Another everyday observation.
*Click image for a larger version.
** Feel free to copy and paste, for non-commercial purposes only, but please do not alter in it anyway. In the midst of the Flu A H1N1, everybody seems to be taken some precautions, by getting some sanitisers, face mask and such, so one day during lunch, some time before the fasting month, saw this guy wearing face mask, but ironically, there is a lit cigarette on his hand!!And despite, the Non-Smoking in public areas By-Law, still saw many patrons puffing those toxic fume, especially in those al-fresco dining, and the fumes is equally harmful to those non-smokers sitting next table!So Please, look at the man in the mirror.
Nihonbashi is one of the busy districts in Japan. Here is where actual business is done in Japan, the money making place, where millions of Yen, or more, exchange hands, because in Nihonbashi you can find, Bank of Japan, Tokyo Stock Exchange, Mitsukoshi (Harrods equivalent) & Takashimaya, just to name a few.Translated directly as "Japan Bridge", Nihonbashi is literally the centre of Japan, as this is where the Zero Mile Marker starts, just like that Zero-Mile-Marker Big Blue Clock in Bandar Seri Begawan, which serve as the reference point of all roads.
A plaque on the bridge stating the history of Zero Milestone.
Zero marker where the distance are measured from.
Shortly before the 1964 Summer Olympic, an expressway was built over the Nihonbashi Bridge, "polluting" the classic view, thus this is why til recent years, local people have signed petitioned to "move" the expressway underground, and if this move is implemented, it would cost the government USD4Billion!
The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore.
As many people would know by now, Singapore will be hosting the world 1st ever Night Time F1 race, scheduled to be held on the 28th September 2008.It will be a street race, and the Fullerton Hotel will be one of the witnesses of this amazing race.The race will be held within the vicinity of the Marina Bay area, and the Fullerton Hotel is at Turn 14.If you wanna be a part of the historic event, book your tickets and hotel now, but mind you, the hotel along the race track cost at least $1,000 per room per night! And you have to book it for the "5 days" weekend!The flood lights are now being tested at St. Andrew's Road, the intensity of the race light is about 3,000 Lux, oh FYI, the normal street light is about 100 Lux, where as the normal sunlight is about 50,000 Lux!For sure, the road will need to be resurfaced, and the manhole covers need to be welded, or otherwise the G-Force from the over 300km/h F1 car will pull them open!
I love to look at photos, especially by those legendary photographers, learning how they captured such outstanding images out of the ordinary life.
Hence, whilst dining at a "fine restaurant" at one of our fine neighbouring countries, out of the many fine photos hanging on the walls, one of the photos caught my attention.
I remembered seeing the photo somewhere, and my mind was wandering as I was indulging the food, and after a few moment, I remembered that it was one of the iconic photos ever taken.
Baiser de l'Hôtel de Ville or Kiss at City Hall (bottom right), was taken in the 1950, and the woman in the photo, Françoise Bornet, sold her original photo taken by Robert Doisneau, for more than $0.25 Mil. at a Paris auction.Although, the wall was decorated with beautiful black & white images, that particular photo still strike a chord.
With the new malls mushrooming, some would thought that, those small shop just could not compete with the new and modern settings.But, surprisingly, these small shops, do still exist, up and about, and some of them even open their branch at the newly developed shopping complex/malls.
One of the many small shops at the capital, which have been operating since so many years ago, and now they have opened up a number of branches in the new malls, and amazing enough, one would presume the new layout for the new branches would be different, but the layout is still the same as this shop.
Just a quick post, showing a local street scene.
Besides the Malay, as the majority, the Chinese & Indian communities also add up to some of the percentages of the local populations.
Could not help noticing this particular person's hairstyle, perhaps, he got the inspirational idea from Sanjaya of Americal Idol, and to which I also have an idea of composing it like that once famous ads, and still is.
I bet, when people see his hair people will say: "Ai Rambutnya ah ... atu nya! ", hence the title iRambut!Not so sure how much it cost to style it as such, but the amount was intentional, just to mock the latest craze in grocery adverts, i.e. .99 this and .99 that!People will thought, " iRambutnya tiga puluh labih saja! ", (thirty something only), when in fact, it is $40!So customer beware, caveat emptor!
Most people nowadays are beginning to enjoy those "photojournalistic" style of photography, where "supposedly", the photo would be those of the candid type, without the subject actually "realising" they were being photographed.But, "photojournalistic" style are not merely taking any candid photo, at times the subject are aware of it, but what matter most is the story within the photo composition, just like making a proper sentence in the English Grammar, i.e. one needs a proper "verbs" to make it complete.So now, rather than taking the typical candid photo, for the next couple of days or so, I'll just post photo of "not-so-candid-photo-yet-not-so-posed-photo"Well, who knows, in those post, YOU might be in the photos, or perhaps, someone you know.
First on the list, the participants from the Royal Customs & Excise Department, which previously a.k.a Customs & Bea Department, established in April 1906, is one of the oldest government department.
White gloves can represent anything, thou it is usually worn by uniformed personnel, but it can also be worn by waitresses, or by magician or even Micheal Jackson!Thou the later only wore a single glove.
The one with the white gloves.Speaking of which, by now, the local community would have heard about the incident regarding this guy who wanted to leap off the overhead pedestrian crossing at the busy Gadong Road yesterday (29.02.2008).I personally think that, this guy is confuse, very confuse, he has taken the term "Leap Year" literally, so since it was a "Leap" February this year, hence he tried to "leap-it-off"!And, some interesting fact about leap year, why February 29? Why not January 32 or so.It was told, that during the Roman Empire of Julius & Agustus, they grab the two days off February to make July & August to be 31 days, hence to compensate the shortened February, hence it was chosen to be a part of the leap year.
A port is one of the important gateways in a country, depending on the historical factor, the capital city is usually situated at, near or within the port area.The major port in Brunei is Muara Port, thou there is a smaller one at Kuala Belait, called KB Port, very near to it, the neighbouring country, they've got Miri Port but I'm wondering, they don't have Baram Port, hmmmmm, I presume, it doesn't sounds nice in the Malay Language.
What is the difference between a port, harbour, wharf, dock and quay or even jetty?The above photo shows a monorail passing by the Port of Singapore.The Port of Singapore was featured on the National Geographic Channel in their programme "MegaStructures" as the "World's busiest port!"
Salam Ma'al Hijrah 1429 to the Muslim readers.
This photo was taken few years back with the Film Canon EOS 300X SLR + 28-90mm lens.One of the prominent landmarks of Bandar Seri Begawan. On a totally different note, I read this article regarding the danger of improper disposal of the super energy saving light bulb, found ubiquitously in most home.A broken energy saving light bulb, contain a little amount of mercury, hence when the bulb broke, the mercury will diffuse and release a hazardous mercury fume, thou a single broken bulb in a well ventilated room is not THAT hazardous, but if 5 bulbs broke, in a small contained room, well my advice would be, get out of the room ASAP!Whilst watching the Mythbuster on telly, one of the crew accidentally hit the light bulb with a solid object, and he mentioned that he wanted to go out of the room in danger of the mercury fume! Hence that strengthened the above para regarding the mercury thingy.Mercury, Hg, with the atomic number of 80, is the one of the very few metal which is liquid in room temperature.I think, the manufacturer should clearly label on the packaging of how to dispose the light bulb properly.
Sunday is quite synonymous with functions, particularly weddings in Brunei.
Outside, people are waiting for the arrival of guests.
Whilst inside, there are people getting ready, preparing for the big event.On the other note, it is interesting how nowadays, one can get so much information just by watching television, especially from those cable TVs. The type of info processed in one's mind depends on what they choose to watch, if you wanna gain knowledge, then knowledge you will get, and if one tend to choose otherwise, then, you will get what you seek for.Of which, leads to some interesting myth, of our local "folklore".Let's not go far, some case studies can be found during the wedding ceremony itself.One of the reknown myths or kepercayaan during a wedding function, is for the bride/groom to throw/put their soiled undergarments on top of the roof, to prevent from raining!Before we go into a conclusion, here are some interesting or intriguing facts/scenarios:- Is there any scientific explanation for this? Does the soiled undergarment not add up to the increase of CO2 i.e. the effect of global warming or anything watsoever, that it will counteract with the weather situation, hence preventing it from drizzling?
- Does the thrown undergarment gonna be picked up later after the function? OR will it be just left as it is for the whole wide world to see? Perhaps, it can get famous if someone finds it thru Google Earth!
- What if this person never wears any undergarment? What shall he/she throw out? Their pants? skirts? shirts? socks? shoes?
- Imagine if due to some unforseen reason, the undergarment or the item slips, and drops to the ground, or worst to someone's head! It ain't gonna be funny, or it will! (eh what's that on your head? Nice Tudong eh! Eh atu karing sutungnya! Adeh mahal jua underwearnya atu!!)
- There are in fact more stuffs that's on top of my head but I just don't wanna put it down, except this one, baik tah cakap melayu saja, memandangkan perkara ani selalu terjadi kebanyakkannya arah perkahwinan masyakarat Melayu, yang semestinya berugama Islam, jadinya, adakan dalam ugama yang menyatakan kitani mesti membuang seluar "inside" atas atap supaya inda ujan? Banar plang nya orang tua-tua catu, but kadangnya, ada perkara ani mesti jua kitani luruskan, pasal, kalau perkara yang salah, selalu kitani buat dan bila orang kan meluruskan, jangkal dan salah rasanya, sama jua sebaliknya.
- Jadi, my point is, kalau sesuatu perkara atu ada dalam Islam, then ikutkan tia, mun nada, baik tah tinggalkan, bukannya apa, karang ditakuti kitani "percaya" kan Seluar dalam atu tia pulang ( nah tersabut tia perkataan dalam atu), sebab inda jua kitani kan mau terpesong daripada akidah kan, apa tah salahnya, berdoa plang supaya inda ujan, atau memohon supaya dipermudahkan kelancaran sesuatu perkara/acara atu, kan sanang.
Just imagine, if such act is really true, then the weatherperson will have some hard time, or easier time, as long as they throw away their undergarment to which ever place, then that place will receive no rain! Brilliant ain't it! Aduiii!Ok my frens, might bring up more local folklore/ myths that need to be talked about, we will try to check if it is really a myth (so that it can be busted) or if it is really a fact.Bah just remember, apa-apa ani atas kekuasaanNya jua.Selamat berhari minggu, your last Sunday for this year. ;)
Did you know that, Sushi was originated from Brunei?
.. look at the photo ... familiar ...? What is it ...? (No ... don't scroll down first ... but oh what the... I know you'll just do it anyhow .... ) ....... here it goes ... ..... before the World War ... the Japanese ... traveled all over the world to gain knowledge ... yeap ... knowledge ....... no.. nope ... not Knowles ... that is Beyonce Knowles ..... btw ..... knowledge ... in whatever way it might be .... technology .... lifestyle .... including foodstuffs ...... so during their occupancy in Brunei .... they found out about our local delicacies ... which includes ... yeap .. u guess it .... Pulut Panggang .... ( steamed stuffed rice wrapped in leaves)
.. from the above photo .. u can see there's a whole load of similarities between Brunei's Pulut Panggang ... and the so called Japanese Sushi .... .. but as time goes by ... and the people .. are more and more innovative ... and of course ... more health concious ... so ... the Japanese .. they improvise the delicacies .... exchange the dried prawn in the pulut panggang to a healthier raw fish or salmon ... then exchange the leave wrap .. to the edible seaweed .... .. so ladies and gentlemen .... there you go .... the origin of sushi ... believe it or not .... ;)NOTE: This is based from my research and finding, the actual fact needs to be studied thoroughly.
On the lighter side of life ...
.. have you heard about the concert done by Stevie Wonder.. while he was in Tokyo Japan ...?
... Stevie Wonder .. has belted out for the past hours his hit songs .. but obviously the audience can't get enough of him ... and from the audience there's this guy shouting ...
.. " A Jazz Chord! ... A Jazz chord!! .. "
... so without hesitation ... thou he's not an actual jazz singer ... played a simple jazz chord on his piano.....
... after he finish the jazz number ..... the crowd "stubbornly" still yells out ....
... " A Jazz Chord!... We want ... A JAZZ CHORD!!!! ... "
... so trying to win the fans ... Stevie tried to play a more complex jazz number .......
.. and after ten minutes or so .. hoping to satisfied his fan .....
... the audience still keeps on shouting for more ..... " A JAZZ CHORD!! ... A JAZZ CHORD!!!"
...... Stevie Wonder ... getting a bit annoyed ... then asked the man in audience to come up to the stage .. and show him ... what he really really want .....
... and the man eagerly run up the stage .. hold the mic .. and sing the song they wanted ...
.... " .. A Jazz chord .... to say ... I ruv u ..... " .....!!??
... jgn marah ah ... ;)
... one of the most important things to have in hand.... or one should have booked earlier prior to the arrival to a destination.... is a place to stay .. be it a simple lodging ... plush hotel .... friends/relatives' crib ... or wherever... as long as u have a decent place to stay ... and to store your belonging safely ..... with the advancement of the internet .. it is now a "breeze" to book a room via the net ... but one must be aware that ... peak seasons ... and very close to the destination.. one could experience a nightmare in booking a room ... the price could also be hiked ...... so once u get your ticket confirm ... book your hotel ASAP ....... one can be spoiled for choices in making a choice in booking a room .... some prefer ... proximity .... one prefer comfortability ... some ... price... some doesn't really care .. as long as there is a place to stay ........ but .... if one prefer a dirt cheap hotel ... one should also be concerned of the hotel's safety rating .... so how can u know how good the hotel is .. if u have not been there before ....... well... ask around... surely .. you've got someone who have been there ... or otherwise... u can just check on the net for ratings and comments ....
.. the reception at the Royal Plaza Hotel on Scotts .... the reception in any hotel is the very first place you go to everytime you walk into the hotel .... but not in this case.... why ...? .. I'll let you know in a bit ..... situated less than 5 minute walk from the ever bustling Orchard Road .... the hotel is the first 100% smoking free hotel in Singapore ...... during a vacation in Singapore ..... and as the Airport taxi stop in front of the Royal Plaza on Scotts' main entrance ... the taxi door was opened by the hotel's staff and immediately ... to our amazement ... we were greeted by our Surname ..... !! WOW! .. ( how many hotel do such thing? .. name me one or two more ... ).. what an amazing first impression .... not to be bothered with the luggages .. entering the pleasantly nice aromatic scent in the lobby ( it always smells that way every time you walk pass the lobby!) ... we were then ushered into the lift .... and straight to our room ....! .... everything was done in the comfort of the room .... ... so there's no need to fill in any form .. standing .. or what so ever by the reception desk ...... see I told u so .... in fact ... checking out can also be done in the room ... but ... I just wanna meet up and greet the staff at the reception during checking out .. so I just walk there....... everything was pleasant during the length of the stay .... and the good news for Muslim travelers ... the restaurant at the lobby i.e. Carousel .. is Halal certified by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore .... and the food was great ! ....... and for those who loves shopping for branded goods .. such as LV .. Coach .. Dunhill ... Mont Blanc .. Gucci ... Le Sports Sac ... and such .... next door is the Duty Free boutique ....discounts for tourist....
... hmmm .. what else .. oh yea .... free mini bar ... the mineral water and soft drinks are replenish daily .... good news for those soft drink lovers... and good news for the " I-can't-stand-without-connecting-to-the-net" ... free Wi-Fi for the guest .....
.. hmmm... final say ... Royal Plaza on Scotts ... with their slogan of " What can we do for you" ... is totally recommended for your next stay ...
.. just a simple reflection on the car's screen of a function/ ceremony taking place ...... on the other hand .... I got this thru email for you info ...
WORLD AIDS DAY ...World AIDS day was marked on the 1st of december 2007. Brunei Darussalam Aids Council will mark Brunei's version of world aids day occasion on the 6th of december. This event is open to public.
Details are as follows: Date: 6th Dec 2007, Thursday Time: 1400 HRS - 1630 HRS Venue: Bilik 2, ICC, Berakas, BSB
Guest of honor: Deputy Ministry of Health
... with performances from youth- dance troupe, bands..... and the theme for this year should be leadership:talk and act ....
.... so all of u are invited .... :)
.. one of the many accessories worn by the bride/groom during the Wedding Ceremony ....
... imagine if these are real solid gold .... hmmm....
.. one of the important things in wedding preparation is the Make-Up Artist (MUA) ... or the hair stylist ... or even fashion consultant ...... these specialist are usually available by special request ...... they can make or break your appearance on the special day ....
... giving a final touch on the head gear ....
... final touch-up ....... make-up in reality and photo do make a difference ... so experience beforehand ... or if possible ... ask for a demo touch up ....
.. it is the time of the year again .... where many Muslim will prepare themselves to travel .. and perform the Hajj ... ... Performing the Hajj is one of the 5 pillars of Islam ... a must for those who have fulfilled the religious requirement ..... ... in most countries ... people who have perform the Hajj .. are usually called ... Haji (for men) ... or Hajjah (for women) ....... strong mental health or determination ...is needed to perform the hajj ...it is totally different from our ordinary travel holiday trips .... as this is not a holiday ... one need to sacrifice oneself ... to pray.. and devote oneself to God the Al-Mighty ... 
... while traveling to one of the near-by country .... saw this sign ... Haji Lane .... Haji Lane ... is actually a named of a guy called .. Lane .. who performed the Hajj ... and thus called Haji Lane! .... hmmm... nope... just kidding ... ignore the story ..... well if you wanna know the story behind it ... you can search it on the net ... ;) ... To those performing the Hajj .. where ever you are ... ... Selamat menunaikan fardhu Haji ... semoga mendapat Haji yang mabrur ....
.. just another quick post ...
... the child n mum .. or the mother n daughter .... .. BTW .. did u know that ... there is actually a universal language use by babies (0-3months) ... which is the same all over the world ....? eermm..... if u watch Oprah ... you will know more about this ......
