Coca Cola's secret formula

One of the World's best kept trade secrets is is finally out - Coke's secret formula.



The secret was discovered by producers of the radio program This American Life in a photograph used to illustrate an article on the history of Coca-Cola in an old copy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The photo is a hand-written copy of the original recipe by John Pemberton, the inventor (is that the right term) of Coca Cola.

You can now make Coke in your own kitchen. The 7X flavour is the secret ingredient which gives Coca Cola it's unique taste and kick.

Here are the ingredients:

A) The Syrup:

Fluid extract of Coca: 3 drams USP
Citric acid: 3 oz
Caffeine: 1 oz
Sugar: 30 (unclear quantity)
Water: 2.5 gal
Lime juice: 2 pints, 1 quart
Vanilla: 1 oz
Caramel: 1.5 oz or more for color

B) The 7X flavor (2 oz of flavor to 5 gallons syrup):

Alcohol: 8 oz
Orange oil: 20 drops
Lemon oil: 30 drops
Nutmeg oil: 10 drops
Coriander: 5 drops
Neroli: 10 drops
Cinnamon: 10 drops

Read the article about Coke's original recipe on the This American Life site.

New proposed UK immigration changes

The UK Government is proposing a number of changes in the immigration rules which will have a huge impact on all non-EU foreign students.

Under the main changes which are likely to impact Malaysian and other non-EU foreign students and their dependent include the following:

1. Students will only be allowed to work on campus during the week in term time.

2. Dependants of students will not be allowed to work in the UK unless they get a Tier 2 visa from the employer. Means no more cleaning jobs.

3. Closing down the Post Study Work (PSW) Scheme. means we have to go back as soon as we graduate.

4. Remove right of dependants to come to UK unless the student is on a course of 12 months or more. This may not be relevant to the PhD students, but it will definitely have an impact on those students with family taking a Masters course.

The Government is no carrying out a consultation with various Universities.

Saving time by Shopping Online

With the rise of the internet is it unsurprising that retailers have jumped on the opportunity to offer goods online whenever they can. Reaching a far wider group of people, retailers can use clever online campaigns to advertise their goods as much as possible. While retailers benefit, shopping online also offers you and I, the consumers on the street a huge range of benefits as well.

One of the best reasons to shop online is the ability to save time. Modern lives have become very busy, with work and leisure activities quickly taking over all the hours of the day. While some lucky guys may love nothing more than to hit the high street and shop, others simply don’t have the time as they are too busy with their families or with work. This is where online shopping is becoming increasingly important as it saves valuable time which can be put to better use elsewhere.

A major benefit is that no travel time is needed if you want to shop online. While an entire morning may need to be set aside for grocery shopping, browsing the internet before buying goods can be done in an instant. It can be done within the comfort of your own home, meaning that it can be done at any time of day whenever you get a spare moment. Search options also significantly reduce shopping time. Whereas in a shop you have to browse through items, in an online store you can instantly look for what you need and want. Prices are often cheaper too, with online retailers not having to pay large overhead expenses for brick-and-mortar shops and many retailers such as M and M, direct discount vouchers can be found. And with search options often offering categories, pricing ranges, sizes, or quantities, life can be made much quicker and easier.

Over the past few years food shopping online has become particularly popular, with a range of both high street and online retailers offering delivery services. This is a brilliant way of saving time as not only can you get delivery options, but many websites provide online baskets which will remember the foods bought previously. A weekly shop can then be done by simply reordering a standard basket, taking only a few minutes of your valuable time.

Online clothes’ shopping can also save a huge amount of time, and while you may believe that the returns procedure is complicated, many stores have taken steps to make it as easy as possible. Valuable time can be saved by utilising search facilities available on websites, allowing you to search for garments by size, colour, prices, or even brand. A number of websites also offer style guides, a great benefit if you find a top you like but are not sure of a suitable trousers for example. Meanwhile, by shopping at online outlets such as M and M, direct discount codes can be found and the returns process is often free and as easy as simply filling out a small coded sheet and popping items into the post. And for anyone who is pushed for time and would rather spend valuable moments enjoying their family and hobbies, online shopping is a fantastic time saving opportunity.

Phoenix Jones - The Guardian of Seattle

Clearly inspired by Kick Ass the movie, there's a masked vigilante called Phoenix Jones patrolling the streets of Seattle, Washington.

He even wear black and gold tights and a mask.

I seriously hope he doesn't get hurt.

Why do Malaysians like to study in the UK?

In 2007 / 2008, there were 12,430 Malaysian students in the UK with 35% enrolled in postgraduate programmes, mainly PhDs (4,375 students) (source: British Council). Most of them are funded by the Malaysian Government. Considering that the average annual fees for a non-EU student in the UK is approximately, £11,00, not counting the cost of living, this is a huge investment on the part of the Malaysian Government.

I was curious as to what is it that makes UK universities so popular with Malaysian students as compared to the US or other countries.

Of course the reason may be that some of the World's best Universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Warwick are located here. However, this does not explain the high number of Malaysian students in other Universities which are not that high ranked as well. A lot of people in Malaysia still consider British education to be the best in the World even though a number of high ranking Universities are in other countries as well. 

It may have something to do with the fact that English is the language spoken here so unlike France, Spain or Germany, you don't have to learn a new language as English is compulsory in Malaysian schools.

However, that's not the only reason and I found out several other facts which contribute to the UK as a popular destination for education., some of which are quite surprising.

An important factor is that foreign students are allowed to work in the UK, limited hours during term time and full time during holidays. Student dependants are allowed to work full time, an important factor considering that the scholarships provided by the Malaysian Government are not really enough to live comfortably. On the other hand, as fas as I know, students are not allowed to work outside the campus and dependent are not allowed at all in the US. Rules in Australia are quite similar to the UK.

There are specific reasons as well. A PhD in the US apparently takes at an average of about 4-5 years to complete whereas in the UK, it's about 3.5 years. If you are in the Business and Managements stream, you also need to get really high GMAT scores in order to get in. This is not true for PhD in business and management studies here in most UK universities.

Some other factors listed by friends:

1. Easier to get Halal food.
2. Cheaper to fly to the UK than to the US.
3. Great shopping specially on boxing day.
4. I also discovered that another reason is the fact that every Malaysian student is entitled to an approved permit (AP) to import a car back into Malaysia with nominal tax rates.Normally foreign built cars are subject to a tax as high as 300%. The UK also drives on the correct side of the road (the left side and cars are right hand drive) as compared to several other countries.

So it is not only the reputation of British universities or because it is cheaper (they are not) but a combination of several factors. I am wondering whether the recent proposal to reduce the number of permitted working hours and that student dependants won't be allowed to work, would have an impact on the numbers coming here to study.

If you are a Malaysian student here in the UK, are there any more reasons you selected the UK?

My Hawk bike bought over eBay

I realise that this blog is slowly turning into a bike blog but that is what I am really into right now.

When I decided to start cycling, I was shocked at the prices of bikes here in the UK. I was determined not to spend more than £50 and I went on to eBay.

This is a Hawk Reaction mountain bike which I finally won on eBay for just £16.

Hawk cycles which is based in the Midlands are said to be the largest family owned cycle chain in the UK.

Anyway, the bike was listed as a unisex bike but after I won it, one look at the pink stickers and I realised that it was a ladies bike. I don't really care even if it is a ladies bike but I am not really fond of pink and I later removed all the stickers.

When I collected the bike, the tyres were flat and I though I might have to replace them but later found out that they were in really good condition.

The bike is fitted with 18 speed Shimano gears with twist grip gear levers. It is not that light but I have got used to it now and the Zoom Front Suspensions does help when going over potholes.

As I mentioned in my previous post Finding the right saddle for my cycle, I replaced the original saddle with a new WTB Speed-V Sport Saddle. This will soon be replaced by a used Brooks saddle - said to be the best cycle saddles in the World, which I also won on eBay.

I also replaced the old chain with a KMC X9-73 9 Speed Chain from Go Outdoors for £14.39. I initially wanted to buy the Shimano HG73 9 Speed Chain but it was too costly.

Other additions include the mudguards from Halfords, front and rear lights and a stand.

Happy New Year 1.1.11

The nights merged into day and sometimes didn't know whether I was awake or dreaming. My PC was my best friend and my enemy. Feelings of guilt as I ignored my kids. I am leaving the tears, shouts and all negative thoughts behind.

Now it's no longer the light at the end of the tunnel. I have finally something solid in my hands and I look forward to the new year with hopes of a better future.

Wishing all visitors to my Blog a very Prosperous, Brilliant, Eventful, Fantastic, Glorious and Happy New year 2011.

Coventry Eagle Bike for my wife

My wife received an unexpected present from our friends Kak Yati and Faizam. I was helping load their stuff on the container they were sending back home to Malaysia when En. Faizam told me that he had left a bike for my wife in their backyard.

I later collected it just as they were leaving for Malaysia. I had to dismantle it a bit so that it fit in the car and had been lying there in the back of our house since then.

Today I was feeling a bit sleepy and decided to assemble the cycle.

It is a Coventry Eagle Vision ladies hybrid bike was in surprisingly good condition. It has 15 speed Shimano gears fitted and the brakes are in excellent condition.

The seat was in excellent condition as well and really comfortable.



The tyres may need replacing though.

I later found out that the Coventry Eagle was once quite famous until it declined. Falcon cycles now own the brand name.



The old Coventry Eagle bikes used to have a great looking decal. However, I guess the one we have was probably made during the decline and only had stickers which have mostly come off.



A big Thank You! to Kak Yati and Faizam

If you had a million pounds

Yesterday Friday night 25 prizes of £1 million were won on in the Christmas Eve EuroMillions Millionaire Raffle. If all winners come forward and claim their prizes, this will break the existing world record for the most millionaires in a single draw, according to the National Lottery.

I can't help but wonder whether winning a million may be a curse. I mean look at the history of past winners.

I read that winning that kind of money doesn't make you happy. Winning £2million made Stuart Donnelly miserable. He became a recluse and died alone in his luxury home. Alex Toth who won Thirteen-million dollars also died penniless.

There are so many other sad stories and in most there seems to be a familiar story line - most of the winners just spent all their money in such a short time - usually on booze and materialistic things. A million is not that much and it is possible to spend all of it in a few years. I wish they had done something useful with their money.

Maybe it was the curse of living under the spotlight. And of course, there were some who kept their head level and managed their money well but they are few. Of course, there are loads of winners who didn't want the publicity and they probably did well as well.

I was reading the article "What to do when you become an instant millionaire" on the BBC website and was wondering what I would do if I had that kind of money?

In front of my PC with Coke

WARNING: Depressing post ahead. Though it ends on an optimistic note.

Today has been a rather stressful day. It might have something to do with the fact that my son was vomiting all night (he's much better today) or I went to bed at 5 am in the morning or maybe that it's cold, everything is covered with snow and gloomy outside. It might also have something to do with the fact that I had a discussion about our finances with the wife (and ir does not really look good) and that I still have another chapter of my PhD thesis to complete.

My wife has gone to help a friend who's leaving the UK soon to pack. My son is taking a nap and my daughter is busy in her imaginary World. I am now in front of my PC with a class of Coca Cola Zero and I do feel much better.



No! Coca Cola did not pay me to write this post.

Snow, snow and more snow. I want to go skiing.

There was chaos on Coventry's roads today. It started snowing yesterday and in the morning we woke up to find everything covered in snow.

I had some work at the University of Warwick and had to drive very carefully. I have no idea why but it seems that the City council had not gritted only the main roads and it was a bit scary when my tyres started spinning a couple of times in the side roads. However, it was OK on the main roads.

The funny thing was that it was bright and sunny today. Despite the sun, it was still freezing cold and waling to the main Scarman road building from my office through the snow, my feet and hands were getting really cold it actually felt painful. As I walked in the snow I was thinking of the body warmers I had come across on Handwarmers.net. These warmers are small packs which are air activated – which means they become warm on being exposed to air. I had brought some body warmers from Malaysia but the heat lasted only about half and hours and I was not really sure how environmentally friendly they were. On the other hand, the handwarmers available on Handwarmers.net can keep you warm for around 10 hours and furthermore, they are totally safe and environmentally friendly. If you are looking for foot warmers, do check out www.FootWarmers.org

Anyway, I was thinking it has been quite some time since we last went on a holiday and decided that once I submit my thesis, we will go on a family holiday and fulfil one of the things on my to–do list, which is to learn Skiing. A friend told me that the ski resorts in France are fabulous this time of the year. Can’t wait to submit my thesis.

Icy wonderland

The whole of Coventry was covered with a layer of ice two weeks ago and it's still there in some parts. the trees and plants looked like they had been painted over with white paint.







It was beautiful but COLD.

According to the forecasts, winds from the arctic are going to bring more snow and accompanying freezing temperatures. brrrrrr.

I do miss Malaysia.

Finding the right saddle for my cycle

This is my second post about my new passion - cycling and about a very important component of the cycle - the saddle. It is after all the part that remains in contact with your body and also carries most of your weight most of the time. At least for me anyway, because on my way to the University, I see a lot of guys who don't seem to be sitting on their saddles while paddling their bikes. I guess they are the pros.

Anyway, a few days after I bought my used bike over eBay, I took it out for a ride in the neighbourhood. The cycle is a Hawk mountain bike and came with it's original saddle from the shop - basic plastic and foam. I had barely gone for only a several hundred yards when I realised that the saddle was really uncomfortable and in fact my butt was beginning to get sore. By the time I got home, some very sensitive parts of my body in contact with the saddle were already numb. There was no way I was going to ride 4.8 miles to University on that saddle.

On my way back from the university a few days later, I dropped by the Go Outdoors store and bought myself a Canyon Gel seat cover. The thought of buying a new saddle never came into my mind then. After all, the reason I started cycling was because I wanted to save money. Anyway, the cover did make it a bit more tolerable and I did eventually start cycling to the University of Warwick campus from my house in Radford.

As time went by, I realised that I needed to invest in a new saddle. There were some drawbacks of the gel cover. It soaked up rain and the cushioning effect was gone by the time I reached the University. Doing research on the net, I found that there were so many brands and all kinds of saddles to choose from. A number of long time riders swore by their leather Brooks - a luxury brand in cycle saddles. Yes! There are actually luxury bicycle and accessories brands.

Best selling Brooks saddle - the B17 Special

However, I realised that I could actually buy a brand new bike with the price of the cheapest Brooks saddle. So I gave up the idea of buying a brand new brooks and went to eBay. I actually missed an amazing bargain on an almost new Brooks that went at just £5.50.

I ultimately bid and won a brand new WTB  Speed-V Sport Saddle. It retails at £24.99 but I got it for £12 including postage. The saddle features something which they call the 'Love Channel' which allows some room for some sensitive parts in contact with the saddle and it definitely made a huge difference. Though I would be lying if I said that it was really comfortable, I guess it will have to do for the time being.

Besides a comfortable saddle, I found out that it helps to have padded cycling pants. I am not a fan of men in tights but I decided to go for a Karrimor Padded Cycling Pants Mens, which I got on Amazon for just £10.99 including postage (original price was £34.99). What a huge difference it made and I always wonder why I didn't buy one earlier. Looking forward to sore free bottoms in the future.

If you are a cycling enthusiast, please do share your experience with cycle saddles.

Cycling in winter: essential clothing

I have been cycling to the University of Warwick from my home in Radford, Coventry for little more than a month now. I have definitely come a long way and what initially started out as a means to save money and get some exercise in the process has become a bit of a passion. IN fact I now know a lot about bikes, repair and different brands.

As it's getting colder , I also have had to think about specialised clothing. I go with 3 layers of clothes:
1. A wicking baselayer,
2. Insulating fleece and
3. Waterproof/ windproof jacket

I learnt that a wicking baselayer is absolutely important to get a dry layer next to the skin and keep you warm at the same time. My old 100% cotton t-shirts would soak up the sweat and I would feel really uncomfortable with the wet sensation which also took ages to dry when I ultimately got to the campus.

I just bought a red long sleeve Surfanic baselayer and it's really great. It is made of a fabric they call Surftex Dry 100% polyester and just cost me £9.99 at TK Maxx. However, one baselayer is not enough if you ride regularly,and I went to TK Maxx and bought another baselayer, this time a blue Trekmates baselayer, which just cost me £8.99 (apparently the retail price is £24.99), so I think I got some great deals.

The fleece was a really cheap one from Go Outdoors (£5.99). I am still using my old trusty Nike Jacket but I probably need to get a good waterproof cycling jacket. However, all the ones I like such as the Endura stealth jacket, are extremely costly and out of my budget.

However, I have read from the reviews that there is no such a thing as waterproof and breathable jackets. Do tell me if you know of a good winter cycling jacket that's both breathable and waterproof.

Q&A series: is gold magnetic?

First in the series of questions that came to my head and possibly the answers.

I found out that pure gold is not magnetic - does not stick to a magnet either. If someone gives you an item which they say is gold and it sticks to a magnet, it is probably iron or some other ferromagnetic metal (iron, nickel, cobalt).

However, remember that besides Gold, platinum, silver, lead and aluminium does not stick to a magnet as well.

Need to go on a holiday

It's been ages since we all last went on a holiday. The last time we went on a holiday was to La Rochelle in France - that was in 2008. Our PhD work and all the various therapy sessions for our son keep us occupied. I can't wait to complete and submit my thesis.

However, there are other things to worry about after I submit my thesis. namely getting a job. I really want to stay here in the UK for a while to continue the Son-rise programme with our son as well as the other therapies which are not available in Malaysia. It's just our luck that the Conservatives came to power just as we were completing our studies and made it tougher for us to get jobs. So far I have had only one interview out of the various applications I had sent out. However, I didn't get that job as well either. Everybody tells me that the doors will open once I get my PhD and I am hoping for the best.

Anyway, as soon as my wife and I submit our theses, we plan to go away somewhere nice. Can't wait for that day.

Pencil case made from recycled tyres

This is a really fun pencil case my wife bought from 'Love thy Space', an online store based here in Coventry, UK.



The words on the case says: "I used to be a car tyre recycled into something Remarkable"

Yes! It's made from recycled tyres. They cost only £4.50.

Charity run

My son Imaan was 3 years old when he was diagnosed with Autism even though we have had our suspicions when he was 1 years old and his development was slow.

As you can imagine, we were totally devastated and the doctors didn't help much when they told us that autism was a life long condition and we would have to live with it. We went through periods of denial, self-pity, and sadness and finally, acceptance. Fortunately, we are not the type to mop around and just accept what so called "experts" have to say. We did our own research and found out about various alternative therapies.

Among the various things we did, the one that made the maximum difference was the Son-Rise programme. Unlike other therapies, the Son-Rise programme is home based and is parent-directed where parents are seen as the child’s best resource unlike other therapies (such as ABA). After depending around a year on the services provided (or not) by the Government here, we didn't see any difference. However, since we started the Son-Rise programme, he has been toilet trained, improved his diet and went from no speech to speaking sentences.

Unfortunately, the Son-Rise programme and theother therapies are not covered by the NHS and we had to literally fork out thousands from our own pocket that we are almost bankrupt now.

We estimate that it will cost us around £20,000 to do a full time Son-Rise programme at home. This cost does not include his special diet, supplements and cost of private doctor consultations and tests. However, my son is the priority and if he loses his diagnosis of Autism and is able to go to a mainstream school, socialise and have friends like all other neurotypical kids, it would be worth it.

Anyway, a lot of amazing people are helping us fundraise for our son. One of them is my sister-in-law, Eju, who is running two races in support of my son.
The first one will be the Wimbledon Audi 10K race this Sunday on the 17th Oct 2010 at 9:00am. Here's the location: Wimbledon Rugby Club, Beverley Meads, Barham Road, Copse Hill, Wimbledon, SW20 0ET

Please come along to support and/ or donate. For more information visit the fundraising page on the special blog that documents our journey with our son.

North East India and the Commonwealth Games

The little known North-Eastern states of India, especially Manipur, were well represented at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games on 3 October in New Delhi bringing a sense of pride to a lot of people in the seven states - often called the seven sisters.

Took this from an email I received a couple of minutes ago:

The Indian contingent was led by a girl wearing Mizo Puan (from Mizoram?). Then there were the dances representing the varied culture of the country.

There were the Radha-Krishna dancers easily identified by the ladies wearing unique and big skirts and the Pung Cholom drummers from Manipur.

The Bamboo dance of Mizoram and the Bihu dance of Assam

And finally, we had World Champion boxer Mary Kom from Manipur carrying the queen's baton.

I think it was fitting that the first medals for India at the games was also won by Soniya Chanu and Sandhya Rani, both from Manipur, who won a silver and a bronze respectively at the women's weightlifting 48kg title on Monday.

Marble Arch in London

Located at the junction of Oxford Street, Park Lane and Edgware Road in London. It is very near to the famous Speakers' Corner in Hyde Park.