Pacific Komtar Open for Business on 18-Dec-2008

Pacific Komtar Open for Business on 18-Dec-2008.
Penangites got new place to shop and there is good news for Komtar to shine back its image like 10 years back. So that is good time for those worker who have taken force leave for shut down during Chritsmas holidays can go for shopping instead of going to travel outside country although the economic is recession and slow down. Besides that, Time Square is coming soon for opening. I also have to take force leave for shut down from 25 Dec to 4 Jan for my company. I have planned to go to Pacific Komtar and Time Square during Christmas and New year holidays. Then I will update more photos soon.

New Penang Event Calender 2009

January 2009
31 January: Chinese New Year Open House: Organised by the Penang Youth Clan Council, the Chinese New Year Open House is a time when the various clan houses of George Town open their doors to visitors. Streets such as Armenian Street, Cannon Street, Ah Quee Street, and parts of Chulia Street become pedestrian malls. Details call Penang Youth Clan Council, tel: +6016 489 8868

February 2009
2 February: Thaipusam: Hindu festival of purification, Thaipusam includes chariot procession through the streets of George Town in honor of Hindu deity Murugan. Details call the Penang Hindu Endowment Board, tel: +604 650 5215

8 February: Chap Goh Meh: Chinese Valentine's Day. It is celebrated on the 15th night of the Lunar New Year. Celebrations this year is planned at the Penang Chinese Town Hall at Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling. Details call Penang Chinese Town Hall, tel: +604 261 7194

March 2009
13-15 March: iFOODex: The largest consumer food exhibition in Malaysia, happening at PISA. For details, contact Intrenasionale at +6012 483 2426

13-21 March: Penang International Food Festival: Indulge in the best of Penang local cuisine, happening at PISA, Batu Ferringhi and Esplanade. Details contact the Penang Tourism Action Council at +604 262 0202

April 2009
25 April: Vasakhi Open House: Catch a glimpse of the Sikh celebration and enjoy traditional Punjabi food. Happening at the Esplanade, Penang. Details contact the Malaysian Sikh Youth Organisation Penang, tel: +6017 584 0821

May 2009
1-3 May: Penang World Music Festival: A place where music lovers can get to enjoy the music from different parts of the world. Happening at Quarry Garden of the Penang Botanic Garden. Details contact the Penang Tourism Action Council, tel: +604 262 0202

9 May: Wesak Day Celebrations: Witness the grand parade staged to celebrate the birthday of Buddha. Details contact the Malaysia Buddhist Association at +604 261 6548

25-31 May: Penang Floral Festival: Admire beautiful flowering plants, buy some to take home. Happening at the Penang Botanic Gardens. Details contact the Penang Botanic Gardens Department, tel: +604 227 0428

29 May: P. Ramlee Festival: Showcasing the movies and songs of the beloved late entertainer, P. Ramlee, this festival will include acting and singing competitions. Happening at the Dewan Sri Pinang. Details contact the Penang State Government, tel: +604 650 5136

30 May: Bukit Jambul Hiking Competition: An event attracting local and foreign hikers, with the reward of panoramic scenery at the peak. Happening at Bukit Jambul, organised by the Hiking Association Bukit Jambul & MPPP. For details, contact +604 226 2959

June 2009
4-7 June: Penang Turf Club Equestrian Centre Horse Show: An opportunity to view dressage, show jumping and carriage riding. There will also be an exhibition of the various types of horses and ponies. Organised by the Penang Turf Club. Details contact +604 229 3233

5-6 June: Penang X'Games: Events include Skateboarding, BMX and Inline Skating. Happening at the Penang Skate Park of the Municipal Park. Organized by the Penang Extreme Sports Club and MPPP. For details contact +604 226 2959

6-7 June: 29th Penang Dragon Boat Festival: Come watch the rowers from all over the world compete in this rowing competition. Details contact the organiser at +6019 445 5166

July 2009
1-31 July: Visit Penang Heritage Celebration: Commemorate the listing of George Town as a Unesco World Heritage Site with cultural performances, traditional crafts, demonstrations and exhibitions, happening at the heritage enclave. For details, contact the Penang State Government at +604 650 5136

3-5 July: MATTA Fair: A place to seek fabulous discounts for tours domestic as well as international. Happening at PISA, for details contact MATTA Penang Chapter at tel: +604 890 0106
11 July: Penang 3rd International Skimboarding Competition: Be dazzled by the best skimboarders in Asia and Australia. Happening at Bayu Senja Complex in Batu Ferringhi. For details, contact the Penang Skimboarding Association at +6012 403 5097

18 July: Bon Odori: The Japanese version of the Hungry Ghost Festival, this is a lively dance and drum performance to welcome home ancestral spirits. Happening at the Esplanade. For details, contact the Consulate-General of Japan at +604 226 3030

24 July - 2 August: St Anne's Festival: The biggest Catholic feast celebrated in Malaysia, centred at the St Anne's Church in Bukit Mertajam. For details contact +604 538 6405

August 2009
1-9 August: Wau Competition: Come and witness the Malay wau, and kites from different countries. Happening at the Esplanade. Details contact the Penang State Government at +604 650 5136

20 August - 19 September: Pasar Ramadhan: Enjoy a wide selection of Ramadhan goods and clothing at the Komtar Pedestrian Walk. Details contact the Penang Malay Chamber of Commerce at +604 261 3016

October 2009
3 October: Mid Autumn Festival: Lantern making competition, moon cakes, cultural and musicals are part of this festival. Happening at the Penang Chinese Town Hall Auditorium. Details contact the Penang Chinese Town Hall at +604 261 7194

11 October: Komtar Base Jump: Come watch the extreme tower jumping event. Details contact Menara Kuala Lumpur, the organiser, at +603 2020 5448

5 October: Hari Raya Open House: Enjoy festive fare as we celebrate the start of Shawal in traditional Malay style. Details contact +604 650 5141

26 October: Deepavali Open House: Join in this colourful celebration in George Town's Little India. Details contact the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Penang, tel: +604 262 0960

26 October: Nine Emperor Gods Festival: Happening all around Penang, when devotees go on a vegetarian diet, and vegetarian fare is sold at street side and at temples

26 October: Navarathiri Festival: Hindu religious festival when devotees offer prayers to the deities Thurga, Laxmi and Saraswathy to seek power, wealth and education. Chariot procession throughout George Town. Details contact the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Penang, tel: +604 262 0960

November 2009
28 November: 16th International Dance Competition: Watch a dazzling dance sport event with dancers from around the world. Happening at PISA. For details, contact the Malaysian Dancers Association at +603 3168 6964

December 2009
1-31 December: Pesta Pulau Pinang: Month-long celebration with fun fair and trade exhibitions held at the Pesta Site, Sungai Nibong. Details contact the Penang State Government at +604 650 5136

3-6 December: Penang Island Jazz Festival: An event for jazz enthusiasts with workshops, jazz competition, and other activites. Happening at the Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi. For details, contact the Capricorn Connection at +603 2093 4725

4-6 December: Penang Synchronised Swimming Championship: Enjoy watching synchronised swimming by participants from various countries at PISA. Details contact the Penang Amateur Swimming Association at +6019 456 2681

13 December: Starwalk: The biggest walking event in Penang, held to promote healthy lifestyle. Details contact Star Publications at +604 647 3388

Penang Food - My New Blog

I have setup a new blogspot for Penang Food.....as http://soohin-penang-food.blogspot.com/ Please visit my new blog and give comment.

MAN UTD 3-0 CELTIC

European Champion League thrid match Group E

With not so much a battle as a mild swat, Manchester United contemptuously dismissed in their all-British encounter against Celtic with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford.
Two suspiciously offside-looking goals from Dimitar Berbatov - taking his Champions League tally to four - and a customary strike from Wayne Rooney, who now has nine in seven games for club and country, paid scant justice to United's total dominance.

WELL PLAYED --- DIMITAR BERBATOV & WAYNE ROONEY - World Class Player. MAN UTD is top of group E and got 7 points. They need another 3 points to advance to the quater final.

New Department In Komtar, Penang

PENANG shoppers will have an additional choice this year-end as the new Pacific Departmental Store (Komtar) is set to open on the island by Christmas.
The new department store and supermarket will be an anchor tenant of Komtar, occupying 42,277 sq m for a tenancy period of 18 years.
The store will have a lifestyle concept and cater to the needs of the mid to upper class market.

The store will invest the total of RM20mil within the first six months to develop and renovate the new outlet.

It seems very optimistic about the project and believe it can be one of the main shopping attractions on the island as it is located in the town area with an established traffic flow.

The store would take up four floors previously occupied by the Yaohan Departmental Store, would be hiring a work force of 400 to manage day-to-day operations.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who was present to witness the tenancy agreement between the Komtar owner Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Pacific Hypermarket & Department Store Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary company of The Store Corporation Berhad, said the deal was a first step in regaining Komtar's shine.

"The space Pacific is occupying has been vacant for about five years. Now, we see the light at the end of the tunnel in reinstalling Komtar as the heart of George Town and Penang," Lim said.
He added that the state was committed in reviving Komtar.

In addition, Penang Time Square will open soon to attract more tourist and shopper come to Georgetown.

Bluetooth watches for the ladies

LADIES who often miss calls or SMS because they were unable to hear or find their phones in their handbags have reason to rejoice.
Sony Ericsson, in alliance with watchmaker Fossil, has unveiled its first collection of Bluetooth watches for women.

An expansion of the successful Bluetooth MBW-150, the MBW-200 range of Bluetooth watches comes in three designs: Sparkling Allure, Contemporary Elegance and Evening Classic.

The MBW-200 range will be available in selected markets in the fourth quarter.
The watch displays caller ID and vibrates as the phone is ringing for when an SMS is received. The discreet and clear monochrome OLED display is invisible when not in use and clearly visible on a bright day so that the user can see who is calling or which track is playing with ease. The collection features scratch-resistant mineral crystal glass with an anti-glare coating for optimum readability and glow.

Other features include an out-of-range warning, triggered when 10m away from the phone; play, pause, stop or skip a track on your phone’s music player; quartz movements for exact time-keeping; auto pairing that makes it easier to connect the watch with one’s phone; and allergy-safe stainless steel.
Sony Ericsson plans to add a sporty edition to the MBW-150 range, which currently comes in three designs.
The designs would be available early next year in selected markets, the MBW-150 Classic has a brown leather strap and white face.

Olympus SP-570

The advantages of Olympus SP-570 UZ 10 Megapixels

i. 20x optical zoom lens and wide-angle lens.

ii.2.7-inch LCD display

iii. The menu navigation is typical Olympus, which means logically arranged with large, easy-to-read text and explanatory text that you pull up at the press of a button.

iv.A zoom switch in favor of a servoelectronic manual zoom ring on the lens.

v. Mechanical (sensor-shift) image stabilization, without which the 20x lens would be pretty useless.

vi. Guide mode, which offers task-centric, step-by-step instructions for various shooting scenarios. The SP-570 UZ allows you to store up to four sets of custom settings.

vii.Supports wireless flash, which can come in quite handy, and easy to configure.

viii. SP-570 UZ also adds a hot shoe & it can focus as close as 0.4 inch in Supermacro mode.

The disadvantages of SP-570 UZ

i.Takes 3.3 seconds to power on and shoot.

ii.Focusing and shooting under optimal conditions takes 0.8 second, and under hard-to-focus conditions, that rises to 1.8 seconds.

iii. Slow flash recycling time.

iv. Manual zoom ring on lens not responsive enough; can't zoom in movie capture.

Read more detail in below link:
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/olympus-sp-570-uz/4505-6501_7-32818810.html

Click here to introduction SP-570 UZ movies clip:

Creative pieces of sushi

MOST sushi typically has a standard look €” a rectangular fillet atop a block of rice €” but master chef Koei Ebisawa creates dainty pieces of artwork with sushi.
Strips of salmon and squid are arranged on top of the rice to resemble a flower while the simple piece of tamago (egg) is filled with other ingredients to form a pretty pattern.
Koei will be the guest chef at the Kampachi Japanese Restaurant at Hotel Equatorial Kuala Lumpur from Oct 7 to 11.
He started his career in the kitchen at the age of 15 and is now the head of all executive chefs of a chain of 35 Asahizushi restaurants in Tokyo.
After a visit in spring last year, Koei returns to promote delicacies typical during autumn in Japan.

Kampachi general manager Chiharu Yabe said as an introduction to Koei’s culinary skills, the restaurant would also feature various autumn specialities marinated by the chef in Japan and shipped to Malaysia.
Among the items are the iwashi maruboshi or grilled sardine that is best enjoyed in autumn; the sabazushi or mackerel sushi that is lightly pickled in salt and grilled and the mizunasu mustard, which is an eggplant from Osaka with mustard dip.

It look like yummy yummy sushi.

China recalls milk powder amid health scandal

BEIJING (AFP) — China has recalled milk powder sold abroad, a diplomatic source said Thursday, as it continues moves to contain the scandal over tainted milk that has sickened thousands of children.
A briefing was held in Beijing on Tuesday by China for foreign diplomats from several countries, a diplomatic source and a Japanese official revealed to AFP.
"They said that Chinese authorities had recalled milk powder as a precautionary measure, knowing that every (Chinese dairy) product is in line with safety norms since September 14," the source, who refused to be named, told AFP.
The source was unable to specify whether just milk powder was involved, or if other products such as sweets and biscuits that could contain milk powder were included.
A Japanese official, citing the same briefing, had earlier told AFP that the Chinese government had taken measures to halt its exports of dairy products.
"The point made there was that the Chinese government has handled the matter promptly and firmly and has taken measures to halt exports of dairy products, which will not be resumed until their safety is fully confirmed," the official said on condition of anonymity.
Neither account could be immediately confirmed as Chinese government offices were closed for a holiday.
China is struggling to limit the damage to its food safety reputation caused by the widespread distribution of milk products contaminated with the industrial chemical melamine, which is normally used to make plastic.
Such products have killed at least four children and sickened 53,000 in mainland China, the government has said previously.
Children in Hong Kong and Taiwan have also fallen ill with kidney stones after consuming Chinese dairy products.
China's Commerce Minister Chen Deming became the latest top official to promise tighter government controls as a result of the scandal but he acknowledged lax business ethics remained a problem.
"The government will improve quality inspection on dairy products," Chen was quoted as saying by the China Daily newspaper.
"But more importantly, the dairy enterprises must win consumers' faith through honesty."
The melamine was added to milk before being sold to dairy manufacturers in a bid to falsely boost protein readings, Chinese authorities have said.
Countries around the world have announced steps to ban, recall or otherwise limit consumption of products containing Chinese milk.
Taiwan became the latest to find melamine in imported products, detecting the chemical in six milk products made by Nestle, the Swiss food giant, and banning these from sale on Thursday.
South Korea said it had banned the import of milk products from New Zealand which were used in baby formula after discovering traces of melamine.
Government officials said it was the first case of melamine-tainted food from a country other than China.
First appearing in baby milk formula, melamine has now been found in a range of products containing Chinese milk in what is arguably the worst in a litany of product safety scandals involving Chinese-made goods in recent years.
The nation's top product safety watchdog said on Wednesday that melamine had been found in nearly 12 percent of a total of 265 milk powder products put to the test, but all had been produced before September 14.
In an update on Thursday, the watchdog said that no melamine had been found in 418 samples of liquid milk newly produced by the country's major brands.
The China Daily meanwhile reported that the public health threat may have peaked in China.
It said the number of babies brought into hospital for check-ups in the northern city of Shijianzhuang had dropped from a high of 43,000 a day to about 5,000.
Shijiazhuang, in northern Hebei province, is the headquarters of Sanlu Group, whose toxic baby formula was at the origin of the crisis and is one of the cities hit hardest by the scandal.

To be careful the milk powder for your baby.

Did you ever drink from a plastic bottle and see a triangle symbol on the bottom with a number inside?

Do you know what the number stands for? Did you guess that it's just for recycling? Then you are WRONG !!!!!! THE NUMBER TELLS YOU THE CHEMICAL MAKE UP OF THE PLASTIC.....
1) Polyethylene terephalate (PET)

2) High density polyethylene (HDPE)

3) Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) or Plasticised polyvinyl chloride (PPVC)

4) Low density polyethylene LDPE

5) Polypropylene (PP)

6) Polystyrene (PS) or Expandable polystyrene (EPS)

7) Other, including nylon and acrylic

What you aren't told is that many of the plastics used are toxic and the chemicals used to create a plastic can leach out of the plastic and into the food / drink. Think about it, how many times have you or a friend said "I don't like this, it taste like the plastic bottle ..... "

THAT'S BECAUSE YOU ARE TASTING THE PLASTIC The WORST ONES are Nos: 3, 6, and 7 !!!

DO NOT USE THESE NUMBERS if stated at the bottom of the bottle) !!! BEWARE & AVOID re-using plastic bottles RIGHT AWAY !!!

Manchester United First Win Against Aalborg In The ECL.

Dimitar Berbatov finally broke his Manchester United duck as the Champions League holders swept aside Danish minnows Aalborg 3-0 to kick-start their campaign.

After three matches without a goal, the whispers were already starting about Berbatov's effectiveness.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted his side's 3-0 victory over Aalborg was tarnished by injuries to three of his players.

A brace from Dimitar Berbatov and a goal from Wayne Rooney helped United to record their first victory in this season's Champions League against the Danish club.
But United lost Paul Scholes, Rooney and Rafael to injury with Ferguson forced to replace the trio during the game.

I hope Rooney injury is not too bad and can recover soon because he is talent and important player for united.

Malaysia's 'worst in the world' taxis tarnish national image

The ads promoting "Malaysia: Truly Asia" aim to welcome visitors with a warm smile to a prosperous and modern nation, so the taxi fleet branded "the worst in the world" can come as a bit of a shock.
Even the locals are not spared the shabby service of unkempt and hostile drivers behind the wheels of decrepit vehicles who refuse to use the meter, overcharge and pick-and-choose which destinations they will travel to.
Complaints about taxis are common in many countries, but in Malaysia it has escalated to an outpouring of frustration, on blog sites and in letters to newspapers.
In a survey by the local magazine The Expat, some 200 foreigners from 30 countries rated Malaysia the worst among 23 countries in terms of taxi quality, courtesy, availability and expertise.
The respondents lashed the fleet as "a source of national shame" and "a serious threat to tourists -- rude bullies and extortionists".
Salvation is in sight though, as a number of smaller, up-scale operators enter the market to provide a more expensive but quality taxi service for frustrated visitors and locals.
The uniformed drivers, behind the wheels of smart new multi-purpose vehicles and sedans, switch on the meter as a matter of course and do not refuse destinations -- surprising and delighting commuters in the capital.

That is a shame for all the taxi driver and fall down our tourist image in the nationwide.

MU low form in the recent match

MU forced to draw with Chelsea at the 80 minutes on the last Sunday EPL match. I knew you are in the better than Chelsea in this match. That is a terrible start of the session 2008/2009 for MU. Sir Alex Ferguson, MU manager need some strategy to overcome this situation and start to win the rest of the match include leagua cup, Premier League, FA cup & European Champion League. MU come on... I am fully support you since 1993 year.

Good News for Penangites

Penang launches statewide free WiFi project



GEORGE TOWN: Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng has launched “Penang Free WiFi” - the first step in making Penang the country’s first WiFi state.
The initiative, which is the first component of the state’s Wireless@Penang project, is aimed at giving Penangites free wireless broadband services.
“Today, Penang takes a bold step to make the entire state connected through wireless broadband and it’s a journey we want to complete within the next 18 to 24 months.
“This effort is 100% private sector driven with nearly no or minimal cost put in by the state government. However, there are no rights to exclusivity and all qualified and recognised industry players are welcome to interest of promoting competition,” Lim said at the launch in Komtar on Thursday.
He said the project was different from the Federal Government-initiated High Speed Broadband (HSBB) project costing RM11.3bil.
Lim said a preview of WiMAX@Penang, the state’s next step in providing for serious mobile Internet users who require faster speed, was scheduled for next week.
The Penang Free WiFi project is currently headed by content manager REDtone Telecommunications Sdn Bhd and service enabler Hotgate Technology (M) Sdn Bhd which will set up 750 wireless access points over the next one year.
He said the free WiFi service was already available on Komtar’s concourse level and 28th floor which houses the Chief Minister’s office.
“The WiFi service will be deployed on a ‘ripples strategy’ with simultaneous initial roll-outs in several core market centres on the island and mainland before they spread to cover the entire state,” Lim said.
REDtone group managing director Wei Chuan Beng said they would begin setting up access points in Queensbay Mall and the service should be available within the next four weeks.
“This will be followed by the areas located in Macalister Road, Burma Road, Gurney Plaza and Gurney Drive, Bukit Jambul Complex, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Butterworth and then Tanjung Bungah.
“The connection speed offered is at an average of 10 Mbps, depending on the specification of the notebooks, the speed can vary,” Wei said.
He said the REDtone-Hotgate consortium planned to invest at least RM10mil in the project but expected it to be self-funded from advertisements in the near future.



Source from:http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/18/nation/20080918201219&sec=nation

Animation Through Pro-Engineer Wildfire 3.0

Happy Engineer Day -15 Sept

Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1860.1965) was called a wizard in engineering. He was also called the precursor of economic planning in India. He took an interest not in engineering alone, but was capable of applying his talent to many allied matters connected with the development of the nation.
His learned discourse on economic planning in India entitled 'Planned Economy for India and Reconstructing India' was the first available document on the planning effort of the country and it is still held as the parent source matter for economic planners.
To commemorate the birthday ofBharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya, the Council of the Institution decided to observe September 15 as the Engineers' Day every year. This is celebrated throughout the country through all the Centres of the Institution "'ith learned discourses on a theme specified by the Council every year.

Grand Challenges for engineering :

Make solar energy economical

Solar energy provides less than 1% of the world's total energy but it has the potential to provide much, much more.
Manage the nitrogen cycle

Engineers can help restore balance to the nitrogen cycle with better fertilization technologies and by capturing and recycling waste.
Provide energy from fusion

Human-engineered fusion has been demonstrated on a small scale. The challenge is to scale up the process to commercial proportions, in an efficient, economical and environmentally benign way.
Secure cyberspace

It's more than preventing identity theft. Critical systems in banking, national security and physical infrastructure may be at risk.
Reverse-engineer the brain

The intersection of engineering and neuroscience promises great advances in health care, manufacturing and communication.

Ranaldo Can't Break Through Deadlock - ECL

Man Utd 0-0 Villarreal in their first group match European Champoin League. MU recently performed unconsitent and dispointing the fans. Although Ronaldo came back from injury and played at second half, MU still can't break through the villarreal defences and got a goal. Ferguson will need no reminding the last time Villarreal gained a draw at Old Trafford, three years ago, United did not make it out of the group.
It is unlikely to happen again but as Chelsea are lying in wait on Sunday, they need some of those 42 goals Ronaldo scored last season.

What is these?? Hand bag Or Notebook??

Oh Yes.. These are a series color of Notebook. Have You Seen These Notebook before?These notebook look like handbag. These notebook is really simple, fashionable, light (1.02kg) and thinnest (less than 0.7 inch) notebook. It has all the function of notebook. More detail refer to http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/may2007/tc20070523_272039.htm

KL Shopping on 15th March 08

We went to KL for shopping on 15th March 08 after GE-12th. Luckily, there is no demonstration in KL city. KL now got some new shopping complex like Pavillion and Time Square. I feel no much changes in KL compare to 5 years ago, there was my last time went to KL. We stayed at Melia Kuala Lumpur hotel just opposite the Berjaya Time Square. We feel very convenience to take the transport like KL monorail to go around the KL city.

Hong Kong Honey Moon 2007

We went to Hong Kong for Honeymoon at Nov 2007. The interesting place is Hong Kong Disneyland, Victoria Peak and Window of World (世界之窗), Shenzhen.