Yuen Garden Dim Sum @ Puchong

My friends used to tell me that Sri Petaling is famous with Dim Sum. Living nearby, I try to find out where is the best place to enjoy a traditional chinese breakfast, unfortunately I'm disappointed. I'm sure that this has nothing to do with my origin of Ipoh that has very good dimsum serving around the town. The shops around just does not live up to expectactions.

Eventually I gave up and whenever my friends ask me where to eat Dim Sum in Sri Petaling, I ask them back, from where they heard that Dim Sum is famous in Sri Petaling? They said there are lots of shops selling Dim Sum in Sri Petaling right? I said yes, but it's not good. I ask them go back Ipoh for Dim Sum instead, yes it's too far, but where else is good?


My wife brought me to this place in Puchong named Yuen Garden Dim Sum. Now if my friends are telling me Sri Petaling got lots of Dim Sum shop, then they never been to Puchong. There are easily over 10 place selling Dim Sum and I only blog about this one. Go find out.


I reached with my family and I brought my parents over when they are visiting. It's funny to bring them to eat Dim Sum in KL when you can get something better back in hometown. But we suddenly crave for Dim Sum, so off we go. Early in the morning, it's already packed.


But don't worry about getting a seat at this place. There are plenty of seats on the ground and 1st floor. The owner even took over the next shop and put in more tables over there. And don't worry that you will be having a hard time getting the Dim Sum cart passing by your table, there are plenty of them serving everywhere. A big plus point for dining in Malaysia, no waiting time!


My family's habit, my mum always bring her own tea pack. She claimed the tea served out there is not good. True, I agreed. For good tea, it's expensive. Ordered a pot of water, we mixed it up.

Dad's paying so I'm not sure how much it cost. Just enjoy the food below.


Egg Custard Tarts, not bad but long way till they can match the Tong Kee's. I will blog about it when there is a chance.


Fried Prawn Rolls, nice crispy roll with fresh shrimps.


Deep Fried Yam Paste with Minced BQQ Pork, small serving of minced BBQ pork but crispy and delicious yam paste complement it.


Fried Carrot Cake, best served hot, crispy on the outer layer and soft & tasty in the inner layer.


Special Pork & Shrimp Dumplings in Spicy Sauce, the sauce is the main thing for this dumplings.


Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings), not the best but it's ok.


Special Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings with seaweed), a different colour, same to my tastebud though.


Ha Gau (Shrimp Dumplings), little thick skin but fresh shrimps.


Fried Fish Balls, didn't have the chance to eat it, no comment.


Steamed Pork wrapped in Fish Maw, my favourite of the day. I'm big fan for fish maw, so it's nice to me =)


Char Siew Pau (BBQ Pork Buns), average buns, try out the custard buns instead.


Steamed Fish Balls, nice smooth fish balls.



The variety of Dim Sum here is plenty. Importantly the Dim Sum is averagely good. There is no specific piece of Dim Sum that deserve critics, all are equally good and that's quite rare nowadays. Overall, thumb up and this is one of the my favourite Dim Sum Shop around the KL area. I haven't try out all the Dim Sum in the town yet, but I've covered Sri Petaling, Kuchai Lama, and Puchong, and this is in my favourite list.

I took a peek to the receipt, it's not that expensive. Each plate of ordinary Dim Sum is costing around RM3~5 depending of the type of Dim Sum. Overall, just budget for around RM15 for each person, it should be more than enough unless you ordered a lot.

However, funny thing is that lots of review on the net by other blogger indicated disappointing experience with this place. Maybe it's just my day of getting the good / fresh plate. Anyway, I've been eating here a few times, having good experience everytime. I tried Axian Dim Sum as well, which is recommended, and it's not that good. Just my 2 cents, you got to try it out yourself.


More good news, there is a dedicated take away counter so you no need to wait as long or chasing the cart. That's a nice touch giving a plus point to the already good restaurant. Wait at the front step to get seated. There are plenty of them, so don't worry.

Yuen Garden Dim Sum Restaurant
Jalan Kenari 18
Bandar Puchong Jaya
41700 Puchong
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Location Coordinate: N3 02.756 E101 37.375

Madam Kwan's Restaurant

Being around in Malaysia meaning we are expose to lots of food, and one of the local Nasi Lemak is all time favourite. My post earlier of Senibong Nasi Lemak is too far? Then don't look any further, go to the nearest franchise of Madam Kwan's Restaurant.

I'm sure lots of people know the famous Nasi Lemak from Madam Kwan, it's one of their in-house specialty which is well known to all. The Nasi Lemak name is even printed on their signboard up front below.


I visited the branch out at Mid Valley when we are shopping running shoes. It's located at the central court just right at the back nearby the escalators. It's early in the morning, but you can see that the place is already packed with people! That's true Malaysian enjoying their Nasi Lemak early in the morning for breakfast or brumch, to be more exact.


Being a restaurant, there are lots of choice in Madam Kwan. It's not exactly a cheap place for food in Malaysia, but some of it is really good. I'm not that rich to savour Madam Kwan everytime, so I've only try out their Nasi Lemak and another specialy, the Curry Fish Head. It's fabulous as well. I passed on the rest because I can find something similar out there for much cheaper price. Maybe later when I got a big pay cheque =)


When waiting for our food, we do some candid shots. If you noticed, I tweaked the setting again this time, causing a twist of orange shadow at the back. The place is quite dark, I set the metering to spot to give my face a good lift while over exposing the background. It's still bad, I'm still working on the best setting.


Wanting to try something different this time, I ordered the Curry Laksa Mee priced at RM12.90. The bowl is big, the curry laksa is gravy thick and creamy. It looks very red & spicy, but it's not very bad. It's a little spcicy but not something that will make you sweat. The curry laksa gravy is addictive, you basically can't stop when start eating it. It's one of the best curry laksa mee in town, except the one from Ipoh =) If you have a bigger crowd, try out the Curry Fish Head, heaven like. Or else, stick to Curry Laksa Mee like me.

Note: the mint leaf is good, if you don't eat it, stick it into the soup and take it out after that. It does give some extra spice up the gravy.


The Madam Kwan's specialty Nasi Lemak priced at RM14.90. Sorry, the colour looks bad. Fragnant nasi lemak served with curry chicken, sambal ikan bilis, dried shrimp floss, and hard boiled egg. When lots of people said the Nasi Lemak in Madam Kwan is good, then it must be really good, earning the reputation.

The rice is very very delicious, and exceptional sambal ikan bilis and curry chicken. The sambal and curry is very good, complement nicely with the rice. The most special spice-on is the dried shrimp floss that's served together. Adding it into every spoon into your mouth boost up the sensation. Hard to describe, try it out yourself. I love it.

Everything is good, but in comparison with Senibong Nasi Lemak, it's different. Let's say Senibong Nasi Lemak is the kampung version of best Nasi Lemak, and the Madam Kwan served the KL style or premium Nasi Lemak in town. It's different, but a good credit to Senibong for being able to match the expensive Madam Kwan's quality.


Acar (Nyonya styled salad) that's served together with the Nasi Lemak and sambal for the Curry Laksa Mee. The sambal is good, I finished the whole thing with my curry laksa.


She always eat very slow, small mouth but big eyes. Took a candid shot when she finishing up my bowl of curry laksa. We always share our foods, that way we can enjoy more of each other's life =)


Glass of water is free flow. Truely generous for a premium restaurant that served spicy food. Normally they charge up on drinks to make you pay, consider a tax to make their food price attractive, but not Madam Kwan!


Madam Kwan is local franchise brand and it's spreading out 5 branches across famous shopping mall around Kuala Lumpur.

Overall, the dining experience in Madam Kwan's Restaurant has been exceptional to me. It has never failed to tickle my food sensation everytime I eat there. It's not a place that I eat everyday, mainly because of the expensive price tag, but no doubt it's the best in town. I consider this as premium food, although it only cost me less than 40 bucks for the lunch.

The Nasi Lemak is best and the Curry Laksa Mee is good as well. Double thumbs up to the quality of food and ambience. It's one of the place that I will bring my overseas friend for Malaysian food, where else can you go for a truly premium Malaysian dining experience? Cheers.

Madam Kwan's Restaurant
Opening Time: 10.00am till 10.00pm
Branch Outlet: Suria KLCC, Pavilion, Bangsar, Midvalley Mega Mall, and Empire Subang.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Madam-Kwans/114374851369

SIR ALEX FERGUSON Story Part 4 – Tamat

Fergie sukses sebagai manajer. Predikat Legendaris pantas di berikan untuknya.
Tapi semua diperoleh melalui proses.

PELAJARAN SUKSES
Masih inget teori umum soal majer tim sepakbola legendaris inggris? Teori ini menyebutkan mereka punya latar belakang yang sama. Yaitu berasal dari lingkungan kaum pekerja atau buruh diantaranya adalah Jock Stein, Sir Matt Busby, Bill Shankly, serta Bill Paisley.
Ini diakui oleh Sir alex ferguson. Ada hal- hal tertentu dan kemampuan yang nggak bisa didapat cumka lewat pelatihan atau pengalaman dilapangan sepak bola aja. Besar dilingkungan kaum pekerja bisa dibilang menguntungkan bagi calon majer tim sepak bola. Daripada menghabiskan waktu di tempat training center. Interaksi khusus dilingkungan kaum pekerja merupakan modal untuk mengenal karakter seseorang secara tepat.
Fergie sepakat dengan hal ini. Dia sendiri berasal dari lingkungan kaum pekerja.

“saya yakin pekerjaan sebagai buruh pabrik telah membantu saya untuk bisa menjadi seperti sekarang ini. Masa –masa itu membuat saya memahami nilai-nilai yang ada dikonsep kerja tim,” kata fergie.

Nggak heran talenta fergie yang paling utama adalah sebagai majer tim bukan semata kemampuan teknis, strategi, atau taktik. Tapi kemampuan berinteraksi secara intens dengan setiap pemain serta gagasan- gagasan cemerlang soal permainan tim. Nggak heran karirnya sebagai manajer yang sukses menanjak dengan cepat.

IDOLA FERGIE
Yang pasti kesadaran fergie soal pentingnya kemampuan nonteknis dalam membangun sebuah tim sepak bola yang kuat nggak datang begitu aja. Fergie mempelajari dari sosok manajer legendaris yang paling dihormati sejagad Skotlandia, Jock Stein. Sosok ini menjadi idolanya.
Kekaguman fergie terhadap Jock Stein bukan berdasarkan prestasi fenomenal yang diciptakannya. Bukan juga prestasi Jock Stein yang membuat Glasgow Celtic meraih gelar liga 9 kali berturut –turut. Atau sejarah yang diciptakan saat Glasgow Celtic menjadi juara Eropa buat pertama kalinya. Tapi kemampuan membentuk tim solid yang hanya terdiri dari talenta local untuk mengalahkan raksasa- raksasa Eropa yang bertaburan bintang.

Dimata fergie, Jock Stein adalah guru. Bahkan diawal karirnya sebagai pelatih fergie selalu mengincar posisi menjadi asisten Jock Stein.
Niatnya ini kesampaian setelah fergie membuktikan bakatnya sebagai manajer sukses saat menangani klub Aberdeen. Klub ini berhasil meraih gelar juara liga piala Skotlandia, serta gelar Winners Cup. Jock Stein yang saat itu mendapat tugas menangani timnas Skotlandia pun meliriknya. Hanya saja posisi asisten udah ada yang mengisi.
Untung saja beberapa waktu berikutnya, asisten Jock Stein di timnas skotlandia mengundurkan diri. Meski belum pasti posisi itu di serahkan kepada fergie, tapi fergie selalu berdebar-debar menantikan berita baik. Nyatanya posisi tersebut diberikan kepada fergie. Disinilah proses fergie menjadi manajer legendaris di mulai.

KUASA PENUH
Yang pertama kali dipelajarin fergie dari Jock Stein adalah pengaruhnya yang sangat besar. Kehadirannya selalu terasa dimana pun berada. Para pemain seolah mendapat kebanggaan bila Stein menyapanya.
Begitu pula yang selama ini dilakukan fergie sebagai seorang pelatih. Dia berusaha memposisikan dirinya menjadi sosok yang paling berkuasa. Nggak ada seorang pemain pun yang bisa sembarangan sok akrab dengannya. Di sisi lain, dia juga berusaha untuk membangun jaringan. Komunikasi dijalankan dengan baik dengan pemain maupun asisten. Dengan begitu, fegie selalu bisa mendapat informasi akurat soal timnya setiap saat.

Dan pelajaran lain yang bisa diambil fergie adalah cara Stein membentuk tim sesuai keinginannya. Asal tau aja, para petinggi klub biasanya suka ikut campur dalam urusan memilih, membeli dan menjual pemain. Dari Jock Stein, fergie belajar taktik. Caranya dengan mengajukan saran yang dibuat sedemikian rupa, sehingga pemilik klub nggak berkutik.
Begitu petinggi klub disodorkan sejumlah pemain pilihan yang diajukan fergie, kebanyakan ujungnya mereka nggak punya pilihan. Mau nggak mau mengikuti kemauan fergie. Cara ini pula yang dilakukan Stein saat membentuk tim Glasgow Celtic yang solid.

“menurut saya pengaruh yang dimiliki seorang manajer harus sedemikian kuat sehingga sehingga terkesan seperti memaksa untuk mendapatkan sebuah keputusan tepat. Lagipula sering sekali keputusan penting ditunda- tunda, biasanya karena ini saya selalu melangkahi rapat dewan umtuk mendapatkan yang saya inginkan,” Jelas Fergie.

Kini , setelah 20 tahun lebih telah meng-arsitek Manchester United, nggak terlihat ada tanda –tanda melemahnya kekuasaan fergie atas timnya. Sebaliknya karir sebagai manajer tim Setan Merah itu seakan belum ketahuan lagi akan berujung dimana. Fergie seolah memberikan sinyal, bahwa Manchester United masih akan bersinar dan akan memperoleh kembali puncak kejayaannya di Eropa.
Jika hal itu bisa dibuktikan , maka orang sekali lagi akan menaruh respect kepadanya. Fergie memang seorang manajer sukses dengan prestasinya yang sulit di tandingi dan sama legendarisnya dengan Jock Stein.
Tamat…

(Kid –oest News : dari My Autobiography, Alex Ferguson : managing my life)

SIR ALEX FERGUSON Story Part 3

Sir Alex Ferguson yang kita kenal adalah sosok yang berhasil mengukir sejarah di dunia persepakbolaan sebagai manager tim. Tapi tau nggak kalo dirinya pernah mengukir sejarah sebagai pemain sepak bola??

MUNCULNYA SOSOK LEGENDA
Hingga awal tahun 1960-an nggak ada satupun tim sepak bola di Skotlandia yang bermimpi bisa mengatasi keperkasaan Glasgow Rangers. Pada masa itu mereka emang superior banget. Terutama berkat adanya pemain- pemain hebat di daftar pasukan tim ibukota skotlandia itu. Seperti George McLean dilini depan, Ronnie McKinnon di tengah, serta Davie Provan dilini tengah.
Tapi nyatanya kesan superior tadi bisa dipatahkan pada salah satu pertandingan dipertengahan musim kompetisi 1963 – 1964. Nggak tanggung- tanggung yang bisa memutar balikan fakta ini adalah pemain debutan tim St. Johnstone. Bahkan sampai membuat tim besar tadi menelan pil pahit yang sangat memalukan.

Bayangin aja kemenangan Glasgow Rangers yang udah didepan mata harus sirna begitu saja. Hingga babak kedua tim unggulan ini masih memimpin skor dengan angka 1 – 0. Tapi begitu kelar turun minum, jalannya pertandingan berubah seratus delapan puluh derajat. Pemain debutan St. Johnstone tadi mulai membuat frustasi lini tengah lawan. Lewat sejumlah serangan yang dibangun oleh para pemain sayap, gol demi gol tercipta dari kakinya. Akhirnya saat peluit panjang berbunyi pemain debutan tadi berhasil mengemas tiga gol dan mencetak hattrick!!.

SEJARAH
Momen bersejarah yang terjadi pada tanggal 21 desember 1963 tadi nggak lain diciptakan oleh Alex Ferguson. Bahkan bisa dibilang sangat bersejarah bagi dirinya sendiri maupun timnya St. Johnstone. Kemenangan atas Glasgow rangers pada pertandingan yang digelar di Ibrox adalah pertama kalinya buat mereka sepanjang sejarah. Apalagi mereka menang dengan skor telak banget 3 – 1.
Begitu juga fergie yang mencetak keseluruhan 3 gol. Sebelumnya nggak pernah sama sekali ada pemain yang berhasil mencetak gol sebanyak itu ke gawang Glasgow rangers. Nggak berlebihan kalo fergie di nobatkan sebagai pemain yang berhasil membuat sejarah dalam persepak bolaan skotlandia.

Yang jelas bagi fergie makna bersejarah yang didapatnya lebih dari itu. Sebenarnya sebelum pertandingan ini, status di tim hanyalah sebagai pemain cadangan. Entah kenapa pada hari itu manager tim berbaik hati memberikan tempat didalam starting line-up kepadanya.

HAUS AKAN GOL
Kecermelangan fergie sebagai pemain bola sebenarnya udah terlihat sejak masih level pemain junior. Saat bergabung dengan tim sekolahan Govan high, dirinya selalu dianggap sebagai pahlawan tim. Kemudian saat mulai menjalani karir amatir, bersama ketiga orang karibnya, Duncan Petersen, Tommy Hendry dan Jim McMillan, dijuluki sebagai The Four Musketeers karena kelihaiannya dilapangan hijau.
Berikutnya karir fergie dikenal sebagai pemain yang haus gol. Dengan catatan berada diposisi yang tepat. Pernah satu waktu fergie ditugasi bermain diposisi kiri. Karena nggak familiar sama posisi ini, membuat dirinya mandul untuk beberapa waktu lamanya. Beruntung karirnya nggak lantas mentok setelah posisinya berpindah ke agak tengah. Ketajaman- ketajaman mencetak gol mulai terbukti.

Karir fergie sebagai pemain professional nyaris mencapai puncaknya saat masuk ke dalam tim Dunfermline. Pada musim kompetisi 1964 – 1965, tim ini nyaris berhasil menjadi juara skotlandia. Hanya saja waktu itu manager tim merasa mempunyai banyak pilihan pemain, fergie nggak dimainin pada pertandingan final dan Dunfermline harus menelan kekalahan.

Factor kekalahan Dunfermline gara- gara fergie nggak dimaikan bisa jadi ada benarnya. Selama perjalanan menuju final, fergie adalah Top skor bagi timnya. Tapi yang paling masalah adalah cara majer tim memperlakukan fergie. Keputusan dirinya nggak main keluar kurang dari sejam sebelum pertandingan. Tensi yang kemudian meningkat gara- gara kejadian itu ternyata berpengaruh sedikit ke permainan tim. Pemain lain yang rata- rata men-support fergie harus rela kehilangan pemain andalan mereka.
Kejadian ini juga yang membuat fergie mendapatkan filosofi bagaimana menjadi seorang majer tim yang baik. Seorang manjer tim yang baik nggak akan menjatuhkan pemain yang berada dalam kondisi Top form-nya. Kalopun ada keputusan nggak akan memainkan dalam sebuah pertandingan, sebisa mungkin didiskusikan terlebih dahulu dengan pemain bersangkutan. Dengan begitu hubungan antara manajer tim dengan pemain akan tetap terjalin baik.
Nggak heran hal ini yang membuat fergie kemudian berhasil menjadi manajer tim yang sukses.
Bersambung.....
(Kid –oest News : dari My Autobiography, Alex Ferguson : managing my life)

NEXT STORY PART 4 – Tamat :
Alex ferguson akhirnya bener- bener jadi icon di dunia sepakbola. Bahkan sejumlah prestasinya sulit ditandingi!!.

SIR ALEX FERGUSON Story Part 2

Siapa sangka saat beranjak remaja, fergie termasuk anak Bandel yang rutin berkelahi. Yang jelas ini karena terpaksa.

TERPAKSA BANDEL
“Kebanyakan anak- anak cowok di Govan yang seangkatan dengan saya, hidupnya berakhir di penjara atau jadi pemabuk,” kata Fergie.
Inilah salah satu pengaruh buruk dari lingkungan tempat tinggal yang didominasi kaum buruh. Kehidupan serba keras yang dialami kaum pekerja berdampak pula terhadap keluarga mereka. Meski sebenarnya nggak satupun dari mereka yang mengharapkan keadaan seperti itu.
Tapi entah kenapa desakan yang mengarah kepada jurang kehancuran sepertinya kuat banget. Beruntung bokap nyokap fergie termasuk perhatian banget sama anak- anaknya.

MENGHINDAR
Lingkungan tempat tinggal fergie dimasa kecil hingga beranjak remaja termasuk paling buruk sejagad skotlandia. Segitu parahnya sampe nyaris nggak ada satupun orang dewasa yang taat hukum.
Begitu juga dengan sekolah pertama fergie. Broomloan Road Primary di nobatkan sebagai sekolahan yanhg paling buruk dikota skotlandia. Tapi, bukan berarti masa kecil fergie selalu damai dan tenteram. Ada sejumlah masalah yang harus dihadapinya. Itupun karena keadaan yang memaksa.
Biasanya anak- anak yang baru tumbuh, rasa ingin tahu selalu mengambil tempat terdepan dalam masanya.karena factor ini pernah satu waktu fergie beserta beberapa temannya mengunjungi tempat tongkrongan orang dewasa dikotanya bernama Docherty’s Snooker Hall. Nggak taunya ini menjadi awal pertama fergie terlibat dalam keributan.
Saat lagi nongkrong didalam snooker hall tadi, dua orang remaja menawari mereka minuman yang kelihatan beralkohol. Nggak taunya yang mereka tawarin adalah air kencing. Balas dendam yang dirancang fergie cukup kejam. Muka kedua remaja tadi ditimpuknya dengan bola snooker yang mengakibatkan cukup parah. Untung fergie berhasil lolos dari kejaran mereka.

BENGAL
Keterlibatan fergie dalam dalam keributan gara- gara terpaksa nggak Cuma sekali itu aja. Pernah satu kali yang terjadi pada adiknya, martin. Itu karena kelakuan fergie sendiri yang selalu keterlaluan saat bercanda dengan adiknya sendiri. Meski udah beberapa kali di marahi oleh nyokapnya, tetap aja fergie nggak berubah. Satu waktu adiknya menanggapi tingkah usil fergie dengan memukulnya didada pake besi panas. Hingga sekarang cacat bekas lukanya masih membekas. Membuatnya selalu teringat masa –masa kenakalannya.

“sejujurnya saya emang menyesali ini. Sebagai kakak asaya selalu merasa paling dominan terhadap adik saya. Meski sama sekali saya nggak bermaksud untuk membuatnya jadi teraniaya. Malah saya pasti akan membelanya mati- matian sekiranya ada yang melakukan sesuatu yang buruk terhadapnya,” kenang Fergie.
Selain di jalanan atau dirumah, fergie ternyata juga nakal disekolah. Satu contoh adalah saat fergie memecahkan kaca jendela gymnasium sekolahannya. Kenakala lainnya disekolah adalah sering nyontek saat ujian. Itupun didukung oleh sikap teman- temannya yang senang hati ngasih lembar jawaban mereka untuk disalin oleh fergie. Ternyata itu dilatar belakangi oleh kekaguman beberapa diantara mereka terhadap sosok fergie.

Dimasa –masa awal emang nggak terlihat adanya masalah yang timbul karena kebiasaannya ini. Tapi begitu menjelang ujian tingkat akhir masalah yang sebenarnya baru muncul. Pada ujian tingkat akhir fergie gagal total. Inilah yang memaksa fergie meninggalkan bangku sekolah umum dan mengambil sekolah kejuruan.
Nggak taunya momen inilah yang membuat fergie belakangan menjadi pemain bola sukses. Kenyataan dirinya harus meninggalkan bangku sekolah umum malah membuka peluang buat semakin mendalami sepak bola. Diawali dengan bergabung ke tim local tempat tinggalnya.
Bersambung.....
(Kid –oest News : dari My Autobiography, Alex Ferguson : managing my life)

NEXT STORY PART 3 :
Akhirnya fergie bisa menjadi pemain sepak bola sukses. Ngapain juga dia mutusin jadi manager tim??

SIR ALEX FERGUSON Story Part 1

Faktor kesuksesan sir alex ferguson sebagai manager tim sepak bola yang handal ada pada latar belakang kehidupannya. Berawal dari lingkungan terkecilnya serta yang ada disekitarnya.

AWAL YANG TEPAT
Didikan keluarga! Mungkin itu awal yang tepat buat mencari tahu bagaimana seorang sir alex ferguson bisa terkenal sebagai salah satu legenda didunia persepakbolaan. Sejak lahir pada tanggal 31 desember 1941, kedua orang tuanya nggak pernah memendam cita- cita menjadikan dirinya seperti sekarang ini.
Fergie, sapaan sir alex ferguson, lahir dari bokap seorang buruh galangan kapal. Namanya Alexander beaton ferguson. Nyokapnya, Elizabeth hardie, juga seorang buruh pekerja pabrik.
Kalo belakangan fergie kecil demen banget sama sikulit bundar, itu karena ayahnya adalah fans berat Glasgow Celtic, salah satu club favorit sepak bola skotlandia.

KELUARGA
Perhatian besar bokapnya terhadap sepak bola jelas menurun pula ke diri fergie. Ini terlihat jelas setelah fergie divonis nggak boleh ngelanjutin sekolah umumnya ketika berumur 16 tahun. Gara- gara masalah sering nyontek saat ujian, pihak sekolah berpendapat ilmunya tidak mencukupi untuk melanjutkan kejenjang yang lebih tinggi sampai dunia kerja. Saran buat mengasah skill di sekolah kejuruan untuk bisa mendapat pekerjaan nggak ditanggapinya secara serius. Sebaliknya dia memantapkan niatnya untuk berkarir disepak bola.
Yang jelas nggak dipungkiri kalo bokap- nyokapnya sangat kecewa dengan kenyataan pendidikan formalnya yang kandas. Tapi dirinya sangat beruntung karena kedua orangtuanya member dukungan besar walau apapun yang terjadi. Inilah anugrah terbesar yang dirasakan fergie saat ini.

Sir alex ferguson memang mempunyai keluarga yang sangat luar biasa. Terutama kekuatan hubungan yang ada didalamnya. Dengan prinsip yang mengacuhkan semua perbedaan.
Sekedar info, kedua orang tua fergie beda agama. Bokapnya katolik, sedangkan nyokapnya protestan. Sebenarnya ini sesuatu yang wajar di skotlandia barat, lokasi tempat tinggal keluarga besar ferguson.

Contoh kecil soal kesukaan terhadap klub sepak bola. Meski tau ayahnya adalah fans berat Glasgow Celtic, tapi fergie nggak ragu buat mengidolakan Glasgow Rangers, klub sepak bola paling top di skotlandia. Bokapnya nggak mempermasalahkan kalo masih dalam batas wajar. Tapi kalo udah berlebihan bisa lain urusannya. Yang nggak disukai adalah fanatisme berlebihan. Pernah satu malam Martin Ferguson, adik fergie, membawa atribut Glasgow Rangers ke rumah. Bokapnya langsung bereaksi keras sehingga martin terpaksa menyembunyikan atribut rapat- rapat.
Kecintaan sepak bola inilah yang kemudian membuat fergie sukses berkarir dilapangan hijau. Diawali sebagai pemain yang brilian, hingga berlanjut menjadi manager tim yang handal.

LINGKUNGAN BURUH
Factor lain yang berpengaruh dalam kesuksesan fergie di dunia sepak bola adalah lingkungan tempat tinggalnya di masa kecil. Keluarga ferguson berdomisili di 667 Govan Road, sebuah jalan di distrik Govan yang terletak dibarat daya Glasgow. Distrik ini punya peran khusus dan cukup penting dalam sejarah dunia. Disini terletak pabrik galangan kapal yang sempat jadi andalan AL inggris saat perang Dunia ke 2. Tapi bukan ini yang membuat fergie bersyukur.
Bagi fergie, Govan adalah lingkungan yang unik. Yang berhubungan erat antar warga.

Kalo diperhatikan emang ada kaitan antara kesuksesan karir manajer sepak bola dengan lingkungan tempat tinggalnya di masa kecil. Pasalnya ini yang dialami juga oleh sejumlah manajer tim sepak bola legendaries di inggris. Contohnya Jock Stein, Sir Matt Busby, Bill Shankly, serta Bill Paisley. Kesamaan antar mereka adalah dibesarkan dilingkungan pekerja tambang.
Bersambung.....
(Kid –oest News : dari My Autobiography, Alex Ferguson : managing my life)

NEXT STORY PART 2 :
Berkelahi dijalanan serta nyontek di kelas adalah sedikit dari ulah fergie semasa kecil hingga remaja. Lainnya??

8 Langkah Jadi Pahlawan di Bulan Ramadhan

Perbuatan kecil, tapi kalo dilakukan dengan sungguh- sungguh, sangat bermanfaat. Soalnya, kecil- kecil cabe rawit, biar kecil tapi berefek luar biasa, sob!. Cek selengkapnya.

1. Bangunin orang sahur
Kita kadang suka keganggu sama suara – suara orang kampung yang keliling teriak sahur. Sebel, bahkan marah. Sebelum marah, lo harus cobain dulu rasanya ngebangunin orang sahur.
Seru! Emang sih terkesan kampungan dan nggak guna. Tapi, kalo dilakuin lo bakal dapet banyak pahala. Ya iyalah! Orang yang kebangun karena denger teriakan lo pasti bilang gini, “alhamdulillah kebangun untuk sahur” nah, Alhamdulillah itu pahala buat lo!.

2. Adzan di Masjid atau Musholla.
Jadi muazin dimasjid adalah media latihan mental yang bagus. Soalnya kalo salah lo bisa jadi bahan omongan orang sekompleks. Tapi nggak ada salahnya di coba. Emang sih, kalo suara lo bagus nggak bakalan jadi penyanyi di Indonesian Idol.

3. Memberi makanan buka puasa untuk tukang sampah.
Member itu lebih bagus daripada menerima buat lo yang sering member makanan berbuka kepada tukang sampah didekat rumah, dijamin lo bakal dapet keuntungan dobel bahkan triple.
Yaitu, pahala dari Allah SWT, dan juga pahala dari doa para tetangga disebelah rumah. Nice kan!

4. Nyumbang baju ke tetangga.
Coba liat sekeliling, apakah tetangga lo berasal dari golongan mampu semua? Kalo bukan, coba kumpulin baju- baju bekas yang layak pakai, terus kasih mereka. Nggak usah gengsi, malu, atau malah berfikir akan dikira orang sombong karena bagi-bagi baju.

5. Kolekan sama temen rumah, untuk beli makanan buka puasa di masjid.
Coba liat mesjid dideket rumah. Pasti sering ada acara buka puasa bareng. Nah! Nggak ada salahnya lo kolekin temen- temen kompleks lo.
Hasil kolekannya jangan buat beli baju lebaran. Tapi coba dibeliin kolak, kue- kue kecil, untuk makanan buka puasa di masjid.

6. Menjadi pencegah agar orang nggak batal puasa.
Sadar nggak sadar, kita itu sering menjadi seten agar temen yang tadinya puasa, jadi batal puasa. Sekarang udah nggak zaman lagi kayak gitu.
Yang lagi nge-trend itu adalah menjadi pencegah orang untuk batal puasa.

7. Jagain sandal di Masjid.
Orang suka salah penilaian sama petugas penjaga sandal. Padahal jagain sandal itu pekerjaan cabe rawit. Yang di jagain memang Cuma sandal. Tapi karena ngejagainnya sama ikhlasnya seperti orang yang jagain duit di Bank, maka bakal banyak orang yang berterima kasih. Dan terima kasih itu jadi doa buat lo.

8. Menjadi panitia Zakat.
Menjadi panitia zakat infaq tugasnya gampang- gampang susah. Cuma nerima duit dari orang yang ingin beramal. Tapi bukan Cuma nerima, kita juga harus mempertanggungjawabkan hasil penerimaan itu dalam laporan keuangan. Orang bijak bilang : kalo mau nguji kejujuran seseorang, ujilah dengan uang. Nah, bisakah kita nerima tantangan itu??. (Kid – oest News).

Asal Usul Kisah 1001 Malam

Kita tentu sering mendengar kisah tentang Alladin dan lampu ajaibnya, kisah tentang Sinbad si Pelaut, atau kisah tentang Abu Nawas. Masih banyak lagi kisah2 selain cerita2 tersebut di atas yang termasuk dalam cerita 1001 malam. Akan tetapi, tahukah anda dari mana cerita2 ini berasal?

Alkisah ada seorang raja yang sangat berkuasa di sebuah tempat di Timur Tengah. Sang raja memiliki seorang permaisuri yang sangat cantik dan sangat disayang oleh sang raja.

Akan tetapi, alangkah murkanya sang raja begitu mengetahui sang permaisuri terlibat cinta terlarang dengan salah seorang prajuritnya. Sang raja lantas menghukum mati sang permaisuri, begitu pula si prajurit. Dan semenjak saat itu, sang raja memiliki dendam yang sangat dalam kepada setiap kaum Hawa.


Meskipun demikian, dia ingin terus menikah. Akan tetapi karena dendamnya terhadap wanita, sang raja menghukum mati setiap permaisuri barunya sehari setelah hari pernikahan. (Mungkin gak ingin permaisurinya selingkuh lagi kali, yak...). Begitulah seterusnya, setiap hari raja yang kejam ini memilih seorang wanita untuk dinikahinya, dan dapat dipastikan wanita yang dipilihnya akan mati keesokan harinya. Rakyat pun was-was oleh perilaku sang raja, terutama yang memiliki anak perempuan, karena takut dipilih oleh raja dan kemudian dihukum mati.

Pada suatu ketika, penasihat raja tak mampu lagi mencari wanita perawan, namun raja mendapati ada seorang wanita cantik yang belum menikah yang tidak lain adalah anak dari penasihat raja. Sang penasihat kebingungan mengingat nasib yang menanti anak perempuannya itu. Dia juga tidak dapat menolak permintaan sang raja, karena akibatnya akan lebih berat: hukuman mati bagi dirinya begitu juga anak perempuannya. Alhasil, sang penasehat hanya bisa pasrah menerima lamaran sang raja. Namun diam2, anak dari sang penasehat ini memiliki rencana untuk memberi pelajaran kepada sang raja.

Pada malam hari setelah pesta pernikahan, pasangan baru ini hendak beranjak menuju tempat tidur. Sang permaisuri, menceritakan sebuah kisah yang hebat kepada sang raja. Sebegitu serunya kisah yang diceritakan permaisuri sampai2 sang raja sangat betah untuk mengikuti ceritanya tanpa rasa kantuk sedikitpun. Saat cerita sedang seru2nya, permaisuri menghentikan ceritanya itu dan berjanji untuk menceritakan lanjutannya besok malam. Sang raja pun segera tidur, dan besoknya, sepanjang hari raja sangat penasaran akan lanjutan cerita permaisurinya itu, mau tidak mau hukuman mati untuk permaisurinya ditunda. Dia tidak sabar menanti malam tiba untuk mendengarkan lanjutan ceritanya.

Malam pun tiba dan permaisuri kembali melanjutkan ceritanya. Ketika satu cerita berakhir, ia melanjutkannya dengan kisah baru yang tidak kalah seru. Namun seperti malam sebelumnya, sang permaisuri menghentikan ceritanya saat kisah sedang mencapai klimaksnya, dan berjanji untuk melanjutkan kisahnya lagi besok malam. Begitu seterusnya setiap malam, sang permaisuri berhasil bertahan hidup dengan menceritakan kisah2 bersambung kepada sang raja.

Akhirnya selama 1001 malam, sang permaisuri terbebas dari hukuman mati. Raja pun menarik hukum hukuman mati tersebut karena sang permaisuri mengingatkan tentang perilaku sang raja yang tidak baik. Permaisuri mengingatkan melalui pesan2 moral dalam kisah2 yang diceritakannya. Alhasil, raja pun menyesali perilakunya dan kembali menjadi raja yang bijaksana.

Nah, kisah2 yang diceritakan oleh permaisuri inilah yang kemudian disebut sebagai cerita 1001 malam (Story of One Thousand and One Nights)

Aman Resort to Openn in Siem Reap

The newest property in the Aman chain is due to open in Siem Reap on 1st December 2002. The Amansara will be located opposite the Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor on the road leading to the Angkor temples site. The luxurious Amansara will feature 12 exclusive suites, one of which, the Amansara Suite, will have its own private pool. Each suite will be air-conditioned, with additional ceiling fans, telephone with twin lines for internet access, room safe, and a CD music system.
A unique swimming pool, a library, a dining room, a gallery, a team of skilled masseuses and a roof terrace will offer the usual Aman-style facilities.
All this luxury does not come cheap and the published rates will start at Us$ 600++ and go up to Us$ 875++. Rates will be valid for a maximum of two adults (+ 1 child under 12 years with supplement) per room and include breakfast and a choice of lunch or dinner as well as beverages and house wine. Also included in the room rates are a car and driver for private tours to the temples.

Passenger Service Charges at Airport Increases

Effective 1st of march 2002, the Passenger Service charges at the airports of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have been modified:
ADULTS- International departure tax in Siem Reap increases from USD 8 to USD15- Domestic departure tax in Siem Reap increases from USD 4 to USD 5- Domestic departure tax in Phnom Penh decreases from USD10 to USD5 International departure tax in Phnom Penh remains the same at USD20
CHILDREN under 12 years- International departure tax Phnom Penh- USD10- International departure tax Siem Reap - USD7- Domestic departure tax Phnom Penh & Siem Reap - USD5INFANTS under 2 years do not pay any taxes

Royal Air Cambodge went Bankrupt

Royal Air Cambodge (RAC), the Cambodia's national airline, is going bankrupt and stopped all its flying operation on October 16, 2001. The Cambodian government owns 60% share of this airline whereas the Naluri, a Malaysian company (formerly known as Malaysian Helicopter Service) - owns the rest 40%. RAC leased its planes from the Malaysian Airline, since its birth 7 years ago. Due to its debt-ridden situation, RAC fails to pay the rental fees so its planes have been repossessed. It is estimated that RAC owes Malaysian Airline about US$ 30 million. An airline official said that the issued air tickets will be reimbursed, but this information has not been confirmed.
RAC used to be a major player in flying between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; the latter of which houses the world's famous Angkor Wat and other Khmer complex. Before its closure, RAC operates about 3-4 flights a day on this domestic route. Currently, the Siem Reap Airways (FT) is the sole carrier, operating two flights a day from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and return.

Cambodia's national airline

Royal Air Cambodge (RAC), the Cambodia's national airline, is going bankrupt and stopped all its flying operation on October 16, 2001. The Cambodian government owns 60% share of this airline whereas the Naluri, a Malaysian company (formerly known as Malaysian Helicopter Service) - owns the rest 40%. RAC leased its planes from the Malaysian Airline, since its birth 7 years ago. Due to its debt-ridden situation, RAC fails to pay the rental fees so its planes have been repossessed. It is estimated that RAC owes Malaysian Airline about US$ 30 million. An airline official said that the issued air tickets will be reimbursed, but this information has not been confirmed.
RAC used to be a major player in flying between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap; the latter of which houses the world's famous Angkor Wat and other Khmer complex. Before its closure, RAC operates about 3-4 flights a day on this domestic route. Currently, the Siem Reap Airways (FT) is the sole carrier, operating two flights a day from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and return.

RIVER OF THOUSAND LINGAS

The Apsara authorities in charge of the conservation and protection of the Angkor Wat complex have successfully managed to take control of this beautiful site. The impressive and well-preserved Hindu sculptures in the riverbed and on the river banks are now accessible with the normal Visit Angkor Pass and no more "entry fees" are levied by the former "guards". These are now official Apsara conservation officers.A visit to this site can be combined with a visit to the holy mountain, Phnom Kulen (not yet under Apsara management) and Banteay Srei for a full day tour with packed lunch.
Access is still difficult due to the rainy season but it will become a standard part of our Angkor tours for the upcoming high season. At the moment the site is closed by the Apsara authorities from 1-20 September to conduct final mine clearing works and to build a new parking area.

Right-hand Drive Vehicles banned in Cambodia

Starting on 1 January 2001, a new transportation law becomes effective with a ban on right-hand drive cars and vehicles. Over 20,000 vehicles being registered with Transport Ministry are right-hand drive. Any right-hand drive vehicles found to run on the street will be confiscated, and turned into the state property if no claim from the owners for a period of time. The law has not been strictly enforced as there has been a sublime protest from several car owners as well as the taxi driver. This ban of right-hand drive car is an attempt of Cambodian and Thai sides to crack down on an increasing number of smuggled cars, pickups and vans from Thailand. Every years thousands of vehicles in Thailand are stolen and believed to be smuggled by land to the neighboring countries like Laos and Cambodia. In Thailand, the vehicles are right-hand drive.
Several car owners in Cambodia find that it is too costly for them to change the steering wheel and column from right to left as the price ranges from 25,000 Baht to 80,000 Baht, while the general income of the Cambodians is low.

Tourists Arrival to Cambodia increases by 34%

The foreign tourists arrival to Cambodia in the year 2000 has risen by 34% which is a new record high in Cambodia tourism history. The number of visitors reaches over 351,000 persons in 2000 as compared to approximately. 263,000 persons in 1999. Last year, most of the hotels in Siem Reap and several in Phnom Penh had enjoyed a very high occupancy rates. During the peak season of November and December, those hotels at the top-end are mostly fully booked months ahead and the situation seems to be extended to the first quarter of 2001.
In the past, the hotels in Siemreap offered one flat rate throughout the year. If the number of tourists continue to increase at this pace and the room supply becomes scarce, there is a high possibility that some hotels may practice giving two or three tiered rates to reflect the low, high and peak seasons; a few has started to use this tiered scheme and several may follow.

Siem Reap Airways Expands Network

The dynamic sister company of Bangkok Airways has launched a 2nd daily flight between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. This frequency will be in the morning and give us the option of a more "civilized" departure time for travelers. Complete schedule between Siem Reap and Phnom penh as follows:

Tourism - A Key Element for Cambodia

During the visit of Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong last week, Cambodia is encouraged to develop the tourism master plan to boost its economy. Mr. Goh Chok Tong advised to Cambodia leader Hun Sen that it is difficult for Cambodia to compete with its neighboring countries in term of heavy industry, but he believe that the hidden asset of tourism could be developed successfully.

Master Plan for Cambodia

During the visit of Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong last week, Cambodia is encouraged to develop the tourism master plan to boost its economy. Mr. Goh Chok Tong advised to Cambodia leader Hun Sen that it is difficult for Cambodia to compete with its neighboring countries in term of heavy industry, but he believe that the hidden asset of tourism could be developed successfully. Currently, Cambodia receive less than half a million tourists per year. To attain its goal of one million tourists, Cambodia has to expand its infrastructure such as the road networks as well as the other attractions.Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong will send expert team to help in developing the master plan on tourism for Cambodia.

New Flooding in Cambodia (2001)

Just like last year, the start of the monsoon season has brought abundant rains and has pushed the water level of the Mekong to record highs. Right now the situation in the Upper Mekong region is the worst. Parts of the towns of Stung Treng and Kratie are flooded and only accessible by boat.
Further south, lower lying parts of Kompong Cham have also been inundated and a bridge on National Road no.6 has been damaged and is being repaired. Right now visitors wanting to reach Kompong Cham, Kompong Thom or Siem Reap by road, best take the speedboat Phnom Penh-Kpg Cham or Phnom Penh-Siem Reap or they have to use National Rd No.5 and then cross the Tonle Bassac on the Prek Kdam ferry near Oudong. Material damages have reached 15 millions of US Dollars and 35 people have died so far. Waters are due to receded in the next days.
At the moment there is no need to postpone trips to Cambodia, as the cities of Phnom Penh and the temples at Angkor are not affected and can be visited as usual. Some adjustments might be needed for overland trips to Kompong Cham.

First Public Bus Launced in Cambodia

On 1st June 2001, Phnom Penh began its experimental project to run the public buses in the city. The project was funded initially by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). It is the attempt to help easing the traffic and to provide the Cambodian people with the first mass transit system in the capital.
17 out of 23 buses continues to operate on the two main routes passing along the Monivong Boulevard and around downtown. Last month, over a hundred thousand people rode on these buses. The bus fare is at 500 riels per adult, but will be raised to 800 riels soon (US$ = approx. 5,000 riels). The operation loses over US$ 1,000 per day and the fund is subsidized by the Phnom Penh Municipality.

Angkor Wat to host Concert of the Year

The Raffles Group and the Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor are organizing theevent of the year in Cambodia on Friday 6th December 2002 - a concertfeaturing world famous Spanish tenor José Carreras with the temple of AngkorWat as a backdrop. The tentative program is as follows:
6.15pm - Transfer from Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor to Angkor Wat
7pm - 9pm - Western set dinner with free flow of wine and a live bandplaying during dinner.
9pm - Jose Carerras backed by the 95-piece Singapore Symphonic Orchestra
10pm - 200 Apsara dancers on stage
10.45 pm - Jose Carreras finale
11.15 - 11.30pm Concert ends
There will be space for 1,500 spectators who will be treated to a dinner bythe Grand Hotel D'Angkor (included in the ticket price). Dress code isformal.
Tickets are priced at USD500, 1,000 and USD1,500. Tables of 10 persons can be booked and reserved in advance. Guests with tickets and staying at the Grand Hotel will be treated to a pre-dinner cocktail at the hotel (only in-house guests!). Proceeds of the concert will go to the Cambodian Red Cross, Landmine Victims and Wild AID
IMPORTANT NOTE: For bookings at the Grand Hotel D'Angkor on the night of 6th December it will be compulsory to purchase a ticket to the concert. Please make sure to warn/inform potential guests about this significant extra cost!

Cambodia cracks down Sex Tourists

Phnom Penh Tourism Bureau chief Chen Samon announced this month that 70 officers were monitoring guest houses, hotels and tourist sites to try to combat child sex abuse. The crackdown on child sex tourism was spurred in action in response to mounting international protests, including direct pressure from the Australian Government. After a report from The Age revealing last month that hundreds of Australian men were traveling to Cambodia for child sex. The crackdown - which has led to the arrest of two Australians and a Briton accused of raping children - has also resulted in the rescue of 15 children from Phnom Penh brothels and the arrest of three Vietnamese men involved in trafficking children.

Cambodian Festival Honors Spirits of Dead

The lost ancient Buddhist ceremony was resurrected for the remembrance of the 1.7 million victims of Pol Pot's "killing field" during the brutal Khmer Rouge rule.
Cambodians offer prayers to the spirits of dead at the Annual Pchnum Benn Festival in Phnom Pehn.
Thousands of Cambodians offer rice and cakes on Sunday to unhappy spirits of the millions who perished under the Khmer Rouge. That horrible event evokes the ceremony which is lost in ancient Buddhist folklore to commemorate the victims of the event. One of the participants of the festival told that his loved ones died of starvation; he came then to offer them food.

Annual Pchnum Benn Festival in Phnom Pehn.

The lost ancient Buddhist ceremony was resurrected for the remembrance of the 1.7 million victims of Pol Pot's "killing field" during the brutal Khmer Rouge rule. Cambodians offer prayers to the spirits of dead at the Annual Pchnum Benn Festival in Phnom Pehn.
Thousands of Cambodians offer rice and cakes on Sunday to unhappy spirits of the millions who perished under the Khmer Rouge. That horrible event evokes the ceremony which is lost in ancient Buddhist folklore to commemorate the victims of the event. One of the participants of the festival told that his loved ones died of starvation; he came then to offer them food.

Siem Reap Internet Access Greatly Improved

The introduction of new internet providers and telecommunications systems in Siem Reap over the last few months have dramatically improved internet access in the provincial town. The speed and stability of the connection in Siem Reap is now comparable to Phnom Penh and Bangkok. The price of access in Siem Reap has dropped to $2.50 - $3.00 per hour.

Cambodian Elephant is hailed as Healer

An 87-year-old elephant, named Yey Prahao is believed to be a healer with her magic water. Her mahout says that she is now the oldest elephant in Cambodia. It is also said that she knows how to stir water and put magic in it, and how to choose a spot for her house as well as sort out problems between a man and a wife.
Undoubtedly to Cambodians, she is not only a doctor but also architectural planner and marriage guidance counselor. She is very clever as well according to her owner. When her owner gets sick or get drunk and falls asleep in the sun, she keeps him in the shade then gives him a massage. There is always a crowd of believers come to receive a magic treatment by this elephant.

Cambodia trying to restore relations with Thailand

The Cambodian government says it has arrested 150 "extremists" and will pay compensation to Thailand for the damage caused by the anti-Thai protesters on Wednesday. Those arrested include the manager of a radio station that is alleged to have stimulated the torching of the Thai embassy by wrongly reporting that Cambodian embassy officials in Thailand had been killed. The Cambodian Foreign Ministry has promised that compensation will be paid quickly without conditions for damage to the Thai embassy and Thai-owned business. The damage bill is estimate to exceed $US23 million or nearly one Billion Baht.

Cambodia opens new airport terminal

Cambodia has recently inaugurated a new 32$ million passenger terminal at Phnom Penh's Pochentong airport. The opening was taken as Prime Minister Hun Sen aware of the tumbling in tourism industry due to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak affecting Asia. The new passenger terminal is designed in a combination of traditional Khmer style with glass and metal architecture and able to handle two million passengers each year. Although Cambodia has no report of Sars case since the outbreak hit the southern China in November, tourism sector saw a decline by 30-40 percent of a number of tourists.

Horror at plans for "mass murder tourism"

Cambodia's plans to transform the Khmer Rouge site to be a tourist magnet have shocked the survivors of the country's genocide.
The Cambodian village of Anlong Veng, dotted with humble wooden huts and despair stalls selling gadgets give a hint of its dark past. Once the malaria-infested scrap of jungle, the site was the last shelter of genocidal leader Pol Pot and is being a core of controversy between a great amount of income from the mass tourism overseen by the government and the delicate matters dearly considered by relatives of almost two million victims, murdered during the Khmer Rouge Rule between 1975 and 1979.
Overseeing the potential of a big amount of revenue from tourism, the Cambodian government is enthusiastic to push forward plans to develop the site by throwing a multi-million pound to restore the old houses of the top leaders of the Khmer Rouge and even hiring the former consorts of Pol Pot and other relatives of the former Khmer Rouge members as guides. According to the state's secretary for tourism, these people are close to Pol Pot, they will know well about his life and the inside story of the Khmer Rouge.
Amidst the eagerness of the government, the opponents, most of whom suffered the bitter memory of losing their loved ones to the cruel Khmer Rouge, attacked that the project is going to commercialize the memory of those who died. Also, they give a reason that Along Veng has great religious significance because of all the suffering and that the memory should not be cheapen by the superficial tourists who jump off a coach and take a picture. Worried that the development for tourism will bring more problems than benefits as well as disvalue the memory of what happened, the opponents state that the site should not be purely developed to be a tourist destination but a historical site to remind people of what happened.

Cambodia arrests net phone users

Twenty foreigners were arrested and questioned for using the Internet to make illegal international phone calls.
The group consists of 14 Briton, two American, an Australian, A New Zealander, a Filipino, and a Thai. Three of them were women. To make phone calls via the Internet is a crime in Cambodia because according to the law, all phone calls must be routed through the state phone company or firms it has licensed. The companies charge comparatively high rates for overseas calls.
According to the source, military police raided a house in central Phnom Penh where the 20 were staying and found that them calling overseas to sell "stock options".
The group of foreigners is being in process of questioning to find out what they would be charged or what maximum penalty they would faced. Police said that they would be released once they paid the state phone company for the overseas calls.
Police in Southeast Asia have periodically closed companies in which Western sales staffs make high-pressure solicitations over the phone to persuade would-be-investors in other countries to purchase shares in shaky or non-existent companies.

Cambodia plans to restore Khmer Rouge site

Cambodia's Tourism Ministry plans to restore the last stronghold of the Khmer Rouge in Anlong Veng into a tourist destination.
The plan is to restore top leaders' houses and construct a museum complex with high-tech video displaying the workings within the Khmer Rouge. Those who were born to former Khmer Rouge members and who are not currently awaiting trial for genocide will be enrolled as tour guides of the site as they could tell "real stories" on the lives of Pol Pot, Tamok and Khmer Rouge soldiers after they drew off the final stronghold in Anlong Veng. The project is estimated to cost 1 million USD.

Cambodia uncovers hidden temples

Cambodian specialists have discovered seven ancient temples in Siem Reap are that had been lost to the invading forests and years of civil war in the country.
Some 15 kilometers from Angkor Wat, an ancient temple was recently found in early September. The officials believe it was a Brahman temple, dating back to the late 9th to early 10th century and unrecorded in any documents.
It was the villagers who found this temple covered by the forest while going deep into the jungle and told this to the officials.
Following the discovery, it is believed that many other temples may be still hidden in the forest. Meanwhile, it prompted the authorities to protect and demine the area. The site where the temple was uncovered is known by the locals as Ta Lar Taly, covering the area of about 40 square meters, and its structures reached 15 meters high. The other six temples, which were found in late August and early September north of Siem Reap, were deemed to have been built around the same period and were about 60 square meters.
Due to natural causes and looters who stole most valuable artifacts from the site, most of the temples found suffered dramatic damage to about 50 percent of their structure.

Cambodians urged to eat more dogs

Cambodians are being urged to eat more dogs as part of a crackdown on stray pooches wandering around Phnom Penh.
Dogs along with exotic menus of spiders, beetles and crickets are regularly found in the impoverished rural areas, but in the relatively sophisticated Phnom Penh, eating them is frowned upon.
However, the growing problem from stray dogs fouling around the Cambodian capital has prompted the city's special policy to control a number of these doggies and for city-dwellers, to throw off their traditional snootiness towards dining on man's best friend.
City governor Kep Chuktema tried to persuaded people in Phnom Penh to eat dogs as saying in Cambodia Daily newspaper: "Come on, dog meat is so delicious. The Vietnamese and Koreans love to eat dog meat. (Cambodians) don't have wine, but poor people can enjoy their dog meat with palm juice wine."

Cambodia Hotels in Phnompenh, Angkor (Siemreap) and Sihanoukville

Tips Bertemu Dengan Orang Tua Kekasih

Bertemu dengan orang tua kekasih untuk pertama kalinya jelas akan membuat Anda grogi. Sudah pasti Anda ingin terlihat sempurna di depan kedua orang tuanya. Apa saja yang harus dipersiapkan?

Tidak ada salahnya Anda melakukan melakukan persiapan yang matang sebelum sebelum bertemu. Namun yang terpenting adalah sifat natural Anda. Jangan khawatir, dengan tips ini pertemuan Anda dengan orang tua kekasih pun akan berjalan sukses.

Fokus
Usahakan fokus dan mendengarkan setiap percakapan dengan orang tua kekasih. Jangan sampai kehilangan konsentrasi karena mengkhawatirkan hal-hal lainnya.


Jangan cari perhatian
Tentu Anda ingin orang tua kekasih merasa terkesan dengan diri Anda. Namun, jangan berusaha terlalu keras untuk membuat mereka terkesan. Misalnya dengan menceritakan karir Anda yang sukses atau sebagainya karena mereka bisa menilai Anda sombong.

Lemparkan pertanyaan sulit pada kekasih
Selama berbicara dengan orang tua kekasih, tidak jarang mereka memulai dengan pertanyaan yang sulit dan membuat Anda serba salah dalam menjawabnya. Jika demikian, lemparkan pertanyaan tersebut kepada kekasih dan biarkan ia menjawabnya.

Bangun percakapan
Hindari pertanyaan bodoh yang hanya digunakan untuk mengisi kekosongan. Sebaiknya sebelum bertemu orang tuanya, Anda cari tahu dulu informasi-informasi penting dari kekasih. Anda bisa memulai percakapan dengan mengetahui hobi, minat atau pandangan politik mereka.

Penampilan sopan
Jangan berdandan terlalu berlebihan, ketika bertemu orang tuanya pastikan Anda mengenakan busana yang pantas dan sopan. Berdandanlah senatural mungkin.

[Sumber : wolipop.com]

Ten Tiny Turtles on the telephone

Maybe it's all the vegetables I've been eating on the new diet regimen, but today is one of those days where this particular Sesame Street song, seared in my memory of course, is playing over and over again. not that it's a bad thing....

Once again, please pardon the lack of posts as of late...

We've been hitting the gym a LOT lately, twice a day leaving precious little time for anything else Now if only we had known about his amazing wonder product....