We love beans in all shapes and sizes, but the ever-versatile chickpea is special. Whether you call them garbanzos, chana, or ceci, these pale yellow beans are so delicious and useful in the kitchen that we're devoting a whole month to helping you sing the alphabet.
Welcome to the ABCs of Chickpeas.
<p><a href='http://www.thekitchn.com/do-you-know-your-chickpea-abcs-234580'><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>
Jim PaullYup
Boiling potatoes is the first step to getting mashed potatoes, and mashed potatoes are something that I want in my face as quickly as possible. To speed up this delicious process, Epicurious recommends enlisting the help of an electric tea kettle.
TED talks are great, but there’s a point where they all seem too similar, or are just taxing to muddle through. If you’d still like to enjoy a smart, engaging talk now and again but you’ve had enough of TED, here are some alternative to boost your brain.
Jim PaullDed
PETALING JAYA: Desa Water Park, which has provided splashing fun for millions of Malaysians for the past 16 years, is closing down today.
The Star reported that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), which owns the plot of land in Jalan Kelang Lama housing the theme park, has sold it to the “highest bidder” – a private developer planning a mixed development project.
According to the report, a mixed development consisting of high-end bungalows, multi-storey towers, condominiums, as well as Federal Territories Affordable Housing (Rumawip) scheme will be built on the land, next to the Desa Lake.
A DBKL source told the daily that the land was sold on condition that the developer agreed to build affordable homes at the site.
Berjaya Corp, which operated the water park on the land leased from DBKL, has been asked to vacate the premises.
The daily quoted Michael Chai, the executive director of Aset Kayamas Sdn Bhd, as confirming that the company had bought the land from DBKL two months ago.
He also said that the mixed development project planned at the area, would be worth up to RM7 billion. Chai hinted that the project could be inspired by London’s River Thames.
It is unclear how many people will be left jobless by the closure.
The report cited several recent instances where DBKL had sold off prime land in the city.
Several visitors interviewed by the daily expressed shock over the closure of the park.
Jim PaullThat looks great!
If your smartphone’s battery isn’t lasting as long as it used to, it could be because you haven’t taken very good care of it. Here’s the science of how smartphone batteries work, and how you can keep them healthy for longer.
If you aren’t thrilled with your mattress, but don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars to replace it, a 3" Simmons Curv memory foam topper can make it feel brand new.
Jim PaullHmmm
I've been making my own yogurt for a few years now and I don't think I'll ever go back. Not only does it actually save me some grocery money, but this homemade yogurt is seriously good. I'm eating more yogurt now than ever before.
The method I've adopted is very basic — no special heirloom yogurt cultures or fancy incubating equipment required. You could even make a batch tonight and have homemade yogurt for breakfast by tomorrow morning!
Jim PaullMmmm
Fall has arrived, and with it comes the return of pasta bakes. Pasta, sauce, and cheese, baked until it's all warm and melty — what could be more comforting on a chilly evening?
<p><a href='http://www.thekitchn.com/this-comforting-baked-red-pepper-pasta-can-be-yours-tonight-236330'><strong>READ MORE »</strong></a></p>Jim PaullSIN looks good.
The Priority Pass program has been making headlines as it continues to expand to new airports and lounges — its current network touts more than 900 lounges in 120 countries and 400 cities worldwide. And while a premium unlimited membership costs $399 annually (additional options include a $99 Standard one-year membership — plus $27 per person, per entry — to Standard Plus, which gives you 10 free visits — then charges $27 for each additional entry — for $249 per year) there are several travel credit cards that offer Priority Pass lounge access as an included benefit. Some even offer mobile passes, so you don’t have to carry the physical card around in your wallet.
The new Chase Sapphire Reserve card, for instance, comes with complimentary Priority Pass Select access for the cardholder as well as all members of their party, as does the Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card. The Citi Prestige also offers Priority Pass Select membership and complimentary lounge access for the cardholder and two guests. The Platinum Card from American Express and the Business Platinum Card from American Express both include Priority Pass Select membership and allow additional guests to enter for $27 per person, per visit. (Note that each of the cards mentioned carries a $450 annual fee, but the included travel credits and other benefits mean these cards generally end up paying for themselves).
We recently rounded up the 9 best Priority Pass Lounges in the US. Now, we present our list of the top 10 Priority Pass lounges around the world, listed below in no particular order.
1. SkyTeam Lounge at LHR
Location: In Terminal 4 at London’s Heathrow Airport, across from Gate 10 after security.
Hours: 5:00am – 10:00pm
Amenities: The staples of any good premium-level lounge, like free Wi-Fi and alcohol, as well as private shower stalls and workspaces that can be used for meetings.
2. Airport Wellness Oasis at SIN
Location: Inside Terminal 1 at Singapore Changi Airport, on the main level, close to gate D41 after immigration.
Hours: 24/7
Amenities: This lounge is one of the best because of its large buffet, which features a wide range of options and Singaporean specialties. Drinks and refreshments are available for guests, as well as showers, and bedroom facilities, which are available for an additional fee. Note that there is a three-hour maximum stay rule here due to space constraints.
3. Star Alliance Lounge at CDG
Location: Terminal 1 at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, before security and after the passport control point on Level 11.
Hours: 5:30am – 11:30pm, with restricted access between the hours of 5:30am – 11:00am and 9:00pm – 11:30pm due to the limited amount of space.
Amenities: This Paris lounge is great for business travelers, with a sleek, modern look that’s complemented by a minimalist bar and food service area, as well as large spaces for meetings. Showers are also available in case you need to freshen up before a flight. Note that there is a three-hour maximum stay required at this lounge due to space constraints.
4. Almost@Home Lounge at HEL
Location: Terminal 2 at Helsinki Airport, located in the International Departures (Non-Schengen) area near gate 32
Hours: 5:30am – 8:30pm
Amenities: There’s no place like home — except maybe this lounge. You’ll find a large middle island in the ‘kitchen’ with many food options, including regional specialties, and a cooking area where guests can even make their own meals. The lounge also features showers, complimentary Wi-Fi, alcohol and soft drinks. Be aware of a three-hour maximum stay rule that’s in place due to space constraints.
5. Air China First Class Lounge at PEK
Location: Terminal 3E, the International Terminal at Beijing Capital International Airport, on the left side after security.
Hours: 6:00am – 10:00pm
Amenities: The Air China First Class Lounge is situated above the terminal, but with open-air access, which gives it a very spacious feel. You’ll find complimentary Western and Chinese cuisine, mixed drinks and other refreshments, plus a sushi bar with freshly made options. The lounge also features conference rooms, massage chairs and showers in case you need to freshen up.
6. Oman Air First & Business Class Lounge at BKK
Location: At Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport, you’ll find the lounge on Level 3 of Concourse E, on the west side of the International Terminal building.
Hours: 5:00am – 8:30pm
Amenities: Several large fish tanks throughout the lounge give the space a cool, underwater feel. There’s also dedicated service and a full buffet with refreshments, snacks and alcoholic beverages. Wi-Fi is available for free, as are showers and a separate prayer room. Note the three-hour maximum stay rule.
7. The Al Dhabi Lounge at AUH
Location: Terminal 1 at Abu Dhabi International Airport; turn right after going through immigration and head up to the first floor. Those coming from Terminal 3 should visit the Transit Desk before over heading to Terminal 1.
Hours: 24/7
Amenities: Complimentary Wi-Fi, showers, refreshments and alcoholic drinks (although it’s limited to bottled beer). Note that smart casual dress is required and you can only stay in the lounge for up to four hours.
8. The Mashonzha Lounge at JNB
Location: International Terminal A at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, near the Emirates Business Lounge and the duty-free shops. Turn left once you get to the top of the stairs, the lounge is on the right side.
Hours: 7:00am – 10:00pm
Amenities: This lounge features a contemporary South African motif that also pays homage to the country’s many safari parks and chic designer hotels. You can expect to find free meals, beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and Wi-Fi. Note that you can only stay in the lounge for a maximum of four hours.
9. Lounge at B in DXB
Location: In Concourse B of Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3, next to gate B26 — the actual entrance is inside the Cadiz Tapas Bar. Those flying out of Concourse A or C should plan ahead and leave an extra 15-20 minutes to get back to their designated gates.
Hours: 24/7
Amenities: The Lounge at B enjoys the perks of being located inside a tapas bar, like access to its full wine cellar. Note that alcoholic beverages are only available between the hours of 8:00pm and 3:00am during Ramadan, smart casual attire is required at all times and offsite showers are available upon request. You’ll also only be able to stay here for five hours due to space constraints.
10. Aspire Lounge at ZRH
Location: Inside the main International Terminal at Zurich Airport after security, on the third floor above Gate E45
Hours: 6:00am – 11:00pm
Amenities: There’s a nice airy feel here, with windows on both sides and a great food selection to go with the view. Snacks and alcoholic beverages are available free of charge, although complimentary Wi-Fi is limited to one hour and you’ll need to pay an additional fee for extra time.
Bottom Line
While the $450 annual fee for the credit cards mentioned does seem steep, if you plan to take advantage of all the benefits, they can be a great deal for anyone who travels, even just a few times each year. The Chase Sapphire Reserve, for example, includes a $300 travel credit that’s applied automatically to anything from air travel and hotels to Uber rides and commuter rail tickets. The Citi Prestige and the Platinum Card from American Express both offer similar discounts that effectively bring the annual fee down to $150 or $200, respectively. Since unlimited Priority Pass membership costs $399 a year, these travel credit cards are a great value since they end up giving you so much more than just lounge access. Nearly every major airport in the world now has a Priority Pass lounge, and relaxing in one before your flight can make your travel experience a remarkably better one.
What are your favorite Priority Pass lounges? Tell us about them, below.
Featured image courtesy of Almost@Home Lounge’s Facebook page.
The Platinum Card® from American Express |
|
|
| Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Foreign Transaction Fee | Credit Rating |
| N/A | N/A | $450 | 0% | Excellent Credit |
My college roommate and I stood worlds apart. She’d slap some body lotion on her face, as in lotion left over from her arms and legs, straight from the pump bottle. Meanwhile, I moisturized with special facial moisturizers
. I thought she was doing more harm than good, but her method wasn’t as harmful as I thought.
Jim Paullused. been usedhasn't beenit hasntway itwrong waypointed wrongare pointedhangers areif hangersso ifnow soyear nowa yearbeen ahas beenIt hasthis. Itabout thisforgot aboutI forgotI
It’s time to start packing away summer clothes and bust out the fall and winter garb, so it’s a great time to say goodbye to the stuff you barely wore. It can be hard to judge outfits on your own, though, so invite over a kind, but very honest buddy.
It’s Fabulous Friday again and I’d like to write about a very good experience I had at the Aloft Kuala Lumpur where the hotel really goes all out for their Platinum Members.
Aloft is a brand that’s usually known for it’s non-existent benefits for SPG Elites and rather basic amenities around the property.
For a few years now I’m a frequent guest at the Aloft in Kuala Lumpur because all these antics you see at other aloft properties are magically absent here.
Platinum Members receive an upgrade to an ‘Urban Room’ which only slightly differs from the standard rooms but they come with a complimentary minibar that includes drinks and some snacks.
Here are thee drink items:
The snacks included:
All this is free of charge and a real benefit in a tropical climate. Otherwise you always have to stop by at a local store to get a good supply of drinks.
Platinum Members also receive a full breakfast at the hotel restaurant in addition to the 250 SPG Plat bonus points. This is something that’s pretty rare even though in Asia some hotels offer this little extra to their Elite Members.
To my initial surprise the breakfast at the NOOK Restaurant was very extensive and of good quality.
The buffet includes a good assortment of local and international dishes including Laksa and Dim Sum as well as a variety of sweet pastries:
And even fresh orange juice that you can squeeze yourself with the press:
Overall I’m very impressed with the restaurant design as well as the quality and variety of the dishes. Let’s not forget we are talking about one of Starwoods select service brands here.
Conclusion
I wish more of the aloft properties would go the extra mile for their Platinum guests. Of course it always depends on the competition in the local market as well. Kuala Lumpur has plenty of hotels and in the immediate area at the Sentral Station are Le Meridien and Hilton as well as the St Regis, the former two are priced pretty low and often equal to the aloft.
Then again look at Bangkok where the aloft offers absolutely zero, zilch beyond the 4pm Check-Out and the city is full with low priced alternatives.
Whether you’re a man or woman, runner or tennis player, #TeamNoShow or #TeamKneeHigh, there’s a pair or socks with your name on it in today’s Amazon Gold Box.
You’ve got a lovely pair of avocados on the counter, but they’re not quite ripe yet. If you want to make them (or most fruit) ripen faster, put them in a loosely sealed paper bag.
Here are nine of the best photos that readers added to the Consumerist Flickr Pool in the last week, picked for usability in a Consumerist post or for just plain neatness.
Want to see your pictures on our site? Our Flickr pool is the place where Consumerist readers upload photos for possible use in future Consumerist posts. Just be a registered Flickr user, go here, and click “Join Group?” up on the top right. Choose your best photos, then click “send to group” on the individual images you want to add to the pool.
Don't let your desk lunch get you down. Here are five pantry items to keep on hand to have a better lunch at work.
If you aren’t thrilled with your mattress, but don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars to replace it, a 2" memory foam toppers can make it feel brand new.
Coconut oil makes a great swap both in and out of the kitchen, and one tasty reason to use it instead of other fats when baking is the extra moisture it adds to your baked goods. You get the right consistency and moist results without adding heaviness.
Jim PaullYuck
This Thai curry can be whipped up in less time than it takes to call for takeout, so put the phone down and get in the kitchen. It's also meatless, but thanks to hearty vegetables like butternut squash and broccoli, plus creamy coconut milk, it's immensely satisfying and has all the necessary flavors to make you feel like cooking for fall has finally arrived.
Jim PaullLots of studies show that people actually make more with the honor system then fixed prices. Take for instance that one Indian joint we ate at where we payed what we wanted, which was definitely more than what it cost.
Jim PaullSaw this and just thought of final destination.
Jim PaullNoooooooooooo.... I can understand if you use milk and sugar but please not for plain black.
It may be convenient to keep your favorite coffee mug in the office break room, but cleaning it there actually does more harm than good. Here’s why you should bring that mug home and give it a thorough cleaning as often as you can.
Jim PaullGet for anaqi
Those in the design world are probably familiar with Tyler Brûlé, the entrepreneur with an eye for style who launched Wallpaper magazine in the 1990s to great success, cashing out when it sold to Time Inc for one million British pounds.
In 2007, he launched Monocle magazine, “a briefing on global affairs, business, culture and design” that sits on the coffee tables of the world’s most influential and creative. Its iconic design, focused journalism and sophisticated presentation make it just as much a piece of art as it does a publication, with an array of layers to the business that include podcasts, beautifully done travel guides and collaborations with leading brands. In short, Brûlé’s one of the most influential magazine guys in the media landscape with a brand that can only be described with one word: immaculate. But his most impressive business isn’t his magazines or his journalism — it’s his creative.
Years back, Brûlé conceived Winkreative, an intelligence-based agency helping corporate identities and advertising campaigns be more visually tasteful. Based out of Zurich, they have a client list that ranges from American Express to James Perse — brands with a hint of luxury and class that only elevate by the touch of Brûlé and his team. Though most of the agency’s work turns heads, the most exciting project in its portfolio has to be for Toronto-based Porter Airlines.
For those who don’t regularly fly to or within Canada, there’s a good chance you’ve never even heard of this carrier. Small with old-fashioned service and values, it’s the kind of airline that goes out of its way to take care of you and do so in style.
Winkreative conceived the project “as a return to the golden age of aviation,” and were involved in everything from the naming and the design to the livery and the in-flight publishing. “Porter” was chosen due to its meaning — of “carrying with care” and “lightening the load” — a fitting (and rather perfect) description for an airline.
The livery is clean-cut and modern, a nice balance to the warm aircraft interiors, which look more like the backseat of a Bentley than your typical coach seating.
The in-flight magazine feels like something you’d see at a stylish boutique, not next to a dingy old copy of Sky Mall.
And perhaps more impressively, Winkreative somehow managed to make a cartoon raccoon, the mascot of the company, suave. Like a mix of something out of a Wes Anderson movie and mid-century airplane advertisements, it’s pretty much perfect.
Bottom Line
In a world where many airlines simply blend together and feel the same, it’s incredibly refreshing for one to be so thoughtful with its design and details.
Is this the most beautiful, stylish airline branding today? If not, which brand does it better?
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card |
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| Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Foreign Transaction Fee | Credit Rating |
| N/A | 16.24%-23.24% Variable | Introductory Annual Fee of $0 the first year, then $95 | 0% | Excellent Credit |
Jim PaullLove to see the demographics on this. Which states they come from.
BANGKOK: There are now 455 Malaysians in prisons in Thailand, with more than 90 per cent serving sentences related to drug offences.
Halmah Hassan, Second Secretary (Consular) in the Malaysian Embassy here, said a small number of these Malaysians were in the prisons for credit card-related offences.
“There are 196 Malaysians held in five prisons around Bangkok and seven other prisons in several provinces north of Bangkok, while 259 Malaysians are imprisoned in southern Thailand,” she told Bernama recently.
She added that the Malaysians in Thai prisons were serving various types of sentences including death, life imprisonment and jail for several years.
Although they had been sentenced to death, she said these sentences would be reduced to life imprisonment and this could be reduced further if the convict showed good behaviour, Halmah said.
She added that seven of the 196 were women, five at the Central Women’s Correctional Institute in Chatuchak and two at the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution.
Halmah said the embassy was monitoring the welfare of the 196 Malaysian inmates in the prisons in Bangkok and in the north.
She said that among the prisons in Bangkok where Malaysians are being held are the Bangkok Remand Prison (30 inmates), Bambat Piset (40), Klong Prem Prison (34) and the Bangkhwang Prison in Nonthaburi (51).
The Malaysian consulate in Songkla was monitoring the welfare of Malaysians imprisoned in southern Thailand, she said.
She added that the embassy officials made scheduled visits on all the Malaysian inmates to monitor their welfare.
She said such visits helped the inmates as they get better treatment if they had visitors.
“If there are Malaysian inmates in Chiang Mai which is far north of Bangkok, we will still visit them,” she said, adding that it was part of the responsibility of Malaysian missions abroad.
She added that specific action would be taken if there were complaints from Malaysian inmates, including contacting the prison authorities who had been very positive to them (embassy officials).
The embassy, she said, also received applications from Malaysian detainees who wanted to be moved to prisons in southern Thailand to make it easier for their families to visit them.
She added that Malaysian prisoners to be released from Thai prisons would be issued travel documents which would enable them to return home.
Jim PaullArg
We probably don’t need to tell you that Monday, Sept. 19 is National Talk Like a Pirate Day, the day when that one annoying person in your office tries for about 15 minutes to get people to say “shiver me timbers” or some other nonsense before getting so much side-eye that they finally give up and take off the eye patch. The one good thing about this not-at-all-a-holiday, at least for fans of sugary donuts, is free stuff from Krispy Kreme.
Once again, Krispy Kreme will give away a free glazed donut to any customer who “talks like a pirate,” a phrase that is open to a lot of interpretation. Do you have to say sailor-y things like “avast,” “matey,” or “fleet week”?
We definitely advise against taking a more approach by reenacting the capture of the MV Maersk Alabama by Somali pirates, as dramatized in the 2013 Tom Hanks movie Captain Phillips. That would be a bit much, and probably end up with the police involved.
However, if you’re willing to actually dress up like a pirate (“must include three pirate items, such as an eye patch or bandana,” so don’t just put on your Andrew McCutchen jersey) you can score a dozen free donuts.
Of course, not everyone has a pirate costume sitting around, and the cost of acquiring one might negate the benefit of free donuts, so Krispy Kreme is adding a digital cheat this year.
The donut chain will let customers use a custom (Kustom?) Snapchat filter that will digitally turn them into pirates.
“Any guest who shows his or her Snapchat image to a team member at a participating Krispy Kreme shop will qualify for a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts,” says Krispy Kreme in a statement.
This all comes with the HUGE caveat of the promotion only being available at “participating” locations, meaning there might be some Krispy Kreme stores where employees will just stare blankly as you pointlessly do your best Jack Sparrow impersonation (it’s not that good).
Yaaarrr, or something.
Here are seven of the best photos that readers added to the Consumerist Flickr Pool in the last week, picked for usability in a Consumerist post or for just plain neatness.
Want to see your pictures on our site? Our Flickr pool is the place where Consumerist readers upload photos for possible use in future Consumerist posts. Just be a registered Flickr user, go here, and click “Join Group?” up on the top right. Choose your best photos, then click “send to group” on the individual images you want to add to the pool.
Jim PaullAwwww
