Mee Rebus …. best!

We called it “Mee Rebus” in Malaysia and in English it literally means Noodles for Mee and Boiled for Rebus. The gravy strained from boiled beef/chicken and fried prawn shells is thickened with sweet potatoes, tomato & corn flour that gave the sauce its rich flavour. With the toppings of fried soya bean cake, prawn fritters/crackers, boiled egg, garnished with fried shallots, Chinese celery and lime to taste, this Mee Rebus is popular amongst South East Asians especially Malaysians like spaghetti to Italians.

Some prepare the gravy without using any form of meat but purely vegetable products and yet very delicious. At the time of writing, this plate of bountiful, meat free and appetizing noodles cost only USD1 at most of the Malaysians Food Stalls.

The Recipe for the above Meat-Free Mee Rebus takes 10mins to prepare and 20mins to cook.

 Ingredients – for 2 servings.

• 300g sweet potato (peeled and cut into small pieces)
• 750ml water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons fine salted soya beans paste
• 200g yellow egg noodles, blanched
• 1 fried firm tofu (tau kwa), diced
• 2 calamansi limes
• 1 or 2 fresh green chillies, sliced

Spice paste

•  4 dried chili, finely chopped
• 2 slices ginger, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1½  to 2 teaspoons belachan
• 1 teaspoon sugar

 Method

• Place the sweet potatoes and water into a pot. Bring to boil and simmer for 10-15mins or until the sweet potatoes are tender. Remove the sweet potatoes, mashed and set aside. Reserve stock.
• Spice Paste – mix into a bowl and set aside.
• Heat oil in a wok, fry the spice paste for half a minute or until fragrant. Stir in the 500ml of stock, mashed potatoes and salted soya bean paste. Season with salt, bring to a boil and simmer till the gravy thickens.
• To serve, divide bean sprouts, yellow egg noodles, diced firm tofu between serving bowls. Ladle the gravy into individual serving bowls. Garnish with green chilli, lime, fried shallots, spring onions, hard boiled egg and (optional) dashes of dark soy sauce to taste. Serve hot.

Fire in-flight « Gsc1’s Weblog

Fire in-flight « Gsc1’s Weblog

Fire in-flight

Fire on board the flight is one of the most dangerous emergencies. It is the fourth leading cause of commercial aviation fatalities. In-flight fire may originate from aircraft engines, cargo-holds, inside the toilets and galley areas where there are many combustible materials and electrical circuits. The inhalation of toxic smoke emission or fumes from the burning materials in an enclosed area can cause incapacitation and life-threatening.  

While the crewmembers are trained to fight fire, time is a critical factor to bring the situation to a safe level. Once the fire is uncontrollable the pilots may have no other options but to land the aircraft at the nearest airport. The situation can be very critical if the flight is across the Atlantic or Pacific Oceans where airports are hours away. To minimise this horrifying situation, aviation regulators are now imposing better smoke detectors and extinguishers to be placed in all aircraft toilets, cargo-holds and the use of less flammable material in the cabins.

Despite measures being taken, it remains an unresolved problem to prevent aircraft fire. While engine fire is one of cause of fatalities, commercials airlines are still experiencing fire that originates from the toilets. Many smokers are still being caught hiding in the toilets tampering the smoke detectors to satisfy their desire, compromising safety and choose not to realise the gravely danger that they are placing everyone into. Lighting fire in the metal tube with compressed air that carries tons of explosive liquid flying above 30,000 ft sea level is unthinkable. Therefore, it is not surprising that aviation regulators view this act as a serious offence and that the airlines could be fined if the matter is not reported to the authorities. Varig Flight 820 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varig_Flight_820  relates how horrifying when hidden toilets fire that crewmembers were unable to contain and extinguish completely that eventually resulted in fatalities. Fortunately, toilet fire caused by cigarettes is rare as the smoke goes into the air-condition ducts that could be smelled from the cabin air-vents, giving the crewmembers an early warning and opportunity to address the issue promptly. Once the fire goes out of control during flight, the escape route is ZERO.

     

Air Sickness – Ways to Minimise

Air Sickness – Ways to Minimise

Air Sickness (motion sickness) is often caused by the air turbulence and abrupt manoeuvring of the aircraft. The repeated motion and continued stimulation of the inner ear disturb the sense of balance and equilibrium. The symptoms of air sickness are accumulation of saliva under the tongue, sweating, stomach discomfort, dizziness, nauseatic, disoriented and eventually vomiting.

Many frequent flyers may have witnessed or experienced air sickness themselves but were helpless during this time. The following tips can help to minimise the severity or prevent air sickness.

• Make distance visual references or look outside the aircraft and hold your head still as your eyes (other than your inner ears) send the message to your brain on the direction of the motion. Do not try to read or look at near object in the aircraft.
• Take deep concentrated breathings, open air vents, loosen clothing and relax. Anxiety and rapid or abrupt movements will exacerbate your condition.
• Inform the crew to reduce the cabin temperature if you find that the temperature is warm. As your skin is also the receptor that reports to the brain, and cooler cabin temperature reduces its sensitivity.
• Seat at over-wing area or middle of the aircraft where it has smaller angle of motion. The wider angle of motion is at the rear and the upper deck of the aircraft.
• Drink a glass of ice cold Coke or 7up. Through my experience, I noticed that the cold carbonated drinks help to relief air sickness quite effectively. Do not eat spicy or oily food.
• Always get the air sickness bag ready as the smell of the vomit/mess will make others to feel sick too. Do not talk to the people who are experiencing air sick.

Above all being prepared for the flight/journey is the best remedy. You know your body better than anybody else. If you are susceptible to air sickness, a glass or two of fresh ginger tea before embarking the aircraft will help. There are also many preventive drugs available at the counter or by prescription from your medical officers. However, these drugs may cause drowsiness and impaired your judgement temporarily. As such, crewmembers are not to take them when on duty.

Air Sickness – Ways to Minimise « My Weblog

Air Sickness – Ways to Minimise « My Weblog

Exposure to Tainted Food

The economic focus has driven mankind for advancement and improvement. In their enthusiasm to make quick returns from the investments, some are willing to compromise on the acceptable level of safety standards set by the authorities.

In the recent situation, China, the global exporter, after taking massive beatings abroad, released a 39-page policy, “China’s Food Safety Quality” in an attempt to save its reputation. Judging from their responses made domestically that stiff actions will be taken against those who used banned chemicals to boost yield and profit, these assurances given by their Agriculture Minister did not stop the warnings and recalls made abroad and it has shaken the confidence of “made in China” label in the international market. In July, China executed the former head of its state food and drug administration for dereliction of duty. With all eyes on those labels, the question is, will the monitoring bodies also maintain their focus on the products from other countries so that the consumers are well protected from this exposure.

Malachite Green:- This chemical is used as dye on leather, fabrics, and paper and when diluted it is effective against parasite, bacterial and fungal infections in fish. Research conducted on rodents found that it promotes the formation of liver tumor after two years was amongst the many negative findings that would be detrimental to human health when consumed. As such, fish that are treated with this toxic chemical is not destined for human consumption. In June 2007, US blocked the importation of several varieties of seafood that were contaminated with this chemical. Though US has banned the usage of this substance on food since 1983, and followed by Canadian Government advice against its usage in fish (for consumption) in 1992, certain countries still allow its usage in a controlled manner.

Melamine:- It is commonly used externally on products to give the glossy and durable effects. Today, many of the kitchen utensils and table-wares are made of melamine as they are hygienic and safe. While the product is user friendly, the damage that it may cause to human when consumed is yet to be documented. It was reported recently that animal feeds that were added with melamine to increase their apparent protein content were recalled when the animals died due to kidney failure after eating the products. This gives credence to the report that claim ingestion of this product may cause damage to the kidney, reproductive organs, and bladder which may lead to cancer. Now, would you eat the meat of the animal that is fed with melamine tainted feeds?

Diethylene glycol (DEG):- It is a sweet flavored anti-freeze agent found in hydraulic fluid, brake fluid and coolant. As it is three times cheaper than glycerin and sweeter, many unscrupulous traders used it as a substitute to glycerin in juniors’ cough syrup, toothpaste and paracetamol that have caused many deaths to children in the hands of the unsuspecting parents. Last year, 100 people in Panama have reportedly died after taking the medicines that officials unwittingly mixed DEG thinking it was glycerin as labeled by the exporter. In May 2007, Panamanian Officials reported that imported toothpaste contained high level of DEG and this was experienced by many users in US who complained of headache after using the toothpaste. Hence, the recalls for this toothpaste were made in US, Japan and followed by those who had imported them.

If you were wine drinker, would you be suspecting the DEG was added to give it a sweet and full-bodied taste? In 1885, a small group of short-sighted Austrian wine producers caused the country’s wine export to collapse until stricter regulations were imposed on their industry.

Domestic animals that licked on the spillage from vehicles have also died. DEG causes the kidney to fail, central nervous system to collapse and paralyzes the body functions making respiration difficult.

It is difficult for an individual to know the rate of exposures to this tainted food. As these hidden poisons could be exported from any country, it is hope that the authorities in the importing countries put stringent monitoring systems in place in protecting the health of their citizens

Basic Rules to Flight Safety and Security

Basic Rules to Flight Safety and Security – Designed for Air Travelers

Flying is the safest mode of traveling. To prevent any injury or lost of life there simple basic rules to follow.

• Switch OFF all electronic instruments including mobile phone before boarding the aircraft. Their usage is only permissible with a minimum distance of 7.5m away from the aircraft. PDA is allowed during flight after the fastened seat-belt sign is switched off, however it is not permitted if it requires the phone to be ON or Standby mode. Adhere to the advice of the cabin crewmembers.

• Ensure all of your hand carried items are placed in an overhead compartment or completely beneath the seat in front of you. The aisle and the area around your feet must be clear. This is to prevent any obstruction during the emergency evacuation process. Secure the overhead compartment flap properly and be extra careful when opening as the loose items may fall out injuring those seated underneath.

• Look out for the nearest Exit and adjacent to it and how many seats away from your seating location. This is to prepare your mobility in darkness or in the thick smoke environment when you may need to crawl to the Exit.

• Read the Safety Pamphlet as it also shows you the brace position during an emergency situation other than the amount of Exits the type of aircraft you are in and pay attention to any safety briefings.

• When using the seat-belt, ensure it is not loosely fastened as it may cause more injuries. It should be fitted properly.

• Some aircrafts have Emergency Exit Window at the over-wing area. When seated adjacent to it, be prepared and able to assist the cabin crewmembers in the event of an emergency evacuation. Do not hesitate to ask the crew if you are unsure of its operations or wish to be reallocated on your seating.

• If you wish to retire, ensure that you fasten your seat-belt in case of air turbulence.

• Do not smoke especially in the prohibited compartment or when the sign is switched ON. Smoking in the toilet endangers the safety of the flight and history shows that nearly all aircraft fire originated from the toilet.

• Do not congregate. Oxygen masks are fitted to meet the number of passengers/crew on the seat during decompression. While some compartment may have one additional mask fitted, having more than two people at that area will deprive them of the mask in case of any emergencies. Furthermore, in view of current world situation, congregation on board is prohibited.

• Do not joke on Security matters as it may get you in trouble.

• Report to the crew on any abnormal situation or suspicious behavior.

• Assist the crew and not on your own when needed in foiling any attempts that endanger the safety and security of the flight.  Remember, Safety and Security is everybody’s responsibility in ensuring a safe journey.

Mutual Separation Scheme

Mutual Separation Scheme (MSS) 

One year has passed since the first MSS exercise made by Malaysia Airlines, the airline that won the Best Cabin Crew Skytrack Award to downsize its staff strength. The scheme was based on both mutual acceptances to the offer, which means either party could reject. Though the scheme was seen as attractive to some, many employees that have more than three years in service did not apply. The junior staff felt that the formula was good for the senior to accept the offer and leave the positions vacant for their career advancement.

 

While there are many factors for one to consider opting for MSS, the feeling that one will be jobless in such a short notice in their twilight years was unthinkable. During their many years of service in the company they experienced the waves of uncertainty and the hope that the new team of management will provide them with better future. Compounded with the sense of belonging, having to disconnect from the organization was a difficult decision. Whatever the sentiment one may have, one has no choice but to retire upon attaining the age of 55.

 

As those that opted for MSS are senior in age, getting employed again within the aviation industry in the country is limited unless one has acquired other skills to venture into new environment. Taking a bold move to work in another country without their family members is a big compromise to those that enjoy quality time with the family. Few that enjoy this employment meet their family members after every three months.

 

Now, the choice for the seniors is either you stop the work or till the work stops you.

  

Fatigue Avoidance « Gsc1’s Weblog

Fatigue Avoidance « Gsc1’s Weblog

Fatigue Avoidance

Fatigue Avoidance and Air Travelers – Guidance to prevention of onset fatigue

There are many factors that engender Flight Fatigue, let us look at some basic ways to overcome its effect.

1.         Change the time of your watch – Once on board adjust your watch timing to the local time of your destination. If you are unsure of the time difference, ask the crew on board the aircraft.

           

2.         Understand your body clock – Select the flight departure timing that does not disrupt too much of your circadian rhythm or internal biological clock of the brain. This means that your brain and body are able to adjust to the local timing at the point of your destination.

 

Eg. Kuala Lumpur – London, (Day light departure, non-stop west-ward flight)

Prior to your flight departure, your body and mind are conditioned or acclimatized to Kuala Lumpur timing. During the 12-14 hours flight, your mind and body are subjected to sedentary position as the environment on board the aircraft limits your activities and encourages your body to take a second dose of Rest that you may not need.

The flight arrives at London in the evening – your mind tells you that it is time to retire while your body feels otherwise. This creates confusion, disagreement and disorientation between your mind and body that causes fatigue.

 

Therefore, if you need to fly west-ward during the day, try to stay awake as long as you can by seating the sunny side of the window seat and doing light exercises. The opposite applies when flying east-ward during the day, you are to pull down the window shades or put on a pair of eye mask. Remember that sunlight will stimulate your mind and affects your circadian rhythm. This explains the popularity of the night departure on the west-ward flight when you are able to maximize your sleeping time as you will not see sunlight until before arrival.

 

3.         Behaviors during flight – You may have chosen good flight departure timing, however your behavior during flight may disrupt your rest pattern that contributes to fatigue. While your mind and body is tuned to rest, do not be a party-pooper to dehydrate yourself by drinking alcohol. Alcohol and Altitude are two components that put you to risk for dehydration. During the flight, your body loses its fluid while adjusting to the change of altitude, consuming alcohol will exacerbate the dehydration. Alcohol will depress your respiratory function and impair your judgment and sleep. It would be unwise to use it as a sedative agent to put you to sleep when the damage out-weighs the advantage.

 

When you need to stay awake, do regular stretching, moving your toes/fingers and turning your torso from left to right and right to left help to promote your body blood circulations. When possible, take the opportunity to walk-about in the cabin.

 

4.         Food and Beverages – Consume the right type of food at the specific time. Before retiring avoid having to consume meaty and oily meal as it will over-work your stomach that creates discomfort and may disturb your rest. Ideally, get yourself a bowl of warm porridge or a cup of hot malt drink and warm water when you get up in-between your rest. Without causing any discomfort, the energy is diverted to your stomach, away from your brain and soothes you to a good in-flight rest.

 

Before arrival or landing, it is strongly recommended that you freshen-up and have a proper meal to provide you the energy that you may require at the airport to your hotel.

 

5.         Day of arrival – Do not engage in any active activities in business or sports. Listen to your body and allow it to acclimatize. Light exercise or stretching will help to reduce the stiffness and pain due to the long flight. Concentrate when doing breathing exercises with your eyes closed and feel the oxygen supply to body. Take a banana or two to replenish your energy and your body should be in harmony with your mind on the next day.