Fasten up guys

Beginning Saturday, the authorities will be conducting daily enforcement operations to ensure motorists start wearing the seatbelts even before it becomes compulsory from Jan 1.

Road Safety Department also cautioned those with children saying that those under five years were not allowed to wear adult seatbelts and needed to be put on child safety seats. Proton and Perodua would be announcing in early December the schedule for the free retrofitting of cars without rear seatbelts.

Vertical limit

This have been Reanne's eight and a half months adventure as she progresses into vertical challenges. She have started to grab hold of sofa, step, cabinet and even boxes to master her vertical limit. Our little lady here is going to lift up from the ground soon. It's gonna be busy time ahead for mummy, daddy, grandpa and grandma :)

My precious.......biscuit

Picture speaks a thousand words. I belief it is as you can see how happy, joyful and satisfied our baby girl Reanne when she got hold of the Rusk biscuit. Yum.....yum.

I think she might be in the process of teething. Already starting to bit stuffs here and there. Hope this is improve her appetite of eating and explore more foods. Reanne is kind of small eater. By the way, little big brother Ivan helped to eat a small portion of the biscuit when at the end Reanne unable to finished it.

Indecent exposure

I got a laugh at this news clip. I find this very useful if it can be enforced here locally. Those so call fashion display is getting pretty much an eye sores. Well at least it is for real at Flint, Michigan USA. Either you want to stay in jail 93 days and/or pay up USD 500.

Malaysia rated "high risk"

I don't know but to incline my thoughts more to the following report done by a non-Malaysian consultant in relation to the financial crisis the world is facing now. We are at "risk" they said. But, but, but..... our Finance Ministry said the otherwise.

Most often then not, third party evaluation on us (whether as individual or corporate) tend to carry more weight than our on assessment. We sometimes thought we know ourselves very well inside out. But others view is important also as check and balance. If both views stand comparable, then no worries should arise. Important is we get the true picture so that we are able to prepare and face the situation. So are we well informed and prepared?

Malaysia is rated as "high risk" while Singapore is well-positioned to weather the economic slowdown because of its political and social stability, says Hong Kong-based Political & Economic Risk Consultancy.

Its analysts ranked Singapore as having the least political and social risks next year among 16 territories in Asia-Pacific, according to a summary of its 87-page report released to the media yesterday. Malaysia, Thailand and India were ranked as the most risky because of internal developments.

The report found that while Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia could be hurt the most by the crisis, they were the most stable politically and socially.On a scale of zero for the least risky to 10 for the most, Singapore scored 2.76, followed by Australia (2.9) and Hong Kong (3.23). Most risky are India (6.87), Thailand (6.28) and Malaysia (6.07). They are vulnerable not so much to the financial fallout but due to internal developments, the report added.

Further details from The Straits Times, Singapore.

Poster Kid

Watch out gals, this new kid in the block will mesmerize you. Check it out!

First Bicycle

Thanks to my aunt (Ivan's grand aunt), Ivan got a an early Christmas gift. My aunt gave Ivan the kid bicycle which used to be my cousin's. The bicycle still in good condition and further more tune up by my uncle who own a bicycle shop. Many thanks to my aunt and uncle.

Right now still haven't got the chance to let Ivan try it out preferably at the park. So Ivan just got to be satisfied temporary riding on it inside the house........stationary. Anyhow for safety reason the bicycle will be kept in a corner until Ivan knows how to handle it. Again Ivan was very blessed with such gifts from all his uncles and aunties. Also not forgetting God for His provision.

Lance Amstrong in the making?

Look at the sweat

First trunk

It was an unusual purchased we made yesterday when we were at Jusco. But it was an intended and planned item. In fact it was the first item we bought when we reached there. Finally Ivan have his first swimming trunk. As I recall it I don't even own one when I was his age. Back then we 'telanjang'! Yeap bear it all. Who cares anyway. We were just kids.

It wasn't an easy purchase belief me. Ivan just refused to try it out. In fact he usually don't allow so. Persuasion was futile. The promoter did assure us that it fit him well. If not still can return for change of size.

The story didn't end there yet as we try another round of persuasion at home. But..........Ivan still won't gives in. Maybe just maybe we talk him into it during bath time. What do you think? Any bright idea?

Build up the natural fence

Yesterday just started Ivan with cod liver oil supplement from the good old Soctt's Emulsion. Most of us remember having taken it sometimes in our childhood period. Some might even still consuming it as supplement.

Scott's Emulsion is rich in cod liver oil which is a natural source of Omega-3 Vitamin A & D, calcium and phosphorus. It helps children to build their natural body resistance to infections like coughs and colds and develop strong bones and teeth during their growing years. The youngest recommended starting age is one year old and above. Further checking on the cod liver oil benefits, it reveal even more interesting finding which I wanted to share here.

Cod liver oil is, as the name suggests, extracted from the livers of cod. Its claim to health-giving properties lies in the fact that it's rich in an essential fatty acid called omega-3. In fact, it contains two types of omega-3 - eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It's also a rich source of vitamins A and D.

Essential fatty acids

The body needs fatty acids for many normal activities, including skin repair, nerve and immune system function. They also help to carry fat around the body and in the manufacture of prostaglandins.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are those we must get from our diet because they're not made by the body. They're vital in the formation of cell walls, and are needed whenever the body is building or restoring tissues.

They also play a part in allowing nutrients and other chemicals to pass in and out of cells.

There are two types of EFA: omega-3 and omega-6. We need both, but what seems to matter most is getting the right balance.

Humans evolved on a diet containing roughly equal amounts of omega-3 and omega-6. Now, however, we consume 20 or 30 times more omega-6, partly because of the increased amount of certain vegetable oils in our diet.

An excess of omega-6 alters the body's physiology to a state where the blood is thicker, the blood vessels more likely to go into spasm and clots more likely to form. This increases the risk of heart attack and other forms of cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 can counteract this, but you need to get enough.

Sources in the diet

Omega-3 is derived from linolenic acid. Good sources include soya beans and rapeseed oil. Oily fish, such as sardines, herring, mackerel, trout and salmon, are particularly rich in omega-3.

We need about 1g to 2g of omega-3 a day, which can be provided by 100g of herring or a handful of walnuts. The Department of Health recommends eating two portions of oily fish a week.

Omega-6 is derived from linoleic acid, which is found in many vegetable oils, especially sunflower, olive and corn oils. An adult needs about 4g a day, the equivalent of two teaspoons of sunflower oil or a handful of almonds or walnuts.

It's possible to get enough EFAs through the diet. Of course, that's not easy if children are choosy about what they eat. If you want to be absolutely certain your son is getting enough, you may want to consider giving him supplements.

Extra health benefits

Recently, EFAs have been promoted for the treatment of a wide range of conditions.

Omega-3 may help to treat:

• Heart disease
• Arthritis
• Psoriasis

Extra omega-6 EFAs may help to protect against:

• Inflammatory conditions
• Breast pain
• Menopausal symptoms
• Premenstrual syndrome

Omega-3 and the brain

There's a long-held belief that fish oil is good for growing brains and it seems there may be some truth in that. Certainly, omega-3 is important for nerve function.

More specific research has shown that children low in omega-3 are more likely to be hyperactive, have learning disorders and display behavioural problems. Omega-3 deficiency has also been linked to dyslexia, violence, depression and memory problems.

Some people have found omega-3 supplements help children with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder and similar conditions.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in December 2007

Bedtime

Our latest bedtime hour no longer that regular 'go to bed' kind of routine. For Pei and I it's the kind of period we look forward for after the long hours. Unfortunately it's not for the kids.

Reanne lately has become more playful at this time. With the dime light and cozy environment. And of course with the little big brother Ivan around. The two them can really get into the 'frenzy' play time lead by Ivan of course.

It's fun to see them play together as long don't fight together. The two of them is getting along pretty fine so far. Ahemmm.......okie bedtime kids.

Yesterday was milk then cookies now Eggs!

Melamine in Chinese Eggs! There seems to be no end to the melamine contamination crisis in the food found at China lately. What thought to be only on milk formula now have let to massive food safety concern. Hong Kong authorities take no less concern with latest afford even to test China meat. So what next?

Excessive levels of the industrial chemical melamine in Chinese eggs might be traced to feed given to chickens, the Hong Kong government said late Saturday. The government said in a statement it found 4.7 parts per million of melamine in the eggs produced by a division of China's Dalian Hanwei Enterprise Group based in the northeastern port city Dalian. The legal limit of melamine in Hong Kong is 2.5 ppm. Hong Kong Secretary for Food and Health said the melamine may have come from feed given to the chickens that laid the eggs. The new results have prompted officials to expand food testing to meat imports from China.

In an earlier egg-related food safety scare, the banned cancer-causing industrial dye, Sudan Red, was used to color egg yolks.

Click here to view the HK Centre of Food Safety test result.

Hi-touch

This few days Pei and I have been on the hi-touch. Err.....not touchy touchy things la. More like communicating. An upgrading to our personal connection via current modern and high technologies. Some of you might have already been doing it. I guess we are late comer on this subject matters. Anyway it was fun, interesting and refreshing since it is very new to us both. We are keeping our distance so much closer now. Time and geographical location no longer post as obstruction.

Yupp, we are connected via Google Chat. Ok, ok.....not really a big deal isn't it to some of you. But it was a quantum leap for us. Not only that, we also make use of Google Calender to plan our family schedule, appointment and activities. Both of us synchronize our time schedule so as both will able to know each other is doing what and where. Now we can get hold of each other not only through phone while away but also with much wider platform of communication. What a wonder technologies provided.

Next step, hope Pei able to blog also. And maybe Facebook too. Indeed it has been a great adventure for both of us.

Metrojaya Sales

Grab this long weekend to have a bargain purchase at Metrojaya Anniversary Sale (22 Oct - 9 Nov) and Metrojaya Warehouse Sales at Shah Alam Stadium (23 - 27 Oct). You can take this opportunity to plan ahead for Christmas gifts or even New Year purchase. Well, every penny that you can safe do helps at this hour of time.

Popular Anniversary Celebration

POPULAR Bookstore at Sunway Pyramid & Ikano Power Centre are celebrating their anniversary from 17 Oct untill 2 Nov 2008.

Member will enjoy the promotion until 14 Dec 2008. In conjunction with the Anniversary Celebration, they are offering all normal priced Chinese Books with 20% rebate & 15% for all normal priced English books.

Doctors warn of rash from mobile phone use

Doctors baffled by an unexplained rash on people's ears or cheeks should be on alert for a skin allergy caused by too much mobile phone use, the British Association of Dermatologists said.

Citing published studies, the group said a red or itchy rash, known as "mobile phone dermatitis," affects people who develop an allergic reaction to the nickel surface on mobile phones after spending long periods of time on the devices. The British group said many doctors were unaware mobile phones could cause the condition.

Safety concerns over mobile phones has grown as more people rely on them for everyday communication, although the evidence to date has given the technology a clean bill of health when it comes to serious conditions like brain cancer. In mobile phone dermatitis, the rash would typically occur on the cheek or ear, depending on where the metal part of the phone comes into contact with the skin. In theory it could even occur on the fingers if you spend a lot of time texting on metal menu buttons.

Well, if I do come across any of you with one side of your face being red.....guess what I know what you do lately!

Ivan first marry-go-round

We stop by at a nearby Fun Fair after eating out last Saturday. Since the night was still young, we decided to stop by (or I should say I decided since I drove my family there).

There were many fun things there just like a mini theme park. They have the bumper cars, thrill rides, transport rides, for young and old. Many other games also available for customer who wants to get their hands on free toys.

Ivan got his first mini car ride after my mom sponsor him. At first my mom asked him whether he wants or not and Ivan took the offer. There were only two children riding including Ivan. The other one was a little girl about Ivan age. At the beginning Ivan was pretty ok, then his facial changed. Seconds later he want to opt out and subsequently my dad pull him out when he almost wants to cry. Maybe not really what Ivan expected of. Can't blame him, it was his first experience. The other little girl anyhow stays until the end of the ride. Cool....

I later observed few of the children transport rides especially those which lift up and spins didn't provide safety harness for children to fasten upon. One kid cried and also want to opt out but the machine is still moving. The operator quickly stop it and the child's mother swiftly took the child out for safety. Phheww.....

I wonder any authorities check and control such Fun Fair operation for safety and health regulation. This kind of entertainment does not station at one location but always on the move. Children or even people can get hurt if the operator did not maintain or provide enough safety features into their products.

Parents got to exercise good judgment whether should little children be allowed for such trill rides.

Cats, dogs and even elephants

Last week was a very wet week if I do say so myself. I don't know how it is on the other part of earth besides my area. It was very, very, very wet. The down pour of water and the crazy wind. It's like mother nature trowing a big tantrum. I says not only cats and dogs but elephants. You got to be there to believe it. I am......right inside my car.

It was so difficult to see what's in front of you. I was on high alert graping my steering wheel (so only managed to record a short clips with my cellphone camera. Kids don't try this on the road).

My worst experience was driving at almost the same situation but along big trees. I can see tree branches and leaves falling down everywhere. So scary.

Thank God for His protection as we drive on the road to work, study, fetching children etc.

Munchy gives reassurance

On 18 Oct, Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety announced that two Munchy's products was found unsatisfactory with excessive levels of melamine.

1) Munchy’s Mini Crackers with Peanut Butter (net weight: 45g, expiry date: 15.7.2009). The level of melamine detected was 5.4ppm.

2) Munchy’s Mini Crackers with Cheese Cream (net weight: 45g, expiry date: 15.7.2009). The level of melamine detected was 3.8ppm.
Under the Harmful Substances in Food (Amendment) Regulation 2008, the legal limit for melamine in the concerned products is 2.5ppm.

Yesterday, Munchy Food Industries has reiterated that none of its products contain any dairy-based ingredients from China as it only uses those from Australia and France, its chief executive officer C.K. Tan said on Sunday. “We are co-operating with the Health Ministry in Malaysia, which is conducting tests on our product range,” said Tan, adding that the company’s products were previously tested and cleared by independent certification agencies.

Click here to view HK Centre for Food Safety test result/report

Bank deposits are being guarantee

In a coordinated effort to contain the effect of the global financial crisis, Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to provide a blanket guarantee on all bank deposits in their respective banking systems.

All ringgit and foreign currency deposits placed with financial institutions regulated by Bank Negara will be fully guaranteed by the Government with immediate effect, the central bank said in a joint statement with the Ministry of Finance posted on its website.

The statement on Thursday also said that access to Bank Negara’s liquidity facility would also be extended to insurance companies and takaful operators.

The deposits are fully guaranteed through Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM) until December 2010.

Click here to view Bank Negara full statement.

Retreated or relocated?

A police beat base located in the Chow Kit area of downtown Kuala Lumpur has been shut down because the “presence of criminals could make it unsafe” for police officers.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said the beat base was located in a dirty area where police faced the possibility of being exposed to contagious diseases. The presence of criminals also posed a threat to the safety of police officers.

However City Chief Police Officer Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Sabtu Osman immediate response upon being question the move said the beat base was not shut down but relocated to bigger premises near Jalan Raja Bot. “We moved there to provide better service as we have increased our manpower and need more space,” he said.

How come the boss and the sub-coordinate said differently. It can only be one thing......covering each other backside. Whatever the so called explanation, it clearly shown to us all today that our man in black are kiasi. I thought those man in black suppose to be there to create, maintain order, safety and harmony. Think again....

The Rabbits are back

The White Rabbit creamy candies are back in China.

A total of 1,027 tonnes of White Rabbit creamy candies have been cleared of melamine by city authorities and are available domestically and worldwide again from 16 Oct. The producer of China's iconic White Rabbit milk candy has put on green label on the candy's packing to show the product is free of melamine, three weeks after a sales halt amid the wide-spread tainted milk scandal. The candy taking on a new look began its return to market on Wednesday, as the products had passed Shanghai quality supervision administration tests. The melamine-free candy would be supplied first to the Shanghai market, where the company is located, and then to other parts of China and then foreign countries.

I still have my reservation on the candies. Anyhow staying away from sugary stuff is beneficial in long terms for our kids and ourselves alike.

Gone the fever came the rashes

Our poor little Reanne. After the fever have gone and subsided now rashes appeared around her body. Most prominent is her face. The rashes somehow appeared since yesterday afternoon. We were surprised to see this happened.

We quickly seek the advice from doctor if this rashes is of any 'mischievous' symptoms. Thank God its not. Just an after effect of viral fever. Doctor gave a prescription Antihistamine to relief the rashes. During the night, Reanne struggle to sleep. She was uneasy and restless...rolled and crawled here and there. Worst she fell down from our bed as she tries to settle herself. Our hearts sank. Mummy and I quickly tuck her in our arms to comfort her while checking any bruises or bump at her head. Again thank God nothing serious. I think Reanne was a bit shock. This is a bit too much to take for our baby girl yesterday. Lord, please protect our baby girl from viral attack, heal her from the rashes and protect her from accidents, falls and that no harms or injuries shall come near her. Cover her with the blood of Jesus. In Jesus' name.

This morning she slept soundly. Too tired after all the night incidents :(

Note:
Antihistamines are drugs which combat the effects of histamine. Histamine is a chemical released by certain cells of the body (mast cells): during an allergic reaction; when reacting to mechanical trauma of the skin; in response to stings and insect bites.

The antihistamines are helpful for treating:

• Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis)
• Other nasal allergies
• Itch and itchy rashes including urticaria or hives.
• Insect bites and stings
• Allergy, including severe forms

Sometimes being use of their side effects (only specific antihistamines):

• To reduce nausea and sickness, including motion sickness
• To help sleep
• To dry secretions

Malaysia biscuits recalled

Khong Guan and Khian Guan brand biscuits have been found to contain excessive levels of melamine.

Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said 18 out of the 47 products produced by the two manufacturers contained more than the permissible level of melamine, which is 2.5mg/kg or 2.5 parts per million (ppm). Manufacturers had been instructed to recall all 18 biscuit products from the market and further requested that they voluntarily recall the rest of the products (the remaining 29).

The ministry had traced the source of the melamine to ammonium bicarbonate, the leveling agent used. The ammonium bicarbonate used by both manufacturers was from China. As such, the import of ammonium bicarbonate from China was banned, placing the substance under Level 6 Examination (Auto Rejection), while ammonium bicarbonate from other countries is placed under Level 4 Examination (Surveillance Examination).

Check at Khong Guan website for the list of the products.

Alone at down town train

On Monday I went to KL city centre at Masjid Jamed by taking LRT. First I drove from my office to the nearest station which is at Sri Petaling. Just mere 20 minutes later I was already at my destination. Not bad when that evening was raining. My friend whom I supposed to meet was not so fortunate. Stuck inside KL traffic jam about 20 minute before able to meet me at Masjid Jamed. While waiting I sat at the nearby bus stand firstly to get shelter and justing looking around trying to kill some time. Feeling like the good old days way before I can own a car then. Anyway I was not in a hurry.

On my way back I was literally left alone inside one of the LRT carriage after all the rest have gone. The station I wanted to return to was the last station. So....alone lo. First time. A bit weird. Deserted.

Throughout the whole journey if I didn't take LRT I would be late, stuck in jam, stressed, frustrated, temper boiled inside my car. Thank God for such a good public transport. The government really have to invest on it and improve for the people best interest.....the poor and average earner. And sometimes for people like me :)

Up and down

So there you go. Our soon-to-be retired PM announced yesterday yet another price reduction (3rd round to be exact) of petrol at 14.8% from RM2.70/litre to RM2.30/litre. And diesel from RM2.58/litre to RM2.20/litre, average 14.7%.

May I ask, does it make things change for the better? Most likely very little, if not none......too minute to measure. But I would definite be a happy Malaysian when TNB to reduce their tariff by 14.8% in tandem with the percentage of reduction of petrol. Actually shouldn't TNB do it immediately when now their cost also have been reduced?! If they don't, it a 'day light robbery'!

I guess this is like the popular saying, "What goes up, don't come down".

Internet Searching May Boost Brain

Searching the Internet may help middle-aged and older adults keep their memories sharp.

Researchers at the University of California Los Angeles studied people doing Web searches while their brain activity was recorded with functional magnetic resonance imaging scans.

"What we saw was people who had Internet experience used more of their brain during the search. This suggests that just searching on the Internet may train the brain -- that it may keep it active and healthy," said Small, whose research appears in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

Many studies have found that challenging mental activities such as puzzles can help preserve brain function, but few have looked at what role the Internet might play. "This is the first time anyone has simulated an Internet search task while scanning the brain," Small said.

Hey, who says going online is bad. Keep the mouse clicking!!!

Down with fever

Since Sunday nite, Reanne was down with fever. Temperature reach to close 39 degree Celsius. There were no other symptoms.....no running nose, flu or cough. At least not. Thank God. Most properly due to our hectic schedule last Saturday and Sunday where Reanne and Ivan have been following me and mummy out full day. Lacking the rest and sleep they normally required.

Until this morning her forehead still a bit heaty. Hope her temperature will back to normal by today.

Sarawak on high alert for HFM disease

Sarawak is on high alert for hand, foot and mouth disease following the detection of the EV71 virus, which causes a more severe form of the disease.

Parents are urge to bring their children to hospital immediately if they noticed danger signs of the disease such as high fever for more than two days, repeated vomiting, poor appetite, dehydration and lethargy.

At the same time parents and child care-givers need to practise good hygiene at all times as this was the most effective way of stamping out the disease. Adults must practice hygiene such as washing their hands before handling children.

Click here to read more about HFMD.

The searh for corns

I was looking for corns to be make available for this coming Saturday Children Ministry's teacher get together BBQ. Have tried at Jusco near my working place but not available. So decided to give a try a the next option - Pasar Borong Puchong which also near my working place. And finally found it :)

It's my first time visiting the market. Very big space with a lot of mini and individual stalls. I bought the corns with very reasonable price from a Malay mak cik. I foresee I will be coming more often to do 'marketing'. Hmmmm......

Taro biscuit to be withdrawn

The Health Ministry has ordered Taro brand biscuit produced by Bairong to be withdrawn from the market with immediate effect after tests showed it contained melamine above the permissible level.

The ministry’s food quality and safety division director, Noraini Mohd Othman, said in a statement yesterday the product contained above the 75ppm (parts per million) level of melamine that is permitted.

The statement added that 12 products analysed by the division were found to meet the ministry’s standard for melamine content.

They are Fruit Jelly Stick (Motion), Genuine Pearl Jelly (Tian Tian), Lobster Peanut Crisp (Cap Layang), 888 (Egg & Milk Filling) (Vigor 888), Rice Crackers (Wang Wang), Biscuit Sticks (Four Seas). Mini Poppers Chocolate Flavoured (Walls), White Coffee 3in1 (Dali Coffee Beverage), Apple Sandwich Biscuits (Bairong), Colourfull Party (Cherry & Apple Biscuits) (Bairong), Almond Cakes (Fu Die Lai) and Curtes Chocolate (Giff).

The risks of not taking exercise

Whatever your age physical activity plays an important part in your health and well-being. Some people think it is only sportsmen and women who need to build physical activity into their lives. However everyone needs to keep their bodies working well in order to be healthy.

Physical activity is necessary to stimulate the body's own natural maintenance and repair system. Your bones, joints and muscles - especially your heart - will actually stay younger if you keep them busy. If you are not physically active you increase your health risks in many ways.

Risks to you
Coronary Heart Disease, strokes, high blood pressure, breathlessness, flabby body, little energy, stiff joints, osteoporosis, poor posture, overweight.

Risks to your family
Lack of energy for your sexual relationship; lack of energy for your children and grandchildren; a poor role model.

The three main components of being physically fit are stamina, strength and suppleness.

Stamina
You need a well-developed circulation to the heart and lungs to give you the ability to keep going without gasping for breath. With stamina you have a slower more powerful heartbeat and will be able to cope more easily with prolonged or heavy exercise.

Strength
You need well toned muscles to give you the ability to do physical work. When your shoulder, trunk and thigh muscles are toned-up they will work well and you will not experience strains and injuries as often.

Suppleness
Developing good mobility in your neck, spine and joints will prevent you spraining ligaments and pulling muscles and tendons. You will also be less likely to experience aches and pains from stiff joints.

Come jam with me

Reanne progress development lately includes the ability to hold two objects each on one hand and knock/bang them together. It looks like solo jamming session minus the rhythm. An extra entertainment for the family :)

Recycling litter funds honeymoon

A couple spent three months collecting and recycling litter to pay for their honeymoon flights.

John and Ann Till, from Petersfield, in Hampshire, took thousands of cans and bottles to a recycling centre at a nearby Tesco supermarket.

For every four recycled items, they earned a reward point which was then converted into BA air miles.

They amassed 36,000 miles, which they used to fly back in business class from their US honeymoon.

The Tills came up with the idea while buying petrol at Tesco in Havant, where an automated recycling unit that gives loyalty-card points had been installed for a trial period.

They had enough money for a Queen Mary 2 cruise to New York but could not afford the flights home, so the couple started scouring the streets of their home town for rubbish, clocking up the miles for their dream honeymoon.

Wow, how about that guys! I am impressed. I wonder Tesco have it here at Malaysia. I don't mind to do it the way the Tills did. Think about it.....two birds with one stone (err.....can/bottle).

Brother and sister always

Ivan and Reanne is bonding pretty well as the little sister slowly growing up to know that she have a little big brother besides her. Not forgetting little Sarah which also making her present felt. So overall the trio are just happy-go-lucky around the house....making noises thats more like it.

Being the little big brother, Ivan have been displaying his 'ko ko' identity quite well to both his sisters. Unfortunately when it comes to toys, Ivan is not that 'generous' to share. I guess it's matter of time and growing process these trio are learning.

I wonder how it will be when both Reanne and Sarah start walking and their personalities are more develop?

Reanne new crawling style

Just after about two weeks in her preliminary crawling skill Reanne is trying new advance style......with hands and knees. She even tries to sit herself from crawling position. Great to see her latest progress taking shape more and more lately. Who knows what surprises she want to show later. Overall she is of the steady type.

You are doing very well mei mei. Keep it up :)

Baby teething

Baby teeth usually begin to appear between 5 months and 7 months of age. Infants may continue to get baby teeth until they are about 2 1/2 years old.

The Lucile Packard Children's Hospital offers a list of common symptoms of teething, and some warning signs that something may be wrong.

Normal signs:

• Additional drooling.
• Frequent chewing or sucking on the fist or fingers.
• Swelling or puffiness of the gums.
• Being unusually fussy.

Unusual symptoms:

• While some discomfort is normal, teething shouldn't cause your baby to have a high fever.
• Teething also shouldn't cause cold-like symptoms or diarrhea.

Avoid exotic animals as pet for children

Exotic pets such lizards and more common animals like hamsters and hedgehogs pose a health risk to children and the elderly, a new study found Monday.

Although caring for pets can be beneficial for children, many animals such as tortoises carry diseases such as rabies or salmonella which can be transferred to their young owners, the study in the October edition of the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics said.

Other more exotic creatures such as iguanas and monkeys can bite or scratch children causing infected wounds or allergies.

The study highlighted that most American homes have one or more pets, and recommended that families with children under the age of five should avoid adopting exotic animals.

The report said 11 percent of salmonella cases in children resulted from contacts with lizards, turtles and other reptiles, said lead author Larry Pickering.

"Most non-traditional pets pose a risk to the health of young children, and their acquisition and ownership should be discouraged in households with young children," the report concludes.

I guess the best option now is stick back to man best friend - dog as pets. Right now my family doesn't have one. In future we might.....maybe the golden retriever.

A dip in Sungai Chongkat

A short visit to Sungai Chongkat after my Saturday half day works with my family was no doubt a refreshing one especially the water. Ivan definitely the most excited one as he loves waterfall.

My parents in-law was there earlier before we join them much later in the afternoon because of my works schedule.

Getting a ride

Three Saturdays ago Daniel Ling and Emily invited some of us to their house warming gathering at their new house at Puchong Kinrara. Mostly the multimedia crews were there to warm up their newly renovated house.

In the midst of fellowship cum eating, Denise offer a free 'ride' on a 'bus' to Reanne. It was a very cute sight. Definitely not being missed out from my camera.

Alert on Lipton milk tea powder

Hong Kong Centre for Food Safety (CFS) was informed by Unilever Hong Kong Limited on September 30 that the company would recall four batches of Lipton milk tea powder. According to the company, it has identified melamine through internal quality checks.

The affected products are:

　　Lipton Milk Tea Powder Original (17g x 20 sachets) - Best Before Date: 17112009
　　Lipton Milk Tea Powder Gold (18.5g x 10 sachets) –Best Before Date: 17112009
　　Lipton Milk Tea Powder Gold (18.5g x 20 sachets) - Best Before Date: 18112009
　　Lipton Milk Tea Powder Gold (18.5g x 20 sachets) - Best Before Date: 19112009

Click here for detail press release by HK CFS.

What a long break

Great to be back posting again after a long break during the Hari Raya festival. Didn't go any where far as most places are jam pack. With two little ones by our sides it is better to be a home. We did roam around the city while majority went back home town and spending time with our family members.

On the other hand, my house internet line was not functioning as the telephone line was down even before the long holiday. I have already called to get telco to fix up the fault. Anyhow, no technician came maybe because of the long break. Hope they get it fix this week.