Since returning from my holidays in Cambodia and Redang, I discovered to my horror that I have put on some weight.
This is rather unusual because every time I go on a long holiday, I normally lose weight!
Oh well, maybe I just had too much to eat this time around. Haha!
It did not help that during this Raya holiday weekend, I did nothing but eat!
Anyway, I have got to do some jogging again this week to start shedding those unwanted fats! Walking on a treadmill in the gym is just too plain boring for me. I prefer jogging in the outdoors and be close to nature, especially in the parks!
So today I would like to share with you my Top 5 favourite parks in the Klang Valley.
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) located 16km northwest of Kuala Lumpur in Kepong is one of my favourite jogging spots. It offers 1,528 hectares of forest ecosystems, gardens, arboreta and wetlands with various trails (both tarmac and nature) scattered all around the Institute. It also has a 200m long canopy walkway that is built 30m above ground.
2. Taman Lembah Kiara
Taman Lembah Kiara Recreational Park is located in Taman Tun Dr Ismail in KL. It is a popular recreational spot for nearby residents. There is a beautiful man-made lake complete with fountains, a suspension bridge and a well-paved jogging path that absorbs the impact from running or jogging. One interesting thing you can see here is monkeys that roam freely all around the park.
3. Lake Gardens
Also known as Taman Tasik Perdana, the Lake Gardens is located off Jalan Parlimen in KL. As the more popular green lung in KL, it encompasses about 92 hectares of greenery, which also include a lake, bird park, butterfly park, deer park, orchid and hibiscus garden, Tun Abdul Razak Memorial and National Planetarium.
Malaysia's first Agriculture Park is located in Shah Alam, Selangor. The area, which is also known as Bukit Cherakah, covering 1,295 hectares of virgin jungle is the world's first agro-forestry park. There is a jogging track around a lake and a four-season house which showcases the four different seasons.
5. Desa Park City
Although not a park but a gated housing estate, Desa Park City is not only one of the best spots in KL to live, but also a great place to jog around its large beautiful lake! Besides jogging, you can also fly kites and go fishing. Or do some shopping at its Waterfront shops.
There you have it, my top 5 recreational parks in the Klang Valley. Do you like jogging in the parks and which is your favourite park?
I've been driving for many years now and I still don't think I am very clear about some of the traffic rules in Malaysia. So let me ask you, my dear readers, to help me out here so that I can be a better driver.
1. Is the emergency lights only used when your car is having a breakdown and is stationary? If yes, why do I still see cars in front of me with their emergency lights flashing every time the driver brakes? It irritates the hell out of me!
2. Imagine you are driving on a two-lane road and you reach a junction with traffic lights. You intend to go straight. Is it wrong to stop on the left lane when the light turns red?
The other day, I was given the horn when I stopped on the left lane of a two-lane road. Obviously the driver behind me wanted to turn left and my car was blocking him. So was I wrong to stop on the left lane when I had no intention of turning left?
3. When you are on the right lane of a four-lane road, do you still need to switch on the right signal to indicate you are turning right at the traffic light? Isn't it obvious that you must be turning right because if you are going straight, you might be blocking the car on your left lane which may also be turning right?
Besides, if you switch on the right signal, wouldn't the driver behind you think you want to make a U-Turn?
4. Is it even remotely possible to switch on the left signal light when you want to turn right and vice versa? I have seen this happened so many times there is no doubt that this is very possible but I just don't understand how it could possibly happen! Do you?
5. I am driving on the main road intending to turn right into a small road. A driver on the small road intends to turn right onto the main road. Who has the right of way? I would think I have the right of way, correct? Then why do some drivers force their way out from the small road as if they have the right of way?
Do you know who are the friendliest people on Earth?
I don't, since I have not traveled widely enough to all countries in the world. But one thing is for sure, it's not us Malaysians!
A lot of foreign tourists said we Malaysians are warm and friendly, but if you have ever been to Thailand, you will know we are no where near their level.
I am not writing this post to criticize Malaysia or to praise Thailand, but just to share what I think. Strictly my own opinion and you are welcome to disagree with me!
And so here are 5 amazing things I like about Thailand based on my personal observation.
1. Did you know that traffic jam is legendary in Bangkok? I went there a couple of years back and the roads were just clogged with vehicles! And their 'tuk tuk' drivers were simply notorious for their reckless driving!
And yet, I could not help but feel it's also one the safest cities for drivers and pedestrians alike! Have you heard of serious road accidents in Bangkok? Well, at least not as many as in KL right?
And what really amazed me was they were not horn-happy unlike Malaysians! Even with all the traffic on the road, I did not hear a single driver horning his or her car! Isn't it amazing?
2. Did you notice that most Thai people are slim? I hardly see any fat or obese people in Thailand! Now why is that? I guess it's their fresh and healthy food, devoid of too much oil and fats! Also, I think they walk a lot!
Now I have nothing against fat people, but I just marvel at how the Thai people manage to stay slim! I guess they are active people unlike most Malaysians who eat 24 hours a day and do not exercise!
3. Do you think the Thai language is one of the most gentle and polite languages in the world? I really think so! Maybe that's why when the Thai people talk, they seem to appear so much more polite than Malaysians!
But I don't think it's in the language alone. I am pretty sure the people there are polite and caring. And most importantly, they give the best service! Is it any wonder that Thai's tourism industry is booming like nobody's business?
4. Did you know the living condition in Thailand is worse than in Malaysia? And they are suffering from economic problems and political upheavals. Yet, the Thai people are simply nonchalant about all these. They seem to persevere and have the Mai Phen Rai attitude.
Mai Phen Rai is a well known Thai phrase for 'never mind', or 'no problem' or 'it doesn't matter'. And that's what I like about them! They take their problems in their stride. Life just goes on!
Now if only Malaysians have this Mai Phen Rai attitude and stop complaining when they are faced with minor obstacles and problems!
5. I notice Thailand is a very open country and they do not discriminate against people with different sexual orientation (read gay). Where else in an Asian country can you find go go girls and gay bars being openly promoted to lure in tourists?
I doubt Malaysia will ever be this open. Especially when the authorities here think being gay is tantamount to committing a sin that is worse than murder. I really think we should accept people as they are, be they straight or otherwise!
I read about The 10 Finest Divas by Rob O'Conner recently and this inspired me to come up with my very own Top 5 Divas today.
These are the Top 10 Divas listed by Rob.
1. Diana Ross 2. Celine Dion 3. Mariah Carey 4. Christina Aguilera 5. Cher 6. Whitney Houston 7. Bette Midler 8. Macy Gray 9. Chaka Khan 10. Barbra Streisand
Do you agree with this list?
But before you agree or disagree, we have to agree on the definition of the word 'diva'.
According to wikipedia, diva is a celebrated female singer. But the Italian term is used to describe a woman of rare, outstanding talent in the world of opera and by extension, in theatre and popular music. However, the word diva is also closely related to the term prima donna, which is a title for leading female singer in an opera. Usually, these leading singers are arrogant and egotistical. In other words, diva is also associated with egotistical female singers who have big voices and unreasonable demands.
So your top 10 list would most probably depend on how you define the term 'diva'.
Well, for my post today, let's define divas as talented, female singers with big voices and are able to command the stage. We shall throw out all those egoistic, unreasonable characteristics, shall we?
So back to the list by Rob, I am quite surprised by his inclusion of Macy Gray. What the heck is she doing there? She's definitely no diva to me! And to be more diva-ish than Barbra Streisand and Chaka Khan? That must be a joke!
And where is Aretha Franklin? She is not in the Top 10? Impossible!
If you think Madonna should be in the list, well let me tell you she can't possibly qualify for her lack of musical talent and voice!
So, who are my Top 10 divas? Well, I think I'll just narrow it down to 5. But instead of just naming them, I shall tie them to the songs they sing.
Now, I have always loved good pop ballads with uplifting lyrics. Not just any pop ballads, mind you but those amazingly powerful ballads that makes your spirit soar and which are inspiring to the soul. Ballads that stir the emotion in you and touch you so deeply that it can even make you cry.
Most often than not, these powerful ballads are usually sung by female singers with powerful voices. These female singers are also usually known as divas.
This form of pop ballads were most popular during the 80's and 90's. Nowadays, you seldom get these kind of pop ballads anymore as it is no longer popular as evidenced by the lack of such music on top of the Billboard Chart.
Besides, not many singers are able to sing such songs as they require one to have exceptional vocal ability and power to execute them successfully.
Anyway, here are my top 5 power pop ballads (and coincidentally, also my 5 top divas!) which I like very much and will always love!
Note: As embedding the original YouTube videos of these songs had been disabled, I could not show them here. You can however click onto the links to watch the videos.
This will always be my No.1 most inspiring song of all time. The first time I heard this, I didn't think too much of it, until I listened carefully to its uplifting lyrics. Wow! Mariah not only wrote this from her heart, she sang from her heart too! This is the song that I play whenever I feel down because it really pulls you up.
I always feel inspired when she sings these words...
"So when you feel like hope is gone, Look inside you and be strong, And you'll finally see the truth, That a hero lies in you...."
Mariah is a true diva - very talented in terms of songwriting and singing as most of her self penned songs/singles hit No.1 on the Billboard Chart.
I have to say Whitney Houston is the greatest singer of all time and to date, I don't think anyone has beaten her yet in terms of vocal power. This song stayed on top of the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks, a feat that was only surpassed by Mariah and Boyz II Men with their song "One Sweet Day" which stayed at No.1 for 16 weeks. Originally written and sang by Dolly Parton, this song was given the makeover by Whitney's powerful vocals!
Whitney is another true diva - the diva with the biggest voice!
I have heard many singers sang this theme song from the movie "Titanic" but no one could sing it better than Celine Dion. Absolutely no one. You may have a powerful voice but that does not mean you can sing this song well as it requires some form of voice control and technique which only Celine could master. Although I am now pretty bored with this song having heard it endless times, I still rate this as one of the best ballad ever.
Celine is a diva in her own right - but a very "nice" diva that people love!
Christina is exceptionally good in vocal acrobatics and her voice is so powerful she can definitely give Mariah and Celine a run for their money! She sang this song beautifully. I love it!
I also find the lyrics very inspiring and somewhat similar to Mariah's "Hero".
"When there's no one else, look inside yourself, Like your oldest friend just trust the voice within, Then you'll find the strength that will guide your way, You'll learn to begin to trust the voice within...."
This is a powerful song co-written by American Idol judge, Simon Cowell himself! Leona Lewis, a rising star after winning the X-Factor reality show in UK gave her all in this song. I'm really looking forward to her next album and I hope she will have more of such songs!
Although Leona is still new in the industry and cannot qualify as a diva just yet, but I think she is definitely a diva in the making!
How about you? What is your top 5 inspirational power ballads and your top 5 divas?
Note: I am taking a break from my Kinabalu Trip posts. Will resume with A Walk Along Gaya Street next!
But I'm a human too and there are things that just irritate the hell out of me! So, if you don't mind, let me share with you what they are.
OK, I'll just mention 5 most irritating things cos I don't want to irritate the hell out of you by mentioning 20. LOL!
So here are my Top 5 in no particular order....
1. Slow Internet Connection I don't know about you but I think Streamyx broadband sucks. I have complained about this before last year (read here) and I think the problem remains. Sometimes the connection is so slow it reminds me of my dial-up Jaring days. Fortunately, it does not happen all the time, or else I will quit blogging!
Have you ever tried calling them? Try it! You will then know not only their internet connection sucks, their customer service sucks even more! Honestly, I think the Government should stop protecting them and give them the monopoly.
Please take a look at our neighbouring country Singapore. I'm so ashamed compared to them! OK, Singapore may be a small country but if Malaysia want to be a developed country by 2020, then I think it should really buck up especially where broadband connection is concerned.
2. Hot, Humid Weather The last few days were really, really hot! You can even feel the burning sensation on your skin when you go out into the sun. It's that hot! But what makes it worse is Malaysia's humid weather. The equation goes like this:
Hot + Humid = Irritation
Now, I am a person who sweat a lot and easily too! So imagine what happens when it's hot and humid. My sweat does not get evaporated and it sticks to me like a magnet. I end up being sweaty and sticky all day long! Now if you want me to rate how uncomfortable that is, with 1 as most comfortable and 10 as most uncomfortable, I'll give it a 11!
I have tried taking frequent baths but that does not help at all! The minute I step out of the bathroom, I get all sweaty again! The only way is to switch on the air conditioner. Now that is bliss! Sorry to fans of Earth Hour, but I have to say the air conditioner is the single most important invention in human history! No wonder I like to "lepak" in shopping malls to enjoy the free air conditioning. Haha!
Of course there's an advantage to this hot humid weather. It makes you look younger. I'm not joking.
You know why we Malaysians look younger compared to Westerners of the same age? It's because the humid air here provides natural moisturising for our skin. Our skin don't get wrinkled as fast as those who stay in countries with dry weather.
This is one reason why you should not stay too long in air conditioned rooms because the air inside the room will be dry. But you can bet that this will not stop me from staying in one!
3. Traffic Jams Anyone who likes being trapped in a massive traffic jam on the road, please hands up! I hate traffic jams! I will do everything and go all out to avoid them.
Traffic jams not only waste my time, they increase my car's petrol consumption, wear and tear and not to mention my blood pressure as well! I don't mind choosing an alternative jam-free road which is two or three times longer. It is easier on my car and at least wasting my petrol this way is more worth it!
Also, I sometimes rather pay toll than queuing at the alternative, toll free roads. What's the point of queuing when you lose more from increased petrol consumption? And don't forget, time is money! I'm not supporting tolls here, but I'm just saying, either way you still lose, so might as well pay the toll!
4. Long Queues I dislike queues! Any kind of queues whether it is queuing at the post office, or the cinema ticket counters, or at the immigration department. And don't even mention about queuing at restaurants. Especially when I am hungry!
I will always avoid queues like the plague. So you won't see me queuing up to buy tickets for a cinema show. I rather booked it online and collect the tickets before the show. If I see a queue at a restaurant, you can be sure I will give it a pass no matter how good their food is!
5. Flu and Sore Throat I dread the flu and I hate sore throat! And the combination of flu and sore throat just irritate the hell out of me!
I don't know how some people can have flu and sore throat and still be able to act as if they are not sick. I don't think I am able to do that. You see, when I am down with the flu, I not only suffer from blocked nose or runny nose (it's usually one or the other or both!), but also a plethora of other things from hell like sore throat, fever, headaches, stomach upset, nausea, anxiety and difficulty in breathing.
As such, I will do my utmost to prevent myself getting flu and sore throat. That includes not getting too close to people who are having the flu! So if you have the flu, please excuse me if I don't wish to meet up with you or even visit you! I'm not being rude here, I'm just being smart! Haha!
Well, there you have it! My Top 5 most irritating things. How about you? What are the 5 things that irritate the hell out of you?
When I mention horror movies, I’m referring to movies about ghosts, ghouls, vampires, exorcism and whatever that is related to the other worldly stuffs. And what better time to talk about horror movies during this Hungry Ghost Festival which is still ongoing till the end of the month.
However, I am quite disappointed with horror movies that are being churned out nowadays. They are either poor imitations of the good ones or they are so lacking in the horror element I actually yawned watching them! In fact,I have stopped going to the cinemas to watch horror movies nowadays because I think I’ll just be wasting my money!
I also cannot understand people who go watch horror movies in cinema and they cover their eyes during those scary scenes. I have a friend who is like that. She covers her eyes every time she thinks a ghost is going to appear. And I’m like... excuse me, this movie is not free, you know? Are you going to waste your RM10 ticket to cover your eyes? Me? I’ve paid for my ticket and I better get to see all the horror stuffs with my two eyes wide open!
Anyway, here’s my top 5 horror movies of all time.
Warning:If you have not seen any of these 5 movies before and you are planning to watch them, please don’t read any further as spoilers abound.
Some scenes from "The Exorcist"
The Exorcist is the first horror movie that really gave me the shivers. I was quite small when I first saw it and as you can imagine, I had sleepless nights after watching it. Linda Blair was so realistic in her portrayal as the girl possessed by a demonic spirit she really deserved the Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The way she threw profanities, spewed vomits and rolled her head 360 degrees had audiences in shock. In fact, I heard a few cinemagoers actually fainted during those scenes!
And it was much later in my adult life that I learnt that everything in that movie was done without any special effects! Certainly beat all those horror movies laden with special effects nowadays!
This movie had such a profound impact on me I had always used it to rate other horror movies. I had to admit though, when I watched The Exorcist a second time in later years, I found the first half of the movie quite boring, although the second half still gave me the shivers.
The creepy elevator scene from "The Eye"
The Eye (original Hong Kong version, not the USA remake) is to me, the scariest movie and the most entertaining! This is the kind of horror movie I like – good storyline, good acting, and have all the horror elements I want from a movie of this kind.
And if you saw this in the cinema, you would have got a bonus you cannot find in the DVD releases – a female ghost flashed on the screen before the actual film started. It was a shock tactic and it scared me to hell!
The scenes of the ghost in the creepy elevator, the old lady that appeared out of nowhere in the hospital, the female ghost that visited the restaurant and licked those meat with her long tongue, the female ghost in the calligraphy room that attacked Mun, the lead character – all these scenes are truly scary and classic!
This movie also won Angelica Lee Sin-Je, the leading actress who happens to be a Malaysian, a best actress award at the 2002 Golden Horse Film Festival and again at the 2003 Hong Kong Film Awards.
Nowadays if my friends were to ask me to watch a horror movie, my first question will be - is it better than The Eye or at least as good? If not, forget it!
Disturbing scenes from "The Ring"
The Ring (or Ringu in Japanese) is another great horror movie. Not only was it scary and spooky, it was thoroughly disturbing. In fact, this movie, released in 1998 was the highest grossing horror film in Japan and considered the most frightening.
I remember watching this on DVD and it certainly freaked me out. I found the video scenes watched by the victims highly disturbing. The ending where the ghost of the vengeful child came out of the TV screen was such a shock and totally unexpected I’m rating it a true classic scene in horror movies!
Although the USA remake in 2002 did a pretty good job, I still think the original Japanese version is the best.
"The Sixth Sense" Trailer
The Sixth Sense did a great job at giving me the most surprising ending for a horror movie. I did not see it coming, none at all! Who would have thought the leading character played by Bruce Willis is a ghost?
I won’t say it’s the scariest movie – certainly not as scary as The Eye (at least to me)but it’s such a clever film I totally enjoyed it.
This movie immortalized the line “I See Dead People” spoken in the movie by Haley Joel Osmentwho incidentally was nominated the Academy Award for Best Actor In A Supporting Role in 1999.
A scary scene from "Shutter"
Shutter is a 2004 Thai horror movie that claimed to be more scary than Ju On (The Grudge) and The Ring. The Grudge? Yes definitely. The Ring? Maybe. But certainly not as disturbing.
What attracted me to the show was the claim the producers made about the photos and images they used were of actual ghosts. I also like the idea that you can capture ghostly images with your camera, so to all bloggers who like to take pictures, beware!
There were lots of scary scenes, but one very humorous scene that stuck in my mind was the toilet scene where the lead character Tun, played by Ananda Everingham thought it was a ghost in the toilet next to him when it was just a transvestite or a ladyboy as they are called in Thailand. Very funny that!
The ending was another surprising shock when it was revealed the reason why Tun weighed heavier than usual – the ghost was sitting on his shoulders all the time! Now that freaked me out big time!
I also like A Nightmare On Elm Street (Parts 1 and 3 only) and Child's Play although both are more like slasher movies than about ghosts. And then, there are some successful horror movies that I don’t think deserve it. These are Ju On (the original Japanese later remade as The Grudge for USA version) and Dark Water (both Japanese and USA version), both of which are a waste of my time and do not scare me at all!
I’ll probably talk about them in my future posts, but in the meantime, do tell me what is your top 5 horror movies.
