Well, he’s in Penang. Here are the details:

Meet Asimo

Where: Queensbay Mall

When: Thurs – Sunday (Nov 27 – 30)

Time: 11am – 8pm, appearances at 2 hourly intervals

Note: there is also a Doraemon event going on at Queensbay so it’s another bonus!

If robots aren’t your stuff, then check these out…

Penang Floral Fest – Floral Fantasy

Where: Penang Botanic Gardens

When: Sat (Nov 29) – Sunday (Dec 7)

Time: 9am – 7pm

Shows and events there:

Children drawing competition: Nov 29, 9am

Official opening at Penang Botanic Garden: Nov 30, 9.30am – noon

Floral competition: Nov 29, 9am

Floral parade: Nov 30, 9am

Floral Fairy Competition, Nov 30, 9am

Orchid Show and Competition at Formal Garden

Adenium show & Competition at Formal Garden

Floral Art Exhibition at Information Center

Garden / Landscape Competition,

Floral Enclave Exhibition,

Nature Education Outreach Exhibition

Pesta Pulau Pinang

Where: Pesta site, Sungai Nibong

When: Nov 29 – Dec 31

Time: 6pm – 11.30pm

Entrance: RM3 per person & RM1 for children

Christmas at Little Penang Street Market

Where: Upper Penang Road

When: Sunday (Nov 30)

Time: 11am – 6pm

Events: Mek Mulung, Jazz, Christmas carols

Oh and I almost forgot:

DAP Victory Dinner

Who: Lim Guan Eng, Anwar Ibrahim, Lim Kit Siang

Where: Han Chiang School

When: Friday (Nov 28)

Time: 7.30pm

Contact: 04-2288482

So, there you have it. From robots to flowers to Christmas carols. Should be interesting enough. As for what’s been happening in Penang for the past week or so…here are some links to the top news in Penang:

1. Unesco heritage listing: Height of new projects capped at 18m – The Sun

2. 23-storey hotel may jeopardise heritage listing says Teng – The Sun

3. Penang PPP to BN: Shape up or we ship out – Malaysiakini

4. Hindraf slams police over prayer warning – Malaysiakini

5. Gerakan: Use our plan – NST

6. More protest WiFi plan – The Star

7. Don’t speculate on signboard vandalism says police – The Star

8. New life for Penang Road – The Star

9. We used same guide, says Guan Eng – NST

10. Penang told to study impact of projects at heritage sites – The Sun

11. No reckless clearing at Botanic Gardens – The Sun

12. Kings of Tennis inquiry findings to be made public next month – The Sun

13.  Shopping haven is next – NST

And of course, there are the news about the multilingual road signs and the vandalism and etc. Too sick and tired about all those crap so not going to add links to the news of that here.

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Sad. But what to do? The organiser did not pay the producer so the players aren’t coming without being paid.

Never mind that the tickets to the event (costing RM200 – RM1200 each) for all 5000 seats were all sold out. The organisers just could not make the payment.  No, that’s not just hearsay. It’s in the news and for the actual detailed press statement from Kings of Tennis producer in Sweden, go here.

Oh alright, so the tennis thing is not going to happen but there’s plenty of other things you could go to.

For example, there’s an Anti-ISA candelight vigil over at Esplanade this Saturday night. Go here for details.

Just be careful when singing the national anthem when there. It may spark off some violent reactions from men in uniforms who will suddenly turn deaf and insist that they didn’t do it during the singing of the national anthem.

You just never know nowadays.

Not your thing? Never mind.

You can go for these…

A Night at the Theatre – a charity concert by Priscilla Ballet at Dewan Sri Pinang, Saturday night. Call 04-2276918 / 04-6448209 for details.

International Meatless Carnival – roadside next to the Esplanade, Sunday, 11am – 3pm.

A Night of Nostalgia – cutthroat high class dinner disguised as charity dinner at E & O Hotel, Friday night.Call Karen 012-4985119 for details.

I am definitely going for the international meatless day carnival. Mainly because I bought some coupons after being ‘attacked’ by a friend who had to sell them.

heheh..also, I’d stay away from the bridge and its vicinity this Sunday as it is the Penang International Bridge Run and roads will be closed, traffic congested, people running on the road, etc.

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Venue: Komtar, Geodesic Dome

Time: 2pm

Date: Nov 8

It is open to the public and anyone can go there to air their opinions and views on the Penang WiFi project.

If you want this project, GO.

If you DON’T want this project, GO.

Oh, and while there, do speak up. According to the CM, if anyone can show concrete proof that WiFi is bad for health, he will cancel the project.

By the way, here are some other events in Penang you may be up to going for…

What: St Martin Celebration & Lantern Walk

Where: Malaysian-German Society, Air Itam

When: Saturday (Nov 8), 5.30pm – 8pm.

Contact: 04-2296853

What: Dealing with Grief and Loss Talk

Where: WOU, Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah

When: Saturday (Nov 8), 1.30pm – 5pm

Contact: 04-2289323

What: Interfaith Memorial Service

Where: Mount Miriam Hospital, Tanjung Bungah

When: Saturday (Nov 8),9.30am

Contact:04-893 2182

And here are some of the Penang news for this week or so…

1. Penang State Government Claimed it was conned by bogus Matex official – The Sun

Wahahahahah…that was so DARN ridiculous!

2. Granny among 15 smokers caught puffing in public places – The Sun

And who says grannies can’t smoke?

3. Suit against road signs – Malaysiakini

Haih…mo ngan tai…(Sigh…don’t even want to bother anymore)

4. Penang Gerakan backs multi-lingual road signs – Malaysiakini

5. Does Penang need another golf course – The Star

6. Work on doubletrack railway to resume – The Star

7. Police busted men frolicking while clad in only towels – NST

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So, if you are planning to get a saree or a kurta or a punjabi suit, now is the best time as there are plenty of choices and you can really bargain for a good price. I’m not going to write much about it since the carnival is until Saturday night only so I’ll just post some pictures to show you what it’s all about. It is supposed to be held from the afternoon till midnight these few days.

Festival of Lights...Deepavali Carnival at Little India

Be careful walking along the narrow roads as cars try to squeeze past between those stalls

Multi-coloured Indian apparel aplenty

The Indian junkfood, my favourite kind!

Indian sweets / desserts to satisfy your sugar cravings

The Deepavali Carnival is sponsored by Digi of the yellow rubber suit man fame...but no yellow rubber suit man here.

Flowers and garlands

It was launched by the CM at around 8pm. Since it was drizzling when we were there, we did not really stay on to wait for CM to arrive. All in all, this is a great cultural event for tourists and locals alike. Most locals will take this opportunity to go shopping at Little India!

A note of caution: Be careful when walking along the roads as cars and bikes still pass by these narrow roads and yes, snatch thefts is still very much rampant.

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Babywearing the Brangelina way

More babywearing the Brangelina way

Seriously, those two needed to educate themselves on the true etiquette and style of babywearing. You can’t just tot those kids around barehanded!

This is the fashionable way for a successful babywearing career:

This is the correct babywearing way - picture taken from www.comfyjoey.com

See? It is much, much easier, more comfortable and you can even go:

“Look ma, no hands!”

And the baby won’t fall off or anything.

And you’d be the most fashionable amongst all fashionistas because you have the latest fashion accessory ever, a baby!

So, why don’t you start babywearing now? Just get rid of all those pesky, troublesome, bulky, heavy strollers.The best part about all this is that you don’t even have to be a female to indulge in a spot of babywearing. Look…

Men can also practice babywearing - picture taken from http://sakurabloombabyslings.wordpress.com/2008/09/22/men-in-slings-30/

Okay, so what’s the whole point of this post other than pointing out at babywearing people?

Well, there’s gonna be a babywearing event next weekend:

What: Babywearing Event at Little Penang Street Market in conjunction with International Babywearing Week

Where: Upper Penang Road

When: Oct 26, 10am – 5pm.

So, if you need to find out more about babywearing and how to become part of the fashionable babywearing people, go on over to the event to find out more.

Otherwise, you can also check out The Babywearer.

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Yep, Monday is the start of the Nine Emperor Gods Festival where the Chinese celebrate the event the only way they know how…FOOD! Err…of course, they also throng the temples to offer prayers and whatnots lar…heheh…

Still, as far as I remember, this festival has always meant a whole load of vegetarian food will be sold for more than a week. Nine days to be exact. I used to love going to the makeshift stalls set up along Madras Lane to test out the various creative vegetarian food on sale.

Sadly, over the years, the food quality have deteriorated and the prices have increased! Since it is a once a year ‘business’ for some of them, the hawkers seemed to think it is alright that they apply the samurai sword when fixing prices for their foods…cut-throat prices lah. It used to be that I could get a decent full meal with less than RM5 for rice, snacks, drinks and even desserts, now, you’d be even lucky to get a plate of rice with some dishes for RM5!

Also, despite the foods being vegetarian and all, most aren’t very healthy so don’t think that you spend the whole nine days paying exhorbitant prices for small mouthfuls of oily food will make you healthier. Most of the foods are swimming in oil and though it’s vegetable oil, too much oil is still not a good thing okay? And then there are the loads of preserved vegetarian foods that were made to look and taste like meat, chicken, fish, cuttlefish…etc..etc… Too much preservatives aren’t good either. Let’s not forget the amount of salt and MSG they dump into most of the foods!

Anyway, there are still some stalls with reasonably priced and quite good vegetarian food during this nine-day festival. All you need to do is to look for them! And it’s not necessarily at Madras Lane since there will be makeshift stalls selling vegetarian food practically everywhere.

The festival starts on Sept 29 and ends on Oct 7.

Oh, and one more thing, be prepared for rainy days throughout the period. It ALWAYS rained during the Nine Emperor Gods festival, it is only a matter of how much and how long. So, remember to bring a raincoat and umbrella along with you.

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I went to the place and did a review here…to put it in a nutshell, don’t even bother going because it is bound to be a waste of time. It is a total failure.

UPDATED ON SEPT 26:

Looks like there’s some problems so the bazaar opening was delayed until OCT 1.

Original blog post:

You know, there’s this saying that if you can’t beat them, might as well join them. Pesta Pulau Pinang has been tagged as the big, month long pasar malam (night market) for years now. Despite numerous attemps at revamping the annual event, it still fails miserably and is still one big month-long night market.

Now, with a new state government at the helm, instead of fighting this image, they decided to work around it instead. Starting on Sept 20 (this weekend!), it will become an ASEAN Cultural Centre, thus there will be an Asean Bazaar. To read more about this ‘makeover’ go here.

Asean Bazaar

Here are the details of the Asean Bazaar:

When: Sept 20 – Oct 31, 2008

Where: Sungai Nibong Pesta Site

Time: 3pm – 9pm daily

What: Cultural exhibition from Asean countries with sale of handicrafts and cuisine

Entrance is free so if you have no where to go this weekend, you can check it out for the fun of it.

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So, if you are against the draconian ISA, do show your support for Suaram’s Anti-ISA night on Sunday:

What: Anti-ISA Night

Where: Dewan Sri Pinang

When: 9pm, Sept 14, Sunday

Who: Everyone in support of the anti-ISA cause for the release of all ISA detainees including the latest three detainees

Wear: Black clothes to show full support

You need to know more about the event, call 012-8756179. So, be sure that you are there!

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Here are some of the news that’s happening in Penang and Malaysia (that affects Penang or are simply riveting reads) of late:

• Pakatan moots Sept 16 public holiday – Malaysiakini
  
• Arif Shah may go for division top post -  The Star
• Party wants Ahmad punished – NST
• Don’t forget Penanti folk, deputy CM advised – NST
• Anwar nasihat Fairus turun padang – Malaysiakini
• Othman Abdul nafi beri wang pada ahli Permatang Pauh – Malaysiakini
• Hilltop traders feeling the crunch – The Star
  
• Melting pot of harmony – The Star
• Anwar’s bid for federal power – wishful thinking? – Asia Sentinel
• Penang Mulling Sept 16 Holiday, Most Likely From Next Year – Bernama
• Anwar reminded about sacrifices of Permatang Pauh electorate – Bernama
• Dari PP ke parlimen ke PJ – Malaysia Today
  
• The offending article that got MT blocked – Malaysia Today
• Welder put out of nut misery – The Star (not in Penang but a must read – simply hilarious!)
• Budget of no significance for many – Malaysia Today

Well, that’s the news all done with.

Here are some upcoming events:

1. It’s the start of Ramadhan so naturally, there are Ramadhan bazaars everywhere for a whole month.

Where: Komtar Pedestrian Mall

- and any other large empty spaces such as the mosque compound in Bayan Baru and pasar malam sites. The trick is to scout around for places with lots of canopies and cars parked illegally especially during breaking fast time (around 7pm, I think) and you’ve hit the jackpot!

What: Food galore, mostly Malay ethnic foods such as satay, ayam percik, ayam panggang, etc.

When: Sept 1 to 30, 2008 – mostly from 4pm onwards or possibly 5pm, depending on individual stalls.

2. Window on Penang Expo 2008

Where: G-Hotel Gurney Drive

What: An expo for expatriates to check out Penang as a choice for a second home under the Malaysia My Second Home project.

When: Sept 10, 2008 – 9.30am – noon

Who to call: If you are lost or need directions or simply need to know more about this event, call 016-4570221 and ask for Michelle Grimsley.

3. It is now the Mooncake Festival also known as Lantern Festival also known as Mid-Autumn Festival which will culminate in loads of children taking to the streets with lanterns at nights and mooncakes being sold at every retail stores, shopping complexes and supermarkets.

What: A cultural event mostly celebrated by the Chinese which dates back to ancient times in China.

Where: Anywhere but the official events are coming up nearing middle of the month so I will announce the dates and time then.

When: It is on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of the Chinese calender but it is generally celebrated from now till the actual day. This year, the day falls on Sept 14.

That’s it for now. Till another day. Do check back here for more updates in future.

Or better still, subscribe to my site lar! It’s free and hassle free.

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The celebration starts this morning. If you want to walk with the Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, make sure you join the Street of Harmony Walk starting from the Town Hall at 10am.

A lot of activities are also planned tomorrow and on Sunday. Here’s the map and programme of what’s happening:

Here are the progammes of events you can take part in today, tomorrow and Sunday:

The main launching and celebrations with fireworks is on Saturday. Check out the programme here:

And the last day of celebrations:

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