www.wombok.blogspot.com

Roar!

2011-01-29T01:47:00.002+08:00

The Lion, arrives.

Songs that make my ears bleed.

2010-08-03T00:11:00.003+08:00

Totally Randomz I know but do you have a song that you absolutely detest?

I do.

Right now, I immediately turn off the radio when I hear anything by Ke$sha. Oh and someone has to tell her that adding a $ in her name doesn't add street cred. Geez. That song tick-tock? nonsense! The washing machine sounds better by comparison.

Then there's that equally horrible song by 3oh!3, My first kiss. How do you even pronounce the singer/group? Oh and I found out that the song features KeSucks as well. No wonder it sucks so bad.

A real insult to my ears.

Okie. Randomz endz.

Woa..

2010-07-29T22:44:00.002+08:00

Oh oh ohoh oh oh ohoh oh oh my gawshhh.. It's been over 3 weeks since my last posting.

It's just been a very packed few weeks and I have been feeling under the weather. But thanks to a buttload of medication and some powerfull antibiotics, me feels the germs are getting a pretty good ass beat.

Anyways, I leave you with a clip of a man with an amazing ability.

JPJ alert

2010-07-05T10:00:00.000+08:00

Saw this driving in front of me the other day. Illegal much?

Congratulations Garrett and Winnie!

2010-07-04T01:33:00.007+08:00

To Garrett and Winnie, a big congratulations on your wedding and thanks for letting us share your joy on such a special day. I wish the both of you, a lifetime of happiness together.

Mr. and Mrs. Chan

Blank.

2010-06-30T23:33:00.003+08:00

.. Blank.

Screwed

2010-06-15T22:48:00.002+08:00

Tsk.

While I was walking towards my car yesterday afternoon, I noticed something 'shiny' on the right rear wheel. Upon closer inspection I was greeted by this.

Beautiful isn't it.

I have no idea how a screw ended up in the tire but it's the second time it's happened and I am starting to think that like the shoe-making-elves, there must be some tire-screwing-elves out and about.

Worried that it had gone too deep I drove to the tire shop dreading that I had to replace the tire which was barely 2 months old and fortunately enough the guy managed to patch it up. In other news, is it just me or is has the World Cup lost some of its glitter?

Awesome Movie Scenes : Forrest Gump

2010-06-04T23:17:00.010+08:00

To continue the random trend, I am starting a new label, called "Awesome Movie Scenes" which will be about, well, Awesome Movie Scenes and to start things off, Forrest Gump.

Tom Hanks took the lead role as Forrest Gump in the 1994 blockbuster movie (winner of 6 academy awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor in a lead role) directed by Robert Zemeckis and is one of my all time favourite movies.

The one scene that really stood out to me (not the "Run Forrest, Run!" scene) was during the part when Forrest meets Jenny again in Washington, after he gives his speech about the Vietnam war.

There was the huge crowd, the lake, the Washington monument, the innocence and excitement of Forrest reuniting with Jenny once more and a lovely music score simply made for an awesome scene.

If you haven't watched Forrest Gump, please do. It's a wonderful story beautifully told.

hmm..

2010-06-03T01:04:00.002+08:00

I have a bunch of things I wanted to blog about but like my attention span, I usually stop at about the 3rd line and then convince myself that it wasn't all that interesting (not that my other posts were, but you get the picture).

But there was this one piece I have been meaning to write. Something about human emotions and chemistry and how those intertwine with a scene at an airport where love ones wait on love ones. You know, like that first scene from 'Love Actually.'

But anyhoos, until that wave of inspiration hits, I bid you all a good night.

Kenji Ohba

2010-05-26T00:00:00.000+08:00

Do you remember the bald guy from Kill Bill? Not Gordon Liu. I mean that bald Japanese guy from the sushi bar.

This gentleman is Kenji Ohba.

Aside from being Hattori Hanzo's side kick in Kill Bill, did you know that Kenji Ohba also starred as ....

Space cop Gaban?????

I kid you not.

Oh man did I love this show. Kereta Perisaii!!!!! Pisau Laserr potong dua!!! Space cop Gaban was every kid's hero back in the 80's. Him and the Black Masked Rider.

Totally random I know. But cool fact nonetheless no? lol.

Movie Review : Shrek Forever After

2010-05-23T01:13:00.004+08:00

Forever After is the 4th installment in the box office franchise and everyone's favourite green ogre is back. This time, Shrek returns as a domesticated family "orge" who yearns for the good old days when he used to be a 'real' scary orge.

Whilst reminiscing about the past, Shrek runs into the sneaky, little smooth talking Rumpelstiltskin who tricks him into signing a contract which brings Shrek into an twisted universe and alternate timeline.

As time runs against him, will Shrek be able to turn things back to the way they were?

After I watched Shrek the Third, I personally felt they should have left it at that. Stop while you're ahead right?

So when Forever After came along, it felt like Dreamworks were really milking the franchise for every last dollar they could get. But truth be told, I was pleasantly surprised that Forever After was in fact quite entertaining. Sure, its hard to be original and funnier then the previous installments, but I thought the story line was very heartwarming and still managed to bring out the laughs in the right places. Helps when Donkey and Puss in boots reprise their respective roles too.

That said, some may have had enough of Shrek but you will certainly have a good laugh and I am sure the kids will love it, still.

I give it an Orge rating of 7.5/10.

p/s : I am glad Dreamworks have announced that Forever After will be the last chapter in this lovable fairy tale.

The smiling moon.

2010-05-19T01:16:00.005+08:00

The moon was out and smiling the other night and I decided to climb out onto the balcony to take some shots.

Really looks like it's smiling doesn't it.

I was half expecting the chesire cat to appear.

Hur hur hur.

Cocktail Reception at The Club, Riverside Majestic.

2010-05-16T21:18:00.010+08:00

Last Tuesday, I was invited by Anna to attend a Cocktail Reception at The Club, Riverside Majestic's brand spanking new lobby lounge.

Some of you might have noticed the ongoing renovation works at the Hotel lobby which are expected to finish in June. Situated right next to the main entrance of the Hotel (Previously Lea Centre) right in the heart of the City Centre, The Club opens up to a vibrant and inviting space, providing patrons with a comfortable environment to chill and relax.

Amongst the furniture decorating The Club, Patrons will find it hard to miss the creative centre piece made of Belian Wood, which also doubles up as a functional lounge table.

The warm lighting provided a cozy ambiance and I especially liked the jazz trio who provided the live entertainment throughout the night.

Whilst soaking in the atmosphere, we were treated to drinks (juices, cocktails and wines) and a lovely spread of finger foods, including fresh oysters.

Choose between the comfy sofas if you are with a group of friends or take a seat on the high chairs lining the bar.

The Club offers a comprehensive drinks menu with a full range of red and white wines to please the connoisseur in you and there are also non-alcoholic drinks and hot beverages, so there's something for everyone. Apart from drinks, there is also a wide selection of cakes and pastries

While at The Club, why not sign up for the FREE Privilege Card which entitles you to a 10% discount off your food and beverage bill when you patronize The Club or] the Rajang Lobby Lounge at the Grand Magherita Hotel, just opposite the Riverside Majestic.

In conjunction with its opening, The Club is also having a happy hour dear from 12pm - 9pm daily, where guests and patrons are entitled to a buy 1 free 1 offer for all house pouring brands, inclusive of beer, house wines and cocktails.

A group picture with the friendly Riverside Majestic staff.

I am not one for happy hour(s) but I certainly had a fun time at The Club and with the cozy atmosphere, beverages, light food and snacks, together with the attractive Privilege Card, one certainly is motivated to visit again.

See you at The Club.

Party in the Club

2010-05-11T12:45:00.002+08:00

Not the 50 cent way, but imma gonna go be at The Club later on this evening. Riverside Majestic's brand spankin new Lobby Lounge.

More to come!

The night we were one.

2010-05-09T23:10:00.008+08:00

In 1992, I was only in Primary 4 and Malaysia were playing in the Thomas Cup Finals for the coveted cup against badminton power house, Indonesia.

It was one of the rare nights I was allowed to stay up past my bedtime and I remember my dad and I, were in the study room glued to our 'National' television set. It didn't matter whether or not you played badminton. If you were Malaysian, you were probably watching the finals.

The stage was set. Stadium Negara was packed with a capacity crowd and the atmosphere was electric.

Rashid Sidek gave Malaysia a wonderful by beating Ardy Wiranata, but the Indonesians equalized when their doubles pair of Rudy Gunawan and Eddy Hartono beat Razif and Jalani Sidek.

With the scores leveled at (1-1), Malaysia's second singles player, Foo Kok Keong entered the court to take on Indonesian ace, Alan Budikusuma. On paper the results favored the Indonesians but by sheer determination, Foo Kok Keong pulled off a stunning straight game victory, swinging the momentum back to Malaysia.

Then it was up to the young Malaysian pair of Cheah Soon Kit and Soo Beng Kiang to deliver the winning point for Malaysia. In their way were the formidable pair of Ricky Subagja and Rexy Manaiky (who ironically, is presently the doubles coach for the Malaysian Team). It was a gripping match and I remember how my dad and I were cheering every winning point for our pair and how we went "Aiyyyaaaaaaaaaa!" each time a point was lost.

The Malaysians had taken the first game but the Indonesians won the second, bringing the game to a rubber set show down and when it mattered, the Malaysian pair eventually pull through to take the game. Giving Malaysia the winning point.

Malaysia were the Champions and after 25 long years, the Thomas Cup was finally coming home.

Still get goose bumps watching the Malaysian team clinch the winning point and how heart warming it is to see the crowd cheered in sheer jubilation.

The last singles match up between Joko Suprianto and Kwan Yoke Meng was played as a matter of formality and the finals eventually ended with a score of Malaysia (3) : Indonesia (2).

I think it was past midnight by the time the last match got under way so I didn't stay up to watch it, but I remember it being a public holiday the next day so it was all very good.

I wasn't there to watch it live at Stadium Negara that night. But I think those who went will tell you that it was truly an unforgettable night.

They would tell you that it was a night when politics was forgotten.

They would tell you that it was a night when there was no race, no 'your rights' or 'my rights'.

They would tell you that it was a night when every Malaysian was so very proud to be Malaysian.

They would say that it was the night, we were one.

That in my mind, was a night that truly defined a nation.

I doubt we will ever see another night like that of 16th May 1992, but boy, would I love to be proven wrong.

Cmon team Malaysia!

Like a putting green

2010-05-07T02:08:00.003+08:00

I can feelz the wind in my hairz!

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

2010-05-03T00:10:00.004+08:00

George Town, Penang was formally listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 and with its rich achitectural history, visiting those lovely heritage houses, was a must do on the itenary.

But before our visit, it was time to fill up our tank and our choice that morning? Dim Sum.

This was somewhere near Gurney Drive and wasn't the best I have had, but the fact that it's available everyday means, 'win' in my book. I guess you have to come from a place (i.e Kuching) where you don't get full spread dim sum 7 days a week to appreciate it.

We then made our way to Lebuh Gereja or Church Street where the 'Pinang Peranakan Mansion' was.

Admission Price is RM10.00 for adults. Children under the age of 6 get in for free. Complimentary tours of the Mansion are available and our guide for the day was Mady, who was fantastic. He was really friendly, knew his stuff and had such enthusiasm about his work.

"Depicting the typical home of a rich Baba of more than a century ago, the opulent lifestyle of these locally acculturated Chinese is recreated in the Pinang Peranakan Mansion to offer a glimpse of their many customs and traditions." - Excerpt from the Complimentary leaflet from Pinang Peranakan Mansion.

"More than just a Baba-Nyonya museum, this century - old stately mansion of eclectic design and architecture incorporates Chinese carved-wood panels with English floor tiles and Scottish iron works. Built at the end of the 19th century by one of local history's famous personalities, the 'Hai Kee Chan' or Sea Remembrance Store had once served as the residence and office of Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Kwee." - Excerpt from the Complimentary leaflet from Pinang Peranakan Mansion.

For those of you who follow the chinese serials on Ntv 7, the first few episodes of "Iron Lady" were filmed here, amongst other serials and movies.

I don't know about Dave, but I was very impressed at how well preserved the Mansion was and how beautifully it was built.

Poker, Peranakan style.

Check out the original tile designed floor. Such attention to detail.

Back in the day each small tile was painstakingly pieced together. Then again I suppose time was something you had plenty of, in the past.

Upstairs.

Peeking into the lives of the people during that time was really an eye opener. I mean back then there was no such thing as Computers, handphones, Astro or Facebook and it really made me wonder how they, or rather, how I would have spent my days if I was transported back in time.

Something else I noticed was how the people back then were smaller phyiscally. The beds for instance, were much shorter and the clothes too were smaller.

When I was young, I'ld listen to the radio..

Back then there was no such thing as a digital camera, or DSLR or handphone camera even. What you had were these cannon like instruments, which I imagine must have taken forever to operate or cam whore with. lol.

The piece of mirror on the front of the camera allows one to check his/her pose before the shot is taken. Quite clever I have to say.

The Peranakan version of Tiffany and Co.

We spent about an hour and a half at the Mansion and it was well worth the experience. Though I have to say our guide, Mady had plenty to do with it. If you ever pay a visit be sure to ask for him.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Visiting hours : 9.30 am - 5.00 pm (Open on all public holidays unless notified by management)

The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is also available for functions (i.e. Birthdays, Weddings, Product Launches etc.)

For enquiries and reservations, please contact:-

29, Church Street, 10200 Penang, Malaysia
Tel :- 04 - 264 2929, 04 - 264 1929 (f)
Email :- rmhbaba@streamyx.com
Web :- www.pinangperanakanmansion.com.my

Beef Koay Teow at Weld Quay Food Court

2010-04-23T00:32:00.004+08:00

After vising the Peranakan Mansion (that post after this :P) Dave took me to Weld Quay Food Court for lunch.

Just so happens I read about this stall in the Star the other day and it seems, this is one of two famous Penang stalls specializing in beef koay teow.

Dave ordered up two serves of the mixed beef koay teow and when it came I was quite impressed.

This RM10.00 offering was packed with beef (tripe, tendon, meat, beefballs) and looked really delicious.

But alas, it didn't taste as good as it looked. The portion was good and so were the ingredients but the soup was rather dissappoint and diluted in taste? is how I would describe it, really lacking that beefy stock taste like Kah Hiong's version.

Oh Kah Hiong, how you spoil me.

Lorong Selamat

2010-04-18T02:19:00.005+08:00

After having our roast duck, I persuaded the lads for some kueh tiao over tea. This time though it was time to try something more fehmes and we found ourselves at Kafe Heng Huat along Lorong Selamat.

The Kueh Tiao stall at Kafe Heng Huat is supposedly very famous with tourists.

Available in 3 prices of RM6.50, RM7.00 and RM9.00 the Kueh Tiaw is cooked over charcoal by an aunty wearing industrial specs/glasses! No nonsense wei.

Dave and I opted for the RM9.00 option and were immediately left wondering if it was worth it.

The place itself was very packed with people and I was rather bemused with this poster on the wall.

If you can't read it, it says "Charge for not ordering any drinks is RM0.50 only." I remember being surprised many many years back when places were charging for water or sky juice, but this was the first time I saw this charge-for-not-ordering-drinks!

It took a while for the Kueh Tiaw to arrive but it did eventually and here it is.

Big succulent prawns, bean sprouts, clams, spring onion and kueh tiaw. Very delicious, but I will be honest about it. For RM9.00, this was clearly tourist price. The portion was, usual (small) but there were 5 big prawns which basically translates to say... RM1.00 per prawn and RM4.00 for the kueh tiao.

The locals will probably know where to find equally good but cheaper kueh tiaw.

Whilst waiting, we were approached by people from other stalls outside the Kafe and there was this one uncle who asked if we wanted oyster omellete (o-chien) and yes, in English.

We quickly said "yes" and this proved to be our mistake.

After a while, the uncle came back and I took out a ten to pay. I couldn't hear him the first time when he told us the price but when he repeated "Chap Jee" (RM12.00), we were stunned.

Holy tourist-price-kena-trapped O-chien!

Portion was the same as the one we had at New World Food Court but it tasted better and cost us half times more.

So expensive lesson learnt. Always ask how much first. What a rookie mistake.

Penang Butterfly Park

2010-04-13T01:00:00.001+08:00

I also met up with my old uni. mate Benz who took Dave and I to the Penang Butterfly Park to snap pics!

This is Benz, or Benzy as I call him.

Before setting out, Benz took us for breakfast where we tried this very unique dish.

Steam fish slices with horfun.

You know how you get steamed fish in chinese restaurants, especially the sauce that goes with it? This dish is precisely that, but with horfun on the side which was delicious. The fish slices were very fresh and the sauce was tasteyyy.

Then there was this dish, mi hun soup with lemon grass and fish.

I liked this as well. The slightly sourish taste reminded of our Chao Chai Hungan here.

And we also had a plate of greens and home made tofu.

Home made tofu, fluffy and eggy just the way I like it.

Then it was off to the Butterfly Park!

The last butterfly park I went to was in Melaka and that was back in.. 1993? so I was quite keen. Anyhoos, in we went and snap we did.

Aside from the butterflies, there were also other animals and insects on display too like this stick plant here.

Over all it was worth the admission price but it would have been better if there were more varieties and species of butterflies like the James Brooke (I think).

After spending a few hours at the Park, it was time to head back into the city for some lunch. We started the afternoon feasting with some roast duck, but I can't for the life of me remember where this place was.

I had the Roast duck rice which was pretty good and succulent but the portion could have been more.

Benz had the Roast duck noodles.

After lunch, we headed back for another round of Orh Keo and then headed to Lorong Selamat for some famous (tourist priced) char kueh tiaw and o-chien. That next!

The good and bad about the Iphone (in a nutshell)

2010-04-12T00:56:00.002+08:00

First the good :

Apple's Iphone requires its users (Akong, Amah, Uncle, Aunty and Kids) to learn how to use Itunes.

The bad :

Apple's Iphone requires its users (Akong, Amah, Uncle, Aunty and Kids) to learn how to use Itunes.

Can't have everything your way I guess.

To the mainland!

2010-04-11T00:05:00.007+08:00

Whilst on the mainland, I couldn't help but notice the difference in landscape (lack of condominiums and high rise buildings) and how things seemed more developed on the island? or maybe it was just me. Anyways, we eventually arrived at Restoran May Fong, which was so packed we had to share a table with two other patrons. We were there to be fed so sharing a table was no problem.

First up the Hor Fun.

Well, actually I think it's what would you call kueh tiaw kia (mini kueh tiaw) and it was tastehhh. The broth in particular was very good.

Then there's the steam chicken and innards.

Ohh jo. Now this was good, smooth and slippery topped with what I think is oyster sauce. Can you say Delish? I am not that fond of chicken innards though so I gave it a pass. The odd thing though about May Fong is that they serve plain rice instead of chicken rice (oily rice) with their chicken. Maybe it's because the Hor Fun is the house specialty.

After that we drove around for a bit stopping at various places to snap some pictures and before we knew it, it was time for tea!

I hadn't tried Penang Laksa before so we stopped by a malay stall and ordered up three together with some young coconut.

Tadah! Okie. I will be honest, this I didn't really like. The broth, to me was abit too fishy. Not 'hanyir' but just fishy. And the coconuts... we were fleeced! RM3.00 for really small, not sweet and no flesh coconut. Oh wells.

Seeing that we took the bridge over, Dave (after some convincing) agreed to take the ferry back to the island.

Inside the ferry.

And a nice sunset to welcome the night. Wootz!

Onward we go!

2010-04-07T22:04:00.008+08:00

Plenty of pics left from my trip to Penang so it's best I start posting more.

So, after the Youth Park, we left for the Penang Botanical Gardens where I was hoping to check out the flora displays.

Plenty of green around but I was disappointed to see that most of the flora displays were closed off to the public.

Even so, we took a stroll around and came across a bunch of monkeys! The general bunch of them were 'people' friendly. But some were aggressive so remember not to feed any of them.

This is the cannonball plant, which I thought was quite unique.

Then Dave took me to this stall where I tried this drink / desert called "Orh Keo" or Black Bridge in Hokkien.

The stall operates from a makeshift pick up truck and business was really brisk.

This is the Orh Keo which consists of Jelly, a wedge of lemon, shaved ice, syrup and one laici, Lol! Reminded me of Ah Meng's Mattahorn. I can't remember how much it was but it was very refreshing.

I mean, I liked it so much we had it three times on separate occasions.

Then it was off to the mainland where Dave's friend, Bobby was going to take us for some hor fun and steam chicken.

You're not suppose to stop along the bridge but we had good reason to.

Our ride got to hot and it was time to refill the radiator, with ice water no less. And since we had to stop, it was time to snap more pics!

Hor fun, here we come!

A public service announcement.

2010-04-05T17:50:00.007+08:00

So I was checking my email like I do everyday and received this email from :

dcycbb@yahoo.com

claiming to be from Yahoo's customer care and was asking me to verify my account by giving my Yahoo! id and password amongst other personal details.

In spite of the Yahoo icons and what not, it seemed too dodgy to be authentic and I suspect its one of those phishing emails. So I decided to look up Yahoo's actual customer care and eventually found this site.

http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/mail/classic/abuse/ - which covers the topics of spam, viruses and other abuses.

But what is phishing?

Taken from the yahoo security center :

"Fraudsters send fake emails or set up fake websites that mimic Yahoo!'s sign-in pages (or the sign-in pages of other trusted companies, such as eBay or PayPal) to trick you into disclosing your user name and password. This practice is sometimes referred to as "phishing"—a play on the word "fishing"—because the fraudster is "fishing" for your private account information.

Typically, fraudsters try to trick you into providing your user name and password so that they can gain access to your online account. After they steal your password, they can change your password and lock you out of your online account. They can read your email or access other personal information through your Yahoo! account. If they find the right personal information, they can commit identity theft, including using your credit cards or withdrawing money from your bank accounts.

We encourage you to go to the Yahoo! Security Center to learn more about phishing, how to identify phishing websites or emails, and how to set up a sign-in seal to avoid being caught."

If you want to report a phishing website of email go here. Alternatively, forward the suspected email to phishing@cc.yahoo-inc.com which was what I did.

Anyways, I have been given '2 weeks' to reply with the required information and if i 'refuse' to update my account, I will lose my account permanently.

But something tells me I might just escape and live to tell the tale about it. lol. Be careful everyone.

:UPDATE:

So Yahoo replied saying they are carrying out an investigation, so it's all good.

The Tourist - 101

2010-03-31T23:16:00.005+08:00

My Penang adventure began with some touristy stuff. First up, a visit to the Penang Youth Park.

The first thing that sprung to mind was how it reminded me of our Reservoir park, except the Penang Youth Park seemed newer, better maintained and had way more people (kids, adults) around.

It really was quite nice to see families and teenagers alike exercising, hanging out in a healthy manner. There are even guys who strike random poses, like this guy here.

There's even an out door skate board / roller blade course, where a competition was being held. Didn't see any funky jumps or tricks though. Still, a healthy activity all the same.

I am guessing the local council is in charge and they certainly do good job with the gardening.

Later on, it was time for brunch and Dave brought me to New World Food Court which houses several stalls from the famous Swatow lane.

Cendol!

The Char Kueh Tiaw which was just lovely. Ingredients aside, I think the key to cooking really good Char Kueh Tiaw is in the control of the heat and sufficient wok hei (wok breath).

And O-chien! Woo!

There's also the Botanical Gardens, the Penang bridge and more food next!