Unscripted

The Eighth Year

2010-01-15T15:27:00.003+08:00

It's one of those rare moments when I can breathe, and actually have time to update my blog. The forgotten blog. The poor thing.

Life passes me by so fast nowadays, that everything is a blur to me. I can't remember when, what, where and how I am supposed to do things. Mama nags me for forgetting to do my laundry. But I can't even seem to remember more important things. Let alone my laundry.

Me and Baby were at a restaurant on the 4th of January. I don't even remember what restaurant it was. There we were in our usual banter, when suddenly Baby's jaw dropped.

"Do you remember what day was yesterday?"

"Sunday?" I replied.

"What date was it?"

"Well, today's the fourth, so yesterday was the thir...." what the fu- "it was our anniversary!!!!"

And we stared aghast at each other, shocked at our own ability to forget such an important date.

We've been so caught up with work, and preparations for our wedding, that really, we've forgotten our 8th year anniversary. Yup, you got that, 8. E-I-G-H-T!

Eight years since this boy walked into my life, and has stubbornly hung on to me through thick and thin. And I him.

We've come a long way since then, and on the 5th of June this year, we're finally tying the knot, and starting a new life together.

Perhaps it's too early to begin telling our love story. I'll wait till everything's over and done with in June before I go into the minute details.

To our mutual friends who have been with us throughout all these years, thank you for putting up with us, and I promise, I will try to spend more time with you guys after I'm married.

Provided if my hubby will share me, of course.

Invisible

2009-12-31T00:30:00.002+08:00

My blog does not serve to entertain the reader. Sometimes, I think, it hardly entertains me. Problem is, if it's on the net, it ain't a secret.

I've always been acutely aware of that. Of the potent force behind every trail I leave on the internet. Nothing can everything sometimes.

I realise how some may read my words, and intrepret it differently from what I mean it to be.

And so I edit. I amend. I rarely ever write what I really mean. What is inside my head.

There's always that overwhelming feeling that I would like to become invisible.

Maybe I should be like Nirah, and remove my trace forever.

And retreat to the safe, and ever present pages of my paperback journal. Leatherbound. Floral.

A place where I can truly write what I mean.

From Out-Er Space

2009-12-15T21:47:00.005+08:00

If you're planning to buy a book anytime soon, think no further, and make a beeline for Chaizani Shamsuddin's From Outer Space. Insightful, humorous and a must read for all women, (and men who wish to understand them) this book will keep you turning the pages until the inevitable end.

Ok, ok, so I may be a little bias, since it is written by my own sister, but seriously, you have to get it. Available in all Borders and Times bookstores across the country. (I checked!)

Blurbs from other readers:

"If Chaizani was a guy and is a Man U fan, I'd kiss her already!" - Limau Kasthuri*

*names have been altered to protect identity.

On Vacation

2009-12-15T21:25:00.003+08:00

Hey guys, just letting you know that I am on a break from work. I will be leaving for Singapore on Friday, and coming back on the 28th of December. What will I be doing? a whole lot of NOTHING. Yup, this holidays, I am quite determined to relax as much as possible, and stretch me legs, and do whatever it is my heart tells me to do, instead of listening to my head. The best kind of vacation there is.

edit - Just as Baby has kindly reminded me, this will also be my last vacation as a single woman. After this, all of my vacations shall henceforth have him monkeying around, annoying me. :)

Space

2009-12-14T16:21:00.002+08:00

The space between here and there
is narrow
Walking crab-like, I reach the window
A gust of fresh air whips my hair
spinning me
like the dreams I've had
but never came to be.

I need space.
A time to think.
To reflect
To unlearn, what I remember.
I need space to breathe,
To live
To embrace the living.

Space, like the emptiness in my head.
At night.

He Loves, He Love Me Not...

2009-11-16T22:49:00.002+08:00

He Loves Me!

Flowers from Baby!

Peek-A-Boo!

2009-11-16T22:37:00.001+08:00

Asher stars in JAWS: The Next Generation

Don't Let Me Fall

2009-11-16T22:13:00.003+08:00

I haven't seen many of my friends lately. While I may have missed seeing some of my friends for a few weeks, there are some that I have not seen for many years. I hope they will all realise that although I may not always be there physically, that I am always with them in spirit. You guys are always on my mind. Although I may be caught up in life sometimes, you are always in my thoughts, and in my heart.

Don't stop inspiring me.

Run
Running all the time
Running to the future
With you right by my side

Me
I'm the one you chose
Out of all the people
You wanted me the most
I'm so sorry that I'm falling
Help me up lets keep on running
Don't let me fall out of love

Running, running
As fast as we can
I really hope you make it
(Do you think we'll make it?)
We're running
Keep holding my hand
It's so we don't get separated

Be
Be the one I need
Be the one I trust most
Don't stop inspiring me
Sometimes it's hard to keep on running
We work so much to keep it going
Don't make me want to give up

Never Make Us "Congak"

2009-11-16T00:43:00.003+08:00

I had this running joke among my colleagues. "Never ask a Mass Comm student to do Maths. Especially mental (congak) maths! Why'd you think we joined this course. It's because we are allergic to maths!"

Kas cannot illustrate this better.

Song

2009-11-16T00:14:00.004+08:00

Being all grown up puts into perspective the stuff that you went through as a teenager. I wish as I could say that I was only a teenager last year. But being 24, that was a good 4 years ago. Yikes!

I didn't have that much going on when I was a teenager when it came to boys. Except for Baby, I never really had a boyfriend. But like any other normal girl in highschool, I've had my own share of ups and downs when it came to boys.

I think I've always been a romantic person...but a pragmatic one. Oxymoron, I know, but there it is. I could make up all sorts of things in my head, but when it came down to it, I knew this guy or that guy just wasn't the one for me, because we had hardly anything in common. Teenagers don't usually think of that. They just look for the most physically attractive one, and hone in.

I used to stay up till late at night, making up conversations, writing poetry, planning when to "bump" into him. And then, when it all doesn't work out, I'd just curl up in bed, and listen to the soppiest of songs, and immerse myself in tears.

Kid stuff...I know.

But now and then, one of those soppy songs gets played on the radio, and for some inexplicable reason, it takes me back to that vulnerable state, when boys broke your heart, and people can be mean. It's been years since all those has happened, and I guess I've grown a rather thick skin.

But there's something about certain songs that just transports you back. I mean, how many people can listen to Boyz II Men's "End of the Road" and not reflect on that first time someone dumped you. For me, that song has always been this song. Faith Hill's "Let me let go".

Dear Diary

2009-11-14T21:12:00.002+08:00

It's been a long time since I last updated my blog. I'm not sure if I had many people who followed my blog in the first place then, but I am sure, no one visits this little space of mine any longer.

It's been a very hectic few months since I've been engaged. Apart from being busy at work, I've also been busy scouring places, looking for ideas and bargains. Weddings are few and far between in my family, far different from Baby, whose family has a wedding every other weekend. It's a totally new experience for us, and mostly, it's rather daunting as well.

I've been so busy looking for the best caterers, the perfect dress, the right colour scheme, the prefect shoes and every other small detail for the wedding that I have not really thought about the prospect of actually GETTING married.

In my head, I keep imagining sweet beginnings, and embarking on this great adventure with my best friend. But at the same time, I cannot also ignore the vast responsibility that will be upon us the day the solemnisation ceremony is complete.

For some reason, few people in today's world view marriage as sacred. Many sully it with affairs and others just fall by the wayside, and everything ends in some messy separation. Marriage is like the vow that can be broken and renewed with someone else.

Although I have always been precocious as a child, I am acutely aware at how young we will be by the time we will be married. The economic crises isn't helping to alleviate this worry either.

Amidst all my doubts and worries, I also can't help but feel so blessed to be able to marry my best friend. In the end, that's all that matters I suppose. Call it blind faith...

Temporary Reprieve

2009-09-07T00:10:00.001+08:00

I'm blogging here for awhile while trying to get www.myunscriptedlife.net back up. We're trying to find a suitable server for it.

Till then....toodles!

How Am I Supposed to Live Without You

2009-09-06T23:10:00.003+08:00

I saw this Grammy performance a long time ago when my parents purchased the laser disc titled "Greatest Grammy Moments". As the Grammy producers get more and more pressured to attract the younger audience, the annual Grammy awards have become quite a circus, with too many embellishments and unnecessary fanfare. If it's all for the purpose to celebrate good music. The music itself should be sufficient I say.

Gone were the era when beautiful music is showcased. Today, it's all about the presentation and of course...cleavage.

p/s - say you want about Micheal Bolton, but he remains to this day, the man with the sexiest voice ever!

Advertising vs. Public Relations

2009-09-06T22:40:00.004+08:00

I earned a degree in Advertising, yet I am in the Public Relations business. In university, my classmates would say that is tantamount to betrayal. Although part of me still believe in Advertising, and am still captivated by the idea of a one liner versus an article filled with persuasion, I admit that the future lies in a marrying of the two concepts, instead of firmly being in the business of on team and not the other.

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) is the way to go these days. Incidentally, I found an interesting website called Ads of the World. It's great if you wanna browse through and get the creative juices flowing.

Here's an interesting ad I found.

http://adsoftheworld.com

A Confession

2009-09-06T22:30:00.000+08:00

I'm not as prepared as I should be for the wedding next year. I should take a week off to plan it. Sigh...

Cynics

2009-09-06T22:01:00.003+08:00

I loathe cynics.

Something about their unrestrained contempt for anything and everything just makes my blood boils.

Being a cynic is something of a fashion statement among youths today, particularly among the younger group of youth who like nothing more but to complain at the top of their voices, day in and day out.

When did the world become so faithless? So downright resentful towards optimism, grace and beauty? Where did it all go wrong?

In school, and at work, I've always been labeled as the hopeless optimist and a romantic. True, I have been hurt by having that outlook sometimes, but I find the world to be a much more pleasant place to live in when the glass is half full.
Sometimes when I read comments at the bottom of blog posts, or youtube videos, or Facebook status', all I see are a bunch of very cynical people, who are just living their lives in a passionless world.

The recent Merdeka day for instance, saw a whole load of Facebook messages that made fun of the celebration, and contempt for the government.

How can these people not realise that being proud of one's own country has got nothing do to with the present day government. It doesn't matter whether it is the opposition in power, of BN is spinning a web of lies.

Being proud of your own country has got nothing to do with politics or policies. It's loving your own home.

I pity those who think that being a cynic is cool and is the "in thing". Roses may have thorns, but life is better once you rejoice that thorns have roses.

Introducing my new blog

2008-09-12T09:00:00.006+08:00

Hello dear friends and readers,

It didn't take too long, and I have already found a new home for my blog. Come and meet

www.myunscriptedlife.net

It's a lot cleaner and simpler. Pretty much like me. I can pretend to be cool and hip all I want, but in the end, I am not all those things. :P (I'm a nerd at heart, I'll admit it)

It's got much more functions then blogspot too, which is a great plus.

I've also decided not to include any advertisements. I guess the whole nuffnang thing has been a phase. I'll never get enough traffic to make any money out of it, nor do I want to.

So I guess this will be the end of essenceofkamelia.blogspot.com. Who knows, maybe I will use it again someday for something else.

I've been busy with work, but current events have made me think seriously about getting internet at home. But since we don't have a landline, and the developer is not planning to install it anytime soon, I have to find alternative ways.

Anyway, do drop by, and let me know what you think about the new blog. I'll try to move things around accordingly.

Friends on my blogroll, do update your links accordingly, and thank you so much for being my loyal readers since I've started writing this humble online diary of mine.

We have sunk so low

2008-09-09T15:43:00.002+08:00

I stumbled upon a blog today. You may know her. Or not.

She goes by the name Xiaxue. Her real name is Wendy.

She's pretty big in the blogsphere, from what I could surmise. Her blog is mainly about her, or people she hate, or people who are unfortunate enough to like her.

I've seen some pretty superficial people through blogs. They are all about the designer stuff, materialistic and down right ignorant and arrogant.

People used to hate people like that, but nowadays, they are simply considered honest people, and admired for speaking their minds, not afraid of being called sluts or bitches, because it's become such a norm already.

I've learnt to ignore and avoid blogs like these. A picture says a thousand words. And when there are thousands of pictures of themselves on their blog, you just get so sick of them.

But Xiaxue takes the cake. One of her recent posts boasted about how she made her face skinny and put in fillers to make her lips plumper.

Stupid woman.

I mean, you can do whatever you want la, but to boast about your face and body transformation procedures is just plain wrong in my book.

Unfortunately, I may be in the minority. With the advent of the internet, and total information freedom, it takes an exceptional person to not be influenced and stay true to oneself.

But I have formed my own opinions, done my own mistakes, made great friends along the way that have shown me what it means to be good person, and an independent person. With no desire whatsoever to change my God-given body.

Unfortunately for Xiaxue, she will never get that feeling.

Revamping

2008-09-09T08:52:00.003+08:00

I've always been fascinated with the internet, and the endless possibilities it holds. It challenges one's creativity with an unlimited number of audience.

A few months ago, a few of those who have been on my blogroll may have noticed that I have gone "commercialized" by changing my template, and theme and to some extent, even my content.

My intent was never to make money out of anything, certainly not with all of the usual personal stuff that I usually post, but rather I loved the challenge of setting up something totally new, and see the reaction it gets, and how much I could really put into practice the art of advertising.

Call me a nerd, but that is what truly gets me going sometimes, and have become like a pet hobby.

So it's only natural that after almost four years on blogspot now, that I should move on to other things. Create a bigger playground for me to play around with. Which is why I took the plunge of buying a new domain, myunscriptedlife.net. It's in the works at the moment, and I'm having tons of fun with it, and with Baby, at least he could explain the technical terms to me in baby language.

I even have my own email now at kamelia@myunscriptedlife.net! Abit of a mouthful, I know.

But this will just be a personal website for me. And when I'm not too caught up with work, it'll be a platform for me to work with a lot of things. And also to connect with friends. It will be exciting.

Also in the works are two other websites that I want to create and maintain. One is something fun me and Kas might produce and generate some cash. But mostly, for us to practice our marketing skills, since we are both in that line, and it could be a small side income for ourselves.

Another website is something me and Baby is working at. A true business enterprise which involves cupcakes! Well, I'll explain once everything is more concrete.

Till next post, cheers!

Selamat Berpuasa

2008-09-02T09:59:00.002+08:00

Dear Muslim readers,

Selamat Berpuasa,

Jangan makan banyak-banyak,

Nanti baju Raya tak muat,

Menyesal lah pulak.

Well Said!

2008-08-27T11:34:00.001+08:00

Not ready for change
BY SIMRIT KAUR

There have been conflicting reactions to the Selangor mentri besar’s proposal for UiTM to open its doors to non-bumiputras and foreigners.

SELANGOR Menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim’s proposal on Aug 9 that 10% of Universiti Teknologi Mara’s (UiTM) enrolment be made up of non-bumiputra and international students has been vehemently rejected by UiTM’s establishment.

Its students organised a mass demonstration on Aug 12 in Shah Alam in protest while vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Ibrahim Abu Shah said that Khalid’s proposal went against the original purpose of setting up UiTM, which was to help the bumiputras.

The government has also made its stand clear with Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin reiterating that there would be no change in UiTM’s enrolment policy.

Benefits of integration

Viewed objectively, isn’t Khalid’s proposal to open up UiTM and the reasons given — to prepare its students for competition and globalisation — valid?

It has been pointed out that UiTM has been enrolling foreign students for years. Why not Malaysians?

In its website UiTM says that it aspires to be world-class in all its endeavours and have a vibrant and inclusive learning environment. How valid is that claim in light of the university’s present enrolment policy?

Universiti Malaya economics lecturer Assoc Prof Dr Terence Gomez says that other Malaysian public universities benefit from the interaction and dialogue that occur between students from different communities.

“In a university setting, students are required to read extensively, debate ideas and engage in intellectual discourse.

“Different perspectives evolve from these discussions and this is something that UiTM students, with their mono-ethnic background, don’t get.”

Dr Gomez adds that students in other public universities experience an understanding of Malaysian society and its different viewpoints.

“There is a need for debate on policies along universal or targeted lines. You won’t get truly in-depth discussions with one ethnic group.

“The perspectives will be intra-ethnic and not inter-ethnic and this diminishes the quality of the interaction at UiTM which is so important in a university setting.”

Over-reaction?

Political analyst Assoc Prof Dr Mohd Agus Yusoff from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia says the reaction to Khalid’s proposal shows a lack of maturity among Malaysians.

“There was no need for everyone to become hysterical. The issue has been blown out of proportion by the media. It was merely a suggestion by Khalid.”

Dr Mohd Agus adds that UiTM students should not have demonstrated publicly against the proposal.

“Their action will create uneasiness among the non-bumiputras. This is not the way to build good ethnic relations.”

He says that the federal government, through its actions, had played into Pakatan Rakyat’s hands.

“Non-bumiputras will be even angrier with Barisan Nasional. This will affect the government in the Permatang Pauh by-election,’’ says Dr Mohd Agus, adding that Umno made a mistake in fanning the students’ protest.

The UiTM issue reveals a clear split in the government as Gerakan and MCA politicians have come out with statements in support of Khalid’s proposal.

MCA vice-president Datuk Dr Fong Chan Onn pointed out that the Cabinet had been receptive to opening similar institutions, like the Mara Junior Science and Matriculation colleges, to non-bumiputra students.

Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said: “Nobody has denied that (UiTM was built under Article 153 of the Federal Constitution), but when people raise such a proposal or suggestion, is it necessary to pick a quarrel with them?”

And Gerakan treasurer Datuk Ng Chiang Chin commended Khalid “for having the wisdom to be open-minded and thinking like a Malaysian.”

Wish for Anything, get Whatever!

2008-08-19T15:35:00.000+08:00

I found this advertisement to be simply hilarious. It's a new beverage, with a radical approach to marketing and branding. Their carbonated drink is called "Anything" and their tea-based beverages are called "Whatever". The first thing I wondered about when I heard about the brand, was how are you supposed to ask for the drink when you are in the store. The advertisement pretty much answered it! But really, the brand highlights the apathy of consumers with regards to beverages now. I don't remember the countless times I have told someone to just get me "Anything!" to drink when we make a pitstop.

Check out their teaser website here. Hilarious!

What's for lunch?

2008-08-14T13:51:00.002+08:00

Wanted to wear something different today, so rumaged through my wardrobe, and found my old tie-around pants. Pretty?

Wearing my Bonia office shoes that I usually reserve for official functions. I sprained my ankle yet again on my wooden heel clogs. Really should learn my lesson and not wear it again. Sigh...

Lunch was a simple affair. I was still full from my breakfast. Which was Dorset Cereal. As anticipated, it was delicious. Lots of dried cherries and nuts.

I love their brand philosophy.

So for lunch, I had my humble sandwhich. But there was still feta cheese leftover from out office potluck. So I put in liberal amounts between the slices of bread. Only RM1.80. Nyam, nyam.

And as for dessert. I indulged in a simple sponge cake. With lots of chocolate rice though. Hehehe.

I eat sandwhiches pretty often as my lunch in office, and I get rather full from it. Colleagues are still at odds with it. Sometimes pestering me to go eat rice with them. Saw Parween today, who is a student here as well. Her eyes went round when I said that this is my lunch. :P

Pleading for justice

2008-08-14T13:24:00.002+08:00

My ex-classmate's brother was involved in a hit-and-run.

He died when he reached the hospital. It was featured in The Star today.

I found out about it a little later. You get so caught up in life.

I hope Hairil and his family finds peace of mind soon. It's horrible to have a death in the family, even worse when the person who was responsible is not brought to justice.

My thoughts are always with you dear friend.

Al-Fatihah~

Craving for the Munchies

2008-08-13T16:32:00.004+08:00

It was 4.30PM. One and a half hours to go till I can get out of here. I am getting some serious munchies cravings.

So I tak tahan edy, I took a short trip to the on-campus bookshop, which also sells snacks. And the first thing that caught my eye was this:

It's 100 gramme cereal boxes, and the great thing is, it's the healthy version! Not some sugar-filled thing you usually see in supermarkets. Dorset Cereals is all natural ingredients, and it's 50% real fruit. More info here. Best of all it's only RM2.40. Abit on the pricey side, but when you think about it, that's about the average price of a Nasi Lemak. Kan?

I think it's a wonderful concept, and if you visit their website, you'll get a better idea of what their brand is like. It's cute, it's unique, and I am sure it'll be delicious.

I'll let you know as soon as I pour it out into a bowl and get the carton of milk. (Yes, we have fresh milk in our office!)

Olympics Fakery

2008-08-13T14:23:00.005+08:00

I was reading some online articles regarding allegations on some Olympics Fakery. The article basically highlighted on some of the important points, they are :

1) Accusation: That viewers were misled by the use of CGI fireworks during a sweeping helicopter shot leading up to Bird's Nest National Stadium. Organizers note the fireworks were there, but the footage was created in advance due to the danger of shooting live from a nearby helicopter.

2) Accusation: That NBC is time stamping West Coast feeds of competition coverage with a "Live" tag even though the coverage is not live.

3) Accusation: That NBC edited the "parade of nations" from the original order to delay the entrance of U.S. athletes.

The best part is the comment after the article that I found really hilarious.

Posted by: Don't Lie to Me NBC | August 11, 2008 at 01:41 PM

You failed to address the biggest NBC fakery of the entire games: Bob Costas' (the comentator) new ill-fitting wig. That's a toupee that could use some digital animation, for sure.

Non-Malays in UiTM?

2008-08-13T09:02:00.003+08:00

Students adamant on keeping status quo

SHAH ALAM: UiTM is for Bumiputeras -- that's the strong message from more than 5,000 Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) students to Selangor Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

They marched to the Selangor State Secretariat to hand over a memorandum of protest over Abdul Khalid's suggestion that UiTM reserve 10 per cent of places to non-Bumiputeras and foreigners.

Led by UiTM student body president Luqmann Ulhakim Mohamad Idris, the students gathered at the UiTM field before heading to Dataran Shah Alam at 7.30am.

They then marched 500 metres to Bangunan Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, singing the university song UiTM di Hatiku' while carrying banners and placards with various declarations -- "Jangan Rampas Hak Kami" (Do not seize our rights), "Selamatkan UiTM"' (Save UiTM) and "UiTM di Hatiku"' (UiTM in our hearts). The students, however, did not see Abdul Khalid as he was at a meeting elsewhere.

Luqmann was not allowed into Abdul Khalid's office to submit the memorandum, and the situation became quite tense.
Finally, the memorandum was handed over to the menteri besar's news officer Hasril Abu Hassan who met the students at the security booth.

Luqmann said the state government's statement showed that they intended to to politicise UiTM to gain votes from non-Malays in the Permatang Pauh by-election on Aug 26.

In Petaling Jaya, Abdul Khalid said he was willing to meet UiTM representatives to discuss the demands listed in their seven-page memorandum -- but only after the Permatang Pauh by-election.

He told reporters after the state Budget Dialogue 2009 yesterday that he would discuss with the students their memorandum to avoid any misunderstanding.

_____________________________________________________________________

I am a former UiTM student. In fact, I will be graduating from there in a few months time. Coming from the background that I am in, I found it strange and weird initially that everywhere I turned in campus, it was all Malays. I am used to having non-Malay friends. Not because it's a preference. It's simply something that happens.

These students may think that they are being given their rights as Bumiputras, and it's their right to be in that prestigious University. Fact is, education is a right to everyone who wants to pursue it, regardless of race or religion. More so, when there are many other students who are non-Malays who WANT to study. Who WANT to excel. Rather than keeping a small percentage of Malay students in campus who are simply there for the ride. Because fees are cheap (RM450 per semester) and they are bored. I personally know such students.

It pains me, because I have friends who have had to struggle to get their education. Some who are far poorer than the large percentage of UiTM students who come to class in their own cars and bikes. While some of my friends have had to scrimp and save every cent to enroll themselves in private universities.

I'm am not an apathetic Malay. I am proud to be one. I believe in Malay rights. Especially where land is concerned (Tanah Rizab Melayu). But being the daughter of two teachers, I am fully aware of the implications of having the right education. And tertiary education is no longer a luxury for the few. It's a necessity for one to live. (In Malaysia anyway)

Having non-Malays on campus in UiTM should be the least of these students' worries. After being too used to the all Malay environment, and then stepping into the multi-racial working world, can they adapt? Can they accept other people? Or do they stand in a corner with other Malay workers, happily making fun of the other non-Malays? Or do they rise to the occasion? Many don't. They choose to do the former.

Let's not jump the gun, and react in such a manner (as Malays often do). Listen first to what our MB has to say. Education for all...is never a bad idea.

Sproadic Posts

2008-08-12T14:20:00.002+08:00

Sporadic posts means that one is busy.

It's true in my case anyway. Busy in a good way. I love doing what I do, and apart from the low pay (still probation ma..)I'm looking forward to be going to work (like the nerd that I am) and I have great colleagues.

Bigger things may come by as time goes by, but right now things are fine here.

Well, Kas finally graduated on Saturday. Congratulations dear friend! Will be joining your ranks soon.

Met Ng Wee Leong there as well. Never seen the bugger for a long long time edy. I think the last time I saw him was when I was still working at Diary King, and I saw him at the KTM. That was more than four years ago.
I've known him since we were 10, and not many knows this, but he is sort of the reason how me and Kas became friends. Kas sat behind me on our first day in Form 1. And the only common ground we had was Wee Leong. Go figure. Now of course, we talk about many other boys. :P

A colleague also graduated yesterday, from MMU as well. Any excuse for potluck! So everyone (the women at least) rallied together and we hall had lunch in our humble aisle. They promise to do the same once I have graduated!

Trying to get some excercise in between lots of sitting in front of the computer, and couch potato-ing. So I pledge to go to the swimming pool at least twice a week. If not more. So far so good...beats sitting around waiting for the guys to finish playing snooker or badminton. Baby asked me to play badminton with the guys, but since I have no idea how to play, I'd be slowing them down big time.

Not much time for blogging unfortunately. Especially now that I no longer have internet now that I've moved back home.

Jia Hui, I assume has left for USA. Didn't get to see him though. Sorry dude...been occupied with other stuff. Don't worry, you are always in my thoughts. All the best dear...

My day in pictures

2008-07-30T09:29:00.007+08:00

On assignment. The lamp was really pretty.

Kumaran's attempt at breaking the record for the slowest bowling ball throw. Needless to say, the ball stopped dead in the gutter instead. A very pissed off girl who was on duty had to push the ball.

I pass by this house everyday on the way to work, and finally managed to get a shot of it while I was driving. Can you imagine the owner giving directions to his house? "Just look for the aeroplane!"

Handmade earrings made by students. They were really pretty. And cheap! 3 pairs for RM10. Unfortunately, I didn't make a purchase.

Rizal Shahputra. Tsunami survivor. He was at sea for 8 days until he was rescued by Malaysian fishermen. Now studying for his degree in English Communications here. He really is a nice guy.

Short bits. I know. Busy as a beeeeee....

What a picture can spark

2008-07-15T14:16:00.002+08:00

Vincent Chang wrote
at 11:10pm on July 6th, 2008
this aravind cramp d?

Rashveen Kaur wrote
at 12:38am on July 7th, 2008
aravind...why not wearing red!!

Kamelia Shamsuddin wrote
at 9:43am on July 7th, 2008
Hehe...i'm glad i took this photo!

Aravind Sinniah wrote
at 12:31pm on July 7th, 2008
DAMNIT i hate u all!!!
hey rashveen u jangan cakap banyak!!! at least i was there!!! UNLIKE U!!!
and thanks for the caption oso kasturi!
ARGHHH!!!!!

Rashveen Kaur wrote
at 4:55pm on July 7th, 2008
hahha..i wanted to come la...had some stuff to do with grandma la...i got yelling so much la tat week..shud have come oni...wasted!!

Kumaran Subramanian wrote
at 8:53pm on July 7th, 2008
ya,Rash atleast u shud have made it....i joined these guys at around 10.30pm oni...better late than never ;)

p/s : wonder what happen to your red dress shopping...

Rashveen Kaur wrote
at 11:31pm on July 7th, 2008
never happen la red dress shoppin...aih.i was in kl la...no car...difficult to make it..!! anyway i hope there is another time!! oh maybe we shud meet up..has been ages since we met!!

Kumaran Subramanian wrote
at 10:52pm on July 10th, 2008
yup,been decades since we met...haha

Kasthuri Sritharan wrote
at 8:00am on July 11th, 2008
to rashveen and kumaran

dahlah dahlah just meet up la mengada-ada la u ppl

Aravind Sinniah wrote
at 12:30pm on July 11th, 2008
ya stop commenting on my photo la ppl!!!

Rashveen Kaur wrote
at 1:08pm on July 11th, 2008
hahha...arvind u so handsome and cute..tats why we commenting here la!!wat to do..so attracted to ur pic dy!! hahha..kasthuri dun la jeles!! muaaaah!!!

Kasthuri Sritharan wrote
at 1:58pm on July 11th, 2008
korang memamg perangai tak senonoh!hey rashveen miss u la monkey

Rashveen Kaur wrote
at 9:22pm on July 11th, 2008
ohhhhh..i miss u tooo!! you know i am so lonely back in campus!! got no one to lepak with!! sad sad!! come visit me la!!! shuba came once to visit..then we went nasi lemak!! so nice of her...take me all the way for nasi lemak!!

Kumaran Subramanian wrote
at 11:18am on July 12th, 2008
perhaps, all of us shud meet one day since the topic is getting wider as days grows...most likely, it will not be a KHS reunion but committed friends reunion..
We leave that to our exclusive organizer Kamy ;)

Kasthuri Sritharan wrote
at 3:19pm on July 12th, 2008
Kumaran jom jumpe Rashveen kat cyber hahahaha

Kumaran Subramanian wrote
at 8:39pm yesterday
jom....bila ?...

Kasthuri Sritharan wrote
at 8:00am
lets set a date...rash u bila free? and kumaran when r u not flying? kamy and aravind??dis weekend apa macam?

Aravind Sinniah wrote
at 10:31am
this weekend is ON!!! count me in. i will be in bangsar on friday night till 10 pm. after that i am all yours!!

Kumaran Subramanian wrote
at 12:54pm
Im flying tommorow, heading to Kota Kinabalu then to Manila.I'll be back on Friday midnight. Weekends, im off (how amazing this can be).

Kasthuri Sritharan wrote
at 1:41pm
Saturday okva? Kamy n Rash awak berdua apa macam?

Aravind Sinniah wrote
at 2:06pm
yah saturday is awsome...name the place n time

Kamelia Shamsuddin wrote
at 2:16pm
saturday boleh...but i'd be working from 9am to 1pm :( Saturday duty. After that i am free. I'll meet up with you guys ler. Where ever it is you guys wanna go. Haha...and all this started because of the pic i took of ara.

Kumaran: I am exclusive organizer ka? Hehe...we shall see. If there is ever gonna be another meet-up, it's gonna be small, and everyone have to come to my house. Heheh...we do bbq party!

So...committed friends reunion. Anyone else up for it? Call me :)

Paint Balls and Press Releases

2008-07-11T14:51:00.003+08:00

Paint Balls! The highlight of the Digi Fiesta here on campus. Took a whole lot of photos, but no good lah blogging about work right? But this was such a nice shot, I wanted to post it. Saw two old friends today. Pueh pueh, my classmate in Convent, and that guy...er what's his name ah? Sigh...u know that guy. Who was always hitting on my sister? Sheesh...I'm bad with names.

Anyway...one of my articles made it to Malaysian Today. Not one of my best...but will improve as I get the mechanics of a press release right.

David sings to Mariah's tune!

2008-07-08T09:33:00.002+08:00

Everyone gets confused when it comes to song covers. You've listened to the original so often before, have hummed it, have seen the video, have basically identified that song to belong to the artist who sang it in the first place. Some songs though, have been covered by different artistes so many times, that one could hardly remember the original version anymore. Songs like "Heaven" by Bryan Adams, or "I will survive" by Aretha Franklin, or "We will rock you" by whoever it was that orignally sang it.

Most songs that are covered sounds almost exactly like the original, which really...isn't very original. If you have to cover a song, make it sound so different, that it becomes your version that people would like better. Enter David Cook singing Mariah Carey's 'Always be my baby'.

That was my favourite song by Mariah Carey. Ever. But now I almost prefer the David Cook version. :P

On the job

2008-07-04T14:34:00.004+08:00

In my line of work, one needs to be prepared. There's no telling when there's going to be a good picture or news oppurtunity, so you need to have everything you need at hand. One of the first things that I got after I received my salary was this. I needed my hand to be free while I handle the camera.

One of Golla's handy mini bags. Ever since I've noticed the cute bags being sold in major handphone accessory shops like Novacell, I've always wanted one. But for almost RM40 for each of these mini bags, it is on the pricey side. But they come in so many cute designs, (which is lacking in most of the other handphone satchels in the market) I couldn't make up my mind over which one to get. So Baby chose for me. And then he paid for it too! Hehe...thank you Baby!

Now there's space for my headphones too!

And of course, never go out on a job without the trusty notepad. Cute and small enough to fit into the camera bag.

Also comes with cute pen! I remember buying the notebook at Menara TM when I realized that I was to enter into a muy importante meeting with Siti Nurhaliza's personal assistant, and I didn't bring a notebook with me! Thank goodness for small convenience stores mushrooming everywhere!

A look around the garden

2008-07-03T12:35:00.004+08:00

I managed to take some time to take some photos around the garden.

The last one here is one of my personal favourites. I'm one of the lucky ones who is able to have a nice garden with parents who are avid gardeners. More photos later!

Map to Reunite with the KHS Form 6 Gang!

2008-07-02T13:00:00.001+08:00

Click on image to view

Hey guys, the reunion is this Saturday! Have you gotten all of your red gear yet? For those who are still out of the loop, here are the details again.

Date: 5th July 2008

Venue: Village View Restaurant (Along Jalan Reko, make your way towards the Perhentian Bas Kajang. You can't miss it!)

Time: 7PM

Theme: Wear it RED baby!

Fee: RM30

My First Press Release

2008-06-30T13:56:00.002+08:00

My first press release was out yesterday.

Ok lah...can do better. Maybe once I get to know the place and the people more.

People here are generally nice and friendly. It's nice to still be in a university setting. At least one does not get hit hard with the realisation that she is no longer a student, but now a working woman.

I wish that I am perfect for you

2008-06-26T14:40:00.001+08:00

bekindtoOthers

Confirmed Date & Venue for KHS Reunite Party!

2008-06-23T10:58:00.000+08:00

How to get to the KHS Reunite Party!

2008-06-23T10:40:00.003+08:00

View Larger Map

The Village View Restaurant

Lot 7525, Jalan Reko Batu 17, 43000 Kajang, Selangor, Kajang, Malaysia

Wear something RED!

My Internet Journey

2008-06-20T17:02:00.005+08:00

Funny how the internet connects you. You go from one page to another, discovering something new, and it ends up becoming part of your life. Just a click of a link, and it's going to transport you to a whole new world that you haven't discovered. Take for instance yesterday...

I am an avid reader of Yasmin Ahmad's blog. I love to read her take on life and lessons, and to see her latest update on her movies, and awards that she has received. It was one of her posts, with led me to Kevjumba. She posted a video of him, saying how she wishes she could get this 18 year old cutie to star in her upcoming movie, Talentine. That youtube movie of Kevjumba led me to Kevin's youtube page. This guy has been with youtube for less than 6 months, and he is currently the most subscribed in the comedy category. Every video of his surpasses or is close to one million views. Well..he is cute!

Kevjumba's page led me to Happyslip aka Christine Gomez. She has her own online video production, and is just as if not more popular than Kevin. Certainly, her style is almost similar, though more organized. She goes on a much broader scale, and has a huge following online. While browsing through her videos, I stumbled upon a particular one, where her "sister" Minnie has a boyfriend aka Kevjumba. That video had one of the sweetest and most romantic song that I have heard in a long time. From that video, I discovered that song was from a American Phillipino indie singer named Josh Verdes. A link soon brought me to his myspace page.

And it is here that I stumbled upon a whole new sound that was fresh and original, and easy listening. I love his single "Save Me", but I soon discovered that I loved all of his songs. I was also surprised to see for the first time, a Myspace profile that was in Flash. An icon soon brought me to the template provider, called Love My Flash.

Love My Flash is wonderful. With more than 100 templates to choose, you'd be spoilt for choice. And it is really simple to use too. A couple of hours later...

voila~

And that is the story of what I do on the internet. Hehe...

Interning and Working

2008-06-18T14:37:00.002+08:00

These are pictures from a few weeks ago when I did my internship with CD Communications Group. One of our clients were Sime Darby, and we did their massive booth at the Minggu Amanah Saham Malaysia. There was basically only 5 of us most of the time, and I was the only girl. Awkward...but I did my best. I try not to make too much of a big deal of it, and even if Manoh woudln't admit it, I did do a lot of heavy lifting. Of course, the guys did much more than I did. Client servicing is a whole different ball game. What ever they say goes basically. We were there for 12 days, and on the first 4 days of the event, I spent most of my time outside, hunting for stuff they sent me out to buy or print or what not.

The guys (dare I say it?) turned out to be rather protective of me. We had plenty of fun, and every night, it was another ikan bakar place in Melaka that week. That short stint was an awakening for me. It nudged me even further away from pursuing a career in advertising, and it taught me a lot of about the harsh life of event management. Gila la...wakeup at 7am, back at the hotel at 1am. Not to mention the sheer physical work we had to do.

Jo and Nazry swore that I lost weight, and that if the event was abit longer...sure very kurus already.

But it ended (not soon enough!) and I was back recuperating at home. Piling on the weight again. Ugh...

A few days after Melaka, my internship ended. By then, I had already completed about 2 job interviews, and had 4 offers. Not bad for a girl used to flunk her mathematics.

Working life is pretty interesting so far. I get to write a lot. Less time for blogging and the like. Granted, it gears more towards press releases, but it's fun to be able to talk to students, and attend their events. It's only been about 2 weeks since I've started, and in the midst of it the fuel price went up. I now need to fork out at least RM100 a week to get to work. Sigh...

Here are some pictures from the event. I have plenty more showing the spectacular 600 square meter booth with 3 water features. I'll see if I would have the time or patience to upload them later.

(Above, top) Manoh, Nazry, me, Jo. Our hangout was always in the store room.

Let me face the music

2008-06-17T16:39:00.001+08:00

It's October again
Leaves are coming down
One more year's come and gone
And nothing's changed at all
Wasn't I supposed to be someone
Who can face the things that I've been running from...

Let me feel, I don't care if I breakdown
Let me fall, even if I hit the ground
And if I...
Cry a little
Die a little
At least I know I lived, just a little...

I've become much too good at being invincible
I'm an expert at play it safe, and keep it cool
But I swear this isn't who I'm meant to be
I refuse to let my life roll all over me...

Let me feel, I don't care if I breakdown
Let me fall, even if I hit the ground
And if I...
Cry a little
Die a little
At least I know I lived, just a little...

I wanna be somebody
I, I wanna be somebody
I wanna be somebody
I, I wanna be somebody who can face the things that I've been running from

Let me feel, I don't care if I breakdown
Let me fall, even if I hit the ground
And if I
Cry a little
Die a little
At least I know I lived...

It's October again
Leaves are coming down
One more year's come and gone
And nothing's changed at all

Bethany Joy Lenz

Cavewoman days

2008-06-13T11:31:00.004+08:00

I used a floppy disk for the first time yesterday in like almost 4 years! It is so weird, cause it was super slow. And after I was done with it, it took me awhile to figure out that I don't have to "virtually unplug" the thing like you have to with a pendrive or removable disk. All you are supposed to do is to press the eject button.

Remember those things that you used to use, but never really see them around anymore? Guys, if you grew up in the 90s, you know what I am talking about.

Rollerball Mouse
Mouse Pads
The Frogger Game
Home Telephones!
VCDs
Windows 95
Dot matrix printer
External Zip Drive
Pen Eraser!

Haha...wat else? Add to the list people!

Why caveWOMAN? Cause I can be really politically correct something. Heh..

The BMW Gina

2008-06-12T13:20:00.003+08:00

The new BMW concept car, nicknamed GINA. After the Hydrogen vehicle, I felt there was nothing more BMW could do to perfect a car. How wrong I was.

GINA is not just a car. It is probably Herbie, if she could grow into a woman. It curves, it moves, it blinks like no other car could ever do. The big idea behind this car is one that could evolve wherever and whenever the driver needs to without even taking it to the workshop. Imagine this. You want to impress a chick with a spoiler for your car. Press a button, and voila, the spoiler emerges from the back, and it is seamless.

Built on the short-lived Z8 Roadster platform, the Gina consists of a flexible 'skin' stretched over a metal wire structure enforced with carbon fibre. It allows the driver to change the shape of the car 'on the fly'

It is still a concept car. Of course there will be questions like, "will it tear?" or "what happens when it crashes?" and stupid stuff like that. What most people fail to know about concept cars is that is paves the future for better technology for BMW's other line-ups.

And it's wicked how the car winks at you.

KHS Form 6 Class of 2004 Reunite!

2008-06-12T13:06:00.002+08:00

Sashi wanted another reunion. I think she's feeling nostalgic. Well, who isn't? So she asked me to publicize and advertise the event. The problem is, the details of the event is all still pending. What is certain is that it will be held at the end of June.

Hm, not much time left. But will do my best. So here's my internet poster for the event. Nice?

If you are reading this, and would like to attend the event, just drop me a note, with your name, email address and handphone number. We will keep you posted as the details unravel.

p/s- If you were a junior or a close friend, and did not attend Kajang High School or Form 6, you are still welcomed to join us!

I had my second piercing!

2008-06-10T17:56:00.000+08:00

Next: My nose!

p/s - pssstt...don't tell my parents yet!

Bored of the internet yet?

2008-06-10T13:14:00.003+08:00

So...how have you been? *bashing eyelids*

Bored of the internet already? No new friends requests on Facebook? No new emails except for spam, and Perezhilton hasn't been updated yet? *gasp!*

Let me take a moment here then to gush over the season finale of How I Met Your Mother. Barney is definitely in love with Robyn! Which is great news! I don't think Ted is going to settle for Stella yet. Partly because I think, if he does, it'll be the end of the show. And it is only now that the show is beginning to peak.

I know you're bored, so you won't go wrong if you check out these videos!

Barney loves Robyn

"How I Met Your Mother" promo

Fall in with me

2008-06-06T17:48:00.004+08:00

Here in My Home, written by Pete Teo and participated by over 120 Malaysian artistes for free is currrently the 7th most viralled video/song on the internet according to an online UK magazine. Certainly, it is the most impressive so far for a patriotic song, mostly due to the much improved internet access nowadays, and not to mention that the song is catchy. What was most interesting is how radios are actually giving the song some heavy airplay, which is rare for any Malaysian music. They play it in the weekends, or after midnight, and that will be it. So it was wonderful to drive back during peak hour, and hear it sometimes twice in an hour.

I knew that the song and the video is being circulated on the internet, and I checked it out, and decided to promote the song and video. A fad it certainly is, but looking beyond that, the song does actually have some really meaningful lyrics. As far as patriotic songs go by, one of the best. At least it is not praising some old man sitting on a golden chair, and it is contemporary, appealing to the youth, who really need a boost when it comes to being proud of their country. Like, have you noticed how after school ends, the people you hang out with are mainly people from your own race, or church, or temple? It's like, if that circumstance where you need to be with other people from other races and ethnicity is not being enforced, people drift away. Sad, ain't it?

So, here in my home, one heart, undivided...please why don't you fall in with me? Spread the video and song on your blogs. Click here.

Remember Harry and the gang?

2008-06-06T14:06:00.004+08:00

I'm not sure how many of you out there are Harry Potter fans, and still are. I am saddened everytime I glance at my bookshelf and see the row of Harry Potter books there. I wish I can go back to the time when I first read it, and feel that excitement and rush again. Maybe after a decase or so, when I am old, or have amnesia, I shall return to those books and read it all again with the same sense of wonderment.

I regularly visit J.K Rowling's website, not only because it's entertaining (search for clues to get a reward) but there are little anecdotes there about Harry Potter and his world, that is not included in the books J.K wrote. Among the stuff that is inside her website is the geneology of the main characters of Harry Potter. We know Harry and Ginny has 3 children, if you read Deathly Hallows, and also some about Ron and Hermione's children. Also included in the geneology are a glimpse into the lives of Draco who married Asteria Greengrass, and has a son named Scorpius Hyperion, George, who I suspected was going to marry Angelina, having two children, with a son named after his dead brother, Luna and Rolf, with two children, and of course, Bill and Fluer, with three children. If you remember, it was Bill and Fluer's daughter Victorie who was caught making out with Teddy, Lupin and Tonk's son. Oo...and Percy has a child named after his mother, probably trying to makeup for those couple of years when he abandoned the family.

Sigh...I've said it, and I'll say it again, I miss Harry Potter. But the thing about J.K Rowling is that she has a wonderful sense of nobility and dignity in her, that she isn't going to continue reaping profits from Harry Potter, knowing that a send-off like this is much better than to see the character continue, and maybe flop after some years. At least in our minds, we'll always remember Harry for what he was in those seven books.

Bila di dalam kegawatan ekonomi...

2008-06-05T15:35:00.003+08:00

You know the country is in deep trouble, when people start selling clothes by the kilogramme. Spotted at Billion in Semenyih, where incidentally there was a riot at the petrol station as everyone rushed to get petrol before the price hike.

When all prices go up, and salary is still the same sad amount, what does a girl have to do, to keep up? Here are some tips:

Apply lipstick only once a day. No matter if you look like an ass by lunch time.
Dating should be confined to the mamak, and order only plain water, and share roti canai.
Confine the use of the hair dryer to 30 seconds. If not enough, stand outside and shake hair around.
Turn off handphone at night. No need to charge so many times leh.
Recycle old shoes. I know you have a few dusty pairs in the cupboard.
Turn off the air-cond in the car. Never mind if hair become all messy. Tell boss, harga minyak naik!
Move to Egypt. Petrol price only rm0.50 over there.
Phillipines also can. Sugar very cheap.
Or worse come to worse, buy clothes by the kilo.

Nonsense edy this one. Head all cuckoo from lack of money, thus lack of air.

p/s - macam mana nak kahwin ni?

Selamat Pegantin Baru

2008-06-04T16:59:00.003+08:00

I think he's not going to take anymore photos in a long time. But we don't mind, as we rub our hands with glee, and see Laj give Mushi a piggyback across the paddy field.

Edit: Find some cute photos here!

An update

2008-05-27T16:58:00.002+08:00

It's Kenduri season, all over Malaysia. Be it the birth of a new child, a wedding, or anniversaries, come the school holidays in Malaysia, suddenly the canopies come up, and every one is in full swing of celebration.

Selamat Pengantin Baru to those who just got married. Here's a prayer for a long life filled with happiness.

If you are wondering where I have been, well...I've been busy with moving back to my home in Mantin and preparing myself for my new job next week.

*gasp*! I am a working woman now! How very ironic.

'So, where DID I end up working anyway?' You might be wondering.

Come 3rd of June, I shall be a PR Executive at a well established private college in Cheras. It's near home, and I'll be able to do lots of interesting stuff. For one thing, I would be able to write. That's something I would not have been able to do if I pursued client servicing in the advertising industry.

I consider myself lucky to be able to get this job. Maybe I am blessed.

Till next time folks.

Guess Who is Getting Married Soon...

2008-05-14T11:56:00.001+08:00

Huhu...don't hate me Laj.

Treasured Trinkets

2008-05-14T10:45:00.004+08:00

So I started moving out of my apartment this week. With mixed feelings. I'm excited that I'm finally going home. For once I can furnish my own room with all the things that I want, and be able to spend time properly with my own family. At the same time, leaving the apartment is saying goodbye to another era of my life. And being one of the original three who rented the apartment 2 years ago, I feel guilty for leaving my friends behind, burdened with the task of finding replacements and handling the finances.

I reserved a whole day to pack up my things and bring back whatever I could in my small car. Baby helped. 2 year of accumulated trinkets, and I reminisce how each of them came to my possession. Small costume jewelery given by friends throughout the years. Scraps of paper that made me laugh. And stuff I don't even remember getting.

I laughed at myself, remembering how I used to write quotes everywhere, as my childish, romantic self daydreamt the day away, while everyone else was frantically writing down notes.

The bracelet I got from Kas for one of my birthdays. I don't remember which one. We've been friends since we were 13, you do the math.

Yet another bracelet from a few Christmases ago. All the aunties pooled their winnings from their blackjack game and bought all the girls one.

Among the pile of papers and files was an organizer I used when I was the editor for The Scroll. I found notes scribbled by Jia Hui, drawings by Kas and notes to myself for that month's edition. If I was quick to throw out the rest of the items from my school days, I somehow couldn't bring myself to throw away this one. And so it sits on my shelf.

And then there was the necklace Prashant gave me so long ago. I think probably the only present I've received from a guy besides Baby. The chain's broken, and it's tarnished. But it's still in the jewelery box, reminding me of those innocent days we all took for granted.

And then there was the mecical certificate I got from spraining my ankle on the way to work one day. It was so bad, that I didn't even blog about it.

And then there were junk that I'd have to think twice why or how I ever got them.

Yes, I do miss the days that have gone by. I have my regrets. But I don't wish to re-do any of those days again. I'm happy with the memories that I have. Goodbye dear apartment. You have been both friend and foe to me. But I am fond of you all the same.

Happy Ma Day!

2008-05-09T11:13:00.002+08:00

Mama is the kind of woman who would squish a bug in the most inhumane way to save her roses.

And they are very nice roses too.

Mama has a love/hate relationship with cats. Which is why the cat is always chased outside, because his fur was on all the furniture.

Poor Teddy selalu kena marah...

Mama will always be known as the amoi that Papa snagged while in university.

But 24 years later, still like lovey dovey like when they first met.

And Mama was the one who waged war with a 2 meter long monitor lizard for eating her koi fish. And also diligently caught frogs in our pond who visited at night and created such a noisy racket. It took her some time to realize that she was catching the same two frogs everyday. (They got banished to the other side of the big lake and was never heard again)

Mama was also the one who was always on some culinary adventure during festive seasons, and usually they are delicious.

We rarely express our feelings in our family, except when it came to frustration and nagging. So, for once, just wanna say, I love you Mama, for all of your quirkiness and all that you have thought me over the years.

Happy Ma Day!

Calvin and Hobbes and everything in between

2008-05-07T16:42:00.007+08:00

Comic strips were a huge part of my weekend when I was smaller. It was the first thing I read every morning in the newspaper, and I looked forward to the coloured version in the weekends. Especially the Sunday strips, because they were bigger and were a few pages long.

And then a peculiar phenomenon happened in the comic world, and the format began to shrink, and pretty soon, even the Sunday strips were decimated to only about 8 strips, and my favourite ones began to disappear. Newspapers began to give way to stuff that they thought were more important. Longer write-ups on Sports, and World issues, and segmenting into bite sized sections for specific target markets. The comics became a forgotten art.

There is something very much different between the daily strips compared to the elaborate monthly books that boys divulge their pocket money for. Dragon ball, Spiderman, GTO and etc. The daily strip is a different breed altogether, cheering one up when the day is still long. Putting things into a wider perspective, and laughing at yourself.

My favourite of all the daily strips has and will always be Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson. His work cuts across many age groups, and is able to relate to so many people. His satire attracts the cynics among us, his heartwarming pieces strike a cord in parents, and his art drawing is appreciated by artistes.

I think I started reading Calvin and Hobbs way back when I was in primary school, and Aaron had one of the anniversary books around, and I started reading it and became addicted. Whenever I could, I would go out and get the collectible books. I loved the relationship Calvin and Hobbes had, plus it was simply hilarious.

I stumbled upon this web page, compiling Bill Watterson's 25 best Calvin and Hobbs strip. Which is no easy feat, since everyone of them are great. Mr. Watterson is such a perfectionist when it came to the strip, that he remains unphotographed (almost, there are a few of his pictures out there) and virtually anonymous until today. He insists that this is because he wanted to maintain the strip's credibility and purity. Which is why he also refused to license Calvin and Hobbes for souvenirs or TV shows which he believes somehow marred Peanuts for Schultz.

Hopefully some of you out there will change on how you look at the daily strip, and together we can lobby for a larger comic section in the daily newspapers!

Sometimes Kindness Pays...

2008-05-06T21:03:00.004+08:00

Violinist plays for taxi driver

Mr Khalil was presented with a medal last month by the city of Newark

A violinist who left his 285-year-old instrument in a taxi in the United States is playing a concert to thank the driver who returned it to him.

Philippe Quint is giving a private 30-minute performance on Tuesday in the cab waiting area at Newark Liberty International Airport.

He left his violin, a 1723 Kiesewetter Stradivarius, in a taxi on the way back from the airport last month.

The driver, Mohamed Khalil, got in touch the next day to return it.

Mr Khalil, who was born in Egypt, was given a reward of $100 (£50) by Mr Quint, and was also presented with a medal from the City of Newark.

In addition to the airport performance, he and his family are also being given tickets to Mr Quint's next New York performance, at Carnegie Hall in September.

The violin was made by the Italian Antonio Stradivari, and then owned by the 18th-Century German composer and violinist Christophe Kiesewetter. It has been valued at $4m (£2m).

In 2006 the Stradivari Society arranged a loan of the instrument from its current owners, Clement and Karen Arrison, to Mr Quint, who has been nominated for a Grammy award.

After leaving it in the taxi on his return from a performance in Dallas, he rang the police and the port authorities of New York and New Jersey.

The following day Mr Khalil was put in touch with Mr Quint, and soon the violin was returned.

Source: BBC

The Chameleon named Kamelia

2008-05-06T10:58:00.002+08:00

Snail: "Gee, I thought it'll be hard to find someone like me around here."

Chameleon: "It isn't so hard once you get the hang of it."

More great desktop wallpapers from Vlad Studio.

X-Files Revisited

2008-05-06T10:38:00.003+08:00

Warning: I watch X-Files reruns.

Kak G bought all nine seasons of X-Files, and I've been watching them off and on again since the beginning of the year. Pathetic, no? But I was such a fan of the series back then, and because my parents were both so strict, we had to be in bed by 10pm every night, or else revise our schoolwork. This went on until I was in Form Five. So I never got to see the series, except for a few which we sneaked downstairs to watch.

I am at season 8 right now, and haven't had the time to finish. But after so many episodes, you begin to understand why it was such a great show. It wasn't so much because of the far-fetched UFO theories, or about the aliens, but the wonderful dynamic between Scully and Mulder. The well-written script, which pitted the two together, and the sometimes hilarious episodes of satire and parody.

Maybe most of you were once avid fans of the series, but fell out from it when they went into the 6th season and more. It was simply too much to keep up with. And so, altogether forgotten about. I was browsing Youtube, and stumbled upon this very well edited video by XFellowbee, which was a far cry from the usually nauseating videos edited with the usual love song paired with visuals of Mulder and Scully's kissing scenes. Which wasn't that many to begin with.

This video instead showed the wonderful respect between Scully and Mulder as FBI partners, and if you were or are a fan of X-Files, wonderfully summarizes the show. Take a minute to watch.

Who will act as you?

2008-05-06T09:18:00.005+08:00

It was one of those conversation openers that I like to pose to my family and friends.

"So, if there was a movie made about your life, who would you want to act as you?"

Mama, almost with no hesitation: "Ming Na, the one that acted in The Joy Luck Club." Waa....it looks like you've given this some thought before huh? "What....she looks a little like me what~"

Ok, fair enough. If you're going to have a say in which actor plays you, you're going to go for the closest, most good looking version of you, right?

Papa: "I think I would like that guy to act as me...what's his name...oh yeah, Salih Yaacob." Eh, why him? "I was a lot like him back in the day." My dad, the ultimate Mr Os. The boy who used to slather glue on the girls' chairs and answered "By bus," when asked "How's it going?" while studying in Australia.

My brother: "That guy in Mortal Combat!" What, the one playing Liu Kang? "Yup!!" Muahahhahah!!

It's a hypothetical question. Hypothetical questions allows one to be ridiculous and unrealistic.

Huz: "Er, Tom Cruise?" Someone closer physically laa. Suddenly Rajini Khan comes to mind. Before I can suggest, "I know, Chow Yun Fatt! Think of me as the slightly chubbier version!"

Chubbier version it is.

Who will play me? Haha, wouldn't you like to know.

An overdue update

2008-05-05T12:57:00.003+08:00

My first two toes on my left foot has lost all feeling.

It's numb.

It's gone for two weeks on power mode, and when the event finally ended, they both gave up and went on vacation.

That's what I think anyway.

So, I've been in Melaka for 12 days, and in bed for the most time until today. Why I was in Melaka? It was because of this.

And our client was:

Photo courtesy of Nazry

Hectic, I tell you...but fun as well. Learned a lot about people and freeloaders.

In other events, I am officially moving out from the apartment end of this month. Going back to home, sweet home.

More pictures of the event later.

A message from Melaka...

2008-04-25T15:37:00.001+08:00

Click if you are curious

2008-04-15T11:51:00.001+08:00

We're finally selling this.

Interested?

At the car wash

2008-04-14T10:30:00.004+08:00

Remember when as a kid you used to sit in the car while your dad washed it? It's a wonderful feeling, that can't be explained.

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Rocky (Yucky) Memory Lane

2008-04-14T09:19:00.002+08:00

Hey remember when you used to be a fan of boybands? Cringe all you like. I know you at least USED to like them. You were maybe 12, and still innocently thought that their dance moves were cool, and you memorized all of their lyrics. You weren't? Well, just me then. (Yeah right, I know you were!)

Let's go down that disastrous memory lane, where you used to have crushes over that pimply faced 17 year old boy in your school bus, you still diligently did your homework and being the teacher's pet wasn't such a bad thing.

Back then, the biggest thing to rock your music experience was this band:

AHHhhhhh! Cringe! Bleach! Yuckkkkk!

And then it was this band:

Nsync

And then you claimed you evolved, and moved on to boybands who actually play their own instruments.

The Moffatts

But then you got tired of the goody goody boybands, so you felt that you were maturing, and started to be fans of a much naughtier looking bunch.

5ive

But really, they were just yet another boyband.

We were innocent and naive I suppose, and now our musical experience has (for most people) expanded, and you become more open to other genres and artistes. But for as long as you live, when someone asked you what was the first cassette/CD you bought, you'd be hard pressed not to lie and say it was one of the above.

Harold and Kumar is Back!

2008-04-11T17:03:00.002+08:00

Surfing around, and found out that there's going to be a second installment of Harold and Kumar!

You may or may not have seen the previous movie, Harry and Kumar go to White Castle. If you have HBO on Astro, you may want to look out for it. Yes, although the movie does come off as being one huge advertisement for White Castle, the movie was so ridiculous, it was hilarious. Now I am not a fan of spoof movies. Especially the Scary movie series, and then Epic movie, and Date movie. But this had a whole new flavour to it, particularly, because the starring roles weren't stupid caucasian dude and duddettes.

Anyway, I'm not going to go into extreme detail about the movie. You'd have to watch it for yourself. And if you have, then you should be watching this trailer, and get just as psyched as I am.

Not too sure whether it will be opening in our local cinemas though. If only I had a Rapidshare account. Hmmm... (Calls credit card company)

Broken Scar's New Album - I'm in it!

2008-04-11T13:38:00.005+08:00

Kevin announced the release of his new album, in a completely new format. Taking the local music industry to a whole new level.

And he is giving it away for free!

Not only does this save a whole lot of money, but I have a feeling that it's going to give him a whole lot of exposure, that can only come from the viral nature of the internet. Here are those who have gained notoriety by going public on the net.

Example One: Russell Peters.

If you still haven't heard of him, you're living in a cave. His new style of stand-up comedy has really made him famous, as he pokes fun at stereotypes, and really open up discussions about race that are considered taboo.

Two years ago, he was still going about his business, landing small gigs, and trying to make ends meet. And then, someone genius uploaded a video of his show on the internet, and like wildfire, everyone is suddenly quoting him, and impersonating him.

Example Two: Colbie Caillat

She was on My Space, and because of her Bubbly single, she became the number one unsigned singer in her genre, and garnered over thirty one million plays.

Example Three: Kevjumba

Kevin is an Asian highschool student in United States, who one day decided to simply make a couple of fun videos and featured them Youtube. His videos are a mixture of humour, satire and personal going-ons, but it quickly caught on, and in four months he made it to the number one most viewed comedian on Youtube, and number four most subscribed. Now he owns his own website portal, and given his popularity, he plans to go into being a full time stand up comedian one day.

It's all a play between opportunity, hard work, and sometimes a little bit of luck I suppose. But garnering that precious bit of popularity through the internet has become really important for the entertainment industry now.

Which is why now you have this virtual album by Kevin.

And I am in it! Thanks Kev!

Now usually the indie music scene isn't really for everyone. The genre appeals to a selected few. Usually groupies. But BrokenScar has this radio-friendly feel to it, which really makes it nice to listen to on your mp3 player. You might have heard Shooting Start on Fly Fm's Campur Chart, yup, he's been number one for some time now. You don't believe me? Want to listen to it yourself? Well, be my guest;

Download it here.
Read the story behind it here.

Congratulations Jia Hui!

2008-04-11T13:13:00.005+08:00

Jia Hui told me that he has been accepted to not one but TWO Ivy Leagues, and is leaving in four months time.

I am so proud of him. Here's a nineteen year old, who I knew one day, would rock the world. Maybe he already has.

Take care dear friend. We'll miss ya.

Edit: He's in NST today! Read about it here.

Courtesy of NST

Dear Mr President

2008-04-10T20:06:00.002+08:00

I rarely hear a singer who sang about something that truly mattered to everyone. Sure, there are a fair few who attempted it. But nothing compares to this one by Pink. Listen to the lyrics. It's heart wrenching.

I've listened to a couple of tracks in her new album, and I think that this is her best yet. She maybe unconventional and controversial sometimes, but her songs are really beautiful, and catchy. The internet is probably the only way for people to hear this song though...for even with America's 1st amendment policies, this song has been consistently rejected for airplay or performed on television.

One wonders whether George Bush did hear the song, and what went through his head...

My Future Employer?

2008-04-10T14:37:00.002+08:00

Well, why not? The sky's the limit.

What do you think of my new blog template?

2008-04-10T12:29:00.003+08:00

Pfffpph!

2008-04-09T09:47:00.002+08:00

I never blog about anything controversial. Mainly because I am horrible when it comes to confrontation. But there has been something that has been bugging me for a long time. And I just need to get it off my chest.

Malaysians are obsessed when it comes to titles. Have you noticed that? There are 9 kings giving out titles every year to less than deserving people, I might add, and that doesn't include all the other people who are "born" with titles.

It is so very extensive, and complicated, that it borders maniacal and ridiculous. Scratch that, it's over the border, over the fence, and is downright nonsense.

When I was in school, and was forced to attend this majlis, and that majlis, usually attended by someone or other who was entitled. And the titles that preceded her or his name was usually 5 times longer than the actual name. This is what we have come to call protocol. Here's an example of how the sequence goes.

Honorary Style, Professional Rank, Royal Hereditary Title, Federal Title, State Title, Non-royal Hereditary Title, Doctor (of medicine or philosophy), Haji/Hajjah (for Muslim men and women who have performed the Hajj), Name. Read more nonsense here.

I found it all frustrating and nonsensical, especially when the event has got nothing to do with him/her dignified one. Charities, sporting events, concerts, intellectual discourse, it all begins with them. That of course, doesn't include the seating order.

And then there are the hereditary titles. All the Tengkus, and Rajas and Syeds, and Sharifahs and blah blahs.

I've met my share of proud proud people who not only reinforce this ancient and backward hierarcal system, but look down on us commoners. It's disgusting. I am PROUD to be a commoner ok?

I used to know someone who truly coveted the titled people, and hoped to one day marry a Datuk in order to be a Datin. Pathetic, no?

And then there are the tragic lot who forces people around them to call them by their titles, and not their given names. My dad told of this vain and stupid female lecturer who insisted her students and colleagues call her Datin.

Good luck having any friends, yeah Datin?

If I was Mr. December, I'd probably be cursing and calling people using animal metaphors, but I'm not going to waste my breath on a bunch of people who not only are silly, vain and have only God to answer to one day, but also will never learn that the measure of a man is not in their titles and possessions, but their soul and their mind.

Precious Minis in My Wallet

2008-04-03T14:13:00.003+08:00

Remember when you were in school, and instead of identity card, ATM cards and pass cards, your wallet was instead filled with little stuff which seems insignificant, but somehow or rather has a deep personal meaning to.

Growing up, your wallet space gives way to all the more important stuff. Your bank book, cash cards, credit cards, receipts for claims and all the other boring *adult* stuff.

But in between wallets and the years, I managed to hold on to the precious few, which hasn't been decimated by water, termites or my absent-mindedness.

I hardly notice they are there. Tucked in a secluded part of the wallet. Only when I am changing my wallet do I get to taste the sweet surprise of remembering that I had tucked it in there.

From the top, clockwise:

1) STPM year, about a couple of months before the big exams, everyone (mostly girls) are giving away last minute mementos and wishes of "Good Luck", all of which is followed by me saying, "Luck has got nothing to do with it dear..." I kept this one by Sashi Rekha, since she stuck her wish onto the back of a KTM ticket, before they started reusing them.

2) Phui See, or now more popularly known as Rachel (hehe), gave this to me in Form 5. Also another "Good Luck" wish. Phui See was a dear friend, who really listens to you, and although I haven't seen her for almost four years now, I still cherish and miss her.

3) The three of us. On a beach in Marang. Carefree, and still in speaking terms.

4) A note Jia Hui stuck on an edition of The Scroll back in the final year of Form 6. The most precious of all the little things I hide. Jia Hui, missing ya.

5) A lesson learnt. I keep it with me, to remind me to never go into another one again.

Up and Around

2008-04-03T09:57:00.002+08:00

So...I've been missing the past few days. Baby certainly felt the pinch. Have been really busy, running around, helping out in events.

I need to be in Melaka this weekend, and the coming weeks. So I guess I won't be around the office around much, happily updating my blog. :P

In other happenings...

I was at Mantin for the opening ceremony for national service's 2nd series. Got to laugh at the kids doing the chicken dance in front of the Angkasawan. God, am I glad that I got away from being drafted for being born a year earlier.

I was also at TM's Business Star awards where Paul Moss, Siti Hajar, Hattan and Fara Fauzana congregated over the nasi lemak I slaved to get in Kampung Baru. But Farah was super nice, and belanja me Secret Recipe's ice blended mocha. No other pictures though. The event was at night, and my trusty handphone camera can only have so much quality. I'm getting the cybershot soon, so I'll definitely get better photos.

My mom and I were at Semenyih recently, having lunch at the recently opened Restaurant Ibrahim Maju (I swear, they sprout everywhere like mushrooms). We asked the waiter about the chicken rice, since so many people were ordering it. Waiter pulak boleh buat lawak bodoh...

Me: Sedap tak nasi ayam sini?

Waiter:Saya tak tau la...

Me: Eh, kenapa pulak?

Waiter: Orang india mana boleh makan nasi ayam.

Me: Urm... (I thought Indians only cannot eat beef?)

Waiter: Nasi sikit sangat la!

Me: *orang tengah lapar, buat lawak pulak!*

We soon found out why everyone ordered the chicken rice. It had a unique flavour to it, and was served promptly to your table by this man...

Now how often to you see a man wearing the chef's hat at a mamak stall? :)

A Sugary Follow-up...

2008-03-23T23:07:00.003+08:00

Needless to say, I have failed in my quest for a sugar-free diet. I am weak, and easily swayed. How can you stay on a sugar-free diet when people are calling you every week and asking you to get them little tid-bits as soon as they know my office is right next door to The Curve. Haven of all pastries and sweet things.

Who were those irresponsible people, kacau-ing me when they both KNOW that I am on a diet. Who else but Baby and Syeela.

Baby wanted his 1 dozen of Big Apple doughnuts. Syeela wanted her Cupcake Chic. And then Puteri messaged me, and wanted some too.

Who needs enemies when you've got best friends, I tell you.

Of course, I couldn't resist but to get a couple of them cupcakes myself.

After that, it all went downhill...

Sigh...I'll try again this week. Wish me luck!

I am off sugar!

2008-03-17T09:51:00.002+08:00

I have a sweet spot when it comes to sugar.

Pastries with peaches,
Cream filled puffs,
Chocolate glazed donuts.

In fact, I even mentioned to Baby that I want one of my hantaran to be a chocolate fountain.

Isn't that a great idea? Hehe...

But my sweet spot for chocolate and sugar has had its repercussions. I shall say no more. Ask me no questions, and I shall tell you no lies. So it's with this steely resolve, that I have determined to abstain from all forms of sugar for the entire week. That means:

Muesli for breakfast
Cut fruits for lunch
and bread for dinner.
And no hot mocha beverages in between.

Can I do it? Will I make it? Stay tuned.

Fading words...

2008-03-16T23:46:00.003+08:00

Why can't I write?
Write the right words.
To inspire, to create
imaginings of late.
It dips and swerves,
it moves like the water.
These words in my head,
refuses to form
and make something great.
Like termites and silverfish
that tunnel through words
my head runs out
of much needed inspiration.

Birthday follow - up

2008-03-13T15:10:00.002+08:00

Hehe, finally gave Baby his birthday present. Hunted everywhere for it. All you have to do is to just open your eyes a little, and sometimes the perfect birthday present has been right there all along. Want to know what it was?

Baby gushed over it here.

So we're waiting until the next full moon. Which isn't for another week I think. But the weather hasn't been on our side. It's been cloudy and raining lately.

Something about looking high up into the heavens, makes you closer to God somehow. How can someone has any doubts over the existence of God, when something so beautiful, is right there as evidence. Winking back at you.

Youtube, the moronic comment generator

2008-03-07T12:17:00.004+08:00

I browse Youtube.

I look for music videos mostly. Deprived of MTV or VChannel, due to ever responsible parents, who didn't want their precious children to be too western influenced. Should have thought twice then when you gave me Jane Austen to read, mummy dearest :)

Anyway, Youtube. A saviour to the new generation who are word challenged. Moving visual and pop music is the order of the decade. And the sheer convenience. Copy and paste, and voila, you have your very own video on your blog, facebook, friendster and what not. And for office going people, it saves the day from utter boredom.

So, it was no surprise when I saw my colleague yesterday browsing in Youtube, and stumbling upon videos of Malay peeping toms. Or better known as skodeng. They prowl lonely park corners, isolated water falls, and exchange videos with jilted exes, and publish these videos in Youtube for the world to see.

What does the world see? A malay girl, shameless and willing to strip. Kissing men, and giving oral sex. The world sees, and they comment. Thousands of comments, follow each video. And it is these comments which makes my blood really boil.

bengong...pakai tudung konon decent laa tuh..pdhal hipokrit nk mampos

pompuan tu da cuak nak mampos daa...
bangang ar korang ni
terus trang aku ckp..
korang mmg bangang!!!!

pompuan pompuan malasyia murah murah dan gampang yha.......hahahahahaha

bodoh..... klau mk ngan bapak dier tgk mst dh xngaku ank....
bek pg mampos r lg bagos
sesape yg berkenaan yg knal pompuan ne ckp ak nk trajang pompuan ne smpi mmpos

It sickens me to see these girls being cheated and coaxed by men, who I am sure had something to do with those videos being posted on the internet, are being solely blamed. And although she was probably really stupid to begin with for submitting to her boyfriend, or doing it in public, no one seems to realize that it's the men who are playing the real part in the explicit video.

As usual, the women gets all the blame.

Vat to vote?

2008-03-07T10:59:00.004+08:00

It's voting day tomorrow. Where will you be?

I will be voting of course, and for the life of me, I still am undecided. I tried to make a decision over the past few days. Surf some blogs, and read what they have to say. The opposition and the government. And I still find both of them to talk a whole lot of crap.

I'm no fan of PAS. No matter what you say about BN, or what propaganda they have blown about the opposition, fact still remains that they are too ultra conservative for Malaysia. Having seperate checkout counters for women and men in Tesco? Are you freaking kidding me? What, if I came in with my husband, he wouldn't be able to accompany me, and I him? Or what if a woman were to have his teenage son push the trolly for him? They can't queue together. That is just freaking stupid. And imposing segregation of sexes to everyone else who is not muslim? That is simply unconstitutional and unfair. PAS of course is already talking about the segregation of sexes in other places.

Tour groups.

Yup, no longer can families have their holidays together. Sons and father in another tour bus. Wife and daughters in another tour bus with a female tour operator. Yeah, good luck finding those.

Keadilan, on the other hand is all about justice for the people, and the issues they talk about have a valid point. And then Chandra Muzaffar becomes a whistle blower. And that all falls apart. Suddenly everyone is seeing Anuar in a different light. Including myself. Yup, I can be a real lalang when it comes to Malaysian politics.

BN's advertising campaign has the expected angle. Peace, and racial harmony and what not. I find it rather hypocritical coming from a party which divides their parties according to race. We may have peace and harmony and all that. But ignoring what's in front of you, sweeping it under the rug is not going to make things better. Acknowledgment of it, and continuously working at it is needed to really have a peaceful nation. And you can back it up with whatever factoids and statistics you have, but reality remains that prices are going up, and there are people here, who are suffocating from the financial noose that is slowly tightening. 1.1 trillion worth of projects have been approved, but chances are, the bulk of that pie is going to end up in the already deep pockets of corrupted officers and politicians. And then the roof is going to leak within a week anyway.

Maybe I'll just vote for the Independent ticket.

Eppy Burpday to Baby!

2008-03-06T16:46:00.002+08:00

Baby turned 25 today. He's getting older...thus his need to be more like a kid is crucial. Which is why I am getting him the most stellar birthday present ever. I have no idea whether he'd like it, but I hope everything will turn out all right, and we'll have fun adventures with it. Want a hint?

That's all I'm giving. Hehehe!

Grassroots Politics

2008-03-04T12:08:00.003+08:00

You'll never see the opposition's advertisement on television for the elections. BN's advertisement meanwhile, is all that you're going to see. Here's a contrast between the two. You decide.

I'm still atas pagar. Although the opposition makes really good points against the obvious flaws of the government, I am still unsure whether they would really be able to take over the government, and really turn the country around. In the end, politics are all just talk. No action. I can be really apathetic, I know, but given the reality that is politics, you can't help but feel that.

Racing agaisnt the current

2008-03-03T15:26:00.001+08:00

Call us Malays, say Indian Muslim youth

KUALA LUMPUR: Members of the Malaysian Indian Muslim Youth Movement (Gepima) want to be known as Malays and not Indians.

And they do not think this is an outrageous request since the Federal Constitution states that an Indian is a Malay "if he professes the Muslim religion, habitually speaks Malay and conforms to Malay custom". Read more...

When does the identification of an individual based on their race ends? Maybe never. For years, I grew up with people mistakenly identifying me as a Chinese. Sometimes I correct them, sometimes I politely nod and amuse them. Filling up forms was confusing sometimes. Logically, I should tick the "Malay" box, conforming to the social standard of following the father's ethnicity. But sometimes, I feel that I am denying my own heritage of being half chinese by doing so. There are times when I hover over the "Lain-lain" box, joining my other friends who are of Portuguese, Ceylonese, and Eurasian descent.

It's a tricky thing. It was only after I have known Baby for some time, that I realized just how much some yearned to be known as a Malay. Not only for the perks that comes with it, but the recognition that they are Muslims, and not Hindus. Yet others I am sure, are still proud for their Indian heritage, and insists on calling themselves Indian Muslims.

It boils down to people being identified by their race and ethnicity. Skin colour and body hair volume usually being the tools of measurement. Sometimes the face, the protrusion of one's nose or the shape of one's eyes betrays one's carefully filled document.

Profiling according to race and ethnicity, is becoming a norm in the world's major airports. I'm sure, if Baby was to travel to the United States, he would not only have to submit to a full body search, but also to playing 21 questions with the officer in charge.

How is it, that something that was created by God to enrich humankind have been manipulated by us, pitting each other against a battle that has no end.

Grassroots Politics

2008-03-03T09:57:00.002+08:00

Observed from an intersection in Semenyih.

BN guy putting up flags on the electric pole near the traffic lights. Lorry pulls up, the driver is an Indian man.

BN guy gestures to him, and asks whether he wants a flag to put on his lorry.

Indian driver: Saya undi PAS.

BN guy: PAS menang, tak boleh minum. BN menang boleh minum!

Indian driver shakes his head in mild amusement and drives off.

Pet a Peeve, Will Ya?

2008-02-28T22:57:00.003+08:00

Definition of Pet Peeve:

Pet peeves involve complaints about specific behaviors, rather than general dissatisfaction. Pet peeves often involve specific behaviors of someone close, such as a spouse or significant other. These behaviors may involve disrespect, manners, personal hygiene, relationships, and family issues.

Ooo...I have plenty of pet peeves, as Baby would attest to. And although I try to not let it bother me, it gets really hard when it is constantly repeated and reminds you of just how much you are irritated by it. Here are my top 5 pet peeves.

1) People who doesn't bother to say the ringgit properly. These ranges from the all time favourite "RM 10" to the salesgirl at the Ikea checkout counter saying "Ringgit 10". For further clarification, the way to say it is "10 Ringgit" Ringgit being said after the denomination.

2) People who do not signal when they want to turn, especially when I am there waiting like an idiot, thinking that they are going to go straight. How hard is it to turn your signal light on lah?!

3) And I know people list this often enough, and is rather unoriginal. But it's so common, it's irritating. People asking "Guess how much it was?" Of course, people has grown wiser, and knowing that it is usually a tactic to show off how little she paid for item that is being shown off, people would often mark down their prices. This usually leads to an anti-climatic conversation. Showing off her bag, "Guess how much it was?" Bored to death, "I don't know, RM15?" Peeved girl, "No silly, it was only RM150, it was 70% discount!" Peeved girl changes topic.

4) People who put stupid and ignorant comments on Youtube or forums. Hey, if you didn't understand the sarcasm and wit in the video, then keep your trap shut. Don't go show people how stupid you are. And it doesn't matter if the internet makes you anonymous, it doesn't stop you from being stupid and a bigot.

5) Another a pet peeve involving the internet. It concerns people who keep forwarding junk, convinced that it's going to somehow change their life that day. The people who are utterly convinced that by spamming 15 people in their mailing list, would somehow alter their fate or destiny. Stop it. Don't be stupid. You don't need to forward and spam other people's inbox to be able to "Meet and old friend" or "Make a couple of thousand dollars" or "Die by being hit by a truck". YOU make your own fate and choices, not some dumb message in your Friendster, Facebook, MySpace or Email account. Stop spamming people!!

I'm feeling festive today, so let's tag some people shall we? (It's the only way I can make Laj and Baby update their blogs anyway)

Laj, Baby, Shy and Nads, you're it!

I will die on...

2008-02-25T13:52:00.001+08:00

Tuesday, November 19, 2086

check your death clock

What Facebook, Friendster & Myspace have spawned

2008-02-19T22:55:00.003+08:00

Chest out. Cleavage - check.

Chin out. Bitchy girly pose - check.

Glass of booze high in the air. - check.

Horny guy cheek to cheek - check.

Pout lips and think = "Oh no, I am a liberal! This is me being me! I'm an open minded malay. Anyone who thinks this is taboo is just so kampung."

Is it just me, or is everyone else is just as tired of seeing those damn posers.

2008-02-19T09:47:00.005+08:00

You may be myself smart. You will know about yourself and your strengths and weaknesses. You will probably keep a diary. This is sometimes called being Intrapersonal smart.

You may be nature smart. You will like the world of plants and animals and enjoy learning about them. This is sometimes called being Naturalistic smart.

Big surprise that I am not logical smart. Never was good at maths. Hehe...

Take the test at Multiple Intelligences.

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Now playing: Bethany Joy Lenz - I Believe
via FoxyTunes

The New Nephew

2008-02-12T10:20:00.000+08:00

Hello little Wafi

Not all plastic can be recycled

2008-02-12T09:36:00.000+08:00

It's been more than a month since I've started my internship. My job description is to pretty much do anything anyone tells me too. And I have been blessed to work alongside some pretty cool and talented people. The bulk of work however, is to do research and relay the information to the creative department. Recently, it's been a lot about plastic. And I found some really shocking information that I should share with everyone.

I'm sure this symbol is pretty familiar to you.

Did you know that plastic containers with this symbol isn't necessarily recyclable? If you look closely, you might see a number in the middle of this symbol. It could range anywhere from 1 to 7. Here's the thing. Only plastic with the numbers 1 to 2 are recycled. *gasp*

The numbers are stamped in order to identify the resin that was used to make the plastic container. The resin is just one of many ingredients to make plastic. But it's basically the resin that makes the plastic, well, plastic. Now, although resins with the numbers 3 to 7 are technically recyclable, they are much too expensive to be recycled, and manufacturers instead use virgin materials that are cheaper.

More consumers in the US and UK are catching up to this deception, and have asked manufacturers to remove the "chasing arrows" symbol, as it was misleading. I'm not sure what is the case in Malaysia yet. But a quick check on my water bottles tells me it's a number 4 (gasp!) but without the chasing arrows symbol. Check your plastic containers now, and see whether it's recyclable.

I know the government went on a campaign not too long ago to encourage recycling. But I thought it was severely unsucessful for one thing. They didn't target households, where there was the most waste, nor what to do with the stuff you collected to recycle.

From my home, there's a recycling collection centre nearby that we visit every month to dispose of our paper. And after this, I'm going to include plastic too. And for those avid milk drinkers out there, or those who buys a lot of beverages in cartons, take note. Those cartons are being bought by Alam Flora to be recycled after a singing of contract with Tetra Pak.

Another way is to also visit your local council, and get the directory for companies which recycle stuff. Everything from old batteries to computers and refrigerators. These directories are free. Or, you can always refer to here.

More to come as soon as the campaign we are working on is out.

Writers Strike is Over!

2008-02-11T14:49:00.000+08:00

The Writers Strike is finally over! Here's hoping that they quickly continue to shoot all of my favourite shows; Desperate Housewives, Heroes and Gossip Girls.

For those of you who have been out of the loop, there was a Writers Strike for the past 3 months, to which you would have noticed your favourite TV Series have all halted mysteriously. I've had a tough time explaining to people their cause, and telling them that "No, the season is not over, it's the Writers Stike!" Read more of the contract deals here.

For a complete status report on your favourite shows, click here.

Looks like most of the shows will be back up by April and May. Sigh...still more waiting. But at least the Oscar's are saved!

For those of you who are too lazy to find out what it has been about, and why the Writers Strke happened, here's a bite-sized portion for you to digest. (Stop searching YouTube for porn and weird pets ya?)

KHS defects

2008-02-11T12:04:00.000+08:00

I've been dying to show this video for a long time. Advanced apologies to any embarassment caused to Kasthuri and family. But you have to admit, that it makes a really funny video.

Chinese New Year in JB.

2008-02-11T10:35:00.000+08:00

Second day of Chinese New Year was the Koo family reunion. Yes, at least 3 families were missing, but that didn't stop us from whipping out the firecrackers, and setting the car alarms off the vicnity.

We spent the day playing cards. Nope, not Tai Tee or Blackjack. But Management Material and Uno: The Cars Edition. Hours of fun, no doubt about it.

Lucky number of the year was: 888.

Boleh percayakah?

Video courtesy of Winfield's new Sony Ericsson K850i. I want one of those babies myself :D

Five Fav Links

2008-02-11T08:57:00.000+08:00

Shy tagged me:

I use Mozilla particularly because I like the bookmark tabs that they provide above the address bar. A few of them are these links which I visit on a daily basis.

http://www.pixelgirlpresents.com/ : A great website for the coolest and cutest desktop wallpapers. I never get tired looking through the library. The moderator updates it rather often, and the wallpapers that are featured are sometimes a breathless work of art. I still go through vladstudio.com, but pixel girl can be really addictive.
http://www.sidereel.com/ : Side reel is now my favourite haunt, and a really good alternative to downloading all the series that I want to watch. Here I watch all of the new One Tree Hill episodes and my favourite Friends episodes. Oh...movies are available too. All you have to do is to make sure your internet connection is at least 100kps or above. :D
www.nbc.com/Heroes.com : Writers strike is still going strong, and for my fix on my favourite series, Heroes, I go to this website, and browse through their online novel library. They have a wonderful collection of stories in the form of comics which tell the stories within the main story.
http://www.thesims2.com/ : This is a wonderful website even if you are not a fan of the simulator series. Go to Cool Stuff and then click Games, and you'll see a lot of cute and funny games to pass the time. Especially when you are in the office.
http://www.deviantart.com/ : For my daily fix of beautiful digital art and whenever I need a quick photo for something. I sometimes also go here to hunt for cool desktops and and software.

Here's the part where I am supposed to tag someone. Can I tag Baby only? Hehe...

Happy Chinese New Year

2008-02-06T14:36:00.000+08:00

We won't be having a reunion dinner this year. Since Grandma passed away, everyone has instead been making time to spend Chinese New Year with their in-laws or friends. Half are overseas (Sarawak counts right?) and those who are around has their own families to celebrate it with. But since I'm half chinese, my other half doesn't make up for the absence of the other half. I fear one day, we may never be able to celebrate this occasion.

This year, we'll be meeting on the second day of the new year instead. Granted, it is better than nothing. But reunion dinners are always a highlight.

Anyway, Happy Chinese New year to everyone out there. Go easy on the kuih kapit.

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Now playing: Lisa Lobe - Stay

I can be an exotic actress

2008-02-05T09:45:00.000+08:00

Have you tried googling (can't believe that's a verb now) your own name on google images? It's interesting to see other people with your name. Especially when people who have been searching for my name, are really hoping to see this woman:

Apparently, my name is also a Playboy playmate in another life. Meet Kamelia: the Russian porn star. People who search for "Kamelia" hoping to see this woman ends up disappointingly browsing through my blog. Even saddening are those who search for "Kamelia Sex Video" (16.67%) according to my trusty ShinyStat report. Sorry horny dudes. (or dudettes) There are no sex videos here. All you shall see are ramblings of someone who is strangely not offended that her namesake is on a porn star.

After googling for my name image, I decided to try it with my other friends' names. So, meet Kasthuri:

Poor thing. All this while, I imagined Kasthuri as a girl. Or at least the sapi or the limau. Hehe.

And Huzaifah Azman:

I do see the likeness

How about Hallaj:

I see where his morbidity comes from

Dah tentu ini disebabkan orang yang takde kerja... 0.O

Holinism - Believe in Leave

2008-02-04T11:33:00.000+08:00

When I started my internship, holidays feel a whole lot better and deserved. And that's only a month into the land of 9-5PM and hour long lunch breaks. This is the one new movement that I am definitely supporting!

Plus, it makes a cute desktop wallpaper...hehe...

Visit: http://www.holinism.com/ and support the movement!

Peppermint...an acquired taste

2008-02-04T11:10:00.000+08:00

I love peppermint. Love them in chocolates, in ice cream, as doughnut filling, in coffee, in biscuits. Ah well...you get the picture. But how come not many people like them much? It's an acquired taste I suppose. But why does it happen to be a coincidence that all the people I've met you like peppermint as much as I do, happen to be nice, intelligent, independent human beings such as myself?

Something about the refreshing mint must be affecting our brains in more ways than we imagine.

Excuse me while I indulge in this green donut of mine...

Well it's about time.

2008-02-04T10:29:00.000+08:00

A sure way to get the guys to put the toilet seat down.

Thursday doing Laundry

2008-02-04T09:35:00.000+08:00

It was much overdue. Kevin has been in town for some time already, and still we haven't gone to any one of his gigs. He's leaving after Chinese New Year, and Baby really wanted to see one of his shows before he went back. Granted, I am a fan of Brokenscar. Not just because they happened to be acquaintances, but truly, something about their lyrics, combined with their sound remind me of somewhat of a cross between Sick Puppies and Dishwalla. I really like their songs.

So we headed to Laundry at The Curve to meet them. This is when I should be posting a picture of Kevin and us, but he was so busy with all the people that was arriving, we were lucky to have a conversation with him at all.

They performed "Down" which was one of my favourites, and I heard "Shooting Star" for the first time. And now it's my new favourite song. And I've heard of people, most of all Kevin raving about Paul Tan's guitar moves, and now I know what the fuss was all about. He was really superb. It's time like these though, that I really miss my Sony camera. But the battery's making problems, so I've had to rely on my handphone camera. But Baby's cybershot handphone takes much better photos so I'll just wait until I get those before I post more pictures.

Baby mentioned that Alda Tan looked a lot like my brother. And I thought it was an amazing likeness too. What do you think?

We met Darren there too. I knew Darren back when we were in KHS together. But I had no idea that he was Kevin's brother. What a small world it is. Darren as I discovered has his own band too, and has been in Fly FM's campur chart for some time. Army of Three is refreshing rock. I'd write more, but really, I can be a lousy reviewer.

Back in my days in The Scroll, Darren, and my childhood friend Hafiz played for the Interact Day gathering and I thought even back then that they had pretty cool tunes. I took a picture of them, hoping to write a review about them in our last edition of The Scroll, but there just wasn't enough space unfortunately. Looking again at the picture, I wish I did. That's one photogenic picture.