Ronaldo committed one of the most bizarre incidents in football that I can remember last week during ManU's last premiership match. He tried in vain to imply he heard the refs whistle... but i think no one bought that. And espn rerun the clip of that incident so many times but nobody could hear any whistle blown, whether from the referee or the stands.
I think he got a little off balance when one of the defenders gave him a slight nudge when he was jumping to head the ball. He kind of panicked and while trying to quickly think what to do to protect his precious face from the ball... he unconsciously did that.
I dont think there is something wrong with this guy.... but in one of the previous matched when he was substituted towards the end.... to end a rather subdued and ineffective performance form him.... he was clearly unhappy with the substitution and looked really pathetic on his way toward the tunnel.
I think he is overrated and will never repeat his performance last season. His stepovers and tricks no longer fool defenders. He was never, in my opinion, beautiful to watch.... hes more like an efficient German attacker with some tricks here and there.
It is just a matter of time before messi or robinho can become the best players in the world. Robinho i think has got more talents than Ronaldo.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
recession or no recession
It was announced that the US is officially in a recession. Apparently there is this group of economists who can officially make the call. And the definition of a recession is not that straight forward after all. What I understand is a consecutive quarter of negative growth constitues a recession, thats what we have been told. Now the "officials" are saying that they are looking at a broader set of indicators to determine the state of the US economy and specifically the US recession.
I remember our central bank governor declaring that Malaysia will not enter a period of consecutive quarter of negative growth, hence no recession. Our deputy PM also said that no recession, only slowdown. Also other Malaysian economics and analysts and whatnot. So are these statements no longer relevant, now that apparently recession is defined differently, and what can we say about our economy next year?
I remember our central bank governor declaring that Malaysia will not enter a period of consecutive quarter of negative growth, hence no recession. Our deputy PM also said that no recession, only slowdown. Also other Malaysian economics and analysts and whatnot. So are these statements no longer relevant, now that apparently recession is defined differently, and what can we say about our economy next year?
Monday, November 17, 2008
Mentor mentee
I am not a big fan of the mentoring program. I have read somewhere that a research says that factors that promote career advancement include formal or classroom training, networking, on the job training and mentorship program. What the research found surprising was networking is not really a big factor to go up the ladder - it constitutes something around 15%, which is considered less than expected - and on the job training is really the big one. What I found surprising was mentorship program is even on the list in the first place, taking something like 15% off the pie. I thought its just chit chat.
In order for the program to work being frank and honest to my opinion is the utmost important. And of course to have this you need mutual trust and respect from both mentee and mentor. What I really not want to happen is the mentorship session turning into somekind of appointment with the career shrink. But most of the time when the trust is established it has always gone that way for me. And then it starts all over again... all these dilemma and writings in the blog on career path and changing careers and am I doing the right thing and what not?
When faced with uncertainties go to education - I am actually not just "simply say"-ing this, some article by some economic expert suggested education during this trying time of credit crunch and economic crisis, be it the academia as in becoming a professor or back to studying. I was looking at post graduate possibilities and looking at some sample of the GMAT.... 1st question looked REALLY simple and it has got something to do with equilateral triangles and squares and finding the perimeter.... and I was like what the hell is equilateral LOL.
In order for the program to work being frank and honest to my opinion is the utmost important. And of course to have this you need mutual trust and respect from both mentee and mentor. What I really not want to happen is the mentorship session turning into somekind of appointment with the career shrink. But most of the time when the trust is established it has always gone that way for me. And then it starts all over again... all these dilemma and writings in the blog on career path and changing careers and am I doing the right thing and what not?
When faced with uncertainties go to education - I am actually not just "simply say"-ing this, some article by some economic expert suggested education during this trying time of credit crunch and economic crisis, be it the academia as in becoming a professor or back to studying. I was looking at post graduate possibilities and looking at some sample of the GMAT.... 1st question looked REALLY simple and it has got something to do with equilateral triangles and squares and finding the perimeter.... and I was like what the hell is equilateral LOL.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Obamamania
Articulated perfectly by Dr Chandra Muzaffar
Excerpt from NST:
IN the wake of Barack Obama's electoral triumph in the United States, some Malaysian politicians, non-governmental organisation activists, newspaper columnists and members of the public have made utterly shallow and superficial comments about the significance of his victory to minorities and ethnic politics in Malaysia.
The US' majority-minority dichotomy has very little relevance to our country. Though a member of the African-American minority, which is about 12 per cent of the US population, Obama subscribes to Christianity, the religion of the white majority.His mother tongue -- English -- is the mother tongue of the majority community. His culture is, to all intents and purposes, indistinguishable from the culture of the majority.Like most other African- Americans, and indeed most of the other minorities such as the Latinos and Asians, Obama has been absorbed and assimilated into what is sometimes described as mainstream "White Anglo-Saxon Protestant" (WASP) culture.
However, for African-Americans, in particular, their total assimilation was hampered and hindered by the racial barrier of colour. It was the colour bar with all its historical (slavery) and sociological (lower economic echelon) implications that underscored their minority status.Compare their minority status to the position of the Chinese and Indian Malaysian minorities. Most Chinese and Indian Malaysians are non-Muslims and have no affiliation whatsoever to Islam, the religion of the majority Malay community. The Malay language is not their mother tongue. In fact, the overwhelming majority of the Chinese community, in particular, remains deeply attached to its own mother tongue. More than 90 per cent of Chinese parents send their children to Chinese primary schools. For the most part, Chinese and Indian cultures have preserved and perpetuated their distinct identities.Chinese and Indian elites, whether in government or with the opposition, have always been opposed to any attempt to absorb their communities into the cultural ethos of the majority community. Neither has the government been inclined towards assimilation as a cultural policy. By and large, it is the path of integration that the government has chosen, which accommodates cultural diversity and seeks to promote unity by emphasising the primacy of the nation's lingua franca. The Chinese and Indian communities prefer integration to assimilation.Since this is their preference, they should not expect an assimilated "Obama" to emerge from their ranks.To explain this in more concrete terms, one should perhaps try to visualise the life story of an Obama equivalent in Malaysia. His father would have come from a Buddhist, or Hindu or Christian family outside Malaysia, married a Malay-Muslim woman from say Kedah or Kelantan, and produced an offspring who would have spoken Bahasa Malaysia as his mother tongue, studied in a Malay-medium school, graduated from a Malay-medium university, and would have been thoroughly assimilated into Malay culture and society. How could one regard such a person as the poster-boy of the Chinese or Indian minority in this country? This illustrates the danger of making simplistic comparisons between minorities in two totally different situations without any understanding of their respective milieus.Rather than indulge in such rhetoric which invariably has a communal edge to it, our politicians and media commentators should help to promote our Bahasa Malaysia-based primary school as the school of first choice so that young Malaysians will, at least, have the opportunity to interact with one another during the most impressionable stage of their lives.Of course, interaction alone will not enhance national unity if we are not just and fair to everyone, regardless of their cultural or religious affiliation.
addthis_pub = 'nstonline';
Excerpt from NST:
IN the wake of Barack Obama's electoral triumph in the United States, some Malaysian politicians, non-governmental organisation activists, newspaper columnists and members of the public have made utterly shallow and superficial comments about the significance of his victory to minorities and ethnic politics in Malaysia.
The US' majority-minority dichotomy has very little relevance to our country. Though a member of the African-American minority, which is about 12 per cent of the US population, Obama subscribes to Christianity, the religion of the white majority.His mother tongue -- English -- is the mother tongue of the majority community. His culture is, to all intents and purposes, indistinguishable from the culture of the majority.Like most other African- Americans, and indeed most of the other minorities such as the Latinos and Asians, Obama has been absorbed and assimilated into what is sometimes described as mainstream "White Anglo-Saxon Protestant" (WASP) culture.
However, for African-Americans, in particular, their total assimilation was hampered and hindered by the racial barrier of colour. It was the colour bar with all its historical (slavery) and sociological (lower economic echelon) implications that underscored their minority status.Compare their minority status to the position of the Chinese and Indian Malaysian minorities. Most Chinese and Indian Malaysians are non-Muslims and have no affiliation whatsoever to Islam, the religion of the majority Malay community. The Malay language is not their mother tongue. In fact, the overwhelming majority of the Chinese community, in particular, remains deeply attached to its own mother tongue. More than 90 per cent of Chinese parents send their children to Chinese primary schools. For the most part, Chinese and Indian cultures have preserved and perpetuated their distinct identities.Chinese and Indian elites, whether in government or with the opposition, have always been opposed to any attempt to absorb their communities into the cultural ethos of the majority community. Neither has the government been inclined towards assimilation as a cultural policy. By and large, it is the path of integration that the government has chosen, which accommodates cultural diversity and seeks to promote unity by emphasising the primacy of the nation's lingua franca. The Chinese and Indian communities prefer integration to assimilation.Since this is their preference, they should not expect an assimilated "Obama" to emerge from their ranks.To explain this in more concrete terms, one should perhaps try to visualise the life story of an Obama equivalent in Malaysia. His father would have come from a Buddhist, or Hindu or Christian family outside Malaysia, married a Malay-Muslim woman from say Kedah or Kelantan, and produced an offspring who would have spoken Bahasa Malaysia as his mother tongue, studied in a Malay-medium school, graduated from a Malay-medium university, and would have been thoroughly assimilated into Malay culture and society. How could one regard such a person as the poster-boy of the Chinese or Indian minority in this country? This illustrates the danger of making simplistic comparisons between minorities in two totally different situations without any understanding of their respective milieus.Rather than indulge in such rhetoric which invariably has a communal edge to it, our politicians and media commentators should help to promote our Bahasa Malaysia-based primary school as the school of first choice so that young Malaysians will, at least, have the opportunity to interact with one another during the most impressionable stage of their lives.Of course, interaction alone will not enhance national unity if we are not just and fair to everyone, regardless of their cultural or religious affiliation.
addthis_pub = 'nstonline';
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
The election
As of now Obama is the runaway leader over McCain. After so much politicking and so much money over a period of 2 years or so. I personally have no preference. Main issues like the American economy, health care, war in Iraq etc etc in this election do not directly affect me in any way and I am less informed on other issue that may affect our country, so to be objective I dont have any preference. But based on his seemingly more open view of the world, being exposed to a lot of different cultures especially Islam... there is hope that Obama is going to be the one who is gonna change Americans view on terrorists and the Islamic World. And also during debates he just looked such a superior person to McCain, he is so eloquent that sometimes I have doubts whether hes just BSing his way through, like many BSers do or hes just a super smart man. And I just can't imagin Palin being VP. Her only having her passport done like 2 years ago is so American.... I have known quite a few during the Michigan years who had not been out of Michigan! This is one American thing that I totally cannot understand.... cant imagine that someone is settled being under the tempurung without any curiosity to see the world, meet other people etc.
Friday, October 17, 2008
On killing time
Today we have the half day off. That occurs for every 3rd Friday of the month. Can you believe that? Where else can you find such policy. Who else can afford to have so much time off. If I were in KL I could really use a half day off. In Miri we, or at least I, seem to have so much time in our hands.
Its not really literally a half day off I think. Its supposed to support the "work hard play hard" culture the management are supposedly trying to instill into the organization. And people were supposed to organize activities, things such as jungle trekking, team building etc etc. Sometimes we dont have these kind of things, although they did organize a hiking expedition on top of Canada Hill just a few weeks ago. I missed that one because it was Ramadan.
Do you still need to come to office if you dont have anything organized? Thats the big question right. I used to come to office during such predicaments before. But usually the office was always deserted, only a couple of senior guys who were obviously very busy would be there. Sometimes Ill be there and one or two of them would ask me what was I doing there and told me to go home.
Its not really literally a half day off I think. Its supposed to support the "work hard play hard" culture the management are supposedly trying to instill into the organization. And people were supposed to organize activities, things such as jungle trekking, team building etc etc. Sometimes we dont have these kind of things, although they did organize a hiking expedition on top of Canada Hill just a few weeks ago. I missed that one because it was Ramadan.
Do you still need to come to office if you dont have anything organized? Thats the big question right. I used to come to office during such predicaments before. But usually the office was always deserted, only a couple of senior guys who were obviously very busy would be there. Sometimes Ill be there and one or two of them would ask me what was I doing there and told me to go home.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Miri has got Starbucks...
For some reason all these chains of restaurants and cafes are popping out of nowhere here. I returned from Raya leave and suddenly now we have got our own Starbucks... It is occupying this one new lot in Bintang Plaza that has been vacant for as long as I remember. Me trying to contribute to the local economy of course dont mind at all spending 8++ bucks on a cup of coffee... is it me or is it cheaper here cause I remember starbucks coffee cost at a least 10 bucks... or is it that they actually reduced the prices....
Now if they did reduce their prices thats really good news in these times with all that financial crisis and credit crunch. It is jut so mind boggling to me... how can all these behemoths of investment banks and financial institutions just failed the way they did.... I mean these investment bankers are supposedly smart people making lots of money for their companies and themselves right... and the next day the whole company just failed.... I still dont understand how these investment banks are so adversely affected by that subprime mortgage thing... now i am just happy that I still have a job. Or should we be worried about our jobs? I mean the way that the companies just collapsed.... it seems like that could happen to any company.
Now if they did reduce their prices thats really good news in these times with all that financial crisis and credit crunch. It is jut so mind boggling to me... how can all these behemoths of investment banks and financial institutions just failed the way they did.... I mean these investment bankers are supposedly smart people making lots of money for their companies and themselves right... and the next day the whole company just failed.... I still dont understand how these investment banks are so adversely affected by that subprime mortgage thing... now i am just happy that I still have a job. Or should we be worried about our jobs? I mean the way that the companies just collapsed.... it seems like that could happen to any company.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Looking forward to night race
I cannot understand what is the big deal with the ruling on Hamilton's case. I thought it was so clear that he gained an advantage over raikkonen after cutting the bus stop chiccane or whatever it is called. Yes he did let Raikkonen through but it was so obvious that he got the momentum with him. So yes he slowed down like 5 kmh or so but that doesnt mean anything as with his momentum he could effortlessly pass Raikkonen again.
So much has been written about the FIA being biased and favouring Ferrari and I dont quite agree with that. Maybe its a case of english journalists/commentators favouring a british team and driver. There was a point raised about Raikkonen ramming into Sutil at Monaco and he wasnt penalised, but I thought that was not his fault at all as clearly he lost control of his car after running over a puddle of water. And I am not a fan of Hamiltons at all. He seemingly is becoming the second Montoya and looked really careless and unreasonable in recent races.
I think it is a two horse race between Massa and Hamilton. But it is still one of the more unpredictable and exciting seasons and anythin can happen to open up the race again. Especially with the Singapore night race coming this weekend adding to the unpredictability factor with huge uncertainties surrounding the race. Sepang is said to do a night race... but Singapore with a racetrack smacked in the middle of the city at night.... and Sepang in middle of palm oil estate???
So much has been written about the FIA being biased and favouring Ferrari and I dont quite agree with that. Maybe its a case of english journalists/commentators favouring a british team and driver. There was a point raised about Raikkonen ramming into Sutil at Monaco and he wasnt penalised, but I thought that was not his fault at all as clearly he lost control of his car after running over a puddle of water. And I am not a fan of Hamiltons at all. He seemingly is becoming the second Montoya and looked really careless and unreasonable in recent races.
I think it is a two horse race between Massa and Hamilton. But it is still one of the more unpredictable and exciting seasons and anythin can happen to open up the race again. Especially with the Singapore night race coming this weekend adding to the unpredictability factor with huge uncertainties surrounding the race. Sepang is said to do a night race... but Singapore with a racetrack smacked in the middle of the city at night.... and Sepang in middle of palm oil estate???
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Back from unofficial hiatus
Its been a while.... I just simply dont have internet. Miri has got a free wifi service in downtown, but me being like 20 kms away, so dont think our area is gonna get the signal anytime soon.
Liverpool
Now that Manu have got Berbatov they are looking like they gonna get the double again this season. But last night's match showed that if theres one area they they could use some reinforcement its midfield. I have always thought that Mascherano and Alonso is the perfect midfield pairing for Liverpool. Gerrard should play off the striker or on the wings. But Liverpool is really looking good this year. And now that Chelsea lost Essien for 6 months.... they are also looking less invincible.
Work
I have not been offshore yet. Looking at how things are going now, I dont even know when can I go offshore. There is a possibility that I would never go even until my project finished.
Things are picking up now... it has been really slow. It has been so slow it stressed me out. But now its getting better. Really hoping to get a transfer to KL by end of this year. Im not really loving Miri right now.
Secret Recipe
Secret Recipe just opened in town. People are saying its not as good as those branches anywhere else. People are talking about nasty stuff like fishy fish n stuff like that. Probably because they just opened and well, thing screw up during opening right, to give them benefit of the doubt. But im still looking forward to try their tom yam noodle thing... tom yam kung or sumthing. Might be unexpected but I find their tom yam kung really delicious.
Liverpool
Now that Manu have got Berbatov they are looking like they gonna get the double again this season. But last night's match showed that if theres one area they they could use some reinforcement its midfield. I have always thought that Mascherano and Alonso is the perfect midfield pairing for Liverpool. Gerrard should play off the striker or on the wings. But Liverpool is really looking good this year. And now that Chelsea lost Essien for 6 months.... they are also looking less invincible.
Work
I have not been offshore yet. Looking at how things are going now, I dont even know when can I go offshore. There is a possibility that I would never go even until my project finished.
Things are picking up now... it has been really slow. It has been so slow it stressed me out. But now its getting better. Really hoping to get a transfer to KL by end of this year. Im not really loving Miri right now.
Secret Recipe
Secret Recipe just opened in town. People are saying its not as good as those branches anywhere else. People are talking about nasty stuff like fishy fish n stuff like that. Probably because they just opened and well, thing screw up during opening right, to give them benefit of the doubt. But im still looking forward to try their tom yam noodle thing... tom yam kung or sumthing. Might be unexpected but I find their tom yam kung really delicious.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
EP00ing and enjoying it....
Fourth week into my EP00 course and I do not feel like going back to office. It is busy and packed, an introductory course on the exploration and production business with intro to multidisciplines from geology, geophysics etc to surface engineering and production, all within 5 weeks. I learned a lot to say the least, gives you an overview and awareness about other things going around working together to get that black gold. If only I could go to this course before applying to shell.... then would have a better idea of whats interesting and whats not....
It has been stressful at times but fun all the time. It is the first time since I moved here that I am surrounded by people my age; most of them younger anyways making me feel like an uncle; and so glad that met new people and made new friends etc etc. Thats one of my main objective of joining this course anyways.... but worded it as networking. Shell is such a different environment from my previous companies, at BAT we had a function head who was 29 and at PwC most of the people there are fresh grads or less than 30. So it can be a huge difference in the environment and team dynamics etc etc.
Well its one more week to go and hopefully once in office I can get going with my project. It can be hard not practising engineering 3 years after graduation. Not being that good in it doesnt help either. Not having the 'passion' in this subject definitely doesnt help at all. But I am so beyond the 'passion' phase and just doing whatever that seems right.
It has been stressful at times but fun all the time. It is the first time since I moved here that I am surrounded by people my age; most of them younger anyways making me feel like an uncle; and so glad that met new people and made new friends etc etc. Thats one of my main objective of joining this course anyways.... but worded it as networking. Shell is such a different environment from my previous companies, at BAT we had a function head who was 29 and at PwC most of the people there are fresh grads or less than 30. So it can be a huge difference in the environment and team dynamics etc etc.
Well its one more week to go and hopefully once in office I can get going with my project. It can be hard not practising engineering 3 years after graduation. Not being that good in it doesnt help either. Not having the 'passion' in this subject definitely doesnt help at all. But I am so beyond the 'passion' phase and just doing whatever that seems right.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Harvest Festival
The whole company is off this week, three public holidays (2 day gawai and King's birthday) and 2 bridging holidays which will be deducted from the annual leave. I was contemplating of driving from Miri all the way to Kuching. But just a few weeks before the holiday week I changed my mind and decided to take the flight.... but it was too late and I could not find a plane ticket that meets my budget and timing criteria. It was a 13-hour journey.... long, bumpy and winded road. But surprise... they actually did some maintenance work on the trunk road. I remember there was a really bad stretch from Sarikei to Kuching, and they actually fixed it..... quite impressive- relatively.
But it is still relatively impressive, maybe if compared to Sabah its impressive. I heard from people who have been there, Sarawak is so much better off than Sabah. Everything there seems to be dilapidated and run down. It makes perfect sense for the state leaders to threaten to leave BN for the opposition. I mean, in KL people are rioting because they dont want to pay toll. Here in Sarawak more than half the people dont have access to clean water.
I have been watching a lot of French open because there is nothing better to do. Rafael Nadal had been really impressive and I bet he will win again for the fourth time. Even if Federer looked really impressive in his last game.... hmm I dunno cause Nadal is just on fire. And he is in tip top condition. In my opinion Federer has never been in top condition physically, and its maybe because he doesnt need to. He could have done more like improving his strength or reduce body fat....
But it is still relatively impressive, maybe if compared to Sabah its impressive. I heard from people who have been there, Sarawak is so much better off than Sabah. Everything there seems to be dilapidated and run down. It makes perfect sense for the state leaders to threaten to leave BN for the opposition. I mean, in KL people are rioting because they dont want to pay toll. Here in Sarawak more than half the people dont have access to clean water.
I have been watching a lot of French open because there is nothing better to do. Rafael Nadal had been really impressive and I bet he will win again for the fourth time. Even if Federer looked really impressive in his last game.... hmm I dunno cause Nadal is just on fire. And he is in tip top condition. In my opinion Federer has never been in top condition physically, and its maybe because he doesnt need to. He could have done more like improving his strength or reduce body fat....
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Updates
Champions League
I just had the feeling that this was not gonna be Liverpool's year after the last minute chelsea goal. After the miraculous comeback against Milan to win the cup, we cannot blame it on luck. Now that I am a neutral for the final, I am rooting for ManU to win the cup as well as the English premier league. ManU probably play the better football, even if they did not really show any appetite for attacking fotball over both legs against Barca. Better ManU than chelsea...
Miri Update
Even if Kuching and Miri are in the same state, it is quite obvious that things are not the same. This goes to show how big Sarawak is. I have been hunting around for the usual Kuching fare like laksa Sarawak, Mee kolok etc etc, I could find all the stuff here but they just taste and look different. For example, never in my life that Ive had laksa Sarawak with hard boiled egg and crab meat (???). Dont let me start on the weird taste of the gravy.
Been driving around buying stuff, and bad news is things are expensive here. Tried to find second hand electrical goods but so far no luck. Bought a philips 21" tv for 500, thats probably the chepest that I could find, and I saw in the newspaper that Giant in peninsular is selling at 350+. My house is still empty totally void of any furniture. I wish there was an IKEA here, cheap stuff but at least to my taste and lots of choices.
I just had the feeling that this was not gonna be Liverpool's year after the last minute chelsea goal. After the miraculous comeback against Milan to win the cup, we cannot blame it on luck. Now that I am a neutral for the final, I am rooting for ManU to win the cup as well as the English premier league. ManU probably play the better football, even if they did not really show any appetite for attacking fotball over both legs against Barca. Better ManU than chelsea...
Miri Update
Even if Kuching and Miri are in the same state, it is quite obvious that things are not the same. This goes to show how big Sarawak is. I have been hunting around for the usual Kuching fare like laksa Sarawak, Mee kolok etc etc, I could find all the stuff here but they just taste and look different. For example, never in my life that Ive had laksa Sarawak with hard boiled egg and crab meat (???). Dont let me start on the weird taste of the gravy.
Been driving around buying stuff, and bad news is things are expensive here. Tried to find second hand electrical goods but so far no luck. Bought a philips 21" tv for 500, thats probably the chepest that I could find, and I saw in the newspaper that Giant in peninsular is selling at 350+. My house is still empty totally void of any furniture. I wish there was an IKEA here, cheap stuff but at least to my taste and lots of choices.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Honeymoon month
Surviving the first month in Miri. Nothing out of the ordinary, pretty much as expected. Still staying at the hotel.... 3 weeks in hotel. Fortunately have "secured" a place to stay. Very lucky indeed because I was the second in line to get this house. The european guy, who is also shell staff, who offered the owner almost double the rent for the house, albeit demanding airconds, beds etc etc.... didnt want to commit. So the owner, whom I am pretty sure not fond of the idea of drilling holes into the walls of his brand new house, gave it to me......
Its 100 bucks more than the upper limit of my budget.... but its a nice new house and it is just what Im looking for. The options within my budget so far were crap.... so didnt hesitate to book it. Trying to look for single story house all for my own is not that easy. European who mark up the rentals dont help with anything for sure.
Staying in Marriot Miri.... I always make the effort to have the breakfast buffet. This hotel is old, but it is very well maintained. I stayed here when I was like in standard 3, and I can say that they did not do any renovations and it still look as good as when its new. Trying to familiarise myself with water and utilise the pool during the so many free time.... sort of preparing for the sea survival course. How Im gonna get through 2 of my greatest fears, water and height, I have no idea.
Will begoing to KL for a few days next week. Planned to stay for the weekend, but preoccupied by the move into the new house.....
Its 100 bucks more than the upper limit of my budget.... but its a nice new house and it is just what Im looking for. The options within my budget so far were crap.... so didnt hesitate to book it. Trying to look for single story house all for my own is not that easy. European who mark up the rentals dont help with anything for sure.
Staying in Marriot Miri.... I always make the effort to have the breakfast buffet. This hotel is old, but it is very well maintained. I stayed here when I was like in standard 3, and I can say that they did not do any renovations and it still look as good as when its new. Trying to familiarise myself with water and utilise the pool during the so many free time.... sort of preparing for the sea survival course. How Im gonna get through 2 of my greatest fears, water and height, I have no idea.
Will begoing to KL for a few days next week. Planned to stay for the weekend, but preoccupied by the move into the new house.....
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Starbucks in Catcity....
I am currently at the first starbucks ever in Kuching and Sarawak (I am very sure there is no starbucks in Miri). The barristas, whom I am very sure are locals, spoke in this weird accent seemingly American. Dont know whats up with that, either they were unsuccessfully trained to have an american accent.... or theyre just a bunch of american wannabe.
Its in "The Spring"... what I consider the first ever mall in Kuching. Its weird to see all the shops and restaurants suddenly popping out of nowhere in "the Spring".... before this here was like stuck in stone age. All these sushi kaiten belt chains and roasted chicken and cafes.... will this be the start of the mall invasion like what is happening in KL? Will we see kuching folks adopt a full day trip to the mall as thier compulsory weekend itinerary? What do they do on the weekends now anyway?
There are a few firsts here at the spring. The other day my cousin pointed out... the first auto pay parking system lol. Of course starbucks and other shops/restaurants, the first mph.... by the way I like mph the best because they let shoppers read their magazines.... so I only get my books at mph. And probably the first gsc/tgv....... this is like in those american movies where old people go back to their hometowns, go visit the old diners or sundry shop and reminisce the old times.
I dont mind spending so much on a cup of coffee in my hometown. This is me contributing to the local business.... if there is any time to spend money on starbucks... this is it. Im just hopeful that all these places will not go bankrupt.
Its in "The Spring"... what I consider the first ever mall in Kuching. Its weird to see all the shops and restaurants suddenly popping out of nowhere in "the Spring".... before this here was like stuck in stone age. All these sushi kaiten belt chains and roasted chicken and cafes.... will this be the start of the mall invasion like what is happening in KL? Will we see kuching folks adopt a full day trip to the mall as thier compulsory weekend itinerary? What do they do on the weekends now anyway?
There are a few firsts here at the spring. The other day my cousin pointed out... the first auto pay parking system lol. Of course starbucks and other shops/restaurants, the first mph.... by the way I like mph the best because they let shoppers read their magazines.... so I only get my books at mph. And probably the first gsc/tgv....... this is like in those american movies where old people go back to their hometowns, go visit the old diners or sundry shop and reminisce the old times.
I dont mind spending so much on a cup of coffee in my hometown. This is me contributing to the local business.... if there is any time to spend money on starbucks... this is it. Im just hopeful that all these places will not go bankrupt.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Switching channels like mad.....
This was one of the nights when there was nothing much to watch on Astro so I tuned to mtv. VH1s I love the 90's was on and the Cranberries' Linger video was playing. This is one of my favourites and its one of those that I can listen to no matter how old the song is. Totally love the cranberries.... dont really listen to their albums through but they did have gigantic hits with their trademark catchy hooks didnt they.... remember zombie.... heck the 90s were about all these catchy rock songs with great hooks and melodies. The cornier of the crop would be hootie n the blowfish or sixpence none the richer and the likes, man they had really catchy songs....... and all those great bands like radiohead, pearl jam, oasis, blur, manic street preachers peaking. I was like... I love the 90's...
Then VH1 I love the 90's suddenly got into this boyband mood..... this boyband with 3 guys that i forgot existed but was surely reminded of as I could totally recall their hit song which was kind of rocky with catchy chorus.... I was quite impressed with the video as it didnt look like something from the golden oldies of the 90s unlike the Linger video. It became apparent that it was shot in London... in the tubes, London eye etc, and it looked like it was made yesterday. Kind of reminded me of the Nissan Fairlady or 350Z or the Adidas superstar sneakers.... good designs that stand the test of time. In case of the Adidas sneakers a classic.
Halfway through the show came on Savage Garden with their super sappy ballad Truly Madly Deeply. I also almost forgot the existence of this band.... however unfortunate to have to be reminded of the sappiness of this song. It pretty much went downhill from here with the VH1 I love the 90's...
But after that at around 1 am the so called ACDC(Adult Contemporary Definitive Chart- whatever that means) came on. This was quite good.... they were playing quite a number of interesting songs from 'alternative' artists...... and Emmy Rossum was on number 4! For those not in theknow, shes an actress and the only movie she was in that came to my mind was Mystic River where sheplayed Sean Penn's daughter. I am sure she was in many other movies but cant recall. But who knew.
Then VH1 I love the 90's suddenly got into this boyband mood..... this boyband with 3 guys that i forgot existed but was surely reminded of as I could totally recall their hit song which was kind of rocky with catchy chorus.... I was quite impressed with the video as it didnt look like something from the golden oldies of the 90s unlike the Linger video. It became apparent that it was shot in London... in the tubes, London eye etc, and it looked like it was made yesterday. Kind of reminded me of the Nissan Fairlady or 350Z or the Adidas superstar sneakers.... good designs that stand the test of time. In case of the Adidas sneakers a classic.
Halfway through the show came on Savage Garden with their super sappy ballad Truly Madly Deeply. I also almost forgot the existence of this band.... however unfortunate to have to be reminded of the sappiness of this song. It pretty much went downhill from here with the VH1 I love the 90's...
But after that at around 1 am the so called ACDC(Adult Contemporary Definitive Chart- whatever that means) came on. This was quite good.... they were playing quite a number of interesting songs from 'alternative' artists...... and Emmy Rossum was on number 4! For those not in theknow, shes an actress and the only movie she was in that came to my mind was Mystic River where sheplayed Sean Penn's daughter. I am sure she was in many other movies but cant recall. But who knew.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
March 8 aftermath
Only 4 days after the so called political tsunami and the press was shouting 'CRISIS' in Perak. What did I tell you about Perak being interesting. As of today Perak still do not have a menteri besar and basically no government. The chosen PAS guy was supposed to be sworn in today.... but after all the huha leading up to the scheduled 4 pm ceremony, it was cancelled. If I was the king I would also choose the PAS candidate cause its a no brainer.
Lim Kit Siang rallying to boycott the MB sworn in, Perak DAP having no clue about Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng equally confusing..... there was so much going on today. Lim Kit Siang in a desperate attempt to calm things down apologizing to the Regent of Perak. To me that was it.... a desperate and pathetic apology that meant nothing. Perak exco is seemingly heading to the circus direction.
What the hell did we expect? PAS and DAP are like ying and yang. At least to me PAS couldnt care less about non Malays and DAP couldn't care less about Malays. Any Malay in the right state of mind will not vote for DAP. Any Chinese in the right state of mind will also not vote for PAS. We know this will not work here in multiracial Malaysia and there is no point voting for these bozos.
Anyway there are still 5 years to go and it is still interesting to see how they will run Perak.
Lim Kit Siang rallying to boycott the MB sworn in, Perak DAP having no clue about Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng equally confusing..... there was so much going on today. Lim Kit Siang in a desperate attempt to calm things down apologizing to the Regent of Perak. To me that was it.... a desperate and pathetic apology that meant nothing. Perak exco is seemingly heading to the circus direction.
What the hell did we expect? PAS and DAP are like ying and yang. At least to me PAS couldnt care less about non Malays and DAP couldn't care less about Malays. Any Malay in the right state of mind will not vote for DAP. Any Chinese in the right state of mind will also not vote for PAS. We know this will not work here in multiracial Malaysia and there is no point voting for these bozos.
Anyway there are still 5 years to go and it is still interesting to see how they will run Perak.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Its time to stop being apathetic
I am one of around 4 mil unregistered eligible voters in Malaysia and pretty much couldnt care less about voting, always presuming BN will win 2/3 and any politician does not deserve my vote. Totally apathetic, ill informed and ignorant. That was until today when I woke up, loaded thestar.com and saw the shocking news.
Last night I was not even bothered to switch on the news to get the results, more concerned about whether Liverpool would finally get into some kind of form and looking forward to the rest of the EPL top 4 losing. I woke up at around 11 am, then drove to the nearest newpaper stall where I get my weekend papers regularly. The indian lady newspaper seller saw my car as I turned the corner and knowing me started waving to gesture she ran out of the Star. I still asked for NST or BH; and she ran out of those too. Then frantically I drove to all 3 service stations and 2 7-11s here in Taman Equine area and all basically ran out of major papers.
This news got me a liitle bit concerned about the future, immediate as well as a few years down the road. But thankfully so far everything seems to be calm and peaceful.
Totally a wake-up call for me as now I can tell you that I am so voting in the next election. Thankfully BN still form the federal government by a simple majority. I dont even know whats the difference if BN still form the gov but without 2/3 majority. I cant imagine, at least now, how PAS, DAP and PKR could form a coalition to run this country as it looks impossible. It will be really interesting how this coalition run states that they won like Perak..
Last night I was not even bothered to switch on the news to get the results, more concerned about whether Liverpool would finally get into some kind of form and looking forward to the rest of the EPL top 4 losing. I woke up at around 11 am, then drove to the nearest newpaper stall where I get my weekend papers regularly. The indian lady newspaper seller saw my car as I turned the corner and knowing me started waving to gesture she ran out of the Star. I still asked for NST or BH; and she ran out of those too. Then frantically I drove to all 3 service stations and 2 7-11s here in Taman Equine area and all basically ran out of major papers.
This news got me a liitle bit concerned about the future, immediate as well as a few years down the road. But thankfully so far everything seems to be calm and peaceful.
Totally a wake-up call for me as now I can tell you that I am so voting in the next election. Thankfully BN still form the federal government by a simple majority. I dont even know whats the difference if BN still form the gov but without 2/3 majority. I cant imagine, at least now, how PAS, DAP and PKR could form a coalition to run this country as it looks impossible. It will be really interesting how this coalition run states that they won like Perak..
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
The fitness first top 5 list
It is time yet again for me to crack my head to come up with some list. What easier list can I think of other than the top 5 things that went on in the gym(Malaysian) that left me dumbfounded.
5. Guys that wear really short shorts. Sometimes the vision reminds me of the volleyball playing girls in mero attack but in a really scary way. I think the safe length is knee length or just above the knee, or even better wear long pants. Short shorts just plain ridiculous lah.
4. At times the gym can look like the United Nations, what with the IOI mall gym, that I usually go to, being so close to colleges which students come from all corners of the world. With that of course you get to experience the different cultures of the world as well as exotic smell. You know its one of those things like durian, which can be offensive to other people. Safe to say, remember to bathe before going to the gym, especially in the morning.
3. The makcik who bring tupperware to tapau the free soft drinks. Typical ugly malaysian.
2. Malay dudes who talk loudly in the locker room, talk in Malay but refer themselves as "you/I"..... wat the hell is this mann..... this is just plain weird
1. The dude(s) with headphones on, listening to mp3 player, dancing alone in the corner like a madman. I mean what the *&^%?
Lets recap the last list that I did(this is like 2007 list).... and these things still happen....
1. Resting on a gym machine, while picking nose. This is top notch skill indeed.
2. Use hair dryer to dry arm pit. I can still tolerate people drying their body and feet (from a distance) with hair dryer, but it is just ridiculous on armpit. I am just waiting to see someone using hair dryer to blow their u-know-what hair. I think I will lose my mind and smack the guy on the head should this happen.
3. Pee in the shower. These people think their pee smell like perfume and make the whole shower area stinking like animal cage.
4. Fill 1.5 litre bottle at the water cooler. Yes I understand we want cool water to refresh after a good workout, and they dont serve cold water in the jugs, but out of courtesy, use a cup or smaller bottle la. The water cooler is not discharging water at jet speed...
5. Produce 'orgasm' sounds when doing weight training or whatever. This is totally unnecessary, and it doesnt help with anything. If anything, it just make u look plain ridiculous.
5. Guys that wear really short shorts. Sometimes the vision reminds me of the volleyball playing girls in mero attack but in a really scary way. I think the safe length is knee length or just above the knee, or even better wear long pants. Short shorts just plain ridiculous lah.
4. At times the gym can look like the United Nations, what with the IOI mall gym, that I usually go to, being so close to colleges which students come from all corners of the world. With that of course you get to experience the different cultures of the world as well as exotic smell. You know its one of those things like durian, which can be offensive to other people. Safe to say, remember to bathe before going to the gym, especially in the morning.
3. The makcik who bring tupperware to tapau the free soft drinks. Typical ugly malaysian.
2. Malay dudes who talk loudly in the locker room, talk in Malay but refer themselves as "you/I"..... wat the hell is this mann..... this is just plain weird
1. The dude(s) with headphones on, listening to mp3 player, dancing alone in the corner like a madman. I mean what the *&^%?
Lets recap the last list that I did(this is like 2007 list).... and these things still happen....
1. Resting on a gym machine, while picking nose. This is top notch skill indeed.
2. Use hair dryer to dry arm pit. I can still tolerate people drying their body and feet (from a distance) with hair dryer, but it is just ridiculous on armpit. I am just waiting to see someone using hair dryer to blow their u-know-what hair. I think I will lose my mind and smack the guy on the head should this happen.
3. Pee in the shower. These people think their pee smell like perfume and make the whole shower area stinking like animal cage.
4. Fill 1.5 litre bottle at the water cooler. Yes I understand we want cool water to refresh after a good workout, and they dont serve cold water in the jugs, but out of courtesy, use a cup or smaller bottle la. The water cooler is not discharging water at jet speed...
5. Produce 'orgasm' sounds when doing weight training or whatever. This is totally unnecessary, and it doesnt help with anything. If anything, it just make u look plain ridiculous.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Bid to keep this alive
Yee Sang
This probably is my favourite raw veggie/salad dish. I dunno what exactly are in it, but one thing for sure it either comes with fish or jelly fish, well at least these are the ones that I have had, and a host of colourful finely sliced mix veges and crackers, all kind of 'united' by the plum sauce. I know for sure there is a lot of orangey stuff in it, which I presume to be carrot. If thats the case, I cant imagine eating raw carrot any other way. And of course the tossing, as high as you can. This is one of the purest moments of happiness. I mean if tossing food dont make you happy or at least smile a bit, I dunno what to say.
Yam Seng
It always start with some "yam seng". You know dinners that usually require some lucky draw to actually prevent people from leaving.... as people start to get full they just want to go back. What wonderful way to spice up the occasion, just get someone to start the yam seng thing. Next thing you know, everyone would be yam senging and people just get comfortable. Usually one thing would let to another and people would start standing on chairs or acting weird, or even worse reveal their true colors.
Balik kampung rush?
Quite surprised that quite a number of people were in office today. Figured that those who were are KLites, most of them left after lunch anyways. Quite a few for sure braving the north south highway traffic during this peak season. Really wanted to go back to Kuching, kinda depressed that I cant. I feel like I have to become a strategist now. For example, lunch strategy. People who seem to go to zen or secret recipe and all those places all the time for lunch.... I just dont get it. I mean where do all these people get their money from... considering some of them are fresh out of college. For lunch, really need to go with people on the same page, ie either broke or dont mind cheap food.
This probably is my favourite raw veggie/salad dish. I dunno what exactly are in it, but one thing for sure it either comes with fish or jelly fish, well at least these are the ones that I have had, and a host of colourful finely sliced mix veges and crackers, all kind of 'united' by the plum sauce. I know for sure there is a lot of orangey stuff in it, which I presume to be carrot. If thats the case, I cant imagine eating raw carrot any other way. And of course the tossing, as high as you can. This is one of the purest moments of happiness. I mean if tossing food dont make you happy or at least smile a bit, I dunno what to say.
Yam Seng
It always start with some "yam seng". You know dinners that usually require some lucky draw to actually prevent people from leaving.... as people start to get full they just want to go back. What wonderful way to spice up the occasion, just get someone to start the yam seng thing. Next thing you know, everyone would be yam senging and people just get comfortable. Usually one thing would let to another and people would start standing on chairs or acting weird, or even worse reveal their true colors.
Balik kampung rush?
Quite surprised that quite a number of people were in office today. Figured that those who were are KLites, most of them left after lunch anyways. Quite a few for sure braving the north south highway traffic during this peak season. Really wanted to go back to Kuching, kinda depressed that I cant. I feel like I have to become a strategist now. For example, lunch strategy. People who seem to go to zen or secret recipe and all those places all the time for lunch.... I just dont get it. I mean where do all these people get their money from... considering some of them are fresh out of college. For lunch, really need to go with people on the same page, ie either broke or dont mind cheap food.
Monday, February 04, 2008
whatever happened to Tom Brady
Superbowl
I have not been following football for quite a while now, be it college or NFL.... but Giants winning the superbowl, now that is shocking. I wonder what Rafiq is gonna say to that tomorrow....
Super Tuesday
Based solely on an article in Time magazine I am rooting for Hillary Clinton LOL. Shes got plenty of experience and is definitely ready. Obama.... hes the spring chicken but have the charm and the wow factor as well as a symbol of hope. Ideal scenario is Hillary become president and Obama vice president....
What would voters base their decision on? Based on my experience in the US, they are pretty ignorant on politics, international affairs etc. Now these are college educated people, let alone an average American living in the corn fields of iowa.
To vote or not to vote
When I listen to speeches given by our politicians, sometimes its like theyre trying to communicate with a retard. Sometimes they do customization, highly intellectual forum in urban areas and speaking like a retard to villagers and those less educated. They need to adapt to the audience, but thats not the point here. I mean voters can be swayed just by the charm of a politician who stressed on retarded points.
I have not been following football for quite a while now, be it college or NFL.... but Giants winning the superbowl, now that is shocking. I wonder what Rafiq is gonna say to that tomorrow....
Super Tuesday
Based solely on an article in Time magazine I am rooting for Hillary Clinton LOL. Shes got plenty of experience and is definitely ready. Obama.... hes the spring chicken but have the charm and the wow factor as well as a symbol of hope. Ideal scenario is Hillary become president and Obama vice president....
What would voters base their decision on? Based on my experience in the US, they are pretty ignorant on politics, international affairs etc. Now these are college educated people, let alone an average American living in the corn fields of iowa.
To vote or not to vote
When I listen to speeches given by our politicians, sometimes its like theyre trying to communicate with a retard. Sometimes they do customization, highly intellectual forum in urban areas and speaking like a retard to villagers and those less educated. They need to adapt to the audience, but thats not the point here. I mean voters can be swayed just by the charm of a politician who stressed on retarded points.
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