iOS 6.1.2 update available

One thing that users of PC's should be accustomed to by now, regardless of whether running off Windows, Linux or Mac OS, is the frequent updates that are made available from time to time. Looking at the nature of these *updates*, they are almost always meant as a fix, rather than to improve on functionality. This trend applies also to Apple's iPhones and iPads as well, which run off the iOS operating system.

The latest update just announced is version 6.1.2, which will patch up the following Apple devices:-

• iPhone 3GS and later
• iPad 2 and later
• iPod touch 4th generation and later
• iPhone 5 

So what's new? Officially, it's to fix "an Exchange calendar bug", which may reduce battery life as a result of increased network activity. That's all, as written on Apple's support site at http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1639. As battery life is dependent on several factors (like how you actually use the phone, what apps you have running in the background, WIFI, GPS, 3G, etc.), I'd sure like to know if anyone out there had any positive experiences after the OS update (with real data, as opposed to feeling, which is highly subjective).

Although iXXXX products from Apple appear very similar through the generations, there may or may not be a lot of changes going on under the hood. Products which are a couple of generations back are either no longer compatible with the latest updates, or are intentionally not supported (perhaps a clever marketing strategy to force users to upgrade?).

Well, obviously, this update is from Apple, so if you are using an, ahem, alternative but similar OS for your iXXXX device you may want to give this a walk over until such equivalent update is available.

Otherwise, you should patch up your device anyway, as there is generally no harm in running the latest updates from the manufacturer, even though you're not immediately affected. Never know what the future holds....

A family CNY dinner @ Nyonya Makko

It was time again for the Chinese New Year get-together. Relatives from Australia were in town, so we decided that a dinner was in order, and what better place to dine that at one of our favourite, old-time restaurants, Nyonya Makko in Melaka Raya.

Now, this place was the earliest Nyonya Restaurant that I came to know about, as far as I can remember. We had already come to know and patronize this establishment a long time ago, since I was just in school. Being half Baba Nyonya, the food here was quite compatible with my palate. Of course, there is no way they can match my grandmother's cooking, but they do manage to come in a close 2nd place...! :)

Actually, I was here just a week ago, with a some colleagues from work. Overall, thumbs up from everyone, so can't go wrong if you choose to dine here.

Location - Melaka Raya. Here's a snapshot of Google Maps, where this place is also listed:-

You can get more information about this place from their website at http://www.makkonyonya.com.my/main.html

The restaurant has been in its present corner-lot location since day one, and little much has changed over the years. I believe that many years ago, it was slightly smaller, until there was some renovations to increase the number of dining tables. The restaurant is fully air-conditioned, so it's very comfortable inside (some might say too cold, varies according to individuals). Good news to me, as this means "no smoking". The interior is nicely decorated with old photos and paraphernalia unique to the Baba Nyonya culture, like the iconic Bakul Siah.

There are no pork dishes served here (therefore, not 100% like my grandma's cooking), but there is no "halal" certification. If you ever stop by this place, you simply must help yourself to the "cendol" desert, which is basically a mixture of finely shaved ice, red beans, santan (coconut milk), gula Melaka (palm sugar) and of course, cendol (green rice flour).

Food is reasonably priced, which, being a relative thing, all I can say is that it's comparable with the rest of the market. I'm happy that this place hasn't degenerated into a commercial, profit-oriented business. Will definitely continue to recommend and patronize Nyonya Makko. Just as my elders introduced me to this place at a young age, I now do the same for my kids, hope that they will also enjoy the unique Nyonya food and dessert at this establishment!

Lunch with Yan and Jue on a quiet afternoon

It's the 4th day of Chinese / Lunar New Year. Though the office today was notably more populated than it was yesterday, it was still relatively quiet, with the majority of the ethnic Chinese staff away on planned vacation for the entire week. I was able to to make a lunch-time appointment with my good friends and colleague / ex-colleague Jue and Yan.

Actually, there'd be a larger group, if it weren't for the fact that practically everyone was still out of office and virtually unreachable.

The original plan was to meet up at "Nasi Ayam Gemas" just outside the Tesco at Cheng, which was a short drive away from Vishay. Unfortunately, seems like they were very much in the spirit of Chinese New Year - closed! Well, behind every good plan is a plan B, so after about 2 seconds of careful deliberation, Yan suggested we fall back to Secret Recipe which was in Tesco itself. As there were no other proposals from either me or Jue, so Secret Recipe it was. For those who have never heard of it, Secret Recipe is an Asian food franchise with over 280 outlets to date (according to their About page on web site : http://www.secretrecipe.com.my). To me, they're more famous for their large assortment of cheese cakes. Great tasting, but with a high calorie count, so with just the three of us, neither of us actually ordered any cheese cakes (since working in a semiconductor manufacturing plant is essentially an office
job with low physical demands). I was keen to try something different, so I ordered a Stewed Aussie Beef Steak. Sure there were some asian dishes on the menu too, but no point coming to secret recipe to eat curry mee or fried rice, right? Plus, it wasn't a lot more expensive compared to the other stuff.

We weren't alone in eating out (as opposed to eating in the cafeteria back at the factory, which usually served very limited food, especially during holiday seasons when the number of potential patrons are not working). At the next table were Lye Yin and Blosson from HR (plus one other lady who's name unfortunately eludes my frail memory at this time). On our way out, also there to pack some cheese cakes were Deva and Kumar. Talk about it being a small, small world....

Well, lunch was over, just in time as the bright sunny sky had a complete make-over and was slightly drizzling in fact. It's great to sit down with friends once in awhile over a meal to break the monotony of an otherwise routine and clockwork-like life.