BOOKWORMZ

YOU CAN'T SEE YOUR BONES WITH BINOCULARS.

2012-01-15T12:16:00.005Z

Another addition for the book corner or role play corner. Children love to be doctors and nurses, and here's a chance for them to use the X-ray machine to look at their 206 bones. Real images of X-rays of real bones overlay the funny illustrations and an engaging text to illustrate the skeletal system, inviting children to explore their very own bones.

Book Code NPB008 : YOU CAN'T SEE YOUR BONES WITH BINOCULARS
written by Harriet Ziefert; illustrated by Amanda Haley
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

To place an order of this book, email to bookwormzmal@gmail.com the following details:
1. Book Code(s) :
2. Name :
3. Address :
4. Contact. no. :
5. Payment: Maybank
6. Notes/ Special Instructions:
I will advise on payment process after an order has been made through email.

SHARKS.

2012-01-15T11:36:00.003Z

Let's swim with the sharks and learn about their characteristics, habitats, feeding habits, the different types of sharks and why it is time shark fin soup should be taken off from the menu!

Book Code NPB009 : SHARKS
written by Michael Candelaria,
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: BLOWS ITS TOP.

2012-01-02T06:43:00.005Z

This story has also been converted into an animation series starting Ms Frizzle and her students in which she brings her pupils outside the classroom, exploring the world in a magical school bus and a well-trained and certified lizard as her assistant.

Before you purchase the book, take a look at the animated episode.

Book Code NPB014 : THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: BLOWS ITS TOP
written by Joanna Cole; illustrated by Bruce Degen
RM12 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

FOX IN THE BOX.

2012-01-02T06:14:00.005Z

Belonging to the series of synthetic phonics book to encourage very young children to read, this book introduces alphabet sounds/phonemes through attractive illustrations and enjoyable fold-out pages, plus a simple story line which children can relate to.

Book Code NPB006 : FOX IN THE BOX
written by Phil Roxbee Cox; illustrated by Stephen Cartwright
RM20 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR.

2012-01-02T05:41:00.006Z

A classic children's picture book born in the 1960's by a very famous author depicting a collage-d caterpillar eating its way through all kinds of collage-d foods across the days in a week. This is a good book to start with if you are starting a mini library this new year.

Book Code PB026 : THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR
written and illustrated by Eric Carle
RM20 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

DAVID GOES TO SCHOOL.

2012-01-02T05:09:00.003Z

It's the time of the year when students go back to school to create another 'extraordinary' learning and teaching experience for teachers. Yes, teachers around the world are having a nervous breakdown today! But don't fret too soon, as shown by the character David in this self-read book, no matter how 'terrifying' sometimes a child can be, there is always sunshine at the end of the day.

Book Code PB025 : DAVID GOES TO SCHOOL
written and illustrated by David Shannon
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

STOP, DROP & ROLL.

2011-12-04T14:13:00.004Z

This book acts as a reminder for the fire drill held in schools every few months or so. Yes, remember to Stop, Drop and Droo...Ooops, Roll!, if your cloth catches fire. Also included in the series of A Jessica Worries Book is a list of ten fire safety tips for kids which can be good topics for discussions during Fire Prevention Week.

Book Code NPB013 : STOP, DROP & ROLL
written by Margery Cuyler; illustrated by Arthur Howard
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

YOU WERE LOVED BEFORE YOU WERE BORN.

2011-12-04T12:40:00.003Z

This is another good book to use as a strategy to illustrate the joy of the advent of a child in the family. The illustrations at first gives me the impression that the illustrator might be from a Chinese background, due to the triangular doll-like faces of the figures, which are very much similar to the ones I used to draw from my Chinese friend's doll pictures. And the pencil strokes which are repeatedly drawn and extended from a point, are the kind of things I can relate to my own childhood.

Book Code PB032 : YOU WERE LOVED BEFORE YOU WERE BORN
written by Eve Bunting & Karen Barbour
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

HOW DO DINOSAURS GO TO SCHOOL?

2011-12-04T11:23:00.003Z

Children brave their ways to school in ways we adults can hardly imagine, moreover empathize. In this book, the dinosaurs are brought back from their graves to share the feelings children have every time the new school term begins. I especially love the name of the dinosaurs written in a miniscule scale along the dino's body. This is really helpful for the 'dino-illiterate' grownups.

It would be best to get hold of this book before the new term starts in Malaysia in January next year, so that parents/teachers can discuss the likeable ways to make going to school journey less stressful!

Book Code PB034 : HOW DO DINOSAURS GO TO SCHOOL?
written by Jane Yolen; illustrated by Mark Teague
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

GREATER ESTIMATIONS.

2011-11-07T13:10:00.002Z

Following the success of 'Great Estimations', Bruce has written another mind-stimulating book that is a must-have resource in every classroom in town. For early childhood lecturers teaching early mathematics to diploma students, this is an excellent book to make them realise the importance of estimation skill/concept amongst young children.

Book Code NPB011 : GREATER ESTIMATIONS
written by Bruce Goldstone
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

SMILE A LOT!

2011-11-07T08:15:00.002Z

Humans learn to smile at a very young age, and babies do it best even without the ivory pearls in their mouth. However, as age catches on and more molars fill the gap in the gab, we smile lesser than we should! Hopefully a frog's wishful thinking of reminding us about the art of smile shall put that smirk back on to our lips and cheeks. Hee hee hee!

Book Code PB033 : SMILE A LOT!
written by Nancy Carlson
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

FELIX FEELS BETTER.

2011-11-07T06:52:00.002Z

A comforting book for children who fall sick and want to be better in a wink. This story book manages to combine simple sentences with simple pictures that depict a simple storyline. Yes, keeping it basic is the rule to a successful reading time.

Book Code PB031 : FELIX FEELS BETTER
written by Rosemary Wells
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

WHOOPI'S BIG BOOK OF BAD MANNERS.

2011-11-07T06:10:00.003Z

Everybody knows Whoopi Goldberg. But do you now that the comedienne also writes. Join Whoopi as she reminds us about the nitty gritty and cultural context about human manners around the world. I'm sure after reading this book we will all think twice when there is a temptation to pick nose in public.

Book Code NPB002 : WHOOPI'S BIG BOOK OF BAD MANNERS
written by Whoopi Goldberg and illustrated by Olo
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

THE BIG BAD MOOD.

2011-11-07T02:49:00.003Z

Babbity has a big bad mood and he cannot get rid of it, until he meets two good friends who help him to have fun again. What does your bad mood look like, and do you also get rid of your bad mood by hanging out with friends?

Book Code PB029 : THE BIG BAD MOOD
written by M Christina Butler and illustrated by Frank Endersby
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

ALONG CAME YOU.

2011-10-31T01:38:00.004Z

Parents can use this book to relate to children about how life is totally transformed when a brand new child comes along. Little one will marvel at how they've successfully turn their parents' world upside down. Relish in this book during the long weekend holiday this week!

Selamat Hari Raya Qurban to all Moslem friends!

Book Code PB023 : ALONG CAME YOU
written by Karona Drummond and illustrated by Estelle Corke
RM11 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

Buy TLC and donate!

2011-09-21T13:59:00.003+01:00

Rumah Aman is an orphanage for boys from needy families or without any parents. They are in eager need to replace their building's 15 year-old electricity wiring and lightning breaker system. Nuffnang, a local leading blog advertising community, has pledged to raise money for them. You can help by doing two things:

(1)Donate to the fund

- Online: You can make a direct donation to Rumah Aman via online banking to Maybank2U, with the remark: “Nuffnang TLC Promise Me S2”. Donations should be directed to Rumah Aman (Shah Alam), with the account number 562106720433 (Maybank).
- Via Milkadeal: Our sister company Milkadeal has generously offered to join us in fulfilling this pledge, and you can also donate via the deal at this page!
- Via cheque: Cheques can also be issued to Nuffnang Sdn. Bhd. and sent to our KL office at the address below:
12B5 & 12B6, Heritage House
33 Jalan Yap Ah Shak
50300 Kuala Lumpur.
All donations are tax deductible, and Rumah Aman will be able to issue a receipt for your kind donation :)

(2)Buy any TLC products

I didn't know this until today, that if you buy any TLC household products, the money goes straight to the charity that participates in this campaign. It seems you can buy any TLC products at any major supermarkets and grocery stores.

So readers, do your part for the needy ones today and earn yourself another extra point of karma! ;)

EARTH DAY.

2011-09-10T12:17:00.007+01:00

Thinking and acting ecologically has been the trend just after the arrival of the new millenium. It's Earth Day again and everyone in Emma's class is excited to share ideas on how to protect this planet. Emma is not sure whether her idea is good enough until her teacher shows her that small actions can make a big impact!

Book Code 005 : EARTH DAY
written by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by Mike Gordon
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

HOW DO DINOSAURS LOVE THEIR CATS/DOGS?

2011-08-20T01:06:00.004+01:00

The darling dinosaurs in this series of 'Flip Over Book' show cats and dogs lovers the best way to care for their furry friends.

Book Code PB028 : HOW DO DINOSAURS LOVE THEIR CATS/DOGS?
written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

ANIMAL ABC.

2011-08-10T12:35:00.002+01:00

A-B-C-D…. Learn the letters with hilarious performing animals, one for every letter of the alphabet!

Book Code PB022: ANIMAL ABC
written and illustrated David Wojtowicz
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

JACK'S HOUSE.

2011-08-06T02:28:00.003+01:00

Bob can build, so can Jack, with lots of help from Max, the contractor dog, and he has something to tell us! This book is another good addition to books which are more appealing to boys.

Book Code PB020: JACK'S HOUSE
written byKaren Magnuson Beil; illustrated by Mike Wahnoutka
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

YOU THINK IT'S EASY BEING THE TOOTH FAIRY?

2011-08-05T14:21:00.002+01:00

Ever thought of being a Tooth Fairy and making it a serious job? What does it take to be one? Apparently you have to master the art of dog-dodging skill! Wanna learn other protection and escape skills? Buy one and read on!

Book Code PB021: YOU THINK IT'S EASY BEING THE TOOTH FAIRY?
written by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt; illustrated by David Slenim
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

PICK ME UP, MAMA!

2011-07-26T14:08:00.005+01:00

Little Raccoon loves to explore but she also adores being in her mother's arms. "Pick Me Up , Mama!" The little one never forgets how wonderful it is to be in mama's arms.

Book Code PB030: PICK ME UP, MAMA!
written by Robin Luebs
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT.

2011-07-17T03:20:00.002+01:00

Grandma Bear has to tuck Baby Bear into bed and she has the perfect secret formula to send him to the land of sweet dreams.

Book Code PB019: GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT
written by Claire Freedman; illustrated by Rory Tyger
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS: FROGS.

2011-07-01T14:00:00.004+01:00

Packed with interesting 'ribbit' facts and fabulous photos of our amphibian friends, this book will surely wow kids, and adults!

Book Code NPB007: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS: FROGS
written by Elizabeth Carney
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

GIRAFFES CAN'T DANCE.

2011-05-02T03:46:00.005+01:00

Do you always have two right legs or two left legs, and they seem not to be able to follow your heart or musical rhythm? This would be a good motivational book for adults and children. Using animals to replace humane characters, Giles composed a very animated rhyme that is accompanied by Guy's illuminating and 'readable' drawings. And at the end of the day, if you still can't dance, just listen to the cricket in the middle of the night and choose another type of music!

Book Code PB014: GIRAFFES CAN'T DANCE
written by Giles Andreae; illustrations by Guy Parker-Rees
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

TEN IN THE BED.

2011-04-06T23:59:00.006+01:00

A cosy book to be used during bedtime or a suitable teaching material to be read in the classroom for teaching descending numbers and quantity. The ten animals are illustrated as ten different characters and Jane's simple children-like painting will definitely captivate the hearts of the young ones, especially The Little One. ;)

Book Code PB013: TEN IN THE BED
written and illustrations by Jane Cabrera
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

PUTERI GUNUNG LEDANG.

2011-04-05T12:21:00.006+01:00

Legend and history intertwined in this story to deliver a message to the royal bloods and the commoners of the Malay states. Puteri Gunung Ledang is still believed to reside in the deepest and highest peak of Gunung Ledang located in North Johor, the southern state of Malaysia. Her beauty captivated the heart of Sultan Mahmud Shah a long time ago, and the powerful princess threw a few tasks for him to fulfill. One of the tasks was a test to see whether the sultan will fall for lust or parental love.

Jee/Fee Buyong 's graphical interpretation of the story is once again comprehensive and mirrors the traditional or historical way of life in the kampung (village) during the 15th century. Teachers/parents can open up a whole new world by engaging children to talk about the elements in the pictures, such as fashion, weapon and plants.

Book Code MPB003: PUTERI GUNUNG LEDANG
written by Jee Buyong, illustrations by Jee Buyong
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

Mentor-Mentee.

2011-03-28T12:21:00.005+01:00

So, oh yes! I am starting another mission: mentoring a group of 10 young adults who are studying for an early childhood course. Now, I've led and managed a large group of 6-year-old children, but it beats my mind now on how do I get to know this 'lovely' group of people. How do I break the ice? What do I do as a role-modeling lecturer?
The good thing is there are not many of them. So, starting small is the most appropriate way to begin a mission. SO, what can I do?

Step 1: Bake cake/make jelly and get to know them (name, age, hobby, what book are you planning to read next and what was the movie you last watched). Next: Ask them to meet me once they've received their exam results.

PUTERI SANTUBONG DAN PUTERI SEJINJANG.

2011-03-27T13:19:00.004+01:00

Two sisters who hailed from heaven, decided to live on earth as humans only to get their own foolishness to conquer their bare instinct and emotion. Out of rage, their father, the king of heaven cast a curse and turned them into a mountain and an island each.

This is a tale from Sarawak, a state in East Malaysia. There's even a song for Gunung Santubong but this is the first time I heard of Pulau Kera, which is actually a transformation from the elder sister, Puteri Sejinjang. Why is the island not called as Pulau Sejinjang?

Jee/Fee Buyong seemed to have a flair of making fighting images look realistic even when it involved two extremely fraternal female characters.

Book Code MPB002: PUTERI SANTUBONG DAN PUTERI SEJINJANG
written by Jee Buyong, illustrations by Jee Buyong
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

LAKSAMANA HANG TUAH.

2011-03-22T22:38:00.007Z

The legendary Hang Tuah, the hero of Malaysia, is introduced warmly in this beautifully illustrated story book. Suitable to be read to the toddlers or kindergarten children, the older ones can also read it independently. There is also information on Melaka, the state where Hang Tuah hailed, vocabulary for the independent or emergent readers and simple guideline questions for teachers to use after finish reading this book to a class.

This is the most suitable book in the Malaysian market now, to introduce simple history and the story of a legendary hero to young children. All the characters wear traditional costume, accompanied with very kampung (village) like settings and the one image that attracts me most is the very realistic high kick to the face of the amok man by Hang Tuah, which can be seen on the cover page. Can you hear that 'duuushhhhh'?

Book Code MPB001: LAKSAMANA HANG TUAH
written by Jee Buyong, illustrations by Jee Buyong
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

The Nusantara Ordeal.

2011-03-14T21:39:00.006Z

If you are a Malaysian living in another country, rarely return to Malaysia but are desperately scurrying for a good Malay picture book for very young children in the country where you are currently residing, try another way. Leave a comment here and I will purchase the suitable books from Malaysia to be sent to you.

My very good friend who is a kindergarten teacher in London and a proud mother of a very lovely boy, called me one fine day when she was in Malaysia for a vacation, asking me about any bookshops in Ipoh, Perak which have picture story books for children. She promised her colleagues in London that she would purchase a few Malay story books from Malaysia as there are none available in London. Frantically seeking for the needle in the haystack, my friend was very disappointed as she flew back to London with two large luggage of household items without any Malay books.

After she rang me and poured her 'sorrows' out of her lungs, I went for a 'Malay Picture Book For Young Children' hunt in Kuala Lumpur, and oh yes, it was extremely difficult to locate a suitable book for kindergarten children. It was either too small without any pictures apt only for primary school age children, or the stories were simply not suitable for the young ones. There were no Sang Kancil series around tinseltown to feed the hunger pang of the 0-6 years old. After about a couple of hours burying my head in and out the shelves of several bookshops, I found a few suitable Malay story books and my pursuit for the golden egg continues until today.

Beading kit and lanyards for sale.

2011-02-28T13:13:00.003Z

Ask me what I'm disposing with a price today:
a) Beading kit RM200 - beads, thread, wire, pliers, ear-ring display. Everything that is needed to learn about beading is inside the boxes.
b)Lanyards RM1 each- blue, orange, red (no image displayed)

Do email me for more information.

Meeting Bank Managers.

2011-02-21T11:58:00.002Z

There will come a time when the need to meet and talk to bank managers will arise in the cycle of owning a business. The most valid reason I could think from the top of my head now is applying loan to start or continue a business.

Choosing the appropriate bank manager is equally important as choosing a life partner. They are either unhelpful people or the most generous person available on earth. Always remember that you can scout around for the most potential business manager that will treat you as the best customer they ever have in their entire life, or at least they pretend to do so.

There are several important questions to ask yourself when meeting a bank manager:

Do I like this person?
Do I trust them?
Are their comments and suggestions helpful and constructive?
Does this person have any authority whatsoever in the bank?
Will they be willing to help me out by sacrificing their blood and bones?

If you answer 'no' to all the questions above, run for the exit door and find another bank.

TIGER CAN'T SLEEP.

2011-02-12T00:26:00.003Z

No monster in the closet, it's just a tiger who loves to play and explore, and when things get a little bit darker, it needs a companion to sleep through the night. The child plays a more commanding role in this story, acting like a parent, whilst the tiger puts on the act of a very inquisitive child. A jolly good story book to accompany the child after watching Monsters Inc perhaps!!!

Book Code PB012: TIGER CAN'T SLEEP
written by S.J.Fore, illustrations by R.W.Alley
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

BIG & LITTLE.

2011-01-26T12:54:00.004Z

A magnificent book to show young children the concept of comparison and size, accompanied by additional knowledge about the animal kingdom around the world. What I like most is the illustrations that are composed and built from different tones of coloured paper!

Book Code NFPB001: BIG & LITTLE
by Steven Jenkins
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

My Daily Lecture Prep.

2011-01-23T14:34:00.003Z

The 5 P of presenting a lecture to a bunch of students:

1) PURPOSE- Use the course outline as a guide so that you can prepare the notes according to what you have planned earlier.

2) PREPARATION- Read, read, read; then write, write, write,; now revise, revise, revise.

3) PLANNING- Sketch the flow of the lecture in your head, the tutorial and discussions to be held during the time should be glued nicely to your lecture notes.

4) PRACTICE- If possible, mock out the lecture in another empty class. Walk around the space that you have in the class and deliver your content as what you want to deliver in the real class.

5) PERFORMANCE- Don't be a diva; just be an honest, approachable and confident speaker.

SEA TURTLES.

2011-01-13T12:09:00.004Z

The sea turtles have made their marks in the world. A very informative book about the life of this extraordinary ancient creature which has been here on earth longer than any of us human beings. Simple drawn and water-colour painted pictures accompany the living facts of the turtles.

Book Code NFPB002: SEA TURTLES
by Gail Gibbons
RM5 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

A KISS GOODBYE!

2011-01-03T12:30:00.001Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011!
It's never easy to say goodbye, especially when moving to a new home, full of new things and surrounded by new people. See how Chester manage to cope with this anxiety and find joy in doing old things the new way. A spirit we should embrace as we wriggle through the new year!

Book Code PB001: A KISS GOODBYE
written by Audrey Penn; illustrated by Barbara L.Gibson
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

Best children books for 5-7 years old.

2010-12-23T13:52:00.002Z

Don't need to wrestle for one particular toy this Christmas. There are three more to choose here:-
(excerpt from The Guardian.co.uk , Tuesday, 11 May 2010 online resource)

The Adventures of Captain Underpants: Dav Pilkey

Cartoon illustrations, a chunky format and pants in the title make this an easy choice for new readers. Superhero Captain Underpants hurtles through adventures, seeing off all kinds of opposition from aliens and the rest. Loads of slapstick humour to enjoy in the pictures, as well as easy-to-read speech bubbles that support the longer storyline.

The Worst Witch: Jill Murphy

It's hard enough to be hopeless in any school but, when it is spells that go wrong, the results can have unpredictable consequences. New girl Mildred Taylor doesn't quite get the hang of some of the magical homework set at Miss Cackle's Academy for Witches. The resulting chaos is delightful and hugely satisfying.

The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon: Mini Grey

Everyone knows that the dish ran away with the spoon but, in this bittersweet rags-to-riches picture-book story, now we know what happened next. The couple sail to New York. Here they make big money as glamorous stage stars but then lose it all and set out on a less glamorous life as criminals. Sophisticated and glorious illustrations make this a visual treat.

Best children books for 5-7 years old.

2010-12-18T00:52:00.002Z

A good book is more valuable than money. Below are classic children story books and two of them have been reincarnated into box-office movies.
Excerpt from The Guardian.co.uk , Tuesday, 11 May 2010 online resource:

The Sheep-Pig: Dick King-Smith

Brave Babe, born a runty little piglet, who is brought to the farm for fattening-up, cheats his destiny by learning new skills from his adoptive mother Fly, the sheepdog. Babe's sheep-working skills are all his own and soon his unique technique of speaking respectfully to the sheep brings him fame as well as saving Farmer Hogget's sheep from harm. Funny and touching.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Roald Dahl

Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory is one of fiction's most tantalising locations and Charlie Bucket's adventure a mouth-watering rollercoaster of a ride. Along with four other children, Charlie wins a golden ticket to be shown around. While Charlie blossoms on the trip, his four companions reach suitably sticky and disgusting ends as punishment for their revolting behaviour. Mr Willy Wonka dispenses prejudiced and violent justice, which children adore.

The Legend of Captain Crow's Teeth: Eoin Colfer

The sometimes horrible but always fascinating way in which brothers treat one another lives on in this hilarious story of how Will's older brother Marty spooks the daylights out of him with a terrible tale of the deadly pirate Captain Crow. The thought of what the bloodthirsty pirate might do sets off a chain reaction of disasters for Will but also a just and delightful comeuppance for Marty.

Best children books for 2-4 years old.

2010-12-13T14:02:00.003Z

Ordinary books make the greatest impact on children's lives.
Excerpt from The Guardian.co.uk , Tuesday, 11 May 2010 online resource:

Not Now, Bernard: David McKee

The only person who pays attention to Bernard is the monster in the garden – who eats him up, "every bit". Unfortunately, when the monster goes inside, Bernard's parents ignore him, too. The image of the chastened monster plodding glumly up to bed, trailing Bernard's teddy bear behind him, is priceless.

Gorilla: Anthony Browne

The children's laureate's deepest, most yielding book, about a lonely girl's consolatory fantasies. Hannah's father is depressed and withdrawn, so one night she dreams up a gorilla to take his place and escort her to the zoo. Artful references to Magritte and King Kong vitalise the backdrops, and the ending is delicately ambiguous.

Once There Were Giants: Martin Waddell and Penny Dale

This beautiful book tells the story of a little girl surrounded by giants – father, mother, uncle, siblings. She ages through the pages until she too has a daughter, and realises she has crossed over into gianthood herself. Warning: do NOT attempt to read without a tissue to hand.

Best children books for 2-4 years old.

2010-12-07T01:34:00.003Z

Three more books to shape a better reading habit in the year 2011:
Excerpt from The Guardian.co.uk , Tuesday, 11 May 2010 online resource:

My Friend Harry: Kim Lewis

James takes his elephant, Harry, everywhere: on holiday, on the farm, into bed. As Harry grows more battered, James simply grows – until he has to leave Harry behind and go to school. Lewis smartly underplays the scene when James's mother waves him off at the school gate, but it's a subtle tearjerker.

Where The Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak

Sendak's classic fantasy sees Max, sent to his room for "making mischief", imagining his way into the kingdom of the Wild Things: twisted, toothy and strange. He leads them in glorious "wild rumpus", but tires of rebellion and goes home to find supper waiting for him, "still hot".

Dogger: Shirley Hughes

When Dave's beloved toy dog goes missing, there seems little hope of recovering him – until he turns up at the school fair and big sister Bella helps reunite them. This simple lost-and-found story is deeply satisfying – and Hughes' comfortable, chaotic sketches of late-70s family life will hook parents who lived it first-hand.

to be continued...

I WANNA IGUANA.

2010-12-07T01:13:00.004Z

Communication can be difficult sometimes as the generation gap widens. Learn from Alex as he uses 'letter-writing' to influence and negotiate with his mum to keep an unusual pet in his room.

Book Code PB011: I WANNA IGUANA
by Karen Kaufman Orloff & David Catrow
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

Best children books for 2-4 years old.

2010-11-21T02:21:00.004Z

Three more books to shape reading habit in the year 2011:

Excerpt from The Guardian.co.uk , Tuesday, 11 May 2010 online resource:

The Goodnight Moon: Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd

A pyjama'd rabbit tries to delay lights-out by bidding goodnight to everything in his room. The story unspools in soft, sleepy half-rhymes: "a little toy house and a young mouse"; "a comb and a brush and a bowl full of mush". A bedtime classic (brace yourself for the inevitable "what's mush?").

The Elephant and the Bad Baby: Elfrida Vipont and Raymond Briggs

A larcenous elephant and his diminutive passenger gambol down a high street, merrily shoplifting as they go, and collect a train of fist-waving vendors in their wake. Briggs' airy illustrations perfectly balance the clatter of the pair as they go "rumpeta, rumpeta, rumpeta, all down the road".

The Snail and the Whale: Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler

Forget the Gruffalo. The finest book to emerge from the pens of Team Donaldson-Scheffler is this rich, rewarding tale of a snail with wanderlust and the whale who takes her on a round-the-world cruise. Size isn't everything, the message goes: when the whale is beached, the tiny snail saves the day.

to be continued...

THE WAS A COLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME SNOW.

2010-11-21T01:43:00.002Z

Another story of an old lady swallowing everything under the winter sky, and regurgitating out into something we will always love! Read this book to find out what is it.

Book Code PB007: THERE WAS A COLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED SOME SNOW
by Lucille Colandro & Jared Lee
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

Promote Bahasa Melayu books.

2010-11-18T23:19:00.006Z

How do we establish a reading culture in Malaysia or introduce Bahasa Melayu to foreigners/tourists when there are no BM children publications available at KLIA airport bookshops?
Three weeks ago, a friend of mine who is working at a school in London spent a couple of weeks holidaying in her hometown Ipoh. Due to her busy vacation schedule, she decided to buy a few children BM story books (for teaching purpose) at KLIA at the very last minute, thinking that this is Malaysia (where else can you get Bahasa Melayu books if not in the country where it originated right?) and she should be able to get a couple of books before flying off.
To her astonishment, there were no such books on sale at all. All she could see are English books arranged neatly on the shelves. Obviously she was disappointed and contacted me instantly to buy the books here in Malaysia and send them to her in London.

So, today I'm going to buy a few books for her from POPULAR Summit (Sale up to 70% starts from yesterday) and also think of a way to distribute local Malay books to other countries with huge Malaysian population.

more best children books for 0-2 years old...

2010-11-17T12:39:00.005Z

continued...
Excerpt from The Guardian.co.uk , Tuesday, 11 May 2010 online resource:

Where's Spot? Eric Hill

The delights of a simple game of hide-and-seek are explored in the bright pages of this flap book. It is dinner time but where is Spot? The search is entirely good humoured, with no sense of parental irritation at his disappearance!

We're Going on a Bear Hunt: Michael Rosen

A big bold story perfectly matched by Helen Oxenbury's illustrations, it captures the happiness and excitement of a family day out. Armed with all the things they need, the family sets off, splashing through water, squelching through mud, swishing through long grass. They're not scared! Or are they? The double-quick, headlong journey home is equally brilliant – and so is the snug ending.

Mr Gumpy's Outing: John Burningham

On a hot, sunny day, generous Mr Gumpy treats his animal friends to an outing on the river. Mr Gumpy tells them all not to muck about. But . . . guess what? Things do not go according to plan. Perfectly paced and sparely told, there are enough clues in the illustrations to enable young listeners to predict the catastrophe and relish it.

IS YOUR MAMA A LLAMA?

2010-11-17T12:11:00.003Z

Finding for your loved one need not be a depressing experience, as what Llyod encountered in this wonderful adventure through the forest, lakes and meadows. He made friends with other lovely animals too.

"Young readers will delight in the playful rhythm of the text...The graphics are some of Kellogg's best... An IRA Teachers' Choice For 1990"

Book Code PB006: IS YOUR MAMA A LLAMA?
by Deborah Guarino & Steven Kelogg
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

Best children books for 0-2 years old.

2010-11-11T14:56:00.002Z

Excerpt from The Guardian.co.uk , Tuesday, 11 May 2010 online resource:

The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Eric Carle

One pickle, one cup cake, one slice of watermelon – small fingers have never been able to resist the tiny hole through which the very hungry caterpillar crawls or the luscious food he savours as he does so in his growing journey from a tiny caterpillar to a great big fat one. The necessary "pop" all adults just have to make to make sure he metamorphoses into a beautiful butterfly makes this the easiest book to share with the very smallest listener.

Dear Zoo: Rod Campbell

A perfect flap book, Dear Zoo raises anticipation and then satisfies it absolutely when the flap is lifted. I'm not sure that I'd trust a zoo to come up with exactly the pet I would like, and I'd be right; an elephant is too big and a frog is too jumpy. All have to be sent back. But patience is rewarded. In the end they do send exactly what is wanted.

The Baby's Catalogue: Janet and Allan Ahlberg

Loads of looking at all the things that babies and their families do all day long. Babies feeding, sleeping, playing; mothers and fathers working and resting; siblings teasing and caring. Everything that happens in the world of a baby is kindly observed in this near wordless picture book

to be continued...

MY BEAUTIFUL CHILD.

2010-11-11T14:30:00.006Z

I am just amazed at the pastel-watercolour pictures portraying children and close adults from different backgrounds and skin hues. Pictures certainly mean more than a thousand words, thanks to this book.

"I want to show you everything, my beautiful child..especially how much I love you."

Book Code PB005: MY BEAUTIFUL CHILD
by Lisa Desimini & Matt Mahurin
RM10 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

THE DEEP BLUE SEA.

2010-10-29T01:05:00.003+01:00

Have you seen the colours in this book? They are captivating, striking and the tonal colours of the sea contrasting with the sky and clouds just glued my eyes to the pages.

"'Simple verse and vibrant pictures create an irresistible, toe-tapping introduction to a rainbow of brilliant colours."

Book Code 9: THE DEEP BLUE SEA
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

Elegant Ebook Trend.

2010-10-19T00:57:00.003+01:00

Technology is becoming a vital part of our children's lives. They are feeling as comfortable with ipods, dvd players, handphones, internets, computers, ipads, facebooks, blogs and many more techie stuff, as we are with colour pencils, pencils and papers.

The latest hot consumer or educational electronics are Ebooks & Ereaders, which are used now to motivate and engage learners in improving standards in school subjects especially literacy. Apparently, young people's reading habits are changing and using Ebooks can produce positive outcomes in their national tests. Even teachers are enjoying the discovery of using and creating Ebooks.

As this current digital format of publication is heading to the front of the new wave in education, I would like to learn more about Ereaders or any device that would allow me to bring a bundle of books when I travel. I am also interested in the technology of converting hardcopy version of story books to electronic version and marketing the electronic version to the public.

THE VERY GREEDY BEE.

2010-10-15T10:19:00.004+01:00

Bees, fireflies, ants and flowers. A shivering with excitement tale and a moral story involving important insects and delightful illustrations!

"'MINE!' That's what the very greedy bee says to anyone who asks him to share." A bright companion book to share with the younger ones when teaching about life cycle and pollination.

Book Code PB008: THE VERY GREEDY BEE
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

Book Drive for Bahasa Melayu story books.

2010-10-11T15:55:00.002+01:00

I thought I should share this message from a friend with you:

The Dram Projects is conducting a book drive for Bahasa Melayu story books to be given to:
The Harvest Centre
http://harvestcentre.webs.com/
and
The KL Krash Pad
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=351096588328
If you are interested in donating any BM fiction for children and/or young adults, please contact me at 016-328 1513 or email dramprojects@gmail.com. We accept used books in good condition.
Fiction (story books, picture books and comics) and encyclopaedias only.
No text books or assessment books, and no magazines.
Thank you and please spread the word!
All the best
Daphne Lee

GOODNIGHT, MY DUCKLING.

2010-10-11T01:20:00.004+01:00

Very tough indeed to be curious, especially when you are still a baby duckling and there are so many things to see around you.

"...she's wondered what else the lovable rascal has been up to..." A companion book to 'Have you Seen My Duckling?'.

Book Code PB002: Goodnight, My Duckling
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

TIDDLER.

2010-10-05T12:03:00.004+01:00

How to get famous in a sea of creatures? Take the initiative and go the extra mile like Tiddler.

"From the creators of THE GRUFFALO comes a fabulous fishy adventure." A wonderful story book to enthuse children when delivering a lesson on sea creatures.

Book Code 004: TIDDLER
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

2 Announcements.

2010-10-05T10:48:00.004+01:00

First of all, would like to share an event related to Education, which will happen this week:

On behalf of the Center for Professional Development & Continuing Education (PACE) at Wawasan Open University (WOU), I am pleased to inform you of our next International Public Lecture Series:

Title : Lessons From Grassroots Education Leadership
Speaker: Dr. Jagdish Gandhi, City Montessori School, India
Time: 11.30am-1.00pm
When: Thursday, 7 October 2010
Venue: WOU, KL
Admission: Complementary

Please email me for a full brochure at ratnams@wou.edu.my

Peace to you,
Ratna

Dr. Ratna Malar Selvaratnam
Head- PACE
(Centre for Professional Development and Continuing Education)
Wawasan Open University
Tel:+603 92817323/92838323 ext.125
http://www.wou.edu.my

And secondly, I would like to share an entrepreneurship event which is occurring in a couple of weeks:

Malaysia Young Female Entrepreneur Forum 2010 (MYFREN)
26th & 27th October 2010
Grand Ballroom, Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
9.00 am to 5.30pm
Officiated by YABhg Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor
Investment :
RM 199 for female participant
RM 299 for male participant
RM 599 for premium participant (inclusive of meals)
Why we have these few tiers of pricing?

Please call 03-4149 1211 or 016-3056100 or email myfren2010@gmail.com, or visit the blog at http://myfren2010.blogspot.com.

The Little Match Girl.

2010-09-30T10:50:00.010+01:00

Another way to celebrate a new October is to share a new book with your child. Try this one:

"...soft full-colour illustrations...narrate the quiet, sad story by Hans Christian Andersen..." A very moving story about poverty and the celebration of liberty from life or death.

Book Code PB010: THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL
RM15 (including p&p, via Pos Ekspress)

British Educational Supply.

2010-09-30T10:16:00.003+01:00

Howdy readers,
I saw this fantastic advertisement in The Star newspaper last Saturday and had to share with all of you, who are interested in children or education related news.

BES Asia or British Educational Suppliers Asia, is organising another exhibition, conference and workshop event this year at KLCC on 11 & 12 October 2010 (Monday and Tuesday). The event will cover the newest innovation, thinking and materials in the education sector, including special educational needs related themes.

Visit BES Asia for more detailed information on the conference and workshop topics. As for yours truly, I will slowly register myself for the event and hopping to delve and dig for any interesting educational products.

BOOKWORMZ- the advent.

2010-09-28T00:47:00.006+01:00

It's the time for a change. It's the time for a revolution. It's the time to transform.

I have decided to change this blog to a platform for sourcing children's educational products. And what more appropriate way to begin this venture other than unveiling the wonderful world of BOOKS. My primary objective is to grab and source out attractive, informative and entertaining children books with lower and affordable prices.

So, watch out this post for more peeps on children books...and once a while I might not resist the temptation to write about myself too ;)
Have a fantastic week ahead and always remember that
"Reading is a passion not an obligation".

#iheartmalaysia.

2010-08-31T15:00:00.002+01:00

Today is Merdeka Day, Malaysia's Independence Day. She is 53 years old today and not counting on retiring soon. Twitters can tweet just tonight until 11:59:59 pm, whether you are Malaysian or not, I don't think it matters, as long as you have something to follow and tweet Rage.

This is what you must do now:
1.Follow the R.AGE team on Twitter (@thestar_rage) by going to www.twitter.com/thestar_rage.
2.On Aug 31, start sending Tweets out using the #iheartmalaysia hashtag.
3.Your Tweets can be about anything at all (e.g. "Malaysia is awesome! #iheartmalaysia" or "#iheartmalaysia because mamaks restaurants are 24 hours and I never go hungry.")

Oh, I didn't mention anywhere that this is actually a contest hah! Well, it is! So tweet as chatty as you can, and you might win something. There are just too many things to snatch, go to http://www.rage.com.my/ to see the rewards....
Meanwhile, follow and tweet, QUICK!!!

Browse...

2010-08-20T20:27:00.003+01:00

Another place to start the book industry research is to browse bookshops, online or physical ones, for titles that relate to the publication and book industry. There maybe 'how to' guides, or a biography of a famous figure in the biz. Better still if you can contact the person directly, and select him/her as your mentor whether in real life,or just as an imaginary persona or role model.

I have a few names on my hidden list, and if my destiny is to start a children bookshop, I hope to find and meet the right mentor to guide me in this business. Fingers crossed, applesauce-d!!!

Mini-retirement.

2010-08-12T10:43:00.006+01:00

One thing I promise myself that I must do once I have finished reading 'What Should I Do With My Life' and 'Fire Your Boss' books, is to start reading on the famous Tim Ferris’s book “The 4-Hour Workweek”, in which he talked about Mini-Retirement.

Mini-retirement is basically to have an extended break from the usual career or 9-5 job, and one of the main purposes is to act as a 'reset button' in the midst of switching career or work.

There are a few things to take note when venturing into a mini-retirement:

Save up beforehand- This is to make sure you have enough money to pay any loans or insurance during the income drought months.
Unplug- Stop responding to emails and voicemails, and start to talk to real human. Make connections face-to-face rather than through tweeter, facebook or any other social medias.
Get outside your comfort zone- Experience and become absorbed in another culture in another country. Slow down and resist from speeding up things in life.
Set a goal- Expand your skills now, and try new things or hobbies. Fill up the empty time during mini-retirement with meaningful activities.
Determine the next phase of career- If you must plan, this is the time to reflect and strategize as well as access your next step in life, when you come out from retirement.

This post is inspired by BFM and ideas are extracted from 5 Tips For Taking A Mini-Retirement.

Channel Petaling Jaya.

2010-08-06T03:56:00.005+01:00

Wesak Day this year, at Chetawan Temple in PJ, so near to AMcorp Mall and Taman Jaya LRT station, walking to the place is easier than driving there, nice temple but was too packed on that day, said a little prayer for the couple, and made my way back to home sweet home.

#############################################################

Don't need to travel far to visit Obama, get down at Taman Jaya LRT station and walk to the place, it's a brisk walk to a nearby Thai Buddhist temple, get to visit the main man, white house and do some worship, how wonderful would this journey be!!!!

I write.

2010-08-06T03:22:00.008+01:00

Writing prompt: A young child wants an expensive toy.

"Neal, here, take this and snap as much as you want."

"But momma, this is yours. Get me a new one!"

"Pony tail, you are not getting a new one any time soon! I'm broke, and hardly anything is left in the fridge to cook today."

"MOMMA! I want a brand new one. This is sooooo old, I don't want old stuff. I don't want this!!!"

"Who do you think you are, ungrateful son! Think you belong to the kings and queens. Your stupid dad left us, and I have to look after both of us now. I've not even seen any man for ages, busy earning some pittance salary."

"I didn't ask you to look after me momma, and i didn't ask to be born into this world, especially not into this family."

"SLAPPPP!"

"Don't expect me to come back! I HATE YOU MOMMA!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you are a writer and have an itch to publish your work for free or fee, get hook up with HELIUM. This is a place where you can publish your work and potential readers will seek you for more writing projects.

BFM, my next fav station.

2010-07-28T04:31:00.010+01:00

FREEDOM is an essential key element in everybody's life. Freedom to work at your own time, space and convenience; Freedom to explore and travel around the world; Freedom to voice ones own opinion without hurting a single soul of course.
For the past one month, I was unemployed, hence I had the freedom to organise my own free time, that is juggling between looking for a temporary and permanent job and writing poems/stories and meeting friends and also able to find love again. YES! I had more time to fall in love, shockingly unbelievable but surprisingly true.

Coming back to the topic of freedom, I am still very much interested to learn about the world of business, entrepreneurship and passive incomes. That's when I come across BFM 89.9FM and read a little bit about them at their website and blog today. I've now vowed to add them in my favorite radio station list after REDfm of course.
BFM is only a 2-year-old toddler and is already gaining popularity as a unique radio station. I share the same ambition as the founder---> to establish a radio station just for children (young adult and kids under age 18 years old perhaps, right until kindergarten or preschool level).

Internet Research.

2010-07-21T10:14:00.003+01:00

Knowledge is the most powerful leverage in the world of business. It opens up new opportunities, new suppliers, new potential customers, new products, new partnerships, new competitors and a lot of other excitement stuff in the market.

One thing that needs to be done this week by me is to spend some time learning about my industry. Expert or not, there is always space to improve oneself and keep up to date with my industry.

Research for knowledge is a major investment, and one most convenient place to begin is the world of internet. This tool will channel you to the news websites, online version trade newspapers/magazines, discussion forums, as well as websites of potential customers, suppliers and competitors.

OneRepublic - Secrets

2010-07-04T12:44:00.001+01:00

I need another story
Something to get off my chest
My life gets kinda boring
Need something that I can confess
Til' all my sleeves are stained red
From all the truth that I've said
Come by it honestly I swear
Thought you saw wink, no
I've been on the brink, so

Tell me what you want to hear
Something that were like those years
Sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away
This time, don't need another perfect line
Don't care if critics never jump in line
I'm gonna give all my secrets away

My god, amazing how we got this far
It's like we're chasing all those stars
Who's driving shiny big black cars
And everyday I see the news
All the problems that we could solve
And when a situation rises
Just write it into an album
Singing straight, too cold
I don't really like my flow, no, so

Tell me what you want to hear
Something that were like those years
Sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away
This time, don't need another perfect line
Don't care if critics never jump in line
I'm gonna give all my secrets away

Oh, got no reason, got not shame
Got no family I can blame
Just don't let me disappear
I'mma tell you everything

So tell me what you want to hear
Something that were like those years
Sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away
This time, don't need another perfect line
Don't care if critics never jump in line
I'm gonna give all my secrets away

So tell me what you want to hear
Something that were like those years
Sick of all the insincere
So I'm gonna give all my secrets away
This time, don't need another perfect line
Don't care if critics never jump in line
I'm gonna give all my secrets away
All my secrets away, All my secrets away

Birthday Wish.

2010-07-04T12:17:00.009+01:00

This is a birthday celebration collage collection of dining, chatting and watching Robin Hood that evening. Not mine, but of my friend wan hong. This is neither a post about her birthday bash.

This is my personal feeling about my own birthday. No doubt I enjoy celebrating other birthdays, but I've stopped feeling the same of mine. I don't even want to remember when I was born. The accumulated days since the day I landed here on earth does not really make me a proud person. I guess I will be satisfied once I know what is my given purpose here.
Sometimes I feel a little bit bored with the life I have now, want to have another life where I can start from scratch, where I can remember how to begin, where I can fill it with lots of meaningful journeys. And what if I fail again? Just start all over again, disappear, annihilate, and reemerge!!!

What is my birthday wish this year? Just let it pass like the rest of the days.

My Water Moments with Sony TX5 entry.

2010-06-23T09:35:00.004+01:00

It's time to declare that as far, or more appropriately as deep as I'm concern, this is as deep as My Water Moments will be until today. Immersing my legs in a lake and experiencing the wonderful natural way of a fish spa session in a lake in Kerala, India, I dreamed of using my Nikon camera to capture the wriggly school fish nibbling away on my toes. I remembered being overly anxious of the what-ifs of dropping the camera into the water or the ground and never to be able to use it again.

Of course, things would have been different if I own a Sony TX5, the world's slimmest waterproof camera. Think of all the proofs you would love a camera to possess- water (3m under water is just nice for an amateur swimmer like me), shock, temperature and even dust. The bonus of having this one is the Intelligent Sweep Panorama, Handheld Twilight and anti-motion blur functions, so you won't have to worry about the image quality as the picture will magically turn into amazing shots in a wink. Oh and sure enough, TX5 is a more powerful and sleeker camera with 10.2 megapixel and 4x optical zoom than the one I currently hold.
Back in my mind already I'm plotting for a snorkelling holiday if I win the SOny TX5 camera so that I can show off to the aquatic ecosystem.

Shakira - Waka waka (This time for Africa)

2010-06-17T12:43:00.001+01:00

Oooeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeehh

You're a good soldier
Choosing your battles
Pick yourself up
And dust yourself off
Get back in the saddle

You're on the front line
Everyone's watching
You know it's serious
We are getting closer
This isn't over

The pressure is on
You feel it
But you got it all
Believe it

When you fall get up, oh oh
If you fall get up, eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Cuz this is Africa
Tsamina mina, eh eh
Waka waka, eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa

Listen to your God
This is our motto
Your time to shine
Don't wait in line
Y vamos por todo

People are raising
Their expectations
Go on and feed them
This is your moment
No hesitations

Today's your day
I feel it
You paved the way
Beleive it

If you get down get up, oh oh
When you get down get up, eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa
Tsamina mina, eh eh
Waka waka, eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa a a
Tsamina mina, eh eh
Waka waka, eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa

Abwela Majoni Biggie Biggie Mama One A To Zet
Ati CiCi LaMajoni Biggie Biggie Mama From East To West
Batsi . . . Waka Waka Ma Eh Eh Waka Waka Ma Eh Eh
San Wee See So Ma Zee Boo Ye

Voice: Tsamina mina, Anawa a a
Tsamina mina
Tsamina mina, Anawa a a

Tsamina mina, eh eh
Waka waka, eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa a a
Tsamina mina, eh eh
Waka waka, eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
This time for Africa

Django eh eh
Django eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa a a

Django eh eh
Django eh eh
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa a a

(2x) This time for Africa

(2x) We're all Africa

Happy Holiday.

2010-06-16T14:36:00.005+01:00

I had a school holiday in April 2010, and I was very fortunate to spend it with two friends. We are three working ladies,in our early 30s and touching 40, and still very much a bevy of single-s. And heck we did enjoy ourselves to the maximum throughout this break!

When I was in my 20s, never once did it crossed my mind how my world would be like before my 35th birthday (that would be 15 months and a fortnight from now)? It is indeed beautiful with the company of friends, family members and colleagues.

Just look at the photos! This one were taken in Penang near Fort Cornwalis. We were happy, in high mood and healthily walking along the streets under the biting sun. We laughed, made fun of each other and heartily posed for photos. Our giggles competed with the mighty sun, no wonder it was hot!!!

This year I met a few Syed Sirajuddin's ex-classmates in person. After 17 years, it's nice to see each other's face again, although all of us seemed to be able to sustain the youth in us. The boys had grown into men, and the ladies bloomed into mothers and still-young-at-heart women. Meeting again also makes the heart grow fonder, not actually a memory refreshed, but rather learning to know a person better. I just wish the person feels the same about me.

Until the presence, I had two wonderful vacations with two different group of ordinary friends providing me with world class companionship. The only thing I can offer them is my sincerest gratitude and eternal memories.

My Marketplace.

2010-06-14T10:32:00.004+01:00

'Start Your Business Week By Week' by Steven Parks is a book I bought five years ago. I'm reading it for the second time now, although the pilot reading did not yield any concrete results.

Today the question I need to ask myself, suggested this book, is: What marketplace are you going to operate in?
I am going to sell books, magazines, printed and digital publications pertaining to the world of children and education. The age group I'm targeting would be birth until young adult (or young at heart).
Now, my direct marketplace would be book sellers (big or small scale) or any publishing company. Probing further, I would also include schools, kindergartens, gift shop, internet, postal department, environment ngos, printing company and even airlines.
Why did I include airlines? Easy, because I just found out that a certain publishing company in India sells books at two different prices if their books are bought inside or outside India. And so, I've decided to go there at the end of the year, via AirAsia empty handed,and return to Malaysia with luggage full of books. I intend to treat this getaway as a vacation and purchase-for-sell activity. Hence, I need to know any travel fare information from the airlines.

Does that make sense?

Timbaland - Apologize (feat. One Republic)

2010-06-03T13:03:00.002+01:00

I'm holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground
And I'm hearing what you say
But I just can't make a sound

You tell me that you need me
Then you go and cut me down, but wait
You tell me that you're sorry
Didn't think I'd turn around and say

That it's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late

I'd take another chance, take a fall
Take a shot for you
And I need you like a heart needs a beat
But that's nothing new, yeah yeah
[ Apologize lyrics found on http://www.completealbumlyrics.com ]

I loved you with a fire red, now it's turning blue
And you say sorry like the angel
Heaven let me think was you
But I'm afraid

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late, whoa whoa

It's too late to apologize, it's too late
I said it's too late to apologize, it's too late

I said it's too late to apologize, yeah
I said it's too late to apologize, yeah

I'm holding on your rope
Got me ten feet off the ground

Bill Gates Tweetering and Facebooking!

2010-06-03T12:08:00.003+01:00

I am not really a fan of Bill Gates, neither am I a fan of any famous people. However like all worldly-savvy people around the globe, who doesn't want to peek on the lifestyle of the rich and famous like Bill Gates, the founder and chairman of Microsoft Corporation.

So, if you have read tonnes of articles of books by Mr. Gates or any books on him, feel free to follow him on Tweeter (@BillGates) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BillGates).

David Cook-Light On

2010-05-22T09:43:00.001+01:00

David Cook - “Light On” Lyrics

Never really said too much
Afraid it wouldn’t be enough
Just try to keep my spirits up
When there’s no point in grieving
Doesn’t matter anyway
Words could never make me stay
Words will never take my place
When you know I’m leaving

(Chorus)
Try to leave a light on when I’m gone
Something I rely on to get home
One I can feel at night
A naked light, a fire to keep me warm
Try to leave a light on when I’m gone
Even in the daylight, shine on
And when it’s late at night you can look inside
You won’t feel so alone

You know we’ve been down that road
What seems a thousand times before
My back to a closing door and my eyes to the seasons
That roll out underneath my heels
And you don’t know how bad it feels
To leave the only one that I have ever believed in

[Chorus]

Sometimes it feels like we’ve run out of luck
When the signal keeps on breaking up
When the wires cross in my brain
You’ll start my heart again
When I come along

[Chorus]

Video Conversion.

2010-05-22T08:08:00.005+01:00

For weeks I was wondering how to compress my video in AVI format which has a memory of about 145Mb to a smaller version so that I can upload to Facebook in a shorter time period. After much finding, installing and figuring how to workout the software, I wish to say thank you very much to the creator of FormatFactory2.30!

If you are like me, haggling around for a video converter software, just google FormatFactory2.30 and installing will take only a few minutes. Converting is also an easy-peasy task.

Unfortunately, I'm still having problem uploading the compressed 53Mb video to Facebook and Blogger. Guessing need to convert to another suitable format other than .vob.
Oh dear!

RSS Feed.

2010-05-11T09:53:00.005+01:00

I was advised by a friend recently to subscribe to a RSS feed and add the widget on my blog. I also read about the importance of subscribing to my own RSS feeds.

What exactly is a RSS Feed? RSS = Really Simple Syndication.
What does it do? RSS provides updates of entries on a blog, in the form of posts entries, audio, video or news headlines.

Google Reader allows readers to subscribe to their favourite blog by clicking on the address box.

Now why do we really need to subscribe to RSS feed:
1) Image speaks out loud and clear, so it's rather important that you see how your own blog looks like from the readers point of view.
2) To make sure the feed is working properly.
3) Review your own posts without actually visiting your own blog.
4) Check timing to see how frequent the feeder updates your entries, as another reader pick up and read your post.
5) BACKUP!!!! This is the highlight, the mother of all the other importance. And this is one clear reason why I'm subscribing to Google Reader today.

Writing quietly shhhh....

2010-04-30T17:07:00.003+01:00

If you are breaking your head for a writing prompt, stop cracking further, try this:

"Take a notebook and visit a place in your community at a time when it is not too busy. Count slowly 'one to ten' until you feel quiet, then start writing."

My chosen 'place in my community' this time would be KLCC garden. And I have invited a writing partner to share the vibe and ideas with me, hoping to ask him a few technical questions on website building and costume designing for the concert.

Shop for Necklace.

2010-04-29T05:40:00.004+01:00

Confession: I am a bead lover. Beads can really make me go nutters. Initially, I sell and blog about beads at another site, but eventually find it a little troublesome to maintain another blog. So, I thought why not just put the beading posts on my main site, and save the trouble to oversee an extra blog!

Hence, here I am today, writing for my beads.

I am displaying 6 necklaces today. All items are absolutely handmade.
If you are interested in owning the item, copy and paste the list below, and email me at enbarani@gmail.com:

1) Your name:
2) Address:
3) Contact Num:
4) Payment option: CIMB/Maybank/PayPal
5) Special instructions:

*Delivery charge is free for the moment.
*If you prefer COD (cash upon delivery), I am able to meet up only at MidValley KL. Email me for this special arrangement as well.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Product Name: Mirror Lacq Necklace

Product ID: NL001

Product Price: RM35

Product Description: Length 46cm; Lobster clasp; 1cm ceramic bead, 2cm lacquer bead; Chinese silk string

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Product Name: Multistrand Pearls

Product ID: NFP001

Product Price: RM15

Product Description: Length 44cm; 3-strand box clasp; 5mm faux pearl, 1cm ceramic bead, 4mm round black acrylic bead, silver spacer, bead cap

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Product Name: Wooly Necklace

Product ID: NWL001

Product Price: RM15

Product Description: Length 62cm; Lobster clasp; 2cm wool bead; waxed black cord

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Product Name: Red Wooly Necklace

Product ID: NWL002

Product Price: RM10

Product Description: Length 36cm; Lobster clasp; 2cm wool bead; waxed black cord

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Product Name: Black Wooly Necklace

Product ID: NWL003

Product Price: RM10

Product Description: Length 41cm; Lobster clasp; 2cm wool bead; waxed black cord

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Product Name: Blossom Blue

Product ID: NGB001

Product Price: RM20

Product Description: Length 36cm; Lobster clasp; 2.5cm glass bead, 4mm fire-polished glass bead,bead caps

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TNB wants to sue WWF.

2010-03-26T16:57:00.005Z

Received this post from a friend. Caution: Reading this will surely make your blood boil and your tongue inflamed with undesirable words of wit, curse and maybe even violence. But, at the end of your reading, remember your universal duty and scorn such despicable and selfish acts or words from any living humans.

"KUALA LUMPUR — Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), Malaysia’s premier energy provider today announced that they were taking legal action against the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) for organising the Earth Hour, a global movement that makes a stand against climate change by turning off all non-essential lights and electrical equipment for an hour every year.

In a Press conference, TNB president and CEO Dato’ Sri Che Khalib Mohd Noh said that the annual worldwide symbolic gesture, which this year would be observed this Saturday at 8.30pm, is nothing more than an ‘arrogant and thoughtless viral movement’ aimed to hurt power companies such as TNB.

“Obviously these green-minded fellows think they’re really cute, organising such an irresponsible campaign,” said Che Khalib angrily. “They say ‘turn off your lights for an hour’ and people do. I bet that really makes them feel all powerful.

“What these western colonialists fail to grasp is how such drastic action affects the poor companies like us. One hour of unused electricity means an hour of wastage for TNB. Did you know that last year’s Earth Hour costed us millions in unrealised revenue?” asked Che Khalib, seething.

“How do you think that affected our production? We couldn’t exactly turn off our power plants just because a large number of Malaysians turn off their lights at the same time. So imagine all that wasted energy.

“This year, we expect even more people to fall for this global con-job,” added Che Khalib. “So there’ll be more lights turned off. KL alone would be engulfed in darkness. Yes, sure, it may seem fun to some, running around in complete darkness. But that also means TNB would get less money. Tell me, what am I supposed to say to the kids of this electrical technician when we can’t give bonus this year?” asked Che Khalib, as he pointed to a TNB staff manning the lights for the Press conference.

He added, “In light of such inconsiderate actions by these tree huggers, TNB has no choice but to take legal action against the Earth Hour organisers, WWF. We’ll wait for our accountants to come back with the loss figure after this year’s Earth Hour, and we plan to sue them for that same amount. We may even add a hundred million ringgit or so, to teach them a lesson.”

Che Khalib also reminded Malaysians to ignore the Earth Hour, calling it a ‘cultural invasion, a concerted assault by extreme liberal forces aimed to destabilise poorer nations’.

Read more about this stupidity at http://nose4news.wordpress.com/2010/03/25/tnb-to-sue-wwf-over-earth-hour/.

Bukit Serdang's Dawn.

2010-03-26T16:23:00.007Z

Need not write any introduction for the arrival of another dawn at Bukit Serdang after the Chinese New Year holidays last mid-February. Gathered at South City Plaza and donned in the best orange and red attire, I remembered the amateurs, early-bies, wannabies and veterans' enthusiasm. The disappointment was also vividly displayed as the hike took only 20-30 minutes from the base to the top where a less splendid view of the sunrise was visible, above the rows of newly inhabited houses..
As for me, I can't stop singing this song by Norah Jones:

Sunrise
Sunrise
Looks like morning in your eyes
But the clock's held 9:15 for hours

Sunrise
Sunrise
Couldn't tempt us if it tried
Cuz the afternoon's already come and gone

And I said
Hooo, hooo, hooo
To you

Surprise
Surprise
Couldn't find it in your eyes
But I'm sure it's written all over my face

Surprise
Surprise
Never something I could hide
When I see we made it through another day

Then I say
Hooo, hooo, hooo
To you

And now the night
Will throw its cover down, ooo, on me again
Ooh, and if I'm right
It's the only way to bring me back

Hooo, hooo, hooo
To you
Hooo, yeah, hooo, hooo
To you

Kerala 6-1-2010: Kanyakumari

2010-02-24T11:18:00.009Z

I don't remember what this 400+- year- old palace is called until I looked back into the scrapbook. Slumbering neatly under the adhesive cover in the photo album is a pink 6cm x 7cm 'Chappal Tocken' paper, meaning a ticket given to shoe owner when the shoes are kept 'safely', that is until the clock strikes 5pm and the shoe-caretaker leaves the designated place to retire for the day.
Under 'Chappal Tocken' is printed the name of the wooden palace - Padmanabhapuram Palace, Thuckalay, Tamil Nadu.

I have a theory about the reason Malayalees, the residents of Kerala, are mostly light-skinned and resemble differently from their other South Indian denizens. Chinese ministers of ancient years gathered in Kerala for visitation and official meeting purposes. In fact, the Orient-eers also influenced the architecture of Indian buildings in Kerala. I'm sure the builders/architects/sculptures/carvers must have migrated from China and settled with the locals in Kerala, or at least had a mistress to accompany them.

Another unexplainable point is the palace is situated in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, South India; but is administered by the Kerala government's department of archeology. My best guess is that the kingdom of Travancore was previously located at Thuckalay before being shifted to Trivandrum, which also signify that Kerala could be a wider state 500 hundred years ago.

The palace is mainly built from wood, except for the visitors hall where Indian-like dancing statuettes are placed for decoration purpose. The floor in this hall was said to be polished until a person's reflection can be vividly seen.

It's ashamed my camera's battery died when I was about to take the primitive yet natural image of the royal place's toilet. Talk about hard, cold defecating at night. And also makes me wonder where did all the best fertilizer flow??

This photo is courtesy of Wikipedia.

2010 Grammy Record Of The Year- Kings Of Leon

2010-02-23T21:48:00.003Z

Use Somebody lyrics
Songwriters: Followill, Caleb; Followill, Jared; Followill, Matthew; Followill, Nathan;
I've been roaming around, I was looking down at all I see
Painted faces fill the places I can't reach
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody

Someone like you and all you know and how you speak
Countless lovers under cover of the street
You know that I could use somebody
You know that I could use somebody
Someone like you

Off in the night while you live it up I'm off to sleep
Waging wars to shake the poet and the beat
I hope it's gonna make you notice
I hope it's gonna make you notice

Someone like me, someone like me
Someone like me, somebody

I'm ready now, I'm ready now
I'm ready now, I'm ready now
I'm ready now, I'm ready now
I'm ready now

Someone like you, somebody
Someone like you, somebody
Someone like you, somebody

I've been roaming around, I was looking down at all I see

Kerala 5-1-2010: Kovalam Beach

2010-02-09T09:17:00.005Z

Kovalam Beach. Another aquatic place sent from heaven, a place where there is something for everybody to do. If you are just like me, aquaphobic and won't be able to save herself if drown in the water, go for body-boarding and get acquainted with the waves. Alternately, just make a mark on the beach, sun-basking, crowd watching, gulp the freshly cut fruit salad sold by the entrepreneurial Kerala women or just hone bargaining skill with the overly-enthusiastic cloth vendors.

I personally enjoyed the morning walk along the coast although a pack of seemingly well-trained dogs were leaping joyfully and sharing the same beach with the tourists. I was also fortunate to attend a 1 1/2 hour yoga session with a local yoga master. Miraculously, my aching right calf muscle healed after that session. Guess I was a good student and the teacher strictly knew his trade well!

Oh, not to mention the fishermen's pulling-fishing net-performance on one fine morning! Just like in the Indian movies I watched on Malaysia's tv network, the catchers actually sang harmoniously as they laboriously dragged the fishing net about 5 metres into the seabed to the coast line. I didn't have the patience to watch these phenomenal art of angling as I had to bid the call of souvenirs-shopping from the nearby shop outlets.

Kerala 1-1-2010: Tharavadu Heritage Home.

2010-01-23T09:40:00.008Z

My very first place of lodging in Kerala, India---> Tharavadu Heritage Home, Kumarakom, a 2-hour taxi ride (1500Ind Rps) from Cochin International Airport. I stayed with another three friends for two nights. I would love to come back again to stay in their homely Heritage Rooms, 2200Ind Rps and if you want to opt for something economical and more to natural habitat, go for cosy and simple Bamboo Cottage, 1200Ind Rps.