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Latest in Interantional Consumer Fashion News from around the world.

- Kebaya Fastening -Traditional kebayas are fastened using a set of 3 brooches attached to chains called 'kerosang'. I have modified this by sewing plastic press studs. This makes it easier for the wearer.

- Care Instructions -All nyonya kebayas are to be hand washed separately. A little starching is best for those made of voile or cotton. Warm iron for voile, cotton and cotton mix. Cool setting for chiffon, georgette and silk.

- Kebaya Embroidery -All kebaya embroideries are specially machine made by individual craftsmen. Variations are natural characteristic inherent during the process.

Kebaya - Self coloured embroidery on kasar robia / speckled voile.

Kebaya - Colourful floral embroidery on kasar robia / speckled voile.

Kebaya - Beautiful pieces in plain voile, kasar robia / speckled voile, patterned cotton and cotton mix.

Nyonya Kebayas are a hot commodity among fashion designers but the sense of tradition is either missing in many of the new fusion designs or lost in the hefty price tags.

Not wanting to see glitter and glamour get in the way of what a truly traditional Nyonya Kebaya is, Penang Nyonya Lily Yew Chooi Lian took up the hobby of sewing the transparent garments three years ago.

Spending about five hours to make one kebaya, Yew has made numerous garments for friends and family and has had several of her creations flying off to distant places like San Francisco and Saigon.

“What used to be worn for going out of the house is now reserved for festive and formal occasions and it is a pity because the Kebaya is so elegant and beautiful,” said Yew.

“The Kebaya is part of my cultural heritage and it looks good for all occasions, which is why I took up sewing the blouses three years ago,” she added.

While the more than RM1,000 price tag on most modern Kebayas prevent many from owning one, Yew does what she can to spread her love for the traditional wear by making it affordable for friends and family.

Her quest for affordable material was a long one because the embroidered sleeves and hems are difficult to do.

“The motifs are done by machine and are usually floral but with the imagination of some embroiderers, you can find cute animals, insects, geishas in kimonos, little China dolls, dragons and phoenix, to name a few,” said Yew.

Luckily, Yew was able to find a cheaper alternative with a shop that orders the material from Indonesia, but stocks can be sporadic.

“I like my Kebayas elegant and feminine so I sew them as close to the traditional style as possible with princess cut (pesak) and all French seams.”

This style leaves no margin for mistakes and makes it very hard to sew, which is why Yew only does them in standard sizes of small, medium and large.

Yew is open to orders from people but stressed that she is only sewing the Kebayas in her spare time as she is a busy grandmother. Yew has a variety of fabrics that customers can use to make the transparent blouse.

“I want to share my love for the Kebaya and make it affordable,” said Yew.

“I try to sew a whole range of colours to suit everyone and I also have pieces of embroidered materials in different shades for clients to choose from, but I do not make to measure.”

The Kebaya began as a long sleeved blouse with lace appliquéd around the edges. It is the traditional costume of Straits Chinese ladies and other Peranakan women from Indonesia and Thailand.

It is worn with a Javanese batik sarong and to be properly dressed, a Nyonya will have her hair in a chignon (sanggul) with flowers and gold pins.

The lapel of the Nyonya Kebaya is held together with a set of three brooches (kerosang) while the sarong is folded and secured with a gold or silver chain-link belt.

For the feet, beaded slippers are a must. In Penang Hokkien, the Kebaya is called Pua T’ng Teh, meaning midway between long and short.

For the modern look, the Kebaya can be worn with pants, over a simple sleeveless or spaghetti-strapped dress or even used over a tank top as a jacket.

Materials used to make the Kebaya include coarse voile (kasar robia), non-iron georgette and shantung for its lovely sheen.

Nyonya Kebaya has to be hand washed, using a little starch for the voile ones so they can last a long time. Antique pieces have lasted through the years because of the use of starch.

Yes, growing orchids for beginners is very easy. They are like any other house plants....and it wouldn't hurt if you talk to them. Read more...
Your Beginners Guide

Best Regards
Bob
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RSS is the newest technology for communicating with others. It avoids spam and it puts you in the control seat...learm more about RSS...
RSS Overview

Best Regards
Bob
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This is what you can expect from our RSS Orchids feed. It will come out at least monthlhy and probably more frequently.
Read more...
To our RSS orchids

Best Regards
Bob
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In this issue you will see our June Special as well as learn about growing orchids hydroponically and more about RSS.

You may be as surprised as I was to learn about this orchid and its unique role in todays cooking.

The "hot" July Orchids Sale as well as more information in Orchid Tips. There is also a beautiful picture of a phal. Enjoy!

When an orchid is sick the blooms will hold a lot of hints for the diagnosis. Read More...



Best Regards
Bob
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Perfect coffee recipes for true coffee lovers

English-French Phrase-Book released. The most commonly used words, abbreviations and expressions

AGRESSO SQL Functions Reference 2.0 released. This freeware reference provides a list of the functions available in AGRESSO SQL, their meanings and syntax. Version 2.0 contains many new entries; built-in hyperlinks allow easy navigation between entries.

AbsoluteWord presents RoadLingua Dictionary Shell 4.0, a major update of its well-known software shell intended for viewing structured text and graphic databases such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc., on mobile devices running Windows Mobile or Palm operating systems.

Texas AG Paxton says Pfizer might have lied about efficacy of COVID vaccine, could be 1% effective | 6 Dec 2023 | GOP Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says that he believes that pharmaceutical company Pfizer may have lied about the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine and the effectiveness could be as low as one […]

CDC issues health alert to U.S. doctors over subtype of monkeypox spreading in Congo that kills one in ten and is more infectious –Alert warned clinicians to test patients traveling from the Congo for the virus | 7 Dec 2023 | Doctors in the US are being told to look out for a more deadly […]

UNLV mass shooter mailed ‘white powder’ to 22 university scholars before rampage, carried list of targets | 7 Dec 2023 | The scorned professor who [allegedly] slaughtered three University of Las Vegas faculty members also sent 22 letters containing laced white powder to collegiate scholars across the country before Wednesday’s shooting rampage, police said. Anthony […]

Hunter Biden was indicted Thursday on nine charges – including three felonies | 7 Dec 2023 | Hunter Biden was indicted Thursday on nine charges – including three felonies – in part for allegedly dodging over $1 million in taxes while living a hard-partying “extravagant” life over a four-year period. The three felonies leveled against […]

U.S. blocks UN Gaza ceasefire appeal | 8 Dec 2023 | The U.S. has cast the lone dissenting vote against a proposed UN Security Council resolution that would have demanded a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war amid rising civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip. Thirteen member states voted in favor of the resolution, which […]

Comer says special counsel indicted Hunter Biden to ‘protect him’ from House GOP investigation | 8 Dec 2023 | House Oversight Chair James Comer told CNN’s Jake Tapper on Friday he believes special counsel David Weiss indicted Hunter Biden to shield him from his scheduled deposition next week in front of Comer’s committee. “My concern […]

Mesothelioma Alert out of SpokaneI found an article about new mesothelioma cases in Washington: Mesothelioma Alert out of Spokanemore info hereOriginally Posted on 11/06/2005 21:43:11Content source: http://bobrboobd.blogspot.com/2004_04_14_bobrboobd_archive.html#108196186005978666

Mesothelioma Victims Fight Against Proposed LegislationI was trying to find a website on cat food and I came across this beautiful article. Mesothelioma Victims Fight Against Proposed Legislationmore info hereOriginally Posted on 11/06/2005 21:47:16Content source: http://bobrboobd.blogspot.com/2004_04_14_bobrboobd_archive.html#108196373013106592

Environmental Watchdog Group Publishes Listing of 243 Asbestos-Laden LocationsSometimes I used to wonder if anyone would do this.Environmental Watchdog Group Publishes Listing of 243 Asbestos-Laden Locations. Well, it's about time, isn't it?more info hereOriginally Posted on 11/06/2005 22:15:26Content source: http://bobrboobd.blogspot.com/2004_04_16_bobrboobd_archive.html#108210458497514356

Campaign Attempts to Derail Senate Bill 2290, Asbestos Victims Trust FundHere is an article I found about the Senate Bill regarding the mesothelioma victims' trust fund. Campaign Attempts to Derail Senate Bill 2290, Asbestos Victims Trust Fundmore info hereOriginally Posted on 11/06/2005 22:29:35Content source: http://bobrboobd.blogspot.com/2004_04_18_bobrboobd_archive.html#108235099169357181

Mesothelioma Trust Fund Senate Bill RejectedSo the Senate blocked the mesothelioma trust fund bill, 2290. Well, maybe next time, Orrin Hatch. Mesothelioma Trust Fund Senate Bill Rejectedmore info hereOriginally Posted on 11/06/2005 22:37:39Content source: http://bobrboobd.blogspot.com/2004_04_23_bobrboobd_archive.html#108273301196512546

Has The Cure For Cancer Been Here All Along?by: Jane JarvisCancer treatment and medication is a multi-billion dollar industry--so why would hospitals and pharmaceutical companies want a cure?Have you ever heard of a doctor giving someone with stage 4 or 5 cancer a 90-100% chance of success at beating the disease? I didn't think so. Well, there is a way you can beat these dismal odds. If you, a

by: MesotheliomaFirms.comThere are many attorneys around today, some of who specialize in particular areas of law and others that deal with a wide range of legal issues. When it comes to a sensitive and often complicated area such as mesothelioma litigation, it is always advisable to go through a specialist mesothelioma attorney with experience and contacts within this field. Having an

by: MesotheliomaFirms.comMesothelioma is a deadly cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, and this cancer can reduce lifespan to a matter of months from the onset of symptoms. Over recent years, the number of mesothelioma cases coming to light has risen quite dramatically, and in line with this, the number of mesothelioma lawsuits being filed has also increased. Because mesothelioma

Marilyn PokorneySince the late 1800's Asbestos has been mined and used commercially. The use of Asbestos dramatically increased during World War II and since the early 1940's millions of Americans have been exposed to asbestos dust working within industries where initally the risks were not known. There has been widespread exposure to Asbestos by workers within shipyards, mines and mills,

by: Darin IngelsMen with prostate cancer who take supplemental lycopene in addition to surgical removal of the testicles may experience less active disease, less bone pain, and live longer than those who only have surgical removal of the testicles, according to a new study in British Journal of Urology International (2003;92:375–8). This is exciting news for millions of men who have to undergo

by: Warren MatthewsWhat do you think about this? * Overall cancer risk reduced by 37% * Overall reduction in cancer mortality rates by 50% * 30% reduction of colorectal cancer.Sounds like the sort of claims someone standing on a soapbox trying to sell snake oil would make... but SURPRISE... these statements are coming from the mainstream... and the results are from simple natural

by: ARA Content(ARA) - A decade ago, research into angiogenesis-inhibiting compounds was still in a relative state of infancy. The principle itself was not new -- as far back as the early '70s, there was speculation that human cancer tumors could not grow beyond a few millimeters in diameter without obtaining their own blood supply. But opinion was still divided in the scientific

by: Priya F ShahCancer cells and normal cells are known to respond differently to nutrients and drugs that affect glutathione status.Numerous studies have shown that tumor cells have elevated levels of glutathione levels, which confers resistance to chemotherapy drugs.One of the challenges of cancer therapy is how to deplete tumor cells of glutathione, so as to make them more vulnerable to the

Like the facilitator, the online student possesses unique qualities. The online students of today consist primarily of working people who are trying to better their opportunities. This however is changing, as more and more young and older people become aware...

The easy to use website from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education click for more information

The Washington Post WASHINGTON - Angela Bostic will get her MBA in August from the University of Maryland University College, part of a dual master's degree she is pursuing. She has never met a professor, has never sat in a...

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We received the final payout figure on the land, $64,034. My wife went to the bank and drew a bank check for the amount. Man I could buy a nice car with that money ;-).

Much walking around of display homes today. Before I get into the houses we've looked at I'll just quickly discuss the market that we see our home targetting and the requirements we believe these segments have.

1. Two mid level income couples with no children or 1-2 very young children.
2. Couples looking to downsize with no children at home

With these two segments in mind we see the primary requirements of the house as being:

1. High street appeal, a front elevation that is fashionable and attractive. But nothing too 'leading edge' that may look dated too quickly.
2. Internal fixtures that give an impression of quality without going too over the top. The suburb where we are building will not support a house that is fitted out with the best of everything, but certainly some improvements will be looked for by younger couples looking for some 'wow' factor. These improvments will largely be confined to the kitchen and bathrooms, as these allow for the greatest amount of individualization.
3. An internal layout supporting either a young family, or a couple with diverse interests. To us this translates to a 3 bedroom or 2 bedroom + study configuration. It also means that a separate master bedroom bathroom (en-suite) and living area are vital.
4. 2700mm (9ft) ceilings for a feeling of extra space.
5. Covered outdoor entertaining area.
6. Low maintenance modern garden.

Based on these requirements, and the size of the land we found ourselves looking at the villa homes (suitable for a 8.5-10m (28' to 33') frontage) and courtyard (suitable for 38' to 43'frontages) homes. The width of our land (11m, 33') means we are restricted to single garage versions of the courtyard homes which are almost universally double garage designs. We are happy to settle on an existing design of a contract builder as we believe this will lead to the house being completed faster and will lower the overall cost of building.

The two designs we saw today were the:

Heathcote 180 - AV Jennings

This is a nice design, a courtyard home and with a single garage pretty well suited to the size of the block. I particularly like the way the bedrooms/bathroom are separated from the living area. The only real downside to design of the house is the width, the courtyard down the side of the house would be quite small. The other major downside is the price, the base price is $105,000, which is a lot more than what we wanted to spend. It does, however, include a lot of things as standard that other builders charge extra for.

Hamilton - Fairmont

This design is the real minimum of what we wanted to build. It meets all of our requirements but the front lounge feels small and we did not like the bedroom doors coming off the main hallway. However, the price is right, just $89,000 for the base price.

No need to make a decision yet. We're still waiting for a lot of design brochures to arrive from different builders, I'm sure we'l find what we want.

We've decided to go with hard floor coverings (tiles or floorboards) in the living areas of the home and carpets only in the bedrooms. This will wear better if we decide to rent the property.

We got a quote back today for this:

$1600 for carpets
$4400 for tiling/floorboards

Total Cost: $6000

When we get closer to the house being actually built we'll decide on the actual floor covering we want.

I haven't posted for a while, simply because nothing has happened. It's been 9 weeks since we signed the building contract and today we received the engineers soil report and footings design.

The quality of the documentation and exactly what we were to do with it left a lot to be desired. I'm a professional engineer and I've got to say the drawings and report were thoroughly confusing to me, I'd hate to think how someone with no technical background would interpret them. The financial impact is an additional $1000 for footings (we had allowed $10,000) and another $500 for a site survey because there are no marker pegs on the site.

On the variations schedule there were 9 points and I had to ring up and get clarification on each one. The two that concern me the most are the level the council has chosen for the house. It means that retaining walls are now required around the whole block. Bummer. The other thing that bothers me is a cryptic mention of 'rock encountered' in one of the 5 bores taken on the site during the soil test. The contract variation just says 'owner to take note that rock encountered during soil test'. On asking this means that we *could* end up being charged more for the site to be cleared.

Our responsibilities duing the whole process are quite vague as are the order in which things are to be done. If I hadn't phoned the builder I would have had no idea that it is our responsibility to remove all soil from the site after they have levelled it out. I also am very unclear as to when we can have the retaining walls installed. To me it makes sense to have them done after the block is levelled and before the foundation is layed to allow access to front end loaders and so on. However, the person I spoke to on the phone at the builder suggested we don't put down the retaining walls until after the house is built.

This doesn't sound right to me.

Tom Kaye, the former president of one of the oldest and and respected names in paintball, Air Gun Designs, officially announced his retirement from the sport of paintball and his ownership of AGD...

Centerflag Products has been around since 1999, quietly building high end air systems for the most demanding players and their markers. In 2004, owner Dennis Ashley quietly began designing a higher end version of the 400 series regulator. The result was called the 4CE.