The Web of One

Today I got concerned over privacy issue the conspiracy theorist in me was awake and paranoid. Then I came across this. Here you go... seriously we should be paranoid. Information is power, do not let anyone tell you otherwise. Now imagine some one or something else controls what information you get. Essentialy your are now powerless because you don't get all the information. Think about it!

 

O Digger! My Digger!... blah blah.. now the DEAD SHALL LIVE AGAIN!

For those people who are in their early & mid 30's DOS was most likely the introduction to computers. The one thing as kids we all did was play games. Some were good and some were.. well great :). We were kids anything with colour and moved to a press of a button was miraculous. CONTROL!!!!!

so long long time ago..

You slotted a 5" Floppy disc into a disk drive slot and closed the lever shut turned the power on and prayed you did not get -- unable to read disk message! and when it does boot then we hoped the DOS disk  worked correctly so it could boot the computer.

Then we removed the DOS disk and slotted the game disk in, at the " A:> "(for those lucky few who had 2 disk drives we changed to "B:>" by typing "b:" ) typed "dir" and listed the content hoping the annoying little brother did not erase the disk. Searched for filename.com or filename.exe file we typed the filename and then the adventure starts.

My sayang the muppet spent hours and hours playing her favorite game. DIGGER (mine too).

We spent hours playing this game. It was exciting trying to get away from the monster. Then we had VGA and bye bye DIGGER!

The playstation's and xbox's of the world (even the mobile phone) has rendered these games ancient and obsolete.

Now for muppets sake! there is a new life for these games. dosbox!! bringing the the dead to life.

present day.....

(Only works for Linux/Debian/Ubuntu users.. sorry windows folks :P)

fire up the CLI *(The Terminal) - type

sudo apt-get install dosbox

mkdir ~/dos

dosbox

when you see the familiar "Z:>" drive type

config -writeconfig /home/yourname/dos

thats it your almost done. type

exit

now type into the CLI

nano ~/dos/dosbox.conf

or any other editor for those who prefer GUI then goto the dos folder in your home folder and gedit the file. Now we are going to make the ~/dos folder as your "C:>" for that go down the dosbox.conf file and look for [autoexec] and just add this below that;

mount c ~/dos

c:

save and exit. your done. Just goto DIGGER and download the file dump it into the ~/dos folder start dosbox from the CLI and you'll see the the folder you copied there. CD and... main main ;).. dah habis cerita.

 

The Re-Union

.... it's

Long Distance Do Work

I know this long distance relationship can work.

Recently, you reminded me of a special ingredient - inner calm (faith & trust)- needed to see the connection that we have on so many levels that it even surprises us at times. 

In you, I have found someone so right for me, I know I need search no more. For over the time that we've known each other, we have a connection that is real and enduring, and we work to make the effort to communicate.

True, relationships are work.

Yet, as I step back and take perspective on our long distance relationship, I know it has the ingredient for it to work - love.


 

Me & Saree

Option 1: Vivid Maroon Faux Georgette Saree with Blouse 1

Option 2: Exquisite Ethnic Saree

Tango.

I stumbled across a website today @ 3:45pm : http://strongermarriage.org/

From single-ton to couple-dom. 

Having been living alone for most of 3 years, I never really thought I woul meet someone I would consider my equal. Yet, what did I mean by equal? To be honest, I did not have a checklist in mind. I simply told myself that I will know the person when I met him.

Then, I met you - Wild Oscar.

The story is a simple one - two people casually getting to know each other over idle chatter that soon examines more personal topics over time. Through the course of 3 years, we updated each other on our lives - the past 1 year, we found ourselves conversing with one another using every opportunity available to us.

Communication was the key.

Soon, it occurred to me that it was a odd day when I was not talking to you - regardless of how mundane the conversation. It was a window into each other's lives - a window I was comfortable opening to you.

Comfort was the medium.

Acknowledging the comfort I felt as I shared of myself with you, and the eagerness I sensed to be in touch with you, I knew what I was looking for in a partner. An equal was a person who saw me as I am and embrace me, as I would do for him. That, as we both know, is only the beginning of any relationship - a good beginning, though.

Relationships are work.

The work is at once personal and relational. With time, and across different situations, we come to learn what we expect of and from the other partner, how to best communicate our expectations, and learning to accept what is possible of the other partner. Sometimes, we stutter and I am still learning to dance this tango.

However, the only partner for this dance in life I seek is YOU.

From Singleton to Coupledom

Singapore to Malaysia (and back) - The Longest Way Home

I love to read travel blogs, especially blogs with beautiful photographs depicting the writer's journeys.

This blog, especially, caught my eye a long time ago for its premise - an individual trying to find a place he can call home.

Currently, he is in SINGAPORE and is intent to traveling into MALAYSIA. So, it is totally appropriate that I link this page!

The Longest Way Home

As for me... there is no truer statement than "Home is Where the Heart Is"

Edibly Asian

Edibly Asian

Yes, we are ASIAN - South Asians born and raised in South-East Asia - in other words, we are spoiled foodies (It does not help that we both have mothers who are very good cooks!) .

During a search for recipes for an old-time favorite of mine, I came across this site.
One word to describe my reaction - WOW!
It was like I hit the mother-lode of all recipes Asian.

And it gets better!
The person(s) who started, runs, and maintains this website ALSO provided links to other websites offering recipes and insights into various Asian cuisine.

Source Code

Yes, it is simply the TITLE of this new movie that made me think of you. Given your reverance for the open source community and your passion for creating code (regardless of how frustrating the process can sometimes be) - the moment I saw this movie poster, it made me think of you - Hairy Man, and I laughed. Because, it really is about the little things that we enjoy and have come to learn about each other that I love. I love that you have this innate curiosity to learn things for what they are, and come to understand them on your own terms thereby allowing you take something "alien" and make it all your own. I appreciate how you take the time to let me see this world through your eyes, which has given me a whole new way of looking at computers, programs, operating systems, and of course source codes. Especially, given the importance of technology in our relationship :)

The Maverick Meerkat (Really... Karmic Koala in disguise)

 

 

It Had to Be YOU

 

 

Now this is a song I would love to dance to with YOU.

The Scribe

To make bloggin easier I went on the world wide web other wise know as GOOGLE ( and yes I know the difference, there's a pun there. Get it?) to seach for a convinient bloggin client. After a couple of days of searching we found ScribeFire. This is not a standalone client, rather a Firefox plugin.

It took less than a minute to setup and configure, then your off bloggin. Since its embeded into the browser it allows you to browse through your tabs while you create the blog. Since most of us scour the net for links and images this is very handy and convinient. I personally like ScribeFire.

The King's Speech

http://www.kingsspeech.com/

Muppet:-

It was movie with a simple premise - the relationship between two men. One is a potential heir to the throne of England. The other is an amateur actor from Australia who offers speech therapy. Their paths cross when a concerned wife decides to help her husband correct his stutter, which he has had since the age of 5. Along with his stutter, she had hope to rid him of his fear of and the embarrassment he faced with public speaking - public speeches being a common task for a member of the British Crown.

My first favorite moment in the movie was the conversation King George VI (Colin Firth) and Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) shared when they were preparing for the coronation in Westminister Abbey. The King was informed that Lionel was not a qualified speech therapist, to which Lionel informed the king that he never claimed to have such qualifications. It was memorable because it addressed 2 things:- (1) We want to believe what we want to believe even when in the absence of such evidence, because we create an idea/image/expectation of what is right/wrong - The King believed that his speech therapist had to be someone qualified, and therefore a DOCTOR; thus, he always referred to Lionel as Dr Logue despite Lionel's insistence to be called by his first name. (2) Lionel explanation for doing the work that he does - "to give voice" .. It is a particularly personal scene for me as someone who aspires to listen simply to provide individuals' the opportunity to give themselves a "voice."

King George VI: [Logue is sitting on the coronation throne] Get up! Y-you can’t sit there! GET UP!
Lionel Logue: Why not? It’s a chair.
King George VI: T-that… that is Saint Edward’s chair.
Lionel Logue: People have carved their names on it.
King George VI: L-listen to me… listen to me!
Lionel Logue: Why should I waste my time listening to you?
King George VI: Because I have a voice!
Lionel Logue: …yes, you do.

My second favorite scene was when Lionel has returned home from having upset the King during a conversation about the King's fear about becoming the King. This particular scene has Lionel discussing his distress (briefly and simply) about the situation with his wife, who demonstrates an uncanny ability of knowing her husband, and promptly offers him simple but honest advice. Advice, which Lionel appreciates, and heeds. It appeals to me as a demonstration of a couples' ability to care and communicate with each other. The wife was able to sense her husband's distress, inquire, and from his honest response, she was able to provide him with helpful and supportive advice. The husband in turn was open with the reason for his distress and when demonstrates his appreciation for the thoughtful advice by acting on it as he felt fit.

A simple movie about real relationships.



The ORIGINAL speech by King George the VI on September 03,1939

Viewed by Muppet on Saturday, March 26th, 2011 @ 7:30pm with GFB
Viewed by Wild Oscar

To John Denver

From Annie.

Listening to Happy Songs

Dream a Little Dream of Me - Louis Armstrong

( Wedding song? Definite contender)

Can't Smile With out you - Barry Manilow

(Dedicated to Crazy Hair Girl, yet another contender)

Somewhere Over The Rainbow

(This just makes me happy all the time)

Spicy Fruits of the Sea - Prawns & Pineapple Sambal

Ingredients:-

1 tablespoon butter
Prawns (peeled & de-veined)
Diced Pineapples


Sambal:-

4-5 cloves garlic
6-8 shallots OR 1 large red onion
1-inch ginger root
4-5 Asian dried red chillies soaked in water (I used about 1/2 cup of sambal oelek)
1/3 cup of dried shrimps
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
approx. 1 teaspoon tamarind paste (blend with 1/2 cup water)
approx. 1 teaspoon Lea & Perrins Worchestershire sauce

Preparation

• Blend the garlic, shallots (or onion), and ginger; Add chillies and blend
• Heat the oil & fry the dried shrimp; remove shrimp from the oil
• Add the blended chillies (etc.) to the oil and fry until the oil surfaces
• Remove the oil and return to the flame; add the dried shrimp
• Blend the tamarind paste with water and Worchestershire sauce; Add to Sambal

• In another wok/skillet, heat butter
• As butter starts to melt, add prawns (make sure they are as dry as possible)
• After 3-5 minutes, when butter has coated the prawns and they are cooked, add the sambal
• Cook for another 5 minutes, then add the pineapples
• Cook for another 2-3 minutes

• Let the dish sit for the flavours to meld
• Heat before serving

Mango Surprise! - Really Surprised (a.k.a Mango Surprise Version 2.0

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Ripe mangoes
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted + 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/4 cup coconut milk + 1/4 cup water (1/2 cup mango juice / nectar)
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (or pandan) essence

Preparation:

* Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F. Line muffin cups with liners.

* Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. 

* Cut half the mango & blend with coconut milk and water (mango juice / nectar; NOTE: If using mango juice, blend some mango pulp. If using mango nectar, forgo the pulp)
* Whisk blended mangoes, butter, sugar, egg, vanilla (pandan), and 1/2 cup coconut in a large bowl until combined well, then fold in flour mixture until flour is just moistened.
* Cut the other half of mango into chunks and place into batter (Add chunks after placing batter into muffin cups - on to the top of the muffins)

* Divide batter among lined muffin cups. Bake until muffins are puffed and golden, about 25 minutes. Transfer muffins to a rack and cool slightly.

Going Ape-Shit for Bananas & Coconuts!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 very ripe bananas, mashed (3/4 cup)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted + 1 tablespoon oil
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (or pandan) essence
• 3/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Preparation:

* Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F. Line muffin cups with liners.

* Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. 

* Whisk/Mash together bananas, coconut milk, butter, sugar, egg, vanilla (pandan), and 1/2 cup coconut in a large bowl until combined well, then fold in flour mixture until flour is just moistened.

* Divide batter among lined muffin cups and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup coconut. Bake until muffins are puffed and golden, about 25 minutes. Transfer muffins to a rack and cool slightly.

Secret Ingredient: Hershey' Dark Chocolate Kisses in the Middle!

Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry w/ Boiled Potatoes

Ingredients:

½ Pound of Beef – Thinly Sliced (3-4mm)

3 tbl spoon flour

3 tbl spoon of Vegetable Oil

4 Potatoes

1 Onion - Chopped

1 Chili - Chopped

4 Clove of Garlic - Diced

1 Capsicum/ Green Bell Pepper – Julian Sliced

for seasoning

Ground Black Pepper

Salt

Unsalted/Salted Butter (remember to adjust proportion of salt is you use salted butter)

How to Make;

Boiled Potatoes

1. Slice the Potatoes into fours and steam for 15mins

2. Once Cooked peel of the skin (optional), add butter, salt and pepper to taste ( you can also add parsley + anything else to make it better) toss together

Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry

1. Mix flour, pepper and salt in a bowl and coat the Sliced Beef

2. Pour oil to hot pan and caramelize the onion followed by the garlic and toss

3. Move the onion/garlic aside and fry the beef for a few minutes and toss all together until the beef if cooked

4. Put the chili and capsicum in stir, pour some water into the left over flour+pepper+salt mix and pour into the pan

5. Season with Black Pepper (Generously) + Salt, simmer for couple of minutes to thicken the sauce.

Serve the Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry with a Side of Potatoes. Thats it takes 30mins to make and serves 2. Enjoy.

Coconut + Pandan = Smell of Home

Ingredients :
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Pandan essence
3 to 5 Pandan leaves
1 egg
75 ml cooking oil
100 ml coconut milk
120 ml water
6 muffin cups
Special Secret Ingredient: pieces of MS

Method :
1) Preheat oven to 375F. Line paper cups on a muffin tray, set aside.
2) Blend the Pandan leaves with 50 ml of coconut milk and 20 ml of water. Sieve the liquid into a container and remove the pulp.
3) In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs, add water, coconut milk, oil, pandan essence and extract, salt, sugar, baking powder and mix well.
3) Sieve the flour, and slowly pour into the mixture, mix well, and set aside.
4) Scoop the muffin mixture onto the muffin cups until 2/3 full.
5) Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a light brown crust appear or cracks out of the muffin top.
6) 15 minutes into the baking process, place a piece of MS on top and return the tray to the oven.