Praying Mantis

11.45 p.m. I was having a nightcap with Adrian when he saw an unusual visitor on our kitchen floor.

Hey there! A praying mantis. I still don't know how it got into the apartment. This fellow had a slim abdomen so I assumed its a male. I read on the internet that the female praying mantis' abdomen is heavier. And, they eat the male praying mantis after or during mating. That's a sadistic way to satisfy hunger & sexual appetite at once. A "dangerous liaison" indeed.

Anyway, this particular one was somehow eye-ing at me for some reason. Seems they have a 180 degree vision. As soon as I got up from my chair, he crept up to claim my spot and proceeded to give me this pose. You cheeky monkey!

He spent a few more minutes on the chair before I took him out to the garden. I forgot to tell him not to look for a girlfriend if he wanted to live.

Short Note: Thanks Shirley for suggesting an apple picking day. We had a great time! The weather turned out great in the end, didn't it? :)

APPLE PICKIN' AT MASKER ORCHARDS


Fall is here! Apple picking is just the perfect fun thing to do this time of the year. First, we were given a handful of empty bags to collect whatever apples we fancied at the farm. There's a map printed on the bag to help us find the variety. Great idea since I only knew 2 or 3. Haha!


Freshly plucked apple - right off the tree.


Some ground rules to follow; do not throw the apples, do not litter, etc. Hmmm....


Just as I thought. I supposed people don't follow rules well. It wasn't me. No, really!


Apples, apples everywhere...you have to be careful not to roll your ankle while walking around the farm.


Yanna enjoying her apple. Ju-ju-ju-juicy..!


Our apple picking crew, Shirley, Sui Mae, Yanna & Abner. Hey, where's David? Fill up those bags quick!


Abner wanted us to do an "Adam & Eve" pose. Adrian did his slithery snake impersonation instead. Enough already!


Hmm...does it mean Not Red Delicious variety but ripe? Or, not ripe but Red Delicious variety?


Yanna, Sui Mae & David sitttin' on the hay with their bags of apples. Good job!


An apple tree bears apples & what else?! A baby hat? Haha! Masker Orchards is a great place for families to picnic. You can stay as long as you want so this is bound to happen after you've had a full meal of apples, plus a relaxing nap. Burrrp!


We bought a bottle of apple cider from Masker Orchards. It's the best! Should have gotten 2 bottles :(

After all the fun we had at the orchard, it was time to sit down & relax before heading back to Shirley & Abner's house for a BBQ session.

Bellvale Farms - a very good idea indeed ;-)


Everyone had the same idea. *sigh* The place was filled with people who came from the apple farm.


The Bellvale Creamery menu. Now, which one should I have???


Pistachio & butter pecan ice-cream. Excellent choice!

M!SSUNDAZTOOD?

Ok, so my English pronunciation is not consistent. I am not ashamed to admit that I do confuse people at times. Mine is a mixture of Malaysian, British, Australian & American English. Why am I such a language mutt one might ask? Well…

Malaysian English being who I am & where I was born. British English being the standard English I was taught in school. Australian English being the language spoken & written during my 6 years in college & university in Perth. Finally, American English because I live here now. Hence, I inherited a wealth of variable English pronunciation. I am rather good at differentiating between them but a salad of sorts when I open my mouth.

Of course, there’s no incorrect way.

Personally, British English has a pompous ring to it. Hearing a British person swear makes even the most vulgar word sound dignified. Australian English is very pitchy and gives me a bit of a headache at times. No offense (or, offence) to the Aussies, ok?! American English on the other hand, sounds very casual and easy on the ears. Simpler to learn without any funky intonation of the former.

However, there are also regional accents in the United States. In the East Coast, native Jerseyans & New Yorkers pronounce certain words in a rather odd way. Took my ears a while to get accustomed to it.

For example:

off = oawff

coffee = coaw-ffee

laugh = laff

got = gawtt

thought = thawtt

* Remember that sitcom “The Nanny” with Fran Drescher? U-huh!

And then, there’s the American way of omitting the end syllable of certain words; although this is also not consistent. Some speakers do it more distinctly than others.

For example:
Manhattan = Manhatt’n (man – hatt – “nnn”)
mountain = mount’n (mount – “nnn”)
certain = cert’n (cert – “nnn”)
important = import'n (import – “nnn”)

I am still wondering why this is so. Maybe someone can tell me? In the mean time, I am still troubled by my variety. Oh, what a dilemma!

DAMN UPSET!

I am traveling home to Malaysia in less than a month & this is what I read on The Star Online website.

Concern over plan to discontinue MAS service

[NATION 21-Sep-2006]

Cargo agents and general sales agents of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) operating in the United States and Sweden are worried over the airline’s plan to discontinue services from Kuala Lumpur to Newark via Stockholm. .....

I am baffled. What is MAS thinking??? Some people refer to MAS as Mana Ada Sistem (translation: no system at all). A clever pun that is becoming a reality these days. Even more obvious I would say.

Then (in 2004) : Goodbye Dubai.
Now & soon to be : Goodbye Stockholm.
January 2007 : Goodbye forever.

The news item further reported that MAS is making a short term business decision to create moderate profits but forgoing its long term profits. Shiish! This, so it seems, is a lucrative cargo business for MAS. Hence, I don't understand why they thought that killing the cash cow sector is "good" for them.

Personally, this is the best route for me to go back to M'sia. Saves time, although I would still have to spent 23 hours of total flying time. The air fare, sad to say, is nor longer competitive but I know that I'm paying for convenience. The usual trade-off. Newark Liberty Airport serves both New York City & New Jersey residents. It is only 20 minutes away from my apartment. I could have saved a hundred bucks going via Singapore Airlines (SIA) but that means the hassle of driving all the way to JFK Airport in NY.

Well, if MAS goes ahead and stop this service route by mid-January 2007, SIA & Thai Airways will definitely profit from less competition and by the time MAS realises this, it'll be too late. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that putting a new CEO without any background in the airline industry is bad business decision. Cutting service routes senselessly and passing the buck onto travelers (increasing air fares, taxes, plus add-ons like fuel surcharge, etc.) will not go augur well in its quest to increase sales.

Luckily, my return flight is before Jan. 15, 2007. So, I am spared the trouble of re-routing my journey back to New Jersey. This could be the last time I ever use MAS to travel back to the East. I have been flying this route for the past 3 years and they are definitely not operating under capacity. Business looks brisk from my personal experience.

A moment to reflect ...
I took this photo last November at Arlanda, Stockholm. It was the first anniversary of the Stockholm-Newark service. Passengers were given a nice treat and light spread of orange juice, snacks, finger food & non-alcoholic bubbly at the departure lounge while waiting to board the second leg of our ardous journey. MAS had downgraded us from their initial aircraft, a 747 (more comfy for passengers) to this crampy 777 in return for better cargo-load. So cargo business must be good, isn't it?! The flight was full too. So what's the problem, MAS?

419 Fraud


We received this mysterious letter today. We didn't know anyone from Spain so I immediately smelled a rat.

Not again!!! This is the second letter we received from overseas telling us that we have won some big international lottery. The first was from some company in U.K. A typical 419 Nigerian Fraud modus operandi although it could come from anywhere in the world these days via e-mails, letters, faxes, etc. If you're oblivious to it, please check out 419 Eater for more information and learn how to recognize these type of letters. It will save you from being conned.


These scammers or swindlers go through a lot of trouble to make their operation look "legitimate" e.g. watermarked paper, letter head and a business stamp. This one is wordy with lots of fake reference & so-called batch numbers. Impugnable! It is even scented. *shudder*


This is the part whereby they ask you for all your personal banking details, your next-of-kin and so forth. At this stage, commonsense will tell you to SHRED the letter.

For curiosity sake I googled - "Global Fortune Security Spain" and as expected...

El Gordo Mega Lotto International Lottery Scams Program Sweepstake ...

Global Fortune Security Company, International Lottery Foundation, ... el gordo scam spain lotteries, EL GORDO Spain SA., El Gordo Spanish International ... www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/Nigerian/lottery_terms.htm - 27k - Cached - Similar pages

Security and Finance Companies Used in Nigerian Advance Fee Fraud ...

Global Finance & Consultancy Global Fortune Security Company. Global Links Cash Change UK ... 28006 Madrid - Spain Tel: +34 625 223 723 Fax: +34 625 223 724 ... www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/Nigerian/security_companies.htm - 96k - Cached - Similar pages

Rip Off Report:Global Fortune Security SA Ripoff Madrid Spain

Company Global Fortune Security SA Address: Apartardo De Correos 529 Madrid Spain 28085 USA Phone Number: 011-34625221265 ... www.ripoffreport.com/reports/ripoff140436.htm - 24k - Cached - Similar pages

Rip Off Report:Global Fortune Security Company SA ripoff, decieved ...Global Fortune Security Company SA ripoff, decieved me to fax them personal info as if they will transfer winnings into my bank account Madrid, Spain.
www.ripoffreport.com/view.asp?id=180123 - 27k - Cached - Similar pages
[ More results from www.ripoffreport.com ]


Not surprising. They only thing we got was a nice stamp from Spain.

A Treasure of a Find


Adrian & I found this place by accident quite sometime ago. We were at a parade last February and had to find a way to avoid all the human & traffic congestion of Chinese New Year. We were nearly "human-stampeded" near Confucius Plaza & Bowery Street. Never go to Chinatown on Chinese New Year, ever.

Anyway, while weaving our way through lesser roads, we saw this place for Taiwanese fare tucked away behind the winding back roads of Chinatown. Excellent Pork Chop House! The name sounds very self-praising. We were skeptical but took the chance, nevertheless. Surprisingly, it lived up to it's name.

We went back recently for some Taiwanese luncheon.

Braised chicken soup - super aromatic!

Minced pork with salted vegetable & Chinese cabbage

Pork chop over rice - famously delicious!


Must have - bubble milk tea

The best part about eating here is that the food is cheap and the quality EXCELLENT! Just like the name suggests. Now that's a rare combination.

Man & Animal

We all know that famous Crocodile Hunter - Steve "Crickey" Irwin tragically died last week. I wonder if he is turning in his grave with recent reports that 10 stingrays were killed & mutilated in Australia to avenge his death. Morbid indeed. Could he ever R.I.P.?

Irwin was a great educator, communicator and champion of animal conservation. Ironically, this latest act of senseless violence and sheer human stupidity goes to show that whatever we hear goes into one ear and out the other ear. People tend to humanize animals too much. Thanks to cartoons and animated films like "Madagascar", "Over the Hedge", "Ice Age", "Shark Tale", etc. Sure those characters talk and think like us in the movie but it's all fictitious. Why is our human brain so thick that some of us just don't get it that animals are NOT humans. There's also an obvious reason why they are called wild animals. The word "wild" should ring a bell???

What did those perpetrators/animal killers think stingrays should do to redeem themselves -apologize? @*^#!

Source: USA Today, Friday September 8th., 2006

Chit-chat: I know it might sound obnoxious but I am glad that my ancestors decided to pack-up & migrate to Malaysia long time ago. Not trying to be narcissistic here but I sure don't wanna appear in overseas newspapers with a bad rep.

Rx: A Behavior Make-Over


Chinese travelers' made headlines in the national newspaper, USA Today last Thursday (see above). An accurately written article, I couldn't agree more. I am also Chinese by descent. So should I be embarrassed? To a certain extend but I am from Malaysia, NOT Mainland China. You might ask if there's any difference? Definitely. Our upbringing, socialization, enculturation & education set us up differently from our counterparts in Mainland China. Please read on for more "insight" on Mainland Chinese travelers...

Excerpt of the article "Chinese traveler's..." from USA Today,
September 7th. 2006

Unfortunately, I also see some of these Mainland Chinese bad manners at the local Asian supermarket here in New Jersey. Sadness! I have encountered several rude old grannies that cut lines as they see fit. If you proceed to tell them that there's a line, they either pretend not to hear you or tell you off that they have the right to do so. Grrrr..!!! Unbelievable right?

On a lighter note, I now give you my take of another 10 additional Mainland Chinese bad habits based on my personal experience and stories passed down by my grandparents & friends who have visited and worked in Mainland China.

N.B. I don't know if I should make an exception for the population from bigger cities like Beijing, Shanghai & Guangzhuo because Zhang Ziyi is from Beijing and Hong Kong papers allegedly reported & photographed her squatting too.

Anyway, here's my list ala "Dave Letterman's Top Ten".

You know you are a Mainland Chinese when...

10. It's ok to litter at an outdoor cinema. Just throw your chicken bones and what nots on the floor.

9. You still use an ear-digger (very, very small spoon with long handle) instead of cotton bud to clean your ears.

8. It's ok to put one leg up on the chair while eating or sitting.

7. Chewing, chomping loudly is ok.

6. It's ok to pee by the road side. Just open up your umbrella and use it as a temporary shield while relieving yourself. Ahhhh..!

5. You still have a potty underneath your bed.

4. You choose to squat on top of a toilet bowl when you can sit on it.

3. You have no qualms eating your pets. In fact, all animals are edible. Yummo..!

2. You use every inch of your yard/garden to rear chickens, pigs, plant vegetables & rice instead of landscaping it with exotic flowers, plants, sculptures or a koi pond.

And the No. 1...drum-roll please!

1. You clear your throat loudly & then spit (like this, kkuaaaaak-puiiii!).

Five years later

On the eve of the 5th. anniversary of a life changing event, we are inundated once again with documentaries, news & specials about 9/11. Let us pause and remember all those who passed on this day.


A few days after...


Adrian took this photo five years ago. All we can see now are candle marks on the floor.


A year later...

Memorial at Jersey City, NJ


Every year thereafter...

Blue memorial lights representing the 2 missing WTC buildings - view from Jersey City, NJ


Today...

World's largest American flag hangs over the George Washington Bridge as a tribute to victims of 9/11 - view from Fort Lee National Historic Park.
Tribute flag statistics: 90 feet tall, 60 feet wide, 450 lbs.

Time is supposed to help us heal but may we never forget.

Mazal Tov

Just a short blog today to give a shout-out to Rimma & Adi Mordel who have just returned from their wedding in Israel on August 29, 2006. Congratulations! Sorry we couldn't make it. Thanks for the photos. You both looked beautiful, radiant & happy :)

Little Italy Weekend

The day after Hurricane Ernesto unleashed it's "hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" winds.

It was a beautiful and perfect summer day with very comfortable temps. It's like nothing happened. How ironic! Adrian & I took a trip down to Little Italy in NY City on Sunday.

The theme: "Summer in NYC" . The second last hurrah before end of summer; not forgetting the big Feast of San Gennaro in 9 days time. Three blocks of streets were closed and it become an instant avenue for food, shopping & fun. Oh, not forgetting people watch too ;)


Crowded streets of Little Italy

People, people...everywhere

After strolling around for quite a while, we headed to our favorite coffee & pastries shop - Ferrara by Grand Street.

It's 114 years old... NYC's first expresso bar & oldest pasticceria.


We had coffee and a trio of strawberry tartlet, Bavarian mignon & eclair.


We saw a cigar rolling demonstration.


Adrian & his "friend" ;) He looked thrilled to have company.



Outdoor dining everywhere. Oh, the joys of summer.


This restaurant layed out its best to entice customers.


Another way to attract customers via the Statue of David. Michelangelo would have been proud. I should have taken a close up of his family jewels coz it had significant black marks there. Like Buddha's foot, I wonder did some crazy or naughty person rub it for kicks or good luck??? His owner needs to use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on him soon ;)


A basett hound waiting patiently for his daddy to finish his lunch ;)


Italian desserts - tiramisu, canolis, etc. Hey! It's that poison apple, no ...I meant candied apple again.


Biscottis, cookies, etc. from the Nut House??? They could have chosen a better name!


Only in Little Italy do you find...

Italian arrogance or last sales pitch for Italy's soccer jerseys, posters, etc.?? Would you wear the jersey of a soccer team plagued with scandals?! Hmm...And c'mon, we've had enough of that Zizu head butting incident. Time to move on. *yawn*


Holy statues! S, M, L & XL sizes for your house, garden, bedroom, etc.. Wherever you fancy.



Amica, amico...beware the dangers of prideful vanity.


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