~Loves Come To Those Who Believe It...~

I love Japanese culture. I found out Japanese way of life is unique, fascinating and interesting if I compared it with other culture. I always take part if I have any opportunity regarding to Japanese culture and religion. I have once attend a Japanese festival that been held near my states which is in Penang. It was such a great experience that I have treasure it in my sweet memory valley.

I have a cousin who stays in Japan from 2001 until 2007 and she always told me what Japan and Japanese are all about since she knows I love Japan so much. With her knowledge, I learn a lot about what makes Japan mesmerizing in the eye of the world.

This time, with the idea of my good friend, Ina-chan, I would like to share to you my knowledge about Japan and Japanese way of living with point of view of my cousin, Nur Zairin Suriani who used to study, live in Japan and manage to adapt the Japanese life of living. She’s now living in London, England and happily married with 2 adorable children. 

My cousin, Zairin Suriani with her family

Since almost everybody in Buzznet is experiencing summer at their place, let me start this topic by telling you how Japanese people keeping themselves cool.

The summer heat in Japan is unbearable as they can climb up to above 35°C in many prefectures in Japan. There were reports that over 200 people had been taken to hospital and a few elderly people had died due to heat stroke.

The Japanese have ingenious traditional ways to divert their minds away from the muggy summer – using sound, taste and visual sensations.

A wind chime is one of the trick, making their minds perceive a cool breeze when they hear its tinkles.

Before summer month, crowds of people will flocked to a wind chime bazaar at Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji temple in Kawasaki for the soothing sound of artistic wind chimes from various parts of Japan.

The glass, bamboo, ceramic and metal wind chimes came in different shapes, designs, colours, and with decorations, too. And out of your imagination, there are diamond-encrusted wind chimes made of 18-karat gold (¥1mil or USD10,000 each) producing high-pitched sounds were displayed there!

Kakigori (shaved ice), icy cold drinks, ice cream, parfait, mizu yokan (red bean paste pudding), jelly and watermelon are welcome cold treats in the summer.

My cousin said, kakigori are widely sale only during summer and she had bought her first kakigori during summer festival. She also said, she felt nostalgic to see the ice-shaving crank machine when she was there for six month (homesick ^-^ )

She remembers the first time she taste kakigori. As she dug the bowl of kakigori, her euphoria evaporated. Then she started questioning, what’s this, only strawberry syrup? And it didn’t have real strawberry flavour either, just red colouring!

(Sometimes the seller is not honest, they only have the colour but no flavoured at all)

Kakigori syrup comes in many flavours, such as strawberry, melon, lemon, blue Hawaii, or plain, and some have azuki (red beans) or condensed milk added. Some shops and restaurants have since improvised with matcha (powdered green tea) syrup, azuki, ice cream and shiratama (small glutinous rice balls).

Beside that, during summer, Japanese also enjoy eating typical somen, hiyamugi (thin wheat noodles) or soba (buckwheat noodles) served cold with tsuyu (a soy-based dipping sauce), a little wasabi (grated horseradish) and sliced leeks for a refreshing respite.

Hiyashi Chuuka (Chinese-style cold noodles) is a popular summer food which originated in Japan. Garnished with cucumber, ham, chicken breastmeat and omelette strips, this one-dish meal is served with either vinegary soy sauce or sesame oil-based dressing.

Hiyashi Chuuka or Chinese-style cold noodles (left) and cold soba (buckwheat noodles) make a refreshing meal in summer.

While for home deco, they will have rush mats (goza) in their home to provide a cool appearance and a restful feeling. Other than that, they will decorate their house with bamboo blinds (sudare) which helps to  shade the rooms from direct sunlight. Sprinkling water (uchimizu) on the roads in front of homes or shops helps to cool the ground. Wearing mugiwara boshi (straw hats) and carrying handbags made of light materials impart a cool sensation.

Children love to splash in the fountains at some parks. Many people go to the pool or the beach for a swim, and picnic under a shed or parasol. However, cases of drowning, especially in the river or sea, are common in summertime.

According to my cousin, her neighbour told her, before electric fans and air-conditioners were invented, people coped with the heat using natural, means, sitting on verandas or on wooden benches on the street with a fan in one hand, or strolling by the river to enjoy the evening breeze. Summer was probably not so sultry then.

There is also a promotional article during summer at Tokyo Midtown. Tokyo Midtown always hold a series of events called “Midtown Loves Summer” by applying the conservative concepts of greenery, breeze, water and sound to beat the heat.

In the evenings at Midtown Garden, while visitors bathe their feet in the stream in an event known as ashimizu (literally meaning “foot water”), the murmuring water and the refreshing breezes soothe away the heat and fatigue of the day. Power-saving LED “fireflies” illuminate the bushes on either side of the stream for a relaxing, magical ambience.

Midtown’s Garden Theatre Café is another attraction. The Lawn Plaza is transformed into an open-air café in the evening. At night, the café becomes an open-air theatre with different zones, where recent and classic movies are screened.

Watching the movie under the night sky, catching a whiff of the fresh grass and feeling the gentle breezes take away thoughts of being in the centre of a sweltering metropolis...

***

That is some of the activity that Japanese did to ‘survive’ the summer as been told by my cousin. I hope all of you enjoy reading this journal and I might write some more in the future if there any good respond on it. Thank you for being a good reader….

Happy Mother's Day to all the mother's all around the world!!

To my mother, Rosnah Abu Bakar, you are the queen of my heart because you are the one who bring out the best in me...

"Ibu, ibu

Engkaulah ratu hatiku

Bila ku berduka

Engkau hiburkan selalu"

(Mother, mother

You are the queen of my heart

When I feel sad and down

You always there for me)

Mama, I love you with all my heart...Forever...

Hugs and Kisses, ~Hanna~

Oh my gosh! I miss Buzznet sooo much! It's been a long time I didn't visit this site....

Miss all my buzznetter especially my top friends... Dude, I am still alive!!!

Get back to you later...Final exams in 3 weeks! Ngaaaaa...

xoxo, Hanna

By NASA MARIA ENTABAN
Pictures by AZLINA ABDULLAH

Vegas band Panic at the Disco staged a brilliant show in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday night.

At precisely 8.15pm on Tuesday night, pitch darkness took over Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil, and minutes later Las Vegas band Panic at the Disco made their silent entrance.

There were no elaborate costumes, no circus performers or fancy stage props. Dressed in casual shirts and waistcoats, lead vocalist Brendon Urie, lead guitarist Ryan Ross, bassist Jon Walker and drummer Spencer Smith crept in discreetly, beginning their set immediately.

Las Vegas band Panic at the Disco thrilled the crowd at Stadium Putra, Bukit Jalil, with 17 songs from their first album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out and their new record Pretty.Odd.

Well, I'm not going to be around for a while...My class just start today...And it's crazy since I failed my Law paper...I need to add and drop a lot of subject...Fuh, I am so exhausted...But don't worry, I will be able to contact all my buzznetters on weekend...I promise...Buzznet rocks my socks!

So, keep leaving message guys....I promise I will reply all of it ASAP...

Love ya so much!

Keep The Faith Alive

Lots Of Love,

~Hanna~

Happy 4th Of July to my American buzznetters!

Hope you guys have a great day...

Cheers!

Leona Lewis and Panic at the Disco among top names

PETALING JAYA : It's hard to keep a secret and for its Malaysian debut, the MTV Asia Awards 2008 is poised to feature live appearances by some of the most popular acts in the music scene today.

Hosted by Jared Leto, the MTV Asia Awards 2008 will take place at the Arena of Stars, Genting on Aug 2.

Leto is a successful Hollywood actor with hit movies like Panic Room, Alexander, Fight Club and Requiem For A Dream under his belt. He also fronts US rock band 30 Seconds to Mars.

According to sources, the acts scheduled to perform at the awards ceremony will include Leona Lewis, OneRepublic, Panic at the Disco and The Click Five.

With this diverse line-up, the pop and rock categories seem to be well represented for this first time in Malaysia event.

British singer-songwriter Lewis is among the big names for the awards ceremony.

The 22-year-old London native and winner of hit British reality talent show, X Factor, has broken all-time sales records with her debut Spirit entering the album chart at No1 in Britain and the United States.

For the MTV Asia Awards 2008, a total of 16 award categories will be presented.

Music fans in the region will determine the winners for the 10 Favourite Artiste categories from their respective countries.

Faizal Tahir, Pop Shuvit, Nicholas Teo and Siti Nurhaliza are the nominees in the Favourite Malaysian Artiste category.

For the latest updates on the MTV Asia Awards 2008, visit www.mtvasiaawards.com.

Source: www.staronline.com

Been tagged by Mychemqueen a.k.a Kristine =)

Not in particular order:

Here it goes...

1) The Ghost Of You- My Chemical Romance

2) Starlight- Muse

3) Wings Of Butterfly- HIM

4) When The Day Met The Night- Panic At The Disco

5) Mad As Rabbits- Panic At The Disco

6) Melissa-Porno Grafitti (Fullmetal Alchemist OST)

7) That's What You Get - Paramore

8) Spoonful Of Sugar - Mary Poppins

9) Zookeeper's Boy- Mew

10) Relax, Take It Easy - Mika

11) Blue and Yellow - The Used

12) Won't Get Fooled Again - The Who 

Yesterday, I manage to learn another Japanese Desert called Anmitsu

Anmitsu is a traditional Japanese dessert and includes kanten jelly, fruits, and boiled sweet azuki beans. An indicates sweet azuki beans, and mitsu means syrup in Japanese

This is how to make it

INGREDIENTS:

• For kanten jelly: 1/2 stick kanten (jelly) / 6 Tbsp sugar / 1 tsp lemon juice
• For syrup: 2/3 cup sugar / 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• For toppings: 1/3 cup anko (boiled azuki beans/ or sweet beans)/ a can of peaches, or oranges

PREPARATION:

Soak jelly in water for one hour. Squeeze and tear the kanten into small pieces. Put 1 2/3 cup of water in a deep pot and put on low heat. Add kanten pieces and sugar in the water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring well.

Strain the liquid and lemon juice. Pour the liquid in a flat container and cool to firm. Mix 1/4 cup of water and 2/3 cup sugar in a sauce pan and simmer. Add lemon juice in the syrup and cool. Cut kanten jelly into small cubes. Serve kanten jelly and fruits in individual bowls. Pour syrup over the jelly and fruits and put anko on the top.

The taste is so delicious and sweet...My family loves it so much and they wanted me to make it again this Wednesday since my relatives are coming to visit us…Hope they like it too…(^-^)

Check out this site to know about the protest

http://www.buzznet.com/groups/MCRHFF/forum/topics/330851/day-remember/

Credit to Becki for the picture and voluptuosity for the article

I comprehend this separation

Not because I hate you

But the love once I gave you

No longer fitting with you

Sometimes I see you

With the delightful dream

Seam with happiness

I pass day by day

With the face that will never come back

But the heart will never believe

Being left in soreness

This doubt is not for you

Heart is still longed for you

This chaos is just for me

Searching your shadow

I can’t bear to lose you

Just gone with the wind

Still searching for love

This doubt is not for you

Searching your shadow

I can’t bear to lose you

xoxo,

Hanna Fadzil

Monday, April 14, 2008, 2315

Dedicated to someone who always and forever in my heart…

For the past few weeks, I am so into Japanese cuisine… So, I tried a lot of Japanese dish and one of it was a Japanese sweet which is called as Imoyokan. Imoyokan is a kind of yokan, which is a traditional Japanese jelly.  One of the yokan dishes that I made was Satsumaimo Jelly. Japanese Satsumaimo (sweet potatoes) is used to make imoyokan.

This is how it made…

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb. satsumaimo or sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 tsp agar agar (kanten/ jelly) powder
• 1 1/4 cup water

PREPARATION:

Put satsumaimo and water enough to cover the satsumaimo in a medium pot. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Boil the satsumaimo until softened. Drain and put the boiled satsumaimo in a bowl. Add sugar and mash well.

Put measured water in a saucepan and dissolve agar agar powder in, heating over medium heat. Stop the heat. Mix the agar agar liquid in mashed satsumaimo well. Rub it through a strainer and pour into rectangular containers. Chill in the refrigerator until firm. Cut the yokan into small rectangular pieces to serve.

This is how it look like

The taste is really nice if you put condense milk on top of the jelly and when you put it in your mouth you will feel that you are in one of the village in Japan  … =)

Happy trying! (^ - ^)

From www. kerrang.com

My Chemical Romance fans are organising a march across London to protest against right-wing newspaper the Daily Mail for their repeated, and wholly inaccurate, demonisation of the New Jersey rockers.

In August 2006 the tabloid wrote an article describing emo as "a dangerous cult" that "is a celebration of self harm" spearheaded by "emo bands like My Chemical Romance and Green Day."

Earlier this month the paper revived its "War On Emo" by blaming MCR for the suicide of 13 year old Hannah Bond.

"The Daily Mail has repeatedly attacked MCR," reads a statement on MCR fansite www.whatthefrank.co.uk which is coordinating the march. "Enough is enough, these boys have worked so hard to keep us out of harm and away from suicide. It's time we bounced back. We need to stand up and let the world know MCR's positive message."

The march will begin at 10AM on Saturday May 31 at Hyde Park's West Pond and will end outside the offices of the Daily Mail in Derry Street, West London.

For more information,  http://www.whatthefrank.co.uk/details.html

If you wanted to join the peace protest and  how to not get arrested, http://www.whatthefrank.co.uk/legal.html

Source: http://www2.kerrang.com/2008/05/mcr_fans_to_march_against_the.html

Today, I have been cheated by a virtual friend in Habbo community....I'm new in that Habbo world...What an idiot of me that I gave her my password...She stole all of my virtual furniture and all my virtual coins....Damn, I am so mad at myself.... How can I be so stupid? I have a bad day, I guess...

No more habbo for me...I just hate my stupidity so much!!

Nadine (gerardwaysgirl) is back!!

After she sort out of her problems, she decide to come back...

Check out her journal to know more:

http://gerardwaysgirl.buzznet.com/user/journal/2221401/future-my-buzznet-page/

Three cheers for Nad! She deserve to be in Buzznet...

Do you have a job that's just like everyone else's? Are you looking for a 9-to-5, but wish you weren't? Do you wish there was another option, one that would lead to an exciting, unique, and fulfilling line of work?

I recently interviewed more than 100 people who currently hold their dream jobs as research for a new book called "How'd You Score That Gig?" These individuals, who are travel journalists, event planners, fashion designers, forensic scientists, interior decorators, Internet business owners and more, have one thing in common -- persistence.

As unattainable as a dream job might sound, with the right amount of forethought and preparation, you can make the move as well. Following are six tips to get you started.

1. Learn about yourself.

Take time to do a self-assessment of your values, how you like to work, and what you'd be compelled to do even if you never got paid. Research careers and industries that map to your skills and interests. Hit the Internet, set up informational interviews, take relevant coursework, and arrange to go onsite at a company in your chosen field.

2. Don't be deterred by a lack of experience.

In developing a resume and other promotional materials for the field you want to pursue, think about how your current skills and talents apply to the responsibilities you'll hold in the new job. For example, knowledge of project management, client relations, information technology, and sales will take you far in most types of careers.

3. Ease into a new career one foot at a time.

Perhaps this means earning a paycheck at your current job while doing a part-time internship in your new field, or taking an adult education class or workshop on the weekend. The only way to find out if you're passionate about something is to try it -- ideally with as little risk as you can manage.

4. Remember that any progress is good progress.

Even confident people stay in unsatisfying jobs because they feel safe, and because they're afraid of making a bad decision. But in the quest to uncover a source of meaningful work, though, your worst enemy is inertia. Make an effort to do one thing, like emailing a networking contact or attending an event -- that moves you a bit closer to your big-picture goal.

5. Start early.

Twenty- and thirty-somethings have more flexibility when it comes to test-driving different careers. The process of self-discovery is much easier when you're unencumbered by family responsibilities and substantial financial burdens, and when you haven't yet reached a level in a career where it's tougher to turn back. That said, it's never too late to pursue your passion. More and more baby boomers are leaving the world of traditional employment for alternative career paths that will fulfill them well into retirement age.

6. Have realistic expectations.

Even if you're lucky enough to hold your dream job, there's no such thing as the perfect work situation. Every job has its ups and downs, and aspects we love and aspects we don't love. And "dream job" doesn't mean "cushy job." As your mom always told you, anything worth having in this world requires some effort. There will be some days you feel like shutting the alarm off and going back to sleep, but many more where you feel more energized by the prospect of work than you ever thought possible!

By:

Alexandra Levit is the author of "How'd You Score That Gig: A Guide to the Coolest Careers - and How To Get Them" (scorethatgig.com). She speaks at corporations, universities, and conferences around the country about workplace issues facing young employees, and her career advice has been featured in more than 800 media outlets.

Taken from Yahoo!HotJobs

I feel so awful right now... My best buddies in Buzznet started to leave Buzznet...

First was Cali, (thank God she's change her mind) then, now its my best friend Nad (gerardwaysgirl) I am so sad because I love Nad so much...

This is her journal...

http://gerardwaysgirl.buzznet.com/user/journal/2210911/this-i-disappear-i-m/

This is no longer fun ...I hate this kind of situation...Buzznet rocks my sock, but with this, oh well, you know what, I don't feel fun anymore...

(T-T)

Eye color: Dark Brown

Hair color: Dark Brown

Height: 172 cm

Right or left handed: Right

Nicknames: Hanna, Hann, Pat, Nose Girl..(you know why)

Favorite food: Sushi!

Number of piercings: three, each side of my earlobes. Hope to get lip piercing for the future...(can I, Mama?)

Any tattoos: No.

Favorite clothing brand: Lady Like, Britannia

Favorite scent:  Hmm..fruity and flowerly smell

Favorite book:  Wicca and Circle Of Three

The best film of all time is: Sleepy Hollow, Practical Magic, LOTMS, Corpse Bride, NBC (does it count?)

Favorite music genre: ROCK!! (^-^)

The greatest band/musician in the world (or in the next) is: My Chemical Romance

Favourite drink: Watermelon Juice 

Favourite season:  Hmmm....

Tea or coffee: Tea!

Silver or gold: Silver

Weaknesses: IDK...A lot =(

Strengths:  IDK

Fears: Cockroaches!!

Pet peeves: Cats

When I'm sad or down, I:  Play loud music with my MP3 or taking shower and cried or sleep...

Do you sing: Yeah, I love to sing eventhough my cat, Niki always bite me when she hear me singing...^^

If you could have your dream career, what would it be?: Photographer,  Band Promoter, Merch Lady, Roadie

What makes you happy: Music,

First thought when you wake up:  Damn, I'm late!!

Do you like thunderstorms: Hell no!

Dream vacation: Going to Japan and visit my buzznet friends

Do you have a crush on anyone: Yeah, who doesn't?

I'm addicted to...: MUSIC, taking pictures, watching anime

What's your phones ringtone: The Ghost Of You.

Hmm, I am not really good with words...But last night, I am so insipired until I am manage to create this...poem? IDK what should I call this, but happy reading! (^-^)

Separation

I comprehend this separation

Not because I hate you

But the love once I gave you

No longer fitting with you

Sometimes I see you

With the delightful dream

Seam with happiness

I pass day by day

With the face that will never come back

But the heart will never believe

Being left in soreness

This doubt is not for you

Heart is still longed for you

This chaos is just for me

Searching your shadow

I can’t bear to lose you

Just gone with the wind

Still searching for love

This doubt is not for you

Searching your shadow

I can’t bear to lose you

xoxo,

Hanna Fadzil

Monday, April 14, 2008, 2315

Dedicated to someone who always and forever in my heart…

Today, I have experience a lost. This morning, my only male cat, Wah, died in front of my gate...I know that he will die when he refuse to eat anymore...But I never expected that he going to leave me too soon...And in the middle of my final exam....Gosh, I have to face this with the stress of my final exam...How demanding!! Then, me and my brother dig his grave at our backyard....Rest in Peace, Wah....