A Dip at KLCC Children's Pool

With the weather getting hotter and hotter by the day and people rushing to buy airconditioners to cool down their homes, why not bring the children to KLCC for a dip at the pool and while the adults sit and relax nearby and enjoy the scenic views around KLCC Park.

This is my entry for the fun and wonderful weekly meme, Scenic Sunday #85. To participate or view other pictures around the world, click on the icon above.

Reflections - Recycle A Bottle

On the right, you can see a reflection of the scenery of the Rainforest of 1-Utama Shopping Complex.

This is my entry for Weekend Reflections # 23. To participate or view what others have posted for Weekend Reflections, please visit here.

Sunrise at My Neighbourhood

This sunrise picture was taken on February 14th, 2010 Valentine's Day at precisely 7:15am.
I took it during my early morning walk around my neighbourhood.

For more Skywatch Friday Season 4 Episode 33 pictures and to participate, please visit the Skywatch site. Skywatch was created by Dot and put in motion by Tom, who made it a huge success. Now it is hosted by Klaus with the help of Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Slyvia.

Thursday Challenge - SKY

Cloudy skies at the Outdoor Theme Park of Genting Highlands Resort. It was a rainy day with dark clouds looming over.

Check out what others have posted for Thursday Challenge, Theme: Sky. Click here.

Fu in Chinese means Good Luck & Prosperity

ABC Wednesday

F is for...

"Fu"

This photo was taken at the Chin Swee Temple, Genting Highlands.

Chinese like this word "Fu" which means Good Luck and Prosperity. For posters and pictures, some people like to hang it up-side-down, signifying good luck that comes from heaven.

Today's post is an entry in ABC Wednesday Round 6, the meme initiated by Denise Nesbitt. For more information and photos, please log on to this site.

Jade Emperor's Birthday

At the stroke of midnight on Monday, February 22nd which is equivalent to the 9th Day of Lunar New Year was Jade Emperor's birthday. It was the day of 'Bai Tian Gong' where many Chinese Taoists, particularly those of Hokkien descent celebrated the occasion with much noise and plenty of offerings. In my area, this is a grand affair with many devotees burning lots of fireworks. It was a lot of fun looking at the sparkling display that lasts more than an hour as one after another family start to pray. Children have fun playing with fireworks while the adults are busy praying. Among the must-haves for the occassion include incense, joss-sticks, joss papers, buns, cakes, nuts, fruits, sugar cane, vegetarian dishes. Some even include a roasted whole pig, chicken, duck and red-dyed eggs. This is a family affair and after prayers, all members will join in to have a feast before they call it a day.

This is my entry for That's My World Tuesday. To view what others have in their world, please visit here.

A Dragon in Monochrome

This is a dragon carving on the stone pillars of Kuan Yin (Guan Yin or Goddess of Mercy) Temple, Klang. The orginal colour is that of concrete grey with no colour painted on it, therefore I find it appropriate to post the picture in monochrome.

Quite often, we can find such pillars with carvings of dragons, deities and other auspicious objects at Chinese temples all over the world.

This is my entry for Monochrome Weekend Volume 2 Issue 26. My grateful thanks to Aileni for hosting this wonderful site. For other MM posts around the world, please click here

Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) Temple, Klang

This is the new building of the Kuan Yin (Guan Yin or Goddess of Mercy) Temple, Klang which was establishd in 1892. It is one of the oldest temple in Malaysia. The old building adjacent to this block has also undergone some massive renovation.

This is my entry for the fun and wonderful weekly meme, Scenic Sunday #84. To participate or view other pictures around the world, click on the icon above.

A Decorative Mural Ceiling

Lights being reflected at the ceiling and pillars at the lobby of the luxurious 5-star Maxims Genting Hotel. The home page of Genting Highlands Resort is here.

This is my entry for Weekend Reflections # 22. To participate or view what others have posted for Weekend Reflections, please visit here.

Skywatch Friday

I am standing on the grounds of Chin Swee Temple, Genting Highlands. When I look down from a great height below and see this scenic view around me, I always wonder how it is like to be a bird for a day and slowly fly around freely everywhere.

How about you. Are you afraid of heights and what are your thoughts when you are high up here?

For more Skywatch Friday Season 4 Episode 32 pictures and to participate, please visit the Skywatch site. Skywatch was created by Dot and put in motion by Tom, who made it a huge success. Now it is hosted by Klaus with the help of Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Slyvia.

How to Recycle Plastics

Many of us are confused over which of the many types of plastics can be recycled. One way is to understand the numbers that are moulded into the plastic containers that we use everyday:

The symbol code we’re familiar with, a single digit ranging from 1 to 7 and surrounded by a triangle of arrows was designed by The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) in 1988 to allow consumers and recyclers to differentiate types of plastics while providing a uniform coding system for manufacturers.

1 - PETE
The easiest and most common plastics to recycle are made of polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) and are assigned the number 1. Examples include soda and water bottles, medicine containers, and many other common consumer product containers. Once it has been processed by a recycling facility, PETE can become fiberfill for winter coats, sleeping bags and life jackets. It can also be used to make bean bags, rope, car bumpers, tennis ball felt, combs, cassette tapes, sails for boats, furniture and, of course, other plastic bottles.

2 - HDPE
This is reserved for high-density polyethylene plastics. These include heavier containers that hold laundry detergents and bleaches as well as milk, shampoo and motor oil. Plastic labeled with the number 2 is often recycled into toys, piping, plastic lumber and rope. Like plastic designated number 1, it is widely accepted at recycling centers.

3 - PVC - Polyvinyl chloride, commonly used in plastic pipes, shower curtains, medical tubing, vinyl dashboards, and even some baby bottle nipples, gets number 3.

4 - LDPE - Low denisty polyethylene
This includes wrapping films, grocery and sandwich bags, and other containers made of low-density polyethylene

5 - Polypropylene
Polypropylene used in Tupperware, food containers, dishware and auto parts.

1 & 2 are common plastics which are easy to recycle. For numbers 3, 4 and 5, few municipal recycling centers will accept it due to its very low rate of recyclability.

6 - Polystyrene
Styrofoam items such as coffee cups, disposable cutlery, meat trays, packing “peanuts” and insulation. It is widely accepted because it can be reprocessed into many items, including cassette tapes and rigid foam insulation.

7 - Other
Miscellaneous plastic products that do not fit into any of the other categories, e.g. items crafted from various combinations of the aforementioned plastics or from unique plastic formulations not commonly used. These plastics are the most difficult to recycle and, as such, are seldom collected or recycled. More ambitious consumers can feel free to return such items to the product manufacturers to avoid contributing to the local waste stream, and instead put the burden on the makers to recycle or dispose of the items properly.

Source of information:
About.com : Environmental Issues - How To Recycle Different Types of Plastics.

Thank you to Michelle of Rambling Woods for hosting Think(ing) Green Thursday # 36. To participate or to view contributions from other green thinkers around the globe, please visit here.

Kuan Yin Temple Klang

E is for .....

Education
Examination, and
Excellence

Today is the 4th Day of Chinese New Year. This is the scene at the century old Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy) Temple, Klang. Families with children who are still studying come here to pray to the God of Education for excellent study and examination luck. According to the almanac, today is an auspicious day to do so. They came to the temple with offerings of incense, joss papers, flowers and mandarin oranges. Some also believe that offerings such as garlic will help the child excel in calculation/mathematics, celery will make him/her hardworking while spring onion is for intelligence and leek is for wisdom.

Today's post is an entry in ABC Wednesday Round 6, the meme initiated by Denise Nesbitt. For more information and photos, please log on to this site.

The Monkey King

This picture is taken at Chin Swee Temple, Genting Highlands.

Sun Wukong (孙悟空), also known as The Monkey King is one of the main characters in the Tang Dynasty Chinese epic, Journey To The West. Born out of a mythical stone, he has the following capabilities:

a) immense strength - can lift 8,100 kg of weight with ease
b) speed - can travel 54,000km in one somersault
c) can perform 72 different transformations into animals, objects and human forms
d) skilled fighter
e) can clone into multiples of himself using his body hairs
f) knows various spells to command the wind, part water, form protective circles against demons and freeze humans, demons and even gods
g) his eyes has special powers to see demons hiding inside the human body

Just like Hanuman, the Monkey God in Hinduism, Sun Wukong is also worshiped as a deity by Taoists as The Monkey God.

Sun Wukong is also a new character in the computer game, Warriors of Orichi 2.

This is my entry for That's My World Tuesday. To view what others have in their world, please visit here.

Buddha Statue at Chin Swee Temple, Genting Highlands

This Buddha statue is as tall as the hill that sits behind it. It is made of stone and the whole statue is grey in colour. I think a black and white photo would give more emphasis on the statue as compared to the surroundings.

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past,
nor to worry about the future,
but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.
..... Gautama Buddha (563-483 B.C.)

This is my entry for Monochrome Weekend Volume 2 Issue 25. My grateful thanks to Aileni for hosting this wonderful site. For other MM posts around the world, please click here

Country Roads, Take Me Home

Today's a Sunday. It is also Valentine's Day, vacation day and Lunar New Year Day, all in one!

Happy Lunar New Year!

Happy Valentine's Day!

This is a familiar scene for many of us who are travelling outstation, going home, on vacation, visiting friends and family, or just travelling along with no plans in particular. When I am on a highway, I always think of my destination and can't wait to reach it. The beautiful scenery along the way will be a bonus.

How about you?

This is my entry for the fun and wonderful weekly meme, Scenic Sunday #83. To participate or view other pictures around the world, click on the icon above.

Building Reflected on Granite Slab - Weekend Reflections # 21

This picture is taken at a hotel lobby. A reflection of the building can be seen in front on the right. On the left, even the shiny wood has a reflection.

This is my entry for Weekend Reflections # 21. To participate or view what others have posted for Weekend Reflections, please visit here.

Skywatch at Chin Swee Temple, Genting Highlands

Do you think this is a nice place for a retreat and relaxation?

For more Skywatch Friday Season 4 Episode 31 pictures and to participate, please visit the Skywatch site. Skywatch was created by Dot and put in motion by Tom, who made it a huge success. Now it is hosted by Klaus with the help of Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Slyvia.

"Switch Off" To Combat Climate Change

Here is a lost of energy-saving measures we can incorporate into our lives to combat climate change:

1) Switch off the TV and other electrical appliances when you don't need them. Do not leave the appliances on 'standby' mode but turn off the machine. A TV set that is switched on for 3 hours a day and left in standby mode during the remaining 21 hours uses about 40% of its energy in standby mode.

2) Switch off the lights when you don't need them. Switching off 5 lights in hallways and rooms in your house when you don't need them can save money and avoid about 400kg of CO2 emissions per year.

3) Unplug your mobile charger when you're not using it. Even when it is not connected to the phone, it is still draining electricity. There are estimates that 95% of the energy is wasted when you leave the charger plugged in all the time.

4) Keep cool with a fan. Air conditioners use a lot of energy. An average room air conditioner operates at 1000 Watt, causing around 650gr of CO2 emissions per hour. Fans might be an alternative, otherwise use air conditioners sparingly and look for the most energy-efficient model.

5) Use the washing machine or dishwasher only when they are full. If you need to use it when it is half full, then use the half-load or economy setting. There is also no need to set the temperatures high. Nowadays detergents are so efficient that they get your clothes and dishes clean at low temperatures.
6) Use a tumble dryer only when absolutely necessary - each drying cycle produces over 3kg of CO2 emissions. Drying clothes naturally is by far the best way to do it: your clothes will last longer and the energy provided is free and non-polluting!

7) Boil less water. If you only boil just enough water for your cup of tea, you could help save a lot of energy.

8) Cover your pots while cooking. Doing so can save a lot of the energy needed for preparing the dish. Even better are pressure cookers and steamers: they can save around 70%!

9) Take a shower instead of a bath. Doing so takes up to four times less energy. To maximise the energy saving, avoid power showers and use low-flow showerheads, which are cheap and provide the same comfort.

10) Turn off your tap. If you turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, you can save several litres of water. Also, a dripping tap can waste enough water to fill a bath in one month, so make sure to check that they're turned off.

11) Let the light shine in! Decrease your CO2 emissions and keep your electricity bills low by making the most of natural light. Think about choosing pale-coloured walls, ceilings and floors, as well as mirrors, to reflect the daylight.

12) Switch the lights off before going on holiday. To save electricity, before you leave don’t forget to unplug as many appliances as is possible. If the appliances are still plugged in, they continue to use up energy. even if you switch them off.

13) Turn off your computer during your absence from the office for long meetings or lunch hours. You can thus save up to 20 % of your daily electric consumption. Even if it is not you who is paying the electricity bill, think of the environment.

Source of information: European Commission website here.

Thank you to Michelle of Rambling Woods for hosting Think(ing) Green Thursday # 36. To participate or to view contributions from other green thinkers around the globe, please visit here.

Chinese Dragons on Chin Swee Temple Rooftop

ABC Wednesday
D is for .....
Dragons

I look this picture standing near to the Pagoda of Chin Swee Temple, Genting Highlands.

In the west, dragons are fierce creatures that breaths fire. In some fairy tales, such as Sleeping Beauty, Prince Charming had to fight off the dragon before he can save Princess Aurora (Briar Rose). There also many dragon-slaying heroes.

In the east, dragons are highly respected, devine mythical creatures of good fortune. According to Chinese folklore, dragons control the rain, river, lakes and seas. Dragons can shrink to the size of a tiny worm or swell to take up the entire space between Heaven and Earth. Dragons can also become visible or invisible and they can transform into human or animal when on a special mission.

In the picture, there is a pearl between the two yellow dragons. This Dragon Pearl is the sacred pearl of wisdom and yang energy. You will often see this pearl whenever you see Chinese Dragons.

How many pairs of dragons can you see in the picture?

Today's post is an entry in ABC Wednesday Round 6, the meme initiated by Denise Nesbitt. For more information and photos, please log on to this site.

Post publication update:

The answer is 2 pairs of dragons, yellow and green. The furthest is a pair of Chi Lins also known as Chinese unicorn or dragon horse.

Caterpillar Crossing at Outdoor Theme Park, Genting Highlands

This is the check point that every child and many youngsters have to pass through before they are allowed to enjoy the various rides in the Outdoor Theme Park of Genting Highlands Resort.

One tend to get nervous (children as well as the parents) when the child feels that he/she is ready for more thrilling rides but height does not permit, hence the source of many a heart ache, tears and tantrums.

How about this: What if you are too tall for the games you like?

Do you wish to be a kid once again and ride on the carousels, ferris wheel and kiddy bumper cars?

This is my entry for That's My World Tuesday. To view what others have in their world, please visit here.

Monochrome Maniacs - A Glowing Chandelier

A ceiling chandelier at a hotel lobby.

This is my entry for Monochrome Weekend Volume 2 Issue 24. My grateful thanks to Aileni for hosting this wonderful site. For other MM posts around the world, please click here

Pagoda at Chin Swee Temple

Visitors to Chin Swee Temple, Genting Highlands can climb up to the highest level of the 9-storey pagoda and admire the awesome view of beautiful cloud formations and blue moutains below your feet. The atmostphere here is fresh and cool. It is just a 5 to 10 min. drive down from First World Hotel. The temple is situated at the most scenic spot of Genting Highlands Resort.

This is my entry for the fun and wonderful weekly meme, Scenic Sunday #82. To participate or view other pictures around the world, click on the icon above.

Reflections of a Shop Window

While you are looking at the pair of cute teddy bears, can you also see the shops across the street that are reflected at this shop window?

Now, which teddy will you select?

This is my entry for Weekend Reflections # 20. To participate or view what others have posted for Weekend Reflections, please visit here.

Genting Skywatch

Yes, This is Malaysia! It is the view of the garden behind the Theme Park Hotel, Genting Highlands.

For more Skywatch Friday Season 4 Episode 30 pictures and to participate, please visit the Skywatch site. Skywatch was created by Dot and put in motion by Tom, who made it a huge success. Now it is hosted by Klaus with the help of Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Slyvia.

World Wetlands Day 2010

World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2nd every year. It marks the date of teh signing of the Convention on Wetlands in 1971 in the city of Ramsar, Iran. It was celebrated for the first time in 1997.

This year's theme is "Caring for Wetlands - An Answer to Climate Change".

What are wetlands?
Wetlands includes bogs, marshes, peat swamps, freshwater swamps, lakes, mangroves and reiver systems. Wetlands are generally considered low-valued lands which makes them susceptible to reclamation for agriculture and other purposes.
Actually, wetlands are rich in species and provide man with numerous ecological services.

The benefits we obtain from wetlands include:
1. water supply
2. habitat for wildlife
3. fish breeding grounds
4. water purification and waste treatment
5. flood control
6. storm protechion
7. recreation

Currently many wetland species are under threat. Examples include waterbirds, freshwater fishes, amphibians, turtles, crocodiles and aquatic plants.

We can do our part by leaning more about our own country's wetlands and be supportive of the events organised by our local councils, NGOs and governnment.

Source or reference: Article titled "Wet Wonders" by TheStar dated 2nd Feb 2010, link here.

Thank you to Michelle of Rambling Woods for hosting Think(ing) Green Thursday # 35. To participate or to view contributions from other green thinkers around the globe, please visit here.

Cows Crossing in the City

ABC Wednesday

C is for.....

Cows Crossing in the City

One rarely get to see scenes like this in a city of 1 million people. I photographed this at Bandar Bukit Tinggi, Klang. Perhaps they are heading home to the cowshed after a day of grazing at the Butterfly Park nearby.

Can you spot the 'Urban Cowboy'?

Any more 'Cs' to add?

Today's post is an entry in ABC Wednesday Round 6, the meme initiated by Denise Nesbitt. For more information and photos, please log on to this site.

Post publication update:

1. C for Traffic Calming - by Christine H of The Daily Postcard Blog.

2. C for City Cows - by Tumblewords

Lichun The First Day of Spring

This week on 4th February 2010, we shall welcome Lichun, the first day of spring, ahead of the Lunar Chinese New Year which falls on 14th February 2010, also Valentine's Day.

The picture collage above has been composed of scanned images taken from red packets. These are some of the things we like to have or see during the festive season. In this entry of My World Tuesday, let me explain the meanings behind each picture.

Top row from left to right

1. The rectangular boxes is an example of a couplet we like to hang on both sides of main door to homes and offices. A couplet consists of 2 verses with auspicious sayings in poetry form. In the picture it says, "When spring arrives on Earth, prosperity and power is abundant."

2. The picture with "Fu" characters, is usually hung upside down when we decorate our homes and offices to denote prosperity that comes from heaven.

3. The "Chun" denotes spring. We like to display this character of any sayings that have this word to signify the coming of spring, a time of regeneration and growth.

Bottom row, from left to right

1. The words "Hua Kai Fu Gui" means 'When flower blooms, prosperity comes'. Beside the phrase is a pot of peonies, the Queen of Flowers in Chinese culture. The peony or mudan (牡丹) is the flower of riches and honour, romance and beauty. In Malaysia, we can't find read peonies, so we make do with silk flowers and put them in beautiful vases.

2. Cai Shen (財神) is the Chinese God of Prosperity. Just like Santa Claus who makes children happy during Christmas, Cai Shen is welcome by everyone, from young to old. We all want to welcome him to our homes. In Malaysia, you can see him on his rounds during promotions at shopping complexes and offices distributing red packets and sweets to kids and adults also like to receive gifts from him. Some people will touch him to 'get the wealth'.

3. A pot of citrus limes or tangerines with the words, "Tai kat tai lei" meaning 'abundance of wealth and prosperity'. We like to display them near our main door for wealth and prosperity.

Note: Please click on the links for further details.

This is my entry for That's My World Tuesday. To view what others have in their world, please visit here.

City Daily Photo January 2010 Theme Day - Wood

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

This is a typical Malay Kampung House in the rural area of Perak, Malaysia. Almost the whole house is made of wood. When I was a little kid, I have stayed in a similar house before. My parents were teachers and they were given a government PWD (Public Works Department) house to stay. Because the walls are made of wood and supported by stilts, it is actually quite cool inside eventhough the weather is hot and sunny outside. I love to play masak-masak (cooking), hide & seek and happy family with my friends, cousins and siblings under the house. Our pet cats and dogs love to nap here too. Some people keep chickens here. Those families that live in houses with higher stilts can also hang their clothes or fix a hammock under the house. Also, whenever it rains and there are flash floods, wouldn't you be glad you have a house like this?

Have you ever live in or visited such a house before?

A real Malay Kampung House

This is my entry for Monochrome Maniacs.

This is my entry for Monochrome Weekend Volume 2 Issue 23. My grateful thanks to Aileni for hosting this wonderful site. For other MM posts around the world, please click here