chengbeng-清明

chengbeng season is back, and I rushed back home, importantly, for dad, the first time, on his first year of passing away. Done that, felt great, although most people (friends, relatives, etc etc felt surprise that I flew back specially for this chengbeng,....) but whatever it is, if I can manage it, I would do this, no question about that.
For the whole 2-3 days, I went for my eldest uncle's and aunty-at Berapit memorial park, on Saturday morning. Then, the following day to Dad's. Yesterday morning to Grandma's and Grandad's, but pity that I could not find the time to visit great grandparents' in Kubang Semang. But anyhow, I felt good about being able to find the time for this, despite very tight schedule and lack of sleep on my side. I think the meaning of paying respect during these time are more important than anything else, such as food offerings, etc etc. I think the prayers, and doing this from the bottom of your heart are more important than anything else. And you feel so good after that.
OK for now, and soon, I will be back for Dad's first anniversary of his passing away. Time passes real fast, and whenever we go back to our home in BM, we still miss dad a lot............hard to describe and explain here. On and off, you still have those soft spots with tear drops flowing freely from your eyes. But anyhow, life goes on, memories go on................


Choong, Hongkong

HK Airport

Oh dear dear, I woke up at 4 am this morning, and then at 4.30am, boil some water, made tea, pardon me, the tea is not for my consumption, it is for the prayers as today is the 15th, fool moon.
And after I made the tea, I think it is Taiwanese tea , then offering prayers, and then getting ready for Penang airport, leaving my beloved 'bungalow". Flight departed Penang sharp, on time, and arrive a bit early. And here I am, still in HK International airport, transiting, and I was informed a shortwhile ago, the aircraft from Beijing would be late for 30 minutes. Why is it that the planes, flight schedule, whenever it has to do with Beijing Airport, it is always delayed. It was delayed when I was flying out, for 30 minutes, and now, it is again delayed. And by the time I reached Beijing, it would be close to 15 hours since I woke up this morning, and by the time I reach my BJ apartment, it could be close to 16 hours. Imagine, Penang is so nearby, actually, direct flight could be only 6 hours I suppose. Oh Gosh, I am damn tired, but then again, that is life......

Choong, HK Airport

Luxury Of Writing

I feel so bad that I wanted to write more, but I really cannot find the time and tomorrow, flying back to Penang for Chengbeng, praying for my late father.
OKay, catch up soon.

Choong, Beijing

My Penang-Article from Anak Sungai Derhaka

Article I got from Malaysian Today, from Anak SUngai Derhaka's blogsite, which I think should be shared on what is good and positive things that have taken place in Penang. For details, please read at the following link-http://darisungaiderhaka.blogspot.com/search/label/Pulau%20Pinang

Setelah 2 tahun lebih Pakatan Rakyat memerintah Pulau Pinang dan diterajui oleh Guan Eng sebagai Ketua Menteri Pulau Pinang, berbagai agenda untuk kebaikkan rakyat telah dilaksanakan oleh Kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat yang tidak dibuat untuk rakyat semasa UMNO/BN menguasai Pulau Pinang dulu.

Antaranya menaikkan elaun guru Kelas Agama dan Fardu Ain (KAFA) di Pulau Pinang sebanyak RM50 menjadi RM550 sebulan.

Menambah peruntukan untuk membangunkan Sekolah Agama Rakyat dari RM1 juta setiap tahun kepada RM1.7Juta.

Memberikan rebet air RM100 kepada hampir 170,000 keluarga susah dan menyumbang beras percuma sepanjang tahun 2008 dan 2009 kepada golongan berkenaan.

Menjalankan system ‘e-Tender’ iaitu system yang paling dibenci oleh UMNO/BN kerana system ini telah menyebabkan Kroni-kroni UMNO/BN gagal untuk mendapatkan project memandangkan kroni-kroni UMNO/BN tidak ada kemampuan untuk bersaing kerana selama ini mereka telah mendapat project secara terus tanpa perlu tahu harga sebenar yang diperlukan untuk menjalankan project tersebut.. ‘e-Tender’ telah menyebabkan ramai kroni UMNO/BN terkangkang di Pulau Pinang..

Terbaru Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang telah menganugerahkan saguhati sebanyak RM100 kepada setiap warga emas di Pulau Pinang, saguhati dapat diberikan melalui hasil berjimat cermat yang dilaksanakan oleh Kerajaan Negeri dalam pentadbirannya.

Walaupun RM100 itu kelihatan kecil tapi ini lebih baik dari RM50 dan sehelai kain pelikat atau kain batik yang diberikan kepada warga emas oleh UMNO/BN bila pilihanraya menjelang tiba empat atau lima tahun sekali.

Itu semua cuma sebahagian dari agenda yang telah dijalankan oleh Kerajaan Negeri Pulau Pinang dibawah pentadbiran Pakatan Rakyat..

Selain dari itu urus tadbir CAT mendapat pengiktirafan oleh badan antarabangsa anti rasuah terunggul, Transparency International, yang buat kali pertamanya memuji sebuah kerajaan negeri di Malaysia.

Laporan Ketua Audit Negara juga memuji kejayaan Kerajaan Negeri Pakatan Rakyat Pulau Pinang yang menukarkan anggaran defisit Belanjawan 2008 sebanyak RM35 juta kepada rekod lebihan RM88 juta dan anggaran defisit Belanjawan 2009 sebanyak RM40 juta kepada lebihan RM77 juta.

In Busan

Like I have mentioned earlier, I have not written so much recently, not because I didn't want to, simply I could not find the time.
First to Tokyo, back for a day in BJ.
Then to Pattaya Thailand for a meeting, one nite in BJ.
Next to a Taipei, for a nite (will write a separate mail on this).
And following that, now, I am in Busan, for 4 days. Then back to BJ for a short nite, and then
I will fly to Penang for 4 days (chengbeng), then back to Beijing. I hope it is not too rush schedule after this. I want to do some cooking, some baking (hopefully, the house owner will send me an oven soon as promised) and spend some time to enjoy spring season in Beijing.
And talking about enjoyment, I have no even have the chance to use my new Toshiba hotplate for some steamboat/hotpot as yet, and I would like to also make some steam buns. Many things in my mind, like also updating my new blogsite, but simply I could not find the time.
Sleeping less is a norm nowadays, oh gosh, sometimes, I really think I am indeed a super human being.

Haha.

Talk later, simply too many things, too little time, to update my blogsite. Keep my finger crossed.

Choong, Busan

Being Away.....

Hi all,

Shall write more, as I am really having a very tight and busy schedule....
In Korea now after Thailand, after Taipei and after Tokyo.

Choong, Busan

A New Blog

I decided to come out with another blog, called The Glamorous Jerry, which would be very much different from my Luahhanku blogsite, which will be still ongoing. Luahhanku will talk basically on my view on certain issues, my personal adventure, traveling, experience, job related, etc. Whereas for my this new blogsite, the word glamour has already explained part of it. If I see something nice, for example related to fashion, food, accommodation, something nice like cosmetics or healthcare, I will highlight them here. Lets try it out and see how it goes.

It is still at very early stage, and lets see how it goes...........

http://choongsh.wordpress.com

Choong, Beijing

My Itinerary....................

Ooo gosh, looks like a tight one. Flying back this evening to Beijing, tomorrow appointment fully lined up, and then Sat. and Sunday, my slides preparation for my whole week meeting in BKK next week. And then as soon as I get back, and before I warm my bed, I will fly to Devil's place for Ah Mei' concert, and then fly back on Sunday to Beijing, and then, before I warm my nest again, I will fly to Busan for another week's of meeting. And then fly back and before I touch anything at home, I could be flying to Penang again................
Oh by the way, staying at this hotel called REMM is quite a nice experience. U sleep in the REM mode, I guess. The bed is good, though room is small, but I have one of the best sleep. The hotel in Akihabara, normal business hotel. But according to local colleagues, they are famous for their bed settings, and quality.
Ok, got to go to Tokyo eki now.

Choong desita, Tokyo

Strawberries, Anyone?

As promised, I show you the picture of the strawberries I have taken during my stay this time. It is the season, as my friend, Hua Seng says. Hence I bought this again, JY 500, which means about RM 14. So, judge if it is reasonable. But it is different from the strawberries we eat at Cameron Highland, nah, and it is also different from what we have taken in China, or in European countries. China, they have this size, but texture is different, cukup air, tapi tak cukup manis, tak cukup elastik, you know what I mean la tu. And then European types, taste about the same la, tapi tak sebesar yang ini, dan tak sepadat yang anda nampak kat sini.

So, you know why I like Japanese Strawberry so much, nah................haha.

Choong, Tokyo

潘越雲 - 浮生千山路

小溪春深處，萬千碧柳蔭，

不記來時路，心托明月，

誰家今夜扁舟子。

長溝流月去，煙樹滿晴川，

獨立人無語，驀然回首，

紅塵猶有未歸人。
　

行到水窮處，坐看雲起時，

涼淨風恬，人間依舊，

細數浮生千萬緒。


春遲遲，燕子天涯，

草萋萋，少年人老，
水悠悠，繁華已過了，

人間咫尺千山路。


This is again, one of my favorites songs, and has a lot of meaning for me. Only my heart knows......haha!


Choong

CD To Highlight

Bought this CD last nite, called Traveling Wilburys Vol.1. Got this information actually reading the book recommended earlier, by Sir Ken Robinson. This CD is very good to listen to, as I think they are all in their own element, together, there is the media that works for them. I listen to this album the whole of last nite, and to me, like a good book, a good CD is the one that you listen and on listening without really getting bored and you are waiting for the next song, and the next, next song to play. That is how I feel, as far as good CD is concerned.

If you can find one, do try and listen to this. For now, I like this song, Congratulations quite a lot.
By the way it costs me about RM 70 for this CD yeah, it was JY 1800.

Happy listening.

Choong, Tokyo.

Tokyo, Snow, Strarbucks, Haagen-Dazs and Fruits

Tonite, it snows in Tokyo. It is a surprise, and as I write this article, it is still snowing. But I snow melts as soon as it touches the ground, may be temperature is still too warm. But somehow, I do see some snow, but not thick enough for me to take any picture and shows here. I sms my colleague, I told him that" 我和雪很有缘分, 还没起飞的时候,北京也下雪.现在,东京还也是在下雪.真有缘呢"!. somehow, me and snow, we have the predestined-relationship to meet each other, in that sense, as there are no special words to translate 缘分.

And after my sumptuous dinner,I went out, for a walk, actually, some shopping again la. After walking, it came across my mind to get the CD mentioned by Sir Ken Robinson, which I will introduce in another article later on.
What I want to write was, yesterday, when I arrive yesterday, I bought some fruits.
Strawberries were part of the fruits, and also dried persimmons, but I did not take all, may be later, and strawberries were fully eaten before I have the time to take any picture, as they were too tasty and delicious.
The small little orange-lookalike is actually something called kamguat, and it tasted good. Grapes are a little sourish, but the taste I like. I have not tried the dried persimmons as yet. And there are two types actually.
According to the Obasan that sold me these, all are from Fuji mountain, hence it cost more than RM 70 for these few dried persimmons neh, in China or Malaysia, you can buy a few Kgs already neh. But never mind lah, can try Mount Fuji's dried fruits is a blessing in itself, is it not. Goh-San says, the more we shopped, the more happy we would be... did he say that? Haha. One is fully dried type and the orangie colored is sort of semi-dried form.

Then just now, after the walk, I went to Starbucks, for another time, for my green tea, but instead of latte, it is Frapucino, as suggested by my friend back in Malaysia. It really tasted better than Latte, as far as my taste is concerned. And of course, cannot miss out my Green tea ice-cream. Will eat some and keep some for tomorrow, too full already. Here you are:
OK, sleeping time soon. Need to take my shower, then sleeping time. More articles to come by when I can find more time. I do not know why, I write more when I am in Japan, perhaps I love Japan a lot, or perhaps I feel happier when I am here, even though my room is very small, can't describe it and the picture will not tell very well, but somehow, I am more creative here, eventhough busy. May be I have more topics here to share, may be I am more creative or may be my elements or media are in Japan... not sure. Okay, ciao, Konbanwa.............matta.

Choong, Tokyo

黃小琥 沒那麼簡單-Love Is Not That Simple

Go to visit Youtube to listen to this song. I have not learned how to upload songs from youtube to Blogsite yet, if somebody has any shortcut, let me know. BC, if you read this, send mail to me, yeah.
My favorite, latest song. I have no time to translate into English meaning as yet, if I can find the time, shall do so. But please read the lyrics, beautifully written.



黃小琥 - 沒那麼簡單
作詞：姚若龍 / 作曲：蕭煌奇

沒那麼簡單 就能找到 聊得來的伴
尤其是在 看過了那麼多的背叛
總是不安 只好強悍
誰謀殺了我的浪漫

沒那麼簡單 就能去愛 別的全不看
變得實際 也許好也許壞各一半
不愛孤單 一久也習慣
不用擔心誰 也不用被誰管

感覺快樂就忙東忙西
感覺累了就放空自己
別人說的話 隨便聽一聽 自己作決定
不想擁有太多情緒
一杯紅酒配電影
在周末晚上 關上了手機 舒服窩在沙發裡

相愛沒有那麼容易 每個人有他的脾氣
過了愛作夢的年紀 轟轟烈烈不如平靜
幸福沒有那麼容易 才會特別讓人著迷
什麼都不懂的年紀
曾經最掏心 所以最開心 曾經

想念最傷心 但卻最動心 的記憶



Choong, Tokyo



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4_hhPM-6RU

Book Review-The Element By Sir Ken Robinson

Have not done this for a while, cause I have not read quite a good book, though I bought about 8 books during the CNY break, both in S'pore and Malaysia.
You will know whether it is a good book for yourself, when you read and found one. Besides the content, the language used (I mean the words used to explain the content or meaning what the author is trying to express and tell), the flow of the content has to be 'fluid enough'-like my friend say, enough lubricant, to make it smooth for the readers to read. I do not know about others, but that is my style in choosing a book and if the 'right book or good book' appears for me, I can read, and continue reading, non-stop and will finish reading it in no time. And I can still recall the main points and content of the book:) That is what I categorise as good book and good reading.

The last one I recommended was "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.

And now, try reading this:


Generally, it is a must for us, the employees, workers, or anyone at all, to read this. It explains in very detailed manner, why a person enjoys his/her work enough, why passion exists, and why some people not. Anyway, I am not going to touch more on this, but trust me, it is a good book.

More reviews here:
http://leadershipliteracies.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/the-element/
I bought this book at TimesNewsLink, S'pore airport and it costs me SGD 24.00.

Happy reading.


Choong, Tokyo.

Comment For The Week

Marina Mahathir said she has been writing for The Star, for close to 20 years, and which means I have been following her Musings column for many years, and always eagerly waiting. But luckily now, I can read her writings in The Rantings, easily.
And I also like Azmi Sharom's column and also P.Gunasegaran's too.

But as I have been informed, or read in Marina's latest, her latest article will not be published, hence I do not know what else can we read from The Star nowadays. In the past, when I was still working in Malaysia, or back then, when I was a student, or a boy, I used to wait for my uncle to come back from office, so that I can 'browse' through the Star, as I think it is cool to read "The Star' (my English was not good enough or my vocab was not good enough to understand fully during that time). Then I remember, when my English has reached certain 'standard', The Star is a must reading, everyday, and when we, a group of friends were in KL for our further studies, The Star is a must too. And sometimes, it is not easy to get the Star in certain parts of KL during that time (Malay mail is more easily available, together with the NST). We said, the Penangites' paper.

And The Star now, I feel is very much different from The Star we used to know, or at least during my student says, and it looks more like a political paper, rather than the the motto it carries.
Anyway, not commenting much on this aspect, as I am not a politician as I said many times before. I have not bought The Star newspaper for quite a number of years, reading it online for some articles only, and the three authors mentioned above are a must. But if my favorite authors or writers are not in the paper anymore, I do not think I will go to visit its website, not to mention buying a copy of the paper itself.
The Star remains very sentimental, in many ways to me (another newspapers would be The Echo too), but that is how it is going to be, for now, not unless it changes or going back to its original motto (the people's paper).

And for now, it is;


Picture taken from Zorro's blog, without permission.

Read Marina's article here:
http://rantingsbymm.blogspot.com/2010/03/column-that-wasnt.html

Thanks.

Choong, Beijing

Visit 'SoonHeng' Year 2010?????

I was jokingly telling Chee Soon today, that this year seems to be a lot of friends intending to visit me. First, Kamahira-San intends to come during the May holidays, with his wife, and not sure if ticket is confirmed. And then, Goh-San intends to come in June, told him to be either early or end June, and then today, Cheesoon, end May. I asked all of them to proceed with the ticket arrangements first, as I could not confirm my schedule for now.

And then my sister and cousins visit. Nancy might come this year too, but not confirmed as yet, could be in April. Then Joyce during the summer months with Aunt and Uncle. Lets see,.......hahahahaha.

Ok, got to leave now, as tomorrow flying off to SHanghai and again, very early flight.

Choong, Beijing

Lot 10-Hutong Food Court

Picture taken from Kampungboycitygal.com.

Actually, I think very detailed write-up can be read from this link, http://kampungboycitygal.com/2010/01/lot-10-hutong-jalan-bukit-bintang/
and since I did not bring my camera, I have to paste the picture from Kampungboycitygal.com, just to give friends a picture of what I am writing here.

During CNY, I was here, because I have read about it before in a travel magazine, recommending this place. So, finally I was here. The food court itself with many stalls, in a way, it gives a feeling like Hutong (minus the historical buildings/houses/courtyards).
Many type of food can be found here. I have tried the followings:

1) The roasted duck
2) Soya bean milk with Yau char Kuey
3) Penang curry mee
4) Teh Si ais from Kluang Station, with Kaya & Butter bread

And they also have many other selections, like fried kuey teow, aiskacang, taiping popiah, wantan mee.

I like the roasted duck very much, as I think it is one of the best I have taken so far. Juicy and and texture was good. Soya bean milk with Yau char Kuey was good too. Penang curry mee, though something I like, but I do not like the version they have it here. I like the one with white, santan look-like gravy with fried-redchilli given separately, usually we find this in Penang old shops (I had one in Abu Siti Lane in Penang, when i was back for CNY luckily).
The version they have it here is those Santan cooked with chilli, though I taste quite good, I don't really like it.

They have also this Bavarian food (those selling pig's palm/leg, a huge size), but I don't like this, even when I was in Germany, not my taste, but from what my neighbouring table's order, it looks tasty.

Price, I think for that location, and quality of food served seems to be reasonable (If you have a chance to visit S'pore, to Ion city, the food court is nice too, but the price is very expensive, just for comparison purpose only).
And I have to thank YTL for this. First they have nice and higher end food court in Starhill, which I also like, though more cosy and more expensive, and now they complement this with 10 Hutong, a nice combination, and very good offer indeed for shoppers and travelers like us.
Thanks, Mr. Yeoh and YTL.


That's all for now.

Choong, Beijing

Happy Chap Goh Meh 元宵节快乐

Last nite, it was nice in Beijing. The final nite of CNY holidays. I happened to be out, for dinner with my friends, and used subway to go back to my apartment, cause I want to walk a bit.
Actually, that was the best decision to do so, as it allows me to experience something I have not before.
So many people were out, continuous fireworks display, and also continuous playing of firecraker that sometimes, you might think you are in a 'war zone', for they started this since 3PM until midnite.
And in addition to this, the most important part is, it snowed, lightly throughout the nite. The atmosphere was nice. You have misty sky, and snow covering the path, hence, against this backdrop, makes it very nice and beautiful. And if someone has been to Solana Mall, near the restaurant walkways, it would be very nice, with the whole area lighted up, with blue and white bulbs...You can imagine how romantic it is, and walking with my Winter boots........ehm, ehm, bergaya la tu.
OK, too much is being written for now. I guess I enjoyed my first Chap Goh Meh in Beijing.

Choong, Beijing