High Density Television

These days folks are all into saving space and being compact and clutter free homes. No more bulking TVs but high-density television (HDTV) is the way to go now. HDTV is a digital television broadcasting system with greater resolution than traditional television systems. HDTV is digitally broadcast, because digital television (DTV) requires less bandwidth if sufficient video compression is used.

Thinking about getting a High-definition television (HDTV) set? Don't know where to look for the best deals in the competitive market online? What are the popular brands available in the market? Second Act (http://www.secondact.com) which is founded in 2003 by catalog marketing veteran Mark A. Cohn, the original founder of Damark International, is an online retailer for specializing in HDTV and its related products. It is an authorized dealer for popular brands such as Sharp, Samsung, Toshiba, Denon, Marantz, JVC, Hitachi and more. It offers competitively lower prices for the products because they deal with product that is factory refurbished, factory closeouts and overstocks, end-of-life and open box. Nevertheless, all products comes with warranty and front door delivery.

Second Act also have Great Deal of the Day feature at its website. Users can also sign up to receive the hottest deal of the day via RSS or email.

Curious as a Cat- Week 98

1) If there is someone in your life who has been your symbolic lighthouse, who would it be?

My husband. Always guiding and taking care of me, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

2) What career would you like to try for a year? Why?

I am not that adventurous and imaginative enough to try a new career. Perhaps being a "problogger" or one earning through blogging is a challenging enough career for me. From part time tutor to problogger then.

3) If you could be more focused in one area of your life, what would it be?

Spirituality.

4) What was the best gift you ever gave to someone?

Listening ear.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Public Domain Photo

It was New Year's Eve and Reena doesn't have a date for the party hosted by the new company that she had just joined a couple of months ago. It is not that she is not a sociable person, it is just that she has so much to learn and get settled in this new company. There are files to peruse, folders to organize, new people and clients to meet and even to refresh her product knowledge of the company that she now represents.

"What will I do at the party tonight by myself?" Reena thought about calling her ex boyfriend but she knew that he has probably got a date by now and they weren't really the best of pals after the breakup. But that is another story...

Reena thought about just NOT going for the party but she couldn't afford to miss the opportunity to make her presence felt at the new company. Besides, her employers and colleagues need to get to know their Chief in Editor at Today's Fashion, don't they?

So with a heavy heart, Reena put on the new little pleated strapless cocktail dress that she bought for the occasion. Oh yes, she had indeed put in some effort to get this dress. After all she is young, single and available and the New Year might just bring her a new life of romance as well!

As Reena arrived ALONE, at the party, she was greeted with a very festive and cheerful atmosphere of purple and red ornaments. There were pink and lavender ribbons on the walls and ceiling. Reena felt happy and cheerful already just by being there. After doing her round of social greetings, the shout of the countdown for the New Year began...10, 9, 8...

Reena though joyful, just step back into the shadow while the other staff got together with their partners and dates to be kissed. 7, 6, 5...

Reena felt someone walking towards her. It was Marcus, her ex boyfriend! She couldn't believe her eyes! There he is standing right in front of her in his handsome self in a tuxedo. He is holding his hand out to her...4, 3, 2...

Reena broke into a comfortable smile and reach out to Marcus. At the count of ONE, they came together for a kiss that is both familiar and curious, with a tinge of hope and promise.

Bid For Prizes

Have you ever heard about a text based reverse-auction game, where the lowest unique bid will win the prize? This is a place where members get to play games, win prizes and rewards. For example, Bid4Prizes (http://www.bid4prizes.com) which is part of New Motion, Inc offers some fun and games for its members and great prizes to be won. New Motion, Inc is a company that provides digital entertainment products and services for businesses and consumers in North America.

So how does one play these games for the fantastic prizes of Apple I-Phone’s, HDTV’s, Designer Bags, SCION XB’s to Cash Prizes and many more? There is a game online or even on your mobile phone that you need to key in the lowest unique bids to win the prizes. There is a video clip that explains how you can do this. Check out this How to Play section. Every token you play, you are entering into a Sweepstake for cash prizes or can be redeem for free gifts later.

You do need to be a registered member to play and win prizes, at least 18 years of age and a resident of the United States of America. The prizes are absolutely free and you can place guesses for up to 30 times per day. You can play for several prizes a day. There will be instant notification via email or text messages (Premium members) if they have got the lowest unique or bumped by other players. Winners will be notified too and prizes shipped at no extra cost to the winners. Feel free to check the FAQs for more information.

Unconcious Mutterings- Week 256

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Memorable :: Blog Awards
   
2. Resolution :: Be determine
   
3. Goal :: Read Bible
   
4. 2008 :: Is around the corner
   
5. Sensational :: News
   
6. Popular demand :: Creative
   
7. Old :: Tired
   
8. Music :: Dance
   
9. Intense :: Serious
   
10. 2007 :: Passed quickly

101 Way to Make You Smile

This list is taken from Zang

101 Ways to Make You Smile

01. Call an old friend, just to say hi.
02. Hold a door open for a stranger.
03. Invite someone to lunch.
04. Compliment someone on his or her appearance.
05. Ask a coworker for their opinion on a project.
06. Bring cookies to work.
07. Let someone cut in during rush hour traffic.
08. Leave a waitress or waiter a big tip.
09. Tell a cashier to have a nice day.
10. Call your parents.
11. Let someone know you miss them.
12. Treat someone to a movie.
13. Let a person know you really appreciate them.
14. Visit a retirement center.
15. Take a child to the zoo.
16. Fill up your spouse's car with gas.
17. Surprise someone with a small gift.
18. Leave a thank-you note for the cleaning staff at work.
19. Write a letter to a distant relative.
20. Tell someone you thought about them the other day.
21. Put a dime in a stranger's parking meter before the time expires.
22. Bake a cake for a neighbor.
23. Send someone flowers to where they work.
24. Invite a friend to tea.
25. Recommend a good book to someone.
26. Donate clothing to a charity.
27. Offer an elderly person a ride to where they need to go.
28. Bag your own groceries at the checkout counter.
29. Give blood.
30. Offer free baby-sitting to a friend who's really busy or just needs a break.
31. Help your neighbor rake leaves or shovel snow.
32. Offer your seat to someone when there aren't any left.
33. Help someone with a heavy load.
34. Ask to see a store's manager and comment on the great service.
35. Give your place in line at the grocery store to someone who has only a few items.
36. Hug someone in your family for no reason.
37. Wave to a child in the car next to you.
38. Send a thank-you note to your doctor.
39. Repeat something nice you heard about someone else.
40. Leave a joke on someone's answering machine.
41. Be a mentor or coach to someone.
42. Forgive a loan.
43. Fill up the copier machine with paper after you're done using it.
44. Tell someone you believe in them.
45. Share your umbrella on a rainy day.
46. Welcome new neighbors with flowers or a plant.
47. Offer to watch a friend's home while they're away.
48. Ask someone if they need you to pick up anything while you're out shopping.
49. Ask a child to play a board game, and let them win.
50. Ask an elderly person to tell you about the good old days.
51. During bad weather, plan an indoor picnic with the family.
52. Buy someone a goldfish and bowl.
53. Compliment someone on their cooking and politely ask for a second helping.
54. Dance with someone who hasn't been asked.
55. Tell someone you mentioned them in your prayers.
56. Give children's clothes to another family when your kids outgrow them.
57. Deliver extra vegetables from your garden to the whole neighborhood.
58. Call your spouse just to say, I love you.
59. Call someone's attention to a rainbow or beautiful sunset.
60. Invite someone to go bowling.
61. Figure out someone's half-birthday by adding 182 days, and surprise them with a cake.
62. Ask someone about their children.
63. Tell someone which quality you like most about them.
64. Brush the snow off of the car next to yours.
65. Return your shopping cart to the front of the store.
66. Encourage someone's dream, no matter how big or small it is.
67. Pay for a stranger's cup of coffee without them knowing it.
68. Leave a love letter where your partner will find it.
69. Ask an older person for their advice.
70. Offer to take care of someone's pet while they're away.
71. Tell a child you're proud of them.
72. Visit a sick person, or send them a care package.
73. Join a Big Brother or Sister program.
74. Leave a piece of candy on a coworker's desk.
75. Bring your child to work with you for the afternoon.
76. Give someone a recording of their favorite music.
77. Email a friend some information about a topic they are especially interested in.
78. Give someone a homemade gift.
79. Write a poem for someone.
80. Bake some cookies for your local fire or police department.
81. Organize a neighborhood cleanup and have a barbecue afterwards.
82. Help a child build a birdhouse or similar project.
83. Check in on an old person, just to see if they're okay.
84. Ask for the recipe after you eat over at someone's house.
85. Personally welcome a new employee at work and offer to take them out for lunch.
86. While in a car, ask everyone to buckle up because they are important to you.
87. Let someone else eat the last slice of cake or pizza.
88. Stop and buy a drink from a kid's lemonade stand.
89. Forgive someone when they apologize.
90. Wave to someone looking for a parking space when you're about to leave a shopping center.
91. Send a copy of an old photograph to a childhood friend.
92. Leave a pint of your spouse's favorite flavor of ice cream in the freezer with a bow on it.
93. Do a household chore that is usually done by someone else in the family.
94. Be especially happy for someone when they tell you their good news.
95. Compliment a coworker on their role in a successful project.
96. Give your spouse a spontaneous back rub at the end of the day.
97. Serve someone in your family breakfast in bed.
98. Ask someone if they've lost weight.
99. Make a donation to a charity in someone's honor.
100. Take a child to a ballgame.

And last, but not least...

101. Forward this list to at least 10 of your friends


Names of friends will be added later.

New Years Edition

1. Resolutions: Do you keep them or are they an exercise in futility?
I think it does give a good start to the year but as for keeping it, that is another story altogether.

2. New Year’s Eve: Stay at home or go out and dance the night away? Any special traditions?
Stay at home. No difference here.

3. Let’s not call it a resolution, but what are 5 things (of any importance) you would like to accomplish in the upcoming year?

• Read the whole bible
• Exercise more
• Learn about codes for blog
• Be more techno savvy
• Learn to cook

Nokia 6085

After reading some mobile phone magazines, I am itching to get another one. Actually what happened was, I am using my Sony Ericsson K550i for internet connection and the SIM card for that package does not allow for MMS and voice call. Hmm...and I didn't want to change my phone number just so I can access the internet. Anyway, to cut the long story short, I planned to get the Nokia 6085 later today.

As you can see, I am pretty excited about it now. I read a fine review about the features of Nokia 6085 and the price is within my budget. Some of its features that caters for my needs are it includes a built in camera with a video recorder with expandable memory, ensuring a camera is at hand for family highlights, like soccer match or dance rehearsal. Music lovers will enjoy the Nokia 6085 phone’s built-in music player and FM radio, as well as the stereo audio streaming support for convenient use with wireless Bluetooth headsets.

Other features included in the Nokia 6085 offers comprehensive functions for easy messaging and voice communication, including MMS, Nokia Xpress audio messaging, enhanced email and push to talk. Browsing for news and uploading images and videos is convenient with the phone’s XHTML browser and fast data connections through EDGE.

The Nokia 6085 offers excellent operating times - talk time of up to 5 hours and standby time of up to 10 days.

Other features include:

• Connectivity via Bluetooth and USB
• Voice recording, voice command, handsfree speaker
• Macromedia Flash Player 2.0
• Convenient and fast browsing with XHTML browser
• Flight and demo mode

Bad Credit Offers

Time and unforeseen circumstances can befall anyone, especially in the area of managing our finances in our volatile economic situations. Many had fallen into debts and having less than perfect credit rating. What can help one get back to a little stable ground with regards to our finances?

BadCreditOffers.com (http://www.badcreditoffers.com) is a new consumer resource that can give you a guide in this respect. The company is managed by a team of expert staffs can provide the best tips and offers in the market out there. The goal of this site is to provide the consumer with the major providers and the best offers to fit your needs. There three easy steps hassle free methods that the company provides are:

Browse the bad credits offers by category
Compare details and features side by side
Apply online for the offer of your choice instantly!

Credit cards is one of the major "trap" for getting into debt. However, with the proper reporting to the major credit bureaus, your credit may quickly be restored into a positive credit rating. Check out these offers: http://www.badcreditoffers.com/creditcards/

Personal loans are also available to help out in times of a quick turnover for vacations needs, pay bills, start a business, and other expenses. This too can be applied effortlessly online. Check the offers here: http://www.badcreditoffers.com/personalloans/

Feast One Hundred & Seventy Three

Appetizer
Name 2 things you would like to accomplish in 2008.
Read the whole Bible and lose 15kg.

Soup
With which cartoon character do you share personality traits?
Tweety Bird. Err...hope to remain sweet and innocent always.

"I tawt I taw a puddy tat!" and "I did, I did taw a puddy tat!"

Salad
What time of day (or night) were you born?
Hmm...1 pm or thereabout, I think.

Main Course
Tell us something special about your hometown.

Kepong is an area in Kuala Lumpur under Zone Sentul, located near Bandar Baru Selayang of Selangor, and to the west of Jinjang. Kepong is one of the 11 Kuala Lumpur constituencies represented in the Malaysian Parliament. - Source from Wikipedia

Dessert
If you could receive a letter from anyone in the world, who would you want to get one from?
My siblings in London, Australia and India. One from each!

CompuCram - Exam Prep Software

Real Estate Exam are based on the national laws as well as the specific laws for that state. Each state varies on the exact pre-license education requirements but typically a specific number of hours are required from an accredited real estate school before an individual is allowed to take the exam. Each state also varies on their requirements to become a real estate broker.

This is where the CompuCram software program can help you past the exams. It is of high quality content being compiled by an experienced team with an averaged of 23 years in their related profession. The program is being updated with the latest regulations and additions to the exams. Since laws and regulations are also subjected to many current issues and factors, CompuCram also are highly alert to these changes and updates according to give the student a winning edge over the exams.

What do you get with CompuCram? This program will help you review one question at a time at your own pace. You will get instant reply to your answers whether it is right or wrong with a detailed explanation. There is also the time exam mode to simulate a real exam, whereby you are given the exact number of questions as in a real exam with the allotted time by the examiner. There is extensive feedback on how to answer the questions and a comprehensive glossary of the proper terms to use in the exams. And last but not least, practice makes perfect and CompuCram allows you to access to unlimited questions in preparation for your exam.

How Were The Holidays?

1. How did this holiday season treat you? Are you glad it's over? Why/why not?

Since I don't celebrate Christmas, it is just another week to me. But the malls were packed and I hated the crowd. I will be glad that there is parking space for the car and some breathing space when I shop after the holiday.

2. How as your health been with this busy time? Did you get sick?

I got sick with bad cough and needed antibiotics. The cough disrupted my sleep and daily schedule.

3. Now that the chaotic holidays are done with, what are you going to do now?

I have been reading how some bloggers were setting goals for their blogs etc. I am learning what worthwhile goals to set for my blogging career too. One thing that I am working at right now is getting my own domain. Then it is finding some niche or perhaps another non niche fun filled meme and other stuff that I like to blog about. Not sure. Still working on it.

Better Late than Never!

Onesome: Better-- butter than margarine? ...or Mayonnaise? What goes on your bread for sandwiches? How about dinner rolls? Honey, anyone?
Butter if possible.

Twosome: Late-- again! I think that's something I do about once a year. May I blame it on Christmas cleaning? How about you: is your place all cleaned up from the paper-fest? ...or can you even get to the door yet?
I am not much into large gatherings. Too much of a stress for me. So my motto is keep it simple!

Threesome: than Never-- again? Do you have any Christmas memories (this year or Christmas Pasts) that you'd just like to never repeat? I'm thinking humourous stories would be best!
I don't celebrate Christmas.

How to get rid of Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small nocturnal insects that live by feeding on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded hosts. Although bed bugs can live for a year or as much as 18 months without feeding, they typically seek blood every five to ten days.

Bed bugs may be erroneously associated with filth in the mistaken notion that this attracts them. However, severe infestations are often associated with poor housekeeping and clutter. Bed bugs are attracted by exhaled carbon dioxide and body heat, not by dirt, and they feed on blood, not waste. In short, the cleanliness of their environments has effect on the control of bedbugs but, unlike cockroaches, does not have a direct effect on bed bugs as they feed on their hosts and not on waste. Good housekeeping in association with proper preparation and mechanical removal by vacuuming will certainly assist in control.

One can use mattress covers that completely zips up the mattress sealing it entirely so that no bugs can get in or out. As long as the bugs can’t bite you, there isn’t any harm with having them there. They will die out eventually without food. The encasement or mattress covers can come in either fabric or vinyl.

New Toys & Gadgets

1. Have you gotten any new toys/gadgets lately? If so, what are they? If not, is there anything that you want?

No, I didn't get any new toys or gadgets lately. But I have read about this gadget called PMG QuadpadPro which is distributed by Tronic Distribution. It is a UMPC (Ultra Mobile Personal Computer). The QuadpadPro is touch sensitive so you just need to bring up the virtual keyboard on the 8.4 inch TFT LCD Touch Panel screen in SVGA 800 x 600 resolution. The hard disk can be configured between 40 to 100 GB, and opt for either 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB or 1 GB DDR memory. It is as compact, as 231 mm x 192 mm x 42 mm and as light at just 1.19 kg. Other features to be expected are 1.3 MP camera and PCMCIA slots to connect GPRS or 3G, and GPS.

2. Do you like learning how to use new toys/gadgets? Why/why not?

I used to be overwhelmed by new stuff. But then I realized that learning is an ongoing process and I pondered about why do I need to be afraid of learning about new stuff when I am not even a senior citizen yet! Sorry, don't mean to offend anyone here. Just that my mind set was so narrow and anything new was so foreign and scary to me. I tried to change my mind set and one helpful way was to expand my circle of friends and acquaintances to the younger generation. Try to learn from them and see what fascinates the younger folks.

3. Pick an outrageous toy/gadget that you want (price is no issue!). What is it? Why do you want it?

Besides the PMG QuadpadPro, perhaps the Nokia E90.

Nourish Your Skin from the Inside Out

What is the secret to having radiant skin and vibrant health? Is it difficult or next to impossible to get clear glowing complexion, especially when we are no longer teenagers or even past middle age? The answer is a resounding NO to the latter and the newly discovered dietary supplement called R.G. Skin Revitalizer to answer the former question.

To have healthy and radiant skin, it is not just to remove dead skin cells on the surface but the new trend is to nourish the skin from the inside out. What is R.G. (Red Gâc) Skin Revitalizer? This product which is an oil harvested from the Gâc (Momordia Cochinchinemis Spreng) is a bright-red fruit that grows as large as a cantaloupe and abundantly on vines all over sub-tropical Asia, especially in Vietnam. Recent researches unveiled that this fruit is grown in home gardens for its medicinal properties. It has a rich supply of carotenoids to nourish the skin. Gâc oil is a premier source of carotenoids which are in a highly bio-available form – your body absorbs these fat-soluble nutrients better than if it were a juice.

Beta-carotene, a natural carotenoid antioxidant found abundantly in Gâc fruit, helps boost the immune system, assists the skin’s cellular rejuvenation process, and supports the structural integrity of the tissues. Carotenoids as plant pigments function as protection of the plant against excess sunlight. Similarly, their nutritional value is especially important to healthy skin.

Focus on the Positive

"The optimist has no brakes; the pessimist has no motor."
-Melvin M. Maxwell

Losing weight is a struggle. Maintaining good dietary habits doesn't come naturally to most people. I should know this since I can't cook nor can I stop my cravings for sweet stuff. A disastrous combination indeed. You can expect to become discourage from time to time. The key is, don't stay there. Don't look at where you are. Look at where you're going.

There is no need to be dominated by a setback. What is done is done. There will be times when you lose a battle or skirmish here and there. But that doesn't mean you've lost the war unless you quit. Dieting or weight control should always be in the future tense, not in the past tense. Dwell on where you are going, not on where you have been. The direction in which you choose to look will determine the course of your progress.

International Phone Cards and Calling Cards

These days, there are a variety of calling cards for inexpensive and budget saving prepaid calling phone card for travelers. There are different types of cards to cater for your needs. The International Callback cards are especially convenient for folks that travel around the world frequently, when you want to save on hotel long distance phone bills, when you want to look for a convenient and cheap way of calling from any country to any country in the world and when you have internet connection to access the call back form.

Then there is the Prepaid Calling Cards which offers the lowest rates available to selective originating and destination countries. These cards are for folks that don't mind entering PIN numbers; you will find the rates are cheaper than other cards and you don't have a phone number to register with permanent PIN or Pinless Dialing calling cards.

Alternately there is also the choice of Permanent PIN/Pinless Dialing Cards. This works best for folks who didn’t want to remember PIN numbers. You can register your phone number and recharge your account anytime. Calls can be made from any country to any country. Head over to one of the largest retailer of phone card that offers 435 phone cards for customers to choose from in the United States alone.

Are you a writer?

Recently, I have been reading a book regarding motivation for writers and the inspiring stories from writers themselves. Most of the experiences are really down to earth but there are some profound ones too. Mostly are about how people "knew" in their minds and hearts that there is a writer in them. Some realized this fact when they were kids, whereas others felt "complete" when they write after they had grown up or even reach their 60s or more.

Do you feel the same? What motivates you to write or blog? Some of these writers (from the book that I've read) have stories in their heads so to speak when they are on their own. Such as walking along a quiet street or road, they will have characters and plots talking and moving about in their minds! Then there was an experience by a jogger who had to use a recorder to record her ideas while she walks or jogs. She will pretend that she is talking to her best friend on the tape recorder and when she gets home, she will rewind and play her "conversation" and start her writing exercise.

Personally, I do not have these talents to have plots and characters in my head nor do I have inspiration while walking or jogging. But I do like to write. I have kept personal diaries as a teenager but unfortunately, I did not continue the writing nor did I save any of those diaries. And eventually the routine of writing was lost. Now that there is this avenue of blogging, it does revive some of my desire and passion to write again. This is a little different that keeping a personal journal but I do enjoy interacting with other like minded folks too. Perhaps keeping a personal diary is too lonesome and blogging somehow fulfilled yet another need, that is being read and share of thoughts.

Wine For You

Wine has been described as "God's gift that make the heart of mortal man rejoice." Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermentation of grape juice. The natural chemical balance of grapes is such that they can ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes or other nutrients.

Where about on the internet can one go to search for the best of the best of wine? Where can one find other wine lovers who can recommend some good wine to us since not everyone has the same taste? You can check this unique site TasteVine (http://www.tastevine.com). The site offers wine lovers to taste, describe and rate a certain product, and then using a unique identifier to create your own TasteID. So may it be red wine, white wine, Merlot or Chardonnay readers and viewers can gauge for themselves whether the review or taster has the same taste and the reader can then decide to try out new products as recommended by similar TasteID members.

There is a list of wineries for your perusal. Feel free to head over to TasteVine.

Practical Bible Counsel for Our Day

This month most Christian folks will have step up activities in their churches and homes. What about giving more thought to what God's Word, the Bible has to offer regarding our day? Besides giving us a solid basis for hope in the future, the Bible also helps us to have a happier life today. For instance, God's Word gives unsurpassed practical advice on marriage, family life, human relations, finding happiness, and many other subjects. Consider just a few examples.

Think before you speak: "There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing." - Proverbs 12:18

Avoid petty jealousy: "A calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones." - Proverbs 14:30

Discipline your children: "Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it." "A boy let on the loose will be causing his mother shame." - Proverbs 22:6; 29:15

Be forgiving: Jesus said: "Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7) Wise King Solomon wrote: "Love covers over even all transgressions." (Proverbs 10:12) If someone's sin against you is so serious that you cannot simply forgive and forget, the Bible advises: "Go lay bare his fault between you and him alone." - Matthew 18:15

Avoid the love of money: "The love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some...have stabbed themselves all over with many pains." (1 Timothy 6:10) Notice that the Bible condemns "the love of money," not money itself.

Love Never Fades

Wordless Wednesday

Love is long-suffering and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, does not get puffed up, does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. It does not rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Bathroom Accessories

There is something captivating with glass in bathrooms. I don't mean the mirror though that is a good reason to be in the bathroom longer, but glass sinks and bathroom shelves. For example this Lucy-Tyrone Glass Basin Set with Shelves on the left simply looks cool and relaxing. I can just imagine myself pampering and chilling out with a bathroom set like that.

Bathroom accessories had come a long way. These days there are taps that automatically turned on with water running when you put your hand under the tap. Then there are the push button ones instead of knobs. However, I fancy the ones that has a lever because my palms or fingers don't really have to touch the tap before and after washing. I mean it can be turn on and off using the elbow instead. See photo on the right for the Hudson Reed Kia Bath taps in a pair.

Taps also come in fanciful designs. Take a look at the glass waterfall basin tap on the left. It looked really futuristic and chic. It provides a different ambiance to the bathroom. You just don't find other tap design that provides this unique combination of luxurious cascading waterfall and transparent dish made from tempered safety glass. For more information on bathroom accessories, do check out the online tap shop Tap4Less

Curious as a Cat- Week 97

1) If God agreed to grant you one favor, what would you ask?
Good health.

2) If you could only give one gift to someone (with cost not an issue), what would you give and to whom?
A car for my hubby. Nothing fanciful but a practical one. Now we are sharing.

3) If you could have one extra hour each day to do only one thing, what would you do in that hour?
Read.

4) Who is the person you know with the freest spirit?
Free spirit means somebody not afraid to flout convention: somebody who lives the way he or she wants to, regardless of what convention dictates or what others expect

Jesus Christ since he had a purpose to fulfilled on earth, he did what he was to do despite being very unpopular with the religious leaders of his time. Conventionally, for people from his background, folks get married and have children. But Jesus had to preach the good news of the Kingdom and therefore he was always on the move to do the preaching work.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Photo copyright 2004 Cat.

Wrapping presents and getting ready for Christmas.

Exploring the Cities of Barcelona and Berlin

Barcelona is the second largest Spanish city in population and the principal industrial and commercial center of the country. Barcelona has a long sporting tradition and is well known after it has hosted the successful 1992 Summer Olympics as well as several matches from the 1982 Football World Cup.

Barcelona has a lot to offer tourist in terms of architectural monuments and a feast of beautiful buildings. Consider the The Sagrada Família church (photo on the right), which is one of the remarkable work of architect Antoni Gaudí, can be seen throughout the city. There are also many museums, venues for live music and theaters, opera theaters and concert halls. If you prefer the outdoors, Barcelona also have many parks and beaches for the whole family.

Berlin is the capital and largest city of the Federal Republic of Germany. The metropolis is home to world-renowned universities, research institutes, sporting events, orchestras, museums and personalities. Berlin's urban landscape and historical legacy has made it a popular setting for international film productions. Recognized for its festivals, contemporary architecture, nightlife and avant-garde arts, Berlin has evolved into a focal point for individuals attracted by liberal lifestyle, modern zeitgeist and low cost of living.

The reconstructed Ishtar Gate of Babylon at the Pergamon Museum (photo on the left) is one of the museums situation on the Museum Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is situated in the northern part of the Spree Island between the Spree and the Kupfergraben. Berlin is also house to numerous orchestras, major opera houses, and theaters. Berlin is known for its numerous beach bars along the river Spree. Together with the countless cafés, restaurants and green spaces in all districts, they create an important source of recreation and leisure time. For more information on hotels and bookings, check http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/Germany/Berlin/ or in Europe, check http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk/United-Kingdom/London/

Unconcious Mutterings- Week 255

Health :: Precious
Tacky :: Cheap
Heels :: Cracked
Yay! :: Scored
Model :: Glamour
Gather :: Collect
Best gift ever :: Love
Clients :: Customers
Stomp :: Feet
Clothing :: Fashion

Blog Readability Test

Hmm...I wonder if there were any big and difficult words that I use in this blog? I have this rating for my blog's Readability Test.

Some folks felt surprised that their blog's test results showed only high school level, I mean they felt insulted. But I would rather folks understand what I am writing about rather than having difficult words that puts people off. What do you think?

Here in My Car I Feel Safest of All

If money were no concern and LOOKS the only consideration, what car would get yourself? (pictures for questions like this are always nice!)
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano (photo on the right)

If money were no concern and YOUR LIFESTYLE the only consideration, what car would you get yourself?
Perodua Viva (the car that I have now-see photo below)

What is the best thing about your current car? If you do not own a car, what is the best thing about the car you most often ride in?
Compact for parking and yet engine is powerful for city driving. A lot of the features are really considerate of the driver. Nothing specific, but just little things like the lightings, adjusting the side view mirrors from driver's side, etc.

* If cars could be skinned the way cell phones, laptop computers, and iPods can, what would be a really cool skin for your car? Just plain apple green will do.

If you were going to decorate a friend’s car with a custom-made skin as a practical joke, whose car would you skin and what would it be? Perhaps this skin on the right. More like a camouflage. As to whose, err...no comments. Me nice person.

Friday Fill In #51

1. Snow is beautiful.
2. I'm looking forward to finish reading a book about writer's experiences and motivational stories.
3. Curling up quietly with my book is the best comfort for my cold ever!
4. One of my favorite old tv shows is Scarecrow and Mrs. King.
5. I'm done with getting fatter. I am determine to put off the extra weight.
6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is less traffic on the road.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to resting and recuperating from a flu, tomorrow my plans include more rest as I think the flu will not subside yet and Sunday, I want to meet some friends if I feel better!

S for Serena

This is a tag by Liza. Looks kind of fun.

Here’s how it works:
Use the first letter of your name to answer each question. Must be places or names…Nothing made up. Can’t use own name for boy/girl’s name question. If can’t answer, skip to next one.

1. Famous Singer: Sammi Cheng (photo)
2. Four Letter Word: Saga
3. Street: Sultan Sulaiman (Jalan Sultan Sulaiman-in Malay, Street or Road is put in front of the name)
4. Colour: Silver
5. Gifts/Present: Silverware
6. Vehicle: Serena (Nissan)-photo
7. Things in Souvenir Shop: Sun glasses
8. Boy Name: Steven
9. Girl Name: Sonia
10. Movie title: Stardust
11. Drink: Smoothie
12. Occupation: Secretary
13. Celebrity: Sandra Bullock
14. Magazine: Seventeen
15. U.S. City: San Francisco
16. Pro Sports: Squash (not too sure about this answer)
17. Fruit: Strawberry
18. Reason for Being Late to work: Slipped on banana peel
19. Something you throw away: Stained non-washable garments
20. Something you shout: Stop! Wait for me.

I tag Joel, moM, Florinda, Patois, Elaine and OneLuvGurl.

A trip to Romantic Paris and Colourful Spain

Paris will always be the symbol of romance and love. Movies have been made and the landmarks are beautiful and feminine structures such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum helped to us to envision it all. Nevertheless, there are more than these famous landmarks to visit. This capital city of France is today one of the world's leading business and cultural centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities.

Whether it is for the purpose of shopping, searching for restaurants, visiting the museums and public gardens, admiring the boulevards and monuments, architecture and music, everywhere you go in Paris there is something new to discover. You will discover many of these pleasures as you travel around Paris, visiting the 'great' sights, of which there are many. To be practical, accommodations can be located at hoteles en paris

When I think of Spain, I see Flamenco dancers. The stomping and passionate expressions coupled with the distinctive footwork and hand movements and yell out shouts of encouragement "Olé!" and "Agua!". You can watch this spectacular performance at Seville and Andalucia. Spain is also colourful in its village fiesta that are religious in nature but the possessions and parties last throughout the night. Compare hotel prices here hoteles en españa

If you prefer another type of art like the well known paintings of Picasso, you can visit Madrid with its magnificent art museums at the "Golden Traingle." There are also many collections of paintings and sculptures to satisfy our appetite for the finer things. There are theme parks and water parks for the young and the young at hearts. Check the hoteles en madrid for more information on hotel bookings for the whole family.

For more information, please check http://www.cheaperthanhotels.co.uk

Fred Flintstone's Sister?

Wordless Wednesday

Yabba dabba dooooooooo!!!!
Wonder how that would fare going uphill?

Feel like an escaped prison convict

I walked in to this chic hair salon today. I needed a hair cut badly. Although I keep my hair short, the ends were already touching my neck. This irritates my skin which will break out in rashes. After asking and agreeing to the appropriate price for washing and cutting, I sat down at one of the posh looking sofa chairs. It was comfortable.

After the washing, the hair dresser asked how would I like my hair cut? I gave my usual instructions to keep it short and he started to work on it immediately. I had to put down my spectacles while he do his work. Now, I must say that he was very confident in his snipping and trimming. Never a falter nor hesitation at all! As I've said, I had short hair but I can "sense" even without my spectacles on that A LOT of hair had been cut off! Still I didn't really panic.

When the hair dresser finally brought the large hand held mirror to show me the back of my head, I put on my spectacles and did I get the shock of my life or what?!! I couldn't believe my eyes! I looked like someone who had just escaped from the prison! See for yourself!

(My new avatar should be this little fellow from now on!)


* Sorry if I don't look more cheerful here!

Build A Sign

Sometimes it is hard to search through the thick yellow pages to find a reliable and efficient company to get what we want in time for that crucial sale! What am I talking about? The banner or sign for sale in captivating and appealing manner.

This is especially true when one is in the competitive and fast paced real estate business. We will definitely need some real estate signs that are bold, appealing and attention grabbing for sure to vie for the attention of potential buyers. At BuildASign.com, you can customize your signs to represent your dynamic company with its logo to make it stand out. It comes in unlimited colors choices at very low affordable prices.

How to make your Firefox load faster?

I read Jake's post here on how to make Firefox load faster and it really helped me. I will just copy his instructions here because I am not a techno savvy person but do visit his blog for more gems on website stuff and online money making tips.

Speed up Firefox. If you have a broadband connection, you can speed up your page loads. This allows Firefox to load multiple things on a page instead of one at a time. By default, Firefox optimized for dialup connections. Here is what you need to do:

1. Type “about:config” into the address bar and hit return. Type “network.http” in the filter field, and change the following settings (double-click on them to change them):
2. Set “network.http.pipelining” to “true”
3. Set “network.http.proxy.pipelining” to “true”
4. Set “network.http.pipelining.maxrequests” to 30. This will allow it to make 30 requests at one time. Originally I tried 100 here and it didn’t seem to help. When I went with 30 I noticed an improvement.
5. Right-click anywhere and select New-> Integer. Name it “nglayout.initialpaint.delay” and set its value to “0″. This value is the amount of time the browser waits before it acts on information it receives.

10 New Years Resolutions

1. Lose 15kg of weight.
2. Spend more time with my parents.
3. Spend more time with real life friends.
4. Finish reading the Bible in one year.
5. Read more books on technology and internet.
6. Learn to cook. I can only do pasta for now. Pathetic.
7. Learn more about HTML codes or anything needed for blogging.
8. Try to comment more at fellow blogger's blogs.
9. Build a blog with my own domain name. (Work in progress now)
10.Sleep at regular hours at night.

Brightens up your home

What can help brightens up your home during the holiday seasons? I have seen many of you friends and readers who likes candles and scents. Have you thought about some chic yet traditional looking candle holders which gives your home a warm and homely atmosphere? If candles are not for you, there are a variety of light fixtures that can help brightens the house or certain part of room.

How many of us took to a liking for chandeliers? I knew I did as a kid. My father will pick me up and I will try to reach for the mini chandelier. My father, seeing my delight will put me as close as possible to the chandeliers but warned me that it might be hot to the touch. Actually, the family knew that I love to touch the lights, they will just put in on for a short while so as not to burn my little hands. I vaguely recalled that my home chandelier at that time also have these crystals at the bottom of the chandelier. See photo on left.

On the other hand, some may have very modern looking homes. There is just the home lighting for that too. I surfed and found this pretty and elegant Three-Light Eternity Indoor/Outdoor Pendant in Brushed Nickel is part of the Eternity Collection by Sea Gull Lighting. A new, modern classic delivers style - inside and out. Brushed nickel finish over solid brass and clear highlighted satin etched chiseled hand-carved glass. The Decorative Canopy is included. It has a very contemporary look to it.

Week Number 96

1) Finish this sentence: "I hate myself when I am sick and can't go outdoors to do what I wanted to do."

2) How much time do you spend on the phone or IMing with friends every day?
Hmm...depends on my mood. With the availability of internet, I would say I only spend about 5-10 minutes daily. This includes the time friends text back, of course. Perhaps weekends is longer period.

3) What strategy would you implement to deal with drug abuse in today's world?
Increase in spirituality and fear of God, strengthening of the family bond, choosing the right associates or friends, and if addicted seek medical and professional help.

4) What thing about your family are you least proud of?
Lack of affection. I don't mean that there is no love in my family ( I mean my parents and siblings), just that we don't show it through hugs or even handshakes. But we are learning to.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Public Domain Photo

I am a total clutz when it comes to tools. I would not know what or how to use those in the photo for sure.

Magnetic Diet Weight Loss Program

"What you get by reaching your [weight loss] goals is not nearly as important as what you become by reaching them."

- Zig Ziglar italics mine

Sometimes when we go about losing weight in the wrong way, we ended up depressed and losing our self esteem when the program doesn't yield the desired results. Although there are many of us that have tried different approaches to losing weight, I know I have, but there is this interesting weight loss program that is called The Magnetic Diet.

It is so called because it sets fire to your metabolism and melt every pound of unwanted fat from your body using a potent and provocative diet concept called Food Magnetism. The program will teach you how to combine certain foods to create what is known as Invigorating Magnetism. Alternatively if we were to have Contaminating Magnetism, we would be attracting not only obesity but disease and depression as well.

The program can help us to control our cravings, burn fat, build muscle, feel fantastic and look good. There is no need for pills, expensive equipment, or special diets that makes one feel deprived. It comes in the form of MP3 audio files that can guide and motivate us in the program and also a software that calculates how much fat we need to lose.

Movie reviews online by the masses

Have you ever wondered where you can write your own reviews about a movie and at the same time interact with others who share and discuss the reviews? Have you felt bored and fed up with those movie reviews by journalists who used high sounding language and words that you don't understand or care much about?

Well, there is such a new social networking site called FilmCrave for such a purpose. Besides writing reviews about movies, you can chat with friends, discuss and recommend movies as well. There is a top 20 movies from the past and present on the main page that members had voted for. You will also get a short trailer on upcoming movies releases. Although you won't be able to view the movies here, you can most definitely discuss it to your heart's satisfaction.

Web Hosting Choice

I am seriously thinking about getting my own site, that is my own domain name and hosting. It has been more than a year now that I am with blogspot, but I do indeed grew to love blogspot alot. Now that it is out of beta stage and things are so simple with the drag and drop layout, just what a non technie like me can get use to. However, I do want to get into, ah...different opportunities in this arena of blogging and I see a so called brighter future with my own blog than free hosting here at blogspot.

Hmm...so where do I start? There is a guide here that I have been looking at. It is Web Hosting Choice (http://www.webhostingchoice.com), which offers some quick start up guide to web hosting. A quick glance at the start up guide shows that I need: 1. Domain Name 2. Web Design 3. Web Hosting

Don't worry, each of those terms are explained clearly at the site. Suggestions are given as to which plans would suit our needs and knowledge regarding the matter. There are different plans to cater to the need of a blogger or even a business set up.

The Physics of Traffic Jams

Have you ever wondered why after being in stop-and-go traffic for some time, you can suddenly drive at normal speed without seeing a reason for the delay? I know that my hubby and I always wondered about this question. And with the "busybodies" in Malaysian drivers, even a small incident where a car got a flat tyre or ran out of fuel will cause a massive jam, we can understand why certain narrower roads got these traffic jams. Nevertheless, we do wonder about these seemingly highways that got us stuck for no apparent reason.

“There are empirical causes for such miseries as traffic slowing to a crawl even when there is no accident or rough pavement in sight,” notes The Wall Street Journal. “Cars behave much as molecules in a gas.” Even a brief slowing down produces “a compression wave” that works its way backward, causing cars far behind to slow to a crawl. “By one estimate, three-quarters [75%] of traffic jams have no visible culprit,” says the paper. “The cause came and went hours ago, but its effects linger.” Changing routes to avoid jams may work when a city is relatively empty. But as the streets fill up and other drivers are doing the same, “you have no better chance of finding the fast road than of choosing the fastest line at the grocery checkout,” the article says. “Laid-back drivers actually fare better than drivers intently seeking out the fastest route.”

I see molecules in a gas causing a compression wave is the answer it seems. Hmm...so just go with the flow takes less time than going in a round about way. I don't know about you folks but I am much of a "go with the traffic flow type" to the chagrin of my hubby who can't or won't sit still in a traffic. He will try his level best to find alternative routes as long as the car keeps going.

Manic Monday

What is your idea of a perfect romantic evening?
I don't have much imagination in this regard. To me being able to have a quiet evening with hubby, holding hands and walking slowly facing the beach if possible. I like the sound of sea waves and the feel of sea breeze in my face. Realistically though, I am afraid of too lonely places unless it is a private beach but then we would need to pay an arm or a leg for such "luxury".

Imagine you had to take part in the winter Olympics. What sport would you do? (Here's a link to the official sports, in case you need help.)
Figure skating. This is what I love to watch anyway. If I have the "figure" and I can "skate", this would be my Olympic entry for sure!

Barbara Fusar Poli and Maurizio Margaglio (Getty Images)

What's something that people do in traffic that really bothers you?
Necking or touching...I can see from the top inside a bus!

Stone Hawk Drug Rehabilitation Center

Granted that it is not an easy battle to overcome drug addiction but certainly the environment and association can be a great motivation to stop the debilitating habit. This is exactly the place Stone Hawk Rehabilitation Center is all about. The drug rehab center is located in south central Michigan, approximately 1-1/2 hours west of Detroit and 1-1/2 hours east of Chicago in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Stone Hawk Rehab Center is also a large 58,000 sq. ft. building surrounded by rolling hills and large oak trees. The place and the ambiance of the facility plays a roll in strengthening the mental faculty to be more resolved in recovery. There is a lake stocked for fishing and the serenity makes it conducive for an addiction recovery. It uses New Life Detoxification Program for drug detox (Saunas) to sweat the drugs (toxins) out of the body.

One of the main criteria for a successful treatment is their treatment philosophy but you may also want to consider location, setting, or whether or not the drug rehab treatment center will accept your insurance or funding options. Then you may want to ponder on the type of accreditation or licensing that the program has, whether or not there have been studies to measure the effectiveness of the treatment program methods and the type of medical treatment needed or available at the rehab center.

Choosing the appropriate drug rehab center and program is not an easy task but it is well worth the cost to regain one’s productivity in society and the betterment of health for the ones we loved.

Personal Financial Management

Recently I read about a write up on a site that is offering free financial management service. Yes, I said free service. This is a money management software that is developed by a small team of experienced professionals in interactive and fresh web 2.0 outlook. Since this application is web based, you can access it anytime, anywhere in the world.

The website is BudgetPulse and its features include the ability to create multiple accounts such as Savings, Visa or Current Account, Money Tracking, Charts and Graphs, Budget Planning and many more. The application is user friendly and sign up is free.

Though I leave most of my financial management to hubby dearest, if you are interested in a easy, hassle-free online financial management service, feel free to take a look at BudgetPulse.

Another Award

I was awarded the Bodacious Award by Milet. I had to admit that I need to use the dictionary to understand the meaning of Bodacious!

bo·da·cious [bō dáyshəss]

bow·da·cious [bō dáyshəss]

adjective Southern U.S. Midwestern U.S. (informal humorous)

1.	bold: outrageously arrogant or uninhibited a bodacious lie
2.	impressive: remarkable or excellent That’s one bodacious boat!

adverb

Southern U.S. Midwestern U.S. very: extremely (informal humorous) I’m bodacious hungry.

[Mid-19th century. Possibly an alteration of dialect boldacious , a blend of bold and audacious .]

And I would like to present it to Angelika- folks her name is pronounced un GAY lee kuh

Word Association at Unconscious Mutterings -Week 254

I say ... and you think ... ?

Interview:: Jobs

Army :: Salvation

Unwrap :: Presents

Evolve :: Change

Bus :: Waiting

The real thing :: No surgery

Streak :: Colours

Gorge :: Greedy

Spicy :: Curry

Course :: Lessons

Creative Adventure IX

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1. While cross-country skiing through an old country trail I notice a light through the trees ahead. Getting closer to the clearing, I see the light comes from an old cottage that looks inviting. I remove my skis and walk up the porch steps and knock on the door when the door creaked open on its own.

2. I step inside to a cozy living room and sitting in a big leather chair in front of the fireplace is a little old man. What do you call them, short about 3 feet tall people? Ah, dwarfs? This "little" old man has a very happy face. Although he was startled by my appearance, he quickly regained his composure. I apologized for intruding but try to explain that the door was ajar.

3. He smiles at me and offers me a seat and a cup of hot chocolate. We talk for a bit and he told me many interesting stories about the woods behind his cottage. One particular one was rather sweet. About a beautiful fair lady who got lost and wandered to the cottage, not in winter of course, and stayed for a year. She cleaned the house and took care of the old man and his brothers. It seems that someone tried to cheat the lady when the old man was working in the woods. Nevertheless, the lady recovered and she went to live with the love of her life in the city now. Then one of the old man's brother came in through the door. He looks almost identical in height with the old man except that he has twisted his face in a grumpy but adorable look. I tried to stifle a laughter when I see them both standing together.

4. Happy and warm I thank them both for their hospitality and go on my way, as I turn to wave goodbye I'm surprised to see that another FIVE short men joined the two men that I left! And they all looked identical in height and manner of dressing, mind you they didn't have pointed hats or wear weird tights for pants nor do they have any white beards, but I could almost sworn from the look of their faces... "Bashful," "Doc," "Dopey," "Grumpy," "Happy," "Sleepy" and "Sneezy." And I am thinking to myself that beautiful lady story...could it be? Snow White???

Feast One Hundred & Seventy Two

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Appetizer
Make up a word and give us its definition.
Tootoo- a family word meaning death or died.

Soup
What is currently your favorite song?

Azhagiya Tamil Magan - Ellappugazhum

Salad
What’s at the top of your Christmas wish list this year?
I don't celebrate Christmas. If I have a wish, good health would be it.

Main Course
Name a scent that reminds you of someone special in your life.
Lavender because a friend made a special pouch with the dried flowers from her own garden.

Dessert
Who is someone on television that you feel probably shouldn’t be, and why?
Hmm...I don't watch television these days. Hard to answer this.

Someone Elses' Wishes

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You have been granted 3 wishes! However, you have to use your wishes on 3 separate people. Who would you choose, what would you wish for them, and why? (Usual genie rules apply: no falling in love, no bringing back people from the dead, and no extra wishes)

1. I wish for my hubby's good health.
2. I wish for my parents' good health.
3. I wish for my siblings' good health.

Hahaha...sounds boring but these days, health seems to be more important than wealth. If we have health, we can do much more in life.

Free WiFi and Internet kiosks along PLUS Expressways

According to SPLUGG™ chief executive officer Raihana Ahmad, it had been announced in Kuala Lumpur on the 16 August, 2007 that Cyberplus, a digital advertising and new media company, through its subsidiary SPLUGG™ in a partnership with PLUS Expressways is offering free WiFi (wireless technology) and Internet kiosks at 18 rest and service areas and two overhead bridge restaurants (Sungai Buloh and Ayer Keroh) along the North-South Expressway. Installation had already begun with the Sungai Buloh location and also installed and operational at other rest areas such as at Ayer Keroh along the expressway.

Besides WiFi, each of the 20 locations will initially have at least one Internet kiosk for those without notebook PCs or laptop to access the Internet and keep in touch with the latest happenings. In addition to that, at each location LCD television sets is fitted to allow everyone to stay in touch with the live traffic updates and happenings along the highway. It is the wish of Cyberplus and Plus Expressway for the users of this highway to be able to plan their journey better.

This is good news for Internet users in Malaysia.

Tis the Season!

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Onesome: 'Tis-- Hmmm... More or less an older contraction? Do you have any semi-archaic words you use regularly?
Actually I don't think I have any.

Twosome: the-- heck you say? Okay, how about a 'regional' saying you're known to be fond of? You know, the one the relatives just don't get when you say it on the phone... Sure, slang will work!
Sui ge -this is Cantonese for "you are bad." It is hard to explain how to use this phrase. It usually is meant as a joke. Like you tease someone that they need exercise or their hips would not get pass the door, and they say you are very "sui ge".

Threesome: Season--ings for the season? Mulled cider? Peppermint bark? Apple pie? What do you look forward to in the Winter months?
Ok, there is no winter here, so perhaps hot garlic bread, soup or pasta will do just it during the cold rainy days.

Life's Little Dealings

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1. What do you do when you get bored with life? How do you make it interesting again?
Read and expand one's mind. Then will have more topics to talk to family and friends about. Take up a new hobby or even language. I am not very good at learning a new language though. I am learning more about gadgets and technology now for I may want to start a new blog.

2. Do you feel you're a good communicator? Why/why not?
I think I am an average communicator. I have time which is a plus point. I don't feel a need to rush to go somewhere when I am conversing with someone. I try to learn to be a better listener as time goes by, rather than talk too much. Ask questions to make sure I know what the other person is thinking about.

3. How do you vent your frustrations? Does it work for you? Why/why not?
Talk to someone to get a different perspective of the matter if it is a serious problem, not just to gossip. Divert attention from the subject or resolve it as soon as possible.

Cash Advance

Is it really that easy to secure an online loan these days? What does it really involve and how does one qualify for such facility? There is a lower risk type of loan called payday loans which is a personal unsecured loan offered to persons with no credit, poor credit or bankruptcies AND they can be done anonymously to the public and in the comfort of one’s home.

Some of the requirements are:

• 
  

• Being Employed for at least 3 consecutive months.
• Earning at least $1,000 per month in income.
• Having a valid checking account open for at least 3 months.
  

Some caution is required to ensure the security and safety when dealing with online payday lender. Although some unforseen circumstances may require us to get some funds urgently, caution is needed to search for reputable companies or websites.

Enchanted-Walt Disney Movie

I finally watched Enchanted and had some laughs at the cinema. And the synopsis:

An animated fairy tale meets modern, live-action comedy. The beautiful princess Giselle fell in love with Prince Edward in the fairy land of Andalasia. Fearing that she will lose her throne as Queen mother, the villainous Queen Narissa banished Giselle from her magical, musical animated land and to find herself in the gritty reality of the streets of modern-day New York City. Shocked by this strange new environment that doesn't operate on a "happily ever after" basis, Giselle is now adrift in a chaotic world badly in need of enchantment. But when Giselle begins to fall in love with a charmingly flawed divorce lawyer who has come to her aid - even though she is already promised to a perfect fairy tale prince back home - she has to wonder: Can a storybook view of romance survive in the real world?

Sepoy Hut

Wordless Wednesday

Do you still see the rickshaw in your country?



A model of early settlers in Penang, northern island city of Malaysia.

Where does beer come from?

I was chatting with a friend who teaches at an International School (students from foreign countries) recently. She related a classroom incident that really had me in stitches. She was teaching the class about the food pyramid. Interestingly, one of the items that the kids of 7 years old had to put into the right category of the food pyramid was beer! So one little girl was having difficulty on where to put the beer. Which category does the beer go into? To guide the little girl out, my friend said:

Teacher: Well, to know which category the beer goes into, we must first know where does beer come from. What is it made of? Do you know where does beer come from?

Girl 1: Ah, beer? Hmm...beer ah, comes from olive oil (for the yellow) and GAS for the bubbles.

To the dismay of the teacher, everyone was laughing and jeering by now. Teacher (my friend) noticed one particular little girl had the disgust look on her face to show that SHE knows the answer to the question. So teacher calls on second girl...

Teacher: Girl 2, can you please help Girl 1 with this question then? Do you know where does beer come from?

Girl 2: Of course I do! Beer comes from TIGERS!

By now my friend is rolling her eyes to the ceiling!!! The classroom is in an uproar! Lots of whispers are doing their rounds on how silly the girls were. While trying to calm the class down, teacher now resume the conversation:

Teacher: I see. Does your father drink Tiger Beer at home?

Girl 2: Yes, he does.

Teacher: Ok, but how is it possible that the beer comes from tigers? I mean how?

Girl 2: You see teacher, if cows can give milk to their young, why can't tigers give beer to their young?

Wow...my friend was bowled over with this irrefutable logic!

This is hilarious and I can't stop laughing! So my friends, WHERE DOES BEER COME FROM?

Comment with OpenID and delegating it to your blog URL

Since my blog has OpenID activated, you can now choose OpenID option when commenting and put your blog's URL in directly. When I click on your username, it will bring me to your blog directly instead of Blogger profile page. Please give it a try and let me know if it works well. At the moment I use MyopenID here.

Loans and Online Financing

Loans and credit in commerce and finance is the term used to denote transactions involving the transfer of money or other property on promise of repayment, usually at a fixed future date. There are many types of loans and programs available for any loan or credit seekers online. Reputable companies can get your loan approval at a minimum of the time required.

There are special programs for Unsecured Personal Loans for those who need quick cash and you do not have any collateral to offer. These are loans for individuals who had a blemish record in their finance history. Personal loans can be used for many purposes such as starting a business, emergency repairs of house or automobiles, shopping, to pay taxes, vacations or education.

Some loans are inevitable especially if we work or live in the city. What I mean is the Auto Loan for our cars or vehicles. Auto financing should not be time consuming as folks are mostly on the run so to speak and time is money as they say. With the right direction in the area of instant online processing, one can get approval for your car loan in no time.

What’s in a name?

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1. Are you named after anyone? Would you name a child of yours after you?
I don't think I was named after anyone. I wouldn't name a child after me. It is confusing enough during the history lessons to know Henry IV or Elizabeth II, etc. Not that my name is Henry or Elizabeth.

2. If you were born a member of the opposite sex what would your name be? If you could switch names with a friend who would it be?
For this, I would need to ask my parents. But my brother's name is Rudy. If that is my parent's first choice in boy's name and I am the first child, most likely that will be it. I like the name Amanda and none of my friend's is named that. The closest name that I would like to exchange with a friend is perhaps Verona.

3. Are there any mispronunciations/typos that people do with your name constantly? Would you drop your last name if you became famous?
No typos as my name Serena is well known. Hmm...I take my husband's name now, so not sure how to answer this dropping name thing. Too sensitive.

4. Name two celebrities that have really great names. Name two celebrities that in your opinion have strange names.
Great names: Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn

Strange (nick) names: Bebo for Kareena Kapoor (right) and Lolo for her sister Karisma Kapoor (left)

5. Do you like your name? Does your name have a special meaning?
I like my name Serena. The girl's name Serena \s(e)-re-na is pronounced ser-REE-nah, ser-RAY-nah. It is of Latin origin, and its meaning is "serene, calm".

What is your comfort food?

This is a tag from Liza.

"What is your comfort food / drinks and why is it so? Grab a picture of it and post it if you may. Enjoy!"

Ever since I know or understand the term comfort food, it has been Chocolates for me. Sorry I don't cook, so I won't even list something that needs to be cooked. Just love the taste of cocoa melting in my mouth. Dark chocolates, chocolates with fillings, those with nuts...well you name, I love it! And why comfort? Well, if I am upset about a certain matter, you can almost win me over with chocolates anytime. I will be cheered up and yes, comforted instantly for sure.

I tag Linda and Meirz

Manic Monday

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For the holidays, are you a last-minute shopper or do you shop well ahead of time?
Well ahead of the time if possible. I hate crowds and get really stressed by too many people around me.

If you had to pick a new first name for yourself, what name would you choose?
Amanda-my long time favourite was Diana but not now. Amanda sounds simple and nice.

What's worse, having expectations that are too high, or having no expectations at all?
Having no expectations at all is worse for then there is no motivation to improve or do one's best.

Curious as a Cat - Week 94 and 95

Curious as a Cat

1) What three things do you value most about your religion or spiritual practices?
Neutrality stand, sharing the good news of the Kingdom and free from idols.

2) Is there a way that you feel inferior to other people generally? Why do you think this is?
I feel inferior when I put on too much expectations on myself. When things don't turn out the way I want, I tend to give up than get up and try again. As to the general feeling of intimidation, it is more of the look and appearance of the other person than their personality that I have the inferior feelings to. Usually when I get to know the other person better, I feel we all have the same fears and challenges.

Mid Valley Megamall

3) Where is your favorite mall? Why?
Mid Valley Megamall. It has the biggest bookshop in southeast Asia. Mph Book Store.

4) For whom have you had the most sympathy or pity?
Not a particular person but I pity young people and the elderly because young ones have tough choices and decisions to make in life and without guidance and direction can just feel so lost and insecure most of the time. The elderly because being dependent on others is really a fearful thing. Getting disoriented and confused.

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Public Domain Photo

There is no snow here in Malaysia, so I can only relate this picture with a camp fire.

1) If you had to experience one trauma your mother has gone through so that you could better understand her, what would you choose?
Giving birth to me so I will learn to appreciate her more.

2) What is the most revolting combination of colors you can imagine?
Dark purple colour for a house! No kidding! Wish I took a photo of that abominable looking house! Colours are really interesting. The same colour purple on lavender is so pleasant but on a house or car...Phew!

3) If you could punish the most difficult person at your workplace, what would you do, and to whom?
I work from home now. So if I get difficult with myself, I will punish myself by sending me to bed for the rest of the day!

4) What is the thing you know the most about?
Duh...not sure. Life is about learning. Was it Albert Einstein who said "The more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know."

5) Show and Tell. What comes to mind first when you see this picture? Or, tell a story if it reminds you of one.

Photo copyright 2006 Cat.

Road side diner.

Week 253

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I say ... and you think ... ?

1. Master:: Kung Fu (watch the funny exaggerated Kung Fu Master video)


The Kung Fu Master - The best bloopers are here

2. Tour :: Around the World in 80 days
3. Input :: Knowledge
4. Downtown :: Uptown Girl by Westlife




5. Pricey :: Cannot afford
6. Acceptable :: Agreeable
7. Terrace :: Houses
8. Sunday :: Bible classes
9. Payoff :: Deserving
10. Jack and Jill :: Hill and broken crown

Nominated by UN as the best poem of 2006

This poem was nominated by UN as the best poem of 2006, Written by an African Kid

When I born, I black
When I grow up, I black
When I go in Sun, I black
When I scared, I black
When I sick, I black
And when I die, I still black

And you white fellow
When you born, you pink
When you grow up, you white
When you go in sun, you red
When you cold, you blue
When you scared, you yellow
When you sick, you green
And when you die, you gray
And you calling me colored??

Source: Unverified

Got this in an email

Insurance for our security

It was not so long ago that insurance was considered a taboo in the Asian society for fear that if one talks about the "what if something bad...," it will really evoke the bad incident from truly happening. Of course that is truly a way of the past.

Today almost everyone living in modern, industrialized countries buys insurance. Insurance is a legal contract and a form of risk management that protects people from the financial costs that result from loss of life, loss of health, lawsuits, or property damage. Insurance provides a means for individuals and companies to recover some loss or cope with some of the risks faced in everyday life. People purchase contracts of insurance, called policies, from a variety of insurance companies.

In fact the laws in most states require people who own a car to buy car insurance before driving it on public roads. Lenders require anyone who finances the purchase of a property or vehicle with borrowed money to insure that property. So it is wise to compare some cheap car insurance before getting a loan for a car.

There is also the consideration of whether the insured item will appreciate in value or depreciate in value. That will determine the cost of the insurance policy. When someone acquires a new car, for instance, it depreciates (loses part of its value) over time. Other items, such as houses and jewelry, may appreciate (increase in value). Insurance policies can include inflation protection for very valuable items, such as houses, to allow coverage to match such increases in value. In short the way we look at home insurance is different from how we access car or life insurance.

Flavor of the Month

I was tagged by ZJ. Although I do not like to post things related to birth dates, I will make an exception for her. Frankly speaking, I find some of the qualities listed contradicts each other even in the same month.

1. Mention the person who tagged you and create a link back to them.
2. Copy-paste the traits for all the twelve months (see below).
3. Pick your month of birth (see below).
4. Highlight the traits that apply to you.
5. Tag 12 people and let them know by visiting their blogs and leaving a comment for them.
6. Let the person who tagged you know when you’ve done it!

I was born in March as well:

Attractive personality. Sexy. - I consider myself too down to earth to be considered sexy.

Affectionate - I can improve in this area.

Shy and reserved - Not at all.

Secretive - Not really.

Naturally honest - I strive to be.

Generous and sympathetic - this I agree.

Loves peace and serenity - definitely.

Sensitive to others - I try to acquire this quality.

Loves to serve others - Yes, I do.

Easily angered - Not so. I am rather easy going.

Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness - Yes, I am.

Observant and assesses others - Learning to be.

Revengeful - Not at all. I rather ignore than revenge.

Loves to dream and fantasize - Not at all.

Loves traveling - Stress by it.

Loves attention - Only from those that matters.

Hasty decisions in choosing partners - Not at all.

Loves home decors - Not at all. Not an ounce of artistic fiber in me.

Musically talented - Not that keen actually.

Loves special things - Hmm...wonder what this means actually?

Moody - Only on certain days of the month.


So there you go... Anyone interested in this tag can give it a go. I tag Cynthia, Gattina, Ellen, Liza, Nars, Sandee, ForgetfulOne, Eds, Gellianne, Milet and Jennifer.
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JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people’s flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizes dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate. Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and hasty but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people’s problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving. Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Able to show character. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Brand conscious. Executive. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people’s feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Likes to be quiet. Homely person. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Prone to having stomach and dieting problems. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride in oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people’s mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to take things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn’t pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciate praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable.

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egotistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logical.

Words Ending in END

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1. Best Friend... hubby and brother
2. Year End...holiday season and crazy shopping spree for many
3. Did Not Attend...my cousin's wedding recently as I was away
4. Extend...a helping hand or a listening ear to someone in need

Blogger using OpenID in Commenting

Blogger in draft is now using OpenID in comment form. This is easy. What is Open ID? OpenID eliminates the need for multiple usernames across different websites, simplifying your online experience.

You get to choose the OpenID Provider that best meets your needs and most importantly that you trust. At the same time, your OpenID can stay with you, no matter which Provider you move to. And best of all, the OpenID technology is not proprietary and is completely free.

Check out this website that explains it as well as getting your own account. OpenID

To activate the OpenID to your commenters, log in to your dashboard using this link Blogger in draft

Click on the Settings tab of your blog(s). Next click on the Comments tab. Under Who Can Comment? choose Registered Users - includes OpenID. Save Settings



You are done. So even if your commenters have a Wordpress or LiveJournal account, they can use those username or account to comment at blogger without a Google or Blogger account.

For more information, check out Bloggerindraft blog

Exam Preparation Software

Higher education is specialized fields can be an uphill struggle for many. We may not know where to begin even. Though acquiring the extra paper qualification can mean doing less and earning more for many, much preparation and effort is needed to meet up with the challenges and requirements.

Fortunately for us in the Age of Technology, the internet and multimedia has helped us in acquiring information at the tip of our fingers, literally speaking. For example, the Series 7 Exam can help us prepare for exams in the specialized fields of Real Estate, Real Estate Appraisal, Home Inspection, Insurance, Mortgage Lending and Securities.

The computer software program could help you review or take practice test and then print out your results so that you know what areas you needed to focus on. It is so simple that it works even for someone who had not taken exams for decades. The program is designed to prepare unlimited questions and answers in your related subject material. It helps you to understand the questions better because detailed explanations are given. You can also keep the software program after you have passed your exams and become a licensed agent for future references and refining of your understanding. Move forward with confidence using theSeries 7 Exam.

Short-Circuit Time Stealers

The time we have at our disposal every day is elastic.
-Marcel Proust

Where does the time go? Don't we all ask this question especially when are the busiest or happiest? To get a clue, we can keep a time log of our activities for a few days. Fifteen minute increments is picky enough. Good for twitters folks if you are into that sort of thing. How much time do you spend each day surfing the internet, chatting online or blog hopping aimlessly? Reading the paper? Chatting on the phone? Running to the grocery store for one or two items? Watching TV shows you don't even care about?

Review your log, then decide which "time stealers" you want to cut down on or eliminate. Screen unwanted calls with caller ID. Only check email once a day. Don;t open junk mail-toss it. Group errands to save time in the car. See how much time you can recover in your day. Then spend it doing what you enjoy most-blogging.

Feast One Hundred & Seventy One

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Appetizer
What was the last game you purchased?
Game? What game?

Soup
Name something in which you don’t believe.
Hellfire

Salad
If you could choose a celebrity to be your boss, who would you pick?
Martha Stewart -oh, beautiful houses.

Main Course
What was a lesson you had to learn the hard way?
Not having too high expectation on self. Makes me depressed in the end and felt like giving up on my goals and life.

Dessert
Describe your idea of the perfect relaxation room.
Comfortable sofa-cushion and not leather, quiet and cool, well lit but cozy so that I can read and enjoy some calm music.

Used to Be My Playground

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1. What playground game do you remember most fondly?
Dog and bone. Two teams in opposite direction. A stick act as bone in the middle. When the referee signals each team member rush to the "bone" and try to grab it and runs back to the team wins.

2. What playground game did you just hate?
See-saw because the other kid will just jump down when I am on the high side and I will dropped with a big bump.

3. Which playground apparatus did you most enjoy?
The swing. Go higher and higher.

4. Which playground apparatus did you generally avoid or not care much for?
See-saw.

5. What playground game might be really fun if grownups played it with adult rules?
Not sure if adults fancy the Dog and Bone game. I certainly don't fancy running much these days. But any time Tug of War (see photos of the fun kids and adults are having) is good I guess.

Kids Bedding

There is a saying in Chinese that -"Growing up daughters changes in 18 ways" referring to the constant changing of taste, values, preferences and personality of our daughters and sons too if I may add.

That may be true too with their taste in bedroom setting. Many of our young ones seek to be recognized as individuals and therefore they tend to want to personalize their surroundings and stuff to make them as unique or stand out as possible. If you are looking for unique and tasteful bedding or comforter for your children, look no further. At Kids Bedding, there is a variety of themes that can match any decoration or imagination that your child can come up with.

Many kids are fascinated with cars. Check out this classy and elegant print of the Lamborghini Countach (photo on the top left) which would surely fired up the imagination and motivation in a kid. On the other hand, there is also themes which cater to nature lovers and animal lovers. I like the horse amidst the field picture on the right. That would surely brightened up a gloomy day.

Apam Balik and Curry Puffs

I had some apam balik and curry puffs for tea time snack yesterday and they tasted really good. Perhaps it was after a long time that I had this snack and the peanuts and sweet corn in them were really appetizing.

Apam Balik is a bread like puff with sugar, corn, and coarse nut in the middle. It is almost like thick pancakes with coarse peanut butter and sweet corn in them. Just like any pancakes, this snack is best eaten hot from the pan. There is also a crispy variety that are cooked on little pans as seen from the photo on the right and folded in halves. Apam Balik are usually sold at roadside stalls where you see hawkers having 6-8 little pans and busy pouring in the batter and using a sharp knife or instrument to cut out the cooked apam baliks.

So while the curry puffs tasted savory, it went really well with the Apam Balik or sweetened peanut pancakes.

Air Ambulance

There are times when we need a little prompting to appreciate folks in the service line especially those unsung heroes that continue to give of themselves in the name of saving lives. While there are countless men and women who even risk their lives for others, many are not given the recognition or awards for their selflessness.

How many of us have ever heard of air ambulance domestic and the services that they provide? But imagine if we or our family members are stuck in a disaster area and suffering injuries or health problems, wouldn't we have felt relieve at the service of such flight paramedics and doctors in care for us?

Even in so called normal circumstances, some people live hundred of miles away from the hospitals and when there is an emergency situation arises, air ambulance services are required to attend to the patient's needs. Doctors and specialized physicians make up part of this specialized flight crew while the aircrafts are all FAA approved and equipped life support systems. The staff had over two decades of experiences and had gained the trust of hospitals worldwide.

Air Ambulance currently served in all 50 states in the USA including Alaska and Hawaii. There is also a forum to help you make an informed decision should you have any inquiries or request for further assistance.

Friday Friends

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1. Best friends were all the thing in my high school days. You were only allowed to have one best friend, but, ever the rebel, I had several! What about you? Tell us about your high school best friend(s).
I am one of those who had one best friend in my junior high (13-15 years old) but several close friends when in senior years (16-17 years old). Hmm...those were the rebel years, alright. Nothing is more important than friends. That one best friend during junior high decided to join gangs and play truant at school and I have decided that that is the limit. She finally left school before graduating and threw her future down the drain.

2. Are you generally better friends with those of your own gender or those of the opposite? Or is it balanced between the two?
If this is still about school days, I came from an all girls' school so all my friends were girls. Nowadays, I would say that I am generally better friends with girls but I have a close online guy friend more than a decade younger than me.

3. As you get older, are best friends still important or does having a best friend get less important to your life?
Best friends are still important but I find that they take on different roles as time goes by. Meaning that my best friend could be my husband and mentor, my other best friend friend could be in another country whom I have not seen face to face before. The friendships somehow have more substance as our views and qualities that we cherished shifts. It is no longer someone whom you just share gossip of other students or teachers, etc.

4. Have you ever met any of your online friends offline? Did they match your mental picture of who they were?
Not yet but perhaps I will meet one soon.

5. Do you have a few close friends and more acquaintances? Or are you the opposite, with lots of very close friends and few casual ones?
I have more acquaintances than close friends. Perhaps I am sociable but at the same time a private person and therefore have fewer very close friends.

6. Are there any friends of the past that you would like to reconnect with?
Not really. I feel that friendship is a mutual thing and when our values or priorities in life changes relationships and friendships changes as well. So if ever a friendship is deteriorating and I have lost touch with certain friends, it means that it is time to move on. In this regard, I am not that sentimental about it.

7. If you could become insta-friends with any celebrity, who would it be and why?
I really have no idea. I can't imagine having any common ground with anyone famous who would have the time for the likes of me.

Chocolate Pop Tarts

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Onesome: Chocolate-- How do you feel about chocolate at the holidays? Yeah, really!

Hmm...holiday or not, I do love chocolates anytime of the day.

Twosome: Pop--ping into your mind as the next thing that you only find this time of year? What are you looking forward to/forgot to go by to check on/oh, heck, it's time for? Pick one and go for it!

Some get together time with friends.

Threesome: Tarts-- ...and is it also "candle time" around the place (work or home)? ...and do you use those 'tarts' to make the place smell nice?

Although I don't use candles at my home but I want to consider potpourri.

How Can You Help the Elderly?

What do you do when your loved ones have reached The Golden Years? How do you view old age? What are some of the challenges that the elderly face? Is mental decline inevitable in old age? Should we send our loved ones to care homes and is that a wise choice? What can be done to promote peace of mind in the golden years?

Some of the challenges that the elderly faced are the fear of losing their mental faculties, depression, feeling lost and confused, feeling that they have been left behind in our modern fast-paced world, and feeling useless.

However, there are some good guidelines on how the elderly can overcome these challenges. Some problems may be treatable through appropriate medical treatment. Others had to look into their diet to determine if malnutrition could be the caused of some of the symptoms of memory loss or confusion. Engaging in productive activity can fill many fundamental needs of the older ones. It provides a sense of meaning and may even provide some income. Older adults who have limitations but are generous with their experience and resources are precious assets in their communities.

Nevertheless, some may faced the difficult decision of sending their loved ones to nursing homes for the elderly because they are not in a position to care for their aged parents, many of whom may be severely afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease or bedridden with some other debilitating malady that requires special round-the-clock care. In such cases nursing homes may be the only places capable of meeting these special needs. If a nursing home becomes needed for adequate care, the family should seek out one that is clean and staffed by kindly and competent care-givers. Feel free to share your thoughts and concerns at the forum with care homes.

Techniques for Link Building Like an Expert

This is a video that explains about legitimate ways to build links and increase traffic to your site or blog. It is put in simple terms and illustrated in the video. There are also things you should avoid doing so as not to disqualify your site or blog from search engines or spending money without getting the result that you want.

Some of the methods discussed are:

1. Write an authority article
2. Write a great linkbait
3. Use numbers in your title
4. Spend some time (ten hours) to put together a huge list of links
5. Say nice things about people who link out

Jealousy

Wordless Wednesday

Aha...does this evoke any memories? I don't consider myself to be the jealous type but I felt pity for the little girl on the right. Hahaha...

Introducing Snap Shots from Snap.com

I have just installed a nice little tool on this site called Snap Shots that enhances links with visual previews of the destination site, interactive excerpts of Wikipedia articles, MySpace profiles, IMDb profiles and Amazon products, display inline videos, RSS, MP3s, photos, stock charts and more.

Sometimes Snap Shots bring you the information you need, without your having to leave the site, while other times it lets you "look ahead," before deciding if you want to follow a link or not.

Should you decide this is not for you, just click the Options icon in the upper right corner of the Snap Shot and opt-out.

Feedback is always welcomed on this site. If you find the Snap Shot is really a bother, feel free to drop me a comment. Your views are highly valued.

Hotel Reservations and Travel Information

Do you hesitate to venture into online hotel booking? Although there are hundreds or even thousands of sites for Hotel Reservations with competitive rates and offers, where can you find one that can cater for your specific needs?

Generally if I were to book online for a hotel, I would want to find out about its reputation and experiences in the accommodation field. Can they be reached easily and do they provide personal service and attention to my needs? Are there folks that had reviewed about their services and facilities? Can I find more information on the destination that I am about to embark my journey to? What are the safety precautions? And last but not least, how competitive can the prices be?

For example, at Hotel Reservations the bookings and room rates for Kuala Lumpur where I live are really reasonable and the variety of choices they offer have a wide range from the upper end to the more comfortable rates. I can also read up the articles about KL and decide better where I want to stay.

The Best Way to Get Blog Traffic

I admit that I don't know much about difficult Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques and neither is this post a technical one about linking to the right source or being indexed to the right search engines. For that matter, I don't even practise using any special keywords or phrases to ensure my blog is easily accessible by the search engines. I will only write and recommend what has helped me and is currently working out for my blog. Excluding writing interesting articles and blog content, I find that The Best Way to Get Blog Traffic is...

By commenting on other's blogs. Blogging is about conversation and communication. Therefore you need to get into the habit of reading other blogs in your field or industry and commenting on those blogs, while linking back to your own blog. You can agree, rebut, expound, or expand on the substance of what the blogger is saying.

This process is not about commenting on every blog you see (that is equivalent to spamming), but about finding other bloggers in your field with whom you can collaborate and converse. When commenting on other blogs, take advantage of the URL or Website field in the comments form by typing in your blog's URL there. Then, if a reader finds your comment interesting, he or she might just click over to read more you on your blog. This means no short cut or sloppy comments if you want visitors to your blog too.

No one is going to be a part of your conversation until you are a part of theirs. Give your blog time to build. A blog is not some fly-by-night automated scheme; it's a vehicle for sharing your passion for life and business with others. It's a means of building a reputation that leads your readers to become your friends or customers.

Infant Massage

Infant massage is common in many lands, and it is becoming popular in some Western countries. According to the Spanish Association for Infant Massage, a massage is a subtle, tender, and pleasant technique that enables a parent to communicate physically and emotionally with the baby. It includes a series of gentle yet firm strokes of the baby's feet and legs as well as the back, chest, stomach, arms, and face. Massage is an excellent way to tone up a baby's muscles and make it feel relaxed. While massaging the baby, mommies can sing and talk to the baby, and she will gurgles and smiles back. It is a wonderful experience!

A newborn not only needs to be fed but also needs to receive parental affection. Since the sense of touch develops early in life, gentle massaging by the mother or father communicates love in a tangible way. Much information can be transmitted to a baby through the sense of touch. Massaging can thus cement a bond of affection between parents and their baby right from birth.

Apart from expressing love, massage may teach a baby to relax, which may contribute to longer sound sleep and less stress. Massage may also help to tone muscles as well as regulate the circulatory, digestive, and respiratory systems. Some claim that the infant's immune system benefits too. And because the baby's senses of touch, sight, and sound are stimulated, massage may also encourage memory and learning.

Kiddies bedroom idea

It is a challenge to design or decorate a kid bedroom. How to make it tasteful yet appealing to help the stimulation of our children's growing and inquisitive minds? One of the main key are the colours and the pieces of furniture that we choose.

Perhaps this Youth Painted Doll House Bed (on the top right) can help us get some ideas about innovative yet modern looking bedroom furniture fit for the little princess. The "windows" can act as storage space for toys and dolls. And what about a little something for our little prince? Youth Bedroom Fun Castle Bed ( on the left) comes to the rescue. The fun setting can even double up as a playhouse!

Perhaps the lack of space is our main concern? Well, look no further the Youth Amber Multi-Functional Computer Trundle Bed is both compact and chic in its design, suitable for our growing up children. This Amber set has a built in computer desk with multiple storage drawers and also the secure and stable ladder for safe access to the top bunk.

If you are looking for anything else besides kid's bedroom sets, check out the full sets of bed and sofa too.

Winter Wonderland

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1. What two things do you “have” to wear when it is chilly/cold outside?

Scarf for the neck and sweater. There is no four seasons in Malaysia but when I go to the highlands, I can wear the scarf and sweater.

2. What are two good things about wintry weather?
Feel less tired than hot weather. Air seems clearer in the cold.

3. What two things do you really dislike about wintry weather?

Based on my vacation to Canada some years back, what I dislike about wintry weather is not much activities can be done outdoors and the roads are not safe for driving. Another thing, need to shove snow away from pavement and vehicles are not much fun either.

4. On average, how cold does it get in your city/town and how long does the cold weather last?
There is no winter here. Coldest if you can even call it sold is about 26-28 degree Celsius!!!

5. Would you rather be stuck at home because of a blizzard or flooding?
No, I would not.

A Pat on the Back

Have you ever felt that your back is getting so sore and painful after spring cleaning or even just normal vacuuming of the house that it feels like being rolled over with a steam roller? My suggestion is you can try out the upright vacuum cleaners that can even act as a light exercise equipment for the body and it is less taxing on the lower back as you don't need to bend over so much. These days they come in a variety of shapes and sizes and it does not have to be bulky like those for office use. The model on the right named Dyson Slim is lightweight and suitable for allergy sufferers and all types of floors. Some of its features are as follows:

• Lightweight to carry
• Root Cyclone™ technology
• Flexible steering
• Telescope Reach™ wand

Or if you are looking for powerful handheld devices for easy handling or car use, you can find this powerful model on the left hand side that can even clean up animal hair from your vehicle. It is aptly named Animal and its features are:

• Motorised brushbar
• Up to 3 x faster recharging
• Root Cyclone™ technology
• Combination accessory tool

So go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back with Dyson vacuum cleaners!

10 Favorite Things to Complain About

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Hmm, I think this topic has no end to it. It used to be that folks made small talk about the weather, to get to know each other but these days when asked about certain aspects of our life ( will list in the 10 here) the conversation can go on and on ...

10 Favorite Things to Complain About

1. Health
2. Traffic jams
3. Children or the rearing of children
4. Work
5. Bosses or managers
6. Financial status
7. Inflation
8. Queuing for stuff
9. Government employees
10. Inclement weather

How to fight Loneliness?

In the midst of a crowd, one can feel isolated. Some folks have been found to think- "On the weekend it seems as though everyone in the entire world is having fun except me." Another thought- "Others will get together and hang out and leave me hanging!"

Have you felt like them before? Indeed the desire to fit in with a group of people and to be accepted by them is a natural desire. As social creatures, we thrive on interaction with others. Since people need people, we feel hurt to be left out. It is especially disappointing if we're left out repeatedly or if we're made to feel that we don't measure up to the standards of those we want to befriend.

What are some tips to overcome loneliness?

1. Smile. Your warmth will invite others to converse with you. This even works online with those smilies or emoticons.
2. Introduce yourself. Give your name and where you are from.
3. Ask questions. Without being nosy, ask appropriate questions about the other person's background.
4. Listen. Don't be thinking of what you will say next. Primarily, listen. Your next question or statement will come naturally.
5. Relax! Conversation can open the door to new friendships. So enjoy the experience!

Ashop Commerce

Have you thought of running your own online store but do not know where to begin or how to go about it? How will my my online store look like? How do I set up my ecommerce software? Do I accept credit card payments and if so how do I go about setting up the shopping cart?

With Ashop Commerce, you have an easy to use shopping cart software that can help you manage your online store in an effortless manner. The award winner features can keep your business at the forefront in the competitive market of the online business. Some of the popular online payment processors such as PayPal and major recognized credit cards and banks is integrated into the shopping cart software. The SSL checkout security will ensure that your customers can shop with confidence at your online store.

So to shop safe, shop quickly online, try out the Ashop Commerce shopping cart.

Manic Monday

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What's the longest you've ever waited in line?
Ticket for a Tamil movie during Deepavali (Indian New Year). About 45 minutes standing.

It's been said that, "The best things in life are free." Do you think this is true? Why or why not?
Agree somewhat. Free in the sense of money like relationships, friendships, happiness and nature. But not free in terms of investing time and maintenance.

If you could go back in time and re-live one day in your life, which day would you choose and why?
March 22nd, 1995. My wedding day! Not to change anything but to feel the joy again.

Optimism the way to good health

I was a little down recently about certain blog matter. Nevertheless, I read about this little article on optimism related to improving health and I wanted to share these tips with you folks.

Some suggestions for Being More Optimistic:

• *When you find yourself thinking that you won't enjoy something or you won't succeed in some project, reject the thought. Focus on the positive.
  
• *Deal with the situations that you can control; try to accept those you cannot.
  

Yes, this is what I will do now. I will focus on what I CAN do and not fret over what I can't control. What I can do is continue blogging and source out good stuff for my friends and visitors here. No need to sulk over things that I can't control like ranks and stats.

• *Try to enjoy your work. Regardless of your job, look for aspects that you find satisfying.
  

I like blogging and networking through meme and forums. I am enjoying myself. I get to write what I like and that is good too.

• *Look for friends who view life positively.

I do try. When people makes me uncomfortable with too much negativity, I will keep my distance.

• *Every day, write down three good things that happened to you.

I will make this a practice.

Guide to getting rid of termites infestations

Anyone that has ever encountered termite problems before could feel the pain of loss and the trouble it caused to get rid of them. Termites or white ants usually feed on dead plant material, generally in the form of wood, leaf litter, or soil, can cause serious structural damage to buildings, crops or plantation forests.

Although it takes for a while for the damage to be noticed, once a colony exist in your property, it will decrease in value and possibly difficult to find prospective buyers if at all. How can you tell if your house or property has been infested with a termite colony? Look for signs of swarming of winged forms in fall and spring and evidence of tunneling in wood. If the wooden structural members looked darkening or blistering, that might be another indication of an infestation. Typically the damaged wood area will be thin and easily punctured with a knife or screwdriver. However, the inspection is better left to professionals as termites are hard to kill.

There are various methods to get rid of termites such as insecticides, baiting and other natural termite control available today.

Week 252

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1. Music :: light and easy for relaxation
2. Insanity :: traffic jams
3. Curtain :: sunlight
4. Nickname :: Ah Har (mine)
5. Container :: plastic
6. Roast :: chicken
7. Thong :: noisy (picture on right)
8. Purple :: was once a royal colour
9. Holidays :: relaxation
10. Christmas tree :: lights