Never Trust A Skinny Cook - Ben's at Publika

How true is this statement? I am not so sure myself as I have seen skinny cooks how cook just as well as the chubby ones. Remember Anthony Bourdain? And I don't think Jamie Oliver has any weight issue. 

Well, the food here is good and the price is value for money. So, skinny or fat, doesn't really matter to me. 

Panasonic Water / Sweat Resistant Headphones RP HS-33 Update

This is a really impressive product by Panasonic.

I have been tracking my tracks using Cardio Trainer on my Samsung Galaxy S 2, after 945.6 km or 123 hours, 18 minutes and 51 seconds later, this water resistant headphones is still working fine. 

With Malaysia's hot and humid climate, I kept this headphones inside my car since Dec 2010 which can reach temperature of up to 60 degrees Celsius, and until now this headphone is still working just fine without any problem at all.

I like the design of the headphone as well as it doesn't fall off when I run, it is not a noise cancellation design hence I can still hear traffic or any cautionary distractions nearby when I run.

So this is really, to me, the best DESIGNED, DURABLE, best VALUE (at only USD 10) exercise headphones ever.

Here is how it looks like after all these while.

Picture taken with my Samsung Galaxy S 2.

This Is The 2010 BMW 335i

I had some fun with my friends 2011 BMW 335i... revving it to the red line and I recorded this video.

Video is taken with my Samsung Galaxy S 2.

2012 Proton Exora Bold: The Turbo Charged People Mover

I am honored to be Charlee's new car official first passenger today, as just this morning he finally got his long awaited turbo charged 1.6 Proton Exora with CFE, CPS and CVT, thats Charged Fuel Efficiency - i.e. turbo charged, Cam Profiling System - variable timing technology by Proton and Continuous Variable Transmission for you.

The big car claims the Exora "drinks as much gas as a regular car". I will certainly get some data from Charlee from his daily commute from Klang to Subang and update here to see how true is that.

We went for a short drive from Subang USJ to PJ SS2 area. The car feels great amid some noticeable engine note from the bonnet, and the strong new car smell was making me bit woozy, hence it was a great ride, comfortable and spacious.

Below are some pictures taken of the new car and I will update with any further details regarding the car.
Stay tuned.

Interior looks near, despite plastic-ky.

The black look East Proton logo. 

Our nation's pride and joy - the turbo charged people mover. 

All pictures taken with my Samsung Galaxy S II.

This Is Why You Should Always Start With A Small Bike

Malaysian Prime Minister on a Chopper Bike

I was surprised today to find this picture on the news, our dear mister prime minister DS Najib Razak has met Paul Sr from American Choppers.

Probably another effort from him to be our "cool" prime minister that could fire up a v-twin.

Well, this is a picture of him laughing while posing for photographs on a chopper.

Hyosung Aquila GV250 Riding on NKVE

This is a video I shot using a Nokia N79 from PJ en route to Subang.

In the video you'll see me riding and overtaking a white Italian sexy Maserati... lol...

Apologies for the quality as this is my very first attempt shooting a video on a  bike.

Enjoy.

Iridescent Shark Catfish (Patin) Caught on Video!

This is the video of captain landing the Patin at Kolam Warga Emas.

Enjoy.

Video was shot using my Samsung Galaxy S 2.

Cheap GPS Solution on My Bike

I have got myself accustomed in using a GPS when driving in the city of Kuala Lumpur. One thing I get to know is that over time, I get a bit reliant on my GPS that I have myself got used to following the direction the British accent lady gave me and slowly not being able to remember my ways as much as I wanted to.

When I picked up riding, I realize some things that are not as the same as driving. Such as we will not be able to hear or respond to any phone calls or any sms while riding. Other than nagging that I get from my wife about me not responding and worry about my well bring and constantly being reminded about how dangerous riding is, finding my way around town without a GPS has also not been a very pleasant experience.

All my GPS devices all along have been my phone, ever since my Nokia N95, then the N79, both were running the Garmin XT on the Symbian OS and these devices has proven to be very reliable and they do provide well navigational experiences for me here in Malaysia, moreover with very frequent map updates on Malfreemaps, they things are a steal! Things have not changed a lot ever since I have started to use my Android phones. I have been using the Samsung Galaxy S II phone for nearly a year now and the Papago GPS that runs on Android has so far served me well too. Personally, I do not like to have too many devices, which motivates me to try to get the best out of the phone that I use, i.e. I do not use a MP3 player when I go running and I do not need another GPS device. Less devices, less hassle for me to make sure they have enough battery to last for the task that I aim to accomplish.

Therefore, I have thought of the idea of installing a bracket and a charging point on my bike to enable me to use a GPS on the bike. What a brilliant idea, yes? Maybe. The thought of someone snatch away my 2,000 ringgit phone of my bike at a traffic light stop is not a very pleasant thought, or the idea of my phone dropped off after I rode over a pothole or speed bump is not encouraging also. And another reason is that the SGS2 screen just doesn't work that well under the sun anyway, AMOLED or not... All you see under the sun on the screen of the SGS2 is blank, and that is even before you put on a shade or tinted visor of your helmet.

With a purpose built GPS built unit costing more than a thousand ringgit, I am even more determined to find a cheaper solution to solve my navigational problem.

Finally I had an idea, and I am about to share with you.

There you go.

This is my old Nokia N79 running on the Garmin XT with updated map, and holding the Nokia is a 10 Ringgit phone holder that I bought from ebay! As you can see I have also installed the cigarette lighter outlet charger by connecting this charging terminal to my bike's battery and viola... a working GPS on my bike.

This solution provides a piece of mind and and it simple works... I do not need to worry that someone will want to steal or snatch an old phone, even if anyone did I will not feel as bad.... (if I couldn't get the barger and wack the nerve out of him), and I am pretty sure that the phone could survive a crash as I know, Nokia made their phones tough, seriously. And the best of all, I can see the map and navigation direction on the phone clearly without problem at all. See pic below pic taken outdoor. I am using this phone as a GPS without a sim card, and it would get effective satellite signal in a few minutes, (without the use of any data) just like a standard GPS device.

and this is how the phone holder that I bought from ebay looks like.

Well, there you have it, a cheaper and I would say a practical solution for a GPS on a bike. Will update from here after I use it for a biking trip. Stay tuned!

All pictures are taken using my Samsung Galaxy S II

Secrets of Fishing at Kolam Warga Emas, Seksyen 24 Shah Alam

Kin Loon has been complaining to me that he have been frequenting a pay pond in Shah Alam but so far without much luck.

With my rod hanging dry at home for several weeks without seeing any action, I decided to check out the place with him.

The location to this place was quite accessible, only minutes after exiting federal highway.
View Larger Map

The operator charges RM 31 for a 3 hours session and the rules of fishing here is as follows,
1. Have to use a looped sinker, floats are not allowed.
2. Fishes has to be hooked at the mouth, otherwise it will not be paid / listed in the jackpot.
3. You cannot touch the fish that are more than 4 kgs, but you are however, allowed to bring back those that are smaller than 4kgs. When in doubt, bring the fish to the counter.
I think there are other unwritten laws which I did not checked out with the operator at the counter i.e. no casting of lures, using messy baits like intestines etc but they are generally friendly and even allow you to fish over time if you did not see any action at all.

This place doubles as a malay tom yum restaurant at night. It is more quiet during the day and personally, I would prefer going to this spot during the day to avoid some karaoke singing from the restaurant.

This is how the place look like.

Kin Loon and I have been there several times and these are the fish that we caught so far, after figuring out how to rig and bait to see some action.

This was my first catch at the place at my second visit. Local name is Rohu, or better known as Indian Carp. I sold it to a fish buyer at RM 3 per kg.

This was my second catch which was a whopping 11 kg white lady carp or locally known as Tong San fish. It didn't really put up a real fight as it was a slow and heavy fish, but it did stayed under the water for quite some time.

This is the White Lady Carp close up.  

My next visit was more interesting when I landed a 6 kg cat fish, local name Patin or the more glamorous  name Iridescent shark. This catch was far more interesting than the bigger Tong San when it pulled my line like a erm.. shark? lol well... I don't think I will get much chances getting an actual shark on my hook in Malaysian waters, so.... this is as good as it gets.  

Kin Loon showing some smiles finally.

Finally, let me share my secrets of catching some fish here. The secret of fishing here got all things to do with the rig.

Floats are not allowed, hence, anglers must use a sinker. I advise to use bomb rig, you may bait with bran (dedak) that you buy from the counter, or personally I prefer to use pallets, also available at the counter. Mix with water then they will become soft and ready to be bait.

Use a swivel to clip the bomb together with the sinker (a small one around 100 g will do), and then use a dropper knot as a leader at this swivel as well. then use 2 hooks at the ends of the knot, with a length of 2-3 feet each.

Use floating baits at the end of both hooks like the corn crumb that they sell at the counter as well. This way, the bomb will sink to the bottom together with the sinker, but the hooks will float. As the bomb breaks, which will call the fish to come to feed at top water and you shall hope the fish take the bait on your hook in mid water.

Happy fishing and good luck.

All pics are taken with my Samsung Galaxy S II.

Secrets of Fishing at Empangan Air Kuning, Shah Alam (Taman Pertanian Malaysia)))

I remember when I took up fishing seriously 2 years back this was the starting point. My fishy friends didn't know exactly where to go as the urban Kuala Lumpur city has little to do with fishing.

My goods friend the IT Manager who is very keen into any fishy activity, discovered this Shah Alam national park that has a good fly sighing spot. A mere less half an hour's drive from my home naturally become a good idea for a half day fishing trip, minus the long drive, sea sick, even over night stay which normally would result to a heated debate topic during an argument with the wife.

Empangan Air Kuning is inside the Taman Pertanian Malaysia in Shah Alam, this park has several names which will caused confusion to many, as I know that this place is also called Taman Botani or Botanical Garden, or Taman Cahaya or even Taman Bukit Cerakah (as it is used to be known as Taman Cahaya near to Bukit Cerakah). The entry counter will collect (if I am not mistaken) RM 2 or RM 4 for a fishing ticket, but that is to fish at at the park's lake. More action will be at the Empangan Air Kuning which is better known for Fly Fishing. The fishing fee here is RM 18 per day during weekend and RM 15 during weekday. They will allow only one rod per head but they will  not stop you from bringing extra rods into the park. However, the park is big enough for you to spot the operator coming to check on you, so if you are smart enough you will know what to do. They also have boat rental, RM 8 for 2 hours if I remember correctly... sorry that memory ability in remembering small details are not my forte.

Many people had come to this place hoping to get some action here but I believe many had gone home without seeing any action at all. Or even, they get a bite by the fish by disappointed seconds later to find that their lines are cut and the fish, ran away with the bait and hook. The reason why is that this pond is filled with Pacus, that has sharp teeth that can cut themselves loose from very heavy lines. I have even experience of my 40 pounds line snapped by these little buddies. There are some really big decent size Pacus here that my buddies here has crossed swords with. The bigger ones that we have seen, are around 3 kgs, but rumors have it that there are 5 kgs and above Pacus lurking around this lake. Mind you, Pacus are a lot of fun and its even known as fresh water GT to some anglers.

Here are my secrets to fish at Emapangan Air Kuning.
1. Bait - for best to use bread mix with pallet bran or pallet itself. But for even better catch rate, I recommend liver or gizzard (cut them into small size that just enough to cover the hook).
2. Rig - minimize any usage of swivel, pins, or anything shiny. The fish here are sneaky and wouldn't bite anything that looks suspicious. Strongly advise to use a a bomb rig together with a black wire leader.
3. Hook - around size 5 to 7 (Maruto), Pacus don't have very big mouth. One hook should be suffice.
4. Line - anything above 10 pounds of main line should be enough. If aiming for Pacus, wire leader is a must.    

Other than Pacus, the last trip we went we have caught several African Catfish. These are fun as well, and best thing is they will take the same bait with the same rig above.

Well enough said, here you go.

This is Calvin with his catch.

 

Another one by Kin Loon. He is an expert in catching these buddies. 

This is a Pacu close up. 

I had some luck with the cat fish. 

 And Calvin too, earlier in the day. 

 Kin Loon's passion is more into casting rather than waiting for the fish to strike.

 Another cat after some wait.

 This is the african catfish at close up.

Good luck if you are going to this fishing spot. Bring some sun tan lotion and more importantly, a hat if you don't plan to get a tan. Happy fishing. 

All pictures are taken with my Samsung Galaxy S II.

Klang Food Centre Bao Zi

One good afternoon Charlee and I decided to check out a coffee shop in Klang that is popular for its Bao. Having bao as lunch had never crossed my mind, but having Charlee as a infamous foodie, I decided to follow. We drive to Klang to this popular location in Sungai Rasah, Bukit Raja and lucky enough to find a parking space nearby (Klang being Klang with all the double parkers).

According to Charlee, a queue will be formed in the morning with office workers lining up to get their breakfast fixes. This is how the shop looks like from the outside. This Restoran Klang Food Centre is nothing much to look at with a very common Bao steamer cabinet just outside the shop, walk right in you will see economy rice on the right.

Charlee and I found a small table and sat down. The Indonesian helper / waitress came and took our drinks order. I ordered a cold chinese tea and waited patiently after Charlee ordered 2 curry chicken bao (咖喱鸡包) and 2 vegetable bao (菜包). When our orders arrived, not as much as I anticipate how good the bao were going to be, Charlee tells me not to tilt the curry chicken bao and peel of the bao skin with the subject standing upright (it is common to peel off the skin of the bao before we eat them). Here is how they look like when they arrived.

The bigger one is the one with the curry chicken peeling the skin off with it sitting on the plate.

And this is the inside of the bao... so this is why I am not allowed to tild it because there is a paper tray inside the bao that fills the curry chicken. 

 A generous serving of curry chicken inside the bao for RM 4 a piece considerably? Not according to Charlee, but still he loves it.

 This is the last bit of the curry where you can see the tray. Bao and curry.... this is good bao. lol.

Next, vege bao.

Under normal circumstances I would never order a vegetable bao, but in this case, I must say, this is the best vegetable bao I have ever tasted.

Next, with me asking for more as there are still some space in my 1-pack stomach, Charlee recommended peanut bao. I said what? But considering he had been right so far, what the heck.

Here is how it looks like. I was surprised that the peanut are not blended until its like peanut butter. This is peanut filling at its best for Bao, well... at least for me. So, this is the 3rd bao I had on this day for lunch.

 And I ordered another kopi to go with it.

 This is how the crowd are in the shop.

 Before I left, I stopped by and decided to buy a few for my wife at home. Hope she will like it after the baos are reheated.

The Chinese lady from the shop told me that she will get the cold ones from the stock, and ask me to steam them to re heat them tonight for dinner. They are even nice enough to put a paper plate underneath the baos. Hope the wife will like this.

Overall good experience +++ thumbs up, for this Klang Food Centre hence the corny name for a bao joint though.

Here's the location for it. It opens for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

View Larger Map

all pics are taken with my Samsung Galaxy S 2