Being in the moment

If you are completely present in the moment, very little can faze you.

Farid Ali

Farid Ali is a Malaysian artist whose music is a fusion of traditional Malay guitar (ghazal) and jazz sounds.

Lucrative freelance gig

In the world of freelance writing for large corporations is the most lucrative option.

Automated fitness regime

There are gyms in Malaysia where members can have their entire fitness regime programmed into a 'micro key' that is inserted into a particular machine. This key automatically starts the program on every individual machine without any effort from the user.

Long queues at mall carparks

It is a terrible idea to go to a mall in Malaysia on a public holiday. The queue leading into the carpark literally stretches for a couple of kms!

Carpets at Ikea

Carpets are cheap at Ikea.

Pelmets

A pelmet is framework that outlines the top of a window.

The Divine Comedy

Dante published the Divine Comedy in 1321. He wrote about the progression through Hell, Purgatory and Heaven.

A quote by M.Scott Peck

Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.

A quote by Bill Lemley

When nobody around you seems to measure up, it's time to check your yardstick - Bill Lemley

Surrender and Liberation

Surrender does not always signify defeat, sometimes it means liberation.

Gigantic malls

It is getting to the point when one needs to use a skateboard or some other device with wheels to get around mega shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur. They're all absolutely gigantic.

Angels and Demons

Tom Hanks will reprise his the lead role in the follow up to the Da Vinci Code - Angels and Demons.

Cheaper curtains

It is cheaper to buy curtains from impersonal chain stores than from privately-owned stores.

Wendy's Burgers

Wendy's chicken burgers aren't as tasty as I remember!

2008 Booker Prize Winner

Aravind Adija won the 2008 Booker Prize for White Tiger

Ewoks

Apparently Ewoks (from Star Wars) speak Tibetan

Malaysian cooking habits

According to sources, 40% of Malaysians cook everyday.

The meaning of semi-furnished

Semi-furnished apartments for rent in Malaysia are sometimes just fitted with a kitchen cabinet and no other furnishing!

How cats purr

Cats can purr because they have special wiring that allows vibration of the muscles in a kitty's voice box. Domestic cats purr when they are happy and sometimes when they are upset or startled. Big cats (like pumas or mountain lions) that cannot roar are able to purr. Even raccoons can purr!

Independant Living

There are all sorts of equipment designed to help the infirm in Australian in a store called Independant Living.

Port

Port (the drink) is from Portugal.

The capitol of Sudan

The capitol of Sudan is Khartoum.

Eckhart on YouTube

Talks by Eckhart Tolle (author of The Power of Now) can be found on YouTube.

Peppercorns

Peppercorns are the berries of a tree

Kopitiam at the Curve

The Kopitiam at the Curve Shopping Centre is really great.

What-Ever Loser!

Whatever Loser is the latest in teenspeak. It's supposed to be said with emphasis and separation between the syllables in the word whatever i.e. What- Ever Loser! The phrase is accompanied with a fascinating hand gesture ...hold up the index, middle and ring fingers of your left hand against your forehead (to form a W for what), turn the same fingers 45 degrees to the right (to form an E for ever) and hold up your index finger and thumb at right angles (an L for Loser).

Kitchen organization

It takes a long time to organize an effective, efficient kitchen.

Computers not waiters

Some Japanese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia have successfully replaced waiters with a competent computer system installed at every table.

Scrap metal millionaires

There are Malaysian millionaires who amassed their wealth by buying and selling scrap metal.