Best Wishes for A Happy New Year

Extended Train Service In Kuala Lumpur

Roads in the city would be packed with people and auto traffic come New Year's eve. It would be wise to use public transport such as the train. If you intend to do so, you would be happy to know that the commuter service will be extended until the early hours of Jan 1 in conjunction with New Year celebrations.

The Star reported that the extended service will involve 13 additional trains on the Seremban-Rawang and Sentul-Port Klang lines.

For the Seremban-Rawang line, the first additional train will leave Seremban at 10:50pm on Dec 31 and the last one at 2:20am on Jan 1. On the return journey, the first additional train leaves Rawang at 10:45pm on Dec 31 and the last one at 2:50am on Jan 1.

For the Sentul-Port Klang line, the first additional train leaves Port Klang at 10:55pm on Dec 1 and the last one at 2:25am on Jan 1. On the return trip, the addiitonal train leaves Sentul at 11"05pm on Dec 31 and the last one at 3:20am on Jan 1.

Let me take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones A Happy New Year!

0% APR On Balance Transfer

Many of us have more than one credit card. With escalating costs of goods and services due to inflation, some of us may not be able to keep up with payments resulting in unpaid balances.

A good way to manage our credit card balances is to transfer all the balances into one single credit card. This move not only makes for easier management, most importantly, it helps us save cost on interest rates as many of these cards feature a 0% Apr for an intro period on balance transfers. Credit Card Balance Transfer is therefore a smart move.

Where would one look for such a card?

Check out CreditCardSearchEngine.com. It is one of the Internet’s longest running sites for online credit card comparison where you can search, compare and apply for a bank transfer credit card or any other type of credit cards, everything from low interest and reward card to cards for people with average or bad credit.

Credit cards offered by CreditCardSearchEngine are from leading U.S. credit card issuers and banks including Citibank, Bank of America, J.P. Morgan as well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card. Apply securely online.

What Next In Pakistan?

MAS To Fly To Jogjakarta, Indonesia

Many people here do business in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. They may be happy to know that from February 1, MAS will be plying this route three times a week from Kuala Lumpur on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Also, the return flight will be on the same day.

Jogjakarta will be MAS' fifth destination in Indonesia after Jakarta, Medan, Denpasar and Surabaya.

AirAsia currently has flights to Jakarta, Medan and Surabaya.

The View from the Skybridge of Petronas Twin Towers

A fish-eye view from the Petronas Twin Towers skybridge overlooking KLCC park, Kuala Lumpur.

The skybridge is on the 41 and 42 floor of the twin towers. The bridge links both towers. It is open to the public everyday of the week. Entry is by way of tickets which can be obtained free from as early as 7:30am.

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Source: allmalaysia.info - The Star

HotelReservations Offers The Best Rates

For me, December is a great time of the year for various reasons and the best reason is, of course, to be able to get away for a holiday. I checked out a few sites and I found that Hotel Reservations has the best offerings in price and their wide selection of accommodations - motels, hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and more.

I found their prices very competitive and in some cases, there is even a 70% discount for worldwide destinations too. My friends and I would be able to get a further discount on group travel. Booking is easy too. We can either book online or call them toll-free.

More Flooding

Once again, the monsoon rain is causing havoc and hardship to people of the east coast state of Kelantan. Hillside cutting and pollution of the rivers are proving costly. This has caused floods as with the trees gone, the ground is unable to retain rainwater forcing rivers to carry more water than they can handle.

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Bare hills also result in soil erosion, causing mud and debris to make rivers shallower. A taskforce has been set up to review all development projects.

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The school holidays could be extended if the flooding continues.
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Source: The Star

Capella University Is An Award Winner

If you are considering Online Learning and online degree programs, you may want to consider Capella University. Capella University provides relevant degree programs offered in an online format and developed around industry standards. Due to their higher academic standards and flexible online delivery, many corporations are recommending Capella University to their employees.

On November 1 recently, Capella University received an award as one of three finalists for the Minnesota Tekne Award in the "Technology User" category. Capella University was recently designated as a Center for Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security.

The Minnesota Tekne Awards (www.tekneawards.org) honor companies, innovations and individuals that positively impact Minnesota’s technology-based economy and the ceremony is attended by Minnesota business, technology and political leaders from across the state.

“This blog post is based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.”

Monsoon Season of Floods

This time of the year brings heavy rains and floods. Many states are now affected and deaths have been reported. The east coast states of Kelantan and Terengganu and the state of Johore in the south, are badly affected. It doesn't look like people in the flood affected areas will get any respite, with more rain forecast, floodwaters that remain at high levels in some areas, and a high tide phenomenon forecast for Friday that is expected to make things worse.

Floodwater at Jalan Kelochor in Kota Baru. - 14 December, 2007

Schoolboys saving their school books in Kota Baru, Kelantan

No crossing: A section of a heavily flooded road in Maran town rendered impassable to people and vehicles.

Source: The Star

24th SEA Games

This is Chrystal Lim. Chrystal kissed all her apparatus before performing to ensure that they would not fall out of her hands. This rhythmic gymnast clinched three gold medals out of the four at stake in rhythmic gymnastics on the last day of the 24th SEA Games in Korat, Thailand.

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Chrystal's win gave Malaysia 68 gold medals surpassing the nation's target and placed Malaysia in second place behind host, Thailand.

Haven't Heard of Nerf Bars?

Vans, trucks and SUVs are popular here in Malaysia as they are flexible. They are good for work and leisure. Even though they may be taller than cars, getting in and out of them need not be a hassle as they can be fitted with running boards and nerf bars.


Did you know that nerf bars are actually very strong as they are constructed for maximum strength and durability being made of steel? Some of them are also stylish with an oval tube design such as Lund nerf bars, while certain designs, like those from T & H Euro-Tech offer a quick DIY installation.

Nerf bars not only allow you to step into your vehicle, they also serve to protect your doors from kicked up stone and dirt.

A Holiday in Orlando

December is a happy month for most Malaysians, especially parents with school-going children. Because schools are closed for a good seven weeks and the family can go on a real vacation.

My neighbour, Pat, and her family have gone on a holiday in the US, Florida, I believe. I fact, two months ago, she asked whether I have any leads to some holiday homes. I wish I knew about this site that offers Orlando Holiday Villas. Thinkflorida.co.uk is a full service and valuable source of information.

Besides holiday villas, they also provide car rental service, ticket service and an online booking service for private pool homes, condos and townhouses in the Disney area, the latter which is exactly what Pat would need. The holiday villas offered are modern and with state-of-the-art amenities that a contemporary family would need. They also have the right type of accommodation to meet any particular need such as for the physically challenged holiday-makers.

Thinkflorida.co.uk is surely the place I'd look for a holiday in Florida,

Penang Second Bridge

The Star reported that work on Penang Second Bridge has begun after completion of initial works. The RM3bil Penang Second Bridge, once finished, would help decrease and ease traffic congestion on the original Penang bridge.

The Penang second bridge would be the longest in South-East Asia when completed in January 2011.

Public Safety Above All....said the PM of Malaysia

Public safety before public freedom will be the government's top priority and there will be no hesitation in taking the stiffest action against irresponsible people.

This was said by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in his speech at the recently-held KHAZANAH GLOBAL LECTURE SERIES - “BUILDING HEARTS AND MINDS.

Here's the speech in its entirety.

A Fine Day in Kuala Lumpur

It's a fine day today in Kuala Lumpur. In fact, too fine to be staying indoors. There are many places of interest and activities for a visitor to Kuala Lumpur. You can visit the Zoo or the Lake Gardens where there is a Rose Garden, a Deer Park and a Bird Park. There's the National Museum, the National Library and the National Art Gallery. Also, don't forget to visit the Petronas Twin Towers and go up to the Skybridge for a bird's eye view of the city. The KL Tower is also not to be missed.

While you are in KL, do drop by at the Royal Selangor Pewter factory where you will be taken on a tour of the facility plus a chance at working on a pewter ware. How's that for a hands-on experience?

Panning for Gold in Mersing, Johore

There is gold to be found here in Malaysia.

Yes, gold can be found along the shores in Mersing and it has attracted hordes of local prospectors as well as from as far as Terengganu. Mersing is a coastal town in Johore by the South China Sea. If you happen to be in Mersing, why not head on over there for some gold panning. Who knows, you might strike gold!

Try Some Clams

When it comes to seafood, Malaysia is a paradise. You can get fresh fish, crabs, shrimps or prawns, squids, clams and others anywhere and at very reasonable prices too.

If you like clams or lala as they are known locally, you are in luck as right now, there is a bountiful supply of clams found in the northern shores. Clams in Malaysia are normally prepared the stir-fried method. If you are new here and if you happen to be dining in a Chinese restaurant, order some clams. I can assure you, you will not regret it.

Japan's New Entry Security Procedure

If you are planning a trip to Japan, you may want to note Japan's new entry security procedure. The new rules came into effect last Friday, November 23.

Earn A Degree from an Online University

Many people have the intention of going for higher education. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, their intention or dream of a university education was dashed or had to be put on hold. If you are one of those who have been nourishing this dream, you can now see it fulfilled right from home by enrolling into an online university.

One such online university is capella university. It offers undergraduate programs in business, information technology, education and many more. There are also graduate programs in the fields of business, information technology and public safety.

Capella University is an accredited university and was founded in 1993. It is a fully online university which makes it convenient as there is no need to travel distances to attend tutorials and such. If you would like more information, visit this site: http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving from Malaysia!

It's not a gazetted holiday here but expats relocated here from Western countries would be celebrating this important of western holidays. Over here, the school holidays has begun starting from November 17 and will stretch until January 1 of next year.

Lap Band - the Least Invasive Weight Loss Procedure

Yes, take the first step on your journey to better health and an improved quality of life. And we are talking about being overweight and taking action to control your weight. There is now available a less invasive procedure called the Lap Band procedure that can help you control your urge for food thus helping you lose weight.

At Journey Lite, this houston lapband is performed by highly skilled and experienced bariatric surgeons and a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to providing the safest and least invasive surgical weight-loss solution and the most comprehensive support programs available today. The procedure can be performed in an outpatient (day surgery) setting and offers a shortened recovery period. The best part is, it is adjustable and completely reversible.

Additionally, not only the surgeons are the best in the U.S, their highly competent staff is specially trained in caring for all the physical and emotional needs of the seriously overweight patient.

A Better Air Quality

The Star reported that the Health Ministry is looking into the possibility of expanding the non-smoking zones to more public places with the Tobacco Products Control Act. Areas targetted may be hawker centres, in factory buses, at fitness centres and at national service camps.

The Ministry is in the last stage of drafting the Act and the hope it is to present it to the Cabinet next year before tabling it in Parliament. So let's look forward to better air quality in the not too distant future.

Send a Postcard Home

While enjoying your visit with us in Malaysia, don't forget to let your friends and family back home know that you are having a great time here. What better way to let them know than to send them a postcard, an e-postcard, that is. There is a wide selection of postcards here.

Shop Around for the Credit Card that Meets Your Needs

A credit card is no longer a luxury these days. It is more like a necessity. If you are buying a big ticket item, for instance, it does not make sense to be carrying around all that cash. Here in Malaysia, personal cheques are sometimes not accepted. Therein lies the convenience of cashless credit card shopping.

Applying for a Credit Card can be a tricky affair as there are so many out there. Fortunately, there are sites like CreditCardSearchEngine.com that have information for one to make comparisons of the different credit cards available. Not only that, you can also get a whole list of credit card issuers and the type of credit cards available. It is to our benefit to do some searching and make comparisons in order to be applying for the credit card that meets our needs.

Malaysia for Higher Education

Malaysia has become a destination for higher education as more and more foreigners get enrolled in our public and private institutions of higher learning. Malaysia is targeting 15,000 enrollments for the next three years, more than double that of the current enrollment. The large number of Chinese students pursuing their studies in the country shows that Malaysia and courses offered by its higher learning institutions are attractive to foreigners.

Food in Malaysia is safe to consume

If you are a visitor to our lovely country and wondering as to the safety of food found here, our Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek, told reporters recently that the quality of imported food is safe because of constant monitoring at 36 entry points with the cooperation of the Customs Department and other agencies. This was as reported by The Star. Food found to have contravened our food regulations have been rejected, returned or destroyed by the authorities.

Blister Treatment

New shoes sometimes give us blisters. In fact, some of us still get blisters with old shoes. I normally treat them with regular plasters but I know they are not so effective. I recently came to know about ENGO Patches and they have received the National Health & Wellness Club Seal of Approval.

Sample patches given out received rave reviews from testers. With this wonderful product, no one need be wary of wearing new shoes anymore. Sports performance will improve and social life will be more fun not having to contend with foot blisters because ENGO patches not only prevent blisters, they also relieve pain to help healing faster. They are long-lasting, easy to use and guaranteed effective or your money back. With ENGO Patches, Blister Treatment will never be the same again.

Malaysia Urgent Need to Recycle Waste

With 25,600 tonnes of waste being produced daily, Malaysians will have no choice but to urgently put in more effort to recycle our waste. With waste production projected to grow by 3.6% each year, he said landfills would be at full capacity by 2020.

Our Prime Minister, at the National Recycling Day, spoke about the idea of “first-class infrastructure, third-class mentality”, and how this was illustrated in the way Malaysians treated the environment. More...The Star

Travelling Can Be Cheap with AirAsia

AirAsia is at it again, rewarding its loyal customers. The low-cost carrier is offering some 400,000 low-fare seats to thank its customers after winning the CAPA Airline of the Year award.

The promotion is only applicable through online bookings at www.airasia.com and bookings must be made before Nov 25 while the travel period is from Jan 8 to April 30, 2008.

Fares as low as RM9.99 one-way are for flights out of Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi, Penang or Johor Baru. Other low fares include from Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok at RM39.99; Phuket at RM19.99; Bandung in Indonesia at RM49.99 and Jakarta at RM29.99.

Other destinations included in this promotion are Manila, Bali, Macau, Shenzhen and Gold Coast. Check out the website for the low fares.

Mailing lists are Important to Drive Sales

A business cannot survive without sales. How would sales come about if there are no customers? Every business needs leads to customers. And where does a company get leads? With the Internet playing a major role in business these days, an important aspect to pulling enough customers is to be able to reach out to people out there.

Mailing Lists are the way to go. Get access to Martin Worldwide's database of over 290 million consumers and 14 million U.S. businesses and you will have overwhelming sales to keep you busy. One of Martin Worldwide's ground-breaking products is ResponseCom™.

“ResponseCom™ is the result of decades of tracking, compiling, and optimizing data merged into one vast database of proven direct mail responders. As a result, their clients have experienced higher response rates, profitability, and new business opportunities. So, whatever lists you are looking for, Martin Worldwide will have the right ones for your business.

Bridge to link Malaysia and Indonesia

If found to be viable, Malaysia will be linked to Indonesia via a 37km bridge from Malacca to Dumai in Indonesia. Feasibility studies are underway. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi urged the state to reconsider all aspects before deciding if a bridge should be built, as the cost involved was very high.

According to the Star, the Malacca-Dumai bridge was proposed in the mid-90s when Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad was the prime minister but the matter was put on hold following the Asian financial crisis in 1997.

A Garage Make-over

A garage is an extension of a home. It can be used as a storage room besides being a place to park a car or two. Being a place where people spend many hours tinkering around with their vehicles, I feel a garage needs to be a conducive place to work in. A garage floor with excessive oil stains or a cracked concrete floor is certainly not a pleasant place to spend hours confined in. Luckily a make-over is possible with garage floors. They can be coated with epoxy or floor tiles that can last for years and are easy to maintain. Just what our garage needs.

New Ruling on Entry into Libya

Here is something to note for Malaysians who wish to travel to Libya. You need to have an Arabic version of your travel documents to gain entry into the country.

If you fail to produce the translated version of your passport, you would be denied entry into the country. This is a new ruling enforced on Sunday according to Wisma Purta which issued the statement yesterday, November 16.

Are you a collector of rare or gold coins?

Having a hobby or two is a good way to spend leisure time, something which you enjoy doing and deriving pleasure from the activity. Many people collect items as a hobby such as collecting stamps, postcards or coins.

Coin-collecting is an interesting hobby. Coin-collecting can also be a lucrative hobby if the collection involves rare coins or precious metal coins including gold, silver or platinum bullion coins.

If you are in possession of a gold coin and would like to make some money out of it, would you know where to go to sell it for the price it is worth? The experts at Monaco Rare Coin would be able to help you.

They are a trusted leader in precious metals investments for nearly 40 years offering a vast and impressive array of resources for investors and collectors alike. Having access to the most intriguing rare coins available, Monaco Rare Coin is exclusively poised to provide their customers with the best prices and service not found anywhere. So if you are looking to buy or sell rare and precious metal coins, there is no better place than Monaco Rare Coin.

One Sen coin to be discontinued

Just like the RM1 coin that has been discontinued, come April 1 of next year, the RM0.01 sen will no longer be used. The one-sen coin will effectively become worthless. All prices will either be rounded up or rounded down to the nearest five sen.

For example, if the total amount to be paid is RM82.01 or RM82.02, it will be rounded down to RM82. However, if the total that has to be paid is RM82.03 or RM82.04, it will be rounded up to RM82.05.



All quarters will benefit from this move - consumers, businesses and the Government. Businesses will no longer have to handle the coins or ensure a ready supply, while consumers will also not have to worry about carrying the coins. The Government will save RM18mil which it spends yearly to mint these coins.

















Source: The Star

Krillion Finds You The Item in a Store Near You

What do we do when we want to look up something or check out an item we are interested in buying? We go online and search for it. Shopping online is the trend these days but some people still prefer going to malls and retail outlets to check out the item. However, it would take some legwork to visit one store after another to find the item, wouldn't it? Did you know that there is no need for that hassle anymore?

There is now a search engine that allows you to search for an item in a store near you? Take for instance, if you are interested in Whirlpool Washing Machines, all you need do is to key in those keywords, key in your town or city and voila! you would instantly know which store has the Whirlpool Washing Machines that you are looking for. You can then go over to the store to buy it. Cool, don't you think?

Get Paid to Blog

Do you have a blog? Do you want to make money with your blog? If you answer "Yes" to both questions, then you are at the right place. Sign up for bloggerwave and get paid to blog. Make some extra money and come on over and visit enchanting Malaysia.

Bloggerwave connects advertisers to bloggers and aims to be Europe's biggest advertising media on blogs and you can help Bloggerwave be No. 1 in Europe.

Need a Payday, Short-term Loan?

With escalating prices of goods, people sometimes get caught with insufficient funds or have to pay for something unexpected, like a medical bill. In times like these, rather than facing humiliation from borrowing from friends or family, there is another way around it. Apply for a payday loan. Payday loans can now be easily applied for online.

What is a payday loan? It is a cash advance that is a quick and easy way to bridge your cash needs when payday is not here yet. Payday loans from paydayloanquotes is also referred to No Fax Payday Loans as it is easy to apply for one online - no hassle of paperwork, no credit check, no strings attached and completely confidential and secure. Once application is approved, funds are transferred into your bank account.

These Faxless Payday Loans will get you through any temporary financial setback. A cash advance can also be used to travel. Need a payday loan comparison? PaydayLoanQuotes.com helps consumers compare prices on short-term loan options.

Jackie Chan's Cafe in Kuala Lumpur

If you are a Jackie Chan fan, you may want to visit his cafe the next time you visit Kuala Lumpur. Jackie Chan's Cafe has just been opened at the Starhill Gallery at the Muse Floor (Level 6).

If you patronize the cafe, you would also be doing a good deed as Jackie Chan has pledged 2% of the cafe's profits to go to charity organizations for disadvantaged children.

Jackie said that he wanted to make his cafe an affordable lifestyle joint that would allow people to enjoy coffee and snacks and, at the same time, contribute to charity. Each year, he would look for ways to raise money for charity. Do you wonder why Jackie has been listed by the international magazine, Forbes, as one of the world's ten most generous celebrities?

Source: The Star

Shop with Discount Coupons

With escalating prices in everything, it takes a smart shopper to know what to do to cut corners and save money shopping. Online-shopping is one of the ways a shopper can save.

These days, almost everything can be bought over the Internet. For instance, Mondera has anything you need from baby clothess to books, to automotive products to flowers to even tech items like computers. Best of all is, coupons from Mondera will help you save. I'd say shopping online with Mondera discount coupons is a sure way to save, don't you?

Looking for a computer? Get HP coupons online. You'd be surprised how much you can save with a big-ticket item like a computer.

Selamat Hari Raya

If you are in the city and are surprised that there is no traffic jam and no queue at the checkout counters at the mall, there could be only one reason. It is because today is the Muslim new year and Muslims around the country and in fact around the world have headed back to their families to celebrate this holiday.

If you are one who does not enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a time to savour the rare moment. Enjoy.

Let me take this opportunity to wish all who celebrate Aidil Fitri, Selamat Hari Raya.

MASwings introduces Fokker 50 flights

If you and your family are planning to holiday in East Malaysia, why not take advantage of the Family Fares iintroduced by MASwings on their Fokker 50 flights. This takes effect from Monday, October 15.

The Family Fares are at a 15% discount available for groups of three, in which two must be adults.

Apart from Family Fares, MASwings also has the "early bird offer" as well as special discounts for students and senior citizens.

Bookings can be made through Malaysia Airlines Call Centre 1-300-88-3000 and airlines and travel agents or check out www.maswings.com.my

Storage Solutions for Your Clutter

When it comes to clutter, I think there isn't anyone without any clutter in his or her home. No matter how neat we are, there is bound to be a few things that get piled up somewhere. I am guilty where books and magazines are concerned. It's about time I look into some storage solutions before I am consumed by the piles of reading material that are too good (in my opinion) to be discarded. You see, I like to reread books and go through magazines.

First Malaysian in Space

Yesterday, 10/10, was a historic day for Malaysia. Malaysia sent her first citizen into space. Dr Sheikh Muszaphar is the first Malaysian to go into space.

At exactly 9.23pm (Malaysian time), the Soyuz -FG rocket launcher blasted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, Nasa’s commander Peggy Whitson - the first female International Space Station (ISS) commander - and Russian Yuri Malechencko comprise Expedition 16S, which will make a trip to the ISS and return on Oct 21.

Make Madrid your Next Vacation Destination

Many of my friends love to travel in autumn. They cite the cool temperature and the autumn colors as the main reasons. Take Spain for instance. Autumn in Spain is the perfect season for enjoying the beauty and magic of their forests where at this time of year the trees change into warm inviting shades of ochre, orange, red and gold, myriad hues that give their mountains a unique appearance.

Think Spain and Madrid comes to mind. Madrid, Spain's capital, is a cosmopolitan city located at the geographical centre of the Iberian peninsular. Spain is rich in art and culture and it is home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites. Madrid alone has 73 museums housing great works of art by world-renown artists such as Picasso and Salvador Dali.

Madrid is never short of excitement. Its many pubs, bars, discos and flamenco clubs make up its happening nightlife. An excitement not to be missed when in Spain, is the San Isidro bullfighting festival.

So, why not make Madrid your next vacation destination? Hotels in Madrid are plentiful and there is one for every budget. The Internet provides easy access to lots of hotel news and updates. Shop around. You'd be surprised at the hotel news you will find to make your dream holiday a reality.

First Malaysian to go into Space

Today, October 10 2007, is going down as an important date in the history of Malaysia. At 9:22pm (Malaysian time), Dr Sheikh Muszaphar will be the first Malaysian to go into space.

The launch of the Soyuz will be keenly anticipated and watched live on tv. Malaysians around the world will be anxiously watching this momentous event.

A small step for man, a big step for Malaysia.

Remembering September 11

September 11 2001, will go down in history as a day of mourning - for the innocent thousands who lost their lives on that fateful day.

I watched a documentary yesterday on the events leading to the disasters, the events of the day itself and the aftermath. Terrorism is ugly. It spells devastation, loss, sadness. It changes peoples lives. Let's hope the world will never see anything like it again.

Masterseek - Global Search Engine

Are you running your own business and looking into growing your business by having more associates? Have you ever wished that you have access to company profiles, contact information of the companies you wish to contact?

Then what you need is masterseek. Masterseek’s global search engine provides quick and free access to company profiles, contact information, and descriptions of products and services from more than 45 million companies in 75 countries.

In turn, why not make your own company accessible to others looking for your products or services? Submit your company profile and showcase your products and services to the global community. You'd be glad you did.

Have Fun with Coca-cola

Hey, how would you like to make your own movie? Let's start small. Let's make a mini-movie and have some fun. When it comes to fun, you've got to think of Coke. Coke has always been associated with fun and the good life. Right now, their slogan is "Life as it should be", and life should be fun, so why not have yourself some fun through a mini-movie sponsored by Coke.

Start here at Coke zero. Choose a clip you like, write in the conversation and voila, you are set to send your movie to a friend. Try it. It's really fun.

Learn Wilderness Survival Skills

Malaysia has many places for trekking enthusiasts. Adults and schoolchildren alike often go on trekking trips, either on casual basis or on school-funded trips. Unfortunately, some of these trips ended up in misadventures in the sense that they end up being lost.

If you were one of those lost, would you have been able to survive in the wilderness? It probably is a good thing to pick up some survial skills. Below are a few local outfits you can learn such skills:

Outward Bound Malaysia has two centres — in Lumut, Perak and Kinarut, Sabah — that offer public and tailor-made courses for adults, youth and kids. For more information, visit www.obslumut.org or Tel: (05) 683 5077

A two-day/one-night package at Miki Survival Camp in Sabah costs RM250 per person, minimum 4 pax. For more information visit www.tykadventuretours.com or www.thamyaukong.com

Langkawi-based Wilderness Centre runs tailor-made survival courses. Pick up basic First Aid, navigational techniques and expedition planning skills. Tel: (04) 966 8000, info@wildernessmalaysia.com or visit www.wildernessmalaysia.com

Source: The Star

50 Things Malaysian

Malaysia celebrates her 50th year of nationhood this August 31. There are lots of things and people that define Malaysia. The Star has with the help of readers come up with 50 things that define Malaysia. Some of them are the Petronas Twin Towers, our teh tarik, the expression "lah" and topping the list is the ever-popular nasi lemak. What else?

Below is the current list of 50 and inputs are still coming in. If there is anything else you think is worthy to be considered Malaysian either in look, taste, smell or sound? You can submit your feedback here.

50 Things Malaysian

Food
Nasi lemak
Nasi kandar
Roti canai
Teh tarik
Kajang Satay
Ramly Burger
Char koay teow
ABC (air batu campur)
Rojak
Yee sang

Expressions
Lah
Brudder
Ta pau
Cin-cai
Aiyo
Malaysia Boleh
Yam seng
Mat Salleh

Personalities
Tunku Abdul Rahman
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad
Tan Sri P. Ramlee
Sudirman
Mat Rempit
Ah Long
Lat

Buildings & Places
Genting Highlands
Penang Bridge
Putrajaya
Sepang International Circuit
Petronas Twin Towers
Mount Kinabalu
KL International Airport
Pasar malam
Malacca
Dataran Merdeka
24-hour Mamak stall
Batu Caves

Culture and Others
Proton
Balik kampung
Open house
Baju kurung
Baba-Nyonya
Malaysian hospitality
“Malaysian time”
Joget
MyKad or identity card
Longhouse
Vision 2020
Ang pow in many colours
Wayang Kulit

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Malaysian and Asian stocks plunge

Friday, August 10 - Malaysia and Asian stocks took a beating with Japanese shares plunging almost 450 points in morning trade Friday following a sharp fall on Wall Street overnight, sparked by fears about a spreading credit crunch.

In Kuala Lumpur the benchmark Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) eased 22.34 points at 1,291.05. Stocks in Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, Korea also fell.

Source..The Star

Low cost carriers take off from KLIA

Come September, you will be able to fly to Australia for less than RM10.00 thanks to Air Asia X, the country’s first long-haul budget airline, which is expected to start its first flight between here and an Australian east-coast city on Sept 8. Flights take off from KLIA.

Another budget carrier taking off from KLIA is Jetstar, the low-cost subsidiary of Qantas, which will start its operations from here to Sydney.

More...

Sarawak homestay

Sarawak is popular with tourists because of its natural surroundings and attractions. Sarawak's homestay programme looks set to attract more visitors following the launch of its website and directory.

Urban Development and Tourism Minister Datuk Wong Soon Koh said, "Visitors can now make online bookings and plan their journey to reach the homestay of their choice," he said when launching the website and directory at the Sarawak Tourism Complex.

There are currently 118 registered homestay operators in 12 villages in the state, with 15 more applications being processed by the ministry.

The homestay website is at www.right.sarawak.gov.my/homestay.

Source; The Star

Playing Poker Online

Visitors to Malaysia would not miss a trip to our Genting Highlands, City of Entertainment, where the main attraction for adults is the Genting Casino. Like any world-class casino, Genting Casino has all the games available. Poker is a popular game.

These days, one doesn't need to physically go to a casino to enjoy a game or two. Online Poker is easily accessible. Mac Online Poker is a site specially designed for Macintosh OS which features a guide to Mac online poker sites and available Mac compatible poker downloads.

Mac Online Poker provides a review of the poker rooms available. Find one that works for you by visiting each room. You can also learn how the poker rooms are being rated. The site also provides a list of the Top Poker Sites as well as Top Casino Sites. The site has and index of casino bonuses to the best internet casinos including an online casino bonus code for popular online casinos such as Vegas Red and Casino Tropez

For those who are new to the game, you can find Basic Poker Rules. For the experts, these rules may serve as a reference. Need additional strategy tips, you can find them here too in addition to online poker deals and codes as well as poker supply store. If it's just news and information you are interested in, you can find poker articles here too.

Join a Poker Party. There are lots of parties onsite or join a Poker Tournament. No more waiting, just download the software and you are good to go. Or if you want tips and tricks about Mac Poker, sign up and get the free Mac Poker newsletter. Join the Poker Forum to exchange and share information about your favourite game.

Mac Poker Online, playing poker will not be the same again.

Cheap Hotels in London

London has got to be one of the cities one should visit in a lifetime. It is summer now and summer is a great time to visit London, I was told. There are lots to see and do in London and hotels in London can be cheap if you know where to look. You heard right, cheap London hotels in one of the most popular cities in the world!

Cheaperthanhotels.com offers cheap hotels in London with FREE extras!! Prices can be as low as GBP10 for a 1-Star hotel and as low as GBP49 for a 4-Star hotel. There are so many London hotels available that you can even make last minute bookings though it is wise to secure your booking in advance.

However, if you are planning a conference in London, a business conference centre like the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre would be a great choice. The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre is London’s premier conference centre, superbly located in the heart of Westminster. Whether you are coming by road, rail, tube, bus or air, there are various ways to get to The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. That's how convenient the venue is.

Why should you choose The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre? Being a prime purpose-built venue uniquely situated in the shadow of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the British Airways London Eye, the Centre is easily accessible from any London hotel giving delegates the chance to mix business with pleasure.

The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre has been designed with the finest facilities to create the perfect environment for a successful and productive event. The state-of the-art Centre is a suitable conference venue for small groups of 40 to larger groups of 1000 delegates. It is fully air-conditioned and is one of the most IT-intelligent buildings in the UK with WiFi capabilities and other up-to-date facilities like webcasting and online conferencing.

Indeed, the QEII Conference Centre offers the very best of everything, location, facilities, service and a wide choice of London hotels nearby. It is truly a Conference Centre of Choice.

And oh! one more important point. If your company is based outside of the UK, you may be entitled to a 17.5% tax reclaim from your event expenses. Check it out!

More airline check-in counters at KL Sentral

Good news for air-travellers. All airlines operating from KLIA can now offer their passengers check-in and baggage handling services at KL Sentral, following the installation of 10 additional check-in counters at the Kuala Lumpur City Air Terminal (KL CAT).

Currently, only Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Royal Brunei Airlines offer city check-in services at KL Sentral.

Second Bridge linking Penang to Mainland Peninsula

Malaysia and China inked a RM2.7bil (US$800mil) loan agreement, paving the way for the construction of the second Penang Bridge.

Source: The Star

Ipoh airport to be upgraded

The under-utilised Sultan Azlan Shah Airport’s terminal building will be upgraded and the runway lengthened so that the airport can service low-cost carriers. Last year, low-cost carrier, AirAsia, stopped flights from here to Senai, citing the short runway as the reason.

Due to the short runway, the airport cannot take in larger planes such as A320 Airbus which is a popular aircraft among low-cost carriers. The upgrade would include extending the runway, upgrading the terminal building and control tower so that bigger planes could use the airport.

The airport now serves only weekly flights from here to Medan.

Approval has been given to low-cost carrier, Firefly, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines, to fly from Subang to Ipoh and Senai to Ipoh. Firefly would be using turbo propeller planes from Italy for the sector and is expected to take delivery of the new planes by the third-quarter of next year.

Are you looking for reading tutors?

Like all mothers, my girlfriend Joyce, wants to give her little girl, Mary, a headstart on her academic education, so she started teaching Mary how to read even before she was three-years-old. Mary is now five.

Like Joyce, I would also be concerned and place emphasis on my child's ability to read. So, I looked up on reading tutors and found a Learning Center with very competent and professional teachers. They take in children from 4 right up to 14. The tutors at SCORE! take an active, hands-on approach to tutoring and their system is designed to help children succeed, at the same time making sure that the children enjoy the learning. This is the type of learning center I would send my child to, for sure, to get a headstart on reading.

Pangkor Laut Resort

Malaysia is a great holiday destination with beautiful island resorts. Among them, the islands of Pangkor have for many years been popular destinations for holiday-makers, both from overseas and local. One of the islands is Pangkor Laut.















Pangkor Laut is a privately owned island located three miles off the west coast of Malaysia along the Straits of Malacca. You will find no other resorts – just secluded bays curled around pristine beaches, evening skies woven with colour, and a deep sense of serenity reserved exclusively for our guests.

For more information and reservation, check out the site below:
http://promotions.ytlhotels.com/cgi-bin16/DM/y/hBOfl0GxuGW0uIV0tRY0EZ

Source: YTLhotels.com

New broadband service in Malaysia

The Star reported that a local company iZZinet Sdn Bhd has just introduced its mobile wireless broadband service.

Using iBurst technology from Kyocera, the service offers 1-megabit per second access speed for RM88 a month.

Users have to sign up for a one-year contract and get a free modem. The service covers Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Cheras and Ampang.

Visit New Zealand

Malaysia is experiencing extremely hot weather currently. If not for the rain, the weather is quite unbearable. A holiday to a cooler climate is not a bad idea at all. At this time of the year, a country in the Southern Hemisphere would be ideal. and New Zealand comes to mind. New Zealand is actually a great holiday destination and cheap hotels in Auckland are aplenty.



Auckland has lots to see and do and there is no shortage of nice and cheap hotels. There are activities all year round for the visitor including visits to the museums, eco-friendly tours to parks and places of interest, trips to the beautiful islands of Great Barrier Island or the Waiheke Island.

For garden lovers, Auckland is a city of beautiful gardens. The Auckland Botanic Gardens, Auckland's largest outdoor garden features more than 10,000 different plant types. Ayrlies is one of New Zealand's best known gardens, characterised by sweeping lawns, native plantings, ponds and waterways. Other gardens not to be missed are Eden Garden, an award-winning garden with magnificent views over the city and Hauraki Gulf at the garden's highest point. Eden Garden is reputed to have one of the largest collections of camellias in the Southern Hemisphere. Parnell Rose Gardens, popular in spring and summer, feature over 4,500 roses.

A holiday in Auckland offers you the chance to enjoy and relax with a sailing experience or discover the thrill of watching Dolphins and Whales in Hauraki Gulf.

Indulge in shopping at the Aotea Square Markets, Botany Town Centre, Auckland's newest and largest shopping centre, Chancery, the up-market fashion shops, gift shops and cafes, Chocolate Boutique Café, famous New Zealand Chocolaterie specialising in delicious handmade chocolates and confectionery.

Auckland's nightlife and cuisine are certainly not to be missed too. Whatever your interests, you'll never be short of things to do in the City of Sails. The Auckland Harbor is one place a visitor should not miss. See the harbour highlights including historic Devonport, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Bean Rock Lighthouse, and the Devonport Naval Base.



A Harbour Cruise is an ideal way to experience Auckland taking in views of three major Auckland Icons – the Harbour Bridge, Rangitoto Island, and the Sky Tower.

After an adventurous long day, there is nowhere more relaxing than in one's hotel room. A holiday in Auckland or even New Zealand for that matter need not be expensive as there are many nice and cheap hotels. The best part is, you will be sure of a room even at the last minute, so advance booking is not necessary.

Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand is not to be missed while on a visit to New Zealand. Hotels in Wellington can be cheap and can be as low as NZ71.

Most visitors will not miss Christchurch too. It's another must-visit beautiful city with her lovely black swans and awesome cathedral. You can find cheap Christchurch hotels for as low as NZ56.

Paying with one-sen coins is okay – up to RM2

In Malaysia, all coins are legal tender and you can use one sen, five sen, 10 sen and 20 sen coins to pay for a transaction of up to RM2, according to Section 24 of the Central Bank of Malaysia Act.

The Act also allows a buyer to pay for a product or service worth up to RM10 in 50 sen coins.

Source: The Star

Loving Math (finally)

I was happy to hear from a girlfriend who last year with her family emigrated to the US. I have not heard from her in months and I was beginning to get concerned. She attributed the lack of communication to the stress she and her husband went through with their children's education. Her two school-going children had been doing badly in school, especially in math.

She was happy that that was in the past as they are now coping well with the subject ever since they joined SCORE! Learning Center near their home. My girlfriend is all sold on the programmes offered by SCORE! seeing the progress her children has made. Their math tutors are professional and dedicated and easily transformed their children's abilities thus instilling confidence in them. They are beginning to love math. What a change!

Get listed on the largest Mashup, Assist Network

Do you run a business or a social network? Want to grow your business or draw attention to your network? Get listed on Assist Network. Right now, it is the largest Mashup in the USA. What's great about it is that you can add your links for free. You can advertise, make referrals and cross-promote the business interests of each other.

For shoppers, Assist Network has thousands of sites that offer a wide selection of products that include books, cosmetic products, baby items, furniture, cameras, candles, musical instruments, pet supplies, phone cards, toys, Tupperware, wedding gifts, wine and many more. Shop with thousands of coupons, discounts and special offers.

Check out Assist Network today either to grow your business or to realise savings shopping online. See your business grow or see you dollar stretch!

The Importance of an Innovative Tutor

My girlfriend and her family just moved to the States after her husband got transferred. They are now in Texas and will be there for at least three years. In one of her emails, she mentioned that their little girl, Mary, aged 8, has just started school but was not doing too well trying to adjust to school life there. Fortunately, they found a good Innovative Tutor who was able to get Mary coping well with her schoolwork. What a relief it was for my girlfriend and her husband. One load of their mind.

Putrajaya goes digital

Residents of Putrajaya will soon be able to enjoy a variety of e-services via the Putrajaya Corporation (PJC) portal.

The PPjOnline facility will allow members of the public to perform several functions at the click of a mouse while lounging in the comfort of their homes. Services offered online at www.ppj.gov.my will be e-Pemajuan, e-Aduan, e-Kompaun, e-Lesen, e-Sewa, e-Cukai, e-Tempahan and e-Perjawatan.

By accessing the e-services, visitors will be able to lodge complaints with the local authority, settle compounds and assessment tax, apply for and renew licences, rent premises under PJC or simply book a hall.

The e-services will be available from July 1.

The local authority's One-Stop Centre (OSC) was also launched at the event.
The centre is located at Level 1, Block B of the PJC Complex in Precinct 3.

Source: The Star

Have you tried a game of Paintball?

The game of paintball is fast catching on here in Malaysia. Of late, there have sprung up, a few new paintball centers. So if you are a paintball enthusiast and have just relocated to Malaysia, you can still continue to pursue your interest in this exhilirating game.

I have not participated in a paintball game but I have seen my friends play the game and I noticed that they use Spyder paintball guns. If you have left your equipment back home, no worries as there is this site I know that carries a comprehensive supply of paintball equipment and stuff.

I understand there are a number of paintball guns in the market including Tippmann, Spyder, Smart Parts, Dye, Draxxus and many more.

Mobile service on AirAsia flights

According to The Star, low-cost carrier AirAsia is poised to be the first airline in Asia to provide in-flight mobile communications. The service will be deployed across AirAsia's entire fleet beginning early 2009.

AirAsia's new fleet of 150 Airbus A320s are also expected to be fully equipped with the service by 2013 and the service would allow passengers to use their mobile phones to make and receive calls and also to send and receive text messages. Users of the service will also be able to send e-mail via their Blackberry devices or smartphones during flights.

High quality beddings

At least one third of our life is spent in our beds. Therefore it is essential that our bedroom is conducive for a good night sleep. Many things contribute to a bedroom being conducive, beddings being an important item. It is wise to invest in better textured beddings as they make for a more comfortable bed. Quality quilt covers can give your room a quick and easy makeover. Curtains, cushions, lightings and rugs are among others that can enhance the bedroom.

If you are looking to spruce up your bedroom, you may want to check out Terry's Fabrics for their range of high quality bedding related products.

L'Oreal Warehouse Clearance Sale - June 21 & 22

If you happen to be in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow and day after, and are in need of some haircare products, why not head over to the L'Oreal Warehouse Clearance Sale.

For those of you who are into home DIY hair coloring, check out the hair colors price....RM10. That's a steal.

Its back! The L'OREAL CPD WAREHOUSE SALE!!!

L'Oreal Paris, Maybelline, Garnier
Date: 21 & 22 June 2007 (Thurs & Fri)
Time: 9.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Venue: Dataran Hamodal (2nd floor)
No.4 Jalan Bersatu 13/4, Sect 13, PJ
(behind Colgate Palmolive)

Do send this out to all your friends, suppliers etc…

Are You A Survivor?

I love watching the telly. When I travel, one of the things I would miss is the good ole tv. I find that you learn quite a bit of things on tv. Remember that tv series, McGyver? It was one of my very favorite series. Do you remember him? The guy who was able to get himself out of any situation? Boy, was he a survivor. And I have learned much from watching that series. Talk about resourcefulness and taking advantage of the common items and situations around you.

If I were to be stranded in a city with no resources, I wouldn't know what to do. Actually, I haven't given it much thought but if that were to happen, I would first look for shelter in some home and help out in exchange for the shelter. Then I'd go to some eatery to seek employment. That should take care of food in the meantime. I believe no one can go hungry or shelterless if one puts some commonsense and hardwork into good use.

Back to McGyver, I hear there is a new show along the same line, USA Network's Burn Notice. It's about a CIA Operative or spy, Michael Westen, who was fired while on an assignment. He has no idea who would want him dead and he's determined to find out. Having no resources and no one to turn to, he began to help those who the police can't or won't, in order to fund his ongoing personal investigation. Miami, his hometown, is where he heads to. Check out this exciting new series and learn how he survives.

It will take awhile before the series come to our shores but I expect a great series with thrills and spills and lots of lessons to be picked up.

By the way, what's a Burn Notice you might ask. It is an official statement by one intelligence agency to other agencies, domestic or foreign, that an individual or group is unreliable.

Burn Notice premieres Thursday, June 28 at 10/9C on USA Network and stars Jeffrey Donovan as agent Michael Westen. The cast includes stars Gabrielle Anwar, Bruce Campbell and Sharon Gless.

"No Smoking Please"

According to The Star, the Health Ministry will ban smoking at more places once the “no smoking” rule at 19 designated areas is fully enforced.

The 19 areas include hospitals/clinics, public lifts and toilets, air-conditioned restaurants, public transport, government premises, educational institutions, petrol stations, Internet cafes and shopping complexes.

Malaysians will need to be more disciplined as at present, many still broke the law on no smoking in designated areas.

SMART Toll set at RM2.00

After a month of free usage of the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART), a toll of RM2.00 has been announced and it will come into effect at 11:59pm on June 14. This rate will hold for the next three years.

The tunnel is open only to cars, MPVs and SUVs not exceeding 2m in height. No motorcycles, buses or lorries are allowed. Touch ‘n Go and SmartTag facilities are available for paying toll.

More...SMART toll set at RM2

Math Tutoring

A colleague, Sam, was transferred to a sister-company in the United States, Texas, to be exact. His family of wife and two school-going children joined him. The children, aged eight and ten, adjusted to their new life easily. However, they experienced problems with their schoolwork, especially with Math.

Fortunately, Sam was recommended SCORE by his colleague. SCORE programs are designed to help children improve their problem-solving skills while instilliing the confidence they need to believe in their abilities and enjoy the learning experience at the same time. SCORE Math Tutors are dedicated and well-trained and their active, hands-on approach to tutoring ensures the children understand the lessons taught. Sam's children are now doing extremely well in Math, thanks to SCORE.

Find a center near you to enrol your children to give them a head-start.

Father's Day Shopping

How time flies, June is already here. It seems like only yesterday when we were in a frenzy shopping for Christmas, and more shopping for the major festivals of Hari Raya and then Chinese or Lunar New Year and a few birthdays in-between. Noone's birthday in sight right now and no reason to go shopping? No, wait! Father's Day is just two weeks away!

Shopping for Father's Day is always a delight. Shopping in Kuala Lumpur is easy and convenient as there are many shopping malls with a very wide selection of gifts to choose from. I know what I am going to get for my dad. Have you got your gift ideas yet?

NRD to open weekends at Maju Junction

In an article on May 29, The Star reported that civil servants at the National Registration Department (NRD) have decided to work during weekends at the busy Maju Junction branch here.

This move was proposed by the staff themselves to demonstrate their appreciation for the recent salary increase. This seven-day service to serve the public better and improve the delivery system will start from June 16.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced the salary increase for civil servants and pensioners on May 21.

NRD's extended working hours during the weekends will be from 8am to 1pm, and if widely accepted by the public, the service will be extended to other state capitals.

NRD's Director-General, Datuk Mohd Abdul Halim Muhammd said, “If there is good response from the public for our services on weekends, we will gradually introduce this in other states,”

How to win a BMW

Recently, someone I know won a BMW in a lucky draw. How cool is that? I'd like to win something like that too, a car and a BMW at that. I need a new car to replace the one that I have which is giving me problems of late. So, a new BMW would just be a dream come true. And I know one place where I can stand a chance to win a BMW 3 Series, plus there is a host of other great prizes that can be won. And the best part is, you can win it just by bidding for it.

This auction has a fun twist to it, that is, the person with the lowest bid is the winner of the item. Any lowest bid that is unique, meaning that your bid is the only one and no one else bids that amount, wins the prize. The best part is, your 0.01cent bid could be the winner of the prize that you are bidding for. Yes, winning can be that simple and that big-ticket item that you've always wanted could be yours for a cent, a few cents or even a few dollars. What then are you waiting for? Start placing your bids today for the prize you want. The more bids you place, the better chances of you winning that prize.