September 3, 2015
Masterchef Asia Ep 1 a disappointment
After watching the various editions of Masterchef — UK, Australia, US, Canada — and enjoying them, I was really looking forward to Masterchef Asia.
Episode 1 was however underwhelming. Where were the amazing flavours of Asia? The cook who was eliminated made confit chicken! What a wasted opportunity to show off her skills with Asian techniques and flavours.
Ironic, really, when you think about how contestants in Masterchef editions elsewhere in the world have boldly showcased Asian food.
The only bright spot was that the best three dishes of the day did incorporate Asian flavours. Perhaps the other contestants will learn from that and go back to their roots.
August 15, 2015
Just Completed: Idaman Residence at Nusa Idaman, Nusajaya, Johor
Three years after booking a unit at Nusa Idaman, we finally collected the keys. Apparently, we are among the first batch of owners to do so.
We haven’t yet had the time to scrutinise everything, but we initially chose this project because it is a relatively low-density development. So … we are happy to see that we have an unblocked view right up to Aeon Bukit Indah in the distance. I like water, so it’s also a plus to have a lake on the other side, just outside the perimeter fencing.
Here are a few pictures while everything’s still shiny and new:
View of Block B, Idaman Residence, the first block to be handed over to owners. Aug 2015.
Swimming pool, and playground, with Block A on the left and Block C on the right. Aug 2015.
Everything’s brand new at the gym, not even fully unwrapped! Aug 2015.
About Idaman Residence
Idaman Residence is made up of three blocks, with Block A in the middle and Blocks B and C flanking it. The apartments either face Bukit Indah (“city view”) or an adjacent lake.
The development is located within Nusa Idaman, a large development comprising landed homes and shophouses. There are already quite a few businesses operating there, including food stalls and shops for basic provisions. There is even a small hotel near Idaman Residence.
What I like about Nusa Idaman is that it feels peaceful and orderly, yet it is only some 5 to 10 minutes away from Aeon Bukit Indah (a large shopping mall) and major supermarkets and other amenities. And, with the economic uncertainties in various parts of the world now, it’s a relief to know that all eight phases are virtually done (I still haven’t forgotten the financial crisis, when many projects were abandoned, leaving homes half completed).
Source: http://www.nusaidaman.com
To have a better idea of the various types of units, check out videos of the show units posted by Propertytv.com.my:
Do you also own a unit there? If you do, would be great to hear from you!
November 6, 2014
A few thoughts on the US election
The last few weeks I’ve been following Clay Aiken’s campaign to gain a House seat in North Carolina. And along the way, I was intrigued by several issues.
(1) Resistance to voter IDs. I get the concern that that’s a strategy to deny people access to their right to vote. But why can’t those who are so concerned just come up with ways to help those without an ID get one?
(2) Entertainment as a source of political information. That’s an issue we talked about in an online journalism I am taking – how entertainment is increasingly taking over serious political journalism.
This point was brought home when I saw twitter reactions to Bill Maher citing Clay as one of the Democrats distancing himself from Obama. But if you get your politics from a soundbite from a TV host, or tweets, surely you lose context and nuance.
In Clay’s case, he was running on a platform that Democrats and Republicans should work together to solve critical issues for the good of the people, and that they stop engaging in one-upmanship. So, it makes sense that he take a more impartial stance. All this is missing from the zingy one-liners written to entertain.
(3) I was surprised at how much candidates themselves have to raise in order to run a campaign. Doesn’t that subvert the democratic process? Wouldn’t candidates be beholden to their donors?
(4) I’ve also been intrigued by why and how Obama became so unpopular. What has he done that was so wrong? Guess I have to learn more about US politics.
October 26, 2011
X-Factor 17 to 12
In the end, the judges made the right choices but did we really have to have all that manufactured drama on the way to those decisions?
Choosing Dexter Haygood and then saddling him with that song and that presentation? He needed something more raw, gritty, that screams soul-deep pain … and he got vanilla.
Kicking off Melanie Amaro then bringing her back … did anybody, except perhaps Melanie herself, believe that was for real?
Making the music for Philip Lomax so loud that we could hardly hear him sing?
Putting through Simone Battle and Tiah Tolliver? C’mon, it would have been more real if Simon had put through Caitlin Koch.
The judges make much of the artist bring ‘authentic’. We could do with a bit more of that on their behaviour and judging! As it is, it’s like failed 4-person stand-up comedy.
Lucky for the show, the talent is enough to keep me watching. Melanie Amaro, Josh Krajcik, Leroy Bell, Drew … they’re FANTASTIC!
Talking about Drew, they should fire whoever styled her. Her hair was a mess.
Actually, Rachel Crow didn’t look too hot either. The buttons on her top was straining, and she’s such a character, I would have added bright accents somewhere. I think their own clothes were a lot better.
Crooked Turret 