KL American - November 2013

A Publication of the American Association of Malaysia

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November 2013 americanKL

1KL American November 2013

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Contents

2 Director’s Corner

3 Editorial

4 Membership

5 AAM Messages

6 Community Service

7 Help Wanted!

8 Weekly Events

9 What’s On at the AAM

14 Digital Shoe Box: Three Days in Sri Lanka

16 Special Event: Welcome Back Shrimp Boil

19 Diversions: An American in Kelantan

21 Perspectives: A Malaysian Experiences Thanksgiving Dinner

in the U.S.

22 Health Care in Malaysia

23 Memories

27 AAPP Directory

28 AAM Calendar

14

8

AAM November 2013 Advertisers IndexAdvertisers (A-Z) Page

23

16

ABWM

Austrian-German-Swiss

Asian Tigers Transpo

City Motors

Crown Relocations

A Cut Above

Eastern Carpets

The Expat

Gandhara

Hammam

ISKL

MANZA

Malacca Woodwork

Pantai Hospital

Tropicana Medical Centre

p.26

p.26

Back Cover

p.4

Inside Front Cover

p.25

Inside Back Cover

p.5

p.20

p.21

p.18

p.26

p.8

p.24

p.22

Cover Photo: Galle Face Beach, Colombo, Sri Lanka; Photo by David Terenzio

2 KL American November 2013

Merry Christmas!

My name is Mary Mantei. My husband Dave and I have been in Kuala Lumpur for three years. We have two daughters, both married, and five grandchildren. We moved from Houston but I am a “Yooper,” having been raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

I am excited to be working as Bazaar Director for the second year along with Lovie Alptunaer. The AAM’s Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar is your opportunity to shop ‘til you drop all under one roof. It is a great way to

get you in the Christmas spirit. With the help of our sponsors, vendors, and volunteers, all of our proceeds go to local charities. We are always looking for more help, white elephant items and baked goods. Details about the event and ways you can help are found on Pages 12 and 13 of this magazine. I look forward to another successful year. Hope to see you there and happy shopping.

Mary ManteiBazaar Director

Director’s Corner

Presidential

EagleAMCHAM Coca-Cola Malaysia Halliburton

Santa Fe Relocation Services Talisman Malaysia Limited

Corporate Partners For 2013

Liberty

Board of DirectorsPresident Jennifer Guthrie [email protected]

1st Vice President Diane Tenney [email protected]

2nd Vice Presidents Stephanie Emilo and Stephanie Schilling [email protected]

Secretary Ann Blacklock [email protected]

Treasurer Vacant [email protected]

Publications Director Kim Starr [email protected]

Major Events Director Sherlyn Bourne [email protected]

Membership Director Merrie Braden [email protected]

Community Service Directors Claire Hines and Karen Beham [email protected]

Corporate Relations Director Lyndsey Scull [email protected]

Bazaar Directors Lovie Alptunaer and Mary Mantei [email protected]

Liaison DirectorsAmerican Malaysian Chamber of Commerce Yvonne Miranda

ISKL Hilda Alposilva

US Embassy Jessica SchneppleJo Ann Sernovitz

General Manager Ann Tan


Editorial

KLAmericanMagazine Team

Unit G-3A, Villa Seavoy7, Lorong Titiwangsa 8Taman Titiwangsa53200 Kuala Lumpur

Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Tuesday and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.Closed from 1-2 p.m. every work day for lunchClosed Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays

Tel: (03) 4021-4367/8Fax: (03) 4021-4371E-mail: [email protected]: www.klamerican.com

GPS Coordinates:N3° 11.035’, E101° 42.278’

Gobble, gobble...

This year, I will be celebrating Thanksgiving back in the States, but as I write this column, that is the only certainty. Where in the States I’ll be is still up in the air! It’s that ol’ holiday logistic nightmare – who’s hosting, who’s cooking, whose side of the family are we catering to this year, who’s coming, who’s not coming, who’s not speaking to whom, who won’t eat what – ugh. Well, you get the point. Thanksgiving is complicated. But it’s also deeply satisfying, sentimental and steeped in memories. That’s why this year, what I am most grateful for is that I am able to go home and celebrate with family.

In this month’s issue, you’ll read how the memories of time spent in Malaysia influenced the American author Barbara Ismail. AAM member Latisha Merican shares memories of her first Thanksgiving in the U.S. as a college student in St. Louis. I share some photos of my recent trip to Sri Lanka, and there are also plenty of photos of the Welcome Back Shrimp Boil, Cajun Cooking demonstration and September coffee morning.

November is another busy month for the AAM, starting with our 27th Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar in the 7th that is sure to get you in the holiday mood. You can also join an Indian food demonstration, a hands-on pottery workshop or a day trip trip to the historic city of Malacca. Last but not least, the AAM will hold its yearly Thanksgiving on Saturday, the 23rd, and as luck would have it, I’ll still be in KL. Looks like two Thanksgivings for me this year!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Kim StarrPublications Director

Editor Kim Starr

Photo Editors Judy Pescio

Kim Starr

Contributors Merrie Braden

Randee DuncanClaire Hines

Barbara IsmailMary Mantei

Latisha MericanDavid Terenzio

Proofreaders Merrie Braden

Randee DuncanStacy Rushton

Ann Tan

Editorial Support Ann Tan

Designer Yap Wai Kuan

Advertising Sales Ann Tan

Tel: (603) 4021-4367/8

Printer Seng Hoe Printing Process

33, Jalan Hang Tuah 2 Taman Salak Selatan 57100 Kuala Lumpur Tel/Fax: 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.

Advertising for non-profit organizations is free-of-charge on a space-available 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.

Reproduction, in whole or in part, without written permission, is strictly prohibited.


Membership

“Selamat Datang ke AAM!” to our new members for

September:Regina & Jay McCorkle

Jenny & Robert Thomson

Amy & Gary Gerfen

Stephanie & Paul Schilling

Cindy & Kenneth Gros

Sylvia & Dean Norcross

Sylvie & James Donnelly

Wow!

As I write this, it isn’t even Halloween and I am thinking that it is also not too many weeks before we head back to the U.S. for the Christmas holidays. What happened to 2013? But before I go there, thinking of Thanksgiving always gives me pause to stop and think about some more important things than Christmas travel and shopping.

I love the quintessential “American-ness” of Thanksgiving. Our Canadian neighbors also celebrate it (although at a different time), and I believe we are the only countries to continually recognize a day for reflection and giving thanks for the many blessings we have. For those of us who live overseas, it is a challenge to make the day special. It is a workday for our working members and we don’t get to sit around and watch football – unless it is at odd hours – but it can be done.

So whether you do it on Thanksgiving Day or the Saturday before at our AAM celebration, take some time, be thankful for your family and friends; for the blessings in your life and the anticipation of looking forward to more of the same. We are especially blessed with the opportunity to live outside of our country, to be able to share the traditions of our country with our host country, while we learn their traditions. This all adds to the richness of our lives and to the memories which will be shared for years to come.

Looking at November, there are lots of opportunities for you to stay busy. Our biggest, most important fundraiser is the Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar on the 7th at the Royale Chulan Hotel. Tickets are RM15 in advance and RM20 at the door. PLEASE, PLEASE, do your part and volunteer to spend part of your time there working a shift. Sign up sheets are available at the Villa or you can contact the office. It takes all of us to make this a success. Before or after your shift, you can shop ‘til you drop. On the 12th, there will be an Indian cooking class at the Villa and, while we are on the subject of food, the first combined First Fridays and Lunch Bunch will be on the 13th at La Mexicana, behind Hock Choon, beginning at noon. Tuesday, the 19th, we have scheduled a hands-on learning experience at Tenmoku Pottery and on Thursday, the 21st, I will host a simple Coffee Morning at my home. The AAM’s big Thanksgiving celebration will be on Saturday, the 23rd, at the Villa; followed on the 27th by a day trip to Malacca for shopping and sightseeing. Whew, another busy month.

To start the Christmas celebrations and in lieu of a regular Coffee Morning, we are organizing a traditional High Tea, to be held at The Majestic Hotel on Thursday, the 5th of December. Mark your calendars now and watch for details to follow.

Happy Turkey Day!

Cheers,

Merrie BradenMembership Director

Let’s Have a Visit...Please join us for this month’s simple coffee morning held in the cozy atmosphere of my home where we’ll have a nice chat and get to know one another over coffee, tea and morning treats. Details are on page 10.


AAM Messages

Reservation & Payment Policy

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 line in the Suggestion Box located in the villa or email [email protected]

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 two months before expiration. Dues can be paid at the office by cash or check or via IPAY.

IPAY88Please respond within 48 hours of receiving the ipay invoice.

Your $0.02

AAM Online Communities

Solicitation PolicySolicitation 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.

Our Yahoo! Group remains active as a useful forum for members to consult with other members on queries and recommendations for anything from best family hotels to dentists to household help. Members who have not received an email invitation to join can contact [email protected]. Enter “Need AAM Yahoo Invitation” in the subject line, and include full name and AAM membership number in the body of the email. An invitation will be sent via email and you must respond to complete the registration process. For more information go to www.klamerican.com/policies.htm.

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!

Reservations can be made via fax, email or in person.• The AAM Office will send confirmation of receipt if the reservation is made by fax or email. • Reservations not cancelled five (5) working days before the event must be paid in full.• When minimum attendance is not achieved, the event may be cancelled or rescheduled.• Pay online via IPAY88 or in person by cash or check.AAMTel: (03) 4201-4367/4368Fax: (03) 4021-4371e-mail: [email protected]

AAM hopes you are enjoying the convenience of our online payment service. With this convenient and secure portal you can pay for events, classes, workshops, dues and Building Blocks tuition from your home computer. Simply contact the AAM office to make your reservation and request an online invoice. Then check your email inbox for further instructions – it’s that easy! Note:• Any MasterCard or Visa credit card accepted regardless of issuing bank/country.• Multiple events can be paid for in one transaction.• Service charge: RM 50-250 - RM 5 charge RM 251-500 - RM 10 charge RM 501 and over – 3% charge For additional details, contact the AAM office or visit http://www.klamerican.com/policies.htm.


Community Service

Hello Everyone!

I hope you all are ready for the AAM’s Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar on November 7th. It is our biggest fundraising event of the year, so please come out and support us!

This month I am including a letter that crossed my desk from the Myanmar Education Centre. The MEC is a school for refugee children. They have recently introduced a computer program and are looking for donations of used computer equipment, so if you are upgrading your home or business computers, please consider donating the equipment you no longer need to this worthy cause.

If you are interested in finding other ways to lend a helping hand in Community Service., stop by the AAM office for a list of volunteer opportunities or check out the Community Service page on the KLAmerican website.

Claire HinesCommunity Service Director

A letter from the Myanmar Education Centre... Myanmar Education Centre (MEC) No. 22A, 2nd & 3rd Floor Persiaran Jubilee Off Jalan Loke Yew 55200 Kuala Lumpur

2 October 2013

American Association Malaysia Unit G-3A, Villa Seavoy No.7 Lorong Titiwangsa 8 Taman Titiwangsa 53200 Kuala Lumpur

Sub: Request for donation.

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to you as head teacher of the Myanmar Education Centre (MEC) in Kuala Lumpur. Our centre is a learning centre for refugee children from Myanmar, who do not have the right to a public education in Malaysia. Our school was created in October 2008. At present we have 133 students in eight classes. Due to lack of space, the classes are divided – four in the morning and four in the afternoon. Students are from 6 to 19 years old. UNHCR has provided us with volunteers to teach. Our school follows the Malaysian curriculum, with specific attention to English, Math, and Science. We also teach students the Bible and crafts, and we have only just recently introduced computers. We managed to get a donation of a few used desktops. Unfortunately, they are in very poor shape and for our class of 21 they are insufficient and can hardly be used by everybody.

It is absolutely unimaginable to envision a life without computer literacy, computer skills or even knowing at least computer basics. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford this seemingly indispensable privilege. We call upon you to help us achieve our goal to meet the needs of the technologically unprivileged. We kindly request you to donate old laptops, computers, or other accessories to our cause. We would love to have you aboard in case you have any ideas that you would like to share with us, and which will help improve the scale and reach of our project.

Thank you for taking our request into consideration and we look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Please contact me by phone (016 354 1915) or email ([email protected]).

Sincerely,Jonathan Lian School Principal


HELP WANTEDIt’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 7th 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 [email protected]

• Treasurer – This position gets to help our association grow financially. Responsibilities include preparing a quarterly financial report in Excel for presentation at the monthly board meeting. No daily entries will be performed by this position holder. (Note: due to business responsibilities, the individual recently voted in resigned shortly after the AGM.)

• Webmaster – This position gets to help keep 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 in a timely manner.

• Reporter at Large – Do you enjoy writing short stories or articles and sharing them with others? Are you an avid photographer? This position is designed for you! The KL American is always looking for submissions from our members. Please feel free to send us your poems, experiences in local adventures, family trip pictures, recipes and anything else you think would be interesting to our community.

• Green Committee – As part of the AAM’s Go Green Initiative we are forming a Green Committee to explore ways to reduce the AAM’s carbon footprint as well as be a resource for members wishing to live a greener lifestyle. This committee will also organize activities that celebrate the amazing natural beauty of Malaysia and promote good environmental stewardship of our adopted home!

Buy an ornament for a RM50 donation and your name will be written on it!

Choose one of three colors to indicate which charity you want your donation to support!

You may purchase the ornament at the Villa and hang it on the tree yourself, or you may purchase it at any AAM event starting with the Charity Bazaar on 7 Nov-ember through 10 December. You may also send donations to the Villa by mail or electronically by contacting [email protected].

Supported charities are: - Lighthouse Children’s Welfare Home - orphanage for preteen through teenage boys and girls - Monfort Boys Home – orphanage for boys from elementary school through high school - Open Hands – orphanage for girls from elementary school through teens

Help decorate the AAM’s Christmas Charity Giving Tree.


Weekly Activities

All activities are at the AAM Villa unless otherwise noted.

MONDAYMahjong1:00 – 3:00 p.m.Members: free. Non-members: RM10Get 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 Randee Duncan, Mahjong Coordinator, at [email protected], to confirm.

WEDNESDAYQuilting10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.Members: free. Non-members: RM10New quilters and seasoned quilters work together to share their love of quilting. We meet at the AAM Villa. Please contact coordinator Irene Solomalai at the AAM office ([email protected]) for details. Please be sure to put “Quilting Group” in the subject line.

SATURDAYKL RoadrunnersAre you a runner? Are you looking for running friends? Come join the KL Roadrunners. We run on all different levels and newbies are welcome. Contact coordinator Scott Jaynes at [email protected] for meeting place and time.

Save the Date: April 23-27 2014Ladies’ Shopping Trip to Jakarta

American Association of Malaysia/Canadian Association of Malaysia

Look for more information in the December/January issue!

Inacraft Fair

Boutique Jewelry

Factory Outlets

Fine Dining


What’s On in . . . November

Bingo with Little Sisters of the PoorEvery first* Tuesday of the month, join our 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 e-mail [email protected] if you can join us.

*Note, we have moved the event to the second Tuesday for November only due to Awal Muharam. We will resume our normal schedule in December.

Tuesday, 12 November10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. St. Francis Xavier Home for the ElderlyTaman Sri Bahtera, Batu Lima CherasTel: 03-9131-1464

First FridaysThis event is in hiatus until further notice. Stay tuned for a newly revamped First Fridays to be launched sometime in 2014. In the meantime, we are combining First Fridays and Lunch Bunch. Hope to see you there! See Lunch Bunch details on this page.

Learn How to Make Indian Favorites in Your KitchenChef Sheela Kalaivanan will demonstrate how to make your favorite Indian dishes at home. You will learn how to prepare a complete menu including these dishes:

- Sheekh Kababs (lamb kebabs made using minced lamb and other spices).

- Mint Chutney (a favorite accompaniment to kebabs and all other starters).

- Vegetable Biryani (a dish made with basmati rice and various vegetables), accompanied with Raita, a yoghurt-based salad).

- Semolina Pudding (a light Indian dessert made with Semolina and garnished with raisins and nuts and served chilled).

RSVP to [email protected] by Monday, 4 November.

Tuesday, 12 November10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. AAM VillaMembers: RM120, Non-Members: RM140(Min./Max. : 6 Participants/10 Participants)

La Mexicana

Introducing our first-ever combined First Fridays/Lunch Bunch event!

Newcomers, don’t be shy. Come and join our spirited, monthly movable feast where we get together to try new venues and old favorites around town.

November’s Lunch Bunch moves “South of the Border,” and, no, we don’t mean to Singapore! We will be dining at La Mexicana for authentic Mexican (not Tex-Mex) dishes. This cozy restaurant is decorated with beautiful fabric and crafts from Mexico, and the management is eager to ensure that each customer has a quality dining experience. The margaritas are terrific, too!

RSVP: Email [email protected] by Monday, 11 November.

Wednesday, 13 NovemberNoonLa MexicanaThe restaurant is located in The Terrace @ Hock Choon, 241B Lorong Nibong (parking lot available behind Hock Choon).Cost: Individual


What’s On in . . .November

Thursday, 21 November, 10 a.m.Private ResidenceLocation details sent upon RSVP.Sponsored by:

Let’s Have a Visit Coffee MorningPlease join us for this month’s simple coffee morning held in the cozy atmosphere of our Membership Director’s home where we’ll have a nice chat and get to know one another over coffee, tea and morning treats.

RSVP by Wednesday, 20 November, to [email protected].

Tenmoku Pottery: In Touch with Clay Workshop Join us at the Tenmoku Pottery Factory Showroom for a day of creativity, fun and passion! Experience the joy of creating your very own art masterpieces. The pleasure of working on a piece of clay with your own two hands and a pinch of ingenuity is exhilarating, relaxing and rewarding.

The activities include a factory visit, video session, clay modeling and shopping. Light refreshments will be served.


*Note: Transportation can be arranged at your own cost. Details will be sent to you upon request after you RSVP.

Tuesday,19 November10 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.Members: RM120, Non-Members: RM135 (Minimum 10 Participants)Tenmoku Pottery Factory Showroom23, Jalan Industry Batu Caves 1/1Taman Perindustrian Batu Caves68100 Batu Caves, SelangorTel: (03) 6187-5898

Please join us for a Thanksgiving Potluck! We’ll provide the fried turkey and cornbread dressing. You bring the sides.

RSVP to [email protected] by 15 November.

BYOB (Additional wine and beer available for purchase). Sodas and water provided.

Come for some great food provided by the community!

23 NOVEMBER at the aam villa

AAM COMMUNITYthanksgiving feast

Sponsor:

Saturday, 23 November 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. AAM Villa Members Only/Limit 60 persons RM50 Adults/RM25 children (5- 12 years)


What’s On in . . . November/ December

Wednesday, 27 November 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Members: RM195, Non-Members: RM210Price includes transportation, Nyonya lunch and English speaking guide.(Min./Max. : 20 Participants/40 Participants)Meet for pick-up at the side entrance of the InterContinental Hotel on Jalan Ampang (near Ampang Park LRT station).

Day Trip to Malacca: UNESCO World Heritage SiteAn exciting day for old timers and newcomers alike, this is a trip not to be missed! On this fully guided day trip to Malacca, you may follow the guide to visit some historical buildings such as the gateway “A Famosa” built by the Portuguese in 1511 and Christ Church built by the Dutch, or you may venture off to visit a nearby shopping mall which has a wide range of local handicrafts including baskets, batik and traditional games.

A Peranakan lunch will be provided in a Nyonya restaurant with a beautiful setting. Nyonya cuisine is a unique combination of Chinese preparation mixed with local herbs and the rich spices of the Malay cooking. After lunch, you may follow your guide to visit the Nyonya Baba Museum (the entrance fee is not included in the tour price) and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, or you may choose to wander by yourself to look at the many antique and handicrafts shops on Jonker Street.

RSVP to [email protected] by Monday, 18 November. Please advise of any dietary requirement.

Ikebana Workshop with “Christmas Theme”Ikebana is the ancient Japanese art of flower arrangement. More than simply putting flowers in a container, Ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. This informative workshop by Pascale Coste will include a brief Ikebana history presentation. And, best of all, everyone will go home with their own arrangement! Each participant is asked to bring her own scissors and Christmas decorations.


Tuesday, 3 December10:00 a.m. - NoonAAM Villa

Members: RM120, Non-Members: RM150

Price includes flowers and container

(Min./Max. : 5 Participants/10 Participants)

Relax. Take a break from the frenzy of the holiday season. Indulge in a classic.

Join your AAM friends for

in the Majestic Hotel’s elegant Tea Lounge Atrium.

Thursday, 5 December 2013

3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Cost is RM60 for Members/ RM70 for Non-members.


Space is limited to 25 participants so please be sure to RSVP early!


Christmas Bazaar

at the 27th Annual Christmas Charity Bazaar7 November, 201310 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Royale Chulan Hotel

Your help is needed in all areas of our Bazaar.

Contact Lovie Alptunaer, Bazaar Director, at [email protected], to volunteer your time.

Your time is needed prior to the bazaar as well as the day of . . . we need you!!

Countdown to Christmas

Mrs. Claus’s KitchenMark 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 ourFriends to take home.

So I need some help to fill all my shelvesAnd 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 Wednesday, 6 November, but may also be brought to Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen (Bazaar bakery area) on Thursday, 7 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 [email protected].

We need you to don your Santa hats,tie on those pretty red and green aprons,

and join us as we . . .

CALLING

ALL

ELVES…..

Your junk...is someone else’s treasure!!! Please drop off your once-loved items and put a smile on some-one’s face. Take your pre-loved items to the AAM office any time between now and 25 October to join our “White Elephant” table. All proceeds go to charity.

Used Books Dust off those bookshelves! Clean out those closets! Donate your old books to the AAM.All proceeds go to charity.



Digital Shoebox

Three Days in Sri LankaPhotos by David TerenzioText by Kim StarrMy husband David and I like to go on short “ex-ploratory missions.” If we like what we see, we say “we’ll be back.” We recently made an all too short three-day trip to Sri Lanka and toured the capital city of Colombo, the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, and the important Buddhist town of Kandy. What we found was a vibrant, multi-cultural coun-try with interesting relics from its colonial past, lovely people, and delicious food. We’ll be back!


Digital Shoebox


Special Event

Annual Welcome Back Shrimp Boil, 21 SeptemberPhotos by Randee Duncan


Special Event



Diversions

An American in KelantanStory and photos by Barbara Ismail

Barbara today with her two daughters

Barbara at her house in Kelantan 1977 (left) and with Wan Hamidah wan Nawang (right)

My college professor, Doug Raybeck, was an anthropologist who did his field work in Malaysia in the late ‘60s. He first taught me Malay (and Kelantanese), and was my impetus for going to Kelantan myself. I first saw Kelantan during my Junior year abroad in Singapore and Java, and was immediately taken with it. Kelantanese women in particular were confident and assured, and friendly and helpful to a teenager wandering around on her own. I have always found it extraordinary how open and welcoming the people of Kelantan were to me and others while I lived there or visited. In fact, listening to stories of other anthropologists and their field work experiences, I was always grateful I had gone to work in Kota Bharu, where I felt accepted, and was unfailingly treated with courtesy and even affection (if occasionally tinged with exasperation).

I arrived in Kelantan in 1977 to study the Malay Shadow Play and its relationship to Islam and Kelantan’s unique culture. I lived in Kampong Dusun, within Kota Bharu, though its ambience at the time was relatively rural: even Kota Bharu itself didn’t have a particularly urban feel. Cows were still driven by through the streets near our house, and each neighborhood felt like a village.

I was immediately drawn to the main market in the middle of Kota Bharu. It was the center of the action: a bustling, sometimes chaotic star around which the city orbited. It was run by women, who were the traders and business owners. Men appeared primarily as taxi drivers, carriers of goods, and fish sellers (almost no women sold fish). The outside of the market was devoted to fruit and vegetables, while the interior housed cloth. Kelantan was, and still is, the prime producer of magnificent textiles, both in cotton (batik) and silk (kain songket), and these were offered in profusion in the market, or pasar besar.

I loved spending time (and money!) in the market. The market women were excellent businesswomen, sharp and knowledgeable. The market atmosphere was always invigorating and good natured, with much joking between traders and their customers, who were almost always women as well. I admired traders for their independence and their savvy, for their no-nonsense approach to business and, it appeared, to life. These women were the heart of the business community and the soul of their families, and they wore their responsibilities lightly, confident in their ability to raise and feed their families, run their businesses, and in general, get on with things. It would be hard not to admire them!

My main character, Mak Cik Maryam, comes directly out of the market. Several of my neighbors owned stalls in the cloth section, and of course their attitudes and personalities come through in her. My own mother, who was a businesswoman and writer, is part of Mak Cik Maryam as well—and she is named after my mother, Miriam. I lived with a family in Pengkalan Cepa, and Wan Hamidah Wan Nawang, who worked, raised a family and befriended an anthropologist and did it all with such amazing grace and seemingly without effort was another inspiration, for the book and in everything else.

Editor’s Note:Barbara Ismail is an American author with a fascinating connection to Malaysia - a native New Yorker, she travelled to Malaysia in the 1970s, inspired by her anthropology professor who had conducted field studies in the northern state of Kelantan. Barbara lived in Kampung Dusun and Pengkalan Cepa, studying wayang Siam (the Kelantanese style of shadow puppetry) and the Kelantanese dialect for her PhD at Yale.

Her first novel, Shadow Play, featured Malaysia’s first female detective - Mak Cik Maryam, a smart and take-charge silk trader in the Kota Bharu Central Market, who discovers a murder in her own backyard, shattering the bucolic village world she thought surrounded her. While the new Chief of Police, a pleasant young man from Ipoh whose mother’s admonitions about the wiles of Kelantanese girls still ring in his ears, wrestles with the bewildering local dialect, Maryam steps up to solve the mystery herself.

Shadow Play won the Singapore Book Publisher’s Association award for Best Debut Novel 2012 and was shortlisted for Malaysia’s KLCC BookFest Readers’ Choice Award 2013. The second book in the series, Princess Play, will be published in September 2013. Barbara will be travelling to Malaysia and Singapore this month to promote her new book including a stop at ISKL in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 8 November where she will give a talk for parents and students.



I had my first real Thanksgiving dinner in the U.S. the first year I was there as a student at the University of Missouri, St Louis. A family who had recently immigrated had invited a friend and housemate of mine studying at nearby Washington University. They kindly extended the invitation to myself and a few other friends as well.

The food and decorations were distinctly American. I delighted in trying out the famous turkey with cranberry sauce and I found it delectable; however, I thought it a bit peculiar that my very first Thanksgiving dinner in the U.S. was not as I imagined it would be – with the ‘typical’ light-skinned, blond-haired and blue-eyed family - but was instead with dark-skinned, brunette non-natives with pronounced accents! Nevertheless, I enjoyed myself and was grateful to my gracious hosts.

A Malaysian Experiences ThanksgivingDinner in the U.S.Story and photo by Latisha Merican

The following year, my newfound girl friend Laura thoughtfully invited a whole bunch of us Malaysians over to her apartment. She made a few of us come early to make turkey-shaped cookies, which were fashioned from sandwich cookies and decorated with candy corn. She had stuffed and roasted an enormous turkey and had prepared green beans, sweet potatoes and stove top stuffing, which I thought was the bee’s knees. We had a wonderful time and Laura and I enjoyed the leftover turkey and stuffing for lunch for days afterward!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Perspectives

Latisha and her Malaysian friends decorating Thanksgiving cookies as students in in St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. in the 1990s


and prevention

Dr. Mohammed Fauzi Abdul RaniMBCHB (Sheffield), AMM (Mal), MRCP (UK), FRCP (Glasgow), FCCPConsultant Chest PhysicianTropicana Medical Centre

TROPICANA MEDICAL CENTRE11, Jalan Teknologi,

PJU 5, Kota Damansara,47810 Petaling Jaya,

Selangor Darul Ehsan.T: +603-6287 1111

W: www.tropicanamedicalcentre.comFB: www.facebook.com/TropicanaMedicalCentre

E: [email protected]

Lung cancer risk factors

A number of factors may increase your risk of lung cancer. Some risk factors can be controlled such as quitting smoking and others cannot be controlled, for instance, your family history.

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of developing a health condition. For example, age is a risk factor - most people who develop cancer are over 65. Having a particular risk factor doesn’t mean you will certainly get cancer. However, sometimes people without any known risk factors can develop cancer.

Cigarette smoking is the cause of most lung cancers. The more you smoke, the greater your risk of devel-oping lung cancer. It’s also more likely to develop in people who start smoking at a young age. Filtered and low-tar cigarettes may slightly reduce a person’s risk of developing cancer, but the risk is still far higher than that of a non-smoker.

People who don’t smoke can also develop lung cancer. Approximately 10-15% of people (around 1 in 10) who get lung cancer will never have smoked.

Lung cancer is more common in men, as more men used to smoke than women. As more women have started smoking, the number of women developing lung cancer has increased.

Passive smokingBreathing in other people’s cigarette smoke (passive smoking) may slightly increase the risk of lung disease and cancer. But the risk is still much lower than if you smoke yourself.

Pipes and cigarsAlthough pipe and cigar smokers have a lower risk of lung cancer than cigarette smokers, they’re still at a much higher risk than non-smokers.

CannabisSmoking cannabis may also increase the risk of devel-oping lung cancer. Less is known about the harmful effects of smoking cannabis, but it may cause similar damage to the cells in the lungs as smoking tobacco.Radon gas In some parts of the world, a naturally-oc-curring gas called radon can pass from the soil into the foundations of buildings. Exposure to high concentra-tions of radon can increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Smokers who are also exposed to radon have an increased risk of developing lung cancer.

AgeLung cancer is more common in older people. About 80% of lung cancers (8 in 10) are diagnosed in people over 60. Lung cancer rarely affects people under 40.

Genetic riskSome people with a close relative who has had lung cancer may be at an increased risk of it themselves, al-though the increase in risk is very small.

AsbestosAsbestos is a natural mineral that was used in dif-ferent building industries. People who have been in prolonged or close contact with asbestos have a higher risk of developing lung cancer, especially if they smoke. Asbestos and tobacco smoke act synergisti-cally to increase the risk.

Low-level exposure to asbestos only slightly increases the risk of lung cancer (compared to the risk from smoking), while heavy exposure may result in a much higher risk.

Asbestos exposure also increases the risk of mesothe-lioma, a cancer of the membranes that cover the lungs.

Past cancer treatmentPeople who have been treated for some types of can-cer may have a slightly increased risk of developing lung cancer many years later.

Women who were treated with radiotherapy for breast cancer and who smoke may have an increased risk of lung cancer.

However, the risk of developing lung cancer is far out-weighed by the benefits of the initial treatment

Lowered immunityPeople with illnesses such as HIV or AIDS that lower immunity, or who have to take drugs (immunosup-pressants) that lower their immunity after having an organ transplant, have a higher risk of developing lung cancer. However, the reason for taking the im-munosuppressants outweighs the possible risk of lung cancer.

Other causesRarely, contact with certain chemicals and substances - such as silica, uranium, chromium and nickel - can cause lung cancer.Air pollution has been suggested as a cause of lung cancer, but this is difficult to prove.

PreventionThere is no definite way to prevent lung cancer, but you can reduce your risk if you:

Don’t smoke. If you’ve never smoked, don’t start. Talk to your children about not smoking so that they can understand how to avoid this major risk factor for lung cancer.

Stop smoking. Stop smoking now. Quitting reduces your risk of lung cancer, even if you’ve smoked for years. Talk to your doctor about strategies and stop-smoking aids that can help you quit. Options include nicotine replacement products, medications and sup-port groups.

Avoid secondhand smoke. If you live or work with a smoker, urge him or her to quit. At the very least, ask him or her to smoke outside. Avoid areas where peo-ple smoke, such as bars and restaurants, and seek out smoke-free options.

Test your home for radon. If you live in an area where radon is known to be a problem you can have the ra-don levels checked. High radon levels can be reduced to make your home safer.

Avoid carcinogens at work. Take precautions to pro-tect yourself from exposure to toxic chemicals at work. Follow your employer’s precautions. Your risk of lung damage from workplace carcinogens increases if you smoke.

Eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables. Choose a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables. Food sources of vitamins and nutrients are best. Avoid taking large doses of vitamins in pill form, as they may be harmful.

Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. Limit yourself to one drink a day if you’re a woman or two drinks a day if you’re a man. Anyone age 65 and older should drink no more than one drink a day.

Exercise. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of mod-erate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigor-ous aerobic activity. You can also do a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. Check with your doctor first if you aren’t already exercising regularly.


Memories

Cajun: The Food, the People, and the Culture, 24 SeptemberPhotos by Randee Duncan

AAM members let the good times roll while learning about the heart of Cajun cooking and enjoying down home favorites of gumbo, jambalaya and muffuletta. Laissez les bon temps rouler!



MemoriesMemories

What’s New at the AAM Coffee Morning, 19 SeptemberPhotos by Randee Duncan

After the long summer, members old and new gathered for an informal coffee morning at the AAM Villa to welcome new members, catch up with old friends, and learn about changes afoot at the AAM.

26 KL American September 2013

Come to the...MANZA

CHRISTMAS BAZAARSunday, 17th November 2013

Gifts • Crafts • Charity Stalls • Trash & Treasure • BooksHome Baking • Raffle • Charity Quilt • Refreshments

Entry Fee

RM15Parking available

10am-2pm @ 6th Floor Le Meridien Hotel, Kuala Lumpur


Toni & Guy TroikaLot G-03A, The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCCTel: (03) 2168-8802Website: www.toniandguy.com.myDiscount/benefit: 10% discount on cut - blowdry, 15% discount if having cut – blowdry and color service. (Discount not appli-cable with other promotions)Face Factors ClinicD3-G4-2, No. 1 Solaris Dutamas,Jalan Dutamas, Sri Hartamas ,50480 Kuala LumpurTel: (03) 6205 3508Email: [email protected]: http://facefactorsclinic.comDiscount/benefit: 50% off all cellulite manages, seaweed body warps and lymphatic drainage treatments.IPL Skin Care CliniqueS2, Pamper Floor, Starhill GalleryTel: 03-2141-4277 or 03-2141-4280Website: www.iplskincare.com RM99 for first trial: 90-minute Intensive Rejuvenation Facial Therapy and Hot Stone Shoulder massage (Normal price: RM190) OR 60-minute Full Relaxation Ginger Body Massage (Normal price: RM150)The London Orchid67M Plaza Damansara, Bukit DamansaraTel: 03-2095-6009Website: www.thelondonorchid.comAAM Discount: 15% discount on treatments to all members of the AAM, including the only spray tan service in KL!

EuroChef MalaysiaUnit P-1-21, Block P, Plaza DamasTel: 6201-8863Website: www.eurochefasia.comAAM Discount: 15% (Excludes machinery, Frilich items, Flavor Shaker, cookbooks, and promotional items) Royal SelangorWebsite: www.royalselangor.com AAM Discount: 10%

Footloose At Home SpaJalan Nagasari, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala LumpurTel: 017-655 3139Email: [email protected]: www.footlooseathome.comDiscount/benefit: 10% off all service treatments inclusive of our service packages. Coupon code: AAMFOOTLOOSE. Not applicable on current/ongoing promotion.

Crown RelocationsTel: 03-5637-9166 Website: www.crownrelo.comAAM Discount: 15% off local moves within Malaysia. Complimentary 2-hour handyman services for moves more than RM5,000. 15% discount for one-day orientation service and 10% discount ony immigration services. Complimentary Home Search for rentals above RM5,000.Three Sixty Computer ServicesTel: 012-377-3522 (Clement Tan) Email: [email protected] AAM Discount: 10% off service chargesPet PlaygroundJ-G-6, Jalan PJU1A/20BDataran Ara Damansara47301 Petaling JayaTel: 017-363 8228 / 017-364 8117Email: [email protected]: www.petplaygroundonline.comDiscount/benefit: 10% off grooming, boarding for 6 night FOC 1 night in the cageless pet hotel and 10 % off on all pets products.

Fresca Mexican Kitchen & BarLot G242A, The Gardens Mall, Mid ValleyTel: 03-2201-2893Email: [email protected]: facebook.com/frescabarAAM Discount: Receive a free mystery dessert with a minimum spend of RM100 on a single receipt. Not valid in conjunction with other ongoing promotions, set menu and public holidays. House GTowerG02 & LG02-04, GTower199 Jalan Tun RazakTel: 2164-4424House eCurveG25 & G26, e@Curve2A, Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara DamansaraTel: 7722-2414Website: www.housegroup.com.myAAM Discount: 10% discount on all ala carte food and beverage (excluding alcohol). Discount is applicable everyday including public holidays. Not valid in conjunction with other ongoing promotions.

Amadeus Bistro & Wine BarMezzanine Level, Wisma Life Centre20 Jalan Sultan IsmailTel: 03-2162 2788Website: www.amadeusbistro.com.my Discount/benefit: 15% discount on total bill.

BEAUTY

DINING

HOUSEHOLD/GIFTS

MASSAGE

SERVICES

The American Association Privilege Program (AAPP) offers special discounts and privileges to AAM members. Just flash your AAM membership card! If you are a business interested in joining the AAPP, contact the AAM office at [email protected].

American Association Privilege Program Directory


10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Quilting

9 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Day Trip to Malacca


10 a.m. - 2 p.m.Christmas Charity Bazaar @ Royale Chulan

10 a.m. Coffee Morning @ Merrie’s residence

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1 - 3 p.m. Mahjong

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.Indian Cooking

10 - 11 a.m. Bingo @ Little Sisters of the Poor

10 a.m. - 1 p.m.Tenmoku Pottery Wshop

1 - 3 p.m.Mahjong



12 p.m.L/Bunch & First Fridays

1 - 3 p.m.Mahjong

7 a.m. KL Roadrunners




1 - 4 p.m.Thanksgiving Potluck Lunch


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AAM Closed

Awal Muharam

VENUE KEY

AAMOff Site

AAM OfficeTel : (03) 4021 4368

email:[email protected]

Happy Thanksgiving

(60-3) 5565 2200

Documents

KL American - November 2013