Vogue-U Potion - Train Track and Children

May Peace Be With You.......

The story here is quite interesting and really gives us an insight into Decision Making. Without realising it, Mak Pah noticed we tend to be quite stereotyped in making a rational decision which in the end could be disasterous. Read on to analyse the situation......

A group of children were playing near two railway tracks, one track was still in use while the other disused. Only one child played on the disused track, and the rest were on the operational track.

The train came, and you were just beside the track interchange. It was not possible to stop the train but you could make the train change its course to the disused track and saved most of the kids!

However, that would also mean the lone child playing on the disused track would be sacrificed. Or would you rather let the train go its way????

Let's take a pause to think what kind of decision we could make.....................

Analyse the situation.................

Think and reflect..................

Decided on your answer??????

Most of us might choose to divert the course of the train, and sacrifice only one life.

To save majority of the children at the expense of only one child was quite a rational decision we would make, morally and emotionally..... right????

But, have we ever thought that the child choosing to play on the disused track had in fact made the right decision to play at a safe place?

Nevertheless, he had to be sacrificed because of his ignorant friends who chose to play where the danger was!!!

This kind of dilemma happens around us almost everytime....... In the office, in any community, in politics and in any society, the minorities is often sacrificed for the interest of majority, no matter how foolish or ignorant the majority are, and how farsighted and knowledgeable the minority are.

In the above story, the child chose not to play with the rest on the operational track was sidelined. And in the case he was sacrificed, no one would shed a tear for him!

Thus making the proper decision is not trying to change the course of the train because kids playing on the operational track should have known very well that the track was still in use, and they should have run away if they heard the train's siren.

If the train was diverted, that lone child would definitely die because he never thought the train could come over the disused track. Moreover, that track was not in use, probably because it was not safe.

In fact, if the train was diverted to the disused track, we could put lives of all passengers on board at stake as well. And in the attempt to save a few kids by sacrificing one child, we may end up sacrificing hundreds more lives!!!!!

While we are all aware that life is full of tough decisions that need to be made, we may not realize that hasty decisions may not always be the right one.

"Remember that what's right is not always popular........... and what's popular is not always right."

Everybody makes mistakes; and that's why many pencils have erasers on them......

Something for us to ponder.......

Lots of Luv....... Mak Pah

IN THE KITCHEN WITH MAMA MORALLE.....CNY RECIPES TO TRY

Gong Xi, Gong Xi, Happy Chinese New Year to all our Chinese Voguerssss…………..

Since CNY is over the weekends, today mama would like to share some recipes that our Chinese friends out there can try for te CNY, not only for the Chinese, even others can try it too, tukar selera ape salahnye kan :):)

Chinese New Year Peanut Cookies :

Ingredients (yield 30 – 40 cookies)

300g peanuts, fried/roasted and ground until fine
200g castor sugar
250g all purpose flour
200ml of canola oil (use sparingly and use only enough to bind the mixture)
teaspoon salt
handful of peanuts, fried/roasted, halved then cut into quarter when still hot.
one egg white for the glazing finishing touch

Methods

Preheat the oven at 200°C and lay out 2 baking sheets with greased baking paper or silicone mat.

Grind the roasted peanuts till fine and put them in a large mixing bowl. The oil from the ground peanut will make them stick into lumps, use fingers to break them apart.

Sift the flour, salt and sugar into the peanut mixture and mix them together until well combined.

drizzle half of the oil into the bowl, use hand and knead the mixture together.

Pour the rest of the oil while still kneading the mixture until all the sugar melted and you can roll the mixture up into a ball without sticking to the bowl or your fingers. Then test it with a small lump of the mixture and roll into a ball between your palms. If it doesn’t crumble, then your mixture is ready. If not, add just bit more oil until you can roll them into a ball.

wash, clean and dry your hands. Sit down, turn on the TV and switch to your favourite channel and ready for some ball rolling action.

Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture into your palm, and roll them into small balls. Place them on the baking sheets.

Put a little quartered peanut on top of each ball, then glaze it with the egg white. Put in the oven for 17 mins or until golden brown.

Note: once cool down on the rack, put them in an air-tight seal container. Alternatively, you can store in any container with a screw top lid, then seal it with sticky tape for that authentic home made cookies look.

Shrimp Wontons Recipe :

Ingredients:

3/4 lb shrimp (shelled and deveined)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon oil
1 teaspoon peeled, grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons corn starch
3 sprigs coriander (leaves only, minced)
2 water chestnuts, peeled and finely chopped
White pepper powder to taste
1/2 beaten egg (for sealing wontons)

Coarsely chop shrimp into pieces (not too small) and mix well with the above seasonings. Set aside. Fill each wonton skin with 1 heaping teaspoon of filling and seal the wonton skin with the beaten egg.

Boil the wontons in boiling water for a couple of minutes or until they start floating. Serve hot with ginger vinegar dipping sauce and/or garlic chili sauce.

Garlic Chili Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:
4 garlic cloves
8 dry red chilies (minced)2 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger
Salt to taste

Blend the above ingredients and stir fry them with oil until fragrant. Set aside.

Ginger Vinegar Dipping Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons peeled, grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of dark vinegar
1 tablespoon of chopped scallion

Mix the above ingredients and set aside.

Red Bean Paste Pancakes
(end the family dinner with a sweet note with this Chinese dessert pancakes)

Ingredients:

1 large egg, lightly beaten

5 tablespoons all purpose-flour

51/2 tablespoons water

4 tablespoons canned red bean paste

1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Cooking oil for deep frying

Method:

In a mixing bowl, blend the egg, flour, and water together to form the batter. Divide the batter into 2 equal portion.

Put a smear of oil on an 8-inch flat, non-stick frying pan and wipe all over with a paper towel. Pour all but 1 teaspoon of one portion of the batter into the frying pan and tilt it to let the mixture run evenly to the edges, forming a thin layer.

Cook over low heat for about 2 minutes, or until it becomes a thin pancake but without any brown spots. Do not turn the pancake over.

Loosen the edges and using a spatula, lift the pancake to a lightly oiled plate or a flat surface.

Make the other pancake the same way.

Spread 2 tablespoons of the red bean paste across the middle third of each pancake, leaving about 1 inch at either end. Fold the near flap over the bean paste and the side flaps inwards and then the far flap over towards the center. Seal with a little of the leftover batter smeared on the edges.

Smear sesame seeds on the surface of the pancakes. Seal with the leftover batter.

Heat the wok or deep fryer (to 350 degree) and deep fry the pancakes until they turn golden in color.

Remove the pancake from the oil and drain on paper towels.

Cut each pancake into strips and serve immediately.

Longan Dessert/Longan Tong Sui :

Ingredients:

2-3 oz dried longan

6 cups water

6 dried red dates

12 ginkgo nuts

5 pieces snow fungus (soaked until soft)

Sugar to taste

Method:

Bring water to boil. Add the dried longan, red dates, ginkgo nuts, and snow fungus. Boil in low heat for 30-45 minutes or until the water turns brown in color. Add sugar to taste. Serve warm or cold with ice cubes.

"HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL"

**all pics courtesy of googles**

Vogue-U Potion - How Barbie Dolls Are Created

Praise to the Almighty, Most Gracious and Most Merciful

Most of us know about the famous Barbie dolls, but only a few of us know the history behind them. Mak Pah's cousin sent an email last week on how Barbie dolls are created, and out of curiousity, Mak Pah decided to goggle about these captivating dolls. And to my surprise history of the dolls went back in the year 1959. Read on what Mak Pah found in the net.....

The history of Barbie doll dates back to March 9, 1959, when Ruth Handler invented it. The doll which has been captivating the imagination of thousands of young girls throughout the world has completed fifty years in 2009. The name of Ruth Handler's daughter was Barbara, and it is believed that the doll is named after her. The doll was made up by Mattel, Inc. - the largest toy importing company and Ruth Handler was the co-founder of that organization. Today, Mattel, Inc. is regarded as one of the largest company in the world ranked on the basis of revenue earned, and Barbie dolls accounts to almost 80% of the total profit earned. Barbie introduced herself to the world at the American Toy Fair held in New York City. Sometimes she is seen as a symbol of American culture and sometimes criticized as the icon of the materialistic society. Some people also criticize her for representing the stereotypical woman. Her image as the stereotype woman has given birth to the term “Barbie Doll” which is used to describe a beautiful and attractive but conventional woman. Her popularity is still immense in the sense, even after 50 years, almost every young girl wishes to possess at least one Barbie doll.

Here's some pictures forwarded by my cousin on the process of creating the Barbie dolls.

Enjoy.....

Wow, looking at the process, makes me salute to the creator for the details and effort put in to produce them.

Lots of Luv........ Mak Pah

credit to my cousin, Wana..... muacks

The Geek Chic 101 - Home based Business

Last 2 weekends, I was at a fleamarket and I got to know quite a few home business owners which I would want to recommend for and share with. Networking is normal when it comes to things like this. :)

Peachy Swits Homemade Delights
http://peachyswits.multiply.com/

My say: Their brownies are one of the best I've tasted! So were their kuih tat and suji. Their prices are affordable too. A sweet bunch of family. :)

Malmas Delicacies
http://malmas.multiply.com/

Specialised in customised cupcakes, birthday cakes, wedding berkats, pulut, etc.  

Hajah Kumanah Muzari

http://picasaweb.google.com/kumanah12

 Specialised in kek lapis sarawak, nutella rolls, gubahan and cakes! 

My say: Hajah Kumanah was actually one of my customers actually. She's a very nice and humble lady. Although I have not tried any of her delicacies, I dare say that by looking at the photos, she's one awesome baker! Creative too! :)

Cover Me Different

http://covermedifferent.multiply.com

The Geek Chic says YES! to this cool-looking headwear for Muslim women. ;)

Traditional Massage For Women Only
Puan Zalinah Ja'afar

For Appointment Pls Call: 9740 7940

Specialised in:

• Post Natal Massage
• Normal Massage 1 hr - $40 Head to Toe
• Bridal Scrub/ Lulur & Massage

 If I'm not mistaken, she lives in Choa Chu Kang area.

That's some of them for my fleamarket networking deals. Hope to get to know more of them in my next fleamarket, if there is one. Hehe. Have a great weekend!

IN THE KITCHEN WITH MAMA MORALLE.....LOVE POTIONS RECIPES

Hi there voguerssss.........time for us to share the love recipes again.......mama found this while surfing, lets just read n enjoy this love potions ya, who knows ada gunanye suatu hari untuk kiter semua ..... :):)

7 Habits of Highly Successful Couples

Keeping intimate relationship alive requires strength, motivation, and a little something called love. We are guilty of basing our romantic beliefs on fairytales. The problem with happily ever after is there's more to ever after than meets the eye. To hold on to Prince Charming, Snow White has to be willing to do more than sing with the bluebirds.

If you are willing to put forth the effort to keep your relationship alive, then developing the following seven habits will help you become one of those highly successful couples.

HABIT #1 - GIVE EACH OTHER PLEASURE

Your goal in the relationship is to give each other pleasure, not to cause pain. Simple, isn't it? However... for just a single day, become consciously aware of everything you do, by asking yourself the question, "Is what I'm about to do or say going to cause my partner pain or pleasure?"

To help you, each of you should make two lists: one for all the things your partner does that hurt you, and another for all that you'd like your partner to do to give you pleasure. Swap lists, and now you know exactly what to do and what not to do. No more guessing!

HABIT #2 - CREATE LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP RITUALS

We fall in love through rituals of connection and intimacy such as romantic dinners, long conversations, riding bicycles or going for walks, exchanging gifts, talking every night on the telephone...

When we fall in love our relationship becomes the center point of our life, with anything else becoming secondary. Over time, when the relationship becomes more settled (particularly after we have children), this process reverses. The children, our work, our hobbies, our friends - take the center stage and the relationship being relegated to the background tending only to receive our attention in times of crisis.

The remedy to routine (the main cause of dull relationships) is connection and intimacy rituals.

For example, every Saturday evening, as a changeover from the working week into the weekend, take two hours together when you put a "do not disturb" sign on your busy life. No phones, no answered doors, no e-mails, no TV, nothing... Just the two of you and your relationship. Do what you will with the time, however it must be an investment in your relationship.

HABIT #3 - CREATE A SAFE SPACE FOR OPEN AND HONEST SHARING

Create a sense of safety and acceptance that allows each of you to express your feelings, problems, expectations and disappointments. One of our connection rituals is a process called "Clearing" that creates this atmosphere of safety and acceptance.

EVERY NIGHT before we go to sleep, we ask each other "what DID NOT work for you today?" We give each other a chance to share about all the things that went "wrong" during the day (whether connected to the relationship or not). If there are any solutions that we can mutually agree upon to assist with improvements for the future, we raise the issue.

When both of us are complete, we initiate a second round, in which we ask each other "what DID work for you today?" This is our opportunity to share about all the goodness that we've experienced during the day, as well as acknowledge each other (and others) for the support and love we've received.

HABIT #4 - WORK TOGETHER TO RESOLVE CONFLICT AND CRISIS

The problem with the way most couples argue is that they attempt to find solutions before allowing each other the chance to say what they need to say. The "Council" process ensures that before you engage in solution talk, each one of you feels you have been fully heard.

Here's how it can be made to work in the practice: One person holds an object in their hand, called the "Talking Piece", which symbolizes that he or she has the floor. While one person has the floor, the other person is allowed only to listen without interruption.

When speaking, you should focus on speaking from your heart (emotional, spontaneous, instinctive as opposed to mental). When listening, you are encouraged to listen from your heart (i.e. from acceptance and compassion). Only after each person has been fully "heard," (in case it is still necessary) continue through to the process of problem solving.

HABIT #5 - TURN TOWARD EACH OTHER, RATHER THAN AWAY

When you pass your lover during the course of a day, do you stop and rub their shoulder, give them a kiss on the cheek, and whisper something nice in their ear - or do you just walk on by? This is the meaning of "turning toward" as opposed to "turning away." Turning toward each other means making each other your number one priority. Make sure to find ways to be physically and emotionally close to each other, such as doing things together that you both enjoy. Take walks together, drink coffee together after dinner, listen to music together...

HABIT #6 - SCHEDULE TIME FOR LOVE

Want to improve your sex life? Here's one of the most profound pieces of advice I can give you: SCHEDULE IT! Doesn't sound very romantic, I know. But it works.

Waiting for that "magic moment" when you're both "in the mood" may be romantic, but it's not always practical. We all have had times when we were waiting and waiting and... waiting.

Plan in the morning to make love that night. Call each other all day long with reminders, ideas and seductive suggestions. By the time evening rolls around you'll both feel like you've engaged in foreplay all day long - and you'll be ready for an exciting night!

HABIT #7 - CREATE MEANING IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

Think about it, besides having fun, what else would you like to do together in the coming 40 years?

We all need meaning in our lives. You will enrich your relationship by sharing meaningful experiences with each other. The ultimate in meaning is to share a common philosophy of life and life purpose. This is why couples who choose a path of personal-growth or spirituality together, have great source of meaning in their lives.

When you practice these seven habits intentionally and consistently, you'll re-create every day a loving, fulfilling and long-lasting relationship.

It's easy - give it a try....HAPPY WKENDS TO ALL

Timeout with Shopper Mama - Medical alert!

Hellooo hellooooo...


Do you realise that time flies so fast, when we are too over stress in office.    So before you over-kill yourself, read this -

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Centre for Disease Control has issued a medical alert about a highly contagious, potentially dangerous virus that is transmitted orally, by hand, and even electronically.



This virus is called Weekly Overload Recreational Killer (WORK).


If you receive WORK from your boss, any of your colleagues or anyone else via any means whatsoever - DO NOT TOUCH IT!!! This virus will wipe out your private life entirely. If you should come into contact with WORK you should immediately leave the premises.


You should immediately forward this medical alert to your friends. If you do not have friends, you have already been infected and WORK is, sadly, controlling your life.  Get help immediately !

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, take a coffee break now ok!  

Vogue-U Potion - The Truth About Hugs!

May Peace Be With You.....

There's no such thing as

a bag hug, only good ones

and great ones

Hugs are

non-fattening and

they don't cause cancer or cavities...

HUGS ARE

all natural

with no preservatives, artificial

ingredients or pesticide residue...

Hugs are

cholesterol-free,

naturally sweet, 100% wholesome

and they are a completely

renewable resource...

Hugs are

Easy to care for, they don't require batteries,

tune-ups, or x-rays...

HUGS are

non-taxable,

fully returnable and energy efficient...

HUGS ARE

safe in

all kinds of weather...

In fact,

HUGS ARE

especially good for

cold and rainy days

and

HUGS ARE

exceptionally

effective in treating problems

like bad dreams or Monday blues...

Never wait until tomorrow to hug

someone you could hug today,

because when you give one,

you get one right back

your way!

Lots of Luv..... Mak Pah