Wednesday, October 31, 2007
10/31/2007 07:36:00 AM

Hidden Discovery

posted by FH2o

James and Hayley on a date @ Secret Waterfall, Borneo Highlands 30th October 2007



While James Reece and Hayley Parsons from England were discovering the hidden delights of a rainforest kayaking trip down a rainforest river at Borneo Highlands with Azmi; I was to discover to that no matter how many days (and nights) you spent preparing for a Board Meeting presentation - there's always one or two little things that you might inadvertently missed out and which invariably a Board member would ask for! *sigh*

However for James and Hayley all the hidden discoveries on a rainforest kayaking trips are invariably pleasant and wonderful and are more than happy to share it when "grilled" about their holidays when they get back home in the UK!

Labels: , ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Tuesday, October 30, 2007
10/30/2007 09:51:00 PM

These Boots Are Meant For Walking

posted by FH2o

Certain things never go out of fashion or style and a prime example are boots! So it makes sense to spend a bit more money to go for quality boots such as Rocky Boots and Bates Boots which have all kinds of designs of boots in various quality materials for both men and women in classic black or desert brown colours.

And you can find the above and other brands of quality police and military boots in a complete range from CopShoes. As a specialist shop with an established reputation for quality and competitive pricing, their customer service is outstanding as evidenced by their customers’ testimonials. Their boots certainly look smart and you don’t even have to be in the police or military to wear them!


Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/30/2007 06:58:00 AM

Sweet Sixteen

posted by FH2o


I was a little apprehensive at first when my daughter Skim, who'd just turned 16 in August, sought our permission to be a studio model for a friend of a friend for her college's photography project; a couple of days after which she showed us these photographs - which surprised as well as delighted us (besides being a relief!).

Talented Amber, who took these amazing photos is still as studying photography but I think she and Skim are both professionals already! What do you think?


This is my favorite shot! (It's currently my laptop's wallpaper)

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
1 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/30/2007 06:20:00 AM

Catch The Wave - Bloggerwave!

posted by FH2o

If you are looking for opportunities to earn some pocket money from your blog; here’s another pay per post break for you from Europe this time – bloggerwave. And the good news is that they are looking for bloggers and they are committed to making their opportunity worth your while what with other competitor(s) abound.

I’d just signed up with their easy registration last week which was promptly approved the next day and I’m now offered the first opportunity to earn USD10/- for this 50 plus words buzz post! Catch the wave - bloggerwave.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Monday, October 29, 2007
10/29/2007 08:27:00 PM

My Toy Camera

posted by FH2o


People who looked at the amazing photographs in my blog assumed that I'd must have used an expensive DSLR to take them with; and I think they must either be quite disappointed or think that I'm a big bald fat liar when I tell or show them the little 'toy' camera I use - which is a 4.0 Megapixels Pentax Optio43WR that I bought about 2 years ago. Actually Robin helped me to get it quite cheaply from Singapore (it was not available in Kuching) as it was on sale at the time as it was an old model. I got it primarily for my kayaking trip as it is light, compact (no protruding lens), reliable and most importantly it was water resistant.

Anyway I'm very happy with the camera and results I got from it and you can read a review of it here; but if you're thinking of getting one now, I don't think it is in production anymore. I recommend getting one if you can still get hold of it as it has served me very well. Using cheap SD card for storage and easily available AA batteries, it's therefore very convenient. I must have taken thousands of photos with it on my kayaking trip and it has not let me down despite being dropped and submerged underwater on various occasions.

I love this cute little camera despite its poor zoom, weak flash, tiny LCD screen and poor performance in dim lighting conditions. But once you know the limitations, you can work around it and still come up with great photos. Actually I'd been meaning to write about it for quite a while now but somehow some other ideas would come up when I sit down to blog about it. So here it's my long over-due tribute to my cute little toy camera - the Pentax Optio43WR.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/29/2007 07:29:00 PM

Looking For Unbeatable Van or Other Insurance?

posted by FH2o

I’d never looked at van insurance until I got my own van for my kayaking trips business. But if you’re looking for Cheap Van Insurance, you should check out Autonet Insurance as they offer the cheapest online insurance with a money back guarantee if that’s not so.

Besides Cheap Van Insurance; you can also get an online quote for your car, bike, home, courier, quad, truck, commercial, travel, caravan and even pet insurance! This is worth your trouble as for example if you can find cheaper car insurance elsewhere; you’ll get a full refund from Autonet Insurance. If you're in a hurry, they can also give you a quote over the telephone.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Sunday, October 28, 2007
10/28/2007 11:53:00 PM

Working On The Weekend

posted by FH2o

Blue skies and office blues ...


I trust that your weekend is spent out in the great outdoors instead of being cooped up in the office with work like yours truly. *sigh*

To console myself I took these two grab shots of the blue skies when I dropped by the bank around lunchtime to drop off a few checks.

Again I didn't notice the bird in the photo on the left when I took it until I looked at the photos just now.

Oh, I manage to do a paid post before dinner time.

What a disjointed weekend ... *sigh*

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/28/2007 05:04:00 PM

Online Tutoring

posted by FH2o

TutorVista’s mission is to use the global educational resources, the internet and technology to help students worldwide achieve their education goals. As the leading online tutoring company in the world, TutorVista is able to offer K12/school and college tutoring, supplementary education, homework help and test prep for a wide range of subjects including Math, Algebra, English, Physics and Exam prep such as SAT, GED, GMAT and many more for a flat rate of unlimited tutoring available 24x7.

Online tutoring is really helpful for students who needs homework help especially when it is available 24x7 meaning that you can schedule your tutoring and homework for your Math or English whenever you want them and as many times as you need them. This is really personalized online tutoring and homework help services by expert tutors – not some computer program!

To encourage to get you to sign up with them, TutorVista has a special offer where you can get unlimited tutoring at a discounted rate for the first month in all subjects. World class online tutoring is just a click away!

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
1 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Saturday, October 27, 2007
10/27/2007 10:36:00 PM

In A Hurry & Taking Your Own Sweet Time

posted by FH2o

Put-in at Sungai Abang, Borneo Highlands, Saturday 27th October 2007


Jimmy Wong, a travel agent from KK, Sabah with fellow Korean agents Yun Soo and Scott(?) were on a flying visit to Kuching to check out the attractions here only wanted to do short kayaking trip. So they take-out at Kg Danu with Azmi.

However Vincent Ong and friends Ming Li, Jacky Lo, Siew Peng from Kuala Lumpur; joined by Canadians Raymond Ta and Valerie Bertoldi definitely want to savor the 3 hours float down Sg Sarawak Kiri today. They want to smell the roses and not want to miss a single thing. What a nice way to spend a Saturday in Kuching.

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/27/2007 08:58:00 PM

Getting Paid To Post

posted by FH2o

I finally signed up for Pay Per Post (PPP) after deciding to give it a go and to find out what the buzz was all about – can one really get paid to blog? And the answer is affirmative; and it is a whole lot easier than I thought it was going to be. And you get to see the money faster too – about a month after your post have been approved. Sure beats putting up ads on your pages which would take months before you get any income from it. In fact I’m going to ‘clean’ up my blog to omit some of the cluttering and annoying ads! Writing paid posts is a much faster and direct way to get paid – in fact you get the first opportunity to be paid USD7.50/- to review the website that introduced you to PPP. As well I’m getting paid USD20/- to spread the word about PPP! So clicked on the PPP button to the right to earn your first paid post by reviewing FH2o!

Because it is a self-service concept, you can choose to write about web sites, products, services, and companies that you like and earn cash at the same time by doing so as your opinion and feedback is valuable to the advertisers. I think that this is incredible. And if you do a post a USD10/- post a day (which I intend to do); that’s an easy USD300/- a month! Yes - you really do get paid to blog.

You are paid via your PayPal account which gives you monthly pocket money to go shopping online. I’m looking forward to buying some kayaking accessories and products in about a month’s time! So what are you waiting for?



Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
4 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/27/2007 06:56:00 AM

Spontaneous On The Waters

posted by FH2o

Beautiful Sungai Abang @ Borneo Highlands, 26th October 2007





Photography is all about capturing the moment and the best photos are spontaneous grab shots. And here are some grab shots that Azmi took and which I cropped of a group of 6 tourists he took out to enjoy the beautiful waters on Sg Sarawak Kiri in Borneo Highlands yesterday. And I love the dynamic composition and the contrast between these two shots of tranquil and moving waters. Nice.

Labels: , ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
1 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Friday, October 26, 2007
10/26/2007 09:55:00 PM

Cool Custom T-Shirts & More

posted by FH2o

Custom T-Shirts are cool but the company that sells them online is even cooler! You should read their story and then you’ll be wishing that you’re working in a company like that!

You can customize a range of products from T-shirts, hats, bags, fun stuff, etc which you select first then you can browse to select the design ideas from various categories. Or you can to their “Lab” which have a really cool program to start creating your own design and which you can see instantly! You add your own custom text, choose the art or download your own! When you’re happy with design, you can get an instant online quote from them and also email them to your team.

Check out this really cool company of “inkers” if you need custom T-Shirts or other products. I think they are really neat and they have a lot of happy customers having delivered over 3 million custom T-Shirts in 2006! And shipping is free in the US and Canada and they even offer a money back guarantee.

Go to the "Lab" and get your own cool custom design T-Shirt in no time flat!

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/26/2007 07:48:00 AM

Buffalo Gave Birth To A Human Baby?

posted by FH2o

I received quite a lot of non-work related emails from friends and office colleagues everyday but the one I received yesterday afternoon was quite startling and I rushed opened to read it first ahead of my other work related emails!

I have my own theory about this - but I wanna hear from you first; so what do you think? These days my postings usually generate little comments if any (especially the paid posts - duh!) but I guess this post will garner more than a few comments! And this for sure is not a paid post lah!

Anyway here's the freaky Friday post. Oh and do have a freakin' fascinating weekend ahead! (But stay away from 'em buffalos!)

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
2 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/26/2007 07:17:00 AM

Mailboxes Make A Place

posted by FH2o

Mailboxes add so much character to a house and it’s the first thing we head for in the morning for the newspaper and the last thing we check when we come home from work; well for me anyway.

So it makes sense to have high quality residential mailboxes instead of el cheapo ones and which makes the place looks so temporary. High quality mailboxes make even modest homes look good. And mailboxixchange have over 1500 high mailboxes as well as curbside décor products to choose from to match your house design and/or your tastes.

They also have commercial mailboxes so your workplace can look good and classy too! And you can choose lockable high security locking mailbox system. For apartment or condominium blocks there are available cluster designs as well.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Thursday, October 25, 2007
10/25/2007 09:16:00 PM

Saved By The View

posted by FH2o


I was having a darn boring meeting with some darn boring and lifeless officials in a building in town yesterday afternoon. But luckily the room where we have the meeting has a panaromic view overlooking the old kampong part of town with the meandering Sarawak River and Gunung Santubong in the distance. Most charming.

So when there was a break in the meeting, I discretely (you don't want to wake up dead people infected with the T-Virus) and promptly strolled over to the window to take a few shots. Here's one that I like.

Labels: , ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/25/2007 08:28:00 PM

Seeing Sydney?

posted by FH2o

I’ve only been back to Sydney once since I graduated as an architect from UNSW. So if I visit Sydney the next time I’ll certainly check up on the new as well as the old attractions there. It is an expensive city so looking for a Sydney hotel accommodation would be a priority which is a whole lot easier with online booking. I’ll be looking for and comparing the last minute as well as all year deal for cheap hotels in Sydney.

I’ll consider staying in Darling Harbour as it is centrally located on both the City and Pyrmont side of the main Sydney Harbour. There are a selection of 3 star to 5 star hotels there and there are lots to see (exhibitions at the Darling Harbour Exhibition Centre and nightlife), do and eat there.

You can get cheap Sydney hotel accomodation from as low as AUD40/- in places such as in Manly Guest House and the ferry ride there is good way to see Sydney Harbour.

If you decide to venture outside of Sydney, you can also look for cheap hotel bargains and deals in the other Australian cities.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/25/2007 06:44:00 AM

Sweet Innocence

posted by FH2o


Children and puppies are like bread and butter - made for each other; sharing an affinity borne out of innocence, curiosity and pure sweetness!

A sweet moment captured on Sunday afternoon at Kpg Bengoh while waiting for the rain to abate and our guests to show up. Do be sweet today wouldn't you?

Labels: , ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
1 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/25/2007 12:30:00 AM

Looking For Lights

posted by FH2o

The thing about shopping for light fittings is that you want to have a lot of choices to choose from – you don’t know what you really want until you see (the light) it!

But now you don’t even have to drive from shop to shop as you can select from hundreds of thousands of light fixtures both indoors and outdoors in a wide range of styles and at the lowest prices from dozens of top manufacturers at Farreys.com using their friendly lighting product search tool to narrow down your selection. You will find your perfect lights should it be chandeliers or your bathroom light fixtures.

How I wished I could order them here in Malaysia but unfortunately Farreys.com is currently only accepting orders for delivery to the United States and Canada. Ah, well.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Wednesday, October 24, 2007
10/24/2007 11:05:00 PM

How To Use Your Kayak To Stay Dry!

posted by FH2o

Azmi & Juri keeping dry in the downpour!




It was pouring down on sunday afternoon at Borneo Highlands and even though they were going to get wet later when kayaking; sometimes you just want to stay dry when you're on terra firma!



Left: Rain or shine; Azmi's always smiling! Staying dry at Kpg Bengoh

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/24/2007 10:15:00 PM

Aristabrat For Your Adorable Brats!

posted by FH2o

My youngest is already 15 years old so it’s been quite a while since I even thought about baby stuff!

However if you are looking for some classy high end baby bling from rattlers, to pacifiers and baby clothes then you should check out baby bling available online from The Aristbrat Shop where “you will find the latest trendy fashion or perfect heirloom treasure for your distinguished little CelebriTot”. Yeah!

Although AristaBrat is a new, up and coming brand, a number of celebrities are already endorsing their products. I supposed it’s never too young to start as “fashion icons aren’t born, they are made”; really? But then again there are the haves and the have mores … so true when it comes to shopping for classy high end baby bling from Aristabrat. Amen.


Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/24/2007 09:24:00 PM

Splashing Time For Katie & Kerry

posted by FH2o

Katie, Azmi & Kerry @ Sg. Abang put-in on 22nd October 2007




No monday blues for either Katie or Kerry who had a splashing good time with Azmi on Monday, 22nd October at Borneo Highlands; taking a well deserved break from their teaching jobs in Thailand.

Azmi's turning out to be quite a good photographer; but I suppose all kayakers have an affinity for the beauty of nature and are therefore 'naturally' good photographers!


Left : What a splash! Great shot by Azmi of Kerry & Katie shooting the rapids of Sungai Sarawak Kiri.

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Tuesday, October 23, 2007
10/23/2007 10:31:00 PM

Real Trip Planner & Travel Guide

posted by FH2o

There are many travel sites but realtravel is the travel guide and trip planner site that is driven by advice from real travelers; where you can discover places to go and things to do and learn from real people and their travel reviews. You can therefore plan a better trip with a Free Trip Planner thereby saving on (time as well as money) on travel deals selected by their editors.

You can plan your trips based on destinations of things you want to do. Easy navigation and comprehensive information will certainly guide you to where you want to go and do. After your trip you can share your travels with free travel blogs. You can even subscribe to their newsletter to keep in mind for future trips.

It’s any wonder that this site have been Voted one of "twelve essential travel sites" by Forbes and "Best of Web for Trip Planning" by BusinessWeek.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/23/2007 01:49:00 PM

Getting A "Star" That You Don't Want

posted by FH2o


I discovered a "star" crack on my car windscreen probably caused by the impact of a flying stone as my car was parked next to a busy road near my office. Ouch!

My children are more imaginative saying that a giant spider had descended to nest there! I can probably live with this 'spider' as it's on the passenger side of the car as I can imagine the replacement of the windscreen would be quite a bothersome and costly affair.

I trust that such stars or spiders do not take a liking to your car windscreens! And unfortunately if they do, I trust that you'll take it in a positively imaginative manner. Ah, well.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
2 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/23/2007 12:43:00 PM

Sports Memorabilia

posted by FH2o

If you are a sports fan and especially of baseball, football, basketball or hockey then you would be interested to check out Sportsmemorabilia.com as you can find a wide range of sports memorabilia such as authentic signed baseballs, footballs, basketballs, jerseys, photos and more. They also have a great selection of tennis, golf, boxing (autograph items from Muhammad Ali!), NCAA, soccer and NASCAR memorabilia on sale as well in a wide range of prices.

And if you are price sensitive or looking for bargains, then you should check out their Clearance Sale items. They have discounts on their autographed baseballs from all the major players with some at clearance prices as well. And if you purchase over $200/- shipping is free. And if you buying for others you can also purchase gift certificates of any price.

It’s a pity there are no sports memorabilia for kayaking … *sigh*


Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/23/2007 07:32:00 AM

ONE World

posted by FH2o

Veria, Greece - September 2007

I've just received an invitation to to contribute to the private blog: ONE World - Imagine A New World.

With contributors from around the world with great photographs of the enviroment such as this sunset posted by Shinichi Ishii of Japan on the left and the river at Veria, Greece on top posted by by Itelli; I think this is a wonderful idea; and I have signed up. At the least it will put humble Kuching on the blogosphere's world map.

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Monday, October 22, 2007
10/22/2007 10:20:00 PM

Online Backup

posted by FH2o

With my new job I uses a note book exclusively instead of a desktop for my work and although I backup my work, I must admit that at times it’s too much of a hassle when you are constantly busy with deadlines to meet on a daily basis. And so much valuable data is at risk should I loses my notebook, have a hard disk crash or corrupted by viruses.

So it’s of interest to come across an online backup service provider, IDrive-E that offers secured online backup for free (up to 2GB – no kidding!) and unlimited storage for only for USD4.95 per month or USD49.50 per year. Because their service is easy to use, fast and secure; the chances are that I’ll use it more often. Compared to their competitors their features win hands down; and it’s any wonder that they are the leading online backup service provider.

I don’t know about you but I’m going to sign up for the offer of 2GB of FREE online backup without any backup and restore restrictions or bandwidth limits or file type restrictions! What are you waiting for?


Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/22/2007 09:54:00 PM

Friday & Monday Evening Skies

posted by FH2o

Storm clouds gathering over Kuching - Friday,19th October 2007
Stormy skies are amazing to look at - but not stormy people!





We all look forward to the end of the week and dread the beginning of the week; so I suppose it's a good balance to have a gloomy Friday sunset and a cheerful Monday sunset!

Trusting that your Monday had been good and here's wishing you a productive week ahead. As for me I'll be having a challenging week ahead with a highly strung boss on account of the impending Board Meetings ahead. Definitely storms warnings ahead. *sigh*


Left: Brilliant skies over Kuching, 22nd October 2007

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Sunday, October 21, 2007
10/21/2007 09:42:00 PM

Bargain Holidays from a Holiday Hypermarket

posted by FH2o

We go to hypermarkets because of the convenience of a wide selection of things to choose from and the frequent bargains. Now you can do the same if you are looking for bargain holidays online with one of the largest travel agencies in Europe.

With so much choices to choose from, their online search engine makes short work of any manual efforts in looking for last minute deals, cheap flights and all inclusive holidays to destinations all over the world ranging from popular Mediterranean holidays to far-flung places such as the Caribbean, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean – whatever your imagination and budget permits!

With clear graphics and excellent navigation by way of button clicks and drop down menus; you soon have in your hand (or screen) which bargain holidays you would like to pick!

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/21/2007 09:02:00 PM

Balancing Paid Posts In Your Blog

posted by FH2o

As a regular reader to my blog would have noticed – I’m now doing some paid posts opportunities to explore the possibilities of making some money online from blogging. Not that I need the money desperately since I’m quite handsomely rewarded in my day job as head of a department in a main board public listed company and my passion for kayaking is also financially quite rewarding. I’m very blessed in this regards; but I love what I do.

Anyway back to the concern(s), if any, with regards to me selling my soul for paid post(s) but it’s interesting to note that one could quite easily earn around USD300/- a month by doing just one (in my case) or two paid post(s) per day; and that’s over a thousand ringgit for 20 or so minutes 'work' a day– which is not bad pocket money considering that junior office clerks are earning much less than that in Kuching! If I’m a student and over 18 and I’m still in university – I’ll jump at this opportunity! That they don't is a mystery to me. Parents too rich or just too ignorant or lazy? Whatever.

Balanced development?
Forests burning/clearing for oil palms plantation in Bau, Kuching 14 October 2007

But I’m wary that doing too many paid posts may put some readers off but then again this is my blog and I’m just being true to what I’m doing. But I believe that the key is balance and I’ll try to be more selective about the kind of posts I choose to do. But then again I find it kind of fun to be posting on something that I would never have bothered about before and this forces you to read up on them and after a couple of posts; they seem to be easier to do and not such a drudgery after all! As in a lot of things in life - it's just how to choose to look at it.

We’ll see how things go and I’ll go with the flow. As usual; your feedback and comments is valued and most appreciated. Bought anything anyone?

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
3 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/21/2007 10:42:00 AM

A Fruiting Tree By The River

posted by FH2o






While driving around the Bau area last weekend checking out new rivers to explore for kayaking, I came across this tree by the river which was 'infested' with fruits. I think it's a type of fig tree but I'm not sure. I have seen them with fruits before but not in such abundance as this one! The fruits were larger than the size of golf balls

I ask some of the youths who were around but they had no idea and instead ask me to ask the 'orang tua' (old folks) in the village! Television and pop culture are of more interests to youth these days irregardless of whether they are in the city or kampung I guess. *sigh*

Anyone have any idea what this tree is?

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
2 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Saturday, October 20, 2007
10/20/2007 03:25:00 PM

Now Try This!

posted by FH2o


By the time Juri (our newest and most rugged kayaking guide) picked up Tim Fitzgerald and Erin DeYoung, who are from the US but working in Pakreet, Thailand as teachers and taken them kayaking at Borneo Highlands and back; I had completed 4 paid posts to the tune of USD$42/- amongst other things. I would have carried on with more posts if not for the fact that I had reached my quota of maximum posts in a day!

So what am I trying to say? Well, if you haven't tried kayaking - you should and if you're a blogger and have not already done so, sign up for PayPerPost; there's no harm in doing so and giving it a go. It's a whole lot easier, worthwhile and a lot more fun than I'd originally thought! So - click here and sign up!


Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
2 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/20/2007 03:20:00 PM

Online Shopping Coupons

posted by FH2o

Hari Raya is just over here in Malaysia but the holiday season is just around the corner with the end of year school holidays and Christmas coming up – it’s sooner than you think! So it’s not too late to make plans or wishlist for your family members and friends now. And one of the easiest way is to get them online shopping coupons from CouponCHIEF.com as they have a wide range of coupons for various stores ranging from DELL to Target and also Office Depot. There are all kinds of stuff to check out. With a one stop online shopping coupons deal and discount resource; you can get up to date coupon codes and promotional deals and discounts. So why not check them out!

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/20/2007 02:58:00 PM

Joyful Jo

posted by FH2o

Juri with Marlani from Jakarta on Sungai Sarwak Kiri, 18 October 2007




Josephine, 22 from Jakarta, Indonesia was in Kuching on holidays with her family and excitedly called us up to book for our kayaking trip. At first we could not locate "Grand Apartments" where they were staying but in the end we managed to find it in Tabuan Laru.

But we require a minimum of 2 person to do our trips and her sporting mum, Marlani decided to join in the fun - and mum was glad she did!

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/20/2007 02:47:00 PM

Backgammon Games Online

posted by FH2o

Now you can not only play backgammon games online but in 12 languages at BackgammonMasters! Money certainly talks and soon BackgammonMasters will launch a LIVE multi-language Customer Support chat program where players will be able to get LIVE support online in their native language. In addition to the 12 languages available Italian and Russian will soon be available as well. And all these come in one backgammon download which is required in order to play backgammon online in glorious first-rate graphics. They certainly know how to entice you!

With the availability of multi-languages, you can play globally with largest community base of players from all over the whole. You can also play Poker, Perudo and BlackJack should you fancy these games.

Backgammon is a board game where the skill, strategy and practice of the player is critical in winning as it’s a race between two players, each aiming to bring his own checkers into the home board, bearing them off before the other player does. New player would do well to peruse the backgammon rules. But players at all levels have access to Gammonish.com which is a complete resource with comprehensive free online backgammon guides with official rules and instructions on how to play, dictionary of backgammon terminology and useful strategies and tips. Like I said earlier these guys certainly know how to entice you to play backgammon online.


Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/20/2007 01:47:00 PM

Dolphins Apprehension

posted by FH2o



It's getting towards the end of the year and the sea swells are increasing and getting rougher at times. So it was with a bit of apprehension that we accepted the booking from Journey Malaysia for Sandra Bijl and mum Willy from Holland but living in Kuala Lumpur.

Turned out that the sea was calm on the Wednesday, 17 October 2007 and they managed to spot the dolphins as well! Nice.

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/20/2007 07:25:00 AM

Timely Loans

posted by FH2o

While we’re on the subject of loans; there is another resource that you should check out –Rebuild,org if you need cash advance.

With mortgages and home refinancing among the other loans available, there’s enough to cover your specific personal loan needs. And if you’re like me all these various types of loans and what they are all about maybe a little confusing and that’s where a personal finance site like Rebuild.org for cash advance can be very useful as you can take your time to slowly peruse the pages and understand the options available to you. And you do not feel as intimidated as you may be if you’re seeing a loan officer at a financial institution in person.

You can take your time to understand consider your options carefully. I think this is neat as taking a loan is something one should not take lightly!


Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Friday, October 19, 2007
10/19/2007 11:09:00 PM

It's Not My Job!

posted by FH2o

It's easy to blur out our responsibilities - "it's not my job!"
Rainy afternoon @ Lakeside housing, Desa Ilmu 17 October 2007

And I wonder what their job is? Sit on they fat lazy ass for the entire month and collect their salary at the end of it?

I had observed over the years how far certain people will go in life and how others will be forever relegated to the ranks of losers by their attitude towards work and life. Like they say - "your altitude will depend on your attitude". How true.

Why bother to even turn up for work if it's such a chore and burden? What a waste of your youth! Perhaps I'm naive to think that one should always love what you do and do the best you can irregardless of whether it's your job to do so or not. It's what I called a 'boss' or employer's mentality versus an employee's mentality. An employee will only do what he/she is paid to do and nothing more and mostly less; and they will forever remain an employee - for life. And life will pass them by as they will never extend themselves to do anything more - whether it is at work or outside of work as their attitude is primarily "what's in it for me first?"

Unfortunately I encountered such a small person at work yesterday afternoon. Apparently a 'nice', soft spoken, quiet sort of guy reveals this true petty nature when requested to check on some discrepancies in the information received; adamant that that it was 'not his job'.

Irregardless, enjoy your weekend and don't tell me that this is not your job either! *sigh*

This group is certainly not arguing whether it's their job or not to have fun & adventure on the river!
Azmi with Greta & gang at Sg Abang put-in, 18 October 2007.

Labels: , ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
1 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/19/2007 10:12:00 PM

Looking For Money?

posted by FH2o

Almost all of us at some stage in our life may need a loan be it a personal loan, secured loan, car loan, business loan, student loan, etc. And all of these and more are available from ukpersonal loanstore.co.uk including an employment loan. And it is easy to search for a loan from them as all it takes is to complete a short form for a fast competitive quotation from their broker partner with them doing all the grunt work for you by comparing over 250 loan plans and searching over 90% of the secured loan market. I wished this was available here in Malaysia! Then we probably would have less incidence of people who are looking for and are in need of Cheap loans falling victims to “ah longs” or loan sharks here who charged unscrupulous rates by taking advantage of the borrowers who are unable to secure a loan from a conventional financial institution for some reason or the other.

Anyway, I think two of the most popular loans for whatever purchases or reasons (such as a new kayak?) are personal loans and secured loans for those with secured asset such as a home. Because it is so easy to get a loan quote from ukpersonal loanstore.co.uk in their 3 step application process; this is really convenient and useful. It is worth your while and time to check out ukpersonal loanstore.co.uk if you are looking for any type of Cheap loans.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Thursday, October 18, 2007
10/18/2007 07:39:00 AM

Catching Your Own Dinner?

posted by FH2o

We were leisurely floating down Sg Sarawak Kiri @ Borneo Highlands on Monday morning when we came across this Bidayuh lady wading in the shallows and we paddled to take a closer look at what she was doing.

Turned out that she was catching fresh water river prawns with nothing more than a bamboo woven half basket; and she proudly and happily showed us her catch.

Modern living has alienated us so much from nature that the sight of someone going out there and catching something for the family for dinner is such a novelty and rarity; if ever seen at all. However if we were to depend on nature for our food (which we do!) in such an manner, issues such as degradation and destruction of our environment would be inconceivable if not downright insane. And the way that we are treating our planet and ourselves is insane. So we are not that ‘developed’ or ‘advanced’ after all! Vision 2020 or turning a blind eye to what we should do rightly do on the road to 'progress'. Butter prawns anyone?

Labels: , ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
10/17/2007 07:28:00 AM

Monday Greens

posted by FH2o

Rainforest kayaking @ Borneo Highlands, 15 October 2007

Monday was a public holiday and there were a couple of Dutch guys who were in town who wanted to go kayaking and Kelvin wanted to join in as well in the last minute and who was I to turned down anyone who wants to go kayaking?

The weather was perfect and as usual I took a lot of photographs but I like the one above the best giving that crispy and fresh 'green' feeling. How appropriate as Monday, 15 October 2007 was Blog Action Day on the environment.

And for sure no one was feeling any monday blues that day.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/17/2007 06:39:00 AM

A Happy Surfer ... in KL

posted by FH2o

From where she is in Kuala Lumpur, happysurfer has been cheerfully posting happy and inspirational stories and images to share with us since I stumbled upon her blog about 2 years ago when I first started blogging myself.

It was become a familiar routine for me to check in on her blog once in a while to read her happy posts and view her happy images; and I always envy marvel where she gets all her stuffs from. She must be receiving a lot of happy emails from her extensive network of happy friends!

So, you are looking for “anything beautiful”; you should check out happysurfer “from where she is … Kuala Lumpur”! Be happy.

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
3 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
10/16/2007 09:07:00 PM

Regret or Rejoice?

posted by FH2o


I received a whole series of inspirational images today from an old friend of mine Alex who's now living in KL. We used to go out for nice dinners and karaokes afterwards every fortnight when we were working in BSB, Brunei Darussalam. Those were the heady days working on high profile, high flying, high budget projects and we were so caught up in it until the bubble burst and we smashed fell down to earth! There were a lot of rejoicing while it lasted and after we had picked ourselves up from the ground and dusted ourselves; I think we had few regrets if any! Thanks for keeping in touch Alex and all my other old pals from "Brunei days"! I wonder how many of you had stumbled upon this blog and are pleasantly (I hoped!) surprised by it. I had never ever dreamed of starting a blog in the first place! Whatever.

Labels: , ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/16/2007 08:40:00 PM

Don't Staple Your Stomach!

posted by FH2o

I think I would correctly guess that most people over the three days hari raya public holidays would be overeating due to the generosity of the hosts and the abundance of rich food normally served during this season; after which thoughts of weight loss must be uppermost in their minds now! *sigh*

And this can be a weighty problem for the obese for whom more drastic measures may be necessary such as weight loss surgery. However obesity surgery should not be taken lightly especially the commonly read of gastric bypass (or “stomach-stapling”) but stapling your guts is not a viable option.

Lap band or laparoscopic surgery which is minimally invasive is perhaps a better option as it is non-disruptive to your regular routine, adjustable and fully reversible weight loss tool. Laparoscopic surgery is something new to me and it is interesting to find out more about this weight loss tool.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Monday, October 15, 2007
10/15/2007 07:06:00 PM

River of Dreams

posted by FH2o

Reflections but not reflecting on the state of our rivers.

As a kayaker in Sarawak, Malaysia which was known in the past as a land of rivers but which sadly is forgotten, denied or ignored; it breaks my heart that our beautiful rivers are taken so much for granted, neglected and abused.

It is astounding that the only true world class attraction that Kuching can proudly boast; which are our rivers would be almost totally ignored in our tourism promotion. Tourists do not specifically come here for our shopping, food, architecture, culture etc which other cities elsewhere can offer so much more. But the unique natural beauty of our rainforests rivers is something which takes a foreign visitor’s breath away. Sometimes we do not see something when it’s right in front of our nose and instead foolishly waste our financial resources on egoistical schemes or projects which only make a mockery of us international by revealing our ignorance and greed.

Our rivers are treated as dumping grounds and even though there are so-called laws protecting our rivers – no one is monitoring nor enforcing any of them. Siltation of rivers from logging has turned our mighty rivers brown which I remembered from photographs as a child was once green and clear. The constructions of dams have exacerbated the situation and it would seem that no one really cares about our rivers in the name of development and progress. Rivers that once served rural communities are rendered useless as means of transportation to towns as the damming of them have negated the tides on which one depend on to catch the natural ride to and fro. So much for studies purporting the usage of our rivers as means of transportation - such is our hypocrisy.

"Tell me - where do the children play?"

For the situation to improve, public awareness on the plight of the rivers is preferable to having token annual ‘river safaris’ which does nothing but leave more biodegradable debris to clog the waterways in the aftermath of such events with other political agendas to fulfill. Our attitudes have to change and values be inculcated early and as such our educational system should instill this in the young; failing which clean and beautiful rivers will just exist only in our dreams in the land of rivers.


Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
3 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Sunday, October 14, 2007
10/14/2007 07:33:00 AM

Hari Raya Kayaking

posted by FH2o

Kuching Kayaking the rainforests of Borneo HighlandsIt's 'timeless' out there - just float and 'be'. Borneo Highlands 13th October 2007

I took 7 people (plus one adorable 3-year old boy) out kayaking today at Borneo Highlands on a most beautiful sunny Saturday. The water was clear and levels were a bit low but our spirits were high. I just love being out there on the waters. It's sublime and it's spiritual. To me, there's nothing quite like it. Period.

It's beautiful, peaceful, relaxing and feeling of 'being' is magical. There's nothing to forgive, forget or worry about. Things are just 'are.' I am happy and that's all there is. Trusting that your Hari Raya was just as meaningful. Be well.

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
2 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Saturday, October 13, 2007
10/13/2007 06:35:00 AM

Selamat Hari Raya 2007

posted by FH2o

Here's wishing all my Muslim friends and readers a very happy Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

I'll be out kayaking on the waters of Borneo Highlands in the morning and would be doing some "raya" visiting with my family in the late afternoon visiting friends and colleagues. Hari Raya is an excellent time to catch up with old friends as well as to make new ones.

I can't think of a better way to celebrate Hari Raya.

photo from the net - source unknown

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/13/2007 06:29:00 AM

Garage Storage Solutions

posted by FH2o

Garages are not that common in Malaysian homes as we mostly have open car porch. Although there’s no good reason why we shouldn’t have them as a garage can be used for other purposes such as for storage other than keeping one’s car in them. And with the availability of over a 1,000 products from storage solutions to sort out any clutter; the garage can be another room in the house and with the very smart looking products; a very nice room indeed!

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Friday, October 12, 2007
10/12/2007 09:24:00 AM

Blog Action Day : 15 October 2007

posted by FH2o



On October 15th - Blog Action Day, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone's mind.

In its inaugural year, Blog Action Day will be co-ordinating bloggers to tackle the issue of the environment.

I trust that all bloggers reading this will participate in Blog Action Day as we are after all living in and on this same bouncing ball.

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
2 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/12/2007 07:58:00 AM

Mac Poker Online

posted by FH2o

There are some things that you never knew about and for me this is one of them – playing poker online! And I was astounded by the wealth of information available from Mac Poker Online which is the exclusive provider of information regarding online poker and casino games for Macintosh. And this literally saves Mac users hours of time in trying to get this sort of information on their own browsing the net for information.

There are various rooms you can go to play poker online and amongst the top sites are Pacific Poker and Fulltilt Poker which is quite unique in that it features a round cartoonish poker table with cartoon avatars!

There is a lot of information available but the beautiful graphics and layout makes it easy to navigate quickly to where you want to play the game. Such as the listing of leading online casino bonuses available that online casino players can take advantage of when signing up for a new online casino account so that they can receive the maximum internet casino bonus.

For poker players Mac Poker Online is a fantastic resource and playing room! Poker anyone?

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/12/2007 07:48:00 AM

On Cropping and Coping

posted by FH2o

I think one of the coping mechanism we use to get through our lives is to 'crop-out' the unpleasant or painful things we do not want to know about. While this can be helpful to a certain extent, it can perhaps be unhealthy over the long term if we deny rather than face the truth or problems we need to work through in order to grow. We have all know of or encountered neurotic people who choose to see things only in a certain way.

Thankfully cropping works out in the long term with regards to composition as it allows us to salvage an otherwise nice photo but is too busy/fussy looking with too many elements in it by editing/cropping out the unnecessary details. Usually less is more (except when it comes to hair!) and here is an example from a snap I took out of my car window on the way home from work yesterday evening. The original photo is on the left and the cropped photos are resized, borders added, given 'drop shadow' and arranged in Photoshop. If anyone find this photography tip helpful, let me know so as though I'm no expert, I'll be glad to share how I take my photos and present them here on this blog. Just let me know. And if you also want to know about coping - let me know as well too!

Trusting that your weekend requires no cropping nor coping! Cheers.

Oh! And David (from New Orleans and now living in Vienna), if you are reading this - my apologies for somehow missing out on replying to your emails which I do not 'crop' out! I'll get back to you very soon.

Kuching Sunset, 11th October 2007

Labels: , ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
2 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Thursday, October 11, 2007
10/11/2007 09:56:00 PM

Unexpected Rainbow

posted by FH2o














I've had my bp (blood pressure) checked and it was only slightly high but I was again feeling dizzy most of the day. And I was still able to do the cross-trainer at the gym for 30 minutes after work; after which I felt much better.

However the unexpected sight of this rainbow in the fading lights of sunset at the traffic lights really made my day.

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
2 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/11/2007 07:18:00 AM

Under The Weather - I'm Not Sick Just A Little Giddy

posted by FH2o

Massive storm clouds over Kuching, 10th October 2007. It doesn't rain here - it pours!

For the past few weeks I'd been having this giddy feeling on and off for no apparent reasons at all. And for someone who never or hardly ever feels unwell; this is a very discomforting feeling. I'm not really sick or anything like that or so unwell that I am unable to function normally. But it's just sort of irritating and it bugs me. Throughout my entire working life, I'd never taken even a single day of sick leave. I'd always find it strange that people around me at work get sick so often and now after all these years; it looked like it could be my turn now. I really hope that I can get out of this under the weather feeling soon as I really do not like this at all. In fact I hate this! But now at last I can feel empathy with people who are really ill as I tend to take the good health I'd enjoyed so far pretty much for granted. And we should not take anything for granted. Perhaps it's about time for unker to go for his first medical check up in decades; right? *sigh*

Feeling as blue and gloomy as the evening skies over Kuching, 10th October 2007

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
3 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Wednesday, October 10, 2007
10/10/2007 07:10:00 AM

My Disclosure Policy

posted by FH2o

This policy is valid from 10 October 2007

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact francish2o@gmail.com.

This blog accepts forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation.

This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.

The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content may not always be identified.
To get your own policy, go to DisclosurePolicy.org

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Tuesday, October 09, 2007
10/09/2007 09:24:00 PM

She Ordered - They Paddled!

posted by FH2o

Azmi with Kim, Robert and Matthew @ the put-in at Sg Abang, 9 October 2007

No; it's not like that at all! The Yeoh family from Perth, Western Australia are here on holidays staying at the Riverbank Suites. Mrs Yeoh called us yesterday and booked a Rainforest Kayaking Adventure Trip for hubby Kim Yeoh and their 2 boys Robert, 13 and Matthew, 15. How thoughtful and nice of her.

Turned out that all the male in the household knows how to kayak as Kim called me later and requested to have single kayaks for all of them (and also our delicious packed lunch).

Robert, Matthew and Kim shooting the rapids @ Borneo Highlands!

They had a great time out on the waters of Sungai Sarawak Kiri @ Borneo Highlands today; so much so that Azmi later told me that this was the longest time he ever spent on the water on this trip! Probably just what the missus ordered!

Labels: , ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Monday, October 08, 2007
10/08/2007 08:30:00 PM

Last Minute Kayaking

posted by FH2o

Put-in @ Sg Abang : Emma, Azmi, Yang Jian, Alexander & Greg. 8th October 2007

Yang Jian (from Tianjin, China) and Alexander Zyik (from Germany) booked our trip through Borneo Interland Travel Sdn Bhd leaving the kayaking trip for the last day before catching the 6pm flight out of Kuching this evening. And Emma Taggart from Melbourne, Victoria emailed us the night before and managed to rope in Greg Peonia from San Diego, California to join in the fun and adventure of kayaking through the tranquil rainforests of Borneo Highlands this morning.

Kayaking rocks! Just ask these folks.

Talk about doing things in the last minute! But they are all glad they did with pleasant memories of their time on the waters of Kuching. Here are some snaps from Azmi and Juri; edited by FH2o. Wouldn't you rather be outside doing this on a Monday instead of being cooped up the entire day inside an office building? *sighs*

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/08/2007 07:57:00 AM

Cute Hedgehogs!

posted by FH2o



These are too darn cute! And you can see more of them here. Someone told me that you can buy them at the Sunday Market @ Satok, Kuching. Will check this out on my next visit there but it's kinda crowded now because of Hari Raya shopping.

Something nice for Monday to wake up all the sleepy heads and put you in a good mood for a great week ahead! Cheers.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
4 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Sunday, October 07, 2007
10/07/2007 08:16:00 PM

Easy To Book Hotels

posted by FH2o

One of and if not the main ingredient of a good holiday is to finding and choosing the right hotel to stay. And it is easy these days with the internet and travel websites and Easytobook.com is one of the easiest way to do this.

I had always wanted to visit New York and if I do I’ll certainly plan my trip there with Easytobook for the hotel to suit my budget and near to the attractions I wish to go. I’ll be comparing hotels and looking for deals to stretch my dollar further.

I’ll do the same for my next trip to London and for the other places which I have yet to visit such as Dublin, Rome and Prague. Life is certainly easier these days and booking of hotel is certainly easy with Easytobook. Make it easy on yourself and book with Easytobook!

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/07/2007 08:02:00 PM

No "Ketchup" On Sunday!

posted by FH2o



I'm also playing "ketchup!". However after a day of kayaking followed by evening cycling and hurrying through 3 posts before they expire tonight (I'd been procrastinating and USD30/- is a pity to throw away!); I think I can be 'excused' for this short post!

Left: Another beautiful day on the waters on Sungai Sarawak Kiri @ Borneo Highlands.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
1 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/07/2007 07:56:00 PM

Vacation Rentals

posted by FH2o

Goin2Travel Vacation Rentals are a worldwide vacation rentals website where owners and managers can list their vacation rentals and travelers can inquire directly and book the rental. This is really convenient and gives a wide choice and flexibility in planning one’s holidays. Nice. Beats staying in hotel rooms which somehow all looked the same!

And if you are visiting Disney land then Orlando Vacation Rentals is where you should head to first to browse their choice of privately owned condos, cottages and large, luxury villas which are rented out directly by their owner or the owner's agent. Renting a private home will often work out far less expensive than a resort hotel with Orlando Vacation Rentals.

A similar vacation rental is also on offer from Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals with the attractions of the many casinos there, the cultural legacy and the natural beauty of the area. And you can vacation at North Tahoe, South Tahoe or Nevada and Lake Tahoe Vacation Rentals list the rental homes available. All you need to do is browse and click!

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/07/2007 07:47:00 PM

London Calling

posted by FH2o

Philip and Rachel Oliver from London, UK had a great time out at Borneo Highlands with Azmi on Saturday, 6 October 2007. And it was a glorious day.

What a great way to spend your holidays in Kuching - kayaking anyone?

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/07/2007 07:36:00 PM

House Boat Holidays

posted by FH2o

I lived next to a river and I had on occasions fantasized about having a house boat so that I can get away for the weekends to somewhere quiet and peaceful so that one can relax and chill out. Ahhhh!

However if you are lucky enough to be near Kentucky; you can do just that on Lake Cumberland and Lake Barkley where they have first class house boat rentals available from Waterway Adventures Houseboat Rentals. There you can houseboat cruise amid the rolling hills, waterfalls and intimate coves. You can also bring along your ski boat or personal watercraft.

Perhaps someone should have house boat rentals on our beautiful Batang Air lake as I’m sure it would be popular too. House boat rentals there would be ideal for vacationing families and companies group.

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Thursday, October 04, 2007
10/04/2007 07:27:00 AM

Looking for Chics - I mean Clicks!

posted by FH2o

This shows that readers to kennysia.com don't know how to click!

Since Kenny's mention in his 2nd October posting of his Halong Bay experience; FH2o: Kuching Kayaking have had over 600 hits! But this is a fraction of the over 10,000 hits Kenny Sia gets in a day from which I can perhaps conclude that his readers are click-phobia, lazy or plain stewpig tech 'un-savy'! I do not have any idea of the demographics of kennysia.com's reader but since Kenny is only 24; I would guess that they would be still be wet behind the ears of the MTV internet generation - and yet they don't understand a linked post? Strange. Or maybe unker is famous enough already! Mind you I'm not complaining about the 600 over hits and if any of you are reading this - a warm welcome here lah! It's cool that you guys are here and you know what? You guys are even stranger than me! Whatever ...

Another more likely reason is that analogous to google's adsense program; there may be many page views but hardly any clicks. This would explain that despite having displayed adsense on my blog since early January this year, the earnings have been minimal - I received my first check after the end of July when the figure finally exceed USD100/- But this is still way much better than homegrown Advertlets (RM12.80) and Nuffnang (RM9.25) which I had since taken off my blog as the earnings are really kacang-putih! Why waste your blog's real estate space? I also find the flashing ads glaring/visually intrusive which starts to get annoying when you see them all over the place (in Malaysian blogs)! Perhaps those of you who've had better results with these either or both of the above may care to share their experience with us here?

Writing paid post yields much faster results although I have yet to sign up on the popular PayPerPost program and it would be interesting to find out if they pay better than Blogvertise that I'd already signed up. I am also wary that sponsored post may in a way spoil the 'authenticity' of one's blog and some people would find them fake and annoying. From observations and deductions, to make any decent amount I guess that one would need to submit around 3 posts per day! Unless one can research and write fast; that would take up a significant amount of time. Anyway it's all part of the experience and fun of blogging and as with most thing in life - if you don't try, you'll never know. Kayaking anyone?

Labels: ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
6 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Wednesday, October 03, 2007
10/03/2007 09:19:00 PM

Hawaii Dreaming On a Hot Day

posted by FH2o

Hawaii kayaking adventure anyone?

It was so hot today that even the breeze feels hot and with the hazy sky, you really wished that you’re somewhere else – Hawaii for instance! Dream on.

But if I were rich enough to be able to live in Hawaii, I would start to look for Hawaii Real Estate right now – whether it would be on nearer Maui island to the Hawaii Big Island which is the second largest island is home to what some believe are the best beaches in the world, as well as Humpback whales who migrate off Maui's shores every winter or Kauai which is the oldest and northernmost island in the Island chain.

I would likely choose Maui real estate close to if not next to a waterfront so that I can have easy access to go kayaking and Hawaii is really a kayaker’s paradise what with Humpback whales and dolphins for company! And to really get away from it all in paradise I would be happy to live just about anywhere in Kauai so looking for Kauai real estate would not be bothersome for me – as if money is no object! But on a hot day in Kuching one can dream on can’t I?

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
3 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/03/2007 07:45:00 AM

Mentioned! (In kennysia.com)

posted by FH2o

I checked on my StatCounter yesterday evening and was mystified but pleasantly thrilled at the sudden increase in the number of visitors to my original, astute and inspiring lame blog. I thought that I was 'stumbled upon' (which I was about 3 weeks ago) but upon checking on where the hundreds of visitors came from - it was none other than from our own famous Kuching blogger's website kennysia.com.

Kenny Sia was in kayaking in Halong Bay, Vietnam with Nicole and blogged about it; and even though I took Kenny on his virgin kayaking trip back in February last year, I must have made quite an impression on him to remember me when it comes to kayaking. I took Kenny out again to look for dolphins in April 2006. And to the envy of many bloggers I even earned the much coveted 'Crap Blogs' link in kennysia.com after that! See what can happen if you are true to yourself and are nice, patient and respectful to people even if they're half your age! And Kenny, if you're reading this - thanks heaps and you are really way too generous. Let unker buy you breakfast, lunch and dinner soon ok?

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
2 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/03/2007 06:52:00 AM

Visiting Australia's Biggest Cities

posted by FH2o

The Hari Raya holidays is now less than 2 weeks away and you may just have enough time to plan your holidays in Australia including getting your hotels there.

I studied and graduated from Sydney and so I’m quite familiar with the ‘city of celebrations’ where there are plenty of events (Art Sydney 07, Martin Place Christmas Concert and Tree Lighting, Sydney Easter Show, Sydney Festival, etc) to celebrate and attractions to see and enjoy. The famous iconic Sydney Opera House, the rocks area and darling harbor are wonderful places to visit, shop, eat and for the adventurous the thrill of climbing the steel arches of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is matched only by the sublime views of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline from the top. There are definitely plenty of things to do and looking for hotels in Sydney is easy with a wide range to suit all budgets as there are so many hotels in Sydney in budget and types to choose from.

Apart for Sydney, Melbourne which is Australia’s second largest city is a great alternative as Melbourne is a city with something for everyone. From chic fashion stores to buzzing laneway cafés and trendy bars, botanic gardens to sports stadiums, elegant Victorian-era streetscapes to Manhattan-style skyscrapers, film and food festivals to galleries and opulent theatres, Melbourne has an activity and attraction that will interest you. And looking for hotels in Melbourne is easy as accommodation to suit the budget of most people's requirements and budgets are available from small, boutique hotels to luxury hotels, from budget to long stay accommodation - including self-catering serviced apartments (or condominium holiday rentals); all the way up to 5 star, luxury hotels in Melbourne.

However if you prefer a weather similar to ours here, then you should also consider Brisbane, Australia’s 3rd largest city which have casinos, theme parks and markets (for example South Bank Village). And just an hours drive south of Brisbane is the vibrant Gold Coast offering fabulous beaches, shopping and nightlife. Hotels in Brisbane start from as little as AUD 65 to 4 star hotels.

Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane? Take your pick and choice of hotels accommodation. G'day!

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Tuesday, October 02, 2007
10/02/2007 07:49:00 AM

Mangrove Apple Fruits Season

posted by FH2o

Discovering the mangrove apple fruit season along Sungai Stutong, 29 September 2007

While it’s still not the durian season yet in Kuching unlike in Miri, it’s definitely the mangrove apple (Sonneratia alba) season as I discovered when I went for a short paddle down Sungai Stutong on a cool Saturday evening. It was quite amazing to see tree after trees along the river bank with bending branches laden with dozens of fruits. The flowers are quite beautiful as can be seen here in my old post back in October 2005. Has it been 2 years already? Scary how the time has floated so quickly by!

What am I to do but to pluck a few of this abundance although I really have to take a bite and report back on its taste! One thing is for sure - you wouldn't be able to buy this fruit at your local supermarket or even at the wet markets. And here I am surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of them; all for my picking!

Abundance from nature - in my hand and on my kayak.

I don’t know if this is a coincidence or not but much to our delight there appear to be more fireflies about when it is the mangrove apple season. We are also seeing more squirrels scampering around the trees as well; feasting and having a wonderful time. Nice. Mangrove apples anyone? Do drop by as I have plenty!


Labels: , ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
4 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post


10/02/2007 07:16:00 AM

Contact Lenses

posted by FH2o

I've been wearing spectacles since I was 14 years after I'd an unfortunate accident in the school yard which affect my vision in the left eye. Wearing glasses can be bother especially when you're playing sports. However I had resisted from using contact lens as my experience with hard contact lens was uncomfortable and inconvenient.

But these days with comfortable and long use (up to 2 weeks) disposable soft contact lenses such as ACUVUE® OASYSTM Brand Contact Lenses with HYDRACLEARTM Plus, it's worth a consideration. They offer a lens with low dehydration, UV protection, and flexible material. ACUVUE® OASYSTM trademark is the registered trademark of Johnson and Johnson Vision Care, Inc. And they are readily available and the selections of personal contact lenses care products can be easily ordered on line.

There are 6 sterile soft contact lenses in each package of ACUVUE® OASYSTM Brand Contact Lenses and you can order the contact lens prescription for the left and right eye. Check out the selection as some offer up to 30% rebate for 8 boxes. Another reason enough to check out ACUVUE® OASYSTM Brand Contact Lenses

Labels:

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post

Monday, October 01, 2007
10/01/2007 12:48:00 PM

Simply Sunday

posted by FH2o

I woke up early to get things ready for the kayaking trip for Azmi and his sister (who is helping him out) although I wouldn’t be able to join them. I managed to get on the waters on Saturday evening (will post on this later) so I didn’t feel so bad about missing out on the trip.

Later I went with my other half to the Charity Food Fair at the Civic Center in aid of the Autistic Children Association as she has baked some scones and chocolate muffins for the event after which we adjoined to have ‘kway chap’ breakfast at the corner coffee shop at Teochew Association in town.

Duly raising the cholesterol levels in our blood nourished and since we are already in town we went to the Petanak wet market to buy some vegetables and fruits. And we saw a bastard fruitcake on the drive home at the traffic lights who opened his car door and nonchalantly left his empty coke can on the road as if it was the most natural thing to do! What a pig! Despite 50 years on and having some first world infrastructure we are still very much a third world mentality country.

In the afternoon I decided to install WordPress after weeks of reading and thinking about trying it out. Forget the 5 minutes installation as I took over an hour and only managed to get it done with the kind assistance of Jee. Thanks Jee for your time, patience and generosity! And the result is here –which is work in progress and I’ll still be working on and when I have the confidence that I know what I’m doing; I’ll probably switch this blog over to WordPress too as the number of options and control one has makes Blogger looks like blogging for dummies! Yeah, I’m a dummy.

In the evening I went cycling alone as I wanted to take some photos and would be stopping frequently which can be amusing at first and annoying later if you’re cycling with others. Later I went out for dinner and drinks with some old friends and came home nicely but agreeably tired.

All in all it was a simply satisfying Sunday. Trust that yours was too!

Labels: , ,

StumbleUpon Toolbar Stumble It!
0 Splashing Comment(s)
links to this post