Woke up late this morning and decided to finish up a movie I watched halfway through.
Inside Job - a telltale revelation of the causes, the key people and the extent of the destruction financial crises in recent years has caused.
It helped that Matt Damon was narrating. Once I got through to the part after Iceland's national disaster though, it was engrossing. Immersive.
I would take away but one quote from this film. Refined a little, from Chief Advisor Andrew Sheng of the China Banking Regulatory Commission.
"An engineer is an engineer. So why should a financial engineer get paid 4 to 100 times more than a civil engineer? A civil engineer builds bridges. A financial engineer builds dreams. When a bridge collapses, the builder pays to rebuild one. But when one dream turns the world into a nightmare, everyone else pays for it. Dearly."
Dreaming of Dreams,
D
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
New Old O.U.
I just came home from the newly renovated old wing of 1U/OU (1Utama) shopping centre with mom and lil' bro.
After a heavy meal at Pasta Zanmai, which had quickly become my favourite place to dine, wherever they may be, we headed to scout the shops that have opened up. Most of them were the same, except for a few notably new outlets like Gadget Republic and Food Republic. I know. Naming conventions. Feh.
So on we went to the main tenant that got the facelift. Jusco. It really was just that. A facelift. As much as I approve of the new layout, it was pretty confusing since we had to relearn it. The sports section was pushed all the way to the lower ground, where the Arena food court remains (half of it anyway).
Bought my first pair of boxers. another pair of shorts for running (these were football shorts since they were the cheapest available without a lot of cotton), then went home.
Definitely will go back during the sales period again.
Definitely,
D
After a heavy meal at Pasta Zanmai, which had quickly become my favourite place to dine, wherever they may be, we headed to scout the shops that have opened up. Most of them were the same, except for a few notably new outlets like Gadget Republic and Food Republic. I know. Naming conventions. Feh.
So on we went to the main tenant that got the facelift. Jusco. It really was just that. A facelift. As much as I approve of the new layout, it was pretty confusing since we had to relearn it. The sports section was pushed all the way to the lower ground, where the Arena food court remains (half of it anyway).
Bought my first pair of boxers. another pair of shorts for running (these were football shorts since they were the cheapest available without a lot of cotton), then went home.
Definitely will go back during the sales period again.
Definitely,
D
Monday, August 22, 2011
F - Fascinated. Fawning. Fiddlesticks
I was invited to a gathering of sorts in a classy yet quaint little place called F in Bangsar.
It was a catching up session for most of the guys, and an introduction for me. It turns out, half of them were juniors from my secondary school. Juniors. Makes me feel old. Overall, the session was pretty awesome. I'm glad to see that some guys in this circle are so cultured.
But I have to admit... I didn't simply join the gathering for what it is. I simply liked the company of a certain someone. Don't think he notices...yet. I think I've gotten really good at hiding my feelings.
Dunno what to Do,
D
It was a catching up session for most of the guys, and an introduction for me. It turns out, half of them were juniors from my secondary school. Juniors. Makes me feel old. Overall, the session was pretty awesome. I'm glad to see that some guys in this circle are so cultured.
But I have to admit... I didn't simply join the gathering for what it is. I simply liked the company of a certain someone. Don't think he notices...yet. I think I've gotten really good at hiding my feelings.
Dunno what to Do,
D
Friday, August 12, 2011
Spirit of the Season
8TV Ramadan PSA TV Ads Insulting Chinese Malaysia 2011
I truly wish my dear Muslimin & Muslimat a happy Aidilfitri, but the video above really crushed the spirit of this holiday.
Disgusted,
D
I truly wish my dear Muslimin & Muslimat a happy Aidilfitri, but the video above really crushed the spirit of this holiday.
Disgusted,
D
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Age Old
Just after I was done with the weekly badminton session with the old friends, they got to talk about an issue. Marriage.
I'm 25 going on 26. The trend among my peers is that people are either getting married, married already, or single. Those that are dating seem to be reducing in number. One of my friends is having such an experience. He's beengiven the passive aggressive treatment by his girlfriend, who wants to get married. He, on the other hand, doesn't want to, just yet. Citing the usual, money, careers and generally the young adult life comes first for him. But he does feel guilty for holding up the marriage. They have been together for quite a few years.
I can't help but wonder what the standard time/age it is for couples to get married. The word that goes around is before 30 for girls, and just about that age for guys. Biologically, it makes sense for the girls, supposedly because it's riskier to have children at an older age, assuming the girl wants kids in the first place.
The issue has eluded me for years, and has now been buried. My parents even spout single line excuses to people who ask. It's as if they know I'm not interested in anyone just yet...and possibly in the future. Anyone that the extended family will readily approve, that is.
A part of me is glad that I don't have to worry about the issue of marriage. Another part of me wishes I had these set of common problems instead of my existing closet of skeletons.
I'm sure many have discussed this before. So here's something a little more specific to ponder: When, if ever, do you want to get married? Should everyone be held against a standard age for marriage?
I feel that many people now get married because they need to. It's no wonder why half of all marriages end in divorce. Life shouldn't be so miserable. So... mechanical, that our sole purpose of being born is to propagate our lineage and keep our bloodlines in check. (Note: at this rate, Chinese people will take over the world.)
Lost, and maybe in Denial,
D
I'm 25 going on 26. The trend among my peers is that people are either getting married, married already, or single. Those that are dating seem to be reducing in number. One of my friends is having such an experience. He's beengiven the passive aggressive treatment by his girlfriend, who wants to get married. He, on the other hand, doesn't want to, just yet. Citing the usual, money, careers and generally the young adult life comes first for him. But he does feel guilty for holding up the marriage. They have been together for quite a few years.
I can't help but wonder what the standard time/age it is for couples to get married. The word that goes around is before 30 for girls, and just about that age for guys. Biologically, it makes sense for the girls, supposedly because it's riskier to have children at an older age, assuming the girl wants kids in the first place.
The issue has eluded me for years, and has now been buried. My parents even spout single line excuses to people who ask. It's as if they know I'm not interested in anyone just yet...and possibly in the future. Anyone that the extended family will readily approve, that is.
A part of me is glad that I don't have to worry about the issue of marriage. Another part of me wishes I had these set of common problems instead of my existing closet of skeletons.
I'm sure many have discussed this before. So here's something a little more specific to ponder: When, if ever, do you want to get married? Should everyone be held against a standard age for marriage?
I feel that many people now get married because they need to. It's no wonder why half of all marriages end in divorce. Life shouldn't be so miserable. So... mechanical, that our sole purpose of being born is to propagate our lineage and keep our bloodlines in check. (Note: at this rate, Chinese people will take over the world.)
Lost, and maybe in Denial,
D
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Not So Golden Screened Cinema
I just returned from the cinema. I had planned to watch The Hangover Part 2.
We were in the cinema when it first happened. The standard GSC animated feature was playing but the sound stopped halfway. It was a bad omen, but we brushed it off. When the movie was about 80% done (I checked the time) the sound completely died off. Then the screen flickered. Then it died. It was pitch black.
All of this happened in a few minutes and there was no outrage. I wasn't sure to be proud or disgusted by the apathetic audience. Sure, there were little whimpers of "aiya" or "wtf" and a slight hint of "refund, refund". The four of us, on my cue, simply stood up and left.
We got our refund, of course. That makes it 2 unique consumer experiences of mine with GSC. The first one was a wrongdoing on my part. Cheap trick gone wrong. I'll tell if you ask.
Now, I'd like to enjoy the rest of my weekend on a slower pace.
We were in the cinema when it first happened. The standard GSC animated feature was playing but the sound stopped halfway. It was a bad omen, but we brushed it off. When the movie was about 80% done (I checked the time) the sound completely died off. Then the screen flickered. Then it died. It was pitch black.
All of this happened in a few minutes and there was no outrage. I wasn't sure to be proud or disgusted by the apathetic audience. Sure, there were little whimpers of "aiya" or "wtf" and a slight hint of "refund, refund". The four of us, on my cue, simply stood up and left.
We got our refund, of course. That makes it 2 unique consumer experiences of mine with GSC. The first one was a wrongdoing on my part. Cheap trick gone wrong. I'll tell if you ask.
Now, I'd like to enjoy the rest of my weekend on a slower pace.
Friday, August 5, 2011
The Binge - Part 2
Finally, some spare time before the weekend starts and I'm off with my usual.
While it's been more than a week since the second binge weekend, I still vividly remember my... epicurial transgressions, however fleeting and flurried they were for that period in time.
That Saturday morning was an early one as usual, but I wasn't running anywhere or at the club swimming. I had my bag packed with a few pieces of clothing and my favourite body wash. With that, off I went to fetch the colleague and friend. The 2 of us made quick way up north, to Bidor. Ah, what else would we be savouring at this tiny town but the noodles and little pieces of fried yam filled with braised pork. Pun Chun has been consistently offering their tasty morsels for years on end now and this time was no different. After we were done with our meal, we decided to buy a few bags of goodies; Chicken Biscuits, Sat Kei Mah and what not. The nice aunt manning the counter who I now know is a Buddhist, gave me an extra pack, gratis, because she noticed my um.... very profound shirt. It says "Treat others like how you would be treated". An old Confucian saying. Well worth a bag of Chicken Biscuits, I say.
Fast forward to about 2 pm, we had arrived at Georgetown, all the way blabbering about our other colleagues, life in general, fishing. artillery, gadgets and cars. The kind of conversations that never get boring. I still remembered the road to the place my family knows endearingly as Chung Nam, while in fact its name had changed to Keat Seng. This quaint hawker joint at Kampung Melayu holds a special place in my heart, having visiting the place every time I return to my father's hometown. The lady selling Duck Mee Suah still remembers me. She smiles tiredly at me, being one of the last few working the stalls this late into lunch, I can understand why. I do love her dishes, but since it's not a recognised Penang dish, and it's got a herbal soup base, Duck Mee Suah isn't exactly the staple dish of the day for many people. Unfortunately, My devious cravings and I decided to go for Koay Teow Thng instead. My colleague was full so he only sampled a little of my soup, and exclaimed with excitement that he must have a bowl.....tomorrow. I hinted to the nice lady that I would be back for her Mee Suah the following day, and we headed off.
Driving for 4 hours takes a toll on, well, almost anyone. So wenapped the moment we arrived at my aunt's place. Come dinner, we already had plans to meet up with a few clients of ours who stay locally. After a few quick turns around the corner, we arrived at Lebuh Chulia. The two late-middle aged men whom we were to meet up with were already there with their families, enjoying a bit of fruit juice, which they claim is very popular there. We did eventually have some, but one should note, nutmeg is not for everyone. I still firmly believe in Pat Poh herbal tea everytime I'm in Penang. That or almond milk. During this trip, I had discovered Keat Poh, which is akin to a lime variant of Pat Poh. Excellent after a blazing hot dayin the sun.
It was 6.30 p.m. and some of the stalls weren't open yet. But we couldn't wait long, and so we shared a bowl of Wan Tan Mee while waiting for the main 'daichow' stall to open. We went a little crazy and ordered Sah Hor Fun, Yee Fu Mee and Hokkien Char just for the both of us. Just when we thought we were going to be done for dinner, we hear a distant creaking noise. The Curry Mee stall was arriving, and before you can utter "glorious food" the orders were piling up already. Needless to say, another bowl of that was in order. Our clients, being the experienced Penang epicurists as they were, offered to bring us to another area for, yes, even more food. We were slightly dumbfounded at their appetite, but relented nonetheless. It was, after all, the main aim of our roadtrip up north.
Just before we showed up at the next makan stop, I just had to have yet another craving. The much popularised fried chicken skin at Gurney Drive. Oh lordy, the things they do to the chicken...so disgustingly tasty you can't resist. I know I couldn't. Oh, and we grabbed some Apom along the way too....twice. Heheh. After arriving at the next stop, which was just opposite the famous Ghee Hiang Tambun Biscuit shop, is a place that sells Bak Kut Teh. However, that wasn't what we had. The said foodie place, which opens up to the wee hours of the morning, is famous for its tender steamed chicken. So after another hearty plate of food plus yet one more round of dry-fried noodles, we knew we had enough.....or did we? The clients brought us a little further down the road, not for more food (thankfully) but for tea! It was the perfect time for a break.
After about another hour of chatter, we left, with our bellies unsuspectingly...fairly satiated. But we were greedy, so we made one extra stop for the night, at Crepe Cottage on Gurney Drive. Banana Nutella and Mango Crepe never tasted so heavenly. Granted, there was a very long wait time at this mom and pop joint.
I realise at this point (in the blogpost) that I've rambled endlessly purely on food. While I know the true joys that fulfill my life, I shall spare my readers the agony of reliving the remaining adventures of my tastebuds. Day 2's list was not entirely extensive. Sah Hor Fun again with Char Mee Suah and Chee Cheong Fun - Penang styled in the morning at the Pulau Tikus Wet Market area, another fan favourite :), Durian while driving around, and Char Koay Teow, Duck Mee Suah as prmoised and Koay Teow Thng for the colleague for lunch back at Chung Nam. What would deserve a special mention is the Claypot Chicken Rice at Kampar on the way home. Cooked the traditional method, in 3 charcoal-stuffed rows of claypots for different cooking sequences, is an honest, hard working family slaving to bring us the local delicacy. I could write a full paragraph on my observations on their cooking, and what seemed to be a succession plan in the making for this shop, but perhaps that will be elaborated on another day.
All in all,
Devastatingly Delicious,
D
P.S.: Yes, those pics are mine, and I ate all that, though not snapped my camera. :D
While it's been more than a week since the second binge weekend, I still vividly remember my... epicurial transgressions, however fleeting and flurried they were for that period in time.
That Saturday morning was an early one as usual, but I wasn't running anywhere or at the club swimming. I had my bag packed with a few pieces of clothing and my favourite body wash. With that, off I went to fetch the colleague and friend. The 2 of us made quick way up north, to Bidor. Ah, what else would we be savouring at this tiny town but the noodles and little pieces of fried yam filled with braised pork. Pun Chun has been consistently offering their tasty morsels for years on end now and this time was no different. After we were done with our meal, we decided to buy a few bags of goodies; Chicken Biscuits, Sat Kei Mah and what not. The nice aunt manning the counter who I now know is a Buddhist, gave me an extra pack, gratis, because she noticed my um.... very profound shirt. It says "Treat others like how you would be treated". An old Confucian saying. Well worth a bag of Chicken Biscuits, I say.
Fast forward to about 2 pm, we had arrived at Georgetown, all the way blabbering about our other colleagues, life in general, fishing. artillery, gadgets and cars. The kind of conversations that never get boring. I still remembered the road to the place my family knows endearingly as Chung Nam, while in fact its name had changed to Keat Seng. This quaint hawker joint at Kampung Melayu holds a special place in my heart, having visiting the place every time I return to my father's hometown. The lady selling Duck Mee Suah still remembers me. She smiles tiredly at me, being one of the last few working the stalls this late into lunch, I can understand why. I do love her dishes, but since it's not a recognised Penang dish, and it's got a herbal soup base, Duck Mee Suah isn't exactly the staple dish of the day for many people. Unfortunately, My devious cravings and I decided to go for Koay Teow Thng instead. My colleague was full so he only sampled a little of my soup, and exclaimed with excitement that he must have a bowl.....tomorrow. I hinted to the nice lady that I would be back for her Mee Suah the following day, and we headed off.
Driving for 4 hours takes a toll on, well, almost anyone. So wenapped the moment we arrived at my aunt's place. Come dinner, we already had plans to meet up with a few clients of ours who stay locally. After a few quick turns around the corner, we arrived at Lebuh Chulia. The two late-middle aged men whom we were to meet up with were already there with their families, enjoying a bit of fruit juice, which they claim is very popular there. We did eventually have some, but one should note, nutmeg is not for everyone. I still firmly believe in Pat Poh herbal tea everytime I'm in Penang. That or almond milk. During this trip, I had discovered Keat Poh, which is akin to a lime variant of Pat Poh. Excellent after a blazing hot dayin the sun.
It was 6.30 p.m. and some of the stalls weren't open yet. But we couldn't wait long, and so we shared a bowl of Wan Tan Mee while waiting for the main 'daichow' stall to open. We went a little crazy and ordered Sah Hor Fun, Yee Fu Mee and Hokkien Char just for the both of us. Just when we thought we were going to be done for dinner, we hear a distant creaking noise. The Curry Mee stall was arriving, and before you can utter "glorious food" the orders were piling up already. Needless to say, another bowl of that was in order. Our clients, being the experienced Penang epicurists as they were, offered to bring us to another area for, yes, even more food. We were slightly dumbfounded at their appetite, but relented nonetheless. It was, after all, the main aim of our roadtrip up north.
Just before we showed up at the next makan stop, I just had to have yet another craving. The much popularised fried chicken skin at Gurney Drive. Oh lordy, the things they do to the chicken...so disgustingly tasty you can't resist. I know I couldn't. Oh, and we grabbed some Apom along the way too....twice. Heheh. After arriving at the next stop, which was just opposite the famous Ghee Hiang Tambun Biscuit shop, is a place that sells Bak Kut Teh. However, that wasn't what we had. The said foodie place, which opens up to the wee hours of the morning, is famous for its tender steamed chicken. So after another hearty plate of food plus yet one more round of dry-fried noodles, we knew we had enough.....or did we? The clients brought us a little further down the road, not for more food (thankfully) but for tea! It was the perfect time for a break.
After about another hour of chatter, we left, with our bellies unsuspectingly...fairly satiated. But we were greedy, so we made one extra stop for the night, at Crepe Cottage on Gurney Drive. Banana Nutella and Mango Crepe never tasted so heavenly. Granted, there was a very long wait time at this mom and pop joint.
I realise at this point (in the blogpost) that I've rambled endlessly purely on food. While I know the true joys that fulfill my life, I shall spare my readers the agony of reliving the remaining adventures of my tastebuds. Day 2's list was not entirely extensive. Sah Hor Fun again with Char Mee Suah and Chee Cheong Fun - Penang styled in the morning at the Pulau Tikus Wet Market area, another fan favourite :), Durian while driving around, and Char Koay Teow, Duck Mee Suah as prmoised and Koay Teow Thng for the colleague for lunch back at Chung Nam. What would deserve a special mention is the Claypot Chicken Rice at Kampar on the way home. Cooked the traditional method, in 3 charcoal-stuffed rows of claypots for different cooking sequences, is an honest, hard working family slaving to bring us the local delicacy. I could write a full paragraph on my observations on their cooking, and what seemed to be a succession plan in the making for this shop, but perhaps that will be elaborated on another day.
All in all,
Devastatingly Delicious,
D
P.S.: Yes, those pics are mine, and I ate all that, though not snapped my camera. :D
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