardly step into cinema and of course I'm not the only one to take care the all this errand but my wife who is good in this after we have 2 babies.

Well all this boring stuff will make you stop reading it already. Let's start the interesting part. Forget about policitics, this is something worth sharing with you in the Malaysia neighbourhood. Tree Little Munkies founded by 3 young female entrepeneurs have given this slow year or whatever that you get to name it a great start. They fear no financial tsunami, obstacles and challenge the IT online store with their own breed of Tree Little Munkies selling baby/ kids/ children clothes online.

In conjunction with their launch, the Tree Little Munkies are pleased to offer FREE postage to any purchases of 3 items and above. So what are you waiting for? Visit their website now and do take advantage of this offer as it is for a limited time only and remember to keep yourself updated please join their mailing list in order to keep you posted with their new arrivals and happy shopping online.

Most important thing that i have to let you know that this is not an advitorial entry as I do not get pay to write this entry but would like to share this to all of you who is reading this post. I personally know them and feel their courage and enthusiasm to work out something that they like an online shopping store.

That's all for now. Stay tune. Gossip ResUme.

Sex discrimination at work place. Is this true?

2008-09-29T01:10:00.003+08:00

I came across an article lately and feel that i should put this up to share. At a very stereotype of view, i personally think that sex discrimination does exist in the office whether it is your call or isn't.

There are few scenarios that i would like to share here. Just enjoy reading and look how true is it. Respect the women!!!

The 1st scenario
" When your subordinate display family photo on the table"

If your subordinate is a 'He', you feel "wow!! He taking care of his family, a responsible man.

If your subordinate is a 'She', you feel "career is not important for her; do not expect she will do her best to contribute in works!"

The 2nd scenario
"When your subordinate table is very messy or untidy"

If your subordinate is a 'He', you feel "he is so hardworking, till do not have extra time to tidy up the table.

If your subordinate is a 'She', you feel "she is so untidy, sure not organized!

The 3rd scenario
"When your subordinate is talking with other colleagues"

If your subordinate is a 'He', you feel "he must be discussing about the new project, so aggressive.

If your subordinate is a 'She', you feel "gossiping again!!! Gifted paparazzi!!

The 4th scenario
"When your subordinate is working overtime"

If your subordinate is a 'He', you feel "it's very difficult to hire such hardworking employee anymore.

If your subordinate is a 'She', you feel "ladies has limited capabilities, need to spend so much time on such little things.

The 5th scenario
"When your subordinate got promoted"

If your subordinate is a 'He', you feel "he must have great potential"

If your subordinate is a 'She', you feel "she must be having affairs with the boss"

The 6th scenario
"When your subordinate applies leave"

If your subordinate is a 'He', you feel "he hasn't apply leave for a long time, should go for relax"

If your subordinate is a 'She', you feel "seems like she always apply leave, is she going for job interview"

So, what say you? Do you think sex discrimination exists? i pity the women.

Spa and Massage Promotions from Pamper Zone

2008-09-10T23:25:00.004+08:00

ONE OF SINGAPORE’S largest beauty and wellness spa chains has come to Kuala Lumpur! Since Body Contours’ debut in Singapore in 1997, the spa has won many accolades from international media and satisfied clientele. Combining technology with years of experience and research, our therapists are committed to delivering a quality spa experience on your every visit.

Spacious and luxurious in ambience and interior décor, treatment areas are segmented to cater to both male and female customers.

Body Contours’ flagship studio in Malaysia is located at Level 31, Menara Standard Chartered, Kuala Lumpur. Complete with an impressive 34 tastefully designed treatment suites taking up over 8000 square feet of total area, this new get away in the heart of KL offers KLites a plethora of spa retreats, as well as face and body care services specially designed to pamper and revitalise.

With a treasure trove of signature authentic spa rituals for your picking, each carefully designed by experienced international wellness trainers, you’ll find every reason to make Body Contours, your lasting spa companion!

In conjunction with the Hari Raya, Body Contours and Pamper Zone are delighted to introduce the readers or visitors of Pamper Zone a suprised in the Hari Raya Festival. A series of great promotions from spa, massage, facial and other services are up for grab in the month of September and October 2008.

This promotion is only valid for visitors of Pamper Zone. Click here to get the CODE when making your appointment or normal rates applies.

2008 Beijing Olympics Live via CCTV Olympics

2008-08-15T12:49:00.007+08:00

8.8.2008 the opening of 29th Beijing Olympics in China. For those of you have missed the Grand Opening or your favourite sports due to work or staying late in office. Do not worry. You can catch Beijing Olympics live online.

CCTVOlympics proudly presents you LIVE Olympics on your monitor. As long as you have an internet connection there you go. You are just one click away from watching the earth largest sports event.(No registration required) You are able to catch your favourite athletes infront of your monitor.

The Beijing 2008 Games is quite similar to that of the Athens Games held in 2004. The 2008 Olympics will see the return of 28 sports, and will hold 302 events (165 men’s events, 127 women’s events, and 10 mixed events), one event more in total than in Athens.

So, catch it Live here before you are too late.

The program consist of:
1. Menu for all Games
2. Medal Standing
3. Schedule of Games (time and location)
4. Photo Gallery
5. Map (specific game and location)
6. Games
7. Live telecast of Event.
8. Last but not least, the CCTVOlympics offer you 24 hours non-stop repeating of Event.

City Tour @ Tokyo, Japan (Part 2)

2008-07-26T21:54:00.015+08:00

The Day Tour @ Tokyo really is a mouth-watering experienced where both of us really feel that it fills up our eager to know more about Tokyo.

Well besides sight-seeing japanese food and the night life are the one that i miss most after return to Kuala Lumpur. The foods are mouth-watering (sushi and udon) and the night life is damn entertaining (no shops close b4 00:00, what do you think, women? i think most women like it damn alot)

Here are some photos taken @ night of Tokyo.

Back to shopping around at Tokyo you surely will suprised and shocked with the excellent services provided by the sales personnel in the store. Their attitude is superb and very polite. I think none of the world can provide such a friendly and warm services (no wonder their retail businesses are so good - Excellent Service, ichiban!!!). Places you shouldn't miss like Shibuya, Shinjuku , Harajuku and Ginza.

Look at the face of Pauline. I bet she really enjoy shopping in Tokyo and look at the damage (OMG).

Well the night view was taken at the famous junction @ Shibuya. One of Tokyo busiest railway station. Look at the crowd on the street. The crowd keeps on coming out from different subway exit at Shibuya Station.

Tokyo, Japan @ Day Tour

2008-07-25T17:40:00.016+08:00

Tokyo has many to offer to the rest of the world. The city is full of architecture, design, food, technology and history. Well, to start talking about this city of east. Japan did really recovered quickily after the WW II. The rapid change of the city from war and had turn around to become the second largest economy force of the world after the United States in less than 50 years. (what a shame Malaysia, still fighting for new government, abolish NEP, and even we are so sad to say that our growth and development is slower than our neighbour city like Singapore and Bangkok) Besides, the emergence of giant corporations like Toyota, Panasonic, Mitsubishi, Sony and etc not only conquer in japan but also very popular outside the country.

So, to know more about the city of Tokyo we have decided to take a Day Tour on the following day to experience the most of Tokyo with limited time. The benefit of Day Tour is just nice for us (as both of us don't want to spend too much on coach), as we want to know more about the history and some of the landmarks in Tokyo. The Day Tour covers from the Emperor Palace, Roppongi Hill, Asakusa, Rainbow Bridge, Ginza and gardens.

After the tour, the most i like are Asakusa and Roppongi Hill. Both are landmark of Tokyo. If you hadn't visited this 2 places in Tokyo. It just seems like you never came before. Asakusa (浅草) is a district in Taitō, Tokyo, Japan, most famous for the Sensō-ji, a Buddhist temple dedicated to the bodhisattva Kannon. There are several more temples in Asakusa, as well as various festivals. For most of the twentieth century, Asakusa was the major entertainment district in Tokyo. The golden years of Asakusa are vividly portrayed in Kawabata's novel The Scarlet Gang of Asakusa. In its role as a pleasure district, it has now been surpassed by Shinjuku and other colorful areas of the city. Asakusa is also home to one of the geisha districts in Tokyo. Sensō-ji (金龍山浅草寺) is an ancient Buddhist temple located in Asakusa, Taitō, Tokyo. It is Tokyo's oldest temple. Outside the temple there are alot of shops selling japanese hand made souvenir and snacks for visitors. The best part of it is most of the stores offer different variety and you can really experience the different taste of Tokyo compare to Ginza district. Most of the stores offer Japanese home made confectionary to cute and handy souvenir. One of the most visited tourist spot in Tokyo.
Below are some photos captured @ Asakusa feel like going there again ;)

Roppongi Hills is one of Japan's largest integrated property developments, located in the Roppongi district of Tokyo.

Constructed by building tycoon Minoru Mori, the mega-complex incorporates office space, apartments, shops, restaurants, cafés, movie theaters, a museum, a hotel, a major TV studio, an outdoor amphitheater, and a few parks. The centerpiece is the 54-story Mori Tower. Mori's stated vision was to build an integrated development where high-rise inner-urban communities allow people to live, work, play, and shop in proximity to eliminate commuting time. He argued that this would increase leisure time, quality of life, and benefit Japan's national competitiveness. Seventeen years after the design's initial conception, the complex opened to the public on April 23, 2003.

The Mori Tower is a 270 m, 54-story high-rise building housing an art museum, a cinema complex, restaurants, cafes, stores, the offices of Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, TV Asahi, J-WAVE, Konami, Rakuten, Livedoor, Yahoo! Japan, and the Grand Hyatt Tokyo. The first six levels of Mori Tower contain retail stores and restaurants. The top six floors house the Mori Art Museum and the Tokyo City View with panoramic views of the city.

I manage to get a few photos from different angle at the top floor of Mori Tower.

Here are some others photos taken during our Day Tour.

Taken outside at the Emperor Palace (besides how come the little ang mo come into the picture...;S)

On coach pass by the famous Rainbow Bridge @ Tokyo

Do you know there are how many Statute of Liberty in the world? Please dont' google it first. Try your brain... yes 1. New York, United States 2. Paris and the 3. Japan.

Asia most vibrant city - Tokyo, Japan (Travel)

2008-07-17T17:06:00.012+08:00

Tokyo is the latest city i travel to after the United States. Compare to other cities in Asia like Hong Kong (the most high density country), the largest metropolitan Shanghai and now Tokyo. This 3 different cities gave me different feeling on them. Hong Kong has the most skyscapper. Shanghai a mixture of historical and futuristic city. Whereas, Tokyo is the most advance, neat and tidy city.

But to sum up the above 3 cities i think the only common thing i observed is the high living standard, over populated resident and bad traffic.

From Kuala Lumpur to Tokyo is approximately a 7 hour plus journey. When i step first step on the soil of the East, i straight away can feel the warm and friendly faces from the local. The culture of Japanese is really a good example to follow compare to the west and the rest of asia country. They are polite, respect others and warm. Finally, i understand why our former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir seek the "anak Malaysia" to practice the "Look East Policy" in 1981. The Japanese has the good attitude that we should learn from.

Well, back to the city of Tokyo. From Tokyo airport to downtown Tokyo the coach takes us about 1.5 hour to reach our hotel in Shinjuku and the fare of the coach is not cheap either it cost me 3,000 yen per trip. The coach system in Tokyo airport is very advance and systematic. You just bought a ticket then wait at the designated bus stop, there will be coach assistance explain to you on the arrival of coach and carry your luggage into the coach. (Damn it is so systematic and punctual)

Look at it... Far Far more advance compare to KLIA or any airport in the rest of the world. The digital signboard clearly stated time of departure, destination to drop off and up and coming coaches. (*the coach is really punctual)

The first meal in Tokyo. I really face some difficulty in this country - the language barrier. Most of the Japanese can't speak other language besides japanese. Luckily the restaurant's waitress is helpful enough to help us order some food to please our hungry stomach. (the food is too delicios that i had a noodle and rice box for my first meal) After we had settled our meal and replenish our energy the walk begins.

Pauline already start damage her purse for shopping in Shinjuku. Look at the shops, is already 23:00++ at night. The streets and the crowd is still alot.

Tokyo a vibrant city and it never sleeps, everywhere is packed with huge crowd. From subway to bus stop and from shopping malls to street. Everyone is walking with a average speed that is faster than the Malaysian. Finally, we surrender and quit walking instead of taking subway back to our hotel. I found that in Tokyo there are plenty of Pachinko shops everywhere around the corner. but i manage to get 1 photo of them near our hotel.

Some Pachinko in Tokyo offers 24 hours but some are not. This is the one that operate 24 hours. Nice and neat environment. I did try my luck in side but still don't know how it works.

Subway exit @ Shinjuku South near our hotel. I think Malaysia should follow such design and creativeness.

Fuel Price Control

2008-06-04T23:23:00.005+08:00

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on Wednesday announced that the new price for petrol is RM2.70 a litre, effective midnight tonight (4th June 2008). The price goes up by 78sen from the current RM1.92, a hike of 40%. Abdullah also announced that the price of diesel would be increased by RM1 from RM1.58 to RM2.58
Quoted from: Click to read more The Star

First it was duh... then huh... then wa-lau can Fuel Price be Control? most of the Kuala Lumpur petrol stations owners are *blink* *blink* $ $ $ $ quick cash overnight. Most of the car owners even motocylists are queueing to fill the last gasp of RM 1.92 fuel. (while you are stuck in the queue why not ask yourself should i queue to pump the petrol or not there are 10 or more infront of me.) Definitely the fuel price will not go back to the old days of RM 1++ anymore in future. It will just never ever happens anymore or have you seen any price increase later drop to the old price.

So people just accept the fact and anyway you just save to pump a RM1.92 by tonight only 4th June 2008 (unless you can pump into a multi galoon tank lar... which is not possible lor). Effective 5th June 2008 until the XXXX years we will pump expensive fuel so the saving of 1 night is not worth for you to stuck for the whole night. Why not re-think how to resolve this microly (household), should we re-think to car-pool or take public transport...

The shock declaration really not a good news for the nation and for the people (like us small little potato in the country) but 1 mouth could not speak for the rest and just 1 mouth doesn't represent the whole population. The shock declaration will benefit the petrol station owner a big junk of cash on 4th June 2008 and news stand will shine on 5th June 2008 as everyone is concerned on the latest feed back of government to the public and opposition political party comment on the sudden increased.

So let's see how fuel price can be control. Let's check tomorrow newspaper. All i believe is the shock increase will not bring down easily by one word or two. This has been planned for sometimes and it is time to realise.

Travel to San Francisco (Part 10)

2008-04-08T11:38:00.020+08:00

After 10 days in United States, across 3 states and many exciting cities. The one that i love to stay on is San Francisco. The weather is nice and the food is good. What else you expect more for a city like this?

According to the locals, everything in San Francisco is more expensive than other cities in California ranging from properties to dining. Example An apartment in Los Angeles cost you USD 300,000 but it can cost you USD 600,000 in San Francisco. So you have a rough ideas where to live in California if you intend to go there.

But why it is so expensive in San Francisco? The reason is from The California Gold Rush brought a flood of treasure seekers. With their sourdough bread in tow, prospectors accumulated in San Francisco raising the population from 1,000 in 1848 to 25,000 by December 1849. The promise of fabulous riches was so strong that crews on arriving vessels deserted and rushed off to the gold fields, leaving behind a forest of masts in San Francisco harbor.

San Francisco is a popular international tourist destination renowned for its steep rolling hills, an eclectic mix of Victorian and modern architecture, and famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, the cable cars, Coit Tower, and Chinatown. The city is also known for its diverse, cosmopolitan population, including large and long-established Asian American and LGBT communities. While the climate includes chilly summer fog, the winters are mild.

Do you think Victorian is nice? I like the mix of Victorian and modern architecture

Look this is how the cars move down from the hill...

Please look at the far end of the photo. That is the famous Alcatraz Island. Not sure Michael Scofield can Prison Break or not? Hahahahahahhahahahha...

A closer look at the Alcatraz Island.

Alcatraz Island or mostly people known it as The Rock is a smaller island located in the middle of San Francisco Bay in California, United States. It served as a lighthouse, then a military fortification, then a military prison followed by a federal prison until 1963. The Alcatraz has the most natural defend as a prison. The island is covered by the Pacific Ocean sea with temperature less than 20degrees and sharks swimming around the area day and night. But yet 3 inmates from Alcatraz has ruined the good name of Alcatraz.

On the morning of June 12, 1962, guards at Alcatraz Prison discovered that inmates Frank Lee Morris, John William Anglin, and Clarence Anglin were missing from their cells. The inmates had fashioned dummy faces in their bunks and escaped the island prison using a makeshift raft constructed of rubber raincoats. Today, no report on the above inmates whether they are still alive or dead after their Prison Break.

The Landmark of San Francisco is The Golden Gate Bridge had the longest suspension bridge span in the world when it was completed in 1937 and has become an internationally recognized symbol of San Francisco and the United States. Since its completion, the span length has been surpassed by eight other bridges. It still has the second longest suspension bridge main span in the United States, after the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York City.

Another sight seeing place and dining place you must not miss in San Francisco - The Fisherman's Wharf. It is best known for being the location of Pier 39, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, the Cannery Shopping Center, Ghirardelli Square, a Ripley's Believe it or Not museum, the Musée Mécanique, the Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf, Forbes Island and restaurants and stands that serve fresh seafood, most notably dungeness crab and clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl.

The clam chowder is so YUMMY that we had it twice during our stay in San Francisco. you can tell how it tastes from Pauline reaction. ZHENG!!!!

San Francisco also known as one of the epicenters of liberal activism, with Democrats, Greens, and progressives dominating city politics. Indeed, San Francisco has not given the Republican candidate for president greater than 20 percent of the vote since 1988. The gay rights contributions and leadership the city has shown since the 1970s has resulted in the powerful presence gays and lesbians have in civic life. A popular destination for gay tourists, it hosts San Francisco Pride, the world's best-known gay pride parade and festival.

finally, the most attractive part for women at down town San Francisco is Union Square - the shopping district. the best place to kill time and see ya San Francisco.
My 12 days stay in United States cost me to buy 2 additional luggage and to round up it is my best ever trip so far in my life.

National Historical Landmark, The Hearst Castle (Part 9)

2008-04-08T01:10:00.018+08:00

On the way to San Francisco, we are passing another United States Landmark - The Hearst Castle. The history of Hearst Castle is way too long for me to remember each and every details. Luckily we have wikipedia to help if you want to know more about Hearst Castle history please read the following or skip to the photos.

Hearst Castle is the palatial estate built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951). It is located near San Simeon, California, on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Donated by the Hearst Corporation to the state of California in 1957, it is now a State Historical Monument and a National Historic Landmark, open for public tours.

Hearst Castle was built on a 40,000 acre (160 km²) ranch that William Randolph Hearst's father, George Hearst, originally purchased in 1865. The younger Hearst grew fond of this site over many childhood family camping trips. He inherited the ranch, which had grown to 250,000 acres (1000 km²), from his mother, Phoebe Apperson Hearst, upon her death in 1919. Construction began that same year and continued through 1947, when he stopped living at the estate due to ill health. San Francisco architect Julia Morgan designed most of the buildings. Hearst was an inveterate tinkerer, and would tear down structures and rebuild them at a whim, so the estate was never completed in his lifetime.

The estate is a pastiche of historic architectural styles that Hearst admired in his travels around Europe. For example, the main house is modeled after a 16th century Spanish cathedral, while the outdoor swimming pool features an ancient Roman temple front transported wholesale from Europe and reconstructed at the site. Hearst furnished the estate with truckloads of art, antiques, and even whole ceilings that he acquired in their entirety from Europe and Egypt.

Hearst Castle was like a small self-contained city, with 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, 19 sitting rooms, 127 acres of gardens, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, a movie theater, an airfield, and the world's largest private zoo. Zebras and other exotic animals still roam the grounds. Morgan, an accomplished civil engineer, devised a gravity-based water delivery system from a nearby mountain. One highlight of the estate is the Neptune Pool, which features an expansive vista of the mountains, ocean and the main house.

Invitations to Hearst Castle were highly coveted during its heyday in the 1920s and '30s. The Hollywood and political elite often visited, usually flying into the estate's airfield or taking a private Hearst-owned train car from Los Angeles. Charlie Chaplin, Cary Grant, the Marx Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, Joan Crawford, Calvin Coolidge, William P. Clark, and Winston Churchill were among Hearst's A-list guests. While guests were expected to attend the formal dinners each evening, they were normally left to their own devices during the day while Hearst directed his business affairs. Since "the Ranch" had so many facilities, guests were rarely at a loss for things to do. The estate's theater usually screened films from Hearst's own movie studio, Cosmopolitan Productions. Hearst Castle became so famous that it was caricatured in the 1941 Orson Welles film Citizen Kane as Charles Foster Kane's "Xanadu". The estate is portrayed as a gloomy and ridiculously self-indulgent barony.

Hearst Castle from far. (approximately 10km away)

On top of the Enchanted Hill, The Hearst Castle over seeing the Pacific Ocean. (indeed very good feng sui Mansion)

I stand on a higher position to get a better angle to catch the entire swimming pool right outside of the main entrance of the Hearst Castle. OMG how i wish i owned one of this at my house.

After the outdoor shooting, we went inside the Hearst Castle, all the rooms are spacious and each and every of the room has its own and unique theme created by Julia Morgan as requested by Mr Hearst. A kind of strange feeling when i step inside the house like you are back to the past. Every piece of furnitures and arts and the renovations are so well maintain and reserved.

One of the painting hanging on the wall at the guest's living room. Very huge.

The dining table. Impressive!!!

After taking more than 1.5 hours walking and browsing within the Hearst Castle, we thought we have come to the end but the Guide told us it is only half of the Hearst Castle. OMG... this is bloody huge man...

Well, which is the unforgettable statutes or arts that left in mind.. This is the one that really ink in my heart after the entire trip. The Indoor Swimming Pool in Hearst Castle. All marble used to built the swimming was fully imported from Italy and between the marble there are GOLD on the floor as well as the wall. The easier way to recognise GOLD is when u look down to the pool any object is yellowish and blinking that is GOLD. In fact, the indoor swimming pool is very well designed as you could see 2 different views - The Hill view or the Ocean view.
If really can swim inside there SOOOOOOOG AR!!!

To know more about Hearst Castle. Click here.

Solvang, The Danish Village (Part 8)

2008-04-08T00:41:00.011+08:00

After the excitement in Las Vegas, i better cool down myself (no more bet... no more bet keep on rewind to my ears). Next, our coach is heading back to California and our next destination is San Francisco. Along the freeway, we will stopover at Solvang, The Danish Village in California. This small town has only 5000++ population and founded by Danish travellers in the early 1900.

Solvang means "Sunny Field" in Danish. The city is home to some bakeries, restaurants, and merchants offering a taste of Denmark in California. The architecture of many of the buildings follows traditional German style. There is a copy of the famous Little Mermaid statue from Copenhagen, as well as one featuring the bust of famed Danish fable writer Hans Christian Andersen.

What is the nice pick in this little town? Ice Cream, Sausage, Chocolate, and of course BEER. Last but not least, the Danish's souvenir.

Sin City, Las Vegas (Part 7)

2008-04-01T20:10:00.012+08:00

Las Vegas is the most populous city in the state of Nevada (i think it is also very popular around the world as Sin City), an internationally renowned entertainment city for gambling, shopping, and nightlife. Although it is located in the middle of the dessert but Las Vegas still one of the destination that travellers should not miss when visit the United States.

After the Grand Canyon tour our coach drove us to the Sin City, approaching evening. Sun has rest and the lights are up in every street on Las Vegas. Especially the Casinos are all covered by neon lights as beautiful as it can be seen in the day mode. When our coach pass by the Las Vegas Strip where most of the famous hotel casinos located at, I just stun and my throat... WOW, WOW and WOW.

All the hotel casinos are full of slot machine sound and it is beautiful and unique, each and every of them carry its own theme, to name a few hotel casinos that you shouldn't miss when your stay in Las Vegass The Venetian, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Monte Carlo, New York New York, Bellagio, Stratosphere and Palazzo. PS this is only limited to the above i went, there are still more than 20 nice hotel casinos that i've never been.

Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps. At night, the city is covered by huge crowd on the street as well as inside the hotel casinos. These crowds are from United States as well as tourists. Believe it or not, in Las Vegas you just name what you want to do at night, Las Vegas offers all variety of activities for family to professional. Check it out HERE.

Look at the ceiling of this Hotel Casinos, the paiting is just IMPRESSIVE. @ Bellagio. People still checking in at midnight. Every weekend most of the famous Hotel Casinos are fully booked, so if you dont want to miss your schedule plan a head.

This is what i say different theme in every Hotel Casinos. Experience yourself, money guaranteed.

To see more Las Vegas photos pls go to my facebook.

Afterall, i voted MGM Grand as my lukciest casino while my stay in Las Vegas. Try your luck!!!

A few tips for you who is heading to Las Vegas.

Firstly, bring enough cash or make sure your credit card has sufficient credit. Secondly, explore the Sin City (you can have a thrill ride in the morning, enjoy a full spa with luxury facilities, dine in a fine restaurant for dinner, enjoy the clubs is one option if you are not interested on gambling and last but not least try little luck on the slot machine or table.)

The name Sin City has been given to Las Vegas is because the unrestricted availability of alcoholic beverages and adult entertainment.

Tour of National Park, Grand Canyon (Part 6)

2008-04-01T18:44:00.019+08:00

The Grand Canyon is a steep-sided gorge carved by the Colorado River in the U.S. state of Arizona. It is largely contained within the Grand Canyon National Park — one of the first national parks in the United States. The longstanding scientific consensus has been that the canyon was created by the Colorado River over a period of six million years, but research released in 2008 suggests a much longer 17 million year time span. The canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, ranges in width from 4 to 18 miles (6.4 to 29 km) and attains a depth of more than a mile (1.6 km). Nearly two billion years of the Earth's history have been exposed as the Colorado River and its tributaries cut their channels through layer after layer of rock while the Colorado Plateau was uplifted. The "canyon started from the west, then another formed from the east, and the two broke through and met as a single majestic rent in the earth some six million years ago. (from wikipedia)

The Grand Canyon was largely unexplored until after the U.S. Civil War. In 1869, Major John Wesley Powell, a one-armed Civil War veteran with a thirst for science and adventure, made the first recorded journey through the canyon on the Colorado River. He accomplished this trek with nine men in four small wooden boats, though only six men completed the journey. Powell referred to the sedimentary rock units exposed in the canyon as "leaves in a great story book. (from wikipedia)

The journey to Grand Canyon is long and chill... On the way up to the mountain, both side of the road is covered by snow.

After we get off from the coach, we still need to walk few minutes before we reached the National Park, Grand Canyon.

The view from top of Grand Canyon is very impressive and stuning.

Journey to London Bridge (part 5)

2008-03-29T14:04:00.013+08:00

The journey from LA to Grand Canyon is not easy. Along the way i've captured the above photos. 1 word to describe DRY and BORED. Sien ar....

At first, I'm disbelieved. London Bridge in United States? In fact, this is one of the older version of London Bridge being moved out from England to rest in this peace of US land. The entire bridge is bought over by a tycoon from United States in the early days... anyway before you and me is born lar...

Pauline postured with the London Bridge certificate.

Universal Studio, Hollywood (Part 4)

2008-03-27T23:16:00.017+08:00

This is the Universal Studio in Hollywood, California. Do you know there are how manay Universal Studios in the world? Basically, Universal Studios set its base in California but they have 5 different Universal Studio across the globe. United States have 2 one in California (west coast) and the other one in Orlando (east coast) and the rest are located in different countries like Japan, Dubai, Singapore and South Korea.

This is headquarter of Universal Studios, Hollywood. a lot of movies and dreams start from here... the entire area i think is as big as a township. probably bigger...

This seems familiar to you??? Continue...

Yes. Part of the Tokyo Drift special effects taken in the Universal Studios. Cool!!!

Another special effects. A quiet village... what next?

Raining?...

FLOOD!!!

Tsunami hits a mexican village!!! The entire special effects of flood take less than 5 seconds. Amazing Universal Studios!!!

Very familiar with this neighbourhood... bingo is Desperate Housewife.

The complete Universal Studios tour could only complete if you spend 2 or 3 days. Due to the tight schedule we give up a lot of exciting games inside the studios. To see more photos check on my facebook.

My Best Trip Los Angeles, Hollywood (Part 3)

2008-03-09T19:50:00.013+08:00

After the trip to San Diego and Sea World the Next day we are heading to Hollywood the soil of world Entertainment. This is the place of birth to alot of celebrities from United States across Europe and Asia. Hollywood is the place for those who dare to dream and take up the challenges in the entertainment industry.

We reached Hollywood in the morning and most of the shops still hanging a big "CLOSE" sign on the door step (as they open till late midnight on daily basis). During the Oscar the whole street of Hollywood will be closed and red carpet will roll over the entire street as the walk way.

The hollywood in the morning, pretty quiet. Opposite is the Ripley's museum.
Catch your favourite celebrities foot print here at Hollywood. Along the Hollywood street there are more than 1000 over footprints of celebrities who contributed to the Entertainment industry... not play play....

Of course i catch my favourite actor the treasure hunter, the face off, he is the man Mr Nicholas Cage. I can't find Bruce Lee here.... :(
Look at the floor, all the "stars" is named after the celebrities (opps i also forgot who we step on don't curse me... muahahahhahhhhahah)

This is the famous Chinese Theatre in Hollywood boulevard, Hollywood alot of premieres being held here. To know more about The Chinese Theatre. Click here.
Look who is it. Mr John Woo. That's right is him, right infront of The Chinese Theatre.

My Best Trip, Part 2 (San Diego)

2008-03-04T23:20:00.015+08:00

This is my 2nd post and continuos of my first post about my holiday to Los Angeles. Well have not much explain about Los Angeles, the weather in LA is really really nice the average weather is between 10 celcius to 18 celcius (whole year). Unlike other places the winter is like spring and you get a lot of sunshine in LA. (no wonder David Beckham & family move out from UK)

for better viewing, click the photo to enlarge

Look... this is the photo i taken from my hotel. the mountain infront is covered by snow. According to the locals you can do whatever you like in LA. During winter time you can go to the beach like summer after the beach you can go up the hill for skiing then come back to the lively city for entertainment at night.

After a good rest, the next day itinery is Sea World in San Diego, south of california near the Mexico border. San Diego is not only famous because of Sea World, it is also well known as the United States Navy Headquarter. Besides, San Diego also named as one of the best city to live in United States because of good weather and resourceful. THe journey from LA to San Diego takes approximately 2 hours plus along the way we pass by the Orange County and the Training camp of US Navy and Army and we saw this!!!

Yes... this is her the Star of India (if you want to know more about Star of India CLICK here)

After taking a much long journey by coach, we have to catch up for a cruise tour along the San Diego bay where there are alot of Military Ship docked there.

Me and Pauline posing before the cruise start.

Yes, this photo is worth to shout about... why? This is a mobile hospital ship which travel to give aid for navy and army during war. the capacity of this "hospital ship" is technically speaking bigger than a landed hospital more than 500 rooms and i think 100 ICU... walau can you imagine how many nurse is working inside? muahhahahahahhahha...

I can't recalled what does it call for this statue. But it is famous because of a Nurse fall in love with a Sailor and they met again after war. this statute appeared as the front page of TIME during that time.

after the long winded history about war and victory... pauline can't help herself to put me in this camera mode... the oldies

in return, i also put her back to the post-war time. after US army successfully won on the 2nd World War. muahhahhahahhahahhahah

THis is it for the San Diego post. The next post will be on Sea World.

My Best Trip, The West Coast of United States - Part 1

2008-02-29T22:35:00.012+08:00

Have you been travelling lately? How long you never take a break from your work? Sit back and re-think... you should take a break!!! Try something out NOW,

I've enough experienced travel around in Asia and had not travel any city out of Asia but this year means really BIG to me as me and pauline as we are travelling out Asia and heading to the United States for vacation. This sound so unreal at first, we have done alot of preparation before the 18 days trip to the West Coast of United States and Japan. Me and Pauline flying all the way from the Peninsular of Malaysia (located in South East Asia) to the far west of United States, Los Angeles. The entire journey isn't that long because we have transit in Japan before we reach Los Angeles. (but it is really time consuming and exhausted being too many stopover). But to sum up, this is the Best Trip ever i had in my life so far. Have you get yours? Try here.

Traffic Jam... this is the only word i will describe to YOU what Los Angeles is all about. Being the largest city of California, LA free way is jam, the down town is jam every where is Jam from 6am to 6pm. Believe it or not, according to the local traffic has been 2 sections in the early days One in the Morning and the other in the Evening but due to the higher income group of greater Los Angeles population increased to 13 million, each individual who live in LA own at least 2 cars and traffic jam has shorten from 2 sections to become 1 section. Jam from 6 am to 6 pm.

Besides, the most famous of Los Angeles is the Hollywood (the Oscar, the fame and name, celebrities and etc). Universal Studios, Disneyland and Sea World are places that you shouldn't miss if you are having your vacation in this city. Los Angeles is too big and don't ever try your luck to rent a car and try to go by your own. The jam is killing you and waste your time. The entire LA city is too huge for beginner on the road and yet most congested road in the world (every LA resident wasted the most time inside the car than any other resident in the world, averagely they have spent 96 minutes annually due to the bad traffic). The most easy way for traveller like you and me, pick up a phone and book for city tour. It will save a lot of your bucks yet you get to travel to alot of places.

The first day when we touch down in LA and head on to down town, you will definitely feel surprises. Due to the geographically location LA is located in the earth quake zone, therefore, you won't see high rise building like Malaysia's Twin Tower stood up in the hub of the city. The building here are build rather low to prevent against the natural disaster. Besides the cab here is really expensive than what you expected. The place where i stayed is called Anaheim, which is very close to Disneyland (of course you have to take a coach to reach the kids-fun-land)only 15 minutes journey. But from Anaheim to LA down town it will take you at least 1 hour and 15 min by train to reach. Learn some spanish before you go, it helps alot.

During our explorer in down town LA, the only unique place we found was the Olvera Street(and is otherwise known as the birthplace of the City of Angels in latin) At here, you could find cross border products from Mexico like clothes, dresses, women accessories, and even tequilla. Along the street market there are alot of stores offer latin food as well. Try some!

This is how it looks like... the Olvera Street Market.

Visiting the oldest house in LA, The Avila Adobe located on Olvera Street, the house has been preserved by the LA local authority and this dining room has more than 100 years old in history.

After a little walk on Olvera Street, we are feeling exhausted as the weather in LA is dry and both of us like being dehydrated and quickily take a train back to our hotel in Anaheim.

This is the Union Station near China Town and Olvera Street Market. Please present your ID if you want to purchase a Train Ticket. It is strange, in Malaysia we just buy and go. Maybe here is America that's why it is different.

Just in case if you were lost, look for this landmark this is the Union Station.

That's all for now. Part 2 is coming up.

Freekick Specialist

2008-02-01T10:31:00.000+08:00

The New Freekick Specialist - christiano ronaldo

After witnessed the superb strike by christiano ronaldo freekick against the pompey on 30th January 2008 evening. I admit it. It was a fantastic and best ever freekick he had in his soccer life so far. Even Manchester United's manager praised the young portugese winger to be one of the best freekick taker after David Beckham for the Red Devils.

What David Beckham can produced? He did it for England in the last minute to qualify for WOrld Cup 2002. This man shoud be leading the 3 Lions!!!

Please pay attention to the TIME... this is Quality, Determination and CONFIDENT

My all time favourite footballer Zinedine Zidane superb stoppage time Freekick stunned England during the Euro. The same quality and confident displayed by the all time Zizou.

Impossible curve displayed by Roberto Carlos against France in 1997.

The New Name in Grand Slam

2008-01-28T15:32:00.000+08:00

The new name in the Grand Slam title. In the pass few years, the Men Grand Slam winner is only Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal but this year the newly crowned Men and Women Australian Open 2008 champion Novak Jovokic and Maria Sharapova had won the applause from the crowd so do their opponent. Both the champs share a similarity as the first time Australian Open, Grand Slam title winner in their name. Both the runner-up JW Tsonga and Ana Ivanovic had proved they are the "must watch" player in the next tournament or Grand Slam in the Men and Women tennis. Their "never-die" attitude represents them, and they fought all the way to the finals and still fighting for the crown.

A little fact you should know about the Australian Open 2008: quoted from australianopen.com
Australian Open 2008 has set crowd records with the current number of fans through the gates during the tournament standing at 584,476 (at the end of Day 13), already surpassing last year’s previous record for overall attendance of 554,858. It is the ninth consecutive year that the tournament has attracted more than half a million patrons.

Day four of the tournament saw another record set with the highest ever Grand Slam day/night combined attendance, with 62,885 fans through the gates. This broke the record of 61,083 which was achieved by the US Open on Saturday 1 September 2007.

A star-studded men’s and women’s singles draw included eight men’s Grand Slam champions and seven women’s Grand Slam champions and all of the top 32 women and 30 of the top 32 men . A total of 45 nations were represented in the singles main draws (32 countries in the men’s singles and 37 countries in the women’s singles).

What next? The French Open (May-June 2008)

Australian Open Finals

2008-01-26T00:57:00.000+08:00

The 2008 Tennis Power House, Serbia has ruled the Australian Open in 2008. A massive impact this time around in the AO where Novak Djokovic stormed into the final and winning the game in straight sets against world no.1 Roger Federer. The powerful lad with big forehand really put Roger Federer on a number of unforce error. On the women single final is the clash between the glamour Ana Ivanovic and Maria Sharapova quoted by Australian Open website.

JW Tsonga has been the underdog all the way from the first round of this year AO 2008 and clinched a finalist spot after defeat Rafael Nadal in the semi final. The first time grand slam finalist will meet Novak Djokovic in sunday final.

Women Final (Saturday, 26 January 2008)
Ana Ivanovic vs Maria Sharapova

Men Final (Sunday, 27 January 2008)
Novak Djokovic vs Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Guess which Men and Women will triumph the First Grand Slam of the year.
My pick: Ana Ivanovic and Novak Djokovic

Long awaited, Gamba Osaka

2008-01-26T00:17:00.000+08:00

My latest collection of Football Jersey... the long awaited Gamba Osaka jersey delivered by hand from Osaka, Japan. Thanks Jane and Pauline for the lovely jersey and what should I say more I'm LOvin it!!!

Arigato!!!

Australian Open 2008

2008-01-25T15:02:00.000+08:00

The first Grand Slam of the year Australian Open 2008 has come close to the final. Melbourne Park is always famous of surprises like in 2006 it was Marcos Baghdatis who thrilled us all the way to the men's final, last year it was Fernando Gonzalez. This year the emergence of french power house - Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is the man in final against the winner between Roger Federer or Novak Djokovic.

Tsonga has really impressed me prior to this AO 2008. I saw some of this powerful play and he is the man to watch in this coming years. The giant killer outclassed Andy Murray, Richard Gasquet and Rafal Nadal all the way to storm into this sunday final. Anyway, I like underdog like Tsonga. Eventually everyone who watches sports like to see upset. (correct me if i'm wrong) They work very hard on the court yet they enjoy the game.

Besides, the giant killer i mentioned. There is one that you should never overlook is the giant killer nation from Serbia. Novak Djokovic will take on the semi final against the Fedex and 2 of the women semi final spot were taken by them. Jelena Jankovic and Ana Ivanovic. I personally like Ana Ivanovic who eventually emerged to the winner in a thriling quarter-final against the william and an epic semi final against Daniel Hantuchova, where she fought back from 1 game down and take the winner. (congrates!! Ana) The lanky Ana is jus 20 and will play Maria Sharapova also 20 in the AO 2008 Women Final on this saturday.

This is her siganture first pump!!

To get more updates and players of the AO 2008. Pleas go to http://www.australianopen.com

MacBook Pro

2008-01-22T16:18:00.000+08:00

After years I've been using my old laptop... I had recently changed to a new platform of Apple, the MacBook Pro (is damn cool man...)

At first, i was encougrage by Pauline to buy the MacBook. But due to the weak eye sight i have, i've no choice to decline the proposal and therefore choose the MacBook Pro which rovides me a 17" model and resolve my problem. We are a bit hesitate when we choose the MacBook as we don't really understand the OperatingSystem and functions of MacBook. but the sales fella in Machines (the store at Lot 10, reseller of Apple in Malaysia) convinced that they will launch a tutorial class for new user like me to attend and understand more about MacBook. For those who are interested you can check it out at the www.machines.com.my or the retail at Lot 10, KL.

For your information, this is not a paid post therefore, just read it as my personal journal and i found somehting that i would like to share like i did with Mike. Apple is really something new to me. The Operating System is no longer windows which they call it Leopard (so sexy) at first, I really a bit upset because i've to adapt and learn the new OS but eventually i found it to be INTERESTING and have FUN with the MacBook.

The internet explorer is no longer there and there is a cool icon called Safari is the internet explorer. The MacBook Pro also will light up the keyboard when you are in dark. The start up is eventually faster as compare to any windows.

This is what so far i've experienced, i'll share more to you when the days come... I'm lovin' it MacBook Pro.