Bonnie & Clyde

Lucky Star

2009-03-16T15:03:00.003+08:00

i just had a sense of empathy.

A young fella, in his mid twenties. From the tie n shirt n the pen n organizer, seemed like he's not earning a fortune. From the slightly untidy hair, and the grease mark on his handkerchief, he must had been traveling around town, in n out of the car, going from offices to offices. Oh, his office is in Jln Ampang; judging by his flexibility of setting appointment to meet me, probably he's not meeting many clients in Shah Alam area.

I didnt see a glimpse of tiredness when we met. He was explaining his company's product, in a manner that's a little robotic, but enough enthusiasm.

I was quite busy during the meeting for we were interrupted quite a few times when my employees were getting urgent reply from me. I didn't see him being impatience.

I didnt buy nor confirm anything for him. So he left, giving me his namecard n left a smile too.

Few minutes later, i walked out of my office, i saw him n his Proton Iswara, opposite of my factore, besides the road, talking to somebody in the phone. Seemed like he's trying to go for another appointment. The 1.5l Coca Cola bottle refilled with plain water, must be warm, after some sunbathing in the car.

I just remember myself, 10 years ago. Those r the years full of sweat n dust. I was a new salesman, and i was like dying for every opportunity to meet every potential customers. Eating in the car, drinking warm refilled water, wiping off the grease on my face before a meeting, long wait, taking nap in a car etc etc.

It's a time of being raw, wild, n bold.

I was so dying for every single client's approval, every single confirmed order, every single appointment successfully made. And i was hoping, every single day, i would meet a lucky star who would give me a sales that would fulfill my sales target.

I did dreamt of a lucky star, so i could at least, for some time, took some rest.

And i hope he will meet his lucky star today; it's not me unfortunately. But i wish him best of luck.

secret song

2009-02-17T16:27:00.002+08:00

i have this little song which i always sing to myself.

It's not a commercial song, nor does it has any lyrics.

I can't sing it anytime i want, for I've never learned to sing it, and i do not know how it goes.

During the times when i m quiet down, the song will just slipped out from my lips; it's like a natural melody i carry with me.

Mebbe it's the sound of my soul. I need a certain quietness in order to hear my soul.

This is my secret little song.

Life

2009-02-10T10:13:00.004+08:00

If Life has a voice.

If Life has a voice, then I would like to ask Her why do I only see clearly now? Is it because I was too busy enjoying my moments when all was fine and dandy?

The company I used to meet and talk to everyday, whom I cherished and took so much pains to maintain relationships with, are not the same entity I can look to when things aren't looking up. Well, not all of them anyway. Sometimes a simple gesture is all it takes. Why is that so hard?

On the other hand, the shadows of my past, ties I only renew once in a blue moon, these are the ones who drop everything and run to my aid, give me support, encouragement and hope. My well-being is on their mind at all times.

Like I told someone in a similar situation recently why it is a good thing to be down, "So I can look up, squint at the sun a little and see who's really holding me up."

If Life has a voice, She would have a funny sense of humour.

If Life has a voice, She would tell me it's not too late to prune my branches, reseed and prepare myself for the next spring.

Praise God for Life.

:)

She

2009-01-29T20:36:00.002+08:00

just read this:

十年生死两茫茫，不思量，自难忘。千里孤坟，无处话凄凉。纵使相逢应不识。尘满脸，鬓如霜。

夜来幽梦忽还乡, 小轩窗, 正梳妆. 相顾无言, 唯有泪千行. 料得年年肠断处, 明月夜, 断松岗.

Used to study this poem, but it didnt strike me. Maybe i m getting old.

I m thinking if some years later after i died, probably she is the only one who would remember me.

Marriage is truly a blessing from God.

It Starts From My Toes

2009-01-26T22:09:00.005+08:00

It's kinda embarassing to say this actually, and a bit awkward too. Dunno if it's bcoz I am no longer working full time or I had the space and peace to really really reflect on myself but..

I kinda embraced my arch nemesis - the much dreaded annual CNY celebrations.

I didn't resent all the cooking and cleaning as much but instead I did more this year, and I believe I actually attempted to reach out today, the 1st day of Chinese lunar calendar. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss the hustle and bustle of 14 busy working years at all or the pinch at having to miss another year of fantastic bonuses, the juicy lunchtime gossips, the constant bickering in the office for the sake of deadlines and QC, but I didn't cringe at the stampede of visiting relatives and kids running about the house. Nothing's changed at all, but something, SOMETHING is going right.

*back slaps*

Now this girl is going to reward herself with a good 90 minutes aromatherapy massage tomorrow.

The Playground

2009-01-07T14:03:00.003+08:00

Little Rosie and Lily were the best of friends at the school playground.

Everyday, little Rosie and Lily eyed the swing during playtime, but it was always occupied by the other kids. Some days, both girls would line up hand in hand for their turns. Other days, they talked about how cool it would be to find another swing all to themselves.

One day, little Rosie and Lily did exactly that. In another playground, Rosie sat on the swing. Oh, how high she went! And how fast too! With the sun on her cheeks and the wind in her hair! What a delightful time that was!

Not only that, other kids liked Rosie better and offered their turns on the swing to Rosie. Little Lily wasn't half as lucky. She had to wait and wait for a turn that never came. Rosie said to her one day, "Oh Lily! I don't know what to do! I have been on the swing like, everyday now! Not only that, Daisy and Orchid and Iris and Jasmine is like, offering me their turns! I have too many turns! What a bother! All this swinging is like, giving me a headache! I can't say no and hurt their feelings! What do you think I should do?!!"

Call Lily a sour grape but she has a pretty good idea what Rosie should do with her turns and where she should place it. -_-

Duit Kopi

2008-12-11T14:07:00.009+08:00

I loved my car.

From the overall aerodynamic design to the colour, I always felt there is a bitable-chewy-gummy-like-substance-thingy laquer surrounding the metallic sheen of light blue that makes her look kinda yummy. Interior is compact with simple chic. Sporty yet classy. Love it.

Until recently, when a gearbox problem started and my warranty expired ngam-ngam around that time. It took me alot of pain, stress and time trying to get it fixed under warranty. For starters, I sent my car in 3x and fault not detected coz 'computer says no' and thus, problem not solved. To complicate matters further, the SC manager was away for a week and after that, Clyde and I went overseas for 2 weeks. There was also alot of he says-she says from different mechanics from the same SC so I sourced for advice and opnions from other owners in a car forum coz a little extra knowledge won't kill anyone rite. All in all, I had to send my car in 5x within a month, much to the amusement of friends, family and colleagues.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, gearbox was not replaced but the manager in question returned, some other parts was replaced, minimal charges to labour and ATF oil. Problem solved. Everybody happy. Back slapping all around. The end. Or so I thought.

Until.

I got flamed in the forum.

Some dude (let's call him M) chastised me for turning to forumers for help instead of respective authorities. M also said since I brought a fellow forumer to the SC, all mechanics "taada soong" and will "leok kaw kaw" me. He also advised me to buy mechanics teh tarik as the main solution instead of sending in complaints and claims. If I didn't like it, I should keep it to myself and sit tight, or sell my car.

And this the new millenium we are talking about, in modern day Malaysia, not some backward-thinking, shady-corrupted, bribery-taking, gangster-character 50's company that only layan customers bcoz we geng la brudder.

I guess we can never rid ourselves of 'sampah masyarakat', the type who know a little but talk like they know alot. The same ones who keep quiet during a drama, but after everything is said and done, he/she puts on a white wig and play judge and starts reading our sentences.

There is one in every community. I have found mine.

Have you?

(sounds like slogan for an 80's ad!)

Follow up note: Dunno true or not, heard this through the grapevine... my case is under monitored and has been classified as 'red flag', meaning it won't be any easier to claim parts or have major fixes in the future. This is what you get when you stand up for your own rights.

Not Sked

2008-12-04T20:41:00.004+08:00

Humans love to judge. Tell them a situation and you will get the verdict, whether you like it or not, whether it's right or wrong.

I was amused by the mixed reactions on my new-found freedom. Intrigued, even. Now, I just feel bored. When I first announced I resigned from my job of 5+ years, I see the shock, the question marks and then finally it comes, like rain pouring down my window... THE SYMPATHY. Usually it comes with soft clucking noises, like hens surrounding a wounded chick. The more discreet ones will attempt a joke or two, which usually involves remarks like "wana make bb izit?". The others, well, will go straight to the point, something I didn't forsee like "Ooohh.. you took too much leave arr? Why dun wait for bonus? Or until get job arr? Why now? GOT FIRED IZIT??"

Then everything falls into place. The irony of it all. The want for freedom and plain happiness without teeth-clenching, gut-wrenching days ended up with wrong assumptions and thus, wrong stories.

So leme get the story straight; Bonnie likes what she does, and does what she likes, when she wants to.

The end.

Clyde's Sukses

2008-11-17T15:28:00.002+08:00

Congrats to Clyde for winning 1st prize in the figurine modelling competition! Momma is proud of you too!

*confetti*

p.s. I wana go HK too! :P

happens

2008-11-17T12:54:00.000+08:00

sometimes things happen that reminds u how many good things did happened in your life. Especially people who stand by your side and being supportive of what u do.

When this happens, i realised how limited my volcabulary is, in trying to express my gratitude. so all i could say is......

Thank you! Bonnie!

The End Of An Era

2008-11-11T15:31:00.000+08:00

I opened the folder titled ‘Resignation’. There were 6 letters in total with different dates. 6 times I wrote the same letter but officially handed in twice.

Last month marked my 3rd and last.

The saying “life starts at 30” is true for me as I feel my life unravelling here. I grew up and grew old together with the company. From stick-thin to chubby. From single to married. From young to middle-aged.

People tell me I should have waited for my bonus, I should have waited it out because recession starts next year, I should have waited for a new job first.

I should, I could, but I wouldn’t.

If Obama can be president, anything is possible.

Here’s to happy new beginnings!

poem

2008-11-07T17:59:00.002+08:00

I like poetry, and read works from all over the world from time to time. Engage with this poetry site, and they send poem to me occasionally.

This's what i got:

What the Pig Mama Says
The pupoh stopped to cheer.
Leklek was took away. He was mine biggest boy.
A good heart.
Saved the best for Yenyen
and Hokhok.
His- self eating leftovers.
I cried I cried.
Not knew the bastang took him where.
Gokgou told me was hell.
We ate much as we liked.
The white fence put us safe safe.
Always we talked, cheered.
The pupoh liked to play with Hokhok.
Mine little boy talked to them sweet.
He knew how make make community.
But Hokhok too was took away by same same bastang they took Leklek before.
Mine only girl Yenyen too sad to see her little brother went.
She kept quiet everydays think think.
I begged the bastang not took mine boy. They not understood.
Heard only something like “pok is good ”.
The pupoh talked little little.
Yenyen stopped to eat.
She said, “No Hokhok play wis me !” I sorry sorry for her.
The bastang came to take Yenyen.
I saw her away.
I not cried.
Maybe it better for Yenyen.
She will stop to think.
No more think.
No more think think.
Maybe I say too much. Who is listening to my story?

This is a poem that won 3rd prize in the Edwin Morgan International Poetry Competition 2008.

As a Chinese which English isn't my main language, i find it's a little hard to appreciate it.

Maybe i really suck in poetry.

Guinea Pig Exercise

2008-09-30T19:19:00.002+08:00

Sometimes following orders isn’t necessarily a good idea...

Cartoon strip from Lat, one of my favourite cartoonist

Don't Mess With The Zohan

2008-09-10T12:27:00.000+08:00

I didn’t think Adam Sandler could pull off a Ben Stiller, but he did!

Sandler plays commando Zohan, a Borat-Bond-ish character who faked his own death in order to escape his Israeli secret service duties to fulfil his dream of becoming a hair stylist in US of A. The comedy routine was crude, a tad crass and sometimes even vulgar, but it was hilarious all the same. Pay special attention to the script and punctuation. Good shit.

:D

It's Black, It's White

2008-09-08T18:01:00.000+08:00

I got these 2 pairs of shoes from India. The Indians found a way to create neutral shoes without using left or right sole, and it fits perfectly on either feet! Geniuses!

Maybe in life too, sometimes there’s no right or wrong, black or white, just a mass of grey tones which you have to find your own balance in between.

Baby Anderson

2008-09-08T17:59:00.000+08:00

At 4 months and 8kg, he has grown to be less prune-like so the nick ‘assamboi’ no longer sticks but ‘salami’ is the pick now! Hey, it rhymes too! :D

Ta Pin Low

2008-09-08T17:53:00.003+08:00

Every time we pass by the shops opposite Sunway Pyramid, we would see people lining up outside a steamboat buffet restaurant from as early as 6pm. Curiosity got better of us and we decided to turn up as early as 5pm to secure a table.

Surprise, surprise. The glass doors were locked with a heavy chain at 4.58pm. As we joined the happy crowd, the doors opened at 5pm sharp but nobody rushed in ala Malaysian style. Instead, a waitress called out names of pre-booked customers and then walk-ins too. System, I tell you LOL.

At RM19.90 per head, the variety and freshness of meat offered was quite sensational. Real value for money and oh, it's halal too. To avoid disappointment, book early and be there at 5pm. :P

Restaurant Yuen Buffet Steamboat
32A-1 Jalan PJS 8/6
Mentari Plaza
Bandar Sunway
46150 Petaling Jaya
(T) 5637 5825

The atsounding array of clams and sea snails usually found in expensive fresh seafood restaurants

3 different types of juicy, freshwater and sea prawns, mini sea cucumbers, fish maw and oysters too!

A Series Of Unfortunate Events

2008-09-08T17:50:00.003+08:00

I remember a story MIL told me long time ago.

Once upon a time, a relative of hers (possibly Clyde’s side) has a fondness for hunting all sorts of animals. Not that he’s a hunter or farmer by profession, but the sicko just enjoys the blood fest.

Anyways, he was out hunting one day when he decided to add a monkey to his gruesome collection. He found one climbing a tree and promptly aimed his rifle and took a crack shot.

Monkey fell and our friend instantly went to claim his prize.

It turned out to be a female monkey which had recently given birth. From the puddle of blood, her outstretched hands reached for the still suckling baby wrapped around her chest and offered it to him, in desperate hope of gaining sympathy and have him take care of her offspring. You can imagine the depth of destitute and helplessness the mother was feeling when she handed over her flesh and blood to her own killer.

Guilt ridden, he killed it too as he knows the baby will not survive without its mother.

He never hunted again.

If someone’s entire lifetime, hopes and dreams can be placed into one bundle, and the package is placed in your hands, what would you do?

count

2008-08-20T13:48:00.003+08:00

generally, i m still a happy man.

there's so much God hath given me, F.O.C. and yes, i do have my share of problems and worries. but still, when i count n compare them one by one, i realised there's so much more i should feel happy about.

this is a trick a pastor taught me. whenever i feel upset or down, just start counting good n bad things happen in out lives. Every good thing pair with a bad one, or vice versa.

Although sometimes it takes longer time, somehow it always work.

080808

2008-08-11T11:04:00.004+08:00

Wasn’t a lucky day for me at all in fact I felt my blood pressure went up several notches. Just when I thought a situation couldn’t get any worse, it did. I told myself this year will be all about me and for myself only and I will not be a sucker for pain anymore but it’s kinda hard when the person(s) holding your heartstrings is in moda paraplegic. What is it with the people who like borrowing money without any intention of every returning it nowadays? Is it a trend now? Is Brad and Angelina doing it too??

Needless to say, I’ve had sleepless nights and a few greys added to my otherwise thinning crown. Am experiencing Serotonin overdrive even as we speak so I would be lying if I said I am not planning to get even. Am NOT turning the other cheek like Clyde.

3 years of bullshit is quite enough.

Daze Days

2008-08-06T11:00:00.002+08:00

been to hongkong for 5 days.

5 days of walking, sweating, not much of munching though, shopping.

5 days of total confusion.

i hv lost confidence in guessing bonnie's t-shirt size. small? very risky. medium? but she say cannot wor. large? dont think so, she's still so skinny.

to make it worse, this summer seems like the more happening t-shirt cutting is loose cut. so how? medium looks quite large, but large is what bonnie told me.

I tried to look at the t-shirt physically. by visual it looks alright, but the label tells me it's not. Again, so how now?

In the end, i've been walking places after places, boutique after boutique, trying to find familar brands and sizes.

I did what i could........

My Dirty Weekend

2008-08-05T11:02:00.000+08:00

Clyde departed for 5D/4N in HK last week and I was left to my own devices. What’s a girl to do at the beginning of the month in a big city with no plans?

I shopped, I shopped and I shopped. With friends, alone, with friends and then alone again. It’s the stress I tell you.

But you know for sure you save money during sales. Let’s just say I have saved enough to last through winter. :P

As Long As They Spell Your Name Right

2008-07-16T13:33:00.000+08:00

I am known to have a reputation for being fussy, stubborn and extremely difficult to work with. Words from fellow colleagues and ‘industry friends’ alike. Heh. But then again, who became great by being a cincai and easy-going pushover?

Neil French certainly doesn’t come to mind.

I have simple work etiquette. Work comes first and I am not here to be nice. I fight strictly for professional reasons and not because I am a pompous git. There may be times I was wrong but I always did the best I know how. My motto always have been; work first and witch hunt later. I wanna surpass expectations rather than just clock in the hours. I have no qualms about working with freshies as they are usually willing to watch and learn. It’s the ones soaked knee-high who possess real shitty attitudes. I also have an immense dislike for damsels in distress as they whine and act like helpless-oh-you-poor-dear pussies coz they know they can always hide under someone’s ketiak.

What can I say? Guys are real suckers for women who weep.

Bottom line; if you’re not gonna help, then get out of my way. Otherwise, God help you. No sniping for me coz I do it Rambo-style.

PAWS Roadshow

2008-06-23T16:07:00.001+08:00

PAWS is had a roadshow at Ikano few weekends ago and so I volunteered for fundraising activities. The booth was located between Ikea and Ikano, next to the indoor children’s playground on Ground floor. Tucked between SPCA and WWF’s booth, I sat there awkwardly as the other volunteers chirpily go about selling merchandise and approaching customers.

After an hour, I’ve had enough and was contemplating about taking off. Personally, I rather work with animlas than humans. I had enough of humans 7 days a week. But something held be back. Could be my kiasu-ness of not wanting to look like a quitter. :D

So, I hung around some more.

And then it rained. Our makeshift canopy was leaking and caused a flood. We had to remove the dogs and put them somewhere dry. So each volunteer grabbed 1 dog. I got a 2 year old chow chow / mongrel mix female coincidentally named after my 1st love, Sherry. She is the sweetest thing actually, with small hazelnut brown eyes, a trusting nature and as manja as a cat.

Anyway, I took her for walks around the tent and the public adored her. 2 young Sabahan girl was asking me questions about Sherry and after 2 visits, they eventually adopted her.

I was over the moon! Our 1st adoption for the day! The cats were all taken but Sherry was the 1st dog! I did it!!! We got the paperwork done and Sherry’s off to her new home. I felt elated coz it’s really hard to find homes for adult dogs as people feel more inclined to adopt puppies. What more, she ain’t exactly what you call pedigree.

I felt so motivated that I returned to help out the 2nd day. Unfortunately, Sherry was still there. I was told that her new mistress’ housemate had an asthma attack. Dang.

I hope she has better luck next time. :’(

Cupid 1

2008-05-23T19:29:00.001+08:00

Something Clyde said 2 days ago triggered off some distant memories.

It was the twilight of 1997 when I was retrenched. The future seemed bleak and jobs were scarce. I even considered venturing into servicing department in different fields. Even then, I scanned every classified in every newspaper everyday, holding on to a sliver of desperation, hoping to continue doing what I love most - Advertising.

And then, I spotted a teeny ad advertising for the post of a Graphic Designer. I went for it although the company name was unknown and the office was located under a rock- Jalan Kuchai Lama. Slim pickings, so I pestered Clyde to drive me there.

It was post working hours when I entered the 2nd floor of a small shop house while Clyde waited in the car. I pressed the doorbell and a tall, skinny bespectacled man in his late 30’s who introduced himself as the Creative Director opened the door. I took a seat, shoved my folio underneath his bored face and began my horse and pony show.

He listened with no emotion and then it came, THE question, the pinnacle of curiosity of every CD I met.

CD: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Bonnie: Um, hopefully I will be in some international agency... become an AD... see my work on TV... win some awards... ahah hah hah...

CD: Awards?? I will never understand why would anyone want that?? I have a cluster of awards and even a silver Clio but it has done nothing for my career!!

Bonnie: YOU DO?? WHERE? CAN I SEE???

CD: Um, I don’t have it here but I do! I worked at McCan, LB, JWT, just to name a few. Why, have you heard of the movie ‘Cupid No. 1’? I produced it! I worked along side Sally Yeh, Mark Cheng, Chow Yuen Fatt. But I don’t go around telling anybody!!

Bonnie: *wide eyed doe*

CD: Anyway, can you help me with this artwork. I think the computer’s gone kaputt. I can’t even on the damn thing.

Bonnie: Here, press the ‘on’ button.

CD: Oh.

Bonnie: -_-

Funny but true.

5 Words Game

2008-05-09T16:23:00.002+08:00

For a very long time, i have never found something so funny..........

I m a member of this forum for quite some time, and have made quite some friends in it, cyber friends.

Today i accidently bump into this thread; titled: 5 words story. It's like everybody post 5 words sentence each time; to continue a story. It's exactly like the mini game we all used to play in school.

I read thru the whole thing, it has almost a thousand posts; lasted for over a year.

It's just so funny seeing these jokers being so creative. I cant explain it but it's just so funny i couldnt stop laughing in my office.

Well, i have, am having, and probably will be having a good day!

Assamboi

2008-05-06T19:38:00.003+08:00

Congrats to Annie!

Baby Kok Weng was born last Friday 2nd May morning.

He's very hairy and teeny and aww... lookit the little face all wrinkled up like an assamboi... but a cute one nonetheless.

:)

9 to 5

2008-05-05T13:51:00.001+08:00

Clyde and I sampled the Japanese buffet in Sg Wang top floor last Saturday night (don’t remember the name of restaurant coz the food wasn’t nice) when a group of youngsters settled down at the table next to ours. I use the term ‘youngsters’ loosely coz they were obviously in their early 20’s and fresh out of college, looking for jobs.

While Clyde was busily walloping sushi, my ears pricked up (kpc mah) coz 1 of the guys at the table were making a play for the only girl at the table of 7. He was encouraging the gal to apply for a job at his office.

“Don’t worry,” he said, “You will be working with me and I promise nobody will bully you.”

“Really?” she smiled in response, “But what time do you usually get off work?”

“Oh, not to worry. I get off work at 5.30 sharp everyday,” he reassured her.

That got me thinking. Is that the top most priority concern on yuppies’ minds nowadays? The time they get off work? What about career opportunities? Mentor ship? Personal growth? Folio & resume?

During my days as a freshie, I did cartwheels upon landing a job, the bigger the company the better. Because I was an unknown, I needed to be associated with international agencies, experienced people and famous brands. If there’s anything I learnt, it would be to swim with the sharks. Pay the price and you will reap the rewards later.

And don’t, DON’T ever complain about working too hard.

Kite Runner

2008-04-30T15:18:00.005+08:00

As if I haven’t punished myself enough, I had to add to my depression by watching this movie. It was unplanned as GSC was showing all crappy movies. My colleague and I have to use up the free cinema passes so we picked what we thought was an ‘arty’ foreign film.

This is a touching story about love, loyalty and courage. Director Marc Foster captured the vivid brutality and violence of the war torn country of Kabul, Afghanistan, and the 2 boys whose lives were caught in a turbulent journey to rectify regrets and redeem lost love. Superb acting although the flow tend to be a bit sluggish and too scripty.

To cut a long story short, don’t watch this if you’re already feeling as black and blue as a Kuih Koci.

:’(

Guillermo Vargas Habacuc

2008-04-28T16:06:00.003+08:00

I just received a forwarded email on a self-professed “artist” named Guillermo Vargas Habacuc from San Jose, who took a dog from the street, tied him to a rope in an art gallery, starving him to death. He named his "exhibition" in Managua, Nicaragua, "Eres Lo Que Lees" ("You Are What You Read").

For several days, the "artist" and patrons of the exhibition have watched emotionless the shameful "masterpiece" based on the dog's agony, until it eventually died. I am not posting any pics here because I will die if I have to see pics of the poor dog again.

Does this sound like art to you?

I guess it must be when you are a nobody with zero talent on the brink of desperation to carve a name for your non-existent self at the age of 50. For fame's sake,some artists committed suicide. Our friend Guillermo Bastardo chose to torture defenceless animals. And the so-called art enthusiasts are just ignorant people standing by and pretending to understand art when it's obviously animal cruelty. I applaud those who actually took pictures and started a petition but the rest are just a bunch of losers with no life.

But this is not all... the prestigious Visual Arts Biennial of the Central American decided that the "installation" was actually art, so that Guillermo Vargas Habacuc has been invited to repeat his cruel action for the Biennial of 2008.

Let's STOP HIM!!!!!

Click on the following link :

http://www.petitiononline.com/ea6gk/petition.html

For the sake of humanity, please do it.

Say

2008-04-21T12:45:00.002+08:00

Sometimes when things do not come in the way u wanted, u could just accept it. Cause afterall, we cant control everything that happens.

But when, sometimes, u cant actually perform as u expected; the feeling of lost is even so much greater.

Well, all u can tell yourself is, despite feeling like a real loser, "I will do better next time."

This is the words i wanna say.

Thunderbolt

2008-04-16T10:23:00.001+08:00

My 35th was arguably the worst birthday ever. Maybe not the worst worst, but certainly the worst I’ve had in a long time.

I can’t decide which is worse; losing an insane amount of money or a loved one. No, nobody’s dead yet, but there will be blood when I’m through.

You just can't trust anybody nowadays. I am soooo tempted to stoop as low as these unscrupulous types, just for the heck of it. There are things I can and will do and trust me, I’m all ready to get ugly.

I’m like a boiling pot of rage with a dash of disappointment and a pinch of sadness, all 3 bowls of thick substance simmered down to 1 bowl of bitter, black intense HATE, ready to be forced down the lying lips of the traitorous and the spineless.

I was once told anyone could severe ties emotionally by conjuring images of yourself cutting off the other person with the help of scissors, knives, wall of bricks, etc. I think I need something stronger.

Oh well.

Clyde was kind enough to drag my sorry ass and moping mug from the TV set and we did have a nice meal of buffet steamboat (his birthday) and Lobsterman (mine). Although we know neither is in the mood for any celebration, we made the best of it.

Thanks for your continuous support and understanding darling. Luv ya. :)

Friendly

2008-04-08T12:45:00.002+08:00

We have a new magazine launched. A brand new magazine in Malaysia, and the first of its kind too.

Sometimes I just feel not right. I am not the leading role of the project; i dont have the energy and enthusiasm, which i respect about my partner. However, like many people, when they look at some other profession, which they have not much of knowledge, they tend to see them without much respect. They think it's easy.

Everyone thinks he can be a creative person, everyone thinks he could be the best marketer. And in this case, everyone thinks he could be a hmmmm..... how should i put it, a publisher or an editor.

We dont even have a proper editorial meeting; what will be the direction for long term or for our next issue. Nobody knows what the fuck is a trial issue after i'd spent months explaining, and giving real examples. Well, they seem to "know" what's a trial issue, just from the way they give their opinion, clearly nobody truly understand the concept of it.

The closest they could go is "This's our first issue, with promotional price of ......" Of course it will look cheap if we r going to have the 2nd issue and 3rd issue with promotional price too. That's the f**king reason why people are having trial issues!

Simple marketing: You put the word "trial" so the consumer would be more accomodating and forgiving for mistakes and changes while the editorial board is making necessary changes based on feedback after the mag's been pushed out to the market. The main function is to cautious consumer dont set their impression before the editor more or less fix the imperfections, from art direction to pricing.

Yeah, i know we are all pretty smart and our mag is pretty unque; yeah i know is not necessary to follow the industry's norm and practice coz we'r different; yeah i know Cleo's, or Female's, or V Mag's, orPC gamer Malaysia's editor are pretty much stupid and kia si and conservative; yeah I know, i know, i just know.

And i, too, know a good editor should be one who just sit quietly and wait for all the other sales man to throw in ideas from the never-ever-been-involve-in publishing mind.

Initially i was quite enthusiastic about the whole project. Now, i think I will just do my part. At least we will still be friendly in the office.

April

2008-04-08T12:34:00.002+08:00

It means the end of first quarter of the year. We have 3 more to go before we could declare another year closer to the gate of death.

Not quite sure of what's going on, what's gone, and what's coming.

It's like every single day, and every other day. Living them one by one as one unique day in life. Like all the other unique days.

Earning a living is tough, earning to maintain the standard of living is also tough. Earning to achieve the standard of livings for the unknown future days seems even tougher, and unsure.

More and more friends would call me out for a yum cha session; and more and more mid life crisis stories i m absorbing. It's mid life crisis, they all know that; and they basically know what should done. However, the feeling just come. We know it but we cant stop it; well, we know we cant stop it and we r trying to do something about it.

It's just a phase of life.

Just like the month of April. The month before May, and after March.

In Other News

2008-03-27T00:04:00.003+08:00

So far so good.

Been responding well to physiotheraphy.

Hopefully today's treatment will be my last.

*touch wood*

Bronobasta

2008-03-25T16:25:00.001+08:00

Dontcha just hate brown nosers and back stabbers? Usually these people are a mixed breed, half-half. They brown nose their way up the corporate ladder so they don’t have to do any work. When exposed, they back stab to protect their mile-wide hides. Wait... there’s a name for these pariahs.

Bronobasta.

So Italiano. LOL

Bangkok Boobies

2008-03-18T21:42:00.001+08:00

Just a funny poster I saw in Bkk. I tot it was funny so...:D

PAWS

2008-03-18T21:41:00.001+08:00

My proudest achievement so far this 2008 is finally getting down and dirty for some charity work I have been putting off for the longest time. The highlight of my prolonged CNY leave was volunteering 2 days a week caring for dogs and joining as a lifetime member for PAWS. I even have my very own car sticker and t-shirt! :D Not that I have anything to prove, but I wear them with mucho pride and lurrrve. I actually have a photo of my tanned feet after walking, bathing and grooming 9 doggies successfully! I would post it here but I ter-deleted it.

I met Edward, the person who ‘runs’ the show and Tan, the chap who takes care of the animals with the help of a few others. I was introduced to the puppies’ den and was told to take the pups for walks before bathing them. Most of the puppies are very energetic and playful but there are a few that are so petrified they wouldn’t move. They just stood with their tail between their legs and whimper. My heart sank when all my cajoling and cuddling didn’t do any good so I just bathed and groomed them. God knows what they went through to end up like this. :’(

It has been a month now and I miss them so. Work has been really intense and my back’s been aching so I don’t know when I will be back, but I know I will. :’)

Anyone interested for volunteering work, donation,etc PAWS is still located en route Subang airport. They need all the help they can get from old newspaper, used towels, cages, food and medications down to money and TLC. So have a heart and help out please?

Worry

2008-03-17T14:07:00.000+08:00

I remember In American Idol, Simon said," I just dont understand you Americans, you can genuinely feel happy for ANOTHER person....." after he heard the screaming and laughing outside the door where a contestant who had just got the pass to Hollywood.

Same thing, to worries.

My heart just fell when i got the call from Bonnie. She sounded calm. Probably if I were her, I would do that too. But the truth is, i worried like hell.

It's always hard getting sick, but i think it's even harder when the one you truly love not well.

I will pray hard.

New Era

2008-03-10T18:51:00.002+08:00

I m not sure whether to cal it a new era would be suitable; but definitely i hope it ll be a new start.

Congratulations DAP and all the opposition parties. And MCA, i m sorry.

I hope the status quo is broken, and better will happen.

Lets hope.

Otaku!

2008-02-25T15:33:00.003+08:00

Well just had the 1st ever gathering of the LYN forum.

If one is not into this stuff, one is never gonna understand how fun (or horrifying) this kinda gathering could be.

Actually it's very fun. At least gotta meet up people who has the same interest.

One thing for sure, majority of the people in the group, or with this interest, are very very polite young people. Very humble and polite. I must say.

Tim Burton n Neil Gaiman

2008-02-14T11:07:00.002+08:00

I was cracking jokes and out of 4, one didnt laughed. Well she smiled, just a gesture of being polite.

I asked her.

M: I think that's a very cruel story, i cant laugh at it.

Clyde: Ok, i m sorry. I didnt know it makes u uncomfortable.

M: No,no. I think u r like Tim Burton. Is a bit too morbid. Like the book you loan me (Melancholy Death of The Oyster Boy)

Clyde: ? I think that's a real compliment. Unfortunately I gotta admit I m nothing like him though he's my favorite director and artist.

M:?

Clyde: He's stories are dark and morbid. I mean it. The surrealistic presentation of his does look like there's a lot of hope and such; but his stories are always with a very cruel and darker meaning.

M: Isnt that exactly what ur story just now?

Clyde: In fact is exactly opposite. I tried, to tell happy and funny stories, with darker meaning. I wrote poetry, short stories etc, but i found that i cant do it. The first thing of course, is i dont have the skill. However, the more important thing is, i've found that i have a heart too weak to convey a really heartbreaking story. Things i say mostly brings more possitive meaning.

M: yeah u mention something good just now......

Clyde: U heard of Neil Gaiman? I kinda like his stuff but always not satisfied with his ending. It's too bright to me. He unfold his stories in a very dark and creepy manner. But he always brighten 'em. Which i dont really like.

M: So u r an evil person!

Clyde: I m just "looking" for something I cant do. Like a sloth with its razor-sharp claws looking at a cheerfully bright color rain frog, a frog with poison that could kill a grown up man in seconds.

M:....... So?

Clyde: Tame insects always have scary or shocking appereance.

M: Ok, I ll try to laugh at your jokes next time......

Why Hate CNY?

2008-02-14T10:56:00.002+08:00

I used to wondered why some people do not like CNY.

Of course i was young then and didnt realise if you have no money or in a lot of debts, you will not like CNY.

Now. I do understand that. The only thing is i still dont get it if you r not financially difficult, why would you hate CNY.

My wife is one of those; and this really helps me to see a lot more (Get me a bit wiser too).

Everybody has his own reasons.

I think everyone has his own choices too.

I would prefer to choose being happy.

CNY

2008-02-08T14:32:00.000+08:00

2nd day of CNY, 5th day of my leave and I’m already suffering from internet withdrawal symptoms, routine and the usual bantering of friends and co-workers.

For the life of me, I don’t understand what’s with all the hassles for CNY. Everybody is getting so exhausted and stressed out from preparing the finest foods, having the cleanest house and giving the biggest angpows. All the yelling and screaming for a tradition that’s supposed to reunite family members. Trust me, the last thing you get is neither unity nor prosperity but friggin’ high blood pressure. Does it have to be this way?

And why does relatives who didn’t exist half your life suddenly reappears and lecture you on the do’s and dont’s of life? When to marry, who to marry, why must marry, must have babies if you don’t want to be labelled a failure, working overseas is nothing to be proud of, must work with your husband and own your own business coz employees are of the lowest class, etc. What is this, the Gospel according to Mr. I-Eat-More-Salt-Than-You-Eat-Rice? I always think that unless your life is a shinning example, please don’t.

Just.

Don’t.

Did I mention I hate CNY? Only 100 times? Well, make it 101. It’s official. I hate CNY.

Horrific Diorific

2008-02-08T13:53:00.001+08:00

1st day of my holiday, after driving around town like a madwoman, I was free of annoying errands.

I skipped down to Subang Parade (mentally lah) to get my Chanel Rouge Å Lévres Créme Comfort (that’s lipstick to you) in Lune Rousse Russet Moon (and that’s dark red colour to you) after lusting for it since November last year. At RM86 a pop, I hesitated until I won some Parkson Vouchers in a lucky draw. And so I purchased the exact colour I tested many moons ago and since Parkson was giving away RM10 vouchers like party favours for every RM80 spent, I bought another slightly cheaper lippy from the Dior counter. I needed an earth tone so when the promoter slid her lip brush over my lips and the colour looked alright, I said yes. She opened a new one, spun the lipstick and let me check the product. She packed it back into the box and promptly placed the merchandise at the cashier, beside my Chanel. Hmm. I like the way it sounds... my Chanel. LOL

Anyway, I have this habit of checking out my merchandise the minute after purchasing. So I popped open my Chanel (hmm) and applied some on my lips. I love the velvety texture and how the vivid rich red looked against my face tone. It’s certainly something different. I reached for the Dior and horror of horrors... I recoiled at the sight of the casing. No, this isn’t your below-average-looking packaging but every centimetre of it screamed BLING BLING DATIN. Not only is it loud, it’s... it’s obscenely butt ugly. Don’t believe? Here:

Gold and blue?! How can this be?? It’s Dior, for crying’ out loud!!

Come closer... know what it looks like now??

When in doubt, opt for simple classy feel la.... like my Chanel *hiakhiakhiak*

Anyway, I got 2 x RM10 vouchers so I picked up a shirt for Clyde. As I was queing up to pay, I mentally calculated the discounted price minus my vouchers. The uncle infront of me was eyeing me for quite sometime. For some reason I didn’t say, “See what see?!” After he paid, he turned around and asked, “You want?”

“Want what?” I replied.

He shoved his receipts at me and I said,”Are you sure? You can get vouchers.”

He shrugged,”Take,” and left.

I held on to Clyde’s shirt and ran to the customer service counter. Uncle spent RM800+ and I got 5 x RM10 vouchers for it! Sometimes it pays to be nice. Kekekeke... This shopping trip was so meant to be! So thank you, nice uncle in red-stripped golf tee!

Happy new year all!

He Didnt Want to Kill, She Didnt Want to Run

2008-02-01T12:16:00.000+08:00

Watch this movie last night in HBO, and it is, one damn confusing 90 minutes of crap.

There're a lot of this kinda serial killer-chasing brainless teenager show around. Most of them are crap, to be straight forward. However, this one, i m not sure whether to say it hits a new low for the standard of this gerne because after watching it, i wasnt sure it's the usual survive -the serial killer kinda movie.

As the title of this post, I m not sure whether the killer really wanted to kill and the survivor really wanted to escape. I m confused. Maybe it's some kind of message the director wants to convey? I dont know, seriously no idea at all. Perhaps lemme write down the whole plot again, and maybe by rewriting it down, i might be able to understand what's going on.

Here it goes:

Girl and boy stop at a rest stop, surrounded by forest. Girl went to washroom, guy is attacked. Girl noticed and lock the restroom door. Killer banged on door, couldnt open, so he left. Girl cried in the restroom, and talked to another girl who's supposed a survivor who trapped in a small room in the restroom.

(ok i flipped to ESPN for ac milan's game)

The cop came in a motorbike. He's hit by the killer's truck. Police lied on ground. The killer WENT OFF!

Instead of pulling out gun or use the radio for help, the girl dragged the police into the restroom. After they securely look the door, the killer came back. Hitting hard on the door. Girl cried. then she cried again. after that, she cried.

The killer get into his truck and drove away.

(Again!) instead of pulling out the gun or get to the radio, the two started to chat. OF course they didnt forget that they can use the radio; cause the police (a extremely handsome, model-lioke character) was yelling," i m gonna to call for backup and nail this guy!". After he said this, then suddenly he changed the topic; telling the girl yesterday was his son's birthday and he bought him a bike etc etc. Telling the girl to kiss his son for him and tell his wife that he loves her.

The girls cried and cried and cried and say you will not die and cried and cried.

They were just too busy in this hallmark moment and no time for pulling out gun nor use the radio.

They waited until the killer come back (again!).

The killer banged on door, police ask the girl took gun. instead of let the killer open the door so she could have a clear shot, he ask her to shoot through the door. Bang! bang! The girls shot and cried. The killer wasnt injured, so he left (OMG! again).

The two continued to chat about family and friends, and topics about love and commitment. They talked about their hometown, and the girls boyfriend. Until......... the killer came back!

There was a small window where the girl used to looked outside. This time the killer pour petrol thru it into the restroom. Then he seemed to have trouble with his lighter. Girl tried to shoot from inside, she was aiming the ceiling (coz the window is a bit high), police told her dont waste bullet; she couldnt shot him like that. So, the girl step on something and peep outta window. Well, she saw the killer trying to light his lighter. She panic and didnt know what to do, and obviously didnt know when she could see the killer, meaning she CAN shoot him!

FLIP! AC Milan leading (I was cursing already)

Dunno what's happened, girl hiding in the bushes, cried and cried and starting to fell asleep. Another like 15 minutes she dreamt about her boyfriend! She slept until........ until what? Until the killer drove his truck back.

From far girl saw head light of the killer's truck. She immediately get outta of her dark and discreet hiding place and jump out to the road, in front of the killer's truck. Turn back and started to run, so that the truck could chase her from behind.

FLIP! *%%$#^$%&^% Asian Food Channel is showing the making of some deicious carrot cakes.

Final scene, day time. The girl again standing in front of the truck. The truck sped towards her, she was cursing and mumbling, until........ Again UNTIL WHEN? Until the truck was kinda near her, she started to lit her the petrol bottle. Well of course, the lighter got problem, she couldnt light it until.......... the truck was so near!

Flip again, whatever........................

So basically both person in the show were showing seriously lack of enthusiasm in whatever they're doing. I m not sure whether the killer really wanted to kill and the girl really wanted to escape.

I m just not sure.

CNY (Cina Nak Yahoo)

2008-01-31T17:17:00.000+08:00

For once, I can’t wait for CNY coz I gotta clear 2 weeks’ leave and I’m looking forward to a lot of sleeping, eating and bumming around.

It’s nice to do nothing for a change. :)

Present

2008-01-17T14:01:00.000+08:00

Just feel like being very lucky these days. Yeah i got gifts from Bonnie, one for anniversary and another few after she got back from overseas.

I really like this one: The backpack!

I use to have one myself but it's way too damaged to be used now. The new one comes in just in time!

These are the bunch of things she got me from Bangkok: 3 t-shirts, a note pad pack in a can, a piggy handphone with my d.o.b., a wire made book mark, 2 bottles of anti hair drop shampoo, and 4 lovely, just lovely keychains.

These are the weird keychain doll i really love!

Thanks Bonnie. You've made me a very happy man!

I've Been Bkk-ed!

2008-01-17T13:59:00.000+08:00

Sometimes life turns out funny.

There was this kecik meow job that nobody wanted to work on, not even the most junior creative. It’s menial, insignificant with tiresome amendments everyday. It was just a 10 seconder promo that I had to work on coz the account falls under my team. Due to time and budget constraints, it was butchered beyond imagination and everyone declined ownership.

Surprisingly, I got to go Bangkok last weekend to do the kine transfer.

*gloat*

This was my first time travelling alone and I think I did very well. :)

Client was on a different flight and hotel so I didn’t have to entertain and had time to do some serious damage to my purse in Chatuchak, Robinson and MBK. I didn’t buy enough Baht as I ended up with too much leftovers the last time I was there. Managed to get around via MRT and BTS lines. Somehow shopping in Bangkok isn’t the same anymore. I guess the Thai economy and tourism went up a notch coz I noticed vendors aren’t as willing to bargain their prices and service actually sucks a little. Even the Wacoal salesgirls in Robinson sneered at me and cracked jokes among themselves as I was picking out my goods. I may not understand Thai but trust me,I can tell a rude remark from a friendly one.

Anyhoo, I was the one walking away with bountiful bras and plentiful panties so, up yours. :D

I still like Thailand for it’s colourful culture and tantalising foods and I think it’s a haven for shopaholics and pleasure seekers. I will definitely be back with friends and family in tow but I don’t think I can last more than 1 month there, work wise.

Still Banana What

2008-01-11T14:40:00.000+08:00

Today is the 2nd time I hear different sets of parents talking about the way their kid speaks Mandrin/Cantonese.

With foreign accent.

Not provincial Chinese accent the way it should be, mind you, but Americano or Bri’ish, even Aussie. And the parents are mighty proud of it because it shows their kid have been mixing with fine, educated foreigners.

Go figure.

Classic

2008-01-11T14:39:00.000+08:00

I was watching E! Entertainment Channel’s Glamour's 50 Biggest Fashion Do’s and Dont’s yesterday night. Some witty (and bitchy LOL) comments got me ROTFLMFAO. I will word it as best as I remember...

On puffy shirts:
“As if there’s nothing more of a turn-on than making out with a guy wearing a blouse.”

On muscle tees:
“There’s nothing worse than wearing a muscle tee with no muscles.”

On Tie-dye prints:
“I know how to make tie-dye; just let my husband do the laundry.”

On overalls:
“You should only wear overalls when you are in your own apartment. Alone. With the lights out.”

On Bling-bling:
“When my grandma is using the word ‘bling’ to me, it has lost all its meaning.”

Keretapi

2008-01-03T14:06:00.000+08:00

Sometimes I really pity Bonnie. I think I couldnt never feel it but I could understand it.

It's about a little habit of mine; little but loud. The truth is: I snore; and darn loud one. It's like hearing a steam engine train, steadily traveling on its rail track. Stable and consistant; thru out the night.

I'd tried various methods, sleeping sideway, putting anti-snore tape, spray into the throat, and direct spray into the nose. The best is the last method. It has a 60% success rate. However, consistent use cause my nose to dry up pretty badly. Hence I stop.

Maybe for the new year, i ll re-use it again. Hopefully will give Bonnie a good night of sleep. Many good nights of sleep.

Happily ever after. I hope.

So it's time; to say bye bye to the midnight train.

Thunderbolt

2008-01-03T12:59:00.000+08:00

Great. Second working day in 2008 and I already severed a friendship. All in the name of settling a debt. Is it just me or can people can smell a ‘waterfish’ a mile away? Is my forehead stencilled with the word ‘SUCKER’? How can anyone do this to a friend who lent them a helping hand in times of need? Does the term ‘loan’ mean anything to you? Hell, it sure doesn’t mean ‘gift’. Dey, must pay back lah. How can you leave a loan hanging when you can afford other luxurious things like a laptop, new hand phone, car, holiday in Oz, etc? No calls, no emails, no apologies, no explaination, nothing. Doesn’t make sense lah.

I guess I spoke too soon.

Oh, well. 2008 is all about me, rite? So, whatever it takes lah.

I Am Legend

2008-01-02T17:45:00.000+08:00

This is one kick ass movie.

Those who have not watch this movie, please book your tickets now and refrain from reading any further.

Set sometime in the future, the city of NYC (and probably the rest of the world) is deserted except for some animals that run wild in Times Square. The first 30 minutes will have you wondering why it is so and what happened/is happening.

Such intense directing by Francis Lawrence and as usual, flawless acting skills from Will Smith. The build-up was superb and I feeeeeel the loneliness, desperation and fear although I was not sure what caused it. Many times my heart went thump-a-thump-thump at the powers of the unknown.

Gee, it's been a long time since I gush over a movie. *hot flush*

A must watch.

2008

2008-01-02T16:13:00.000+08:00

To put an end to all the bollywood belly and huge backside remarks business, I kick started 2008 with a diet regime. In fact,it’s the same diet programme that did it for me 2 years ago. As expected, the first day is difficult and my tummy is making strange sounds reacting to all the veggie and fruits so I’m feeling all bloated and burpy. No protein shakes but hard core healthy food only. Ug. It didn’t help my MD is giving out airport chocolates today. I have to donate my share away.

*sigh*

I sure hope MIL is cooking an early dinner tonight.

And I hope regular food can dilute my stomach acids or Clyde can brace himself for expected thunderstorms tonight. Heheh.

On other news, I have started ‘asserting’ resolution no. 1 & 2 (refer to earlier entry). Or else I will have no qualms about executing no. 4. No. 3 already look promising.

2008 is looking good. :)

2007

2007-12-31T12:54:00.000+08:00

... is drawing to an end, THANK GOD. Putting the goods and the bads on the scales this year, I concluded the bads outweighed the goods. Such a stinky, crappy, year.

The Goods:

I won a finalist cert for New York Fest.

I visited another 7 Wonders Of The World - The Angkor Wat.

I witnessed the aftermath of Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh. (I’m not sure if this is good tho)

I was posted in Mumbai for 4 weeks. (I’m also not sure if this is good)

I visited one of the 7 Wonders Of The World - The Taj Mahal.

The Bads:

I feel so sorhai after the Sorhai Episode.

I was told I’m only giving 4 stars performance although I am getting a *promotion*. Go figure.

I am still seething over unsettled debts.

I am still treated like bat droppings by family members.

And a money tree.

In 2008:

I will be nobody’s sucker.

I will selfishly focus on my own happiness and nothing matters to me but MYSELF.

I will walk out of my job/relationship(s) if I am unhappy because I can.

And I shall sleep better at night.

Happy New Year everyone!

Brother Number One

2007-12-27T17:30:00.000+08:00

It has been a good 3 weeks since I was back from Cambodia but I still can’t wipe the vivid images from my mind. It’s eating me inside-out. I’m not gonna blog about the whole trip trip coz it’s all over my facebook d so go there and have a look. Instead, I’m gonna give my 2 sen about the whole Pol Pot-Khmer Rouge political scene and what I observed in Pnom Penh.

Pol Pot is a deluded, self-glorified, power-hungry, trigger-happy maniac. Communist leaders will tell you everything they do is for the people, but surely causing the death of 1.7 million by slave labour, malnutrition, starvation, torture and mass execution is not ‘for’ the people. Bullying and scaring people out of their wits to obey to your whims and wishes is not ‘for’ anyone. D-uh. The scars left by ‘Year Zero’ are still healing some 28 years later. Pick up any books on Pol Pot regime to feel the aftermath. Today, Cambodians still live in fear as some Khmer Rouge is believed to have escaped authorities and are now residing in the jungles. Cambodians gravely brave themselves should there be another take over. Pol Pot claims to promote equality in order to end poverty is a freaking joke. He admired Hitler and wanted to copy his success to purge the nation of all capitalist and imperialist, but he is not a Fascist like Hitler. The Germans do not kill themselves, only Jews and Poles. Hitler deliberated genocide and Mr. Pot, auto-genocide because he kills everyone, especially his own. Typical small dick syndrome. His government the Angkar (pronounced as ong-kah) are headless chickens with herd mentality. No brains so can’t use any. Monkey see monkey do oni so the entire organisation is like a freak show circus.

I can afford to say this not because I existed during the civil war, thank God no, but I visited the Killing Fields and Toul Sleng museum in Pnom Penh. Photographs and paintings captions were vivid, descriptive and graphic. In the quiet, breezy classrooms of Toul Sleng, hundreds and thousands of photographs of KR soldiers and victims were exhibited, including pictures of carcasses still chained to the original metal bed, window sills, the beige and black chequered floor tiles, metal shackles to chain prisoner's legs to the bed, wire cords used to tie the victims hands together, ammunition boxes that the prisoners defecated in, torture equipment, etc. Nobody says a word while browsing but somehow I can hear the painful screams and anguish cries. I can taste the salty tears and metallic zing of blood droplets as if time froze. Skulls is self-explanatory of how the victims were murdered; gunshot, hammered or decapitated. A tour guide was explaining to a female French tourist how babies were killed and she ran out of the room weeping. No, it’s not that bad. Imagine WORSE and multiply it by 100 folds.

I never liked politics, but like the Khmers, that doesn’t mean I can avoid it like the plague and have a choice when I live my everyday life. Politics is everywhere. And by being part of the community, I am part of the it somehow. But we can learn from it, can’t we? Dictatorship doesn’t work. Oppression sucks. Grow up, be a man, do the right thing.

Such, is life.

2nd, 3rd.... Go!

2007-12-13T10:41:00.000+08:00

When I was young, I had this small 4 wheel cycle that had a metal plate in front painted with a number which made it looked like a formula racer. It had a pair of small paddle ( like a paddling boat) and a steering wheel. I always imagined I was driving a real formula racer.

My sister is 3 years elder than me, and with her height, she got a real bicycle. Everytime we raced, she always won. My pride as a formula racer was badly smashed. I cried and ran to my mom.

She told there's nothing wrong not to be the fastest. Being slower is ok because it's better be safe than never. She put me back on the four wheel cycle, pretended to be the linesman; "Ok, ready.... 1, 2, Go!"
****************************************************************************

Just had a nice trip with Bonnie and two of our good friends to Cambodia. A very nice trip indeed.

Like any other trips or vacation, i m more interested in observing the "human" side of the locals than whatever their ancestors leftover to them. Well, they're nice too, like the Angkor Wat, Royal Palace and such. However, I had a more enjoyable time seeing them walk, drive, eat, talk, laugh; seeing their markets, roads, shops. Everyday life.

I first thing i noticed, immediately we got outta of the airport, is the way they drive. Having recently haunted by India's chaotic traffic, I was expecting the same thing in Cambodia; at least some similarity. How wrong was I! The driving there is extremely polite! The traffic structure might still a little chaotic and not well planned, but at least in terms of speed, I was totally shocked.

In India's road, a car cant kill a man because no car has the space to drive fast. It's basically bumper to bumper traffic 24 hours a day. In cambodia, no car WILL kill a man because of the way they shift gear!

Take our driver for example, the 1st gear never exist. He started moving the car from idle speed in 2nd gear. While the car started to pick up in a 50second to 100km rate, and the speed is still under 20km/h; if there's a car in front, probably50 meters away (Also probably speeding like 35km/h), breaks, we could feel our driver started to release pressure on his pedal!

The more amazing thing is, he ll shift to 3rd gear!

I must say this is definitely very alien to us, the hot blooded Malaysians. Imagine this: Just outside of midvalley, you are speeding 20km/h in 2nd gear and 50 meters in front there's a car slow down, and you shift to 3rd gear while reducing your speed to probably 17km/h. What would the driver behind you say?

From amazed, to shocked (lots of "Wa Lau" commented), to even frustrated and worried (How many days would he need to drive from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh), in the end, all we could do was just make a laugh at it and told ourselves at least be late but safe than be sorry.

That's all we could do, under constant frustration created by a 2nd gear pick-up.

Well, suddenly I remember my mom and my four wheel cycle.

Rapist Fails To Have Jail Term Reduced

2007-12-04T15:02:00.000+08:00

Excerpt from today’s Star online:

KUALA LUMPUR: A serial rapist, who asked for directions to mosques and religious schools before pouncing on his victims, failed to have his 30-year-jail term and 24 lashes sentence reduced.

[edit]

Ismail Shah was convicted of three counts of rape, two counts of sodomy, one for forcing one of his victims to perform oral sex on him and for illegally confining one of his young victims between 2004 and last year.

[edit]

Pleading for leniency earlier, Ismail Shah said he wanted to spend some time with his family.

“If the current sentence was upheld, I will spend the rest of my life in jail,” he said while reading out his mitigation from a letter. Ismail Shah claimed that he had not *hurt* his victims or use *violence* against them.

“Please consider that my victims are not *injured* and they can be *cured* in future while I have to suffer the injuries due to the sentence,” he said.
He said further that “I could control my desire as I *only* rape each victim *once* and each of them was sent back to a safer place afterwards”.

What can I say... delusion and idiocy at it’s best. This fler more sorhai than me.

Ayam What Ayam

2007-11-27T15:37:00.000+08:00

Just had my performance appraisal today.

I’m thinking of the best, perfect one word equity (LOL) to described my feelings right now. I feel like....

Angry? Very.

Sad? Getoutttahere. (I’m not crying, am I?)

Betrayed? You bet.

Disappointed? Hell yeah.

Exhausted? Most definitely.

...

...

...

...

...

I think I’m gonna settled for SORHAI.

Wat Tad Lou

2007-11-22T14:08:00.000+08:00

It should be the Bee Hoon. The one i had in a food court near my office for breakfast.

My body flushed it out probably an hour later; and continue flushing, non-stop. Like a Mega Sale, everything must go.

I text Bonnie for comfort, telling her I L** S**. Her reply always seems to make things easier.

That's whenever this happen, it always remind me of her.

Call

2007-11-21T12:10:00.000+08:00

I m not the warmest guy around. Despite i treat every single ones i call friend with sincerity, i seldom put in the effort to keep in touch. I know relationship needs effort to maintain. However, i too, believe true friendship's beyond time and space.

Today i just got a call from a friend i didnt see for near to a decade. She told me she'd just given birth to a boy 2 weeks ago; feeling bored staying home. Hence the calls to all her old friends.

We had a short talk, a very pleasant one. She told me quite some stuff about her family and marriage and son. It really cheered me up.

Before we hung up, i thanked her for the call and told her that the call's brought some good memories and happiness to my otherwise usual-boring Tuesday afternoon. I told her i would call her some other time, this round i would make the initiative.

"Yeah yeah, i know you. Clyde, i know you too well," she laughed.

Perhaps she's right. After putting down the phone, i realised i dont even have her phone number.

Bodoh Benchoots

2007-11-19T16:31:00.000+08:00

Had a rather ‘interesting’ weekend.

We took mom and aunt out for a Saturday dinner instead of the usual Sunday lunch. Reason being mom wanted to visit an old friend, which we did. She is a 87yo friend of mom’s and they are somewhat related. Grandpa and her uncle were sworn brothers. She later married a Malay man, who in turn adopted 4 kids and some of them married spouses of different races. I always stereotyped my Muslim friends for being conservative and traditional, but this family, a family of Datukship, pleasantly surprised me with their pride of having mixed heritage! :)

Anyways, back the main plot... after 2.5 hours of chit chatting and polite servings of excellent home made cakes and dodol, we had dinner and drove home.

My aunt realised something was wrong when the gate was missing the usual padlock and all the lights and fans in the house was switched on. We didn’t enter but dialled 999 and alerted the police. They arrived after 10 minutes. 2 of them told me to enter the house to which I replied, “Saya sendiri masuk???” Jokingly they said he would be close behind.

True enough the whole house was ransacked. Drawers everywhere (even the kitchen) were pulled out and the contents emptied onto the floor. After much poking around, my aunt announced her costume jewellery was missing. Mom, on the other hand, was in high spirits as her real jewellery in a velvet pouch was placed on her bed. Obviously the thieves forgot to take it. 2 bottles of 10 yo wine was also missing from the cabinet. What a blessing!

We went to the police station to make a report and we heard a neighbour from an adjacent road, was robbed around the same time too. However, they were not as lucky. Their laptops, cameras, hand phones, cash and jewellery was stolen. Thank God nobody was home so no trauma. After that we had to wait for the official photographers to take pictures of our house. Clyde and I went home to get some spare padlocks for mom and finally went home a little after 3am.

Next day we bought some more locks and forced mom to choose curtains, which she has been most adamant about for the longest time. I believe visibility led to the break-in and curtains would somewhat deter the thieves if they are unsure if anyone was home.

Mom, I insist and I’m not sorry.

Anyway, who in their right of mind would wanna rob 2 elderly women?? I hope the thieves feel like the idiots that they are when they try to sell the fake jewellery. I hope the cork rotted in the wine bottles. I hope they get diarrhoea after drinking it.

Most of all, I hope their mothers get robbed too.

MINE

2007-11-12T16:34:00.000+08:00

I’m surprised at how happy and relieved I am to be home. As soon as we touched Malaysian soil, Clyde and I took a taxi straight home. I unpacked while Clyde drove out for a hearty Malaysian brekkie and tapau-ed BKT for me. BKT, oh how sweet art thou!

I just realised my car is available to me 24/7. My friends are at a distance of setanak nasi. My warm, cosy bed, my PS2, my little TV and DVD set, my dearest Astro, My spacious, clean bathroom, my walk-in wardrobe, my chatty colleagues, my lunch outings with them, my little cubicle, my desk lamp, our colour printer, our beloved designers and producers, the clean malaysian air, 4-lane highways, bigbigbig shopping malls, pasar malams, MIL’s soup, my favourite Thai massage place, my regular beauty/hair stylists, my bland Chinese stir-fried vegetable dishes, beef, pork, duck and crab dishes, belaccan chilli, endless Chinese 8-course dinners, DVD pedlars, calls at local rates, free laundry and cleaning services from our maid, etc. I know I missed all things familiar, but I didn't know I missed them sooo much.

Amen! :)

Today I missed India too but mostly the shopping bit. I feel they have got so much to offer as their main attraction (street shopping) is the best I have encountered, knocking Bangkok to 2nd place on my list. Sight seeing is brilliant too, if only the government can turn the country around and make it more tourist friendly.

The Taj Mahal

2007-11-09T12:19:00.000+08:00

Now this, this is what I came here for. The ultimate bait. How can I leave the Indian soil without taking a look at one of the seven wonders of the world, the monument dedicated to love, built over a span of 22 years and accountable for an unrecorded amount of deaths??

The Taj is actually a mausoleum and not a mosque, although it does look like one. Built by Shah Jahan for his second wife Mumtaz Mahal, the white marble dome is much more rounder compared to the regular mosque because the Mugal wanted it to resemble his wife’s breast! Aaahhh... bet you didn’t know that! Madame Mumtaz died from childbirth, her fourteenth actually. Shah Jahan was so devastated by her death that when he was overthrown by his son Aurangzeb, he spent the remainder of his days gazing at her tomb day and night. Upon his death he was buried beside his beloved wife.

Parts of the tomb were inlaid with emeralds, sapphires, diamonds and other gems, but over the years it has been defaced.

We were recommended to view the Taj during sunset, and we did. However, we only had a back view. Btw, camels look ridiculously girly up close

The river behind the Taj looked more like a drain though. What a pity

The next morning we left the hotel at 6am to wait for sunrise at the Taj. Almost there!

At approximately RM75 per ticket, we were supposed to collect a bottle of mineral water and a pair of foot covers each, which we forgot. A cleaner gave us recycled ones and wanted to ask for money (what else) but unfortunately, a group of tourists emerged so he couldn’t muster up his courage to do so

Breathtaking, isn’t she? Because of the design, the entire mausoleum looks like she’s floating

WOW

The excellent timing enabled us to catch the sun rising behind the east gate...

... and the moon setting behind the west gate at the same time! See the moon? It's right beside the pillar. Amazing!

Arch 1

Arch 2

Jawi calligraphy of jasper engraved into the marble, from the Koran

Originally, gemstones are embedded into the marble but not anymore

Details, details, details!

Flooring

I could go on forever posting endless angles of the Taj but nothing does it justice. I guess you just gotta see her for yourself

The exit

River view, where we stood the evening before

Agra Fort

2007-11-05T19:13:00.000+08:00

Agra Fort is located in Agra, of course. It is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. It is the biggest fort in India where all the great Mughals lived, from Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jehangir (he blinded and bound a chain round his brother to a soldier), Shah Jahan (who built the Taj Mahal) and Aurangzeb (who killed and exiled his own brothers and offered poison to his father for the throne). Scandalous. And did you know the Mughals were descendants of Genghis Khan? Melawat sambil belajar lah.

I always thought it was a 'fort' fort lah, the place where you have war and stuff and emperors lived only in palaces. The place is huge lah.

Entrance

Wall

Mosque

Mosque interior

Roof

View

Courtyard

Behind bars

Renovation

Beautifully carved pillars

Speaking Indian

2007-11-02T17:45:00.000+08:00

The of the most amazing thing i've noticed from my stay in India is the way vehicle and human being living together.

Bicycle, car, rickshaw, motorbike, truck, lorry, trailer, and more.

No, i really mean "they", both live together.

Because these vehicles speak. When human are on their feet, they speak to each other. But when they ride their vehicles, those metal living thing speaks on behalf of its owner.

Whenever, u get out near a road, u can see cars speaking to each other. non-stop. Whether it's during a traffic jam hour or there're almost no other car on the road.

And the best part is, the Indian driver totally understand the language. And they're pretty emotionally attach to what they hear too.

After a week in India, I didnt manage to learn any Tamil not Hindu unfortunately. However, I did learn a few words from the vehicles. A thing that many of us thought they'r not living things:

"Honk... Hooonk" - means what the fuck?
"Beep! Bip! bip,bip!Beep!" - give way to me
"Beeeeh.....!Bep!beh!" - Hallo?
"Hoooonk...! Hon!Honk!" - (same as above)
"Bip! Bip!Bip!" Beware! I m coming!
"Bip!Bip!Bip!Bip!Bip!" - Dont block la!

Dont think these car can only communicate simple messages. With different loudness, length, tone, and frequency, these vehicles can say complicated sentences. This's an example after i saw my rickshaw driver smile when he met another rickshaw on my way to town. He explained to me.

"Biip!Bip! BBiiiiiii...."
"Teet! tit! tettttt!" (This's another rickshaw replied)
"BiBip! Bip!"

It means:

"Hey I heard you brother is going to get married. Congratulations! So when's the ceremony?"
"Thanks, long time no see! Oh his wedding is next Friday. Will you be coming?"
"I m not sure yet, i will call you...."

After the driver explained to me, he said he forgot to ask his friend;s phone number. But at that time, the other rickshaw had already long passed away.

I wonder how are numbers being pronounced.

Masala Lemon

2007-10-24T13:57:00.000+08:00

Tried this a Pizza Hut. It’s lemonade peppered with spices for masala curry. Nasty. Don’t ever, ever try this at home.

Elephanta Caves

2007-10-24T13:54:00.000+08:00

Clyde arrived (finally!) and I decided to take him to the Elephanta Caves on Elephanta Island. The caves date back to 600AD, dedicated to the God(dess) Shiva. Actually, I don’t know whether Shiva is a ‘she’ or a ‘he’ as the sculptures portrayed Shiva very erm, ‘neutrally’. Our journey from Colaba to the island took us an hour each way so I can imagine the monks paddling till their arms fell off in their little sampan to meditate and pray.

Where the ferry dropped us off, it’s a few kilometres walk to the base. The train service wasn’t available when we arrived so we huffed and puffed our way there

Gimme a sign

It was a long and winding road up. For kids and old folks (like me), you can be carried on a chair by 2 men for a considerable sum. A bit like olden days slavery so tempted as I was, I didn’t. Anyway, there were vendors selling stuff all the way up so I thought it would be more interesting to ‘observe’ and 'appreciate' the 'culture'. *ahaks*

Entrance

Like Tomb Raider lah

Wah... like a sneak preview of Angkor Wat! The sculptures hewn out of solid rock and most were defaced by visitors

Guardians of the door

See thru that doorway, there’s an urn-like thing in there and Indians remove their shoes, climb the steps, enter and pray. I suspect it’s the ashes of the monks. Or something

Pillars

Cari Makan

2007-10-23T14:52:00.000+08:00

There are ways and there are ways to survive in India.

Fruit sellers under the unforgiving sun along the train route to Elephanta Caves

Kacang puteh seller is busy elsewhere so he just placed his goods, a price tag beside it and a tin can for customers to put the money in

Toy sellers like these approach you everywhere, even at traffiic light junctions. Sometimes in the form of little children

Mamak selling cigarettes, sweets and betel leaf in a make shift window store

roadside barber. A fiery one too, He looked like he wanted to bash me up for snapping his photo hahahah

I noticed weighing machines placed along the Haji Ali mosque causeway. Women could remove their shoes and weigh themselves for a small fee

Haji Ali Mosque

2007-10-23T14:43:00.000+08:00

This beautiful mosque in the middle of the sea can only be reached during low tide. During the high tide, the causeway is submerged and it gives the mosque a very surreal, magical and isolated look

The causeway, the crowd and the beggars

Close up. Legend says that saint Haji Ali died while on his pilgrimage to Mecca and his casket surprisingly floated back to Mumbai (then Bombay). Somewhere inside the marble mosque is his tomb

The tower is as far as we can get. Don’t think we babi eaters are allowed so we didn’t even try

Bhanganga

2007-10-23T14:42:00.000+08:00

Being the last day of some festival, our driver was reluctant to bring us to the usual tourist spot temples as it was crowded and the roads were jammed. Instead, he brought us to Bhanganga, where the recently passed on were incinerated and prayed for 100 days. He told us a downright sick story; in the olden days, the Indians used to place corpses near a well, spread ghee on it, let the vultures get ‘em and then collect the bones. But due to some erm, ‘unusual attention’ some locals paid to female bodies, they decided to burn them after all.

This is the pond where they pray

Nice and shady

Steps leading to the pond

The bodies are placed on top the metal rack, covered with wood so you don’t see the body at all except when it sits up during the burning, you gotta use a stick and beat it down. Eeee seram.

Afghan Memorial Church

2007-10-23T14:40:00.000+08:00

Feeling estatic with having the driver for a day, we happily threw away our ‘must-see’ list and went along with where he was willing to take us. This was our first stop, since it was also the farthest in South Colaba.

The Afghan Memorial Church of St. John the Baptist was established in 1847 AD as a memorial to those who fell in the First Afghan War of 1843 and Sind campaign of 1838

Mercyful

Altar

Archway

Horn Ok Please

2007-10-19T18:46:00.001+08:00

Honking to India, is what dahl is to chapati. :)

King Of Bollywood

2007-10-19T18:38:00.000+08:00

We attended our regional shoot of the year, an ad which profusely cost the client USD3 million, shot periodically over 5 weeks (still ongoing), directed by critically acclaimed international film director Shekhar Kapur (Elizabeth) with Indian superstar Shahrukh Khan as the lead. It wasn’t our board, but we dropped by just to see if shoots were conducted similar to Malaysian style.

It wasn’t.

For starters, there were massive amount of people in the studio; entourage, talents, extras, crew members, runners and agency were all over the place. There wasn’t a dedicated section for each group. There were, however, an elevated space exclusively for the FD, FD’s family, chairman’s wife, our ECD and other VIPs. Shahrukh sat there of course, with 2 bodyguards in tow. There’s something about men with guns that makes me nervous.

It was an intense and serious shoot, hand phones were put on silent mode, the crowd spoke in hushed tones and crew members tip toed around the set. We were used to more attention and being more purposeful than this so we left after a couple fo hours.

I was surprised to see Shahrukh was much smaller in stature compared to what I saw on TV. He must be only 5’9”, extremely slim, muscular with very big biceps, a very small waist and a very toned ass. Oh, and a waxed chest. Yes, it showed through his form-fitting open-necked shirt and tight pants.

I can’t reveal any pictures or names here as the shoot is still ongoing (not to mention my camera didn’t capture any decent pics sans-flash). Will post more info asap. Promise.

Black Sheep

2007-10-17T14:02:00.000+08:00

1. This is a New Zealand production, from a country where sheep is the majority.
2. It kinda hollywood style, so dont worry for all you guys who are not use to any other type of movie besides hollywood's.
3. It goes the same route of horror comedy, like evil dead. Lots of gory stuff and cracking jokes about it.
4. Speechless. A sheep driving a van? Mutated sheep farts a lot? So can use a lighter to trigger the methane gas and cause explosion?

I was laughing so loud!

Entry for BAKUC 2007

2007-10-17T13:57:00.000+08:00

Bonnie, here's what i got for the compy:

Dude, That Line's Older Than Your Mother

2007-10-15T15:13:00.001+08:00

I spent a good half of yesterday at Landmark, a popular discount book store. Kopilighter was lurking somewhere on his own. As usual, I had my ipod on as I lose myself in the titles.

A young Indian chap, at most in his late teens, approached me and asked me to read the sms on his hand phone. It looked like Spanish or Brazilian to me. I promptly told him I don’t know the language and put my headphones back on.

He asked again if it was English. I said no. He asked me what language did I think it was and I said dude, I don’t know. He wondered aloud what race I was and I said Chinese, but the message is not Chinese either. At this point, his accomplice from another aisle asked what was the problem and they both began discussing about languages like strangers with bad acting skills. I got really annoyed and put my headphones back on.

They musta realised I was not biting and left at some point.

Later, I bumped into them and they avoided me and hurried off.

What were they thinking?! Stick to someone your own age, man. :)

DIY Hakka Noodles

2007-10-15T14:47:00.000+08:00

Not bad I say, considering the limited ingredients and utensil I have to use.

Shark Eats Veggie Burger

2007-10-15T14:36:00.000+08:00

This is a popular Indian snack, the veggie burger. It looks like KFC Curry Crunch but it is actually fried onions, green chillies and potatoes. When we ordered in, Kopilighter was most gracious and persuaded me to chip in so we can buy for everyone as well. And so we did.

The food came, he invited everyone to share and they did. Nobody said a word of thanks but it's alright coz we are not waiting to be thanked anyway. It's just a simple act of goodwill until... the office shark came by and said:

Shark: Sometimes you people can do something good too.
Kopilighter: *baffled*
Bonnie: ‘Scuse me?
Shark: Why should I excuse you? (not smelling the smoke yet)
Bonnie: YOU ARE RUDE!!! Just say ‘thank you’ and I will say ‘you’re welcome’!

He scampered back to his dungeon of darkness and did not emerge till much later.

I chose to call him shark coz according to other colleagues, he eats everything in sight, good or bad, even food that’s not his, including my Diet Coke in the office fridge. And I have reasons to snap back k. A week ago, the following convo took place:

Shark: So... how long have you been in this line?
Kopilighter: 9 years.
Bonnie: 13 years.
Shark: 13 years!!! If I were you I would own a business! And if I’m still working for someone after 13 years, I would kill myself!!!
Kopilighter: *speechless*
Bonnie: Well, you are 29 so you have another 5 years to start planning (he thought I was referring to business, but I meant otherwise).

Did I mention I work with an ineteresting bunch? :P

MARS

2007-10-15T13:56:00.000+08:00

See this, Clyde?

It’s my midnight snack, a whole MARs bar, something I haven’t eaten in years. In bed too.

YOU BETTER COME QUICK! YOUR WIFE NEEDS HEEEEELP!!!

Bad Feng Shui

2007-10-15T13:54:00.000+08:00

I think our apartment has bad chi coz there is not a single night I did not dream. I dreamt of everything, even people I have not been thinking for ages. The dreams come in fuzzy, complicated episodes and there’s usually 3 episodes per night. I don’t remember much except:

1) Clyde and I had strange m&m’s-like growth on our armpits which bloomed and produced metal spoons.

2) An ex colleague who lost a child recently lost another. They were inconsolable.

3) 2 colleagues wearing all white and disco-dancing ala Bollywood style, asking me to join in, which I didn’t and ran off (you gotta admit this one is scary! :P).

4) Kopilighter and I were given choices to either go to:
a) NYC to collect our awards
b) India to work

And I kept telling him that awards aren’t important. Work is so let’s go Mumbai. Eeeee... what’s wrong with me??!

If I remember anymore, I will update this thread.

Actor

2007-10-14T01:16:00.001+08:00

Watch a HonKong movie. Forgot its English title; something about acting.

Directing, story, humor, even the acting is just average. However, I kinda enjoy it.

Maybe it's because there's some favoritism over the main actor, also dont know his English name. Normally others cal him "Jim Sir". Yes he is the one played as an instructor in the movie "Muk Tao", some sort of a motivator to employees of a company. Could never forget the way he said,"Point!" Bonnie loves his act too.

He's a stage performer, also a standing comedian. Should had some very tough time in the pass (Who doesnt? For a stage performer). Only recently his standing comedy got some fame which brought him to a series of good things, and of course income.

The show is about a policeman, about acting; basically is kinda similar to a Stephen Chow's movie. No big deal supposedly.

But, when I watch his larger than normal kinda acting, suddenly I felt sad for him. I don't know. Maybe not him alone. Probably for all those in this acting profession. Or even for all people, you and me.

I realise as a actor, it's not always his own call for when to laugh and when to cry; when to be happy and when to be sad. It's all the director's call; maybe also the writer's. It is ok because it's just about shooting a movie. But what about us? The "real" people in the "real"world.

Do we have the freedom to make the call too?

Have we lost the ability to physically express our mind or emotion or heart?

Or we just choose not to express, or show something else on our face so we could not be predict, or we are a well mannered person or we are a acomodating person?

Whatever reason.

The hardest character to act in the whole wide world is actually ourselves.

Tooth

2007-10-14T01:16:00.000+08:00

Teeth are ok. I m fine with them, especially when they r well serving me.

Only sometimes, just sometimes, when one from the whole squad got nasty; refuse to work properly,or stay quietly at its place as i like it to be, one's teeth could give their master a glimpse of hell.

It may not be the kind of pain a doctor would rate as grade 10; nor discomfort that would send you unconcious; it's the little by little, constant, irritating, patiently sand your will power and spirit into dust. When it comes, though it might go, but you know damn well it will be back in no time.

It's like setting up a small motor poking into the deepest, most sensitive part of your tooth with a needle. The battery seems never run out.

Finally got rid of it.

The feeling is like cuting part of your bone outta your body.

Not So Far From Home After All

2007-10-11T13:35:00.000+08:00

Just when I thought everything is different in India, I am proven wrong. The sun that shines on our paddy fields shines on their turmeric farms too.

Being in the ad industry (and every other competitive industry I guess), females are scarce. I have been told by a male visualiser in the early 90’s that I was the FIRST female visualiser he has ever met. My friend tells me I am the ONLY female creative on a telco account to last 5 years. And over here in bollywood, I am also the ONLY female creative and the second female in the entire office.

It is not surprising I come across SAMs (Superior Alpha Male) all the time. These types don’t listen, overight my decisions and talk to me as if I’m a child. Afterwards, they feel stupid because they realise I was right and they try to bulldoze their way around pompously. As if I didn’t make things clear in the first place and now the solution came from them. And then they call me a bitch.

Apologies are out of the question but I am fine by that. Afterall, they are nobodies to me. I take it in my stride because I am a firm believer that professionalism should rise above petty differences. I rant and curse (and possibly blog about it heheh), but after a hot shower, a hug from Clyde and a good night’s sleep, I’m back at work.

I feel sorry for them.

Did You Know (PART II)

2007-10-10T21:50:00.000+08:00

(more interesting facts on Mumbai)

1) ... Indians like drama. They will debate heatedly over the slightest issue, stage a dramatic walkout and can still be the best of friends afterwards. They don’t believe in holding back which I feel is mighty healthy.

2) ... Indians don’t answer the phone with “hello” like everyone else in the world. Instead, they get straight to the point with “aah, tell me.” Takes some getting used to. :)>

3) ... that there are a lot of ‘dry’ days, days when alcohol are strictly not sold ANYWHERE in India for religious reasons. When that happens and you are thristing for a beer, you gotta go underground.

4) ... India is so overloaded with printers and books are relatively cheaper here. Also, a 4-colour printing of 12-page brochure can be printed and delivered in 2 days.

5) ... the thing they do with their heads is a form of approval and respect. It universally means “yes, sir” or “ok, I understand”, etc. So don’t make fun of them ok. :)

Sorry

2007-10-09T21:34:00.000+08:00

I have to say sorry to Clyde coz I made a boo-boo and forgot to tell him he needed a visa to come to India. And he's having such a hard time in KL with the maid, tooth and work problems.

Wish I could be there for you. :'(

Did You Know (PART I)

2007-10-08T16:55:00.001+08:00

(interesting facts on Mumbai)

1) ... that single / 2 / 3 guys are not allowed into clubs. Apparently the ratio of girls to guys is 1:5 and club proprietors do not want too many blokes hanging around. So at least 1 girl must accompany 3 guys.

2) ... the local drivers cruise around with one hand on the steering wheel and another on the horn. Honking, unlike in KL, is encouraged and accepted as a way of life so there’s no dirty looks from fellow road users. In fact, most vehicles have a “Blow OK horn” at the back.

3) ... beef tastes awful here as most locals are vegetarians / Buddhists / Hindu. So what they do not eat, they do not excel in cooking. 99% of menus does not include beef. :(

4) ... Indians eat late. They don’t take breakfast, lunch at 3pm is common and dinner parties start at 11pm. Who says Chinese wedding dinners are bad?

5) ... the dogs near our apartment howl EVERY night at the EXACT time? Locals say dogs howl when a spirit passes. I refrained from checking the time or peeping out the window coz... I dun wanna know.

Bushi Dam @ Lokvana

2007-10-03T22:28:00.000+08:00

Tagged along with the MD yesterday on Gandhi’s Day (HOLIDAY YEAH!!!). We were promised a scenic tour and true enough, it was a breathtaking Kodak moment.

On the way up, I saw some makeshift dividers. Pretty innovative I would say ;)

Greenery

Beautiful lake

Closer view

The bridge from the dam to the waterfall

The waterfall starts from here...

... to here. If you look closely, there’s a nekid bloke somewhere...

A local spotted sun bathing

More locals

The road less travelled

The path leading back was slippery and steep. I was told it’s even worse during monsoon season

Hooka Hotel

A Chinese what?!! (apparently ‘hooka’ is a kind of smoke, like the Shisha in BBP, KL)

We stumbled upon this by accident actually. It’s a bit foggy today, but you can see the entire Ambi Valley on a clear day

I didn’t dare venture where the other tourists stood, otherwise I would have gotten an even more panoramic view. Guli tadak bawak ;P

Today...

2007-10-01T19:11:00.000+08:00

... is Monday. It is also lai lai’s soup day. I’m gonna be missing another 4 more rounds of those.

:(

Lokhandwala @ Andheri West

2007-10-01T15:10:00.000+08:00

Recommended by our local servicing personnels, Lokhandwala is every bargain hunter’s dream!

Lokhandwala by night (you can can imagine how much time we spent here) :P

I was very intrigued by vendors like this all over town selling karipap, round pastries and whatnots, but didn’t have the balls (pun intended) to try, something I know Clyde would do

Iskcon Temple @ Juhu

2007-10-01T14:47:00.001+08:00

A sign was erected outside the temple:
No videography
No photographs except for the Lord

Since we weren’t quite sure what that meant, we refrained from taking pictures aside from a few locations, where we observed the locals doing it.

Melodius chants could be heard outside the temple:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare

Devotees believe that repeating these chants will gradually induces pure God-consciousness, or "Krishna consciousness."

Idol of Lord Krishna

Chandelier and elaborate motifed ceilings

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel

2007-10-01T14:43:00.000+08:00

Located opposite Gateway Of India is this beautiful architectural building which we couldn’t help poking our nose into

The hotel ovrelooking the sea

Even the walkway smells of class

Gateway Of India

2007-10-01T14:19:00.000+08:00

Located in South Mumbai, the Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay

Muslim design elements

Friday Night In

2007-10-01T14:09:00.001+08:00

Partying isn’t exactly my scene, so I opted for my 1st DIY dinner

Chowpatty Beach

2007-10-01T14:07:00.000+08:00

The infamous favourite weekend hang out for both locals and expats is fast becoming to India what Manhattan is to New York

Transport

2007-10-01T14:06:00.000+08:00

Up for thrilling roller coaster rides? Take a trip around town in a local rickshaw or more commonly known as the Thailand tuk tuk

On rare occassions when the rickshaw is not available, a ride in a local taxi is just as adrenaline pumping. It’s relatively safer as it comes with doors...

... and houselights with flowery fittings sans air conditioning. Retro giler!

Nugget Blogging

2007-10-01T14:04:00.000+08:00

Judging by the workload and office culture, I’m gonna be blogging in nugget sized entries, so bear with me.

My trusty iBook has become my nightly companion aka DVD player as the apartment cable does not come with many English stations or WiFi. If only Clyde was here, I wouldn't feel so lonely...

5th Day

2007-10-01T12:40:00.000+08:00

Bonnie has been in Mumbai for 4 days. This is the 5th day.

Still not use to being alone in bedroom. Especially after a long day of work or a long Sunday. It's just not the same.

Every night after i finally switch of all the lights, it's the feeling of being alone in the dark. Not feeling frightened , it's the little loneliness that make me uneasy. Just the feeling of something is missing, incomplete.

It's the 5th day.

One Night In Mumbai

2007-09-27T22:32:00.000+08:00

Our apartment in Andheri:

Dining room

Living room

Kitchen

My room

Pool

The apartment is bigger than I imagined. It must be easily 2000sqf. 3 main rooms with attached bathrooms, kitchen, living room, dining room and this is a guestroom with an external bathroom

My secret stash

All things comforting

I miss my Clyde. :'(