Photography

Royal Brunei 747-400 flying circuit over Miri. They've been doing this on and off for quite some time. Apparently, they're practicing over here because Miri Airport airspace is so sparse.

At about 10am today (15th September 2008), just about less than an hour ago a snatch-and-run occurred from the bank in town center. The 2 snatch thieves ran off on bike, but crashed into a (or possibly several) cars, before fleeing on foot.

One was caught, the other ran away with the money. At this moment, the other one is still on the loose, and is said to be wearing an orange shirt. The stolen cash is said to be RM10K.

This pic was taken just right after the robber was caught.

Please note: most of what was written above were from hearsay from members of the public and some of what I saw myself. This information may not be entirely accurate.

If you happen to be touring the area, please take care walking in between Centerpoint Phase 1 and High Street, as a lot of de-construction work is being done at the shophouses there.

These pictures are from this morning's traffic jam over the flyover bridge as a result of the the incredibly stupid badly planned roadworks at the junction I blogged about the few days before.

It also slowed traffic to a crawl on the flyover that was supposed to ease the traffic flow along this road. (see second pic)

P.S. Also note that 'lovely morning mist'. Ahhh, the fresh scent of open burning.

Some mere months ago, this road intersection to Canada Hill was blocked off and a concrete divider built in between it to basically 'ease' traffic flow for the Puchong flyover in front of the Pelita Tunku Complex. That didn't really help the situation, and in fact, not only did it prevented easy access from town to Canada Hill (where the First Oil Well was), it also prevented traffic from turning around back to town without going the long way around and merging into other traffic causing a huge jam...

....today, as I passed by the area, I saw this:

They've AGAIN broken up that divider they built just months before for some sort of roadwork. What a complete waste of time and money!

The pictures above show one sign indicating pedestrian crossing, and another saying that it is in fact not a ped crossing, so cross at your own risk.

The place is pedestrian-heavy (as can be seen in first pic) with slow moving traffic, it should be obvious to put a bridge here for the pedestrians, or put a proper crossing where the cars should stop for pedestrians to cross. Without the costly traffic lights.

Instead, the sign suggests that it may look like a crossing but is in fact isn't and if you get killed they won't be responsible.

For a city that can't even make up their mind whether it is a crossing or not in the most obvious places, it's no wonder Miri still has only one pedestrian bridge in over 10 years and countless pedestrian deaths.

Now is your chance to show them off! Each month, we will choose one dog photo to be the DOG OF THE MONTH and two dogs for our consolation prizes. Better still, there will be a MiriCommunity.net's favorite dog of the month which will be determined by number of votes received through MiriCommunity.net. If your dog is chosen, as the DOG OF THE MONTH, you will receive cash RM300.00, RM50.00 for consolation and MiriCommunity.net's favorite dog of the month will receive a special gift.

Please click link for details.

Part of Old Town along China Street is being demolished for rebuilding into "New" Old Town. Sorry. Please see this link

Miri Old Town is a narrow warren of streets crammed with tiny shops selling a huge variety off goods, as well as some of the most traditional and original coffee shops in town. The Old Town is gradually being renovated, street-by-street, but the architectural style & layout is being carefuly preserved.

Notes of interest:

- A lady selling vegetables along the corridors at the old-style Sea View coffee shop in front of the Tua Pek Kong Temple regularly brings her cat along for the day. This cat is much adored by her customers and those who frequent the area. Usually can be seen in the mornings.

- You can sometimes see a man riding his classic china-style bicycle in the Old Town. This bicycle is special; it is decorated with lights and other accessories to look a bit like a motorbike, but yet clearly it is not pretending to be one. Probably the only one in Miri.

- You may see one or two mentally-challenged men talking to themselves in the middle of the streets. They do not pose danger to the public but they do wander around regularly.

Some people in Miri choose to show their patriotic flair more than others, and this is one way;