Many Happy Years Ahead!

Time flies. And in a matter of one more day, 2010 would be history. How has life been treating you so far? 

This year blogging has been less active as last year. As much as I want to blog more, it is pretty hard to find time to do it this year. So next year I would really like to spend more time blogging.

 

As for me I kind of like 2010. I mean there are ups and downs but I think the year has been positive. I moved in new house this year and it felt good to finally have a place of your own and the feeling of going back home sharp after work becomes stronger and stronger each and every day. On the other hand, my expenses went up like triple by triple this year because of the renovation and stuff like that. I changed a new job this year in January and boy, I am so busy since then. Anyway, hopefully this year will get me good bonus and increment.

Oh wait, just received news that 31 December 2010 has been declared Public Holiday by PM. While I really like to rest but that's probably means that there will be more works piling up my desk when I get back to work on the first day of 2011. Pui, how I hate the feeling that when there is a holiday, you don't get the exciting feeling but rather worrying about work? What an idiot I am and at this hour (12:50am to be exact), I am still working.

2011, I hope there will be positive changes and it is about time we, registered voters, voice our choice and say NO to the fxxkers who have been screwing us and take us for granted. Have you registered? The future of the country lies in our hand and 1 vote is better then no vote and being hopeful is the beginning of positive changes.

I must travel more in 2011. I did not travel much this year. I was in Penang, Cameron Highlands, and Tioman (Company trip) and gees, that's all. It is about time me having a trip back to Sandakan, a place that I grew up and love.

I should be more serious in putting down some weight and eat right. Gosh, I looked so fat in the photo this afternoon.

I should go back more often to hometown. I did not do that much this year. Shame on me.

I should be more careful in everything as there will be important events in 2011.

No matter what has happened in 2010, I hope that yours have been good. If life hasn't been kind to you, forget about 2010 and move into 2011 with more positive attitudes. Stay healthy and happy. There are many years ahead of us.

Wishing you MANY HAPPY YEARS AHEAD!

What If

I didn't know Kate Winslet can sing despite being excellent in acting. Nicely done, I must say. Here you go, the YouTube link and she should be featured for Colgate commercial too:

Kate Winslet - What if.

Fireflyz Sucks!

The reason that you are reading this update now is that I got stuck in Penang Airport. Thanks to Fireflyz.

I have a busy schedule today as I need to take two flights today, from Subang to Penang and then back to Subang, to attend to official matters in Penang and somehow I did not get a good vibe today when I woke up this morning and my intuition was spot on!

My morning flight got double-delayed. Arrived at airport to find out that for technical reason, my 9.55am flight was changed to 10.15am and "Did you not get our SMS?" so asked the firefly staff in the check-in counter. "No." and my mobile reception is full bar all the times as it is my habit frequently checking mobile phone for time. So I had to call up everybody about the delay of the meetings. Not very good impression for a first-time fireflyz customer and guess what, the SMS came through to me when I was in the meeting!

While the flight was airborne and just about to reach Penang Airport, the Captain delivered the bad news "Due to heavy rain, we couldn't touch down and we will try..." By the time I came out from airport, the time was 1130am. Weather reason, so I accept that. Supposed to reach half an hour ago.

Anyway, the morning flight was not so smooth so I was hoping that the returning one would be reliable so as to restore my confidence. Guess what, I just got the news that the 4pm flight got cancelled and changed to 530pm as "Our aircraft broke down in Singapore and we haven't a standby aircraft. Did you get our SMS?" Again I did not and not so good mood anymore at that time I fired right away. "I did not get your SMS and why the heck the flight status is "Calling" instead of "Cancel"? No answer, just smile. Fxxk! I was told to go, from check-in counter to sales counter, JUST to get the information that my flight was cancelled and replaced with another flight at 530pm. Why made me walked here and there to just get the information which can be given at the check-in counter after all, the same guy that checked me in later on.

By the way, why is such a difference between flight re-timed, or canceled, or whatever?  It sounds difference but they basically mean that your service is a big screwed up to your customers. Period! Your ticket cheap and reasonable but that's not the reason why you cannot be reliable in the service offered. I don't care about technical reason, not having standby aircraft, or whatever dog-shit reason. I paid the fees and I would expect the service rendered to me at the time promise. Is that too much to ask?

Google and you should find that there are complaints about frequent delayed flights in Fireflyz and the agony one has to go through due to inefficient service. Oh dear, hope it won't be long.

 

The above text was typed out while I was waiting in the airport and my laptop battery was dying fast. Anyway, now I am in my house and let me tell you what happen right after that.

The flight was delayed to 5.30pm. So I was waited at the boarding gate (Gate 10, to be exact). As time progressed, the flight status changed from "Open", then to "Boarding" and then "Gate Closed" but you know what, we (I mean all the passengers of the same flight) did not get to board the plane at all and there was no Fireflyz crew around telling us what was happening and what should we do. At 5.35pm, we looked amazed as the flight status changed again to "Flight Departed". What the Fxxk! No, no SMS this time. So I looked at you and you looked back at me and a few of us obviously too upset and started to call Fireflyz service line to check out. I called a few times but let me just say that my calls were not answered and judging by the looks of the others who tried, I can conclude that their calls did not pick up as well. All the time, no announcement at all informing us what was happening to our flight? 

Time passed, 5.40pm then 5.50pm and as it became so stressful to others to continue the wait then one fireflyz crew came opened the gate and rush us to board the plane. Obviously the flight got delayed again from originally 4pm to 6pm.

Tue Nia Sing! How hard it is to make an announcement or SMS or get one fireflyz crew (there were four of them chit chatting at the sales counter!) to the gate and inform that "Hi fellows, our flight running late due to unforeseen circumstances and we are so sorry about this and it will arrive at...... "

Repeated delayed flight mean service SUCKS but what we were going thorough on top of that were just beyond SUCK. Pui, come to think of it I have no word for it now. It is quite embarassing that there were other passengers from other country. Fireflyz you jatuhkan muka orang Malaysia aja!

I know flight get delayed sometimes but as a responsible service provider, there should be a proper ways of alleviating or easing the  situation no? The name fireflyz fits so well as I predict that it will be short-lived if such poor service continues. I am so not going to use the Fireflyz service in the future. You think twice yeah.

Walking Zombie Among Us

I do not believe that there is zombie in the world. I mean it is just the product of human imagination created so to milk money out of mortals like us. I mean look at those stupid movies or novels about zombie. It can't think, it can't rationalize, it can't logic, and totally void of moral values and human intelligence. 

But I believe now for I saw one, I read one and I bet you did too. Very well alive and walking in the board day light like every one of us some more. Here is the evidence:

Click and read here about this zombie and how it turned our Country into circus in the eye of the world.

Have You Been GLEE-ed?

I have been happily GLEE-ed. Have you?

I have not watched any TV series for such a long time so it is refreshing and pleasing to have found GLEE. Good cast, good stories, good talents, and good music (most improtant thing for me) and my oh my, that Rachael and Mecedes can really sing. Where the hell have they been all this while? Even the songs that I did not find pleasing sound so much interesting and engaging in Glee. Sorry Rihana, I think the Glee version of Take A Bow is much better. By the way, did I mention that those kids in the GLEE can really sing. I mean everyone of them.

There you have this young teacher who takes over the failing Glee Club in the high school and he determines in restoring Glee Club to its glorious days. So he ensembles these kids - asian, black, nerd, popular and unpopular kids (with great voice of course) and they are en route to well, reliase their potential and making viewers like us happy. And yes, just like any other TV series there is this villian cheerleader coach who wants and will try anything and everything to crush the Glee Club.

Well, I can't wait for the second season.

The Ham Yi Speaks... Again

I don't know why I find it intriguing but everytime this Ham Yi speaks, I pay attention.

The other Ham Yis tried to put it in the nicer way for him by using the ever-so-popular excuse I-am-being-misquoted-by-the-press. The Ham Yi righteously re-affirmed it's stance by issuing a statement. It believes that the Chinese PERKASA can create a "Check-and-balance" effect. Oh dear!

This is exactly the trap that PERKASA set up and wants all of us to fall into. They tried to project Chinese as racist people and we are selfish and we always demand too much and so that they are doing all "the righteous things in advancing and protecting the outrageous Malay Privillages" which are nothing beneficial to the Country as a whole but just making UMNO people filthy rich! We all know who are behind PERKASA. If we response like a mad dog, that justifies their actions. Furthermore, why do we want to lower ourselves to bark at mad dogs? We are better educated and more refined.

Ham Yi, you are lucky because you are in Bolehland. In other country, you would have to resigned from your post for making such insensitive statements!

The Ham Yi 'Salted Fish' Has Spoken...

The Ham Yi has spoken... and MalaysiaKini has report here.

It suggested proudly that Chinese NGO to take up extremist / racist roles in order to counter attack Ibrahim Ali's PERKASA. The MCA, a.k.a Salted Fish Bucket, could not assume such roles as PERKASA operates at the different level from Salted Fish Bucket. 

Ham Yi is, apparently, living in the dead world of its own... or among dead fishes. It still thinks that it stinks because people just love to hate salted fish. Ok, I am not making any sense here. Let me just... Racist politics! Come on! It is so disgusting that you suggesting it. Sicko! How could you ever suggest disunity and disharmony is best for the Country! Do you need to become a mad dog when you are facing a mad dog? Hatred breeds hatred. Don't you know that being in the government, you should do anything within your power to push for disbandment of any party that is a threat to the Country disharmony? Or at least stop it from barking nonsensically. You need the other parties to do it for you? This is so silly.

The Ham Yi also spoke that it had no shame in getting the senatorship and ministerial post through 'backdoor'. Well, obviously Ham Yi won't stand any chance of wining any important post through voting as it can't be any good and as capable as everybody else out there. Sit down doggy, do as I say so you'll be given a bone.

The Ham Yi thinks that it lost in the last election was due to the strong presence of opposition in it's electrorate. Fuck, the reason is simple even three-year-old knows. People fed up with you. That's why. After three-term you lost it good because you did not do ANY good. Simple as that. At least Ham Yi got something right here what it said and here I quote: "In highly educated areas such as Petaling Jaya, the electorate tends to tilt towards the opposition." You are right, we are highly educated here in Petaling Jaya and we don't want coward and no-brainer in any of our Petaling Jaya parliamentary seats. In fact, I don't think you could win in the coming election.

But really, do you expect Ham Yi has a brain of it's own? It is dead long ago and what kind of goverment would select Ham Yi for its team? The government that has no intention to make good progress of the Country but want a puppet instead... and the sad thing is that there are thousands of puppets in the government making ill decisions everyday that push the country backward.

May Is A Good Month Because Of Sibu By-Election

It isn't easy to maintain a blog and at the same time managing your work expectations. Lately there has been lack of update in my blog as I am quite busy with work. Anyway, I just want to say that despite our badminton players did not do well in the just-concluded Thomas and Uber Cup, I think it is much more significant and meaningful that Pakatan Rakyat won the Sibu By-Election.

Speaking of our defeat in Thomas Cup, let's face it that China players played really good and on top of their forms. Despite the home advantage, China deserves to win the Thomas Cup. They crushed every team that stand in its way to win Thomas Cup. It is good being optismistic that we lift the Thomas Cup again in our home country but losing the Thomas Cup isn't everything. Let not lose hope and continue to encourage our boys and girls to put this defeat behind and emarge better spirited and better team. What, they should have played better?

Sibu oh Sibu, how I like the sweet smell of victory! A tight slap to the BN and I was truly happy man. This time around, the you-help-me-I-help-you strategy did not work. How about that, Mr. PM? And you think everyone can be bought!

Some people have asked me if I am really a died hard fan of Pakatan Rakyat as I have been, quite obviously, supportive of them. Well, I am in support of any positive changes in this beautiful Country and the Country and its people deserve  better government. I can be supportive of MCA as well but I realised quickly that it being a sinking ship and could not be helped anymore.

By the way, May is a vey busy month for me. I was in two job fairs back to back and there are tones of things that need to be finished. Deadline after deadline. Sigh. Here is my favourite cheer-me-up song to carry me through...

Enjoy your weekend!

Rosy Cheek

Oops, there goes the secret of rosy cheek.

Source.

Getting Home

Well, the truth is that I am pretty disappointed with the Hulu Selangor's by-election result. But life goes on, when something negative comes your way, instead of being affected by it, channel your energy toward something positive and life will be better again. That's why I like movie so much. And naive I may sound but I believe that the timing isn't right this time and the underhand tactics employed by BN, and the highly superficial 1Malaysia, really did fool some people this time.

Anyway, this is a good movie to watch folks. I didn't know this could be so good. An interesting storyline. It is just that I don't know why does it matter when you die, why should you be buried where you were born? The dead wouldn't, and couldn't, care. It is the living ones that care too much. I guess i just don't share this notion.

The middle-aged man begun a journey of transporting his buddy, who died of a drunkard, to the place where he was born. Things get pretty much interesting along the way home. The misfortune events, the interesting people that he crosses path with. Well, read the review here.

I like the movie right at the very minute I saw the cover.

Zaid Will Win?

I feel like going to Hulu Selangor for the by-election tomorrow. Not as a voter but merely an observer. With the hype and all back-stabbing, underhand tactics that are going on in Hulu Selangor. I don't feel like missing the fun.

Ah, by the way, I am so hoping Zaid Ibrahim to win tomorrow in big majority (Tough I know but I am expecting surprise!).  The Kamalanathan who has been caged and moulded in the MIC / BN's school of make-me-filthy-rich-politician would bring nothing if he wins. Yes, I am being bias here but who can positively said that under MIC / BN, he is any good?

Between a person who walked out and quit on Badawi for miseable failure in reforming Malaysia jursidiction and a person that did nothing in his 26 years for MIC. Doesn't it show a clear winner in terms of character? And we need strong character in changing the Country.

I am also eager to see if the Hulu Selangor people really warm up and believe in the nothing-but-superficial goody image of 1 Malaysia a.k.a Najib.  Apperantly Mr. Najid has put in a lot of efforts in ensuring good win for BN. I would like to see him lose big!

It is going to be unpredictable tomorrow.

A toast to Zaid. Good read so go ahead click-in.

Weekly Grumble

Read his view here.

I think we all get screwed very badly by our Government. Not a day goes by I come across with news that add to my anger on how the Country being poorly managed by a bunch of assholes. Our ministries suck big time and tell me honestly, do you happy with ANY of them? Finance? Education? Human Resource? Home? Trade? Huh, I know your answer.

The Police and Authorities are busy whoring for the one in power. One-sided treatment. Such a big disgrace and don't think we Rakyat are so blind!

PR, I really hope there will be more quality candidates for the coming election. Those souless frogs are such disappointment and look at those havocs that they have created. On the positive notes, you learn the lessons, see more clearer, and now become stronger. The rakyet has eye to judge.

Those freaks in MCA. I hope you continue with your freak show for I really like to see you all cutting each other throat off. You are so irrelevant now but I bet you can't see it.

Who The Hell Is Sa Ding Ding?

Good thing is to share with your friends right. I have been listening to this album for the last few days and I like it. Didn't think this album would be so enjoying at the first place but it was a pleasant surprise to me. Let me just say that this is not your average album. Not your average poppy songs that usually get played in the radio over and over again. By the way, can someone please "kill" the Taylor Swift's You Belong With Me? It becomes so unbearable now. But this album of Sa Ding Ding titled Harmony is truly worthy of my recommendation.

Google and you should find a multi-talented singer / songwriter called Sa Ding Ding who is the first Asian artist who won the prestige BBC World Music Award 2008. The Sa Ding Ding's Wikepedia page here and her blog here.

She is truly a unique singer / song composer. Get to know her. Listen to her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWrZUWjgFxM

Don't Forget

Happy Chinese New Year everyone! I am sorry to spoil your mood.

While we are all in the joyous Chinese New Year mood, don't forget the defeat of Perak's democracy struggle (Can you believe the court decision was done in the interest of justice?) and the impeding petrol price hike with ridiculous rules that are soon to be announced. Don't forget that the big fishes of PKFZ have not shown themselves and prosecuted. Don't forget Teoh Beng Hock's misterious death has not been redeemed and justice hasn't been served. Don't forget the trial of Anwar's back-poking fun turn out to be, so far, another joke of the century in the making. Don't forget that they want us to forget but we can't and won't. Don't forget they screw us badly economically, financially, and making us the laughing stock of the world with their ridiculous ways managing our beloved country. Don't forget they make this country moving backward. Don't forget you are no supposed to say "ALAMAK" anymore because they can turn this into ridi-ligious (ridiculous and religious) matter threatening the society harmony. Don't forget there are tones of promise that they happily lip-serving us (Who to blame if you fall for it). Don't forget the 1 Malaysia isn't something new but our fundamental right since the formation of the country which those in-power conveniently failing us for far too many years.

Don't forget... that this Country is a place we call our own and we should not be giving up easily by way of emigrating to the other Country.

Lowest Form Of Existence

For the ugly comments that you uttered last week that provoked such anger to the general public, I feel so so sorry for you... Your existence in this world is obviously guided by altered logic, misguidance, and misintelligence. The most pathetic thing is that you don't see (or refuse to see) your weakness. Instead, you are so proud of it for the very wrong reason.

At your age, instead of a refined, knowledgeable, wise, and respectable gentleman you should become, you choose to degrading yourself to the lowest level.

I forgive you for your unbecoming racism attacks on me despite I do not know you in person. As a Chinese Malaysia, I wouldn't call your mother and your father whatever that is negative. Like I say in advance, I already feel so sorry for you. Consider your life in this world has been nothing but a wastage.

What I Did On The 1st Day Of 2010

In the wee hours of morning on 1 January 2010, the alarm clock at my bedside rang crazily at 415am. I forced my eyes open and woke up reluctantly. My mind was screaming "Lie down! Lie down." I felt very tired for I had just slept for less than 3 hours. Anyway, I made it to the washroom. Freshen up to face the first mission of 2010 - Hiking up the Bukit Tabur aka Crystal Hill, Melawati.

I had a quick and brief internet search on Crystal Hill prior to the mission. For me it was like hiking or 'walking up the hill' kind of thing. I did not know it was more than that. It turned out to be like hiking cum trekking cum rock-climbing for me and the whole exercise was tough and strenuous as I was not regular in exercise (Okay, I admit I did not exercise for a very long long time!). My body fitness was not ready for the whole exercise which last for like 6 hours! On the positive note, it was worthwhile because at the end of the mission, I couldn't not believe that I had walked so much and so far and really challenged my stamina to the maximum. What a way to start New Year eh?!!

We reached the foot of the hill in three cars at about 6am in the morning. Hiking up was not difficult from my opinion as there was enough energy to go around. I was thinking at that point of time that this would be like walk up the hill, wait for sunrise, snap snap snap (take photos), then walk down the hill. 2 hours top and I would have time for breakfast somewhere in Setapak at 10am. How wrong I was I tell you!

As we walked up the hill with the torch light in our hands, the stars were visible. The air was refreshing and it was such a nice view looking down from the hill halfway at the hundreds of houses in dim light. On our way, we met other climbers.

We reached our ideal destination to snap photo on New Year sunrise at about 715am. We stayed for about 45 minutes to an hour. Here are some photos taken.

Too much cloud! Can't have clear view of the sunrise. I was hoping to see big, round egg york (rising sun). That's The Peak in the middle of the photo.

There is a big calm lake or dam on the left side of the spot where I was standing.

On the other side of the hill, you can see KLCC Twin Tower and KL Tower despite the hazy morning.








































Genting is on top of the hill. The quality of the photo isn't good. Hard to see eh.





















































Dylan busied with his sunrise shoots whereas Jonathan posed for my camera. Ha. Some of the photos for your viewing pleasure.

Just as I thought we would be trekking down the hill after the sunrise. "We are going to the other side of the hill!" I heard someone in the team saying. Well, yeah. Why not. It was still early. So we walked further. Little did I know that our walk last for couple of hours!
















"Yeah, follow me! This way. This way!"

This is one of the many challenging moments - climbing up the hill and it is like 90 degree. Anyone who is in fear of height should come to Crystal Hill. Guaranteed cure for your phobia!

Climbing down and up. One ridge after another. How many more? My energy level was depleting... fast!

Let me just say that if you are: -

1. First timer and you don't have hiking or trekking or rock-climbing experience and;
2. You don't exercise regularly and;
3. You intended to fully explore Crystal Hill on your first attempt.

Don't expect it to be an easy one. On the contrary, the trail is treacherous for inexperienced one like me. I don't think you will get lost in Crystal Hill but you will find it challenging to descend and ascent from ridge to ridge. One wrong step would be dangerous for you. Careful with your step.




















This part of the hill is interesting. It is the furthest point of the hill where you gets to see Batu Caves from afar. It is lichen-covered and the air is so fresh.

Okay ready to trek down the hill. My heart was screaming Hooray with joy!!! I was very hungry (The result of skipping breakfast) and tired (The result of skipping exercises) and I thought it would be a piece of cake walking down but it wasn't so (The result of misjudging that this mission would be so easy). We had walked for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours to reach the foot of the hill. At some points I almost lost control and tripping myself but managed to steady myself.

This mission is so memorable for me I think I would remember it for a very long long time!

Faye Wong's Come Back Song

One of the biggest news in Chinese Music industry of 2010 is that Faye Wong, after many years of retirement from the music scene, is coming back to spice things up a little. Like the desert misses the rain, her fans over the world were so thrilled and excited over her return to the pathetic Chinese music industry, in my humble opinion.

Admittedly, I am okay with Faye Wong. I think she had some good songs over the years when she was active in Chinese music scene but that was it. I think her voice is unique - you know soft, dreamy, crispy clear and... well, my point is, sometimes I would fall asleep to her songs or her voice.

Anyway, it is good that she comes back because she did produce quality music and stuff which is what the Chinese music industry is seriously lacking now. Someone got to show the other musicians how it should be done! I expect that her come back song to be something more exciting but I am a bit disappointed really.



This song reminds me of my bed and pillow the minute it plays. It's my problem to have such high expectation? I hope her come back album is something more exciting and different.

Your Allah, My Allah

Read this first. Church Attacks and Friday Protests.

I am glad that the Friday protests, which received the 'blessing' of our PM, were not as huge as it was claimed to be in the newspaper a few day ago. Despite earnest calls from the Islamic NGOs, prior to the staged protests, only very small number of people had responded to the protest in the Mosques. However, it sadden me to know that three churches in Klang Valley were attacked with molotov cocktails. I was upset when the incident of the cow head protest happened last year. Such insensitivity! It seems to me that it is too trivial to fight over who gets to use the word - Allah.

Is Allah exclusive to Malaysia Muslim? Even though the fact that all the Islamic countries in the world do not have problem with non-Muslim using Allah in reference to their God. Or why Allah has become an issue in recent years in Malaysia when it had been widely used for a very long time (more than 100 years) even before the time these Allah-protectors were born? In what right do you have to say that Allah is exclusive to Malaysian Muslim? I read a blogger's comments recently and he was arguing that technically, Tuhan is a better word for Christian and not Allah. He could not understand why Christian was adamant and insistent in using Allah. There were other Allah-alternate words that Christian can use.

I like to use this example. One day, some people go up to you and say 'From now onwards, you can't use the word father to address your father because that's word is exlusive and belong to me and no one else can use it." How would you feel? Of course you won't happy because it is just a generic term everyone use but you are told not to use. But instead of wallop that fellow, you, as a good citizen, choose to fight it out in court.

The Allah word has no exclusivity from historical as well as technical stand point and what is wrong with fighting your right peacefully and legally? Not through any violent means such as towing, spitting, and stepping on severed cow head and throwing molotov cocktails on churches. Just because the court decision was not in favour of you it doesn't mean the court is injustice and unfair in its judgment. No need to respect law. Let's go throw molotov cocktails! Yaahooo!

I am not anti-muslim but I think some people has interpreted or construed the meaning of Allah narrowly and claim exclusitivity because he thinks what he likes to think. I supposed Allah has 'spoken' to these people in their dream that his name has been hijacked by Jesus and the only way Allah can get back what's his is in the land called Malaysia. No other islamic country in the world but Malaysia!

I am not anti-muslim but just stating my views.