Walk With Nature

A Brand New Blog

2009-05-01T23:53:00.000+08:00

Dear Visitors,

I have got another new website to hold my blog, the name is the same, walknature but you can find my blog more easily. Just go to Google search engine, intead of key in "walknature.blogspot", you can now key in only "walknature". Blogger is good but I just wanted to have my own website..... so that I can call it "my own". Haha...

A brand new website, hope you enjoy !

Cheers !

Mount Kutu / Gunung Kutu (1200m) - Exploration Part 1

2009-04-20T22:03:00.003+08:00

On 12 April, we were given a task to explore Gunung Kutu. I was trying to search more information on internet but very little I could find. Since one of my friends was there few weeks ago with his other group and they failed to get to the summit, this time, his responsibility was shared by few of us, hoping we could find our way to the top.

The peak, claims to be 1200 m height, as I found on internet, was actually no confirmation by any recognized bodies. We have to be there to check it out ourselves.

We started our journey at 7am and headed to Kuala Kubu Baru (KKB) to look for a place for our breakfast. We landed in a small village, which is also famous for its Loh Mee, a local noddle which has its own ingredients to make the delicious soup. But we were too early and the Loh Mee coffee shop was yet to open for business. So, we finally went to a normal coffee shop but it did reminds me some of our children's life.

Here is the normal coffee shop where we had our coffee, tea, economy fried noodles, half boil eggs and bread with butter and jam.

To people here, life is simple and comfortable with such a wooden shop house.

We parked our car at vacant field where we were asked to pay RM10 by a local resident but finally our "negotiator" successfully convinced him to accept RM5.

Found this at the beginning trek.

A notice board informing us this is a reserved forest.

Our friend is trying his 2nd attempt to the top of this mountain.

We walked by the side of this river.

Another pretty flower.

The 2nd bridge that we have to cross but some friends preferred the water way.

Great place to relax but we have our mission now....

Be careful to choose the correct direction after crossing the bridge.

Are we on the right track ?

Look like the road was conquered by 4WD before.

Another junction we have to decide which way to go.

Long way to go......

First river we have to wet our foot.

Come on, let me help to put you on photo as well !

OK, but make sure you take a good one :)

Start changing our shoes now.

A good place for camping, flat and with a river down there.

Guys, undecided of the direction ?

It takes a good guts to walk through.

I was wondering what happens if a snake........ no risk no gain right ? ;)

2nd river we have to cross.

By the way, this trek has many hungry leeches that could not stop attacking us, including this small one found on my leg.

Despite the attack by leeches, we move on.

When you see this yourself, for a moment you forgot all the leeches.

What's more when you can enjoy to have discovered this little pretty ?
Do they look like bird ?

For a quick look, this could be an entrance made by someone. But, the 2 bundles of bamboos were actual waiting to be transporting out from the jungle. Who has the privilege rights to do so ? Your guess ?

Another plant.

So guys, are we in a right direction ?

Part of the obstacles we have to encounter.

Hey, our excellent "negotiator" found something here.

Looks like our "ghost king" brother is trapped by this thing.

It's not an ordinary string, it's a wire rope.

Our 2 brothers explaining to us this trap is to set up to catch animal like wild boar. He was just demonstrating to us how this thing works.

OK, class finished, let's get moving.

We are still searching for the correct way to summit.

One step miss and down you go.

Little creature that can make your skin feel itchy and rash.

Anyone can tell what is this ?

Someone is watching you, remember to talk politely. :)

I remembered seeing this plant in Gunung Nuang also.

An excuse for me to stop for while to rest :)

Each time I went for a trek, I have a plant that stand out among others. This one make it to the top of my list.

Our "negotiator" was attacked by leech again but this time, a bigger one. Feel scary ?

A kind of spider ?

Little white fungus are growing on a fallen tree.

Lingzhi families ?

I guess this creature has fallen in love with my shirt :)

We have walked for more than 3 hours but still unable to find the right trek to the summit. At the height of 775 meter, we finally decided to detour due to time factor, but we have not given up yet ! We will come back.

Mount Kutu / Gunung Kutu (1200m) - Exploration Part 2

2009-04-20T21:33:00.002+08:00

Time for lunch now before we detour back.

Our big brother looks very tiring.

When you can have a "roti canai" up in the mountain, the taste is just super delicious !

"Ghost King" found this sticky flower that has a liquid like glue on it.

Stopped by another small waterfall to take the fresh air.

Only the sound of water and insects you can hear.

Hi, little butterfly, mind me to take a picture of you ? You are just that pretty !

Comparing the size of this with those we found in the city, isn't this big ?

Why this big shirt is hanging there and who did it ? According to our friend, it is to scare away the monkeys and obviously, is done by the orang asli (aborigines).

Our "negotiator" says when you see this, you would be sure receive very good luck and fortune. We saw it, so, I guess my luck and fortune should be coming very soon huh ! :D

Another type of fungus again.

The focus should be on the shape of the 2 bamboos, not the far mountain :)

"Ghost king" found this in a muddy pond. You know why he has this prestige name as "Ghost King" ? Because he has nothing to scare about ! ;)

At last we are out from the jungle.

Time to wash away your dirty shoes, especially remember not to bring any leech back.

Since we have plenty of time, we stopped at the water Dam here to enjoy our lovely afternoon.

We have a cloudy sky.

Unless you know how to appreciate the beauty of the nature, you can't find anything here.

Afternoon tea shall be ready in a moment.

Although it's afternoon but it still looks fresh.

How about this ?

And this ?

We had a relaxing time at the water dam before we packed and drove to a small place, Rasa in KKB to have our dinner.

A type of Spring Rolls where inside is filled with meat but this one is rolled with "Pork Net" on the outer part, yummy !

Clay Pot mutton ribs.

Stir-fry Nai Pak vegetables

Snakehead fish steam with ginger.

Our final dishes, wildboar curry meat.

Chicken a la Carte

2009-04-20T15:28:00.002+08:00

When I watched this video, it teaches me a lesson. I am very fortunate enough to have enough food to eat and to have a shelter to shed away the sun and rains. I was thinking, how many people in this world has actually realize the poverty life of many unfortunate children in many countries. They have been starving everyday and yet they face the fact and carry on their life as usual. Our modernized society children are being pampered by parents, they can eat whatever they like but they through away the excess food without thinking of those who need the food desperately.

I know this real story is just only a tip on the iceberg, what about those children and family that we haven't seen ?

The parents have to educate our children, by showing them this short but valuable short film so that they have an idea how the unfortunate children out their are having a totally different life from them. Parents must also keep reminding our children not to waste any food at any time.

On the other hand, parents are supposed to lead by example, this is the most important factor to educate our children. Order what you only need.

Lastly, as a Humane Society, I believe we have to do our part to help those 100,000 people who are dying everyday due to hunger and malnutrition.

Remember, when we come, we bring nothing, when we go, we bring nothing but memories to the people we left behind. We have a choice to leave either a good memories or the other way. It is up to you !

Show it to your children !

Mount Kota Kinabalu Training

2009-04-16T23:45:00.003+08:00

Since I will be going to Mount Kota Kinabalu in early May 2009, I have started my training in mid February. To keep track of my training plan, I am listing down all the activities that I have taken so that I can remind myself not to be lazy and be discipline in order to enjoy the reward later :)

1st (15.02.09) : Trekking at Route No 5 - Gasing Hill, Petaling Jaya.
Time : 45 mins - 3 laps

2nd : (16.02.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Section 7.
Time : 19 mins - 2 laps

3rd : (18.02.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 30 mins - 3 laps

4th : (22.02.09) : Gunung Nuang Trekking.

5th : (08.03.09) : Trekking at Route No 5 - Gasing Hill, Petaling Jaya.
Time : 64 mins - 4 laps

6th : (09.03.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 20 mins - 2 laps

7th : (15.03.09) : Took part in Larian Amal Seri Sinar for 10 km category.
Time : 70 mins.

8th : (18.03.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Recreation Park, Sec 27.
Time : 25 mins - 5 laps

9th : (20.03.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 20 mins - 2 laps

10th : (22.03.09) : Gunung Angsi (Angsi Hill) Trekking

11th : (26.03.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 30 mins - 3 laps

12th : (01.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 29 mins - 3 laps

13th : (03.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 29 mins 45 sec - 3 laps

14th : (07.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 29 mins 55 sec - 3 laps

15th : (08.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 30 mins 35 sec - 3 laps

16th : (10.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 29 mins 35 sec - 3 laps

17th : (12.04.09) : Gunung Kutu (Mount Kutu) Trekking

18th : (15.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 29 mins 45 sec - 3 laps

19th : (19.04.09) : Mount Ophir / Gunung Ledang (1276 m) - Hiking

20th : (22.04.09) : Jogging - Shah Alam Lake, Sec 7
Time : 30 mins 25 sec - 3 laps

My Hiking Events

2009-04-16T22:55:00.001+08:00

19 April 2009 - Gunung Ledang (Pending)

12 April 2009 - Gunung Kutu (Exploration - Unaccomplished)

22 March 2009 - Gunung Angsi

22 Feb 2009 - Gunung Nuang

18 Jan 2009 - Gunung Datuk

1 Jan 2009 - Chilling Waterfall

26 Oct 2008 - Kledang Hill

26 Oct 2008 - Gunung Perdah

25 Oct 2008 - Gunung Brinchang

25 Oct 2008 - Gunung Irau

Gunung Angsi - Part 1

2009-03-29T23:38:00.003+08:00

Here is another part of the hiking that I went with three friends. As usual, we gathered at 7am on Sunday and took our breakfast at a nearby coffee shop. Then we started our journey about 7.30am to Seremban town.

It was not long when we encountered an uphill road, it was like driving in a snake body and along the road, we saw few landslides and the road is being repaired or widening. Luckily I was the one who drive else I would be contributing to the environment for some "Undigested" food :-D

The distance from Seremban town to here is about 18km. We arrived at about 8.45am, the place was rather well maintain compared to Gunung Nuang.

The signage provides clear information and direction.

Plenty of shops selling souvenirs and food.

For those who like Python reticulatus, it's just 150 meter away.

Guys, ready to go ?

Let's move in !

Looks like it is well maintained.

For family, this is a nice fresh water pool !

If you prefer more natural, the playing in the stream is not a bad idea.

There are plenty of camp sites for you to experience the not so wild jungle night.

Or you prefer Team building.

Shower and rest rooms are here for you also.

If you prefer a walk around this area, feel free to do so.

How big is this park ? See for yourself !

Before start hiking up to the top, we have to register here. We were told to pay RM5 each but the receipts would only post to our home later....mmmm. A bit strange !!

The officer also informed us that after 10am, no one is allowed to go up to Gunung Angsi for safety reason.

History of Ulu Bendul.

A symbol of the park.

Ulu Bendul Recreation Park's information.

Ants are moving house, maybe due to yesterday's rain, their home is flooded :)

Map showing different places in Gunung Angsi.

Not so tough huh.

The water was not so clear due to yesterday's rain fall. As you can see the soil erosion has taken place.

It's a good place to rest.

Maybe this is very common to some of you.

View taken from the top.

A small hut to take rest.

This is the real start of the trek !

Found this along the trek.

Going up now.....

Just in case you want to know what is the function of the jungle.

Small plant growing on a big tree.

A mushroom family ?

After 40 mins, we arrived at another camp site, Kem Tangga Batu.

We have to cross the river later.

Mmm....water not so clear.

Let's start moving......

Gunung Angsi - Part 2

2009-03-29T11:15:00.000+08:00

Bumped into these just across the river.

A closer look, still not able to figure out what are these.

2nd trek does not look good.

One type of Lingzhi (靈芝) ?

Saw one more fungus.

The stream is clearer here.

Yellow Fungus ?

Opps... getting uphill task now.

There are really many type of Fungus here.

Friend, take your time.....

We thought the root was bleeding.

This ain't easy man !!

I can't find "Give Up" in my hiking dictionary :)

Just walk slow and observe the surrounding, you can find many funny plants.

I guess this is a sweet plant as many ants were there.

Life is always full of challenges, so does hiking.

I like this, small but cute !

This is the most exciting part along the journey.

Time to test our skills now.....

Finally.....

Our fittest man, despite taking photos for us, yet always ahead of us !

Malaysian younger generation of "Wong Fei Hung"

Let me show you how to climb vertically.

See, you have to use the leg and hand muscles, of course with the rock climbing skills also.

One more ?

Strong man say this is "wet wet water"

Our steady friend perfers a safer way.

You just need an umbrella to welcome our "Sifu" up there !

Come Master, I am ready to shield you away from the hot sun.

Assignment accomplished.

We are almost there, just few more steps.

Take a rest to pamper ourselves with this beautiful view.

I thought it's only few more steps ?

This Fungus does not look very happy.

Mushroom again ?

This one looks like the one we eat at home.

I believe they are easy to grow any where in the jungle, as long as the place is moisture.

At last, we reached the top in about 1.5 hours.
We boilt water, have our Pu-erh tea and our bread lunch. We decided next time to pack "Roti Canai" for our lunch when we go hiking again. Mmm..it's so tasty when you can have one at the top !

A view taken at the summit (825 m above sea level)

Another view from the summit.

Let's remember we have our footsteps up here !

Gunung Angsi - Part 3

2009-03-29T11:13:00.001+08:00

Going down is more challenging. Our friends are figuring out what strategy to use.

Leader is leading the way to go down.

Less than 30 seconds and he is done.

Our big brother always uses the safer way.

Slow and steady, he has his way.

If you think this is Banana then you are wrong. It's a Red Palm Tree.

Just about to blossom.....

Here they are !

Need no introduction....

This is very tiny and small, you just have to walk slow to discover such little plant.

I thought it would be easy to use my finger to show the size of this creature.

Time to enjoy and listen to the rythem of the water.

We took about 1 hour to reach the Kem Batu Tangga and another 30 minutes to reach the base, the time was about 3pm. As you can see, many people were there to have fun.

Even the pool was full of people.

You can enjoy from outside of the pool as well.

We took rest and have our "Roti Arab" before taking shower and head to our next destination.

As we still have plenty of time, our friend suggested we come here to try our luck to see if we can get a "number" to strike or not.

Found it outside the temple.

Goddess of Mercy or Guan Yin

She has a house here.

Many kind of fishes, including man-eating fish, Koi, Turtles and Catfish.
It's amazing how these fishes can live in harmony within such a small pond but human being, the smartest species on earth, have so many conflicts. Could it be only one main reason ? Greed !

Stairs to the heaven :)

Need some fruits and money ?

If you do good things in life you are welcome here.

The dragon door.

What animal you belongs to ?

That's why I love nature so much :D

Need more wealth ? Try bringing this home.

The Monkey King or in Chinese 孙悟空.

Fishing with Jiang Taigong or 姜太公.
There is a legendary about this Jiang Taigong, if you are interested, you can read up from the books.

Our final destination to fill our stomach.
This restaurant serves only grill food in aluminum foil.

Tranquil environment but it was hot when we were there.

Lady finger

招牌鱼 or Famous Tilapia Fish, recommended by the owner.

Grilled Mutton, a bit salty but good to eat with rice. But I took only few, friends should know why :D

Tilapia grilled with salt, a bit dry.

Grilled with ginger.

This restaurant closes on every Thursday, business time is from 11 am to 7 pm but when we were there, it stopped business at 6.15pm already as the fishes they prepared already finished, although they still can catch some from the pond nearby, strange !

Maybe they are the people who get contented easily, that's why they do not want to earn so much money :)

So, if you want to try, better go early.

My Running Event - Year 2009

2009-03-29T10:34:00.005+08:00

My running event for year 2009 :-

15 Mar 2009 - Larian Amal Seri Sinar, Bukit Jalil
Category : 10km (Veteran)
Status : Completed.

12 April 2009 - BHP Orange Run, The Curve
Category : 11km (Veteran)
Status : Cancelled

26 April 2009 - Jogathon Warisan 2009 - Kwong Tong Cemetery, KL
Category : 7km (Men Open)
Status : Registered

7 June 2009 - New Balance Klang Pacers 1/2 Marathon - Setia Alam
Category : 11km (Men Open)
Status : To be confirmed

28 June 2009 - Standard Chartered KL Marathon 2009
Category : 10km (Open)
Status : Registered

26 July 2009 - International Golden Towerthon
Category : Men 49 years below
Status : To be confirmed

Meaningful Words !

2009-03-29T08:55:00.001+08:00

你不能决定生命的长短，但是你可以控制它的宽度。
You cannot decide the length of the life but you can control its width.

你不能左右天气，但是你可改变心情。
You cannot adjust the weather but you can change your mood.

你不能改变容貌，但是你可以展现笑容。
You cannot change the appearance but you can show your smile.

你不能控制他人，但是你可以掌握自己。
You cannot control others but you can master yourself.

你不能预知明天，但是你可以利用今天。
You cannot predict tomorrow but you can make use of today.

你不能样样胜利，但是你可以事事尽力。
You cannot win everything but you can do your best in everything.

Larian Amal Seri Sinar 2009 - Bukit Jalil

2009-03-16T08:07:00.004+08:00

It has been quite a long time that I have not taken part in the running event.On Sunday morning (15 Mar 2009), I was at Bukit Jalil with another 2 friends to run in the 10KM category, with no consistent jogging now a day, I found it's very challenging to complete the run but it was a self-fulfillment when crossing the finishing line :)

There are 3 categories for this run ; 10km, 5km and 3km (Family Run). Total participants for this run was about 1,500 and that's a lot !! I hope more people will get involve in this kind of healthy event as it really is good for our life.

The time that I achieved was 70 minutes, which is longer than the past record of 56 minutes but that does not matter, as the main purpose for me to participating the running events is to maintain a healthy life :)

This is my number that I wore during the race.

And this is the finishing medal for all participants.

Gunung Nuang (1,498 M), Hulu Langat

2009-03-02T07:09:00.002+08:00

On 22 Feb 2009, as part of my Mount Kota Kinabalu's training plan with 2 of my friends, Kwan and Goh, a few of my friends were kind enough to accompany us to trek this Gunung Nuang.

We departed from Puchong at about 6.30am, went for breakfast at Connaught Garden and met up with Kwan and Goh before headed to Hulu Langat. Just in case you want to know how to go to Hulu Langat, from Jalan Cheras, drive straight to Lebuhraya Cheras-Kajang, there is a sigboard to lead you in Jalan Hulu Langat, whcih will take you to Gunung Nuang. Still lost ? Click here, navigate the map, you will be able to find the direction.

The distance from Shah Alam to Gunung Nuang is about 55km and from the entrance of Jalan Hulu Langat to Nuang took us about 40 minutes.

A car parking area.

Chalets are available for those who want a quite night.

I presume vehicles are not allowed to go in.

The trek will start from here.

1,498 meter, the highest peak in Selangor.

Guys, let's start moving !

We have to walk across small rocks at the beginning.

When come to see these bamboo trees, it is a great enjoyment.

Friend, take yout time, you will not lost over here.

Start ascending now.

I guess this is the "Orang Asli" or "Aboriginal People" house.

I did not see this during my last trek.

The path is wide enough.

I thought no vehicle is allowed here ?
Anyway, we took about 1 hour to reach the first campsite here.

A group of people is leaving, not far from Lolo campsite.

A closer look of the campsite where the group of people was seen just now.

The beauty of the natural rocks fill with the flow of a stream.

After crossing the stream will lead us to Lolo Campsite

The path becomes narrow compared to the earlier path that we walked.

There are many funny trees like this.

A close shot of a flower that grows on the tree.

This hut has been left with such a condition for a very long time. Can you see a white shadow inside ? :D

Another 10 minutes from the first campsite, we reached here.
Our friends are talking about fishes now.

Guys, over here please !

Does anyone knows what are these for ?

A kind of fruits ?

One of the ponds at the Lolo Campsite.

These belongs to Mushroom family ?

The path to Pacat Campsite is really challenging.

Wanna withdraw ?

It took 1 hour for me, Sen and Loong to reach this Pacat Campsite from Lolo Campsite.

As insect was having its transformation here.

It is a skill to make this happen :)

Guys, hang on, drinks will be served in a short while.

Here it is, our Jasmine Tea.

Besides Jasmine Tea, we also have coffee and breads.

Not forgetting our Peanuts, my favorite :)

Just want to guess how tall is this tree and how long does it takes to grow this height.
Isn't life is like that ? From infant to adult, we have gone through many ups and downs and yet, we cannot predict what will happen in future. Greed and selfishness have led us to destroy the nature, we know the earth is sick now. Many nature lovers are doing their best to save the earth but there are also people who possess a selfish attitude. They bring things into jungle but left them behind when they go. I sincerely urge those who like to throw rubbish everywhere in the jungle, please be a considerate person, let's work together to preserve the beauty of the forest so that other people also can enjoy the nature as much as us. When we go into the jungle, always remember :

Take Nothing But Photos
Leave Nothing But Footprints.

Our two friends, arrived later but it does not matter right ? The most important thing is along the journey, we really put in our effort to make things happen and achieve what we want. That's what I call self satisfaction :)

Mist or Burning activities ? Our friends know better.

Just very unique and pretty ! The bottom looks like a baby corn.

Hi how are you ? Guess you are enjoying your life here in the jungle.

I wonder if this little butterfly has ever complaint of its 1 pair of wing as a burden or it is very proud to have them. Well, although I don't speak and hear insect's languages, it depends on how it sees things around itself. Some people see problems in a negative way, some see them as a challenge and a new way to learn new things. Isn't life likes this ? :)

Just listen to the sound and rhythm of the water flow, it may helps to calm your mind.

Another type of flower found here.

It was my lucky day to have spotted this beautiful flower.

You just have to really enjoy and appreciate the environment in order to see little pretty things in the jungle.

One more.

Another one.

It's really a good place to cool our body and mind.

Want a natural purified air ? Come here to get it free :)

I just come across that ionized water which claimed can bring good for our health is actually does not has scientific research to support. True or not ? Well, if you want to learn about the fact, maybe you can check with this website.

Anyone cares to tell what are these ? I guess they are sweet as you can see, there are many ants on them.

Let's soak inside this pond for a while before our departure back to the car park.

Dare to walk alone ?

Another pretty flower along the trek.

Almost there.

Enjoying the beauty of the tree. Without leafs, grow under the hot sun everyday and yet it can stand out among those well grown trees. It reminds me to be as tough as it. :)

Another type of small flower.

Rain or Sunshine, we don't care, as long as we can be together forever. :)

This is what we call determination, even if it's raining, our friend still able to walk back.

As one of the key persons in a company, our friend hardly could find time to exercise and yet, knowing this is a very tough trek, he followed. All the way up to Pacat Camp and descending back here.

Well done friend !!!

One of the restaurants that is famous for fresh water fishes.

I heard you can do fishing there and bring to this restaurant to cook.

Vegetable we ordered.

Kangkung Belacan but not that spicy over here.

Ever tried a wild boar meat cook with curry ?

Paddy Frog, anyone ?

Restaurant's home made bean curd or Tofu.

Steamed snakehead fish.

My CNY Holiday in Phuket, Thailand - 1st night

2009-02-08T13:42:00.011+08:00

My wife and I were having a great holidays in Phuket, Thailand during Chinese New Year holidays recently. The flying time from KLIA to Phuket was about 1 hour 15 minutes. We took an evening flight and was slightly delayed due to heavy downpour.

The Boeing 737-400 with a seating capacity of 144 was not fully occupied, less than 60 pax were on board, I guess it was due to CNY holidays and not many people would choose to go to Phuket for holidays.

The plane touched down Phuket at about 6.55pm local time and we took a cap from airport, cost us 550 baht to our hotel in Patong beach, the journey took about 45 minutes.

I presume ladies always like this kind of toy :)

After flying up to above 30,000 feet, we saw this beautiful view.

It looks like we are in heaven :)

The first place we came is this Jungceylon shopping mall, the biggest in Patong beach.

"Jungceylon" was a name for Phuket used back in 1511 when it was a fertile and prosperous port town embraced by the Andaman Sea. The name is now being used again for the Jungceylon project, a world class shopping and entertainment destination that will revive Phuket’s great history and reputation and make it known around the world.

In Malaysia, we have Robinson at The Gardens in Mid Valley. Here, we saw it in Jungceylon.

The open area is popular for people who like to have beers while enjoying a live band singing.

A worker was seen crafting a watermelon in front of a Thai Restaurant in Jungceylon.

A closer look for the crafted fruits. I wonder how much he is paid to get this thing done.

Gunung Datuk at Rembau, Negeri Sembilan

2009-01-21T08:12:00.024+08:00

I visited this Gunung Datuk (883 meters) again on 18 Jan 09 with few friends. It was my second visit since May 2007, not much of changes. A drive from Kuala Lumpur to the small town named Rembau is about 1 hour 15 mins. Using the PLUS highway from Sg Besi and exit at Senawang toll, the total distance is about 57km and the current rate is RM8.20. Just in case you want to know the exit point, have a look at this map. From Senawang, using the small road, it takes another 30 mins to reach the Rembau town. There is a green sigboard of "Gunung Datuk" at the road side, hardly you can miss it.

Once you turn into the direction to Gunung Datuk, you will pass by small malay village and then on a narrow road cutting through rubber plantations to reach the foothill. It was a nice view to enjoy as well, so, drive slowly and carefully.

The parking area.

Hall where you can hold a small function.

This recreation had been taken over by a private corporation since Jan 2007 and climbing permit is at RM3.00 for one person.

The symbol of Gunung Datuk or Mount Datuk.

A brief introduction of Gunung Datuk.

A small pond that you can bring family to enjoy.

For non regular climber, it is quite a challenge but determination can conquer everything.

Rocks are found at the beginning path.

Hi hi, don't worry, take your time, see you at the top ! :)

Our friend is just too strong to beat.

Just few more steps and I will catch up with you.

We are at 800 meter height now.

The last hurdle to pass.

At last we reached there but to be at the top, we have to climb this stair case.

A great creation from the nature.

We have a very strong wind up here, it could be very dangerous to climb the stair case if one was not careful enough.

Our fittest man up there is showing us how strong the wind was.

Young man sitting there to wait for the right time to climb up.

At last, we are at the top !
883 meters above sea level

How can I miss this beautiful view...... :)

The view of Rembau town and far side is the Straits of Malacca, can you see it ?

Even going down have to be very careful.

Friend, a snap before we go down.

You really need to be careful when climbing or going down using the metal stair case. One step miss and you will land in anywhere as the wind blows.

Don't know what is the name of these plants, any one can tell ?

The root of this tree is able to let us have an idea how long this forest is already here.

The place where we found a note saying an accident took place here.

Translation...the 2nd victim, left leg broken. I wonder how it could happen !

Another old tree.

Just love the shape of the branches.

Take a rest before we depart to home.

You Have 2 Choices

2009-01-20T17:16:00.003+08:00

Jerry is the manager of a restaurant. He is always in a good mood

When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would always reply:

"If I were any better, I would be twins!"

Many of the waiters at his restaurant quit their jobs when he changed jobs, so they could follow him around from restaurant to restaurant

Why？

Because Jerry was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, Jerry was always there, telling him how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jerry and asked him：

"I don't get it! No one can be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"

Jerry replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, I have two choices today. I can choose to be in a good mood or I can choose to be in a bad mood.

I always choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be victim or I can choose to learn from it. I always choose to learn from it.

Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I always choose the positive side of life."

"But it's not always that easy,” I protested.

"Yes it is," Jerry said.

"Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk every situation is a choice.

You choose how you react to situations.

You choose how people will affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood.

It's your choice how you live your life."

Several years later, I heard that Jerry accidentally did something you are never supposed to do in the restaurant business. He left the back door of his restaurant open and then in the morning, he was robbed by three armed men.

While Jerry trying to open the safe box, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jerry was found quickly and rushed to the hospital.

After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jerry was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body.…

I saw Jerry about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Want to see my scars?" I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place.

"The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door," Jerry replied.

"Then, after they shot me, as I lay on the floor, I remembered that I had two choices :

I could choose to live or could choose to die.

I chose to live."

Jerry continued, "The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine.

But when they wheeled me into the Emergency Room and I saw the expression on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared.

In their eyes, I read ‘He's a dead man’.

I knew I needed to take action." "What did you do?" I asked.

"Well, there was a big nurse shouting questions at me," said Jerry. "She asked if I was allergic to anything."

'Yes,' to bullets, I replied.

Over their laughter, I told them: “I am choosing to live. Please operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.”

"Jerry lived thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude.

I learned from him that every day you have the choice to either enjoy your life or to hate it.

The only thing that is truly yours -

That no one can control or take from you – is your attitude, so if you can take care of that, everything else in life becomes much easier.

Chilling Waterfall - Kuala Kubu Bharu

2009-01-06T21:06:00.073+08:00

During a "kaki" gathering on Christmas Eve, we decided to venture another beauties of nature near Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB), the Chilling Waterfalls. It is one of the popular waterfalls in Malaysia.

We departed around 10am and headed to Kuala Kubu Bharu to have our lunch before proceeded to a water damn, about 30 min drives and finally arrived to Chilling Waterfall.

While on our way there, we were talking about the short form of Kuala Kubu Bharu which is KKB, the kids in the car suddenly laugh when they heard this KKB. Apparenetly, they learn something better and creative than us in the school, KKB means..... :) Let them answer you if you happen to meet all these youngsters as they learn thing better and faster than us now, are we adults moving backwards :( As people say, if you stop learning, does not mean that you are maintaining your current position, in fact you are moving backwards as things change rapidly and moving very fast now a days. Don't you agree ? :) So....don't stop learning even if your age is catching up, am I talking about myself ? :p

A view of a street in KKB

Our friend, Ghost King recommended this unique Hailam coffee shop to us.

Lady boss is serving us.

This is one of the reasons why we are here... the famous of Hailam Chicken Steak :)

I was asked to pay the copy rights for taking a shot on this menu but in fact someone have to pay me for helping to promote this coffee shop, right Chee ? :P

Some of the food served by this coffee shop

Mmmmm....seems very delicious !

My yummy Hailam Chicken Steak.

We found this at this coffee shop and I remembered Andy Lau was using this words in one of his movies but could not remember the title, anyone can help to refresh my mind ? Should I translate this....

说了又不听 - Told you but you don't listen
听了又不懂 - You heard but you still don't understand
不懂又不问 - You don't understand but never ask
问了又不做 - You asked but you don't do
做了又做错 - You do but you make mistakes
错了又不认 - You made mistakes but never admit
认了又不改 - You admitted but never change
改了又不服 - You changed but never satisfy
不服又不说 - You don't satisfy but never say it out

OK, hope I translated correctly :)

But if you want to listen how to pronounce these Chinese words, copy all the Chinese Characters and paste them in a box over this website. You can select a woman or a man's voice to listen how she/he read those words. Hey, a good website for those who want to learn Chinese ! :)

This is the water damn we stopped over near KKB.

The information office at the water damn.

The shape of this plant is funny

Our national flower, I took it because it's beautiful.

A bridge was built to cross over a river when the water damn constructed.

Welcome to Chiling Fish Sanctuary

The road leading to the entrance of registration office.

I thought it was a type of "rambutan" fruit but it is not.

The flower that was blossomed from the plant above.

The registration office and starting point to the waterfalls. On the right is a field where you can camp there, of course with a cleaned toilet built beside the field as well.

This signboard is erected beside the registration office. As you can see, we have to cross 6 times on a same river, isn't it fun ?

Information you need to know about this lovely place here.

This was supposed to be the first river to cross but since a bridge is already built for our convenient, why waste ? Of course you can still cross the river if you like it.

Let's start our fun......

A view taken on the bridge. As you can see, the river isn't that deep, so help yourself for the fun of crossing if you like it :)

Our friend, "Ghost King" spotted this small bird nest along the way.

Another beautiful plant.

If I did not hear it wrongly from our explorer expert, Chee, this is what the monkey uses as a cup to drink water. I will try that on my next trip to see if it works or not :)

The initial path is a bit narrow, if you worry you will get some bruises, you can wear a pair of track bottom.

Another nice view of the river.

I notice this type of leafs only can be found near a moisture and less light places.

Don't know what is the name but they are so lovely.

One has to walk slow and enjoy the tranquil environment then only you are able to find little funny insect like this :)

Guess what is the size of this little species that we commonly found in the city ?

Only with the shoes I can tell you how big it is....well, I am wearing the size of 8 !

I think maybe because this little creature is living in a cleaned and less polluted environment where it can have a peaceful night to sleep, better nutritious food to eat and less worries, that's why it can grow into this size.

Oh...little creature, how I wish I can be you....sleep comfortably, eat less chemical food and stay away from the crazy world outside there.... :P :P

Time to have water crossing fun now.

If you have kids, must bring them along, they just love to play with the water !

Don't ever think you can enjoy your fishing here. After all, the fishes also deserve to have their own peaceful place to live, right ? :)

2nd river crossing.

Can't resist to take another nice view that we hardly can find outside there.

This part is a bit challenging.

I really hope that the rules enforcement is strict here, especially those irresponsible trekkers who leave or throw rubbish as and when they like.

I urge all the kind people who love the nature as much as me to start educating your children or those that we know, be a civilized citizen and a good example to our children.

When you go into the jungle, always remember :-

Take Nothing but Photos
Leave Nothing but Footprints

Just in case you are a forgetful people, there are plenty of signboard to remind us to protect the river and environment :)

The 4th crossing

As usual, our jungle expert here always share his knowledge with us unselfishly.

Prepare for the 5th crossing.

Kids always do not have the worries, they know the parents are always there to look after them whenever they need it. :)

Last hurdle to go folks..

Among the 6 crossing, this is the deepest

But not a problem for kids who know how to swim

Almost there.......

Yes...finally we are here.

Look at the beauty of this falls ! Can anyone notice something is on the rock ? Take a look again of this picture and the previous picture......

Still can't figure out ?..... Ok, let me tell you........
Do you notice a lion's head is somewhere around the rocks watching us ? :)

The pond is not deep and small enough for the kids to play.

Look at the curved-in shape, one can imagine it takes how long for the water to carve the shape, a good example for us to believe perseverance makes everything possible !!

Our ghost king is having fun....

You can walk across the water to see the tiny gap in between the rocks.

Just make sure an adult is there when kids want to have fun in the water, don't go too close to the falls as it is deep there, unless you know how to swim.

For those who want to reach to the top...prepare to face this slope's challenge !

Another pond at the top of the falls.

The peak is there but unfortunately we could not find a way to reach it.

The bottom of "V" shape is where we arrived earlier.

Can't see it ? OK, let's zoom in.........

See the people there ? Yes, we climbed that high to feel we are at the top of the world !

FDA Warns Consumers About Tainted Weight Loss Pills

2008-12-29T10:06:00.005+08:00

For those, especially ladies who want to have a slim and attractive body by consuming weight loss products, be extremely careful as not all the products out there are safe to consume.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting consumers nationwide not to purchase or consume more than 25 different products marketed for weight loss because they contain undeclared, active pharmaceutical ingredients that may put consumers’ health at risk.

The weight loss products highlighted in the FDA warning include:

2 Day Diet
3x Slimming Power
Fatloss Slimming
5x Imelda Perfect Slimming
Lida DaiDaihua
3 Day Diet Japan Lingzhi
7 Diet Day/Night Formula
999 Fitness Essence
24 Hours Diet
GMP
Imelda Perfect Slim
Miaozi Slim Capsules
Perfect Slim 5x
Perfect Slim
ProSlim Plus
Phyto Shape
7 Day Herbal Slim
Slim 3 in 1
Slim Express 360
Slimtech
Superslim
TripleSlim
Somotrin
8 Factor Diet
Royal Slimming Formula
Zhen de Shou
Extrim Plus
Venom Hyperdrive 3.0.

An FDA analysis found that the undeclared active pharmaceutical ingredients in some of these products include sibutramine (a controlled substance), rimonabant (a drug not approved for marketing in the United States), phenytoin (an anti-seizure medication), and phenolphthalein (a solution used in chemical experiments and a suspected cancer causing agent). Some of the amounts of active pharmaceutical ingredients far exceeded the FDA-recommended levels, putting consumers' health at risk.

These weight loss products, some of which are marketed as “dietary supplements,” are promoted and sold on various Web sites and in some retail stores. Some of the products claim to be “natural” or to contain only “herbal” ingredients, but actually contain potentially harmful ingredients not listed on the product labels or in promotional advertisements. These products have not been approved by the FDA, are illegal and may be potentially harmful to unsuspecting consumers.

The FDA advises consumers who have used any of these products to stop taking them and consult their healthcare professional immediately. The FDA encourages consumers to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before purchasing weight loss products.

“These tainted weight loss products pose a great risk to public health because they contain undeclared ingredients and, in some cases, contain prescription drugs in amounts that greatly exceed their maximum recommended dosages,” said Janet Woodcock, M.D., director, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA. “Consumers have no way of knowing that these products contain powerful drugs that could cause serious health consequences. Therefore FDA is taking this action to protect the health of the American public.”

The FDA has inspected a number of companies associated with the sale of these illegal products, and is currently seeking product recalls. Based on the FDA’s inspections and the companies’ inadequate responses to recall requests, the FDA may take additional enforcement steps, such as issuing warning letters or initiating seizures, injunctions, or criminal charges.

The health risks posed by these products can be serious; for example, sibutramine, which was found in many of the products, can cause high blood pressure, seizures, tachycardia, palpitations, heart attack or stroke. This drug can also interact with other medications that patients may be taking and increase their risk of adverse drug events. The safety of sibutramine has also not been established in pregnant and lactating women, or in children younger than 16 years of age.

Rimonabant, another ingredient found in these products, was evaluated, but not approved by the FDA for marketing in the United States. The drug, which is approved in Europe, has been associated with increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts and has been linked to five deaths and 720 adverse reactions in Europe over the last two years.

Source : FDA

Other information :

Dietary Supplement Enforcement Report

Dietary Supplements: How To Know What Is Safe

Love Is Great !

2008-12-23T16:39:00.003+08:00

I know this story to some of you who do not understand Chinese is hardly to understand the meaning of it, I apologize for this. But I hope you can copy or print it out, with the help of your friend who understand Chinese, translate it to you. It's a very touching story, a story about a father and a son, who loss his wife and his mother !!

To those husband and father, please spend more time with your wife and children, trillions of excuses can be given if you do not want to spend quality time with your love one, but when they are gone, you will regret forever for not spending enough time with them.

是一篇很值得分享的故事

我的妻子因為意外事故離開我身邊已經四年了，我想，妻子留下不會做任何家事的我和孩子，她的心有何等難過呢？我也因為無法兼顧父母雙親的角色而感到挫折。有一天我為了出差，清晨趕出門，無法將孩子打點好就得離開家，正巧前一天有剩下的飯，我熱了蒸蛋，向還沒有睡醒的孩子交代一聲，就出門去了。

為了照顧好孩子飲食三餐的事，我也無力把自己的工作做好。有一天晚上回到家，我只是很簡短地和孩子打個招呼，就因為身體疲累，不想吃晚餐，脫掉西裝之後就直接往床上躺下。就在那個時候，砰的一聲，紅色的湯汁跟泡麵瞬時弄髒了床單和被單，原來有碗泡麵在棉被裡！這小子真是的，說時遲那時快，我即時拿起一個衣架，跑出去，往正玩著玩具的兒子的屁股就打，因為我實在是太生氣了，所以不停地打他。但就在這個時候，他邊啜泣邊說了一段話，使我停了下來。
兒子告訴我說：「飯鍋裡的飯早上已經吃完了，晚餐在幼稚園吃了，但是到了晚上，爸爸還不回來，我就在櫥櫃的抽屜裡找到了泡麵。可是我想到爸爸說不能亂動瓦斯爐，所以我就打開洗澡的水龍頭，用熱水泡了泡麵，一個自己吃，另一個想留給爸爸吃。因為怕泡麵涼掉，所以我就把它放在棉被裡，等你回來。可是因為我正在玩向朋友借來的玩具，所以忘了跟爸爸講。」

我不想讓兒子看到我在流淚，所以衝到洗手間，將水龍頭打開，大聲地哭。過了一陣子之後，我打起精神來，一面哄著兒子，一面也在他屁股上擦藥，讓他上床睡覺。當我清理好泡麵弄髒的床單和棉被後，打開兒子的房門一看，發現他仍舊發出哭泣聲，手裡還拿著媽媽的照片。我把頭靠在房門站了許久，看著這一幕。

自從在一年前發生這件事之後，我為了扮演好媽媽的角色，更加用心地去照顧他。現在兒子快七歲了，不久後就要從幼稚園畢業，進入國小讀書。慶幸的是，兒子在這段時間毫無陰影，很開朗地成長。

就在不久前，我再一次打孩子，因為幼稚園來電話說，兒子沒有去學校，我心裡覺得很不安，所以早退回家，在整個社區裡大聲地喊他的名字，卻是遍尋不著。後來在文具店的門?f，看見他站在電玩的前面，於是我很生氣，又開始一直打他。兒子並沒有說出任何的解釋，只說了聲對不起。後來我才知道，原來剛好是幼稚園要邀請媽媽去
看才藝表演的日子。

發生這些事的幾天後，兒子回家說，他在幼稚園裡學了寫字，從此他經常關在自己的房間裡不出來，很認真地寫字。我看到兒子這個樣子，想到妻子在天國也一定會因為看到他這樣而微笑，我就無法忍住淚水。

時間很快，又過了一年，到了冬天，街頭上都在播放著聖誕節的歌曲，我的兒子卻又闖了一個禍。我正要下班的時候，接到一通社區郵局的電話，說我兒子把一綑沒有寫地址的信，惡作劇地放在郵筒裡。每年到了年底，正是郵局最忙碌的時候，所以這對他們造成很大的困擾。雖然我已決定不再打孩子，但在急忙趕回家後，叫了兒子來，我又忍不住痛打他一頓。兒子這一次只是說他做錯了，卻沒有講出任何理由。我把他推到一個角落，不管了，自個兒跑到郵局領回那一綑惡作劇的信。我把信丟到他眼前說：「你為什麼要這樣惡作劇？」兒子哭著回答說：「這些信是我要寄給媽媽的。」

當時我的眼眶紅了起來，心裡很激動，但是因為在兒子面前，所以我盡量隱忍住沒有表現出來。我接著問他：「那麼，為什麼一次寄這麼多信呢？」兒子回答說：「以前我要把信投進去的時候，因為個兒太矮，所以沒辦法投入，但是最近我再去郵筒時，已經搆得到了，所以我就把以前沒有寄的，一次全部都投進入了。」

我聽了以後，心中一片茫然，不知道該對孩子說什麼話。過了不久以後，我就跟他說：「媽媽現在在天上，以後你寫完信，把信燒了，就能送到天國去。」等孩子睡著之後，我到外面燒了那些信。我很好奇到底孩子想跟媽媽說些什麼，所以讀了其中的幾封信。

而當中有一封信攪動了我的心。

親愛的媽媽：
我很想念你！媽媽，今天在幼稚園有才藝表演，但是因為我沒有媽媽，所以沒有去參加，我也沒有告訴爸爸，怕爸爸會想念媽媽。爸爸到處去找我，但我為了讓爸爸看到我很開心的樣子，所以故意坐在電動玩具面前，雖然爸爸罵我，但是我到最後也沒有告訴他原因。媽媽，我每天都看到爸爸因為想念媽媽而哭泣，我想爸爸也跟我一樣，很想念媽媽吧！但是，媽，我現在已經記不清楚你的臉。媽媽，請你讓我在夢中，再一次能夠看到你的臉，好嗎？聽說把想念的人的照片放在懷裡睡覺，就會夢到那個人。可是，媽媽，為什麼你沒有出現在我的夢裡呢？」

讀完這封信以後，我就開始嚎啕大哭。到底什麼時候，我才能填補妻子的空位呢？

Is You Mobile Original ?

2008-12-06T15:57:00.011+08:00

I am sure many of us want to know whether the mobile phone that we have purchased is original brand or not. Well, here is the da vinci code :-

Press *#06#, a set of 15 numbers will appear on your screen. Check the 7th and 8th number.

Serial number : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Compare the followings and it tells you where your mobile phone came from :-

7th & 8th number : 02 or 20 - assembled in China, Quality : Poor
7th & 8th number : 08 or 80 - assembled in Germany, Qulaity : Good
7th & 8th number : 10 or 01 - assembled in Finland, Quality : Very Good
7th & 8th number : 13, - assembled in Azerbaijan, Quality : Bad
7th & 8th number : 00, - assembled in original factory, Quality : Best

Silent Inspiration

2008-12-03T20:55:00.008+08:00

I was impressed by this gentleman's work. Many of us, including myself, sometimes complaint about life, not contented for what we are having now. That's why once a while we have to look at those unfortunate to remind us life is more tougher for others.

I believe many people always give excuses for not willing to put in effort or hard work to accomplish things. There is only one thing I can say, the "attitude". If we want to score 100 marks in everything we do, start changing our attidude and we are half way to the success journey.

Don't believe me ? Add up all the numbers for each of the character from "Attidude", what is the total ? :)

Ipoh and Kledang Hill Trip

2008-11-23T23:57:00.003+08:00

As some of you had seen my previous blog of Cameron trip where we had successfully conquered 3 mountains ; Brinchang, Irau and Perdah, on 25 Oct 2008. Well, after the exciting trip in Cameron, while sending one of our friends back to his home in Ipoh, we then decided to have a short trip there, including to taste some of the local famous food and to conquer another small hill in Menglembu.

One of the stalls in a hawker centres found making a special bread.

The finished product with chicken fross and mayonnaise in it, very delicious !

Yummy abc ......

Japanese style chee cheong fun or by translation....."Pig Long Powder" :)

Thai style "Pig Long Powder"

There are variety choices of food we can enjoy over here, near the old big tree, it's quite famous when you ask around the local people.

After some food, we were heading to have our famous old town white coffee.

White coffee, actually not in white color but only the name of it.

Having coffees with "kaya", (one type of sweet jam made from eggs and sugar) bread make it a perfect yet simple afternoon tea.

Sharing our stories while enjoying the good taste of coffee and bread. I think this could be our routine gathering when we come to the age of 60's to 70's when all our children grow up, just like those old people who normally gather at coffee shop.

After our coffee break, we headed to the popular Kledang Hill (red circle), near menglembu, Ipoh.

The journey has just begun...

The rest house built at the top of the hill.

With some comfortable chairs ready for you to rest and enjoy the fresh air.

The panorama view taken from the summit (about 400m).

Another great view of the whole of Menglembu town.

As you can see, the steps are not easy to walk, be careful when you go down from the hill.

We had our delicious dinner at this restaurant, in case you understand Chinese words, another name of this restautant is called "Big Little Leg".

There is a reason why it called "Big Little Leg", this restaurant famous foods are Pig Leg and Chicken Leg. Pig is bigger than the chicken, that's why it called Big Leg and The Chicken is named Little Leg. Now you know why this restaurant has this unique name :)

Apart from the 2 main dishes, it also has black source Tofu (bean curd).

Ipoh famous "Kuey Teow" soup.

Yong Tau Foo, which I think is more popular in Ampang, KL. But now there are many restaurants in Malaysia also use the name of "Ampang Yong Tau Foo".
Isn't life like this ? When your brand is famous, people will start using it for marketing.

We had our last dinner at this popular restaurant in Ipoh before heading back to KL.

The Greatest Love of a Father to son

2008-11-13T15:29:00.002+08:00

If you think the greatest love from a parent to children must come from the mother, you are wrong. In case you have not come across this video, watch it now and you will be touch to see how this father did to fulfill the dream of a disable son. I am very touch ! How about you ?

Is Over Boiled Water Harmful to Our Health ?

2008-11-08T08:45:00.003+08:00

I recently received an email attached with a Chinese article saying that a Pharmacist in Singapore discovered that a harmful chemical named Toxic Nitrate was produced when water kept boiling for many times and this harmful substance had been proved will increase the chances of Intestines Cancer and Stomach Cancer.

I tried to search for the information to verify this fact and I found one same article that is published at clic.com.my. One commercial website that mentioned over-boiled water is not suitable for drinking because it will lead to the accumulation of calcium, magnesium and salts and in long time, it will affect our digestive organs. But it does not elaborate further how the chemicals can affect our digestive organs. Thus far I am unable to get the verification, especially from the relevant health authorities.

I have been using the Thermos with the fuction of auto reboil when the temperature of the water drops to certain level for quite a period of time. After I received the email, I was shocked to know that and my wife had since stopped using the Thermos from now.

If anyone is able to verify the fact mentioned in the article, please do let me know and share with us.

Thanks for that :)

By the way, there is one article on how long do you need to boil water, maybe you are interested in.

Relevant Books About Human Health :-

Calcium

Magnesium

Toxic Nitrate

Intestines Cancer

Stomach Cancer

Husbands For Sales

2008-11-08T08:10:00.001+08:00

A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York City , where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates.

You may visit the store ONLY ONCE!

There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch .... You may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building!

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband. On the first floor the sign on the door reads:
Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord.

The second floor sign reads:
Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids.

The third floor sign reads:
Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids and are extremely good looking.

'Wow,' she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going. She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads:

Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop- dead good looking and help with the housework.

'Oh, mercy me!' she exclaims, 'I can hardly stand it!' Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads:

Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop- dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads:

Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store. Watch your step as you exit the
building, and have a nice day!

Women, oh women.......... :)

Gunung Perdah (Mount Perdah) 1,550 M

2008-11-05T21:13:00.001+08:00

We spent one whole day to conquer 2 mountains. Before I proceed, I have been wondering what is the difference bewteen a hill and a mountain when I started to write this blog. So, to satisfy my curiousity, I used the most convenient way to find out, Google Search. What I found was that there is no standard definition of hill and mountain. In UK, a mountain must be over 600 meter or over 300 meters if it's an abrupt difference in local topography, as mentioned in About.Com under geography category. Even the United States Geological Survey (USGS) concludes that a mountain and hill do not have technical definitions, both UK and US defined a mountain as being 1000 feet (304.8 meters) or more tall.

So, based on the info gathered and the height of the 2 mountains (Gunung Brinchang, 2031 meters & Gunung Irau, 2110 meters), pleas grant me the right here to say that both we can called mountain :)

The 3rd day in the morning, we depart again for our next mission....Gunung Perdah or Mount Perdah, which is 1,550 meter height. As you can see, this mountain is lower than the previous 2 that we have conquered yesterday. The best thing was, it is just behind the apartament that we were staying. Although it also has some steep trek but it only took us less than 20 minutes to reach the top.

View taken from a top area behind the Carnation Apartment.

This is the starting point, at the ground level are those double strorey houses behind the Carnation Apartment.

See, it is only about 1.72 km to the top.

One kind of flower that was found on the way to the top of Mt Perdah.

A trek that is so easy until you can even wear sandal to walk.

I like the shape of this leaf.....love shape, plenty of them over here :)

You can find some trees that are covered by moss also but not as many as in Mounth Irau.

Don't scare by this steep trek, you can walk slowly while enjoying the traquility of the surrounding.

Another plant that you can see.

Another light challenge here.

This is the reward when you walk slow to enjoy the trek.

We are at the top !

It's really open air, you can't see anything except this cable tower.

Another view from the top of Mount Perdah.

Be Honest Brings You Good

2008-11-04T15:49:00.003+08:00

I received another story that is worth to share with all ............

A successful business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business. Instead of choosing one of his Directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together.

He said, 'It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you. 'The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. 'I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant
the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO.'

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly, told his wife the story. She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed. Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown. After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow.

Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew.

Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing.

By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.

Six months went by -- still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however. He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection.

Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick to his stomach, it was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety
of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful -- in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives.

Jim just tried to hide in the back. 'My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown,' said the CEO. 'Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!'

All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the Financial Director to bring him to the front. Jim was terrified. He thought, 'The CEO knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me fired!'

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story.

The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, 'Behold your next Chief Executive Officer!

His name is Jim!' Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow
his seed.

'How could he be the new CEO?' the others said.

Then the CEO said, 'One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow.

All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with
my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive Officer!'

The moral of the story is :

* If you plant honesty, you will reap trust

* If you plant goodness, you will reap friends

* If you plant humility, you will reap greatness

* If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment

* If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective

* If you plant hard work, you will reap success

* If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation

So, be careful what you plant now;
it will determine what you will reap later.

Gunung Irau or Mount Irau - Cameron Highland

2008-10-31T08:22:00.023+08:00

After a short break at Gunung Brinchang, we proceeded to our next destination, Gunung Irau. Gunung Irau or Mount Irau is the highest mountain in Cameron Highland with its peak at 2110 meter. According to some of the websites, it is the 15th highest mountain in Malaysia.

We walked less than 5 minutes from the peak of Gunung Brinchang (watch tower) to the entry point of Gunung Irau. The forest is also called Mossy Forest because most of the trees are covered with moss. Take note that this trek is not suitable for the beginner as it has a lot of steep paths and I strongly encourage those who want to hike up to the peak to have some training before embarking your journey here.

However, when you are inside the forest, you can feel the tranquility of the environment. Cold wind and wetness of the ground make you feel really refreshing. By the way, a good pair of shoes that provide good grip is recommended to avoid from slipping. I saw few hikers fell along the way, including myself. There is a kind of cheap rubber shoes in Malaysia, we called it "water shoes" which is also very cheap and easy to maintain. A friend of mine wore it during our hike.

Although we have just accomplished our mission at Gunung Brinchang but compared to Gunung Irau, Gunung Brinchang is far more easier and I believe for the beginners, Gunung Brinchang is more suitable. There was some renovation carried out from the entry point of Gunung Irau up to about 500 meters distance. They were building a bridge for easy access up to a certain distance so that people are able to walk and enjoy the scenery.

From the bottom to the peak, usually it takes about 3 hour but we took less than 3 hours to reach the peak, along the way, we also managed to take some good pictures as we really enjoyed the beauty of the forest. No regret, are the words that I can describe !

The entrance to Gunung Irau.

The journey has just started.

One of the steep paths.

One type of Nepenthes Mirabilis plants.

Any one can name this ?

Friends, long way to go....

Another challenge we faced.

1.55 km to go......

Be careful.

Slow and steady.

One more task to take.

Thanks for the shot !

Our lunch including bread, peanut butter jam and 100 plus.

Let's get started again.

Poor guy...

How many more to go ?

We can do it !

A nice shape formed by the trees.

Why we took this picture ? Because we salute and respect the little girl who managed to reach the peak with her parents. She also had climbed the Gunung Kinabalu, according to her father. So guys, what more excuses we can give if we can't reach the top ?

Take a rest, take a shot first !

Another type of Nepenthes Mirabilis plant, look at its size.

Sometimes we can fall into the "mud trap" if we are not careful.

Almost there..........

Doesn't this look like one of the scenes in "The Lord of the Rings" ?

Anyone can help promote this place to Steven Spielberg ?

Look at the moss surrounded the trees.

The quality of this picture will be better if we carry a good camera.

There is a hope at the other side.

Little flower we saw at the peak.

Nice view from the top of Gunung Irau.

A border marker shared by 2 states, Perak and Pahang.

Yes.....we made it again !

Gunung Brinchang or Mount Brinchang - Cameron Highland

2008-10-29T15:28:00.026+08:00

The entrance to the Mount Brinchang is located along the main road of Brinchang. One can hardly miss the point as there will be a blue road signaboard and it is just after the police station.
We started our journey at about 8 a.m. after our breakfast in Brinchang. Although we have to walk for about 3.5 km to reach to the top but we really enjoyed the great nature and the tranquil of the jungle. The cool temperature helped to make a person feel more relax and forgot about the hectic life in the city. This is the reason why sometimes we need to return our body to the mother nature so that it can be recharged and be pampered. As I learnt in the Buddism, our body does not belongs to us, we have to return it to the nature when we gone.

The good thing about this trek is that we hardly could find any leeches although the ground was wet and moistened. If you are afraid of mosquitoes, well, we did not see one also along this trek, so, I would say that this is really a nice trek for those who are afraid of leeches and mosquitoes. That is the reason why we took our own sweet time to enjoy all the things inside this forest. We took about 1.5 hours to complete the entire trek and I believe for a normal person who does not train or exercice regulari like me, it is an average time for a 3.5 km trek.

If you are lazy or in a hurry but want to have a quick tour to Mount Brinchang, you can drive up to the top also. Just drive from Brichang Town to Equatorial Cameron Highland, right after the hotel, there is a road leading to Sungai Palas Boh Tea Center on the left, turn in there and you are on your way. From here you have to be a brave driver as the road is rather steep and narrow, remember to use the car horn at some of the stretches as you will not be able to see the car coming from the opposite direction. But along the way, you will see a nice Boh Teh Plantation scenery. At certain streches, you can pull your car at the road side and take some pictures.

When you reach at the entrance to Boh Tea center on your right, do not turn in, go straight instead, all the way up until you reach to the peak of Mount Brinchang.

We continued our next journey to Mount Irau right after we have our short break at the top of Mount Brinchang.............. remember to come back here again !

Main road leading to the entrance of Mount Brinchang.

As you turn inside from the main road, you will be able to see it.

We are on our way ............

Modern technology does not only applies to moden city, as long as you can see the sky, you can have the Astro installed.

Long way to go friends..........

First trail and first signboard.

Look like we are having a great challenge ahead.

1.74 km to go..........

Let's take a rest.........

Another challenge....

Anyone can tell what insect is this ?

We are almost there.....

A leaf bug found along the way.......you will miss it if you are in a hurry.

Nice flower.

A shape formed by the trees branches.

How can I miss this incredible scene !

Along the trek, there are many roots like these.

Another close up of a flower.

Yes, finally...........

Can't resist to take a shot when I saw this little beauty.

At last, we are at 2031 meter above sea level.

Group photo with the conquerors.

A watch tower at the peak of Mount Brinchang.

Another great view.

Panaroma view taken at the top of the watch tower.

Another beautiful view.

Do You Believe in Quick Rich Program ?

2008-10-22T07:55:00.005+08:00

Last few days, I received an email with the title of "Urgent Business Proposal". I thought it was from my customer or friend who has a business idea and would like to share with me.

Upon opening the mail, I saw the followings :-

From: Mr Peter T.S Wong <info_peterwong55@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Sun, Oct 19, 2008 at 9:56 AM
Subject: URGENT BUSINESS PROPOSAL
To: undisclosed-recipients

Good day,

My name is Mr.Peter T.S Wong i am the director of operation in Hang Seng Bank
Hong Kong.I have an obscured business suggestion for you in the tune of One
Hundred & Twenty Five Million, Seven Hundred & Fifty Thousand U.s dollars
(125,750,000.00 USD),after the successful transfer Should you be interested
please contact me through my private email(peter_wong005@yahoo.com.hk)so we
can commence all arrangements and I will give your more information on how we
would handle this project as soon as i recieved your reply. Please treat this
business with utmost confidentiality and send me the following if you are
intrested.

(1)Full names, (2)Private Phone number, (3)Current residential address,
(4)Occupation, (5)Age and Profession.

Kind Regards,
Mr.Peter.T.S.Wong

The first thing came into my mind was that it must be a scam ! Common sense told me that for such a huge bank like Hang Seng from Hong Kong, would it sent out this kind of mail to anyone that it does not know ?

The second doubt was that why this so called "Director of operation" used yahoo email for correspondence purpose ? Isn't it strange ?

Out of curiosity, I typed the title followed by hang seng bank on the Google Search, the top 3 results that I got were :-

1. Hang Seng Bank $24.5m Urgent ! Scam << Gariell's Weblog
2. (Next of Kin) Urgent Business Proposal for You From Hong Kong
3. Scam Email with subject "URGENT BUSINESS PROPOSAL

Obviously, this type of scam email has been circulating to all over the world. I believe someone from somewhere around the world's corner might have fallen into this trap.

There is a chinese phrase says that " greed will lead you to become poor".

Think twice before you act on this.

There is no free lunch in this world, reward will be given to those who worked hard and smart !

There are many websites that provide the scam/fraud information, just to name 2 :-

1. Fraud Watchers
2. Scamdex

If you have time, just visit them and you will know there are thousands of spams and scams happening around the world everyday !

Expire Date on LPG Cylinders - Can Someone Verify This ?

2008-10-20T21:10:00.011+08:00

Does anyone knows if the following is true ? I receive it from someone who said that there is an expiry date on every LPG cylinder. How to identify the expire date ? It is coded with alpha numerically as A, B, C or D on one side of the 3 stems. Each represents a quarter month :-

A - 1st Quarter (End in March)
B - 2nd Quarter (End in June)
C - 3rd Quarter (End in Sept)
D - 4th Quarter (End in Dec)

The digit stands for year, an example is D 06 means the cylinder will expire in 4th Quarter of 2006. As shown in the following picture.

This cylinder will expire in Dec of 2013.

Although this is a piece of useful information to us and I tried to verify by searching the internet but to no avail. Even the website from Shell also does not mention any of this indication.

I found one website explained that the code refers to the due date for testing, it is a mandatory safety test once every five years.

Can someone verify this ?

What to do if you stopped by Malaysian Police

2008-10-19T18:18:00.002+08:00

This is a very useful information. Please pass it on to your friends and family.............especially the women folk!

The next time you are stopped by persons who claimed they are plain clothes police, you are under no obligation to answer their questions or follow their orders, lawyers told Malaysiakini today.

'Policeman who is not wearing his uniform does not have the authority to stop anyone,' lawyer and human rights activist Sivarasa Rasiah said.

Sivarasa was commenting on the alleged gang-rape of an 18-year-old Uni student by four men claiming to be police officers on New Year's Eve. The girl said that her car was stopped in Taman Tun Dr Ismail in Kuala Lumpur and were asked by the men to open the car bonnet. She was then told that she had committed an offence and ordered to follow the men to a police station. The girl was driven in her car along the North-South expressway to the Tapah-Cameron Highlands road before she was raped in an oil palm estate.

This incident, and many others, have sparked confusion over the procedures which motorists must follow when flagged down by the police. The most common problem is that most people take instructions without determining if the other person is really a cop,' lawyer Annie Santiago said.

However, if you are stopped by a uniformed policeman, then you are required to stop. But you need not get out of the car because you are not expected to do so, Santiago said. He other rule to follow is to provide your identity card only when you are asked to do so. 'Even then, you should get his ID first to confirm if he is a cop. There is no harm in calling the relevant police station to verify if he is supposed to be on duty that day,' Sivarasa said.

Both lawyers said that motorists should never follow an officer to the police station unless one is under arrest . 'If you are not sure, and your instincts tell you that something is wrong, then drive off to the nearest police station and lodge a report,' Sivarasa said.

In response to the alleged gang-rape of the 18-year-old, Women's Aid Organisation executive-secretary Ivy Josiah called on the police to launch an education program to teach the public about their rights to prevent them from being victimised by bogus police officers.

Procedures to follow in the event you are stopped by uniformed police Officers while driving:

1. Stop the car and wind down your window.

2. If the police officers ask for your documents, request to see their IDs first.

3. If you are satisfied about their identity, ask them if you are being summoned, and for what offense.

4. Produce your identity card and driver's license and wait to collect your summon ticket.

In the event that the police officers ask you to follow them to the police station:

1. Ask if you are under arrest and for what offense.

2. If you are not under arrest, you have the right to leave.

In the event you are flagged down by persons you believe could be plain clothes police:

1. Do not stop because plain clothes police officers do not have the authority to stop you.

2. Drive to the nearest police station and lodge a report. (The same procedure applies to pedestrians)

In the event the police come to your house:

1. Do not let them in before checking their IDs.

2. If you are not satisfied, phone the nearest police station and confirm if they had been sent to your house.

3. You are under no obligation to allow them into the house if they don't have a search warrant.

4. Do not go with them if you are not under arrest.

In the event persons who claimed to be plain clothes police who come to your house:

1. Do not let him in because they do not have the authority to do so.

2. Lodge a report at the nearest police station.

Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present

2008-10-19T17:52:00.003+08:00

A friend sent this great story to me, in fact, I remembered I read this before. That's why I would like to share with you all :-

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window.

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.

It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'

The conclusion is :-

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.

Apple + Orange + Carrot

2008-10-17T13:42:00.000+08:00

I have been thinking how many of us can take an effort to blend a glass of juice every day, especially man :) Well, one may say that why has to be so troublesome to blend the juice by ourselves when we can buy it either from the hypermarket or food stall. I was thinking the same until I started to really concern about the ingredients inside the bottle. Many contain preservative and permitted coloring.

From then, I started to buy fruits from pasar malam (night market) where we can get cheaper than in the normal fruit stalls and blend them at home. Obviously, there are more benefits when doing it ourselves, firstly, it does not has any preservatives or coloring chemical, all is 100% natural.

I am trying to have a glass of natural fruit juice every nigh after my meal. It has been almost 1 month and hopefully I can have continue to doing it everyday :-)

A little bit of nutrition info :-

Apple

Most of us already heard, an apple a day helps to keep doctor away. In a simple explanation, apple contain of soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber help to prevent cholesterol build up in blood vessel walls and insoluble fiber is able to help clean our intestinal. If you want to know more what apple can bring good to you, visit whfoods and apple facts

Orange

Contain of Vitamin C and also a good source of folate and thiamin. Folate helps to produce and maintain new cells. Thiamin also known as Vitamin B1, it helps to convert food into energy and helps the function of heart and cardiovacular system. Orange also contains phytochemicals which can help to slow the aging process and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cancer, stroke , heart diseases and etc. If you want to know how the Phytochemicals work, this website may give you more information.

Carrot

Very good source of dietry fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and few more. It contains also beta-carotene, which according to some info from internet, is a good antioxidant effective in fighting against some form of cancers. More nutrition facts can be found at juicing for health or organicfood.com.au

Oh yes....try not to filter out the water, take everything in so that all the nutrition will go into our body as well. I did not like the taste at the beginning but then slowly, I started to like it, just like eating fruit punch. Don't believe ? Try it your own and tell me later..... :)

27 Little Health Tips

2008-10-14T12:52:00.007+08:00

A friend seny me this ebook of 27 Health Tips. It contains 27 selected health tips compiled by the editors of Practical Health Guides, which can be found at Club Positive, a website that provides many self-development free ebooks. The greatest thing is that, the membership is free !

The simple health tips that we can read are :-

1. How to fight aging
2. Are you anxious ?
3. Care for your heart while you sleep
4. How to avoid cancer caused by smoking
5. Avoid eye problems caused by TV and monitors
6. How to beat Asthma
7. Losing weight - The Pakistani method
8. What to do when you get somthing in your eye
9. A few tricks for treating insect bites
10. How to get rid of liver spots
11. Treat diarrhea without medication
12. Use seaweed to stimulate your immune system
13. How to prevent motions sickness - naturally
14. The anti - allergy vitamin
15. How to prevent Flatulence (Aerophagy)
16. How to put an end to heartburn
17. A miracle remedy
18. Reducing your cholesterol
19. Digest better
20. Menstrual cramps - suffer no more
21. Stop catching colds
22. Use heat to cure
23. How to combat fatigue
24. Protect yourself against cancer
25. Prevent high blood pressure
26. Iron strong health
27. Aging with a healthy body and mind

All is only 36 pages, which I believe we can finish within 30 minutes.

Well, if you think that you need extra knowledge and information, why not just take a look, after all, we have nothing to lose right ?

Click here for the download, if it can't work, just join by enter your name and email address and you will be able to get the free ebook.

Berjaya Hill Resort at Bukit Tinggi

2008-10-13T14:43:00.070+08:00

Far view of Colmar Tropicale.

There are 4 swans ( 2 white and 2 dark) in Colmar Tropicale.

Colmar Tropicale, inspired by the Colmar Village in Alsace, France.

Ume Tatami Suite located in Japanese Village. Rate from RM1,000 (internet) to RM3,800 (published rate).

"Waiting House" in Japanese Village.

Japanese koil (Nishikigoi) fishes in Japanese Village

Few spiders were found built their web in between the trees at Meranti Park Suite.

Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis

Sun rise view at Meranti Park Suite

One of the restaurants at Colmar Tropicale.

Mee Khmer- Stir fried noddle cost for RM9 per plate at L'Orient.

Night scene at Colmar Tropicale

Mount Irau

2008-10-10T07:56:00.006+08:00

I accidentally found this Mount Irau (2,110 meter) at one of the bloggers websites, KC and the SunshineRunners.

The Mount Irau or in local we called it Gunung Irau is located in Cameron Highland, Pahang and it is the highest peak in Cameron Highland. The starting point is at Brinchang, one of the small towns in Cameron Highland.

I believe Mount Irau is less promoted by locals as when I tried to search Wikipedia, I could not find any information or pictures there. However, there are few websites that provide useful information and pictures, which we can have a look at them :-

1. Wild Asia
2. Photographer's Blog
3. KC's Blog

One day, if I have the time to explore Mount Irau, I will post more information and pictures here.

What is the Platelet Count for a normal person ?

2008-07-20T10:20:00.007+08:00

Yesterday night, 2 friends, Kwan, Thomas and I were at a friend's wife home town in Malacca as his (Uncle Lim) wife's mother has passed away due to leukemia. As we were talking about this topic, our freind, uncle Lim told us that his mother in law was having a very low platelet count, below 20,000 when she was dignosed having the leukemia. Thomas and I straight away pop up this question to him, " What is the platelet count for a normal person ?" . He stared at us for a while and said he did not know....Thomas contiunued to said that we are not like normal uncles and autie who just accept it without seeking more information. Hahaha.....At the end, we could not get the answer.

I told them I will find out from the internet when I free. After all, it is another knowledge that we must have in our daily life since chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in our society.

The normal platele count is 150,000 to 400,000/mm3, If the count is below the normal reading, some of the the causes are due to cancer chemotherapy, leukemia, massive blood transfusion. If the count is above the reading, some of the causes are due to anemia, certain malignancies and etc. I found this Medline Plus is able to provide with simple yet easy undestanding information for us, as a layman.

So guys, as promised, I am here to give you the basic information. Remember, we are not young anymore, balance work and life is very important if we want to live longer.

Spend more quality time with your love ones......

Bukit Tinggi Trip

2008-07-16T21:17:00.015+08:00

I was in Bukit Tinggi on 28 June with my wife. It has been a long time we did not go holiday together. Bukit Tinggi resort is situated at Berjaya Hill. It takes about 45 minutes drive from KL city to the resort, depending on the traffic. We took about 1.5 hour to reach to the top as there were many cars on the day we went there.

The place was really nice as the weather was cool mainly because it is about 2700 to 3500 feet above sea level. It is slightly higher than Genting Highland (about 2000 feet above sea level). If the weather in Genting is on an average of 20 degrees and you feel cool over there, so you can imagine what the weather looks like in Bukit Tinggi Resort, especially after the rain. I really love the weather there coupled with the fresh air that hardly can be found in KL city.

There are few choices we can choose to stay such as Colmar Tropicale, Berjaya Hill Golf & Country Club, Japanese Village and Meranti Park Suites We stayed at Meranti Park as we managed to book the cheapest rate. For those who expect party til the dawn over here, you will be disappointed as the only night life you can enjoy is at Colmar Tropicale.

Bukit Tinggi Trip

2008-07-16T13:00:00.000+08:00

This sea level is at the Meranti Park Suite

One of the castles at Colmar Tropicale, a French-themed attraction.

You like black swan ?

How about white swan ?

We are having pizza dinner at one of the restaurants in Colmar Tropicale.

Another scene in the French-themed resort.

Isn't this beautiful ?

The back scene is not fake, it's real ! Taken in Japanese Garden.

Wouldn't you want to have one like this at the top of the hill ?

There are few luxury bungalows like this in Berjaya Hill.

Little rabbits, you can find them in Rabbit Garden.

So cute !

These small rabbits are separated with the rest, only stay with their mother in a cage. Do you know that we can buy insurance for our pets ? Of course not in Malaysia. Age limit for beginning cover is from 8 weeks to 5 years.

Those tiny like cottons are actually bunnies that were born not long ago.

This Big Spider was found at the rabbit garden house. They called it Golden Orb Web Spider. This spider is not the biggest but it makes the largest and strongest web and the web size can be 6 meter high and 2 meter wide. Unbelievable ? Better believe it !

Koi in Japanese garden.

Logic & Legal Questions

2008-07-16T07:48:00.005+08:00

I would not be able to answer the question as well when this student comes to me direct and demand the answer on the spot. Think for a while after reading the question raised by this student before you scroll down for the answer, see if you can think of any answer that is match to the one later..... 5 minutes brain exercise can help your brain stay active, make brain-healthy life choices

After having failed his exam in "Logistics and Organization" , a student goes and confronts his lecturer about it.

Student: "Sir, do you really understand anything about the subject?"

Professor: "Surely I must. Otherwise I would not be a professor!"

Student: "Great, well then I would like to ask you a question. If you can give me the correct answer, I will accept my mark as is and go. If you however do not know the answer, I want you give me an "A" for the exam. "

Professor: "Okay, it's a deal. So what is the question?"

Student: "What is legal, but not logical, logical, but not legal, and neither logical, nor legal?"

Even after some long and hard consideration, the professor cannot give the student an answer, and therefore changes his exam mark into an "A", as agreed.

Start thinking....

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Afterwards, the professor calls on his best student and asks him the same question.

He immediately answers: "Sir, you are 63 years old and married to a 35 year old woman, which is legal, but not logical. Your wife has a 25 year old lover, which is logical, but not legal. The fact that you have given your wife's lover an "A", although he really should have failed, is neither legal, nor logical."

Difference between Men and Women

2008-07-15T17:20:00.003+08:00

A friend sent this to me. Is this true ? Let you guys decide. :-)

A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs.
A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need.

A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

To be happy with a man, you must understand him a lot and love him a little.
To be happy with a woman, you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all.

Married men live longer than single men do, but married men are a lot more willing to die.

A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, and she does.

A woman has the last word in any argument.
Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

I know it's just a joke for us to laught at, after all, laughing is a great medicine for a healthy life but many of us do not know how to laugh, even sometimes myself was called "black face god" as I seldom laught or smile, especially when I was doing my work :-)

By laughing, we can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improce brain functioning and make you feel good. In conclusion, laugh produces great effects on our body

My New Blog

2008-07-09T08:08:00.004+08:00

Hello friends, beside my personal website, I have decided to start using blog as one of the ways to share with you all my stories. It is also easy for anyone of you who wants to share your comments to those stories/information that I posted.

I will be publishing my first post soon, guess what will come up first ? :)

Search Engine Optimization and SEO Tools

Endau Rompin Trip

2008-06-26T22:32:00.088+08:00

It was my great plessure to have an enjoyable trip to Endau Rompin with a group of friends. We daparted at mid night and drove about 3 hours using Plus Highway and exit at Ayer Hitam, the distance from Sg Besi to Ayer Hitam is about 232km and the distance from Ayer Hitam toll to Kahang is about 55km. As it was almost dawn, there were mists along the way from Kluang to Kahang, we have to drive very carefully. Finally, we arrived Kahang at about 6am.

Friends are having great time for their breakfast, although it is too early to have it.

Make sure the tank is full before you start driving through the palm oil estate as the journey takes about 2 hours (for a normal driving skill like us).

Road leading to Rompin jungle

This is the most exciting part.

Going down slowly.....

Just pray that those woods do not broke.

Being brief by park's officer

Group photo taken at the jetty before heading to Jasin.

Top view of the jetty.

Ready for a board ride ?

This is the first campsite in Kuala Jasin, about 10 min walk from the Jasin jetty.

Crossing this hang over bridge isn't easy if you lost your balance !

Campsite at Kuala Marong, clean and with ready made toilet.

Buaya Sangkut is our final destination. It takes about 4 hours to trek to the summit.

Be prepared to face your little "friends" along the trek especially during raining season.

A clean and cool water for you to enjoy.

You can see this while on your way to Batu Hampar.

After about an hour walked, we arrived at Batu Hampar Campsite

The entrance to Buaya Sangkut.

This is just a beginning.

Take a rest to enjoy the crystal clear water.

Not forgetting to take some pictures.

2 km more to go.......

The final challenging slope.

Don't give up, we are almost there !

Going down has to be slow and steady.

At last, after hard work, we finally arrive.

At the top of the Buaya Sangkut, seems not much of enjoyment but wait.....

This is the greatest part to compensate our 3.5 hours trekking.

Nepenthes Mirabilis Plant

Another beautiful view at Buaya Sangkut

A morning view taken near our campsite.

"Kelah" fishses enjoying their live here. According to a friend, the price of this fish can fetch to RM200 or more for 1Kg. It's glad that fishing is banned here so that we can enjoy seeing these fishes.

Crystal clear water surrounded by the tranquility

A place where we wait for our boat back to Rompin Office.

Pork Luncheon Meat Banned

2008-02-09T08:25:00.000+08:00

SINGAPORE- The agent of a popular mainland canned pork product has initiated a recall and suspended sales after tests showed a sample contained a cancer-causing antibiotic.
The Centre for Food Safety yesterday revealed this after laboratory tests showed a sample of Shanghai Ma Ling B2 340g pork luncheon meat (less sodium) was found to have traces of nitrofurans.

The batch number is B2 5 for the product, which carries a best-before date of December 26, 2009 . According to the sole agent, the canned pork was imported on only two occasions - last December and January this year. The scare spread when Singapore 's Agri -Food and Veterinary Authority detected carcinogenic traces in a consignment of canned pork from Ma Ling and Gulong food processing factories.
These brands have been banned from entering Singapore since August 2007 for containing nitrofurans( an antibiotic for pigs).

Other relevant information available at :-

The Asian Pacific Post
The Standard
AHN
Advisory Council on Food and Environmental Hygiene
Malaya News