Twentytwo13

Many attractive offers online, but nothing beats brick-and-mortar stores

The home minister and I were excited about the 9.9 sales – online platforms love having these “special events” each month.

We planned to get a laptop for our son, who started studying at a polytechnic on Monday.

However, despite going through the offers for laptops, we could not decide on anything.

We are both computer ‘illiterate’, so despite getting advice from some friends, and even Owen on his preference, we decided to do it the old-fashioned way – by going to a computer shop over the next couple of weeks.

One reason is that we would be able to see what we are getting and examine the product.

That is not to say that I have not bought anything online. Recently, I purchased a tablet for my mother from an e-commerce platform.

The laptop I am writing this column on, was also from an e-commerce platform, bought nearly five years ago.

But breezing through the offers for laptops at midnight on Sept 9, we discovered we had to pay extra for a particular software. Even those with the software were only for a year, which had to be renewed annually.

We found it strange as the laptop we got for our daughter earlier this year – at an outlet in Subang Parade – was inclusive of a lifetime licence of the same software.

By going to a store, not only would we be able to see what we are purchasing, we would also be able to ask the sales assistant questions.

We spoke to a few others in our age group, and the majority said they would likely visit outlets to make expensive purchases, but would use online platforms for the cheaper items.

Last week, this website reported that the retail landscape in Malaysia was on a rebound after two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.

I am not surprised. Nothing beats shopping in a brick-and-mortar store.

CASES ARE DROPPING, BUT PLEASE CONTINUE TO MASK UP

The Health Ministry, on Wednesday, said face masks were no longer mandatory inside buildings.

However, they are still required to be worn in all healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, nursing homes), and on public transport.

This comes as Covid-19 cases continue to fall, but the World Health Organisation warns: “We are still living with Covid-19. It is not over.”

There were 14,345 Covid-19 cases in Malaysia in the past week, the lowest since June 11-17 (13,777). That brought the total to 4,801,653.

Last week, 18,099 patients beat the coronavirus, taking recoveries to 4,738,009.

The bad news is that there were 40 deaths, taking fatalities to 36,274.

Worldwide, there are 613,032,223 cases, and 6,514,558 fatalities.

KECHARA SOUP KITCHEN APPEALS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Kechara Soup Kitchen is looking for a new building, ideally in Chow Kit or Petaling Street.

The non-profit organisation, one of the largest and oldest soup kitchens in Malaysia, has been providing food and basic sustenance for the homeless and underprivileged community in Malaysia for the past 14 years.

It operates from two venues – a soup kitchen providing free food, a clinic, and a welfare centre in Jalan Imbi, Kuala Lumpur, and a Food Bank Empowerment training programme centre in Setapak.

Director of operations Justin Cheah said: “We estimate we require a space of around 10,000sq ft to cater to the needs of the underserved communities, which have ballooned since the pandemic.

“The new premises should enable us to operate sustainably for the next 10 years.”

Donors and contributors who wish to stay updated on KSK’s activities, and read its annual report can go to: kecharasoupkitchen.com

OVEN-BAKED SPAGHETTI

Some believe pasta originated in China. They claimed Marco Polo brought back noodles from the Orient that evolved into pasta.

It is not surprising to think that when you consider the number of inventions that came out of China – paper, the printing press, gunpowder, tea, etc.

However, this recent article claims to have found the origins of spaghetti.

Whatever it is, there is no denying that pasta is a delicious dish, so here is a recipe for oven-baked spaghetti.

BUONA SERA

Speaking of spaghetti automatically leads me to Dean Martin. The King of Cool had many hits, several of which, unfortunately, mention Napoli (look away, Liverpool fans).

Here he is with Buona Sera.

Until next week, stay safe.