Are you lonely ???

Me enjoying my white wine alone

Refering to Stephen's blog post on "Saturday at Starbucks, MidValley", he talks about being lonely.

Speaking of being lonely, I always felt embarassed of being alone. Going shopping alone, eating alone in the midst of a busy restaurant / hawker / mamak, going for a movie alone, walking alone, driving around alone and etc.

Yes, eating alone has been a very sad thing for me most of the time as I always eat alone in college. My classmates from my college usually goes out to eat in groups but not for me. I don't tag along with them well for some reasons which I am not enclosing it. I have the tendency to pretend that I don't see them or I pretend to make myself busy so that they would think I don't exist in the same restaurant.

I have always thought that sitting by yourself alone seems to be embarassing. I ASSUMED A LOT. Well, it came to my realization that those ASSUMPTIONS were absolutely wrong. Why care what others see or think of you being alone?

Now, I do sip my Starbucks alone, starring at pretty girls walking down the street of Bukit Bintang or in the Curve, enjoying the music and the food in McD's, watching my favourite movie in GSC alone and many others.

WHO SAYS I NEED A FRIEND TO EAT WITH ME OR TO WATCH A MOVIE WITH ME OR TO GO SHOPPING WITH ME?

Lonely is something great guys. Perhaps, give it a try yourself. Don't care what the person next to you thinks about you. Sometimes I can have more privacy for myself and do more things on my own.

GAP - It's Inception in Malaysia & Singapore

“We are delighted to bring Gap's style to customers in Southeast Asia. Singapore and Malaysia are regional shopping hubs and F J Benjamin selected some of the most well-known and prestigious retail destinations in Asia for the franchise stores," said Joshua Schulman, Gap Inc.'s managing director of International Strategic Alliances and senior vice president of Gap International Product Development and Merchandising. "As we have a strong following of customers from these markets who shop at Gap while abroad, these markets will be ideal for Gap brand's franchise debut."

At last the long-awaited first GAP store was opened on 11th October 2006 and making it's inaugural store in South East Asia before Singapore.

Artist's Impression of Wisma Atria Storefront

F J Benjamin will open Gap’s first flagship store in Singapore at Wisma Atria, in the heart of Orchard Road. Occupying about 9,000 square feet on the ground floor with street front and interior mall facades, this store is next to the busiest mass rapid transit station in Singapore. It is scheduled to open in the first week of December, in time for Christmas.

Artist's Impression of ONE Utama Storefront

In Malaysia, F J Benjamin is expected to open a Gap store in the first week of October in Central Kuala Lumpur at the Lot 10 Shopping Centre. Located on one of the city’s most prestigious shopping streets, this store will offer women’s clothing and accessories. A Gap adult store is also expected to open in the first week of October at One Utama Shopping Center, a family oriented suburban mall in Petaling Jaya. A separate Gapkids/babyGap store will also open in One Utama in the first week of December. A GapKids/babyGap store is expected to open in the third week of October at the Mid Valley Mall on the suburban edge of Kuala Lumpur. This is a premier destination for shoppers with retail entertainment and dining options.

JEANS are like bags and shoes, you can never have too many of them. This is why, despite denim being everywhere and the fact that every designer seems to have a jeans line, American retail brand Gap has gone ahead and launched its Denim Campaign this Fall season.

Dubbed “Jeans Take Shape” and developed by its creative agency Laird+ Partners, the campaign mixes iconic studio photography with graphic illustration and animation inspired by the original Gap stores in the United States and animated commercials from the 1970s.

The TV advert was filmed by acclaimed director Francis Lawrence and it features dancers wearing a variety of denim looks. The women are seen in the new skinny jeans, mini skirts and long-sleeved shirts while the guys are clad in dark, straight leg jeans and jackets.

The print campaign was photographed by famed fashion photographer David Simms and mirrors the TV ads by highlighting denim silhouettes in pops of denim blue hues against a black and white background.

Trey Laird, creative director of Gap, says in an exclusive e-mail interview:

“The entire Fall season has been part of a completely new energy for the brand. We are back on TV and back on billboards and have a much greater presence in magazines.’’

The ranges include Boyfriend, Stam and Karl, and each style is worn with its own attitude.

“The concept of the new Denim Campaign highlights an all new silhouette for Gap. In the past, we have sometimes only emphasised one style, but the excitement this season is really in the range of styles.’’

The campaign has been running in the United States since July 20, and so far it’s been a hit. Laird says the items featured in the campaign were the first items to sell out, especially the skirts and skinny jeans.

So what makes Gap jeans different from all the rest of the denim labels out there?

Laird believes it’s all about individual style, “the fact that you can wear Gap jeans in your own way, to express your own attitude”.

In Malaysia, the Denim Campaign will kick start the brand’s much-awaited opening. While there might be subtle differences in some of the items featured in the ads and the timing for the different campaigns, Laird says that the brand aims to offer a unified global style.

The Gap store opens at 3pm on Wednesday (11th October 2006) on the Ground Floor, Highstreet, 1 Utama shopping centre, Petaling Jaya. The Denim Fall collection is priced between RM199 and RM329.

For more information about GAP 1 Utama, Malaysia, please check out ShazFX and Jack|SQ on the grand opening of GAP ONE Utama Shopping Centre.

Jogoya @ Starhill Gallery, KL

The very much talk about Japanese buffest restaurant, Jogoya Restaurant from Taiwan opened its first outlet in Starhill Gallery here in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. There has been a buzz around town saying how great the food selection is.

Last Sunday (22nd Oct '06), my whole family (except my younger brother) went to Starhill Gallery for shopping. It was me who asked my dad to take us there for lunch in Jogoya. Haha, if not I also won't get a chance to eat. The restaurant is located on the third floor (also known as the Relish Level) of Starhill Gallery and is enormous with 30,000 square feet of space. It is advisable you make a reservation before hand but you still have to pay in advance before dining. The restaurant is very dark and full of little corners and nooks that can sit up to 580 pax at a time.

Jogoya Baked Oyster

Seafood Paper Pot Soup

Fresh Oysters

Sushi Counter @ Jogoya

Mango Mousse

Orange Skin Mousse

Green Tea Mousse

Cheese Cake @ Jogoya

Tiramisu @ Jogoya

Thai Coconut @ Jogoya

My Cheese Cake @ Jogoya

My Mango Mousse @ Jogoya

Varieties of fresh fishes @ Jogoya

Jogoya chefs at work in the kitchen

Unagi Hand Roll @ Jogoya

Chefs at work in Jogoya Sushi Counter

My heavenly cookies counter @ Jogoya

Jogoya Restaurant in Starhill Gallery

Soft Shell Crab @ Jogoya

My first plate of food from Jogoya Restaurant

Jogoya Restaurant in Starhill Gallery

Smoked Salmon @ Jogoya Restaurant, Starhill Gallery

Operating Hours:
Daily 11am -2am

Weekday
Lunch: 11:30-13:40/RM78++
Late Lunch:13:40-16:20/RM68++
Dinner:17:00-21:30/RM88++
Supper:21:30-01:00/ RM78++

Week End
Lunch:11:00-14:00/RM78++
Late Lunch:14:00-16:20/RM68++
Dinner:17:00-21:30/RM88++
Supper:21:30-01:00/RM78++

*All prices subject to 10% service charge and 5% government tax
*Meal Time is limited to 2 hours on holidays

Contacts:
Jogoya Development Sendirian Berhad
T3, Relish Floor(3rd Floor)
Star Hill Gallery
181, Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: +603 2142 1268
Fax: +603 2148 8171

DEEPARAYA GREETINGS 2006

THEEPAVHALI VALTHUKKAL & SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

The joint festive seasons are here once again with the Hindus celebrating Deepavali or Diwali, the Festival of Light.

On the other hand, the Muslims after fasting for the past one month ushers into the month of Syawal today. Prime Minister Dato' Seri Abdullah Hj. Ahmad Badawi in his Hari Raya message that all Muslims love one another and respecting neighbours and friends irrespective of their religion is in line with Islamic teachings. He wants the Muslim communities to share their joy with any other races in Malaysia irregardless of who they are.

In spirit of muhibbah, let us all as Malaysians uphold our responsibilities as a citizen of this nation to live in peace and harmony and my wish for this festive season is to see the people to strengthen their relationship among the other races.

"THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE" FOR FOODLOVERS !!!

The Diploma in Hotel Management (Term 5) students and their lecturer who is the Award Winning Chef and Top Chef in Malaysia of TAYLOR'S COLLEGE SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM will be showcasing a Food Promotion.

Presenting to you all Foodlovers out there, "The Ultimate Tribute": A Touch of the World's Finest Food is simply different from any of the past Food Promotions whereby they present to their guests the themes such as Hawaiian, Spanish, Venice, African, Medditerreanean and many more others.

Paying tribute to the World's Finest Food which was originated from France, Taylor's College wants to extend its invitation to all foodlovers out there. The details can be found in the poster (the address is as follow):

L'Escoffier & Santa Ines Restaurants
Taylor's College School of Hospitality and Tourism
Block C, Leisure Commerce Square,
9, Jalan PJS 8/9, 46150 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, MALAYSIA.

Should you have further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact me at wnka86@yahoo.com or 012-6139963.

Do not make your conclusion at this moment. Let your taste buds do the conclusion.

* The menu for this Food Promotion will be posted up in this blog on Deepavali Day. Please check back for the menu.

GERMAN BEERS FOR RM 1.00

Cheers !!! Kampai in Japanese, Imeqatigiitta in Greenlandic, Cheers Cheerio from UK, Yam Seng in Chinese, Großen in German, etc.

When I first heard of this today in the mamak from one of my friend, he asked me this question:

Howard: Eh, do you like to drink beer? Do you drink beer?

Me: Oh yeah! I love drinking beers.

Howard: Well, tell you what? You can get beers for RM 1.00 in 1 Utama.

Me: [I was puzzled. How can it's so cheap.] WHAT ??? RM 1.00 for beers? Kidding

Howard: Exchange two 50 cents coins for a bottle next Friday. I am going to skipped Adrian's class to go for it. Are you up for it?

Me: Of course...lets get drunk there. I will call my mum to pick me up after I'm drunk.

Well, yeah drinkers...head to 1 Utama on 27 - 29 October 2006 from 5 pm onwards.

Look forward for this year’s biggest blast of GREAT BEERS FANTASTIC FOOD….. EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT ...

Are you up for it? See ya in 1 Utama for the fest . . . . .

DeepaRaya - Catch up the Festive Spirit

I am sorry for delaying so long on my post in this blog. I have been busy lately.

Well, for many of us bloggers and also as Malaysians, we are not aware that this year's Deepavali and Hari Raya Aidilfitri (aka. DeepaRaya) will be the last until the year 2037 where this two festivals will meet again on Nov 5 and 8 respectively, 2038, October 27 and 29 respectively in 2038 and again the final one October 17 and 19 respectively in 2039.

Suria KLCC’s festive decorations feature icons that represent a particular celebration.

The last time Malaysians enjoyed Chinese New Year and Hari Raya together was for three years from 1996. That was the best Kongsi-Raya memories I have ever had in the past. When will it occur again?

Dr Chuah, an academic consultant to the Malaysian Geocosmic Centre of Yijing Metatime Research, said the next round of double festivity will come in 2029, when Malaysians will again see the occurrence of Chinese New Year and Hari Raya together.

In that year, according to his calculations, the two festivals would be celebrated together on Feb 13 and 14. What an auspicious way of celebrating Valentine's Day as well (Don't have to wait till that year lah... In the year 2010, 1st day of Chinese New Year is February 14, 2010 - the Year of the Tiger, which is also my year).

ARABIAN AMBIENCE: A pair of camels watching over shoppers at the entrance of Sunshine Square

WHEN two significant Malaysian festivals are celebrated in the same month, shopping complexes relish the chance to highlight local cultures and showcase creativity via their festive decorations. After all, it’s DeepaRaya again this year.

As you can see that most pictures here depicting festive moods in many parts of the shopping malls in the country hails from the Middle-Eastern theme.

STARRY, STARRY NIGHT: Gurney Plaza takes on a whole cosmic feel with its dazzling lights and twinkling star decor.

It is at this time of the year, my festive mood is being boost up during the festive seasons. Reasons why is because:

1) HOLIDAY !!! No college but gotto study for exams.....
2) Visiting lor...I can get duit raya from visiting my royalty friend (Yeah !!!)
3) Sure got many open houses for me to visit (not the country's National Open House lah but friends one lor...)
4) FOOD! FOOD! FOOD! Traditional kuih-muih & food as well...
5) I needed some break lah from college...Going Genting as well on 23rd Oct
6) if got more, I will add lah.....

Artist Yanti Mohd Ali putting the finishing touches on the giant peacock at Island Plaza.

Sunshine Wholesale Mart advertising and promotions manager Peter Chan said it took one month and about RM8,000 to give the concourse area an exotic Arabian am-bience.

As of at Gurney Plaza, no expense was spared to create a wonderful world of glittery stars. According to the complex's marketing communications manager Pauline Teh, some RM60,000 was spent on the DeepaRaya decorations.

Like Sunshine Square, the creative design team of Island Plaza in Tanjung Tokong also turned to the common elements of the dual festivities to plan their decor. Marketing and communications manager Desmond Gerard Kee said the theme for the decorations was 'Festive Shines'. It cost approximately RM12,000 to decorate the mall and organise various fun activities for our shoppers including the Pelita Painting Competition and Kegemilangan Tradisi Exhibition, Fashion Show and Cultural Demonstration.

The spirit of Raya is apparent in the decor and music at SACC Mall in Shah Alam.

As the festive seasons are around the corner right now, many places in Malaysia have geared up the last minute preparations. Care to share the moment? Do email me at wnka86@gmail.com

I will upload the pictures in different sets at random.

Ramadan Bazaar @ Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL

This evening, I decided to visit one of the Bazaar Ramadhan. Though today marks the 11th day of the Ramadhan month, it is only now that I got a chance to pay my regular visit to the bazaar. I will not miss my opportunity every year.

This Bazaar Ramadhan is the new spot located in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail (opposite the car park of the former Jaya Jusco and also the construction site of Sinaran Condominium). Last year, it was located in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail market's car park.

Well, as you can see this lady is packing the apam which my mum wanted to buy from here. What sets her apam different from others is that she didn't add any coconut preservative which allows us to keep longer.

Price: RM 1.00 for 4

Unusual dish? Yes, many of us must be think what is the Creme Caramel doing here at the Bazaar Ramadhan? Well, they told me that if all Muslims were to eat only Malay food, it wouldn't be a fun thing. What's more they told me, we have been Malaysianized.

This is Samosa Daging

Ikan pari "Steve Irwin"? For many of us associates stingrays with Steve Irwin. Well this stingray is edible. Don't worry.

He's holding my Roti Jala. Well, somehow he decided to pose for me as I was clicking my camera away at his stall (well, maybe not his stall but his boss'). Well, it's a good promotion though. You see his face here, you will see him there at the stall.

Price: RM 2.50 for 5 pieces (with curry)

Next up, I will not leave hot without my favourite Ayam Percik. I was so amazed to see him "firing" up the chicks. This is how it is being cook. His stall is a few steps away from the entrance of this Bazaar Ramadhan.

Price: RM 4.00 for a chick (Ayam Percik lah)

This stall really caught my attention. So, I decided to take the picture of this stall as I saw a lot of people (before I took this picture it was long lah) lining up to buy popia. I am not sure what is so famous about this stall but I'm sure it is good. If not, the banner won't promote it PAK YA POPIA "POWER". Eat the popia and you will be powerful I guess. You can't miss out the stall as it is right at the left of the Bazaar Ramadhan's entrance.

Price: RM 3.00 for 5 pieces of "POWER" popia

For those who plan to visit the Bazaar Ramadhan in Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, here is the address to the bazaar.

Ramadan Bazaar TTDI
Along Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 3 and 4
Taman Tun Dr Ismail
Kuala Lumpur.

It may not be the biggest one compare to the ones in Kelana Jaya, but certainly every Bazaar Ramadhan has it goodness. Why not pay a visit before you have to wait for another year for the next Ramadhan? It's certainly a muhibbah experience.

It's just 19 days left the month of Ramadhan and 1st Syawal 1427H will be coming up very soon on 24th October 2006 (1st day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri). Anyone who wants to buka puasa together, do drop me a call or email me. I will try to vacate my time for you.

PROJECT SUPERSTAR 2 RETURNS

Click to view the poster

The 1st Malaysian Project Superstar early this year saw Johnson Wee Chun Yen vs. Tan Desiree competing with each other in Stadium Melawati, Shah Alam in the Finals.

The battle which was aired LIVE! on 8TV on 29th April 2006 saw Johnson Wee won Tan Desiree in the Finals.

That was the inaugural edition of the Malaysian Project Superstar. Anticipating for the moment after Suki was recently crowned the inaugural One In A Million, 8TV viewers can look forward to the 2nd edition of the Malaysian Project Superstar.

Auditions

Venue: The Puteri Pacific Johor Bahru
Date: 14 & 15 October 2006
Time: 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Venue: Sunway Hotel Georgetown, Penang
Date: 21 & 22 October 2006
Time: 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Venue: Harbour View Hotel, Kuching Sarawak
Date: 5 November 2006
Time: 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Venue: MINES Shopping Fair, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 10 & 11 November 2006
Time: 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

Tales From the Male Restroom

I was amazed with this post. Read more cockery like this @ http://mervkwok.blogspot.com

This topic is worth talking about it. For men, please take note on this while women, if you know any of the guys be it your boyfriends, brothers, father, any guys you know whom they have told you before of what they did while urinating or you "happened" to see something, do let them know.

Hey guys, please let me know about what you think of this post although it's not my post but I adapted it and wish to address this issue.

For a small town Kuching boy staying in a big city, going to the male public restrooms here in Singapore inpires either awe or parylizing fear. In general, public restrooms in Singapore are lightyears ahead of their Kuching counterparts. And by lightyears, I mean lightyears ahead. Autoflushing toilets are a godsent gift from Heaven itself to a human race beleagured by inconsiderate bastards who couldn't care less about personal hygiene.

Of course autoflushing toilets only solve a minute portion of the male toilet problem.

1. The Dick Admirer

While not entirely common, dick admirers do exist. I've had my fair share of run-ins with their kind over the years. Normally dick admirers try to practice their hobby as discretely as possible by peeping at your schlong from the corner of their eye. However, some can be pretty blatant in the pursuit of their hobby.

There was this one instance when I was taking a leak at the urinal when this middle aged man parked himself at the urinal next to mine. I was pretty unnerved by this because the toilet was empty and the unspoken male rule is that you never pee in the urinal next to another guy whenever possible. When options are available, a man should dry his hose as far as possible from the other man. This guy, however, had broken that sacred rule of male-toilet-behavior.

I chose to ignore him but what happened next totally blew (no pun intended). The man leaned towards me and stared at my weener as I was taking a leaky.

A guy I once knew said that I should feel "complimented that some other guy was checking out" my dick. I'm not sure about this but if I ever get married, I don't think I would want my wife to check out my wee-wee while I take a pee-pee. It just isn't right.

2. The Man Who Cannot Aim

The worst of toilet users are men who can't aim. Atrocious still is how some men upon seeing the plastic seat used for resting your bum when you take a crap down decide that their aim is good enough to miss the entire seat thus neglecting to put it up altogether.

It's totally unbelievable how people of first world countries can be so totally inconsiderate when it comes to keeping the seat clean. And I'm not talking Singapore alone. I'm talking about everywhere. This is clearly a universal male problem. Schools should teach young boys that it is their patriotic duty to put up the toilet seat before they pee (That way we'd know that we can safely blame foreigners for pee stained seats).

Okay, so some guys do get a little queezy at the thought of touching something that some other stranger has placed his butt on. That's fair enough but, who said you had to use your hands to lift the seat? Kick the bloody thing for crying out loud! Shoes were created for more than walking. They were also created so that we, as intelligent monkeys, can move things we wouldn't normally touch with our hands safely.

Needless to say, in my twenty something years of existence, I haven't yet come across any toilet which did not have pee stains on the seat. But as they say, suck it in because when a man needs to do what a man needs to do, he probably desperately needs to do it. And so a few layers of tissue should help remedy the discomfort.

3. The Penis Wagger

Women wipe themselves clean after they pee. Men wag themselves clean. It's natural and one shouldn't be ashamed of it. But what I don't understand is how some men can wag themselves clean so vigorously. More than once have I encountered a man who after taking a leak in a urinal, takes a step back and starts wagging himself so violently as if he were trying to get rid of a leech stuck on his weener.

Such violent wagging surely must inspire hernias at some point or another.

Okay, so it may appear that isn't really an inconvenience to us other men who are in the same restroom as the vigorous-weener-wagger. But really, it is. Imagine this, most weener waggers have to take a step back from the urinal in order to wag their dicks so vigorously (this has something to do with arm movement needing enough space to go forward, up and down and not bang into the urinal). When they do this, they are essentially negating any shielding benefits provided by the urinal's walls and thus causing his leftover pee to fly everywhere.

This is extremely unpleasant mine you.

So In Closing
I have no conclusion. I’ll just end with this rather funny video I found on YouTube.com.
(Code didn’t allow YouTube’s object tag so here’s the video link instead. Click here to view)

See also:
Men can multitask

* * * * * * * * * *

Male restroom etiquette

When you enter the restroom, you should always select the urinal that is as far away as possible from men who are using other urinals.

Situation #1: All urinials are empty

Correct Action: Take the urinal on either edge. This allows others to comply with the following rules most effectively.

Situation #2: One urinal is taken.

Correct Action: Obviously, the urinal on the right is the only true choice. This minimizes the chance of any contact whatsoever with the person you're sharing the bathroom with.

Situation #3: Two urinals are taken.

Correct Action: Middle Urinal. Otherwise, you end up right next to somebody. This is not an option at this point

Situation #4: Three urnials are taken.

Correct Action: No urinal is acceptable. The bathroom has reached critical mass and you must either leave and come back later or use a stall. Under no circumstances should more than three urinals be in use at one time.