Yowazzup: A Directory of Happening Things » Travel and Places

Zhang Ziyi As a Travel Host

james pong — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:21:50 +0000

Zhang Ziyi’s Oman

Zhang Ziyi, the Asian beauty and the star of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Memoirs of a Geisha will take a new role, as travelogue host. Filmed in high definition, the Zhang Ziyi Travel Series features the 31-year-old Beijing native travelling to Oman and Inner Mongolia to experience the unique culture and heritage of the two locations.

The Zhang Ziyi Travel Series premieres on Nov 14 on National Geographic (Astro Channel 553).

Women Army Uniforms Around the World

james pong — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:16:20 +0000

We have seen women in all sort of uniforms. What about women armies in uniforms? Got this long time ago from a forwarded mail. Thought it’s hilarious.

Russian Women Armies in Uniform

US Women Armies in Uniform

Brazilian Women Armies in Uniform

Mainland Chinese Women Armies in Uniform

Korean Women Armies in Uniform

Indian Women Armies in Uniform

Pakistan Women Armies in Uniform

Top 10 Beer-Drinking Countries

james pong — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:50:54 +0000

With Oktoberfest around the corner, it is a good time to check out which country consumes the most beer. Below are the top 10 beer-drinking countries with annual consumption per capita: -

Czech Republic – 156.9 litres (276.1 pints)
Ireland – 131.1 litres (230.7 pints)
Germany – 115.8 litres (203.8 pints)
Australia – 109.9 litres (193.4 pints)
Austria – 108.3 litres (190.6 pints)
UK – 99 litres (174.2pints)
Belgium – 93 litres (163.7 pints)
Denmark – 89.9 litres (158.2 pints)
Finland – 85 litres (149.6 pints)
Luxembourg – 84.4 litres (148.5 pints)

USA is not in the top 10 as the Americans consume only about 81.6 litres (143.6 pints) beer per year.

World’s Biggest Barbecue

james pong — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:27:20 +0000

1,250 grill masters prepared 12 metric tonnes of grilled beef to set Guinness world record!

Top 10 Horniest Countries

james pong — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 02:30:15 +0000

According to a 2008 Durex sex survey, only 53% of Americans have sex once a week. This list is ranked same as Durex survey rankings. So, the higher a country appears on the list, the more of its citizens are having sex at least once a week. So, here goes: -

Greece
Brazil
Russia
China
Poland
Italy
Malaysia
Spain
Switzerland
Mexico

(Source: AskMen.com)

Save Up to 60% with Accor Hotels Super City Sale!

james pong — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:03:54 +0000

During economic hard times like now may not be encouraging for you to purchase properties, cars or even furniture and the likes. Even companies and individuals have cut down on travelling mainly because the prices of everything goes up and have not gone down in spite of the bad economy.

However, fret not, AccorHotels.com is currently having a great promotion called ‘City Super Sale’, whereby travellers will be able to save up to 60% when they book online between 23 – 29 June, 2009. Please note though this offer is only applicable for stays between July 10 and September 30, 2009. There will be over 250,000 room nights be on sale with rates starting from USD $25 per night! There are 27 cities including Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hanoi, Manila, Mumbai, Sydney, Auckland and more. What’s more, the hotels available are of top class including Sofitel, Pullman, Novotel and All Seasons.

I have been planning to visit Bangkok in the next two months and Accor Hotels City Super Sale come just at the right time! I have checked the rates for Bangkok for travelling between July 10 and September 30 and I almost could not believe my eyes when I saw the price of the hotels. One particular hotel which interests me starts from USD $25.50 per night! I tried comparing the price with another hotel booking site from Asia and found out the regular price is USD 61 per night. Now, that’s nearly 60% discount!

Hurry up and book these great hotels now before they are all run out! I know I will be booking mine, after browsing on the great deals they have.

Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches – Turks & Caicos Preview

james pong — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:46:52 +0000

Turks and Caicos, 600 miles southeast of Miami in the United States are full of adventures and sexy beaches. What’s better than having a sexy host, Bridget Marquardt to introduce you to these beaches? Watch Turks & Caicos Preview at Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches. Now, who says watching travel channel is boring?

Win A Trip to Singapore

james pong — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Your Singapore Experience Contest gives you a chance to win an all-expenses paid trip to Singapore. The contest is organized by the Singapore Government and the winner will win a 5 Days/4 Nights trip to the Lion City. All you need to do is take a virtual tour of the island nation and answer 8 interactive multiple choice questions.

The requirement? Your Singapore Experience is open to everyone aged 18 and above as long as you are not a Singapore citizen, have a Permanent Resident status or currently reside in Singapore.

Play the game now. The contest ends on April 5, 2009.

Penang Is Voted 2nd By New York Times Readers in "The 44 Places To Go in 2009"

james pong — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 15:15:36 +0000

Penang, Malaysia is chosen as the second best destination among "The 44 Places To Go in 2009" by New York Times readers. The top spot is occupied by Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon.

The only other Asian countries in the list are India at 9th, Thailand (Phuket), 15th, The Philippines (Boracay) at 26th and Bhutan at 36th. However, Penang is listed at 22nd according to "Times Recommendations" while Beirut remains at number one.

Penang is a great destination — beautiful beaches, great and cheap food, full of history and is even declared as one of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Sunset at Batu Ferringhi beach in Penang Island (Photo credit: Meilyn)

Penang’s famous Char Kuey Teow (Photo credit: Suanie)

The full list of The 44 Places To Go in 2009

Australia Offers "Best Job in the World"

james pong — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:00:50 +0000

What do you say to a six-month vacation on a beautiful tropical island in Australia, rent-free accommodation in a three-bedroom beach home complete with plunge pool and golf buggy, free airfares from your home country and 150,000 Australian dollars (USD $105,000)?

An Australian state is offering just that. All you need to do is take care of the island, stroll the white sands, snorkel the reef and take care of a few minor tasks — and report to the world via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates.

Hamilton Island (Photo Credit: Islandreefjob.com)

Whitehaven Beach (Photo Credit: Islandreefjob.com)

Hamilton Island as seen through Google Earth

The requirement: – The successful applicant must be a good swimmer, excellent communicator and be able to speak and write English.

Hurry up, applications are open until February 22, 2009. Eleven shortlisted candidates will be flown to Hamilton Island in early May for the final selection process and the six month contract will commence on July 1, 2009.

Job-seekers can apply on Islandreefjob.com

Real-Life Furby Is Found in Indonesia

james pong — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:13:21 +0000

Undated handout photo of a creature called pygmy tarsier (Photo credit: Texas A and M University/Sharon Gursky-Doyen/Handout/Reuters)

Real life Furby is discovered in Indonesia. A creature called a pygmy tarsier, believed for the eight decades to have been extinct have been rediscovered in Indonesia by Texas A and M University professor Sharon Gursky-Doyen in August. It is one of the world’s smallest and rarest primates — weighing about 2 ounces (50 grammes). It resembles Furby and the 1984 Hollywood movie, "Gremlin".

An interesting fact — they can turn their heads around 180 degrees. Scary.

(Via Yahoo! News)

Ninja Cat

james pong — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 15:46:31 +0000

Ninja cat comes closer while not moving. Scary or what?

McDonald’s Menu Around the World

james pong — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 17:43:04 +0000

McDonald’s is well-known for localization of its menu. As a result, almost every country in the world has at least one different item on its menu.

Australia

McOz

Australia’s McOz

It contains beetroot, ketchup, mustard, onion, McChicken sauce, lettuce, tomato, cheese and Quarter Pounder beef patty.

Belgium

Croque McDo

Belgium’s Croque McDo

The “Croque McDo” consists of 2 melted slices of Emmental cheese and a slice of ham toasted between 2 hamburger bun (also available in France).

Brazil

Cheddar McMelt

Brazil’s Cheddar McMelt

A sandwich with beef burger, cheddar cheese and grilled onions flavored with soy sauce.

Canada

McLobster

Canada’s McLobster

McLobster is a lobster roll, is available seasonally at select locations in Atlantic Canada.

Finland

El Maco

Finland’s El Maco

El Maco is a burger with barbecue sauce (also available in Sweden).

Hong Kong

Shogun Burger

Hong Kong’s Shogun Burger (Photo credit: crazybluepanda)

Shogun Burger consists of teriyaki pork patty with lettuce, served in a sesame seed bun.

India

Chicken Maharaja Mac

India’s Maharaja Mac

Chicken Maharaja Mac has two grilled chicken patties with a smoke-flavoured mayonnaise, fresh onions, tomatoes, processed cheddar cheese in a toasted sesame seeded bun. Also available — Lamb version.

McAloo Tikki Burger

India’s McAloo Tikki Burger (Photo credit: Chris Brunn)

A vegetable burger with potato, peas, and spices, tomato, onion, and a vegetable-tomato mayonnaise.

Israel

McKebab

Israel’s McKebab (Photo credit: wysgal)

Kebab served on flatbread (also available in Argentina).

Japan

Ebi Filet-o

Japan’s Ebi Filet-o (Photo credit: worldfrank)

Yuri "Ebi-chan" Ebihara holding a Ebi Filet-o

Ebi Filet-o is a shrimp burger with special sauce and lettuce. It is endorsed by Ebi-chan, more known as Yuri Ebihara, a popular Japanese celebrity.

Malaysia

Prosperity Burger

Malaysia’s Prosperity Burger (Photo credit: raspberrii)

Prosperity Burger consists of beef patty with black pepper sauce. Only available during Chinese New Year. Also available — Chicken Prosperity Burger.

Middle East

McArabia

Middle East’s McArabia

McArabia consists of two grilled chicken patties (de-boned breast meat), Arabic bread, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, garlic sauce (also available in Egypt, Morocco and Pakistan).

Norway

McLaks

Norway’s McLaks (Photo credit: larskflem)

McLaks is a salmon burger.

Philippines

McSpaghetti

Philippines’s McSpaghetti

McSpaghetti consists of spaghetti noodles served in sweet tomato-based sauce, hot dogs and grated pasteurized cheese.

McRice Burger

Philippines’s McRice Burger

McRice Burger has ground beef burger, or chicken fillet served with special sauce in fried rice cakes (also available in Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia).

South Korea

Bulgogi Burger

South Korea’s Bulgogi Burger

Bulgogi Burger consists of pork patty in bulgogi marinade.

Thailand

Samurai Pork Burger

Thailand’s Samurai Pork Burger

Samurai Pork Burger has pork patty flavored with teriyaki sauce.

Have I missed out the McDonald’s in your country? Let me know and I’ll add it to the list.

Discovery Channel: I Love the World Commercial

james pong — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:14:13 +0000

I simply love this commercial by Discovery Channel. The world is just awesome. Indeed.

Indiana Jones’ Crystal Skulls Are Real Artifacts

james pong — Sat, 24 May 2008 21:32:05 +0000

The crystal skulls which appeared in the movie Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull are, in fact, real artifact according to George Lucas.

The crystal skull was said to have come from Mexico, brought to Europe by a Spanish officer before it a French antiquities dealer which later on sold to Tiffany & Co., N.Y. before it becomes the property of The British Museum.

If you happen to live in London, check out the real crystal skull at the British Museum

(Source: British Museum)

Happy Wesak Day 2008!

james pong — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:22:46 +0000

Happy Wesak Day to all Buddhists!

Below are some pictures I took from Jalan Tun Sambathan in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur:

One of the floats in Wesak Day parade

Beautiful float in Wesak Day parade

Monkey Works at Bar in Japan

james pong — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:58:08 +0000

This monkey works at a bar in Japan. Impressive, ain’t it?

Chinese New Year 2008 in One Utama Shopping Centre

james pong — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:51:14 +0000

Continue from my previous post of Chinese New Year 2008 in Kuala Lumpur Shopping Malls, One Utama Shopping Centre does not want to lose out either in attracting shoppers by having moderate decorations around its mall but the center stage is decorated heavily. Everywhere you go, you’ll see blocks of Chinese characters where people will gather to pose for pictures. There are many performances daily including Snake Show (WTF?), Chinese Acrobatics and Lion Dance.

Chinese New Year decoration in One Utama Shopping Centre

Cobra king appears at the wrong time

One thing that amuses me is that why the hell is the Cobra king out to entertain the crowd? Ain’t it the Year of the Rat? And Cobra belongs to the Snake family — Rat’s biggest enemy! ROFLMAO!

Many people love the lion dance

Close-up shot of the lion

Wishing all who celebrate Lunar New Year a very Happy Chinese New Year 2008!

Chinese New Year 2008 in Kuala Lumpur Shopping Malls

james pong — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 12:00:17 +0000

Chinese New Year or known as Lunar New Year is less than a week away. And since early January, most shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were already fully-decorated with Chinese New Years decorations.

Suria KLCC is decorated with lots of red lanterns

The view of Suria KLCC’s concourse from the top

A giant lion inside Berjaya Times Square KL

The tail of a lion in Berjaya Times Square

The decoration inside The Curve shopping mall makes it looks like a garden

The red lanterns above the piazza of The Curve

Chinese acrobatic performance in Sungei Wang

Sungei Wang hires some acrobatic performers to entertain its shoppers

Where would you be this Chinese New Year?

People Age 1 to 100 Banging a Drum

james pong — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:01:37 +0000

People in Order’s Age is part of a series of short films that assembles the people of Britain in a given order. In just 3 minutes, you’ll see 100 different people banging the drum from Age 1 to Age 100.

World’s Brightest House

james pong — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 18:30:44 +0000

Looks like a theme park during night time! Awesome! Happy New Year to y’all!

A Novel Way to Introduce Smoking Ban

james pong — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 02:56:53 +0000

In Germany, several of the country’s federal states are introducing smoking bans on Jan. 1, 2008.

A German restaurateur has come up with a novel solution to a new ban on smoking in restaurants: He has made three holes in the wall of his restaurant so that customers can smoke “outside.”

Proprietor Michael Windisch testing the smoking holes in his restaurant, the "Maltermeister Turm" in Germany

Windisch tests out his "smoking point."

Ahhh…

Novel? Or just plain ingenious? What’s your say?

(Via Spiegel)

Tasers Are Deadly

james pong — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 15:00:32 +0000

In recent weeks, we have heard a number of news of death by taser and the number never seems to cease. What’s worse, these taser’s deaths are mostly caused by the police.

In Frederick County, 20-year-old man died after sheriff’s deputy used a taser on him to break up a fight.
Meanwhile, in Vancouver, Polish immigrant Robert Dziekanski was jolted by a taser just 24 seconds after being confronted by police in Vancouver International Airport. He was unable to communicate in English and scared because he couldn’t find his mother.
In Utah, Man got tasered after refusing to sign ticket for speeding.

With so many tasers deaths recently, even UN reported to say “Tasers a form of torture”. When you think tasers are misused in the States, think not, police in London will be armed with tasers in December! The tasers have just begun!

Unlike guns, tasers are often used even when the criminals do not have any weapons. What’s your say? Do you think tasers should not be used at all?

Taiwan’s Modern Toilet Restaurant

james pong — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:59:24 +0000

The dishes in Modern Toilet are served in toilet bowl

Modern Toilet is a food chain that operates 12 toilet-themed restaurants in Taiwan.

Ice-cream or?

Would you actually eat at this restaurant in Taiwan that has toilet theme? Would you even have the appetite?

(Via Xinhuanet)

Dance Trooper in Shibuya

james pong — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 15:57:13 +0000

Watch the Storm Trooper dance in the street of Shibuya, Tokyo! Hilarious!

Singapore New Bus Chairs

james pong — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 08:38:31 +0000

Singapore has got new bus chairs. And they’re comfortable to the boot!

Crazy Amusement Park Ride

james pong — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:25:57 +0000

Watching this video is already making me dizzy – I can’t imagine how those people feel when they were on the ride.

Explore the Ancient Wonders at The Lost City, Summit USJ

james pong — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 12:37:07 +0000

Fancy to explore the pyramids in Egypt or the ancient Mayan temples? Now, you can do it locally in Malaysia – for a limited time only – in The Lost City at Summit USJ, Subang Jaya. With exhibition galleries spanning over 20,000 square feet, there are many things in store including genuine antiques and artifacts borrowed from China, India and South-East Asia in The Treasure Gallery, The 3D Forest – the dwelling place of mythical creatures, The Passage – where a mix of Egyptian and Mayan cultures, coupled with special effects to give the secret passages a feel of mystery and magic and many more.

There will also be a replica of the 11,000-year-old Perak Man, the second oldest complete human skeleton to be discovered in Asia after China’s Peking Man.

The Lost City in Summit USJ is created and designed by Deyna Technologies. The Lost City is scheduled to opened from October 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007. Tickets are priced at MYR 20 (adult) and MYR 14 (child) during weekdays and MYR 22 (adult) and MYR 16 (child) during weekends. You can get 25% discount off all tickets from The Swiss Cafe, Ground Floor of Summit USJ, the promotion ends on September 30, 2007.

For more information, visit www.thelostcity.com.my.

How to Make People Think You Speak Spanish

james pong — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 17:01:22 +0000

¿Usted habla español?

Man with World’s Largest Hand in Shanghai for Surgery

james pong — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 05:40:14 +0000

24-year-old Macrodactyly patient Liu Hua from Jiangsu, the man with the world’s largest hand has arrived at the Shanghai No. 9 People’s Hospital for radical plastic surgery. He was born with a left thumb, index and middle finger much larger than normal, which grew dramatically together with his arm as he grew older and this had a serious impact on his work and day-to-day life.

Read the rest and view the picture of Man with world’s largest hand in Shanghai for surgery.