Joy 'N' Escapade

Homestyle Tom Yum Beehoon

2012-01-26T14:10:00.001+08:00

This is a recipe from the future mom-in-law. The kitchen has become my favorite spot in the house for the past few days. :P

Ingredients:

Cabbage (sliced)
Limau purut (kaffir lime) leaves (chopped)
Lemongrass (preferably chopped)
Carrot (sliced)
Chicken / pork
Prawns (de-skinned)
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (chopped)
Tom yum paste
Water
Beehoon (blanched in hot water)

Yummy! Second helping is guaranteed. :D

Happy Lunar New Year 2012!!!

2012-01-23T14:46:00.008+08:00

Kitty the house cat wishes everyone...

Happy Lunar New Year 2012!!!

Project: Reflect 52 #3 - The first major scratch

2012-01-22T12:00:00.001+08:00

My heart bled. My poor WUQkie (my car) got its virgin major scratch. That bloody scratch was so ugly that I felt so bad. But, it wasn't my fault.

WUQkie was parked nicely in its own parking spot and I was pretty sure that it didn't obstruct anyone's way. But somehow, an unknown inconsiderate and perhaps stupid driver decided to give my car this sort of harsh "treatment".

Anyway, it's Chinese New Year eve today and I don't feel like cursing anyone. So let's just put stupid things aside.

Have a blessed reunion dinner with your family members. Let's eat, drink, and be merry!

Happy Chinese New Year!

I wanna drive a KIA Forte Koup this Valentine's Day!

2012-01-21T18:29:00.002+08:00

My heart melted the moment I came to know about this contest by KIA Malaysia.

All you need to do is to share your love for KIA on your blog or Twitter or Facebook or YouTube and tell KIA Malaysia about it. If they love it, the winner (ONE ONLY) gets to drive the KIA Forte Koup from 11th February (Saturday) till 15th February (Wednesday) in conjunction with this year's Valentine's Day!

Photo from nazakia.com.my

Love the Forte Koup's tagline:
Leaves you Speechless

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Now, let me tell you why I'd love to have the Forte Koup as my Valentine's Day drive.

In January 2010, I met a motoring journalist at a gathering. He mentioned that he would be giving the KIA Forte a test drive during one of the weekends.

Not a week later, he tweeted that he had gotten the KIA Forte for review. It all started with a simple question of me asking him about the color of the car. And wouldn't you know it! He replied me, asking me out to take a spin in the car with him!

So, destiny had it that the KIA Forte became the first car I was driven around by the editor whom, two years later, is the one I'd be marrying in June this year. As a note, we just got engaged in December 2011. :)

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You see, since the KIA Forte sealed the deal and set the stage two years ago, it'd be lovely to drive a KIA Forte Koup with my fiance this Valentine's Day...

:)

Movie: Underworld: Awakening (2012)

2012-01-20T16:15:00.000+08:00

Vengeance Returns

Underworld: Awakening (2012) is the fourth installment in the Underworld movie series. Kate Beckinsale reprises her role as Selene, the female vampire warrior.

Synopsis from Wikipedia: Six months after the events of Underworld: Evolution, Selene (Kate Beckinsale) was captured by humans. Eventually both government officials and the public learn about the existence of the two immortal species of Vampires and Lycans (Werewolves). A crusade and all-out war has begun: study and eradicate. After being imprisoned in cryogenic suspension for 12 years, Selene manages to escape the facility. During the same time, another suspect has also escaped the same facility that Selene was in. The suspect was Eve (India Eisley), a hybrid who is the key to ending the war.

Surprisingly, I haven't watched the first three movies. Blehhh. So, I find myself in awe as I watch how cool, sleek, and agile Kate Beckinsale is as Selene. Somehow, her character reminds me of Alice from the Resident Evil movie series, starring the equally cool actress, Milla Jovovich.

Since this movie is about the never-ending war between the Vampires and the Lycans, you can expect lots of gruesome fights, dead Vampires, torn-apart Lycans, and blood everywhere. It's really a bloody fest. In fact, the movie's focus is just about fightings, killings, shootings, jumping from buildings, car chases, all sorts of action sequences you could think of.

Therefore there is a lack, you can't really feel the characters, e.g. Eve. Eve is a newly introduced character but there's no emphasis on character development and thus, I find the entire movie devoid of sentiments but just bang bang bang. The end. Well, I guess there's no time for feelings and sentiments because the main focus is the action scenes.

Anyway, if you want to watch Kate Beckinsale kicking some Lycans' backside, you would want to watch this movie.

I WON 1 SHOGUN & SAISAKI Japanese Buffet Restaurant VIP card!

2012-01-20T12:04:00.000+08:00

Earlier this month, I joined the New Year 2012 Giveaway contest by EverydayOnSales.com and here's my entry post.

The moment I found out about this contest, I decided to give it a try. Who knows what the year of the dragon might bring, right? ;)

And seriously, you know what?

I received the following email yesterday.

You have been selected as a winner in Everydayonsales's giveaway. Everydayonsales says: "Hi Joyce Lee, Congratulation! You have been selected as a winner in EverydayOnSales's giveaway..."

I couldn't believe it!

So I checked the giveaway page and here's what I saw!

Wow, they even have a video showing how the lucky winners' names were drawn!

I'm really one of the five lucky winners!!! This is a wonderful Chinese New Year gift!

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Fret not, they have more contests to come in near future. I'm not sure what they are but I believe they must be awesome!

So, do keep yourself updated via their Facebook page and Twitter.

Till then, good luck!

TGV Cinemas launched TGV CLUB on 18 Jan 2012

2012-01-19T12:12:00.007+08:00

TGV Cinemas proudly announces that 18 January 2012 marks another celebrated milestone as this auspicious date signals the official launch of TGV CLUB - their very own exclusive, premier experience for moviegoers!

As part of the celebration at TGV Sunway Pyramid, we are treated to the premiere of the movie Underworld: Awakening, of which I'll blog separately. Here's the review.

There are two movie halls, i.e. CLUB 1 and CLUB 2. There is also an exclusive CLUB lounge that serves their signature food and beverage menu. This is indeed a good place to chillax with your loved one and friends while you purchase delicious stuff from their menu. The nachos are pretty good!

Photo by @amelialing911

Tweeples met at the launch (from left to right): @Joshualaw88, myself, @ZhengNorahs @amelialing911 @tianchad

Oh, and it's great to finally meet @kennywong the CEO in person too! :D

According to Shen, TGV Cinemas' Brand Manager, a tin of this Popcorn Royale is priced at RM29. We are given samples and I must admit they are really delicious!

The CLUB halls have plush, luxurious seats with ample of legroom. There's a tray with plenty of space for food and beverage to the left of each seat.

And, our takeaway gift is this humongous TGV Cinemas Ah Beng TUMBO.

Thanks TGV Cinemas for this awesome experience!

Movie: The Awakening (2011)

2012-01-17T12:58:00.001+08:00

The Awakening (2011) is a British horror movie directed by Nick Murphy.

Synopsis: It's 1921 in England. Many are suffering from the aftermath of World War I; influenza is running rampant; and many believe in ghosts.

Florence Cathcart (Rebecca Hall), an educated female writer who debunks the supernatural is called by Robert Mallory (Dominic West) to investigate some ghostly sightings at a remote boys' boarding school. Aided by the elderly school matron Maud (Imelda Staunton), Florence finds that the more she investigates, the more she unravels the past, of which she may have to debunk her own disbelief of the supernatural.

Horror movies with ghost kids always give you a kind of unforgettable tingle and chill. The Awakening is this kind of horror movie. Another good example is El Orfanato, a Spanish horror movie.

This is a hauntingly beautiful yet sad ghost story. It's not entirely scary but it has its fair share of jumps and jolts that leave you feeling chilly. In fact, there are more than enough shivery moments, especially the ones involving a creepy dollhouse and old photographs. The twist ending is surreal but it's good enough as a nicely done closure to such a beautiful story. You might find yourself deep in thought, thinking about life and the afterlife.

The tagline on the poster is true indeed: Visually sumptuous and chilling. Rebecca Hall is magnificent. This is director Nick Murphy's first feature. Kudos!

If you're looking for some haunted moments, this movie should be on your list.

Reading Shopaholic & Sister

2012-01-16T17:09:00.000+08:00

Sophie Kinsella's "Shopaholic & Sister".

Synopsis:

What's a round-the-world honeymoon if you can't buy the odd souvenir to ship home? Like the twenty silk dressing gowns Becky Bloomwood found in Hong Kong... the hand-carved dining table from Sri Lanka... the, um, huge wooden giraffes from Malawi (that her husband Luke expressly forbade her to buy)...

Only now Becky and Luke have returned home to London and Luke is furious. Two truckloads of those souvenirs have cluttered up their loft, and the bills for them are outrageous. Becky's feeling rather blue - when her parents deliver some incredible news. She has a long-lost sister! Becky is thrilled! She's convinced her sister will be a true soulmate. They'll go shopping together, have manicures together... Until she meets Jessica for the first time and gets the shock of her life. Surely Becky Bloomwood's sister can't... hate shopping?

Read:
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Shopaholic Takes Manhattan
Shopaholic Ties the Knot

Project: Reflect 52 #2 - Foretaste of in sickness and in health

2012-01-15T15:05:00.002+08:00

This week, I experience the foretaste of in sickness and in health. It's not fun seeing him in agony, battling the forever-evil flu virus for a week. But I learn how to take care of the sick and I find showering him with much tender loving care a rewarding experience. :)

Taking good care of the sick is important to ensure speedy recovery. I have a few general points that I find pretty helpful:

1. The patient needs love and constant encouragement: So, just be around him. Your presence means a lot to him.

2. The patient needs a lot of rest and sleep, preferably in a quiet environment: Be a quiet and calm company. Don't ask too many questions and just let him rest as much as possible.

3. The patient needs plenty of fresh air and light: Make sure the room where the patient is resting is airy and has plenty of light.

4. The patient needs to feel comfortable: Get ready wet cloth to relieve the patient if he's feverish.

5. The patient needs constant hydration: Make sure there's plenty of plain water or 100Plus in the room. Herbal tea or honey lemon ginger tea are good beverages for sore throat.

6. The patient needs nutritional meals: The best suggestion is chicken soup combined with vegetables and even pasta. According to University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital, researchers from Mt. Sinai Medical Center found that chicken soup speeds the flow of mucus through the nose when compared to regular steam. This can not only ease the symptoms of a stuffy or runny nose, but can also help fight off infection as mucus excretion is a mechanism that the patient's body uses to flush out the harmful bacteria. Additionally, chicken soup helps keep the patient's body hydrated in times of illness.

So, I cook a pot of chicken soup with ginger, garlic, onions, potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms. We enjoy our meal. :)

Finally, a quote to summarize this week's Reflect 52 post:

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book.
- Irish Proverb

Reading Shopaholic Ties the Knot

2012-01-13T09:04:00.006+08:00

Sophie Kinsella's "Shopaholic Takes Manhattan".

Synopsis:

Life has been good for Becky: She's become the best personal shopper at Barneys - and she and her boyfriend, Luke, are living happily in Manhattan's West Village. But with her best friend, Suze, engaged, how can Becky fail to notice that her own ring finger is bare? Not that she's been thinking of marriage (or diamonds) or anything...

Then Luke proposes! Problem is, two other people are planning her wedding: Becky's overjoyed mother has been waiting forever to host a backyard wedding, with the bride's resplendent in Mum's frilly old gown. While Luke's high-society mother is insisting on a glamorous, all-expenses-paid affair at the Plaza. Both weddings for the same day. And Becky can't seem to turn down either one. Can everyone's favorite shopaholic tie the knot before everything unravels?

Read:
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Shopaholic Takes Manhattan
Shopaholic & Sister

Movie: Hell's Gate (2011)

2012-01-12T17:25:00.000+08:00

Mark the date. You can't stop what's coming.

Hell's Gate or 11-11-11 (2011) is a horror movie written and directed by Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II, III & IV).

Synopsis: Joseph Crone (Timothy Gibbs) is a successful dark thriller novelist who's constantly haunted by the tragic death of his wife Sarah and son David. As random happenings begin to unfold in his life, he discovers a pattern in which all of them are related to the number 11:11. One day, his estranged brother Samuel (Michael Landes) calls him about their dying father and Joseph travels to Barcelona, only to find himself entangled in a series tale of faith, superstition, and demons.

Sadly, this movie is a huge letdown. We spend a good 45 minutes patiently watching and enthusiastically believing that the strange supernatural clues in the movie will eventually reveal something really awesome about 11-11-11.

But, what we really get is a long-winded movie mucking around with dark shadows, eerie music, boring conversations, some cheap jump-scares, and [spoiler] some idiot-looking creatures in costumes! Basically, this so-called horror movie is devoid of horror of any sorts.

And the biggest "horror" is the ending. If the director really believes this sort of twist ending works fine, he ought to be re-educated about how to direct a horror movie. I'd rather watch M. Night Shyamalan's movies, seriously.

If you don't believe me, read this. "Hampered by a garbled mashup of Christianity, occult beliefs and numerology, Bousman's screenplay never gains momentum, due to its episodic structure, clichéd plot developments and consistently stiff, generic performances. No attempt is made to mine the deep vein of Christian belief in Spain, a setting that's tossed off with little regard for visual or narrative potential. Bousman opts for playing it cool with the overheated script, bathing dimly lit scenes in chilly blue tones while leveraging distinctly low-grade visual effects for most of the horror elements, but evincing few other stylistic distinctions. Whether surrounded by superstition or just the victim of urban legend, 11-11-11 is likely to prove equally as uneventful as Bousman's unremarkable film." [via]

Okay, don't watch. 'Nuff said.

The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind

2012-01-11T10:26:00.001+08:00

Blowin' In The Wind
Sung by Peter, Paul & Mary in 1966
Originally written by Bob Dylan in 1963

How many roads must a man walk down
Before they call him a man?
How many seas must a white dove sail
Before she sleeps in the sand?

How many times must the cannonballs fly
Before they're forever banned?
The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind
The answer is blowing in the wind.

How many years must a mountain exist
Before it is washed to the sea?
How many years can some people exist
Before they're allowed to be free?

How many times can a man turn his head
And pretend that he just doesn't see?
The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind
The answer is blowing in the wind.

How many times must a man look up
Before he can see the sky?
How many ears must one man have
Before he can hear people cry?

How many deaths will it take till he knows
That too many people have died?
The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind
The answer is blowing in the wind.

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Will there ever be social justice? I doubt so. There will always be poverty, famine, crime, and war. The poor will always suffer oppression. Unfortunate women and children will always become targets for human trafficking.

Everyone hopes for peace and freedom, BUT HOW? Up to you to decide and take action. Suggested ways: Do charity works either individually or join organizations or even take part in your company's Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) initiatives.

The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind: either the answer is so obvious it is right in your face, or the answer is as intangible as the wind.

Project: Reflect 52 #1 - Life is like Korean Banchan

2012-01-08T12:34:00.001+08:00

Life is like Korean Banchan. Banchan are small dishes of food served along with cooked rice in Korean cuisine. The maximum number of dishes is 12, just like what we have at Nakwon Korean BBQ House at Taman Danau Desa.

While I was tasting the dishes, I came to realize that there were four distinctive flavors, i.e., salty, spicy, savory, and sweetish. I didn't include sourish and bitter-ish because there was none. I was thinking, life is like a combination of these different flavors. It's the kaleidoscope of life, that we as human beings, are lucky enough to have to go through the full spectrum of it.

Sometimes and luckily quite frequent, we encounter happy and memorable occasions. So, we're really sweet and joyful. We smile, we laugh, we hug. We're just happy!

Sometimes and unfortunately, we have to face undesirable situations. So, we pout, we scowl, and we don't want to talk to one another.

Once in a while, we're forced to make difficult decisions that cause anxieties. Sometimes, we have to come to face with unforeseen uncertainties that bring forth anxious anticipation.

Whatever the case is, I believe there's harmony in all aspects of chaos and challenges. And I love every bit of it! :)

Here's a quote to summarize this week's Reflect 52 post:

"You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months over-analyzing a situation; trying to put the pieces together, justifying what could've, would've happened... or you can just leave the pieces on the floor and move on." - Tupac Shakur

Happy New Year!

Movie: Kingdom of Heaven (2005)

2012-01-07T21:52:00.001+08:00

Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Safeguard the helpless, and do no wrong.

Kingdom of Heaven (2005) is an epic war action movie directed by Ridley Scott whose internationally acclaimed movies include Alien (1979), Gladiator (2000), and Black Hawk Down (2001). Kingdom of Heaven is set during the Crusades in the 12th century.

Synopsis: A blacksmith named Balian (Orlando Bloom) is recruited by his father, Godfrey of Ibelin (Liam Neeson) whom he has never met, to join the Crusades in Jerusalem against the Muslim forces, led by Saladin (Ghassan Massoud).

Godfrey died in the journey and Balian arrives at Jerusalem where he meets King Baldwin IV (Edward Norton), who's also a leper and the Marshall of Jerusalem, Tiberias (Jeremy Irons). Balian also secretly falls in love with King Baldwin's sister, Sibylla (Eva Green) who's married to Guy de Lusignan (Marton Csokas), a fellow French Crusader.

If you're a huge fan of epic war action movies, you must watch this movie! A few noteworthy points: visually stunning cinematography, haunting soundtrack, gripping performances from a stellar cast, and jaw-dropping combat sequences.

The veterans deliver a solidly impressive performance. Liam Neeson has the shortest screen-time but he gives the movie its initial impact before it gathers momentum. Jeremy Irons is unmistakably one of the old-timers you'd respect. Even Ghassan Massoud portrayal's of Saladin, who's noted for his chivalry and not ruthlessness, is perfectly done.

Another point that I'd like to mention is this: Although the movie's theme is about the bloody Crusades and the much-coveted Jerusalem, there's neither the sentiment of hatred nor resentment between the Christians and the Muslims. Instead the phrases "peace be upon you" and "as-salamu alaykum" are exchanged quite often in the movie.

This movie is not about who kills more or who wins more battles. It focuses more on leadership as portrayed by Balian and Saladin. Kudos to Ridley Scott who makes a movie that doesn't provoke unnecessary turbulence.

Let me repeat myself again: If you're a huge fan of epic war action movies, you must watch this movie!

Movie: Blitz (2011)

2012-01-07T14:30:00.000+08:00

It's cop-killer versus killer-cop.

Blitz (2011) is a British crime movie set in South East London.

Synopsis: Detective Sergeant Tom Brant (Jason Statham) is a quick-tempered police officer from the South East London police station who uses his own way to deal with criminals, causing him to get into trouble with his superiors.

When a serial cop killer known as "The Blitz" / Barry Weiss (Aidan Gillen) carries out his cop-killing spree, Brant begins to work with Sergeant Porter Nash (Paddy Considine) who has just been transferred from West London branch.

Just when Brant and Nash think they have The Blitz under control, he outsmarts them again and again. Facing the question: "If we can't protect our own, then what good are we?" they have to act radical to pin down The Blitz once and for all.

It's Jason Statham again and his favorite genre: crime thriller. So I'd say it's nothing new in watching Statham in this movie. Perhaps if he continues playing similar roles, he'd be stereotyped in "good-guy-goes-rogue" or "bad-guy-turns-over-a-new-leaf" kind of roles.

In terms of performance, kudos to Aidan Gillen who plays the whistling cop-killer "The Blitz". His unassuming looks and the way he goes bare-chested and only in his hooded jacket when he shoots cops at point-blank is kinda unnerving.

The twist at the end is a good one, sort of like - sometimes, justification needs to be done outside the jurisdiction of the law. Good one indeed. Even better if this can happen in real life.

So, if cop-versus-criminals crime thrillers are one of your favorite genres, you'd like to add this movie to your collection.

Time to plan our 2012 holidays

2012-01-06T14:18:00.004+08:00

Photo Source

Time to plan our 2012 holidays!!!

The following dates are national (Malaysian) public holidays, including those applicable to the Selangor state only.

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January
1st-2nd (Sun-Mon): New Year
23rd-24th (Mon-Tue): Chinese New Year (CNY)

Note: We'll be back in Terengganu for CNY.

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February
5th-6th (Sun-Mon): Maulidur Rasul
7th (Tue): Thaipusam

Note: Here comes another long weekend from 4th (Sat) until 7th (Tue). Best!!!

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March-April
N/A

Note: We'll be in Bintulu from 2nd (Fri) until 4th (Sun) March.

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May
1st (Tue): Labor Day
5th (Sat): Wesak Day

Note: This is the busiest month before our wedding in June.

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June
2nd (Sat): Yang di-Pertuan Agong's birthday

Note: We'll be taking a long break for our wedding and honeymoon.

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July
N/A

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August
19th-20th (Sun-Mon): Hari Raya Aidilfitri
31st (Fri): National Day

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September
16th-17th (Sun-Mon): Malaysia Day

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October
26th (Fri): Hari Raya Haji

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November
13th (Tue): Deepavali
15th (Thu): Awal Muharram

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December
11th (Tue): Sultan Selangor's birthday
25th (Tue): Christmas

Do I have H. pylori?

2012-01-05T17:26:00.000+08:00

Photo and article from Combating H. pylori | theSundaily

HELICOBACTER pylori, also known as H. pylori, is a major etiological agent in gastro-duodenal disorders.

Antibiotic treatment does not always completely inhibit or kill H. pylori with potential for antibiotic resistance. Resistance to antibiotics is the single most important factor for declining H. pylori eradication rates.

In Japan, resistance to antibiotic drugs has increased 400% while in Taiwan, it is 500%. This means that those who are infected while in these countries may find the bacterium rather resistant to their antibiotic treatments. In addition, higher body mass index and smoking can also negatively affect treatment outcome.

H. pylori infection is now recognized as the causal agent of chronic gastritis and gastric or duodenal ulcers. It infects the stomachs of around 60% of the world's adult population, with prevalence reaching 95% in many developing countries. In addition, H. pylori is an independent risk factor for gastric (stomach) cancer besides dietary and socio-economic factors.

Globally, stomach cancer is the second most common type of cancer with the Japanese and Koreans suffering the highest incidence rates. An estimated 90% of people with gastric ulcers are infected with this bacterium as are more than 50% of people with stomach cancer.

Eating raw food and drinking contaminated water are the common ways Malaysians contract H. pylori, which is also found in the saliva and hence, may spread through mouth-to-mouth contact. However, not every infected person develops ulcers. Our immune system can be a major deciding factor.

Common symptoms of H. pylori infection include:

heartburn (acid reflux)
bloating, constipation, and flatulence since this bacterium interferes with our stomach acid levels
feeling nauseous after a meal
gum disease and halitosis (bad breath) since the bacterium also live in the mouth and dental cavities
muscle loss and/or weight gain because the bacterium can adversely affect production of stomach acid needed to digest proteins and fats
pain from inflamed or damaged stomach wall (ulcers)

The presence of H. pylori can be confirmed by doing a breath test, blood antibody tests and/or stool antigen test. More sophisticated examination includes the urea-breath test as well as the endoscopic biopsy which is used in more serious cases.

Dietary and lifestyle changes are recommended for people with H. pylori infection, and these include:

incorporating allium-rich vegetables into their diet or using garlic in food preparation. Chronic infection by H. pylori may be reduced by a higher intake of allium vegetables and all forms of garlic substances, which can have substantial anti-H .pylori effects against different strains. Studies showed a strong link between stomach cancer, which is strongly linked to H. pylori infection, and the consumption of allium vegetables
consuming broccoli and/or its sprouts, which are effective in inhibiting H. Pylori growth. Its active compounds, such as sulforaphane, can reduce colonies of this bacterium
sprinkling generous amounts of cinnamon on food. This spice may inhibit H. pylori just as well as some antibiotics
consuming oregano spice. Its fresh leaves contain essential oil known to control at least three different strains of H. pylori
consuming berries. They can significantly inhibit H. pylori. Fruits rich in ellagic acid such as pomegranate also help
drinking two or three cups of green tea per day. Its polyphenol EGCG is a therapeutic agent against H. pylori infection

The nutraceuticals prescribed by nutritional therapists to treat H. pylori may include aged garlic, garlic oil, sulforaphane, probiotics, ascorbic acid, carotene and ellagic acid.

Movie: 23:59 (2011)

2012-01-05T13:29:00.001+08:00

An Army Ghost Story

23:59 (2011) is a Singaporean horror movie written and directed by Gilbert Chan. It's set in 1983 on Pulau Tekong, an island where Singaporean men attend National Service.

Synopsis from 23:59 The Movie FB page: A rumor had been circulating like wildfire amongst the soldiers. A mad woman living on the island had died at the exact hour of 23:59, and it is believed that her spirit had returned to haunt the soldiers at the exact same time.

One of the recruits, Tan, the introverted platoon outcast, is adamant that he will be the next victim of the mad woman's spirit. He tries to convince his buddy Jeremy that the woman's spirit has been visiting him every night. Jeremy laughs it off and claims that there are no such things as ghosts in this world. They only exist because of Tan's overactive imagination. However, during the 24km road march for the platoon in the forest, Tan was found dead by the river, with his limbs contorted in a strange way and an expression of deep fear on his face.

Overwhelmed with guilt, Jeremy decides to investigate Tan's death, convinced that it was not an accident as what the military officers believe. Little does he know that the truth behind Tan's death will unearth a terrible dark secret of the island and he will have to confront his deepest fears in order to find the truth.

Here's my feedback: Being a big fan of the horror genre, I can safely say that 23:59 is considerably mild and won't spook you to death. It doesn't have the spine-tingling, pure evil factor that broods all over you at the end of the movie but it does have some significant scary moments. Having said that, pay attention to scenes related to the character called "Chester". Another worthy-to-be-highlighted scene is when Sergeant Kuah (Mark Lee from Petaling Street Warriors) is doing headcount in the jungle while looking for the missing Tan...

I like its simple and straightforward plot based on supposedly true accounts about ghosts in Pulau Tekong. To heighten the movie's spookiness, most scenes are shot at night and in the jungle's naturally spooky atmosphere. The ghosts are not that scary-looking, so camera angles and some sound effect produce the necessary end-result to make you believe that they are scary.

To diffuse some tension, just stay relaxed and laugh at Sergeant Kuah's Singlish with Hokkien accent. He does it so naturally that I thought I'm watching a horror comedy.

Overall, if you don't mind watching a mild spooky movie, you might want to count this movie in.

I want to win 1 SHOGUN & SAISAKI Japanese Buffet Restaurant VIP card from EverydayOnSales.com!

2012-01-04T11:12:00.008+08:00

Updated (20 Jan 2012): I'm one of the lucky winners!

Photo Source

Each Shogun & Saisaki Japanese Buffet Restaurant VIP card is valid for 1 year!

I'm gonna try my luck to win this giveaway by EverydayOnSales.com! According to the giveaway page, this is a lucky draw giveaway and EverydayOnSales.com will randomly select 5 winners.

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Okay, here are my submissions:

Click "Like" on the giveaway app on Facebook (+1 entry) & Become a Facebook Fan of EverydayOnSales.com (+1 entry)

(the giveaway tab)

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Leave a comment about the giveaway (+1 entry)

(my commen t on the giveaway page)

(my comment on the giveaway tab on FB)

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Tweet about the giveaway (+1 entry)

(my tweet)

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Share the giveaway on your Facebook wall (+1 entry)

(my post on joycescapade.com wall)

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Send Facebook invites to your friends (+1 entry for each invite)

Distribute a unique invite link of the giveaway (+1 entry for each friend that visits this giveaway and +5 entries for each friend that joins the giveaway)

No screenshots for the two tasks above. :D

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Anyway, why don't you join too? :)

This contest will run from 23 December 2011 (12am) until 15 January 2012 (11:59pm). Winners will be announced on 18 January 2012.

Good luck and happy new year!

Project: Reflect 52

2012-01-03T18:36:00.006+08:00

After running Project 365 for two full years (2010-2011), I've decided to run something not so time-consuming and at the same time, more meaningful.

I shall call it Project: Reflect 52.

Why would I say I want Project: Reflect 52 to be more meaningful? To be honest, with Project 365, sometimes I ran out of photos to be featured on certain days. As a solution, I posted screenshots or other people's photos (credited back to them) because I didn't want to let even one day went by photo-less.

My approach for Project: Reflect 52 for the year 2012 is pretty simple.

While going through daily life, I'll take snapshots of anything - people, objects, scenery, food, etc - basically anything under the sun that catches my attention.
On every Sunday, I'll sit back, relax, and reflect. Then, I'll pick the most significant happening of that week, choose one or two photos related to it, and write something about it.

Sounds so much easier, right? Or is it not? :P

The Sundays:

#1 - 08 Jan - Life is like Korean Banchan
#2 - 15 Jan - Foretaste of in sickness and in health
#3 - 22 Jan - The first major scratch
#4 - 29 Jan
#5 - 05 Feb
#6 - 12 Feb
#7 - 19 Feb
#8 - 26 Feb
#9 - 04 Mar
#10 - 11 Mar
#11 - 18 Mar
#12 - 25 Mar
#13 - 01 Apr
#14 - 08 Apr
#15 - 15 Apr
#16 - 22 Apr
#17 - 29 Apr
#18 - 06 May
#19 - 13 May
#20 - 20 May
#21 - 27 May
#22 - 03 Jun
#23 - 10 Jun
#24 - 17 Jun
#25 - 24 Jun
#26 - 01 Jul
#27 - 08 Jul
#28 - 15 Jul
#29 - 22 Jul
#30 - 29 Jul
#31 - 05 Aug
#32 - 12 Aug
#33 - 19 Aug
#34 - 26 Aug
#35 - 02 Sep
#36 - 09 Sep
#37 - 16 Sep
#38 - 23 Sep
#39 - 30 Sep
#40 - 07 Oct
#41 - 14 Oct
#42 - 21 Oct
#43 - 28 Oct
#44 - 04 Nov
#45 - 11 Nov
#46 - 18 Nov
#47 - 25 Nov
#48 - 02 Dec
#49 - 09 Dec
#50 - 16 Dec
#51 - 23 Dec
#52 - 30 Dec

Join me? :)

Movie: Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

2012-01-02T18:10:00.000+08:00

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) is the sequel to the 2009 movie, Sherlock Holmes.

Synopsis: Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey, Jr.) and his much-trusted associate Dr. Watson (Jude Law) are finally facing their arch villain Professor James Moriaty (Jared Harris). With the help of Holmes' elder brother Mycroft (Stephen Fry), a gypsy woman named Simza (Noomi Rapace), and Watson's wife Mary (Kelly Reilly), they have to stop Moriaty from achieving his plan to provoke world war in Europe.

Good lord! This is another sequel that doesn't end up any lesser than its prequel. Such a huge relief!

If you've watched the first movie, you'll remember how director Guy Ritchie uses slow-mo graphical sequences when Holmes is evaluating the moves of both his enemies and himself before he confronts them. So, it's pretty delightful to watch this similar tactic again.

Also, with a clearer storyline and a significantly sinister villain who's visibly as smart as Holmes, this sequel is more packed with thrills and at the same time continues its strength - fun and humorous.

Irene Adler's (Rachel McAdams) character appears briefly before the movie switches its focus to the ever-interesting "bromance" partnership between Holmes and Watson and chillingly explosive interaction between Holmes and Moriarty.

Noomi Rapace from the successful Swedish movie The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009) gives a different flavor to the movie as Simza, especially after Irene Adler is taken out from the equation.

In summary, this is a highly recommended movie not to be missed by intellectuals like us. :)

Project 365 2011 - Photo #365 - Final photo for 2011 featuring Mecha!

2011-12-31T21:08:00.003+08:00

Mecha! One of the rarest from Android Mini Collectible Series 02. My lucky hand got it on the last day of 2011. ^_^\/

Facebook album: Rupture & Mecha - Our Mini Android Collectibles

And this photo marks the end of Project 365 2011. Proud that I've completed Project 365 for 2 full years: 2010-2011. Not gonna continue for 2012 but might do something different. ;)

Lastly, a wish:

"Hope makes all things work. Faith makes all things possible. Love makes all things beautiful. May you have all three for the new year. Happy New Year everyone!"

Good things from 2011 for a better 2012!

2011-12-30T19:11:00.003+08:00

Photo Source

Wanna keep this 2011 obligatory year-end meme post short and sweet. So, let's get started.

I'd say there are 4 major happenings in my life in 2011. I'm not referring to global events, those you can go Google them yourself. :P

So what are they? Chronologically speaking:

1. Changed job in August: Gathered my guts to do so after 4.5 years with my second job. First job lasted for 2 years. Now, this is my third job in my history of employment so far.

2. Signed up for personal training with Fitness First: Lunges, squats, sweat, sore muscles. All in the name of lovely curves in time for our wedding. :P

3. Gotten my first Android phone: It's a Samsung GALAXY W. W means Wonder; it's a good phone for Android starters.

4. Gotten engaged on 25 December: It was the most perfect, magical moment planned by the fiance. :) Our engagement post is here.

So what's on my plate for 2012?

One major event: Wedding & Honeymoon

If you wish, follow updates about my wedding adventures here. ;)

Annual year-end posts:

2010: What I've Done in 2010 & What I'll Do in 2011
2009: Bye 2009! Hello 2010!
2008: 2009 Goals / Resolutions!
2007: Thank You Lord for 2007

That's all. What about you?

May you end 2011 with fond memories and begin 2012 with many more new adventures, blessings, and even fonder memories! Have a blast everyone!

Project 365 2011 - Photo #364

2011-12-30T17:46:00.003+08:00

Saw this giant round black light shade hanging from the ceiling and it reminded me of Death Star.