Thing 23: Group Kliks SMS from Maxis

Finally, someone in Malaysia has launched a Group SMS product.

Group SMS is where ordinary folks like us can :

1. Create a network of friends using Short messaging services
2. Support unlimited types of handphone models and softwares. (Stuff like WhatsApp comes pretty close but they won't work on cheaper models)
3. Save battery & money without being perpetually connected to the Internet on our phones
   

I think Maxis did a good job coming up with this little advertorial video or whatever



And this is where they put it on their portal.. Those colors won't attract anyone to this site.


Guess they meant to say Cliques SMS but Kliks sure had me confused with some online service.

Never mind about that. In principle, the service is pretty handy for ordinary humans with diverse friends that refuse to be iPhone iDiots.

To get started, all you got to do is type "ON" and send it to 28881.

The whole service seems to be fully menu driven so I don't need to remember special keywords.

I found this out when a friend introduced me to a group called "traffic". It crowd sources traffic information. Think it's similar to the Twitter feed but it's cleaner with less "noise".

Here are a few screen captures (I ripped out of my pal's iDiotfone) of what they have been talking about in there:

I circled out "Penguins" as its the general nickname they seem to give Traffic Cops who wear white top & black pant uniforms. Any warning on Penguins are related to roadblocks for speed traps, road tax / alcohol / registration /etc. checks.

Think I'll create a private group for my own pals to arrange our infrequent Futsal sessions.

Oh before I forget, the pricing is fairly cheap at only 99sen per month (noting that Twitter SMS is about RM4/month).

Sending messages costs 5sen an SMS but it can reach hundreds (assuming your group is that big :P)

Receiving is FREE!! (obviously, that's the best part)

I just wish there was some way to mute the service when I don't want that incessant beeping over quiet dinners.

Another failure is that they don't seem to work with Digi. That is a big big mistake!

Anyway, I will try it for a month and will post an update later.

Thing 22: Xhin Fhong BKT in Sungai Way PJ

Yet another 3 layer pork stopover. This is the 3rd time this year.

Quaint little house cum shop located in Sungai Way area (not to far from Ah Sang BKT)

Finding the place takes some effort with most of the one-way roads so please be prepared (i.e. have a printed map or use yr GPS Navigators)

Table selection is crucial here. Pick the wrong one and it'll get pretty warm when you start drinking hot soup along with hot tea.

If you come early in the morning, this is a nice place. The whole family helps out & they are a cheerful bunch.

This is a breakfast & lunch only place. Also, the ingredients normally gets wiped out by 1:45PM but come earlier or you won't get your preferred cuts. (this Tip is clearly for the 3 layer pork addicts)

What I do like about this place is the taste of the meats & not-so-commercialized feel of the place. (in comparison to that BKT giant less than 200 meters away)

No 557, SS9A/2
need to check the address

Gmaps: N 3.087532, E 101.615821

Thing 21: Mi Goreng Wars: Indomie vs Ibumie

While the debate rages on about who copied who in the Instant Noodle industry, I decided to find out what's the real difference between these 2 favorites.

First, a simple comparison of the noodles, texture and color doesn't differ much. Both were slightly darker on one side.

Then let's have a look at the spices that come with each, kicking off with Ibumie:
And then, we see an additional packet of dried onions/shallots in the Indomie package:
So what does all that amount to? Again let's look at Ibumie first:


and this is what came with the Indomie pack:

Quite evident, Ibumie seems to have a bit more oil wherelse Indomie is more generous with flavored black sauce. Which clearly shows in the end results below.

Ibumie's migoreng appears shinier thus good for presentation but lighter in color. The faint traces of red chilli powder also makes for a prettier look.


The Indomie noodles appear less glossy, slightly darker. Seen here with the fried onion/shallot garnishings, it does appear more appetizing to the folks who like it dark.


Finally, I tried both and felt that each had its own distinct taste. I must admit I was partial to Indomie due to the additional garnishing which made the noodles a bit more fragrant.

ok ok... you are right... I should have used all this time for a better purpose.... arghh... migoreng wars... what was i thinkin..