My Oyster 123

This was my working-cum-holiday trip to Langkawi in 1998. Yes, 2 years before this Covid-19 pandemic. That is why you don't see me wearing a mask then. Those were the carefree days from this virus outbreak.

There were scenic shots till the end, you will see the various panoramic landscapes of the beautiful, untouched island of Langkawi,with many duty free items for sale like liquor, chocolates, batik, perfumes, floral cutleries, and many other high-end items.

There are many activities to do in Langkawi, such as, island hopping by boat, snorkelling, take a short helicopter ride who get a bird's eye view of Cenang Beach Bay, see the beautiful sunset by the horizon on a yatch, visiting many places of tourists' attractions, and more.

This little island is jam-packed with tourism industry. There are many cashew nuts, pistachios, and chocolates that you cannot find in the usual malls of other parts of Malaysia.

This is what makes Langkawi so special where tourist from locals and foreign countries flock here and patronise the restaurants, shopping malls, etc. There are enough bad news flying around the media worldwide and even locally. Hence, I shall dwell the carefree days then to stay happy and cheerful.

Sometimes, we all need a break from the monotony of work and work and blogging is my passion. Simply because I can pen my thoughts freely, without anyone telling me what to write and such. There is this freedom that you get to enjoy as you blog your musings and also rants. Okay, stay safe and practise social distancing, everyone.

As today is a Monday, the first day of the week, I would like to cheer us up with the lovely yellow themed picture from my Instagram account.

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A post shared by DTan (@philin135) on Jul 19, 2020 at 7:34pm PDT

This is an old article written by me years ago for a client to showcase my writing abilities. It was not used anywhere, hopefully, by the client who later hired me for a while to write for him on a part-time basis. Well, I am still on the learning curve when it comes to English, spellings, grammar, etc. I am not perfect in my writing, but nevertheless, it has allowed me to at least earn a little allowance here and there for the hirers who are not so stringent.

For proper journalism, I have to edit a few times, as required by my editors in Singapore. Hence, I have had experience writing for the professionals whose English is impeccable with writing that attracts repeat visitors. All credits will go to the online publisher. My 2 younger sisters have better English than me, with better grades in school. They scored 'A's while I got 'B' for English 1119 many years back. They are avid readers of novels written by Americans and British authors. While late granny made sure I spent my time studying text books, depriving me of improving my English since mum bought the books and grandma didn't want me to read those books.

Anyway, with software and constant reading, my writing has improved a little, not to say by leaps and bounds. Therefore, it is imperative that you read a lot and become a voracious reader. Consuming knowledge is better than consuming alcohol, don't you agree? Being able to write sufficiently well, it is one of my few streams of income now and then. But you have to work hard and be able to revise a few times to satisfaction.

Sometimes, people may also take advantage and get you to write for free, editing so many versions for them. But then again, this is part and parcel of life, learning from your own working experience. Working at home certainly has its many benefits. Just listen to the video above carefully, and you may get some tips on why we should now take advantage of technology to work at home, especially in this Covid-19 pandemic that has ravaged the world economy, causing mayhem globally.

It behooves me that people are still searching around for their calling and vocation in life, the honest way. Of course, we should be cautious of the quacks and scams that abound in the internet fraternity. I, for one, do not like to depend on a fixed salary from 1 source of income. You should always have multiple sources of income to retire comfortably with excess to donate to charity, or pass to your siblings, as in my case, should I pass on.

So, blogging, writing, microjobs and surveys have kept me very busy these few days, not counting being a content creator for YouTube. Everyday is a learning curve for me and the internet is full of information, if you are hardworking and search for it. Do implement what you have learnt, as action speaks louder than words. Finally, some final words: "Stay safe at home and always wear a mask whenever you are in a public place."

This removed video is an obedient child shaving off his dad's hair with a bowl to style it like a coconut in this Covid-19 where you DIY (Do-It-Yourself). See how meticulous he is and every strand is removed and styled carefully with tender loving care. He even shaved the loose ends and tidy up the hair to look perfectly like a coconut husk. Then the child uses a water strainer to shave off the longer stands of hair and it shows how ingenious this family is to use kitchen cooking tools and kits to cut one's hair with a stylo the FREE way. In this Covid-19, where some countries have lockdown, you cannot go out anymore and all barber shops are closed. This child is certainly a chip of the old block, the exact replica of his dad, hair and all. 👨‍🦱🤴🧔

Here is another shot of a monkey entitled, "I cut it myself." It is a hilarious reminder of the above video. I wonder if this is a pet monkey where the owner decided to have some fun or it is in its natural look and portrait in the wild. For yours truly, I am having a whale of a time updating my blogs and learnt new tricks along the way with my videos. I am still in the process of learning forever till thy kingdom comes. 😀😁😊

For many people, they cannot take it during this strict lockdown of the novel coronavirus mayhem and start to go crazy. It seems 2 teenagers even took their own lives. How sad! That is why, "Man shall now live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." So, let's be good to ourselves, be kind to others especially our family and be safe staying at home. 🧡💛💚💙💜

I just came back from Genting Highland and stayed at First World Hotel for $292 per night on weekends which is considered peak season. The price for the room on Friday is only $110. We also watched the best show on America's Got Talent of Illunimati using tubes of various coloured neon lights to illuminate the dance steps. The show for 2 persons right in the front was $317. I also replaced my Genting Rewards Card that was lost some months back and had my 1,500 rewards points or $15 deducted for the new card. Such are the stringent rules now where previously, the replacement was done for free. We also dined at Ah Yat Abalone Restaurant and ordered marble goby or 'soon hock' fish and the total bill was over $307 for 2.

Dogs are cute and make loyal friends even to the point of death of the owner. You will find the dog resting beside the body of the dead owner, keeping it warm for as long as until someone finds it. Such is the unquestionable loyalty of a pet friend. I love dogs; but the thought of maintenance puts me off. Hence, when I was small, I will go to my aunt's house to play with the furry animals, petting their fur and getting a kick out of it. I am born in the year of the dog; however female dogs are mostly my nemesis of which I can name a few (referring to the homo sapiens species). My best friend is a male rabbit, not the real rabbit in that sense, but born in the year of the rabbit.