I was in Suntec the other day and chose to have a bite in Food Republic. Seriously, I am not a fan. It was simply because that was the first stop I came to and was to lazy to walk elsewhere. Here is the Library theme:
Juice bar
Chicken rice
Yong Tau Foo
My dinner
If you are wondering, the books are just wall papers.
Now the dust is beginning to settle over the burnt and vandalised grounds. I am awaiting the next move from cabinet twits. It seems like the acts to flame up emotions among people went off like a deflated balloon. Probably they are still ignorant to the fact that some of their citizens are getting smarter, while they are still as thick as ever. I hope the more educated and broad minded will recognise the fact that spurious use of religion as a tool to disrupt amity between the people is not going to work. Politics and religions are like water and oil. There are enough examples around the world that show the grave consequences when both clashed.
Here is one of my favourites from 15 Malaysia. Read into it.
I think Singapore is a food republic. You can find food courts almost everywhere. In general, people here eat out more than they cook. The kitchens of friends I visited are mostly used like pantries. I think in near future, new residential developments will probably shrink this space into the size of a toilet. After all, for those who do not cook, a fridge and a microwave round up the basic essentials they will need. With current excess space, you will still have to prop up the showroom kitchen with a KitchenAid or some chi-chi wares to compliment the look. Anyway, back to food courts.
I have been out and about these few weeks and grabbing meals in food courts. There are a few major chains operating here beside those individually owned kopi tiam in housing estates. The chances of telling the food courts in the malls apart is unless you look at their sign when you enter. I like Food Republic for their different themes in every location. Food wise, they are slightly above the edge with their presentations and varieties, but that means a pricey tag.
Here is Food Republic in Vivocity:
A rustic chinese inn theme
Dim sum counter
Clay pot rice
My beef noodle. Looks good, taste blah.
C's fish noodle
My appetiser. Fried buns with radish and minced pork filing.
Lady with push cart selling drinks and bloody expensive herbal teas.
I have been following the news on Malaysia closely since the arsonist attacks in churches. Yes, trouble is still brewing, although the government is issuing statements of assurances in fear of being blacken in the international spotlight. Get real! In these couple of days, the attacks has not only increased, it also hit Taiping, Malacca and even Sarawak.
The very same people who sat in silence, allowing the nation’s bigots to spark off ‘lawful’ gatherings and strikes, are now making contradicting statements. I wonder if this is part of the act to distract the nation from the many other pending cases that are showing the incompetence of the already-losing-many-votes-party (and I hope they will loose even more!). Through these years, they have surely hone their skills in distracting, proclaiming, assuring and then quietly sweep everything under the carpet till some Oppositions dig it out to start an altercation.
It is revolting to see such discrimination in one’s own country. After forty-seven years of independence, the country only seems to be moving backwards. Ohh, I almost forgot that we have a Vision 2020. Let just see how far we progress.
1: Establishing a united Malaysian nation made up of one Bangsa Malaysia (Malaysian Race).
With the current racial tension building up, perhaps the government should take the initiative when addressing public as one Malaysian Race, not We Malay.
2: Creating a psychologically liberated, secure and developed Malaysian society.
Being a minority in the Malaysia society, I definitely DO NOT FEEL psychologically liberated.
With crazy crime rates that are escalating, I only feel secure when I am surrounded by my trained-to-kill Rottweilers where ever I go.
Developed Malaysian society? I am seeking refuge in a real developed society for the time being.
3: Fostering and developing a mature democratic society.
Hmmm… Let’s start by not gathering in groups and creating scenes in or in front of others’ compounds just because YOU are not happy. And STOP throwing things for a start. Bad boys! Stop playing with fire!
4: Establishing a fully moral and ethical society.
This important lesson should start in Perdana Putra.
5: Establishing a matured liberal and tolerant society.
OK, don’t get me started on that cow and Molotov cocktails again…
6: Establishing a scientific and progressive society.
How do we become future Nobel price winners when the generation now are facing problems comprehending simple lessons in English. Of course our government has to make life simpler for these poor minds. Let’s teach them in their mother tongue! Nevermind those who have different mother tongues, after all, this concerns the majority.
7: Establishing a fully caring society.
Fully?? Maybe we can look into this when it has become an EQUAL society. Equal rights for all citizens, regard of race, colour or religion.
8: Ensuring an economically just society, in which there is a fair and equitable distribution of the wealth of the nation.
Fair?? What fair?? I am paying more, getting less, and still have to give in to the majority! Don’t even talk to me about fairness!
9: Establishing a prosperous society with an economy that is fully competitive, dynamic, robust and resilient.
Bwahahahaha…
First, the policemen may have to start losing off their tummies, so that they can chase thieves and robbers instead of hiding under trees or in drains, sneaking up on motorists and discreetly demand a bribe for offences you don’t even realise you made.
Then, the country has just realised that their population are becoming diabetics at an alarming rate. Instead of putting up constructive measures, they have taken on a ludicrous act: Stall owners, do not increase your charges for your sugary drinks or you will be in for trouble. Disgruntled public who do not have their daily dose of sugar rush at the usual cost are encourage to report you to the authority!
With a nation peppered with bandits and outlaws, obese public and illegals, it’s surely dynamic and robust!
With two kampong chicken and a hungry brood, it’s chicken rice feast for the weekend. I have done this before, and I think I just get better each time. The trick to a juicy chicken is not to boil it, but to keep it in the hot tub. My Ee gave us a bottle of home-made chilli, a perfect companion. What’s chicken rice without the chilli right!
Juicy poached chicken
My successful attempt! A grainy pot of fragrant rice!
The chicken stock as soup
Did you read the news? Some disgruntled nincompoops had taken on the sheer moronic tasks of torching up some churches in Malaysia, simply because they have to share a word with people of another religion. It must be a weighty word to them, for they feel threaten that their own kind may get muddled and lost their faith when its used by others, to address the same higher power. Come on, what is faith if it is so easily swayed!
Can this be unfortunate event be avoided or stopped? Absolutely! It is already an obvious fact that the verdict had already caused a stir in the community. Did the government step in to calm the matter? No. Instead, they have to appeal at the Court of Appeal in order to maintained the exclusive use of the word. And when the matter got out of hand, they start the tai-chi acts. Often, the press releases looks uncannily similar:
“We have been monitoring the situation…”
“We are still investigating…”
“We hope that with adequate investigations, we will bring those responsible to justice…”
They assume their people are amnestic, and eventually the whole matter fades quietly into the shadows of the government’s closet.
On a separate incident, this is the same community who killed a cow, severed its head, marched the street towards the Hindu temple and created a scene (cows are considered scared animals to the Hindus). Reason being: The “noise” from the Hindu temple would disturb their own praying, and that they would not be able to function properly as Muslims. ?!!??
An interesting fact if you had realised, mosques in Malaysia broadcast their daily prayers five times a day. How’s that for disturbance.
Hypothetically, if someone were to kill a pig, severed its head, march the street towards a mosque and create a scene, how would the story end…? But thankfully, we, the minorities have more tolerance, open-mindedness and are definitely more peace-loving. Hence we don’t see the need to display any impetuous actions publicly just to show our unhappiness.
This is Malaysia. 1 Malaysia (my ass!)
Allah bless us!
It’s a new year thing that everyone does, even if you don’t, you will still think of it mentally; New year resolutions. C and I had sat down and made our new resolutions for the year (or rather, more like our goals), together. So now I am sitting in my corner, reflecting on what my own individual resolutions are.
I have a new business to launch and another to run, many goals to accomplish, and even more wants to acquire. Along with wants to travel to exciting destinations, to meet more like-minds, rekindle some dear old friendships, be involved in some exciting projects and many more gastronomical adventures. There is also a BIG decision coming up for us, and I know many good things will start to fall in place.
Now that I look at this, it looks more like a wish list. Well, wish list or resolutions list (whatever you can call it), it’s just a checklist to remind oneself of what you really want to do. And instead of just wishing or intending, I am going to get my ass down to doing it!
My tagline for 2010: LIVING MY DREAMS!
One only wish I have, is for Moo to live healthily and happily for many more years to come.
Since the run of the year, I have completed reading two books. One that was started few weeks before, the other in just two days!
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert was a journey through different discoveries of oneself. Funny and entertaining. The other that made me stayed up till almost dawn, looking like @_@ after two days of complete indulgence is The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. Like the other Dan Brown books, you just can’t stop once you start. I think he is one hell of a fiction writer, one of my favourite. It’s no wonder why some dull-witted minds can get confused over his fiction to facts.
Now I am getting into my next book, A Fortune-Teller Told Me by Tiziano Terzani. I think I have caught the reading bug.
It’s a brand new year, and this is a brand new look for the blog!
I got bored with the previous header, so ‘TA-DAH’ this new look. I don’t bother if you don’t like it (though I secretly hope that you do), I love it to bits!
Oh, and a cartoon me! 
C and I stayed at home on New Year’s eve. This time, C was busy cooking up a storm. I had laboured over our Christmas feast, hence she took on the task of cooking me a nice New Year meal. C is really good at mixing up drinks. I love her Sangria! So at my special request, Sangria is it for me.
My lovely dinner, by C's labour of LOVE
This is going to be a great year!
Wishing you all a wonderful year ahead!
