In confirmation to popular belief, I, KY, really does not play any musical instrument. I am the master of winamp, the car audio player, and my 5800 XpressMusic when it comes to listening to music. As to creating and performing it music, I leave it to the professionals. Professionals such as this ridiculously talented Lee Hom. And he really is a bit ridiculous when it comes to music, quoting from wikipedia Wang Lee-Hom page:
Wang plays over 10 musical instruments. In his albums and live concerts, Wang can be heard playing piano, drums, guitar, bass, violin, vibraphone, erhu, xun, and more.
and that is on top of being able to sing rather well, something I cannot do, evident from friends making excuses to go to toilet or have some “fresh air” when it is my turn to sing at karaoke, mehhh. 
Lee Hom Music-Man Thus it goes without saying that Lee Hom is the one with a huge fan base and not yours truly. And to those fans out there, the Lee Hom music-man himself is coming to KL this on May 2nd to have a concert at Bukit Jalil National Stadium. To make the matter sweeter, there’s a chance for U.O.X. members to win tickets! All you have to do is the following (remember you must be a U.O.X. member)
MeTV
While the U.O.X. mechanic allows members to to get free tickets, the MeTV contest gives participants a chance to win a pair of tickets worth RM 198 to Lee Hom Music-Man Live in KL 2009. 
hohohoho Of course, there is a bit more to do on this since you might not be a U.O.X member. In the MeTV contest, you have to send in your best “Music-Man/Woman” video or picture in. Be creative and send a video or picture via MMS to 26388 with the title MUSIC MAN To view, rate, or download videos or pictures on MeTV
Ok ok, my example might not be the best, but you know what you have to do if you want to see this music genius! The contest runs from 1-25 April, 2009.
I remember buying a compilation cassette sometimes back in 1996, it had a brown cover with the title “Alternative Rock” smeared across in red. This was the cassette that introduced me to songs like Girl from Mars by Ash, You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette , and Good by Better than Ezra.
But the one song from the compilation that made the biggest impression was Oasis’s Wonderwall. It was a song that struck everything in the right cord, with lyrics that Brandon Flowers of The Killers can only dream of writing. From then on I picked up songs like Don’t Look Back in Anger and Champaign Supernova, and Oasis became an integral part of my play list.
Our tickets to rock!
So when Gareth told me about Oasis coming to Singapore for a concert a few weeks ago, I replied “Lets make it happen!” without thinking twice.
For rock concerts, I never settle for anything less than the grand stand tickets. We managed to con Kim & Horny to each also fork up $98 SGD for a ticket (to fill up a car, you know, save money!) to the concert even though Horny didn’t actually know who is Liam or Noel. Amanda was a late addition to the road trip cos she was just too crazy over Oasis; plus, her relatively small size means that she fits in the center of the backseats.
chicken rice balls were yummy!
So last Sunday we departed from KL just before noon and decided to get our lunch (without any breakfast/brunch) at of Melaka, which also make a nice half way rest stop for the long journey.
We had an over fulfilling meal of chicken rice balls at Hoe Kee, and then stuffed ourselves with a bowl of cendol at Jonker88.
Which was all nice and dandy until we drove by this pohpiah stall and had to just cry in agony cos we were too full to even have a bite. Very tragic!
Subway with pork ham and pork bacon!
By the time we hit the road again it was around 2:30pm, we needed to collect tickets by 7pm for the 8pm concert. We thought we had plenty of time.
We didn’t factor in the stupidly inconsiderate drivers at Johor. It seems like the only way to overtake is via the left lane. The kiasu factor of those drivers really got into our nerves.
Alas, we got to the immigration at around 6pm, and forgot to bring along any immigration cards… So we had to go to the immigration office and witness the inefficiencies that infect even the Singaporean officers. It was a long an excruciating 45-minute (I had to call to make sure we could redeem our tickets past 7pm) process before we got out of there.
we were at the front with the crowd, and Liam being a badass
With the help of Gareth’s little portable Garmin GPS unit, we finally arrived at the Singapore National Stadium at 7:30 or so. Got our tickets and went to Subway for some pork sandwich goodness. By the time we got into the hall it was around 8:15.
Then Oasis came out and it was completely awesome!
pic taken without any zooming, that’s how close we were!
While the other two old men hang out at the side, Kim, Amanda and I made our way to the front of the crowd and managed to get ourselves about 4-5 rows back from the stage. The atmosphere was electric, and the crowd was crazy. Lotsa squeezing and pushing but generally everyone was just having blast.
At one particular point a dude with mohawk started dancing like a maniac and hit a lot of ppl within 2 feet of him. A burly dude grabbed his body and I sorta helped flip his legs up, and the dude got body surfed all the way to the back. We high five-ed 
Wonderwall!
With the last bit of GPS juice (car charger died) we managed to find our way back to the Johor border after the concert. By the time we got back to KL it was more than 3am already. We stayed in Singapore for a total of less than 5 hours. My shortest trip yet.
Next trip would be Melbourne to see Mell for a week. Can’t wait!
On the way to Singapore for Oasis concert last Sunday (which was awesome!), we made a pit stop by the historical town that is Melaka to refuel our stomachs.
When it comes to Melaka, there are a few types of food unique to the town: chicken rice balls, satey celup, popiah with lard, and cendol with gula melaka. We planned to make the most of this very short stopover by stuffing ourselves with as much as possible.
there’s a perpetual queue in front of the restaurant
I have previously tried two other chicken rice ball places in Melaka (all within walking distance), Chung Wah was the first I went, and while tasty, the place rather warm and a little too busy. On the other hand, my experience at Famosa Chicken Rice Ball was just not really good enough for me to write an entry about the restaurant.
Among the 3 places, Hoe Kee has the best and most comfortable seating areas (some sections air conditioned). While we had to wait for some 10 minutes to get a table, food was served within 5 minutes, so the overall waiting time wasn’t long at all.
chicken rice balls, cabbage, asam fish
Since it was already 1pm and we haven’t even had breakfast, we basically ordered everything the server suggested. Chicken rice balls for 5 person, asam fish, vegetable, 4 coconuts, and extra 15 rice balls (RM 6).
The half a chicken (RM 16) we got was very smooth and the meat really tasty, there were also plenty of chicken gizzards and liver which provided a different flavor to the chicken that goes very well with the soft but firm rice balls. Poor man’s pate, anyone?
Kim, Gareth, Horng, Amanda, KY
The Asam Fish (RM 30) came quite a bit later, which proved to be a nice timing since the very strong tasting curry wouldn’t work well with the milder flavored chicken if you have them in that order. The hardcore sourness and spicy nature of the dish might not suit everyone, but I really liked it.
Hoe Kee Chicken Rice is located at Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat)
We ate so fast and so much that there wasn’t any stomach space left except for a bowl of cendol at Jonker88. It was dilemma looking at the popiah stall while being absolutely full, but alas, we made the decision not to have the possibility to puke in the car on the way to Singapore.
Lunch came to RM 77.20 in total, including the 4 coconuts (RM 16). That works out to be around RM 15.50 per person, pretty decent price for a very satisfying lunch at a comfortable environment.
Address:
Hoe Kee Chicken Rice
4, 6, 8 Jalan Hang Jebat,
75200, Melaka
GPS: 2.195441,102.247943
Tel: 06-283 4751 / 012-623 8431
One of the things I miss most about our trip to Bangkok was the foot massage services. I remember how happy Mell and I were when we found this little foot massage place at Chatuchak after 3-4 hours of continuous walking. For 150 baht, we got our legs taken care of by the ladies for a good half an hour, and walk away later totally rejuvenated, it was a total bliss.
Mell clearly enjoyed the foot massage service
Back home, while spas and massage places exists, their fees are usually high enough that it is a luxury I cannot afford. Then there’s also the worry that I might accidentally step into one of those dodgy places that I might not know how to handle, and one that Mell won’t take well.
So you can imagine my elation when I was contacted to conduct this review on the new OSIM uSqueez Warm. Finally my very own leg massage machine, sweet!
uSqueez Warm, in a better shade of maroon
So a couple weeks ago I went to OSIM’s office at PJ and was given a rather comprehensive briefing on the benefit of this product as well as a full demo on how exactly to operate it.
uSqueez Warm, as the name suggests, adds an option of providing warm air to your feet that the previous model lacks. The warmth is supposed to help release tension, allevate aches and release soreness to the muscles. On top of that, the higher temperature help flushes out lactic acid especially after sports sessions or a super long shopping trip (does not release financial tension resulting from the said shopping trip).
makes a nice ottoman when not in used
As far as the massage part goes, there is the roller contacting the bottom of your feet that simulates the push and release technique by reflexologists. And of course, as the name suggests, there is also the wrap-around squeezing motion that massages the calves, ankles, and the feet all at the same time. This comes in three different settings, firm, rhythmic, or smooth.
ahhh, this is the perfect zen moment
The one other function I did not expect was the “Turbo Vibration Massage”. The machine basically vibrates and shakes the bottom of the feet in a horizontal motion (3 intensities). After running through the vibration process you actually feel a gush of blood flowing from the bottom of the feet back up to the calf region. A very surreal feeling. This is suppose to break down toxin accumulated at the bottom of your feet and improve circulation. I know it really does feel good.
So, if you aren’t getting your own OSIM uSqueez yet, I can provide the service right here for a small fee. After all, where else can you have your legs massaged facing a beautiful home made koi pond?
Despite staying so close to SS2 and having my dinner there at least once a week, Buonasera Italian Restuarant somehow escaped my radar for the past year or so that they have been in operation. But as luck was on my side, a couple of weeks ago I went there on a food review session thanks to the invitation from the friendly owner Ms Zee Cheng.
Prociutto Melon, yum yum
The restaurant is located along a the row of shops at SS2 that is closest to LDP, which also means that parking is slightly easier compared to other spots around the area. Though “slightly” is a very relative word.
The interior is simple and clean though decoration could be slightly better as I personally find the faux vines around the edges ceiling a rather ill adviced concept. However, overall it is still an environment that is comfortable and conducive for a lunch/dinner date that is not too flashy.
Spaghetti Seafood
Unlike most other Italian restaurants, Buonasera joins the likes of Bermuda & Onions and Bruno’s as the few that are not halal. Which means that you get real bacon, and even some pork dishes. That realisation pretty much made my day already.
I usually let the host decides the selection of dishes on invited reviews, but this time Eiling and I made a little special request and asked for at least a dish involving pork. *smirk*
The first dish that was the Prosciutto Melon (RM 28.90), Italian speciality ham that is cured and served with rock melon, not unlike my first experience of it at Bermuda & Onion. The deliciously salty ham and the sweetness of melon works well in this classic combination, though the melon used were just a tad too ripe.
Caesar Salad with bacon, Australian Chilled Angus Sirloin
Next up was the Seafood Spaghetti (RM 38.90) with quite a generous portion of very fresh prawns, mussles, and squid. While I’m normally not a big fan of cream sauce, I must say that I really enjoyed this dish. It wasn’t overly rich nor over powering. Just very sumptuous and flavorful.
The Caesar salad (RM 19.90) isn’t the typical salad for skinny girls who wants to get skinnier. The dish comes with plenty of pork bacon, cheese, hard boiled egg, crutons, and of course, fresh vegetable. On top of that, you get four slices of garlic bread too. The bacon was really yummy!
The final main dish was the Angus Sirloin (RM 49.90) that comes with a bowl of deep fried rosemary potato chunks that Eiling just can’t stop eating. I find that the steak itself was pretty commendable considering the price point.
Tiramisu, Chocolate Pot, and Enzo’s Famous Mixed Berry Zabaglione
The nicely decorated and pretty good tasting Tiramisu (RM 14.90) was supposed to be our only dessert, but due to the interesting chemistry that Chef Enzo brewed up with Eiling, we ended up with a bit more than we could handle.
The good chef, who started working in the kitchen since 16 (exactly how many years ago is a mystery), prepared another two desserts as our stomachs were already filled up to the brim. We had Enzo’s Chocolate Pot (RM 14.90), with vanilla ice cream and chocolate that isn’t too sweet; and finally his signature dessert, Mixed Berry Zabaglione (RM 16.90) which is a home made mixed berry sorbet with Italian egg custard. The sourness of the sorbet and the rich custard (egg yolk, sugar, Marsala wine) was an awesome combination, I finished it and losen my belt in the process.
Chef Enzo and I, Eiling who really likes her dessert
To be honest, I’m rather impressed by the quality and the selection of food at Buonasera, not to mention it’s midrange pricing. This would be a place I yearn to return for more.
Address:
42, Jalan SS 2/66
47300 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
GPS: 3.120033,101.620907
Tel: 03-7877 8586
