Wednesday, September 30, 2009
18 BBQ Essentials For The BBQ Soul In You
BBQ - the favourite (or dreaded) event that most of us Malaysians would at least hold or attend once in a year. I bet a majority of us would have already attended one this year, if not perhaps sometime soon. So, what makes up for it that we love it so much? The preparation of the chicken wings the night before? The process of starting the fire with your bare hands? The company of people that you are with throughout the night? Well, whatever it may be, here's a non-conclusive list of BBQ essentials that I came up with after a recent session with the usuals :
1. Location - the more the space the better. Recommended area : Porch. Optional : Drain nearby.
1. Location - the more the space the better. Recommended area : Porch. Optional : Drain nearby.
2. Firestarter - both the item and the actual person that's going to light it up (and maintain it)
3. Early birds - we all can use their help to prepare the tables and chairs. And sort the alcohol too.
4. Food - get those coming to bring some for a variety. Cakes, jelly, tarts - whatever we Malaysians love.
5. More food - nothing beats having tons of other stuff to put on the barbie.
6. Directions - to the place, to propagated car parks, to the toilet. Feeling lost is no fun.
7. Dude in pink - who helps make sandwiches. Or any other fresh food is good to have.
8. Chicken wings - what's a BBQ without them. Marinated ones taste the best.
9. Skewers - and people to help get them wings on it. Make sure hands are clean before proceeding.
10. Honesty - they say is the best policy. No, none of that Twitter bashing or subtle propaganda.
11. Drinks - and a hospitable heart. A thirsty crowd is an angry crowd.
12. BBQ Warriors - one we can rely on carrying the torch when it comes to hard and hot times.
13. A sense of humor - is a great warm-up tool to people. Don't overdo it lest it becomes annoying.
14. Cameras - take pictures to show what's happening and not just your face with unknown backgrounds.
15. More BBQ Warriors - that chicken wing is not going to cook on its own, you know.
16. Games (optional) - Bring out the best in your friends. Have them drink loads of alcohol.
17. Drink up - be sporting when it comes to games. If you are not up for it, don't play in the first place.
18. Group pic - Something to remember the day by. Be yourself. Jumping is dangerous though.
So there you have it. Anything I missed out?
Labels: event, food, friends, places
Monday, September 28, 2009
Chef Daniel Boulud’s "One Night In Singapore" With Asian Food Channel @ NEO, Jalan Sultan Ismail, KL
So it was a few days back that a bunch of us was invited by Alice George Communication to attend a special screening of "Daniel Boulud : One Night In Singapore" - a Asian Food Channel production at Neo Club, Jalan Sultan Ismail KL.
Who again?
Who again?
Chef Daniel Boulud
You can read more about him here.
The event kick-started briefly after everyone arrived - most of them being prominent food bloggers. We were served drinks and some light food before proceeding inside.
Good place to chill after work.
Hian Goh, AFC's co-founder and MD greeted some of us earlier before the premiere.
I personally thought that the feature was very interesting - think of it as a National Geographic-ish documentary, but only with a chef and his mission to prepare a dinner for a very important guest at the Fullerton Hotel. Oh and the reality TV elements seen in the feature added a nice touch to the overall program.
Being a videographer and video editor myself - from a technical and storytelling point of view, I would say that this feature makes you wanna watch the outcome of Chef Daniel Boulud's experience in Singapore. The fast-paced cuts, panning shots and suitable music make it altogether a tasteful feat for the general public.
Being a videographer and video editor myself - from a technical and storytelling point of view, I would say that this feature makes you wanna watch the outcome of Chef Daniel Boulud's experience in Singapore. The fast-paced cuts, panning shots and suitable music make it altogether a tasteful feat for the general public.
So, just remember to tune in to the Asian Food Channel on Astro Channel 703 to watch this captivating feature premiering on the 29th September at 9pm.
Labels: Asian Food Channel, event, food, friends, places
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Closing In Fast
Just got back from celebrating Michelle's birthday with the usuals. I just realized that there are so many birthdays this month and the next - it all seems to add up nicely in terms of setting the mood for the holidays and festivities at the end of the year. Oh boy, time sure do pass by fast, don't you think? Anyway, happy birthday once again Michelle, hope you have a good year ahead!
Nothing beats sitting at a round table over some good old Chinese food.
We then proceeded on to a New Zealand Natural ice-cream outlet for some bonding.
The usual suspects : Yatz, Thom, Stan, Aaron, Mich, David, Tiff, Jen, Joshua, Kelz & myself.
Labels: birthday, event, friends, places
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Album Review : Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
I remembered getting myself a copy of Kasabian's self-titled album back some years ago and I was immediately hooked on their style. Songs like "Club Foot" and "Reason Is Treason" was part of my Brit rock playlist alongside bands like Suede, Joy Division, The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Pulp, Primal Scream, Manic Street Preachers, Radiohead, Supergrass, Feeder, Stereophonics, Oasis, Blur - oh gosh there's too many.
For some weird reason, I didn't really catch on "Empire (2006)" (perhaps I will after seeing how much goodness there is in West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum), but here's a little 'pictorial' review of what I've concluded after listening to WRPLA. Note that this doesn't necessarily conclude the album's direction. Tracks are as follows :
Catchy guitar riff, good use for movie soundtrack / ad jingle, great album opener - 6/10
Lovely strings and bassline, music for the road / travelling fast, easy on the ear - 7/10
Filler, probably get you thinking of Tanjung Rambutan or dogs on drugs - 4/10
Stressed up? Listen to this - twist and turn, stomp if you must - lad rock at its best - 8/10
Hip-hop shuffle meets sick acoustic licks and horns. Makes you wanna jive along - 8/10
True Blood-esque. If you haven't watch it - think vampire town and shape-shifters - 7/10
There's a creepy tune to this song - that void kinda feeling. Avoid if depressed - 6/10
If clubs were to remix Kasabian - this one's a good track. Get loose! - 8/10
How hardcore a band is - each has a beautiful ballad. This one's a tear-jerker - 8/10
Synths + repeating bassline & drums = Kula Shaker-ish track. Tragic ending - 7/10
Slow buildup to a catchy chorus. Think armed men in Vietnam, dancing. - 8/10
That 'emo-no-dialogue scene' kinda song. Triumphant choir live spirits up - 7/10
Overall rating : 8/10
Try it out : Underdog, Fast Fuse, Fire, Vlad The Impaler
Last Words : WRPLA could very well be my favorite psychedelic album this year, but that's just me.
Labels: music, review, Sony Music
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Twestival KL : Video Highlights
Remember what happened at Twestival KL? Well, I had the opportunity to record the entire event and here's a little highlight of what went down at Mist Club, Bangsar on the 12th of September 2009. Still can't believe we managed to raise up to more than RM11,000 in cash in just weeks of planning till executing it. Now, that's the power of social media. Enjoy the video!
Remember to click play then pause it till it loads completely for a smoother playback.Labels: event, friends, places, Twestival KL
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Pogo Sticking Day
Happy Birthday Jen! Have a good one!
Labels: birthday, event, friends, places
Friday, September 18, 2009
Social Media Club KL - Chapter 0
Just got back from the official kickoff of the Social Media Club (SMC) Chapter that was held at P1 P@ddock. Met so many social media fans I can't possibly name them all - probably will get to know their Twitter handle from #smckl.
The view from the top overlooking the Federal Highway. Spot the traffic jam.
Thanks to P1W1MAX and Ruumz, most of us arrived later than expected and had a quick dinner at the M Level before proceeding to the 11th floor to begin. For the record, Mumbai, India is the first Asian city with a SMC chapter, followed by South Korea and Kuala Lumpur. Woot! For those who are still unsure - Social Media Club (SMC) is a local community-organized event, for the purpose of sharing best practices, establishing ethics and standards and for promoting media literacy.
Makan jangan tak makan.
Face picture (L-R) : Follow them on Twitter - @zilch, @terence7 & @tjtee from #integricity
Watching Chris Brogan (@chrisbrogan) on his views and thoughts on social media.
Clockwise from top : @zhiQ, @peteteo (on the success of 15Malaysia) & @warbaby
@zhiQ (Lim Yung-Hui) on SMCKL. The turnout was great!
Its best to always have a room full of diverse people. We had a lucky draw too.
The organizing committee : @ben_israel, @thechannelc, @redsheep, @zhiQ, @mikefoong & @blogjunkie
Here's more interesting people that made it to SMCKL0 to follow on Twitter :
Interested to come for the next one? I heard its happening on the 3rd Thursday of October 2009.
There's also a video recording of the event, so fret not if you've missed this one - perhaps it will be available online soon. For more updates and info, don't forget to follow @smckl on Twitter or check here for updates. Till then, twit you later!
Labels: event, friends, P1, places, SMCKL
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
With Hope, Anything's Possible
I have always remembered watching a segment on national TV on breast cancer back in the early 90s. My mum would always turn the volume up so that she could hear it while my aunt would start telling her story about her close friend who has been diagnosed with it. Months later, I attended the funeral of that said friend of my aunt's. At that point in time, I didn't think much of it except that I was sad that this person had to go away at such a young age.
I'm not too sure if most of us have seen programs on TV regarding breast cancer but I bet a majority of us would have seen the self-check posters when we visit the neighbourhood doctor. What did you think of it? Personally, I wished and prayed quietly in my heart that none of my family members who are women would get it - knowing that cancer (all types of it) kills. I hope you feel the same way as I do.
Recently, I got to know that a friend's aunt had breast cancer. She battled it for many years and is still alive today. I truly applaud the strength of a woman after hearing her story. If we (men), thought that life was tough enough - I guess its only appropriate to put ourselves in their (women) shoes once in a while and understand where they are coming from, what more when the topic of breast cancer is at hand.
If you're reading this and have it - this one's for you. If one of your family members has it, this one's also for you. If you know someone, perhaps a friend or an acquaintance who has it, watch this and share it with them. This one's the story of that friend's aunt.
I'm not too sure if most of us have seen programs on TV regarding breast cancer but I bet a majority of us would have seen the self-check posters when we visit the neighbourhood doctor. What did you think of it? Personally, I wished and prayed quietly in my heart that none of my family members who are women would get it - knowing that cancer (all types of it) kills. I hope you feel the same way as I do.
Recently, I got to know that a friend's aunt had breast cancer. She battled it for many years and is still alive today. I truly applaud the strength of a woman after hearing her story. If we (men), thought that life was tough enough - I guess its only appropriate to put ourselves in their (women) shoes once in a while and understand where they are coming from, what more when the topic of breast cancer is at hand.
If you're reading this and have it - this one's for you. If one of your family members has it, this one's also for you. If you know someone, perhaps a friend or an acquaintance who has it, watch this and share it with them. This one's the story of that friend's aunt.
Remember to click play then pause till it loads completely for a smoother playback.
“There is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.” - Washington Irving
Labels: friends, Minutes for a Lifetime, video, Wijaya Medical
Monday, September 14, 2009
Twestival KL - More Than Meets The Eye!
Twestival KL was a blast! We managed to raise more than RM10,000 for charity and all of these would not have happened if not for those who have came, supported and donated for the cause. Here's a random collection of snapshots from what I've recorded throughout the night - you might spot yourself in it! :
*Stay tuned for the edited video of the biggest tweet-up in Malaysia ever!*
Labels: event, friends, places, Twestival KL
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Twestival KL Is Just Around The Corner!
This Saturday, the biggest 'tweet-up' is happening.
There will be food, drinks, ice-cream, lucky draw and you'll get to meet new friends too!
Best of all, it is all in the name of charity.
Want to find out more?
*click*
Labels: event, friends, places, Twestival KL
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Lots Of Laughter Guaranteed!
Just got back from the special screening of The Ugly Truth - and what an amazing crowd it was. Managed to catch up with some familiar faces too and yes, its been awhile.
Some of us also gathered earlier to 'buka puasa' at Station Kopitiam while waiting for time to pass. I swear we took up almost half the cafe's space with the huge turn out.
Here's another random smaller group photo we took before entering the hall. If you like comedies, then do not miss out on this movie as it promises lots of laughter - although some jokes may not be appropriate for the underage. More photos to come soon!
Labels: event, friends, movie, places
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Praise Looks Good On You
I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows. — Psalm 61:8
Labels: places, reflections
