Waves Lifestyle Issue #03 (Sep 2011)

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JB CIQ COMPLEXTourism Malaysia Tourist Information Centre

JB SENTRALTourism Malaysia Tourist Information Centre

JOTICJohor Tourist Information Centre

JB CITY SQUAREInformation Counter BoniaPappaRichThe Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

AEON BUKIT INDAHInformation CounterManchu

KSL CITY MALLInformation CounterSembonia

IOI MALL (KULAI)Information Counter

PLAZA PELANGIThe Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

SUTERA MALL Manchu

TAMAN SUTERAPappaRich

TAMAN IMPIAN EMASRestoran Agus

TAMAN UNIVERSITIRestoran Agus

TAMAN UNGKU TUN AMINAHRestoran Agus

JALAN IBRAHIMAnnalakshmi

KEBUN TEHTutti Frutti (Pusat Perdagangan Kebun Teh, Jln Kebun Teh 1)

PUBLIC BANK TOWERLobby

CITY PLAZA TOWERLobby

SENAI AIRPORTThe Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

Also:Selected Taxis & Hotels

Download the online version fromWWW.JBCOOL.COM

Disclaimer

WAVES is a publication of True Soul Entertainment. Although WAVES magazine has does its best to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of its contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibilities for errors, mistakes and inaccuracies. The publisher reserves the rights of this product and no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the permission of the publisher.

Competitions/Contests are open to everyone, with the exception of employees of WAVES. All photos submitted for competitions and editorial may be published by WAVES magazine.

Letters and reader's contribution may be edited at our discretion.

KDN PP 17343/04/2012 (029691)PUBLISHED BY TRUE SOUL ENTERTAINMENTPRINTED BY gAN SENg PRINTINg ( M ) SDN BHD, 100, JALAN TAMPOI, 81200, JOHOR BAHRU

team

e d i t o rmanisha dhalani

w r i t e r s

c o n t r i b u t o r s

p h o t o s

a d v e r t i s i n g

kay tan (k-director) richelle gan

priya manikamzaki (jbcool.com)

erlina sidikjohn beh

vicky chong (orchid row)

nicholas vincentmorguefile

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edey suresh (+6 012 7265286)sandy geraldine (+6 016 7408507)

Hey there!

May I start with wishing all our Muslim readers a happy and prosperous Eid -- Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri! We hope everyone is enjoying the double celebration for us Malaysians this year, with Raya and Merdeka festivities falling at the same time.

In this issue of WAVES, we bring to you special features on the latest events across Johor Bahru, including a spread on photos from various Ramadhan Bazaars that were contributed by our readers.

Read on to get great insights on fashion and check out the latest food spots that we have searched out for you to try. Do also flip through our stories on health and travel, as well as the latest addition in WAVES - the playlist page.

Once again, Eid Mubarak to all our Muslim readers, and have a happy and safe holiday!

Cheers,Manisha Dhalani

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR!Send in your feedback, suggestions, articles and enquiries to our editor with the subject “HEY EDITOR!” to [email protected].

Don’t forget to leave your name and the best letter will get featured and may stand a chance to win a lucky prize!

EMAIL [email protected]

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FACEBOOK and TWITTER COMMENTS:@biGBorneo Hi! We got the magazine already! Thanks so much :) great articles! Congrats once again on a successful launch!

Mithil M Tawde It’s a fabulous magazine. Would love to see many more issues. Keep up the good work.

Priya Sasi Interesting mag with lots of energy and inspiring stories. Keep up the good job.

Delwin KeasberryLooking forward to reading this!

WHAT’S NEW

With the motto of “YOU DESERVE THE REWARDS”, Treato Lifestyle Club (TLC) was launched in June 2011, with a soft launch event at Sutera Mall in early August.

TLC is a membership card plan that provides a variety of lifestyle concepts ranging from discounts at their merchant outlets, events, lots of vouchers and an assortment of prizes. It also offers a ‘Your Dream Come True’ service, where you can tell them which merchants you would like to see in their list and more! Every ‘wish’ submitted is rewarded with FREE vouchers!

TLC’s models and promoters worked the crowd well, signing them up for TLC Membership cards and explaining about the bountiful of benefits that awaits them. Members who signed up during the soft launch were further rewarded with either gadgets or movie tickets and heaps of vouchers from TLC’s merchants and sponsors. The crowd took pictures with TLC’s models and children were treated to balloons.

TLC’s current mission is to increase the list of merchants by at least 10 to 20 per month to cater to its’ subscribers needs. They also plan to organise many ‘Members Day’ special offers, events and activities in order to stay true to the fresh concept to empower you to change your lifestyle choices, giving you greater control and freedom to live life to the fullest and shop with better benefits!

To subscribe to TLC membership cards, feel free to drop by at any participating merchant stores/outlets.

Treato Lifestyle Club Soft Launch 5th to 7th August 2011

Bazaar Ramadhan Across JB

COMMUNITY

Across Singapore

Bazaar Ramadhan

fASHION

Wearable Vintage

Vintage fashion has been around for a long time but interest in it has significantly increased in the past 10 years or so. What exactly is vintage fashion and clothing? A piece of clothing or accessory is considered to be vintage if it was made between the 1920s and the 1980s. Each era is synonymous with its own distinctive style; like loud retro prints of the 70s and shoulder pads in the 80s.

Where once the trendsetting crowd was obsessed with dressing “modern”; the vintage look has become highly desirable as contemporary designers seek inspirations from the past for their modern collections and high street brands produce vintage-inspired clothing that are accessible to the masses. Celebrities like Sienna Miller and the Olsen twins, who are well known for their eclectic sense of style, have also made wearing vintage extremely chic and trendy.

Though vintage inspired fashion is popular; some people are hesitant to buy true vintage clothing because they are perceived as used, old and mildewed clothes. This is partially true but almost all vintage retailers are also laundry experts who spend significant time cleaning, restoring and preserving their goods before they can be sold to the customer. In addition, not all vintage clothing are second-hand - a small percentage of vintage clothing are excess stock from warehouses and designers who have stopped producing. Known as deadstock vintage, these are rare and can be identified as their original labels and price tags are still intact.

Nonetheless, vintage lovers still prefer buying true vintage to create their own unique style and avoid the “mass-produced” look. With vintage, you can be rest assured that you are wearing a one-of-kind piece that no one else has! This is particularly handy when you are looking for an outfit for a special event. Buying a unique and exclusive piece from a store will likely cost you an arm and a leg; but a 60s vintage dress will give you the same at only a fraction of the cost.

BY ERLINA SIDIK

About the Author Erlina is the owner and founder of Erlina’s Vintage, an online vintage store based in Singapore which specializes in whimsical yet wearable vintage clothing. Erlina’s Vintage is targeted at the style-savvy individual who likes to inject a little bit of fun into her wardrobe with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. All items featured in this article can be found at the online store WWW.ERLINASVINTAGE.COM. For more information, email [email protected].

If you’re ready to jump onto the vintage bandwagon; here are some tips on how you can easily work vintage into your existing wardrobe:

Most importantly, the key to wearing vintage is to have fun experimenting with different looks!

Don’t wear vintage from head to toe. Mix-and-match a vintage item with your regular clothing to create a

modern look with a retro edge.

1980s Fabric Tote Bag 1970s Paisley Print Scarf

Mix and Match for wearable vintage: Vintage Alexander McQueen jacket with jeans

1970s Vintage with peter pan collars, which is all the rage this season

Accessorise your everyday outfit with vintage scarves and bags to add a vintage charm to your look.

Fashion often comes full circle hence select pieces that are on-trend with current styles.

If there is something that you like about a vintage piece but feel that it’s a little to old-fashioned for

your style - take it to a tailor. Simple adjustments like shortening lengths and removing sleeves can update the look yet still maintain its vintage vibe.

First of all, I'd like to wish all the Muslim readers a blessed Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

This major celebration marks the beginning of the new year in the Muslim calendar, and boy, do we celebrate it in style. For the women, new “bajus” are a must for the festivities and preparations can start as early as right after the previous Hari Raya. Most times, women would spend more than a few hundred dollars in creating their Hari Raya pieces!

From a fashion point of view, Hari Raya is definitely a season I look forward to as I believe most women flex their creative muscles in fashioning their own clothes. The designs, colours and fabric are of their own choices and the pieces created are a reflection of their own personality and style. And this year is no exception.

Based on my observations from the past Hari Raya celebrations, I would say that there are a few crucial aspects of what would make a beautiful baju raya.

The Colourful World of

Hari rayaAbout the Author Vicki is the owner of Orchid Row (www.orchidrow.com), a Brunei shopping blog that talks about fashion, beauty and everything in between. The blog was founded in May 2010 and has featured various online and brick-and-mortar stores, locally and internationally, as well as, some of her own shopping anecdotes. Visit her website, or follow her on Twitter (@OrchidRow) today!

Watch this space as she brings to you monthly bites on the latest fashion tips, tricks and trends. This month, Vicki talks about the five best ways to be savvy while you’re out shopping when there’s a sale on at your favourite store or mall!

fASHION

EMbrOIDErYThe one feature of the baju raya, that could make the simplest baju kurung stand out, is the embroidery. The elaborate and exquisite embroidery commonly found on the more celebratory outfits are truly a sight to behold. Embroidering is no easy task and takes great skill to be perfect.

WOrkMANSHIpThis aspect should be a no-brainer for all types of outfits. I have seen beautiful fabric and a glimmer of a gorgeous design being made ugly just because of poor workmanship. I had always thought it was a pity. However, if your seamstress is a true professional, the excellent workmanship would shine and everyone will be able to tell that you are wearing a piece of quality work.

I, myself, have tried my hand in designing a baju raya for the celebrations, but so far, I think I still have a lot to learn. Creating a baju raya is definitely not an easy thing to do!

Again, I really have to applaud the creativity of the women who had created the gorgeous baju kurung they wore this Hari Raya. Each year, I never fail to see many beautiful baju rayas and it makes this most special occasion even more exciting for me.

With that, I do hope to see more exciting fashion in the next Hari Raya. Selamat Hari Raya, everyone!

COlOrS It is to be expected that Hari Raya would see a burst of colours among the celebrants. However, as fashion always does, the styles of the Hari Raya wear kept on evolving. Nowadays, we see women being more subtle and classy in color-coordinating. Dark browns contrasting with pale pinks, bright patterns against solid color block background, and more beautiful combinations.

fAbrICThe choices of fabrics for the modern baju raya are endless. We’ve seen silk, chiffon, muslin and more in today’s baju kurung. Although these fabrics are fairly common, it is the various combinations of these fabrics that pull our attention.

80 HAJI LANE, SINGAPOREWWW.fABULOUSfADS.COM

Fabulous Fads’ unveiling of its premier boutique at 80 Haji Lane. The brand is a local online luxury fashion retailer offering exclusive designs from British and European labels. Early this year, Fabulous Fads opened its multi-label boutique comprising the latest trends from a selection of talented designers, some of whom had appeared on the London Fashion Week 2010.

Three new labels have been added to their Spring/Summer 2011 collections at the boutique – Nancy Dee, Eucalyptus and Ivana Basillota – which offer avant-garde and unorthodox womenswear designs that are synonymous to the brand.

Fabulous Fads was founded by Malay singer/songwriter Salma Jailani who has number 1 hits under her belt, with her songs being featured on MTV Asia and even nominated at Anugerah Planet Muzik 2004, a prestigious Malay music awards. In early October 2010, she decided to pursue her passion for fashion and set up the online retailer, which later expanded into the boutique.

FABULOUS FADS

Rita Dress SGD$189

fASHION

Verity Dress SGD$149

Isabelle Dress SGD$142

Elvira Dress SGD$159

5MUST KNOW SKIN CARE REGIMESAlmost every woman or man wants a perfect skin texture. When we say skin, people in general want to have a picture-perfect look that is free from dark spots, uneven skin tone and wrinkles. PRIYA MANIKAM looks into ways for you to have the perfect skin by following these simple steps.

A healthy diet leads to a healthy skin. Eating almonds for exam-ple, eliminates toxin resulting in a healthier, softer and smoother skin. You can also make a facial mask with almonds to revitalize your skin and also to reduce wrinkles:

Create a mixture of honey, almonds oil, and lemon juice. Use this mixture as a face mask once a week.

Sleep! You must try to sleep for at least 8 -10 hours a day as skin revives itself while you are sleeping.

Do some deep breathing exercises. The pure air your lungs inhale is a beauty regime by itself. Oxygen is vital to your skin. Also do not forget to start your day with water and not caffeine. Drinking enough water leads to a healthy skin.

Exfoliate the dead skin cells by cleansing. I particularly find Apricot Scrub to be of great use for attaining that cleaner, smoother skin. Use a product that does not cause any allergy to your skin!

Toning and moisturizing your skin. Toning stimulates the skin and invigorates the blood circulation. Moisturizing helps keep the skin moist and protects against the harsh weather.

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HEAlTH

Rapunzel, Rapunzel...Let down your hair...

How many of you out there long for someone to say that? Okay maybe not the length of the hair but most of us have fallen prey to bad hair days, hair fall, dandruff and lacking of bounce and luster.

We all know that healthy hair means sexy hair; a crowning beauty that completes you. To achieve this, you must first stop colouring or highlighting your hair. However, if you can’t stay away from colours, then choose a product that is ammonia-free and do not colour your hair frequently.

You should also minimize or stop using hair dryer because it damages and causes dryness to your hair. Besides that, artificial straightening or re-bonding is also a No-No unless it is for a function.

For those of you suffering from DANDRUff and also want that glowing luster; you may want to try this home remedy:

Massage half cup of yogurt, 1 tbsp of honey and 1 tbsp

of lemon juice into the scalp for one hour before you shampoo. This will help

cleanse the dandruff and add body to the hair.

HAIR DRYNESS AND DAMAGE:

Make a smooth powder from 1 tbsp of sesame seeds and

mix with 1 tbsp of ripe creamy avocado puree and 1 tbsp of

yogurt. Beat well together and apply. Wear a shower cap and

leave on for an hour. Shampoo off with a mild baby shampoo.

Take 2 egg yolks, beat them thoroughly and add 2 tbsp of

honey, 1 tsp of lemon juice and 1 tsp of olive oil. Massage this

into your hair and shampoo off after one hour. Do this twice or

thrice a week.

Home remedies were adapted from Rima Soni, a Dubai based beauty consultant and author of Simply Beautiful.

HEAlTH

OUTlET DETAIlSAddress: Lot M2-23, Level 2, JB City Square

Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm

Website: www.papparich.com.my

Why would I eat here?: Nice environment to indulge in Malaysian Delights

RATING: 8.75 OUT Of 10

f & b rEVIEW

Established in 2005, Pappa Rich has newly opened an outlet at City Square, where manager Mr. Jerry walked WAVES through the dishes and filled us in on the concept behind Pappa Rich.

fOOD AND bEVErAgESWe started off with a breakfast set of Toasted bread with butter and kaya and a coffee plus tea ‘Pappa Cham’ mix. Their bread was delicious and we were informed that it was from their own bakery. The ‘Pappa Cham’ drink is an instant hit; so readers take note of that! New on the menu was Pappa Char Kuay Teow which was a spicy mouth watering meal. The Pappa Curry Laksa which is an all-time Malaysian favourite dish! A delightful bowl of yellow noodles in a spicy coconut curry with chicken, cockles, tofu puff and foo chok. Some might find the curry a bit heavy but it depends on individual pallets. Enough of noodles! We wanted to get a taste of their famous chicken rice next, and the waiting was not disappointing at all. Pappa Chicken Rice comes with a big serving of tender boiled chicken, fragrant jasmine rice, chicken soup, bean sprouts and a dip combination of chilli, ginger and dark soya sauce. The portion is fit for a king! Pappa Rich also has an array of vegetarian dishes and tasty dim sum and snacks on their menu.

SETTINg AND SErVICEThe ambiance of the restaurant is calm and relaxing. The friendly staff greet you as you enter and exit the outlet with a big smile! They have a smoking section and are open for reservations. The City Square outlet follows the mall timing of 10am to 10pm unlike their other restaurants, which operate from 8am till 1am. The pricing might be slightly upscale but its befitting with the large portions and atmosphere you’re subscribing to.

f & b rEVIEW

I decided to have some vegetarian food and headed down to Annalakshmi where ‘vegetarian dining is a cultural experience’ as they phrase it. For those not familiar with this international chain of vegetarian restaurants, they go by the concept of eat and pay any amount you like! Sounds unbelievable? Well, it’s true. Run as a non-profit organization by the Temple of Fine Arts, Annalakshmi is a concept inspired by Swami Shantananda Saraswathi, a Hindu monk, whereby the principle followed is the Vedic saying, “athithi devo bhava”, meaning “the guest is god” and the importance of cooking with love for people of all walks of life to enjoy! They also have branches in KL, Penang, Singapore, Perth, and India.

fOOD About 13 items are prepared everyday ranging from curries, dhal, rasam, fresh yogurt, pickles, papadam, chapati and an assortment of vegetarian dishes. I was pretty hungry so it was a feast for me! I started off with the chapati as a teaser to my hunger and it was just perfect. The texture was on the dot and set me up well for the meal ahead! Instead of breaking down on how my meal was, I shall keep it simple and say the food was wonderful. The rice was flowery, the curry and dhal were well spiced and the vegetable items were not over cooked. Everything was well flavoured and the dishes complimented each other fittingly. I washed down the meal with a cup of ‘rasam’ which is an Indian health soup. The desert for the day was carrot ‘payasam’ or kheer. The cooking style is a mixture of North and South Indian and I was told that on Fridays, they serve North Indian ‘Pilau’ style vegetarian briyani. The food prepared is healthy with no MSg, less oil and salt.

SETTINg AND SErVICEThe self-service, air-conditioned Annalakshmi is run by volunteers who abide by the teachings of Swami’s ‘cooking with love and serving with joy’. They all carry a pleasant smile and offer suggestions and recommendations to customers to come up with a delightful meal. Annalakshmi’s deco is very beautiful with woodcarvings and they play relaxing music that caters well with the environment created. Food is prepared for about 100 patrons per day only and leftovers for the day are sent to the Berkat Home at Jln Abdul Samad. They offer in-house catering services whereby functions can be held at their premises.

Annalakshmi is definitely a must visit. Do be generous with your donations as you’ll be paying for those who can’t afford to. It’s social service done in good taste!

OUTlET DETAIlSAddress: 39, Jalan Ibrahim

Opening Hours: 11am to 3pm, Sundays closed

Why would I eat here?: Wonderful vegetarian meal while fulfilling social responsibility

RATING: 10 OUT Of 10

AnnalakshmiEat what you like and give what you want

Chocolate Cake

rECIpE

In this issue, I share with you a sinful chocolate cake recipe that was handed down to me by an aunt. She bakes this for us regularly and it never fails to leave us asking for more! BY PRIYA MANIKAM

INgrEDIENTS

• 3 cups plain flour• 1/2 tsp baking powder• 1 1/2 cup sugar• 200g butter• 5 eggs• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence• Option: 1 to 3tbsp milk• 1 cup cocoa powder (diluted with some hot water and 1 tbsp sugar)• Chocolate sauce - Double Boil• 1 cup cocoa powder• 3/4 tin of condensed milk (I used about 400g)

DIrECTIONS

1. Sift the flour with the baking powder.

2. Whisk the rest of the ingredients except the chocolate sauce.

3. Bake the cake at 160 degrees (or follow your oven specs for baking) for 40 - 45 minutes.

4. Once cake cooled, double boil the chocolate sauce ingre-dients and pour over the chocolate cake.

5. Option: Decorate the cake with fresh strawberries.

rECIpE

WATERMELON JUICEWatermelon is not only great on a hot summer day but this delectable thirst-quencher may also help quench the inflammation that contributes to conditions like asthma, atherosclerosis, diabetes, colon cancer, and arthritis. Watermelon is rich in the B vitamins necessary for energy production.

Choosing to regularly eat lycopene-rich fruits, such as watermelon may greatly reduce a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. Watermelon has an extremely high water content, approximately 92%, giving its flesh a crumbly and subtly crunchy texture and making it a favorite thirst-quenching fruit.

INgrEDIENTS-- 1 RIPE WATERMELON; CUT INTO SLICES OR CUBES AND REMOVE SEEDS. -- DASH OF PEPPER (OPTIONAL)

METHOD-- BLEND THE ABOVE WITHOUT ANY WATER AND SUGAR. -- SERVE EITHER CHILLED OR AT ROOM TEMPERATURE.

MUSIC

WANT TO SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE SONGS WITH US?SHARE YOUR MUSIC TASTE WITH THE READERS OF WAVES MAGAZINE! Simply email us your TOP TEN song choices together with your name, age, occupation and whatever other detail you would like us to include and we’ll feature your playlist in our upcoming issue. We’ll be waiting for your email, so hurry!

Email us at [email protected] today!

page 24

bOOkS

Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsBy J.K. Rowling

The last of the Harry Potter novels brings about a book filled with mystery. Will Harry Potter destroy the evil that lurks around him and his loved ones? In a final and perilous journey, Harry must find the strength and the will to face a deadly confrontation that is his alone to fight.

(Bloomsbury Publishing)

Water for ElephantsBy Sara Gruen

As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival

(Amazon)

Norwegian WoodBy Haruki Murakami

Toru, a quiet and preternaturally serious young college student in Tokyo, is devoted to Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman, but their mutual passion is marked by the tragic death of their best friend years before. Norwegian Wood takes us to that distant place of a young man’s first, hopeless, and heroic love.

(Amazon)

Jane EyreBy Charlotte Bronte

Charlotte Bronte’s infamous gothic novel tells the story of orphan Jane, a child of unfortunate circumstances. Raised and treated badly by her aunt and cousins and eventually sent away to a cruel boarding school, it is not until Jane becomes a governess at Thornfield that she finds happiness. Meek, measured, but determined, Jane soon falls in love with her brooding and stormy master, Mr Rochester, but it is not long before strange and unnerving events occur in the house and Jane is forced to leave Thornfield to pursue her future.

(Amazon)

The Lincoln LawyerBy Michael Conelly

Mickey Haller is a Lincoln Lawyer, a criminal defense attorney who operates out of the backseat of his Lincoln Town Car, traveling between the far-flung courthouses of Los Angeles to defend clients of every kind. Learn how the story unfolds when a Beverly Hills playboy chooses Haller to defend him. To escape without being burned, he must deploy every tactic, feint, and instinct in his arsenal — this time to save his own life.

(Amazon)

I Am Number FourBy Pittacus Lore

Nine of us came here. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books — but we are real. Our plan was to grow, and train, and become strong, and become one, and fight them. But they found us and started hunting us first. Now all of us are running. Spending our lives in shadows, in places where no one would look, blending in. We have lived among you without you knowing.

(Harpercollins)

ThE BEST BOOkS OF 2011

MOVIE TIE-INSCompiled by RICHELLE GAN

COMMUNITY

Johor Bahru is regarded as one of the biggest city in Malaysia and is presently experiencing rapid growth that will make it one powerful economic driven city and a pleasant living area. As I have highlighted in my last article here, we can see many construction projects involving recreational and attraction places around Johor Bahru hence attracting local and international tourists.

However, what about the real socio-economic situation in our city? Are all Johor Bahru dwellers coping well in this fast pace development? There is no doubt that the inflation impacting our country has burdened many people. Those with average income can survive with simple house, decent vehicle and lifestyle. However as the family expands the bread winner needs to work harder or do more than one job at a time. Just imagine how much is the petrol cost to fuel our transportation? If we use RM60 worth of petrol per week, that will sum up to be RM240 per month. What about the cost of chicken per kg? The cost has recently risen to more than RM7.50 per kg excluding other raw materials such as rice, vegetables, fruits and other dishes. What about the cost of house rental or mortgage payment, cost of insurance, utilities, medication, children nursery service and others? A moderate earning family may barely survive this and in most cases, both husband and wife have to work to sustain a living.

I would like to highlight a real serious issue here. Knowing that it is difficult for moderate income family to survive in this era, what about those who earn less than RM500 per month per family? Are there such people or families dwelling in Johor Bahru vicinity? This group of people falls under the category of extremely poor family.

During last year’s Ramadhan, my wife and I had the opportunity with our friends to visit and provide assistance to ease the poor families’ burden. We had collected used clothes and shoes that were still in good condition, essential food items and cash which were contributed and donated by various groups of people who knew of our intention. This was the first time we have done this as we wanted to understand their problems and try to assist as much as we could.

Is there Poverty in Johor Bahru? A burning question for many. The author of this article speaks about his experience with the other side of Johor Bahru in hopes that we all lend a hand to make our city bearable for everyone in the midst of our expanding population and growing economy.

Preparing some foods to be distributed to the less fortunate We had to park our cars by the side of the road and walk

About the author:This article is contributed by Zaki Yamani Zakaria. He is a normal Johor Bahru family guy and often contributes articles to JBCool.com, a website serving Johor Bahru event updates.

We travelled together to Gelang Patah area and identified several extremely poor families there. The first house we visited was really a far-cry from what I expected as it was made of plywood and built on a river. The condition of the house was quite dilapidated, making it dangerous for kids. The dweller of this house has stayed here for several years and according to them, they cannot afford to pay for a proper house or even a flat. As a result they build the house in this swampy place. We basically visited five families and we were truly sad to see the state of all the houses and the families living in there.

The entire visit left us with many moral values and it taught us to be very grateful with what we have and own. We should not complain much because there are still many people who are very unfortunate compared to us and the life of these people is very difficult and unimaginable. We need to help each other especially the less fortunate in this community.

From this visit, we also found out that the local community committee had attempted to assist them with numerous efforts. Some of them have been sponsored to attend sewing lessons to equip them with sewing skills with the intention of starting a small business, thus improving the economic aspect of their lives. Unfortunately, the truth is most of these people are not just financially poor but also mentally and spiritually poor. This I believe is the biggest challenge to help them. They need the right mind set, attitude, courage and keep a belief that they can improve their lives and families. Johor Bahru is on the verge of becoming one of the great cities in Malaysia and all its people need to move parallel with the economic growth. No one should be left economically and socially behind. I am doing just a small part now by informing the public of the existence of these extremely poor people. Deep inside I hope more people will emerge to help each other especially the unfortunate ones. May Johor Bahru be a better place to live in.

Feel that you deserve a raise this year? Here are a few pointers on how to pitch your case, based on an MD’s view from Charterhouse Partnership.

DO’SArrange a private meeting in advance, giving your boss some idea that you want to discuss a raise. If you can, make sure the meeting comes at a time when you’re already in good books, e.g. you’ve completed a project or brought in new clients.

Prepare exactly what you are going to say – how much extra money are you looking for, and why you deserve it? Make sure you have researched what people in comparable positions in your company or elsewhere in the industry earn. This would give you a clearer picture as to where you stand.

Be prepared to compromise. Your boss might respond by offering you extra benefits rather than a straight-forward pay rise. Alternatively, you might be given new targets to hit and the promise of salary upgrades a few months down the line. Take this as a “maybe” rather than a “no” and don’t be discouraged as you will have a stronger case the next time you ask.

DONT’SDon’t expect too much. The glory days of massive pay rise are over, so don’t ask for an unrealistic amount as you’ll look like you don’t have a good grasp of how the company is running.

Don’t ask in front of colleagues – this will put your boss in a tight spot and may just create pointless office tensions.

Don’t make threats, or say you will leave the company if you don’t get a pay rise as this will just indicate that you aren’t committed to your work.

Don’t play the emotional card or ask for the money on personal grounds such as being broke, needing to buy a new house or getting married. Focus on what you are worth to them rather than what the company is worth to you.

MONEY

DO’S AND DON’TS ON GETTING A pAY RAISE

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TECH

SEO is the abbreviation for Search Engine Optimization. SEO is the main technique of using certain keywords to your web pages, resulting in better ranking in search engines like google and Yahoo. There are several formulas to make your web pages rank well, however SEO is considered to be among the best because it is 100% free. It is important to know how to use SEO the right way so that it works towards your advantage.

The first step is to know the content of your page. Once you have this worked out, then it is important to set up ‘keywords’ that specifically fit your content page. This is very important because this step is the foundation in helping visitors land on your web page efficiently.

It is important to use ‘keyword density’. This process will help you to use keywords around 2 to 6 percent. It is also important not to overuse keywords because this can create conflicts in the Search Engines and cause problems with your keywords identity and ranking. There are many online tools available to help you with the density of your article when it is completed.

Another useful step is to make sure you write the article content precisely as it reads well to those visiting your site. This phase is important, not only to attract visitors and hits to your site but also to entice them to subscribe to your products and services. Once they are attracted to your site, they might pass the word to others and this will help to further build your traffic.

That is why it is important that your visitors can easily find your site by having the right keywords.

An additional way to attract visitors is to make your keywords stand out by putting them in bold letters or using italics. Also, use your keywords at the beginning of your article and towards the end of the article. If you want to make money online by means of providing products or services for online customers, then it is highly recommended that you set up a good SEO.

What is SEO?BY JOHN BEHTreato Lifestyle Club – Business Development Director

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Photo taken at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at Senai Airport, Johor Bahru

Photo Credit: Clement Chan @ Lively Art Studio

TECHImage credit: http://rahul964.deviantart.com

The New Giant Social Network

Google+BY KAY, the author of K-Director.com, a tech blog focusing on news and reviews about softwares, web applications, blogging, make money online tips and more! Visit www.facebook.com/KDirector.

Google finally announced Google+ in June 2011, a social network created in response to the rise of Facebook. In summary, google+ is an amalgamation of several services we already use. So, how do you get started with google Plus? Let's break down the nuts and bolts.

+CIrClES: Share what matters, with the people who matter mostNot all relationships are created equal. So in life we share one thing with college buddies, another with parents, and almost nothing with our boss. In google+, there is one main stream where all your friends updates show up, but you also have the option to see updates from only certain groups like "Work," "Friends" or "Family." From your Circles page you can drag and drop your contacts into each of these groups, making it easier to share what you want with the right people.

The web, of course, is filled with great content—from timely articles to vibrant photos to funny videos - and great content can lead to great conversations. Sparks is the part of Plus where you can find content on the Web that you are interested in. Sparks delivers a feed of highly contagious content from across the Internet on any topic you want, in over 40 languages. Simply add your interests, and you’ll always have something to watch, read and share—with just the right circle of friends.

+SpArkS: Strike up a conversation, about pretty much anything

+HANgOUTS: Stop by and say hello, face-to-face-to-face

+MObIlE: Share what’s around, right now, without any hassle

Hangouts is a new feature rolled out with Plus. Essentially, it is an area where your circles or a selected group of friends can video chat on one screen. To start a Hangout, go to the “Welcome” button in the home tab. It will prompt you to start a hangout and invite whoever you like. Up to 10 people can be in a hangout at once.

+Location, location, locationIn life, the places we visit shape conversations in lots of ways. With google+ you can add your location to every post.

+Instant Uploadgoogle+ adds your photos to a private album in the cloud. This way they’re always available across your devices—ready to share as you see fit.

HOW DO YOU gET TO gOOglE+?

So how do you access google+? You know that handy toolbar at the top of your screen when you’re logged into google? That’s changing. Soon, it will turn into a transparent gray bar with a “+You” button that will be your portal to all the features we just mentioned. google+ is invite-only right now. You can visit the google+ home page to request one. Need an instant google+ invitation? Email us at [email protected].

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+HuddleCoordinating with friends and family in real-time is really hard in real life. After all, everyone’s on different schedules, in different places, and plans can change at any moment. Phone calls and text messages can work in a pinch, but they’re not quite right for getting the gang together. So google+ includes Huddle, a group messaging experience that lets everyone inside the circle know what’s going on, right this second.

place your ad here.at a very low rate, promote your business to 10,000 readers in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

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TrAVEl

#1 - DO YOU NEED A VISA?

If you’re travelling abroad, the first thing to do is to make sure you check whether or not you need a visa to enter the country that you are travelling to. If you’re a passport holder of a Commonwealth country, chances are that you would not need a visa to travel to various destinations, but it’s always better to check as rules and policies tend to change from time to time. Especially due to constant security threats out there, it is wise to check with the concerned embassy and do the necessary arrangements as the last thing you want is getting rejected at the airport. Do note that some countries do grant visas to visitors on arrival.

The Ultimate Travel ChecklistIt’s just a few months away to the arrival of the year end school holidays which means only one thing. It’s time to start planning for that getaway trip with friends, family and loved ones. Whether it be a long or short trip, make sure you read through this checklist before embarking on that special journey to ensure a stress-free holiday!

BY PRIYA MANIKAM

#2 - IS YOUR PASSPORT VALID?

Remember to check the validity of your passport. Make sure it is not expired or you do not have less than 6 months to the expiry as many countries would deny you entry if your passport does not have the sufficient validity. Once this is done, do remember to pack your passport in your hand-carry or handbag as this is an important document to determine your identity!

#3 - HAVE YOU CONfIRMED YOUR fLIGHT? Without this, you cannot go further to your dream destination. So, once you have got your name listed on a flight, remember to pack this in your hand-carry/handbag along with your passport. Nowadays tickets come electronically, so remember to print it and highlight the reference number.

#4 - HAVE YOU ARRANGED fOR ACCOMODATION?

If you are holidaying to a country where you can receive a visa on arrival, you may be asked about where you are staying. If you have prior booking with a hotel, it is wise to have the booking reference in hand or the letter from the hotel.

#5 - WHAT’S THE CURRENCY?

It seems silly but it is important for you to keep some currencies of the country you are travelling to. Always check out for the best exchange rates in your home country to get a good bargain. Have some petty cash ready for a cab fare if no one is picking you. You may keep the balance in the form of traveller’s cheque for the fear of getting robbed and bring along your credit cards and use it only for emergencies.

TrAVEl

#6 - HAVE YOU PACKED ALL YOUR NEEDED BELONGINGS?

Once the important documents above are sorted out, the following becomes easier:

Finally, once everything is packed, double-check around your house if you have forgotten something. Before leaving the house, switch off all the electrical appliances that are not in use. Lock all your

cupboards/drawers/back door and front gate and keep all the keys in your handbag.

Bon Voyage!

ClOTHESUndergarments (fresh/disposable), jeans, tops, jacket if it is cold, socks, hat, dress, shirt and pants and a tie (if there is a formal dinner to attend), towel, shorts and t-shirts are just to name a few! Here’s a tip though -- do not pack your entire wardrobe as you can repeat some of the outfits over a jeans/skirt and beware of having excess baggage.

TOIlETrIESBody moisturisers, facial scrub, all-in-one body shampoo (if you are not staying at a hotel), sun-block, toothbrush and paste, shaving kit, powder, basic make-up kit, sanitary pad (if needed), comb, and if applicable: contact lenses/solution/casing, hair gel, hair band/clips, perfume.

gADgETSBatteries are a must! If you’re taking along your camera, don’t forget to pack your charger in too, along with chargers for your handphone, laptop and other electronic devices. In addition, take note of the power requirement (voltage) in the country you are travelling to, as you may be required to carry along a converter.

MISCEllANEOUSTravel brochures and itinerary, pen and notepad, shoes, sandals, sunglasses and house keys, tissues, jewelry (if attending any special occasion), light snacks such as “asam” (sourplum), biscuits/energy-bars/chocolates/buns, plastic bags. Do note that water or juice is not allowed on planes but if you are travelling by road, then there should be no problem.

MEDICATIONMultivitamins, painkillers, flatulence pills (for long journeys), balm, and any prescribed medication by your doctor if you are a diabetic, a heart patient or even pregnant.

DEAR MARTHAHaving trouble at work, college or want to discuss matters of the heart? Contact Miss Martha at [email protected]. (*All names have been changed to protect each individual’s identity)

Q

Q Q

A

A A

ASk

Dear Martha,

I am married with children and have a steady job. However, I wish to further my studies to enhance my career opportunities. Is this a fair decision to make? I am 35.

Dear Tan,

The reason for you to further your studies is not selfish. It seems to me that you are thinking of having a better future for yourself and your family. There is no age limit for studies. There are many options for working adults these days. Have you considered studying part-time or via online? Is there an opportunity to further your studies through your company? Most importantly, I hope you will have the support of your family. Talk about it with your wife and I wish you luck with your future.

Dear Martha,

I can’t seem to control my kids from playing computer games on the internet. What should I do?

Dear Mother,

Try setting a password on the computer. This way your children would not be able to access the internet. Where children are concerned, it is better if the computer is kept at a place where you can keep an eye. You did not mention the ages of your children but bear in mind that the internet can be a tool for educational research but without adult supervision it can also be a negative influence.

Dear Martha,

I got married about a year ago and the problem is my husband is never around. I am finding it really difficult to fight boredom. We do not have children yet.

Dear xxx,

It is always good to be occupied in something than keeping the mind idle. Have you considered doing a part-time job? If job is not your cup of tea maybe you could indulge in a hobby or join a cooking class or a club where you can meet a lot of people. There must be something that you are interested in.

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Waves Lifestyle Issue #03 (Sep 2011)

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Transcript of Waves Lifestyle Issue #03 (Sep 2011)