Wonder Girls @ KLCC!

As some of you might know, the Wonder Girls are in town and they'll be performing at Twin Towers @Live 2011, a free, two night, outdoor concert to be celebrated at the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) as part of the activities of the Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix 2011.



In fact they should be performing any moment now. I wasn't able to take the day off as I'm still on probation, hence the ability to write this entry. Earlier on I asked the boss for a later shift as my friend invited me to their photoshoot at 1pm. Later on the organizers switched it to 8pm. So you could imagine how emo I felt knowing I couldn't make it to see them AND work a shift that ends at midnight. But despite being sad, I hope the fans would give them a warm welcome and cheer them on, after all this is their third performance in Malaysia in less than a year! And I heard they're actually the headliners. Is that awesome or what?!

My friend was nice enough to send me this shot on location through her iPhone (:



Other performers tonite include Yuna, The Azenders, Bunkface and American rock band Hoobastank. The following day will have Joe Flizzow, Mizz Nina, Colby O’Donis, and the Earth, Wind & Fire Experience featuring Al McKay. The concert is free, but there's also a “Fan Zone Area” for those who buy grandstand tickets. Grandstand ticket holders not only get to be at the “Fan Zone Area” at the Twin Towers’ concert but also be able to enjoy the big Formula 1 race this Sunday and Rain’s concert right after. I happen to be going on race day so I'll update on that later.

Wonder Girls Forever!

PEACE & God Bless,
Aris Tee

Clear Insight

So how are first impressions of driving a hybrid car? Took the Honda Insight for a brief spin recently.

The hybrid vehicle market is still a young one here in Malaysia, with the Toyota Prius making waves while others closely catching up. Hot on Toyota’s heels is Honda with their second-generation Insight, and I recently had the opportunity to do a short test drive of this hybrid car.



Upon approaching the Insight one thing was apparent; it was a real looker. The sleek lines may take function over form, but it seems wind tunnel tests carved in rather neat proportions.



The front and rear headlamps take on a modern hexagon theme while the deep front bumper and corporate grill gives it an imposing look.







Four colors are available - Dyno Blue Pearl, Alabaster Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl and Premium White Pearl. Black Pearl and Premium White Pearl look sleek but personally Dyno Blue Pearl (pictured here) is just wicked!!
Upon stepping inside, you are greeted by a futuristic cockpit area with a dashboard akin to a spaceship, yet it still carries familiar Honda DNA, especially with the steering wheel.



Tapping on the pedals brings the engine to life with a soft purr. Driving slowly around the corners lets you appreciate the silence of the Insight’s electric motor-assisted 1.3L i-VTEC engine.





Acceleration is smooth thanks to the Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and if you flick the ‘ECON’ switch the car converts to economy mode, at the expense of 4% less engine power (honestly you can't really feel the difference). The digital speedometer seemingly ‘floats’ like those numeric countdowns usually seen before a 3D movie and it’s really cool when seen in motion. The dash area behind it glows a bright green when you’re driving economically and progressively changes to blue whenever you drive vigorously. However, the difference in pickup wasn’t really that noticeable. In ‘ECON Mode’ there is also a ‘Scoring Function’ as form of feedback to your driving style. The car ‘rewards’ you with green ‘leaves’ if you drive responsibly and when continued over a period of time you may even score a ‘trophy’. It is also interesting to note that the engine switches off at each standstill and restarts every time you accelerate (with assistance of the electric motor). Sure gave me a shock at the first junction. The transition is almost seamless and by running only on motor during traffic lights and traffic jams, unnecessary petrol wastage is prevented. The Insight also gains battery charge each time you brake and this is clearly shown on the dash (it also shows when the electric motor is assisting the engine).



Even when driven enthusiastically uphill the Insight was smooth and felt like the equivalent of a 1.5L vehicle. And with the motor assisting it almost full-time, expect wonderful mileage from this hybrid.

The interior also feels spacious thanks to the large amount of glass area, including a neat window on the boot due to the high rump.





This adds to safety and gives you a clearer view of your surroundings, not to mention they are of heat-absorbing glass for added comfort. The Insight also comes with twin front airbags, six (yes six!) cup holders and in-car entertainment unit that includes a USB jack. The car should comfortably seat a family of five with enough boot space for three golf bags.





The Honda Insight is now available for booking with a RM98,000 on-the-road price (with insurance) with 5-year Honda warranty, making it the cheapest hybrid currently on sale here. Road tax costs only RM70 and with the government offering no tax charges for its hybrid status I believe it is a good deal. Booking fee is RM1,000 with deliveries taking approximately a few months. I admit I've already fallen in love with it myself!

Radically Sushi

What does Avatar, the Green Hornet and a Kobe quake have to do with a sushi joint? Read on to find out.

Mention the word ‘sushi’ and the first thing that comes to mind are little rice dishes rolling on conveyor belts with a traditional Japanese setting and possibly some tatami mats thrown into the mix. Robot Sushi however, chose to forgo the norm and go contemporary. Me and a friend recently had the privilege of trying out some of their dishes. The sushi outlet features a radical atmosphere which oozes of the funky and modern. Upon steeping inside it was immediately apparent that this was no ordinary sushi joint, especially with the fashionable décor and ambient lighting.









The groovy theme doesn’t stop just there, in fact it extends to the names of the dishes served; from Avatar Rolls to Tsunami and Eelectric (pun intended) ones, and there is no shortage of creativity involved here. Starting off with a bang, we tried the Kobe Quake Roll (RM17.90), which was cream cheese wrapped generously in a unagi (eel), tuna and shrimp mix.



The combination of cooked and raw ingredients matched well with the crunchy tempura bits, making this roll an attractive choice. Next up was the interesting-looking Baby Dragon Roll (RM12.90), which like its namesake is shaped like a dragon and made from shrimp tempura, unagi, crab salad roll and layered with avocado and tobiko (flying fish roe).



The roll is so nicely decorated you might find yourself hard-pressed to actually consume it.
For something lighter, you could try the Calamari Ring (RM8.90).



These crispy deep fried squid rings are marinated and breaded with a special flour mixture and are simply tender! They also make great appetizers. A personal favourite of mine would be the Groovy Salmon (RM9.90), which features chunks of deep fried salmon belly tossed in sweet, black sauce.



It’s simple yet delicious; trust me you won’t stop at one.

Salmon fans would be delighted to know that there’s also the Salmon Teppanyaki (RM19.90), which is sizzling salmon cooked in hot plate accompanied with mixed vegetables.



Those wanting some rice on the other hand should check out the Curry Bibimbab (RM16.90).



Served on a hot nabe bowl, it features Japanese-style curry chicken with rice topped with raw egg. Mix it all up and you’ll get gastronomic bliss.

 

And if noodles are your thing, then the Grilled Chicken Udon (RM16.90) is for you.



The chicken goes well with the soup, and this is further complemented by mushrooms and egg.
For drinks, check out their Mojito (RM16.90).



This classic is made from Bacardi Rum, soda water, and lime juice topped with mint leaf, lime chunk and lychee. For the less adventurous, there’s also the Bling Bling (RM9.30), a dazzling concoction of orange and pineapple juice mixed with passion fruit and grenadine syrup. Interesting to note too is that Robot Sushi has an in-house bar which serves an assortment of drinks to your liking. And that's not all, if you're in the mood for dessert, the joint serves Gelaré ice cream!



Robot Sushi also features a variety of specials for each day of the week. Students should take note that every Thursday is ‘College and Student Night’, where you may get 30%-off Salmon Sashimi and enjoy ‘buy one free one’ cocktail or mocktail from 7pm to 10pm (student ID is required). Guys will be pleased to know that in addition to ‘Ladies Nite’ on Wednesday, there’s ‘Guys Night Out’ on Friday, where various offers and discounts are available, in addition to cool tunes spun by the resident DJ. Tuesdays’ ‘Sushi Galore’ should prove popular where it’s 50%-off sushi ALL DAY LONG!



Also worth noting is the sushi joint also offers a number of rolls for takeaway and some easy-to-eat ‘Grab & Go’ Sushi Rolls that range between RM1.90 to RM4.50, with crazy names like Nuclear Chick Roll, Atomic Roll and Green Hornet Roll.





So if you want a someplace unusual to have a sushi date or chill with friends, just give Robot Sushi a try; you won’t be disappointed.

Robot Sushi
OB3, LG2, 1B, Lower Ground 2,
Blue Atrium, Sunway Pyramid
Tel: 03-56221343
http://www.robotsushi.com.my/

New Horizon

And so it's been almost a month here at my new workplace. Things have been... different. It's taking some getting used to, especially the odd hours, different work jobs and of course, the different environment. Having to drive to work at the time you used to come back from lunch, you'll appreciate how much less stressful it is with little traffic jam. Work is (for this month) is from 2pm-10pm, so dinner's usually around the office area. the drive home is smooth with mostly clear roads as well, and I'm able to have later nights than I'd usually have. Work is somewhat less stressful than what I used to do. They are more spread apart, meaning you can have more time making sure things turn out nice. Working under a bigger company meant a lot more people are involved, and things work differently. But thankfully my seniors are really nice, they've been teaching me well these few weeks. I sure hope I'll be up to speed (and standard) as soon as I can. Still plenty to learn, with more graphics work than layouts now.

But with every pros also come cons. The stress is different this time, like cracking my head over stuff which I've either no idea how to solve, or simply things I haven't done for a while. Or at times just stuff I'm not good at. For instance I dislike graphs. I friggin hate them... and most things that utilise math, figures and numbers. But it's part of the job at times now so I really have to live with it. I did an info-graphic in my first week that I really love too, and it sure gave me some much-needed work satisfaction boost. I just wished there was a way to do a bit of writing as well, like what I used to do. Social life with friends is almost non-existent, with the awkward work hours. Either you're free at a time when everyone's working, or you're free when everyone wants to go to bed. Sometimes all I long for is for a simple chill session or to go party the night away with friends. At times it just feels like a lot to wish for now. I work on alternate weekends, with replacements on certain weekdays in between. Being a very social person, stuff like these are important to me, so I really value these few and far-apart time-offs I have, spending time with buddies or ex-colleagues (well, personally I'd prefer to call them friends now as well). I even drop by to have lunch with them occasionally... and I have to say I miss them a lot, and those little moments I have with them make me really happy.

Things have been different, and despite all the changes, uncharted territory and such, I also have to admit I miss writing as apart of my routine. I'm not sure why, but perhaps having done it for more than two years really made it a part of my life. Without it, it feels as though a part of me died. I miss the little satisfaction of knowing you've got all your thoughts out on print, with people reading it, not knowing the author is right beside them. And the occasional comments you get on your articles when a reader actually recognizes you. Like how my friend Yeevs would say, "It's writer's pride. No-one can take that away from you." I couldn't agree more. Other than that, there's also the kick you get from having all the photos and also the overall layout done by you as well. But hey, it's still too early to jump to conclusions. One thing's for sure, I should finally have more time for blogging, which I have done lesser and lesser since I started writing for my previous company. The last two years have been my slowest as far as blogging is concerned, so I'll continue doing what I love, which is writing bout food, movies, music and everything under the sun, albeit in online form. So in a way, I am keeping the writing part of me alive. Writer's pride... let's see how this goes.

raptor's Blog is back... and it's here to stay baby~

PEACE & God Bless,
Aris Tee

Awakening Pen

I don't believe I have shown this before. It's an 'Awakening Pen' which I bought at a convenience store on my way to Hakone, Japan last year.



Hilariously labeled as 'Awaking Pen', it's based on EVA-01 from Evangelion 2.0: You Must (Not) Advance. The pen is an official product, as seen from all the official labels and logos.




Here is where the Japanese display their quirky sense of humor. In the movie, EVA-01 'awakens' at the climax...




Umm... basically we see the green deco on its body turn reddish-orange.



Now you can relive that moment with this very pen! Just twist the body, and not only does the tip appear, it also caused the green parts of the pen to turn reddish-orange. How's that for sheer ridiculousness?





You gotta love the Japanese for elaborating something so simple. My heart goes out to their people, still working hard to face the disaster that recently befell them.

PEACE & God Bless,
Aris Tee