Restnrileks - Handmade Rattan Crafts

How I Use Ipad Thru Out The Day

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:29:00 PDT

I think i should give myself a pat on the back for succeding in writing an entry. Hehe. Funny, previously, i had never imagined myself using an Ipad ( Read This), now, here i am, using an Ipad; though not the groovy and sassy Ipad 2. If you ask Uncle Google, about Ipad 2, there will be tones and tones of info about it, its specs and people happily showing their new gadget. Unfortunately, there arent many people blog about how they use their Ipad. Restricting my search to only pages from Malaysia will only bear dissapointment. Heck no! i dont need specs, i can simply surf Apple webpage to do that. Anyway, this entry is about sharing few apps that i find useful. There are hundreds thousands of apps in Apple store and browsing em can be a bit overwhelming. There are few apps you should try free first before buying, and then, there are few apps you have to buy to know if it is good. "Trial and error" is the answer. After much searching and trying, this is how i go thru out my day using Ipad.

Okay, this is my home screen. I set everything to only two home screens, one is for organizing my social life and one is for pleasure. All together i have 6 games to kill some time. I really like Infinity Blade (500mb - the game that Apple advertises on its Ipad2), which brings Ipad gaming onto another level (though a bit repetitive). Still, games on Ipad come nothing close compared to the experience of playing games on Console or PC : ).

For social media, i use Mypad (Facebook), Echofon (Twitter - i use TD for desktop and Gravity for N8 : which is still the best twitter client [IMHO]), and MobileRSSHD (Google Reader). All are free apps with push notifications. After trying twitter, twitterific, Hootsuite and TweetDeck, i find Echofon suits best to my liking. Echofon allows you to see if a user has been following you back or not too. Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! notty notty twitterer. : )

For Note Taking, I use PenUltimate (paid) and Bamboo Paper (Free until 30th Jun). Pen Ultimate allows you to have different notebooks for different task, while Bamboo Paper is based on only one notebook which you write everything inside. However, there is "Pinch+Zoom" and "Pan" for Bamboo Paper, giving you a better control when writing using your finger. Remember, though your fingers are great for tapping screen, they arent so for writing. Well it seems you win some here and loose some. I have tried Moleskin and Duke, but i find these two are somewhat less responsive.

For Info Collecting ala Note Taking, I use Evernote (Free). I install Evernote on Ipad, home lappy and office desktop. It is great for taking down ideas or task. You can use web clipper (firefox 4.0 addon) which allows you save webpage (or selected). You can tag all your notes for easy searching. Sync to have up-to-date notes on all of your platforms (currently on Ipad, Mac, Androids and Windows).

For MindMapping, i use Idea Sketch (Free) which is good in organizing and structuring your thoughts or concept. I draft my ideas using PenUltimate and later compose it nicely in Idea Sketch. It will be easy should i would like to add some important points later. You can create flow, add sub ideas using colours and different font saiz and shapes. Works like PC FreeMind app.

For Designing and Illustrating, I find SketchBookX (Free with Limited Brushes) really useful. Great for illustrating and teaching during design class.

For CloudService, I use SugarSync (Free). I have Sugarsync app on my N8, home lappy and office desktop, which help me syncronizing important files. Another cloudservice that you may want to look is Dropbox.

For Quick Portfolio, i just use the Ipad Native App : Photo by creating different folders such as Sketch, Illustration, Rattan Products and Ideas.

Then, there is Kobo (Book and PDF Reader), Wunderlist (Things To do), FlipBoard and Zite. All of which are free apps. I ll get back to these later.

This is Wunderlist (Click to install on windows or Mac). It can be download for Iphone, Ipad, Androids, Windows and MacOsX. You must have this. I have it in Ipad, home lappy and office desktop. You can choose background. You can categorize your list and each task list offers reminder thru Push and Email notifications. See your tasks on "Today, Tomorrow, OverDue, Done, Priority and up to 7 Days." Choose your background from 12 pictures. Add task by email. Sync your account on all platform. Easy Peasy. Highly Recommend.

These are screen shot of Kobo, MyPad2 and MobileRSSHD ( I highly Recommend MobileRssHD - the HD version is better than the none HD).

I install all my PDF files in Kobo. Kobo is an ebook reader which offers books of various genres. Some are free ( Hundreds are Free). Others, you have to pay. There is a "Night Reading Option", "Reading Life Notification", much like 4square badges which allows you to share via twitter and FB, Font types and sizes for preferred reading, and shelves choices. Another option is the IBook apps.

For FB, I use MyPad. All your FB features are there, even chat, and for Google Reader, i have to say, i like MobileRSSHD. You read by swiping left or right. Apart from Google Reader Feature (shared, liked, stared), it allows sharing via email, twitter, FB, ReaditLater, Instapaper, Delicious, Evernote, PinBoard, SinaMiniBlog, Zooltool, Safari, CopyLink and Mobilizer. Owh full Ohsemness!!

Evernote (Click to download your platform), makes it easy to remember things. Just give it a try. : )

Here is a screenshot of PenUltimate. It offers Pen colours & sizes, and paper types.

SketchBookX. Works great for doodling and designing. I think it is a must for illustrators and concept designers out there. Sketchbook is however not a rendering or vector app. There is a layer option to work with making it easier for quick rendering purpose. You can import pic and later email your work. This will be such a nice app to use during class design discussion since i can use, alter and show quick design in a matter of minutes. I use finger, glove and Dagi Capacitive Stylus when working with this app. Owh, i cant wait to use it during class :D. Now all i need is a cable projector.

Flipboard, your personalized social magazine. You can add twitter, google reader account, twitter list, and much more, sort of like paper.li but with better user experiences. Zite is another social magazine that ask your twitter and google reader account to turn into social magazine. Personally, i like Zite better because it is a smart app. It gets smarter as you use it. Zite will detect your preference and offers topic of your interest. Some people say Zite is for power user while Flipboard is really like a..err magazine for casual user. You have to try these two to find which suits you best.

Owh, last but not least, BlogPress, which allows you to post your blog. Absolutely great for blogging on the go (Mobile Blogging). It supports most mainstream blogging platforms. I ve use it once to see how it looks on my livemobo ( I think i need to set the best pic size when using BlogPress). You can add photo, you tube integration, emoji icons and lots more. BlogPress really save a blogger day especially when Ipad wont allow composing via standard blogger.com Remember the no flash for Ipad.

Transfering pictures? Well, i just email to myself from my N8 since i use N8 a lot for picture taking ( i love my N8 Camera capabilities). Ipad2 does come with front and back camera, but reading the reviews, the camera is nothing to shout about.

At the end, i agree with Nokia N8 tagline, it is not about technology but it is how you do with it which matters. Personally, as a teacher, designer and social media user, i think i can fall in love with IPad though i hate the no usb, no flash, no bluetooth for file, no gorilla glass, and the I Tunes must syncronization. As i am what i am right now, IPad serves as a true mobile gajet that goes beyond just reading tweets n blogs.

p/s : Hoping for 15" MacBook Pro.
p/p/s : Hoping to get my hands on Androids System.

Congratulations to these first three commenters on my lasssssttttt post.
Luthfi
Monica
LadyJava

Till next time.

Nokia N8 : A Day in My Life

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 17:20:00 PDT

I bet you can figure it out what this post will be. Hehe. Yeah, you get that right. It is about the Nokia N8. As Marzie said it "Ohhh i am so not over about the coolness of my IPhone4." However this post is not about how special your smartphone is, or how this platform is better than those others, but more of a sharing what you do with it through out your day. So, does having a smartphone actually ease your day, or finally turn you into an "online zombie." Tee Hee. Now come to think of it, out of 100+ people at my work place, i am among the few who is constantly connected. Wow!! I am a Social Geek. LoL!! Oh wait! I am a Social Media Inspired. That s better. Haha

Free styler Max Vlassenko makes it look so easy and cool.

Now check out this cool video taken with Nokia N8 titled "Dot" using cellscope lense ,made possible by the creative people at Aardman (Shaun the Sheep and Curse of the Were - Rabbit). My hats goes off to them for such talent and patience.

So, here a few things how i use my Nokia N8 thru out my usual day :

1. Email : I set my phone to "Every 30 minutes" for auto retrieval. That way i can read or sort them out into my folders, and not feeling dreadful having to read them all at one-go when coming back home. It is nice since it opens in html format for those blogs i subscribe. I only set one email on my N8 since i use the "Forward" function to gmail for my other 3 emails. I use email for sending out mobile blogging. I also use Pixel Pipe for blogging which upload your content without flickr porting.

2. Maps and Navigation : I have never used Garmin. I have been using OviMaps since my N82. Previously, i was using Google Maps but, one day, i decided to give its navigational feature a try ( Navigational Feature isnt free on N82). It was easy and pretty accurate in terms of speed, road signs and places. Part of my decision of buying N8 has to do with OviMaps, since i have "favourite"d so many important places : for work and pleasure. And i found marking em all over again would be tedious task. With OviMaps, all i had to do was "sync" em with my account.

One thing i like with the new version is you can check in, and post via Twitter, Facebook and 4square. You can even take picture, however, it is only shared to your FB account. Frankly, i am not into 4 square, but dont mind using it. Haha

3. Google Reader : Some online readings i subscribe via email, but for those which do not offer "subscription by email", i have no choice but to go with Google Reader. Personally, i love the email subscription better because it is quick and fast. Now, i wish blogs do not only come with email subscription, but also offers full length content. Please do not summarize. Because, it means i have to do more steps (clicking and opening) to read your post. Most of the time i ll just skip these ones and move to read my next email. I like google reader because i can see pictures which arent offered by readers. I am waiting for "NewsFlow" which looks sleek and fast.

Facebook News Feed on Gravity

4. Social Network : Once Apps to rule them all. My Precious. Gravity is the gem of symbian, kinda a flagship for Social Network Apps. Price at rm20 at OviStore, this app packs Punch and Power, and believe me, worth every penny. I even ditch Socially and Nokia Native Social App. Gravity offers you FB, Google Reader, Twitter and 4Square. You can share pictures on twitter using any of these : Moby, Flickr, Posterous, TwitGoo, Yfrog, img.ly, and TwitPic. Clicking link will open its own UI without having to open your phone browser. It is a breeze to read blog and watch YouTube within Gravity. It can even open an Instagram link.

5. Molo.me and Dictionary :

Molome - Is like IPhone Instagram, which you shoot, post via twitter and FB, and let people Like and Comment Your Pictures. At this stage, i am still trying to like Molome, but i find it quite hard. I dont see any comments being replied back by users. I dont feel there is an interaction going on there. Maybe it is still new. It does offer badges like 4square. The positive thing is it quick picture editing but the negative thing is it has limited photo taking feature. You cant use your camera software but only its own build in apps software.
Dictionary - This come in handy for my usual word checking, especially when making NOSS and other documented works. You can choose English to English, Bm to English and English to BM. English to English is good too with quite a number of explanations, examples and listening option. Nokia offers 40+ number of languages to download.

6. SmartOffice and Toshl :

Smart Office - I like Smart Office better than Quick Office though both come with editing features. Smart Office gives you "Flow" which let you read your documents within your screen limit range even if you zoom the page. Zooming is also easy with its one finger method instead of the normal Pinch and Zoom method. It is fast too.

Toshl - is a great application for your expense. You can tag your expenses and syncronize online. Tagging is a great way to track your expenses.

7. Picture Taking : Self Explanatory. Hehe. Here are two samples of N8 pictures. More of my N8 Live mobile blogging here.

Of course, there are few other apps that i use, and few more i like to try which look promising. But, i also dont intend to install every great reviewed apps out there. Then there are games like Angry Bird, Fruit Ninja, SpiderMan and ect, to keep me occupied during those unexpected boring times. Having moved from a keypad phone to a touchscreen phone is indeed a whole new level of senses. On the other hand, it also makes me constantly to be connected, which i hope i ll phase out. It should simplify my life,not add clutter to my already cluttered life. Haha. Now, i dont know about you my friends, but i love to hear what you do with your smartphones, be them on IOS, WP7, Androids or RIM.

Btw, thanks to these first three commenters for my last previous post.

Monica, Lj and Noor

I wish you all have a great week ahead, and do subscribe to RestNrilekS should you find it interesting. Thank You.

Till next time.

Wordless N8 Mama Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 06:31:00 PDT

Please Do Not Comment. This is A Test Post. Sorry Ya : )

Till next time.

Wordless N8 Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 05:59:00 PDT

Please Do Not Comment. This is A Test Post. : )

Till next time.

Nokia N8 - It is Really Nothing to Some, But I still Like IT

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 08:48:00 PDT

I have always been a nokia symbian user. My first symbian was Nokia 3660 which attracted quite a number funny look from my friends. That was the time that mobileirc made its days. Then, i moved on to another bigger and better 3660 look-alike, the 6630. Later, it was N80 and then, the N82, which i still keep. Its 5mp xenon flash and Carl Zeiss Lense have served me well during the last 2 1/4 years. However, in the late of 2010, i was craving for a large screen and qwerty keyboard to cater my blogging needs.

Nokia 3660, Nokia 6630, Nokia N80i and Nokia N82

Seeing my online blogging buddies changed to a bigger touch screen phones and how happy they were, made me think that it was time for me to say "Selamat Tinggal Sayangku" to my Nokia N82. In my mind, i was juggling back and forth : Blackberry Torch, IPhone 4 and Any Android Phones. But then, i postponed the idea, since my piggy bank was not enough for me.

At the end, last month, for no apparent reason, suddenly i had one in my hand. I guess you can figure it out which it is.

Anyway, here are few things that that you should consider when buying a handphone.

1. Budget : This is most important thing because it will be a guideline for what you can have and what you cannot have. I once asked my office mate, what kind of lappy did he want, and he answered, something like me. And i told him "Nope!" coz that would be out of his budget. ANother office mate of mine said that she wanted a Green Lappy. I laughed and scolded her at the same time. LOL!!

2. Things to do : What do you want to do with your phone apart from the typical call and sms? You want to have a bling bling experience? Take picture or shoot great pictures? Are you a social media person? Do you want a phone that sides more to your social lifestyle or business lifestyle.

3. Do you intend to have an internet data plan with your mobile carrier? Why? because this will trully unlock your handphone full potentials.

4. Phone Operating System. Currently we have WP, Bada Os, IOS, Android , RIM (Blackberry) and Symbian. I am not going to tell which operating system is the best, because they are lots of reviews about them. But generally :

a. WP is made by the Microsoft which announced partnership with Nokia last month. The announcement stirred up such a commotion among symbian and Nokia lovers all over the world. The future of symbian looks bleaked, light a dying star. But there may be a faint hope, for only time will tell. Haha.

b. Bada is an OS made by Samsung for its own phones.

c. RIM = Research In Motion is associated with Blackberry Phones.

d. IOS = Apple Mobile Operating system which runs on Ipad, IPod Touch and IPhones.

e. Android = Operating system owned by Google based upon a modified version of Linux. With Android, the system is positively hailed as great, making mobile phone manufactures getting benefit of it but not much on strengthening their own brand. Generally speaking, it is Android that makes the experience great.

f. Symbian = Was originally created and merged by Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Symbian Ltd and NTT DoCoMo. Later, Nokia bought Symbian Ltd. Some people said, Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and others left the symbian platform due to Nokia trying to monopolize the symbian Market. Sony Ericcson came up with symbian UIQ (touch Screen), which then put death by Nokia.

Basically, with android and symbian, it goes like this " I love Nokia but not symbian, i love Androids, but not HTC, " : D

On a general level, all these OSes allow you to do awesome things. Basically, if you migrate from a propreitory handphone to a smartphone, all you get is great experiences. However, if you were previous users of any one of these OSes, be ready to miss and love something., or there is nothing to miss and lots to love. Haha. It is like moving from windows to apple or windows to linux, or linux to apple.

How long do you intend to use your new smartphone handphone? I think it should serve the owner for 2 years, minimum. Then, you ll have the value of your money. With regards to technology, no point of regretting buying any techno gadgets, because if you keep waiting for the latest, at the end, you will not buy them. Choose specs according to your budgets and needs. Timing is important too. Example, it was better to wait for Ipad 3g rather then impulse buying of Ipad Wifi only when it was first launced. .

At the end..

What will you do with your SmartPhone? Internet Data Plan is a must to unlock your handphone full potentials. I am using Digi Smart Plan. I hope that N8 will serve me well as my N82 for the next 2 years. As a normal OS user, i still like symbian. After this, i may probably be looking to IOS and Androids Platforms. I dont know, i am opened to suggestion.

My Nokia N8. I like the Push email which notifies me of my new incoming gmail. I like that i can view them in HTML, and can pinch-zoom the site. MyMariuca looks awesome in an incoming mail. Haha. However, i wish there is a "treaded email" feature which is on Android and IOs. IOs and Android have better visual in their incoming mail message, though it doesnt bother me much.

Three reasons why i choose N8 in spite of what is going around today are, My Budget ( i dont think i can afford any rm2k phones, My previous Ovi Maps synchronization, which i love the navigational features and the push features of Gravity. I dont know you people but Gravity is awesome Gravity allows me to see updates from FB, 4[ ], twitter and Google Reader. All i need is just to set the preffered timing. GPS works in Gravity too. Twitting picture is a breeze , and i can send to Flickr too. And last but not least is the Camera itself, Carl Zeiss lense with biggest sensor on mobile phones, plus that 12MP and xenon Flash.

Now, i dont know if i am going to do Live Blogging via my "LiveMoBo" or simply ditch LiveMobo and port it to "RestNrilekS". Anyway, enjoy my simple N8 pictures


I still need to play with the settings. This picture is too dark.

Nope nope nope, still wrong picture settings. Owh the Malay Dishes at Hotel Equatorial. Lunch Buffet is rm52. Food? Awesome. Cakes and muffins will make you heavenly bloat . Haha.

I need to learn to stay still when taking pictures in public. Haha.

Nyum nyum. I think i ate like 2 plates of macam-macam dessert. Haha.

I like the fact that i can edit directly from the phone. No need to transfer picture. There are awesome tuning like crop, highlight, shadow, contrast, sharpen and many more. I think the editing features are more than enough, and they do the job for that instant uploading.

Same picture that has been cropped using the N8 editing pictures. BTW, all pictures have not been edited using Photo-Studio (which i find awesome, light, easy and fast compared to PhotoShop). All were edited using the N8 editing features. The only thing i did, was the "RestNrilekS" Stamping and image sizing for practical site viewing.

Well, at first, N8 for me was only because of Price, Ovi maps and Gravity. But then, i begin to love it more because of the HDMI feature and the USB on the go. Angry Birds looks awesome on my TV. Hehe. I am not much of a handphone gamer. I play game on PC. However, i do have the HD phone version games, and they are good. I also love the fact that i can do editing for Office works too.

I know, N8 is not all without its flawed here and there. For instance the no potrait qwerty. But i have no problem since i am using the BM predictive language, and my finger is faster on predictive alphanumeric than on qwerty. There are things that Iphone, Blackberry and Android Phones can do better than N8. But there are few things that i feel N8 excels. Finally, budget wise, i feel that N8 is the best handphone based on my needs. It is a great multimedia phone. Hehe.

By the way, congrats Foong, Caroline and Monica.

Till next time.

Apple IPad 2 : What I think About You.

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 07:59:00 PST

I was merrily hoping along the Kraftangan Booth during Hari Kraf Kebangsaan, when suddenly, my handphone rang its BeSpoke tone, "Ting Ka Ting Ka Ting Ka Ting..." A new email notification. I tapped my screen to see from whom it was. Ahhh.. a news from Apple informing me the much anticipated Apple IPad 2 launching date. Then, i went oooOOOOOH! aaaaaAAAAhhh!!

Celebrating this event too is Denaihati. There is a Denaihati contest known IPad 2 contest. Denaihati, as far as i can remember, has been organizing contests with great prizes (money, netbook). The contest is opened to all bloggers around the world. Prizes are 1x Ipad 2, 4 x Rayban Sunglasses and Cash for top refferals. But of course, since there is an IPad 2 to be given away, rules and regulations are a bit tighter.

1]-PR3 and above. 2]-Active blog with 3 posts in a week. 3]-make an entry with sponsors links, then leave backlink on his blog and FB wall.

Winner of IPad2 will be chosen based on top link referal with 6000 traffic and below 50% Bounce Rate. Thanks to SmartBiz and Ray Ban Malaysia for sponsoring the contest. Hop on to Incik Denaihati to read more and hurry up, contest ends on 31/5/2011.

Anyway, back to Apple IPad 2. Here are some features of the new IPad 2 :

Two cameras come in handy for video calling. The big screen is sure nice since the other party can have clear view of you, or what is going on around you, pretty much useful when viewing birthday party or showing off your cool social event. Hehe.

Then, there are these three more features. Apple says that it can last up to 10 hours, but with its new thinness, only time will tell.

The smart cover, which is something, is really nice. The magnetic feature gives IPad 2 a sleek look too. I like the fact that you can do-stand everything with it and IPad 2 turns on and off instantly as you open or close the Smart Cover. There are ten colours to choose to suit your personality.


How fast? Two-time fast that is. Cool!! Nevertheless, I am not sure how gaming users will experience the multi-touch feature on hard core graphics intensive games. But the video gives a glimpse of what the future will be. Steam does offer more and more games on Apple platform, but i dont think, gamers would pick IPad 2 as their choice of gaming rig that soon. Right now, i will stick playing my Left 4 Dead 2 on my nvidia lappy.

All pictures are from Apple site.

Would i get Apple IPad 2 if i have the money now? The answer is no. I would probably wait for IPad 3 (rumors on Fall) hoping for usb ports and SD card slot. The good thing is, by the time IPad 2 is in Malaysia, IPad price will go down (right now, IPad price has already dropped). I ve tried typing on IPad , but i guess i ll need some time to get used to it. And, in spite of IPad 2 new features, it wont get tech bloggers typing on it. Personally, i think it is a nice compliment device to my gadgets, but not a must-have-device right now. I already have gadgets that can do what IPad 2 can do, if not more. Though, it is great to have it with you on your couch while watching TVs, or on your desk while having your breakfast, i find that the ideas are really a distraction to simply enjoy the offline world. But that s just me.

On the other hand, IPad 2 is a great device for some people :

1. IPad 2 is a great concept, for people who are not tech / comp savy. It brings these people to the online world without much fuse. Connect and be done with. Bringing close families together as a device that strengthen friend and family ties.

2. IPad 2 is a great complimentary device for tech / comp / social media savy. too You have your lappy, your smartphone and a device that is easy to use, and light to carry around for that constant updating with nice screen size.

3. Ipad 2 is a great portfolio for designers, showing works to clients.

4. Ipad 2 is a great device as a social status. It makes you look cool and hip. Apple, as a company, has succeeded in renowned itself as a Good Product Design company, which excels in form and function.

5. The most appealing feature to me falls under Education. I love its simplicity of TV plugging, which means i can move around and not limited to where my lappy is. I love that i can bring it during personal design discussion with my students, showing them design pictures, notes, and examples in the palm... err okay not palm, of my hands. I am not sure if there is a software like wacom for IPad 2, but if there is, IPad 2 would heighten my teaching experience.

Now, looking basically at all the reasons for loving IPad 2, i ve seen not much difference than the first IPad, though different can be said about its technicallities.

-------------------------------------------

Now, though i am not going to buy Apple IPad 2 any sooner, that doesnt mean i would sell IPad 2 should some one give me freeeeeeee, or should i win a freeeee IPad 2. But, i dont mind settle for a RayBan sunglass too should i not be the winner in Denaihati's contest. Ray Ban sunglass, who doesnt want one?

A Ray Ban Sunglass would make me look OHSEM!

Now, if you dont believe me, just check these before-and-after Ray Ban pictures. Dont they look so uber cool, full of confident, and stylish too. Damn!!

You are still not convinced. Look how she has got the Bling. Thanks to Ray Ban Sunglass. P/s : Pictures are made possible by ~~forced~~ voluntered students of RestNrilekS. Now students, be prepared to be famous via FB wall. Haha. I told you not to add your teacher in FB. Miahahaha!!

Money would be OhSEM!! too if i dont get that Ray Ban Sunglass. Kaching! Kaching!

In spite of my long thoughts about IPad 2, i wont be joining the contest. Just helping Incik Denaihati with his IPad 2 contest showing my support. Just give your luck a try, who knows, you may end up with an Apple IPad 2, and that would make you so OhSem!

RestNrilekS says thanks to Lady Java, Monica and Foong the Mysterious Panda.

Till next time.

A New Stylish Update on Hari Kraf Kebangsaan 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 10:25:00 PST

Hari Kraf Kebangsaan 2011 yang begitu stylish datang lagi. Jemput datang kawan-kawan ke Kompleks Kraf Jalan Conlay. Bermula dari 23 Feb - 7 Mac dari jam 10pagi hingga 10 malam. Dah dapat gaji ni, boleh la beli barang kraf sambil-sambil sokong industri Kraftangan ni ye. Yang ni entri ke 2 tentang Hari Kraf Kebangsaan, boleh lihat sini, nak tahu yang pertama : )

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Wow!! i feel so stylish. Within these 10 days, i ve been awarded with another sylish blogger award again. This time, awarded by the sweet, sassy, independent, hardworking and creative writer, none other than the stylish Marzie that is. Thank you very much. Deep down inside, i feel uber stylish. Whoaho!!. Words cant describe how i feel now. Just look at the picture below to feel me. Haha. You feel me? you feel me?

Original Picture is from nawriz007.blogspot.com from movie "Hantu Kak Limah Balik Rumah" Photo touch up on lipstick and cheek powder, plus typos. : )

As promised earlier, this is my 2nd update on Hari Kraf Kebangsaan 2011. You can read my first post here. I am not going to write my usual style post. This is going to be a stylish entry aka caption style (mind you there are more than 10 pictures, please bear with me, but i have reduced the sizes. Hope that helps.) Without further ado, enjoy :

If you have extra time, you may want to visit the interactive section and try yourself one of these four interactive crafts ; wood carving, ceramics making : throwing technique, rattan weaving and the Orang Asli origami. There are three sessions per day running simultaneously.

Pictures of ~~forced~~ volunteers happily waiting for you people to try the interactive.

Another variety of rattan bag with leather. I dont like the small one. Haha.

Wooden Frame with decorative rattan crafts. Few of many different designs that we do. Owh you can read about these in my previous post : here.

This is the incoming buying mission area. All Malaysian products (crafts) are displayed here for the invited International Trade Buyers, located on the first floor of the Lobby Area. The buyers (from UK, US, Russian etc..) were here from 24 to 26 Feb.

Livan Craft of Sarawak, specialized in bead works. Love the feel of that small pouch. The bead work makes it feel nice to simply rub your hand over it.

A jewellery, err too bad i cant remember what it is. A Sabah craft entrepreneur if i am not mistaken. I should have taken notes imagining myself like one awesome reporter. Owh, i am a reporter of RestNrilekS. Darn you Rizal.. be prepare next time.

Another up close picture of jewelleries. Pearls? Beads? Could someone help me?

Okay personally, i think this is so wrong. I dont think displaying batiks on black mannequins brings out the best of Batik. Nampak macam orang Africa yang slim melim peragakan batik. kui kui kui

Royal Terengganu Songket, for those who dare. Expensive. for a reason. Normal songket would take up 2-3 months to finish depending on patterns and materials. These Royal Terengganu Songket helps the Terengganu weavers (community) to sustain the meticulous handiworks. A small pouch of coin pouch cost around rm50 -rm80

Modern Malaysia - a craft shop by Felda located in Kraftangan Craft Complex. I like the idea of how Felda brings a new image of crafts to people. Pssttt, i hear that their craft consultants are brought over from Asia Pacific..

A bamboo house. Looking at this makes me wonder how far we have come in terms of being comfy with our lives. I think this bamboo house should be located in place where most people can see. A bit secluded if you ask me by putting it at the back of the Craft Complex.

Now, there are small shops house the painting artists known as the Artist Colony. Got extra money?, have yourself drawn for only rm30 for 10minutes, or get yourself mini artworks to add arts in your home. Me? i just use my doodle. Hehe.

I am having a second thought whether i should give a summary of how i feel about this year Hari Kraf Kebangsaan. Maybe i should do them on my next last HKK post.

Meanwhile, i just like to say...

Thanks for spending time reading RestNrilekS. Now, if you like to know more about rattan crafts, my doodle arts, design or personal thoughts, Or if you think i have a wacky, awesome, super uber cool personalities that are interesting, do subscribe me. Yeah!!You can do that by just filing your email address on that box on the upper right corner. But if you feel i am just plain boring or so full of myself, aha, no problem at all. Anyway, I am just glad that you come here, and read my post, and that just makes my day. Thanks!!

Have a great day everyday.

RestNrilekS appreciates

Caroline, Zuls and Bain. Tahniah dan Syabas!!

Till next time.

Calling Crafts and Handmade Lovers. Hari Kraf Kebangsaan 2011 is here.

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:15:00 PST

Hari Kraf Kebangsaan 2011 kini muncul kembali bermula dari 23Feb - 7 Mac 2011. Terbuka kepada orang ramai dari 10.00pg - 10.00malam setiap hari, di Jalan Conlay, HKK2011 menghimpunkan hampir beratus pengusaha dari seluruh Malaysia. :)

Good news to Handmade and Crafts Lovers!! Kraftangan Malaysia Hari Kraf Kebangsaan 2011 or National Craft Day is finally on. It will be from 23 Feb - 7 Mac 2011, from 10am - 10pm. And, Today, 24 February is the official launching day. So, come and join the festival. Indulge yourself with traditional food testing (The Kueh Lapis Sarawak looks awesome, and i bought the kuih baulu for rm3/10pieces). Try out craft interactive on Rattan, Seramics and Wood Carvings ( i will hide if i see any of you there.. haha). Check out the performers. Or simply come and experience the Craft Experiences. Hey, it doesnt get any better when there are hundreds of crafts entrepreneurs all over Malaysia in one place. Now, that is convenient. This will be my first post on Hari Kraf Kebangsaan 2011 and i hope i ll be able to do another two or more less posts in conjunction of HKK.

I am going to find that bamboo, ribu-ribu coin box again which i missed last year. Ahh! i didnt see the one that i wanted yesterday.

Dont mind my first few sentences are in Bahasa Malaysia. I am sure you figure it out. Pssttt! Whisper.. Because of Uncle Google. : ) Hehe. I am not going to write any further. Let the pictures do the talking. Hope you enjoy.

This section is mostly on weaving crafts : mengkuang, rattan, bemban, pandan and etc.

There are couples selling and demonstrating traditional cookies. They give free samples too, so you can taste before buying. I like the kuih baulu dan Kek Lapis Sarawak. Kek Lapis Sarawak come in many colors and patterns, interesting!!

I think she is cool. She changed her pose when i said that i liked to take her picture. What is uncool right now is that my hand shook while taking her picture, alamak Rizal! I better put on the Mega OIS feature next time.

Mah Meri is an aborigine tribe in Malaysia. They ve got great skills in carvings specializing in sculptures. Sculptures are based on their guardian spirits or Roh.

I cant remember this uncle name. My hat goes to him for his passion in continuing making water container made of wood. Wow, a barel of water!! How often do we see that these days. He have clippings of newspapers in chinese, which i reckon must be interviews about him. I did a simple photo manipulation on this picture.

Enjoying myself listening to her. She looks like Adibah Noor at a first glimpse.

A section on wood craft. I ll reserve my comment on what i think this section feels this year. Hehe

A glimpse of many more rattan handbag with leather that we will develop. This will be a starting point. More to come in future RestNrilekS blog. Whoaho!!

I think she has been with us for so many HKKs and there are a lot of people waiting, wanting to have their palms tatooed with inais. Auntie, i want inais in the form of RestNrilekS wording boleh?

They have great selections on jewelleries. Luckily i was walking alone, or else i would stuck with my friends oooohhhing and ahhhhhhhhing but no buying. LoLs

That is it for now. Do come to Kompleks Kraf Jalan Conlay, and i hope you ll enjoy the Hari Kraf Kebangsaan 2011 experience.

If you like RestNrileks, please subscribe me. Just fill in your e-mail in the box provided on the top right page.

Congrats to these first three for stylizing my last stylish entri Mon, Bella and Lady ~~Gaga~~ Lj. Thank you too to the rest for your comments.

Till next time.

Mindless Ramblings, Rattan Furniture Sketches & Doodlings

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 22:26:00 PST

Salam and i wish you all a very great day everyday. Great to be able to write something again, though that "something" may just be a rambling of some sort of mumbling. Aha.

Thought of trying to do a rambling post after seeing one on Zul's Blog. I think a rambling post is a great way when you are out of ideas or time isnt on your side. Aha : D

0. I have changed to Intense Debate commenting system after much frustration with Echo that keeps messing with my blogger-synchronization. ID gives you Comment-Luv, so comment away my friends. Yes!! Problem is, in order to comment, you have to click the entry title, otherwise, on homepage, it will show zero comment. Ouch!!

0.5 I ve made changes to RestNrilekS Blogging Community. No more the Kontac form. From now on, i ll manually list the 7-list of my blogging friends. How long they will be up there? Cant be sure for now. 2 days will be the minimum.

1. I have been thinking about getting PR and Alexa Ranking out of my system (my mind actually) so that i can have a blogging conscious free feeling. Can i really? Ouch!! These few days i felt great when i didnt think much about blogging. I am trying to blog free of these 2, sort of being a smoke free person. Oooohhh!!

2. I am going to watch POP tonite at 9.50 Kuala Lumpur time, Whoaho!! and currently i am listening to Avatar end-credit soundtrack.

3. I am exhausted emotionally but at the same time feels rejuvenated physically. Office life isnt doing that great at the moment but offline life is somehow getting better. Yes!!

4. My colleague came to me yesterday and poured her heart out about her marriage life. All i could do was just listen and comfort her.

5. Lately, i have been staring at my board here (in my office room) aimlessly. Maybe i need to change the whole contents to new ones to feel inspired. Aha!!

6. My brother did this after watching "So you think you can dance" on Monday Night. I believe he has so much potential in drawing. Mind you, he does not take art as a subject in school, a self-thought person. Even, i cant draw such figure. Now, after seeing his and Kak Emila works, i believe that everyone can be what he or she wants to be as long you put your heart into it.

7. Another doodle done by me during of of those office meetings. Aha.

8. Here is another doodle done by me in one of those long-hour of meetings. My bosses are cool seeing me doodling as long i pay attention to all the details. No problem doing that, just turn my left and right brain simultaneously. Whoaho!!

9. Rattan Class of 2010 is finally over. It is indeed a great pleasure to have them as my students. Hopefully, i ll be able to post more pictures of their products in the next entry. Meanwhile, i ll just post random pics of their rattan sketches and furniture in the making. I dont expect them to know everything in the design world, especially when Handmade Rattan Crafts is considered crafts not design, but i am just happy that design awareness does take place in learning. Teaching them has been a wonderful awesome experience since i ve learned much from them. Thank you all and i wish you all the best in your future-undertakings.

"Anyaman Perabot Produk Kraf Rotan Datang lagi dengan lakaran rekaannya" . Okay, dont ask me, why out of a sudden there is a BM sentence in this entry. Haha.

Some of the rattan furniture sketches in random, not by progress.

Handmade Rattan Furniture in the Making.

10. There was a commotion among students while staying up late to finish their rattan projects. Some of them were going back as late as 4-5am in the morning trying to finish the last major projects. Do your eyes see what you mind wants you to see? Owh Nooo!! Boo Hoo ho...

That is all for now. Thans for reading RestNrilekS. Care to share any of your life stories with me. I like to know what is going on in your life too. I wish you a great day everyday, and dont forget to subscribe me, well, that is of course if you find RestNrilekS interesting.

p/s : if you like to comment, please click the entry. Comments wont show unless entry is clicked. heheee

Later Peeps!!.

Till next time.

Someone Thinks I Am Stylish. Whoaho!!

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Sun, 20 Feb 2011 09:21:00 PST

yeah, this is one awesome award from an awesome person.

Someone thinks that i am stylish. Whoaho!! and for that reason, she (yes she is a beautiful and sassy SHE) has awarded me with a "Stylish Blogger Award", and that she, is Mon. Frankly, i do not think i am stylish enough to be awarded. I dont think i am stylish enough on the outside nor in the inside. Thank you again Mon and welcome back to the blogsphere.

Speaking of stylish, right now i feel so out of style because Hari Kraf Kebangsaan 2011 (National Craft Day 2011) will be officially launched on 24 Feb, and that means a bundle of ~~works~~ JOY awaits me.

I am so out of style for not making a post last week.

RestNrileks is so out of style for having problems with its home-page comments and drop-down archives. Urrghhh!!

I am doing this entry on not-my-usual-style, this entry is on picture-caption style.

I am styling my pictures by adding RestNrileks watermark. Whoaho!!

Therefore, i am presenting you my new stylish entry :D, a quick solution for a writer's block depression. Aha.

These are stylish rattan floor lamps made by my second year students.

To add more style in mylife, i doodled on picture frame and my moleskine sketch book cover.

I stylized even furter by darkening and doodling all over the frame.

Then, my fingers couldnt stop doodling and found its way on a blank canvas (still havent finished) for, Owh! i thought the blank canvas just needed some style.

Since, Hari Kraf Kebangsaan 2011 is near, we ve made some ~~stylish~~ table lamps.

I feel this lamp is not stylish enough, so it is now undergoing a quick makeover.

Mama thinks she got some "must-tell-the-world" posing style and she forced me to use manual focus when taking her picture. Darn you Mama!

I am still learning to use manual focus and hope to bring my own style when taking pictures.

My last stylish entry was grabbed by these three stylish and distinguished bloggers, Lady ~~Gaga~~ Java, Marzie and Bella.

Congrats.

If you find my RestNrilekS so stylish, do subscribe me and join us,eehaa. If you think RestNrilekS is so out of style, then i say "Thank You for visiting and Have a Stylish Day Everyday"

Till next time.

How Satay Pinches Mah Wallet - Ouchh!!

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 04:00:00 PST

Satay (pronounced /ˈsæteɪ/ SA-tay) or sate is a dish of marinated, skewered and grilled meats, served with a sauce.^[1]


20 Satay sticks with cucumber, onions, errr pressed rice? (erkk!!) + peanut sauce.

On Saturday, since it was on a four-day-holiday here in Malaysia, i decided to buy Satay instead of cooking. Moreover, no one was at home, thus, i didnt see any reasons why i should cook that day. I thought, might as well i enjoyed the moment, pampering myself with all the time and quietness i had. Whoaho!! Later out the day, stomach grumbled signaling me to feed something to this so plummy body. I wanted fast and quick food, but not fast-food, so my thoughts kinda lingered onto this one MakCik Satay. "Aha!! Satay then it shall be" ~ I said to myself. Cheerily, off i went to Desa Pandan.

"Makcik, bagi 20 chik, sepuluh sepuluh",i said to her, keeping my satay eager calmly within myself. "Err, nasi impit kira camner?" i asked again. "Seringgit ada, ambik dua ringgit la nak..", the makchik responded. "Haa bagi dua ringgit la camtu.." i said again

Later some time, after much maneuvering myself from the grilled smoke, I asked.. "Berapa ringgit chik?" i was counting somewhere around rm10. The makchik murmured, as if jinxing the Satay with some old unseen spells. "14 ringgit.." Short and precise she answered.

"RM14!! - Mak Aiiii.." i shouted loudly, of course only in my head. "RM14!!.." i kept repetating myself. I thought long and hard while on my way back to home. "Sorry Makchik, from now onwards....i... i have just to "unfollow" you..." i whispered to myself... sighed....

A quick sketch : Black Ink Pen and Winsor n Newton water colors on Moleskine. Am using a fine brush to paint vine like design lightly as background. I like how it gives a textured look to the paper.

That night, with one skewer in my left hand, and a pencil on my right hand, i poured out my sorrow onto my Moleskine, my only lover., whom i shared my pride, joy and sorrow.

Lols - Rizal!! You are being weird. Haha. Okay, have you ever bought something and finally regret buying it? I am sure you must have. I dont normally regret especially when it comes to buying food, for i believe, that you are being BLESSED!! if you can put food on your table. I regretted because i was being so naive, i didnt make a better choice, i took things for granted though there were much commotion about price hikes. I was being ignorant. Prices have increased these days, and that means i have to be extra frugal. I dont know why i fstill feel that rm14 pinch, may be because i can get a whole lot of different types of food for the same amount. That RM14 Satay defeats the purpose of bringing lunch almost everyday. That RM14 Satay defeats my last year post about saving too. Eating that RM14 Satay would be merrier if i had some one to share with.

Using the Dicer brought from Jusco for RM15. One Dicer to dice em all.

So, the next day, promised to myself that i would not fall into that trap again. I decided to cook. I must not be lazy. So, I cook. Yeah!! Ohh, check out my new food dicer (manual). You dice it by twisting both sides. It will be more fun if you dice the food and singing "Let s do the twist" at the same time. :D - Onions, Garlics, Red Chillis, Bird Eye Chillis, Ginger and Lemon Grass, all into the dicer.

Tara!!, I like how it works. Ingredients are not too fine. I dont want it to be a Paste.

Sweet n Sour , Hot n Spicy Beef with Lemon Grass.

Next, the main course, that is the Chillis Beef. Mind you, this is hot and spicy.

Just cucumber and onion to tone down the Chilli Meat.

The quick and simple salad to tone down the chillis; onions + cucumbers with sugar and dash of vinegar . I like these cold so i put em in the freezer.

Something Crunchy, Terengganu Fish Cracker for a week supply. Safe n Sound in a Jacob biscuit tin

Of course, there must be some keropok too. I goreng a week supply of Keropok Ikan. They come in handy during those watching movie times.

My Lunch Box. It reminds me the old times when people use stainless steel as lunch container, instead of the fancy boxes.

And tara!!, this is my Lunch Box Set. I have three Lunch Boxes actually, twith two athat can keep your food warm. This stainless steel food carrier is a bargain for RM10. Bought it at Jusco it is lot cheaper than my rm60 and rm70 lunch boxes. Kinda reminds me of old times, when people used to bring this type of food carrier.

With fuel prices keep going, and necessities keep choking you at every corner, i would be a fool to keep spending like a flowing river. I know some would not mind spending big when it comes to eating, but i would rather save the money on eating and enjoy em on something else. Some people are just the other way round, save money on something but dont mind spending on eating. At the end, one thing remains a fact, we all need to save a bit here and there no matter how big or small or lifestyles are : )

----

Congrats to them, for being first three commenting on my previous post.
LadyJava, Mangosteenskin and Bella.

Till next time.

Illustration Friday : Dusty

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 02:40:00 PST

Obviously it has been a while since i last participated in Illustration Friday. So, i decided to do a quick one, and this week theme is : DUSTY.

"RestNrilekS was being neglected for quite some time, and it began to get "Dusty." It was no longer in its proud state. People under its land decided that it was time for RestNrilekS to wake up from its long slumber, for they were worried, in time, they would soon be forgotten."We should all do something about this!!" said To'Bee, one evening, raising his concern. The hall was so quite that the only thing you hear was the breath of the one sitting next to you. All eyes were locked on Grom. Everyone was anticipating his reaction.

Without long, They all huff and puff, big and small, creatures of all mixtures of strentgh and magical powers, putting away their differences, marched..."

My "Dusty" for this week Illustration Friday theme : Black Ink and Colour Pencils

My Moleskin with Illustration Friday and unfinished rattan lamp next to it. Sigh

Okay, okay, i know, i am going a bit too far. It is only a fictitious story, but i think it's fun to come up with a story for my Illo (without doubt! ). Hmm, i wonder, should it be "Dusty" or "Rusty." Second picture!, dont ask me why there is a pair of big panda eyes staring at you. Hehe. Actually, it is a portable foldable mini table that i use for drawing (it is cheap at rm10@usd3+). It think it is for children. For RM10, i wont complain how it looks like, as long as it serves it purpose.

It has been quite some time since i last draw anything in my Moleskine Sketch Book, so "Dusty" is a good start for me, or else, my fingers will get "Rusty." Earlier, i thought i would only fill the books with illo and design sketches, but overtime, thougths and personal discoveries have made their way into my Moleskine. I think it will be "kewl" to look back what i have written in the future. May be its me, or maybe it is just the Moleskin hidden magic, but when ever i take down notes, i dont simply write them the way i normally do with other notebooks. I adorn my pages with shapes and colors. Oho!!

Sometime, i take notes of things that i find interesting.

Other times, i draw out my thoughts to declutter my mind.

Sometimes too, i visualize things i like them to be.


And i have a page indexing my personal journey thru symbols, so i can cherish them later.

So, that's it!! my entry on this week Illustration Friday. I try to cut it short, for i know my students say that i can go on and on and on. Haha. Thanks for reading RestNrilekS, and i wish you all.. Have a Great Day Everyday.

p/s : Congrats Caroline, Bella and Monica for being the first three commenting on my last entry. Hop on to show some love.

Till next time.

RestNrilekS is Alive Again :D

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 06:06:00 PST

Apa Khabar? (which means how are you). Finally, RestNrilekS is up again on the net. I think that 3+-month rest should be enough. I said to myself "If i dont do something about it, i am sure RestNrilekS will probably go MIA for another 3 more months.. chuckle. It is easy to be strayed out there. : D

It has been almost 19days since we first ventured the year of 2011. I am sure, as usual, there are people who embrace it with new enthusiasm, and there are those who simply look at it as like normal days. I asked myself calmly this question : "Will this year be better?" . Personally, 2010 proved to be a roller coaster ride, both personal and career. I got few shocks here and there. Thus, i am very much like to see what 2011 has in store for me.

On another note, i ve just got myself a new camera. Panasonic Lumix GF1 (The new GF2 came up in the market few weeks after i had my hand on this. Ouchhh!!) I still have my compact Lumix F9 with me, just that i need a camera which has almost the DSLR capabilities with the compact mobility and portability (ehh!! sound like notebook features.) Ever since i ve got my hands on Lumix F9, I love a Lumix brand more than Sony and Nikon, hence the GF1. I am still exploring all the features of GF1 and love it every minute i spend myself with it. Wait!! What is a story without pictures. So, i am presenting my noob skills of picture taking and no fuss quick recipes of my cooking on RestNrilekS.

Fried Crispy dried anchovies lightly fried with chili, garlic and sweet dark soy sauce. Lol

Omellete with onions, chillis and garlics. I think the bottom side was sligthly burned. Hehee

Sautee potatoes using light olive oil and sprinkled with white pepper and dried oregano. o_O

This is "Mama", a strayed cat who makes herself comfortable in our home. She first appeared in 2003, and ever since then, she has been staying in and out of our house. Many handsome macho cats have succumbed to her beauty (lol). She is a grandma now, living much of her life at a slower pace. Sometimes, looking at her, makes me miss my Blackie.

Rizal : Oiiii!! get out of there. Mama : But master, this blanket is warm and cozy, plus it makes perfect prop for pix. But of course, with the help of my presence that is. This red blanket even brings out the colour of my eyes.. Meoowww!!.

Rizal : Okay! Mama can stay. You know how i hate you leaving all your cats hair all around. Mama : Chuckle. The blanket is warm and cozy, just nice for me laying and cuddling myself around. Purring happily..

Anyway, i would like to say thank you, to those who keep coming and commenting on RestNrilekS while i wasnt around. Much appreciated indeed...

I leave this post whishing you Have a great day everyday.

Till next time.

Pac Man Moleskine ?

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 05:58:00 PDT

Now, check this Pac Man Moleskine video. Even if you are not into Moleskine, i am sure you ll find this cute. : ) Aha, this is a cue that this entry will be on Moleskine, again. Haha. By the way, Congrats to these first three commenters on my last entry. Marzie, Monica and Caroline.Syabas!!

Here is another video on Moleskine Planners Collection. For more info, just head on to Moleskine site. This is a video made by Dutch Visual Artist Rogier Wieland introducing the 2011 Collection. Personally, i would like to get my hands on all those limited Moleskine edition such as Peanuts, Pac-Man and I heart KL (err not the Marc Jaacob edition..), but the truth is, i cant afford all of them. LoL!! Though the 2011 Moleskine Planners Collection looks tempting, i dont think i am the notebook-planner-kind of guy. I like to jot down on blank paper since it gives me freedom. I feel restricted with those boxes and lines. But!, if i were to choose, weekly panaromic would be my choice.. More on moleskine, hop on to Moleskine.com.

I want Pac-Man... truut truutt truutttt and Ipad too :P

On October 12, i did submit my illo on skineart. Skineart is like Illustration Friday only that all works are drawn on Moleskine. There is no right or wrong way, just awesome people sharing their awesome works (errr when i say awesome, that statement excludes mine :D ) Click on the pix above to see my work on Skineart.

I ve been jotting down creative notes and projects, rattan design sketches, and illos in my standard Moleskine Sketchbook. The way i do em, by dividing the book into three sections. Moleskine is a great book, by what makes it greater is to fill them with your thoughts and ideas. I have a friend who still doesnt write anything in his Moleskine because he likes the book so much. LoL! I am looking forward to finish my Moleskine, which could take up 2 years, so that it would be an experience when flipping thru the pages later. Here is a sample of Art journal that i do. Just create your own style and be comfy with it.

Last but not least, apart from tagging “rattan crafts” with RestNrilekS, i am including a new label, that is “moleskine” (eyes rolling). Why? i find it hard to find Malaysia blogs on moleskine, with the execption of one talented self-though artist : Kak Emila. Second, it drives me to draw and design more, which i find very important in terms of documentation purpose. Third, personally i just like to add more colours to the world of local art and rattan design in blogsphere. Aha!! Here are few rattan sketches done by my staff-projects on moleskine. We have decided to design rattan products everyweek as an exercise. At this stage, we just pour out our creative flow whithout emphasizing much on the critical aspects.

Hmm... that's it. Happy Blogging and Have a great day everyday ya.

Till next time.

Just Rattan Design, Doodle and Moleskine Sketch

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:57:00 PDT

Salam and Hello "Apa Khabar?" (Means How Are You? in Malaysia Language). Congratulations to these three awesome commentors for being first on my last entry: 1. The Sweet Bella (has nothing to do with twillight). 2. The nice soulie (Happy2 with Bem always) and 3. The Sassy Monica. Pheeweeett!! Show some Loooooveee!! by visiting their blogs : )

My last entry was quite looooong.. thus, i ve decided to go short on this one. Life had been hectic and seriously mind-tiring for the last two weeks for me. I even had to skip HRC gathering which i was looking forward too. I dont think i have the energy to write a decent post. This is just a post : )

I doodle AGAIN...during one of those meetings.

And since it has been quite some time i post anything about rattan, here are some of my rattan students' sketches.

Here they are : "Strike A Pose" with their products : )

And this is me ( i mean my sketch) on Moleskine : D

Have a great day everyday and Happy blogging ya : )

Till next time.

I am in Love - We are meant to be Together : )

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 00:30:00 PDT

Salam and Hello "Apa Khabar?" (Means How Are You? in Malaysia Language). Congratulations to these three commentors for being first on my last entry: 1. The sweet Mariuca. 2. The witty and funny foongpc and 3. The Sassy Monica. Pheeweeett!! Hop on to their blogs to show some Loooooveee!!

Since Hari Raya AidilFitri mood is still here, i would like to wish Selamat Hari Raya AidilFitri to all my muslim readers.. May this festive season brings you joy, happiness and blessing. Pix above :is just a quick drawing that i did before Hari Raya posted on my FB wall.

Owh, on 2 nights before Hari Raya, i did go to Masjid India joining the hordes of desperate people (or maybe not, probably there were there like me, for "cuci mata" too) This year, it was less hectic( nevertheless, still crowded and not for the faint of heart hehe) Great that the bazaar was spreaded up to Sogos junction, making the place breathable to walk thru. I had fun spending time there till 3 am and that gave me time to take some shots, using my camera phone; hence the Nokia N82 Shots : ).

Darn it!!, the twins were in my shot ruining my aim for that Sogo Junction. Hehe. I like how the picture turns up at the end. Nokia N82 Shot : Night Mode, Vivid, No Flash, +1 Contrast, 2MP. And the best thing about having a Carl Zeiss Camera Phone is the picture is quite good for your instant daily journal. Comes in handy too, for that spontaneous moments that you ll never know when. I seldom nowadays bring my Panasonic Lumix camera Aha!! (Yeah nothing fancy like those Androids or IPhones)

Later that night, we moved on to Jalan Chow-Kit. The jam was okay, slow but still bearable. Last two years was even worst. Didnt stop to buy things, just drove there admiring the scene. I have always liked to scout Masjid India and Chow-Kit areas few days before Hari Raya. There are something about those places that add to the Raya atmosphere. Then again, maybe it is just me!.

I AM IN LOVE!! Haha!!- You ve got that Right because of these three wonderful things. My Bamboo Fun Wacom Tablet (yeah another one), My Handmade Roll - Up Organiser made by Kak Emi and lastly, My New Moleskine (pronounced as "Mole - a - skeen' - a", but i just say it as it is "Mol - Skin"). Previously, i had no idea what MoleSkine was. I came across the word for the first time on Kak Emila's blog, and that was around 2008. Later, i saw MoleSkine notebooks at Borders (Berjaya Time Square). I was gulping looking at the price. Gosh!! "This is Expensive.." I said to myself. And i completely forgot about it. But over time, it seemed that Moleskine kept finding its way to me : mentioned by other artists, blogs, twitter, flickr and google. And it felt that i needed to have my hands on this sound wonderful notebook. There were times i thought about asking Kak Emi to bring her Moleskine ,so that i could touch. But the idea seemed inappropriate. Tee hee.

Now, if you have no idea why so-much bruhahaha over MoleSkine is ; Then let me enlighthen you. MoleSkine, in terms of notebooks is, like Ferrari of Cars. It is like the Ipad of the analog world. There are fans of MoleSkine all over the world. It is a legendary notebook used by artist and thinkers for the past two centuries. Vincent Van Gogh..Pablo Picasso just to name a few. Culture, Imagination, Memory, Travel and Personal Identity are five areas associated with MoleSkine. Owh Gosh! I feel artistic already just by mentioning MoleSkine. LoL! MoleSkine! MoleSkine! MoleSkine!

So, here i am now, with my First MoleSkine. Yahoo!! I even ditch my Bamboo Fun (momentory) since i am so happy to have My First MoleSkine. Yeah, i know, probably some people will say that i am making such a scene for my First MoleSkine. I still remember, when i first got my MoleSkine, i unwrapped her gently, pulled her over to my cheek, sniffed that wonderful smell of the black cover, brushed my hands feeling the smooth paper.. Awwhhhhh!! I was high in DRAWGASM!! Lol!! At the end, all i can say is, there is something about MoleSkine that i havent encountered with any other notebooks. Personally, i find MoleSkine as a great medium for me documentating my creative thoughts, not too big, not to small, just nice and handy too. I know some use them as notebooks, journals, diaries and etc . Frankly, i would settle for Monologue for notetaking; way cheaper than MoleSkine. The truth is, i cant afford to have MoleSkine for my notetaking purpose. Moleskine doesnt come cheap in Malaysia. For now, I am Happy with My MoleSkine and it goes great with Kak Emi's Handmade Roll-Up Organizer. By the way, check out Kak Emi's LittleShop of handmade items : You may find something to your liking.

Well, i just cant help myself but to doodle on the front page. For the last few days, my creative juices been flowing like a Choo-choo train (maybe the effect of MoleSkine First Timer- aha). And I keep drawing and drawing and drawing..imagine me going on like that Energizer Bunny Rabbit - wicked ya?- Whoaho!! So, i ve been drawing some rattan design / sketch, brainstorming on some ideas, doodling in some part of the notetaking pages too. At last, i have finally found my "Ipad". I just hope this "I am in Love" feeling is not a quick bubble waiting to be burst. But should it be, i ll enjoy this moment for now. Tee Hee..

I draw...

And i draw again...

And I keep drawing some more...

Obviously, i am letting go for now my Grandleux and Winsor'n'Newton sketchbooks for i have found my true love. Owh! MoleSkine, we are meant for each other....

Owh! I googled MoleSkine under google.com.my, and results were not somehow as expected. I know that there are quite a number of Malaysians who use MoleSkine, but i what i had in mind was to see more images or blogs showing MoleSkine sketch / art / drawing / design. One familiar name shows up in google, and it am not surprised ; Kak Emi of EmilaYusof. Well, hopefully, the numbers of Malaysian MoleSkine sketches showing up in google.com.my will be more, spicying up the Malaysia art scene.

All Right, my time is due now, and i seriously think i ve been taking more than my share of standard expected length of a blog entry. Haha. I wish you have a great day everyday, thanks for reading RestNrilekS and subscribe me should you find RnR interesting. Take Good Care of Your Health. Happy Blogging : )

Till next time.

It is not bad to slow things down : )

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 00:56:00 PDT

Salam Ramadhan to all Muslims, may ALLAH bless you on this holy month, and have a great day everyday to the rest.

I bought myself a bamboo wacom tablet, the smaller version two weeks ago. I am taking my sweet time enjoying the experiences, getting the hang of using it (the truth : this bamboo introductory just to valid my point of posting these two pictures down here. Teehee!!) Great that i can continue back doing things that i like : drawing aka doodling.

Just jotting down my thoughts as a quick journal here. The picture pretty much sums up things that i had happened couple of weeks earlier.

This is my quick sketch to get a feeling of using bamboo and ArtRage. I think i am getting better at it and I like using ArtRage more to Illustrator or Photoshop (havent been using Photoshop for quite some-time).

Owh! by the way, i am picking up again my so-long dusty "LiveMoBo : Live Mobile Blogging" as a mean of jotting down my quick and simple daily thoughts. Click "Of Incik RestNrilekS" on the nav tab to see my livemobo.

On another note, for the last couple of weeks, i had been working on almost every weekend. At first, i thought i was going to be very tired and exhausted, knowing that i would be working on Saturday, Sunday and Monday too. The extra job required me to brainstorm from 9am to 5pm. Surprisingly, it turned out to be okay. The first saturday was somehow tiring because i was rushing everything, from walking, eating to brainstorming. By the time i got home, i was sweating from that 30-minute walk and my leg-muscles were aching. The following day however, i started to slow things down, and i started to experience a whole new sense of awareness.

When i slowed my pace, i noticed a whole lot of things better. I didnt mind standing in a train. In fact, i enjoyed watching people of different sorts and styles while in the train. I breathed the morning air calmly, feeling fresh eventhough i knew that most people were still in the comfort of their beds on that Sunday Morning. In spite of feeling having to work, i felt that i was on a therapeutic morning walk which cleared and focused my mind about a lot of stuffs(yeah "stuffs" since i had a lot in my mind : Chuckle). I couldnt believe that i was actually better in focusing and appreciation just by slowing things down.

Slowing things down doesnt mean that you are working inefficently. Contrarory to that, you can actually clean up a whole lots of things, because you are better focus, and hence, your enegy is used efficiently. Kids are the best example, they know how to enjoy things in life ; live in the moment. As a kid, we always take time doing something, enjoying the moment and thus we are happy. However, as we grow older, we tend to do things fast, and thus suck your happy energy right out of your life. We unconsiously let the idea of "living fast hectic lifestyle" as okay.

I like to slow things down which is not the same as being "You are Slow!"

I have detached quite a number of things too lately. Do less in my life = More Time in my Life = : ). I always preach to my design students as "Less is More and More is Less" and i believe such is true in life too. I ve been practising Do Less lately, hence, that explains my frequent absense in blogsphere (and all that). Getting back in the right perspective, i have enjoyed back sitting down doing nothing, just relaxing : ) yeah the RestNrilekS style Aha!

The truth is, i like to go on and on telling you more about how i feel on slowing things down, but i guess i better slow down my thoughts here. Chuckle!!

In the meantime, All i just want to say, thanks for reading, and have a great day everyday.

Till next time.

NEVER say NEVER

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 01:40:00 PDT

“NEVER!!” - I once answered when my classmate asked me if i would work in the government.
1. Working with the government? That would be boring. I saw myself at that time as a hectic, energetic person, fueled with desires and passions to make something of myself.

“NEVER!!” - I once answered again when my ex-boss asked me to work in his department, as a teacher.
I respected the profession but somehow i never did see it as a cool profession.

At the end, i am working in the government and i am working as a teacher. Aha! One thing that i have learned is, never to say “NEVER!!” : ). By saying “Never!!”, you have actually limited yourself to your only comfort zone, and i am sure that is not the best way to find new discoveries. I have made of a habit of approaching something with “Zero Expectation” when i dont feel like venturing into that unfamiliar zone (sort of positive mental practise).

Being a teacher?? I dont know but i think i like being a teacher now. It serves me great as i find understanding and hearing my students thoughts refreshing. I am always amazed at how many things they can teach me about life. Sometimes i wonder, am i really THE teacher or is it the other way round? As time goes by, i see they grow into a better person and i know that i dont have to look far for inspiration.

Never let people demoralize you by telling what you can or cannot do.

I remember : 4 yours ago, there was two students no one wanted. On paper, it was clearly stated that these two boys were not qualified. I decided to accept them. I called them to my office, and tell them why i had accepted them. After some briefing, i finally said “I believe that everyone can or will change only if you believe that you can.” At the end, one boy dropped out for having an attitude problem. The other boy, however, turned out to be wonderful. And it was a great experience seeing him thru his journey. Oh, yes! His journey wasnt smooth and easy, but he managed to sail thru it. He passed with flying colours, obviously in my book.

And for witnessing his journey and determination, i am glad to experience it.

Now, new semester is, and i have just finished my first class with a new batch of students. I have got a feeling that i ll be venturing into another great adventure here.

And to all my “other” friends, yes..i may not make as much money as you are, nor travel to many places as you do, nor often visit to fancy joints as you do, but I am glad and happy i am a teacher.

Hmmm.. I wonder what would have happened if i have said “MAYBE!!” instead of “NEVER!!” Aha : ) T

Thank You My Class of 2010 : )

Till next time.

Simplify My Life.

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 17:33:00 PDT

Salam and "Selamat Sejahtera."

Simplify my life : D

I am making less appearance online these days. I agree with LadyJava, "Take Time to Pause". This post is not going to be another emotional bruhaha on "I am getting tired of blogging." Safe to say, everybody will go thru that phase. This is about simplifying my life to create that Rizal wellness. Whoaho!! i liikeee!!

Being inactive for these past few weeks has made me think. Great!! Finally, I am turning my online direction to another path for now. The slow-mo that is. No more will i drop entrecard, no more buzz or ping my entry on social networking services and no more will i think about page rank and alexa (Aha! i just uninstalled mozilla search status add on - owh! i laikkk!). I dont think those are my mojo. I am not saying that you should do these as well too. Just because it works for me, doesnt mean it will work for you.

The truth is, i like reading people's thoughts and commenting here and there, but not fond on the idea of being caught up with "everything- you-MUST-know-about-blogging." Sorry sir, i beg to differ as an individual (though people may look me as LOSER! in the blogging battlefield aha!!)

Living in the information era can be tiring. Tons and tons of information keep coming like a choo-choo train draining all your energy. You keep on multitasking here and there, checking twitter, FB, and emels and there are forums and newsgroups. Then, there tips and tricks if you are a twitter, blogger, FB , and / or smartphone user on how to improve yourself, to be always in the front-liners of online world (chuckle). At the end, you pat yourself on the back thinking how good you are on multitasking, battling the ever incoming horde of Infos. Multitasting.. opps multitasking isnt not a good thing. It used to be the IN thing. You ll never be very good at something if you keep on multitasking; just an average or above average person that is. To be an expert or excel at something, you need to focus. Multitasting in online world is tiring

Blink! Suddenly, it hit me.

" \ˈin-trə-ˌvərt\" An introvert person is what i am Whoaho!!. Stereotypically, people see us as shy and not-much of a social person. But, i am happy to be as one. Introvert recharges his / her energy by being alone with him / herself. Being with people and things for a constant and long period drains em. Introverts always need time with themselves to recharge, think, plan, feel and contemplate about things, which i feel absolutely true. I am more into small groups of personal rather than being in large crowd. I am comfy being at home too. Sounds like I am a boring person. No.. I am not, and I do have our my life plus I know how to have great fun(grin).AHA!! (reminiscing my wild days.. oppps!!) Introverts take thing personals, and by no means we are emotional. Just that we are easily tired listening to petty things instead of engaging in a more meaningful conversation.

However, i am not going to turn RestNrilekS into one of those philosophical blogs about life and so much more. Aha, I am just going to gear my speed down, simplifying my life. : D As starters, i have stripped down Project Wonderful, Google Adsense and few things which clutter RestNrilekS appearance. Being a "something" blogger is no longer my goal. Aiming for my wellness is, simplifying is, achieving something in offline world is. True as they say, if those things are wearing you down, loose em. Give and take, keep some and loose some.

As in design world too : Less Is More and More Is Less. : D

I have finally found my online inner-peace heheee. How about you? Share with me.

Happy Blogging and Have a Great Day EveryDay

Till next time.

ACER ASPIRE ONE is YOURS For Free!!

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Mon, 24 May 2010 19:18:00 PDT

Salam and A very Great Day All. Okay, First let me say this :

ACER ASPIRE ONE is YOURS for PHREEEEEEEEE!! Wheeeheeee!!
Check This OuT!

Aha, Yeah i know. I sound like a nut head. Hehe! Now, back to business. Denaihati is having a contest. Now who is Denaihati? A humble blogger passionate about positive life is best to describe him. Denaihati means Denai = path of a small trail Hati = Heart : Best describe as Follow Your Heart in light of Positivity : ).

Anyway, Denaihati is giving away two ACER Netbooks for free, well they are free if you are the TOP Commentator or TOP referral of this contest! This Contest of "HIDUP UNTUK MEMBERI" is open to all blogs. Worldwide acceptance. Here are ways how to enter and win these great prizes :

"There are three things you need to do to become eligible.

1. Register by making an entry about this contest on your blog, and then, leave your entry comment here. Choose your contest link entry via CommentLuv when commenting and don’t forget to include sentences “I Know “Hidup Untuk Memberi” Contest from… : Example. I know this “Hidup Untuk Memberi” Contest from restnrileks.com

2. Follow @ http://twitter.com/denaihati

3. Follow @http://facebook.com/denaihati".

Prizes are made possible by these generous sponsors :

"1. Alansarproperties : Property Sellers of Banglo Lot / Banglo in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor

2. www.xztly.com : Organising and Managing Communications, Campaigns and Events

3. Anisha Online Mall : Wholeseller of Malaysia Wudhu Socks."

Now, does this sound too good to be true? Nope it isnt. Previously DenaiHati had organised quite a number of contests with prizes up to USD1000. Then there were a number of top commentators and best commentators being rewarded with Kaching. Denaihati believes in giving back to the community, hence such contests were being made.

There will also be 2nd and 3rd prizes for both categories. Now, if you like to participate, dont forget to mention from where you know this contest from. Aha:I know this “Hidup Untuk Memberi” Contest from restnrileks.com

By joining this contest, DenaiHati will make a blog-roll of contestants, thus all contestants will benefit from DenaiHati current PR4 blog status.

Come and Join The Contest : ).

Happy Blogging and Have a Great Day Everyday : )

Till next time.

RestNrilek'S Blogging Community

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Sun, 16 May 2010 17:29:00 PDT

Salam and A very Great Day All. Frankly, i am out of words for this entry. I am having writers block. Whoaho!! I feel glamarous and clever already just by using that "writer" word. Aha. I know Marzie's and Zul's are in the same condition. Anyway, i am just going to do a simple post, which stays true to my previous post : A freshout is all i need. A deviated entry from my typical style that is. Here were few things that happened in the past week in my life :

1. I went to watch a midnight movie last Saturday, IP Man2. The movie was great and i had a great quality time with my brother.

2. I didnt drop more than 10 ECs last week . I felt that it wasnt fair to all my EC droppers since my last entry was in Bahasa Malaysia.

3. I came across blogs with motivational contents on life. That was refreshing.

4. I did take my time to walk around my office area.

5. I made new online friends.

6. I did attend a small spontaneous surprise party made by my students. The occasion? Teacher's Day : D Thank You my students.

Anyway, i believe that when life is somewhat static, try to do things out of your routine. That will spice and freshen up your life. Oh! while i am doing things out of routine, i am doing a RestNrilekS blogging community as a reward to my readers. The idea came after seeing Kak Jie's on her WP platform. Nothing fancy that is. Just a space on my right column where you can have your latest entry displayed. It is still on beta mode ( I am not sure how this will go).

What is a RestNrilekS Blogging Community?

It is links of frequent online blogging friends of RestNrilekS. Only 7 links will be shown at a time so that everybody will have fair chances of being listed. However, you need to fill up a form on the "Kontact" by leaving title of your latest entry on "Subject" and latest html entry on "Message." I will manually list them. And please bear with me if your link is somewhat late being listed. The links will stay there, at most for 2 days, unless no one is submitting his/her latest entry. Owner of more than one blog may have to wait before submitting another blog of his / hers too, unless no one is submitting too hehee.

Here is a sample of pop-out form after clicking that "kontact" button.

Beta Mode? Why? You see, i am still having problem as shown below. Denaihati link is still showing that last submitted entry, but Mon's link however is updating itself. Instead of showing that one particular entry, it is showing an automated updated new entry. Worse comes to worse, i ll just show here 7 blog links of RestNrilekS readers. I might cancel the idea too if no one is submiting his / her latest entry. Heheee.

So, who are qualified to submit? Right now, it is open to readers who have submitted comments at least for three posts (Otherwise people might spam that form - aha). Then, those twitbloggers who frequent retweet my post. Dont get me wrong as if i am trying to build exclusive online friends. No, this is only small act of rewarding my beloved and precious readers. Hopefully, you ll find links displayed there beneficial to your blog.

That is all for now. Happy Blogging and have a great day everyday.

p/s : I am starting with 3 links, so 4 more spaces to be filled in. : )

Till next time.

Blog Bahasa Melayu Yang Indah Itu "Syiok!!"

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Sun, 09 May 2010 20:26:00 PDT

AWAS : Entri ini bersifat berputar-putar.

Pagi semalam, Incik RestNrilekS bawa motor macam Pak Haji ke surau : 60 - 70km/j di Jalan Kuching. Kebiasaannya dipulas minyak sehingga 100-120km/j. Sambil memandu, Incik RestNrilekS bernyanyi di dalam hati. Lagu pilihan "Aaaaaaaahhhhhh ahhhhh kuda ku lari gagah berani..." Zoooommmm! Oh mak kao!! berdesup sebuah Mini Cooper S memotong laju di laluan kiri. Ahhh jeles sungguh hati kecil ini berkata. Tak semena-mena, terbayang pula Si Incik Krueger kita memandu kudanya mencelah-celah di kota metropolitan Kuala Lumpur Whoaho!!.

Incik Kruger, Si AzmanIshak dengan "Tagline"nya - Amaran : Ini adalah blog orang dewasa. Incik RestNrilekS tersenyum. Terbayang pula Kak Jie sibuk melayan karenah anaknya. Kak jie ni selalunya aktif pagi-pagi. Eh, DenaiHati pun bermain di minda, mesti sibuk cantik dan kemaskan denai-denai jalan kejayaan. Zuls mesti bertungkus lumus seperti biasa. Hmm! Blogger berbahasa Melayu @ Malaysia yang kerap saya kunjung. Saya sambung tersengih-sengih lagi sambil membawa motor menghirup udara sesak pagi Jalan Kuching.

PONNNNNN!!

BERHENTI!! opss berhenti3x!! Fokus Rizal fokus!

Blog Bahasa Melayu atau Malaysia yang indah itu memang "Syiok!" untuk dibaca. "Syiokk!!" Itu pendapat saya. Dan saya berdiri teguh di atas pendapat saya. Memanglah, 90% entri di RestNrilekS adalah di dalam Bahasa Inggeris, tapi itu tidak bermakna saya tidak suka Bahasa Melayu. Dua-dua bahasa adalah penting. Satu penting untuk luaran, satu lagi penting untuk dalaman ; jati-diri. Fungsi Bahasa Melayu itu tetap ada di dalam "blogging."

Gaya bahasa sampah, bahasa mat dan minah rempit, dan bahasa pasar semuanya bersepah-sepah di dalam blog Bahasa Malaysia.

Hak anda sebenarnya untuk menggunakan gaya bahasa yang anda rasakan sesuai. Dan hak saya juga sebenarnya untuk terus tutup laman anda sebaik sahaja terhidu bahasa anda itu. Anda mahu apa yang anda tulis diambil serius, maka bersikap serius la di dalam penulisan anda. Tiada yang comelnya apabila anda sudah dikira dewasa tapi masih menulis menggunakan gaya "Hello Kitty" sebagai sumber inspirasi. Tiada yang indahnya menggunakan bahasa melepak. Lagi mual bila anda mencarut-carut. Itu sesuai ketika bersosial. Jangan salah sangka, saya gunakan bahasa pasar juga ketika bersosial.

Menulis secara hemah itu membosankan? Penulisan teratur itu skema? Luahan emosi tidak tercapai? Tiada "feel"? Itu kata anda. Atau sebenarnya anda yang kurang mahir menggayakan penulisan anda. Gaya bahasa saya? Aha! bercompang-camping di sana-sini. Tapi, tidak mengapa, saya mulakan dengan satu langkah. Anda bila lagi?

Fitrah manusia itu sukakan sesuatu yang indah.

Ya, saya yakin dan pasti. Semua orang boleh berborak. Hampir semua orang boleh berbual. Semua orang boleh bergossip. Tapi bukan semua orang boleh MENYAMPAIKAN dan bukan semua orang BOLEH BERHUJAH. Dua yang terakhir itu memerlukan kemahiran. Sebagaimana kemahiran lain (melukis, mencipta lagu, mereka bentuk, berniaga), ianya perlu diasah.

Gaya bahasa sampah ini perlu dielakkan, kerana ianya membantutkan proses berfikir.

Ada isu panas, cepat sahaja ia merebak di kalangan blogger. "Syiok!!" membaca kupasan penulis.. Tapi, sampai situ sahajalah. Tiada ulasan lebih lanjut. Pembaca suka mengiya. Atau panasnya pembaca suka beremosi. Aha! Lihat sahaja isu panas penggunaan kalimah ALLAH. Berapa ramai yang memaki-hamun, segelintir yang mengulas. Isu PDRM? Sama sahaja. Oh! Tidak. Apakah ketandusan ayat untuk berhujah. Tandus benar kah bahasa melayu / malaysia itu sendiri..Sigh...Atau pun orang Melayu itu lesu dengan Bahasa Melayunya. Salahnya siapa?

Katanya muda-mudi masa kini lantang dan bebas bersuara? Ya memang lantang tapi tidak cerdik. Owh! patutlah ada pepatah lama, Tong yang kosong itu berbunyi dengan kuat. DUNGGGGGGG!!

Satu ketika dulu, saya terima emel. Berbunyi lebih kurang begini. " Maaf saya X dari.. ingin bertanya maklumat tentang rotan. Kalau boleh dapat maklumat segera bagus ye sebab saya ada "presentation" akhir dalam masa terdekat" Saya tidak marah kepada si dia. Tapi agak geli hati melihat tatacara kali pertama sidia memperkenalkan diri. Lantang dan berani - Ya. Cerdik - boleh diperbaiki : )

Saya mengajar kelas rekaan. Kreatif dan kritis itu adalah satu syarat utama. Wah, pelajar saya bukan main kepoh berborak dan berbual di dalam bengkel, tapi membatu bila ditanya semasa sesi pembentangan : )

Berhenti3x!!.. Rizal tukar Rizal..

Malas sebenarnya nak panjang2kan isu ni. Dulu ustaz ada selalu sebut "Mengerti lah ia bagi yang mengerti dan tidak mengerti lah ia bagi yang tidak mengerti." Whoaho!! Cerita panjang-panjang ada yang marah. Tapi harap maklum ye, ini sekadar pandangan. Yang diutarakan pun tak ditujukan kepada sesiapa. Cuma sekadar pandangan. Tidak semestinya ada perlu setuju. Dan agak tidak sejuk (cool) untuk anda marah. Buang "karen" dan tenaga sahaja. Tapi komen yang nakal2 saya padam. Kenapa? Sebab ini rumah saya. Ahaha. Dan hak saya untuk kekalkan keharmonian rumah saya. Whoaho!!

p/s : Sengaja ditulis dalam 3 gaya yang berbeza.Eeee haa : D. Komen? tak harapkan juga sebab ini bukan isu biasa di dalam RnR.

Ok, kalau anda berminat untuk membaca dengan lebih lanjut, boleh singgah ke sini : -

Gunakan Bahasa Sampah oleh Syed Khalil
Jangan Guna Bahasa Rempit Kata AriffShah
Pecah Kaca Pecah Gelas Rosak Bahasa Nak Baca Pun Malas
Bahasa Akal Bahasa Hati
Lagi Bahasa EseMSes
Skemakan Tajwid Bahasa Malaysia Anda

Buah cempedak di luar pagar, ambil galah tolong jolokkan,
Saya budak baru belajar, kalau salah tolong tunjukkan.. Cak pong! Cak Pong!!

Jumpa Lain Kali.

Freshout is all i Need on May

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Tue, 04 May 2010 23:56:00 PDT

I need a Fresh3x! perspectives this month. Freshout is all i am hoping for May. Things were pretty much bleaked on April. Loss, anger, death (Al-Fatihah!), and confusion are just few that come across my mind. But i am sure, sorrow will often be followed by brighter, shinny and awesome days. Be positive Rizal, mourning will only make your sorrow. I need to keep walking.

In embracing + mood, I just deviate myself from my usual norms, hoping to breath in fresh ideas. I need to rejuvenate myself. It may work .. it may not work, but at least i try. For instance, it is unusually of me to write 3 posts within 9 days. How does doing that make me feel? I see things! (now try to use these words like Avatar " I see You!"). I change my daily routines like instead of doing things at certain times, i do them at different times. I see things!. Put up a happy smile instead of feeling restless inside. Bite your tongue when you feel like shouting to idiots (hey they just being idiots). I see things!! You can see things if you are willing to change : ) .

On a lighter note, I ve started seeing things for RestNrilekS.com I wonder what are in stores for me if RestNrilekS is not a personal blog. I chuckle. Knowing how lazy i am right now, i doubt RestNrilek's future is bright. But hey, there is nothing wrong in dreaming great things. Ahaha.

Bored.. i let my mind wonder during my usual therapeutic doodling moment.

Tada!! I imagine how i want RnR (RestNrilekS) to be! Now..now dont be too judgemental on my doodle ya. What you see is only a tip of the iceberg. I keep the best part secret Aha :D . Obviously, i need some research, user interaction, development and rollout stages to take RestNrileks to the next plateau. I can relate to those stages (somewhat similar to design process). When you need to be the best, of course you need to work only with the best ( Rizal i sense some attitude here :) ). Check out these guys at Freshout.us They look fresh. I like how they portray their images - Creative and Critical - Now those are sort of people i want to hang-out with. Cool and Creative. They are the San Francisco Custom Web DevelopmentCompany. Hmmm.. never have been to San Francisco but i once lost my passport in Los Angeles and that was not a pleasant experience.

SNAP Rizal Snap!!.. Owh back to main point. You see these creative guys at Freshout, they make flowtown too. Flowtown? what is flowing into town?.. .Hmmm, i am beginning to like these guys. They see things in Fresh and Different ideas like me whoaho!!. Ahaha. Flowtown is a social email marketing campaign. Now let me put that in laymen terms. What you do is turn your emel into social profile. I did try using my emel and of course one of you too (chuckle). Try it out here. Key-in your email and it will show results of all your social networks. Now i dont know is that brilliant or scary? : )

Now, if you notice, i ve started this entry with a somewhat on a moody swampy side, and end it with a happy2 enthusiastic ride. Hopefully, when things are getting tougher in your life, you ll ride thru them in this entry manner ; ).

Anyway, i am just going to put RestNrilekS back to its usual shelf ; safe and sound. Aha :D

Happy Blogging and Have a great day everyday ya : )

Till next time.

Savings : Tips to extend your Budget

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Sun, 02 May 2010 20:10:00 PDT

Salam and Aloha Friends.

Last week, i had a lunch with a friend (my colleague to be exact). She ate something that she bought for lunch, while i was happily munching my own home-cooked meals. Then, she went on saying (sighing) how she spend a lot of money from buying food instead of cooking. Then i asked " Why dont you cook?". She looked at me, and replied " I dont have time. I am just busy, and by the time i get home, i am already too tired.."
"Ahhh..." i said, and i happily continued eating my food.

My lunch box and counting my depleted money. Aha

Most people seems dont get the idea that in order to save money, you need to change your living lifestyles. People are so afraid thinking that changing will make them miserable or uncomfortable. The truth is, you still can be happy. You dont have to completely change your lifestyle. Best is to do it gradually. Later, pick them up as you go along until you are comfortable with it.

Here are few things that i have done in order to save money.

1. I cook, because buying food is no longer an option. It puts a strain on my wallet.

2. Less trips to Starbuck Coffee. Aha, i just drink the local "Kopi Hang Tuah" and it doesnt hurt my pride. I am still the same Mr.RestNrilekS. Ahaha.

3. I dont often go to cinema nowadays unless for social reasons. I dont have the urge to watch every new blockbuster movies coming out. I just wait until movies are out for renting. I feel much better watching in my home sipping hot coffee whoaho!!. Great things is, for the price of one movie ticket, i can get 3 rented movies. Yess!!!

4. Go to work early to avoid that morning traffic jam. Save you time, gas and your well-being. Walk instead of taking your cars or bikes. I used to take my bike for a 5-7 minute walk to a nearby shop - now, i get the benefit of walking and i enjoy my mini walking moment.

5. Do research before buying or subscribing something. See what on sales are and when the offers are. For instance, i have many friends who complain after subscribing internet services. Unfortunately, they are already on a year contract (at least). Such headaches can be avoided if people just do some simple research comparing promotions, discounts and coupons offered among telco and ISP providers. Hey Uverse is offering a great deal too.

6. Do not go shopping on empty stomach. Trust me on this : ) And owh, use coupons for that extra savings, especially when buying groceries or cooking utensils. Big hyper markets always have coupons too. I ve got my eyes on Cooking.com coupons for my next cooking ware purchase. Now, if you have to shop online, check out Target for some great deals and promotions too.

7. Most important is to have a monthly budget. Jot down everything you spend to the last cent (this is nothing new). Plan where you ll be shopping for this month. Consider savings as a lifestyle, if you want to save money.

To some people, i may look like being stingy. No, i am not. I am just being frugal. I am not rich and money is so hard to come by these days. I still enjoy good things in life. Great thing is, since you dont experience them often, you will appreciate the moment you experience good things in life.

And i still believe that, simple things are often life best pleasures :)

Now... now, where is that promotions on Nokia N900.. ahaks

Happy Blogging and have a great day everyday ya .

Till next time.

Easy Cookie Recipes Make My Day

noreply@blogger.com (Noorizal Ramly) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:07:00 PDT

Salam and Aloha People. I hope you have had great and wonderful days. If things are not going according to your expectation, dont despair, I am sure, things will turn out brighter eventually. Anyway, I am going to talk about something different in this entry. No handmade rattan crafts, no design sketches or ideas, no blogging tips or tricks nope nope nope... Today, it is about something that we love : )..something that we all have in common. FFFFOODDDD!! : D

I cant remember when i started cooking but i do remember my first cooked meal was stir fry cabbage. Funny because most people whom i know would have started theirs, either by frying an egg or making an instant noodle. Aha! We cook almost everyday, nowadays. We take turns actually. We used to buy food for breakfast, lunch and dinner and it hit hard on our wallets. Ouch!! Moreover, it became a bit tiring to go out 2 - 3 times a day just to buy food.

Cooking has become a way for several reasons : main are money and time. Now just imagine, our weekly market shopping is roughly around rm70 (USD22) and that would get us a 1.5kg imported meats (RM20), one and half chicken (rm15-18), vegetables (RM8-15) and herbs and spices (rm10-20). And that RM70 is for three persons eating 2 times a day for 5-7 days. We dont shop at hyper-market to buy our weekly grocerries, but go to typical small and wet nearby home market (and my wet market isnt that wet : D). Best thing is, our relationship with the sellers have grown great. Buying here has become somewhat a personal experience. I always like going to these type of markets then those big fancy hyper-markets such as TESCO.

Cooking can be a dragging task especially when it is your turn to cook. Aha. But trust me, that is just a gut feeling. It doesnt take that long to cook. At most, 45minutes or an hour if you are preparing something special. So, getting home at 5.30-5.45pm, i would normally be done by 6.30-640pm. Luckily we make it a habit of boiling our meat every week, thus cooking doesnt take too much of our time.

Now, what is a Food entry without pictures of food. Hehe. Barbequed Chicken - Marinated with chili sauce and ketchup, a bit of barbeque and black pepper sauce, a dash of honey plus herbes and spices.

My spicy chicken and meat curry with potatoes and tomatoes. I like the sound of potatoes and tomatoes. Aha ha ha : D

Quick stir fry veggies with meat when time is not a luxury.

Spicy Dried Rendang without the coconut milk.

I am not good in making western food, but i love eating them. I love to try easy cooking recipes when i feel of making one. That way, probability of my experiment going wrong is kept to a minimul. Aha... Owh! maybe i should try to make Chef's Pasta Salad and that Drunken Noodles (I love the name). I am not good at baking too but i have tried baking choc muffins. Hmm maybe i should find some easy cookie recipes too because right now my mind is imagining those hot baked straight out of the oven choc walnut cookies. Whoaho!!

Enjoy your meal everyone.

Happy blogging and have a great day everyday.

Till next time.