Friday, February 26, 2010
I just wanna go home
O O my sons like to hear this song and always hear this song played in our car while driving back home. And now I myself found it a nice piece cos' we wanna go back kampung every weekends. For better listening, just download first.
Chinese New Year
The Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival is the most revered holidays celebrated not only by the Chinese in Mainland China, but all those Chinese around the globe. This is the time that believers of Deities gathered together with their families offering prayers to their ancestors and the Deities followed by offering them lavish dinners before they really gather to the reunion dinner. My family is of Christian faith, so we do not practice such but we said a grace before we partake our reunion dinner.
This year it marks the year of Metal Tiger as the ancient Chinese believed that each year resembling of the animals like rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, cat, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar which are considered to be auspicious.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated throughout the 15 days of the calender month either in the January or February depending on the lunar or the solar movements.
Fire crackers or the bamboo bomb ("pau jeun")are widely used during Chinese New Year because it is believed the bright lights and the noise can scare away evil spirits like Nian. It was believed that Nian is a monster that would awake only during the Lunar New Year and would devour men and animals in its path. People used to light a pile of bamboos on Chinese New Year to scare away Nian. When gun powder was invented, it was added to the bamboos, causing loud bangs. With Nian and the other evil spirits scared off, it is believed that prosperity, good health and happy relationships will fill the year. The modern day firecrackers now are tubular, similar to the shape of the bamboo.
But here in this region of Malaysia, I think only the rich ,the contrariness, or the businessmen played the most. They believed that the enormous and loudest noise they exploded into thin air is an addition to their fortune yet to come. Despite the warning from the police or risk to its surrounding onlookers, the competition still looms on.
Honestly, myself never liked it and also never ever got a chance to light on it, what more to say being played in my house. Wakakaka...... Saved more vitamin "m" lo!
This year it marks the year of Metal Tiger as the ancient Chinese believed that each year resembling of the animals like rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, cat, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and boar which are considered to be auspicious.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated throughout the 15 days of the calender month either in the January or February depending on the lunar or the solar movements.
Fire crackers or the bamboo bomb ("pau jeun")are widely used during Chinese New Year because it is believed the bright lights and the noise can scare away evil spirits like Nian. It was believed that Nian is a monster that would awake only during the Lunar New Year and would devour men and animals in its path. People used to light a pile of bamboos on Chinese New Year to scare away Nian. When gun powder was invented, it was added to the bamboos, causing loud bangs. With Nian and the other evil spirits scared off, it is believed that prosperity, good health and happy relationships will fill the year. The modern day firecrackers now are tubular, similar to the shape of the bamboo.
But here in this region of Malaysia, I think only the rich ,the contrariness, or the businessmen played the most. They believed that the enormous and loudest noise they exploded into thin air is an addition to their fortune yet to come. Despite the warning from the police or risk to its surrounding onlookers, the competition still looms on.
Honestly, myself never liked it and also never ever got a chance to light on it, what more to say being played in my house. Wakakaka...... Saved more vitamin "m" lo!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
I just received this article from a friend and felt that I need to copy and paste here for my readers to read and be extra careful while driving even though u might wonder whether it was a true story or not.
Not sure if this is a
> > > genuine story but prevention is better than
> > > cure.
> > >
> > > Dea r all,
> > >
> > > If you get
> > > RM10.00 in your car door handle, use tissue paper or
> > > cloth to remove it without opening
> > > it and if possible bag it. Drive away
> > > immediately!!
> > >
> > > Don't check the note until you are in the company of
> > > your friends or relatives. The note could either
> > contain powdered
> > > drugs to knock you out or make you wonder if
> > > some guilty motorist compensating you for a knock or
> > scratch
> > > on your car, while you are still wondering, the
> > robber(s)
> > > will attack you as you check the car.
> > >
> > > This had happened in Johor.
Not sure if this is a
> > > genuine story but prevention is better than
> > > cure.
> > >
> > > Dea r all,
> > >
> > > If you get
> > > RM10.00 in your car door handle, use tissue paper or
> > > cloth to remove it without opening
> > > it and if possible bag it. Drive away
> > > immediately!!
> > >
> > > Don't check the note until you are in the company of
> > > your friends or relatives. The note could either
> > contain powdered
> > > drugs to knock you out or make you wonder if
> > > some guilty motorist compensating you for a knock or
> > scratch
> > > on your car, while you are still wondering, the
> > robber(s)
> > > will attack you as you check the car.
> > >
> > > This had happened in Johor.
Himalayan Salt
Yesterday while our lady group was on the cny visitation to 2 of our buddy sisters, we were all tempted by the ambient of the delicious food, cookies and cake, none could resist to take appropriate potion of each. Our leader, Maggi suggested to rub our buttock with the so called Himalayan salt. And from sources she gathered was that her own daughter who is a bit obsessed in her sophomore year used the Himalayan salt to rub the buttock and reduced her buttock size effectively only about a week after the rubbing done with only 10 minutes daily before taking bath. She later introduced to her grandma who consequently also claimed of such effectiveness of the fine pinkish crystal salt. All the ladies were alerted and sound interested to know how to get a packet to try.
I told them that I have been consuming it early every morning before I took breakfast. I just sip a finger dip of it with a cup of water. And I believed that regular consumption of natural salt provides my body with natural minerals, trace elements and living energy. This will help balance the electrolytes in fluids of my body, support proper nutrient absorption and toxin elimination. This whole sort of health information came to my knowledge from an uncle who is also my neighbor. He is a very health conscious man with hundred of books on health he accumulated through out his life. Despite his ages of more than 70 plus, he still a CEO of a company and does his business well with a lot of travelings.
Talking about electrolytes it can easily been seem that the hospital patients are administered with the appropriated amount after the blood test. Patients on operation are given this when the time they could not eat in order to balance their electrolytes imbalance.
Coincidentally, from my email box this morning I received, this so called Himalayan salt which I wanted to do some research on the great significant of it popped in.( I really spent time on these ) So all my buddies who are readers of my blog, let read together:
And I found out that Common table salt has been refined and reduced to pure sodium chloride, acting as poison in your body. For your body to function properly, you need whole natural salt with all its natural elements intact. Himalayan Crystal Salt offers all 84 elements, exactly identical to the elements in your body, and is vital for:
. Regulating the water content throughout your body
. Balancing excess acidity from your cells, particularly your brain cells
. Balancing your blood sugar levels and helping to reduce your aging rate
. Absorption of food particles through your intestinal tract
calcifications (arthritis & bone spurs from random deposits)
. Stabilizing irregular heartbeats and blood pressure
.Natural antihistamine to clear congestion (particularly useful in asthma and cystic
fibrosis )
To Renew Your Health and Vitality
Himalayan Crystal Salt is of the purest, highest grade salt that has been formed for over 250 million years under enormous pressure, maturing without exposure to pollutants. Over time, its energy was built up, forming a crystalline structure with a high concentration of life force energy. Carefully harvested by hand (without explosives & heavy machinery), the life force within the salt is preserved.
Himalayan Crystal Salt is a Whole Food
Natural salt is food, much like fruits, vegetables, grains, and water. It is a whole food: an essential nutrient, with exceptional abilities and qualities that are fundamental to keeping us alive. It should also be noted that just as refined sugar or flour have negative impact on your health, so does refined salt.
Consuming natural salt will support and enhance good health, because it contains the original counterparts of table salt (sodium chloride) such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and many other minerals & trace elements. Together, these minerals and trace elements keep things in balance: when they are not present, many life processes are impaired.
Be Conscious of Your Salt & Water Quality
To date, scientific interest in the biophysical qualities of salt has been slight, therefore little research has been done. Scientific probing and analyzing of crystal salt, in the forbidding depths of the salt mine, is both extensive and extravagant. Up to now it was neither of any interest to the salt miners nor to the general public. Only after the publishing of research data, gathered from the analytical study of crystal salt that was mined in Berchtesgaden, Germany and in the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan, did public and scientific interest soar.
Naturally, in order to preserve the inherent vibration pattern in the Himalayan crystal salt, it must be hand mined. This increases not only its value, but also consequently, its price. Expect to pay more for this salt than for other table salts, sea salts or rock salt. Therefore, be mindful of the quality of the product you intend to buy. The crystal salt from the Himalayan Mountains that was used for conducting the medical research revealed in the book "Water and Salt" by Peter Ferreira, continues to be utilized by the medical profession and fulfills all named essentials. Today there are several hundred doctors and therapists utilizing this ancient holistic knowledge. For thousands of years, doctors have successfully treated their patients with nothing more than water and salt. ( So no chemical administered to the patient's body eh! )
There are many health conscious individuals who shop at health and natural food stores. However, many are simply nonchalant in regards to the most important foods, water and salt. One study showed that people who were less health food conscious, but were drinking the highest quality water and consuming the highest quality salt, for the most part had healthier organs than the health conscious people who paid no attention to the quality of water and salt they were consuming.
Understand that you can become physically and mentally independent when you choose to drink energized water and you choose to eat pure crystal salt, instead of table salt. However, this is not about just regaining your total health. What I found out also discussing here is about balancing and managing your energy, which can be maintained by the information bound in the water and the salt. These two elements hold everything to satisfy your body and your mind.
Natural Salt in Your Body
Healthy human body fluid (70% by weight) contains a balance of minerals and trace elements, including salt. Pure crystal salt helps balance your bodily fluids - essential for health. Natural sea salt contains a balance of minerals and trace elements, nearly equivalent to the body's cellular fluid. But today, the sea can be loaded with toxins, and therefore is becoming not as good a source for supplementation.
Himalayan Crystal Salt contains a natural balance of minerals and trace elements, present in colloidal form: small enough to absorb through the cellular membrane, making it ideal for efficient and successful absorption. It is almost impossible to absorb too much. High blood pressure does not result, and low blood pressure is raised.
Most people are salt deficient, despite being overloaded with sodium chloride. The unbalanced refined salt intake leads to water retention and bloating, as the body attempts to balance the minerals it is unable to excrete. In this process, water is taken from your cells as the body sacrifices its structured cell water in order to neutralize sodium chloride. The dehydrated body cells die, while the fluid between the cells remains too rich in minerals.
The result of consuming common refined table salt is the formation of acidic edema, or excess fluid in the body tissue. That's why doctors tell us to avoid salt. The body uses 23 times the weight of salt in water to neutralize the salt. ( calling my buddy sister Rossie, this might help to affirm you now )
The Healing Effects of Himalayan Salt
Fortunately, we are witnessing a trend to return back to natural, holistic methods for living and caring for our body, including a shift back to utilizing natural salts in this process. People everywhere are reconsidering the healing effects of natural crystal salt. We can find it in skin care lotions, for use as bath salts and is even used in inhalation or cleansing treatments for illnesses of the respiratory system and for a variety of other indications.
Natural Salt's History
Throughout human history, natural salt has been treated like treasure. It was called white gold, and was the subject of political maneuvers and wars. Roman soldiers were actually paid with salt, which is reflected in the word salary. Salt was more important for survival than gold. Throughout Europe, the salt transportation routes became the basis of all commerce.
It was only one hundred years ago (with the advent of industrialization) that we initiated our disconnection from nature and her ways.
For thousands of years salt has been known as a panacea. Alchemists called it "the fifth element" - besides water, earth, air and fire - because its qualities were comparable only to aether, the actual fifth element. Why are we so drawn to the ocean? Because our subconscious mind instinctively wants to return to the specific vibrational state of the ocean from which we once emerged. This is where we can return to recharge our batteries and regenerate.
Crystal salt from the Himalayas is considered the king's salt. It is also known as the "white gold" or "salt of life". This is not surprising, since the word salt comes from sun (sol).
Biblical references
In the Old Testament, Mosaic law called for salt to be added to all burnt animal sacrifices (Lev. 2:13).
The Book of Ezra (550 BC to 450 BC) associated accepting salt from a person with being in that person's service. In Ezra 4:14, the servants of Artaxerxes I of Persia explain their loyalty to the King. When translated, it is either stated literally as "because we have eaten the salt of the palace" or more figuratively as "because we have maintenance from the king."
In the New Testament, Matthew 5:13 Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth." He added that if the salt loses its flavor, it is good for nothing but to be trampled. Jesus said this in order to show his disciples how valuable they were and this saying is commonly used today to describe someone who is of particular value to society[original research?]. In addition, the preservative quality of salt is in view here to show how the disciples were called to preserve the society and the world around them from moral decay. On another occasion according to the Gospels, Jesus commanded his followers to "have salt within them".
Conveniently, we are able to get this Himalayan salt from supermarkets or from Health stores which is also within our purchasing budget.
I told them that I have been consuming it early every morning before I took breakfast. I just sip a finger dip of it with a cup of water. And I believed that regular consumption of natural salt provides my body with natural minerals, trace elements and living energy. This will help balance the electrolytes in fluids of my body, support proper nutrient absorption and toxin elimination. This whole sort of health information came to my knowledge from an uncle who is also my neighbor. He is a very health conscious man with hundred of books on health he accumulated through out his life. Despite his ages of more than 70 plus, he still a CEO of a company and does his business well with a lot of travelings.
Talking about electrolytes it can easily been seem that the hospital patients are administered with the appropriated amount after the blood test. Patients on operation are given this when the time they could not eat in order to balance their electrolytes imbalance.
Coincidentally, from my email box this morning I received, this so called Himalayan salt which I wanted to do some research on the great significant of it popped in.( I really spent time on these ) So all my buddies who are readers of my blog, let read together:
And I found out that Common table salt has been refined and reduced to pure sodium chloride, acting as poison in your body. For your body to function properly, you need whole natural salt with all its natural elements intact. Himalayan Crystal Salt offers all 84 elements, exactly identical to the elements in your body, and is vital for:
. Regulating the water content throughout your body
. Balancing excess acidity from your cells, particularly your brain cells
. Balancing your blood sugar levels and helping to reduce your aging rate
. Absorption of food particles through your intestinal tract
calcifications (arthritis & bone spurs from random deposits)
. Stabilizing irregular heartbeats and blood pressure
.Natural antihistamine to clear congestion (particularly useful in asthma and cystic
fibrosis )
To Renew Your Health and Vitality
Himalayan Crystal Salt is of the purest, highest grade salt that has been formed for over 250 million years under enormous pressure, maturing without exposure to pollutants. Over time, its energy was built up, forming a crystalline structure with a high concentration of life force energy. Carefully harvested by hand (without explosives & heavy machinery), the life force within the salt is preserved.
Himalayan Crystal Salt is a Whole Food
Natural salt is food, much like fruits, vegetables, grains, and water. It is a whole food: an essential nutrient, with exceptional abilities and qualities that are fundamental to keeping us alive. It should also be noted that just as refined sugar or flour have negative impact on your health, so does refined salt.
Consuming natural salt will support and enhance good health, because it contains the original counterparts of table salt (sodium chloride) such as potassium, calcium, magnesium and many other minerals & trace elements. Together, these minerals and trace elements keep things in balance: when they are not present, many life processes are impaired.
Be Conscious of Your Salt & Water Quality
To date, scientific interest in the biophysical qualities of salt has been slight, therefore little research has been done. Scientific probing and analyzing of crystal salt, in the forbidding depths of the salt mine, is both extensive and extravagant. Up to now it was neither of any interest to the salt miners nor to the general public. Only after the publishing of research data, gathered from the analytical study of crystal salt that was mined in Berchtesgaden, Germany and in the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan, did public and scientific interest soar.
Naturally, in order to preserve the inherent vibration pattern in the Himalayan crystal salt, it must be hand mined. This increases not only its value, but also consequently, its price. Expect to pay more for this salt than for other table salts, sea salts or rock salt. Therefore, be mindful of the quality of the product you intend to buy. The crystal salt from the Himalayan Mountains that was used for conducting the medical research revealed in the book "Water and Salt" by Peter Ferreira, continues to be utilized by the medical profession and fulfills all named essentials. Today there are several hundred doctors and therapists utilizing this ancient holistic knowledge. For thousands of years, doctors have successfully treated their patients with nothing more than water and salt. ( So no chemical administered to the patient's body eh! )
There are many health conscious individuals who shop at health and natural food stores. However, many are simply nonchalant in regards to the most important foods, water and salt. One study showed that people who were less health food conscious, but were drinking the highest quality water and consuming the highest quality salt, for the most part had healthier organs than the health conscious people who paid no attention to the quality of water and salt they were consuming.
Understand that you can become physically and mentally independent when you choose to drink energized water and you choose to eat pure crystal salt, instead of table salt. However, this is not about just regaining your total health. What I found out also discussing here is about balancing and managing your energy, which can be maintained by the information bound in the water and the salt. These two elements hold everything to satisfy your body and your mind.
Natural Salt in Your Body
Healthy human body fluid (70% by weight) contains a balance of minerals and trace elements, including salt. Pure crystal salt helps balance your bodily fluids - essential for health. Natural sea salt contains a balance of minerals and trace elements, nearly equivalent to the body's cellular fluid. But today, the sea can be loaded with toxins, and therefore is becoming not as good a source for supplementation.
Himalayan Crystal Salt contains a natural balance of minerals and trace elements, present in colloidal form: small enough to absorb through the cellular membrane, making it ideal for efficient and successful absorption. It is almost impossible to absorb too much. High blood pressure does not result, and low blood pressure is raised.
Most people are salt deficient, despite being overloaded with sodium chloride. The unbalanced refined salt intake leads to water retention and bloating, as the body attempts to balance the minerals it is unable to excrete. In this process, water is taken from your cells as the body sacrifices its structured cell water in order to neutralize sodium chloride. The dehydrated body cells die, while the fluid between the cells remains too rich in minerals.
The result of consuming common refined table salt is the formation of acidic edema, or excess fluid in the body tissue. That's why doctors tell us to avoid salt. The body uses 23 times the weight of salt in water to neutralize the salt. ( calling my buddy sister Rossie, this might help to affirm you now )
The Healing Effects of Himalayan Salt
Fortunately, we are witnessing a trend to return back to natural, holistic methods for living and caring for our body, including a shift back to utilizing natural salts in this process. People everywhere are reconsidering the healing effects of natural crystal salt. We can find it in skin care lotions, for use as bath salts and is even used in inhalation or cleansing treatments for illnesses of the respiratory system and for a variety of other indications.
Natural Salt's History
Throughout human history, natural salt has been treated like treasure. It was called white gold, and was the subject of political maneuvers and wars. Roman soldiers were actually paid with salt, which is reflected in the word salary. Salt was more important for survival than gold. Throughout Europe, the salt transportation routes became the basis of all commerce.
It was only one hundred years ago (with the advent of industrialization) that we initiated our disconnection from nature and her ways.
For thousands of years salt has been known as a panacea. Alchemists called it "the fifth element" - besides water, earth, air and fire - because its qualities were comparable only to aether, the actual fifth element. Why are we so drawn to the ocean? Because our subconscious mind instinctively wants to return to the specific vibrational state of the ocean from which we once emerged. This is where we can return to recharge our batteries and regenerate.
Crystal salt from the Himalayas is considered the king's salt. It is also known as the "white gold" or "salt of life". This is not surprising, since the word salt comes from sun (sol).
Biblical references
In the Old Testament, Mosaic law called for salt to be added to all burnt animal sacrifices (Lev. 2:13).
The Book of Ezra (550 BC to 450 BC) associated accepting salt from a person with being in that person's service. In Ezra 4:14, the servants of Artaxerxes I of Persia explain their loyalty to the King. When translated, it is either stated literally as "because we have eaten the salt of the palace" or more figuratively as "because we have maintenance from the king."
In the New Testament, Matthew 5:13 Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth." He added that if the salt loses its flavor, it is good for nothing but to be trampled. Jesus said this in order to show his disciples how valuable they were and this saying is commonly used today to describe someone who is of particular value to society[original research?]. In addition, the preservative quality of salt is in view here to show how the disciples were called to preserve the society and the world around them from moral decay. On another occasion according to the Gospels, Jesus commanded his followers to "have salt within them".
Conveniently, we are able to get this Himalayan salt from supermarkets or from Health stores which is also within our purchasing budget.
Older Adult Marriage
Whom do u think the elderly couples plan to see first when they planned to get marry? A pharmacist, goldsmith, doctor, wedding planner or the restaurant wedding receptionist? Not sure, then read the story here.
Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, living in Devon , are all excited about their decision to get married.
They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they pass a chemist. Jacob suggests they go in.
Jacob addresses the man behind the counter: "Are you the owner?"
The pharmacist answers, "Yes."
Jacob: "We're about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?"
Pharmacist: "Of course we do."
Jacob: "How about medicine for circulation?"
Pharmacist: "All kinds "
Jacob: "Medicine for rheumatism?"
Pharmacist: "Definitely."
Jacob: "How about suppositories?"
Pharmacist: "You bet!"
Jacob: "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, and Alzheimer's?"
Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety. The works."
Jacob: "What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for
Parkinson's disease?"
Pharmacist: "Absolutely.."
Jacob: "Everything for heartburn and indigestion?"
Pharmacist: "We sure do."
Jacob: "You sell wheelchairs and walkers and canes?"
Pharmacist: "All speeds and sizes."
Jacob: "Adult incontinance pants?"
Pharmacist: "Sure."
Jacob: "We'd like to use this store for our wedding presents list..."
Jacob, age 92, and Rebecca, age 89, living in Devon , are all excited about their decision to get married.
They go for a stroll to discuss the wedding, and on the way they pass a chemist. Jacob suggests they go in.
Jacob addresses the man behind the counter: "Are you the owner?"
The pharmacist answers, "Yes."
Jacob: "We're about to get married. Do you sell heart medication?"
Pharmacist: "Of course we do."
Jacob: "How about medicine for circulation?"
Pharmacist: "All kinds "
Jacob: "Medicine for rheumatism?"
Pharmacist: "Definitely."
Jacob: "How about suppositories?"
Pharmacist: "You bet!"
Jacob: "Medicine for memory problems, arthritis, and Alzheimer's?"
Pharmacist: "Yes, a large variety. The works."
Jacob: "What about vitamins, sleeping pills, Geritol, antidotes for
Parkinson's disease?"
Pharmacist: "Absolutely.."
Jacob: "Everything for heartburn and indigestion?"
Pharmacist: "We sure do."
Jacob: "You sell wheelchairs and walkers and canes?"
Pharmacist: "All speeds and sizes."
Jacob: "Adult incontinance pants?"
Pharmacist: "Sure."
Jacob: "We'd like to use this store for our wedding presents list..."
Humour - "How was I born?" asked the little boy.
A little boy goes to his father and asks 'Daddy, how was I born?'
The father answers, 'Well, son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway! Your Mom and I first got together in a chat room on Yahoo. Then I set up a date via e-mail with your Mom and we met at a cyber-cafe. We sneaked into a secluded room, and googled each other. There your mother agreed to a download from my hard drive. As soon as I was ready to upload, we discovered that neither one of us had used a firewall, and since it was too late to hit the delete button, nine months later a little Pop-Up appeared that said:
The father answers, 'Well, son, I guess one day you will need to find out anyway! Your Mom and I first got together in a chat room on Yahoo. Then I set up a date via e-mail with your Mom and we met at a cyber-cafe. We sneaked into a secluded room, and googled each other. There your mother agreed to a download from my hard drive. As soon as I was ready to upload, we discovered that neither one of us had used a firewall, and since it was too late to hit the delete button, nine months later a little Pop-Up appeared that said:
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
cny visiting
In the blink of an eye, cny celebration has almost comes to an end, though many are still in the mood, but me not, too many things ahead to plan.........
This cny is quite a boring year for me, not that joyous or hilarious cos' I did not visit many friends except my mum in-law , brother in-law and a good friend who invited me to her open house dinner. We had a good time together with all our buddies. It was a blessing that most of the church friends, pastors, relatives and neighbors came to visit me making an addition to the cny mood.
Despite that I love to bake cake and cookies, I did not have time to bake them cos's did not buy myself an oven here in the city. Just a blessing that my friend who owned a bakery shop did all for me and I just drag some vitamin "M" to support her. By the the time I reached home, it was just barely enough time to only clean my house superficially before going to have our reunion dinner in the restaurant with my in-laws, nieces and nephews. Thanks to God that the food was just worth the money we paid.
This morning, me being a newly recruited cell group member, and not so familiar to the city here, I followed with 2 others, which I called divine friends to 2 cell group members' house. We did not have any bible study instead, we just sit down to talk (as if I have known them for a decade) and "makan". They are all very nice ladies and prepared nice cookies, cake and delicious food for us. Altogether I met 4 new friends. I have been complaining to God that I am very lonely here in the City and God is so understanding, kind and good that He sent them to met me. This is our Lady Group which we will meet every Wednesday. At least now I feel a sense of belonging, a denomination of my Christian faith.
This cny is quite a boring year for me, not that joyous or hilarious cos' I did not visit many friends except my mum in-law , brother in-law and a good friend who invited me to her open house dinner. We had a good time together with all our buddies. It was a blessing that most of the church friends, pastors, relatives and neighbors came to visit me making an addition to the cny mood.
Despite that I love to bake cake and cookies, I did not have time to bake them cos's did not buy myself an oven here in the city. Just a blessing that my friend who owned a bakery shop did all for me and I just drag some vitamin "M" to support her. By the the time I reached home, it was just barely enough time to only clean my house superficially before going to have our reunion dinner in the restaurant with my in-laws, nieces and nephews. Thanks to God that the food was just worth the money we paid.
This morning, me being a newly recruited cell group member, and not so familiar to the city here, I followed with 2 others, which I called divine friends to 2 cell group members' house. We did not have any bible study instead, we just sit down to talk (as if I have known them for a decade) and "makan". They are all very nice ladies and prepared nice cookies, cake and delicious food for us. Altogether I met 4 new friends. I have been complaining to God that I am very lonely here in the City and God is so understanding, kind and good that He sent them to met me. This is our Lady Group which we will meet every Wednesday. At least now I feel a sense of belonging, a denomination of my Christian faith.
Auld Lang Syne
Alie, this song for u though I could not guess who u r. So a different way to express for the cny.
PHD Stanford Taxi Driver
I came across accidentally from several blogs concerning a taxi driver (Singapore), probably the only taxi driver in this whole planet with a PHD from Stanford and a proven track record of scientific research for 16 years. Does a taxi driver need a PHD ? Or try to get the picture how bad is the economy now. You can scroll down to the link on the right to read or this link : http://taxidiary.blogspot.com/ Somehow interesting to read and to know the real stories he blogs. How I wish I could sit in his taxi and interview him! Sure I will report it here. Wakakaka...
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
cooking and baking
For quite a decade, I have heard of the word "Fo Tiao Chiang" which means "Buddha jumps over the wall", vow! How can it be? I initially thought it was Kung Fu technique from the Shaolin. Or could it be that Buddha was too sinful to jump over the wall to escape? I am more than excited to share in my blog for my readers. But if u order in the resturant, mind u it cost to burn your pocket cos at least cost more than RM250 .....ect, but do mind your vegetarian friends. For me I am yet to try cos we already ordered for our cny reunion dinner.
This great dish hails from Fuzhou, in Fujian province. It requires an enormous amount of effort, is best made over a period of two days, and can contain as many as thirty different ingredients."
Day 1
1/4 pound shark's fin
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 cup stock
1/4 cup Shao-Hsing wine or dry sherry
2 ounces lard or peanut oil
One 1/2-inch-thick slice fresh ginger, lightly smashed
3 scallions, white parts only
4 whole abalone
1 cup stock
2 tablespoons Shao-Hsing wine or dry sherry
4 dry scallops, each 1 inch in diameter
2 tablespoons Shao-Hsing wine or dry sherry, for scallops
12 quail eggs
3 small fresh bamboo shoots
(1 1/2 pounds)
1 quart cold water, for bamboo shoots
One 4-pound chicken
1/4 cup salt
1 1/2 pounds pork feet (3 halves) each half cut into 4 pieces by butcher
2 pounds lamb filet
2 1/2 pounds pork (fresh ham)
1 pound Smithfield ham
2 quarts cold water, for Smithfield ham
12 Chinese black mushrooms
Day 2
2 1/2 pounds Chinese turnips, peeeled, both ends discarded, cut into 4 pieces lengthwise, then into 1-inch pieces
1 pound carrots (3 large), peeled, cut into 1-inch sections
Four 3-inch-long cinnamon sticks
4 pieces eight-star anise
6 scallions, trimmed and cut into thirds
5 cups Shao-Hsing wine or dry sherry
7 cups chicken stock
6 ounces rock sugar (rock candy) - you can substitute granulated sugar
1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons double dark soy sauce, regular dark soy sauce, or mushroom soy sauce
1 cup chicken stock
4 bamboo leaves, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes, until softened, and washed
1 large lotus leaf, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes until softened, washed and dried
3 1/2 cups peanut oil for deep-frying and stir-frying
Directions:
Day 1
1. To prepare the shark's fin, the night before, soak the fins in a bowl of water with the white vinegar for a least 4 to 6 hours, rinse, and drain. Place the soaked shark's fins in a steamproof dish with the stock, wine, lard, ginger, and scallions and steam for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat, discard the ginger and scallions, strain off and discard the liquid, and reserve overnight, refrigerated.
2. To prepare the abalone, the night before (at the same time you soak the shark's fins), wash the abalone, place in a pot with 3 quarts water, bring to a boil over medium heat, lower the heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow to rest in the liquid in the pot overnight. Place the abalone in a steamproof dish with the stock and wine and steam for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until softened. Discard the liquid and reserve the abalone overnight, refrigerated.
3. To prepare the scallops, place the scallops and wine in a steamproof dish and steam for 20 minutes, until softened. Turn off the heat, discard the liquid, and reserve the scallops overnight, refrigerated.
4. To prepare the quail eggs, cook them in boiling water for about 7 minutes, until hard boiled. Remove from the pot and cool. Shell and reserve overnight, refrigerated. Remove from the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature on Day 2.
5. To prepare the bamboo shoots, remove all outer husks down to the tender, cream-white core. Place the whole shoots in a pot with the water, cover, and bring to a boil over high heat. If very tender, simmer for 7 minutes; if a bit tough, simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat, run cold water into the pot, and drain. Allow to cool, cut each shoot lengthwise into 4 pieces, and reserve overnight, refrigerated.
6. To prepare the chicken, wash and remove the fat and membranes. Rinse under cold running water and drain. Sprinkle the outside with the salt and rub in well. Rinse, drain, and dry. Cut the chicken into 12 pieces and reserve overnight, refrigerated.
7. To prepare the duck, prepare precisely as the chicken in the preceeding step.
8. To prepare the pork feet, cut up the pork feet, if necessary, and reserve overnight, refrigerated.
9. To prepare the lamb and pork, cut the lamb into 12 equal pieces and reserve refrigerated, overnight. Cut the pork into 12 equal pieces and reserve refrigerated, overnight.
10. To prepare the Smithfield ham, place the ham and water in a pot, cover, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 30 minutes. Turn off the heat, allow to rest in the liquid, and return to room temperature. Remove, discard the liquid, cut into 12 equal pieces, and reserve, refrigerated, overnight.
11. To prepare the mushrooms, soak the mushrooms in hot water for 30 minutes, until softened. Wash, drain, remove the stems, and reserve overnight, refrigerated.
Day 2
1. Heat a wok over high heat for 1 minute. Add the peanut oil and heat to 350 degrees F. Place the turnips in a Chinese strainer and lower into the oil. Blanch for 2 minutes, remove, drain over a bowl, and reserve. Bring the oil back to 350 degrees F, blanch the carrots and bamboo shoots similarly for 3 minutes, remove and drain, and reserve. Bring the oil again to 350 degrees F., add the quail eggs to the wok, and deep-fry for 2 minutes or until the eggs brown lightly. Remove, strain, and reserve.
2. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the oil from the wok and set aside. Heat the wok over high heat for 20 seconds. When a wisp of white smoke appears, add 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 pieces of star anise, and half the scallions. Stir-fry until the fragrance is released, about 1 minute. Add the reserved chicken and duck, stir, and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, remove the entire contents of the wok to a bowl, and reserve.
3. Wash the wok and spatula. Heat the wok over high heat for 1 minute. Add the 3 tablespoons of the reserved peanut oil and coat the wok with it using a spatula. When a wisp of white smoke appears, add the remaining cinnamon, anise, and scallions and stir for 1 minute. Add the pork feet, lamb, and pork and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
4. Place the contents of the wok into a large pot. Add the wine, chicken stock, and rock sugar and stir. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup of the soy sauce and stir well. Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Raise the heat to high, add the reserved chicken an duck and the contents of the bowl, and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat. Allow all the contents of the pot to rest in the liquid for 10 minutes. Empty the contents into a bowl, including the cooking liquid, discard the scallions, and allow to cool sufficiently to handle.
5. While all the meats are cooking, place the reserved blanched turnips, carrots, and bamboo shoots in a wok. Add the stock. Raise the heat to high, mix well, stirring, and bring to a boil. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons soy sauce and stir. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, strain, and reserve. Reserve the liquid for another use.
6. Wrap the reserved shark's fin, abalone, scallops, and Smithfield ham in cheesecloth. Sew or tie to close.
7. For this final step, a large pot, about 3-gallon capacity, should be used. Pour 2 cups of reserved cooking liquid from the bowl into the pot. Place a rack on the bottom and cover with bamboo leaves trimmed to fit the shape of the rack. Begin layering ingredients.
8. Place the pork feet in a single layer on the bamboo leaf-lined rack. Place a single layer of lamb atop the pork feet. Place a single layer of chicken atop the lamb. Place a single layer of duck atop the chicken. Place a single layer of pork atop the duck. Place the cheesecloth bundle atop the pork. Ladle 1 quart of cooking liquid over the layers. Place the mushrooms over the bundle. Layer the turnips, carrots, and bamboo shoots over the mushrooms. Pour the remaining liquid, including the spices, over the top. Lay the lotus leaf over the top of the pot. Place the pot cover on the leaf to seal the pot.
9. Over low heat, allow the contents of the pot to simmer for 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours. Turn off the heat and allow the pot to rest for 10 minutes. Remove all the foods from the pot to a large heated serving platter. Garnish the platter with the quail eggs. Place the liquid, now a rich broth, in a heated tureen. Remove the cheesecloth bundle to another heated plate, discard the cheesecloth, remove the contents, slice the abalone thinly, and arrange it with the other ingredients as an accompaniment.
10. Serve in the Chinese manner: the meats and vegetables together, with some of the broth poured over them, the rest of the broth divided into bowls to drink.
want to know the story behind
Legend has it that a Fuzhou scholar went picnicking with friends. He had put all the ingredients he had with him in a wine jar, which he heated over a charcoal flame. The tantalizing smell spread all the way to a nearby temple and was so inviting that the monks could not resist and jumped over the wall to partake in the hearty dish. A poem in praise of the delicious dish was rendered, in which one line read: "Even Buddha himself would jump over the wall to taste this dish". Wah!
Potatoes in the sky
Grown by an intelligent greenhouse in Xiqing District, Tianjin. Now, if u got green fingers and want to grow your own potatoes and especially if your compound is too small, why not give it a try.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Dancing Queen
This song is specially dedicated to my ex-classmates who are going to have their high time together for the reunion dinner on the coming 19th February, song requested by our ex-monitor coming back from USA. Have good time together, ladies.
God is good, all the time. My Sunday worship songs on the 31st Jan 2010
Come into his presence
With thanks giving in your heart
And give him praise,
And give him praise;
Come into his presence
With thanks giving in your heart,
Your voices raise,
Your voices raise.
Give glory and honour
And power unto him,
Jesus, the name above all names
Come into his presence
With thanks giving in your heart
And give him praise,
And give him praise;
Come into his presence
With thanks giving in your heart,
Your voices raise,
Your voices raise.
Give glory and honour
And power unto him,
Jesus, the name above all names
True or Not
I do not know this is true of this Model of the said cars. This is good to know anyhow. But my car is of this Model too. So, I should be be alert and careful.
Mind Your Cars
I do not know this piece of new has any impact on our market in Malaysia. Anyhow just click to the link to read whether your cars fall into those models.
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