Occupy Beach Street Weekly Highlights - 20th July 2014

Are you missing out on all the FUN? Come and join us at Occupy Beach Street this Sunday!

Exciting activities are waiting for you to explore! More Information on www.fb.com/occupybeachstreet

Anyone of you going? I am !!!

Penang to ban foreign cooks in hawker stalls

The Penang government will implement a ban on foreign cooks in hawker stalls to protect their food heritage.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that hawker licences were only given to the locals but the local council discovered that a few hawkers had employed foreign cooks. 

He said the local council was currently gathering feedback from the public on the matter and that the ban could be implemented as soon as early next year. 

"We are considering to revoke their hawker licences if they are found to hire foreigners as their main cooks but we need to get public feedback before we proceed with the implementation," he told reporters Saturday.

According to research conducted by the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP), 119 foreigners were working as cooks in 68 hawker centres in Penang Island. 

Lim said Penang was famous for its hawker food and the food must retain a local taste instead of a foreign taste.

"It defeats the purpose of approving the hawker licence only for the locals if the hawkers employed foreigners as their main cooks," he said. 

He also reminded the hawkers to only employ foreigners as their kitchen helper, waiters or waitresses.

"We will take into consideration the public's needs before proceeding with the implementation," he said. 

Over 68 hawker centres were screened during the research, with the majority of the hawker stalls in Bayan Baru, Relau, Jelutong and Tanjung Tokong operated by foreigners. - Bernama

Ok, this move I 100% agree. I do not want our local hawker food to lose it's style and taste due to foreigner cooks! Support support support!

It's official, Arsenal signed Sanchez !!!

No words can describe how happy I am with this news. I truly believe the club is moving forward for better achievements...just love it! GO GO GUNNERS !!!

Arsenal and PUMA unveil three new kits

Arsenal and its new kit partner PUMA have unveiled the Gunners' new kits in style, with Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Santi Cazorla showcasing the home, away and cup kits in the sport giant's Carnaby Street shop window.

Arsenal supporters waiting to buy the shirt outside PUMA's flagship store in London were stunned to see the kit being revealed in person by the FA Cup winners, as a curtain dropped to reveal a huge Arsenal façade.

The trilogy of kits was then showcased in a unique 20m water projection on the River Thames in front of the EDF Energy London Eye, transforming it into the iconic Clock End clock. Fans saw Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger explain the individual 'Future, Forever, Victorious' inspirations behind the kit designs, which are the basis of the 'Stronger Together' partnership message.

Each of the three kits has a unique design, inspired by the values identified by PUMA as being the foundation of Arsenal Football Club, and which form the basis of the 'Future, Forever, Victorious' story.

The home kit stays true to the traditional red-and-white Arsenal colours that first appeared in 1933. Representing 'Forever', inspired by the strong and loyal fanbase Arsenal has built over the years, the round-neck shirt has a red body and white sleeves and is paired with white shorts and red-and-white hooped socks.

'Victorious' is the theme of the away shirt, designed in the iconic yellow and navy blue colours worn by Arsenal during some of the most famous Gunners' away victories away, including the 1971 and 1979 FA Cup final wins, and the title-winning victory at Anfield in 1989. The V-neck shirt features a yellow body with blue sleeves, blue shorts and blue-and-yellow hooped socks.

The blue and lime green 'Future' cup kit will be worn by Arsenal away from home in cup competitions, including the Champions League and FA Cup. It symbolises the desire for innovation and progression that has driven the club through its history, and features a button-down collared shirt with blue and sky blue striped panels across the body. The kit also features blue shorts and two-tone blue hooped socks.

All kits have been manufactured around PUMA's pioneering ACTV Power Plus, fusing the best of sports science behind engineered bodywear compression garments and kinesiology performance taping to enhance athletic performance.

The team will wear the away 'Victorious' kit in their forthcoming pre-season games at Boreham Wood and in New York before appearing in the 'Forever' home kit for the first time at the Emirates Cup on the weekend of August 2 and 3.

www.arsenal.com

Nice and stylish jersery. With new kit deal and newly recruit Sanchez on board, let's hope for a greater heights for Arsenal starting with the new looming new season. Go go GUNNERS !!!

Bank Negara raises OPR by 25 basis points

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) raised the overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points to 3.25% on Thursday, the first time since May 2011 with economists expecting the rate hike to address the potential rise in financial imbalances. 

Alliance Bank Malaysia chief economist, Manokaran Mottain said the hike in the OPR was a "pre-emptive measure to prevent further disproportionate risk taking as well as reducing asset price misalignments".

"While the central bank in previous instances had preferred to make use of macro prudential tools in reducing asset price bubbles risks, the rate hike will likely deliver greater traction in averting any excessive leveraging activities," he said.

BNM said the decision was made at its monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting as the latest economic indicators pointed to continued strength in exports and private sector activity in Malaysia. It also expected Malaysia's overall economic growth momentum to be sustained.

"The floor and ceiling rates of the corridor for the OPR are correspondingly raised to 3.00% and 3.50% respectively," it said. "At the new level of the OPR, the stance of monetary policy remains supportive of the economy."

BNM said going forward, the overall growth momentum was expected to be sustained while inflation has been relatively stable.

"Exports will continue to benefit from the recovery in the advanced economies and from regional demand. Investment activity is projected to remain robust, led by the private sector."

"Private consumption will be supported by stable income growth and favourable labour market conditions. The prospects are therefore for the Malaysian economy to remain firmly on a steady growth path," it said.

BNM said inflation has been relatively stable as the effects of the price adjustments for utilities and energy continue to moderate. Demand driven inflation remains contained, it added. 

"Looking ahead, inflation is, however, expected to remain above its long-run average due to the higher domestic cost factors. 

BNM added amid the firm growth prospects and with inflation remaining above its long-run average, the monetary policy committee decided to adjust the degree of monetary accommodation. 

This normalisation of monetary conditions also aims to mitigate the risk of broader economic and financial imbalances that could undermine the growth prospects of the Malaysian economy, said the central bank. 

Alliance Bank's Manokaran said the MPC's decision to raise the OPR by 25bps was within expectation as well as market consensus.

He pointed out that since the previous MPC meeting in May, financial markets had been influenced by this expectation.

The ringgit rallied to RM3.172 against the US dollar on Wednesday, up 2.06% gain. At the close on Thursday, the ringgit was trading at RM3.182.

"In the meantime, the rise in OPR will likely improve Malaysia's attractiveness amongst foreign investors, leading to stronger capital inflows, lower bond yields and an appreciating ringgit.

"Looking ahead, we do not see the recently announced OPR hike to be the start of a monetary tightening process. At the new rate, the OPR remains accommodative of growth. In this regard, we expect the OPR to remain unchanged at 3.25% for the rest of 2014," he said. - By The Star

With current situation, increase interest rate, WTF !!??!! New couples and newly graduates really facing tough time going to own a house going forward...

World Cup 2014 SemiFinal #1 : Brazil vs Germany

Wow ! Final 4 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. 2 more semi finals, followed by the 3rd placing match and finally the one to decide who will be crown the new FIFA world cup winner 2014! 

I'm really having goosebumps! All remaining 4 matches will be during the wee hours of Malaysia time at 4am...I really wish I can wake up and watch all the 4 remaining matches, but not sure how my weak body can cope...

Anyway, first semi final match is tonight, with host Brazil vs Germany, the team so similar to Spain 4 years ago. Brazil as always, needed not much introduction anymore as they all well famous with they style, skills and stars. The only disadvantages are their star man Neymar has been ruled out of the tournament while captain Thiago Silva will be suspended. Well, never under-estimate Brazil, never count out the host and never say never! Germany on the other hand, is the hot favourite heading into this match tonight. Even local radio station this morning was discussing this match and all the callers dialling in were saying Germany will win hands down. For me, I dare not predict who will win, or I shall say it's so hard for me to say...may the best team win with no bias refereeing and no ugly tackling!

10 Tips to look out for and pay attention when attending JOB INTERVIEW

Hmm, this might not be using to some of you, but I do see the value in it while reading it. It served as a reminder or checklist for any individual to take note while attending an job interview answering questions related to how you handle situations or problem faced. Nice one and no harm reading!

Penang Bon Odori Festival 2014

Date: 19 July 2014

Time: 6pm- 11pm

Venue: Esplanade

*Fireworks display at 10pm

Penang’s most anticipated Japanese cultural  festival is back  this year with exciting games, mouth watering Japanese food, exotic performances and more.

The annual Bon Odori Festival will be happening on the 19 July 2014, from 6pm – 11pm. As usual, the fireworks will start at 10pm sharp.

There will be over 80 stalls selling authentic Japanese food, handicrafts and games. Visitors can also try out Japanese traditional costumes and take photos with Cosplayers.

Two groups, specially imported from Japan will be performing during the night. The first group is a Japanese Folk dance and Dagaya with special taiko drums

There will also be a Miss Yukata Competition this year. The champion will be rewarded with RM1,500. The second prize winner will recieve RM1,000 while the third-placed contestant will receive RM500.

For more information please call 04-650 5136 or  012-4337063.

Make sure if you are planning to enjoy this show, be there early or be there using motorcycle, else you will be in deep frustrated with the traffic there. Enjoy the fireworks!

World Cup 2014 1st Quarter Finals - France vs Germany

This is absolutely exciting and interesting match to the first quarter final match of the FIFA 2014 World Cup in Brazil! How many of you are watching tonight? I'm quite tired as of this moment actually, and tomorrow morning I still have my regular Saturday hike, but I will be sure going out with friends at the mamak stall tonight watching this nice game, since I'm not really needed at home...haha! 

May the best team wins...

Sakae Sushi RM1 Promotion 2014

Sakae Sushi is offering RM1 Sushi Treat Voucher giveaway to celebrate 100,000 FB fans during the month of July 2014.

Promotion period: 3 - 8 July 2014

Venue: All Sakae Sushi restaurant in Malaysia.

Print the voucher from the following link:
http://sakaesushi.com.my/100K/sscmaki.jpg

Terms and condition:

1. Voucher valid from 3 to 8 July 2014.
2. Printed voucher must be produced before ordering.
3. Valid for dine in with minimum spend of RM30 in a single receipt.
4. Limited to one(1) odder per voucher per receipt and no spliting bills or tables allowed.
5. Offer is valid while stock last.
6. Not valid with any other vouchers, discounts or promotions unless stated.
7. All prices are subject to applicable service and government tax.

If you are a fan, don't miss this out! My team's birthday lunch is actually supposed to be here, before we changed the venue...haha.

Occupy Beach Street Weekly Highlights - 06th July 2014...DON'T MISS IT!

Weekly Highlights - 06th July 2014

Are you missing out on all the FUN? Come and join us at Occupy Beach Street this Sunday!

Exciting activities are waiting for you to explore! More Information on www.fb.com/occupybeachstreet

Do come out early Sunday and join, this is very fun and exciting! Total recommendation!

Jennifer Lopez to perform in 2014 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix in September

Latina superstar Jennifer Lopez is joining the amazing line-up of international stars who will be performing over the 2014 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix race weekend (Sept 19-21) at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

Lopez, who just released her eight studio album A.K.A, last performed in Singapore in 2012 at Gardens by the Bay.

The 44-year-old singer proves that a little heartbreak – she separated from Casper Smart, her boyfriend of almost three years recently – is not going to stop her from shaking her derriere around the world.

La Lopez was seen jiggling what her momma gave her at the Fifa World Cup 2014 opening ceremony in Brazil last month, performing the official song We Are One with Pitbull and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte.

Also scheduled to perform at the September event in Singapore are Robbie Williams, Mayday, John Legend, Pet Shop Boys and Ziggy Marley. More artistes will be unveiled soon.

I wonder what about Malaysia GP? Who is performing? Who is pulling the strings? Or am I just dreaming?

Mom's Bake newly delicious product - Fudge Chocolate Brownie!!!

Hmm, make no mistake, I must intro this finger licking yummy food to each and everyone, all readers out there. Mom's Bake latest offering captures my heart completely! For the very simple reason, I love the wet and sticky brownie and I love chocolates! The sweetness, the aroma and the stickiness just suits me perfectly the best! I LOVE IT !!!

Fudge Chocolate Brownie .. Intro Price: RM14. Usual Price: RM16. Order Now !!!

For the introduction of this latest yummy product, Mom's Bake is doing promotion - RM14 instead of RM16. Don't miss out this great opportunity, be fast and grab the offer. Please ping me if interested, I can help to place order and provide more information of the delivery (only in Penang). After all, I guarantee you that your RM14 will be value for money and money well spend for such a nice dessert!

Facebook scores record 1 billion interactions for World Cup ....LIKE LIKE LIKE!

SAO PAULO: With 1 billion posts, likes and comments in just the first half of the World Cup, the soccer tournament is already the most talked-about event in Facebook Inc’s decade-long history, data obtained by Reuters showed.

The soccer conversation measured between June 12 and June 29 involved 220 million people and 1 billion interactions, the Facebook data showed.

And since the ball will be rolling for another two weeks, the tournament is set to break new records as the biggest social media event to date.

“People are having conversations on Facebook about what they watch in a really unprecedented scale,” Nick Grudin, the company’s director of partnerships, told Reuters.

“In addition to sharing and connecting with friends, people are engaging in real time with the media and the public voices they care about most.”

Facebook is the latest social media company to capitalize on TV-related traffic around big events like the World Cup, a trend started years ago by the microblog website Twitter Inc.

People use Facebook to comment about things they watch live, an interaction that could turn into a source of ad revenue for the company.

Facebook’s record numbers were possible because of widespread mobile penetration. Seven out of 10 users globally connect to the network from mobile devices, which represent roughly 60 percent of the company’s ad revenue.

There is also soccer’s global appeal. The first week of the World Cup alone saw 459 million interactions on Facebook, more than this year’s Super Bowl, the Sochi Winter Olympic Games and the Academy Awards combined.

The 1 billion mark was reached after traffic accelerated as the World Cup moved into the knockout round. On Saturday, more than 31 million people put up 75 million posts, likes and comments about Brazil’s nail-biting victory over Chile, which propelled the home team to the quarter-finals.

“This Cup has been a catalyzing cultural moment for people around the world,” Grudin said, “and we see it reflected on Facebook.”--REUTERS

www.nst.com.my

I for once never doubt the power of Facebook, it's so widely use and talk about topics....well done Facebook and well done World Cup 2014!