The 22nd December 2007, was the date my brother arrived with his girlfriend. If I recall correctly, he arrived in the late morning or so.. Hence , right after his arrival we headed back to Bentong for a family dinner, as it was the Winter Festival [It's a festival to celebrate the coming of winter, though Malaysia has no winter...]

We came back in time to see my Grandmother [Paternal side] making Tong Yuen [It's little bite sizeed balls made out of rice flour, I think, with fillings inside, usually Sugar is used as it's core, though other things such as peanuts may be used. Cooked in Ginger water.... It's traditional to have it during the Winter Festival, and I don't know where this came from, but apparently the amount of the balls one eats, is equivalent to your age, eg if you are 20 you eat 20 balls. but we don't do that haha.. Also the eating Tong Yuen, if I'm not wrong, signifies that you are a year older, which is a good thing? Because in olden days.. Living itself was hard.. you know, diseases and famine.. etc...]

So, we taught Junko how to make them and we all sat down together to roll the balls [Usually the children enjoy doing this, and I must say, I enjoyed doing it when I was a child :p ]

Here are the ladies seated together rolling the balls, My grand ma was making white and pink ones.. and I taught Junko that we can actually combine them, and make them look like pretty little marbles :p

When that was done, and after lazing around for a bit, it was time for dinner.. The winter festival, is another excuse besides Chinese New Year, for Chinese people to gather with their family...

We headed to... Siong Hei Lau? One of the restaurants in Bentong, and sat down to nothing else but a Chinese dinner :)

My family & Junko :) enjoying the food... [Since when, don't we enjoy food? Most of us LOVE to eat..]

My 4th uncle and his family.. they live down the road from me.. convenient in some sense :)

My fifth uncle and family, his son isn't in it.. can't remember where he went, for camp maybe.. and at the corner is my grandma..

This isn't the whole family.. it's only 3 [including my dad, my dad has 6 siblings.. so only half were here.. we don't want to talk about my maternal side... it's double the amount..] of my grandmother's children that came back.. although it's preferable if the whole family came back, but the modern world dictates our life sometimes.. and people have to work...

Here we are again, with the Shark fin's soup [Though whether it's real Shark's Fin or not.. I'm not very sure... =.=']

And that's all for the dinner.. the next day we headed up to Genting Highlands as can be seen from the post below.. So we just ate and was merry.. And went home to bed...

-Oracl3-

Sadly, my 4th guitar string broke.. and it was new too, not even a year's old.. sigh... and the packaging proudly advertised itself as being of the best quality.. liars!!

On the 23rd of December 2007, my parents decided to bring Junko up to Genting, well since we were in Bentong anyway... So after breakfast, I think we headed off to Genting...


Maybe because it was December, near Christmas and it was the school holidays.. There were helluva a lot of people there... =.='

Waiting for out turn to ride the cable car up.. never in all my years of going to Genting... by cable car, have I seen such a long line.. Then again, I rarely go there...

Since I was taking the picture above.. it's my turn to be in the picture now...

With that, we arrived at our destination, and headed into the building, we weren't here for the theme park, apparently my parents wanted to bring us to the Casino to play...

But no cameras are allowed in the casino so there are no pictures from the Casino.. besides.. I did not like the casinos one bit...

The feeling it gave off was horrible.. There was a casino full of cigeratte smoke, and well one which wasn't... it didn't matter whether there was smoke or not.. the feelings there are too strong..

I could feel, things like fear, excitement, regret.. etc.. Maybe those are lingering feelings or spirits or whatever.. I don't know.. sigh.. but I couldn't stand the place and wanted out...

So we headed to the indoor themepark.. to Look around... and took some pictures..

A mini ferris wheel behind us..

An Oscar anyone?

Statue of Liberty.. so called.. haha

No idea what it was.. due to the sheer amount of people, it took us a few tries to get a nice picture like this.. That woman in the picture with the Oscar, kept entering our pictures.. so annoying.. wonder if she was doing it on purpose.. felt like smacking her... =.='

As it was so warm inside, we decided to head out.. because Genting is on a highland.. it's supposed to be cooling.. Yes, you read right, supposed! Global warming is so bad...

Next to us is the theme park...

So we walked around outside for a bit.. then decided to head home.. since there was nothing to do there.. since we didn't play in the Casino.. Sorry, if I was the cause.. we could have gone to the theme park.. but my parents are too old for that.. and it wouldn't be worth our money to go at that time..

I'm sorry, it was all because I was afraid of that place... we should have taken the opportunity to gamble a bit... sigh...

With that, we headed back to the cable car station...

Waiting for the cable car...

Me taking hold of the camera so that my dad can be in the picture...

My parents in the cable car..

Me, Junko and デブさん haha my brother.. in the cable car...

And that was our trip to Genting.. We headed back to Bentong, to pack up and pick up precious before heading back down to KL..

-Oracl3-

I'm really irritated with my connection, it was only 3 more freaking minutes, before the download is finished.. but Noooooooo MAXASS just had to kill itself for 2 minutes and kill my download.. I wouldn't be that pissed if it wasn't like the 5th time I was trying to download that SAME FILE!!!!!!!!! SCREW YOU MAXIS!!! the file is only 60.5mb and you need close to a freaking hour just do download that????!!

On 26th December 2007, my brother brought Junko to Sunway Pyramid to shop and look around, since the only place we had been bringing her too was Bandar Utama, as it was the nearest shopping complex to us...

Initially I was already in Sunyway Pyramid as I met up with Huey... to watch.. a movie I think... My memory fails me on this outing.. I recall going for a movie with Huey, but I can't remember what movie it is... sigh...

But anyway, since I was there, my brother thought that he would go along with Junko, and they arrived later after my movie. So Me & Huey met up with them at Starbucks [Again, Starbucks, Guess my brother loves that place? ]

So since I was actually looking for a pair of shoes, we walked around together the 4 of us, also since Junko wanted to shop and buy some stuff too :p so we all just shopped together.. It was my first time, in Pyramid in 2 years plus? maybe 3? I rarely go there...

Whilst there, as it was Boxing Day, all the decorations were up, and what do you do? but cam whore around the place haha..

Girls taking pictures with Santa and Mrs Santa.. [sorry, I can't tilt it... I don't know why, but the other posts, the countdown one, I managed to to tilt it? or maybe it was how the picture was taken??]

3 pretty girls in a row? :p with a lovely Christmas tree..

Outside Pyramid, before heading home, the so called lion head/Sphinx? is a picture one must take when visiting Pyramid.. Though it would be good if could have taken the Pyramid shaped dome too..

My poser of a brother and Junko :p

Girls at the entrance...

Happy couple at the entrance

Well, in the end I couldn't buy my shoe, because as my well known shoe shopping woe in Malaysia is.. I couldn't find the appropriate size.. sigh... But I did buy this make your own teddy bear kit... which.. I plan to use... some day? Well, once I'm done with what I have to do now..

i.e. load all this pictures and all.. sort through my Europe pictures for developing, do my scrapbook, translate the ghost hunt manga, learn the guitar, and piano... and violin..too many things... =='

And that's all for this post..

-Oracl3-

On the 29th of December 2007, since we had a foreign guest with us, we decided to make a trip to Melaka.. To allow Junko to learn a bit more about our country.. Well, if I'm not wrong, our Sultans all originated from Melaka, so it's fitting that we go there... and besides.. we wanted to let her try Melaka's famous food...

So in the late morning we headed out to Melaka...
we arrived around lunch time to eat this...

Enjoying our Chicken Rice Balls :) Hope Junko liked them, they're yummy :) My brother was taking this picture.. so he isn't in it..

Then it was back into the car, and we parked near.. St Francis? [I think, can't remember that church's name..] church? and walked over to Christ Church...

The 2 couples posing near Christ church.. There were a lot of beca/rickshaws here and souvenirs shops.. with outrageously expensive prices.. [I was the only single..sigh how sad...]

This was before we headed for the Stadhuys, and Junko & I went into the musuem.. I don't get a distinction in history for no reason, as I explained the things in the musuem to her as far as I could remember.. but then you know.. I studied it in Malay, and the explanations or name plates were in English etc.. At first I was wondering what's VOC, then it hit me.. it was that Syarikat Hindi something we studied in school =="

While waiting for Junko & I to be done in the musuem, the remaining people, who

1. Didn't like history [well, in general..]
   
2. Can't remember our history
3. Couldn't be bothered to spend money to learn things he/she already knows
4. Maybe all of the above

Waited outside.. and took some pictures while waiting.. Junko & I took a while.. maybe it's because I tried to explain almost everything to her, you know about Parameswara... etc.. Kesultanan Melayu.. etc..

Brother & mom just taking pictures to pass time..

Looks like dad decided to join in too.. I'm sorry I took so long and bore you guys.. =.=' But it's history you know, and we should explain things properly to our guest :)

After the museum we headed of to the ever popular A famosa and St Paul [I think] cathedral ruins...

That's the St Paul's cathedral behind us.. it was a hot but windy day.. not bad weather we had...

Basically in the ruins all we get are tombs...

A pretty tombstone :p I like the crest, that's why I took it...

Then we walked down to the A famosa...

And just posed away...

With that done, we walked around the place a bit.. Coming across this...

Some oversized Kereta Lembu? haha.. It's only for decorative and tourist purposes..

And well, there's only so much in Melaka, I guess it didn't help that it was a day where quite a number of things were closed? And well, unless you want to spend all your time in museums, there really isn't anything much.. so we headed back to the car..

Even with nothing much, we spent a good many hours in Melaka, and as we had a dinner appointment. We decided to leave early, to get home in time to freshen up & rest..

The Ladies outside Christ Church again... [We had to pass by it to get back to the car, so we took some more pictures :p]

On the way back to the car we even had cendol.. that was right after we took this picture[s]. It was just opposite the road :p Really sweet [Have my moods for sweet stuff] if you asked me... and I'm not really a cendol fan [Don't know why, either I don't like the taste.. or a trauma haha]

Well and that's what the whole trip encompassed, it was only for Junko to see more of Malaysia while she was here, and to eat the famous Chicken Rice Balls..

After we were done sightseeing, we headed back home to have dinner with Aunt Penny & Family

-Oracl3-

On 29th December 2007 after we got back from Melaka, we met up with Aunt Penny & family for dinner near Tropicana.. it was seafood!!

Since no one would take a picture for poor me. I took this myself...

Yummy Cheese Crab.. one of my favourite foods, though not to be indulged frequently, High in Cholestrol etc.. It's difficult and messy to eat.. but when you eat the sauce with mantao [Chinese Bun] it's just heavenly.. well you could say, I'm more after the sauce then anything then...

Aunt Penny & family enjoying the dinner...

And My family too.. the food was yummy :)

It was a tiring day, as we had just got back from Melaka, but as always... food perks the human up :p

-Oracl3-

Cross posted on Generation Lim

On the 30th of December 2007, The maternal side of the family decided to have a pot luck dinner at my place. Well, as Christmas cum New year celebration, since my brother would be busy on the 31st of December [Look at the post below...] So since My brother has brought home a guest and all.. And since almost every year we have this gatherings.. we had the potluck..

Look at the amount of food.. some of you might remember the okonomiyaki on the table there. This one was cooked by Junko & my brother, and well, there's loads of other food stuff there.. all Yummy food :p

The people to enjoy the food.. I took the picture so I wasn't in it... yet..

Now I'm in the picture.. with my precious included :p

-Oracl3-

My mom sent this to me through the mail, it's entertaining so here I am sharing..

What are roads in Malaysia used for?

Written by David Astley, an British/Ozzie guy now living in KL
http://www.xyzasia.com/malaysian-road-rules/


A guide for expatriate drivers in Malaysia

Since arriving in Malaysia in 1997, I have tried on many occasions to
buy a copy of the Malaysian road rules, but have come to the
conclusion that no such publication exists (or if it does, it has been
out of print for years). Therefore after carefully observing the
driving habits of Malaysian drivers, I believe I have at last worked
out the rules of the road in Malaysia. For the benefit of other
expatriates living in Malaysia, and the 50% of local drivers who
acquired their driving licences without taking a driving test, I am
pleased to share my knowledge below:

Q: What is the most important rule of the road in Malaysia?
A: The most important rule is that you must arrive at your destination
ahead of the car in front of you. This is the sacrosanct rule of
driving in Malaysia. All other rules are subservient to this rule.

Q: What side of the road should you drive on in Malaysia?
A: 99.7% of cars drive on the left hand side, 0.2% on the right hand
side, and 0.1% drive in reverse (be on the look out for drivers
reversing at high speed in the left hand lane of freeways, having just
missed their exit). Therefore on the basis of 'majority rules', it is
recommended that you drive on the left. However, be aware that only
90% of motorcyclists travel on the left hand side - the other 10% ride
in the opposite direction or on the sidewalk. Fortunately,
motorcyclists traveling in reverse are rarely seen.

Q: What are the white lines on the roads?
A: These are known as lane markers and were used by the British in the
colonial days to help them drive straight. Today their purpose is
mainly decorative, although a double white line is used to indicate a
place that is popular to overtake.

Q: When can I use the emergency lane?
A: You can use the emergency lane for any emergency, e.g. you are late
for work, you left the toaster plugged in at home, you are bursting to
go to the toilet, you have a toothache or you have just dropped your
Starbucks coffee in your lap. As it is an emergency, you may drive at
twice the speed of the other cars on the road.

Q: Do traffic lights have the same meaning as in other countries?
A: Not quite. Green is the same – that means "Go", but amber and red
are different. Amber means "Go like hell" and red means "Stop if there
is traffic coming in the other direction or if there is a policeman on
the corner". Otherwise red means the same as green. Note that for
buses, red lights do not take effect until five seconds after the
light has changed.

Q: What does the sign "Jalan Sehala" mean?
A: This means "One Way Street" and indicates a street where the
traffic is required to travel in one direction. The arrow on the sign
indicates the preferred direction of the traffic flow, but is not
compulsory. If the traffic is not flowing in the direction in which
you wish to travel, then reversing in that direction is the best
option.

Q: What does the sign "Berhenti" mean?
A: This means "Stop", and is used to indicate a junction where there
is a possibility that you may have to stop if you cannot fool the cars
on the road that you are entering into thinking that you are not going
to stop.

Q: What does the sign "Beri Laluan" mean?
A: This means "Give Way", and is used to indicate a junction where the
cars on the road that you are entering will give way to you provided
you avoid all eye contact with them and you can fool them into
thinking that you have not seen them.

Q: What does the sign "Dilarang Masuk" mean?
A: This means "No Entry". However, when used on exit ramps in
multi-storey car parks, it has an alternative meaning which is: "Short
cut to the next level up".

Q: What does the sign "Pandu Cermat" mean?
A: This means "Drive Smartly", and is placed along highways to remind
drivers that they should never leave more than one car length between
them and the car in front, irrespective of what speed they are
driving. This is to ensure that other cars cannot cut in front of you
and thus prevent you from achieving the primary objective of driving
in Malaysia, and that is to arrive ahead of the car in front of you.
If you can see the rear number plate of the car in front of you, then
you are not driving close enough.

Q: What is the speed limit in Malaysia?
A: The concept of a speed limit is unknown in Malaysia.

Q: So what are the round signs on the highways with the numbers, 60, 80 and 110?
A: This is the amount of the 'on-the-spot' fine (in ringgits - the
local currency) that you have to pay to the police if you are stopped
on that stretch of the highway. Note that for expatriates or locals
driving Mercedes or BMWs, the on-the-spot fine is double the amount
shown on the sign.

Q: Where do you pay the 'on-the-spot' fine?
A: As the name suggests, you pay it 'on-the-spot' to the policeman who
has stopped you. You will be asked to place your driving licence on
the policeman's notebook that he will hand to you through the window
of your car. You will note that there is a spot on the cover of the
notebook. Neatly fold the amount of your fine into four, place the
fine on the spot, and then cover it with your driving licence so that
it cannot be seen. Pass it carefully to the policeman. Then, with a
David Copperfield movement of his hands, he will make your money
disappear. It is not necessary to applaud.

Q: But isn't this a bribe?
A: Oh pleeease, go and wash your mouth out. What do you want? A
traffic ticket? Yes, you can request one of those instead, but it will
cost you twice the price, forms to fill out, cheques to write,
envelopes to mail, and then three months later when you are advised
that your fine was never received, more forms to fill out, a trip to
the police station, a trip to the bank, a trip back to the police
station, and maybe then you will wish you had paid 'on-the-spot'.

Q: But what if I haven't broken any road rules?
A: It is not common practice in Malaysia to stop motorists for
breaking road rules (because nobody is really sure what they are). The
most common reasons for being stopped are: (a) the policeman is hungry
and would like you to buy him lunch; (b) the policeman has run out of
petrol and needs some money to get back to the station; (c) you look
like a generous person who would like to make a donation to the police
welfare fund; or (d) you are driving an expensive car which means you
can afford to make a donation to the police welfare fund.

Q: Does my car require a roadworthy certificate before I can drive it
in Malaysia?
A: No, roadworthy certificates are not required in Malaysia. However
there are certain other statutory requirements that must be fulfilled
before your car can be driven in Malaysia. Firstly, you must ensure
that your windscreen is at least 50% obscured with English football
club decals, golf club membership stickers or condo parking permits.
Secondly, you must place a tissue box (preferably in a white lace
cover) on the back shelf of your car under the rear window. Thirdly,
you must hang as many CDs or plastic ornaments from your rear vision
mirror as it will support. Finally, you must place a Garfield doll
with suction caps on one of your windows. Your car will then be ready
to drive on Malaysian roads.

Q: What does a single yellow line along the edge of a road mean?
A: This means parking is permitted.

Q: What does a double yellow line along the edge of a road mean?
A: This means double parking is permitted.

Q: What does a yellow box with a diagonal grid of yellow lines painted
on the road at a junction mean?
A: Contrary to the understanding of some local drivers, this does not
mean that diagonal parking is permitted. It indicates a junction that
is grid-locked at peak hours.

Q: Can I use my mobile phone whilst driving in Malaysia?
A: No problem at all, but it should be noted that if you wish to use
the rear-vision mirror to put on your lipstick (women only please) or
trim your eyebrows at the same time as you are using a mobile phone in
the other hand, you should ensure that you keep an elbow free to steer
the car. Alternatively, you may place a toddler on your lap and have
the child steer the car whilst you are carrying out these other
essential driving tasks.

Q: Is it necessary to use indicator lights in Malaysia?
A: These blinking orange lights are commonly used by newly arrived
expatriate drivers to indicate they are about to change lanes. This
provides a useful signal to local drivers to close up any gaps to
prevent the expatriate driver from changing lanes. Therefore it is
recommended that expatriate drivers adopt the local practice of
avoiding all use of indicator lights. However, it is sometimes useful
to turn on your left hand indicator if you want to merge right,
because this confuses other drivers enabling you to take advantage of
an unprotected gap in the traffic.

Q: Why do some local drivers turn on their left hand indicator and
then turn right, or turn on their right hand indicator and then turn
left?
A: This is one of the unsolved mysteries of driving in Malaysia.

A person added this in

Q. What is the use of the hazard warning lights?

A. Contrary to all international protocol, this four way flashing light is switched on when the Polis DiRaja is escorting VIPs on the road to warn lesser mortals to move out of the way and not hinder the flow of the motorcade. Taking a cue from our finest (Polis DiRaja), motorists use this at the slightest excuse when it rains to tell other motorist to get out of the way as using this hazard light annoints them with powers that part the heavy traffic, somewhat akin to Moses parting the Red Sea.

-Oracl3-

A shorter, less detailed version can be found on Generation Lim

Okay, this is a very delayed post.
My apologies that it took me 7 months to get these pictures up. At one point when I was free, I tried, I really did, but Maxis was being an ass..

And after that I got lazy.. etc.. exams.. etc.. and today the connection seems good.. so here it is..

Pulling memories out of my brain like Dumbledore did in Harry Potter; is no mean feat but I'll try my best to recount the events of the day...

I remember having to wake up in the morning.. about 10 that day, and headed to the curve.. because.... I was supposed to meet with Michelle [Lim Ai Ann aka Mike who was back for her holidays..] and Arvid, and we had breakfast at IKEA.

Then I'm attacked by a bout of amnesia, because I can't remember what we did, most probably walked around a bit, then Michelle had to leave, leaving only me and Arvid. So Arvid and I decided to watch a movie.. The Will Smith movie.. titled I Am Legend, I think that's the title.. It's bout Will Smith fighting zombies... [When we were in Croatia, I saw the trailer and Desmond said it was it would be a good show.. ]

As we had time, Arvid and I had lunch at a little shop right next to the cinema... you know, the one that sells those Star Wars action models.. They serve food too, and you can play with their board games there..

And I remember having Carbonara Pasta...

Since we were going to watch a movie, and the whole world knows that I can't stand the cold, I asked my brother to bring me a jacket since he was coming to the curve with his girlfriend to meet up with his friends as well, for a movie, karaoke and the countdown.. He had initially asked me a long, and I told him.. that I'd play by ear.. but from the looks of things, it looked like I would be joining him.. [And obviously I did...]

I had my movie, and Arvid had to leave to pick his niece up, since my brother's movie ended later than mine, I ended up spending some time in MPH, and almost fell asleep there, I felt dead tired... maybe it was because I slept late the night before.. and was out from morning till night. And well, My brother found me in MPH and brought me to meet his highschool friends, which I knew [Well some of them due to librarian and scouts...]

We thus headed to.. Starbucks, I remember, because I remember the logo haha. And we had some drinks while waiting for the rest of his gang before heading for the karaoke...

Now for the pictures to do the talking.. [I'll spare us the cliché of a picture says...]

This was taken before Michelle left, we were waiting for Arvid who went to the gentlemen's, And since the decorations were so pretty.. I asked her to take a shot for me.. I think I missed snow too..

Inside the Curve, the Decorations were really pretty, and here we are, Me and my brother's girlfriend, Junko. this was taken, while we were waiting for my brother's other friends.

Here we are again :) the decorations were so pretty..

Well, obviously we have to show the happy couple :p

Well after cam-whoring a bit around the place, we met up with the rest of his friends I think, or I think we headed to Starbucks first. Then we headed to Redbox for the karaoke. Seeing all my seniors, I honestly felt kind of out of place.. but I guess I was lucky Junko was there? :) And well, I did know some of them... so it was fine.. After settling the karaoke room and all, we headed of to our karaoke room, to sing and to eat..

The food was served buffet style, so we had to leave the room, to get the food, and go back in to eat.. and we sang, and sang.. And from previous posts, or if you know me personally, you would know that I love to sing, so yeah, I sang a lot too :p It was fun..

My brother and his mates, singing.. :p

Me encouraging Junko to participate by singing with her, We sang the song from NANA the movie, Endless Story. [Damn, my memory is sooo good haha selective memory that is.. haha]

Actually, A few of my friends, who were still in Malaysia, [it's not many, and honestly even when they were in Malaysia, I never went with them to do any countdown for the new year... Sad.. I know.. I've no life.. sigh] called me, and since I said I was in the curve, they were saying.. okay let's meet up there.. but the amount of people, plus the bad handphone reception meant that we didn't meet.. The only ones I met are ccy and wei hao, who came to join in the karaoke at it's later stage. If they had asked to meet in the crowd.. I definitely wouldn't have found them...

Oh, also, the karaoke group was so big, that we had to separate into 2 rooms..

But, here is all of us, I think together in the photo.. Even I don't know who is who.. so ermm, just open your eyes out for anyone you recognise.. And I don't know why, but I looked damned tan in this picture...

After the karaoke session, As I said we hit the streets outside the curve to meet the crowd who were all ready for the countdown to the new year..

By the way.. did I mention, I met Jo Weng in the curve... Well,that's just random.. I must say.. he lost some weight and built some muscles, I guess :p

Anyway, since we were out there, waiting for the countdown, we cam-whored..
Results -->

The ladies in a line.. No, it's not a line up for you to chose a girl :p it's just some pretty girls in a line up.. Why do I look so dark? Was it the beer??? Uh, yeah, I didn't mention did I, there was beer at the karaoke...

Now it's the guys in the line up :p take your pick of which slave you would like.. muahaha.. joking..

And well, the countdown started, and we had fireworks..!!

Isn't it pretty? This is a nice shot :)

Here we have ccy, me and wei hao :p I sure hope those two had as much fun as I did.. Both of them are kind of conservative.. What with a random bunch of people, which they may have never spoken to in school.. So I don't know if they enjoyed themselves...

Here we have Sheau Yih, Me, お兄ちゃん[my brother] & 純子[Junko]

When the fireworks ended, we headed to a nearby cafe for a little yum cha/tea as we expected it to be too jam to leave the area... So what else to do.. but play around..

In red box, they actually gave us this little party boxes with balloons etc.. those orange things you've seen in the earlier pictures are actually from the party box.. and what you will see below, is also from the party box..

The birth of two new superheroes to save the world? [I blame Dark Knight..] haha.. It's just Junko & I :p

And that's it for this super long post...

-Oracl3-