My Surrounding

Hahnel Uni Pal multi battery charger

2014-04-29T22:59:00.001+08:00

I had a camera which requires me to charge the battery via the camera. This is not to my liking. In order for me to avoid charging the camera battery via the camera, I then look for an external charger. The original charger for the camera is only able to charge that brand of batteries.

I was considered lucky as I normally browse the internet to search for the item I want. And found a few models that are able to charge different brand of camera battery.

I ended choosing Hahnel Uni Plus, because of the mini LCD screen to read the percentage charge. What more attractive is the charger able to tell the percentage of battery charge left in it.

The packing of the charger is simple and sealed tight. The only challenge is to put it back in it after using the charger. As I like to keep it neat when at home.

The back of the packing in multiple language.

A in car connector is provide which gives the option to charge the battery on the go. For wall charging, 2 different type of connectors are provided. As can be seen, a 2 pin connector is provided beside the 3 pins point connector.

A simple manual is provided to explain the how to use. And it is in multiple language.

The wall plug with 3 pins attached to it. The brand label on it for easy ID of the power for the charger. The 3 pins can be swap with the 2 pins connector. Simply pull up the latch then slide out the 3 pins connector and slide in the 2 pins one.

This is what it looks like once the connector is slide out from the unit. This made travelling easier.

This is what the charger looks like. LCD screen display power on, charge percentage and type of battery Li-Ion or AA and AAA. Only one color, white.

AA batteries compartment. Slide the cover to allow inserting of AA or AAA batteries. 2 AAs or AAAs are required to be inserted together. No indivdual charging of AA or AAA. The charger not reading the charge remained in the battery when the charger is not connected to power source.

Further slide away the cover reveals the negative connection part. The connection point for camera Li-ion battery can be seen next to the AA or AAA bunker.

Back of the charger. 4 thin rubbery legs at four corners. And a labelto display input and output power.

From this side we can see an USB and power insert. The USB is mean to power other units.

The charger is not connected to power source. On connecting the battery to the charger, the LCD will display the percentage of the charge left in the battery.

The charging time for normal size camera battery takes about an hour. I have tested the charger with 2 different camera battery. Both of the battery are fully charged to 100%.

I am happy to have this unit of charger. Now I do not need to charge the camera battery via the camera.

I was lucky to found it at lower price, which pushed me to order a unit. Now I can charge a spare battery while using the other.

Old Siam Kopitiam @ 1Utama

2013-07-23T23:43:00.001+08:00

It was 5 minutes to lunch. Lunch starts at 12 noon. Still pondering where to lunch in 1 Utama. That is when I saw this outlet in new wing of 1 Utama. I suddenly got interested in Thai food. And I was there browsing the menu. Okay lets give a go was playing in my mind. Oh.. this outlet is non halal.. which gave me another reason to try out the food at this outlet.

Khao Kruk Kapi, the name of this main dish. Which is Thai belacan rice served with sweet pork and condiments. Chilly padi, slices of onions, long beans, egg, lime and the belacan rice. The belacan rice tatsed good. On first look, I thought it was a normal fried rice. So I wrong on first spoon of it. Then the condiments and sweet pork were mixed with the rice. This gave a hint of freshness to the rice with the raw condiments of onion and long beans. There is this small amount of spicy sauce. Not sure what ingredients were used. Moreover it tasted familiar. One of the ingredient has to be the belacan.

Whenever I am in a Thai food outlet, I will look for Thai milk tea. And they do have it. The taste is different when compare to local milk tea.

There goes one of the walls in this restaurant.

The price was a little high for me. They do have lower price items. But this one is on the high side. Can't comment much on the price as it is located in 1 Utama.

Oh I would say this outlet is worth to try out. As it is different from most of the Thai restraurant that I had been to. Some of the items I have not seen it. Maybe part of it is a non halal restaurant.

Taiping Thiam Kee @ USJ Taipan

2013-07-20T21:14:00.001+08:00

Been here multiple times. My visit to this place was done in the morning mostly. This one time is dinner. Some how the brain was switching signal to explore outside the usual order I had made.

I have seen coffee mixed with jelly or cincau in menus, yet I did not tasked myself to get one. This time saw it again in the menu. Yup.. gave an order to make one for me.

Okay this one below is coffee and tea and milk and black jelly. The drink taste as usual strong coffee and a hint of tea. The jelly gave the coffee something to bite. And I like it. Going to do it again if the name of the drink appears in front of my eyes.

This is something new to me. I mean the name given for this dish. Teochew Fried Kue Teow. Not the usual local fried keowteow. The noodle is thicker. It tasted normal until chilly sauce is added. The chilly sauce is something special in this place. It has their distinct taste. And this chilly make my meal more appetizing. Been taking it everytime I visit the place together with dry noodle.

Here goes the chilly sauce in their container. It has a little sour taste in it. Which has given the chilly a different taste and when added to the food, I had turn the content of the bowl all to my tummy.

There are varieties of food to choose from. And not to forget the drinks. At times I had a difficulty to decide the drinks.

Adonit Jot Classic

2013-01-05T17:29:00.001+08:00

Son got an iPad. He was playing with it. One of the thing he does was drawing. With his finger. There went the dad asking him if it will be better with a pen like tool. But he was not keen on the idea.

So one day we were at an Apple store. And I started showing him the item. He was like.. "okay".. then I went, "which color you like?" Next I knew we were trying it on the iPad.

The color is red. Not sure why he choose this color. Nicely packed.

Compared to a normal pen.

There it goes without the cap on it. All made of metal/alloy, except for one part of plastic.

I have try it without the plastic part and it won't worked. Oh.. it did surprised me. It can be used on android. Be careful, not to drop it. The tip did bend when mine rolled off the table. Manage to get it back to where it suppose to be. And it does roll easily. What I did was put on the rubber band around it. Yup, it is ugly.

Good thing about it, smooth writing and drawing. And it comes in few colors.

Fried Radish Cake @ Lot 10 Hutong, KL.

2012-03-03T00:32:00.000+08:00

I was there again for lunch. In fact I was there many time. This time I choose to try out the Fried Radish Cake. I remembered eating radish cake when I was like 7 or 8 years old. At the olden times it was made differently. What I remember it was not fried but some kind of sauce was used. It was tasty back then. Now back to present day. This is not the first time I took this.

Display on an overhead board. Besides the fried radish cake, there other choices too.

While waiting for the cook to fry the radish cake. I look around. Since 1970 there were in business. This makes me wonder. This food was being prepared before I was event born.

There goes the fried radish cake. Served with chilli. Radish cake, spring onions, bean sprout, egg, prawns, salted minced radish and spices, are the ingredients I can gathered while eating it. The salted minced radish was added to give the crunchy bites and of course to give added aroma to the final dish. Tasted good. Won't say it is the best. But will choose this again, if I have a chance, as there are other choices I have not tried in this place. Chilli is just nice, not that spicy, else will robbed the original taste of the food. It taste almost like Fried Kuey Teow. But Fried Kuey Teow is slightly more oily than fried radish cake.

Ah hah, there goes the name of the stall, Kong Tai.

While taking the food I noticed there was another man frying the radish cake. Mine was fried by a lady person. So I was wondering if the man might be the sifu. The taste may differs? Ouch.. will be there again and this time have to be there a bit later and I have to make sure the man is there.

Philips HQ801 Shaver

2012-02-26T15:55:00.001+08:00

I have been using a electric shaver 10 years ago. The shaver is still working. On full charged is does not last for more than 3 days. That was signalling me the end of the battery life. What more the battery is not replaceable. So was relying on the cable coneected to wall socket to power the shaver. And the cable coated with rubber is dropping piece by piece. And this worried me as I might get electrocuted.

This has let me to do searching again over the net for a replacement. My search criteria was set to smaller in size and able to replaced the batteries. Philips was the first I have search, as the precious was Philips too.

Found some choices over the internet. Next I went around looking for the real thing. Was looking at HQ801 as it is a smallest from Philips. At the point of looking, I was told the this model is having a discount. Retail at RM79 and discounted RM30. So I only have to pay RM49. I was taken by surprised at discount given. After looking around at other brands, this is the cheapest I can get. So I took it.

This model actually has multiple different combination of colors. The only one available at the outlets that I have been around is black. Simple to operate with one button. Turn it on by pushing the square button upward and start shaving. On the top the body, the layer is a clear plastic, I like this design. It gives a glass feel.

Twin blades which is more than enough for me to do the job. It comes with a cover. More to protect the blades. Means whatever beneath blades can be spilt out. Not a problem for me, unless I place the blades faced down on the table. As I had read it in the internet the blades is having a lift and cut system to give a closer and comfortable shave. Yup it does it's job. Only thing is that I have not use other type of blades for shaving, so I can't compare. The blades are sitting on a springs, as it center of the 2 blades can be pressed down. This means it will follow the countour of chin and neck. Actually this system was already in the old unit I owned. So it is not something new, but an additional bonus on a small shaver.

The back of the shaver. I can't think of good reason to have a loop at the bottom. One think I know i that loops makes the shaver looks good. A cover to load in batteries.

It takes 2 AAs size batteries. This is whats makes me want to get a unit. As the batteries are replaceable. And I got myselves a pair of rechargable, just to reduce dumping of used batteries to the environment. In cased of emergency, especially travelling, the batteries are available easily. On full charged battery, it gives about 60 minutes of shaving time, now that is what written on the box. I have not really did any track of time to conclude it. To me 60 minute means 30 days of shaving. As I take about 2 minutes per shave.

There goes the collection department. What ever stuble being shaved off goes in here. Not a big space. but it is easy to remove the cap that hold the blades from the body. I have wash it with water. Ok not soking it in the water ofcourse. Just put the head in the running water tap to clean the compartment. The cap with blades, yes, can be soked in the water.

Here goes the box. And there is a 2 sieded brush for cleaning the shaving unit. Have not used it. Since I clean it via a running water tap, the brush is stowed away in the box.

Not a water resistant unit as I deduct based on the battery cap at back is not sealed with any rubber compound. On using this shaver, it won't shaved my stuble away in single swiped. Either doing it in circular motion or mutiple passes to have a clean shave. At first use, I find it difficult to cleanly shave the stuble on my face. As I was having an idea of a clean shave on a single swipe. Now I just got used to it. And love it the more, small in size, quite easy to handle.

Now I have to go looking for another pair of rechargeable AAs to be fully charged and ready for use.

Iron Man 2 Mark V by Hot Toys

2012-01-18T22:21:00.001+08:00

I am considering myself a late comer to own a product by Hot Toys. Never even thought I would acquire one. The first time I got excited seeing an Iron Man in silver color and model to replicate the movie unit. XL-Shop in Berjaya Time Square is where I discovered this wonderful Iron Man figure. Passing this store frequently, but never bring myself to get one. As time goes unit after unit of new Iron Man figure by Hot Toys was introduced.

Middle of last year, 2011, was when I managed to compromise my left brain and right brain to pre-order a unit of Iron Man 2 Mark II. Since then all I can do is wait. As the other unit, was not available for pre-order. Mind me, at that time I only knew XL-Shop to do pre-order. Moreover, this store has their own webpage which is updated almost daily with new products and open for pre-order. While waiting, I seems wallow for not able to get my hands on other units, namely the Mark 4 and 6.

Sometime, in the end of 2011, I was in a dilemma, as conciously and unconciously I was trying to decide as to whether to get a Mark V unit. This started after I was told by the store keeper that he can help me to get a unit at a price. Which happens to be closed to the sales price. As I happened to drop by at other store to check out on LBX plastic kit. That's where I found the same item at a much lower price. It then pushed me into thinking and decision making mode. Over the weekend, it made me took the plunged to own it. The rest of the story is oogling at it every day.

The front face.

The back of Mark V.

A closer look at the head.

As for the lighting on the chest, eyes and palms, have tested it to worked. But no photo was taken.

By looking at the photos over the net and the one I have posted here, could not find any match the actual unit. Looking at the unit itself is far more exiciting then a photo of it. Is it worth it? Up to individual interest. I like arts, but so far not able to make myself to go far. So owning one is a short cut to fill my satisfaction. Now, I am back to waiting for my pre-order to arrive.

Adidas Duramo ADP6034 Digital Watch

2011-12-18T00:05:00.001+08:00

Christmas is just round the corner, hoping to find a gift for myself. The day before purchase I was in department selling men's apparel. There I saw a few brand. One of them, Adidas. At the same time I scan for prices. RM149 the lowest for men's digital wristwatch. Others cost more than RM200. The next logical step I have taken is to browse the internet. Trying to find other models that would be low in price too. At the same time checking on the design. I was not looking for a many functions on a digital wristwatch. Mainly for it to tell me time. And it must be in reverse color. Mean the numbers are lighter color and background is black. There are 2 model caught my interest. Nike+ GPS watch and Phosphor e-Ink digital. But these watches are expensive to me. What I like about these watches is the way the numbers are displayed. There is no lines within a number.

So on the purchasing day. I was hoping a Christmas gift from my wife. Was windows shopping to check various model available. And I met the same RM149 digital wristwatch by Adidas. Get the salesman to let me try it out on my wrist with few others Adidas model. And found I like this one not only for the lowest price but it also fitted my wrist well. The rest is history.

A box with brand logo and a manual. Just a simple box, which I have already stowed it away in the store room.

Adidas and it's logo printed in white just outside the digital box. This model is having the reversed display. Only get to see the numbers from near. On the face, I get to see time, day and date. Which is sufficient for me.

The 3 lines on the strap is as per Adidas logo. There are same design watches from Adidas with the 3 lines in different colours.

Side view of the wristwatch. As can be seen the straps are angled downward in 90 degree. This has gave me the comfortable fitting on my wrist. Other models I have tried on my wrist, making the wristwatches look big with gaps on both sides. This is a plus point for me. Not sure how it will fit on other people wrist.

On end of the strap, Adidas logo is imprinted on it. The strap has 3 rows of holes but only the centre is used for buckling.

On the buckle, Adidas logo is imprinted on it too.

At the back is where the most alphabets and numbers are found. Not sure where this one is made.

On my wrist, it looks like a black straps. Or a wrist band from far.

Finally got one digital wristwatch besides my mechanical ones. Mainly to tell me time. Other functions on the wristwatch will stay in the wristwatch, except for the button for brightening the numbers, to view in the dark. Oh, I like the lights too, it is in blue instead of yellowy white. wish it does not have the white imprints in the digital box. Maybe the white imprints can be placed on the side of the buttons. The numbers are big enough for me to see. As I am getting older, the eyes are deteriorating in quality vision.

There maybe other cheaper ones, but this one appeals to me more as of the price and design. Hope to see some same price range of wristwatches but with a smooth number displayed instead of being divided as sticks, or boxes and traingles. This is for the future, when I am looking for a replacement.

Merry Christmas !

Minorva 1898 Automatic Mechanical wristwatch

2011-11-22T23:31:00.001+08:00

This one time piece is tracking second, minute, hour, date, day, and month. I have not own one with a month tracking in a wrist watch.

It is given a name MINORVA with year 1898 written on it. Not sure if it is meant to tell that MINORVA was around since that year. On the dial, 4 circles is displayed. One with a window to show the moving parts, where a second hand is place on it. The hand that point to months is operated manually via a given button at the side. Something I can live with. The circle at 12, has 3 hands. A pair hands for second timing, hence dual time, together with date hand.

Automatic, can be seen via a window at the back of the wristwatch. Blue screws are used. It even printed some words on the surrounding the window.

There goes the 2 buttons on right side. One for the month and the other one for the dates. The crown is shaped to display a classic look.

On the left side, one button for the day. When I got this wristwatch, it is didn't come with a tool to push those buttons. So I used a ballpoint pen to push the buttons.

Buckle, with a wide holes pin. A choice of mine.

Not sure if this is my last piece of wristwatch. Most likely not. So am waiting for something different to move me in forking out the dough.

Tasik Bera Trip

2011-11-16T22:51:00.001+08:00

Over a weekend, a trip to Tasik Bera was organized. Which was a sudden decision made. As the start point is 1 hour away from the destination, we moved out at about 9am.

On arrival, there is a necessary to register our entry to the lake.

On winding road with possibly one car in one direction, but there are road shoulders for 2 cars from opposite direction to pass each other.

It is quiet road, mother nature are on the left and on the right. The funny thing is, I felt insecured. This is most likely because I have been in the city for too long.

On arrival to Tasik Bera, we were greeted by a big map of the lake. I felt excited to see a big lake.

Direction to places nearby, being placed on a fake tree and a fake hair.

There were butterflies flying from flower to flower. This has also excited me into taking the photo of it. It is not simple task, as they kept moving around. And I have not found a way to bargain with them for staying put while I take a beautiful picture of them.

Rooms were there for rent. Did not checked the price as we don't have any intention to stay.

A lot of tree canopies, you can choose to view those good pattern to those not so good pattern. Okay, I just don't have the right word for the canopies. But I do enjoy looking at it.

A jetty for us to take a trip around the lake, at first I thought the lake is huge and we can tour surround it.

A view, from the restaurant, of the jetty, this picture was taken after I took a leak in the restaurant. Which is also where we found out about the trip around the lake since the jetty office was closed. Oh I was there on a public holiday. And you know what, the lake don't look big after all.

I was informed that this lake used to have the fish as in the picture below. Now it seems to be less of it. With the name given to the fish, it sounded like one of our national car, which is no longer in production.

A view of the jetty. That is where we took a boat to tour around the lake.

Our tour started. Below are the photos taken while on the boat around the lake.

The fruit in one of the photos, as the tour guide pointed to us, is torns all over and poisonous. Not sure how poisonous it is. Almost wanted to grabbed it. Oops just joking. There were alot of Periuk Monyet plants around.

After the tour, only do I realised the lake is huge, Just as there were alot of plant on the lake, which has reduced the sized of the lake itself.

Okay, forgot to mention, this lake is a preserved wetland. If you were looking the photo of the lake map, you will find the lake is preserved internationally. What more to say, I am proud our country still has one wetland being preserved.

You are even allowed to do fishing on the lake.

I even joke myself, there maybe some dinosaur alife down there. But none has been sighted.

So those have not been to a natural wetland, here is your chance. Make a trip there and experienced it. Even that was the first time I have seen it myself. As most of the time the lake I have been to were cleaned.

Voigtlander Nokton Classic 40mm f1.4

2011-10-29T17:35:00.001+08:00

This is one of the reason I was so eager to get the NEX-5N. On discovery of bokeh lens, where it has a smaller f number, can be used on NEX-5N. The downside of it is the manual focusing. The first discovery was the Noktor 50mm f0.95 lens. This lens is produce to mount directly to NEX series camera. From then onward I discovered more of third party lens can be fitted to NEX-5N with an adapter. Thanks to SooHK, who directed me to look at the Voigtlander brand.

Also there is this guy at KPLF 2011 event, shown me his lens on NEX3, and he was kind enough to walked me through on how the lens is easy to use with the NEX series camera.

After some time spend on surfing the net and some shopping. Then decided to get me one of it. 3 items by the same brand was put into my basket. The lens 40mm at f1.4, the lens hood and the most important part the adapter that allow the lens to sit on the camera. I was adviced to get the adapter by voigtlander, as it is connecting the lens and the camera tightly.

The lens is smaller compared to many lens I have come across. It is heavy, at 290 gram (lens, lens hood and adapter), 55 gram heavier than 18-55mm NEX lens. 2 rings is given, one for the apperture and the other for focusing.

As long as I have used camera, this is the first time I am taking photo through manual focusing, which I find not easy. Even with the peak focusing feature in NEX-5N, I might not get the focus at the right place. That is about 20 percent of the the shots with this lens will be out of focus. The next resolve, is using the manual focus assist. Where the NEX-5N will enlarged the focusing point, where I can ensure the focusing point is sharp enough for a shot.

It is fun to use, the weight is something I love about. And it is a classic designed. And it is still being produced. The best part, it is affordable for me. And definitely a collection.

Other lens that are similar to this, requires me to pay 6 times more. As this lens allow me to have less depth in my photos, which makes me want to use it at all time in street photography. But it is not a wide enough for some shot. Hmm... I guess I will have to wait for my pocket to fill up and get a wide angle with smaller f stop. Have not seen any below f2.

One more disadvantage of this lens, the closes distance from subject is 70cm away. I get annoyed everytime I want to take a photo of food. For potrait, the distance is okay.

Now I wish I had the black color NEX-5N...

KATA MARVELX 20 DL for NEX series

2011-10-18T23:16:00.000+08:00

I was paging the internet for a pouch than can fit the Nex5N. Came across KATA website, after some browsing, found it in the holsters section. There is 2 type that can fit nicely for the Nex series, one is with additional pouch attached at the bottom to store additional e-mount lens (KATA MARVELX 40 DL). The other one is as shown below.

So of I went hunting for it in Lowyat, but failed to find it. And so happened KLPF was started the next day. In the KLPF event I found it, was so exicited as I can get one. Moreover I was surprised that they do has it, since it is fairly new in the market.

Front view of the bag. The material used here is different from the other 4 faces of the bag. And the logo is boldly imprint on a rubber piece and stitched to it.

Rear view of the bag. As can be seen 2 strap for the belt. So it can be used as a belt pack. Either with your own belt or a with waist strap accessory.

Right side of the bag. I found it interesting, with a rubber hole where the bag strap goes through it. A white lining surround the rubber thing. A metal loop attached to the nylon strap, this metal loop is a thick one, and I was surprised that it is used on a small bag. Overall, it gave a luxury feel.

A close look on the left side of the bag. A zipper with a logo etched to it on both sides. I like the zipper alot. But there is only one metal zipper head as the other 2 are just plain nylon.

The left full view. The shoulder strap comes along with the bag has a clip with a safety hook to avoid the clip accidentally detached from the bag.

A opening at the top of the bag. It is closed with 2 zippers. The 2 zippers can be zipped from one end to the other end. It is nice to have the front and top as one piece. On fully unzipped, the flap can be open all the way to the middle of the front of the bag. This allows easy access the the camera and also the camera can be easily deposited into the bag. The zipper can be zipped closed to the back of the back.

There is a pocket on the left which can be opened and closed with the metal head zipper. It can store some memory cards and also the Nex standard flash unit. On putting in the flash unit and zip closed will caused a bulge. This bulged also caused a dent on the inside of the casing, the camera managed to fit nicely. This has makes me leave this compartment for memory cards only. And the flash unit stored away unused. Hmm.. actually I have never plan to use the flash unit, due to a viewable high ISO of Nex 5N.

A mini detachable pocket, for 1 or 2 memory cards. The reasons to max at 2, is that this pocket is attached under the top flap with Velcro. Since the screen of Nex camera on the top instead of at the side, it is advice not to force zipped, to closed the bag with many memory cards in the pocket and attached under the top flap. As it might gives unnecessary pressure on the camera's LCD. What I did is put the memory cards in the pocket and placed it in the side compartment ~~together with the flash unit~~. The flash unit can be attached to the camera and place it into the bag and it fit snugly.

I like this bag alot. It is small enough for me to hang it at the side of my waist. And it is useful to me for quick draw and quick deposit of my Nex 5N. While it hangs at the waist, the zipper can be zipped closer to the body to avoid accidental unzipping of the zipper. There goes my choice to hang on the shoulder too.

Not to forget to mention, that I also get to carry the bag with the handle which is placed on the top of bag. Good thing about the handle is that is does not lie flat on the top of the bag. So I can easily hooked my fingers to the handle and take the bag with me. The handle is made in tube form, not the one piece nylon type, therefore it is comfortable to carry.

The one missing piece is the All Weather cover. This I found it on the Lowepro Apex 10 AW. Earlier this was one of my choice, the Lowepro. The finishing of the Lowepro is made to handle rough situation. So I was torn between the 2 bags. The nice look and lower price of Kata bag made me took it. As for the cover to protect the bag from rain, I am planing to use a shower cap.

Nex-5N + 16mm lens - Pouch

2011-10-12T20:24:00.000+08:00

On purchase of this gadget, a camera pouch was bundled. It fits Nex-5N with a 18-55mm lens. But the camera will be loose if it is fitted with 16mm lens.

This has triggered me into innovation mode. Wanting to make a smaller and fitting pouch, off I went in search of materials. A soft thin sponge with cloth stick to it on one side, which happened to be a A4 thin pouch with a zip, that can fit an iPad. And thin foam which are available at book stationary store. With 2 items, thread and needle of I go creating one pouch with a zipper. What trigger me into this was the size of the original pouch which took up some space in my mini backpack.

And below are photos of it.

As the camera also comes with a shoulder / neck strap, which I rate as cumbersome, no doubt it is useful. I would rather use a wrist loop just like those come with the compact camera that I had before, Canon S90. There on the table was a piece of nylon strap which was recently left there to rot. I was glad that it didn't went into the bin. With a few stitched the strap appeared and become a permanent to the camera.

These new accessories is home made which is not as good as those in the markets. Just because I like to do some handy work and this are the simple ones and also comes cheap. I had stitched my self another accessories to support my newly acquired camera pouch. Will put it up later.

Rasa Utara Restaurant

2011-10-12T00:35:00.000+08:00

Thanks to this article http://soohk.blogspot.com/2011/09/restaurant-rasa-utara-at-berjaya-times.html. I was being led to this place.

I have been passing it a many times. But didn't went in as first thought is the price. From a glance at the menu which was placed just outside the entrance. The choices are more toward dishes rather than individual serving.

On the day I decided to give a try after what SooHK has experienced. I was quite excited at the indivdual meal served. So on arrival at the indoor entrance, I browse the menu, as the waitress approaching me. First I questioned on the menu, "..do you served individual meal, like fried rice, nasi lemak...". I was shown the noodle section. Which was not a lot choices (as it was lunch time). And that is the only section for individual meal. She suggested that I can order one of the dished to go with white rice. Which was not to my liking. I gave a second chance on the noodles available. I was asked to be sitted, then I ordered a Laksa Kedah, scripted on the menu is Tun Dr. Mahathir's favourite. An top with a Air Cincau Mata Kuching.

While waiting....

There goes the kitchen. Not many Malay food restaurant features their kitchen to the customer like this. One get to glimpse the food preparation.

On seeing the stairs, I was curious as to whether there were any seats up above. So I queried the waitress and was told that it was meant for those who put up a reservation. The sittings were divided into two sections, outdoor and indoor. Indoor with air conditioner, that is where I had placed myself.

There goes the noodle I had ordered. Quite interesting and simple. Mint leaves, cucumber, onion, fish, leaks, chilly, carrot and the laksa noodle. The soup was sour. But when eaten together with the noodle it is just nice. After a few spoonful of the noodle and the soup, it get spicy. At the end I sweat even in the air conditioning area. This was how exciting the Laksa has given to me. And Laksa is meant to be sour and spicy at the same time.

Air Cincau Mata Kuching, served with ice. It is the first time I have tasted this. Most likely it is available out there somewhere, just that I didn't notice or looking for it. The taste of this drink, sweetness of mata kuching with the crispy cincau.

Entrance facing a main road. With tables and chairs on the walkways. At nite it will a nice place to sit and dine.

The breakfast set and also not to miss the evening tea break set. I might go there to try out the breakfast. As it would not be a cheap one for me.

Here is what the outdoor entrance looks like. Abit on the kampong style with a modern touch.

This entrance is access from the inside of Berjaya Time Squares. This was where I went in the restaurant.

And the billed.

Actually this restaurant has a lot more interesting food which I would like to try. But to try it out, I need a group of people with me. Or else I have to order a dish at a time. That mean I have to visit the place as many time as the available dishes. How absurd it is.

If you have a gang who would like to take Malay food this is one of the restaurant to try out. Or if you want to know how Tun Dr. Mahathir like his food, this is your chance.

Now I have to plan my next trip there. I am wondering who wants to join me....

Note: The article above is based on my experience, I am not paid to produce this article.

Dragon-i Restaurant, La Mien.

2011-10-10T21:00:00.000+08:00

Was at IKEA, as wondering around looking for any sign of new item that worth my deposit of interest. Then went over to the Curve to sample Border's book. And also Daiso to hunt down the item for self made tools.

Next came the interesting time, lunch hours. Started to look for outlet with food that will filled my growling tummy.

Found this outlet with the word Dragon-i on it. Almost missed it as it is placed at the end of the Street at Curve. That was not my first time in Dragon-i for lunch. But it was my first time in this outlet in the Curve.

As normal, dishes with white rice were ordered, but that day we decided to try out the individual meal.

La Mien, was my choice. Ok, my bad as I forgot to record the actual name given to this and the other meals I had ordered. On one glance it looks like curry noodle, which made me drool, as curry noodle is one of my favorite. And it is fresh hand made noodle.

The sauce has a mixture of taste, which really tested my taste bud. A light sourly taste with a little spicy added to the thick sauce. The sourly taste bring me to the taste of laksa, but not as heavy as laksa. Taste of peanut is heavy. I even thought it tasted like the satay sauce. This sauce is something new to me. Not everybody likes peanut. I like it but not crazy about it.

Then the steam chicken rice with lap cheong and mushroom, this is good. The chicken is soft. Can't really explain the taste. It seems like oyster sauce is used.

The last, fried rice. Not something special but it is good. Where this boy loves it.

At times when we are in this kind of restaurant, we tends to order the dishes that are served with plain rice. And we seldom give a second thought to order the invidual meal. Where it does surprise us with the good taste.

No doubt the famous food is the steam dumpling. This dumpling is much spoken in the internet world.

And in this outlet I get to see the chef doing the noodle. The dough is pulled multiple time. Each pull is accompany with a half fold. Each pull make the dough thinner. In the end, it become the strings of fine noodle. So the name, la mien.

Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival

2011-10-09T00:35:00.000+08:00

There is an ongoing event in Mid Valley Megamall. KLPF short for Kuala Lumpur Photography Festival. It started on Friday and will end on Sunday.

Entrance to the event.

Camera on sales, not only that, there are other outlets selling photography related items. Bags, tripod, camera accessories, and many more.

There is even a tour booth, Apple.

New camera from Nikon is on display too. A mirrorless system.

For those interested in Lomography, it is there too.

There is also a sales on mini photo studio.

Seminars is given away free. Just be there to catch it.

These are just some of the happenings. So it is still not late, as there is left one more day.

I might be going there again. As I missed getting myself a waist strap. And I got a camera bag for my Nex-5N. Will share it out later.

More info at http://www.klpf.com.my/

Sunway Pyramid Lighting with Sony NEX-5N

2011-10-06T23:25:00.000+08:00

I have been passing this place almost every night. The lighting beautiful. Caught my eyes. And I have been reminding myself to capture the beauty of the light. So armed my self with NEX-5N, my new gadget. And also to get my family to go along to enjoy the environment.

Once enter, there will be 2 directions, either turn right or go straight. Now the above is the go straight direction, which is heading to Sunway Resort Hotel.

Above is the front of the hotel. I was there and took a photo of my family. Ooops.. these people in the photo above are not my family. They were there to take an opportunity to frame a memory for themselves.

There goes a little boy doing some recording on paper. Not sure what was captured on it.

This was opposite of the hotel, across the road. It has a Malay theme to celebrate Hari Raya.

Got closer to it and framed it. There was a pair of them. I captured one, as the other is left for you to explore.

This is the main entrance to Sunway Pyramid.

Not sure how long this is going to stay. As they might be replacing with a new one or none. Most of the time it will be decorated for a celebration. So this one is wishing Selamat Hari Raya.

For locals, if you have not seen this, you might want to take an opportunity to bask in the beautiful lighting.

For those visiting, you might want to see it for yourself. As the photos may not picture the actual experience.

Soong Kee Beef Noodle

2011-10-05T21:00:00.000+08:00

After listing a few choice to dine, we decided to go for beef noodle. And there are a few beef noodles outlet within Kuala Lumpur. And the dry version was selected. This shop's histories can be found in the internet. And there are many comment and views too. Now I am one of them going to the shop and taste the noodle which I have taken since 1995.

The number of customers are that many everyday. If I am late I might not get a sit. Sharing table is encourage by the staff working there. So if you are with a large group of friends going to lunch at this place, do be advice to reach earlier to avoid disappointment.

The menu is simple. Dry noodle with mince beef is the standard. Next the choice of soup, beef ball only or mixture of beef tripe with beef ball. And there are also choice of size on the noodle and also the soup.

The above noodle is recommended. They do have other type of noodles. This one is a large size. Mince beef and sawi. Mixed it together to get the sauce evenly onto the noodle, as the noodle is tasteless.

Beef balls and tripe. If you can take tripe, rcommended to try them out. Else if you are on the conservative side, then all beef balls.

There goes the department producing the delicious food. The same corner since the first time I enter this shop.

Located at a junction, as it is a corner lot. The whole building is bathe in yellow, easy to find.

Okay now this is another outlet to be added in lunch list, if you have no problem with taking the beef.

Architecture & Human Rights: Urban Installation

2011-10-04T14:04:00.002+08:00

A signboard is erected at Dataran Merdaka, Kuala Lumpur. An event about Architecture and Human Rights: Urban Installation. Sort of celebrating World Day of Architecture in year 2011. The event take place from 3rd till 18th October.

There is a structure made of plastic bottles. On first sight, a boy was setting the bottles in place. I was wondering where are his parents and was he the artist for the structure. At the same time tourists are around.

Then came a mother trying to pull the boy away. But he refused to budge from his place and continue to re-arrange the bottles. There comes the answer, the boy is a tourist.

Tourists were taking opportunity to capture this.

On the other side is the frame with colorful strings. Seems like signify the color of Malaysia national flag. Now what else can be found there, as today is only the second day.

I will update here once new structure can be found.

Soto Ayam Sham Othman @ Lorong Perak, K.L.

2011-10-02T15:22:00.000+08:00

".. Lunch hour is coming. Where to lunch?... Where to lunch?.. Where to lunch?..." my mind was racing to search a location to lunch.

Since I had lunch partners, so suggested them to go for Soto Ayam. With luck the weather is a bit gloomy, mean no direct sunlight. So they agreed to go along to try out something new.

This was my second time there. The serving is not large, so it doesn't fill up my tummy well. The soto ayam main ingredient is the soup, which uses a number of spices. With shredded chicken, mihun, taugeh and some chopped chinese leeks, of I started to slurp it. The soup is tasty enough. But my lunch partner claimed it cannot rival the one in Jakarta. As I also have tried variety of Soto Ayam there but I can recalled what is the taste like.

With the small serving of Soto Ayam, I started looking for other food to fill my food "bag".

There I saw the Laksa noodle, and ordered a bowl of it. As it is new my lunch partner did the same as the Soto Ayam still leaved a void to be filled. A simple serving with cucumber, onion, half of chicken egg, a lime and the laksa noodle, oh.. not to forget a spoonful of cili padi, which has given an gasping lunch. The noodle was soak in a soup which contain taste a fish, I believed the fish was boiled to melt into the soup. So I can't see any fish or pieces of fish meat. And you know what, the taste is good.

The above is the pic of the stall. Just along the road side. The best of all was the price that I have to pay. Soto Ayam @ RM3.50 and Laksa @ RM3.00

So I can't ask for more with this price. So go and surprise yourself with it.

Campbell Popiah @ Hutong, Lot 10

2011-10-01T00:05:00.002+08:00

Was at Lot 10 the other day to have a look at the person call Chua Lam...

And there I was, at lower ground floor Hutong Food Court looking for my lunch. With variety food in the food court, I was like walking around undecided. There I saw someone doing some wrapping work using some round white sheet.

And my brain registered the food for lunch, Popiah, one the local delicacies in Malaysia. And they wrap the multiple popiah so fast.. wait wait.. let rewind a bit... where was I.. okay.. on registering the popiah to my brain, I started to look for the menu to see what choices do I get.

With only 3 choices, the task of choosing became daunting. Lucky the lady was patient with me. Then, "..2 Campbell Mini Popiah please.." (at the time of ordering, not realizing the minimum 2 pieces is required to deal). "..5.30.." I was like huh.. 5.30 pm to get my order. "..huh..'', "..5 ringgit and 30 sen, please..", then I go "..oh..". He he he...okay okay joke aside.

So I parted with my 5 ringgit and 30 sen. And I was directed to the other side to wait for my order.

While I was waiting, I was thinking it must be ready in a minute. Since there was so many of the popiahs being rolled at one time. Looking at the guy doing it and putting it in the a box, only to realize none of them were for me. Waiting I did. At last I got my order, 2 pieces of Campbell Mini Popiah.

With the brain overdoing the visualization of the popiah taste, my mouth started to salivate. Look for a seat, of course with a table. I was about to take a piece and put into my mouth.. wait wait.. ow.. I got to take a photo first.

Okay put away the capturing gadget. Fork and spoon in hand. Ready, get, set and go.

It is juicy, a little spicy, as I ask for chilly. While munching away, as my tummy is empty. Finished all within few minutes. It tasted to me as any popiah I have taken before, only thing is the taste is not on the heavy side. Just nice. And it is not as dry as others I have tasted.

Conclusion, it taste good. So if you guys have not try it. Do go get it, as I was lucky that day. As earlier I have tried twice to get the popiah, but long queue turned me away. It is famous. And chosen and invited by Tan Sri Dato' Francis Yeoh to have their outlet in Hutong Food Court at Lot 10.

On leaving the food court I dropped by to take some more photos. On seeing me shooting here and there, the owner joyfully thumb upped at me. Click I go on the second time, as the first time he put up his thumb, I was shocked by his action. He also asked me if I have eaten his popiah. Yes I did uncle. Thanks.

Not to be a lengthy person, a final photo of the outlet.

Oh, I have yet to try the other 2 choices. Will do it next round.

Chua Lam @ Lot10, 29 September 2011

2011-09-29T14:06:00.000+08:00

Read a news in Facebook about Chua Lam appearance in Lot10. On arrival a press conference with Chua Lam was on-going. After the press conference ended, a session with fans begun, where fans get to have his signature on his book and a photo with him.

Manage to capture a few photos.

McDonald toys

2011-09-28T22:17:00.002+08:00

Got this one last week from McDonald's outlet. Got them at RM3 each. Quite an interesting toys. Where the metal ball is to be launched into a mouth. This one was available last week. Not sure if this week there are any left.

Got it for my son, as he is constantly hunting for McDonald's toys. With friends in school, he bound to come across the toys from McDonald.

This week should be a different set. Haven't got the time to check it out.

These toys is going to help to improve my son more on his reflects and also teach him to be patient. At the beginning he was anxious to get the metal ball into the mouth, and failed to do so, then he got into anger suit. So parenting time.

The toys are well made and last. The lasting part still rely on the children handling.

And it is cute for collection. Now, where are they... "..son! where did you place it?!.."

NEX-5N: picture of it

2011-09-27T23:58:00.001+08:00

I am newly attached to one beautiful and petite individual... what more with it's shine under the light. It makes my finger dance on it..

Okay, below are the shots of what I had bagged last week.

Love the way this camera allows me to hang it on my finger. The feel of an DSLR I am owning, but in mini size. It makes me feel at home.

On using the camera, I discovered it kept focusing even though my finger is off the shutter button. So I go guessing the reason. First thought, was it a defect? So I went to the screen and start searching the menu and do some settings. Still it kept focusing whenever I move the camera to different objects with different distance. My mind went racing around for others possible cause. On discussing the matter with friends, they gave me the idea with their questions. Maybe it is meant to shorten the time in capturing the scene. So... this must be the reason, more to console me self.

I was surprised when the first day of playing with the camera. The shutter is loud. It feels like what the DSLR did, ka-chunk. On multiple shot, I thought I was shooting with a machine gun with silencer. Anyway, I got myself used to it. This also mean that I am no longer can be stealthy in the public.

One of the bundle item, the flash unit. I have not till today used it on the camera. Never thought I will want to use it. My reason is that the camera can produce shots good enough for me on higher ISO.

This is a replacement for my earlier S90, which was sold. But it seems the two are of different group. What triggered me to look at NEX-5N is the versatility of NEX-5 which a friend of mine is using. The size and the capabilities are amazing to me. Light weight is a bonus. And more importantly I had a budget. Now with this purchase the accounting book went haywire. And thanks to the articles over the net, which has gave this camera a it's own light, which led me to it.

With the ability to change lens, I am looking forward for new lens or any third party with E-mount. My future addition will be a zoom 55-210mm and a fast prime lens at 35mm. As current I am also shooting with Canon 1000D via 50mm f1.4, which has intrigue me with no ends.

The camera bag that came free with the camera on purchase, fit nicely when using the camera with 18-55mm lens. When the camera fit with the 16mm, it is loose. Anyway this is the only bag I can rely on at this moment. I am my the way to complete my own creation, that will fit the camera with 16mm on it (will share the photos on it once it is completed).

I would like to say more, but the news has covered most of it.

Lastly, I am wondering why I was so eager to had one of this NEX-5N after knowing that is was going to have a click noise on video shooting. Still wondering....

Photos above was shot with HTC Desire HD.

Nex-5N @ ISO 800

2011-09-25T13:59:00.001+08:00

While waiting for transport, I was testing out the camera. Fix the ISO at 800 and result above.This copy is a convert from RAW to JPEG and reduction in size.

It is also a place for my dinner. Favorite order, Nasi Lemak Special and a cup of Xi Mut Tea hot.

Provides magazine in limited choices. Newspaper. At time I will just order a milk tea and browse the available mag.