Earth Hour 2009

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="180" caption="Earth Hour"][/caption]

At 8.30 pm on March 28, 2009, Malaysia took part in the highly publicized and celebrity-sponsored Earth Hour. The Curve shopping complex shut off their exterior lights as did our beloved KLCC Twin Towers. Some mamak restaurants answered the 'lights off' call as well, serving their customers with candles. Many Malaysians did their own part at home, switching off the lights and other non-essential electrical items and appliances for that one hour.

As for me, it was supposed to be an hour in darkness with only the television on for my mom, but the plan expanded to include three of my closest friends. We had fun and laughed alot, taking scary pictures of ourselves holding candles and telling bits of stories. Because all the fans were off, we sweated quite a bit from the still air and one of my friends complained of mosquitoes buzzing around him. Near the end, we even did some tarot card readings. Some of my neighbours seemed to have done their part for Earth Hour too, although I wasn't exactly sure they were even at home. :? The hour seemed to fly by and we were all surprised when my mom announced that it was already 9.30 pm.

[caption id="attachment_1193" align="alignright" width="200" caption="My friend, Sean, giving the thumbs up for Earth Hour"][/caption]

I know that there were differing views regarding Earth Hour in Malaysia. While many wanted to join in 'the fun', others were heard categorizing the worldwide event as a 'publicity stunt' and 'media propaganda'. You can see the difference in their thinking through just their Facebook profile status with some criticizing others for not participating and others claiming that this 'switching off lights event' shouldn't just be during that one hour.

While, of course, some companies were involved in Earth Hour primarily to garner public attention and to perhaps pretend to adopt a 'green attitude' for better public image, there are those who were sincere in participating to reduce global warming. Some companies even made money during the Earth Hour itself by selling T-shirts, reusable bags and other 'green' knick knacks. However, no matter what's their purpose, corporate or individual, you have to admit that public awareness of Earth Hour and what it stands for has penetrated even the densest mind. Ask anybody and I am certain that each person knows what Earth Hour is.

Yes, it is true that we should reduce the amount of wasteful electricity, pollution and carbon footsteps everyday and not just during an organized event, but think about it. For once, in a long time, parts of the world were united in one cause, towards one vision. It is rare for people of different countries of different races with different backgrounds and different opinions to stand together for something that is not a disaster (tsunami, earthquake, war), and you have to admit that Earth Hour managed to do it. Of course, being of different timezones, we weren't all exactly in sync but, hey, look at it like a wave of darkness going around the world. :D

Who knows, maybe next year we'll see the entire world go dark instead of a few participating places scattered here and there. We will hope for something greater and better for all of us in the years to come. 8)

[caption id="attachment_1191" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The hands that supported Earth Hour"][/caption]

Food Review: TJ Haus

There's only one word to describe TJ Haus; magnificent!! And no, seriously, I'm not exaggerating. No matter how many times I have been there, the restaurant has always blown me away with their array of delicious food, refreshing drinks and sinful desserts.

[caption id="attachment_1097" align="alignleft" width="180" caption="TJ Haus"][/caption]

Hidden among an isolated area of shop-houses at 19, SS 18/1B, TJ Haus is a well-kept secret of Subang Jaya, known only to those who stumbled upon it and who spread the word to friends and families. Operating since 2004, I've often wondered why they have not expanded the business, but I'm happy that they stayed small. It is a well-known fact that once a restaurant grows bigger, their food and service quality drops.

Haven't been there in a while, the girls decided to spend an evening catching up on each other's news and gossips at TJ Haus. Climbing up the narrow staircase, I hesitantly entered the dining area and to my joy, the place is still as cozy as I remembered and the waiters are still as friendly.

[caption id="attachment_1101" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Interior of TJ Haus"][/caption]

Albeit smaller than most restaurants, the decor is sort of like a mild English house with mainly wooden furniture and soft, low lighting, perfect for a romantic dinner with your beloved. Although the balcony overlooks the nearby highway and the busier shoplots across the street, it's not as noisy as you might expect it to be.

I can't remember the difference between the current menu and the old one but I know that the chef had introduced new dishes to his selection. This time around, I was insistent on trying something I rarely ate there and elsewhere.

[caption id="attachment_1106" align="alignleft" width="168" caption="Graved Lachs with Rosti"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1110" align="alignright" width="168" caption="Cream of Seafood French Style"][/caption]

Being the first to arrive and desperately hungry, my cousin and I decided to fill our stomaches with an appetizer called Graved Lachs with Rosti (RM19). When the rest arrived, they too shared an appetizer, Cream of Seafood in French Style (RM7).

For the main course, we each had something different so we could all have a taste. We cajoled each other to try something we all haven't tried before at TJ Haus and so we ordered the Roast Beef (RM29), the Lamb Shank (RM24), the Crispy Duck (RM23) and the Provence Style Loin of Lamb (RM30).

[caption id="attachment_1121" align="alignleft" width="208" caption="Crispy Duck German Style"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1115" align="alignright" width="208" caption="Lamb Shank with Mashed Potatoes"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1119" align="alignleft" width="227" caption="Provence Style Loin of Lamb"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1118" align="alignright" width="197" caption="Roast Beef with Veggies"][/caption]

Mmmm, those pictures are making me hungry.

Now, I'm not much of a lamb or duck person but I highly recommend the Roast Beef. It comes with this exquisite sauce that just fills your mouth with flavours. If I were to vote, I would pick Roast Beef first, the Loin of Lamb second (very soft and the sauce is nice too), the Crispy Duck and lastly, the Lamb Shank. I didn't really like the Lamb Shank because it was kind of tasteless even with the sauce.

[caption id="attachment_1129" align="alignleft" width="146" caption="Chilled Cheese Cake with Peach Toppings"][/caption]

Anyway, we went all out that night, to hell with diets and low-carb food, so we ordered desserts, and thank God we did!! The Chilled Cheese Cake with Peach Toppings (RM11) is to die for!!! Seriously, if you're a cheesecake lover, you MUST try it at TJ Haus. The portion is so much bigger than most other cake shops and the taste...swoon. :oops:

You can also try the Bravarian Cream (Vanilla Flavour) with Fruit Compote (RM10), it's like a really soft and creamy jelly, and the Fried Banana with Ice-cream (RM8.50), I know it's kind of normal but it's really mind-blowing.

[caption id="attachment_1130" align="aligncenter" width="180" caption="Fried Banana with Ice-Cream"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1132" align="aligncenter" width="180" caption="Bravarian Cream with Fruit Compote"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1146" align="alignleft" width="98" caption="Brazilian Smoothy"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1147" align="alignright" width="82" caption="Apple Schorle"][/caption]

Of course you can't have food without drinks and I highly recommend the Brazilian Smoothy (RM7), for those who like the milkshake kind of drinks, and the Apple Schorle (RM4.50), for those with fruity taste buds. There's this coffee that my cousin really loves but I can't remember the name. :(

[caption id="attachment_1149" align="aligncenter" width="144" caption="Must-try Coffee at TJ Haus"][/caption]

See if you can find the time to try this place out, and see if you can find it. :D But believe me, once you try, you will want to come again and again. :) Enjoy!!

A School Story

I don't know why but all of a sudden, an image popped into my head the other day that just made me burst out in laughter. Luckily, I was alone at that time but, eh, wait, if I laugh alone, by myself, does that make me crazy? 8O Anyway, it was an image I kind of recorded into my mind because it was so unexpected when it happened.

When I was in high school, I had class with this one guy, who I had a small crush on, and about four of his friends. They were all seated at the front of the class (because they were naughty and the class teacher wanted to keep an eye on them) while I was seated somewhere in the middle. Now, whenever we have a free period or in between classes, these boys like to hang out at the table just before the classroom door, which was also near the waste-basket.

One of my pens had just run out of ink and I was thinking to myself, "Ah, damn. I need to throw this away now." Too lazy to get out from my chair and walk to the front, I cleverly decided to just throw it in the direction of the waste-basket in the hopes that it will miraculously fall into the bin.

Taking aim, I flicked the pen like a throwing dagger and watched in mild horror as it sailed through the air  swerved slightly and hit one of my crush's friends right smack in the middle of his forehead. :oops:

At that time, they were all gathered around their usual table, telling jokes, and the boy I hit was laughing at something and abruptly stopped when the unforeseen object interrupted his fun. All of them stared dumbfounded at the 'victim' before turning around and noticing my gaping mouth. They then started pointing fingers at me and howled in laughter at the 'victim'.

I kept apologizing from my seat and the boy nonchalantly waved my apologies away and tried to resume the conversation. It would have seemed cool if it wasn't for his face turning bright red. :lol:

Unexpected Best Friend

Tired and sweaty, I made my trek up the road, barely noticing the cars that passed me by. I was feeling kind of blank and lost at the same time, my thoughts jumbled up with past memories, all because of the song that popped up on my iPod. A romance ballad that used to be the ringtone for someone. The song was a personal favourite of mine but I haven't listened to it ever since the break-up. I just didn't want to deal with the images that I know it will definitely bring up.

When the song reached the second verse, I was feeling down and really felt like needing a friend. I looked up from my wonderings and there, standing right in front of me was a familiar sight that, hard to believe, lifted my saddened heart immediately. That pair of eyes I knew so well and never got tired of was staring straight at me and made my lips twitch into a slight smile. The standing posture seems like it was saying, "Hey, what are you waiting for? Come here." My pace quickened with new-found energy and just like that, my burden lifted itself off my shoulders and all was right again in my world.

A few feet away, I paused to admire the body attached to those wonderful eyes, a sense of pride filling in my chest. As I reached out a hand, I was thinking how amazing it is for just the sight of one familiar figure to be able to bring you out of your misery. You know how people say diamonds are a girl's best friend. Nope, no way is that true. Because for me, one of the best friends I have is a speedy little thing with slanted eyes and shiny body; my car. :D

Socializing in Pet Society Part 3

So, based on the search terms I keep getting on my blog, I'm guessing most of the Pet Society players are wondering about the toys that come out from the new Toy Mystery Egg that arrived last week. For example, someone googled 'why new pet society toys don't move'. Well, the toys you get from the eggs do move but they require their specific scenery backdrops in order to do so. You can click on the backdrop to see what seems to be action scenes from a few famous movies but if you don't have the '?' toys, you won't get the complete picture. Now, so far, I've managed to get three different scenery backdrops and some of the spare toys that complete the backdrop.

[caption id="attachment_1063" align="alignleft" width="248" caption="King Kong Backdrop"][/caption]

This is what I call the 'King Kong' backdrop (unfortunately, I can't capture the movement of the backdrop without my pet jeopardizing the image). You need to collect four toy vehicles to complete this backdrop. I only managed to get three for this backdrop so far, which are police car, ambulance and firetruck. I'm guessing that the green '?' is another vehicle but I can't really think what else would be around with King Kong. Maybe a helicopter?

[caption id="attachment_1068" align="alignright" width="228" caption="Captain Nemo's Squid backdrop"][/caption]

This backdrop is what I call 'Captain Nemo's Squid' because it's underwater and there's a giant squid. :roll: You need four water vehicle toys to complete this backdrop. I only got two so far, a sailboat and a ship, but I have no doubt that the yellow '?' is a submarine, because I saw one in a pet friend's house. The weird thing about this backdrop is that the squid does nothing. It just blinks its one eye at you but doesn't attempt to move or destroy anything.

[caption id="attachment_1071" align="alignleft" width="230" caption="Alien Invasion backdrop"][/caption]

Here's the last backdrop I got from the egg and I call it 'Alien Invasion'. I only managed to get two of the spare toys, which are the UFO and the F-16 Jet, and sorry to say, I don't have much clue as to the remaining two '?'. I'm kind of guessing that the plane I saw in a pet friend's house goes here but I can't be sure yet.

Oh, by the way, don't worry about the toys you drop into the scenery. If you want to give the toy vehicle to someone or put them elsewhere, you can always remove them from the backdrop. Also, if you keep getting the same toy vehicle over and over, you can sell them off for around 116 coins. I'll try my best to update any new toys I can get from the eggs. In the meantime, you can scout out my other Pet Society posts, Socializing in Pet Society and Socializing in Pet Society Part 2.

Before I forget, if you're getting bored of Pet Society, you can always try Playfish's latest online game, which is also available through Facebook; Restaurant City. You can decorate your restaurant, hire your friends, gather ingredients, learn new menu items and other restaurant management activities. I tried playing it for a while and my opinion is that it seems hectic but fun and interesting. :) Happy playing!

My Cat's 'New House'

I have a cat, Pablo (my ex-boyfriend named him), and he's one of the best cats I've ever had. He's kind of weird and very, very curious. Whenever there's an open bag or box, anything with an opening, he'll jump in and stay there for a while. I never understand cats' fascination with closed spaces.

Anyway, I bought Pablo a new litter box, one of those enclosed litter box with a flap door. I needed to make sure that he can fit through the flap so I took it out from the plastic bag to get him acquainted with it. Oh, he got acquainted with it, alright.

He liked it so much, he actually made it into a house. He just stayed in there, looking out through the transparent plastic walls at us. He even played inside it, chasing his tail round and round. It got to the point that he didn't want to come out. I thought maybe he didn't know how to get out through the flap so I took the flap out but he still stayed in there.

I finally had to let him get bored of the house on his own terms, which took about a week, before I could put his litter sand in. I was scared that he might actually sleep in the box even after that but thank God, he's smart enough to realize what the 'house' is supposed to be.

[caption id="attachment_1052" align="aligncenter" width="368" caption="His 'new house'"][/caption]

Money-Making Writing

You know, there are tons, and I mean, TONS, of blogs and articles on how to make money online and through blogging. Let me shatter your bubble here, I've written it before (Cleaning Up & Making Money) and I'm going to write it again; making money through online writing is really, really hard. No, it's not impossible, it's definitely do-able, but it's no piece of cake. And pgrundy has written one of the best blog article about this subject at 'How to Make Money Writing Online'.

There are alot of writers online and offline, all of them wanting that one break to penetrate the writing market and making oodles of money, just like their favourite author. I'm shameful, yet proud, to admit that I am one of them. No career is ever easy in this world, well, unless you count flipping burgers and sweeping the streets. But even those have their own ups and downs, such as servicing grumpy customers, working long hours, facing inconsiderate litterers and drivers, stuff like that.

pgrundy mentioned in her blog that one way to get your writing career started is to self-publish your work. She even has a list of big-time authors who started by self-publishing their writings. I have a college friend, who's very talented in writing, and he too had published his science fiction story in the US. He showed it to me but I never got a chance to read it. If you think it's vain to self-publish, well, honey, let me tell you that it's a dog-eat-dog world out there. If you're not going to toot your horn amidst all those other horn-tooters, then you're never going to get noticed. Have some confidence in yourself.

Food Review: Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen

Wake up, Malaysia!! There's a new fast food chain joining the ranks of MacD's, KFC and A&W, and its name is the same as that lovable one-eyed sailor with his ever-present pipe; Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen. I went over to give it a try when it first opened its doors in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, my neighbourhood, yeehaw!!

[caption id="attachment_882" align="alignright" width="240" caption="Popeye's Louisiana Kitchen at TTDI"][/caption]

Now, bear in mind that when I went there, they were opened for maybe about a week. They're now about 2 months old, if I'm not mistaken. As with everything new, it attracts attention and a huge line of people were already there at lunchtime to satisfy their curiousity and their appetites. I guess it is excusable for any new shop or restaurant to have really bad service because of inexperience, and that was how the service was at Popeye's; slow and steady.

They have quite a selection though, for a shop that was newly opened. Their menu is not just limited to burgers and fries, they have rice bowls, fried chicken, chicken strips and salad too.

[caption id="attachment_886" align="alignleft" width="194" caption="The (fully-eaten) chicken and the two side dishes"][/caption]

We tried the fried chicken, which came with a biscuit (some sort of doughy bread) and two side dishes of coleslaw and mashed potatoes. The fried chicken, well, wasn't a break-through in tastebuds but was just okay (sorry about the fully eaten chicken in the picture, we were too hungry to wait). Don't expect the same herbs and spices of KFC's chicken, Popeye's fried chicken was tasty but not exactly mind-blowing or memorable.

[caption id="attachment_889" align="alignright" width="162" caption="The coleslaw and mashed potatoes"][/caption]

The coleslaw was nice though but it still can't beat KFC's coleslaw. The mashed potatoes was different in taste because it had a slightly spicy gravy and some added ingredients such as small pieces of chicken. Give this one a try if you can handle spicy food.

[caption id="attachment_893" align="alignleft" width="192" caption="Fried Chicken Strips"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_897" align="alignright" width="144" caption="The biscuit"][/caption]

We also had the chicken strips, which I liked best, because they were soft and juicy. It also came with the biscuit and the two side dishes. I don't like the biscuit though. There's this kind of weird after-taste that's slightly bitter and oily. I don't quite know how to explain it, all I can say is I can do without the biscuit.

The environment is cozy though. They really renovated the old Shakey's Pizza lot. However, they still maintained the balcony that overlooks the road so smokers and those who love the view and heights are able to chit-chat and eat to their heart's content.

[caption id="attachment_901" align="aligncenter" width="240" caption="The Balcony"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_905" align="aligncenter" width="243" caption="The interior of the upstairs"][/caption]

Since I ate there quite a while ago, I can't remember the exact price of the items but I do remember whispering to my friend that Popeye's is slightly pricier than KFC. In my personal opinion, the pricing and the food was just 'okay', not exactly value for money but okay to try and to eat once in a while. The upside to Popeye's is that they offer a few menu items that other fast food chains don't, such as their fried seafood basket and burgers. And no, just because they are named Popeye doesn't mean there's any spinach on the menu, so sorry to disappoint. :D Oh, here's another review of the restaurant by Wanderlust if you want a second opinion.

So give it a try if you're in the neighbourhood or wait until they reach your own area. They should be opening another branch soon in one of the malls in Petaling Jaya.

Socializing in Pet Society Part 2

This post is to update the earlier posting I wrote on Pet Society (Socializing in Pet Society on March 8th 2009). Since that time, the people of Pet Society has upgraded certain parts of the game, adding new stores and new items, as well as disabling certain methods of making money.

There are now two additional stores to the previous selection, the Mystery Store and the Gadget Store.

[caption id="attachment_851" align="alignleft" width="172" caption="Mystery Store"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_857" align="alignright" width="103" caption="Toy Mystery Egg Dispenser"][/caption]

The Mystery Boxes have now been moved to the Mystery Store and are accompanied by a new item, the Toy Mystery Egg dispenser. This dispenser sells you a toy egg which costs 350 coins each.

[caption id="attachment_864" align="alignright" width="59" caption="Toy Mystery Egg"][/caption]

The egg will randomly give you a toy. So far, the toys that I have seen come out from the egg are unlike those we can get from the stores and from the Mystery Boxes. You can get toy vehicles like police cars and planes as well as a scenery background that moves when you click on it. These are the only things for sale in the Mystery Store so far but I have no doubt that the people of Pet Society will add more in times to come.

Update: Apparently, when you receive one of the background sceneries, like the one below, there are pieces that you need to get to complete the scenery. For example, the scenery below requires 4 additional pieces, one of them is a UFO. Drop the toy (a car, plane or other small toys) at the '?' and see whether it fits into the scenery. If it does, the scenery will accept the toy as part of it.

[caption id="attachment_861" align="aligncenter" width="224" caption="Example of Toy from the egg"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_878" align="aligncenter" width="228" caption="Toy with additional pieces. The police car is not part of it."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_866" align="alignleft" width="136" caption="The Gadget Store"][/caption]

As for the Gadget Store, the items in there are just the electrical appliances that used to be in the Furniture store. At the time of this post, there are no new electrical items in the store.

As I have updated in my previous Pet Society post, the people of the game has disabled the money-making method of brushing and washing your pet when the bars are full. I have not been able to get any money once the bars have reached their limit. Also, I've noticed that there are times when you brush and wash the other pets, you only get 1 coin instead of the usual 2 coins. I'm unsure of the reason behind this inconsistency.

I'm glad that Pet Society has upgraded the game. I was getting kind of bored with it but it seems to be tougher to get money now. :(

How to Behave at a Wedding

I have been to my fair share of weddings over the years, weddings of relatives, friends and strangers. My most recent one is my friend's brother's wedding where I helped out as an usher. I noticed, after this latest event, most Malaysians are not aware of how to behave at weddings. Here's a list of what NOT to do when attending a wedding:-

• Let me tell you why RSVP is important. When weddings are held at halls or hotel ballrooms, the tables are limited and are often assigned to selected names. When you are invited and you RSVPed yourself and your wife, there will only be 2 of your names listed at an assigned table. If you choose to bring another guest or your children without informing the invitees, you have caused the problem of the organizers having to reshuffle the tables and names, or open another table, which will cost them more money. You also create the problem of the organizers having to shuffle the other guests at your table to be seated elsewhere simply to accommodate your selfish, thoughtless self. So (1) When a wedding requires you to RSVP, kindly do RSVP and inform the total number of attendees. Even though the invitation says 'Mr Name and Wife', if you're bringing your children, tell the invitees that they will be, what, 3, 4 of you attending. DON'T arrive at the wedding hall bringing other uninformed guests.

• Unless you are family members or the organizers, you do not have to right to decide where other guests sit. I encountered a lady who put it upon herself to redirect where people sit, even though she is not a family member or an organizer. Because of her, we faced the problem of having to reshuffle not one, but two tables of guests to other tables. So (2) If you have been assigned to a table, please sit at that table. If you wish to sit elsewhere or with friends, if there is space or lack of guests, it is fine. If not, you can mingle with your friends later.

• Another 'mistake' I've noticed is minimal but it does happen. Unless it is a dress code, guests, please DO NOT wear white. You're at someone else's wedding, not your own, so let the bride have the honour of being the only one to wear full-on white, even if she does decide to wear another colour. I encountered a lady wearing all white, and she was the only guest to do so, which set her apart from the rest and also garnered the attention which should have been on the bride. So (3) Refrain from wearing a full white outfit (it's not your wedding), or a full black outfit (it's not a funeral). If you are wearing white or black, set it off with another colour, either a scarf or jacket.

• The happy couple and their family extended their invitations to you to join them on their happy day. It is rude if you choose to leave early without giving thanks to the family. I have seen many wedding guests doing what I call the 'eat-and-run'; they come to the wedding, they eat their fill and leave without congratulating the family. So (4) If you really need to leave early (because of a meeting the next day or something), then kindly say thanks to the family before taking leave. If you don't need to leave urgently, then kindly stay until the ceremonies are over. After all, it is only polite.

These are but a few basic behavioural rules when attending a wedding, but some guests are either unaware of it or simply don't care for it. It will help relieve alot of headaches if guests could just kindly be more considerate towards the family and the other guests. Keep in mind that you would feel the same way if the guests at your wedding or your loved one's wedding behave in those inconsiderate ways.