Championing the rights of “Keropok Lekor”

Like all Malaysians, I love the abundance of local snacks that we can get for afternoon tea . At almost every corner in town, you can find a stall set up selling anything from fried banana coated in flour (pisang goreng), curry puffs (also fried), some traditional kueh-mueh, and my favourite, fried keropok lekor. Hm, no wonder Malaysia suffered a cooking oil shortage recently.

Keropok Lekor is a type of snack made from mostly fish (and some sago) that is mashed up into sausage-like shapes which will then be either fried as it is, or cut into thinner slices before frying to make them crispier. The best keropok lekor you can get will be from Terengganu where it has become a must for anyone visiting Terengganu to come back with bagfuls of fresh frozen un-fried keropok lekors.

Now, I live in KL, and since I can’t keep going to Terengganu to get keropok lekors, I tend to buy from stalls near my house or from the pasar malams. However, I usually end up disappointed because the taste and quality of the KL keropok lekors have been getting worse and worse. I whole-heartedly agree with the writer of an article in The Star newspaper, “Giving keropok a bad name”.

my concern is the keropok lekor sold in Kuala Lumpur that is passed off as keropok losong. It does not in any way resemble the real deal physically. How can it claim to taste like the real thing? These imitations are giving the Terengganu keropok industry a bad name. I once asked a keropok seller in Sungei Besi, Kuala Lumpur, where his keropok was from and he didn’t know. Some had the cheek to hang up “Keropok lekor Terengganu asli” labels at their stalls

I agree. The keropok lekor industry is a big money-maker. Some keropok sellers are too keen on money-making that they are giving the keropok lekor a bad name. Imagine a tourist, buying keropok lekor only to end up eating a poor imitation of the original keropok lekor terengganu. Imagine them writing their experience later in a blog saying that Malaysian fish sausage doesn’t taste like fish at all.

So, dear readers, and fellow keropok lekor lovers. Lets stand united, and only buy true original keropok lekors. If you had the sad experience of eating a poor imitation of keropok lekor, stop buying from the seller. Let’s show them that we have better taste and will not be fooled by their business tricks, and hope that these sellers will get the idea and stop selling poor tasting keropoks. Lets champion the rights of the original Keropok Lekor. (and the better tasting ones)

Be smart, buy original keropok lekor!

; )

Test your IQ Level

Do you think you are smart enough to be in Mensa?

Excerpt from the Malaysian Mensa Society website,

“Malaysians interested in joining the Malaysian Mensa Society are invited to take the Mensa Admission test which is both fun and enlightening. The 40-minute test is a series of progressive matrices, requiring nothing more than the exercise of spatial-logical reasoning, known as Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices. The test does NOT involve any language nor math - only logic diagrams are given.

Test results are based on the Cattell scale which has a top score of 180. To qualify to be a Mensan, you need to score a top 2% which is a minimum score of 148.

Malaysian Mensa recommends that interested candidates should be at least 14 years old. You need to bring along your NRIC and the test fee — all other materials will be provided.”

If you think you have what it takes, check out the FAQs page

Even if you weren’t accepted into Mensa, (you need to score 148 out of the max 180) at least you have an idea of how much your IQ level is for RM35. I’m not sure though whether you’ll get a certificate for it.

Otherwise, for a rough idea of your IQ level. Check out this site with a similar IQ test.

I already know mine didn’t reach the Mensan level. But am not gonna tell how much it is. Hehe. How about you?

Spaghetti anyone?

My area, full of university students, cater more to the taste for Malaysian food. Which is good most of the time, except this one time when I really…really… have been thinking of eating spaghetti all week. Sluuurp…Nyum… Sigh..

Since I’m going back to my hometown this weekend, think I’ll make my own instead. Then I can put all the yummy stuff in. I searched up some recipes. This one looks easy and simple. Instead of the sausage though, I am gonna put in chopped chicken meat. And exclude the broccoli.

From http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/recipes/recipes/spaghetti_sauce.html

Prep time: 90 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 14.5-oz. cans of crushed tomatoes
• 1 6-oz. can of tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 c. broccoli, chopped into florets
• 2 tbsp. olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. cumin
• 1 tsp. thyme
• 1/2 lb. spicy Italian sausage (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a pan.
2. Add garlic and onion and cook until the onion is translucent (more clear than white).
3. Add peppers and broccoli and sauté for a few minutes.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. When mixture is bubbling, reduce heat to simmer and cover. Simmer for at least 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes.

Serves: 5

Go to the website to see the nutritional details. Me, I don’t reallly care as long as I get to eat delicious spaghetti. Can’t wait. Nyum…

I am “Over You”

I dedicate this song to the person who used to mean a lot to me.

Over You by Daughtry

Now that it’s all said and done,
I can’t believe you were the one
To build me up and tear me down,
Like an old abandoned house.
What you said when you left
Just left me cold and out of breath.
I fell too far, was in way too deep.
Guess I let you get the best of me.

Well, I never saw it coming.
I should’ve started running
A long, long time ago.
And I never thought I’d doubt you,
I’m better off without you
More than you, more than you know.
I’m slowly getting closure.
I guess it’s really over.
I’m finally getting better.
And now I’m picking up the pieces.
I’m spending all of these years
Putting my heart back together.
‘Cause the day I thought I’d never get through,
I got over you.

You took a hammer to these walls,
Dragged the memories down the hall,
Packed your bags and walked away.
There was nothing I could say.
And when you slammed the front door shut,
A lot of others opened up,
So did my eyes so I could see
That you never were the best for me.

Well, I never saw it coming.
I should’ve started running
A long, long time ago.
And I never thought I’d doubt you,
I’m better off without you
More than you, more than you know.
I’m slowly getting closure.
I guess it’s really over.
I’m finally getting better.
And now I’m picking up the pieces.
I’m spending all of these years
Putting my heart back together.
‘Cause the day I thought I’d never get through,
I got over you.

Well, I never saw it coming.
I should’ve started running
A long, long time ago.
And I never thought I’d doubt you,
I’m better off without you
More than you, more than you know.

Well, I never saw it coming.
I should’ve started running
A long, long time ago.
And I never thought I’d doubt you,
I’m better off without you
More than you, more than you know.
I’m slowly getting closure.
I guess it’s really over.
I’m finally getting better.
And now I’m picking up the pieces.
I’m spending all of these years
Putting my heart back together.
Well I’m putting my heart back together,
‘Cause I got over you.
Well I got over you.
I got over you.
‘Cause the day I thought I’d never get through,
I got over you.

Where am I?

I’m now back to being a student. Have been for the past two weeks. I can’t believe being a student again can be this tiring. Whoa! Intellectually tiring. Guess it shows that I havent been using my brain that much the past couple of months. Haha.

Anyways, I’ll be posting more sporadically. In the meantime, browse through the links and try out recipes. Share with me any new tasty ones that you’ve tested. A pic would be good too. The food here is nothing to shout about. And not enough time to watch tv. Gr…

Oh well,  its all part and parcel of a student’s life. But enjoying every moment of it. Cheers!

The epidemic fever gripping Malaysia

The epidemic is severe. Affecting millions in Malaysia. It’s called the Malaysian General Election Fever. Don’t worry, symptoms usually disappear after about a month.

The symptoms includes:

1 - The almost overnite sudden appearance of banners and colourful flags, with logos like the “dacing”, the rocket, the white full-moon, and the “eye”. Mostly in the city centers.

2 - The hollow-eyed people walking around somewhat like zombies after sleepless nights attending political “ceramahs”, or hanging the earlier said flags in the first symptom.

3 - Discussions over “teh tarik” at their favourite mamak stall of who will win the EPL, Arsene or Fergie, turned into who will win the election, BN or BA.

4 - Friends /good neighbours not talking to each other mostly due to disagreements over their support for the same symptom No. 3

Then, after the initial 2 weeks, symptoms became more severe;

5 - “Friends” not talking to each other mostly due to one friend being picked over the other

6 - “Allies” not talking to each other after fighting over seat allocations

7 - Even more sleepless nights helping in campaigns, or listening to campaigns/”ceramahs”, or unable to sleep due to the loudness of the “ceramahs” in their neighbourhood.

8 - Minor injuries, hopefully, due (related to the first symptom) due to fighting over who can climb the highest tree to hang up their flags.

Then, the height of the fever;

9 - Bus loads of people heading to their polling centers

10 - Bus loads of people being held up when heading to their polling centers

11 - Bus loads of people being accused of being “pengundi hantu” after being held up when heading to their polling centers

12 - People comparing the new “IT” fingernail decoration (the indelible ink the election commission is using for first time)

13 - People without the new “IT” fingernail decoration putting on nail-colour to hide that fact.

14 - Discussions over “kopi pekat” at their favourite mamak stall of who will win the election, BN or BA.

15 - All TV and Radio channels tuned to the latest news on who won, and who lost. People turn to watching pirated DVDs instead.

16 - Another sleepless night to celebrate wins with their supporters.

17 - Another sleepless night to discuss what went wrong, coming to terms on their loss, and consoling the losers and their supporters .

17 - Another sleepless night for electoral committee doing recounts of the votes in dispute

18 - Another sleepless night for the “calons” and their supporters having their votes recounted

19 - Another sleepless night for newsies hunting up winners and losers taking their winning/losing statements

20 - Further sleeplessness for newsies working hard overnight to print up the full results of the elections

Then, the fever starts to abate;

21 - People coming to terms with who won and who lost

22 - Friends/neighbours of opposing parties start talking to each other again

23 - Another sleepless night for supporters taking down the flags that they put up

24 - More minor injuries related to symptom number 8.

25 - Discussions over “teh tarik” at their favourite mamak stall of who will be the “Menteri Besar”, “Ketua Menteri”, and other “Menteri”-related titles

26 - The formal declaration of by the “Perdana Menteri” of who will be the “Menteri Besar”, “Ketua Menteri”, and other “Menteri”-related titles

27 - Newsies working hard to print up the formal declaration of by the “Perdana Menteri” of who will be the “Menteri Besar”, “Ketua Menteri”, and other “Menteri”-related titles as well as their biodata.

Then, after one week of the height of the fever, everyone has recovered fully. And Malaysians go back to normal, sporting a new “cool” fingernail decoration.

For supposedly “biased” details on the 2008 election, go to http://www.utusan.com.my/utusan/special.asp?pr=PilihanRaya2008

For supposedly “unbiased” details on the 2008 election, go to

http://undi.info/

http://elect.bernama.com/election/home.php

This is one fever that all of us should enjoy. Use your right to vote! Vote for the people who will work for the people! March 8, 2008

To check for your name on the electoral roll, go to http://daftarj.spr.gov.my/daftarbi.asp

Stairway to Heaven, Korean Drama Music Video

One of the most popular korean drama to hit our shores after Winter Sonata, Stairway to Heaven starred Choi Ji Woo (the lead in Winter Sonata) as Jung Suh, the childhood friend and later lover of Song Joo (played by a really cute Kwon Sang Woo)

The drama was a typical cry-fest, about a girl, Jung Suh, who grew up with an evil stepmother and step-sister (ala Cinderella but without the glass slippers) as well as a confused step-brother. Luckily for her, she had her best friend, Song Joo, to turn to. Until her step-sister Yoo Ri fell in love with Song Joo too, and her step-brother Tae Hwa fell in love with Jung Suh.

To make things even more complicated then it already is, Jung Suh lost her memory after an accident caused by Yoo Ri. Yoo Ri asked her brother for help, and Tae Hwa grabbed at the chance to live a new life with Jung Suh, who he renamed Ji Soo. They later fell in love and got engaged. Song Joo thought Jung Suh had died.

Years later, Song Joo saw the renamed Ji Soo. He insisted that her name was Jung Suh but she didn’t believe him. He hired Ji Soo to start a new clothing line for this company, and after many tries, Jung Suh later regained her memory, but Song Joo has started dating Yoo Ri.

Then, Jung Suh discovered she had eye cancer and is losing her sight, as well as maybe her life… A lot more complicated storyline happened before Jung Suh finally ended up together with Song Joo. Even then, it wasn’t happily ever after.

I’ve discovered that watching Stairway to Heaven drama can be depressing at times, but if you need a really good cry, watch the drama. Make sure you have a box of tissues next to you. Cry your heart out, and then move on. To something happier. Like Disney movies. ; P

Read the full storyline here at wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stairway_to_Heaven_(TV_series)

Vote for Malaysia to be on the Monopoly World Edition

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is currently No 49 on the Monopoly World Edition voting scoreboard.

The 20 cities with the highest worldwide votes on February 29 2008 will make it onto the board. Let’s help put Malaysia on the Monopoly Game. To vote, click on the link below.

http://www.hasbro.com/games/kid-games/monopoly/

Anugerah Juara Lagu 22 Best Vocals, Ceritera Cinta - Jac & Lah

Great performance by both Jaclyn and Lah (formerly in the group VE) , great restraint on Jaclyn’s part (no screams in this performance) as well as excellent control by Lah. Anyone who can perform a duet live with Jac, without being outshined, definitely deserves winning the Best Vocals. Congrats Lah and Jac. Definitely one of the few performers in AJL22 that performed well last night. This song has been stuck in my head the whole day. Good thing its a good song. ; p

Watch their winning performance at AJL22 below.

Lyrics below

Ceritera Cinta

Bertanya sang bayu pada ku
Mengapa kau masih disitu
Tiadakah jemu kau menunggu
Ohhhhh

Dan buat seorang perindu
Penantian hanya lah waktu
Dikamus hati ku
Tiada istilah jemu
Ohhhhoh

Hentikan lah saja
Jenaka bermadah
Biasa terlalu sering ku dengar
Ceritera cinta tiada berubah
Hanya mimpi yang indah
Akhirnya nanti kecewa

Buka lah sedikit hati mu
Kenali siapa daku
Ohhh

Beri ku pendam rasa hati
Malu mengakui
Ohhhhhh oh

Hentikan lah saja jenaka bermadah
Biasa terlalu sering ku dengar
Ceritera cinta
Tiada berubah hanya mimpi (hanya mimpi) yang indah
Akhirnya nanti kecewa …

Tanpa mahu mengakui kau pun dihati
Diluar sedar kau ku rindui
Penantian (penatianmu) hanya ruang waktu
Tiba masa kan terbukti cinta ku
Ohhh
tak mudah percaya pada pengakuan aku di hati mu yang tersayang

Hentikan lah saja
Jenaka bermadah biasa terlalu sering ku dengar
Ceritera cinta tiada berubah hanya mimpi (hanya mimpi)
Yeh .. yeh .. yeh … yeh
Akhirnya nanti kecewa …

Itu Kamu - Estranged, Anugerah Juara Lagu 22 Winner

Wow! I was really blown away by Estranged’s performance in AJL. They used the orchestra backing to their advantage. Some of the earlier singers had to struggle to make their vocals heard over the symphony. Well done Estranged! Keep the great music coming guys.

Below’s their music video for the ballad, Itu Kamu.

As well as the lyrics.

Itu Kamu

Segala yang ku pasti akan aku capai tuk mengambil hati mu
Melepasi angkasa cinta ku
Sesudah aku melafazkan kesemua yang diperlu
Ianya seperti suluhan yang terang

Segala yang kau ragui akan ku padam habis dari hati mu
Mengingkari dalaman akal mu
Takkan puas ku, mengiringi semua tawa dan tangisan mu,
Anggun wajahmu, pelita yang terang

Hatiku mahu mu
Rupa mu
Masih masih masih masih

Kau terindah
Masih ada
Yang tercantik
Itu Kamu

Kau terindah
Masih ada
Yang tercantik
Itu Kamu

Tiada mengapa taupun sampai bila kerna cinta enggan kenal mengalah
Memanah masuk hatiku yang reti
Setelah kau nampak tetap ku masih menunjukkan erti hidupku
Yang mahu bersama kau buat selamanya

Hatiku mahu mu
Rupa mu
Masih masih masih masih

Kau terindah
Masih ada
Yang tercantik
Itu Kamu

Kau terindah
Masih ada
Yang tercantik
Itu Kamu