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Rambling

Peah-Ching’s Chinese New Year 2012 hampers

By Rambling
Peah-Ching's Chinese New Year 2012 hampers (click to enlarge)

Peah-Ching's Chinese New Year 2012 hampers (click to enlarge)

Doing a favor for my friend, Peah-Ching. This coming new year of dragon, Peah-Ching has design a wide range of Chinese New Year hampers to choose as a great gift for your family, relatives and friends. Free delivery to your love ones’ doorstep within Peninsular Malaysia.

Available for order now. Kindly contact Peah-Ching (+6016 3378827) for more information.

Have a nice day and happy new year.

在这里帮朋友Peah-Ching做个宣传。农历新年将至, 佳节送礼不能少。Peah-Ching推出了大方且价廉物美的春节礼蓝让你选购,送给您的家人、挚爱及朋友。而且,免费运送到西马地区。

如有兴趣请联络Peah-Ching (+6016 3378827) 。

祝新年快乐。

Greenpeace celebrates Thai GE-free Rice Strategy on Farmers’ Day

By Rambling
Handout picture taken on June 2, 2011 shows a Greenpeace activist posing for a photo on a 3D artwork representing an organic farm, at the Museum of Siam in Bangkok. Thailand´s rice masterplan recently outlined a policy aimed at keeping Thai rice free of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs).  (image from Athit Perawongmetha/AFP/Getty Images)

Handout picture taken on June 2, 2011 shows a Greenpeace activist posing for a photo on a 3D artwork representing an organic farm, at the Museum of Siam in Bangkok. Thailand´s rice masterplan recently outlined a policy aimed at keeping Thai rice free of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). (image from Athit Perawongmetha/AFP/Getty Images)

Greenpeace today celebrated Thailand’s Rice Masterplan for keeping Thai rice free of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). The GE-free rice policy, a key strategy in the Thai Rice Masterplan, protects Thailand’s thousands-year old rice heritage from the inherent risks posed by genetically-engineered (GE) crops.

For the occasion, Greenpeace unveiled a gigantic eco-friendly 3D artwork of an organic farm, an illustration of healthy, ecological farming, at Museum of Siam, Bangkok.   The event comes ahead of the National Rice and Farmers Day on June 5th to celebrate the pride of Thai rice tradition and wisdom of Thai farmers who can produce safe food without the need of GE.

“The Thai government’s strategy to keep rice production GE-free is an acknowledgement embedded in government policy that genetically-engineered (GE) crops are unnecessary and a risk to a sustainable future for farming.  This is a victory for rice farmers and consumers because it affirms the commitment of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to keep rice farming sustainable and rice crops free of environmental and health risks associated with GE crops,” said Natwipha Ewasakul, Sustainable Agriculture Campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia.

“Greenpeace supports this strategy and we are happy to assist the government keep rice GE-free from now on.  We also welcome government commitment to keep this GE-free policy beyond 2011,” she added.

The current Thai Rice Masterplan conceived by the MoAC covers the enforcement period of 2007-2011.  The plan committed to strengthening the nation’s rice production while promoting farmers’ livelihoods and consumer confidence.  Keeping Thai rice GMO-free means that Thailand maintains its global leadership in rice production.

Greenpeace maintains that GMOs  threaten the future and biodiversity of rice in Thailand, and will make farming, and farmers, dependent on agricultural inputs exclusively owned by giant multinational corporations who control GMO technologies.

The huge 3D artwork presented by Greenpeace today during the festivities stands for the millions people around the world who aspire for a sustainable and secure future of food.  It was first launched in December 2010 front of the European Commission in Brussels, to accompany a signature petition by 1 million people clamouring for GE-free farming.  The petition, organized together with Avaaz [1] is an unprecedented EU-wide citizens’ initiative aimed at the European Commission calling for safe food and stopping genetically modified crops in the EU. The artwork is an ecological farm symbolizing the future of agriculture with no GMO crops, surrounded by the 1 million names.

“The policy asserts how the need for agriculture that is good for the planet and people is important to our country and our economy.  But it’s not just Thailand who stands to benefit from such a bold move.  Consumers around the world know that they can trust Thai rice. These 1 million people know that GMO crops are bad for food and farming and this demand is shared by people in Thailand,” said Natwipha.

Greenpeace and the Thai Farmer’s Network also organized a Thai rice exhibition which traces the history and tradition of Thai rice, Thai rice varieties and the profound relationship between Thai people and their staple diet. The exhibition also highlights the threats and dangers of GMOs.

The 3D art work and the Thai farmer network’s exhibit will be open to the public from 2 to 5 June 2011. Meanwhile, Greenpeace’s exhibition on Thai Rice and GE-free farming will be open from 2 to 30 June at Museum of Siam, 10.00 am – 6.00 pm (daily, except Mondays).

Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organisation that acts to change attitudes and behaviour, to protect and conserve the environment and to promote peace.

[source: http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/Press-Centre/Press-Releases/Thai-GE-free-Rice/]

Homegrown inspiration: ladies who make us proud

By Rambling

Wednesday 8th March is International Women’s day which celebrates the achievements of women globally and hopes to remind us and raise awareness of the many women’s issues that still need addressing. Life & Style has decided to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments of some truly inspiring women in Malaysia.

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Zainah Anwar (image from Women's Learning Partnership)

Zainah Anwar (image from Women's Learning Partnership)

Zainah Anwar
The leading Malaysian social activist who founded Sisters in Islam in 1988 and who is a director of Musawah which seeks equality and justice in the Muslim family, was ranked 7th on a New York based advocacy’s list of the 100 most inspirational women around the world. She pushes for the equal rights of Muslim women petitioning the Government to reform laws which are sexist.

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Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir (photo by Nur Zalikha)

Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir (photo by Nur Zalikha)

Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir
The eldest daughter of Malaysia’s fourth Prime Minister, Marina Mahathir was this month placed 57th in a New York based advocacy’s list of the 100 most inspirational women around the world for championing the rights of women and children. As an advisor for the Malaysian AIDS Council and has won worldwide praise for her activism in dealing with the stigma attached to HIV/AIDS in Malaysia.

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Meera Samanther (image from http://national-express-malaysia.blogspot.com)

Meera Samanther (image from http://national-express-malaysia.blogspot.com)

Meera Samanther
Meera Samanther is the President of Women’s Aid Organisation, Malaysia (WAO) which opened in 1982 offering the first shelter for Malaysian women and children who had been battered. One of the group’s biggest achievements was a change to the Federal Constitution prohibiting discrimination of women on the grounds of gender and pushed for the Domestic Violence Act to be passed.

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Dato Michelle Yeoh (image from www.oneasianworld.com)

Dato Michelle Yeoh (image from www.oneasianworld.com)

Dato Michelle Yeoh
The Malaysian born Hong Kong based actress was voted in 2008 as the greatest action heroine actress of all time for her many roles on the big screen, including the 1997 James Bond film and the award winning Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon for which she was nominated a BAFTA for. Yeah was also honoured as The Outstanding Young Persons of the World (TOYP).

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Datuk Nicol David (image from http://squashstars.com)

Datuk Nicol David (image from http://squashstars.com)

Datuk Nicole David
Dominating women’s squash since she turned professional in 2000, Nicole is the World’s number 1 women’s squash player winning the World Open Title in 2005 and for five consecutive years and achieved the World Junior title, twice. Her winning streak also includes the Asian Squash Championship which she won seven times, and was awarded with WISPA Player of the Year six years in a row from 2005. Nicole honoured Malaysia by carrying the Olympic torch in the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

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Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan (image from http://gambargambarpelik.blogspot.com)

Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan (image from http://gambargambarpelik.blogspot.com)

Datuk Rasammah Bhupalan
The 84 year old Past President of the National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO), fought for Malaysian independence, served in Burma during the Second World War, has fought for women’s right and the equal pay for women teachers. She also involved herself in the anti-drug abuse movement and championed for women’s rights, giving a voice to millions of women.

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Yasmin Ahmad (image from www.selebriti.tv)

Yasmin Ahmad (image from www.selebriti.tv)

Yasmin Ahmad
The renowned film director and writer who sadly passed away in 2009 won numerous awards for her work within Malaysia and internationally. Although her films were contentious as they often broached taboo topics, they were also hailed for the humour and crossing cultural barriers. Thanks to the many commercials she was received into the Malaysian Advertising Hall of Fame by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia in 2008.

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Ida Nerina (image from www.qpicture.com)

Ida Nerina (image from www.qpicture.com)

Ida Nerina
The actress, director and producer who was paralysed after a fall in 2009, won multiple awards throughout her career from the Malaysian Film Association from best actress, best supporting actress and from the Malaysian Film Workers Association. She finished third place in The Amazing Race Asia series three and in 2009 became the acting and Drama coach for the seventh season of Akademi Fantasia.

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Hannah Yeoh (image from http://akalminda.wordpress.com)

Hannah Yeoh (image from http://akalminda.wordpress.com)

Hannah Yeoh
The former lawyer and event manager became Subang Jaya assemblyman in 2008 after joining DAP in 2006 and obtaining a Bachelor of Law from the University of Tasmania, Australia in 2001. She has pushed for racial harmony and multiculturalism with the aim to eradicate discrimination.

* * * * * * * *

[article: Flora McCraith, http://lifestyle.malaysia.msn.com/Relationships/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4694043&page=0]

回家吃榴莲

By Photography, Rambling
流连摊

流连摊

飞往槟城的那一夜,地面上刮起了强劲的风,飞机尝试降落好几次都不成功,机身强烈的晃动,最后一次尝试降落,飞机即将接触地面的那一刹那,我以为再也见不到槟城老家了。

飞机折返吉隆坡,待风停后再把乘客送往槟城。在槟城等待接机的爸爸显然不知道空中发生了什么事,很兴奋的告诉我他已经在外头等我们了。我只好说:“爸,夜深了,也不知道下一趟机几点才能到达槟城,你们先回去吧。”

爸和妈每次听到我回家都回很兴奋。尤其是每年的这个季节,即榴莲季节,也是我的生日。最近几年都兴致勃勃地吵着爸要吃榴莲。很多时候朋友们都不明白为什么我一定要回槟城吃榴莲,甚至还有人不知道槟城盛产榴莲。

飞机凌晨两点终于在槟城降落,爸和妈急急开车来接我回家。回到家已累到不成人形,休息一会儿又要赶早上茶楼,上茶楼喝茶也是回家的例行公事,我每次都回跟姐姐们说,陪两老上茶楼,志不在吃,乃在陪。

早晨天气凉凉的,爸开着他的老爷车走在亚依淡朝浮罗山背的路上。宛延的山路,一座座的榴莲山从车外晃过。时间还早,榴莲摊都还没开,好不容易看到了一档批发兼零售的榴莲摊,一问之下有红虾和葫芦,也就是此行我们志在必吃的榴莲品种。槟城美味的顶级榴莲,就在路边的榴莲摊吃到了。爸看我吃榴莲吃得开心,只吃了那么一两颗就停手了。妈也舍不得吃,眼睛直盯着榴莲看。我和朋友对望了一眼,吃了一个大概,就推说吃不下,让妈吃。

这里真好,到处充满人情味

爸妈在浮罗山背附近一个叫公巴(Teluk Kumbar)的小镇上交了30年的书,在这一带走动时常都会碰到自己的学生。开榴莲摊的、管榴莲山的、经营海鲜餐厅的,这些学生也都已经是五六十岁的阿伯阿婶了。爸爸兴致勃勃的走走停停,看到熟悉的榴莲摊就停下来聊天。谈到兴致,就说要上学生的榴莲山。我一夜没睡好,说真的要上山的意愿并不高,但是看到爸和妈兴高彩烈的样子,也不好扫他们的兴。

10年前上过的榴莲山,10后还是老样子。山路边的榴莲树依然伫立在那儿。不同的只是,爸和妈都老了,无法走上去,我们是开着车子上山的。爸爸的学生看到爸爸,高兴得不得了,采了好大一篮子比苹果还大的水蓊和两个尖不辣(cempedak)坚持要送给爸爸。只可惜榴莲已经送下山去卖了,吃不到。随行的朋友说,啊,这里真好,到处充满人情味。的确,在吉隆坡居住了这么多年,我还是会想念槟城的人情味。

车子满载着充满人情味的水果,下山了。爸爸说明年还要再来,我心里想:爸爸啊,我明年一定会回家吃榴莲的。只希望那时候你们还能够载着我,一起去吃榴莲。

文:裴拉(吉隆坡),刊登于星洲日报副刊

免费早餐

By Photography, Rambling
Meng-Hong at a coffee shop in Ipoh (photo credit: Cinda)

Meng-Hong at a coffee shop in Ipoh (photo credit: Cinda)

巴刹楼上的食肆都各自为政,就连桌椅都形形色色,务必要让客人一眼认出,仅此一家,别无分号的吸引力。当我们选择了要吃的食物后,就必须坐在有该档子记号的位子,否则,他是不会帮你把食物送到别的“地盘”去。

公公爱坐在一间点心档享用早餐。偶尔我和妈妈去巴刹,就会遇到公公一盅两件,手舞足蹈地和朋友们聊天。然后他会唤我们过去,说是要请我们,免费吃早餐。有免费的早餐吃我固然开心,所以刚开始遇到公公时,心里都很雀跃。但后来渐渐发现,那间点心档附近没有我爱吃的面,跑到老远去叫了食物,老板却摇手拧头地不愿送去那里,害我只能闷着吃糯米鸡,喝着不搭配的普洱。

自此之后,我都在心里偷偷默许着,希望下次再去巴刹时,不会和公公碰上。这样,我就能坐在那些面摊前,吃着我要吃的食物。荏苒,我逐渐长大,鲜少陪妈妈去巴刹,也没碰上公公,直到公公去世,我想到再也没机会和他吃早餐,心里不免悲戚。

而今早,我和外子到久违的巴刹去,踏上楼梯的那一刻,仿佛瞥见一个熟悉的老人恣意地喝着普洱,高谈阔论,然后唤我过去,情切如故。

瞬间,眼泪婆娑。

文:刘美君(芙蓉),刊登于星洲日报副刊

[News] “SpongeBob” helps boy save friend from drowning

By Rambling

SpongeBob Squarepants saves the day! (web image)

SpongeBob Squarepants saves the day! (web image)

An 8-year-old New Jersey boy saved his 5-year-old neighbor from drowning last weekend with a technique he says he learned from the Nickelodeon cartoon “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

Andrew Gentile was struggling in a manmade lake in Washington Township. He’d been playing in a shallow area, but wandered into deeper water. His mother, Shirley, tried to help, but she panicked herself when she lost her footing in the six-foot deep water.

That’s when Reese Ronceray remembered the strokes from a scene in the episode “SpongeGaurd on Duty,” and came to the rescue. He told “Early Show” co-anchor Maggie Rodriguez he ran and jumped into the water.

Reese said he grabbed Andrew around the shoulders and started paddling.

“I started swimming to shore, but before I grabbed him we just plopped and (went) under the water.”

Rodriguez said, “That must have been scary.”

Reese replied, “Very.”

He said, “I just kept (moving my arms) up all the way to the surface.”

Rodriguez asked, “You were just using one arm and holding him with the other?”

Reese added, “And two legs.”

Rodriguez asked Andrew, “What do you say to your friend for saving your life?”

Reese told his friend, “Thank you.”

Andrew responded, “You’re welcome.”

Reese added, “His mom was like, ‘Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.'”

Reese’s mom, Anne, said she’s “so proud” of her son.

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