PP 4353/05/2013 (033269)
November 2014
KL
american
A Publication of the American Association of Malaysia KL American November 2014
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KL American November 2014
Contents AAM November 2014 Advertisers Index Advertisers
(A-Z)
4
5
Page
ABWM
p.28
Asian Tigers Transpo
Back Cover
16
Austrian German Swiss p.28 Capstone
p.26
City Motors
p.10
Crown Relocations
Inside Front Cover
Eastern Carpets
Inside Back Cover
The Expat
p.7
French Bazaar
p.28
Hammam
p.13
IBU
p.24
Life Spheres
p.24
MANZA
p.28
MG Wines
p.26
RSDHC
p.24, 30
Tropicana Medical Centre
p.25
President’s Message
6 7 8
Directors’ Corner
What’s On at the AAM
16 Digital Shoebox: Travels Through Ancient Kingdoms 18
Special Event: Annual Welcome Back Shrimp Boil
20
Perspectives: Exercise is Fun
22 Diversions: Cinnamon: A Spice for All Seasons 25
20
Health Care in Malaysia
26 29
22
Memories
AAM Community Bulletin Board
30
Eagle Square, Langkawi, Malaysia; Photo by David Terenzio. Happy Thanksgiving!
AAM Messages
Weekly Activities / Help Wanted
11
18
Membership
Community Service
9 10
Editorial
AAM Calendar
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President’s Message Hello Everyone! What a busy time of the year! November has always been one of my favorite months (and no, not just because it’s my birthday month…although that definitely helps). This month is all about reflecting on all that we are thankful for in our lives. I am thankful that the AAM continues to grow and put on amazing events such as our October Pink Lady High Tea, a new fundraising event that allowed all of us to take part in advancing cancer research. I am also thankful for the genuine camaraderie that our full board has and the willingness of our members to not only attend activities and events, but for you to fully participate through volunteering your time, baked goods, and of course your charitable giving. If you are not able to get home to celebrate Thanksgiving with your family, hopefully you will celebrate it with our AAM family. I am excited for my family to attend as well as the opportunity for people to purchase a happy meal for a local child even if they can’t attend. We also have our Christmas Bazaar this month in a new location. Hopefully, you have signed up to volunteer your time or cleaned out your closets for White Elephant items.
Board of Directors President Stephanie Emilo President.aam@gmail.com 1st Vice President Nicole Fitch FirstVP.aam@gmail.com 2nd Vice President Peggy Uptigrove SecondVP.aam@gmail.com Secretary Ann Blacklock Secretary1.aam@gmail.com
From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving and let’s usher in a fabulous holiday season starting with a successful Bazaar on 18 November and a festive Thanksgiving Feast on 23 November!
Treasurer Donna Sawyer Treasurer.aam@gmail.com
Stephanie Emilo
Publications Director Kim Starr Editor.KLAmerican@gmail.com
President
Major Events Director Sherlyn Bourne Majoreventsdir.aam@gmail.com
Corporate Partners For 2014 Presidential
Membership Director Morgan Mehta Membershipdirector.aam@gmail.com Community Service Director Marilyn Kindy Communityservice.aam@gmail.com Corporate Relations Director Heather Weber Corprelations.aam@gmail.com Bazaar Directors Lovie Alptunaer and Mary Mantei Bazaardirector.aam@gmail.com
Liaison Directors
Liberty
American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Yvonne Miranda ISKL Hilda Alposilva
Eagle AMCHAM
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Coca-Cola Malaysia
KL American November 2014
Halliburton Santa Fe Relocation Services
US Embassy Jessica Schnepple Samantha Elfmont General Manager Ann Tan
Editorial
KL
Turkey Time
American
So I’ve been traveling a lot lately. Like many of you, my husband and I took this overseas assignment to “see the world.” With KL’s location convenient to many spots in Asia, and Malaysia’s plethora of public holidays, we are uniquely positioned to do just that. But it is getting ridiculous! September and October brought seemingly back-to-back-toback public holidays, which meant back-to-back-to-back trips. I’m exhausted. But I will happily board a trans-Pacific flight at the end of the month to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family and be thankful that we can all be together on that day. Did I mention I scored football tickets to the rivalry game at my alma mater? I’m thankful for that, too.
Magazine Team
Editor Kim Starr Photo Editors Judy Pescio Kim Starr Contributors Lovie Alptunaer Sherlyn Bourne Bill Duncan Randee Duncan Stephanie Emilo Marilyn Kindy Rissa Larsen Mary Mantei Morgan Mehta Stephanie Nguyen Karen Stiegler David Terenzio Peggy Uptiglove
The AAM has quite the lineup in store for you this month. We begin November with our recurring Bingo and First Fridays activities, but we’ve also planned a foodie walking tour of Kampung Baru and an early Saturday Night Out to round out the first week. Next up are a unique Lunch Bunch in Bangsar, an Indian cooking demonstration at the Villa and, back by popular demand, another coffee in Mont Kiara. The third week of the month brings our highly anticipated Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar. The Bazaar is our biggest fundraiser of the year and we need the help of our members to make it a success, so please volunteer. In the spirit of the season, at our Coffee Morning at the Villa this month we will talk about all the ways the AAM gives to local charities and introduce you to some opportunities to volunteer. We finish the month with the Book Club. We had to move the Book Club to the end of the month for November only to accommodate the Bazaar so you have an extra week to read this month’s selection! No excuses - get out there and participate.
Proofreaders Randee Duncan Marilyn Kindy Helen Mastache Stacy Rushton Ann Tan Peggy Uptigrove Editorial Support Ann Tan Designer Yap Wai Kuan Advertising Sales Ann Tan Tel: (03) 4021-4367/8 Printer Seng Hoe Printing Process 33, Jalan Hang Tuah 2 Taman Salak Selatan 57100 Kuala Lumpur Tel/Fax: (03) 8941-7603 Publisher American Association of Malaysia The KLAmerican is published 10 times per year. The deadline for inclusion is at least six weeks prior to publication which is the 1st of the month.
We have another great issue of the KLAmerican to share with you. Member and pastry chef extraordinaire, Karen Steigler talks about cinnamon. Stephanie Nguyen tells us why exercise is fun, just in time to combat all the over-indulgences of the holidays. Rissa Larsen’s Digital Shoebox showcases two nearby bucket-list treasures, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia. And, as always there are memories photos of recent AAM members’ activities.
Advertising for non-profit organizations is free-of-charge on a spaceavailable basis. The magazine staff reserves the right to edit copy for clarity, brevity, and accuracy. Information on AAM members is not to be used commercially.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission, is strictly prohibited.
Publications Director
Unit G-3A, Villa Seavoy 7, Lorong Titiwangsa 8 Taman Titiwangsa 53200 Kuala Lumpur GPS Coordinates: N3° 11.035’, E101° 42.278’
Kim Starr
Tel: (03) 4021-4367/8 Fax: (03) 4032-3055 E-mail: klamerican.info@gmail.com website: www.klamerican.com
Mon, Wed, & Thu. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tue & Fri 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Closed from 1– 2 p.m. every work day for lunch Closed Sat, Sun and public holidays
KL American November 2014
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Membership Greetings. For those of you whom I have not met or who are new to Kuala Lumpur, I am the new Membership Director for the AAM. I am very excited to be a part the Board and look forward to meeting with all of you at events to come. Here is a little bit about me… This is my first time living abroad, and I am a fish out of water here. Though I am enjoying this opportunity to the fullest, this was the last thing I ever expected. I am from San Antonio, Texas. I grew up there and owned my own salon for twenty years. I loved my life there. I was content. I met my husband four years ago who had a dream of living abroad. I was always supportive of his dream, not ever thinking it would become a reality. We were married last November and right after, he was offered a job in India for a few months with his company and I was one hundred percent on board. In April, the next thing I know, he is calling to tell me that he was offered a position to relocate to Southeast Asia with his company and he wanted me to fly to KL to look around. I was excited to get another stamp in my passport and headed to KL for a look. We talked about it and five weeks later I shut down my business, rented out and packed up our house, said goodbye to family, friends and clients and we were here! It was a whirlwind to say the least. I have always been an outgoing person and I knew I needed a way to get involved and meet people. Joining the Association was a great way for me to meet people and get useful information that I need. I have been here less than five months but I get so excited when I can share with someone something they might not know about that I have tried or a new place I have visited.. This is why I wanted to be the Membership Director - to hopefully help others the way everyone was kind enough to help me. Pay it forward in some way...
Morgan Mehta Membership Director
Community Service Coffee the season when we give thanks for Morning ‘Tis all that we have, and we look for ways to help those that are less fortunate. Learn how you can spread the love at this informative coffee morning. Our Community Service Director will talk about all the good works that the AAM undertakes in Kuala Lumpur and how you can help. Details are on page 12.
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KL American November 2014
“Selamat Datang ke AAM!” to our new members for September: Carole & Edward Crowther Samantha & Tomas Elfmont Carmen & Chris Golden Gosia & Kenneth Kerkhoven Jennifer & James Liu Catherine Miller Amber & Kevin Oelofse Kinita & Ketan Patel Jessica & David Schnepple
Selamat Datang
12th edition
price per set (2 volumes): members
RM85, non-members RM100
Now on sale at the AAM
Tel: (03) 4021-4367 / 4021-4368 School Supply Drive As the school year continues, why not drop off any papers, pencils, backpacks, or other school supplies at the AAM for a back-to-school-drive for our charities? There is a basket at the AAM where you can donate supplies to help meet the needs of our kids.
AAM Messages AAM Online Communities
Reservation & Payment Policy Event and Activities reservations can be made via email (klamerican.info@gmail. com), in person or via fax.
The AAM is on Facebook! “Like” the AAM Facebook fan page by logging on, typing ‘American Association of Malaysia’ in the Search bar at the top of the page and clicking ‘Like.’ You’ll get the latest information on all of AAM’s exciting events and activities!
• The AAM office staff will send a confirmation receipt and whether or not the activity is still available if the reservation is made via email or fax. • Reservations MUST be cancelled before the individual deadline or FIVE DAYS prior to the activity in order to receive a refund. • For Events/Activities that have a minimum attendance required, AAM reserves the right to cancel or reschedule when circumstances warrant.
Membership Renewal
To avoid missing any issues of the magazine and to continue receiving discounted prices for AAM events, please make sure your membership is up to date. Renewal notices will be emailed to you one month before expiration. Dues can be paid at the office by cash or check or via IPAY.
Your $0.02 Do you have any ideas or suggestions for new activities, events or workshops that may be of interest to our members? Can you think of ways we can improve our current line-up? Any concerns about the AAM’s building facilities? Your feedback, whether positive or negative, is always welcome. Kindly drop us a note in the Suggestion Box located in the villa or email klamerican.info@gmail.com.
Please remember that while sometimes this policy can be amended (if the instructor is able to do so) you should not expect that to be the case when trying to book yourself into an event/activity late. While the office staff strive to include all interested members in these activities, sometimes it is just not possible due to constraints either on space or instructor requirements. Fees for activities must be paid at the time of reservation. You may pay by cash in person at the Villa or online through IPay88. If you wish to deposit CASH payments to the AAM’s account directly, please contact the AAM for account information and instructions. Personal checks will not be accepted.
IPAY88
Please respond within 48 hours of receiving the IPAY invoice. AAM hopes you are enjoying the convenience of our online payment service. With this secure portal, you can pay for events, classes and workshops. Payments can be made from your home by simply contacting the AAM office to make your reservation and to request an online invoice. Then check your email inbox for further instructions – it’s that easy! Note: A 5% service charge will be added to all transactions. Please also be aware that the official payment gateway name that will show up on your credit card statement is Mobile88. For additional details, contact the AAM office or visit http://www.klamerican.com/ home/reservations-payments-online.
EXPAT THE
Introducing the AAM Google Group - a forum for members to consult with other members on queries and recommendations for anything from best family hotels to dentists to household help. Members can join in two ways. First, you can send an email to secondvp.aam@gmail. com with the email addresses you would like to add to the Google Group. Please put “Need AAM Google Group Invite” in the header of the email. The second way to join is you can go to Google Groups, search for American Association of Malaysia and then ask to be invited and the Administrator can add you. When you receive the invite via email, you must respond to complete the registration process. For more information, go to http://www.klamerican.com/ online-communities.
Solicitation Policy Solicitation of business by any member or guest is not allowed at any AAM function without prior board approval. Members are requested to respectfully observe the policy that membership information is to be used solely for AAM business and is not to be used for personal or business solicitation purposes. If you are interested in sharing your talents/services with the AAM, please contact the AAM office. KL American November 2014
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Community Service Greetings, Come November and my thoughts are of Thanksgiving – four days of food, football, family and friends. It’s my favorite time of year, regardless of where I am in the world, and I can say I have lots to be thankful for. For me, it’s also a good time to reflect and count all my blessings and remember those who aren’t as fortunate. As usual, the AAM will be hosting a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. When you buy your ticket for a Thanksgiving meal, you’ll have the opportunity to buy a ‘happy meal’ for a child who resides at either the Lighthouse Children Home or Rumah Hope – two wonderful organizations that AAM supports. See the Thanksgiving ad for additional information. And since it’s November, the AAM Annual Charity Bazaar is right around the corner on November 18th at the Renaissance Hotel. It’s amazing how many people are busy at work sharing their time, talent and treasure to make this Bazaar a success from our Editor and General Manager and others behind the scene getting the word out and keeping us on schedule, to our quilters creating a beautiful unique piece that will be auctioned and our bakers whipping up delicious treats. And don’t forget the White Elephant sale that always draws a crowd. It’s really quite an event and all for a good cause. If you want to join the fun, help is always welcome. It’s a great way to get into the spirit of the season. To keep the spirit going and get you into the Christmas mood, the Giving Tree will be on display at the Bazaar and throughout the Christmas season at the AAM villa. The Giving Tree will be decorated with lovely ornaments for sale and in true AAM tradition, all proceeds will buy Christmas gifts for less fortunate children.
And other events going on around town… RUMAH HOPE – Give Love Give Hope Open Day 2014 Date: Time: Set-up: Place:
Saturday, 8 November 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Rumah Hope, No.45, Jalan 20/2, Paramount Garden, 46300 Petaling Jaya Target: To raise RM100,000 to supplement our Education Fund and our General Fund *****38 Food/ Games/ Goods Stalls.***** We appeal to you for sponsorship of food and/or goods stalls. *****Tickets RM10 per booklet.***** Thank you for your ongoing support. Alice Paul , Home Supervisor santhapaul@yahoo.com
Date: Time: Place: Price:
DEAF ART EX-PO-SE 20414 Monday, 27 Oct. through Sunday, 2 Nov. 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. West Lobby, Ground Floor, MidValley Megamall, Lingkaren Sayed Putra, 59200 Free!
Everyone is as busy as elves, giving back to our community here in Malaysia. See you at the Bazaar. Don’t forget to open your hearts and your wallets.
Featuring artworks and crafts by deaf artists and crafters.
Marilyn Kindy
Official opening/ribbon cutting on 27 October at 2:30 p.m.
Community Service Director
Help decorate the AAM’s Christmas Charity
Giving Tree.
Buy a beautiful Christmas ornament for only RM50 and make a donation at the same time. You may purchase an ornament at the Bazaar, at the Villa, or at an AAM event through December. You may also send donations to the Villa by mail or electronically by contacting klamerican.info@gmail.com. Supported charities are: - Chin Women Organization - Lighthouse Children Home - Rumah Hope
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KL American November 2014
Directors’ Corner
CALLING ALL ELVES… We need you to don your Santa hats, tie on those pretty red and green aprons, and join us as we . . .
Countdown to Christmas at the 28th Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar 18 November, 2014 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Your help is needed in all areas of our Bazaar. Contact Bazaar Director Lovie Alptunaer at bazaardirector.aam@gmail.com to volunteer your time. Your time is needed prior to the bazaar as well as the day of . . . we need you!!
Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen Mark your calendars, it’s that time of year, Our Charity Bazaar is nearly here! And one tradition so dear to my heart Is providing the goodies that I love to impart. But I, Mrs. Claus can’t do it alone Since I need lots of goodies for our Friends to take home. So I need some help to fill all my shelves And I’m desperately in need of A few helpful elves! Baking your treats as you are able Will definitely help me to fill up my table. The instructions you need are all right below Thank you to all and a Merry ho-ho!
If you have a favorite recipe for any baked goods, i.e. cookies, brownies, scones, cakes, pies, breads or muffins, that say “tradition” in your family, please consider baking it and sharing with our community. For shoppers to enjoy right away, please package cookies three to four a bag and brownies two to a bag. Please include a description of the baked good or a copy of your recipe. Baked goods preferably need to arrive at the AAM before noon on Monday, 17 November, but may also be brought to Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen (Bazaar bakery area) on Tuesday, 18 November, by 10 a.m. Mrs. Claus can’t wait to see what everyone is donating! The funds we raise will mean so much to our charities. Questions? Contact Lovie Alptunaer at bazaardirector.aam@gmail.com.
Welcome to the 28th Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar. This year a change of venue brings us to the Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Grand Ball Room. It will be held on Tuesday, 18 November 2014, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We anticipate new and exciting vendors, larger crowds, wonderful baked goods and lots of White Elephant table items! There will be a raffle of a quilt made by the AAM quilters and more than 100 door prizes. All the proceeds go to local charities here in KL, which are also participating at the Bazaar. So come out and support them. Please pay a visit to the AAM’s Giving Tree. The Christmas ornaments, made by local charities, are for sale! All of the proceeds will help someone in need. Give back with the Christmas spirit! We need you to volunteer! Call the AAM (03) 4021-4367/8 or sign up at one of the many events held at the AAM Villa. You can also contact us at bazaardirector.aam@gmail.com. Buy tickets at the villa, from one of the many AAM volunteers selling them, or at the door on the day of the event. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there! Mary Mantei and I, Lovie Alptunaer, are the Bazaar Directors. As bazaar directors, we have enjoyed being a part of the AAM volunteering experience. This has introduced us to new and forever friends, new shopping spots and sharing our time for a cause. So get involved, give a little of your time and experience the expat life here in Kuala Lumpur. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!
Lovie Alptunaer & Mary Mantei Bazaar Directors
Used Books Dust off those bookshelves! Clean out those closets! Donate your old books to the AAM. All proceeds go to charity.
Your junk...is someone else’s treasure!!! Please drop off your once-loved items and put a smile on someone’s face. Take your preloved items to the AAM office any time between now and 5 November to join our “White Elephant” table. All proceeds go to charity. KL American November 2014
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HELP WANTED
Weekly Activities All activities are at the AAM Villa unless otherwise noted.
MONDAY
Mahjong 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Members: free. Non-members: RM30 (Non-members are welcome. The first two visits are complimentary.) Get rid of those Monday blues by playing a lively game of mahjong. We’ll shuffle the tiles, make ‘pungs’ and ‘kongs’ and enjoy the afternoon. Please email mahjong Coordinator, Randee at brduncn@gmail.com to confirm.
TUESDAY
Beginners’ Bahasa Malaysia – Level 1 Tuesdays, starting 2 September - 25 November 2014 (12 sessions) 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Members – RM540, Non-Members – RM640. Materials RM50. Minimum 10 participants, maximum 12. Now is the time to start learning the language of your “adopted” country. This series of classes is led by Puan Mas from Applied Language Systems who will not only teach you the language but also share knowledge that will make your time in KL richer. Register with the AAM office to start this learning experience.
WEDNESDAY
Quilting 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Members: free. Non-members: RM30 (Non-members are welcome. The first two visits are complimentary.) New quilters and seasoned quilters work together to share their love of quilting. We meet at the AAM Villa. Please contact Coordinator, Diane Tenney at dianequilts@sbcglobal.net for details. Please be sure to put “Quilting Group” in the subject line.
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KL American November 2014
It’s never too late!
AAM is looking for a few good people! This section will be dedicated to the open Board positions that need to be filled. Not sure you want a Board position but still want to help out? We will also list any help that will be needed for upcoming events. Keep checking for your opportunity to make a difference! •
Bazaar Volunteers - Summer is over, autumn is here and thoughts of the Holidays are reminding us the AAM Christmas Bazaar is near. November 18th is the date and we are in need of coordinators and volunteers! A sign up sheet will be at the AAM Villa or contact Lovie Alptunaer at Bazaardirector.aam@gmail.com.
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Social Media Coordinator: Are you a social media maven who can help bring the AAM up to date? This is a job that can be done through the comfort of your own computer and will help us to get the Facebook Page, Google Group and other untapped social media outlets working to get the word out about us and our activities.
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Ball Silent Auction Chair: We are looking for an outgoing person to chair this year’s Silent Auction. Responsibilities include forming a team to coordinate the solicitation of items and volunteers for the night of the Ball. This person will work with the Major Events Director/Ball Chair to help make this our biggest and best fundraiser ever!
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Roadrunners Coordinator – Love running with friends? Step up and be the Coordinator for the AAM’s weekly running club! The Coordinator sends an email to everyone who has asked to be on the mailing list on Friday morning asking who is coming for Saturday morning. The Coordinator has to have a have a route or have another volunteer who will lead the group on a route. The group runs seven miles each Saturday starting at 7 a.m. from the bridge in KLCC Park. Put your best foot foward and contact Peggy at secondvp.aam@gmail.com to volunteer.
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Activities Coordinators – Have you been on a great tour that you want to share with the rest of the AAM community or heard about a fun thing to do that you are dying to try but need more people? Well, the AAM has a monthly Activities Meeting and we are in search of people who would like to coordinate activities for our membership. You can assist with just one specific activity, or you can come to the meeting and coordinate one of the many activity ideas brought by other members. For more information, please contact Peggy at secondvp. aam@gmail.com.
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Webmaster – This position keeps our members informed of all important information including fun events by updating our Google-based website. Responsibilities include attending the monthly Activities Meeting to receive information for the website and updating information on the website in a timely manner. If you have the skills and can volunteer your time, please contact the AAM office at klamerican.info@gmail.com.
What’s On in . . . November Tuesday, 4 November 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. St. Francis Xavier Home for the Elderly Taman Sri Bahtera, Batu Lima Cheras Tel: (03) 9131-1464
Bingo with Little Sisters of the Poor Join our monthly bingo game to help spread the joy at this home for the elderly! We will bring prizes for the winners. The bingo morning is one of the highlights of the month for the residents. Please email klamerican.info@gmail.com if you can join us.
Kampung Baru - a Malay Village Experience with Simply Enak
Wednesday, 5 November 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Cost: Members: RM120, Non-Members: RM150. Includes lunch. (Minimum 10 participants) Meet at the entrance/exit to Kampung Baru LRT station.
Walk and eat your way through the streets of Kampung Baru, KL’s last traditional Malay enclave. Located just a stone’s throw from KLCC, this area preserves the traditional way of living despite being under constant threat by the developers of modern skyscrapers. Experience the sights and sounds of a village, complete with chickens running among the coconut trees. Relax and admire the old houses and savor the charm of the rustic New Village. During this walk you will get a deeper understanding of the local Malay culture, language, customs and the five pillars of Islam (shahadah, salat, zakat, sawm and hajj). You will visit the old kampung (village) houses and learn about the history of the neighborhood. You will be spoiled with a selection of local seafood and perhaps master the art of eating with your hands, typical in Malay households. But most of all, you won’t leave with an empty stomach. RSVP: E-mail klamerican.info@gmail.com to confirm availability.
First Fridays Friday, 7 November 9:30 a.m – 11:30 a.m. Starbucks, Avenue K Ground Floor Cost: Individual Parking is available at Avenue K and Suria KLCC. LRT to KLCC station.
Arriving in KL can be overwhelming in the
beginning, but the AAM is here to help! First Fridays is a social gathering designed especially for expats newly arrived to KL to provide an opportunity to ask questions, gather information, and take a second to relax with new friends. All members are encouraged to come enjoy the view facing the Twin Towers and help us welcome newcomers. Selfparking is available at Avenue K via Jalan Mayang, or drivers may park and walk from Suria KLCC. Please join us and pass on the invitation to new neighbors and friends. Feel free to drop by and say hello! RSVP: Appreciated but not necessary. E-mail klamerican.info@gmail.com. KL American November 2014
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What’s On in . . . November Bangsar Walkabout There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a big ol’ slice of piping hot New York style pizza, especially after a hard morning of shopping! This month, the AAM’s movable feast journeys to Bangsar for a taste of home at Mikey’s NY Pizza. Wednesday, 12 November, 11:00 a.m. To work up your appetite before lunch, AAM President Stephanie Emilo and Mikey’s NY Pizza Membership Director, Morgan Mehta will lead a short walking tour of the streets Meeting spot will be in the vicinity of Bangsar around Bangsar Village so be sure to wear your walking shoes. Village, to be disclosed upon RSVP. RSVP: E-mail klamerican.info@gmail.com by Monday, 10 November. Cost: Individual
Indian Cooking with Sheela Kalaivanan
Thursday, 13 November 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. AAM Villa Cost: Members: RM125, Non-Members: RM155. Includes lunch. (Minimum 10) Monday, 17 November 9:30 a.m – 11:30 a.m.
Learn how to make Indian favorites in your kitchen with Sheela Kalaivanan! Sheela will create a traditional five-course meal for you, consisting of Tomato Rice, a South Indian specialty using basmati rice, tomatoes and few spices to give a nice flavor; Beans and Carrot Vegetables, another South Indian specialty using two vegetables and freshly grated coconut and mild spices; Raita, a mixed vegetable dish prepared with yoghurt, a perfect coolant; Minced Chicken with Peas, a delicious chicken dish that cooks very fast; and Mango Kulfi, an Indian ice cream, which is a very popular dessert. Best of all, these dishes will be served for lunch! RSVP: E-mail klamerican.info@gmail.com by Wednesday, 5 November.
Mont Kiara Coffee
The Coffee Stain Publika, D4-G3-01 1 Jalan Dutamas 1 Solaris Dutamas
BACK BYMont POPULAR DEMAND! Come on out and meet up with the Kiara friends and neighbors as the American Association of Malaysia hosts another coffee morning. Come and relax after getting the kids off to school, enjoy a delicious hot or cold beverage and connect with others while finding out great information about all of the upcoming events we have planned at the AAM.
Cost: Individual
RSVP: Please RSVP your attendance to Sally Nelson at sally-nelson@att.net.
Coffee Morning: Community Service Thursday, 20 November 10:00 a.m. – Noon AAM Villa Cost: None Sponsored by: AAM Book Club November book: Bento Box in the Heartland by Linda Furiyia Tuesday, 25 November 11:00 a.m. Ambiance Coffee Café Ambiance Ampang, 379A 4 Jalan Ampang, First Floor (near Ampang Grocers) Cost: Individual RSVP: Appreciated but not necessary. E-mail klamerican.info@gmail.com. 12
KL American November 2014
Have an interest in community service? Want to volunteer to help a good cause but don’t know where? Come to this month’s coffee morning at the Villa. The AAM’s Community Service Director will lead an enlightening discussion about ways that you can volunteer your time helping the less fortunate in Kuala Lumpur. Representatives from AAM supported charities will be on hand as well to tell you about their good works and answer any questions you might have. RSVP: E-mail klamerican.info@gmail.com by Wednesday, 19 November.
AAM Book Club Please join us for the AAM’s most stimulating monthly activity– AAM Book Club - which meets at Ambiance Coffee Café. This month’s book is Bento Box in the Heartland: My Japanese Girlhood in Whitebread America by Linda Furiyia (320 pages). Start reading and plan to join us for a stimulating conversation. Book Synopsis (reprinted from Amazon): While growing up in Versailles, an Indiana farm community, Linda Furiya tried to balance the outside world of midwestern America with the Japanese traditions of her home life. As the only Asian family in a tiny township, Furiya’s life revolved around Japanese food and the extraordinary lengths her parents went to in order to gather the ingredients needed to prepare it. As immigrants, her parents approached the challenges of living in America, and maintaining their Japanese diets, with optimism and gusto. Furiva, meanwhile, was acutely aware of how food set her apart from her peers: She spent her first day of school hiding in the girls’ restroom, examining her rice balls and chopsticks, and longing for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Bento Box in the Heartland is an insightful and reflective coming-of-age tale. Beautifully written, each chapter is accompanied by a family recipe of mouth-watering Japanese comfort food.
What’s On in . . . December and beyond... Looking Ahead... Be sure to mark your calendar for these activities in December and January: 02 December – Bingo with Little Sisters of the Poor 02 December – Lunch Bunch 05 December – First Fridays 16 December – Book Club 02 January – First Fridays 06 January – Bingo with Little Sisters of the Poor 20 January – Book Club 21 January – Lunch Bunch with an international flair 22 January – Security Talk / Coffee Morning
They first opened their doors in our old neighborhood and with their “modern Italian with a Malaysian touch” menu, they quickly became a favorite of our Tuesday, 2 December, Noon members. Subsequently, they moved Tatto from that converted bungalow to a A-G-1 Hampshire Place Office, more spacious location in Hampshire 157 Hampshire, No. 1 Jln. Mayang Place. With their reputation for good food served by friendly staff and Yenti’s Sari (Persiaran Hampshire). personal touch, Tatto is our pick for Cost: Individual December, and what a better place to Underground is available in have our holiday gathering than in the Hampshire Place or across the company of friends! Wear something festive and join us for some good cheer street in Megan Avenue 1. and fine Italian dining. The AAM Giving LRT to Ampang Park station. Tree will be there and you will have a chance to buy your ornament for a good cause. If you would like to join us for the last Lunch Bunch of 2014, please register with the office by no later than Thursday, 27th November. RSVP: Please email klamerican.info@ gmail.com by Thursday, 27 November.
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American Association of Malaysia 28th Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar Tuesday, 18 November 2014 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Grand Ballroom Sponsors:
Fantastic door prizes! Over 100 vendors! Charity Tables Mouth-watering Baked Goods! White Elephant Treasures! Raffle! Required door donation RM15 in advance RM20 at the door All proceeds will go to local charities. For more information, please call the AAM on (03) 4021-4368. KL American November 2014
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Digital Shoebox Travels Through Ancient Kingdoms Story and Photos by Rissa Larsen The UNESCO marvels, Borobudur and Pranamban are two ancient temple complexes that were built in the early 9th century in Central Java, not far from Jogjakarta. In Siem Reap, Cambodia, the UNESCO designated temple complexes commonly referred to as Angkor Wat, really consist of several temples, grand and small, each with its own unique architectural style. The carved faces of Angkor Thom and the delightful Apsara carvings at Ta Prohm are not to be missed.
Angkor
Angkor Prambanan
Angkor Prambanan
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Borobudor
Digital Shoebox
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Angkor
Borobudur
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Special Event Annual Welcome Back Shrimp Boil, 20 September Photos by Bill and Randee Duncan
THANK YOU! A big shout out to everyone for making the Shrimp and Crawfish Boil a huge success. Thank you to our chefs, sponsors, volunteers and guests for participating in a fun evening with some super great food! Look forward to seeing everyone again next year! Sherlyn Bourne Major Events Director
Sponsers:
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Special Event
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Perspectives Exercise is Fun Story and photos by Stephanie Nguyen When I first arrived to Kuala Lumpur (KL), I was so excited to explore everything. It is said “Malaysia is truly Asia” with its multiple cultures and various types of foods. It is truly right! I couldn’t wait to experience all of these colorful things. After settling in a condominium right in town, I started to make friends with my neighbors, parents at our kids’ school and members of the same Association and Bahasa Melayu classmates. I had many luncheons with my new friends, almost every day. While my hubby was busy with his over lunchtime meetings or away on his business trips, my kids enjoyed their new school and my maid handled chores at home. But me? Lunch! Food! My gosh, Malaysian cuisine is really good! Apart from local food, there are many choices of Japanese, Korean, Italian, Thai or fusion restaurants in town. I enjoyed the new foods, new friends and the new exciting environment. Until one day, when I realized that my body was naturally extended. All of the clothes I wore for years now no more accepted my extra weight. I suddenly realized that I missed something in the months since I moved to KL: Exercise is a must. 1. CHOICES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY After doing research on how to get fit, I found out there are so many types of physical activities that I could try with hope of getting my slender body back. There are different options depending on your lifestyle or your preference of individual or group training, low or high impact activities or indoor or outdoor activities. I am an extrovert, so group activities or social activities are always my first choice. It was also a way to make my transition easier, and a good way to make more new friends in the expat community and with the local people. Malaysia has a tropical climate, it either is the sunny or the rainy season. This means the sun shines almost every day in this land. If you don’t mind the heat or humidity here, there are many choices of outdoor activities for you. I like walking, jogging and running with my husband or with a group of ladies in KLCC Park in the morning. If you live in the center of KL, KLCC Park is a pleasurable place to start a day in the morning or wind it up in the evening. It is accessible to all. Besides KLCC Park, there are Titiwangsa Lake, Taman Tasik Ampang Hilir Lake and Butkit Kiara, which are good nature-friendly spots for you or your family to have a good, sporty time or an outing right in the center of the city.
A gathering game by Titiwangsa lake on the weekend. 20
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Have a private tournament with friends. Some friends of mine said that they group together after waving goodbye to their kids at the school bus stops and take a good walk around the condominiums, gated-house compounds or residential areas. It is fun and meaningful to have companions who walk or jog with you, to share with you their life experiences and to help pass the time. Sometimes, after the walk, we stop by somebody’s house or apartment for breakfast or by the coffee shop in the neighborhood for a cup of tea or coffee before we head to our other activities of the day. My husband and his golf mates are very happy with the golf courses and golf clubs in Malaysia. It seems that golf is the second national sport in the Boleh-land, after badminton. Almost everyone can afford to play golf here. There are many golf courses in Malayisa in general and in KL in particular. The Royal Selangor Golf Course, located right in the Golden Triangle of KL, has been open since 1893. Moreover, Titiwangsa and KDE golf clubs are only a five to ten minute drive from the center of KL. Mont Kiara, Bangsar and Damansara also have many golf courses. If you like green environs, fresh air and spacious views, the golf clubs in KL welcome you. Some of my friends and their husbands have joined hiking and trekking, cycling and rock climbing clubs in Malaysia. They have had a lot fun and interesting group tours around Malaysia or other countries in Southeast Asia. You can log on to their websites or blogs to get more information on those activities. Popular websites are Hiking and Trekking Club in Malaysia, Meetup - KL hiking and trail running group; KL Hiking; and Open Sky Unlimited. You also can check out other team sports such as soccer, futsal and netball. Join the team and learn from one another. Who knows, you may find many good friends who have the same outdoor hobbies by joining these social and sport clubs. I really love outdoor activities but you can’t do them everyday in Malaysia because of the hot and humid weather, especially in the rainy season. Therefore, you should also try out indoor sports in KL. One of those is yoga. I have been practicing yoga for nine years and I find that it works well for me physically and mentally. My philosophy of life has changed. My thinking is more positive and I can better concentrate on what I am doing. My body has become flexible with years of practice and I know how to balance or be aware of my own mind. You can try out different yoga centers in KL and its suburbs, or you can also have a private yoga instructor who can teach yoga at your own place.
Perspectives The easiest way is to check out the fitness centers nearby your home. There are many high quality fitness clubs in Malaysia such as Fitness First, Celebrity Fitness, True Fitness, Jatomi Fitness, Chi Fitness and many others. Those centers have an extensive number of outlets in KL and Selangor, typically located in shopping malls, and they are all-in-one facilities for indoor activities. They have yoga classes of various levels, from basic to advanced or even modified modern yoga such as floating or hot yoga, at different times. They also have Zumba class, dance fusion, Pilates, Body Combat, belly dance, Fun Step, Boot Camp and Kickboxing. There are so many things you can try to learn more about your body’s capability. 2. ATTITUDE TO EXERCISE You may feel achy from top to toe after your first yoga session. You may have bruised legs or arms or an exhausted body after running a few rounds in the park. You may feel tortured by your coach after an hour at the gym; however, as they say, “No pain, no gain!” Most of us may have some excuses to avoid physical exercise such as “I don’t have time,” “Nothing is interesting,” or it’s “tiring,” “too expensive” or “too difficult.” Sometimes, I see fitness club members who are in a sporty outfits hanging out in the gym with their phones in hand. They are busy looking at the screen of their phones while sitting/standing on the gym equipment and don’t realize that other people are waiting for their turns to use it. Others go to the gym and run on the treadmill like a hamster for few minutes and stop. They like hanging around the gym and enjoy looking at the other people doing exercise.
Spending some sporting time with Good time with kids at school on the kids on the weekend. Terry Fox Run. He is right. In modern life when everything can be done by machine or high-tech tools, what else should we do to keep that life balance? Exercise is not a task or a must. It is part of the trendy, modern life style. However, most of us do not like to be a wannabe. We can make exercise as a hobby, a good habit. We should take to it joyfully, take it as our own, finding “me-time.” Then, introduce it to your family or people around you. The earlier we start our habit of exercise, the more benefits we gain from it. 3. PRO-EXPERIENCE A good physical coach or instructor who can help you keep fit would tell you the following: • Listen to your body. Don’t take it like a competition. • Enjoy what you do rather than thinking of losing weight. • Try different physical activities to explore your body’s abilities. • You may suffer at the first few sessions, but you will love it later on if you get over the challenges. • Your physical appearance will change your thinking positively. 4. WHAT IS YOUR CHOICE OF EXERCISE? Each person should make his or her own decision on the choice of physical activity. It depends on your age, your body type, your interest, your time, your location and your budget at your new home-away-from-home, Malaysia.
Warm up ready for boot camp at Celebrity Fitness at Rooftop, Lot 10. One of my friends starts his day by running around the neighborhood every morning. He says “I’ve always been an active person and quite competitive by nature, so running is just a way for me to keep moving, against myself, and is a way to release stress. “ I asked him, “How do you manage your time for exercise while you are so busy at work and other areas of your life?” “Who is not busy nowadays? The more you succeed the more you want to have a healthy lifestyle. Keeping fit simply means keeping healthy, eating well, having a stress-free life by getting yourself away from your desk and spending time with family and friends in the gym or other physical activity. It should not be a big deal for everyone!” he answered.
As one says, “a strong mind is a healthy body.” Exercise can bring us not only physical fitness but also positive attitude and a joyful life. Therefore, my friends, do you think exercise is fun? Some websites for you to check-out... Hiking & trekking in Malaysia www.meetup.com/KLhiking/ openskyunlimited.com/ Rock climbing www.oxbold.com › Outdoor Adventure www.rockclimbing.com › Routes › Asia www.camp5.com KL American November 2014
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Diversions Cinnamon: A Spice for All Seasons Story by Karen Stiegler It may be autumn in much of the northern hemisphere, but here in Malaysia it’s time for the fragrant, sweet and warm taste of cinnamon no matter what is the season. Those of us from the U.S. and Europe think of fall as the perfect time to revisit this well-known favorite. How about baking an apple cake? Or pumpkin pie? Enjoy some Cinnamon Rolls? But Asia brings a whole other meaning to the use of cinnamon not only in baked goods, but also in drinks, curries and rice dishes. Cinnamon is actually the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree in the bay laurel family. The bark is peeled and laid in the sun, where it dries and curls into long strips or quills. The quills are either cut into lengths and sold as cinnamon sticks, or ground into powder. Cinnamon trees grow in tropical regions, and the largest exporters are Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The flavor of cinnamon is due to an aromatic essential oil obtained by pounding, macerating and distilling the bark. The Spice that is Twice as Nice Did you know there are two types of cinnamon? Cassia Cinnamon, has the strong, spicy-sweet flavor most Americans are familiar with. Also known as bastard cinnamon, it is a dark, reddish brown color, and has a bolder and slightly bittersweet flavor. Cassia cinnamon is native to Southeast Asia, especially China, Indonesia and Vietnam, and is used and sold simply as “cinnamon” in many countries. Vietnamese cassia cinnamon is the strongest, richest and sweetest cinnamon, and was formerly known as Saigon cinnamon. The second type of cinnamon is Ceylon, or “true” cinnamon, which has a much different flavor. It is mildly sweet and delicate with more complex citrus notes. Ceylon cinnamon quills have many thin layers and can easily be made into powder using a coffee or spice grinder, whereas cassia sticks are much harder, made up of one thick layer, capable of damaging a spice or coffee grinder. Ceylon cinnamon is grown primarily in Sri Lanka. If you’ve only purchased and used cinnamon in the U.S., you probably have not experienced the subtle Ceylon Cinnamon. Both England and Mexico favor this type of cinnamon due to its lack of “bite.” The flavor difference is mostly notable when using it in baked goods. Because true cinnamon is more expensive to obtain, most of the cinnamon sold in stores today is cassia cinnamon, or a blend of true and cassia cinnamons. American traders started importing cassia in the early 20th century due to a rise in the price of the Ceylon cinnamon, and it continues to be the main variety sold in supermarkets in the U.S. It can be a challenge to find Ceylon cinnamon, although some mail order companies in the U.S. (such as Penzey’s Spice or King Arthur’s Flour) sell it, as well as specific cinnamons from China, Indonesia, and Vietnam. I managed to pick up some ground cinnamon and huge quills of the cinnamon bark when I was traveling in Vietnam and also while living in Sri Lanka. My neighborhood in Colombo was even called Cinnamon Gardens! Cinnamon can make a great 22
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gift or a fragrant reminder of your wonderful trip. Whatever type of cinnamon you have, make sure to store your cinnamon, especially sticks, in an air-tight glass or tin container in a dark and cool place with low humidity, and try to buy as needed. Purchase small amounts--only what you think you will use in the next few months--to get maximum flavor and impact. In a humid place like Malaysia its vibrancy and strength will diminish more quickly. The History of Cinnamon The history of cinnamon is laced with legend, exotic trade routes and struggles for monopoly. The ancient Chinese believed that the cassia tree--which flourished in the Garden of Paradise on the Yellow River--was the Tree of Life. Eating its fruit, they said, led to immortality. Ancient Egyptians used cinnamon for medicinal purposes and embalming, and the ancient Romans enjoyed it in wines and as a fragrance, beauty salve and aphrodisiac. Columbus sought this exotic spice, and in 1505 it was “discovered” in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) by the Portuguese explorers. When traders landed, they established a fort on the island in 1518 and protected Ceylon as their cinnamon monopoly for over a hundred years. “The shores of the island are full of it,” a Dutch captain reported, “and it is the best in all the Orient. When one is downwind of the island, one can still smell cinnamon eight leagues out to sea.” Control of the cinnamon trade meant power; in 1760, all of Holland was scented when Amsterdam’s cinnamon supplies were burned in an effort to keep prices up. In Malaysia We know that cinnamon is a staple spice for most American kitchens, widely used for baking and pastries. Cinnamon is called kayu manis here in Malaysia, literally meaning “sweet wood.” It is one of the four sister spices along with cardamom, cloves and star anise. The cinnamon you find in grocery stores here is cassia cinnamon. Cinnamon gives a real depth of flavor to savory Malaysian dishes, and is used in soups, curries, and rice dishes. Its earthy rich flavor also finds its way into Malaysian desserts with pineapple, banana, mango and other tropical fruits. Cassia cinnamon sticks are often thrown into local curries. My Food of Singapore cookbook also refers to cinnamon, star anise and cloves as the “black spices” which complement dishes made with duck and goose meat. One interesting note: the French, who are so famous for their pastries, are not big fans of cinnamon. It was not a spice we used when I was in culinary school in Paris and you will rarely find pastries in France flavored with cinnamon.
Diversions Health Boost The good news is that all types of cinnamon have health advantages. Cinnamon is valued today for its antiseptic and astringent quality, and its medicinal significance is still being explored. Dr. Richard Anderson, Ph.D., lead scientist at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Beltsville, Maryland, for example, found that compounds in cinnamon improve the body’s ability to use insulin to improve blood glucose levels. These findings are promising, especially for diabetics. Cinnamon can also lower your blood sugar and cholesterol, and has anti-inflammatory properties. Dr. Andrew Weil, a wellknown American holistic and medical doctor, writes in his book Natural Health, Natural Medicine about cinnamon and anti-inflammatory diets as a means of reducing our chances of heart attacks, disease, and strokes. It also has a mild antifungal and antibacterial effect. Penang’s Spice Garden If you want to see cinnamon in its natural state, make a visit to the Tropical Spice Garden on the north side of the island of Penang. It is a lovely place, on the site of a former rubber plantation, where you can experience many spices like nutmeg, and even vanilla. Walk the Spice Trail which displays the historical spice trade routes, and has over 100 varieties of tropical spices and herbs such as ginger, clove, pepper, and cinnamon, used as flavorings, medicines, dyes and perfumes. They also have a relaxing little cafe and a nice shop where many ground and dried spices and vanilla are sold. They sell Ceylon cinnamon, imported directly from Sri Lanka. Ideas for Cinnamon Start sprinkling on the cinnamon! Why not make yourself a big slice of cinnamon toast? Mix two tablespoons of sugar with two teaspoons of ground cinnamon (or adjust the amount to your preference). Toast a nice piece of bread and spread with salted butter. Dust on your cinnamon sugar and enjoy with a warm cup of afternoon tea, adding a cinnamon “stir” stick - very nice during a Malaysian afternoon thunderstorm! Karen has sampled cinnamon in Sri Lanka and Vietnam and does add cinnamon occasionally to her French pastries. She could easily be tempted to offer a whole cooking class on cinnamon, and more classes are to come with AAM. Karen will be teaching a class at B.I.G. Supermarket at Publika titled “Baking with Pumpkin” at 10:00 a.m. on 20 November. Check out her page Pastry Nomad on Facebook.
Here are some more suggestions: • Steep a cinnamon stick in hot water for a cup of cinnamon tea, or use as a stirrer in warm beverages like cocoa, tea, cider and coffee, a lovely touch that I saw at a cafe on Bali! • Place a cinnamon stick on top of your ground coffee before brewing for an extra boost of flavor and health. • Add a stick of cinnamon while cooking your breakfast oatmeal. • Toss in a stick while cooking grains like rice or couscous or lentils. Or try something new with this recipe for Cinnamon Apple Chips.
Cinnamon Apple Chips These healthy chips are great for snacking or decorating your favorite desserts. Eat them out of your hand, or serve a slice of apple cake with a dollop of whipped cream topped with an apple chip. Ingredients: 2 large Granny Smith apples Ground cinnamon Confectioners’ sugar Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F or as low as your oven will go. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. 2. Remove the stem of the apples, and leave them unpeeled. Cut the apples in half lengthwise (top to bottom). Then very thinly slice the apple halves, top to bottom (peel and core included, but you can remove the seeds). A mandoline slicer is very handy to use if you have one, but be careful! 3. Lay the slices in a single layer on the parchment paper lined sheets. They can be placed quite close together as they will shrink during baking. Using a fine sieve, dust the slices with confectioners’ sugar. Then dust with cinnamon. 4. Bake in the upper and lower thirds of the oven, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until the slices are lightly browned, about one hour. Check the slices periodically (especially if your oven runs hot or you have the temperature higher than 200 degrees) to make sure they are not browning too quickly. Once done, peel the apple chips off the parchment paper right away and cool on a rack. This recipe can also be made with a couple of nice pears, ripe but not too firm, and sprinkled with the sugar and cinnamon. Use ground ginger for a variation of this recipe. KL American November 2014
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S o C o m p lex – t Ye n o m m o C o S : s Headache
H o w t o Te l l T h e m Apart? That’s a challenging question, as there are chances you’re having more than one type of headache, and maybe even more than one at the same time! 99% of the population gets a headache sometime or other in their lives. So in order to get proper treatment, it’s critical to get the proper diagnosis.
Dr Shalini Bhaskar MBBS (Madras), M.Med.Int Medicine (USM) Advance M.Med Neurology (USM) Consultant Neurologist & Physician Tropicana Medical Centre
Knowing your type of headaches is the first step in getting rid of the pain. But how many types are there? Headaches are generally classified into two main types: 1) Primary headaches 2) Secondary headaches. Primary Headaches The most common types of primary headaches are migraine and tension headache. Other types of headaches include cluster and rebound headache. 1) Migraine Headache This is usually an intense pounding headache that can last for hours or even days, more often experienced by women and could run in families. A classical form is described in which the sufferer gets some premonitory symptoms like craving for some types of food, visual blurring or flashes of lights followed by throbbing headaches, which usually is on one side. Most patients experience vomiting and rarely a few may become prostrated, irritable and confined to bed. 2) Tension Headache Many persons in modern world are subjected to a variety of stress and tension which could be injurious to health and one such manifestation could be a form of dull aching and pressing headache, which does not localize to any specific area on the head. The headaches are longlasting, affect sleep and cause body symptoms such as lack of interest and neck pains. Patients with this type of headaches are irritable and need not only medication but also counselling and psycho-therapy.
TROPICANA MEDICAL CENTRE
11, Jalan Teknologi, PJU 5, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. T: +603-6287 1111 W: www.tropicanamedicalcentre.com FB: www.facebook.com/TropicanaMedicalCentre E: enquiries@tropicanamedicalcentre.com
3) Cluster headache A cluster headache is a rare type of headache more common in men. Cluster headaches typically occur once or more often daily and at the same time each day for up to 12 weeks, until the “cluster period” is over. The pain is usually located around one eye and is severe. The eye and nose on the same side as the pain may become red, swollen and runny. Cluster headaches also cause restlessness. A cluster headache can last a few minutes or several hours but it generally lasts for 45 to 90 minutes.
4) Rebound headache Rebound headache is also known as medication-overuse headache and can appear even daily. They may be caused by repeated use of pain-killers. Rebound headaches usually begin early in the morning. The pain can be different each day. People with rebound headaches may have nausea, anxiety, irritability, depression or sleeplessness. Taking any pain reliever like panadol, aspirin, or ibuprofen more than twice a week or taking Triptans (migraine drugs) for more than 10 days in a month can put you at risk for rebound headaches in just a few months. Don’t try to treat headaches on your own. A doctor can help you stop the culprit drug, using alternatives until it’s out of your system. Secondary Headaches These headaches, though rare are more serious and life-threatening than primary headaches. They are associated with clinical features like convulsions or weakness in the limbs (paralysis), unsteadiness on walking, fever, stiffness of the neck etc. Such headaches should be taken seriously because they are often caused by underlying conditions such as blood vessel abnormalities (aneurysms) or brain tumours, infection or inflammatory diseases. How to Tell Primary Headaches Apart? Tips: 1. Nature of the pain a. Throbbing Migraine b. Dull aching Tension c. Sharp pain Cluster 2. Location of the pain a. Mostly one side of the head b. Front part of the head c. Always one side
Migraine Tension Cluster
3. Severity of the pain a. Worse on walking b. Pain better with analgesics c. Tearing of the eye
Migraine Tension Cluster
4. Number of attacks a. 1-10 per month b. By the end of every day c. 1-6 attacks per day
Migraine Tension Cluster
5. Associated symptoms a. Nausea or Vomiting Migraine b. Muscle pain on neck or shoulder Tension c. Nasal congestion Cluster If you’re not sure whether your headache is of the primary or the more dangerous secondary type, it will be advisable to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and early treatment. KL American November 2014
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Memories Lunch Bunch: Passage Thru’ India, 10 September Photos by Randee Duncan September’s Lunch Bunch was a delight to all senses. The colorful décor and unique artwork dazzled the eyes, and the menu of regional dishes, deigned especially for our group, tantalized the palette.
MG Wines proudly presents:
“C’est la vie !”
With over 20 French wineries showcasing over 200 wines for tasting from :
French food & Wine fair
-Bordeaux -Champagne -Côtes-du-rhône -Alsace -Bourgogne -Languedoc -Loire Valley -South West…
B arbeque B eers C igars Guest Speakers Great Food Great Company
Renaissance Hotel Saturday 8th November 2014 5pm - 9pm contact: klamerican.info@gmail.com hosted by
Shining Avenue Sdn. Bhd.
No 27 & 29 Jalan Bulan BL U5/BL SEK UR 40150 SHAH ALAM, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
Tel: 03 78597062 E-mail: mg.wines@hotmail.com Facebook: mg.wines.9
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Memories Coffee Morning - KL Orientation, 11 September Photos by Randee Duncan We offered answers, and our members showed up in full force, questions in hand, to learn about the products and services offered in KL that help make life for expats a little bit easier. There was also a lot of mixing and mingling amongst the group, and of course, Nancy’s delicious sandwiches!
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ABWM
Winter Wonderland
Christmas Bazaar Admission (includes tea/coffee): RM15 in advance RM20 on the door
Sunday 30th November 2014 10.30am - 2.30pm Renaissance Hotel KL
Contact: ABWM House 03 2284 4407
All proceeds to be donated to local charities
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DON’T BE SHY... Dear Members, We need your contributions for the AAM Community Bulletin Board! This page is dedicated to member driven content, so please share your good news with the community • Send in a gorgeous snapshot from a recent vacation. • Celebrate a unique accomplishment - Hole-in-one? Finish a marathon? • Brag a little – New baby? Grandbaby? New job? Promotion? School play? • Coming or going – Take the chance to say hello or goodbye to the community! The sky’s the limit! I hope you are as excited about this new feature as I am. If you are interested in sharing a few lines or a photo, contact me at editor.klamerican@gmail.com.
DOG TIRED: Member Randee Duncan captured this humorous sight on her recent trip to Bhutan. Seems like that dog had the right idea!
Good to Know... KUALA LUMPUR CONVENTION CENTRE LAUNCHES SAFE DISPOSAL OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE CAMPAIGN Items accepted for disposal are:
EASY RIDER: KLAmerican Editor Kim Starr caught this strange scene on the road to Amman, Jordan. Now that’s what I call a desert caravan!
DID YOU VOTE YET? *** ELECTION DAY IS NOVEMBER 4TH *** Be sure to exercise your voting rights. Complete your absentee ballot today. Drop-off completed ballots at the US Embasy in Kuala Lumpur or mail it to the adress on the envelope provided to you following your home State’s instructions.
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SW103 – Used batteries (batteries from laptops, mobile phones, rechargeable & alkaline/button batteries, etc.)
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SW109 – Fluorescent lighting (blubs, tubes, LEDs, etc.)
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SW110 – e-waste or ‘used’ electrical and electronic devices (computers, TVs, printers, scanners, mobile phones, remote controls, calculators, cameras, etc.)
Located at the Concourse Level, Centre Core, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the HHW collection point opens from 9.00am to 10.00pm daily, now through 31 December 2014. KL American November 2014
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american association of malaysia KL
November 2014
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VENUE KEY
AAM Office Tel : (03) 4021 4367/8
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10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Quilting 11 a.m. Lunch Bunch: Bangsar Walkabout
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Indian Cooking with Sheela Kalaivanan
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. First Fridays @ Starbucks, Avenue K
5 - 8 p.m. Capstone Financial Social
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9:30 - 11:30 a.m. 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Quilting Mont Kiara Coffee Beginner’s BM, Level 1 1 - 3 p.m. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Mahjong Christmas Charity Bazaar @ Renaissance, KL
3 - 7 p.m. AAM Community Thanksgiving Feast
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1 - 3 p.m. Mahjong
KL American November 2014
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Beginner’s BM, Level 1 11 a.m. Book Club Ambiance Coffee Café
10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Quilting
10 a.m. Coffee Morning ”Community Service”
KL American November 2014
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(60-3) 5565 2200 KL American November 2014
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