'Stinky' feast

The unavoidable feast finally came. It lasted 2 days in a roll. Unbelievable how people would go to such extend and affort to enjoy it. And it starts with the distinctive smell from the beloved king of fruit - DURIAN.

My dad purposely ordered and brought it back all the way from Tanjung Malim. Through my uncle's friend there, my dad brought about 30 durians with a very reasonable price that you only can imagine in KL. It comes with a free gunny sag of mangosteen! We have shared the 'treasure' with my other aunties and dad's friend. The balance was 'slaughtered' by my family.

The fruit is just too 'irresistible'. All the kids went for it that's include Reanne and Sarah. Imagine durian was their first solid food or in this case fruit! Ivan no doubt is very familiar with it as he have been introduced to it much earlier already. Totally liking it!!!

Day 1 - Charge!!!

The master durian cracker was none other than my dad

Just look at that 'meat'

Totally into it.

Day 2 - Take no prisoner!

Just can't have enough of it. Sarah was not being left behind too, as mummy sink in.

Robot that loves to be hugged

The University of the West of England's David McGoran takes his Heart Robot on a touchy feely tour, allowing it to come face to face with a spider-like robot built by Matt Denton of Micromagic Systems.

A robot that "enjoys" being cuddled and stroked has gone on display at London's Science Museum.

The Heart Robot could be among the first robots to signify a new era of "emotional machines" used for medical treatment and enjoyment, according to one of its inventors.

It has a beating heart which rises when the body is shaken, but slows down when treated calmly.

In addition, Heart's eyes flutter in response to touch.

Wanna play slide

Took Ivan to the playground near our house after work. It already 7pm. Thought of spending more time playing with him. He needs it....the playing time. According to the children development studies, play helps kids to establish their 'higher brain' in emotion growth. Kinder help kids to achieve better balance. Helping me to destress too. Well, that the best activities Ivan loves to do anyway!

Seeing Ivan remind my childhood play too. Sort of making me 'feel' kid again.

Adult needs to play too!!!

Chikungunya disease

I am for one don't know what is this Chikungunya viral fever breakout that currently reported at Kampung Rasau near Slim River. The name is very foreign to me and that is why I want to find out more since it is reported spreading via mosquito. These what I found out.

Chikungunya fever is a viral disease transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Both chikungunya and dengue are spread by the same aedes mosquitoes.

Signs and Symptoms
The incubation period of chikungunya fever is usually 3-7 days. The symptoms are very similar to that of dengue, but unlike dengue, hemorrhagic or shock syndrome does not take place with chikungunya fever.

The infected person may experience the following symptoms:

• fever
• chills
• headache
• fatigue
• nausea
• vomiting
• muscle pain
• rash
• joint pain.

Treatment
There are currently no medications or vaccines for the treatment of chikungunya fever. However lots of rest, a nutritious diet, plenty of fluids and mild pain medications may relieve symptoms of fever and body aches. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you are advised to see a doctor immediately.

Prevention
Tips when travelling:

• Use insect repellent on exposed skin surfaces when outdoors, especially during the day.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.
• Where possible, stay in accommodations that have secure screens on windows or air-conditioning to keep the mosquitoes out.

However if you still develop a fever, see a doctor immediately to test your blood for any signs of the chikungunya virus. If your blood test shows positive signs of the virus, stay indoors to limit mosquito bites in order to avoid further spread of the infection.

At home, the prevention of chikungunya fever is similar to that of dengue fever. Clear any stagnant water in flower vases, flower pots, roof gutters and watering cans to prevent the breeding of its carrier, the Aedes mosquito.

Hear not the cry?

The Statistics Department will carry out a three-week survey to analyze the impact of the petrol price increase on the people.

Commissioned by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), the survey started yesterday and would cover all states, urban and rural areas and ethnicities.

Isn't this irony that only now after what........almost close to 2 months that these bunch of analyst from the government want to 'survey ' the impact of fuel hike. It clearly shown that the government agencies are not very sensitive, mindful so much so 'sleeping' to hear the cry of the people. Give me a break la! Still need to survey what?!

Reanne candid shot with mummy

Bah Kut Teh

I guess I don't need much of description of the all famous Malaysian food 'Bah Kut Teh'. In a matter of fact my family had it at the birth place of the infamous food at Klang after visiting my grand aunt and uncle.

You can imagine the attraction power of this food that bring us, four generation dinning in one table. Unfortunately like my grant aunt commented earlier this restaurant wasn't the best around. So we figured out later. She was right. Not the one with 'umph' that I used to know of. A bit disappointed actually. On the other hand, the restaurant ID was pretty good. It has been quite a while I didn't go back to Klang, my birth place also. The best is still located at Teluk Pulai but we are kind of late that day and the restaurant have already closed for the day.

Nevertheless we had our filled. Most important of all having visited my grand aunt. She is the 2nd sister of my grandmom from my mom side. My grandmom and the younger sister has already passed away. So she reminds me a lot of my grandmom....... I missed her. She is the one that babysit me, my brother and two other cousins while we are still kids. A bit attached lah.

Reanne and Sarah was the only two who hasn't visited Klang. That day was their first. A new adventure for them.

Three Sims

Is quite rare that you have three family members to celebrate birthday in the same month. In the case of the Sim's family, my father in-law, brother in-law and Soo Pei shared that. An occasion that whole family went out for a big dinner on 12 July.

It was a gathering of three generation sitting and eating in one same table. The youngest is our two kids, Ivan and Reanne. The centre of attraction and entertainment also.

my parents in-laws, brother in-law Chee Yong and girlfriend

my three sister in-laws Soo Mei, Soo Chia, Soo Hong and brother in-law Gary