Continue from My Memoirs (Part 1)
I used to remember Grandma telling us that she had four sons and two daughters. Two eldest sons were taken away during the Japanese occupations to work on the ‘Death Railway’ of the infamous ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’.
Forced labour was used in its construction. About 200,000 Asian labourers and 60,000 Allied prisoners of war (POWs) worked on the railway. Of these, around 100,000 Asian labourers and 16,000 Allied POWs died as a direct result of the project. As history goes, my two ‘Ah Pak’ are two of the many Asian labourers perished during that period. (Later, some young man came back alive to report to Grandma – that they had seen her two sons being held at the death railway)
The third son dies of malaria – due to lack of health care between these periods. During the occupation, the Japanese solders came for the ‘chok ching’ (to capture) young men at various part of George Town, and along the Market Lane / Chulia Lane. And at that fortunate time, his fourth son (my dad) was having diarrhea in the toilet and thus ‘miss’ him. Fate or miraculous escape, as you would call it. My dad grew up to become a handsome young man, whom the neighborhood addresses him as ‘Sie Khor’ or the fourth brother.
This fourth brother met up with my mom one fine day – through the introduction of his colleague (an uncle, I now called ‘ah Jeong’). Mom is the younger sister of uncle’s wife (now whom I called ‘tye yee’). And after a whirlwind courtship, both Mom and Dad were married.
I can still vividly remember Mom telling us siblings that on her wedding day during the tea ceremony, one of the ‘ah mah cheh’ suddenly went into trance and started to speak in some strange Cantonese, which later interpreted as one of the ‘Ah Pak’s spirit (Grandma’s other lost sons) desired to adopt the newly wed couples’ offspring as ‘their’ children. ‘They’ even presented her with 3 Russian diamond rings for the tea ceremony. These rings were later found (interpretation from the trance) in one of the hidden drawer at one of the many ancient cupboards. Strange as it may sound but till to this day, I have one of this Russian diamond ring in my possessions. Myths or Facts?
Hence, with the above strange incidents and in the memory of Grandma three lost sons, I and my siblings are taught to call both Mom and Dad as “Ah Sum’ and Ah Shok”. But as time progressed well into our adulthood, we fine tuned into calling Mom and Dad as ‘Lou Mou’ and ‘Lou Tau’ in Cantonese, which literally means Mother and Father in plain language
To continue.....
Friday, December 14, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
My Memoirs (Part 1)
How times flies!
My memory flashes through just like yesterday. It was in the late 1950’s, in my earliest childhood, then staying along Chulia Lane, a row of pre-war houses – sandwiched between Tong Kong coffee shop and the Sin Keng Onn , a Hainanese restaurant. I still remembered pedaling the tin made 4 wheel toy sedan through the corridors on the upper 5-foot way pavement and hooting away the rubber stud horn to all those who stands in my way. It was also during this period, this ‘lang ting tang’ man comes around singing your fortune for a few cents. (Many also known him as Tan Tong Tong)
I guess, I was then 4-5 years of age enjoying my childhood and without a care and worries in this much materialist world. Born in the Independence year, it was during the curfew period where my dad had to bring mama to the maternity hospital for her delivery. I had 3 other siblings. Being second in the family, I had an elder brother and two younger sisters
During this time, Piu Pak (Grandma’s brother-in-law) used to buy toys for brother & 1 almost every other night. Always buy two toys at one go, for if not, brother and I would always fight over for it. Be it a toy wooden sword or a mechanical wind up toy car. To this day, my brother can still vividly remember me crying over the broken toys murmuring ‘mou nan mou need’ (in Cantonese) which virtually translated like ‘not cracked, not broken’.
Our toys buying day’s ends abruptly when Piu Pak announced that he wanted to go over to ‘Park Hoi’ (Butterworth) to look for work and that is the last we heard of him.
Grandma (Dad’s mom) used to sell bananas to vend away her time, pushing her 4 wheel wooden cart to the near by Central Market at the Carnarvon Street and Campbell Street junctions. Her favorite site is in front of Ghee Heong, the dim sum shop, by the road side (Campbell Street) just opposite the Market. As a kid, I like to trot along together with her to the Market. And many a times we used to ‘chow kwei’ to get away from the council officers who came running after the traders and Grandma, being considered an obstruction traders along the ever busy market place.. In the afternoon, Grandma would shift to another site down the road near the Boon Wah textile shop. At night, she would sell her fruits along Chulia Street, which is the main road. Those days, I can still remember, the City Council bus (Tram) still run on rail by Double Decker which later evolves to free driving by single Decker bus.
Grandma, being illiterates would show the same exact amount of coins to the passing sailors, who asked ‘how much’ when pointing to the bunch of bananas they wish to buy.
To continue.....
My memory flashes through just like yesterday. It was in the late 1950’s, in my earliest childhood, then staying along Chulia Lane, a row of pre-war houses – sandwiched between Tong Kong coffee shop and the Sin Keng Onn , a Hainanese restaurant. I still remembered pedaling the tin made 4 wheel toy sedan through the corridors on the upper 5-foot way pavement and hooting away the rubber stud horn to all those who stands in my way. It was also during this period, this ‘lang ting tang’ man comes around singing your fortune for a few cents. (Many also known him as Tan Tong Tong)
I guess, I was then 4-5 years of age enjoying my childhood and without a care and worries in this much materialist world. Born in the Independence year, it was during the curfew period where my dad had to bring mama to the maternity hospital for her delivery. I had 3 other siblings. Being second in the family, I had an elder brother and two younger sisters
During this time, Piu Pak (Grandma’s brother-in-law) used to buy toys for brother & 1 almost every other night. Always buy two toys at one go, for if not, brother and I would always fight over for it. Be it a toy wooden sword or a mechanical wind up toy car. To this day, my brother can still vividly remember me crying over the broken toys murmuring ‘mou nan mou need’ (in Cantonese) which virtually translated like ‘not cracked, not broken’.
Our toys buying day’s ends abruptly when Piu Pak announced that he wanted to go over to ‘Park Hoi’ (Butterworth) to look for work and that is the last we heard of him.
Grandma (Dad’s mom) used to sell bananas to vend away her time, pushing her 4 wheel wooden cart to the near by Central Market at the Carnarvon Street and Campbell Street junctions. Her favorite site is in front of Ghee Heong, the dim sum shop, by the road side (Campbell Street) just opposite the Market. As a kid, I like to trot along together with her to the Market. And many a times we used to ‘chow kwei’ to get away from the council officers who came running after the traders and Grandma, being considered an obstruction traders along the ever busy market place.. In the afternoon, Grandma would shift to another site down the road near the Boon Wah textile shop. At night, she would sell her fruits along Chulia Street, which is the main road. Those days, I can still remember, the City Council bus (Tram) still run on rail by Double Decker which later evolves to free driving by single Decker bus.
Grandma, being illiterates would show the same exact amount of coins to the passing sailors, who asked ‘how much’ when pointing to the bunch of bananas they wish to buy.
To continue.....
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Old Penang / SXI
Photographs 
, a photo session.
If the page could not download, try this link;http://www.flickr.com/photos/21375019@N06/
Note: Pictures of Old Penang - Courtesy of Kevin Cragg / Geoff
, a photo session.If the page could not download, try this link;http://www.flickr.com/photos/21375019@N06/
Note: Pictures of Old Penang - Courtesy of Kevin Cragg / Geoff
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
50 years Anniversary Bash at SXI
50 years Anniversary Bash at SXI
The big Five-0 had finally arrived for many of us whom was born in the Independence year. The National day celebration was just yesterday and today being 1st September 2007, many of us ex-Xaverian have had gathered for the big bash at the main entrance of our beloved school, The St Xavier Institution.
Yes, being a bit lazy to drive back alone, I have managed to catch hold a NICE bus ticket for this trips back to Penang. At 1100 hours sharp, my bus departed from the KTM old station. The bus journey was smooth and comfortable and arrival on Penang Island four hours later. To kill time, I drove my brother’s Kia Carnival over to Campbell Street / Kg Malaba to bite on some hawker’s fare.
Yulp. That Woo Hing shop is just round the corner and being a true WIS, not stopping over to browse is not my nature. And before I know it, I was staring at one Tudor Chronograph (pre-Tiger) with black tachymeter; black dial with 3 sub white dial comes with bracelet. Boy! How my heart race that very moment. Did I say; ‘I always wanted one’. No? They have one last piece left and the price is fair and even more attractive than that pre-owned Tudor Chronograph, I had last checked at the Times Square. So what’s now? Yes. You guess it right! About 10 minutes later, I proudly walk out with the watch on my wrist to source for my ‘chow-down’. After a tasteful plate of ‘yin-yang’ (Hor-fun) at the coffee shop next door, I proceed to drive over to my old school.
I arrived at school early, an hour before the big bash starts at 1900 hours. Noticed that no one else had show-up as yet, I took the opportunity to do a quick de-tour around the school vicinity. Armed with my Fuji Finepix digital, I went about capturing a few good shots of my beloved school..
A few guests, I mean - classmate has arrived by then. We were staring at each other, we recognized each other but could not recall names. We shook hands, exchanged greetings and no, we did not shed any tears. We are men, remember. Of course, the guest of honor is our Bros. Charles. And my! He looks very fit, a man in his nineties. (I believe) We shook hands, exchange a few preliminaries. Bros. Charles is the man, whom many had admired from afar in the schooling days, but have not had the guts to approach the great man to say a simple ‘hellos’. Well, you know, those were the Principal – students’ days back then.
By now, our group had grown larger by the minutes. Facial recognize amid the grey, bald and spare tyre features comes in various shapes of body’s misfit are for all to see.
Our groups were then taken on a tour down the memory lane through the school corridors by our organizer – Mr. KS & M. We make straight to the school canteen compound, where everybody who is anybody seizes the opportunity to take snap shots. I, of course, take this opportunity to be photographed with Bros. Charles.
Without much ado, we then proceed to walk over to the E & O Hotel on the next block. It was a nostalgic walk, as a matter of fact – with all the old buddies tagging along. Reaching the E & O Hotel, we went straight to the sea front. The sun was about to set. Beautiful picturesque scenario, I would say with air of nostalgic feeling.
Bros. Charles was given the honor to give the opening speech. And after that our school song;
Here goes; (For those who know the chord / lyrics, come on let’s sing along)
1. All through our college a voice is resounding,
Promptly respond to your duty's sweet call,
Hearken you all for the trumpet is sounding,
Your Mater's proclaiming her watchwords to all.
Chorus :
Forward her children dear, ever with hearts sincere,
Render with joy to your Mater her due;
All that is vile reject, Heaven will e'er protect,
Sons of St. Xavier's, valiant and true.
2. Labour will conquer your motto still bearing,
Forward with courage in ways that are just,
True to your standard be doing and daring,
As faithful Xaverians in Heaven your trust
Free flowing of beer around here and plenty of good food on the buffet spread. So as many of us buddies switching tables with plenty of ‘boozing’ around. The same goes for photo shoot session.
I must say; ‘Yam-pau, sek choi’ (Cantonese translation; Drink till get drunk, eat till enough). And we merry around till the cows come home. So as the cows need to go home, so do us. We bade goodbyes to everybody who is anybody and promises to meet again but the question is when……
My special thanks to Mr. KS and M for making the above big bash a success.
Cheerio……
P/s; Let me absorb this system to post some photographs……see flickr
The big Five-0 had finally arrived for many of us whom was born in the Independence year. The National day celebration was just yesterday and today being 1st September 2007, many of us ex-Xaverian have had gathered for the big bash at the main entrance of our beloved school, The St Xavier Institution.
Yes, being a bit lazy to drive back alone, I have managed to catch hold a NICE bus ticket for this trips back to Penang. At 1100 hours sharp, my bus departed from the KTM old station. The bus journey was smooth and comfortable and arrival on Penang Island four hours later. To kill time, I drove my brother’s Kia Carnival over to Campbell Street / Kg Malaba to bite on some hawker’s fare.
Yulp. That Woo Hing shop is just round the corner and being a true WIS, not stopping over to browse is not my nature. And before I know it, I was staring at one Tudor Chronograph (pre-Tiger) with black tachymeter; black dial with 3 sub white dial comes with bracelet. Boy! How my heart race that very moment. Did I say; ‘I always wanted one’. No? They have one last piece left and the price is fair and even more attractive than that pre-owned Tudor Chronograph, I had last checked at the Times Square. So what’s now? Yes. You guess it right! About 10 minutes later, I proudly walk out with the watch on my wrist to source for my ‘chow-down’. After a tasteful plate of ‘yin-yang’ (Hor-fun) at the coffee shop next door, I proceed to drive over to my old school.
I arrived at school early, an hour before the big bash starts at 1900 hours. Noticed that no one else had show-up as yet, I took the opportunity to do a quick de-tour around the school vicinity. Armed with my Fuji Finepix digital, I went about capturing a few good shots of my beloved school..
A few guests, I mean - classmate has arrived by then. We were staring at each other, we recognized each other but could not recall names. We shook hands, exchanged greetings and no, we did not shed any tears. We are men, remember. Of course, the guest of honor is our Bros. Charles. And my! He looks very fit, a man in his nineties. (I believe) We shook hands, exchange a few preliminaries. Bros. Charles is the man, whom many had admired from afar in the schooling days, but have not had the guts to approach the great man to say a simple ‘hellos’. Well, you know, those were the Principal – students’ days back then.
By now, our group had grown larger by the minutes. Facial recognize amid the grey, bald and spare tyre features comes in various shapes of body’s misfit are for all to see.
Our groups were then taken on a tour down the memory lane through the school corridors by our organizer – Mr. KS & M. We make straight to the school canteen compound, where everybody who is anybody seizes the opportunity to take snap shots. I, of course, take this opportunity to be photographed with Bros. Charles.
Without much ado, we then proceed to walk over to the E & O Hotel on the next block. It was a nostalgic walk, as a matter of fact – with all the old buddies tagging along. Reaching the E & O Hotel, we went straight to the sea front. The sun was about to set. Beautiful picturesque scenario, I would say with air of nostalgic feeling.
Bros. Charles was given the honor to give the opening speech. And after that our school song;
Here goes; (For those who know the chord / lyrics, come on let’s sing along)
1. All through our college a voice is resounding,
Promptly respond to your duty's sweet call,
Hearken you all for the trumpet is sounding,
Your Mater's proclaiming her watchwords to all.
Chorus :
Forward her children dear, ever with hearts sincere,
Render with joy to your Mater her due;
All that is vile reject, Heaven will e'er protect,
Sons of St. Xavier's, valiant and true.
2. Labour will conquer your motto still bearing,
Forward with courage in ways that are just,
True to your standard be doing and daring,
As faithful Xaverians in Heaven your trust
Free flowing of beer around here and plenty of good food on the buffet spread. So as many of us buddies switching tables with plenty of ‘boozing’ around. The same goes for photo shoot session.
I must say; ‘Yam-pau, sek choi’ (Cantonese translation; Drink till get drunk, eat till enough). And we merry around till the cows come home. So as the cows need to go home, so do us. We bade goodbyes to everybody who is anybody and promises to meet again but the question is when……
My special thanks to Mr. KS and M for making the above big bash a success.
Cheerio……
P/s; Let me absorb this system to post some photographs……see flickr
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Watch Hunting - Malaysian style
Hi to all. Recently I was in the market for an mid-market watch for my wife. I promised her one - which was quite long overdue (promised her, last year till this year, still haven't bought any as yet). I have offered her my Date-oyster, but she declined - commenting it as a "ah pak" watch. She wanted a "big" dial watch (not any small girly dainty pc), our objective. An understated, yet fashionable mid range watch.
Armed with a long annual leave (December/last year), we went watch hunting (Malaysian styled)in the Klang Valley. First stop, we were at the Bintang Walk (heart of KL) went into the Star Hill. Whew! What a sight. All the watch affectionarios would surely loved this place. You could spend countless hours browsing around here. This is a up-market boutique with all the big names in watch making.
I was wearing simple - cowboy jean with t-shirt and wearing my Seiko 5, thus making us not a potential customer in a would - buy scenario. One of the sales people did actually approaches us (no-smiles) that’s it, and went on his way. We make a quick exit and went over to Sg Wang Plaza. Here, we stop over at Rolex AD, exchanged a few 'hellos' (whom I knew - with my years of window browsing/shopping on watches).Check out some sport model/s...nil, only GMT11 (Pepsi) is in stock. Price increased yet again (annual affair-lah)
Still in the same complex, I stopped at a Grey outlet for Panarai/s. Ahem, you would not have believe this, this guy stocks various model (aplenty)of Panarais and he is quick enough to bring out a few models for me to check out. (now, this is what I called service orientated). The models are all new in box (NIB) with papers, quite fairly priced, I would say. Interested, but a big NO for my wife taste -too big for her dainty wrist.
My next stop?. Many would not have agreed with me - the Central Market. Here is a shop that sells many pre-owned Rolexes. A piece of advise here, you have to know your wares in order to shop here. But anyway I have known this operator well, and have his goodies from his 'safe' to be displayed in front of me. Well, the pc that caught my wife attention is the Cartier Pasha - dual time with silver dial. Not too big and yet not small for her wrist, she quietly tele-message me with her eye contact (the kind of communication where only wife/husband understands). And after some hacking, bellowing and hard bargaining, we settled for a fair price. and she is one happy woman. You might say, why buying pre-owned?. Well, she just told me, she eyeing and is up-grading to another model next year, if our pocket/s permits Thank you for your time reading this episode of mine. Hope you not getting bored by now. Just my 2 cents worth. DC
Armed with a long annual leave (December/last year), we went watch hunting (Malaysian styled)in the Klang Valley. First stop, we were at the Bintang Walk (heart of KL) went into the Star Hill. Whew! What a sight. All the watch affectionarios would surely loved this place. You could spend countless hours browsing around here. This is a up-market boutique with all the big names in watch making.
I was wearing simple - cowboy jean with t-shirt and wearing my Seiko 5, thus making us not a potential customer in a would - buy scenario. One of the sales people did actually approaches us (no-smiles) that’s it, and went on his way. We make a quick exit and went over to Sg Wang Plaza. Here, we stop over at Rolex AD, exchanged a few 'hellos' (whom I knew - with my years of window browsing/shopping on watches).Check out some sport model/s...nil, only GMT11 (Pepsi) is in stock. Price increased yet again (annual affair-lah)
Still in the same complex, I stopped at a Grey outlet for Panarai/s. Ahem, you would not have believe this, this guy stocks various model (aplenty)of Panarais and he is quick enough to bring out a few models for me to check out. (now, this is what I called service orientated). The models are all new in box (NIB) with papers, quite fairly priced, I would say. Interested, but a big NO for my wife taste -too big for her dainty wrist.
My next stop?. Many would not have agreed with me - the Central Market. Here is a shop that sells many pre-owned Rolexes. A piece of advise here, you have to know your wares in order to shop here. But anyway I have known this operator well, and have his goodies from his 'safe' to be displayed in front of me. Well, the pc that caught my wife attention is the Cartier Pasha - dual time with silver dial. Not too big and yet not small for her wrist, she quietly tele-message me with her eye contact (the kind of communication where only wife/husband understands). And after some hacking, bellowing and hard bargaining, we settled for a fair price. and she is one happy woman. You might say, why buying pre-owned?. Well, she just told me, she eyeing and is up-grading to another model next year, if our pocket/s permits Thank you for your time reading this episode of mine. Hope you not getting bored by now. Just my 2 cents worth. DC
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Watch Owning Experiences
Over the years and after having 'owned' many models of the Rolexes family, I still love my SD and GMT11. The feeling for these two models still stands - very close to my heart. The GMT11 is the everyday watch, while the SD is the switched over watch depending on mood swing. But then, I have my Seiko sport 5 and the recent (purchased) Swatch Irony, which is of a sentimental pcs - gifts from my dear wife.
The rest, I have sold them to regroup my bank balance. The model that I did not touch is the Daytona (not my budget, anyway).This model is superficial inflated along with the market trend I have also experiences 'other' brand make, such as Jaeger Le coultre-reverso,(solid 18k rose gold) Breitling - old navitimer (two toned)and 'other' lesser known make. Of all these 'makes', the Rolexes still came out (tops)the very watch for its practically, durability and functionally. Its a go-anywhere watch No, I did not 'baby' my Rolexes. You don't have to. Just send it in for a full service after a 5 - 6 years interval. After all, in my country (Malaysia), there is practically an AD in every major town
For the first timer (who wanted to own a Rolex), it is advisable to purchase their first pc (new) from an Authorised Dealer (AD). If the bug bites in, go pre-owned. go for the sport version (you won't regret) Buying pre-owned would slash away the initial losses and after a few years down the road, who knows, you may want to sell and up-graded to other model/s - with minimal losses. Just my 2-cents worth. Happy rolexing! DC
The rest, I have sold them to regroup my bank balance. The model that I did not touch is the Daytona (not my budget, anyway).This model is superficial inflated along with the market trend I have also experiences 'other' brand make, such as Jaeger Le coultre-reverso,(solid 18k rose gold) Breitling - old navitimer (two toned)and 'other' lesser known make. Of all these 'makes', the Rolexes still came out (tops)the very watch for its practically, durability and functionally. Its a go-anywhere watch No, I did not 'baby' my Rolexes. You don't have to. Just send it in for a full service after a 5 - 6 years interval. After all, in my country (Malaysia), there is practically an AD in every major town
For the first timer (who wanted to own a Rolex), it is advisable to purchase their first pc (new) from an Authorised Dealer (AD). If the bug bites in, go pre-owned. go for the sport version (you won't regret) Buying pre-owned would slash away the initial losses and after a few years down the road, who knows, you may want to sell and up-graded to other model/s - with minimal losses. Just my 2-cents worth. Happy rolexing! DC
Monday, July 23, 2007
Rolex Owners, Beware!
A fake Rolex with Swiss movement?. What are they? These so-called fakes are flooding the market these days; look so real, so much so that an ordinary guy on the street could not tell them apart from the real McCoy.
These "kam" engine or "Swiss" movement in those fakes Rolexes are actually ETA based movement install in a near identical Rolex case comes - with all the serial and model number 'engraved' on, not only that, its also come present with authentic looking paper and box!!. These fakes could now easily con the newbie and even the die-hard. And these scenarios are scary!! These fakes are the "AAA" grade type that commands a big price.
Another grade comes in form of Japanese / Chinese movement, still looking great and the lower grade comes in quartz movement. And who are the people who buy these fakes?. Well, these people could be the collectors - buy certain model to replace or make up for the gap in their collections that could not replenish financially, or the particular out-of- production model that could not easily obtainable.
Others would just buy a certain fakes (model) to see if the watch really excites him/her for a genuine buy later, and also at the same time to kill the urge of a future buy of the same model. And some buy it to deceive others. Just my 2 cents worth. DC
These "kam" engine or "Swiss" movement in those fakes Rolexes are actually ETA based movement install in a near identical Rolex case comes - with all the serial and model number 'engraved' on, not only that, its also come present with authentic looking paper and box!!. These fakes could now easily con the newbie and even the die-hard. And these scenarios are scary!! These fakes are the "AAA" grade type that commands a big price.
Another grade comes in form of Japanese / Chinese movement, still looking great and the lower grade comes in quartz movement. And who are the people who buy these fakes?. Well, these people could be the collectors - buy certain model to replace or make up for the gap in their collections that could not replenish financially, or the particular out-of- production model that could not easily obtainable.
Others would just buy a certain fakes (model) to see if the watch really excites him/her for a genuine buy later, and also at the same time to kill the urge of a future buy of the same model. And some buy it to deceive others. Just my 2 cents worth. DC
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Rolex owner, a wannabes
During my younger days, watches with Cyclops lens were always assumed /or thought to be as Rolexes. Then, only a handful few watches come along with the Cyclops. These Cyclops lens represent an unique way at reading the date.
Those days, I am one of the wannabes - who wanted a real Rolex but could not afford one. So, I bought myself the nearest look alike watch - the Titoni, ComosKing which comes completely with look & Cyclops. In my primitive mind set, any watch that comes along with these lenses - would look grand like a Rolex.
In my country (Malaysia), Rolex owners proudly but discreetly display their time pieces at any given opportunities. From a distance, many (people) would recognize their Rolexes - thanks to the reflective glare emitting from the small but distinctively & unmistakably Cyclops lens. They can smell your Rolexes miles away. Take away the Cyclops, the very same people won't come near to you, and would reject the watch altogether. Air King doesn’t appeal to them. So do a Sea Dweller.
Innocently, they would ask "Is that a Rolex"? Why NO lens ah ?!!” Their comments, traditionally, Rolexes must comes together with Cyclops...without it...it’s NOT a Rolex.
Wearing a real Rolex, has that kind of feeling great, an achievement (but not proud), whereas, wearing an imitation would not have the same feeling as wearing the real thing!. Wearing a fake Rolex is after all...cheating on oneself. Just my 2 cents worth.
Those days, I am one of the wannabes - who wanted a real Rolex but could not afford one. So, I bought myself the nearest look alike watch - the Titoni, ComosKing which comes completely with look & Cyclops. In my primitive mind set, any watch that comes along with these lenses - would look grand like a Rolex.
In my country (Malaysia), Rolex owners proudly but discreetly display their time pieces at any given opportunities. From a distance, many (people) would recognize their Rolexes - thanks to the reflective glare emitting from the small but distinctively & unmistakably Cyclops lens. They can smell your Rolexes miles away. Take away the Cyclops, the very same people won't come near to you, and would reject the watch altogether. Air King doesn’t appeal to them. So do a Sea Dweller.
Innocently, they would ask "Is that a Rolex"? Why NO lens ah ?!!” Their comments, traditionally, Rolexes must comes together with Cyclops...without it...it’s NOT a Rolex.
Wearing a real Rolex, has that kind of feeling great, an achievement (but not proud), whereas, wearing an imitation would not have the same feeling as wearing the real thing!. Wearing a fake Rolex is after all...cheating on oneself. Just my 2 cents worth.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Simple steps to build and attach your Google Adsense
Upon posting my blog on the Internet, I have received numerous message in my private email enquire on how to include an Adsense account on the blog.
As many of you people and friends out here knows that I am neither internet savvy nor an expert in any of this field but a newbie. Nevertheless, here I shall do my best to share with you my humble and limited knowledge.
All the gurus out here please guide us along should you feel the following steps need to improve and your comments are appreciated.
Simple steps to build and attached your Google Adsense.
Steps:
1) You need to go to gmail.com to create a Google Account
2) Done, your new email is ready
3) From the email page , go to more and click (top row)
4) Go to Blogger.com
5) Follow the simple steps to create a blog account, under create your blog now.
6) Enter your gmail username and sign in
7) A page will appear, Sign up for Blogger
8) Insert your display name; eg; Penangboy and click continue
9) Name your blog, enter your blog title and blog url (eg:http;//yourname.blogspot.com) click continue.
10) Choose a template for your new blog.
11) Now, your blog has been successfully created
12) Start posting!.
13) Once posted, a page – JoPet – Log appears; your blog post published successfully!
14) Notice a box on the right saying “Earning money from your blog” (There you are!). Click on it
15) Sign up and wait for approval from Google Adsense
16) To insert Adsense to your blog, go to template (top of your blog control panel), then click.
17) A page ‘add and arrange page elements’ appears.. Click at add a page element (top right box)
18) A new page appears, choose a new page element. Then click on ‘Adsense; add to blog.
19) Sign up for an Adsense account page will appear. Just follow and fill all required information.
20) Configure adsense, you can change ad block to display in your blog. After done click ‘save change’.
21) Next, add and arrange page elements will appear. The adsense block will display on the right side. To change the position, use dray and drop feature
22) Subject to approval, Adsense will send you email to confirm your registration.
23) Once received and upon approval, open the email and click on the verification link. Register and fill in personal information. Start posting on your blog.
24) It may take approx. 48 hours before your application to be approved. Good luck.
As many of you people and friends out here knows that I am neither internet savvy nor an expert in any of this field but a newbie. Nevertheless, here I shall do my best to share with you my humble and limited knowledge.
All the gurus out here please guide us along should you feel the following steps need to improve and your comments are appreciated.
Simple steps to build and attached your Google Adsense.
Steps:
1) You need to go to gmail.com to create a Google Account
2) Done, your new email is ready
3) From the email page , go to more and click (top row)
4) Go to Blogger.com
5) Follow the simple steps to create a blog account, under create your blog now.
6) Enter your gmail username and sign in
7) A page will appear, Sign up for Blogger
8) Insert your display name; eg; Penangboy and click continue
9) Name your blog, enter your blog title and blog url (eg:http;//yourname.blogspot.com) click continue.
10) Choose a template for your new blog.
11) Now, your blog has been successfully created
12) Start posting!.
13) Once posted, a page – JoPet – Log appears; your blog post published successfully!
14) Notice a box on the right saying “Earning money from your blog” (There you are!). Click on it
15) Sign up and wait for approval from Google Adsense
16) To insert Adsense to your blog, go to template (top of your blog control panel), then click.
17) A page ‘add and arrange page elements’ appears.. Click at add a page element (top right box)
18) A new page appears, choose a new page element. Then click on ‘Adsense; add to blog.
19) Sign up for an Adsense account page will appear. Just follow and fill all required information.
20) Configure adsense, you can change ad block to display in your blog. After done click ‘save change’.
21) Next, add and arrange page elements will appear. The adsense block will display on the right side. To change the position, use dray and drop feature
22) Subject to approval, Adsense will send you email to confirm your registration.
23) Once received and upon approval, open the email and click on the verification link. Register and fill in personal information. Start posting on your blog.
24) It may take approx. 48 hours before your application to be approved. Good luck.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Pay Per Post (PPP)
I stumbled upon this page when exploring the Internet for the reason to blog. Out of the blue, this page came along when I actually wanted to find more on paypal account.
After reading through the simple-to-follow contents, I was fascinated and readily to learn and understand more of this PPP. After the necessary registration and viola! came the reply that I have already been accepted as confirmed registered member.
True to its words, PPP has created an opportunity to bloggers and alike to earn extra cash during their spare time. I am not too sure , how I would fare on this particular blogging for PPP. But I am sure of one thing, if this blog is reviewed and approved by PPP.Then, this is the very first dollar I would earn vie the Internet and thats for blogging too.
Something that I learned from PPP, is that you are actually being paid to blog.
Thank You.
After reading through the simple-to-follow contents, I was fascinated and readily to learn and understand more of this PPP. After the necessary registration and viola! came the reply that I have already been accepted as confirmed registered member.
True to its words, PPP has created an opportunity to bloggers and alike to earn extra cash during their spare time. I am not too sure , how I would fare on this particular blogging for PPP. But I am sure of one thing, if this blog is reviewed and approved by PPP.Then, this is the very first dollar I would earn vie the Internet and thats for blogging too.
Something that I learned from PPP, is that you are actually being paid to blog.
Thank You.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Penangboy trip back to Penang (Part 2)
3rd Day
Well, after dropping wife at her office in the Thean Teik Estate, I went next door to a coffee shop to ta-pow a packet of steamy hot char mee hun and kopi-oh with the intention to pray my late father at the nearby temple in Ayer Itam
After setting up the plate and burning of joss stick at the altar, I proceeded to the next block to burn some joss stick to my late in-laws which take but some minutes for the whole process.
Upon my return to my father's altar, I was taken back and shocked to discover that the packet of char mee hun had gone missing! with only the plate and the kopi-oh intact. Whew! this is daylight and strange things do not happened with the solar sun brightly shine on.
Not satisfied and out of curiosity, I look into the dustbin for the missing mee-hun...none and gone without a trace.....and there goes my breakfast too. After staying for a while for the joss stick to run its course and telepathic informed my late father that I shall be leaving, I then left the temple.
After praying, my initial plan was to run up the Kek Lok Si Temple (never been there since the eighties) after the light breakfast but now no more, change of plan. Instead I drove straight to Kwong Fat Lee coffee shop (junction to Melayu Street) just in time to enjoy my bowl of duck meat koay teow along the Carnarvan Street. This same stall would sell the koay chap after 11.00am. I was lucky enough and manage to ta-pow another packet of this duck meat koay teow for my the other half. (her favorite)
In the afternoon, I spent my time taking a stroll along the upper end of Penang Road, a five minutes walking distance from my hotel. First stop is Tatt Ming, the watch shop. You will be surprised at the merchandise in their inventory. A mixed blend of antique and modern time pieces, limited and special edition and a huge collections of mechanical operated of wall and table clocks. I was in market for a mechanical alarm clock and the only ones on display are made from China. No, I did not make any purchase, says thank you to the shop assistant, left and proceed to the camera shop next door.
Browse around the camera shop for a while, while eying the latest model from Olympus, a ultra slim type incorporated with 7.1 mega pixels comes with free 1 GB picture card. Checked out the price quote (wife is in market for a slim camera) but left without any purchased done. And thats is window shopping, my style.
For dinner, we went over to my sister-in-law (wife's sister) place which is very near to the Waterfall garden. Nephew (chef-to-be-in-training at a local 3 star hotel) is cooking something good for us to try on our taste buds. Before that, I went early to their place, parked my car and drop wife with them and proceed to jog all the way to the waterfall.
Reaching an hour before the waterfall garden closes its gate at 8.00pm. I did a quick detour, as usual joining the many joggers whose main itinerary is keep one blood pressure down and heart working good, all in the name of keeping fit to ones health.
Nephew cooked up something nice, Japanese style - complete with soup soba and fish fillet on terayaki sauce. Yummy. After a hearty meal, we sat around to chat and wind away time for a little while before waving goodbye
Well, after dropping wife at her office in the Thean Teik Estate, I went next door to a coffee shop to ta-pow a packet of steamy hot char mee hun and kopi-oh with the intention to pray my late father at the nearby temple in Ayer Itam
After setting up the plate and burning of joss stick at the altar, I proceeded to the next block to burn some joss stick to my late in-laws which take but some minutes for the whole process.
Upon my return to my father's altar, I was taken back and shocked to discover that the packet of char mee hun had gone missing! with only the plate and the kopi-oh intact. Whew! this is daylight and strange things do not happened with the solar sun brightly shine on.
Not satisfied and out of curiosity, I look into the dustbin for the missing mee-hun...none and gone without a trace.....and there goes my breakfast too. After staying for a while for the joss stick to run its course and telepathic informed my late father that I shall be leaving, I then left the temple.
After praying, my initial plan was to run up the Kek Lok Si Temple (never been there since the eighties) after the light breakfast but now no more, change of plan. Instead I drove straight to Kwong Fat Lee coffee shop (junction to Melayu Street) just in time to enjoy my bowl of duck meat koay teow along the Carnarvan Street. This same stall would sell the koay chap after 11.00am. I was lucky enough and manage to ta-pow another packet of this duck meat koay teow for my the other half. (her favorite)
In the afternoon, I spent my time taking a stroll along the upper end of Penang Road, a five minutes walking distance from my hotel. First stop is Tatt Ming, the watch shop. You will be surprised at the merchandise in their inventory. A mixed blend of antique and modern time pieces, limited and special edition and a huge collections of mechanical operated of wall and table clocks. I was in market for a mechanical alarm clock and the only ones on display are made from China. No, I did not make any purchase, says thank you to the shop assistant, left and proceed to the camera shop next door.
Browse around the camera shop for a while, while eying the latest model from Olympus, a ultra slim type incorporated with 7.1 mega pixels comes with free 1 GB picture card. Checked out the price quote (wife is in market for a slim camera) but left without any purchased done. And thats is window shopping, my style.
For dinner, we went over to my sister-in-law (wife's sister) place which is very near to the Waterfall garden. Nephew (chef-to-be-in-training at a local 3 star hotel) is cooking something good for us to try on our taste buds. Before that, I went early to their place, parked my car and drop wife with them and proceed to jog all the way to the waterfall.
Reaching an hour before the waterfall garden closes its gate at 8.00pm. I did a quick detour, as usual joining the many joggers whose main itinerary is keep one blood pressure down and heart working good, all in the name of keeping fit to ones health.
Nephew cooked up something nice, Japanese style - complete with soup soba and fish fillet on terayaki sauce. Yummy. After a hearty meal, we sat around to chat and wind away time for a little while before waving goodbye
Before going back to hotel, we headed toward the Kimberly Street to check out the hawker wares. Yes, the soya bean stall is there, so is the char mee hun and many others that makes your mouth watery. You guess it right, we ta-pow both food stuff back to hotel. It is our supper...mah.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Penangboy trip back to Penang (Part 1)
I begin to wonder what to write about after drifting for some days and after creating this blog. As you see, I was down with a bad sore throat and a sprained ankle and this had put me off the inspirations to blog. The sore throat came about with eating too much nasi kandar and the sprained ankle resulted from my daily jogging and all this in the name of keeping fit
Also stressed out on preparation with time and journey traveling back to Penang this week for some work assignment. However, not to be mistaken, I am not on any work assignment but my the half is.
As a happy go lucky guy (I am now on semi-retirement, remember?) I am now the bodyguard and driver to my the other half. Simply put it, I am on a small vacation back to hometown.
Once a Penangboy, always a Penangboy, right?.
1st Day
For starter, once on the island and without much adoo... we headed straight to Green Lane at the Genting Coffee shop to chow down my favorite wan tan mee followed by the curry mee.
I would have tucked in another bowl of char hor fun but my stomach would not allow me to.
Together, my wife and me had walloped 4 different kind of penang food (chee cheong fun and java mee) on the first night out. How satisfied we were.
For accommodation, we put up at the Sunway Hotel along the New Lane. Why here??. For Penang food..mah. Staying and eating here is so convenient!.
2nd Day
My role as a driver comes into effect the next morning.. fetching wife to her office branch and after dropping her, I make my way to the Penang (Botanic) Waterfall Garden. What to do here??.. jogging mah.. To be realistic, the last time I ever came to waterfall garden is some.....20 years ago!. My, and how times flies!.
What a change! jogging amist the greeny compared to the apartment blocks back home (Subang Jaya) is alot fresher, I mean the air. Yes, the lily pond is still there, and so is the tracking path.The pond near the waterfall where we used to swim and play is there but now filled with much trapping of leaves and not so deep now. Small peacock fish still exists. the wooden bridge now replaced with a concrete one. The rounded shape shelter is of course still there. All so still and calm and very much different away from the hustle and bustle of the city life we faced daily. And I tell myself, I have to come here often.
After a change of fresh t-shirt, I drove down over to Carnarvan street to enjoy my lor-mee at the Sintow. Then dropped by at Woo Hing to say hello to Mr. Robert and also take this opportunity to check on the latest price quote on a few sport time pieces. Say good-bye to Robert and left.
Drove through the Esplanade, passing by the Fort Cornwallis and yes, the antique cannon guarding the fort is still there too. Nothing changed though.
In the evening, we (I and wife with her colleagues) dropped by the padang (field) along the Anson Road to tuck in - the king of fruits, yes - durian (particularly the so-called grade wu-lou and hung-ha) where the fruit vendor swear by their words that guarantee to satisfy your appetite with their fruits galore.
Not really filling, we went over to Pregraves Street (Sar-teow loh) to check out the Hokkien mee and the Wan tan mee and washed down together with the ice kacang. After with all these fantastic food and feeling satisfied, we carry our belly and left for our hotel.
Too full on any supper for tonight
Also stressed out on preparation with time and journey traveling back to Penang this week for some work assignment. However, not to be mistaken, I am not on any work assignment but my the half is.
As a happy go lucky guy (I am now on semi-retirement, remember?) I am now the bodyguard and driver to my the other half. Simply put it, I am on a small vacation back to hometown.
Once a Penangboy, always a Penangboy, right?.
1st Day
For starter, once on the island and without much adoo... we headed straight to Green Lane at the Genting Coffee shop to chow down my favorite wan tan mee followed by the curry mee.
I would have tucked in another bowl of char hor fun but my stomach would not allow me to.
Together, my wife and me had walloped 4 different kind of penang food (chee cheong fun and java mee) on the first night out. How satisfied we were.
For accommodation, we put up at the Sunway Hotel along the New Lane. Why here??. For Penang food..mah. Staying and eating here is so convenient!.
2nd Day
My role as a driver comes into effect the next morning.. fetching wife to her office branch and after dropping her, I make my way to the Penang (Botanic) Waterfall Garden. What to do here??.. jogging mah.. To be realistic, the last time I ever came to waterfall garden is some.....20 years ago!. My, and how times flies!.
What a change! jogging amist the greeny compared to the apartment blocks back home (Subang Jaya) is alot fresher, I mean the air. Yes, the lily pond is still there, and so is the tracking path.The pond near the waterfall where we used to swim and play is there but now filled with much trapping of leaves and not so deep now. Small peacock fish still exists. the wooden bridge now replaced with a concrete one. The rounded shape shelter is of course still there. All so still and calm and very much different away from the hustle and bustle of the city life we faced daily. And I tell myself, I have to come here often.
After a change of fresh t-shirt, I drove down over to Carnarvan street to enjoy my lor-mee at the Sintow. Then dropped by at Woo Hing to say hello to Mr. Robert and also take this opportunity to check on the latest price quote on a few sport time pieces. Say good-bye to Robert and left.
Drove through the Esplanade, passing by the Fort Cornwallis and yes, the antique cannon guarding the fort is still there too. Nothing changed though.
In the evening, we (I and wife with her colleagues) dropped by the padang (field) along the Anson Road to tuck in - the king of fruits, yes - durian (particularly the so-called grade wu-lou and hung-ha) where the fruit vendor swear by their words that guarantee to satisfy your appetite with their fruits galore.
Not really filling, we went over to Pregraves Street (Sar-teow loh) to check out the Hokkien mee and the Wan tan mee and washed down together with the ice kacang. After with all these fantastic food and feeling satisfied, we carry our belly and left for our hotel.
Too full on any supper for tonight
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