Random Photos From Bazaar Ramadan 2009

Just wish to share some random photos I took at 2009 Sibu main Bazaar Ramadan which had been held at Sibu Town Square phase 2.

As expected, over the past month it had attracted people from different races and religions visited the place to get their favorite Malay foods.

Here are the pics:

[The venue]

[The stalls and crowds]

[The "Teppanyaki"]

[The dounuts]

[Laksa, nasi lemak and ...]

[Deep fried foods]

[Colorful jelly cakes]

[Pulut panggang and other foods...]

[Favorite keropok lekor and some roti...]

[Fried mee, bee hun...]

[Kuih lenggang and other Malay pastries...]

[Various pastries...]

[Various pastries...]

[Various pastries...]

[Malay "Lok Lok"]

[BBQ chicken section]

Some Stories On Latest WLM Installation...

When I was about to sign in to my Windows Live Messenger (WLM) last night, the application prompted me if I would like to upgrade it to the latest version. Only 2 choices given, either "Yes" or "No".

Initially I chose "No" as I thought the current version is sufficient enough. Furthermore newer version usually means bigger file, more complicated but rarely used function added which might use up more computer resources. However, choosing this option disallowed me to continue sign in to the messenger.

I got no choice, but to choose "Yes" on the 3rd attempt. This option triggered auto download the latest version of the messenger. It took about 15 minutes to download, then upon completion, the installer auto executed. At this point, the real problem popped up!

A dialog box prompted to notify me the Windows Installer in my computer was outdated. The alert message looked familiar and it reminded me I actually faced the same problem before on the same pc. That time I was trying to install another Microsoft related application called Windows Live Writer, a word-processing-like desktop application which provides a platform to ease desktop blogging before publish it to the chosen blog on the net.

In my memory, I did patch the Windows Installer but it returned zero effect. I gave up the installation that time as it was not that important after all. However, same problem emerged again but this time it involved my daily use application - the Windows Live Messenger!

I knew I couldn't just let it be. Did so will mean I could never use the chatting tool anymore. I planned to seek advices the next day from few colleagues of mine who are experts dealing with various kind of software problems. So for the time being, I just made use of Meebo to access my messenger account on the net.

I had no choice but to temporarily put the problem aside while looking forward for experts' view. Coincidentally, I got a new game to be installed on my pc. In the installation progress, I noticed that the game somehow download and install something called ".Net framework 3.1 SP1" into my harddrive. That reminded me on something, "maybe my Windows Installer problem which I couldn't solve have something to do with the .Net Framework version on my pc which I never upgrade it before?", I was thinking that time.

[Upgraded - Windows Live Messenger 2009]

After the game's installation completed, I couldn't wait but immediately tried to download and install the latest messenger while putting my finger cross! Bingo!!! I was so excited when seeing the installation dialog box popped up in front of my eyes! I knew now I could proceed to the installation! I even could install Windows Live Writer which I failed to do on my previous attempt! This also meant my unresolved "Windows Installer" problem was finally resolved! I felt great!!

[Windows Live Write finally on my pc!]

So next time, if you face the similar problem as mine which is "Windows Installer not up-to-date" popup when you wish to install any Windows related program, you may consider and try out this solution - upgrade .Net Framework version in your pc as some of the latest application now may need the latest .Net framework for proper execution.

Good luck!

A Story From Mars...

It has been quite some times I did not tell you a story. Here is one which I suddenly think of today. Hope you like it. Here we goes! ......

Once upon a time, in a corner of the earth, an alien named Ga-lien from the planet of Mars was quietly landed. The purpose of the intrusion was unknown, but it was believed that Ga-lien came all the way just to save humanity from being destroyed by human themselves.

At that time, human were at the dark age! Morality among human almost collapse and wars can be seen everywhere. The leaders on Mars realized about the fact that each planet in this universe are inter-dependent. If the earth destroyed, Mars might be in trouble as well.

Thus, they sent their mighty species who has broad knowledge about humanity to the earth with the hope that he can become the savior of Homo sapiens by changing their thought, thus saving the earth from being destroyed by its own species.

With full responsibility and dedication, Ga-lien started his vital mission just after he touched down on earth. He tried all his best to change human's mind and educate them the importance of peacefulness.

Time flies! One year had passed. Over the past year, Ga-lien kept reminding himself about his great mission to the earth. Despite receiving a lot of sneering and cursing from the evil human, Ga-lien never gave up and treated all these with patient! He knew he is the only one who can save the universe! For the sake of continuity of the universe, he is ready to sacrifice himself!

However, the harder Ga-lien tried to be the savior, the worse the human became! Wars already out of control. Demonstration were everywhere throughout the entire globe to protest the existence of an alien on earth. Voices of requesting Ga-lien to return to its own planet can be heard everywhere!

Ga-lien suddenly felt so upset for the human. No matter how hard he tried, human never wanted to change. His heart dropped to the deepest. He was exhausted after one year's trying. He started to lose his passion and direction to save these people.

Ga-lien's heart was bleeding just like it had been stabbed with a sharp knife! He got no choice but to admit his own failure in changing human's mind. He felt disappointed and helpless. Suddenly the idea of leaving the evil planet struck his mind!

He was not sure if it is the right choice, but everytime he tried to help, human would just hurt him deeper. He was exhausted, totally exhausted! Not only physically, but mentally as well. He contacted his leader, Liu-lien on Mars with his Gokia G-4k, the standard telecommunication device used in Mars, reporting about his failure and requesting for the quit. After discussion, the leaders had no choice but to accept his decision.

With the help of the largest television network on earth GNN reporting about the news, within an hour's time, the entire planet aware about the news already. Celebration parties started to be seen and it spread to every corner of the world.

Ga-lien's heart broke into pieces. The Homo sapiens misunderstood his good deed and treated him as a threat! He knew only by leaving them will make them feel happy.

The leaving day finally came! With very heavy heart, Ga-lien stepped slowly towards its spaceship "The Voyager No.1"! He felt sad but human just cheers for his leaving and none of them ask him to stay to continue his good deed. He now realized human were too evil and he couldn't save them anymore.

Although he did feel hard to leave, but without much hesitation, Ga-lien started the engine and speed all the way out from the evil planet of earth! Although he had left the planet for good, yet inside his heart, he forgave the human for their sins and evilness. He sincerely wish them the best, and hopefully one day, they will awake and realize their mistakes thus make the earth a peaceful planet and better place to stay! Only by then, the universe will be long lasting.

"I will be back!", Ga-lien told the evil human just before he left! Although no one really know what was that mean, but they knew that if one day the earth still need a savior, Ga-lien for sure will be back to serve them without further questioning!! He will be back if you need him!


- The End -

This story is purely fictional. Any resemblance to actual individuals or events is coincidental.

Yamcha Time @ Le Ark Cafe & Gallery

Le Ark Cafe & Gallery is an eating establishment located at Rejang Esplanade Sibu facing the Rejang River. It provided a very nice place for those who wish to have a romantic and quiet environment for their dining.

Last night I happened to go there with friends. The purpose we went there was not for foods, but just want to have a good place to sit down and have a nice chit chat as one of my friend is going to UK for further study.

Nothing much to elaborate about the restaurant, but basically it is a double storeys building. The photos can explain everything.

Ground floor:

[Entrance lobby area]

[Non air-cond dining area]

[One of the corner...]

[Some decoration]

[Staircase to the upper level]

[An open air dining area at 1st floor facing Rejang Esplanade children playground]

[Another non air-cond dining space on 1st floor]

[A corner where magazines are provided for customers]

I would say the foods here are a bit pricy. Anyway, it depends on individual acceptance. Some might feel they are reasonable, but I would say it is not an ideal eating place for average income families.

[The colorful menu]

Here are some of the foods and beverages ordered by us.

The ais kacang cost RM4.90. Nothing special about the ais kacang, but it was tasty.

The fries cost RM5.00 with 3 sauces given. They were different kind of tomato sauces I guess.

Other 2 friends ordered ice-blended Cappuccino and ice-blended Vanilla which priced RM8.50 and RM7.90 respectively. Here is the receipt of the night:

Oh ya, another specialty here is you will get accompanied by mosquitoes especially when you sit at the non air-cond area at 1st floor.

Anyway, I would like to wish my friend LSW who is going to UK soon all the best and don't ever forget us when he is there!

Eatable Towels

Can you guess what is shown in the photo below? Towels?

Yes! They are towels, but not the normal towels we used for wiping!! They are eatable towels! You didn't hear it wrongly... these towels are consumable!

Actually this is a very unique kuih or pastry I found at one of the stall near Bazaar Ramadhan Sibu. It is called Kuih Kain Tuala (Cloth Towel pastry). I guess by now you should know why it is named so. Because of its appearance which really look like towel! Don't you think so?

There is only one stall at the Bazaar Ramadhan which sold this kuih. From far, they looked like Popia. They are highly demanded. So, if you wish to try out, make sure you visit to the bazaar near 2nd phase of Sibu Town Square early or else it maybe sold out. They are sold at 3 pieces for RM1.00.

The outer layer or the kuih is soft but when you feel it with fingers, the surface is a bit rough. Outer layer is tasteless. The tasty part is actually the fillings which consists of sweet shaved coconut and some peanuts. It is suitable for those who prefer light flavor and less heaty snack.

It is not advisable to expose the kuih directly under the air because this can cause oxidation to the outer layer and hardened its texture thus reduce its tastiness.

For those who never try this food before, it worths a try! Personally, I like it after the first try, who knows you may like it as well? It is the most special and unique food I can find at Bazaar Ramadhan Sibu this year.

Internet Down - From Patient To Anger...

Fed up, demotivated, upset, disappointed. These feelings best described me at the moment. Imagine 2 days without Internet access at home. Today is the third days and I am still waiting for miracle.

Not sure what happened to my Internet starting on weekend. Initially it was ok, but download was a bit slow. I thought this was normal and it always happened. I didn't put too high hope on services provided by ISP. But at least I can still surf and downloading still working.

In the afternoon around 1 o'clock, I suddenly noticed that my Ethernet indicator on my modem stop blinking although it was still on. I checked my CFosSpeed indicator on my desktop, it went to zero. This told me my Internet line got problem already. I restarted my modem, but seemed like the situation remained!

I performed restarting repeatedly, but everytime the result made me more worry. The Ethernet indicator which usually blinking remain on and couldn't blink. I called customer care for support. Thanks God they didn't ask me to do some stupid steps this time. After some troubleshooting, they suspected it was my hardware problem.

I noticed there was a friend who faced the same problem with me.
So, I concluded it was not my hardware problem. The night came... but my Internet still off. I called the customer care again. He asked me to do troubleshooting but the call suddenly cut off half way of the troubleshooting.

Sunday morning, the situation remained. I called again. The customer care told me the technician already looked into the problem. She said they will try to solve my problem hopefully by end of the day. I felt thankful at least some action had been taken, but I was not confident how much effort they had put in to solve the problem. Throughout the day I kept trying to connect to the Internet but everytime I couldn't see my Ethernet indicator blinks back. What a disappointment. I was so down...

It is Monday. During lunch time, without much hope I tried to connect again and hope for miracle. It once again disappointed me to the deepest. Still the same result! I called 100 again! The person answered the phone told me that the status is still "pending technician". I asked how long I still have to wait and he told me that 1 or 2 more days!

My God! How you expect me to survive without Internet connection for another 2 days!! I felt of scolding but luckily I still sober. He is just an operator and no point to shout at him. Maybe I just need to be patient for the next 2 days but hopefully less.

Just now my mum called. She told me that maybe somebody from TM called regarding the Internet. My mum not clear what the caller trying to tell because she has no idea on how all these thing works. I asked my mum why not you ask him to call my handphone number but she said the guy refused to do so!!

I suspect it was the TM contractor who called. What the hack!! Are you trying to stimulate my nerves of anger now!??!! All these while when I did the complains I was using my handphone number and the operator kept confirming my handphone number each time I made the complain, but why now the contractor didn't contact me using the same number? What service standard is this?

I think I am a bit lost of patient already after this incident. Now I gonna write to TM to question them what kind of service standard the contractor gave to its customers! I would like to see how TM gonna explain for this!

Anyway, I still finger cross my line will get to normal at the time I reach home after work (although I had bad instinct on this...*_* ).

Up

Just watched the latest Pixar animation named "UP" at cinema. It was the movie with the shortest and simplest title I ever come across.

The animation started with a 8-year-old shy boy named Carl Fredricksen who love adventure because influent by his idol, Charles Muntz who is a well-known explorer. Accidentally he met a girl who share the same interest with him named Ellie. They fall in love and Ellie then married to Carl.

Ellie had a desire to move her house to Paradise Falls at South America. She couldn't have children, thus both of them had decided to save up for a trip to the falls. However, everytime when they seem to collect enough money, some financial obligation strike and they had to cancel their plan. Ellie then passed away and left the lonely 70-year-old Carl.

To kept the promise to his beloved wife, Carl then flew away the house with balloons and heading to Paradise Falls. He then discovered that a boy named Russell, a Wilderness Explorer was on board the floating house. Both of them had to share the adventure together and on the journey towards the destination, a lot of unexpected incidents happened which will make you laugh the heart out!

I highly recommended this animation because of its very unique and creative story flow and also the adorable characters. You may never expect how the story flow will look like until you watch it. Cuteness wasn't about everything in this film, but some part of the story was really touching especially on how much Carl loved and missed his wife.

I personally give 8.5 out of 10 stars for this film!