Our dear friend (my wife, Jeannie’s and mine) of many years, Chef Wan; has got a copy of the recently published book, SPARKS OF JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT for himself.. If anyone knows what a spark is, it is none other than Chef Wan himself.
Chef Wan is everything entertaining. When he gives of himself in whatever he does and commits to; you are guaranteed that you are going to gain way more than 100% from him.
I just realised that he put my book up on his Instagram feed. Interest in the book and readers getting a copy for themselves, has been growing. Will keep you posted with further positive developments, especially from readers and book-buyers, soon.
Robots, robots everywhere. Three and a half feet tall, they look like they are from the 2012 movie, “Wall-E”. This place is populated by them. “Them”? They aren’t living…well at least, not just yet. They glide along the aisles silently and effortlessly. No they aren’t hovercraft machines, though they do give the impression that they are… Or at least a sort of.
These robots are waiters n/ waitresses. They move on wheels, I am sure. We (Jeannie and I) are here at Shaaz Nasi Kandar restaurant next to Rock Cafe in Sunway. (1)
There are four of them, gliding along the aisles between tables, serving food and drinks, that were ordered earlier, orders taken by humans. It has been somewhat of a fascination for Jeannie and me as we sit here, watching these things do their work, effortlessly, without complaints of having to go up and down with hardly a chance to catch their breath…cool down their batteries and recharge them.
A human being came to take our (Jeannie’s and my) order. Shocking! Not robomated… yet? I ordered a mamak rojak and Nescafe ais kaw (2); while Jeannie ordered a roti canai (4) and Nescafe panas (hot).
My rojak (3) order was first to arrive, followed by our drink orders. Both were delivered by humans. How disappointing. Minutes later; Jeannie’s roti canai was robomatically delivered by Alice. “Alice” is a good enough name to give to a robowaitress. The robowaitress was professional, maneuvered between the rows of table, came up to our table, then turned to face our table. I took Jeannie’s roti canai order off the tray of the robowaitress and forgot to tap the “Return to station” button. However, the robowaitress got the hint that we had taken our order and returned to its station after waiting for a minute. with no response from us. It will stop in its track and find another route if someone is standing around or blocking the way.
Our meals were cleaned off our plates fast as we were famished. It didn’t really matter how the food tasted (it tasted good), as long as we could eat something edible. Then, the wait began as we were meeting my cousins Christopher Nellaiah and his wife Evalina, and Dato Ronald Gomes and his wife, Datin Debbie…yes, for dinner. But they were only going to arrive at 8.30pm, which was kind of late for dinner. When they arrive, we would have drinks and spend time with them.
So, while waiting, I started with this essay.
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It has been a Wow! last 8 days. My just published book, SPARKS FOR JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT, is out. I have been actively promoting it. The physical book in my hands, it has given me the opportunity to tell my story – different stories from the book to different people. It has helped me relive the stories as I tell them.
A whole new ball game. I’ve been promoting and marketing the book, letting people know that they can get their copy now and where to get it. The book has not officially launched in the major book stores yet, however multiple numbers of people are buying copies off me. The response has been more than amazing.
One of the latest to get a copy of this book is my cousin, Haji Ahmad bin Mahmuddin. His mother and my mother are sisters. He was very excited and happy to get his copy of my book and requested me to personalise it with this message, “To my cousin, Haji Admad bin Mahmuddin”. We took pictures. He had me have a photo taken with his cute granddaughter, Aileen.
We hadn’t met for quite a while. This short meeting gave us the opportunity to catch up and bring each other up to speed with regards to our families. Ahmad has always been very supportive of our family, especially us cousins.
My cousin, Haji Ahmad; receiving his copy of SPARKS FOR JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT from me.
My cousin, Haji Ahmad’s granddaughter, Aileen; with me and their copy of SPARKS FOR JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT; which I had specially personalised with a message for them.
Though the time was short, we spent it well with many laughs, too. We will meet again soon.
This weekend, Jeannie, the Batik Influencer; and I, the Hatted Writer; are setting up a booth at Amcorp Mall. There are many, yet limited pieces of the Batik Influencer’s Batik Cape Creations under the brand, “JEANNIE’S OWN” that are on sale. They are great for among the many occasions; informal and formal wear, and the upcoming Hari Raya celebrations. Come early to get 1 or more pieces of these beautiful and elegant wear.
A Batik Cape C reation under the JEANNIE’S OWN label
I will also be promoting my SPARKS FOR JOY – SEIZE THE MOMENT BOOK. Come and get your very own personalised copy of the book.
Jeannie, the Batik Influencer and I, the Hatted Writer; look forward to meeting all you wonderful people there. We know we are going to have loads of fun there at our booth F1.08, and want you all to join us.
There is something for everybody.
NOTES: 1. Sunway is part of the Subang Jaya district in Selangor, Malaysia. 2. Nescafe ais Kaw In English is strong Nescafe ice (cold). 3. Pasembur or rojak. 4. Roti canai is an Indian flat bread. 5. A robot waitress is a robotic device that can serve foor and drinks in restaurants, hotels,, and other businesses. Some robot waitresses can also greet customers and interact with them.
Address: Amcorp Shopping Mall, Booth 1.08, 1st Floor, , 8, Jalan, Persiaran Barat, Seksyen 52 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Date: March 1st – March 2nd, 2025 Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm (can be extended to 7.00pm)
