Kuala Lumpur Daily Photo

DP Surprise!

2009-03-02T00:01:00.002+08:00

I'm still in Singapore. Just opened a show. Feeling fabulous.

So, yesterday, very early in the morning I get a call from Keropokman of Singapore DP saying that Eric was in town on transit on his way to a month-long holiday in New Zealand and Australia. He asked if I could come and meet him. Unfortunately, I had 2 shows and had to be in the theatre the whole day. Luckily, Eric wasn't too far away and Keropok got him to come meet me for a couple of minutes.

And Michael was with him. What a great surprise! Wishing you both a great trip, and K'pok, thanks for coming to the show tonight. It's always good to see a familiar face in the seats.

Love always.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-02T15:30:00.002+08:00

I've been working and travelling. No chance of taking pictures of my beautiful KL. I'll be back in Malaysia towards the end of April. And because a lot of clients and theatre associates want to know what I'm up to, I've decided to, occasionally, blog over at my online CV. If you (and I miss all of you!) want to read my latest exploits head over to Edwin Sumun.

I wish the eternal blessings of the universe to you for a good year. Love always.

DP Theme Day: Lines

2008-10-01T12:45:00.002+08:00

I'm back from my short trip in Rajasthan, and just in time for theme day. Living in KL where lights are bright and the night skies glow from the lights of the skyscrapers, I was pleasantly surprised by the darkness and lack of lights in the streets of Delhi. In Jaisalmer, the brightest thing we saw was the light of a full moon when we slept in the Thar Desert. It was a great trip and plans are underway for the next trip to India.

So, coming home after all that dimness, the bright KL city lights caught me a little off-guard. Took a couple of seconds to readjust. This shot of the KLCC Twin Towers is an interpretation of my eyesight that day when I returned to the comfort of my own bed. Lines of light.

164 Daily Photo members participating today. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

To all in Malaysia, Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Maaf Zahir and Batin.

on hiatus

2008-09-13T09:16:00.003+08:00

hello everyone! I do apologize for the lack in posts but you see, I'm not in KL. I'm on holiday in Rajasthan, India. I'll be back at the end of September.

So, wherever you are, take care. I'll see you soon.

tread lightly

2008-09-04T23:03:00.001+08:00

Sshhhhh. Quiet please. Like the big poster says, 'You're entering the pamper zone.' It's even funnier that the road-crossing figure looks like he's trying his damnedest not to walk too loudly. Where is this zone? It's the shopping district.

Now shoosh, dedicated shoppers at work.

poor night vision

2008-09-03T23:42:00.002+08:00

I've noticed that my perfect vision eyesight isn't very perfect at night. My left eye gets a little blurry and isn't as sharp as the other one. What does that mean? Shall I soon inherit what is in my family? Are spectacles in my future? As it is I have a pair of off-the-shelf reading glasses. To tell the truth, I don't mind. If its going to happen, let it be.

So, here's a blurry but spooky night shot. Blurry because of shaky hands, not blurry eye on viewfinder.

playthings

2008-09-02T23:18:00.003+08:00

I was walking down Jalan Bukit Bintang and this display of Japanese figurines caught my attention. I remember playing with some of these when I was a child but can't for the life of me remember what each one's name is now. As much as I love watching a good Anime movie, I can't keep up with its culture. Here in KL, Manga and Anime are big hits with teenagers. Every mall is guaranteed to have a shop that sells the paraphernalia. There's even a dedicated Anime TV channel for the fans.

DP Theme Day: Sister Cities

2008-09-01T00:00:00.005+08:00

Assalamualaikum. May Peace be with you on this wonderful Daily Photo Theme Day. Kuala Lumpur has 7 sister cities. One of them is the place of martyrdom, Mashhad, Iran.

**Mashhad is the second-largest city in Iran and one of the holiest cities in the Shi'a world. It sits about 900km east of Tehran and has long been the center of secular as well as religious learning. The large Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, named after the great Iranian poet, is located here.

Ferdowsi (935-1020) is a highly revered Persian poet. He was the author of the Shāhnāmeh, the national epic of Persian-speaking world as well as the entire Iranian realm. The Shāhnāmeh, or the "Book of Kings," consists of the translation of an even older Pahlavi (Middle Persian) work. It has remained exceptionally popular among Persians for over a thousand years. It tells the history of old Persia before the Arab conquest of the region. This tale, all written in poetic form and in Darī Persian, starts 7,000 years ago, narrating the story of Persian kings, Persian knights, Persian system of laws, Persian Religion, Persian victories and Persian tragedies.

Ferdowsi is one of the undisputed giants of Persian literature. After Ferdowsi's Shāhnāmeh a number of other works similar in nature surfaced over the centuries within the cultural sphere of the Persian language. Without exception, all such works were based in style and method on Ferdowsi's Shāhnāmeh, but none of them could quite achieve the same degree of fame and popularity as Ferdowsi's masterpiece.

Ferdowsi has a unique place in Persian history because of the strides he made in reviving and regenerating the Persian language and cultural traditions. His works are cited as a crucial component in the persistence of the Persian language, as those works allowed much of the tongue to remain codified and intact. In this respect, Ferdowsi surpasses Nezami, Khayyam, Asadi Tusi, and other seminal Persian literary figures in his impact on Persian culture and language. Many modern Iranians see him as the father of the modern Persian language.

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica:The Persians regard Ferdowsi as the greatest of their poets. For nearly a thousand years they have continued to read and to listen to recitations from his masterwork, the Shah-nameh, in which the Persian national epic found its final and enduring form. Though written about 1,000 years ago, this work is as intelligible to the average, modern Iranian as the King James version of the Bible is to a modern English-speaker. The language, based as the poem is on a Pahlavi original, is pure Persian with only the slightest admixture of Arabic.**

The picture above: the Tomb of Ferdowsi. Ferdowsi was buried at the yard of his own home, where his mausoleum now lies. It was not until Reza Shah Pahlavi's rule, in 1925, that a mausoleum was built for the great poet.

Click here to view thumbnails for all 148 participants. That's a lot of sister cities participating in this month's theme. Let's travel the World.

* Meead, thank you so much for this picture. I wish you peace. I'm very happy we made this swap.
** text extracted from wikipedia

celebrate independence

2008-08-31T01:06:00.002+08:00

August 31, 1957, the day Malaysia achieved independence. That was 51 years ago. There were hopes and dreams.

Today, we see fireworks at nearly every kind of celebration. Even the politics in this country tend to have a fireworks quality to it. A big bang signalling something about to come. Then a flare of light. But just as quickly as the colours and light amaze you, it all disappears in a haze of choking smoke. Yeah, I'm not jumping to celebrate our politics.

I am celebrating the one day when everyone puts aside their differences to believe in a united Malaysia. I am celebrating the hope that this country with so much potential will one day be admired and respected the world over.

Selamat Hari Merdeka Malaysia!

sweet milk

2008-08-30T17:21:00.002+08:00

This is Cendol. Its a local dessert slurped by everyone. You can't see it here but it is served with syrupy palm sugar and lots of shaved ice. This one here is served in a paper cup but we usually have it in a bowl standing by the roadside on a hot day.

So, if you come visit, you can choose to go safe and have a bottle of water to quench your thirst or try this yummy dessert drink.

Have a great weekend. Tomorrow is Independence Day. To all Malaysians, MERDEKA!

steel towers

2008-08-28T12:25:00.002+08:00

A steel lamp post shot with a wide-angle lens. I thought it looked great with one of the Twin Towers angled behind it with the bridge connected to it. Shows the current state of development here in KL. Lots of construction around the city.

Its been raining heavily these last few days. The colours gone. The city suddenly goes monochrome.

onions make me cry

2008-08-27T19:32:00.001+08:00

When I studied the different religions in college, I cried from the beauty of what I read. Each one beautiful in its teachings of piety, peace and understanding. The Olympic Games are held every 4 years to bring together athletes from all around the world to compete under the name of global harmony.

And yet, hundreds of thousands fight and die 'for God' and others refuse to admit defeat for games now completed. By the time you finish reading this, hundreds will lose their lives and a certain Western nation continues to think it is the Earth's greatest country. Time to wake up my friend.

Here in KL, we wonder what the future holds for us. A developing nation with ridiculous front page news. A once-condemned politician has officially returned to Parliament.

This is a picture of an onion dome of one of KL's more popular mosques. Beautiful, isn't it?

I still cry as I continue my study of religions but my tears fall harder when the beauty is twisted and abused.

Spark!

2008-08-25T12:21:00.003+08:00

This past week was incredible. I spent it with 58 teenagers (18/19 yrs old) in a DiGi Managing Mindsets Youth Program called Spark! The idea was to bring these teens from around Malaysia and show them a different side to corporate life as well as creative expression workshops that included photography, dance, song-writing, production management and drama. Everything was geared towards showing them things they wouldn't normally experience in their daily lives.

Having worked with kids and special needs teens, I had forgotten how sheltered most youths are nowadays. When I was 18, I got into all sorts of mischief, things many of these 58 have yet to experience. So, it was with great pleasure that I got to relive my youth through these wonderful people. We laughed and cried, we spoke of future fears and we said goodbye with a smile knowing we'll meet again someday.

I would like to thank the folks at DiGi, Saffura, Guri, Frank and Sherina and the production team of Emily, Vivian, Nurha, Khai, Arief. I had a great experience. And thank you so much Sparkers for all you have taught me about the youth of our nation.

This shot was taken at the last dinner we had together. Where do we go from here? Only time will tell.

birthday thankfulness

2008-08-11T23:51:00.003+08:00

Hello everyone! I do apologize for my week's absence. I've been crazy busy doing a couple of corporate projects. Like today, I was in a think-tank meeting for 7 hours. The moment it ended, I called my friends. Today marks my 34th birthday. I would usually plan a fabulous party but because of work, I didn't think of anything. So, in one hour, we managed to book a table at a restaurant, got ready and made our way to dinner. I just came home. Completely happy and very thankful.

In keeping with the spirit of thankfulness, a picture of the woman who gave birth to me. I snapped this with a tripod just before I hopped into the shower. My mother, Yvonne.

I've not had much creative/artistic work this year but I'm extremely blessed to have a group of mad friends and equally mad mother that have kept me sane.

Cheers to us!

* I will post sporadically these next 2 weeks. corporate workload ends august 22nd. love always.

car for free

2008-08-04T22:34:00.002+08:00

If you go shopping at everyone's favourite mall, Sungai Wang, remember to save your receipts because you stand a chance to win this Nissan that's displayed at the entrance. Most of the outlets are participating in this 'Win A Car' promo. So, go bust your bank balance, get the entry form, attach the receipts and good luck.

sunday in the park

2008-08-03T23:17:00.002+08:00

Sunday always is the perfect day to take a stroll in the park. You see families having picnics, couples holding hands, kids running about, amateur photographers gloriously taking pictures of everything that passes by. Sunday is lovely.

Hope you're having or have had a lovely day.

nightcrawler

2008-08-02T23:32:00.002+08:00

The streets will always have stray cats. My friend Seow Yee was driving home one day and saw 2 tiny kittens. She stopped her car and picked them up. One lives with her now and the other is with her mum (I think.)

So, the streets have stray cats, I've said. Here's one I found one night. Have a great weekend.

DP Theme Day: Metal

2008-08-01T11:48:00.002+08:00

August is here. Leos of the world celebrate. I know I am. Back to today's theme day post. Metal. I looked for a heavy metal concert but alas, none. I thought that would've been an interesting skew of the topic. Officials are a little testy nowadays and anything deemed 'not appropriate' won't be seen or heard.

So where does leave me? Well, I'm standing at the taxi stand waiting for my turn to get into one and zip away. Hey, the sign is metal, innit?

Have a great day everyone. Go have a look at the other 183 metal maniacs. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

stump'n'cone

2008-07-31T16:07:00.002+08:00

The things you can find when taking a leisurely walk through the park. I was looking for something to post for tomorrow's theme day when I stumbled across this. It was funny to me. No fallen tree next to the stump. Instead a cone. Just there. Lying on the grass. I wanted to lift it up and place it on the stump but alas, there was a 'do not walk on grass' sign. The next best thing: snap a shot of it. I would've done it but the park security was standing next to me. And it is not advisable to cross a Malaysian security guard. Oh no, it is not.

bike chained

2008-07-29T21:04:00.002+08:00

KL has yet to embrace people who choose to commute with a bicycle. Which means if you do move about with one, there's nowhere to park and chain you bike. I'm one of these people. One day, I noticed these guys who had chained their bikes to a signpost on an island in the middle of a busy road. Clever boys.

ich bin ein berliner*

2008-07-28T01:29:00.004+08:00

Who likes donuts? Raise your hands. Come on, don't be shy. I love donuts either chocolate-coated or sugar-raised. And for me, the place to get the best ones is Sun Moulin Bakery in Isetan KLCC. However, this shot wasn't anywhere near. A couple of chains of donut shops have sprung up and you should see the queue during weekends. I won't mention the names of these places but the donuts aren't that good. Good for a quick 'nut fix but never satisfies. A couple of my friends believed these were so good until I bought them the Sun Moulin ones. Satisfaction guaranteed.

I'm sure these boys were drooling as they watched the donuts being made.

* berliners are the best jam-filled donuts in the world! lecker!

sunday hey!

2008-07-27T14:21:00.003+08:00

Another day of rest, but not for me. I had a good night out for dinner last night but something is doing the nasty in my tummy. I've spent most of the day attached to my bathroom and its taking its toll on my body. I also have to prepare for my classes in Singapore. I have nearly 400 teenagers waiting. Thankfully, the classes are split into groups of 80 or so. Even 80 is a large number. But I'm convinced it'll be fruitful for them and me.

Its Sunday and I'm off to the bank and to return a faulty ink cartridge (hopefully, the supplier will replace it.)

stuck on you

2008-07-26T23:55:00.001+08:00

Was taking a ride in the backseat for once, not in the driver's seat. Gave me the opportunity of gazing out the window and not worry about maneuvering through traffic. However, this window sticker was the most fascinating thing I saw. It says, 'remove label and discard.' Didn't ask my friend where it came from but I was mighty glad she didn't adhere to the instruction.

Sally, thanks for the gorgeous peacock.

peacocked

2008-07-25T17:23:00.003+08:00

A lady selling peacock feathers. When I was a wee lad, I loved watching the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants on telly. My favourite part was always the parade of national costumes, most of all the costumes of the South American contestants. Their costumes were always so dramatic and exuberant. I remember one Miss Brazil who had a huge collar of peacock feathers. When I saw this lady with her plumage, I was instantly reminded of that costume. It also brought back the memory of the first time I ever saw a peacock.

I have since stopped watching these pageants and haven't seen another peacock. Pity.

paint job

2008-07-24T20:51:00.002+08:00

When I'm restless, I say yes to tagging along to anywhere and this time was no different. Candice and Shen wanted to get their hair done as well as a pedicure. Really folks, I had not much to do and once when I had hair, I spent hours in a salon myself so I completely understand the hours it takes to get the 'do just right. I like this place they frequent. The young hairstylists are kinda cute. Great eyecandy for me. I hope they didn't catch me grinning.

found nemo

2008-07-23T21:28:00.004+08:00

As promised, Nemo or Ocellaris Clownfish as the marine biologist-types would say. And just like that well-loved animated feature film, there are 2 of them here too. I watched them swim for so many minutes before I pressed my lens against the tank.

I wanted to post this yesterday but like most other days, my broadband connection was nowhere near being connected. This is getting to be a nightmare problem for me. When I last made a complaint, I was told to change my phone cables because there were old and interfered with the connection. I did that over 2 months ago and did that make a difference? Of course it didn't. The cables that run along my street are as old as I am. Have I mentioned that to them? Yes I did. Did they do anything? I was told there weren't enough people complaining to warrant any changes. Thank you Telekom Malaysia. I'm really angry with the people in my city. I love KL. The irony of it all.

Karen, I'm okay. See you next week.

le grand bleu

2008-07-21T19:28:00.003+08:00

After many days of being headless and restless, I decided to go to the one place I never thought I'd go to. Aquaria KLCC, the biggest aquarium in Malaysia. I've been to Sea World and Marine Land, I've snorkeled a few blue waters and told myself that Aquaria wouldn't surprise me much. Its one of those 'must-have' Malaysian things. We want it, we build it but it never achieves its desired effect (except the gorgeous Twin Towers of course!)

So, like I said, I was restless and wanted to see something different in this city. Paid my RM28 entrance fee (RM38 for non-M'sians) and merrily sauntered in. As great as it was to be underwater and see all these beautiful creatures, it saddened me to see them all in enclosed areas and tanks. I guess this stems from my own need to have space to roam without having to bang my nose on a wall at every turn.

This shot was taken inside the 90-metre tunnel. It was beautiful to see turtles, sharks, stingrays and schools of fish swimming above my head. I came out of the tunnel and went back in for another 90-metres.

Tomorrow, Nemo and I don't mean Captain. Didn't see him anywhere.

bloomin' thanks already

2008-07-17T15:09:00.003+08:00

I'm back from the Johor Bahru Arts Festival. Our hosts, organizers Susie and her husband Yap, were friendly and gracious and made us feel like superstars. We only performed one night and what a night it was! The audience was fantabulous! Thank you JB. And just for all of them, and my dear friend Cheng Han who is making her way back to New York, I post this photo. You are in full bloom.

Can anyone name this exotic specimen of flora? I found it on the outskirts of KL.

SURPRISE!!!

2008-07-14T00:11:00.000+08:00

Hello! I know I've been away for a couple of days. Spent the weekend with friends who helped to cheer me up from the doldrums I've been in. On Saturday, we got together to celebrate Seow Yee's birthday (actual date: today) with lots of food and laughs. Here you see a tray of birthday cupcakes. Banana-something with creme cheese icing. I had about 6 of those.

I'm away again for a couple of days. Off to Johor Bahru for the Arts Festival. Will be back posting on Thursday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEOWS!

fat free

2008-07-09T22:45:00.003+08:00

Yes, fat is free but weight loss comes at a price. A hefty (no pun intended) price. Here's a poster I saw. No diet, no hunger it says. I'll bet the money in my wallet that someone bought into it. Hmm. I always wonder why the city doesn't better our pedestrian paths so more of us can walk off a big meal, or ride bicycles, rather than spend money on these fat-loss products. Any bets on when that will happen?

I only have 20 dollars in my wallet. Ooh, big bet!

bloomin'

2008-07-08T23:21:00.004+08:00

The Bunga Raya (Hibiscus) is the Malaysian national flower and my mother has suddenly fallen in love with it. She went to the nursery and brought home several pots. These are the yellow ones. I noticed the red ones sprouting buds today.

love sounds like this

2008-07-07T23:46:00.003+08:00

"Sayangi Kuala Lumpur" means Love Kuala Lumpur. Ooh ooh oooh. What kind of sounds would you make if you were asked to express your love of/for your city?

light up my life part 2

2008-07-06T23:48:00.002+08:00

Suddenly, despite being a little under the weather both physically and mentally, the lights multiply to brighten the darkest of days. Sunday lives up to its reputation, Day of Rest.

This shot was taken at Bangsar Village 2, a uppity-hoity-toity shopping mall.

light up my life part 1

2008-07-05T15:44:00.002+08:00

The weekend's here, I'm still moody, the city is losing its hold on me and if it weren't for my friends, I'd be more than just off my rocker. I had a couple of things to attend to but only managed to complete 2 of a long list. Hey, that's not too bad right? 2 is better than none. Again, thanks to my friends for keeping a check on my wandering sanity.

My head-banging continues tomorrow with part 2. Have a fantastic saturday.

behind the scene

2008-07-04T13:39:00.002+08:00

A backstage look. In the front, you see a shiny, slick stage. For most people, you get all the glamour. But for us lucky folk, we get to go behind the shine and see how it all works. Here are 2 workmen putting the finishing touches to the area just minutes before I walked out on stage. They were friendly and quite apologetic for the last-minute work. All was good. I went on and the stage was solid as a rock.

too many views

2008-07-03T21:34:00.003+08:00

I'm in a place right now where my mind is saying a lot of things and the rest of me feels the opposite. I know what I need to do but I have too many opinions wrecking havoc on my decision making. So, I decided to stay home and did nothing the whole day. My head is throbbing, I have a headache, and I'm going to go out for a walk once this is posted.

sheer beauty

2008-07-02T22:54:00.002+08:00

Make-up fanatics unite. M.A.C. is the choice of so many women and men. That's right, Men. Just admit it. There's absolutely no need to deny it. I use a couple of the company's products but my make-up is filled with The Body Shop. I know a lot of women in KL use M.A.C. Even us theatre folks benefit from it.

Today, a friend came back to visit bearing a John Varratos concealer stick. Can't wait to use it for my next show.

DP Theme Day: "No..." Signs

2008-07-01T11:42:00.002+08:00

Yes. Yes. Yes. Its theme day in DP Land and we have to go for the obvious or be super-creative. I went for the obvious but KL being KL, I was guaranteed to find something with incorrect spelling. So, today in KL, in a narrow alley, No PARKIN is allowed.

Can't wait to begin my tour of the other obvious or creative DP cities. I'm sure to be entertained. Come with me. Click here to view thumbnails for all 172 participants.

Have a great day!

a tight squeeze

2008-06-28T22:35:00.003+08:00

Buses park anywhere they want on KL roads. I was lucky to be the first car behind them and not one of the many in line behind me. I would've been so frustrated waiting for them to move.

Hey Hey It's Saturday. I've have a great day and hope you have too. Heading home tomorrow.

communal sharing

2008-06-27T11:08:00.001+08:00

Friday afternoon prayers. Very important to the Muslim community. Assalam'mualaikum.

going down

2008-06-26T18:15:00.002+08:00

Down. That's where I'm going. Down to Singapore to pick up my suitcase of clothes. 30kgs worth of clean undies and my favourite t-shirts. I'll be posting everyday. No worries about that. I'm there for a few days only. To say hello to friends and work out details for my postponed show.

give me a sign

2008-06-25T12:56:00.002+08:00

I was sitting in my car, traffic as usual, twiddling my thumbs with the music loud. Wasn't going anywhere. There was a flyover support pillar next to me. These signs just hung there. One was an arrow to a wedding, the other was looking for people wanting to earn from home. I wondered why anyone would put signs in such a place when I realized it was for us drivers who were stuck in traffic with nothing to read.

classic couture

2008-06-24T13:29:00.002+08:00

Here's a store that sells ready-made baju kebaya, a body-fitting outfit. The blouse is coupled with a batik sarong. In the days of yore, women had these tailormade to fit their body shape. The most soughtafter kebayas are the ones made by the Peranakan people. The delicate lace and intricate embroidery second to none. But for most women looking for a quick fix, these ones in the picture will do.

jacked up

2008-06-23T00:25:00.002+08:00

Guess what folks? I'm back in KL. My show in Singapore which was supposed to be in August, has been moved to March '09. I won't disclose the reasons until the company does. We were going to begin rehearsals today. I was really looking forward to it. So, after turning down several corporate assignments, I'm going to be using these next 2 months to wrangle myself a little sumthin' sumthin' to keep myself occupied. I was feeling a little flustered, like having to change car tyres in the dark of night, but I found my Maglight and I'm ready to go. KLDP is back! Thank heavens for photography.

up, up & away!

2008-06-09T16:49:00.003+08:00

Up and down. A staircase somewhere in KL. Looked good. Snapped a shot. Here it is.

Okay folks, I've left it quite late to announce it but here it is. In 2 days, I'm off to Johor Bahru to spend a couple of days with a local charity, Care United. I'm there to help raise funds for their children/old folks programmes. Then when I'm done, I head straight down to Singapore where I begin rehearsals for a musical. I'm there for 2 months. The show Superhero Diaries, goes on at the end of August and will be in the Singapore Indoor Stadium. This show will see 2 of my childhood dreams come true. First, I get to share the stage with one-time popstar Debbie Gibson. I loved her songs when I was a wee tween. She plays a villain and I play one of the heroes that has to defeat her. Second, I get to perform in a stadium in front of thousands. Thousands!

But here is my promise to you. I won't disappear completely. I will take as many shots of KL as I can, save them in my vault and post at least once a week, with updates to my life in the island nation.

See you soon!

dry bear

2008-06-08T20:49:00.002+08:00

Driving through one of KL's many narrow back lanes, a short-cut to avoid Sunday shoppers traffic and guess what? Traffic in the lane too! But saw this Pooh bear towel drying on the line. What a Sunday!

like a soppy whitney song

2008-06-07T16:28:00.003+08:00

Okay, though George Benson sang it first, it was Whitney Houston who took it worldwide and told us she believed children are our future, teach them well and let them them lead the way.

Yeah, after the last 2 years of teaching, I believe it too. Look at this little girl, chewing on the national flag. If she is taught well, she'll be one of the many that will stand tall and wave the flag.

I'm feeling extremely positive today. After a roundaround hunt, I finally got my hands on an Epson R1900. That also means I MUST NOT spend anymore this whole month. The pictures coming out of it are amazing!

Have a great Saturday :)

succulent pleasure

2008-06-06T15:58:00.002+08:00

You know a party is a success when the host serves big, juicy strawberries and a pot of warm, thick chocolate for dessert. It was a birthday party for a 3 year-old. I was so absorbed in taking pictures, I only had 1 of these yummy berries.

It's Friday and time for another wicked weekend. Enjoy my lovelies.

slam the breaks!

2008-06-05T12:25:00.003+08:00

At midnight, petrol and diesel prices went up by 40%. This was due to the government's measures to combat climbing fuel prices worldwide and as part of a move to restructure the country's subsidy package. The Prime Minister said the fuel prices would be reviewed every month in line with world oil prices. This revamp would save RM13.7bil, a large part of which will be given back to the people through rebates and other subsidies.

Despite these reassurances, hoards of drivers caused traffic at all petrol stations last night. The petrol price increased from RM1.92 to RM2.70 per litre. A .78sen hike. That's a lot. Thus the insanity at the stations. I wanted to join them and fill my tank but realized this wouldn't change matters. I would eventually have to fill my car when the tank was empty and pay the new rates.

So, I got on my bicycle, camera in my backpack and made my way to the nearest station. Luckily I did that. The traffic began a mile away. Snapped this shot and watched as the petrol drained away. By midnight, the station tanks were empty.

I Volunteer

2008-06-04T15:39:00.002+08:00

I spent most of yesterday in a recording studio helping one of my favourite local charities, Care United, put together its club song. This is the back of sound engineer Mohan while his was twiddling the knobs at the soundboard. His colleague Jon had earlier recorded the minus-one.

It was a fun day and we all went to a fabulous Korean BBQ dinner when we were finished. Thank You Care United and keep up the brilliant work.

just kiddin'

2008-06-03T11:23:00.002+08:00

Those of you who know how much work I do with children and how I love snapping candid shots of them in motion will know how happy I am getting this shot after weeks of posting buildings and things. I was just taking a walk to get some perspective. Then I found myself in a low-cost government-sponsored housing area just 10 minutes from where I live (I had walked an hour by then.) Saw these kids playing badminton using their slippers as a marker for a net. They asked me if I wanted to play. And I did, for 10 minutes and walked home happy. Got a shot and some exercise. Who wouldn't be happy, eh?

viewing pleasure

2008-06-02T15:11:00.002+08:00

I was walking around the business district and was overwhelmed by the tall buildings standing tall over me. I need to see the sky. I get a little fidgety in cramped spaces. Then just when I thought I was about to explode, this gap in the concrete greeted me. And look, there's a man over there looking at the sky too.

DP Theme Day: My Corner Local Shop

2008-06-01T16:37:00.003+08:00

stillfast

2008-05-31T15:04:00.002+08:00

It's the weekend and the end of another great month. And the sales have begun. Shoppers will use the recent payday and the weekend to rush out and grab everything. Some will drive like hooligans, others might hop on the monorail. Rushing rushing madness. The malls will be sardine cans.

But stop for a moment. Decide what it is you really need. And enjoy the weekend.

a bag of kooks

2008-05-30T20:40:00.002+08:00

Yes, a lot of us are very proactive in our helping to conserve/preserve the environment. I myself have a couple of heavy-duty bags that I use daily for groceries and other shopping. But this bag is just fantastic. I saw it and burst out into a fit of laughter. He's a kooky friend and trust him to be the one carrying it.

Thanks Paul. Hope you have a great weekend.

serenity beckons

2008-05-29T13:14:00.003+08:00

Just outside the city centre is this heaven of a residential development, Gitabayu. Some call it a gated community, I call it an expensive place to stay. But I was pleasantly surprised. You kinda forget that the rat-race waits right outside and reminds you that progress is moving a little too fast.

Still, I got a couple of hours of quiet time. Enough to get me through the day.

tea anyone?

2008-05-28T23:07:00.002+08:00

Hadn't used my wide-angle lens for awhile so I took it out for lunch for some playtime. Here is a big mug of teh tarik (hot, sweet milk tea) that I had with my lunch. It was a nice day out.

dear little things

2008-05-27T22:38:00.003+08:00

I couldn't resist this one. I was walking past the Hermès store. I almost always stop for a moment to look into the store. I love the quality products but can never afford anything I really want. Anyway, what caught me this time was this window display. Little baby things. The booties look so soft and those spoons so delicate. I'd like to have these spoons to eat my cereal with. Yes, yes, I admit I'm a big baby.

beanbags

2008-05-26T22:39:00.002+08:00

Little white pillows in a pail of water. The food expert will immediately recognize these tofu squares. Yes folks, soy bean goodness. Nowadays, you find tofu vacuum-packed in supermarket coolers. But if you go to the local wet-markets, this is how you find them. In water, waiting for your loving hands to gently lift them and take them home.

Tofu in all its varieties is yummstatstic. Nevermind the flatulence.

blackandwhite

2008-05-25T23:55:00.002+08:00

Another shot from our setting up of the performance space in Galeri Petronas. These four black pedestals are in place ready for four projectors which will project the same images simultaneously and over each other in a half-circle space.

I think it looks like a piano. Must be my mind playing tricks on me. Must stop doing surrealist theatre.

unravelling

2008-05-24T22:03:00.002+08:00

This was taken a couple of days ago when we were bumping a show into Galeri Petronas. Hundreds of metres of cloth was used to create a soft cocoon-like space. Earlier this evening was the first of 2 weekend shows. We had a great audience, mostly children. Children's theatre after all. They oohed and aahed and laughed and shouted many demands. Once the show was done, we were surrounded by them, each with a pertinent question to what they had just watched. I'm more tired from this than the actual show.

Kids, bless 'em.

urban flavour

2008-05-23T23:14:00.002+08:00

Suria KLCC, the shopping mall under the Twin Towers, has 2 food courts. One is in the middle of the mall, the other sits on the top floor at the end and is called Rasa, which is the Malay word for flavour or taste (depends in what context the sentence is.) If I have to grab a quick bite, Rasa is the one I pick of the 2. Everyday this week, I've been eating here. I'm about to open a show in Galeri Petronas and Rasa is right above it. Last night, I had dinner there as well. And where I sat, when I looked up, this was my view.

break'em

2008-05-22T23:50:00.003+08:00

Sometimes you tell me I can't do something, it only makes me want to do it more. So, when a sign says 'No Camera' to someone like me who has his camera surgically glued to his face, I simply choose not to pay attention. However, if you say 'Don't Go In Crocodile Pit' then I'll follow obediently (not that there are any croc pits in KL.)

glass shuttered view

2008-05-20T23:59:00.002+08:00

Phew! Just made today's post with a minute to spare.

Here's a view of KL's skyline from a friend's office window. Hope you like it. I just got home from another long day and I'm gonna have a nice hot shower, finish off some work and snuggle into bed. Another long day tomorrow.

finger food

2008-05-19T23:45:00.002+08:00

Just look at these little wonders. Made from rice flour and colour. Yup, Mickey Mouse and all. I was at Marco Polo restaurant and this platter greets you when you walk in. It's actually in a glass case which the hostess willingly removed when I asked if I could snap a shot. If you notice the backdrop is a certificate of an award the restaurant had won. Or something like that. Marco Polo has been around for years and still serves really good Dim Sum.

drive-thru waterfall

2008-05-18T18:02:00.002+08:00

Who would've thought the owners of this building would put their feng shui water feature at the entrance of the parking lot? I was so tickled when I drove in. Just as I thought my car would cut through the curtain of water, it suddenly stops. My car drove through and the water fell again. Not a single drop on my car. But what a great thing!

under table business

2008-05-17T19:17:00.002+08:00

Have you ever stuck a piece of chewing gum under a table? Did you ever think no one would find out? Well, if you were a curious child, like this little boy...

That's right people. Stop sticking your gum under table tops.

double happiness

2008-05-16T20:58:00.002+08:00

Went to a wedding dinner and the food was yummy. Oh, the bridal couple looked great too but I was too absorbed in the food. Here's the first dish that was served. Soft Shell Crabs, Bacon wrapped chicken...

rock garden

2008-05-15T17:56:00.002+08:00

Completely inspired by my recent trip to Siem Reap, I saw these in my friend's garden. Would've loved to post one of my Angkor shots but alas, this is KLDP after all. Anyway, it's always interesting to see how people beautify their home surroundings.

in living colour

2008-05-14T20:53:00.002+08:00

I'm back!!! After a tough time with acute tonsilitis and a short weekend visiting the stunning monuments of Angkor, I'm ready to take on the world again (well, KLDP really.) So, I felt I needed to come back with a vibrant dash of colour. While rushing past some shops, I snapped this. Yup, work has completely taken over and I'll have to juggle my schedules. Need to find at least an hour a day to capture a shot for KLDP.

Earlier today, I was interviewed by one of our local papers, The Malay Mail, about my blogs. I specifically mentioned KLDP and CDP. I think the article comes out tomorrow. That was mighty quick. Kinda like my time nowadays, moving swiftly.

do's & don'ts of escalator travel in KL

2008-05-07T08:46:00.002+08:00

From top left corner:
DON'T Wear a floor length dress, DO Wear a mini-skirt
DON'T Sit there doing your business, DO Use it as a urinal
DON'T Dance alone next to it, DO Hold a young lady's hand

Ok folks. You must excuse my banal humour. I've been bedridden and ill. Today, I had to get up because I'm not excused from rehearsal. What's wrong with my body this time? Acute Tonsilitis. Can't eat, drink, sleep without crying...blah blah blah. But I'm feeling much better today. Started eating soft lumpy food about a day ago. This happens to me annually. Thank heavens it's healing. I've to get on a plane on Friday.

DP Theme Day: Numbers

2008-05-01T08:31:00.002+08:00

Numbers everywhere in KL but which one would make it as a DP theme day shot? Finally picked this one from the main power box about 20 metres from my house. Yup, I live on Lorong Gurney. Lorong is Malay word for Lane.

Happy Theme Day folks. 179 DP members this time round. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

who would've thought, eh?

2008-04-29T10:47:00.003+08:00

The last place I expect to see monks is in an Apple store. And one of them was getting help with his iPhone while clutching his iPod in another hand. It's not that I want to 'expose' them but aren't Buddhist monks supposed to shun material possessions especially much sought-after objects like an iPhone? I just had to sneak a shot.

I don't know. You decide.

preserved nature

2008-04-28T12:53:00.004+08:00

I thought it was a hoot when I noticed the name of this florist. Would you get your flowers from a place that was named Dry Leaf? The shop was closed when I took this shot. It was Sunday, the day off, not because no one likes dry leaves.

Have a great start to the week.

horsing around

2008-04-27T13:25:00.002+08:00

It's a gorgeous Sunday so I thought I'd be a little whimsical with today's picture. I guess you're wondering what it is you're looking at. If you guessed a horse's rump, then you know your backsides. I shot this during the torch relay day. There were cops on horses and I went to say hello to them (the horses, not the cops.) Lots of neighing later, I noticed the branding on the horses. Cute yes? Came home and forgot about the shot until I went through my library for today's post.

Ok folks. I'm off a-galloping.

chopper in sight

2008-04-26T19:22:00.003+08:00

The joy of seeing a low flying helicopter and having a zoom lens. Not much to say today. My head is still in zombieland. Only alert enough to walk back and forth to the kitchen for grabbing food and drink for sustenance.

Have a lovely weekend my lovelies.

you dig?

2008-04-25T20:39:00.002+08:00

Can you guess what's happening here? The digger is pulling up the ground to lay the the foundations for a school's new playing field. I never realized you had to dig up to make a field. I guess it's part of flattening the land.

It's Friday and I've had a long day. Head's not right anymore. So gonna firmly hold the TV remote and surf into oblivion. Rest well folks.

torch 3

2008-04-24T11:46:00.002+08:00

This foreign news correspondent stood in the centre of the crowd and as he stood there, I watched him. He and his cameraman spoke to a few people but most of his time was spent just standing there. There he was looking tired. It's not an easy job going on location especially one like this.

Wherever you are Mr. Newsman, I hope KL was good to you.

torch 2

2008-04-23T11:29:00.003+08:00

Another shot from my day when the torch came our way. Here's one of the many tourists that joined us locals at Dataran Merdeka. I noticed him standing still and wondered what he was looking at. I found his stillness interesting. Luckily, I had my zoom lens attached and focused on his face. What really got me was the reflection on his sunglasses. And he's kinda good-looking too. 2 for the price of 1 I say.

torch 1

2008-04-22T08:21:00.004+08:00

Posts for the next couple of days were taken right before the Olympic Torch relay began. This guy was one of the cyclists at the front of the relay path. He noticed a bunch of cameras, wheeled away from his bike buddies and gave us some great photo ops.

I mentioned yesterday that there weren't any protesters. The news reports said groups were dispersed prior to the launch of the relay but I later heard they were told to piss off or face a day in jail. Great dispersion tactics. Here we are, believing in the rights of all races and jail is the price for a human right to assemble. I won't mention it so go look up Malaysia's limited freedom to assemble laws. I only wished they were a little more forceful with the people who crowded around the flame and prevented the runners from actually running.

What was reported in the news on your side of the world?

historic fire

2008-04-21T17:18:00.003+08:00

As promised, the Olympic Torch in Kuala Lumpur, for the 2nd time in the history of the modern Olympics.

I came out of rehearsal, made my way to Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) and waited for the launch of the event. There were hundreds of people, none of them protesters. I found my spot and was sure I'd get a damned great shot. But suddenly, when the torch relay began, the crowd of people rushed in and all I could see was a sea of heads. People crowded the relay path and the torch bearers were slowed to a crawl.

Today I witnessed an historic event in my lifetime. I teared a little, believing in everything the Games stood for: Brotherhood, Peace and Hope. I only wish everyone saw it too. Free Tibet.

Tomorrow, and a couple days following, I'll post shots of the interesting things I witnessed on this great day.

what goes up must come down

2008-04-20T10:13:00.003+08:00

I've been meaning to post something a little more abstract. You know I love lines and shapes. This one is of an escalator in Lot 10, a shopping mall in the heart of the city. I wanted to wait for someone to either go up or come down but nobody did and I couldn't wait long cos cameras aren't allowed in the mall. Didn't want a security guard to see me snapping away.

It's Sunday and I'm off to rehearsal soon. Tomorrow, the Olympic torch comes through KL. I hope to get to the starting point before the crowd and find a good spot to grab a couple of shots. Wish me luck.

Have a good day.

let's burn some rubber

2008-04-19T11:46:00.002+08:00

Really funny this one. I was at a road-side stall grabbing a quick breakfast before my class. I was sitting there quietly, daydreaming as usual. Then this car drove past. At first, I thought it was on fire. I looked properly and it was just a sticker. Luckily it stopped and gave me just enough time to grab a shot before it drove off.

It's the weekend and it looks after getting the telephone cables changed, has kept my broadband connection on. It got cut off yesterday during the rain but came on around midnight. I'm happy I'm not disconnected for long periods anymore.

Have a great weekend folks.

hard knock life

2008-04-18T12:33:00.002+08:00

A road sweeper's life in KL isn't an easy one. The salary is a pittance and the citizens have no idea how to use rubbish bins. Yup, sweet wrappers, cigarette packets, bits of papers all over the streets which clutters the streets and clogs the drainage. So, men and women with the brooms sweep the city in hope of making it a little cleaner. The heavy rains nowadays doesn't help either. My best wishes to these people and a big thank you.

reconnected

2008-04-16T11:49:00.002+08:00

Here is the Telekom man repairing my phoneline. He said, though the physical cable is changed, it's not going to alter the fact that my broadband connection will keep getting cut whenever it rains and if i wanted to do something about it, the I would have to make another report. So, Telekom is the company which provides my phone and broadband services but I have to deal with 2 separate departments to solve 1 problem. I'm getting a bit tired of it all. But such is progress in a wannabe-first world nation with it's third-world mentality.

let's get it on

2008-04-14T23:46:00.001+08:00

Missing again for days and finally came on an hour ago, my internet connection that is. Let's hope it stays on even with the storms.

please sir can I have some more?

2008-04-10T11:45:00.003+08:00

This is a reminder to everyone to be careful. You'll never know when you become a victim of pick-pockets or snatch thieves. Here in KL the incidences of pick-pocketing don't come close to the high number of people involved in snatch-thefts. Just the other day, my friend Jo was walking her way to lunch when suddenly 2 men on a motorbike zoomed past, grabbed her bag, she fell and was dragged her along the road. They got away. She came out of it with a long, bloody gash on her elbow. She made a police report at the nearby station and was told she was one of several that had reported the same crime that week.

She's much better now. But I think everyone should have a truncheon sewn into their skirts and trousers. Whip it out and give them thieves a good and proper whack in the head. Wait a minute... would we charged for assault? How much does a plea of self-defense hold up?

drip drop raindrop

2008-04-09T13:43:00.003+08:00

The song on everyone's lips nowadays is 'Rain Rain Go Away, Come Again Some Other Day.' Like Gaia is gonna listen. She's conducting a storm symphony. I love it. I just don't love my broadband provider.

I love the rain best when I'm at home. I have a patio-like area which is cover by metal awning. I stand there watching the rainwater drip off the edges. And water being my favourite photography subject, I'm standing there with my camera trying to freeze the drops. Like this one. It's one of the shots I took for theme day.

go carts

2008-04-08T17:04:00.001+08:00

Do you remember what it was like at the supermarket when you were a toddler? I remember always insisting on being lifted into the baby seat of a shopping cart. Nowadays, whenever I see a child in one, I break out a smile.

My internet connection is back on but only during the early part of the day. It's the rainy season and on most days the sky goes gray by 2PM and it pours. When it does, my connection gets cut off till the next day. It's tough cos most my work is done through emails and Skype. So, please bear with me. I'll be visiting you soon. Muah muah.

jaywalking strangers

2008-04-04T15:04:00.003+08:00

So, here are two ladies who have no fear of oncoming traffic. You go girls!

You've noticed I've not posted for days. Thank you Telekom Malaysia. My broadband connection (Streamyx) is down and out. I've called Telekom Customer Service several times but each time I do, the person tells me that no report was made and no records were taken on any of my previous calls. Adding to that, it's storming elephants and hippos which causes the internet connect around the city to either slow down tremendously or completely cut off. In my case, it's been off this whole week. What am I paying all this money for, eh?

Where am I now? Thankfully, there's a Wi-Fi station at rehearsal. Ok, posted this and it's back to work. In case i don't get connected, have a great weekend everyone.

DP Theme Day: Water

2008-04-01T22:48:00.002+08:00

It's that day again and this time the theme happens to be one of my favourite subjects to photograph. April 1st is, in most English speaking countries, April Fools Day. I know a couple of fools here in KL will attempt the usual annual bad prank. But this fool, Edwin, is celebrating his theatre company's 4th anniversary. Yay to everyone who's been part of my projects and to myself for not giving it up many years ago. It's been a blast.

Now, go get yourself wet at these other cities making a splash with their theme photos.

Adelaide, Australia by Gordon, Albuquerque (NM), USA by Helen, American Fork (UT), USA by Annie, Anderson (SC), USA by Lessie, Ararat, Australia by Digger, Arradon, France by Alice, Ashton under Lyne, UK by Pennine, Athens, Greece by Debbie, Auckland, New Zealand by Lachezar, Austin (TX), USA by LB, Bandung, Indonesia by Guntur Purwanto, Barton (VT), USA by Andree, Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro by Paja, Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro by Bibi, Bellefonte (PA), USA by Barb-n-PA, Bicheno, Australia by Greg, Bogor, Indonesia by Gagah, Boston (MA), USA by Sarah, Whit, & Leyre, Boston (MA), USA by Fenix - Bostonscapes, Boston (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Brighton, UK by Harvey, Brookville (OH), USA by Abraham, Budapest, Hungary by Zannnie and Zsolt, Budapest, Hungary by Isadora, Canterbury, UK by Rose, Cape Town, South Africa by Kerry-Anne, Chandler (AZ), USA by Melindaduff, Chateaubriant, France by Bergson, Cheltenham, UK by Marley, Chicago (IL), USA by b.c., Christchurch, New Zealand by Michelle, Clearwater (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Clearwater Beach (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Cleveland (OH), USA by iBlowfish, Coral Gables (FL), USA by Jnstropic, Cypress (TX), USA by Riniroo, Dallas/Fort Worth (TX), USA by A Wandering Soul, Dunedin (FL), USA by Smaridge01, Durban, South Africa by CrazyCow, East Gwillimbury, Canada by Your EG Tour Guide, Evry, France by Olivier, Glasgow, Scotland by Jackie, Greenville (SC), USA by Denton, Grenoble, France by Bleeding Orange, Guelph, Canada by Pat, Gun Barrel City (TX), USA by Lake Lady, Hamilton, New Zealand by Sakiwi, Hampton (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Haninge, Sweden by Steffe, Helsinki, Finland by Kaa, Hobart, Australia by Greg, Hyde, UK by Old Hyde, Inverness (IL), USA by Neva, Jackson (MS), USA by Halcyon, Jakarta, Indonesia by Santy, Jefferson City (MO), USA by Chinamom2005, Jogjakarta, Indonesia by Jogja Portrait, Joplin (MO), USA by Victoria, Juneau (AK), USA by Gwyn, Katonah (NY), USA by Inkster1, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia by Edwin, Kyoto, Japan by Tadamine, Lake Forest Park (WA), USA by Azure, Larchmont (NY), USA by Marie-Noyale, Las Vegas (NV), USA by Mo, Lisbon, Portugal by Sailor Girl, Lisbon, Portugal by Maria João, Lodz, Poland by ritalounge, London, UK by Mo, London, UK by Ham, Mainz, Germany by JB, Maple Ridge, Canada by Susan, Marseille, France by Alex, Mazatlan, Mexico by Kate, Melbourne, Australia by John, Melbourne, Australia by Mblamo, Memphis (TN), USA by SouthernHeart, Menton, France by Jilly, Mexico City, Mexico by Carraol, Mexico City, Mexico by Poly, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Greg, Minneapolis (MN), USA by Mitch, Minsk, Belarus by Olga, Monrovia (CA), USA by Keith, Monte Carlo, Monaco by Jilly, Montego Bay, Jamaica by Ann, Monterrey, Mexico by rafa, Moscow, Russia by Irina, Mumbai, India by Magiceye, Mumbai, India by MumbaiiteAnu, Mumbai, India by Kunalbhatia, Nancy, France by yoshi, Naples (FL), USA by Isabella, Nashville (TN), USA by Chris, Nelson, New Zealand by Meg and Ben, New Orleans (LA), USA by steve buser, New York City (NY), USA by Ming the Merciless, Niamey, Niger by Dinabee, Norfolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Norman (OK), USA by Chad & LaCresha, Norwich, UK by Goddess888, Nottingham, UK by Gail's Man, Odense, Denmark by ania odense, Omsk, Russia by Nataly, Orlando (FL), USA by OrlFla, Oslo, Norway by Lothiane, Paderborn, Germany by Soemchen, Paris, France by Gordio, Paris, France by Eric, Pasadena (CA), USA by Can8ianben, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia by Murphy_jay, Pilisvörösvár, Hungary by Elise, Pont-à-Mousson, France by Tintin-j, Port Angeles (WA), USA by Jelvistar, Port Elizabeth, South Africa by Sam, Port Townsend (WA), USA by raf, Port Vila, Vanuatu by Mblamo, Portland (ME), USA by Corey, Portland (OR), USA by NWgal, Portsmouth (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Prague, Czech Republic by Honza03, Quincy (MA), USA by Cluelessinboston, Riga, Latvia by Prokur, Rotterdam, Netherlands by Ineke, Saarbrücken, Germany by LadyDemeter, Saigon, Vietnam by Simon, Saint Louis (MO), USA by Strangetastes, Saint Paul (MN), USA by Kate, Salem (OR), USA by jill, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by Eric, Salt Lake City (UT), USA by atc, San Diego (CA), USA by Felicia, San Francisco (CA), USA by PFranson, Seattle (WA), USA by Kim, Seattle (WA), USA by Chuck, Seguin (TX), USA by Thien, Selma (AL), USA by RamblingRound, Sequim (WA), USA by Eponabri, Sesimbra, Portugal by Aldeia, Setúbal, Portugal by Maria Elisa, Shanghai, China by Jing, Sharon (CT), USA by Jenny, Singapore, Singapore by Keropok, Sofia, Bulgaria by Antonia, St Francis, South Africa by Sam, Stavanger, Norway by Tanty, Stayton (OR), USA by Celine, Stockholm, Sweden by Stromsjo, Stouffville, Canada by Ken, Subang Jaya, Malaysia by JC, Suffolk (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Sunshine Coast, Australia by bitingmidge, Sydney, Australia by Nathalie, Sydney, Australia by Sally, Székesfehérvár, Hungary by Teomo, Tacloban City, Philippines by agnesdv, Terrell (TX), USA by Jim K, Terrell (TX), USA by Bstexas, The Hague, Netherlands by Lezard, Tokyo, Japan by Tadamine, Toruń, Poland by Torun Observer, Toulouse, France by Julia, Turin, Italy by Livio, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Jazzy, Twin Cities (MN), USA by Slinger, Victoria, Canada by Benjamin Madison, Vienna, Austria by G_mirage2, Virginia Beach (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Wailea (HI), USA by Kuanyin, Washington (DC), USA by Rachel, Wassenaar, Netherlands by Rich, Wellington, New Zealand by Jeremyb, West Paris (ME), USA by crittoria, West Sacramento (CA), USA by Barbara, Weston (FL), USA by WestonDailyPhoto, Williamsburg (VA), USA by ptowngirl, Willits (CA), USA by Elaine, Yardley (PA), USA by Mrlynn,

economy rice

2008-03-31T20:17:00.002+08:00

Don't be fooled by the title of this post. There's nothing wrong with the rice business in Malaysia. Economy rice is what most people call stalls like this. From the wide selection, you can have either 2 meats+1 veg or 2 veg+1 meat for a fixed price. This works for a lot of people who haven't much time to order á la carte at a fancy restaurant. Yummy!

Sorry for not visiting everyone. My broadband connection is on the blink again. I'm now stealing a moment at rehearsal. Cheeky me!

happy shiny people

2008-03-30T23:02:00.003+08:00

This is Lilian, owner of Boeing Photo, one of the 3 stores I go to for my camera equipment needs. I was there to get a circular polarizer for one of my lens as well as a battery grip for my camera. I hadn't visited her or her store for awhile. Her husband and her went on a holiday in France and the UK. Lilian loves taking pictures of herself and showed me all her holiday snaps. Judging by the many I saw, she had a great time. Who doesn't when on holiday, right? So, I couldn't resist asking her to smile for the camera.

day off

2008-03-29T15:30:00.002+08:00

No school? A good or bad thing? Judging from the child's sad face, it's obviously a bad thing. What do you feel looking at this?

Today is Earth Hour day. There seems to be a slight confusion as to what time we in KL should turn off our main power switch. I was told 5-6 PM. Some others have said 8-9 PM. The effect is to have a complete shutdown in the city. I'm doing it a 5PM. At least I know it won't just be me.

tilted view

2008-03-28T16:59:00.003+08:00

At first glance it looks like I put two shots together. Well, that's what it looks like to me. It's just the one shot. I'm not a PS pro yet. It's KL Tower and one of the surviving colonial style buildings in the city. It was the yellow paint that first attracted my eye. I walked around looking for a favourable angle. Found it after a couple of minutes when I came across the tower in the background looking kinda like the leaning tower of Pisa.

Happy Friday!

fiery bloom

2008-03-27T09:37:00.003+08:00

City Hall has planted blood-red frangipani trees along the newly paved streets where I live. I guess this is one of the attempts of making the area pretty. It's been raining these past few days and when the sun came out, albeit briefly, I took the opportunity to photography these newly flowered trees. This is the shot I like best, under the blooms with the sun shining down. The moment I was done, the clouds rolled back and the rain came crashing down. Luckily, I got home just in the nick of time. Another second longer, I would have been drenched.

the three-eyed monster

2008-03-26T19:16:00.002+08:00

Can you spot the photographer in the three-eyed monster's eyes? It locked it's gaze on me and I locked my focus on it. The intensity of the moment boiled down to which one of us would walk away unscathed. I knew it would take one false move on my part to lose and succumb to it's power. I gathered my strength and stood my ground. SNAP!

Instead of pouncing on me, it remained still. I wasn't in any danger after all. I walked away and it continued to gaze at the other people walking past.

pink living

2008-03-25T22:23:00.000+08:00

Low-cost living with a splash of colour. Whaddaya think? You like pink?

root-a-toot-toot

2008-03-24T12:26:00.003+08:00

This was one of the shots I had taken for the March DP Theme Day post. I forgot about it. I've been busy these past few days and haven't taken many shots for posting. So, I wandered into my KLDP reserve library and came across it. I found this stencil art on a wall of an abandoned colonial house. It's not on private property so I wasn't being an outlaw. It's a row of houses standing a couple of feet from a main road in KL. I walked into one and saw this. I was surprised to see it. Why? Last year, I posted a shot of graffiti on this very same wall. Someone obviously painted over it and put this stencil on. Another great recycling idea. I wonder if I'll find another piece of art on it next year.

fun at night

2008-03-23T23:12:00.001+08:00

How would like to go to this place? The neon looks fantastic! I'm all for the sun at night. I'm a nocturnal man. Most of my best work happens when I'm home waxing lyrical in my head. The rest of the time, when I'm writing, I'm with a couple of friends bashing out ideas over a bottle of single malt whiskey. Will be doing that on Wednesday. Looking forward to it.

Today was the Malaysian F1 Grand Prix. I was hosting a DHL F1 party and my money was on a Ferrari one-two finish. Unfortunately, Massa skidded off the track and left Raikonnen to finish the race without any problems. That he did and someone at the party walked away with a Limited Edition F1 Tag Heuer watch for making the correct prediction. He definitely had a happy Easter Sunday. Hope you did too.