kilheeny.com

I am on my off day today. Yesterday was my third day working and I am given a break. We have to put up with long working hours so I am grateful for a chance to rest. Tomorrow the hotel will be overbooked to the max during this weekend. EARCOS Conference will be held here at the hotel. It will be the hotel's final major event for year 2007.

Since I have started work, I really do not have the chance to update my blog. I am constantly busy at work, always on the go and by time I finish, my energy all drained out. I don't even have the chance to drop by the event that Sheena attended yesterday.

I guess that now the only way for me to keep up with blogging is by moblog or twittering. I am glad that Blogspot have this option and I will try to make use of it. It should be a good way to share my life , my work and also the happenings that evolves around me. In fact, due to my long working hours, I will always be at work more than else where. I guess from now on I have to face the reality that Shangri-La will be my home and my home will be my hotel. Sad but true.

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I am back and it has been a great start. Friendly faces, warm smiles and handshakes exchanged in welcoming me back everywhere I go. It has been a while that I have set foot to this place but here I am, being given a chance for a fresh start to continue my journey through at home.

I have resigned from Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur back in January this year to pursue new exposures in my career. I have been with the company since 1996 and 10 years of it have exposed me with rich and various experiences but I wanted more. It has been a complicated journey since I left. I had turn down the offer that I had because of a call back to train a new candidate. The one who initially replaced me had left. As a gesture of good will, I have accepted. After completing it, I had to deal with series of odd jobs that I do not find ideal to set a new career off.



Two months ago, I had received another call back from my former superior offering me to relinquish the position that I have held before. It went sour when he decided to left the company. Prior to his departure, his replacement promised to look into it once she settles in. Two weeks ago, I am pleased to learn that she came through for me. I have been given an opportunity, I seized it and today marks my official return. Now I shall resume eminent responsibilities and I look forward to the challenges ahead.

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Imagine a tranquil garden. Flourished with pleasant plants and flowers. The sounds of streaming water behind you. Surrounded with beautiful butterflies welcoming you. Now give me a moment or two and let me take you there...

This trip did caught me off guard. I mean I was surprised to find myself really enjoying it. What not to like? Nowadays we are busy with our own hectic life even when we have a free time we still circle around the hectic life of others. By any chance we need a breather, here is the place almost close to serenity in our own busy city, Kuala Lumpur.

Butterfly Park or Taman Rama Rama Kuala Lumpur is located in Perdana Lake or better known as Taman Tasik Perdana. Enjoy a glimpse of more than 6,000 butterflies of over 120 species at this unique park. The park is an imitation of the butterfly's natural habitat. It includes more than 15,000 plants from 100 species that have been used to recreate a Malaysian rainforest atmosphere. There is a nursery and breeding area for the butterflies. Facilities include an informative insect museum. Visiting hours: from 9am to 5 pm on weekdays. Opens daily from 9am to 6pm. Admission fees: RM4 RM5 for adults and RM2 half price for children. -> www.visit-to-kl.com

At first I did wonder what does this seasoned building really has to offer me. After paying the RM10 (RM5 each person) entrance fee and push away the long vertical rows of green chains, I gawked at the wideness of the garden. I did not expect it to be that big after seeing the site building. It does resembles an atmosphere of a mini rain forest. There is this green box filled with cocoons right after we walk down the stairs, I guess the breading or nursery area. An interesting sight. The pathways are clean and well kept. And of course you will be amazed by the beautiful plants, flowers and butterflies all around you.

View More > 36 Pictures in PhotoAlbum

It's definitely a sight for sore eyes. Complimented with sitting areas. A modest pond filled with the huge koi fishes. The ever so hungry turtles in a separate pond. Streaming man-made waterfalls. A view tower. A rabbit cage and a snake aquarium (just one python). I just feel that I can rest there leaving the world behind me. It was more than two hours spend there and before we thought we can leave, we had to exit by the path through the insect museum which was fairly interesting. Not only we are able to see achieves of various insect species, there were live ones too.

View More > 36 Pictures in PhotoAlbum

Although the initial plan was to tour the whole Perdana Lake but realizing that most of the time we have spent only at the Butterfly Farm, we had to skip the rest for future trips. I think I should get a DSLR. Then come back to take more and better pictures than the ones I took with my current point and shoot camera. Find a time to spend with your love one(s) and for the shutterbugs out there, here is an opportunity to test out your nature capturing mode. Do forward me a link me when you do so I can check it out.

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In lieu of my support towards Breast Canser Awareness, my blog will featured partially in pink for the whole month of October 2007. It maybe not as much, just to share what I have learned from few of the sites that helped me create awareness and understanding. To my friends, hope you will share the same and join this noble cause.

Related links:

Pink For October Official Site

Radiologi Malaysia

Breast Canser Site

Breast Canser Online

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Today 27 September 2007 marks the day for all bloggers to unite and blog for a cause. BlogCatalog has launched a worldwide campaign against abuse covering many related topics mainly:

• Child Abuse
• Animal Abuse
• Domestic Abuse
• Sexual Abuse

Be a part of the campaign and join BlogCatalog's blogging for hope mission by showing your support. Blog about it and post your links to:

• Blog Discussions
• Blog Forum
• Email

Abuse cases is at it's alarming state and affects globally. BlogCatalog has taken up a noble role to highlight it's hope to alert the world. Prior to this, my knowledge on this issues seems to lack only to bear witness what's in the news on TV and newspapers. What will be my part if I were to comprehend it personally? Where do I go or what should I do?

• Report to the nearest Police station immediately.
• If injuries occurs, One Stop Crisis Center (Pusat Khidmat Bersepadu) services are available in all state hospitals in Malaysia.
• Report to Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat to gain Perintah Perlindungan Interim (IPO : Interim Protection Ordinance) or Perintah Perlindungan (PO : Protection Ordinance)

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Ok, the title may not appear to be as what you like it to be. If you are expecting some Extra Terrestrial post well then it's too bad. It's about my recent trip to the National Zoo. Yeah I know it's not a popular discovery topic but what the heck. I guess it was a calling after hearing about the visit Malaysia advertisement aired over the radios all the time.

So here I am making my confession. I’ve lived in Kuala Lumpur all my life and it’s a shame I have not been to most of the places even not knowing how to get there. Now I pledge to take the time to make these trips if not to all at least to most locations. It maybe a bit touristy but it will be part of my lifetime resolution. First Kuala Lumpur, next Malaysia then The Rest of the World, oh what a dreamer! Let’s continue...

I had made this trip on last Sunday, 23 September 2007 arrived almost 4pm. It started to rain when I reached there but it's did not deter me from continuing. So we went in purchase the RM15 entrance fee and handed with the bar code band to wrap around our wrist. As we are on the way in, we noticed from far this Chinese auntie at the entrance waving at us. She greeted us nicely and holds our wrist to point the bar code to the scanner. She then offered us the site map. As we bid goodbye to the nice auntie, the zoo train cum tour buggy arrived. We decided not to hop in and walk instead. As the zoo train pass by us, we were a little bit uncertain to start off our own tour. The map looks makes it look a long tour around the zoo. We decided on the left side where it points to the mammals’ area.

It was still raining. As we walk quarterly wet, we arrived at arch of the mammals’ area to snap my first photo of the tour. We move on after a few more shots and found ourselves waving at the giraffes trying to them to come nearer to us. The giraffes only gave us a glance as they are busy grazing their meals. Well, no chances to be up-close with the giraffes for now so we went on observe the groups of birds roaming the lake. They make funny sounds and movements like some kind of mating rituals. We stayed there for a while until we move on with the tour the rest of the mammal’s kingdom including the walk-in birdcage. It is interesting to know that most of the animals were sponsors by big local companies that have animals as the company’s logo like the Sumatran tigers was sponsored by Maybank and the camels by AMBank. During our walks we thought the rain got heavier, but it was the wild monkeys on the tree above us shake the branches. We did not expect to get fooled by the monkeys! We move on to the reptiles and the aquariums. Everything seems to be dark and gloomy everywhere. Overall, the best walk we had was the Savannah where it was this huge acre of land but sadly no animals there where it suppose to be probably taking shades else where due to the rain.

Maybe it’s the fasting month, not many activities are able to be held as the zoo closed early by 6pm when it was suppose to stay open until 10pm during weekend nights. Although we felt the trip somehow felt incomplete, we had our fun and laughs touring the zoo.

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Menara Tinjau Hulu Langat is the place to be for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. You will be fascinated by the panoramic view especially at night, breathtaking and complimented with the cozy breeze ideal for romantic or special occasions.

This is not my first visit to the place but it has been a while. First thing you have bear in mind being there is parking. A handful to overcome if you arrive at the wrong time! Words of advice:

• Drive compact car, space tends to be limited at times. Forget about convoying, car pool and squeeze like sardine cans! You have better chance riding motorcycle.
• There will never be a best time to go, especially at night and weekends. Come at your own risk and good luck!

Next is making the trip. Google Search "Menara Tinjau Hulu Langat" and read more about the place from other bloggers. Most of them have done a good job documenting their own experiences including pictures, address and maps. In a way, support their works!

On the other hand, once you are there you will forget what you have to anticipate. It is a nice place to clear off your mind and let it wonder about. Besides there are three choice of restaurants up there you can choose. Order your favorite drink, a meal or snack and enjoy stimulating conversations overlooking the beautiful sceneries.

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It started two months back when an ex-colleague of mine initiated a reunion for those people who has left Shangri-La and moved on with their lifes else where. We've planned to have an outing together once each month to catch up and share current perhaps updates on previous gossips.

For September, we had our mind on a pool BBQ where we all will chip in the cost and prepare it ourselves. It was to be hosted at one of our colleagues place in Jalan Ara, Bangsar.

It was just made for a simple beef and chicken BBQ with fries and mix vegetables on the side with ice cream for desert. We had hoped for a better turn out from the invitations this time but only the six of us ended up finishing all of it. We did not let it marred the occasion at all. We enjoyed cracking over stupid jokes and laugh as loud. Obviously not to forget gossiping the whole night about this and that. Being around them really brings back the good old memories when we've work together, laugh and scream at each other. It has been an enjoyable night all round and looking forward for the next occasion where many variety of deliciousness will be available during Ramadhan.

Oh yeah... I had volunteered myself to be the BBQ guy over the previous hosting experience and now my shoulders sores by the excessive fanning. I did practically cooked everything and well burnt some too only for the first batch. It has been a while since I let myself sweat in heat. I am just happy that people really enjoyed the fruits of my labour.

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I must confess it has been more than a decade that I have set my feet to this place. I have driven pass by it many times yet the thought of visiting has never came across before this. The last I remember being to this place when I was around 10 or 11 years old perhaps. Making this trip is revisiting history as well. Being in the spirits of the 50th National's Merdeka celebration, nothing felt worth going but to the Muzium Negara for a chance to commemorate the heritages that have been passed through generations. I vaguely remember it since the last time I’ve closed those history books for good during school.

As we arrive, first in sight were the historical locomotives. I was hoping to get closer look but it was barricaded and placed in high rise blocks. We then walk further to the displays of classic transportation. I just love the look of the Red Fire Engine, a classic. I bet it has served well during it heydays and it was the best display from the rest. We moved on to the main entrance and paid the fee. We walk in to the cultural area where it showcases our mixed race cultures and traditional marital ceremonies. After the end our walk in that area , we walk up to the upper level on the left and it hosted more detailed displays of our cultures including those of the natives “orang asli”. I am happy to see few tourists look very interested to look into the details as I walk by. Apart from the two areas that I have visited, I liked the last area the most. It brings you back from the early days of invasions of the Portuguese, Dutch, English so forth to the modern days prior and after independence with eye catching artifacts. We ended our trip by heading to the traditional Malay house located beside the Muzium Negara building.

It has been a good educational trip and was glad to make it but more effort needs to take place to encourage more visits. For me, the next visit probably will not be so soon.

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I would say that I felt so privileged to be one of those lucky people to house a home overlooking the KLCC Twin Towers and its surrounding concrete jungle. I was a few meters away from the front door when a distant colour spurge distracted my driving. I pulled over immediately when I realized it was actually fireworks on the horizon.

It was 11:20pm on a regular Friday night, and fireworks?! Obviously I was not aware of it. I wondered in amazement as I video recorded it. It was still aesthetically pleasing and definitely enjoyable from the distant that I was. I am sure that I will learn more about it in the news tomorrow.

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Some time ago, out of boredom we head out in the middle of the night hoping to catch the morning sunshine. At first, we thought of going to Port Dickson but felt it was too common. Some how I recall a name that I have heard from somewhere and thought of giving it a shot. The place in mind was Bagan Lalang in Sepang. It is an unfamiliar name to expect that it is an actual beach within this west coast area.

So we agreed upon and tried our luck hoping to find the way. It was definitely a long journey from Kuala Lumpur. We had no idea and relied totally on the signboards along the away towards Kuala Lumpur International Airport. We were excited to reach the turn to Bagan Lalang but realized that the journey was still up ahead. We pass by plantations, kampungs and towns before finding the actual beach area. When we arrive, we never thought that there was few local hotels already established and more in development. There was even a camp site and rows of restaurants. As we arrived there almost two am, we are so glad to find that two of the restaurant are open 24 hours at least to kill time. So we waited patiently for the time to pass by and having good company really compliments the trip. Listen to the ocean and feel the windy breeze while you sip your favorite drink having stimulating conversations. :-) There are sitting and barbeque area readily available. I had a chat with one of the restaurant owners to learn that although it has visitors over time, the place really lacks the promotion it deserve. They tried to highlight to the Sepang Municipal to rename as Bagan Lalang Beach but the effort failed. I agree it would help.

Well at the first sight of light, as we get ourselves ready for the discovery our feelings shattered to find debris of the ocean scattered everywhere. We already expected the waters not to be as clear as those in the East Coast but it was rather disappointing to find it such a way. Although marred by the tainted visions, we did not let it spoil our time being there. We continue strolling along the beach enjoying an imaginable debris free walk. With that said if I may say, Bagan Lalang has the potential to be further develop if necessary action is taken place.

p/s: I really wish I had taken better pictures but I only had my smartphone with me at the time. :-)

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I was invited by a close friend to do something that I would never think off. Fire a gun in the middle of Kuala Lumpur! At first I thought that I was about to get involve with crime. I had no idea there was a shooting gallery here furthermore in a shopping complex.

It is located in the City Square, 4th Floor Jalan Tun Razak Kuala Lumpur. Well, City Square has not been the place to be at these days, it has always been the quietest mall I have been to. We reach the gallery greeted with friendly faces and proceed to sign in. We had to hand in our identification card and our photos were taken for registration. We then had to sign few release form just in case of any legal obligation. Once registration completed, we decided to take upon the special package that cost us RM160 for two shooters with 50 rounds of bullets and we are all ready to go.

Before we get our hands on the pistol, we had to pass by 3 doors. The first door with card reader access equipped with metal detector to pass through. Then there was another door to access through for the reception cum storage area and another door to access the gallery. Once we are in, I notice rows of cubicles in blue and walls padded for sound proof features. The place is well maintained and has water cooler for refreshment.

Once we are settled in the assigned cubicle, we were debriefed by our instructor of the safety issues and the pistol features. It was a Colt 15 semi automatic and it is real! We was briefed on how to hold the gun correctly, load the bullets, safety on, squeezing the trigger and firing it. I had the gun in my hands and ready. It was all panic, nervous and excitement all rush in at the same time. I had loaded the bullets and the first shot was incredible yet pathetic, I squeal like a chick "ouch". The next rounds I really felt the blast of the gun and it's unbearable noise. You can still hear the loud bang through the ear covers and even with firm grip the blast will toss your hands away. I shot nearly 25 bullets on the go and my hands almost gone numb. It has been an good experience otherwise and I highly recommend it.



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It was the final day of the Malaysian Fireworks competition. Thousands of Malaysian stormed Putrajaya yesterday to witness the spectacles. I reckon Putrajaya has never been visited by many ever since and it was the day of the messiest traffic I had ever come across.

It was hard enough to find a parking spot in the first place. We had to circle around since there was many others had beat us to it by triple parking along the road side. I believe even the Police and the Rela had a hard time managing thousand of cars trying to get through.

We ended up at the end of the road exiting Putrajaya to the highway by double parking. Well, since everybody is doing so what the heck! We figure it would save us sometime when we leave later on. Our viewpoint was distant away from the Perdana Bridge where the fireworks will be but hey at least we made it. We've been to the launching and we were closer to the bridge so we have seen it up close. We waited patiently and the show started after two failed countdown that we heard from the Convention Center. Poor synchronization I guess but it don't really matter once it's started. The fireworks were surreal and accompanied by songs from the Convention Center. It's was the quite a show and let's say it was a good twenty minutes spend.

Now the worst part. After the show ends, that's when the havoc started. From 10:30pm we was in the car we witness the reality of Malaysian selfish drivers. From not giving way, to driving on the motorcycle lane even crossing over the opposite lane. We ended up playing number plate games and even figuring out how many cars in front of us. It took us two and half hours to reach back to Kuala Lumpur. Well, like what the old saying is "no pain, no gain".



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