Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Take off your shoes

Asian don't really need to worry bout this, from... "If I really wanted to SIMPLIFY MY LIFE, I would..." by Advantage Quest Publications (page 34-35)


Establish a shoes-off-in-the-house policy

Of course make sure your bare foot is also clean :-D. How about making the same policy for the office or church, muslims take of their shoes in mosques too.


The best place for the vacuum is in the closet.

Blogging

Okayyy we got in the govman..
MB - Menteri Besar
YB - Yang Berhormat

In blogging..
MB - Mummy Blogger
YB - Yang Berblogger

:-p

Yang Berblogger Jeffrey Ooi
Yang Berblogger Tony Pua

Bandar Mahkota Cheras News Update

Residents sure surveyor report will favour them (From the Star Online)

KAJANG: The Bandar Mahkota Cheras Open Access Road Committee is confident the outcome of today's meeting at the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) will be in its favour.

At a press conference yesterday, independent surveyor Khoo Leong Hok pointed out that the barricade demolished on April 21 was erected outside the Malaysian Highway Authority road reserve. Khoo had volunteered his services to the committee.
...
Read more at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/30/nation/21101314&sec=nation

Condolences to the family of Tan Sri M.G. Pandithan

Condolences to the family of Tan Sri M.G. Pandithan

IPF president and ex-MIC man Pandithan dies (From the Star Online)

PETALING JAYA: Indian Progressive Front (IPF) president Tan Sri M.G. Pandithan, formerly the vice-president of MIC, passed away at KL General Hospital at 8.20am on Wednesday. He was 68.
...
Read report at
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/30/nation/20080430101734&sec=nation

The Unexpected Candle Light Dinner

Marilyn and I went for dinner last night before the marriage seminar, at Jaya 33, Cozy Corner Restaurant.

More than half way through our dinner the lights went out in the restaurant, only the dining area has no lights. The waiters came, brought a candle and lit it.


So we had dinner without the children along, and a candle, mid way through our dinner. Romantic huh...

We had the same kind of dish, sortof.... she had kuay teow beef ginger, while I had beef ginger rice. The beef ginger was cooked the same way. After dinner we had an apple pie, yummy.

Price:
- Kuay teow beef ginger RM 8:00
- Beef ginger rice RM8:00
- Teh tarik RM4:50
- Strawberry milkshake RM6:00
- Apple pie RM6:50
Total with government tax and service charge (worth it because of the candle :-p) RM37.95

A Promise to Keep-Marriage seminar

Marilyn and I went to Glad Tidings church (Section 13) last night to attend Dr David and Jan Stoop talk on "A Promise to Keep - How to Build a Great Marriage". Hosted by Glad tidings Petaling Jaya and Focus on the Family Malaysia. Other Latter Rainers who there were, Daniel and Emily, glad they came too.

Date: 29-30 April 2008 (one more night, more spiritual teachings tonight)
Venue: Glad Tidings Petaling Jaya
Time: 8:00 -10:00pm
Free Admission


From the notes given last night...

"I didn't marry you because you were perfect. I didn't even marry you because I loved you. I married you because you gave me a promise. That promise made up for married and it was the promise that made the marriage. And when our children were growing up, it wasn't a house that protected them; and it wasn't our love that protected them -- it was that promise."

Thornton Wilder, "The Skin of our Teeth"

9I pray that your love for each other may overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in your knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand waht really matters , so that you may live pure and blameless lives until Christ returns.

Philippians 1: 9-10


Some notes taken during the talk...
The cycle that destroys love.
A. Criticism
B. Defensiveness
C. Withdrawal
D. Contempt

The secret of restoring love.
A. Work at turning towards each other
B. Focus on listening
C. Give up the need to be right
D. Dialog

Primary emotion
- 3 main emotions mentioned...
1. Love
2. Anger
3. Fear

Anger and fear are opposites. What is the opposite of love?
"
18... perfect love casteth out fear..." 1 John 4:18 (KJV)
Opposite of love... is fear

Forgive one another
"31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Eph 4:31-32 (KJV)

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Types of egg


From my fren's Yahoo messenger status, she is in the US now...


Why the different colour? According to Wikipedia...

Egg shell color is caused by pigment deposition during egg formation in the oviduct and can vary according to species and breed, from the more common white or brown to pink or speckled blue-green.

In general, chicken breeds with white ear lobes lay white eggs, whereas chickens with red ear lobes lay brown eggs.

Although there is no significant link between shell color and nutritional value, there is often a cultural preference for one color over another.

For example, in most regions of the United States, chicken eggs are generally white; while in the northeast of that country and in the United Kingdom, they are generally light-brown. In Brazil and Poland, white chicken eggs are generally regarded as industrial, and brown or reddish ones are preferred.

Click here to read more bout eggs... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_(food)

Sleep more

I like this phrase from "If I really wanted to SIMPLIFY MY LIFE, I would..." by Advantage Quest Publications (page 30-31)

Get Plenty of sleep

It states in the book "During sleep the brain stays busy sorting and storing information, replenishing chemicals and resolving problems or inequities".
...
"Sufficient rest will keep your at your best and make all your efforts more productive and more enjoyable.".

Learn to view sleep as a gift from your creator

Yo brother Jo, get sufficient sleep before baby Janson arrives, reallll soon.

My kind of holidays is one where I can rest and sleep and not do much of anything.

Keropok Lekor

I like to eat keropok lekor, and after reading this report on The Star Online, I know know what to look for in the keropok lekor. You can now find this keropok not only in Terengganu but even here in the Klang Valley.

Giving keropok a bad name (The Star Online)
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/29/lifefocus/20830868&sec=lifefocus
...
Notice how your keropok lekor swells up in the frying pan but shrivels minutes after reaching your plate? The secret of keropok lekor that does not shrivel once it is out of the pan: better quality fish, and higher fish content. In short, high protein content. This is a rarity these days.
...


What is keropok lekor, from marimari...
http://www.marimari.com/content/malaysia/food/malay/malay.html
Keropok Lekor / Keping
A popular and the most visible fried snack in Terengganu, the keropok is made of fish meat, ground to a paste, and mixed with sago. Coming in two main different forms, the long chewy ones are called 'lekor', while the thin, crispy ones are called 'keping'. Keropok is best eaten hot with its special chili dip.

From Wikipedia...
http://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keropok_lekor

Foreign Exchange Rate

Found this foreign exchange rate site from a licensed money changer Wawasan Sentosa, for those of you interested to know the foreign exchange rate not from a bank. http://www.wawasanmoneychanger.com.my/exchangeRates.asp

Monday, April 28, 2008

DOE checking car emission

Yooo please freshen up you car exhaust kay... clean it up...

DOE to check vehicles for smoke emissions (From The Star Online)

PETALING JAYA: The Department of Environment will conduct a simultaneous operation nationwide to ensure vehicles do not emit smoke above the permitted level in a move to have a cleaner and fresher environment.

In a statement issued by the Federal Territory of Department of Environment, it stated that the operation that started Monday would be carried out until May 2 at all major highways and roads in the country.
...
Read report at http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/28/nation/20080428132354&sec=nation

Why not take mc

Got stuffed up nose, blocked, runny (a slow run)... whatever and headache since yesterday.

Still I've got to work today to test a process which is support to go live on 1 May 2008. Grrrrrrr.... Drank hot herbal tea this morning to help clear my nose and throat. It helped a bit.

One only... Credit Card

I got a few credit cards, for emergency larrr, but... another phrase from "If I really wanted to SIMPLIFY MY LIFE, I would..." by Advantage Quest Publications (page 6-7)
got me thinking...

Keep only one credit card

Make sense to have one card to control my spending and management of the card. I sometimes forget to pay for the "other" credit cards, and got to pay interest for late payments. Sigh....

In modern times, of course we still need credit cards to pay for petrol, groceries, traveling... its not save to carry huge amounts of cash nowadays. So one card should be sufficient.

The booklet states... " Imagine your life without stress and anxiety of worrying about unpaid bills and the hours of free time you will find find when you no longer have to pour over a stack of statements. Life will be much simpler".

"Debt and worry are Siamese twins"

Prepare for more price increases

Will the price of petrol increase this year? If the government reduces the subsidy of petrol, price will go up.... Duh!!!. With the petrol and diesel price increases, even if certain quarters like the transport companies continue to get subsidies, personally speaking, price of goods and services will continue to rise.

Whats the govman gonna do bout it?

Government to look at petrol subsidy after decision on diesel
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/28/nation/21083708&sec=nation

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Bandar Mahkota Cheras, legal or illegal barrier

Latest up date from The Star Online

Firm says barricade was legal (From The Star Online)
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/27/nation/21081065&sec=nation

KAJANG: The Cheras-Kajang Highway concessionaire, Grand Saga Sdn Bhd, has maintained that the barricade that formerly stood at the Bandar Mahkota Cheras toll-free access road was legally constructed.

...

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Malaysian Personal Income tax (Part 1)

With the deadline to submit the income tax returns by 30 April 2008, here is an important source of information on personal income tax found in The Star Online, complied by Deloitte KassimChan .


Claims deduction to lower taxable income (From the Star Online)
Friday April 25, 2008
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/25/business/21058522&sec=business


I am a Malaysian citizen. I returned to Malaysia in mid-2007 after spending 10 years overseas. Can I claim deductions?

Deductions are available to tax residents of Malaysia. Generally, if you were physically present in Malaysia for at least 182 days in 2007, you qualify as a tax resident. Being a Malaysian citizen does not necessarily mean that you are entitled to deductions.


Our customary wedding ceremony was held in December 2007, but our marriage was registered in January 2008. Can I claim a deduction in respect of my wife in 2007?

For tax purposes, a woman who is regarded by virtue of any law or custom (whether or not she has gone through any religious or other ceremony) as the “wife” of a man or as one of his wives.

You can claim for a spouse relief of RM3,000 in your 2008 tax return but not 2007 since you only legally married in 2008. Your wife must also elect for a combined assessment with you if wife relief is to be available.

My spouse and I are working. Should we elect for joint assessment?

A joint assessment will be more advantageous if your spouse has no income, as you will be gaining an extra deduction of RM3,000 from the spouse relief. In a separate assessment, this RM3,000 spouse relief will not be available.

Separate assessment is usually advantageous as you and your spouse can then each claim RM8,000 personal relief (i.e. total RM16,000) against the income of each person, instead of one spouse claiming personal relief of RM8,000 plus spouse relief of RM3,000.


I am now the sole breadwinner for our family as my husband met with an accident and was unemployed throughout 2007. Can I claim a deduction in respect of my husband?

Yes, a deduction of RM3,000 in respect of your husband is available to you upon due claim.

Can I claim for medical expenses incurred in respect of my parents and parents-in-law?

Parents refer to natural parents or foster parents in the case of an adopted child. Hence, you can only claim a deduction if you have incurred medical expenses in respect of your own parents.

Your spouse can claim medical expenses incurred in respect of your parents-in-law if the receipts are in your spouse’s name. Your maximum deduction is RM5,000. Original receipts are required to support the claim and the receipts must be endorsed by the medical practitioner certifying that treatment was provided to the parents.

Medical care and treatment provided by a nursing home and dental treatment limited to tooth extraction, filling, scaling and cleaning would qualify for deductions. However, cosmetic dental treatment expenses such as teeth restoration and replacement involving crowning, root canal and dentures are excluded as stated in Public Ruling 2/2005 issued by the Inland Revenue.


My colleague’s mother contracted cancer and had undergone expensive treatment with costs borne by my colleague. I hear that there is a claim for deduction for the medical expenses incurred in respect of serious disease. Is this correct?

Deduction for expenses in respect of serious illness is only available if the individual has incurred expenses on himself/herself, his/her spouse or his/her children. Since the medical expenses were incurred for your colleague’s mother, a claim under the “medical expenses for parents” should be made – see question above.

Serious diseases for tax purposes include AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, cancer, renal failure, leukaemia, heart attack, pulmonary hypertension, chronic liver disease, fulminant viral hepatitis, head trauma with neurological deficit, tumour in brain or vascular malformation, major burns, major organ transplant and major amputation of limbs.

Deduction for medical expenses on serious diseases is limited to RM5,000 and must be supported by a receipt and certified by a medical practitioner registered with the Malaysian Medical Council.

Every year my family spends around RM2,000 on newspapers, books, magazines and journals. Can I claim the whole amount as deduction?

A claim of up to RM1,000 for purchase of books including school textbooks, magazines and journals, whether purchased locally or overseas, and other similar publications (hardcopy or electronic) may be made where evidenced by receipts. However, the Inland Revenue excludes the purchase of newspapers and banned publications from deduction.


I intend to pursue a MBA course. Am I able to claim deduction in respect of the fees arising?

The 2007 deduction of up to RM5,000 relates to any course of study up to tertiary level in any institution in Malaysia recognised by the Government, for the purpose of acquiring law, accounting, Islamic financing, technical, vocational, industrial and scientific or technological skills or qualifications.

Effective 2008, the courses qualifying for the deduction are extended to Masters and Doctorate for any skill or qualification. The above criteria relating to an institution will still apply.



Refer to
http://danlion.blogspot.com/2008/04/t-aken-from-lhdp-malaysia-on-income-tax.html
http://danlion.blogspot.com/2008/04/malaysian-personal-income-tax-part-2.html

Malaysian Personal Income tax (Part 2)

Continuation from Malaysian Personal Income tax (Part 1).

Tax allowance for disabled children (From the Star Online)
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/26/business/21058888&sec=business

Are there any deductions for the care of a handicapped child?

To claim a deduction for a handicapped child, your child needs to be certified as a disabled person by the Social Welfare Department. The deductions available are:

Child relief of RM5,000 (for an unmarried child who is physically or mentally disabled regardless of age and whether or not the child is receiving full time instruction);

An additional relief of RM4,000 for each disabled child over 18 years if the child is receiving full-time instruction at a university, college or other establishment of higher education, or is serving under articles or indentures with a view to qualifying in a trade or profession, or if the child who is receiving full-time instruction outside Malaysia, it is in respect of an award of degree (including a degree at Masters or Doctorate level) or the equivalent of a degree.

In all cases, the instruction and educational establishment shall be approved by the relevant government authority.

Deduction of up to RM5,000 for the basic supporting equipment expenses. The supporting equipment includes haemodialysis machine, wheel chair, artificial leg and hearing aids but excludes optional lenses and spectacles.


The birth of my daughter was induced and she was born just before midnight on Dec 31, 2007 as my parents-in-law were going overseas the next day and wanted to see their first grandchild before leaving. Can I claim a deduction in respect of this child in 2007?

Yes, you can claim for a deduction of RM1,000 in respect of your daughter as she was born in 2007.


My employer deducted around RM3,000 from me and contributed the amount to the EPF. I understand that the maximum deduction for contribution to EPF and life insurance is RM6,000. If I buy life insurance for my wife, can I claim the deduction?

Yes, you can claim a deduction of up to RM6,000 for the contribution towards EPF and life insurance premiums if you elect for combined assessment. The life insurance policies can either be on the life of yourself or your spouse.

Insurance premiums on education or medical policies for yourself, your wife or your child will entitle you to an additional deduction of up to RM3,000.


I bought a personal digital assistant (PDA) at RM4,000. How much rebate I can claim?

There are deductions available on computers. Personal computer (PC) includes laptops and desktops and does not include palmtops, PDAs and its equivalents in accordance to Public Ruling 2/2005.

Effective 2007, the incentive for the purchase of personal computer is a tax deduction instead of a tax rebate (treated as if it is payment of tax) in previous years. The maximum deduction is RM3,000 but is only given once every three years. The receipt is required as evidence of the purchase.



The comments above are intended as a general guide and do not represent an opinion or advice applicable to your situation. We recommend that you seek a tax advisor/consultant for your own personal tax matters.


Refer to
http://danlion.blogspot.com/2008/04/t-aken-from-lhdp-malaysia-on-income-tax.html
http://danlion.blogspot.com/2008/04/malaysian-personal-income-tax-part-1.html

Bandar Mahkota - No Payment from Selangor

Selangor has no need to pay concessionaire RM200m (From The Star Online)
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/4/26/central/21071674&sec=central

THE Selangor Government will not pay any compensation to highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd.

State Local Government committee chairman Ronnie Liu said the state government had no contract with Grand Saga, the concessionaire for the Cheras-Kajang Highway in Cheras.
...

Friday, April 25, 2008

Just say NO!

During lunch just now, while talking to my colleagues, one of them mention in a situation she faced in the office, she refused to do something that the boss wanted her to do.

This reminded me of a phrase I read in this booklet "If I really wanted to SIMPLIFY MY LIFE, I would..." by Advantage Quest Publications (page 4-5)

Give myself permission to say "No".
This will we do, if God permit - Hebrew 6:3.

There are times when we find it hard to say 'no' to many things, be it from friends, colleagues, family or demands on our time like work, TV, blogging etc, etc... Think about it, we can't do all things, we only have 24 hours in a day.

In the book it states 'Saying "no" frees you to say "Yes" to those things that bring the greatest satisfaction and sense of well-being. It allows you to "de-clutter" your life and restore balance. It is the first step to leading a simpler life.'

One step I have taken in my work life is that I if work 8 hours a day, and I would leave the office at 5pm sharp (work time 8am-5pm) if work permits everyday. When I started work many years ago, I would work overtime most of the days. Imagine the lost times given to the organization.

I tried J.CO Donuts

One of our supplier gave us a box of J.CO Donuts yesterday. When I saw the donuts, I am reminded of Dunking Donuts.

6 donuts to be shared by all in the office. Of course we cut it into smaller pieces for everyone to share.


Taste... not bad, may be too sweet for my liking. The green and pink colored donuts scares me. Just thinking bout these donuts makes my tooth aches.


J.CO's site http://www.jcodonuts.com/

Bandar Mahkota Cheras access road (Updates)

Updates on Mahkota Cheras access road.

The saga continues (From The Star Online)
IN a new development to the Bandar Mahkota Cheras access road issue, Cheras-Kajang Highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd has issued a warning letter to the company that owns the heavy machinery used in dismantling the barricade.
...
Among the contents was this phrase, “Take notice that you are to cease and desist from further causing and/or assisting in the damage and/or demolishing of the said barricade lawfully constructed/erected by our client”.

...
Read more at http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/4/25/central/21055567&sec=central

Not So Good News for Mahkota Cheras

No good news regarding the Mahkota Cheras Access road.

Be prepared to pay (From The Star Online)

THE Selangor government will have to ensure that highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd is paid RM200mil in compensation if it allows the access road in Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Kajang to be opened.

Former Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo said when the road was first opened in 2005 the concessionaire had asked for RM200mil in compensation for loss of toll collection based on the formula in the concession agreement.

...
Read at
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/4/25/central/21059403&sec=central

Chee Cheong Fun now RM4

The HK Chee Cheong Fun price @ Seaview has increased from RM3.80 to RM4.
Refer to my earlier blog... http://danlion.blogspot.com/2008/03/breakfast.html

Quick get one before the price increases

... get an Airbus. Quickly order your Airbus before they increase the price.

Price increases is not only affecting us ordinary folks, even the airline industry is affected. Airbus is increasing its planes between US$2 - 4 million dollars. AirAsia is not affected, as they have fixed the price when they signed the deal.


AirAsia spared Airbus price hike (From Business Times)

BUDGET carrier AirAsia Bhd, the world's largest buyer of the A320s, will not be affected by Airbus' decision to raise prices of its aircraft.

Chief executive Datuk Tony Fernandes said the airline is spared from additional costs as it has fixed the price for the 175 planes it ordered from the airframe maker
...
Airbus said it will raise prices by between US$2 million and US$4 million (RM6.2 million and
RM12.5 million) per aircraft, as of May 1, to offset rising metal prices and the weak greenback.
...

Click here to read more http://www.btimes.com.my/Thursday/Latest/ambeli.xml

Bandar Mahkota Cheras access road still open

Bandar Mahkota Cheras access road is still open.

I used the access road again yesterday evening. Yes it is still open, and instead of big umbrellas there is now a big canopy in the middle divider near the traffic lights. This time it took me over 5 minutes to clear the traffic lights.

The people there must 'guarding' the access road to prevent further 'unauthorized' closure of the road.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Dinner @ Section 17 Sentosa

Had dinner with CK and Alex last night at the hawker center in Section 17 Sentosa, PJ. We saw this restaurant with the signboard.

It is either a prank, April's fool or just purposely built that way... Restoran Good View Kopitiam, it is good view huh.

Bandar Mahkota Cheras access road Translated from Chinese

I searched Google for the latest news on Bandar Mahkota Cheras assess road, and found the latest updated sites which was in Chinese. When I read this translated web page I thought it was news for some city in China.

Read on, please translate from Chinese to English or vice versa it will crack you up. Of course the English sentences will be broken, but the translation of some words made me even more funnier.

Can someone translate and explain to me :-p cause I am a Melakan at heart, so me is a baba.


Crown City Road closures controversial four-day delay on the outcome of the residents felt disappointed

Although the Selangor banana Lai huang Guancheng (Bandar Mahkota Cheras) by blocking 30 of the main exit road was finally opened Monday in, but to how long it is still unknown....
Now the crux of the problem fall on the road closure stone Dun lots, their ownership is a central or state government snow.
...
... management and maintenance of the power, but still Need more than four working days in order to identify the sections of Guishui problems.

...

Click
here to read.

Breakfast @ Starbucks

Just mention Starbucks and I will think $$$ flying. My colleague Bryan and I went for breakfast @ Starbucks this morning. We tried the Tomato, Basil and Cheese toast on Ciabatta bread, cause the other two on the menu was not available at that time. Free coffee (12oz), promotion till end of this month.

Price:
RM4.50 each x 2 = RM9 + tax 0.45 = RM9.45 for two, ok larrr, Starbucks worrrr.
Btw... coffee cost RM13 for 2 cups.
On the receipt the free coffee is written as "Treat a friend (100%)

Bandar Mahkota Cheras access road Blocked?

Drama unfolds as cops step in to block road (News from The Star Online)
Thursday April 24, 2008
Read the news at
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/4/24/central/21042029&sec=central

MORE drama unfolded at Bandar Mahkota Cheras yesterday when the Kajang police temporarily closed the controversial road offering toll-free access to the Cheras-Kajang Highway.


Several patrol cars were used to block the road under the flyover leading to the Cheras 11th Mile toll plaza from 8am to 9.50am. This led to a large group of angry residents gathering at the site to protest the move.
...

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Bandar Mahkota Cheras access road on YouTube

Reminds me of the tearing down of the Berlin wall. Click on links below to view:

Bandar Mahkota Cheras Night Heat
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Xhm1_bzLVNQ

Bandar Mahkota Cheras Access Road
http://youtube.com/watch?v=y8kVWHck5jM

Countdown Video. Bandar Mahkota Cheras "Buka Jalan"
http://youtube.com/watch?v=U-I3mZIibTw

http://youtube.com/watch?v=r3yZ6wx6OAc

'Malay Mail' to be political sheet on PKR?

'Malay Mail' to be political sheet (From Malaysia-Today)
Posted by Raja Petra
Wednesday, 23 April 2008


(The Malaysian Insider) - The Malay Mail, the Kuala Lumpur daily that has seen better days in its 112-year history, will turn into a political afternoon newspaper focused on Pakatan Rakyat-ruled states when relaunched May 5.
...
Read more at http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/6489/84/


Not sure even with the relaunch, that the news will be fairly reported or still bias to the BN government, read the report below for more.

From http://www.marketing-interactive.com/news/4042
...
Simpletech is controlled by Ibrahim Mohd Nor while Gabungan is a substantial shareholder of Media Prima, which in turn is a substantial shareholder of NSTP. The group is closely linked to the political party UMNO (United Malays National Organisation). Ibrahim Mohd Nor, a low profile businessman with strong political connections, is also a shareholder of Blue Inc that owns a stable of lifestyle magazines in Malaysia.

...

Food again @ Simon's Delight Restaurant

This restaurant is opposite Seaview restaurant, PJ. Yeaah you keep seeing Seaview in most of my food updates, nearby my office marrr.

The CharSiew fan here is said to be famous. It is different than the normal charsiew that we usually eat. It is softer, melts a bit in your mouth. Also it is a little fatty like pork is suppose to be.


They also serve kai fan and siew yok fan.

Price RM 4.30 for a plate of charsiew fan.

Bandar Mahkota Cheras Link road (Update again...)

Grand Saga official pelted with stones (From The Star Online)
Wednesday April 23, 2008
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/4/23/central/21030432&sec=central


A REPRESENTATIVE from Grand Saga Sdn Bhd, the concessionaire for the Cheras-Kajang Highway, was pelted with stones yesterday when he threatened to restore the dismantled barricade at the Bandar Mahkota Cheras toll-free access road.

Before the incident, Grand Saga representative Zainal Abidin was heard telling residents gathered at the Bandar Mahkota Cheras-Bandar Tun Hussein Onn junction that they had no right to open the road. He roused their anger further by threatening to block the road.
...
Residents, however, have claimed that the road was included in the Kajang masterplan while the highway was built later and therefore the concessionaire had no right to deny them access.
...

They said the closure affected their rights as citizens and the government should defend their cause.

Milwaukee Grill & Cafe

Those who has been to Balakong, Selangor, would know the Milwaukee Grill & Cafe restaurant, near Public Bank. They serve western food.

I just found out that they opened a branch in Kepong and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. My colleague Bryan was in Vietnam for 2 weeks, when he got the restaurant's business card.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Bandar Mahkota Cheras Link road (Update again)

I used the Bandar Mahkota Cheras access link road from the Kajang Cheras highway just now. The barrier was torn down, but the road is not resurfaced. It took me around 10 minutes to clear the traffic lights, just to enter the access road.

There were some policemen at the site, as a small gathering was held at the area near the traffic lights. Many DAP and PKR flags were seen and big umbrellas. Could be some MP or politician at the site giving a talk or briefing.

10 minutes to clear this traffic lights.
Clear road ahead

Bandar Mahkota Cheras Link road (Update)

Angry residents remove barrier at access road (From The Star Online)
Tuesday April 22, 2008
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/4/22/central/21018841&sec=central


JOY turned to despair and anger when Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents learnt that the toll-free access road to the Cheras-Kajang Highway would not be opened yesterday as earlier anticipated.

More than 700 angry residents who had gathered at the barricade under the flyover before the Cheras 11th mile toll plaza and at the junction to Bandar Tun Hussein Onn took matters into their own hands by forcefully removing the blockage.

With the use of heavy machinery, they removed the barrier placed by highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd in 2006 and defied an order from the Selangor state government to wait till Wednesday.
...

Ah Beng Jokes

Just received this from my colleague, enjoy arrr....

Ah Beng bought a new mobile.
He sent a message to everyone from his Phone Book & said,"My Mobile No. Has changed. Earlier it was Nokia 3310. Now it is 6610"


Ah Beng : I am a Proud, coz my son is in Medical College .
Friend: Really, what is he studying.
Ah Beng: No, he is not studying, they are Studying him.


Ah Beng : Doctor, in my dreams, I play football every night.
DR: Take this tablet, you will be ok.
Ah Beng : Can I take tomorrow, tonight is final game.


Ah Beng : If I die, will u remarry?
Wife: No! I'll stay with my sister. But if I die will u remarry?
Ah Beng : No, I'll also stay with your sister.


Ah Beng : People consider me as a "GOD"
Wife: How do you know??
Ah Beng : When I went to the Park today, everybody said,
Oh GOD! U have come again.


Ah Beng complained to the police: "Sir, all items are missing, except the TV in my house."
Police: "How the thief did not take TV?"
Ah Beng : "I was watching TV news..."


Ah Beng comes back 2 his car & find a note saying "Parking Fine"
He Writes a note and sticks it to a pole "Thanks for complement.."


How do you recognize Ah Beng in School?
He is the one who erases the notes from the book when the teacher erases the board.


Once Ah Beng was walking he had a glove on one hand and not on other. So the man asked him why he did so. He replied that the weather forecast announced that on one hand it would be cold and on the other hand it would be hot.


Ah Beng in a bar and his cellular phone rings. He picks it up and says "Hello, how did you know I was here?"


Ah Beng : Why are all these people running?
Man - This is a race, the winner will get the cup
Ah Beng - If only the winner will get the cup, why others running?


Teacher: "I killed a person" convert this sentence into future tense
Ah Beng : The future tense is "u will go to jail"


Ah Beng told his servant: "Go and water the plants!"
Servant: "It's already raining."
Ah Beng : "So what? Take an umbrella and go."


A man asked Ah Beng why Ahmad Badawi goes walking in the Evening and not in the morning Ah Beng replied Ahmad Badawi is PM not AM

Olympic flame captivates KL

The first thing when I saw the above picture on the Star newspaper was, the cameras, video cameras, tripods (must be monopods) and still cameras... not 'who' was carrying the torch.

Well thats what I look for...

Click in links below:
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/22/nation/21023102&sec=nation
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/22/nation/21023094&sec=nation
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/22/nation/21023853&sec=nation

Tun Dr. Mahathir on BBC Hardtalk

Tun Dr. Mahathir on BBC Hardtalk (Talking to Stephen Sackur)

I missed the talk last night when I came back late from a company dinner.

Click on links below:
http://www.malaysia-today.net/2008/content/view/6424/84/

http://bigdogdotcom.wordpress.com/2008/04/21/tun-dr-mahathir-on-hardtalk-he-is-making-use-of-the-system-in-the-worse-way/

Dinner @ Damansara Village Steamboat Restaurant

Our SAP partner SAP Indigo gave us a dinner treat, FFSCAP and users from the other countries involved in the Business Warehouse (BW) project at Damansara Village Steamboat Restaurant.

The way to safe and delicious steamboat eating at Damansara Village... some steps or procedures to eating steamboat, written by Patrick Teoh. Yah, the owner is Patrick Teoh.

Benefits of Damansara Village's Special Herbal soup

Some of my colleagues...
From Left:
Joey, Marlowe, Fadzlin (yes this restaurant serves Halal food), Ellie, Chyn, Hendrik (SAP Indigo) and Bryan



Steamboat cooking...
Look at the fresh prawns...
We had the works last night. Other than the vegetables, different types of balls... fishballs, meatballs..., quail's eggs, tauhu, tiger prawns, noodle fish, there was also abalone, whole fish, crabs (not the fake crab stick), big lala, oysters, scalops, a kind of deep fried cousin if the prawn, the salted Mantis Prawns....

The soup at the end of dinner was sooooo rich with seafood, mixed in the noodle and eggs. A good ending to a mouth watering steamboat dinner.

Thank you SAP Indigo, Barry and Chris.

Venue:
Damansara Village Steamboat Restaurant.
067, Jalan Jenjarum,
Kg. Sg. Kayu Ara,
off Jalan SS23/10,
47400 Petaling Jaya.

Their blog: http://www.damansaravillage.blogspot.com/

Their map.

The price: :-??

Names in Sg Long (Update)

What is there in Sg Long, other than the ordinary kopi shops, barbers, hair saloons, convenient shops, etc, etc... here is a list of "branded" companies located in Sg Long:

1. Watson's pharmacy(2 outlets)
2. Guardian pharmacy
3. MyDin Supermarket
4. 7-Eleven (2 outlets)
5. Hai O (Chinese herbs and medicine)
6. Old Town Kopitiam
7. Secret Recipe
8. England Optical
9. Maybank
10. EON Bank
11. UTAR
12. Shell Petrol Station (2 outlets)
13. KFC (Open, just went there for lunch on Saturday)

14. Dominos Pizza (Opening soon)
15. Bebe's Home Boutique

Not forgetting, there is a Balai Polis located in one of the new shoplots.

Sungai Long also has a Jack Nicklaus-signature golf course, located at The Sungai Long Golf and Country Club.

In the neighbouring township, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Am Bank is opening a branch soon.

So wanna move into Sungai Long?

Monday, April 21, 2008

Bandar Mahkota Cheras Link road to be opened?

Good news for folks in Bandar Mahkota Cheras and Bandar Sungai Long, who have longed for an alternate road out of these townships to the Cheras Kajang highway. Many years of traffic congestions in and out during peak hours.

I heard from a little bird it was to open today, but the latest news was it is on hold due to disputes on the ownership of the land.

Wait and see....

Selangor gives go-ahead for toll-free road to open (From The Star Online)
Saturday April 19, 2008
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/19/nation/21004491&sec=nation


KAJANG: The Selangor Government has given the green light for the opening of the Bandar Mahkota Cheras toll-free access road leading to the Cheras-Kajang Highway.

The Kajang Municipal Council has been given the power to remove the barricade put up by highway concessionaire Grand Saga Sdn Bhd in 2006 due to loss of toll collection.

...

1 Year in Friesland Foods Services

This month I have worked here in Friesland Foods Services for a year. Happy anniversary to me :-p

Is it time for me to move? I gave this company 1 year of my life. All companies has its goods and bads. Some are "gooder" and some are "badder" (forgive me for the bad Ingelis).

1 year ago, there were things which I mentioned to management, but up till today nothing much has changed. I am overworked at times, supporting now 6 countries. Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. 2 more countries are going to be supported by us, that is Greece and Hungary when they go life by I think early next year.

Imagine 1 consultant supporting per module. I am not able to take long annual leave without being overloaded with work when I come back. The same even when there is a public holiday or when I am on medical leave.

My last annual leave I took, i brought the family to Genting. When I came back on Monday, I had to take the whole week to clear my work load. After that getaway, Marilyn said, "I better not ask you to take leave anymore".

Not being able to take leave, long leave, medical leave or public holiday in "peace" is not my idea of a good working environment. :-(

Sigh, how long more can I last??? .... over and out.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

American idol - Shout to the Lord

American Idol finalist sings Shout to the Lord, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WOzF9ZGA7A



At the end of that show, they sang an edited version of Shout to the Lord... where they edited out 'Jesus'.

It starts with...
My Shepard, My Saviour.....
Another verse... My Comfort, My Saviour...

Another Farewell Lunch

We brought Caleb and family to Paris.... not in France but in SS2, Restoran Paris for an early farewell lunch. It was a small affair, 2 families.

Had Chinese dishes, steamed fish, koloyok... sweet sour pork, water mewlon kai, tauho, fried eggs and mixed veg, dishes more for the children than for us parents.

Talked about Australia, their plans, preparations and what they will be doing there.

I was immersed with giving Caleb some "advise" on my camera, Canon S3 IS. The camera talk and the food, made me forget to take a group photo... silly me. Got to make another appointment than.

We knew Debbie and Caleb way back when we were in Students work, secondary school days and during college (Caleb or known as Aaron back than). We went on mission trips together and many conventions too. We were at their engagement and wedding as well. We see their children grown up. Many memories for us. We will surely miss them when they go to Australia.

So Caleb and Debbie, one farewell lunch is not the end, our friendship and 'familyship' will continue, we will see you in Australia one day too. Looking forward to many breakfasts, lunches and dinners, not to mention the morning tea, afternoon tea and supper. Do come back to visit often :-p

Friday, April 18, 2008

Renew road tax via the Net

Renew road tax via the Net
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/18/nation/20990393&sec=nation

KUALA LUMPUR: For RM2.75, you can now renew your road tax online and, for an additional RM6, have the road tax delivered to you the next day in the Klang Valley.

The delivery fee for those living outside the Klang Valley is RM8, and RM10 for those in Sabah and Sarawak.
...
...the online service enabled the public to renew their road tax from anyplace with Internet access and at anytime, via www.myeg.com.my and www.jpj.gov.my.
...

Bread prices up too... Arrrghhh

Silver Bird raises bread price
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/18/nation/20989745&sec=nation

PETALING JAYA: Bread manufacturer Silver Bird Group Bhd raised the price of three of its products yesterday, following similar action by competitor Gardenia.

High 5 wholemeal bread now sells for RM3, up from RM2.70, while its hot dog and burger buns cost 20 sen more per packet.
...

Bandar Mahkota Cheras access road

Bandar Mahkota Cheras folk to get an answer on Friday
Thursday April 17, 2008
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/4/17/central/20960257&sec=central

ON Friday, Bandar Mahkota Cheras residents will know if their wishes would come true if the Selangor state government orders the opening of the Bandar Mahkota Cheras access road that was blocked in 2005.
...

MyView:
The opening of the Bandar Mahkota Cheras access road will certainly ease congestion at the Bandar Sungai Long main road towards the highway. Morning and evening jams is getting not only on my nerves, but all residents of Sg Long, Mahkota Cheras and the surrounding areas.