NewsFlashMedia will see the work of yet another contributor tomorrow. The travel piece by kampunghouse (KH) is part of a series of recollections of Istanbul featured in his own website kampunghouse.wordpress.com
KH, a Chemical Engineering graduate from Melbourne, Australia has a love for many things and history is just one of his many passions.
He shares with us his five-day Istanbul experience, a captivating city he describes as having “intense history”.
More details in the article itself. Enjoy the weekend.
January 15, 2011
The Malaysian Education Debacle
When I first came here I could not help but notice the separatist education policy that allowed for different linguistic and ethnic schools to be operating, all to a variety of syllabi, just to cater for the supposed needs of different communities.
Shouldn’t we all be heading down the same track?
Apparently not! Inward looking policies designed to localise education rather than ensure it meets ever-changing international standards plague the system, from primary school right up to PhD level.
Two recent government initiatives (dare I even call them an initiative, rather, regressions) have particularly raised the eyebrows of this commentator. And yes, before you ask why some unknown white guy is commenting on the Malaysian education system, I have spent half my life working in education, not only overseas, but also in Malaysia as a Principal and a University lecturer. What I have seen has blown my mind, especially the following two.
The first mind blowing initiative was the government’s decision to reduce scholarships to send students overseas to prestigious universities to complete their studies. WTF?
The excuse was that if you leave the students here the local Universities will slowly improve – what, by the time their grandchildren reach study age? This argument is immediately followed by, so many of them don’t come back.
Brain drain is an unfortunate consequence of globalisation of education, but the globalisation of education also provides opportunities for Malaysian students to work under some of the world’s most promising minds.
In order for standards of knowledge dissemination and research to improve in Malaysia, bringing Malaysian universities further up the world university ranking tables, Malaysians need to be immersed in the international education community.
It doesn’t solve the problem of brain drain, but punishing top scoring students who deserve a real chance to make something of their lives by being taught and mentored by global academic leaders, is simply something we cannot turn our backs on.
Professor Earth_JOHNNY AUTOMATIC (OCAL)
Well, back to the brain drain. It’s not about “students escaping”, it’s simply about making it attractive to come back. Salaries at government universities are not attractive, and those with exposure overseas may in fact follow the money.
Pay academics what they are really worth, reward them for sharing their brilliance (or at least, current mediocrity) with their students, and show that Malaysia is serious about improving the quality of tertiary education.
International universities import expert professors to help develop their teaching and research program – but how many expatriate staff do Malaysian Universities have? It is this global integration, exchange of staff, and sharing of academic wisdom and practice that truly contributes to building strong universities. Local conferences and incestuous training practices simple perpetuate a downward style of textbook teaching and lack of real innovation.
Well, enough said on that one, let’s turn to my recent gripe regarding primary and secondary schools.
I read last week the controversy over “teacher registration”. Hmm, I thought to myself. Malaysian parents are happy to have their kids taught by anyone. Teacher registration may be a bureaucratic process, but done right it is also a form of quality control.
Teachers register to show that they have completed the necessary teacher training and achieved the required achievement goals, that they are competent in the subjects that they teach, and to ensure that they are upstanding citizens – after all, we don’t want criminals teaching our kids, do we?
I recall an incident several years ago when I interviewed a local candidate for a teaching job. This short pudgy man, with far too much bling-bling came to the school for an interview. His extensive handwritten resume (apparently short pudgy men can’t use typewriters or computers) was impressive.
He had been employed as a full time teacher at two government schools, yet had not what I considered sufficient qualifications to be a teacher, let alone the communication skills or classroom management skills to handle the position.
Maybe this one fell through the cracks I thought, but during two years of interviewing, it clearly became obvious that the crack was very wide, and had an equally exhaustive population.
Teacher registration ensures that your children are taught by professionals capable of imparting knowledge in an appropriate way, as well as guaranteeing the safety of the children in their care. How safe do you feel with your children’s current teachers?
This is not to disrespect teachers, for I am one myself. But it is to say that as with any industry, there are rogues. As adults, we can weed these rogues out, but do our children get the same benefit.
It is time to rethink the stance on teacher registration and start looking after the children – ensuring that they get the best available, and that they can trust the actions and behaviour of those responsible for their care during school hours.
For Malaysia to grow as a world class educator, it is time to really focus on how to ensure that quality education is being achieved. Look outside the box, provide realistic solutions to ensure that future generations get what they deserve – the best!
Avon's Global Message to Women
What is the goal of Avon Voices when it was first started on Dec 1, 2010 as a celebration of the brands’ 125th Anniversary?
While it intends to ignite a global movement through music by inviting people from over 60 countries alongside its 6.2 million independent sales reps to participate in any way they can, the goal of the Talent Search itself is to find two talented singers who will have a chance to record a professionally produced album.
Andrea Jung, CEO and Chairman of Avon Products, Inc said AvonVoices will celebrate Avon’s heritage and future through beauty, inspiration and song.
“For 125 years, Avon has empowered women to find their own unique voices as they work to make their dreams come true,’” she said.
(From L) Andrea Jung, Fergie and Warren at the launch of AvonVoices.
“We are thrilled to now give women the opportunity to share their voice, their song and their story through this unprecedented global talent search,” she added.
Big names from the music industry around the world will form the panel of judges. While legendary songwriter Diane Warren has written the Avon Voices Anthem, other stars like six-time Grammy award winner Fergie, Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Natasha Bedingfield, Filipina singer and actress Lea Salonga, Brazils biggest pop star Ivete Sangalo and Russian sensation Valeriya will play an active role in this international event.
AvonVoices is backed by many other inspiring established talents from around the globe - Delta Goodrem (Australian Artist of the Decade); Sheila E (breakthrough, Grammy-nominated female percussionist); David Pack (Grammy award-winning singer/composer and music producer); and Maia, Colombian singing star. More global judges will be added and announced in the coming weeks.
AvonVoices is a year-long program and those interested in participating can visit its official website AvonVoices.com to register. There are three ways to participate – as a singing talent, as a voter and as a songwriter. You can get details here AvonVoices.com
More information about all of Avon’s ventures, go to:
Sing Write Vote
This is a big year for Avon Malaysia with many surprises already planned for its massive supporters out there.
To kick-start 2011, Avon will conduct the Malaysian audition for the brand’s international singing contest Avon Voices this Sunday, Jan 16.
The audition however is only open to women 18 years old and above. But you may have to fight hard to get a spot because only the first 300 registrations will be accepted.
You will be required to do a 30-second a cappella number by choosing your song from the list provided by Avon. Only 50 finalists will be selected on the day from the 300 participants.
If you are among the 50 finalists you will not only receive RM200 worth of Avon products but also be given the privilege of uploading your performance on the day for submission to Avon Voices global search.
Our local talents will, during the audition, be judged by Malaysia’s very own singer/actress Marsha Londoh, Alya AF, Soo Wincci and professional dance choreographer Linda Jasmine.Avon Voices is a global singing competition designed by the leading global beauty company as a celebration of its 125th Anniversary. Together with this talent search is the Songwriting Competition for women as well as men.
If you are among the first batch of contenders from Malaysia to secure a spot then you will be flown with the rest to Hong Kong to record the performance videos in late March this year. These videos will be used for voting of Round 1 and 2.
If this sounds exciting then read on and see what else you stand to enjoy as the Malaysian finalists and overall winner.
As a semi-finalist you will be flown to Hollywood for a professional vocal coaching, Avon makeovers as well as the recording of the performance videos in mid July.
Finally, on Sept 8, 10 finalists will be announced on AvonVoices.com, determined by public voting as well as Avon Voices Judges. The reward comprises a one-on-one vocal coaching, styling sessions, Avon makeovers, rehearsals and in-studio recordings in the USA where you will be flown to!
The climax is on Nov 2 where the 10 finalists will perform live at the Avon Foundation for Women Gala in New York City. Avon Voices celebrities will join the finalists on stage to sing and record the Avon Voices Anthem, an original song written by Diane Warren.
So if all this sounds great what more are you waiting for? Registration is free of charge. You can call Avon Malaysia Hotline at 1800-22-AVON (2866) or go to its website www.my.avon.com or come personally to Level 2 of KL Sentral this Sunday (Jan 16) between 10an and 5pm. Last registration is at 2pm.
I’m already imagining how jam-packed the audition venue KL Sentral will be this Sunday!
*Note: Please read our 2nd article to get more info on AvonVoices, which we will post in a bit. Check out too Avon's other links that will give you added info: AvonVoices.com
January 14, 2011
Early entry
The Daily Bitch features early today because it's Friday. Although he's a mean, in-the-face and have-no-pity kinda guy, he does believe everyone deserves a good weekend. Enjoy!
Customers are No More Kings
Once upon a time, there was a phrase, the "customer is King". I wonder what has happened to that ideology in Malaysia, because the more stores I walk into, the more I feel like they are doing me a favour, than I am their valued customer. Really people, it is time for that to change.
My pet peeve is customer service; that is, if I actually get any.
Shop assistants, poorly dressed and groomed, follow us around the shop like we're going to steal something. If I want their help, I'll ask, but I don't need some over-zealous teenager or twinky watching everything I contemplate purchasing.
But more annoying is how they address customers. The good ones, all you can get is a cursory "yes". That's not even a sentence!
Thinking Empty Box_OCAL
What happened to proper customer service, where the customer is greeted in a polite tone, asked if they would like assistance? Now, we have to ask them for assistance, that is, if so many service staff can actually detach themselves from endless SMSs or iPods and actually do their job.
I relay one story that happened a few years ago in the Gardens, somewhere I expected to get reasonably good customer service. A male assistant came up to me and just said "yes". My immediate response was "it is not yes, you should say Good afternoon Sir, how may I help you?" The guy just looked at me blankly.
Something is seriously amiss. It is time for customers to demand more -- after all, in so many places, a service charge is being applied, and for what service?
January 13, 2011
A Little Less Sweet Please
When I go into a store, they look strangely at me when I ask for my favourite hot beverage, and then complain when it comes as sweet as a candy cane and mixed with condensed milk.
Obviously this is a culture of extremes, because I promise you in the rest of the world when you order a coffee, it comes as just that – coffee – not coffee + milk + sugar. The only thing to say is at least I'm getting some form of value for money.
I really don’t understand why all drinks come pre-sugared, and that you have to ask to have something removed from it in order to make it normal. It never came with sugar to start with people!
Even fruit juice. Hey, aren’t oranges sweet to start with? The whole idea of having fresh fruit juice is for a healthy diet – isn’t it just a huge oxymoron to then have sugar as an integral part to this?
Tea comes from tea leaves. It’s not grown together in the sugar cane fields, and it certainly isn’t rolled in sugar granules before it is placed into tea bags, nor is it dunked in milk powder. But, hey, ask for tea here and you’d think it was.
All I want is a cup of coffee.
Ok, so what’s really my bitch? Actually, it’s having to ask to take things away from a product to consume it, when it is really an add-on.
Imagine wanting a hamburger bun. It’s like going into McD’s and ordering a fillet‘o’fish (not that I ever would, I don’t do fish, or McD’s) and then asking, no fish, no mayo, no butter. I mean, seriously, coffee is coffee.
I know, it’s unlikely to change ever, but I have this little spark of determination inside me that one day, when I order coffee, a cup of coffee (without milk and without sugar) will appear magically before me. True, I’m not holding my breath, but I am holding out hope.
Here’s hoping that we can be progressive rather than regressive – I ask for sugar if I want it (progressive) rather than having to ask for it not to be included (regressive).
And to all the stall holders who think I’m strange, try ordering overseas. Sugar is an optional extra, not an integral part.
Get on the healthy-wagon and make a change for good. Your blood sugar and diabetes will appreciate it.
Tell-tale session
Have you ever been to a fortune teller before? I have not except for the odd sessions by friends and family members who know a bit about reading our life line.
I know many of us are often tempted to stop at the roadside fortune teller just to know if anything these “mind readers” come up with is real. But half the time we refrained because we are afraid to know what the future holds for us in case the fortune tellers are for real.
I succumbed to one during lunch hour today.
The fortune telling session costs me RM5 plus another RM5 as a "gift" to Maniam.
As my friend and I were about to leave the restaurant Mr. Rama approached us with a green budgie in a cage he was carrying. To play safe Rama actually got Mrs Rama to ask us if we’d like our fortune told. After we agreed, Rama took over (smart tactic because women respond to their own gender better).
The fortune telling session costs RM5 and I agreed for the heck of it, just to have a bit of fun and to take our minds off the sweltering heat.
Shuffling the cards. Please, please give me good fortune :)
First Mr. Rama asked me to shuffle the cards, which look more like worn out bank books in red with huge numbers on the front. After shuffling the cards he took them from me and placed them in front of the cage. He then opened the cage and out walked the fat green budgie.
“Hello Maniam,” I greeted the budgie after Rama ‘introduced’ us.
Maniam did not reply. He just stood there looking blank.
“Your name starts with the same letter as mine,” I continued talking to Maniam.
He still didn’t say anything. Must be a stupid budgie, I thought. Can’t he even make bird sounds? Maybe he has been trained to shut up.
“What does he eat?” I asked Rama.
“Padi,” Rama said.
No wonder stupid I thought. Makan (eat) la bird seeds!
Rama ignored my chatter with Maniam, and him. I looked at Rama straight in the eyes. He may be the fortune teller but I was the one reading his mind. And I knew what he was thinking: “Stupid woman. She doesn’t realised she’s being conned by me.”
Oh yes Rama, I knew I was being conned. I just wanted to know how good a “conman” you were.
Maniam dropping all the cards that don't "belong" to me.
Maniam walked right up to the deck of cards. Looked left, then right then picked up one card, then another and yet another. My friend and I were enjoying his antics. My friend commented that Maniam seemed to have picked up a lot of cards for me. I must have a terrible life. I thought the more cards he picked the better. Maybe out of so many cards there was one ‘good’ card for me.
Suddenly Maniam stopped and returned to his cage.
“Why did he stop?” I asked Rama, annoyed that Maniam had given up on me.
“He has chosen ‘your’ card,” Rama said.
‘My’ card was a No. 8, which I didn’t notice Maniam trusted into Rama’s hand. The rest of the cards were just thrown about on the table.
Rama read out my fate and fortune - guess work or real?
Then the whole process of explaining ‘my’ card where ALL my future lies, began.
“Your friends all say nice things about you in front of you but say all the bad things behind of you,” Rama continued. Watch out guys! I’m coming for you!
“You have a very kind heart,” Rama said. I grinned widely.
“You don’t harm others, say bad things or do anything untoward to them,” he continued. Hehehe, I sniggered quietly. Phew! God must be on my side.
“But you are very talkative,” Rama said and he made signs with his fingers like ‘talk talk talk’. Hello…that’s not hard to figure! I don’t need a fortune teller to tell me that. The walls in my house can vouch for it.
A blooming lotus flower signifies the start of my life...again. True?
Rama showed me a leaflet containing images of some Hindu Gods. He said the lotus flower is blooming in my life. The Elephant God is by my side. The last three months have been bad for me. But now the sun is shining in my life.
OK, shall I believe him?
Then he said: “People think you have lots of money. Your business is good.”
The session suddenly ended abruptly. Just like that.
“That’s all, Rama?” I asked. Then came the catch.
“Do you want to buy a four digit number? I have them here. So many people have bought them. And they’ve always won something,” Rama said.
“Maniam is very good at giving four digit numbers,” he continued.
The fat, green budgie Maniam - smart or playing dumb?
What? I can give away four digit numbers! That was what I had been doing every other week for my office mate who is addicted to four digit numbers. And I knew he won a few times but never gave me a cent. Now you’re telling me Maniam can give me numbers? Maybe Maniam and I should work together.
Politely I said to Rama: “It’s ok Rama. I don’t play four-digits. My mom will skin me.”
“Are you sure?” he asked me.
I nodded: “Very sure.”
Rama’s been a fortune teller for 38 years. Maniam is from India. And I was living up to my “kind-hearted” tag and gave him an additional RM5 for the refreshing banter.
Maybe we will meet again.
Quote for Day 13
Realistic Coffee Cup Top View - MOKUSH
They asked me to smell the coffee. I can't. I have blocked nose. - Anon
January 12, 2011
The Bitch is Back!
As promised, tonight we run the first opinion piece for our The Daily Bitch column. Laugh, sulk, like, hate - the choice is yours but this is his room and so he will speak.
The Team
The Team
The Difference Between “In” and “By”
I had an experience recently, where I felt let down by a particular person in my wider circle. It got me to thinking there really is a huge difference between “being disappointed by someone” and “being disappointed in someone”. Semantics you say. I say No! ‘By’ and ‘in’ are so different.
I am often disappointed by people; they fail to do things (like keep promises, doing their work, etc), but this is an easily forgivable and surface issue, something that a simple “sorry” can help to heal. It is simply the person failed to live up to what was expected.
But, being disappointed ‘in’ someone is far different. It is when their actions not only let down yourself, but also let down themselves. Being disappointed in someone is because their actions and behaviour fell far short of what you know they are capable of, and what they know they are capable of.
Without naming names, obviously I have been disappointed in someone recently. It might be family, it might be friends, but 99.9% sure they won't be reading it here - so don't worry all of you paranoid friends out there.
Clip art by LEFTOVER BACON
It was because they showed promise and potential, but at the end of the day, let themselves down far more than they let me down by not standing up to the challenge.
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going, as the old adage goes, is the best way to describe being disappointed in someone. The perpetual mentality of running away, even though they could embrace the situation and come out on top.
I have more respect for people who keep plugging away and maybe not succeeding, than I do for those who give in at the first hurdle. Yes, I'm disappointed in them because they know they could do better, but they were too afraid to try.
Well, that’s my first daily bitch.
You don’t have to agree or disagree with me – actually, I really don’t care! It’s simply my little space on the web to vent my little frustrations that either irritate or overwhelm me, or in this case, just simply disappoint.
Quote for Day 12
RainbowSocks - FunDraw_dot_com
I don't take happiness for granted so even if it's just like a pinch of salt I embrace it like it's forever - Anon
Ever tried Japanese Yee Sang?
NOTE FROM THE TEAM:
Early this morning I mentioned about NewsFlashMedia getting our first contributor and here is the article by CRAIG J SELBY-The Dude Who Loved Fude (food). If you love writing, just like Craig does, e-mail us your stuff (we accept articles in Bahasa Malaysia and English only) and we will do the rest.
Start the day brilliant!
**********
Photos: KerissaPhotos (More photos at www.kerissa.net / www.facebook.com/KerissaPhotos)
Well, here’s a white guy living in Malaysia eating Japanese food for Chinese New Year. A little crazy really; seems to be almost nothing ordinary or traditional about it. But tell you what; even without the company of good friends, I would have devoured that food regardless.
Chef Nicholas Heng preparing the skin of the salmon for his exquisite Crispy Fried Salmon Skin dish.
Chinese New Year has long fascinated me. No, it’s not because of the long history associated with it, or the rituals of spending time with family, friends and other loved ones, but it is the way that common barriers are broken down through the simple act of sharing food. Entire families, workplaces, groups of friends, and even sometimes strangers come together over a meal, to share in happiness and to reflect.
Preparing the salmon for the sushi and removing its bones.
I’m not one for big groups, but I certainly am one for food. I did think it unusual that a Chinese New Year spread be served at a Japanese place, but to my amazement, it was nothing short of spectacular. This amazing CNY dinner has topped my list of CNY experiences to date. Sushi Heng, in Subang Jaya, and Chef Nicholas, treated us to a night of culinary surprises.
Yee Sang, the traditional Chinese New Year favourite.
The entourage of food commenced with Yee Sang, a traditional CNY favourite. The concept remains the same, finely sliced and chopped vegetable items, with the traditional orange and red colourings, but with an added twist; sashimi style salmon and fresh escargot.
Let's pose for the camera before we toss!
Our group enthusiastically mixed the Yee Sang in the accustomed style, and boy, what a mess one can make. But it was worth it. Combined with a yummy sweet sesame sauce, it set the benchmark for the culinary experiences which were to follow.
Crispy Fried Salmon Skin came next. What looks like dry, curly and burnt bark was really an amazing flavour sensation. I didn’t realise you could eat salmon skin, let alone crisp it up like this. I’m now a convert and will definitely be snacking on this one again.
A unique temptation such as this fish skin dish can only be created by a creative chef.
Even though I am not a fish lover, some things really do get my mouth watering. I usually tell friends I will only eat seafood that starts with an ‘S’ - salmon, stingray, and snapper. So when the sashimi comes out, even though it’s got tuna, I compromise and say, “Ok, sashimi begins with an S”. Well, that’s how I justify it to myself anyway.
The Sushi Platter is a combination of lightly flamed salmon and tuna with home-made onion mayonnaise.
The Sushi Platter was sumptuous. Thick slices of salmon, lightly flame seared on the outside, and red tuna, also given the same treatment were accompanied by a home-made onion mayonnaise. Not that the salmon or the tuna needed any extras, but it certainly was a welcome addition, as I couldn’t help but gulp down the mayonnaise by the spoonful well after all the seafood had finished. Creamy, buttery white tuna was accompanied by fresh wasabi and soy sauce. That too, was a taste experience which I wish could have continued on forever.
Soft Shell Crab Sushi rolled in juicy caviar.
Food presentation is always a major factor with food enjoyment; and the more innovative the presentation, the more intriguing the food is. Imagine hand rolled sushi that could get up and walk away. This is exactly the imagery that we were faced with.
Great food presentation from the innovative Chef Nicholas Heng.
Soft Shell Crab Sushi, with one claw sticking out, rolled in various sized crunchy caviar, simply looked like it could just step up and walk. Biting into the juicy caviar is a festive treat; juicy morsels just burst in your mouth and open up flavours to complement the rice and crab.
All said and done, it was a great meal from an innovative Chef who obviously enjoys serving up unexpected pleasurable surprises for his customers.
Dessert is this melt-in-your-mouth Red Wine Tomato
Only one more surprise to come, dessert. Red Wine Tomato - a tomato slowly double-boiled in a red wine sauce. Melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Chef only makes this about four times a year, so I am so grateful that I got the chance to try it fresh.
For our group, it was a great meal that we are still talking about days afterwards, a great evening to catch up over dinner and just enjoy chit-chatting away. Our thanks really go to Chef Nicholas, a one-of-a-kind Master Chef when it comes to sushi.
Subang really isn’t that far away, and trust me; Sushi Heng is well worth a visit. Take friends, and ask Chef to create something especially for your group. Don’t worry about your budget, Chef’s food expands the imagination and the palette without emptying your wallet – you’ll be fine.
SUSHI HENG
Asia Café
2 Jalan SS15/8
47500 SUBANG JAYA
Selangor
HP: +6016 9299 886
E-mail: sushiheng@gmail.com
* The outlet is just opposite the old Taylors College campus. Check them out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/sushiheng
Burning daylight again
It's half past 1 on Wednesday morning and I'm freaking sleepy. My lower back is aching from sitting too long in front of the computer but happiness is in the air :)
Today (if I can drag myself out of bed) NewsFlashMedia will see its first article from a contributor. We will be announcing again once the post is up. Let's keep it a surprise for now.
If you noticed, there is an addition to the links on the top menu (navigation bar) of our website. Something's brewing in our "press" room and we think the bitch is back!
The Daily Bitch will be a regular column in NewsFlashMedia, another work from one of our writer friends. Look out for his hilarious take on life and join in the laughter or share his frustrations.
My lovely bed is calling. Please don't phone, don't sms, don't even think of looking for me until it's time for lunch. This Sunshine needs some sleep :)
Today (if I can drag myself out of bed) NewsFlashMedia will see its first article from a contributor. We will be announcing again once the post is up. Let's keep it a surprise for now.
If you noticed, there is an addition to the links on the top menu (navigation bar) of our website. Something's brewing in our "press" room and we think the bitch is back!
The Daily Bitch will be a regular column in NewsFlashMedia, another work from one of our writer friends. Look out for his hilarious take on life and join in the laughter or share his frustrations.
My lovely bed is calling. Please don't phone, don't sms, don't even think of looking for me until it's time for lunch. This Sunshine needs some sleep :)
January 11, 2011
Vibration machine for fitness
If you see exercising as a regime then you have your fitness ideas all screwed up. Exercising is fun so you should see it as that or don’t do it at all.
Just with any other exercise, the main aim is to keep fit and stay healthy. But if the thought of doing your gym workout, cycling, a game of squash or simple stretching makes you feel like someone has put bolts and chains around your ankle and dragged you by the feet then it’s time to re-think.
We all worry about our physical condition and level of fitness. And exercising regularly is the only way to a healthy existence. But getting down to the real effort is the most difficult so we have to start somewhere, somehow.
PowerPlate training could be your answer. The training sessions are short (45 minutes every session) and the results are proven effective. According to the co-founder of BodyTone Wellness Studio, Ooi Ann Ann, the outlet’s Basic Package of 12 45-minute sessions is enough to set the pace for a new you.
The PowerPlate is a vibration exercise machine used under close supervision and monitoring by the studio’s certified trainers. All trainings are on a one-on-one basis and there are various custom-designed exercise programmes that you can follow based on your needs.
The difference between doing your workouts on the floor compared to on the PowerPlate is the amount of muscle contractions experienced per second. One squat done on the floor equals to just one contraction whereas one squat carried out on the PowerPlate will activate muscle contractions 30 to 50 times per second. This explains why training on the PowerPlate need not exceed longer than just several seconds.
There are various poses, stance and movements designed into the training programme and each of this will tackle different fitness issues. The studio has customers from different ages, the youngest being 11 years old and the oldest at 73 years old. One other reason why PowerPlate training is adaptable to the different ages and various health conditions is because it is very low impact training carried out under supervision.
Training on the PowerPlate improves your stamina, helps with your overall body and muscle performance. It also contributes to long term fat reduction, increases muscle strength and flexibility, improves motion range and decrease cellulite.
The PowerPlate also help increase bone mineral density, pain reduction in those of us who have certain injuries or recovering from them and assists in faster recovery. All these results are scientifically and clinically proven.
Ann is the living image of a PowerPlate product. She is lean and fit, something she was not before. Her weight problems in the past got her to where she is today but not without huge doses of frustrations at not finding that one ideal fitness programme that could help her battle weight gain.
“Today I can go up Batu Caves in 10 minutes,” she smiled proudly.
And I believe all her five other certified trainers can do the same for they look the epitome of health. These are the very trainers who will put you through your one-on-one session so you do not over exceed the limit of vibrations needed to stimulate and activate your muscle contractions.
However, the first thing that you need to do before signing up for a session is to see your doctor, have a complete check-up and make sure you have his green light to attend the sessions. Be clear and concise to your doctor on any ailments or injuries you might face. That will put you in better order when you go to the studio to sign up.
BodyTone Wellness Studio is the sole authorised centre for PowerPlate in Malaysia. Its Trial Package is at RM250 for a three 45-minute sessions while its Basic Package for a 12 45-minute sessions is priced at about RM2K.
Just with any other exercise, the main aim is to keep fit and stay healthy. But if the thought of doing your gym workout, cycling, a game of squash or simple stretching makes you feel like someone has put bolts and chains around your ankle and dragged you by the feet then it’s time to re-think.
Beginners will not be allowed to try this stance!
We all worry about our physical condition and level of fitness. And exercising regularly is the only way to a healthy existence. But getting down to the real effort is the most difficult so we have to start somewhere, somehow.
PowerPlate training could be your answer. The training sessions are short (45 minutes every session) and the results are proven effective. According to the co-founder of BodyTone Wellness Studio, Ooi Ann Ann, the outlet’s Basic Package of 12 45-minute sessions is enough to set the pace for a new you.
Different moves for different uses.
The PowerPlate is a vibration exercise machine used under close supervision and monitoring by the studio’s certified trainers. All trainings are on a one-on-one basis and there are various custom-designed exercise programmes that you can follow based on your needs.
The difference between doing your workouts on the floor compared to on the PowerPlate is the amount of muscle contractions experienced per second. One squat done on the floor equals to just one contraction whereas one squat carried out on the PowerPlate will activate muscle contractions 30 to 50 times per second. This explains why training on the PowerPlate need not exceed longer than just several seconds.
There are various poses, stance and movements designed into the training programme and each of this will tackle different fitness issues. The studio has customers from different ages, the youngest being 11 years old and the oldest at 73 years old. One other reason why PowerPlate training is adaptable to the different ages and various health conditions is because it is very low impact training carried out under supervision.
Various stretching exercises to improve body flexibility as demonstrated by certified trainer Azlan Zain.
Training on the PowerPlate improves your stamina, helps with your overall body and muscle performance. It also contributes to long term fat reduction, increases muscle strength and flexibility, improves motion range and decrease cellulite.
The PowerPlate also help increase bone mineral density, pain reduction in those of us who have certain injuries or recovering from them and assists in faster recovery. All these results are scientifically and clinically proven.
Ann is the living image of a PowerPlate product. She is lean and fit, something she was not before. Her weight problems in the past got her to where she is today but not without huge doses of frustrations at not finding that one ideal fitness programme that could help her battle weight gain.
“Today I can go up Batu Caves in 10 minutes,” she smiled proudly.
And I believe all her five other certified trainers can do the same for they look the epitome of health. These are the very trainers who will put you through your one-on-one session so you do not over exceed the limit of vibrations needed to stimulate and activate your muscle contractions.
However, the first thing that you need to do before signing up for a session is to see your doctor, have a complete check-up and make sure you have his green light to attend the sessions. Be clear and concise to your doctor on any ailments or injuries you might face. That will put you in better order when you go to the studio to sign up.
BodyTone Wellness Studio is the sole authorised centre for PowerPlate in Malaysia. Its Trial Package is at RM250 for a three 45-minute sessions while its Basic Package for a 12 45-minute sessions is priced at about RM2K.
BodyTone Wellness Studio
2nd Floor Bangsar Village II
2 Jalan Telawi Saturday Bangsar Baru
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +6 03 2284 8011/+6 03 2284 9011
BodyTone Wellness Studio
M07 Mezzanine Floor
Island Plaza
118 Jalan Tanjong Tokong
PENANG
Tel: +6 04 890 8366 / +604 890 9366.
Website: www.bodytone.com.my
January 10, 2011
Quote for Day 10
I did this artwork by combining cliparts from four different artists who upload their work to
http://www.openclipart.org/
Artists: Tommek (Women) / AJ (Party Balloon) / Ernes Busta (Mail) / Nicubunu (Broken Heart)
Artists: Tommek (Women) / AJ (Party Balloon) / Ernes Busta (Mail) / Nicubunu (Broken Heart)
I am weak only when I think I'm not strong. But I am strong and therefore I can't afford to be weak - Anon
January 9, 2011
Quote for Day 9
Electronic Circuit Node Symbol - Vermeil
My philosophies ends today with the dot - Anon
Nasi Lemak - Malaysia Only
It may be Sunday but it is never a lazy day for me. Every day I wake up, the latest is at noon, I will look forward to start working. Twenty-fours a day is not enough for me. Most times I wish a day has 48 hours instead.
Maybe it used to be like that, when life isn’t revolving in such a maddening pace, a time when people take things much easier. Some people say it’s because the earth spins faster these days thus making the days shorter. I wonder if scientists would laugh if they were to read what I just said. Does the earth actually orbit faster as time goes by?
I will leave that thought aside for now. Five minutes to noon is still too early for me to think of serious matters ;) For now it’s just me and my coffee AND my favourite Nasi Lemak from the makcik (aunty) down the road.
A standard Nasi Lemak pack. Nothing great about it, right?
The same standard Nasi Lemak dish placed in a plate. Still nothing great, right?
As I was making my Nescafe drink, a thought crossed my mind. What do non-Malaysians think of our Nasi Lemak? If we were to place a plate of plain Nasi Lemak in front of a Westerner who has never been to Malaysia or understand our culture and food he or she must think what a non-nutritious breakfast!
Some Nasi Lemak sellers wrap the dish in banana leaves the traditional way. Boiled egg is sometimes replaced with fried egg instead.
A simple (basic) Nasi Lemak dish, which locals call Nasi Lemak Biasa contains one hard-boiled egg, a small bowl of rice cooked in coconut milk and daun pandan (pandanus leaf) for fragrance, a ladleful of sambal cili (spicy chilli dish), which to the unfamiliar eyes looks just like a miserable blob of ground chilli AND those brown, curled-up fried ikan bilis (anchovies). Sow what’s so delicious about the dish?
The secret my friend, is in the rice and the sambal.
If cooked right, the rice will have the most flavourful taste due to the correct amount and thickness of the coconut milk used. The amount of salt thrown in for flavour also makes a big difference to the overall taste of the rice. The next important thing is the texture of the rice. The rice, when cooked, must be loose and fluffy.
Nur's (a friend) Nasi Lemak Rendang Ayam, which is simply fabulous!
The sambal on the other hand is THE complementing dish that is a must-have for many Malaysians. Even if the Nasi Lemak is served with several other side dishes such as Sambal Ayam, Kerang, Sotong (the three different spicy chilli dishes that accompany a Nasi Lemak dish) and Rendang Daging (meat cooked with spices and coconut milk), the basic sambal cili is what matters most to a Malaysian.
Some cooks use a lot of onions and very little anchovies, making the dish a tad too sweat if not balanced off with the correct amount of chilli. Some do not use anchovies at all.
Traditional home-cooked Nasi Lemak Ikan Bilis as taught by my mother to me. Guaranteed delicious.
Traditionally the sambal cili in a Nasi Lemak dish is actually the Sambal Ikan Bilis, which is anchovies cooked in onions, tamarind extracts and ground dried chillies. Cooks these days, especially those who sell Nasi Lemak for a living do not make the traditional Sambal Ikan Bilis dish anymore due to cost cutting as a good quality ikan bilis (anchovies) can easily cost about RM28 a kilo. So customers have to be satisfied with sambal that’s below the average quality or cook their own Nasi Lemak Sambal Ikan Bilis.
I have only one or two favourite Nasi Lemak stalls nearby to where I live but whenever I feel like indulging, I will settle for nothing less than my own home-cooked Nasi Lemak Sambal Ikan Bilis.
Maybe in another post I will be able to share my recipe or how to cook Nasi Lemak with its complementing dishes.
Till then enjoy the rest of your Sunday as tomorrow office life starts again. Cheerio.
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