Happy 49th Birthday, Malaysia!!!

MERDEKA! MERDEKA! MERDEKA!

Long Time Never Party One

I was at the Zouk, KL for the launch of music@bluehyppo, Malaysia's largest online music portal last Saturday night. Fuuhh.. I achieved a lot of firsts that night.. it was the first time I did red carpet interview (although it was not as glamorous as other red carpets you've seen on tv), first time I've been to Zouk, first time I was at a club since 4pm and first time in sooooooo many years I went clubbing. We did hang out after the launch for our 'private function'. One of my friends said, membakar lemak session :-)

Anyway it was a wonderful night, everyone was happy and I didn't hear any complaint (up til now). Even the CEO congratulated the team even before we left the place. Note: The CEO went home earlier, it wasn't that we went home late... hihihih...

Talking about the red carpet, although originally we were supposed to do it for at least 1/2 hour, somehow there were technical glitches, we did it only for 15 minutes. But I think, after they edited it, probably it would come out to only 2 or 3 minutes. I think, my partner Putri and I did ok lah since it's our first try. We managed to interview our sponsor, local artist, some walk-in guests... I haven't seen the footage yet, but I told Putri, "gasak lah, we've done our best. If they like it, they'll use our service again, if not they'll find some other people to do it laaaa..."

I did have a good time myself too.. instead of seating at the VIP tables, I was standing around the artists area, at the side of the stage. Free flow of foods <-- I literally folowed the waiter who carried the food and the potato wedges were so good, especially on empty stomach. Number or artistes showed up that night to show their support towards the portal - Amy Search, Jason Lo, Misha Omar, Disagree, To'ki, Nora and not forgetting Ezlynn. Jason Lo opened the night with some songs which I don't know so did Disagree's songs. I never agreed to their songs... Misha sang one song and I think she did awfully (should let Ezlynn perform instead of Misha). The best always come from the experienced one, Amy Search.... ROCK TERUS!!!

Astronomy 101

For someone who never liked Science, especially Physics and Chemistry... and Biology - except some parts of Biology... ;-) I know I've to put this somewhere I could refer to easily.

During my time learning about planets in school... there are 9 planets, namely Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. *sigh* I still cant name them in order, what not to tell the characteristics of each of the planets. Anyway, probably nine is too much for me during my school days. But, school kids now have one less to remember after Pluto was stripped off its status as planet.

But, hold on kids... the astronomers (I don't know whether they're Americans or Russians or Chinese or emmm... Malaysians!!) have identified another four planets, making the total of 12, now <-- more to remember!! They've classified these 12 planets into two categories - 'classical' and 'plutons'. Classical comprises of those I named earlier minus Pluto, while Plutons comprises of Pluto, Ceres, Charon and 2003 UB313.

Those dumb in science, just imagine it like English Premier League, where you have Premier League with all the big boys and Championship with all the minor clubs... So, Pluto has shrinked its size and was relegated to the Championship. Got it?

So, kids... more to remember now, huh?! Good Luck!!!

Celebrating Merdeka Spirit

In August, you'll always hear politicians, radio deejays asking people to fly the national flag, Jalur Gemilang. And you'll get to see people ying Jalur Gemilang from their office buildings, house, shoplots, etc. And the most obvious way to show your 'patriotism' is by flying/displaying from/on your car/lorry/van/some motorcycles.

Although this year's flag flying is not as happening as in previous years, I still have two questions when August comes:

1. If flying flag = celebrating Merdeka spirit = being patriotic/love the country, then why it's only called upon in August? Don't we need to be patriotic / love the country in other months and throughout the year, year after year?
2. Those who don't fly Jalur Gemilang on their cars are subject to question of not being patriotic. Is patriotic = flying flag?

For me, being patriotic is more and more and more and more, very much more and nothing compares to just flying the flag. It is about attitude, discipline, contribution to the country (in terms of paying taxes, indirectly contribute towards 9th Malaysia Plan or the GDP growth), not being involved in riots/illegal gatherings, or even cheering for the national football team, not MyTeam, excuse me...

So, people... stop questioning other people if they don't fly the flag on their cars, they could be more patriotic than you. Instead, you should question people like the owner of this car (for putting the flag in a disgrace situation). Same goes to drivers who still cut queues even with the flag on.

EPL 2006/2007

The English Premier League kicked-off yesterday with some notable results. Liverpool nearly lost to newly-promoted Sheffield United, thanks to the ever-calm Fowler who scored from the spot-kick. Anyway, congrats for winning the Community Shield defeating Chelsea.

My prediction: Chelsea will win the Championship again, probably not until the final day of the season. Man United and Liverpool will push them all the way. Liverpool will be the most entertaining team, with the likes of Bellamy and the newly-signed Kuyt. Aston Villa, under Martin O'Neil, is the team to watch and they'll certainly steal some points from the title contenders.

Players to watch, plenty of them.... Ballack, Shevchenko, Obi Mikel, Rosicky, and the rest of the new signings... however, high-profile new signings may just last one season, or even shorter. So, don't be surprised if Ballack is back in Germany in 2007/08 season!

One thing for sure, candidate for Best Player of The Year and Golden Boot, no other than the King!!!

By the time this post was published, Man United is leading Fulham 4-0 (should be 6-0), just 27th minute into the first half. Who says life without van Nilsterooy will be difficult. Probably it will give more opportunities for Saha, Rooney definitely, and perhaps the slowly-forgotten Alan Smith.

You Know You Missed Someone

...when you called someone else with that somebody's name, not once but three times. That happened to me today...

...that somebody, whom I haven't talked to for eight months now, since the kenangan terindah...

"...bila yang tertulis untuk ku, adalah yang terbaik untuk mu
kan ku jadikan kau kenangan yang terindah dalam hidupku...
...namun tak kan mudah bagi ku, meninggalkan jejak hidupku
yang telah terukir abadi, sebagai kenangan yang terindah..."


p/s: Rentan = vulnerable <-- thanks Mas Adi for the translation. Miss the Hamilton days!!!

Hanya Untukmu

Mawi did well in singing this song live during the Festival Filem Malaysia last Sunday. It doesn't just made me listen to the song repeatedly but I'm also going to look for the Persona Non Grata vcd..

Enjoy... especially to my loved ones....

Bulan bintang, cahaya mu menyinar lagi
Dinihari berganti zaman, malamkan tiba
Siulan irama, aku menjadi saksinya
Jendela bumi di hujung dunia
Akan ku teruskan nyawaku untuk mu
Kan ku junjungkan namamu ke pintu syurga
Kan ku pejamkan mataku buat selamanya
Dirimu menyinari bagaikan Sang Helang tiba
Akan kuteruskan langkahku untukmu
Kan ku kibarkan sayapku melindungi mu
Kan ku binakan mahligai istana
Hanyalah untuk mu sayang, hanyalah untuk mu saja
Pejamkan mata mu, jangan kau lihat hariku
Hadirmu jua bagaikan janji
Akan ku teruskan nyawaku untukmu...

I prefer this one when Mawi sang the song live during the FFM19, More feel, more affection... although Mawi tersilap lirik in two places and Aidil's piano macam ter'off tune' on one or two notes. Enjoy both, k?!

Miscalculation or Bluffing the Rakyat?

Is he seeking some level of sympathy from the Rakyat or what?! Even so, and eventhough the Malays are generally not too good in Mathematics, dont bluff us they way you did laaaaa.... You think you're Oxbridge-grad, you can bluff the Rakyat easily?! Now, let your father-in-law figure who's actually the Iblis?!

He bought 10.2 million shares at the price of RM0.71/share = RM7.242 million. He sold 10.2 million shares at the price of RM0.65/share = RM6.63 million. Total gross lost = RM612,000. Why gross?! The figure doesnt include brokerage fees, commissions, etc, etc...

So, whose lost is the other RM412,000++?!!! It's more than 2/3 of the total losts. Does this answers Shahrir Samad's and PAC's question on “Government funds are being used to pay for this merger. I’m more interested in why government funds are being used.” My quick assumption is that KJ had used RM4.828++ million (2/3 of total costs) government fund to buy the shares in December last year.

p/s: Now I know why they sold MV Agusta for 1 Euro <-- miscalculation by the Oxbridge graduate, perhaps.

Accused, Accused But Dont Make People Confused

Now, everyday we can read from local newspaper, almost every UMNO leader and in almost every UMNO gathering they attended, they talked to the rakyat about Tun M. Well, some said they'll be the Pendekar to defend the party, some pledged unconditional support to the current leadership, most of them still talked about the idea to call-off the crooked bridge (as if there's no other pressing and important issues to address).

Not to exclude the culture of accusing people. Remember the folk song Bangau Oh Bangau. When you're at the top, you can accuse people more freely and the chances for rakyat to agree to your accusation is very high... Now, the Prime Minister has started labeling his rakyat as 'iblis'. His rising son-in-law, on the other hand, came out with this accusation... I'm not sure how KJ can defend his accusation. Any basis? I dont think so!!! It's not my personal opinion, I dont want to be labeled as iblis!!! This one came from UMNO VC, Muhyiddin Yassin, a day after KJ blindly accused two of rakyat Malaysia (Matthias Chang and Ibrahim Ali)

Are UMNO leaders still teaching the rakyat how to sing Bangau Oh Bangau?! To KJ, you're making the highest level accusation, so please have strong basis, including consulting your more senior colleagues.

Another question I have... dont they have something better to talk to the rakyat during UMNO gathering/function, at least talk about RM9, explain about the functions of PAC including cases like hospital Alor Setar, ECM Libra, or at least talk about how to improve Malaysian football.

p/s: I'm sick (really sick with nausea, headache and fever). Reading newspapers doesnt help either. Sick of the current leadership.

Ada Apa Pada Nama?

A lot! You may need to consider having a generic name for your business, should your name will contribute to failure.

Banned by the US Government

According to email circulation, this ad, apart from other two similar ads, was aired just once before being banned by the US government. probably they're still sensitive with the 911 attack...

Just wonder how much sensitive they are with 2,863 people who died during the 911 attack but show no sympathy on 824 million people who are starving in the world, caused mainly by the war they initiated and manipulation of world economy they masterminded.

Enters Faizal... The New Champion

Akademi Fantasia concluded its 4th edition with Faizal crowned as the Champion. I must admit that he deserves the win although there was no clear favorite for this season, unlike the previous two (or three) seasons, as Lotter and Farhan are equally capable to be crowned as champion.

Anyway, enters Faizal into the Akademi Fantasia Hall of Fame, alongside the earlier and still celebrated Vince, Zahid and Mawi. Another male champion!!

Let's Fly On Economy Class

My Group CEO at his quarterly briefing to the staff, has announced that all staffs, from Senior Management to General Managers to Executives to Non-Executives, will fly on economy class for all domestic and intra-region flights.

So, look around who's sitting next to you next time you're flying on economy class. It might be the Group CEO of a highly rated GLCs, unless he make specific request like this...

To Censor or To Censor Not?

Is this another issue of Ministers not talking to each other or one minister being ignorant to another who is also the 'chief of all ministers'? Remember when Najib didn't know that Zam has arranged a 'peacemaker' to help Tun M-Pak Lah settle their dispute?

This is another examplary acts by the leaders or the policymakers..

Keng Yaik says... In contrary to what the 'Chief of All Ministers' called for... (I'm taking this caution as some form of censorship).

So, am I being deprived for the choice to become a good, obedient citizen? Should I follow either way, I would still be a wrong, guilty, disobedient, bad citizen... :-(

Please Mind Your Bahasa Malaysia, Harian Metro!

Kudos for Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) for coming out with this reminder.

They are very much concern on the 'loan words' like (you know lah..) fleksibiliti, akreditasi, etc and also the emergence of strange but catchy words like Infotainmen (this one has been used by the RTM itself, shame shame shame), sure lawa, sure heboh, etc. So, they're calling for greater respect for Bahasa Malaysia (or is it Bahasa Melayu?).

DBP's Director General said, "We hope it (some form of penalty to deter any 'wrong' usage of the national language in public) will serve to remind the public on the need to use Bahasa Malaysia correctly in public announcements, signages, banners, bunting and posters." (this article came out in The Sun, 2-Aug)

So, the first casualty (for the penalty) would be Harian Metro, for this article... At first, I thought it's a name of a place.. like Balikpapan :-)

Unfortunately, RTM's TV1 has changed its slogan from 'Saluran Infotainmen Anda' to 'Saluran Inforia Anda' on 1 April 2006 (is Inforia in the dictionary?!). Otherwise, I would just love to hear what Zam has to say... or would he sent a 'peacemaker' to talk to DBP's DG?!!

The Truly Malaysian Airline (for the People)

Well, I strongly believe Malaysia Airline or the Truly Malaysia Airline For The Rich, to learn how to spend their ADEX to good use, like the following advert.

So, Malaysians, it's our choice... who's THE Truly Malaysia Airline?!

The Truly Malaysian Airline?!

Well, they claim they're the truly Malaysian airline. Feel like choking to death...

The following advert and article came out on the same newspaper and on the same day.

25 reasons, among all... priority boarding & disembarkation of first and business class, golden lounge for first and business class passengers, Wi-Fi for first and business class in KLIA, telephone check-in for first and business class, etc... Should they call themselves the truly Malaysian airline for the rich?!

Well, who cares?! Give hundreds or even thousands of reasons, spend thousands for the advert, the following article gives THE reason not to fly THE truly Malaysia airline (for the rich)!!

10 Reasons To Go To Work Naked

10. No-one ever steals your chair.

9. Gives "bad hair day" a whole new meaning.

8. Diverts attention from the fact that you also came to work drunk.

7. People stop stealing your pens after they've seen where you keep them.

6. You want to see if it's like the dream.

5. To stop those creepy programmer guys from looking down your blouse.

4. "I'd love to chip in... but I left my wallet in my pants."

3. It's an inventive way to finally meet that 'special' person in Human Resources.

2. You can take advantage of your computer monitor radiation to work on your tan.

And ... drum roll ... the Number One reason to go to work naked :

1. Your boss will never say, "I wanna see your ass in here by 8:00!" ever again.