From The Eyes of An Observer

Revival?

2011-04-20T11:21:00.001+08:00

This is my first post in a very very long time. In fact, the last post was 5 months ago.

Will this post signal the revival of my blog? I’m not sure.

There are so many things to say of the events that has unfolded in my life over these couple of months. Maybe I’ll take time off to write it out if time permits.

Till then, pray for me that this won’t be the last post.

A Nightmare (?)

2010-11-08T12:22:00.001+08:00

For these past few months, I have been having odd dreams. Dreams that I know that it will never happen and of which because of that I’m very glad of it.

These constant dreams that I had about my ex-girlfriend took me by surprise. I woke up feeling surprised though I can shook it off. Another dream about her yesterday prompted me to ask myself this: why am I dreaming about her? I hardly ponder or think about her anyway. It’s been years since I’ve learned to let go. And I knew that I made the right decision to do so. In fact, I’m pleased that it ended. The relationship does not seem to worked out and the best way is just to part ways. For both our sake. I’m not the one she wants and her attitude to mould me into someone perfect only causes stress in our relationship. In the end, we just had to quit. For the sake of our mental health.

I tried to probe into the reason why I dreamt about her but I never did give full concentration on the matter. It’s just because anything to do about her does not matter to me anymore. I’m happy with where I am now and I am pleased with the decision made and the separate route has taken us. And I believe that she is proud of the decision she made too as she is a married woman blessed with one son and another baby on the way. (You just got to admire the power of social networking sites. Hahaha!)

Anyway, I’m fine about it and I just don’t care about it. She is out of my picture. I could hardly say that we are even friends. Prompted by her action to delete me from her MSN list (which I’ve learned to forgive). I have my own concerns now. And this post is not to be taken as I’m still reminiscing the past. But because this blog of mine hasn’t been updated for quite some time AND (the main reason) I’m backup-ing my files which will take me another five more minutes. :p Enjoy your Monday, everyone!

Civil Manners

2010-10-20T15:12:00.001+08:00

Short note: I’ve decided to discontinue my other blog. The reason? I’ve been totally slacking on updating on both of the blogs. So why maintain two when I have trouble maintaining one? :P

I don’t know how to write this without going berserk after what happened to me last weekend. Suffice to say, the character development for Vietnamese people are still VERY far off the mark.

Two incidents happened to me over the weekend. One on Saturday and the other on Sunday. And both of these incidents are related.

It is very annoying that when you line up properly, someone would just walk right in front of you and cut your line. Although I can say this is not my first time and second time, it still gets to me because I was there first. Hence, shouldn’t I be the one to be serviced first by the cashier at the counter instead of these clowns?

But then again, it lead me to think: why do this happen? Aren’t they thought when they were young that they should line up and wait for your turn to be serviced? I guess not. Is there a program issued by the government to ask the individuals to line up at stores? Maybe no. And if they do have such program or campaign, it is seriously not working very well.

Well, another important civil manner issue is cleanliness. If you walk around Saigon, you would noticed that the streets are filled with litters. It’s not just that the cleaners here are not doing a very good job at cleaning. It’s also because the locals here would just throw their rubbish on the street rather than throwing it in dustbins. In fact, dustbins are hard to find in Saigon.

Currently, Government effort = zero. Public effort = zero. So I believe this sort of habit will be here for the next few years. And I have to suffer with this sort of people for the next few years. (Unless I change a job and move out of VNM.)

My Way of A Satisfied Life: Being Helpful

2010-08-27T14:56:00.001+08:00

Call me weird. But honestly, I feel satisfied when I’m able to help people. As long as you are my acquaintance I don’t mind helping. But of course, the degree of help varies. Don’t expect me to give up an arm and a leg to you just because I only know you for a day.

I’m not sure when I developed this sense of satisfaction from helping out people. The only thing that I can recall clearly was helping a close friend of mine overcoming his suicide intention. The situation was intense. He was depressed and thought about giving up. But all I did was just open my ears to listen to him and also to provide him with advice. And I was glad that it is enough. He never ended his life. Instead he is still living on well and is married.

That particular incident has a very big impact on me. It thought me that being unselfish is good. In this case, I’ve saved a life. My friend’s life. And I do hope that you, readers, would be helpful too. Help in a way that you can and I’m sure you will be satisfied when you see their happy face again.

Unfaithful

2010-08-26T23:01:00.001+08:00

Sometimes I just don’t understand about why humans are an unfaithful species. I’m making this statement regardless if they are male or female.

So far, I’ve met only one individual who admits having simultaneously relationships at one time while three others are heard from the people who are very close to them that they know these individuals’ personal life very well. And these four are from both different gender.

Seriously, why? Greed? Insecure? I don’t accept answer such as ‘Human nature’. That answer is too general as I wouldn’t accept that same answer for the question ‘why humans kill living beings?’.

Luckily, only one of these four that I knew are very close to me. After I found out, I became very disappointed. It’s because I trust him that he will not to do this sort of thing. But now, I have nothing more to say. I’ve given up hope on him.

Social Groups on Your Facebook Contact List

2010-07-28T22:46:00.001+08:00

I just saw a notice that a friend of mine was tagged on a photo on Facebook yesterday. It really is a big deal. And I hope that my friends are sensible not to tag me on a photo like that. Seriously. Period.

The story is this: He was tagged in a photo by one of his friends/acquaintances on a product that she is selling. The big problem for him was: the product that he was tagged was a Japanese sexy schoolgirl uniform. In short, it’s a cosplay costume to erotically rouse man’s desire. (Sorry for putting it in such a blunt and direct manner. I believe my readers are mature enough to know this.)

Well, I feel sorry for him. His image among his church mates has just gone down the drain. And so is his standing in the eyes of his relatives and parents who are linked with him via Facebook. And all of this happens just because he is an innocent party. Even I do not want to get myself tagged into that sort of photo. Imagine the comments that I will get from my family members.

This reminds me of an article that I read the other day. I will be quoting much from that article in this post. You can read the article here (all thanks to Google!). Mike Elgan’s opinion does make sense. All of us have at least more than one social networks or social groups. And sometimes, the things that you do or your friends do to you on Facebook isn’t intended to all of your ‘Friends’ in your contact list.

I’m sure you wouldn’t want your uncles and cousins see a picture of you have a wild party in Disco or Pub. Nor would you wish your friend to swear on you on the comments you made. And worse still, you swear at your friends back.

And because of this fear, I started to divide my social group into a few categories. Family, Close Friends, Friends, Not So Close Friends, Colleagues etc and made a setting on what type of notification that they would receive. That was done about roughly six weeks ago. Then two weeks ago, I noticed the flaw that I had when I wanted to post a very important article so that every contact in my Facebook would be able to read it. As I have set which category of friends can view my post, I need to edit the category list again so that everyone could read it and re-adjust the setting again the next day or the next three days. Hence, I agree with Mike’s sensible opinion about having a checkbox to allow Facebook users to determine who would be suited to view the post.

Sprechen Sie Deutsch?

2010-07-08T22:34:00.001+08:00

My Friend: To Germany - Bitte teilen Sie den Tintenfisch Paul recht

Me:
Ich wusste nicht, dass Sie Deutsch sprechen

My Friend :
nur ein wenig

Me:
besser ist als ich ... Ich benutze Google Translate

My Friend says:
das ist genau das, was ich verwenden
großartiges Werkzeug

DT says:
intelligente Menschen gleich denken!

My Friend says:
in der Tat

At the end of this conversation, my friend and I laugh hysterically. To understand the joke, please translate the text using Google Translate. I hope that you are laughing now too.

Wrong Spelling

2010-07-03T22:41:00.002+08:00

It is normal for human beings to make an error. But it is embarrassing when it is published in the Internet for people to see. What is even more embarrassing is that this website is an online news website.

The link to the story is over here. Anyway, since it’s published in the internet, they might have made the amendment when you clicked the link. For your info, it is supposed to be spelt as ‘absenteeism’.

Dear Mr Ruben Sario, what happened to spell check?

Mr Editor, you didn’t see this mistake at all? It was repeated twice.

P.S. If you spotted any grammar or spelling mistakes that I made in my blog, please excuse me. I don’t have an editor to check on my work. :p

Comparison

2010-06-30T16:06:00.001+08:00

This little post was inspired by a blog posting of my friend who raises this issue out. Read her blog here before proceeding to read my entry.

It is an undeniable fact that we at times do not wish to be compared to another person. And that includes me. One of the main reason why is because of the fact that each one of us is unique in our own way whereby we grew up under different situations and circumstances as well as the level of exposure that each of us gained in our life. Some were exposed to independence at a much younger age than others while some had a life changing experience that others would never ever going to encounter in their lives. Hence, each of us is built up with a uniquely different set of mould. And in life, we are always growing and learning.

But it is not easy to be escaped from comparison. Comparison is used widely. In businesses, they are used to benchmark themselves with their competitors. In individual lives, they are used to determine success. But to me, if it is not used properly, it is a tool for bragging, jealousy, and insult. In short, it is a tool used to hurt others and sometimes, hurt your own self esteem. But of course, it is never being used properly when you are being compared to another successful person.

Therefore, I hate COMPARISON!!!

John Wooden

2010-06-07T23:08:00.001+08:00

The other day, while I was browsing ESPN’s website, there was a tribute of John Wooden, who passed away at the age of 99. Being curious, I clicked on the video. After viewing the video, I was amazed by his quotes.

Click here for some of the memorable quotes.

In fact, you can visit his website too. Click here.

Maybe I’ll browse through his books when I’m at the bookstore. ;)

This Is Not Right!

2010-05-22T11:53:00.001+08:00

(Source: http://polls.thestar.com.my/polls/result.asp?id=246&cid=2&cdesc=News)

When I saw this poll result, I know that Malaysians are filled with road offenders. Penalties (and in this case summonses) are there to deter people from breaking laws. While some European countries are charging them penalties on late payment of summonses, we are giving these road offenders discounts? You gotta be joking right?

If Malaysian government does that, please anticipate that the number of petty criminals in the country to increase! Oh wait! Does that mean that the government have to hire more cops (and eating into our country’s budget deficit) to reduce crimes?

Culture

2010-05-11T08:26:00.001+08:00

Culture. That’s the word that you would hear at least once if you were to sit with me and my colleagues every morning for breakfast. Of course, the word would only come out when we are discussing about character.

Usually, the word would be popped up as a defensive mechanism against the negative characters of individuals/community that we were discussing. No malicious harm intended. After all, human operates within a conformed set of rules established by society. And at times, culture is acceptable to one particular segment of society but is not in another.

Let’s take eating for example. Westerners deemed that eating loudly as rude. But the Japanese will consider it as the food not to be delicious and is a disgrace to the chefs. One similar action but two different sets of interpretation.

But I have a question on my mind about culture. Is culture an evolution of addiction and habitual behaviour that is able to spread throughout the society and has been passed down from one generation to another generation? Let’s open this up for debate.

Here is my argument. Imagine this: In a urban society, the presence of act of random kindness or friendliness seems to be diminished as opposed to those living in the outskirts of the city. So, there is basically an absence of trust due to experience he/her might have gone through. And if it spreads among other individuals within the society, it will become a habit or a norm.

So, what are your thoughts?

Skeptical

2010-05-08T18:33:00.001+08:00

The other morning, during my routine breakfast with my friends, we had a friendly debate. Though I can honestly say that there were three of us who are annoyed by the other person’s characteristic. How I wish that a knife would just suddenly pop out of the air so that I can stab him before I got a heart attack.

Well, typically, he’s just very skeptical (also known as pessimistic). And if you sprinkle some ‘kiasu’ (scared of failure) element in there, you will get an annoying individual. Trust me! You wouldn’t want this sort of people opposing you in any argument. It just makes your life shorter. Just like how he did to mine. But thanks to him, I learned about one thing: never ever argue with a pessimistic individual.

No. Honestly, I learned a lot from him. It might be applicable to majority of pessimistic individuals out there.….. but I could be wrong too.

Well, for one, he is darn afraid of change. He is someone who prefers to live in an environment where the likelihood of changes would be low. So, he prefers to be stagnant. You can bypass him if you are looking for positive candidate for promotion. Why? Because he doesn’t dare to take any decision. He sees it that it is not his business, hence, his boss should make the decision instead of him. Little did he know that it could cost him his job if his boss decides to lay off some worker.

I think he would only take risk if he has a crystal ball that allows him to see the future. (Time Machine? He wouldn’t dare to step into it. I believe he would be skeptical when it comes to safety issues for new or uncommon inventions.) Then, he might be taking his chances (doesn’t it constitute as cheating as you already knew the outcome by looking up the answer displayed on the crystal ball? ) Hence, you could say that he is someone that likes to lay around in the current situation rather than doing something that focuses on the future. Seriously, he knows the problem or an issue, but he never think or considers solution to rectify it. For example, he complains about a weakness in the education system that could have an adverse impact to his kids but he doesn’t want to take the necessary action to rectify the problem.

From the previous paragraph, I could say that he is not going to improve himself even though he can. I’m not referring to inability to buy new house or car. I’m referring to him taking action that would be beneficial for his character development. He’s bordering to a conservative. But the reason that I don’t label him as ultra conservative is because he knows how to drive a car and knows how to use a PC. Yes, I’m just exaggerating.

Well, he is not that bad at all. I would prefer having people like him if I’m a business owner. It’s hard to find someone who would execute their work obediently. And it is good to be skeptical. It’s a defensive weapon against liars and cheaters.

It’s not that I’m against him. He is a friend. Just that I prefer him not to be overly skeptical. Sometimes, he shut himself from receiving brilliant ideas and sometimes constructive criticism. But I can’t change him and as a friend I have to accept all the good and bad there is about him. It’s in the package. ;)

The Right Values

2010-04-19T12:32:00.002+08:00

I’ve just finished listening to an interview given by Jim Wallis, the CEO of the social-justice organization Sojourners, to McKinsey Quarterly. Not only it was inspiring, but it did point out what one important thing that is lacking with people these days: the right values.

Everyone has their own framework of values that they live with. But have we all spend time to think about it more? Well, honestly, I don’t. The values that was embedded to me was a result of my upbringing by my parents and family as well as encounters with friends and acquaintances. I am what I am today because of these people. And fortunately, I wasn’t a let down to a lot of people.

But imagine that I did let them down and that they dislike me because of who I am now, do I blame these people for shaping me wrongly? No, they are not. Nor are they to be praised for the good things you received. Why is that so? Because we have to power to alter the right values that we live in.

Take ten minutes of your time to think this through: what are the right values that you want to live with? You can list as much as you can. You are in control of your life. You are in the driving seat. Only you can decide which path to take. The right values or the wrong ones. The path of kindness vs the path of greed. The path of love and compassion vs the path of hatred. The list goes on.

So, what are your right values?

It’s My Birthday!

2010-04-15T12:24:00.001+08:00

Happy birthday to myself. Boy, for someone who is only 9 years of age, I can surely think maturely like a 27-year old guy.

One More Song

2010-04-08T08:15:00.001+08:00

Miss your smile
Miss the moments
We were wild
We will always be
In my heart
Couldn't hold it
When you left you took the melody
It's not our choice
But it still feels wrong
Without your voice it's just not a song
It's just not a song
Cause you make it real and it gets hard to feel
If you could only come back
Come back
I would give anything
Just want to hear you sing
If you could only come back
Come back
For...one...more...song
For...one...more...song
You're our friend and you'll always be
And your place
Are forever keep
When I'm down
I look up to the sky so you can lift me up
You can lift me up
It's not our choice [2x]
It still feels wrong
But it feels so wrong without you
Without your voice
It's just not a song [2x]
Cause you make it real and it gets hard to feel
If you could only come back
Come back
I would give anything
Just want to hear you sing
If you could only come back
Come back
To fill my heart again
With only music you can
Cause I will never be the same
Without your heart
Without your love
Without your soul
Cause you make it real and it gets hard to feel
If you could only come back
Whoo
Cause you make it real and it gets hard to feel
Come back
I would give anything
Just want to hear you sing
If you could only come back
Come back
For one more song
Come back
For one more song
Come back
For one more song
Come back
yeah yeah
I miss my friend
I miss his melody
Come back
Miss him now
Come back
Miss my friend
Miss his melody

That was the lyric for one of the new song from Boyzone from the new album ‘Brother’. The tune of the song maybe fast and cheery but the lyrics was not. It was a sad song for one of their ‘brother’, Stephen Gately, who has just recently passed away.

Dear Stephen,

I would give anything just want to hear you sing. If you could only come back for One More Song.

It’s Still There… The Grudge Is Still There

2010-02-26T21:18:00.000+08:00

An incident that happened today somehow reminded me that I have not let go of the past. Just to make sure that there is no misunderstanding from my friends on what I mean, I think it’s best that elaborate it further. In short, I’m opening up my old wound.

About a year and half ago, I had a dispute with a close friend of mine then who was also my housemate. Both of us rented out a unit of condominium at Bandar Utama. Due to career reasons, we have decided not to rent the unit anymore. As I was the master tenant, I was the last to leave and have to make an inspection to check things out. And to my utter horror, the toilet in the master bedroom that he rented looks as if he have not cleaned it in years. As such, the landlord slapped with cleaning charges to get it cleaned. This was the fee charged by a professional cleaning company with invoice as a supporting document. (But from the stain that I saw, I’m not surprised that it requires special grime remover or detergent.)

Hence, I approached my friend regarding the fee and he refuses to pay. And of course, a heated argument ensues. Who wouldn’t? It’s not my mess and I have to pay for it? He is also reluctant to share the cost and not to mention never helped out in cleaning the house before he left.

We didn’t speak to one another for a few months. Even on the day of a trip, I didn’t want to go because I was still angry with him. Though a proper opportunity (or excuse) came for me to skip my the trip. I was down with an injury on my ribs.

Subsequently to that, we did talk. However, my conversations were more guarded. The friendship was lost then. Any mistakes that he made, I was more quicker to get angry. And the way he treated his friends sometimes made me lost the respect that I had for him.

Now, I can still confess that I have a grudge against him. Though not the physical kind of grudge that involves beating. I think I’ll just be careful when I deal with him in the future. But if I had such a feeling now, isn’t it best to just severe our friendship?

Want To Be Perceived As Smart Even Though You Are Not?

2010-01-17T16:05:00.001+08:00

Don’t you think that some people just get on your nerves when you hear them out? For someone who is older than you, you would expect that you would be listening to some sort of divine enlightenment when the other party speaks out. But instead, you felt that you have been cheated for five minutes in your life. Instead of hearing words full with logic and understanding of current issues, you get bamboozled when listening his words that has little meaning or shallow understanding.

You know what this type of people should do? Well, here’s a tip: read this interesting article I found. Click here to read it.

Exactly! This type of people should just have kept his ‘pie hole’ shut. Then perhaps he would have been viewed as someone smart.

Selfish Jerks

2009-12-27T11:54:00.001+08:00

Someone recently has been a big jerk lately. Why is that so? Because that someone has been selfish. And because of his selfishness, it clashes with my plans made a month ago! All because he didn’t read my mail about my plan on the New Year 2010. Then this other jerk forgot about my plan either and persuades the rest to go ahead with the other jerks plan.

And in the end, the plan never did materialised. Why? Their selfishness took over them. In the end, a movie is more important than visiting a friend who has just recently gave birth. And so, in the end my plan is still alive but to my utter disappointment.

Heck! When the plan was conceived, the nature of selfishness is already asserted in it. I know that jerk too well. He only plans when he can make it and if we planned it, chances are 50-50 that he can only make it. That’s why when you see the way he plans this outing, it was not about which activity is the most important for all of us. It was what activity would suit him the best.

Imagine that you wanted to visit a friend, you would usually tell your friend in advance right? But they didn’t even told our friend that we would be visiting her. And when I reminded one of them, he sounded like he was pissed off. WTH was that? It’s a courtesy to inform our friend that we are visiting them. But for you to call them up on Christmas day and told her ‘Hey, we are coming over tomorrow’? What was that? And you are pissed off with me because of your shallow and selfish thinking?

It’s Christmas holidays! They have a few days off and most likely they might be spending the weekend at the in-laws. And it will be only disrupting other people’s plan with last minute planning.

By the way, what’s with the call at 12.30 in the morning and the SMS at 2 in the morning? Yes, you might be practically not be sleeping at that time. But others would already had. Hence, please be reasonable with the timing.

Now, I’m very afraid of them. I’m afraid that these two friends will be disappoint me when I needed them most. And it all because down to their selfishness. Hey, who knows? I CAN be not as important as a new movie release. Imagine that one of them comes all the way from JB to watch a movie and gives up on a friend visitation. So for now, I shall not put high expectations on them if I ever need their help. From this scenario, I can know who I shall not depend on.

The Importance Of English To Our Nation

2009-12-10T21:38:00.001+08:00

**Pardon for the delay in this particular post. I was tired the other day and didn’t manage to cough up straight my arguments. Hence, I’m now continuing with the post.**

Source: http://news.malaysia.msn.com/regional/article.aspx?cp-documentid=3709630

By Agence France-Presse, Updated: 11/18/2009

Malaysian minister says English at work 'weird': report

Malaysia's deputy education minister has said that speaking English in the workplace is "weird" and harmful to the nation's culture and identity, a report said Wednesday.

Mohd Puad Zarkashi said employees in the private sector used English 99 percent of the time and should switch to Bahasa Malaysia in order to show pride in the national language, the New Straits Times reported.

"This also occurs in government-linked companies where we have this weird culture of people speaking to each other in English instead of the national language," he said at the launch of a linguistics seminar.

"We are polluting our own culture and identity as a nation," he said.

"It would be difficult to strengthen the position of Bahasa Malaysia if this culture continued," he added, urging Malaysians to emulate the French, Japanese and Koreans, who stuck to their own language.

The New Straits Times said Mohd Puad also criticised young people for using a mix of English and Bahasa Malaysia in SMS text messages and on the Internet.

He called on the nation's leaders to use Bahasa Malaysia for all meetings and events and said that when he receives letters in English he returns them and asks for them to be written in the national language.

English is widely spoken in Malaysia, a multicultural nation where the population is dominated by Muslim Malays but also includes large ethnic Chinese and Indian populations.

Many Malaysians speak several languages including English, Bahasa Malaysia, and Chinese and Indian dialects.

Honestly, this is a statement that was made by someone who has no proper understanding of the negative effects that it will create. Yes, I do agree with him that it is frustrating that we as Malaysians are not promoting our national languages. However, to compare our language with the other countries that he mentioned are totally wrong when this fact settles in: Japan and France are in Top 10 of global economic ranking (ranked according to GDP (Gross Domestic Product)) while the Republic of Korea ranked 15th. (Note: the link that I gave was directed from the World Bank). Hence, they have a bargaining power not to speak English as everyone would want to trade with them as they are a very big market.

Hence, our economy is not that big enough to warrant international recognition that we are a global economic power. When that happens, they wouldn’t want to take the opportunity to learn our language. To global exporters or businessmen, our country’s economy are just a small piece of the economic pie. Hell, a USD 5 trillion economy (Japan) is much more attractive than a USD 200 billion economy like Malaysia.

In fact, many countries likes to set up businesses within our country because we know English. In recent years, Malaysia has become a hub for shared services because our work force can speak fluent English. As such, large MNCs who have operations in a global scale would like to set up a shared service centre here in Malaysia. These MNCs have provided us with large employment opportunity and helps in generating our country’s economy.

That’s all I have to say at the moment on that particular subject. As usual, any comments would be appreciated.

Fate? The One?

2009-12-04T23:49:00.001+08:00

My friend and I were engaged in a pretty interesting discussion this afternoon. But before I jumped into the topic, let me tell you that what I did was both nasty and kind at the same time. What did I do? Well, I asked her whether she wanted to meet a guy friend of mine whom I know in my previous company. Both of them are same age (late twenties) and both of them are still single. (Don’t cross the border and ask me ‘When is your turn?’.)

As we were at the middle of the topic, she said that it all depends on fate. But isn’t it fate that I’m trying to hook you up with a guy? (Hey, I’m not forcing. But I just feel that her philosophy about fate was somewhere way off and childish. In fact, I think what she wanted was a Miracle, not Fate.) Isn’t it fated that I’m giving her an opportunity? Why she just didn’t grab the opportunity and make it her fate to meet him up?

Then, while I was in the cab today on the way to dentist, I just started to think about the term that they call ‘The One’. The person who fully completes your life. The person that would make your life complete. The one that you will fall head over heels with. The person who has what you wanted the person to have so badly (charming personality, handsome, rich and famous, etc.).

You gave your hope in search for The One so high that you totally blinded with the presence of that kind hearted man who helped an old lady cross the street nor the charming lady who was always beside you helping you whenever you are in need. In pursue of those fairy tale love, you just neglected a love that is realistic and simple.

How many times have I heard a love story that could sell off as a NY Times Best Seller book and with the word “A True Story” on top? I’ve heard of plenty of friend’s story of how they met their spouse. An architect fell in love with an office colleague because she touches his heart with her caring and kindness. An architect who met his wife who worked at a call centre office. An accountant who met a reception in accommodation rented by his company. A young naive girl who knows that the guy is the one when he gave some of his portion to her. They are so ordinary. But they are realistic and they are living happily now. Why? Because they never thought about ‘The One’. Nor did they mistaken Fate for Miracle. All they did was just living their life in a simplicity manner and they let their heart take them whenever they want to go.

In A Three Week Period….

2009-11-29T23:41:00.001+08:00

…. life has been moving at a frantic pace for me. It’s like I’ve hopped onto a runaway train that zooms pass by every other stations that it should have stopped. But in the end, it stops by at the station that i wanted to disembark. No untoward accident occurred along the journey (which is a blessing). Now, it’s time to slow down and slowly reflect what has happened and thank God for it.

I wonder: how long will it take for this amazement to die down? One day? One month? One year? I had no idea. Talking about the need of achieving milestones along the way before you reach your objective? Well, not much milestones at all. Just straight to the point. Resistance was very very minimum. That’s as smooth as it gets. And for this, I’m very very happy with what had just happened recently.

I know I’m asking too much. But, God, can I have more of this outcome in everything I do? Joking there, God! You know what I would want. ;)

Malaysia’s Budget 2010: My Two Cents Opinion on Credit Card Tax

2009-11-01T21:36:00.001+08:00

Short note: Please bear in mind that this is only an opinion that comes from my logical analysis and projection. Hence, an oversight in my argument should be expected. Also, please be reminded that this posts is solely for the best of the country as it will promote discussion and thinking among the public as well as readers. Any opinion in relation to this topic is encouraged. However, please bear in mind that hostile and rude comments on any party for discussion shall be removed. Hence, please word your comments in an ethical and professional manner.

Here are some posts in relation to the credit card tax.

Banks await guidelines on credit card tax

Credit card tax to stay

Credit card agents cry foul over service charge plan

Service tax on credit cards raises concerns

First, let me begin by quantifying the amount of money collected by the government assuming that there are no credit card cancellation: (9.8 million principal cards x RM50) + (1.3 million supplementary cards x RM25) = RM522.5 million. Now assuming that the net effect of new subscribers and cancellation resulting in 20% drop in number of principal cards, the collection by the government is RM424.5 million. With this sum of money, I do agree on a point that the government needs money to run the country. However, with recent astounding revelation on how our money is not being wisely used, I doubt that our additional tax contribution would be utilized effectively too. As a taxpayer, I was utterly disappointed and disgusted with that particular revelation. The government should prove themselves worthy of handling our fund first before they start to come up with laws to deter us on how to spend our money prudently.

The government should prove to the public first that they are utilizing our tax money in achieving 3Es (Effectiveness, Efficiency & Economical) as it will be used as a performance evaluation tool on the capability of the government. If the government are not spending our money wisely (Economical), then why are we being penalised first for not being to use our money prudently? Also, will the objective of promoting prudent spending among the public achievable (Effectiveness of the policy)? Even the banks, raises their eyebrow on the achievability of the principal objective outlined by the Prime Minister.

Secondly, does the government know that it will affect public spending? Imagine this: 1) No credit card (loan) => no expenses => lower revenue to sellers => retrenchment and unemployment => poverty & higher crime rate. Also, 2) No credit card (loan) => no expenses => lower revenue to sellers => lower tax collection to run the country.

Thirdly, with high number of unemployment, public would be targeted more often as they would held more cash in their pocket. Is our law enforcement ready to handle the surge in crime rate? Would they be openly and actively searching for muggers? Also, if they are caught and thrown into jail, aren’t them to be more likely to be using our public funds? We have to pay for their meals, right? Imagine RM5 per day for three meals for an inmate would cost RM1,825 per year. I’m sure the inmates would be happily sit in jail rather than begging on the streets. Also, higher number of inmates would result in overcrowding of jails and new facilities have to be built. How much would that cost? RM200 million to RM300 million?

Fourth, SMEs are the one that would be badly hit. They do not have the resources to maintain a high number of employees. Also, they would most likely to be borrowing money from banks to finance their operations. If they are unable to generate cash, they would be the ones that goes bust. Then, the Ah Longs would come to the rescue (since they would having poor credit rating due to inability to finance their loan).

Well, that’s all for now, if any of you have any constructive arguments in favour or against the credit card tax, don’t be shy to leave a comment. Again, I would like to stress out that it should be worded in an ethical and professional manner.

I Grew Up Listening to Boyzone

2009-10-12T22:16:00.001+08:00

I’ve grew up listening to Boyzone. I love their music so much even today.

The first time I heard their songs was when I was aged 12. It was their first two singles “Love Me For A Reason” and “Coming Home Now” from their first album “Said and Done”. I love their music beat even as of now. I remembered I heard their songs when my parents purchased two compilation albums that contains their songs. (Couldn’t remember the compilation album").

Their next music video, “A Different Beat” spur my interest in this band that I hardly know. But the music was soothing to my ears. I just know that I had to get their album. Then on one fine day when I was at a shopping complex, I saw their second album “A Different Beat” on display. Although hesitated, I picked up the cassette and walked to the counter to purchase the album with my limited sum of pocket money. But I never regretted ever since then. I love that album so much that I listened to it every night before I go to bed for a few months. Even I made the purchase of their second edition of “A Different Beat” album, which has a number of new songs.

Then I managed to find their first album “Said and Done” when I was browsing at a music store. I bought it without any hesitation. Another wise choice I made. My love for their music keeps on growing. But sadly, they were still not popular in Malaysia then.

Unable to contain my love for their music, I’ve introduced their songs to my secondary school classmates when I was 14. Me, a good boy, doing illegal things in school. How? By bringing a cassette tape to school. One thing’s for sure though: I would definitely cry if it was confiscated. But the culprit that I loaned to was the evening shift head prefect. So, perhaps it’s safe as he can hid it in the Prefect Board Room. :D

Their popularity in Malaysia got a big boost thanks to their song “Picture of You” featured on Mr. Bean’s movie, Mr Bean: The Ultimate Disaster Movie. Their song became an instant success. Even my brother who was 3 years old then love the music video. And as a result, my parents bought the soundtrack without even me forking the money. :D

Their third album, “Where We Belong” was a big hit and soon, many of my classmates bought the album. We even sang a few songs while walking to the bus stand on one fine day which is about 500 metres away. And guess who started it? It was the prefect whom I borrowed the cassettes to. So, a bunch of kids singing together happily and having a blast, walking to the bus stand. Thinking back about it now just brought back one of the rare sweet memories that I could remember about my teenage years.

Boyzone’s popularity and their hit singles keeps on growing until they had 16 hit singles that Top Five of UK chart. Then comes the news of them decided to get some time off from one another. It was a heart shattering moment for me to hear that my favourite boy band is calling it quits, even though it was temporary. But glad that they say that they will perform together again the future.

7 years later, they are together. But today, only four of them remains. It was sad for me to find out that Stephen Gately passed away at age 33 yesterday (on 11th October). I got the news when I got connected to the Internet right before I went to bed.

Here are a few songs that was sung mainly by Stephen. I managed to find these from YouTube.

I’m sure majority of us know this song: Shooting Star - Boyzone

Here’s another one that was less popular: Key To My Life - Boyzone

Stephen, you will be greatly missed by your family, your band mates, your friends and of course the fans from all around the world.

Those Were The Days…..

2009-10-08T23:57:00.001+08:00

…. and I can still can sometimes remember it clearly. It just shows how deep is my desire to be back there. Possibly to settle down or work or for holiday. I just want to be back to UK. This is not the first time I state my desire. But this desire did not only limited to me only. Even some of my friends who was in the same batch of me during our short stint in UK wants to return there. Some has journeyed there for holiday. And those who were lucky were able to get a job there.

Yesterday, while I was concentrating on my work, the voice of the Sheffield Train Station announcer was playing on my head. “The train to Meadowhall will be arriving at Platform ….. in ………”. I can still remember it clearly. He had such a confident air that you can sense when you hear his words. I found his voice to be charming and sexy. I wonder whether his voice is still heard on the PA system?

Of all places, why the Sheffield Train Station? It was a nostalgic place to me. First was because my English name was formed there on my first day in England. My friends said that I need a name that would be easier for the English saints to remember. After a few minutes, they felt that David was suitable for me. They say they chose that name for me based on King David, the King of Israel, the chosen one by God. What a pressure they put on me. Sad to say that I did not leave up that name.

The gang who gave me my name. From left to right: Anna, Enouch, Grace, the slimmed-down me, two Alex(es), followed by Ezra and Soo Chee. The distinct similarity that we had were that all of us are wearing specs.

Another thing that made the train station so nostalgic was that we have to cross through it to get to our university from our hostel. Our hostel was only located uphill which is a few hundred metres away from the university and it happens that the train station is in the middle of the way. Hence, we have to walk downhill to the train station and cross over it using their pedestrian bridge to the main gate of the train station. And if it is early in the morning, we will pick up a free copy of newspaper along the way. Sometimes, I would just stop at the convenience store to buy some chips.

Also, every weekend, we would just use the train services to travel to Nottingham for Lord’s table. Usually we would depart after Saturday lunch and returned the next day. The train journey from Sheffield to Nottingham takes about an hour or so (if not mistaken).

I just also remembered that we waited for our bus to travel around Scotland outside the main entrance at 4 or 5 in the morning. It was very very cold in UK. Imagine that we have to camp outside to wait for the bus to arrive. That was a total madness. Then there was the trip to Meadowhall and York via train as well.

I miss those days. Times fly by so fast that it has already been four years since the photo above was taken. A lot of things has changed since then. Everyone was off and about doing something that they liked. We only had a picture of this to remind us that our life has crossed with each other. It will be one of the great memories that I will cherish in my heart.

Out Of Norm Behaviour

2009-10-04T22:16:00.001+08:00

Experts said that someone who acts way out of his/her norm indicates that the individual has gone through a life changing experience. But it does not mean that someone has to encounter a traumatic experience to act out of norm. It could be that someone has been through a significant change of life. Just like me.

What out of norm behaviour that I have exhibited? I’ve become more wackier and crazier than my usual self. Some of my friends who know me well enough would noticed the different and they were kind of surprised. The way I communicated or joke with them was way too different. They would say that ‘This is not the David I know.’ or ‘David, what happened to you? Why are you so crazy?’. Of course, when they mentioned it, I was caught by surprise as well. I never noticed that I would have change to become someone who is utterly insane. I thought that I was happy that day and want to spread some smile over my friend’s faces.

But then, I just realised that this behaviour of mine was masking some dark feeling within me. The feeling of loneliness. The feeling of being faraway from friends that I’m comfortable with and friends whom I’m comfortable hanging out with. Thinking of people is torturing me to bits and pieces. Some would call it as lovesick.

This somehow reminds me of my past when I continued to stay in KL when I was 16 while my parents moved to Kelantan. From that particular moment, I’ve become more friendlier and outgoing, which was a good thing that came out of it. For this particular moment, I have no idea what good will it come out.

Yes. I can make friends with people here. But the important factor is whether I would be able to click with colleagues cum friends here. In a foreign land which is full of strangers and unfamiliar language, it is hard for me currently. It’s not about the environment, it’s about my heart who feels the sadness of leaving friends to a new place. The way to solve this would be to cut my heart away. But what good is it for me to become a man like me who has no emotion? For now and forever, I will keep my heart. For this agonizing feeling that I’m experiencing is a love for my friends.

Case Study on Leadership

2009-09-28T22:12:00.001+08:00

For the past few months, I have been considering what it takes to be a leader. Hence, I’ve decided to find an occupation for my personal case study. From that particular occupation, I will examine what are the right attitudes as well as characteristics to be a leader.

Hence, I finally decided that a captain of a ship would be the best possible example. (This coincides with one of my favourite character created by favourite author.) In the seafaring age when majority of people still heavily relies on ship for travelling, trading etc.

The direction of the captain: A captain is the person behind, the modern term, “the driving seat” of his ship. The direction of the ship will be determined by his ambition (vision) and his aspirations. This would likely determine what type of activities that he will undertake. Be it trading or piracy or shipping or protection of his nation or raiding his enemy. The direction will likely determine what types of missions that he will undertake to ensure the achievability of his direction.

Sailors (Personnel): To operate his ship in order to achieve his ambition and aspirations, a captain needs to recruit sailors. Selection of sailors by captain should be stringent to ensure that the ship would be operating effectively and efficiently. In order to do this, he must clearly know what type of skills as well as duties required for his upcoming sailors. I’m sure you wouldn’t want a poor chef to be working for you on a very long distance journey.

However, there are uncontrollable factor to take into account when recruiting sailors. Skilled sailors usually would need push factor in order for him to join the captain’s crew. The factors could be ranging from similar ambition and aspiration, or reputation of the captain, or even for wealth and gain.

A captain must also be concerned about succession planning as staff turnover would most likely occur. It is the norm as there will be someone who will perish while sailing or some of them would be looking for other alternatives to make a living. He must ensure that someone would be able to fill into his shoes if anything happens.

Resource management: An able captain would be able to manage his resources very well. There are plenty of resources that he needs to balanced out such as food, drinking water, money, enough clothes to repair sails, timber to repair hull, etc. Insufficient of one of this resources would be the downfall of his ship and his crew. Hence, the captain must ensure that his resources would be available when it is critically needed. A brave captain would deviate from his ultimate goal to ensure his survivability of his ship and crew.

For now, this is my opinion. Will highlight more if i have further points to share.

Making A Fuss Over Small Little Matter

2009-09-14T23:30:00.003+08:00

***Update: The Battle Begins. Please click to see.***

Some people are just easily feel insecure over small little matter. This posting revolves around a conversation that I had with a friend of mine today who finally found out that I’m already out of country. Then the person goes about saying how unimportant she was in my life. It just so turns me off. I just have no desire to reply her message anymore whenever she posts a question to me. I’m sure it was plainly seen in her eyes that I have no desire to chat with her.

Friend, don’t make a fuss over a small matter. You made it so dramatic that I won’t be seeing you anymore. Please go on and continue on with your life. Does it even matter if I’m in KL anyway? We hardly even catch up or meet up for lunch. Neither of us made any plans to hang out. You have your own group of friends, your boyfriend and your family while I have my own group of friends as well. Now, why are you making a big scene and made a posting on the subject matter on FB?

Plus I promised to meet you up when I get back to KL. One thing is for sure. I won’t forget about this promise. And I still remember that I owe you a meal for hiding the fact from you that I’m going overseas for work. I will surely honour my promise.

An Article From the STAR: Driven To Driving A Taxi Despite Having A PhD

2009-08-29T10:29:00.001+08:00

An article from the STAR:

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Saturday August 29, 2009

Driven to driving a taxi despite having a PhD

INSIGHT DOWN SOUTH
By SEAH CHIANG NEE

Bio-chemist Dr Cai Minnjie who failed to land another research position after losing his job last year now happily prowls the streets as a cabbie.

SINGAPORE’S fraternity of taxi drivers, with its fair share of retrenched executives, has now an exalted new member – a PhD bio-chemist from Stanford University.

Prowling the streets of Singapore today is 57-year-old unemployed scientist Dr Cai Mingjie who lost his job at Singapore’s premier A-Star biomedical research institute last year.

The China-born naturalised citizen with 16 years of research accomplishments said he began driving a taxi last October after failed efforts to land another job.

The news shocked this nation, which holds an unshakable faith in the power of an advanced university education.

One surprised white-collar worker said he had believed that such a doctorate and experience was as good as life-long employment and success.

“If he has to drive a taxi, what chances do ordinary people like us have?” he asked.

I have met a number of highly qualified taxi drivers in recent years, including former managers and a retrenched engineer.

One cheerful driver – a former stock-broker – surprised me one day in giving me detailed reasons on what stocks to buy or avoid.

“At a time like this, the taxi business is probably the only business in Singapore that still actively recruits people,” said Dr Cai.

To me, his plight is taking Singapore into a new chapter.

“(I am) probably the only taxi driver in the world with a PhD from Stanford and a proven track record of scientific accomplishments ...,” blogged Dr Cai.

“I have been forced out of my research job at the height of my scientific career” and was unable to find another job “for reasons I can only describe as something uniquely Singapore”.

The story quickly spread far and wide over the Internet. Most Singaporeans expressed admiration for his ability to adapt so quickly to his new life. Two young Singaporeans asked for his taxi number, saying they would love to travel in his cab and talk to him.

“There’s so much he can pass on to me,” one said.

Others questioned why, despite his tremendous scientific experience, he is unable to find a teaching job.

His unhappy exit is generally attributed to a personal cause (he has alleged chaotic management by research heads) rather than any decline in Singapore’s bio-tech project, which appears to be surviving the downturn.

The case highlights a general weakening of the R and D (research and development) market in smallish Singapore.

“The bad economy means not many firms are hiring professional scientists,” one surfer said. “Academia isn’t much of a help – there’s a long history of too many PhDs chasing too few jobs.”

While the image of taxi drivers has received a tremendous boost, the same cannot be said of Singapore’s biomedical project – particularly its efforts to nourish home-grown research talent.

“It may turn more Singaporeans away from Life Sciences as a career,” said one blogger.

One writer said: “In my opinion, PhDs are useless, especially in Singapore. It’s just another certificate and doesn’t mean much.”

Another added: “The US is in a worse situation. Many are coming here to look for jobs.”

“I won’t want my child to study for years to end up driving a taxi,” said a housewife with a teenage daughter.

The naturalised Singaporean citizen underwent his PhD training at Stanford University, the majority of his work revolving around the study of yeast proteins.

His case is not unique. US research-scientist Douglas Prasher, who isolated the gene that creates the green fluorescent protein (and just missed the 2008 Chemistry Nobel Prize) faced similar straits.

Prasher moved from one research institution to another when his funding dried up, and he eventually quit science – to drive a courtesy shuttle in Alabama.

“Still, he remains humble and happy and seems content with his minivan driver job,” said a surfer.

With an evolving job market as more employers resort to multi-tasking and short-term contracts, more Singaporeans are chasing after split degrees, like accountancy and law or computer and business.

Others avoid post-graduate studies or specialised courses of a fixed discipline in favour of general or multi-discipline studies. “Experience is king” is the watchword; there has been a rush for no-pay internships.

“The future favours graduates with multiple skills and career flexibility, people who are able to adapt to different types of work,” one business executive said.

During the past few years, as globalisation deepened, there has been a growing disconnect between what Singaporeans studied in university and their subsequent careers.

It follows the trend in the developed world where old businesses disappear – almost overnight – and new ones spring up, which poses problems for graduates with an inflexible job expectation.

I know of a young man who graduated from one of America’s top civil engineering universities abandoning the construction hard hat for a teaching gown.

Another engineer I met is running his father’s lucrative coffee shop. Lawyers have become musicians or journalists, and so on.

Cases of people working in jobs unrelated to their university training have become so common that interviewers have stopped asking candidates questions like “Why should a trained scientist like you want to work as a junior executive with us?”

In the past, parents would crack their heads pondering what their children should study – accountancy or law or engineering, the so-called secure careers – and see them move single-mindedly into these professions.

A doctor was then a doctor, a biologist generally worked in the lab and a lawyer argued cases in courts – square pegs in square holes, so to speak.

Today the world is slowly moving away from this neat pattern.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

You may find Dr Cai’s blog articles here.

He blogs mainly about his experiences and his opinion about the people he met while driving his taxi around Singapore. A must read.

Who’s Fault Is It?

2009-08-29T01:00:00.001+08:00

Imagine the following situation: two close colleagues of mine was having my discussion relating to my next career move without my presence. One was giving a negative comment about my career move while the other was backing my decision.

The first one said something along the following line: Why Vietnam? It’s a third world country. Not developed. Isn’t it better if he goes to UK or somewhere developed?

The second argues along the following line: It is not easy to get a job in UK now. Plus, he will learn a lot over there and I’m sure that he could overcome the challenges in his future career as he can take care of himself.

But the second was arguing on my behalf in an aggressive manner until the first person did not make any more comment. She holds her peace and keep it to herself.

Would you be mad after you heard the first person who made a negative comment? A comment that would made you sad. A comment that would consider as putting out the fire for you to succeed. I should, shouldn’t I?

As for the second person, I should be happy to have such an encouraging friend who is optimistic of my next career move, shouldn’t I?

So, is my first friend at fault in making such a comment? Or is the second person is at fault for jeopardizing their friendship?

For me, I’m happy that I have such two friends. The first one is showing signs of concern and caring. The second for having faith in me and wish and pray for my future success. So, I can say that it is no one’s fault at this matter. This situation would have avoided if the first friend of mine would make that sort of comment right in front of my face rather than behind my back. I would have given me my opinion as to why I took up my next job offer. Then this conflict would have been avoided. But I do not blame my first friend. The comment was made out of feeling of concern. Hence, I’m proud and honoured to have such a friend.

How My Funny Cousin Turned My Day Around

2009-08-26T17:25:00.001+08:00

Today I was annoyed by an idiot who does not deserve to take up the responsibility of a project manager.

Thanks to my cousin, who works in the IT line, he has his funny way of cracking jokes using programming codes. For example, with the codes listed below, he was imagining that he managed to hack into the project manager’s brain and input the following codes:

“##Telnet-console <NIRC No>.BrainOS.my.org Usr=Admin256 Pwd=**********

## SHOW Status=ALL

#IF IntelLvl=Idiot Then Action.Local.Yell="I Am An Idiot!!!"

#IF Prev.Stat=True Then Repeat Until NotTrue

IF RepeatAmt > 25 Then ACTIVATE Action.Locate WHERE Locate.Type=Wall.Concrete

IF Locate.Status=Success THEN Action.Walk WHERE Walk.Direction=Wall.Concrete

IF Walk.Status=Completed THEN Action.Bang WHERE Bang.Component=Head&&Bang.Object=Wall”

He ends with the following line:

“Programming Solves All Your Problem

Remember Kids, Practice Safe Hacks !!!”

“<and also Safe Sex>”

CQ, you are one funny man indeed! Thanks for the joke. It really turned my day around. :)

Indulgence!

2009-08-18T14:22:00.001+08:00

Went to Starbucks after lunch just now. The purpose? To fully utilize my staff benefit before I leave. So better buy the drinks at Starbucks at a discount rate now. In the future, I have to pay full price for it. Here is a funny conversation that I had with the Starbucks’ staff over at my office.

*At the counter*

Employee 1: Good day sir. What would you like to have?

Me: Signature Hot Chocolate. The largest size. (WTH I was thinking?)

*Paid the money and proceed to collect my drinks*

Employee 2: Hi there. Your lunch? (Referring to the giant size Signature Hot Chocolate)

Me: Nope. This is INDULGENCE!

Employee 2: *laugh*

Oh yes! I love their Signature Hot Chocolate very much. Thanks to Mick who recommended me to try it. Now, if you don’t mind, let me indulge during working hours. =P

Asking For Advice

2009-08-13T17:32:00.001+08:00

Recently I have been asked for an advice by a friend of mine. It is normal that when we reach at the juncture of a road and do not know which road to take, we would usually look for someone for consultation. Instead of charging consultation fees, we transacted using ‘deeds and favors’ currency.

The key to giving good advices is to be patient, a criterion required to be a good listener first. Before an advice is given, it would be the best if we are able to understand the whole scenario that leads to the point of indecision. After all, this is to avoid giving a rush advice without examining what other solutions are there.

However, recent events from one particular person, who has a long on-going issue that still has not yet resolved, really made me blow my top. Not only me actually. My friend refused even to listen to him and his problems. Me? Imagine this: I received his SMS on a Friday afternoon to ask me whether I’m back from my holiday. I looked at the SMS in a dreaded manner and replied to him whether he has something urgent to look for me. Then that bugger only called me at 12.40 a.m. MONDAY! On such a dreadful hour when I had to wake up in the next few hours time to get ready for work! He apologized stating he has no time to call me before this (he doesn’t sound convincing enough to me). But my brain was thinking: he has Friday night, Saturday and Sunday the whole day and yet he can’t find a proper time to ask me for advice?

The worst part is: I felt like it is a waste of time for me to give him advice. He has arguments on both sides of the road that he could take and all of the arguments on both sides are valid points. But still he has yet to able to decide as he doesn’t know the value of each option contemplated. It is kind of frustrating when we give our opinions and he is able to refute it with his own justification. When prompt him to go the other way, then he argue of going the other way. He comes out with arguments and yet he can’t decide! Perhaps that is the reason why I feel annoyed in giving my advice to him (only him I might add).

If he doesn’t know how to value which option yields a higher happiness rating than the other, how can we value it for him? We don’t live his life. We don’t know which option would make him feel happy. He seems confused as to what will make him happy. If he is confused about that, how are we able to help him?

Perhaps I should just develop a business process and policy in how I operate when it comes to giving advice especially him. Perhaps I should just list down my criteria and ask him to meet my criteria first before we even discuss about it. Or perhaps prepare a checklist and ask him to fill it up first. LOL!

BLOG UNDER MAINTENANCE (UPDATE)

2009-08-12T21:53:00.004+08:00

**Update: The layout template has been replaced.**

Dear fellow readers,

My blog is currently under maintenance as there seems to be a problem with the previous layout.

Please bear with me with the current incomplete template while the issues are being resolved.

Thanks!

Stranded For The Week!

2009-08-09T01:43:00.004+08:00

I found myself stranded for these past few days. I was involved in a car accident on last Tuesday. Luckily, me and my boss, who happened to be hitching a ride to our badminton session every week, were not injured.

However, the car was dented and it will take about a week for it to be fixed. For one freaking week, I will miss four badminton sessions as I have no transportation home and to my horror, I left my badminton shoes in my car. This leaves me without proper shoe to play badminton this coming week until the car is fully serviced.

But, I should be happy for having such good friends in times of trouble. They are kind enough in lending their helping hand. DanLee was kind enough to introduce his friend to me. His friend in turn called his boss and his other colleague to come over to look at my car as well as settling with the police report and insurance as well as the repairs. Daniel even sent me home on Thursday.

LLP was kind enough to fetch me back on Tuesday after I settled the car issue as well as borrowing me her car so that I could go to the bank to get a copy of the road tax for my insurance claim.

Then iJet was kind enough to drop me back home on Wednesday. And I was cruel in dropping her a bomb. LOL! We will discuss about the bomb in another entry.

CChan also helped me out on Thursday and Friday by sending me to work in the early morning. And fortunate for me, he leaves for work at the same time as me. (Due to certain work that I needed to complete, I needed to go back to work earlier. Hence, I could not ask my other friends for help.)

On Wednesday morning, I even received SMS from YLLian of mine who heard about me involved in the car accident via Twitter. (Yes! I tweet!)

I am very grateful for all the friends and colleagues that I have right now. =)

Relationship In Jeopardy!

2009-08-03T00:58:00.006+08:00

Love is no longer in a picture anymore when one party of the relationship is suffering from it while the other is hiding behind the veil, pretending pretend that the root cause of the problem is does not exist. This is what I saw in a relationship between two of my friends.

After talking to one of them while I gather the information about the other party from someone else, I believe that their relationship could not be salvaged. It’s about time that one of them has to let go. Perhaps the one who is suffering should just take the first step. But it would be a normal reaction for the other party to become more concern after the step. But it will be too late.

When unhappiness reins free and is left unchecked, this is what it will do to love. One party will have tears flowing freely. I really admire some of my friends who has been going strong for many years. Perhaps it’s because they are concern with one another. Perhaps they do agree on an existence of problem and move as a collective force trying to tackle the problem head on. Whatever it is, may their love continue to grow strong and prosper.

For now, I will pray for the best outcome for both of my friends. No matter what the outcome will be. Just hoping that they could see dawn beyond the horizon.

A Sleepless Night

2009-08-01T20:04:00.003+08:00

***This entry is a follow up the previous post (Me: Need A Helping Hand? She: NO!)***

The incident the other day was a massive blow to me. It was a test of faith for me as my principle of life was shattered by a few words as a result of an act of random kindness. As a result, I can’t get over of the incident and can’t let it lay it to rest. My brain was spinning to understand the logic of it.

I only managed to doze off at 3.30 a.m. on the night of the incident. However, I was constantly awaken up from my slumber. Not a good sleep at all. Rather than continue to roll on the bed once my alarm rang, I just pick myself up from the bed and head for a shower before going off to work. Oh yeah. It is a day that I have to down two bottles of Coke to let me stay awake.

But through this troubling time, I’m glad that I have friends who are willing to lend me their ears to hear me out. During in times of trouble, only family and TRUE friends would They agreed with me that it was a totally uncalled comment. For someone who exhibits logic, that was the first moment I found her to be illogical.

As my friends said: perhaps there was an incident in the past that motivates her to say such a thing. Whatever it is, I believe it is hard for me to be able to understand the situation as she is a tight lipped person. But for right now, I think I will just let it be. Let time repairs the image and standing that I have for her. Let time heals the scar that I have.

ME: Need A Helping Hand? SHE: NO!

2009-07-29T22:07:00.003+08:00

***This post is a follow up on my a previous entry (A Question Burning Over My Head). If you haven’t read it, click on the title link to read the previous entry first before reading on.***

I can’t forget what my friend said to me just now as we were leaving office together. I even SMS-ed her after we separated saying that I will forever remember what she said to me just now.

Both of us have to work overtime as we have our own task that needs to be done before leaving. (And as usual, when there is one thing to do, two more tasks will be flooding in at the same time. And when I’m free, I will be sitting there and wait for a fly to swat at. Although it makes my heart sad that there are none in my office.)

As usual, she would usually have a lady’s sling bag to keep her personal belonging and carries a laptop bag with her other hand. Me? I have a backpack to carry and my water bottle that I carry with one of my hands. Just like most companies, we have to tag ourselves out and open the door. Seeing her that she is overloaded, I voluntarily walked one or two steps ahead of her and open the door for her.

We head on to 7-Eleven first as she needed some change to pay for her parking. She took a packet of Tetra-Pak GOODDAY milk and walk to the counter to pay while I wait for her at the entrance of the 7-Eleven.

Seeing that her hand is now full (one laptop bag in one hand, the other shoulder her lady’s bag and the other hand with a packet of newly bought milk), I voluntarily open the door for her to walk through. As ahead of us there is another door, she said “Never mind, I will open it myself.” I looked at her and I thought she is joking, so I opened the door for her. Then, she said something that I can’t believe that she would say.

SHE: “I can open the door myself. I’m not a handicap person, you know?”

ME: O.O! “But your hands are full. One with laptop and another with your milk.”

SHE: “You are like treating me as if I’m a rich young miss (you are my servant).”

ME: O.O! “If that is the case, I would be carrying your laptop right now.”

SHE: “I wouldn’t allow you to carry it. If I do, it seems that I am like a handicap person.”

ME: O.O! **speechless due to shock** **hitting my chest** **shaking my head**

Oh yeah! In such a circumstances, she would still refuse my help. For me, it is just a small matter and if I were in her position, I would be glad if I can receive some help even though it is just with the door. She is cute, isn’t she?

For the record, I’m offering my help to her not because I’m discriminating her (because of gender or because she is weak etc.). But it’s because that is just me. I usually open the door for all my friends and colleagues. And I usually like to stand at the back of the pack. And if I see a stranger that needs help with the door, I would just open it and wait for them to step through it. Because what I see is that someone is in need of help and that is something that I can help. And opening a door and let someone pass is just a small matter.

For me, I’m still shaking my head right now. I don’t think I will forget this for the rest of my life. Now, she doesn’t have to worry on the question of not getting people to remember what she did. Coz I will remember. Thank you for playing a significant role in my life! LOL!

Technorati Tags: Gentleman,Helping Hand,Speechless,Shock

Road Hogs: Big Brawns But Small Brains

2009-07-26T16:22:00.004+08:00

***Readers discretion advised. This article is written with strong emotions that may not be emotionally healthy to readers.***

Road hogs: they are the menace of the streets. Here are some of the horrors that I have heard, seen and experienced so far.

1) You made a small mistake and almost crashed into their car (but you didn’t) and they will try their best to smash your car up with theirs. This was a horror experienced my friend’s buddy (who is a girl) who was driving alone. The incident happened on a highway. It ended up in a car chase until she has to pull out from the highway. Luckily nothing happened to her.

2) All the cars are lining up at the traffic light to into another road. This incident happened on a highway ramp which only has two lanes: one turning to the left and one with the traffic light turning to the right. As civilized road users were queuing up, one imbecile road hog cut the queue (10 cars) by lining at the front of the road to cut in when the traffic light is green. Hence, blocking the car users who wants to turn left. An incident occurred whereby a car doesn’t want to let the road hog cut his queue. It ended up with the road hog honking loudly a few times with the car in front.

3) I was travelling at about 90km/hour on a bike on the MRR2 highway when a van travelling at about 110km/hour suddenly appear out of the lane furthest to the right (third lane) and swerved into an exit to Pandan Jaya. I have to jammed my breaks and the motorbike skidded and the engine stalled. Luckily there was no car hitting me from behind as I was unable to move the bike as the engine was stalled. Otherwise, I will not be here anymore today.

4) Of course, the classic one: tail gating. If your car want to smell the butt of my car, please do it when it’s traffic jam. Not when the road is smooth especially you can move to the right lane.

Somehow, I noticed that there are something common among the road hogs. They have big brawns but small brains. Seriously! You use your might behind the wheel and act tough but when thinking about all the stupid things that you do, it is so darn stupid. A message to road hogs: Use less brawn and more brains. You will live longer that way, idiots!

If Only Getting A Boyfriend/Girlfriend Is That Simple

2009-07-18T00:26:00.008+08:00

I came across this funny webcomic from xkcd.com.

Hmmm, if only getting a boyfriend/girlfriend is that simple.

A Question Burning Over My Head

2009-07-16T19:56:00.001+08:00

I have a serious question regarding my action. I think the right word here would be ‘inaction’ rather than ‘action’.

Here is the situation: my friend and I usually went home at similar time. As we park on the same level and our cars are parked near to each other, it is normal that we usually accompany one another when either one of us are going back. So, today, she has an extra load in her hand. As usual, seeing my friend in need of help, I offered my assistance to her. But she refuses my help.

My question is: Do I look like I’m not a gentleman at all if you didn’t know the situation? Coz I have a kind of stare from individuals I don’t know when we are at the car park paying machine. They first look at my friend, and then subsequently stare at me. Somehow they were hinting ‘Why are you not helping her?’

Then the next question is: Should I force my way in helping her even though she refuses it at the first place?

Let me know what you think.

Why I Prefer To Pay More For A Movie

2009-07-11T23:50:00.001+08:00

During the week, my friends and I went to watch Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. There were five of us and since there is a cinema just right below our office, we decided to just watch it there. The tickets were bought for normal class.

Yes. It’s cheap. And since I’ve been constantly watching Premier Class movies (with the exception of one time whereby I went to watch GOLD CLASS with my cousins)whenever I watch movies at GSC, at least I’m saving a little bit of money as I will be going away for a trip soon.

But when the movie starts, I really wished that my friend bought the Premier Class seats instead. Well, let’s start with the seats. Obviously, the sits in the basic class cinema are not as comfortable as compared to Premier or Gold Class. I believe the price I’ve paid is justified with the comfort that I’ve enjoyed. With Premier Class, I can lay my head on the seat rather than sitting up straight (which is tiring to my shoulder). For Gold Class at GSC Signature, the RM60 I’ve paid could get me a reclining cushion chair that is adjustable. If the movie is not nice, I can just sleep. :P

Then, let’s talk about the ambience. Because of the much lower ticket fee charged, quantity matters to ensure high collection. Hence, a new movie would be located in a large cinema hall that has seating capacity of 200 to 250 people. When the hype of a movie has died down, then it will be located in a cinema that has a seating capacity of about 100 to 120 people. So you can imagine the ambience. I particularly loathe those who likes to make comments during the movie. In my experience while watching Premier Class, surprisingly no one made any comments while the movie is on. Or perhaps because of the sitting was too far apart, the whispering would been drowned by the movie. Also, since the seating is somewhat like a couple sitting, the chit chattering is significantly minimized.

Sound system: Definitely Premier Class’ and Gold Class’ sound system is much much better. You can feel the difference as compared to the normal class. I don’t know how to elaborate this. You have to try it to know the difference. Not all halls are certified by THX. But chances are all of the certified THX cinemas is designated to Premier Class and (definitely) Gold Class.

Next, extra services. Although not standardized, Berjaya Times Square’s GSC Premier Class offers food delivery service. All you need to do is walk to the counter at Premier Class ‘room’ and place your order. The staff will deliver your food and drinks to your seat right before the show starts. Please take note that this free delivery service is not provided for in GSC Signature’s Premier Class at Gardens. I’m not sure of other Premier Class cinemas. At GSC Signature’s Gold Class, you get a free complimentary blanket and a selected free drink delivered to you. However, they do offer some food of which they would charge a premium for delivery service. The Gold Class Signature food there is kind of pricey.

So, if next time any of friends wants to watch in a normal class cinema with high seating capacity, I think I would just pass.

Technorati Tags: Movie,Cinema,GSC,Premier Class,Gold Class

Killing A Dream

2009-07-04T20:54:00.000+08:00

Everyone have dreams that they would wish to achieve one day. Some would fancy of getting to the top of their career ladder. Some would wish to have a harmonious family. Whatever it is, not everyone’s dreams are the same.

A dream can only be achieved through perseverance. Perseverance is an attitude or character within us of not letting go. But perseverance could lead dream into a full blown obsession. So the question is: where is the line being drawn between perseverance and obsession? No one is able to answer it but our own dear selves.

For the past two weeks, a dream of mine has begun to usurped into my mind. Thoughts that relates to my dream came unbidden. I have been battling those inner self thoughts with my own self-conscious and rational thinking. The trigger point of a destructive desire is becoming to show itself. And I realized that my dream will become an obsession if I do not end it right there.

As there are no other options to contemplate to ensure the achievability of my dream, (unless certain events or circumstances beyond my control could alter the course of my dream to become achievable), I have decided that I should rather end it right here and right now. I do not wish to let this dream-turned-obsession of mine to dictate my mental health and control over my actions. Hence, I’m killing a dream today. I’m killing MY own dream.

The ‘Age’ Old Debate

2009-06-29T08:59:00.001+08:00

This debate has been on going for a very long time. Does a girl mind dating someone is younger than her? A radio show conducted it before. In fact, when you run a search on Google! with unique such as ‘dating younger man’ or ‘dating older woman’, you would run into about 50 million entries. No Joke!

Honestly, I’ve participated in this debate or listened to this debate for twice. (I think this debate was brought up by the same guy twice already. This Uncle is REALLY getting old.)

Of course, the ladies in attendance would definitely want to make sure that the younger male that they are going steady with are matured. They don’t mind if the guy are being childish only at playful moments (i.e. teasing one another, cracking a joke, being silly etc.). They prefer to have a relationship that is fun and captivating. They, however, do mind of the mentality and the way the males behave when placed in a difficult situation.

Are the younger male able to exercise the maturity needed in solving the task? Are they responsible for their own actions? Have they consider all other options? Did they make the right decision? Did their decision sideline anyone?

For the older women, they are looking for the right one to spend the rest of their lives with. They are not interested in short flings. They are different from the younger males. Younger males have time that older women doesn’t have. And the current Asian perception/mentality is that it is normal for men to date younger women.

It’s Not Easy, But It’s Worth It!

2009-06-25T09:00:00.001+08:00

Being a friend is not something that is easy to do. There are lots of things that you have to sacrifice or tolerate but not to forget about receiving in return. All these things are part and parcel of relationship management.

What more do you need most at times of trouble than to borrow your friends’ ears and heart? A friend is someone who is comfortable to be with and has no hidden reservations. As such, they are more willing to share with their opinions, frustrations, sadness etc. with you. They are, after all, humans. They just need an avenue to channel their negative energy. As such, listening to their problems goes a long way to show your concern and care.

And when they needed help the most, they would definitely turn to you to ask for a lending hand. “Could you help me to do this?” And as a friend, when you have the power and capacity to help, you would just jump on board and help out. (That’s what I do anyway.)

And sometimes, when they least expected most, they would tend to hurt you in ways that you never expected it. The pain just comes knocking on your door suddenly and you felt devastated for something such as that to have happened. But you could just tend to forgive and forget the incident. Although you are not at fault, but why would you just let one small matter jeopardize a friendship that means a lot for you?

Yes. Being a friend is not easy. It’s the efforts that you need to put in to maintain your friendship that is tough. But remember that they are not just any acquaintance you met in office or on the street. They are the ones who are closer to you and willing to give you their help in return. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it!

A Father’s Day Special: An Article By Barack Obama

2009-06-22T08:31:00.001+08:00

Barrack Obama is an example of what a good father is: humble, dedicated, and responsible to name a few. Just like all the dads around the world, he strive to ensure that his daughter will have a better life.

Here is an article written by him in conjunction of Father’s Day.

__________________________________________________

Obama: 'I have been an imperfect father'

The commander in chief reflects on what good parenting means to him

Parade

By President Barack Obama

updated 12:16 a.m. ET June 21, 2009

Two days before the inauguration, PARADE published a letter from Barack Obama to his daughters about what he hoped for them and all the children of America. The letter attracted international attention. On this Father's Day, we asked the President to reflect on what fatherhood means to him.

As the father of two young girls who have shown such poise, humor, and patience in the unconventional life into which they have been thrust, I mark this Father’s Day — our first in the White House — with a deep sense of gratitude. One of the greatest benefits of being President is that I now live right above the office. I see my girls off to school nearly every morning and have dinner with them nearly every night. It is a welcome change after so many years out on the campaign trail and commuting between Chicago and Capitol Hill.

But I observe this Father’s Day not just as a father grateful to be present in my daughters’ lives but also as a son who grew up without a father in my own life. My father left my family when I was 2 years old, and I knew him mainly from the letters he wrote and the stories my family told. And while I was lucky to have two wonderful grandparents who poured everything they had into helping my mother raise my sister and me, I still felt the weight of his absence throughout my childhood.

As an adult, working as a community organizer and later as a legislator, I would often walk through the streets of Chicago’s South Side and see boys marked by that same absence — boys without supervision or direction or anyone to help them as they struggled to grow into men. I identified with their frustration and disengagement — with their sense of having been let down.

In many ways, I came to understand the importance of fatherhood through its absence — both in my life and in the lives of others. I came to understand that the hole a man leaves when he abandons his responsibility to his children is one that no government can fill. We can do everything possible to provide good jobs and good schools and safe streets for our kids, but it will never be enough to fully make up the difference.

That is why we need fathers to step up, to realize that their job does not end at conception; that what makes you a man is not the ability to have a child but the courage to raise one.

As fathers, we need to be involved in our children’s lives not just when it’s convenient or easy, and not just when they’re doing well — but when it’s difficult and thankless, and they’re struggling. That is when they need us most.

And it’s not enough to just be physically present. Too often, especially during tough economic times like these, we are emotionally absent: distracted, consumed by what’s happening in our own lives, worried about keeping our jobs and paying our bills, unsure if we’ll be able to give our kids the same opportunities we had.

Our children can tell. They know when we’re not fully there. And that disengagement sends a clear message — whether we mean it or not — about where among our priorities they fall.

So we need to step out of our own heads and tune in. We need to turn off the television and start talking with our kids, and listening to them, and understanding what’s going on in their lives.

We need to set limits and expectations. We need to replace that video game with a book and make sure that homework gets done. We need to say to our daughters, Don’t ever let images on TV tell you what you are worth, because I expect you to dream without limit and reach for your goals. We need to tell our sons, Those songs on the radio may glorify violence, but in our house, we find glory in achievement, self-respect, and hard work.

We need to realize that we are our children’s first and best teachers. When we are selfish or inconsiderate, when we mistreat our wives or girlfriends, when we cut corners or fail to control our tempers, our children learn from that — and it’s no surprise when we see those behaviors in our schools or on our streets.

But it also works the other way around. When we work hard, treat others with respect, spend within our means, and contribute to our communities, those are the lessons our children learn. And that is what so many fathers are doing every day — coaching soccer and Little League, going to those school assemblies and parent-teacher conferences, scrimping and saving and working that extra shift so their kids can go to college. They are fulfilling their most fundamental duty as fathers: to show their children, by example, the kind of people they want them to become.

It is rarely easy. There are plenty of days of struggle and heartache when, despite our best efforts, we fail to live up to our responsibilities. I know I have been an imperfect father. I know I have made mistakes. I have lost count of all the times, over the years, when the demands of work have taken me from the duties of fatherhood. There were many days out on the campaign trail when I felt like my family was a million miles away, and I knew I was missing moments of my daughters’ lives that I’d never get back. It is a loss I will never fully accept.

But on this Father’s Day, I think back to the day I drove Michelle and a newborn Malia home from the hospital nearly 11 years ago — crawling along, miles under the speed limit, feeling the weight of my daughter’s future resting in my hands. I think about the pledge I made to her that day: that I would give her what I never had — that if I could be anything in life, I would be a good father. I knew that day that my own life wouldn’t count for much unless she had every opportunity in hers. And I knew I had an obligation, as we all do, to help create those opportunities and leave a better world for her and all our children.

On this Father’s Day, I am recommitting myself to that work, to those duties that all parents share: to build a foundation for our children’s dreams, to give them the love and support they need to fulfill them, and to stick with them the whole way through, no matter what doubts we may feel or difficulties we may face. That is my prayer for all of us on this Father’s Day, and that is my hope for this nation in the months and years ahead.

Source: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/31437363/ns/fathers_day_guide//

The (Probable) Story of A Coin

2009-06-14T20:22:00.001+08:00

Have you ever wondered what would the coin would like to tell you if it could speak? Will it tell you the story of it’s best and worst owners? Or the story about places it has went?

Here with me, is a 50 cent coin minted in 1983. Minted in the same year as I was born. I found it when I was rummaging for coins to pay my toll (but I did not used the coin. You can call me sentimental. :) I don’t mind.). Then I was wondering ‘What had you went through?’. Hence, here are my thoughts I’m blogging about.

Perhaps on the year it was minted, I believe it was a prized coin. Imagine the buying power of those days. When I was just starting primary school, a bowl of noodles cost only 50 cents. The last year in my school days, the price of the noodles increased to 60-70 cents. That was throughout a six-year period. Mind you, I started my primary school in 1990. And I can still remember that I could get a Colonel Burger for a mere RM2 in 1996-1997.

The coin must have been past from one hand to another. From the rich to the poor. From old to young. From one race to another. From buyers to traders. Someone was careless with the coin as well as I noted that there are marks on the coin impress. It must have fell on the floor and rolled away. Perhaps someone picked it up as well and use the money.

So many possibilities and yet so many things would have happened to the coin. I believe that it would have an advice to give throughout it’s 26 years of experiences it has gathered. =)

Your Rights Are VIOLATING My Rights

2009-06-12T08:32:00.001+08:00

As I have indicated in my previous posts, I have a colleague who likes to say negative things with a tone that sounds like nagging. He is someone who does not easily feel satisfied and when he complaints, there will be no holds barred. Take no prisoners. And if you happen to be the one who annoys him, be prepared to be stabbed behind or just look at his facial expression that you would feel that he is unhappy.

Well, here is my wrath: Would you please stop expressing your negativity? It is sooooo DEPRESSING! Seriously, it is! And if you thought that I scold you prohibits your right for freedom of speech, then what about my right for peace, quiet and harmony. The way you channel your complaints only make things worse. Not improving them. Morale has been low. Now you are instilling hatred into the heart of others.

If you are not happy, just go. While you are staying, don’t negatively influence others. A point of discussion is acceptable. But mindless swinging at others behind their backs are not ethical and causes strenuous working relationship with others, especially when they found out. At that moment, you will be facing an awkward situation.

Being born as the only child in your family does not give you the super license to ignore how others feel. Self-control has to be exercised at all times. Bear that in mind. Teasing others should also be done in a reasonable manner. As friends, taking care of others’ feelings is a priority. A gung-ho mentality just for the sake of laugh should not be exercised at the detriment of friendship.

Technorati Tags: Violation of Rights,Wrath,Depressing,Self-control,Friendship

Fatigue!

2009-06-11T00:18:00.001+08:00

These past three days has been tiring for me. I have been playing badminton for two straight days in a row: Monday and Tuesday. Same location. Same time. Different group of players. Now, I’m still experiencing the fatigue from the two-day ordeal. =S

And because of the exhaustion as a result of playing badminton on Monday, I tried to reduce the strain of the game on Tuesday by releasing the pedal. But apparently the desire to win, albeit I lost most of the games (T__T), drives me to keep pushing on and try my best to win.

Now, I can still feel the tiredness in my body. I would loved a full body massage now. I believe the feeling of your tensed and strained muscles being rubbed to relaxation would be enjoyable. How nice would it be……

About Me: Weird But True!

2009-06-04T20:39:00.001+08:00

This is really weird but it is definitely true: I’m really a workaholic. You want to know why? Because I was stressed out because I have nothing to do! No joke here and you didn’t read it wrongly nor I made a typo error! My ex-colleague in my previous company thought that I was crazy. She was hoping that she would enjoy such rest and relaxation due to heavy workload she is currently facing.

I was not in the right mood at all today. Even one of my colleagues thought that I have PMS! (That was a very big statement to be made as I’m a guy.)

My task is mainly to prepare a monthly management report and my task would usually be completed within three days after my department received the finalize monthly figure from Finance. But for the rest of my other time, I would be sitting at my desk doing nothing productive at all unless there is some ad hoc work that needs to be done.

To tell you the truth, I had not much thing to do for the past two weeks at least. (The accounts was closed in the middle of last month.) All I did was chat online, browsing online, log on to networking websites etc. All of these were not productive at all.

Now I understand what by an ex-colleague of mine were complaining about nothing much to do. Pray that the situation would improve significantly within the next two months. Otherwise, I would have to look for a new job.

Being Secretive: The Torturing Feeling

2009-05-31T20:21:00.001+08:00

I’m sure that every man alive out there has a secret that is kept within him/her. Not yet revealed to the world out there but kept in the darkest pit of his/her heart. And no doubt that some of it may be torturing his/her mind and affecting their emotions as well.

Yes. We do have an option to reveal it. Finding someone that you could trust is sometimes difficult. The question is: how far can you trust someone? In today’s society of full of deception, finding the one that you can trust is sometimes impossible.

I confess that I have such secrets. Secrets that was never revealed. Never revealed today because of the fact that I knew that no benefit would come out of it even if it is revealed out. Even those that are close to me would not know it.

Perhaps, that’s just me!

How Lambs Causes Environmental Concern

2009-05-29T08:11:00.001+08:00

This is really funny indeed! I’m surprised that lambs has an environmental effect towards Earth’s carbon emission. Geez! Next they’ll say: “Stop human production because breeding one human produces higher lb of carbon dioxide than lambs produce.”

Read the story below.

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From The Sunday Times

May 24, 2009

Burping of the lambs blows roast off menu

Jonathan Leake, Environment Editor

GIVE up lamb roasts and save the planet. Government advisers are developing menus to combat climate change by cutting out “high carbon” food such as meat from sheep, whose burping poses a serious threat to the environment.

Out will go kebabs, greenhouse tomatoes and alcohol. Instead, diners will be encouraged to consume more potatoes and seasonal vegetables, as well as pork and chicken, which generate fewer carbon emissions.

“Changing our lifestyles, including our diets, is going to be one of the crucial elements in cutting carbon emissions,” said David Kennedy, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change.

Kennedy has stopped eating his favourite doner kebabs because they contain lamb.

A government-sponsored study into greenhouse gases found that producing 2.2lb of lamb released the equivalent of 37lb of carbon dioxide.

The problem is because sheep burp so much methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Cows are only slightly better behaved. The production of 2.2lb of beef releases methane equivalent to 35lb of CO2 Tomatoes, most of which are grown in heated glasshouses, are the most “carbon-intensive” vegetable, each 2.2lb generating more than 20lb of CO2 Potatoes, in contrast, release only about 1lb of CO2 for each 2.2lb of food. The figures are similar for most other native fruit and vegetables.

“We are not saying that everyone should become vegetarian or give up drinking but moving towards less carbon intensive foods will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve health,” said Kennedy.

The climate committee is analysing emissions from farming and will suggest measures to reduce them. However, it has concluded that people will have to change their habits.

Alcoholic drinks are another significant contributory factor, with the growing and processing of crops such as hops and malt into beer and whisky helping to generate 1.5% of the nation’s greenhouse gases.

The Carbon Trust, a government-funded firm, is working with food and drink companies to calculate the “carbon footprints” of products - sometimes with surprising results.

Coca-Cola, for example, generates only about half the greenhouse gas emissions of Innocent’s “smoothies”. Cadbury’s chocolate generates about 4½lb for every 2.2lb eaten - less than half that from theof CO2 same weight of chicken.

Source: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article6350237.ece

It’s A Crime If You Say Your Wife Is Not Beautiful

2009-05-28T07:50:00.001+08:00

No joke here! I can’t believe what I read either when I came across the news article in The Star.

Can we use the same law against the women as well if they tell their husband that their are ugly because of their bald head? Man! This is totally outrageous. Plus the said rule is planned to be included in Domestic Violence Act (DVA) 1994 due to the fact that they want to classify insult as emotional domestic violence. I’m going to faint.

Why do they only highlight how a husband mistreat a wife only anyway? The statement made by that particular person is consider as gender biasness. Wife mistreats husband as well. If you are affording wives too much protection, aren’t the husbands the one who will suffer in the end?

In fact, perhaps we should consider abolishing Women’s Development Department. There is an element of biasness here. Perhaps we should rename the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development as well. Last I heard on the news, there are Malaysian men being abused by their wives as well. It falls to the Ministry’s jurisdiction due to the word Family. How about inequality in job selection? Then it falls under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Human Resource, isn’t it? Just bring the inequality treatment between men and women there.

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Telling your wife she's not pretty may soon be an offence

By MUGUNTAN VANAR

KOTA KINABALU: A husband telling his wife that she is no longer pretty in an attempt to humiliate her can be classified as an emotional violence offence if amendments are made to the Domestic Violence Act (DVA)1994.

The plan is to amend the DVA for the inclusion of a clause on emotional violence against women.

Currently, they are only protected only against physical abuse, Women's Development Department director-general Datuk Dr Noorul Ainur Mohd Nur said.

She said on Wednesday that the aim for proposing the amendment was to safeguard women both physically and emotionally.

Dr Noorul said emotional violence was a form of abuse that would deeply scar a woman and lower their self-esteem, dignity and self-confidence.

“It could be a case where her husband tells his wife she is ugly or humiliates her until she feels emotionally pressured,” she told reporters at the end of a seminar on how to curb violence against women at Wisma Wanita here.

She added they were in the process of bringing the proposed amendments to Parliament.

State Community development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun closed the seminar organised by Sabah Women’s Affairs Department.

Azizah, in her speech, said that there was a need for the law to protect emotional violence against women.

Azizah said there were a total of 99 cases of violence against women in Sabah in the first quarter of 2009 compared to 220 cases during the same period last year which was reported to the police.

Technorati Tags: Crime,Domestic Violence Act,Domestic Violence,Gender Biasness

A Selfless Community

2009-05-25T21:01:00.001+08:00

A good community such as exhibited by residents of Greenfield, Ohio still exist in today’s society. Though their city is in trouble with high unemployment rates due to the town’s dependency towards the American automobile sector, they managed to band up together to do something good for the children and youths of the small little town of 5,000 people.

They are selfless in their acts to ensure that the kids would still be able to play little league baseball even though that there were insufficient funds for the city to organize them. All they did was just make some compromise and sacrifices.

Read the story below:

************************************************************************

GREENFIELD, Ohio - Memorial Day weekend often signals the start of youth baseball, and it almost didn't happen this year in this town of 5,000, where the sputtering auto industry choked off money for recreation.

Youth baseball practice is seen at Mitchell Park in Greenfield, Ohio on Thursday.

Kiichiro Sato / AP

But residents took a page from their famous son, "Take This Job and Shove It" singer Johnny Paycheck, and went their own way by raising money, fixing up fields, scrounging for equipment and signing up 450 kids to play.

Resident Laura Saylor, whose daughter plays baseball, said the sport is especially important now because a lot of people don't have money.

"This kind of gives them hope, too, because when the parents don't have hope, what do you have?" she said. "And these kids know that. They know times are hard."

The season opens Tuesday.

"I'll be relieved once that first pitch is thrown," said Fred Everhart, among the Gang of Nine volunteers who helped save baseball.

This town, about 50 miles southwest of Columbus, has other treasures and traditions, such as lining the streets every year to watch decked-out prom-goers strut into the stately McClain High School.

But heartache has paid a visit to Greenfield. In the 1990s, the town found itself increasingly reliant on auto suppliers. And when the industry went into a tailspin last year, residents began to get pink slips.

By this October, 500 auto-related jobs — or 70 percent of the town's industrial employment — are expected to be gone.

To make matters worse, cargo carrier DHL Express announced it was pulling out of an air park that employed 8,000 in nearby Wilmington, throwing many other Greenfield residents out of work.

"I've seen more grown men cry in the last 18 months than I have in my entire life," said Sandra McNeil, executive managing officer of the Home Building and Loan Co. "People don't know where to go or what to do."

Kiichiro Sato / AP

Fred Everhart, center, and a small army of volunteers, from left Glenn Penwell, Todd Ralph, Bobby Trefz, Dean Mann and Bruce Snavely, gather at Mitchell Park on Thursday.

The city mirrors what has been happening in many places in Ohio, where the April unemployment rate was 10.2 percent, the highest in more than 25 years.

City Councilwoman Earlene Scott recently discovered that many of the people accepting handouts of used clothing were returning regularly for more clothes because they didn't have washing machines or the laundry money to clean what they had picked up earlier.

"I sort of did a big gulp," Scott said.

City Manager Charley Bowman said $800,000 of the $1.6 million budgeted to run the city has been lost because of the economic downturn.

Some residents had feared their children would be tempted by alcohol and drugs if they weren't busy with baseball. Others worried that tensions fueled by unemployment would boil over without the game. Others simply couldn't fathom the idea of summer without youth baseball, a beacon to everyone regardless of economic or social class.

The volunteers persuaded the town to give them $5,000 of the $20,000 that originally had been budgeted for baseball. They held a grocery raffle and a pancake supper to raise more money.

The Gang of Nine and a small army of other volunteers mowed the grass at the park, painted dugouts, fixed fences and patched up the fields. Purple petunias and yellow marigolds were planted.

Some concessions were made. The scoreboards and lights won't be used because they are too expensive to operate. The restrooms will remain closed, replaced by portable toilets to save money on water and sewer.

Teams will play with used baseballs for the most part (one new baseball per game). And many of the games will be played without base umpires.

But 450 kids ages 5-16 signed up to play, looking forward to opening day.

"Awesome," Blake Adams, 6, said during a recent practice. "It's really fun that you can meet new friends when you do the teams."

Earlier, Everhart had strolled the grounds, showing off a new flagpole that he believes symbolizes the survival of the program. His voice cracked and his eyes filled with tears as he thought about the volunteers who refused to let baseball die.

"I didn't realize how close we were to not having it," he said. "Once that first pitch is thrown, we'll know we've done something."

Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30904322/GT1/43001/

A Provocation

2009-05-24T01:36:00.001+08:00

“Hey, please forgive me. But I’m always blunt when I’m speak.”

Well, to tell the truth, I was not mad about the statement made by someone who speaks bluntly. But after analyzing what she had said, I think I should be mad about the fact that the she knew about her own weakness and yet did no do anything, such as restraining her action or to prevent it.

I felt that I was being provoked and I’m sure I’m not the first person in this world who feel this way after they thought about it. Does she want to be forever stay that way: making statements that sounds insulting to the hearer and then apologize for her action because she is aware that she is being blunt?

I’m not saying that everyone is perfect. We are after all an imperfect creation. But it doesn’t mean that we are created without the ability to learn and to correct our mistakes. Would you touch a hot iron rod again when you felt extreme burning to your hands the last time you touched it? No, you don’t because you would know that it is hot. Instead, if you are required to touch it, you would find a way to touch it, like wear a protective gloves that can withstand the heat from the iron rod.

Same goes to this situation. You know that you hurt someone from your blunt speech. Isn’t it better if you don’t say it out just like you don’t touch the hot iron rod again. Or you could just trying to say it in a pleasant manner that doesn’t provoke or shame others just like finding a protective glove to protect your hand from the hot iron rod.

Technorati Tags: Provocation,Blunt Speech

What A Busy Week

2009-05-22T18:29:00.001+08:00

Pardon for my lack of updates.

It was a busy week indeed. I have to rush a tight deadline to complete my management report within 3 days and I have to finish my business case as well. Not to forget that I have to work on ad-hoc administrative tasks as well.

What an irony! When I’m free, no work came my way and I rot in office due to boredom. And when work comes, all come in a short! Not to forget that I have to attend a few meetings.

Fortunately, I’ve endured much worse working hours in my life. Hence, I am still able to cope with the OTs I’ve put in. Hehe!

A Conversation Turned Into An Actual Political Scenario

2009-05-18T23:30:00.001+08:00

C: DT, you should wrest the power of that idiot (Mr. A-hole). Perhaps you should just go and see the ‘Agong’ to take control of the society. We support you.

DT: Hahaha.

Somehow, the Perak drama was adopted in the conversation between me and three other friends and colleagues of mine. They deemed that I should take over control of the society. But to do what the country’s ruling party did in Perak would bring the question of whether what I’m going to do would be considered as legal or not.

Societies have a set of rules and policies to adhere to. And, I, myself, would prefer to do things in a clean and legal manner where the dispute about what is being done is legal or not is easily defined. So, I’ll just wait for the right time to come, let’s say an AGM which would be coming soon, and let him step down with dignity. If the AGM is not being called, I believe there would be people calling for an EGM to remove Mr. A-hole from the throne.

The good thing is: I’ve studied the rules of the Society. Hence, I know what must be done. LEGALLY I might add.

But if you ask me to become the President of the Club, I would say I’m not interested in that role. I’m just being vocal here because I, I mean everyone, can see that nothing is being done by Mr. A-hole while he is sitting comfortably in his chair. Even his committee does not even respect him because of his attitude of ‘talk loud but do nothing’.

So, I’m just taking my own sweet time and wait for his move.

Again?! I Hate It!

2009-05-15T20:20:00.001+08:00

Again and again. Sigh! Wonder when will this end. Wonder when will this people grow to maturity in life. It’s very pathetic especially people are in their mid-twenties and still you have to tell them over and over again.

It is very frustrating when there are some people who just do not co-operate with your request. It’s not difficult for them to do as to what I have requested. All it takes is less than a minute of their time. And it will not cost more than RM1. And the success will be assured if they comply with my small tiny request.

Sigh! I give up! I don’t want to mention this anymore.

‘All Men Are Created Equal…’

2009-05-13T21:59:00.001+08:00

“All men are created equal…”. When you read that statement what do you think of? Would you think that it is not practicable at all? Would you think that physical or mental hindrance kept that statement from being achieved?

If you thought that is so, then tell that to Martin Luther King Jr. who fought for equality of rights for the African American people, tell that to the slaves during the 19th century in the United States who toiled for their masters before being freed through the intervention of Abraham Lincoln, tell that to the disables who have overcome their hardships and disadvantages to ensure that they would have better facilities enjoyed today.

Their success in overcoming those obstacles came from the Declaration of Independence drafted by the second President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, in 1776. And I believe that it would still be a very influential document to the future generations of the Americans.

Wouldn’t it be great if such a statement is practiced around the world as well? Then, there will not be any abuse of power from people who has security influence.

Technorati Tags: All Men Are Created Equal,Martin Luther King Jr.,Thomas Jefferson,Declaration of Independence

Victory is MINE!

2009-05-06T08:25:00.001+08:00

Short note: If you want to know what is happening between Mr A-hole and me, please read my prior posting before reading this.

Dear Mr A-hole,

For your information: VICTORY IS MINE!

I don’t want to tell my boss this. But since my boss enquired about it, I have to let him know about the TRUTH. The truth about how incompetent you are! And it’s not only my words against yours. It’s a collective complaints from FEW INDIVIDUALS. Wahahaha!

Hence, my boss, who I respect his character of not thinking emotionally but rationally analyzing the situation, comprehended the situation and volunteered that he can discuss with the AGM of HR (same rank as my boss) or can straight away speak to CSO (superior of both AGMs). By the way, Mr A-hole, just in case you don’t know where you are sitting, you are just one tiny incompetent and irresponsible Manager.

My boss let’s me to decide whether he should talk to AGM or CSO. But after further consideration, since the current committee is about to be one year, I’m sure there will be an AGM soon. So, I should just let you step down with dignity. If you do not step down and do not call for AGM, perhaps I’ll use this wild trump card in hand to kill you off.

Like a game of chess, I have positioned my piece in a strategic manner whereby my next step would be able to checkmate you. Would you like to resign, El Presidente A-hole? Oh, by the way, the clock is ticking and your time is almost up.

I Seriously Want To Shoot Someone

2009-05-04T23:31:00.001+08:00

For someone who talks a lot about moral values, I’m not exhibiting it right now. Gosh! Can’t believe I’m a jerk because someone else is a jerk!

Something happened today that made me very very furious. I was seriously offended by an a-hole who knows nothing but giving others a hard time. This is mainly about Sports Club. The activity was organized weekly as part of the Sports Club initiative to promote its existence. At first, the A-hole, who happens to be the President of the Sports Club, is fine with the partial sponsorship. That was until he became very unreasonable recently in relation to the internal control process we exhibited. This starts because of the dispute of internal controls in relation to verify those who attended the activities are Company staff. This is even though after checking of particulars of people who came from the Company’s address book (locate them via e-mail), the attendees signing on piece of paper as well as recognizing the attendees via our own naked eyes.

Here were the arguments outlined by both me and the A-hole (I testify that 70% of this context below is accurate. The inaccuracy would be mainly due to 10% of the structure of the conversation while the other 20% would mainly relate to omission of conversation due to spontaneous conversation and no recording of conversation that took place. The bracket items are additional points thought of or extra contribution from friends who heard the story from my side.):

Q: Why not ask everyone who attended the activity to photocopy their ID tag?

A: photocopying an ID tag and each of them send to me is a waste of paper (resources). One ID tag only occupies less than 20% of the A4 paper. You want it to photocopy every week for those who attended? (What a waste of paper. Average per week is 18 people who attended. In a month, there will be 72 pieces of paper. Where should I file it? How many trees should be chopped for this exercise? Paper is cheap?) (My colleague suggested that each of us giving him an armpit hair as there is a DNA attached to it. Funny.)

Q: Then, what do you have in mind? I told you last week right that I want their ID.

A: Noooo. You agreed that the signature of those who attended would be sufficient. Again, this is a classic case of ‘he says, she says’.

Q: Fine. Why don’t we do it in writing? Write it in a policy form. When can you do it?

A: (What the….) What do you mean by me doing it? I’m not a committee member of the society nor for the appointed activity leader.

Q: You know, David, you like to talk but you don’t like to act.

A: ……(I strive to make it happen every week. Drafting e-mails, sending personal invitation just in case the Sports Club did not send out, money collection, attendance taking etc. In short, I sweat for the success of the activity. I deserve to be respected and not given such a comment. What did you do? You just sit there and bossing around others.)

Q: What do you want then?

A: What can I do? I’m not elected as a committee member. If something wrong happened, then the fingers will point at my way. (Just like you are accusing me I’m not doing a proper work.)

Q: Why do you need to take two weeks to come out with a policy?

A: Because during office hours I’m not supposed to be working on this. This could only be done full time.

Q: But we have the support of the CEO.

A: CEO does support us but did he say or did say in writing saying that we could do this during our office working hours? It’s so unprofessional. Anyway, since such a such a fair internal control already suggested to you and yet you still reject, do you think I could find the best solution in such a short time? (Also, Mr A-hole, as the Sports Club is registered under Registrar of Societies, we are not under the Company’s jurisdiction or power.)

Q: ……

A: Fine. Put it in writing. I will help you to draft the policy out. (My big mistake.)

When I went back to my place to check my e-mail, he sent an e-mail to me and cc-ed to AGM of HR, senior manager of Finance, and (the last I found out) Vice President of Sports Club. Should I talk to my boss? If I can persuade my boss and talk to CSO, then at least I can overrule the authority of the AGM of HR since HR is under CSO. What an evil me? *smirk*

One of my colleagues, who were concerned about me, asked me what has happened and I told her about the whole situation. Then she send me a list of the Sports Club Committee members elected in June last year. What the …… Of all the names there, only one person who has left the company. The rest are sleeping committee members, is it? If so, why did they volunteer it in the first place to take charge of the Society.

Dear Mr A-hole, it reflects badly on your leadership skill as you are unable to give a clear direction to your society’s activities as well as inability to persuade the working committee to contribute. Instead, you turned to people who are not Committee Members to help you out in organizing two activities. When the person in charge for the Movie Day left, what happened to your promise in making the last Movie Day a success? It ended up not implemented at all. Now the only sole surviving activity is the activity I help to organize. If you want it to die, go ahead. I got the contact list and can arrange it personally rather than through the Sports Club. It also shows how unreasonable you are. Yes, you are charismatic and you put people on the defensive through your words, but I will find a way to defeat you in a legal manner.

In regards to the policy, I will prove to you that I don’t just talked but I will do it. I will give you the policy you wanted not because out of fear (because I know I can get out of it through proper connection) but because I’m responsible!

Order Of The Stick (OOTS)

2009-05-03T17:24:00.001+08:00

My cousin introduced me to this particular website called Giant In The Playground. This website belongs to Rich Burlew. He is the author of one of the two webcomics posted in his website. The two webcomics currently published are Order Of The Stick (OOTS) and Erfworld.

Recently, I have been reading OOTS during my free time and found it hilarious. OOTS is basically focuses on six adventurers on their quest to destroy an evil lich and save the world from being conquered. OOTS’ environment and characters are based on tabletop role playing games and medieval fantasy. The comic is drawn based on colourful stick figure style.

The comic’s humour mainly revolves on characters awareness on the game rules that has an affect on the six adventurers lives or having anachronistic knowledge of modern culture, which in turn is used by Rich Burlew to parody various aspects of roleplaying games and fantasy fiction. (Source: Wikipedia)

I will putting the link to the website on my blog. Feel free to read it when you want to relax and have a good laugh.

The Great Pretender

2009-05-02T22:16:00.002+08:00

No. It’s not about the song. It’s about a true story that I believed would have happened everywhere. It’s about people who likes to pretend. Pretending how noble they are. Pretending how right the he/she is.

But in fact, it is just a lie. A lie that was told to make himself/herself sleep comfortably at night. A lie that deceives everyone so that they would sympathize him/her. So that others would lend an ear to listen to their trouble.

‘I was forced to take up the responsibility.’ Bull shit! After I heard it from your friend, you never denied the responsibility but seemed to be accepting it whole heartedly. And when the task was given to you, yet you mumble as if you have been mistreated. It’s all a lie.

Let me tell you, O’ Great Pretender. I promise that I will not fall into your trap again. I’ll let you cry ‘Wolf, Wolf, Wolf!’ and I’ll let you lied to me once. But if you ever cry ‘Wolf’ again, I will not be there to help you. But I will watch you suffer so that you would learn not to tell a lie anymore.

Technorati Tags: Lie,The Great Pretender

Of Principles and Practicality

2009-05-01T20:59:00.001+08:00

Have you ever find that some people out there are just very difficult to deal with? Then, the next minute, you will rant to your friends about what he/she should do in an ethical sense. The thing is: most of these people are colleagues (during working hours).

Well, one thing is for sure: Ethics are Principles. And principles are never ever enforced as laws. They are usually made as a mere rule or code of conduct. No one is forced to follow it.

Ethics were taught in all of us since we were young in Malaysia as it was adapted in our school curriculum. But as I grew older, I was exposed to thoughts by philosophers such as Confucius, Aristotle, Emanuel Kant, etc. on the subject of ethics. It seems like ethics were never a simple subject at all in college especially when you are exposed to few categories of ethics such as meta-ethics, normative ethics, applied ethics, moral psychology and descriptive moral (you can read more on those topics in Wiki.)

But of all these things we learned, do we treat it only as an academic lesson and never actually try to apply it in practice? Or is it because of the society itself, with its culture playing a part on how we behave, that made it impossible to fully apply it? I believe the latter would be a fair answer.

The culture and the society today has evolved into fairly complicated manner with billions of people living on planet Earth and each individual of these individuals has his/her own manner of character. Not to mention that culture evolves through time and if no moral values are being practiced in a proper manner, the society will embrace it.

Due to existence of these improper moral values, the society today has created a scenario whereby good moral values are hard to be practiced by everyone. Example: If your car has broken down, do you believe that a Samaritan that came by pull over to help you will drive off with a word of thank you and left? If you do, do you think that many people in this whole Earth will trust a Samaritan like that?

Plus, have you encountered someone who whole heartedly are committed to the work plus without causing much nuisance to you and the rest of your colleagues? I’ve heard of countless stories about people acting nice but yet with other motives and plots that are occurring behind the scene. If you heard it, you will just be angry and hurt.

The thing is: these people, who are part of the society, has spread a virus so deadly that if your immune system does not evolve itself, you would just succumb the virus. So, will you succumb to it? Or are you going to continue practice the good ethical principles? The decision is yours.

Technorati Tags: Principles,Practicality,Ethical Principles

Change In Appearance

2009-04-26T02:08:00.001+08:00

It started out about more than a month ago. One of my colleagues came walking in with a total hair makeover. My perception of her totally changed.

From her traditional hairstyle of long black silky hair cut and dyed to brown in colour made her unrecognizable the moment she walked in. The place I was sitting gave me the advantage to see who walked into the room as I sat right in front of the door. I had to glance twice to believe what I was seeing and even have to stand and look again to confirm.

And as usual, when my colleagues found out, she got teased. Including me. I call her “(Name) 2.0”. Another colleague of mine exclaimed “We have a new staff!” LOL!

Last two week, another colleague of mine came with a total hair makeover as well. He came in with his hair dyed in GOLD! Any lighter and it will be a BLOND! And he shared his experience when he was at the barber.

Colleague: I want to cut my hair and dye it as well

Hairdresser: How would you like it to be? You can select the hairstyle from the book.

Colleague: Anything. Just surprise me.

Hairdresser: What colour do you want your hair to be?

Colleague: Anything. Just surprise me.

As the hairdresser was getting his hair done, he was reading his study notes and ignored what the hairdresser did to his hair. When it’s done. He exclaimed, “Wah! OK. I’m surprised.”

Other colleagues were either shocked or laughed and some even screamed in disbelief when they saw his new trendy hairstyle. He looked more like a Japanese now.

Funny. They suddenly made me interested in having a hair change as well. But before that, I must prepare myself with my wardrobe makeover. =P But perhaps right after my trip in Bali.

The Love In Our Life

2009-04-23T08:47:00.002+08:00

Some people are very fortunate in finding love. After a breakup, they would immediately find someone interesting to hook up with. And there might be a possibility of getting married. I wouldn’t be surprised as I knew people who got married in less than a year after being together. But what matters in the end is that their love is still going strong

Some are not that fortunate. There are those who broke up and can’t find anyone and there were those who have never experienced it before but wanted to love and, in return, to be loved.

My friend asked me on one fine day when we were relaxing in a coffee shop and saw some couples walked pass by. He asked “What the hell went wrong with us?” and I have no reply for that. But instead I just laughed and gave no comment after that.

If you ask me which category I fall into in this post, I would say that I’m in the second. Searching for love is not tough. You can hook up with anyone you want. But if you want to make sure that the one you hook up with is someone whom you want to spend your life with is tough. But that is our choice to make.

But relationship love is not the only love that exists in our world. There are a few types of love: from the love of a friend to the love of a family.

Love is part of the things we will encounter in our life. From the beginning to the end of your days. Let it be the love of a friend or the love of a family, love plays a very important part in your life as you will be mostly surrounded by it. It somehow makes your life complete.

If you happen to wake up one day and feels sad and lonely, always remember those who remember and loves you. And if you happen to know someone who is sad, show him/her that you care regardless if he is only a friend or a distant kin. May your love brighten up his/her heart in the pit of darkness.

Technorati Tags: Love,Finding Love,Breakup,Relationship,Love of a Friend,Love of a Family,Sad,Lonely

Trust: The Order Of How The World Should Work

2009-04-21T08:41:00.001+08:00

Somehow, something that are obvious are always missed out. And sometimes when a hard question is asked, we tried to answer it in a complex way and we never ever thought of a simple solution. I believe its just the way as we grow old. I came to understand this after my colleague made a statement that it took me a long time to think of the respond. It was a day too late when I got the answer.

We were discussing on the political turmoil in Thailand and somehow our conversation drifted towards our country’s political power. Three of us were arguing on our point of view that is so sensitive that I would not wish to go into the detail. But in short it was related to our country’s check and balance.

In short, for our country’s check and balance to work, it requires one party to observe those who have power and has the ability to reprimand or to punish the individual for abusing their power. But the question or debate doesn’t stop there as the following question arises: who will have to power to monitor the ultimate individual from doing wrong? And the question will repeat itself again whenever we found an answer unless we could find an alternative answer that will end the debate.

How silly it was when I thought that the right answer would be TRUST. Trust that the person who held huge responsibility such as governing the country is laid in proper hands. And if there is/was an individual who held such significant political power, there will be one who will have an ultimate standing in the society to thwart his political power and that particular individual person would be sane enough to maintain peace and calm.

You may thought that I’m silly. But I believe that the world would live in a happy world if everyone in this world would learn to TRUST one another instead of questioning one another. But sadly, humans are born to question one another. Although sometimes it is a good trait, but I believe it was originally the fruit of all evil. The questioning mind within human resulted in lack of trust in one another and war and fighting arises because of this. But due to the degradation of the human race, a questioning mind has become a trait that is admirable in a deceptive world that humans have formed. It has been incorporated in our human culture.

Technorati Tags: Trust,Questioning Mind,Deceptive,Deceptive World,Fruit of All Evil,Degradation of The Human Race,Society,Check and Balance,Abuse of Power,Culture

The Susan Boyle Story: The Woman Who Shouted To The Whole World ‘Don’t Judge The Book By Its Cover

2009-04-18T00:43:00.001+08:00

Susan Boyle was a very interesting individual. She was practically a nobody before she took her chance in the reality show ‘Britain’s Got Talent’. It was on that particular stage that she took the opportunity that was presented to her that launched her to instant stardom.

Here’s a little fact about her personal life. She was being teased when she was young by her classmates due to her learning disabilities due to oxygen deprivation during birth. She has never kissed a guy before. And she was inspired to be a successful musical theater singer as Elaine Paige.

But before she began singing ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ from the play Les Miserables in front of the live crowd audience, the crowd was skeptical about her skills due to her look. And within the first few lines that she sang, there was shock on the faces of those who were in attendance and some even stand up and clap to show their appreciation for her talent. Simon Cowell raised his eyebrow, showing his utter surprise while Amanda Holden’s jaw was wide opened in amazement. At the end of the show, the crowd gave her a standing ovation.

Here are some of the comments from the judges.

Piers Morgan: ‘Without a doubt, that was the biggest surprise I have had in three years in this show. When you stood there with that cheeky grin and said ‘I want to be like Elaine Paige’, everyone was laughing at you. No one is laughing now. That was stunning. An incredible performance. Amazing.’

Amanda Holden: ‘I am so thrilled because I know that everybody was against you. I honestly think that we were all being cynical and that was the biggest wake up call ever. And I just want to say that it was a complete privilege listening to that. It was an instant privilege.’

Verdict? Piers: ‘The biggest ‘YES’ I have given anybody.’ Amanda: Yes. Definitely. Brilliant'.’ Simon: ‘Susan Boyle, you can get back to your village with your head held high because its three ‘Yes’es.’

After that performance, she gained instant fame with many local and international newspaper writing about her achievement. Even Simon Cowell is trying to sign her under his label with a contract being write up.She has been appearing in TV talk shows and Simon Cowell confirmed that Boyle has been invited to appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show and if she did appear, ‘there’s every chance that Susan Boyle will have the number one album in America.

This is a total classic story about a women being looked down shouting to the world ‘Don’t judge the book by its cover’. Susan Boyle, you deserve the standing ovation. Take a bow!

Technorati Tags: Susan Boyle,I Dreamed A Dream,Les Miserables,Britain's Got Talent,Piers Morgan,Amanda Holden,Simon Cowell,Oprah Winfrey,Don't Judge The Book By Its Cover

A Big Boo Boo

2009-04-14T08:02:00.001+08:00

We were led to a biggest joke in our lives. All no thanks to an inaccurate information supplied by our dearest HR department. Our boss’ birthday was last month. NOT TODAY!!! Yikes! Well, of all figure they messed out, why do they wanna messed out by a month? =.=!!

It was funny as my colleague went into his room yesterday and said, ‘Sir, we would like to book you tomorrow to celebrate your birthday.’ and he stares and you blankly and said ‘But my birthday was last month!’ Oh yeah. I know how shameful he must have felt. If I were him, I practically have no idea on how to respond after his statement.

Well, thank God it was him and not me, because he managed to navigate a way out. Whatever it is he said, I wouldn’t want to know at all. Maybe he said, ‘Well, a belated birthday celebration for you?’ LOL!

Anyway, pointed out the facts to the HR and they went and checked it out and noticed that our boss’ birthday was indeed last month. Then the HR personnel asked ‘How?’ I responded ‘What ‘How’? We’ll throw him a belated birthday celebration.’ And both of us laughed. Helloooo!!! April Fool’s Day was over about two weeks ago, remember?

Sorry boss. But it was not our mistake either. We relied too much on the accuracy of the information provided by someone who has the privy of the information. Just as we thought we could throw him a surprise party. In the end, we all ended up in surprise.

‘I Never Felt So Invisible In My Life’

2009-04-12T21:44:00.001+08:00

I found this interesting after I had a chat with one of my friends this afternoon. She was saying that there was this particular nurse who pays undue attention to her boyfriend and treated everyone else invisible. I been in that situation about a month ago.

One fine day, another colleague from another department decided to have lunch with my gang. Well, it was not an issue for us. During the lunch, we were chatting while having our meal. Then, I suddenly noticed the trend of his conversation. All of his conversation were focused to the ladies on the table. The guys who were there noticed that as well. I told one of the guys, ‘I never felt so invisible in my life!’

The Mr. Womanizer was already famous within his department not only for that, but for the fact that he is a master in delegation of work while he sits there doing nothing much. Such an irresponsible insolent.

Worst, he is currently the head of an association for our company. And this particular association was approved by the Registrar of Societies months ago. Yet there were no activities at all upon the period of approval until the lunch that he has with our gang. It was only because that he brags who he is, then the female of lunch gang persuaded him for weekly movie. And from that particular lunch, I conveyed to the those colleagues who were interested in badminton to organize it.

The annoying part was that our Mr. Womanizer only knows how to sit and relax and acts like a CEO. Just giving directives and pointed out our mistakes without sitting and help us think of a solution as well. Boy, I believe everyone would benefit if he was not in that particular seat as he is irresponsible and self-centered and never thought how his roles would benefit the staff of the Company.

Marketing

2009-04-11T00:51:00.001+08:00

Your company’s success mainly depends on whether your potential consumers know you or not. Hence, marketing is very important. You have to reach out and shout to the whole world “I AM HERE!” so that they could turn their head and look at you.

However, knowing your existence does not matter that much if they don’t know what are you selling. It’s two different types of marketing. The first is image marketing or branding while the latter would be product marketing. Shouting to someone saying that I exist is different from shouting of what I have to sell.

Both of them should supplement one another. Strong in any one of the area doesn’t mean much. Marketing campaign on branding would let people remember you when people mentioned your name. “Oh! That company. Yeah, I know that company…..”. Strong in marketing campaign on products COUPLED TOGETHER WITH quality product offerings would let people remember you when they thought of buying that particular product.

Hence, it would be beneficial for companies to spend on marketing. It is no surprise at all if most of the companies that are existence today rate their critical success factor mainly on the success of their marketing activity. This would especially be the case when the company’s fight for survival mainly on depend on the company to outwrestle your rivals. In short, for companies who are swimming in the red ocean.

Branding is important. But have you ever encountered with people asking you this: “Your company is ……? What do they do actually?” even though your company has spent significantly in advertising on TV during prime time slots? Well, I would consider that person to be ignorant if they don’t know what iPhone is about. If they do, then there is definitely some problem with the marketing strategy.

Technorati Tags: Marketing,Branding,Image Branding,Product Branding,Critical Success Factors,Red Ocean,Advertising,iPhone

Conflicts Are Inevitable

2009-04-09T23:53:00.002+08:00

“Conflicts are inevitable,” my friend said to me today.

Yes. She is right. But it would be best avoided at all costs. Especially in workplace, a conflict could turn friends to foes. Worst especially if it happens within the department or team as they are required to work closely with one another.

A Day Wisely Spent For A Friend

2009-04-07T21:15:00.001+08:00

Saturday, 4th April 2009. It was a busy day for me. A last minute lunch appointment made with an ex-colleague of mine. Then an hour spent sitting in Starbucks enjoying a cup of Signature Hot Chocolate with laptop switching on trying to do a project that I’ve imagined. God! I love it so much. Sitting there and sipping a hot cup of chocolate. So much better than Coffee Bean’s hot chocolate.

However, as I forgot to bring the power cable with me. My moments at Starbucks working for the project was short lived. I made my way back home to complete the task at hand.

The desire to initiate the project came on Friday evening. It was the last day of an ex-colleague as well as a friend of mine. We had a farewell lunch and we bought some souvenirs for him as a token of remembrance. A mug and a miniature model of a sailing ship to wish him to have a good and successful journey in his future undertaking.

I’ve spent the whole day making the video clip. As a beginner in using Windows Movie Maker, I had encountered some trouble: how to add subtitle to the video clip; how to split the songs or video clips; why I can’t upload the theme song; etc. I was so engrossed in doing it that I noticed that I hadn’t had my dinner at midnight. But after I have completed the project, I believe my knowledge in using Movie Maker is no longer a problem for me.

Here is the video that I have made for my project:

Too bad that I can’t upload the video to Facebook though. I can’t share with my colleagues. Hence, I have no other way but to put it on YouTube.

A Good Start For The Day

2009-04-07T08:41:00.002+08:00

‘The video clip for William was impressive. I almost cried….’

That was written in the e-mail from my boss when I first opened my inbox.The comment was given by my boss on the video that I made to dedicate William’s farewell. It took a lot of my time to prepare the video. But to hear such a good comment was encouraging and up lifting.

Comments such as that made me feel that my effort are not wasted. What was more encouraging to know is that: the objective of the video at the end of the day has already been achieved. But in the end, the achievability of the objective at the end of the day is more satisfying: That we all misses William. And we will cherish the times and moments that we were once colleagues.

Even though we had such a short acquaintance at work (seven months), I hope that our friendship would continue to flourish.

Please wait for my upcoming posting on the farewell video clip.

Conflict: Misunderstanding

2009-04-03T22:57:00.003+08:00

This is a back-to-back article to the previous that I have posted yesterday. This topic is interesting to me as I am currently involved in one. I foresee that the outcome from this conflict will leave a sour taste in our mouths for months if fortunate. If not, our friendship would have reached the end of the road.

From all of the facts that I have gathered from a neutral party, it seems that everything that had occurred are the result of misunderstanding. It seems written letters could mean a thousand things. So does the words spoken. Hence, the receipients' understanding or intepretation of the written letters or spoken words are important. But so does the communication skill of the giver.

The thing is: the misunderstanding has occurred. Hence, the next step to be taken is to resolve the matter to end the conflict. Yes, apology can be said. But the acceptance of the apology rests in the recipient's’ hands. Sometimes, trust could be utterly destroyed from a misunderstanding. If that is the case, it would seemed that your apology would have fallen on deaf ears.

Hence, the service of a mediator should be rendered as demonstrated by a friend of ours who persistently does not give up in trying to rectify the situation from getting worse. He tried his best in trying to get us back into friendly terms. But the effect could only be seen next week. He has indicated that the aftermath of the discussion with the other party has a favorable effect. The hostility level has been reduced. I hope that this would be the case.

Conflict: The Test On Friendship

2009-04-02T08:15:00.002+08:00

Friendship is very fragile. It’s like a vase in your hand. If you dropped it, then it will be shattered into pieces. That’s how delicate it is. Hence, we have to handle it with care.

Sadly, conflicts are constantly in existence to test the stability of your friendship. The degree of severity of conflict, however, varies depending on the situation and the character of each individuals affected.

Sometimes, you may act in a way that benefits yourself but at the same time, it would not be beneficial for others. Let’s take promotion with two close friends being the shortlisted candidates for example. In that particular situation, close friends can become rivals as only one person is to be promoted. Potential conflict would arise when one individual does not accept the fact that the other party got the promotion. Instead of saying ‘Congratulations’, hurtful words such as ‘Why did you get the job rather than me?’ could make your days as friends are numbered.

Although such things should not have occurred, but it does happen. That’s how life goes. Human beings, each with various characters, are so subjective and difficult to predict. Hence, understanding human beings is very difficult.

Even though we as normal readers who looked at the situation with a bird’s eye view knows what is logical, can you accept the fact when you are being put into such a situation? I can confess that it is not easy to do but for us to say that you can do it is not as simple as it seems. It’s because there are negativity within us that exists that could create negative feelings like jealousy, prejudice, pride, anger etc.

But what can you do? You can only play your part as you have no control over the actions of others. We just hope that the other party act according to the way that you hoped for and hence survive the test of friendship. Hence, you prayed that everyone is similar and accepting as you are. Hence, you should do what you wished to be done to you if you were in a reversed role. So, play your part well. What comes around, goes around.

Leaving After Work On The Dot

2009-04-01T08:20:00.002+08:00

I have never felt so great in my life that I left for home just right after my office hours. Usually I would stay in the office until the traffic eases up and sometimes I would stay until 8 p.m. the latest in office doing nothing much but surfing the net.

But having to leave early this past few days made me felt more alive as I can see the sun still shining right after work. It’s not that I never ever saw the sun or anything. But its because of the fact that I hardly ever left office ever.

I had spent most of my working years in audit line with one of the Big Four professional accounting firm. Hence, every time when I left for home, the sky would have been dark. The only light that I could see are only street lights and car lights.

Now, is a time for change. No longer I would want to brand myself as a workaholic anymore. Time to destroy the image.

Rorschach

2009-03-31T09:00:00.002+08:00

Rorschach. A character from ‘Watchmen’ who believes in moral absolutism and moral objectivism, where good and evil are clearly defined and evil must be violently punished. Alan Moore created Rorschach as a way of exploring how an archetypical Batman-type character—a driven, vengeance-fueled vigilante—would be like in the real world. He concluded that the short answer was "a nutcase."

Rorschach was named the sixteenth greatest comic book character by Empire Magazine and the sixth greatest by Wizard Magazine.

The source for the above paragraphs comes from a Wikipedia article.

If you have watched the movie ‘Watchmen’ (2009) or read the comics, you would know that he is a character with strict personality that draws the line of right and wrong from an action in a strict way. For example, a lie is immoral no matter what are the good consequences that arises from it. This is different the consequentialism ethics portrayed by Ozymandias who sacrificed a heavily populated city of millions of lives to save the whole word from nuclear destruction.

Hence, my personality lies towards Rorschach. This is exhibited sometimes by my actions. A wrong is a wrong. A right is a right. So, what type of moral character are you?

Punctuality

2009-03-30T08:29:00.003+08:00

Time. Everyone has it. But does everyone know that it is a constraining factor in our daily lives? Utilizing your time in doing one thing would restrict the usage of time consumed to do another thing.

Hence, I would believe everyone does planning on how to use their time. For example, when you are tired, you would want to use your time to rest and relax. If you are depressed, maybe you would take a break to watch a movie or chatting with friends. Whatever it is, it is being used wisely to achieve their own purpose and objective and meeting their own needs at that particular time and moment.

Hence, the most annoying things in life for me is to sit and wait for others when they have agreed to meet up at a particular time at a particular place. And because of this, I would try my best to reach on time for every appointment that I have made.

In my opinion, your punctuality will portray your discipline. A small matter such as this says a lot about you. Even though you are not an individual who has discipline record, it matters most that you live up with it as it will be as crucial as how people would see you. In short, its like your first impression and will stick to you.

Also, in my opinion, if you can’t do such a simple task, how could someone trust you to do a big task? It would be hard for your boss to hand to you a job with tight deadline. And hence, your opportunity for promotion would be restricted.

As such, wouldn’t it be better to use your time wisely and at the same not wasting others’ time as well.

The Writer ...... Spelt Backwards

2009-03-27T19:27:00.003+08:00

Another blog of mine will be up and running soon. It's called 'The Writer.... Spelt Backwards'. Hence, the blog address would be http://www.retirweht.blogspot.com/.

The new blog will feature as a story blog. A long long story which is unlike my Fiction posting of whereby there is no proper beginning and no proper ending. The Fiction post was meant to serve as a light reading material instead of a full scale story. Hence, the gap will be filled by my new blog.

But please bear in mind that writing a full blown story will not be easy and will take a long time. So please bear with me on the frequency of posting for that blog.

Hanging Out Session and Birthday Celebration

2009-03-25T09:02:00.004+08:00

21st March 2009. It was a hectic Saturday evening. Earlier, I went for a movie and lunch session with few of my friends, a few of whom I will be meeting up with them in the evening, before heading home to troubleshoot my laptop problem. I had only managed to take an hour of nap before I get myself ready and step out of the house. I had to fetch two ex-colleagues of mine. And one of them, Pink, just happened to have shifted out to her new home with her hubby. As it was the first time I went to her house, I got a bit lost and had to pay for two tolls just for that.

Just as she opened the door, I asked her question to her surprise as she hadn't even stepped into my car. 'Wah… Can you wait for me to get into your car first before I answer your question?' I was laughing at that statement as I was so eager until I had to ask her that question. 'I can't believe that is the first sentence that came out of you since we didn't meet for a long time.'

Once, she stepped into the car, we talked about it and the experience that she had endured. And we stopped our topic right there when we reached to pick up our birthday baby. She said she doesn't want to make the announcement and wants my friends to ask the question and only then she will answer them truthfully.

As usual, we were the first one to reach there. Perhaps it's just me who is very particular about punctuality. We reached on the dot. But we had to wait for the next person to arrive about 20 minutes later. I guess my punctuality would be my Icarus Paradox. One quality trait that is both my strength and weakness.

We even had to order starters to ensure that we would not starve ourselves before the rest gets here. Well, you know, there were four of us when we ordered our starters. Then slowly, our friends came. The next to arrive came and whisper to Pink. I asked Pink whether he asked the right question. Pink said 'Nope.'. I smirked. By 8.45 p.m., the dinner was fully underway as the party was assembled.

Lively and chatty. That's what I always label our gang reunion session. Have loads of funny conversations but most of all catching up with one another. It was fun. There came to a point where someone did asked the right question but my friend did not answer it because someone answered on her behalf incorrectly and she didn't correct our friend's statement. I was reaching for my glass of water then to hide my smirk. =P

So the lesson of the day would be: Learn to ask the right question and don't answer on other's behalf as you wouldn't know whether you answered correctly or not.

P.S: To one of my sure friends who were in attendance that night and always read my blog, can you read the codes? Hahahaha!

Confession of A Shopaholic

2009-03-22T01:03:00.004+08:00

21st March 2009. Saturday. 10 a.m. Sunway Pyramid. TGV.

That was the first time in my life I watched a premier for a movie that has not yet aired in the cinema in Malaysia.

They say its a chick flick. I say: Whatever. It's not what type of genre of movie you are watching. It's about what you learned from the movie at the end of it. Or half way through it. For this show: It's about characther.

The movie was captivating. You should watch it. However, there are some deviations from the novel. If you are a moviegoer who is very particular about the accuracy of the show with the novel, don't watch it. =P

Trust: The Pillar of Love

2009-03-20T08:46:00.008+08:00

It was a late summer evening. Only Norfolk Park managed to provide Michael the solitude that he needed in a city as big as Sheffield. It was far away from the city center and it was only a walking distance from his house. And for that, he loved where he stayed.

The weather has been kind as it was breezy and cloudy as he took the road to the park on foot. He needed to calm his mind and the park would offer him the peace that he required. It would ease his mind, which he much needed it, to tackle the problem that has been burdening him and causing him stress.

His personal problem has been affecting his performance of late. Jenny, his superior, has pointed out the fact bluntly. He had to endured her wrath and counseling in her office for twenty minutes. But Michael was not mad for what Jenny did as Jenny is a sensible boss and a motivator. He only had himself to blame for the mistake he had made.

Feeling tired, he sat on the grass with a view overlooking the Sheffield suburb. Norfolk Park’s elevation allowed a vantage point to have a peek of the view below the park. If the weather was not foggy, he would be having a view of four to five kilometers as there were no skyscrapers blocking the view.

He finally lay on the grass and started to watch the clouds rolling by. Then he let his head swim back to the trouble that has been occupying his mind. On and forth, the forces of good and evil within him are battling out with one another. He knew that he the decision that he would make would have an effect on three individuals: him, Sarah and Christy.

Then he saw a figure walking to his direction. From the blue coat, grey trousers and the cap that he was wearing, it was no mistake that it was his father who is walking towards him. As Bill approached him, he said ‘Hey, son. It’s a nice day isn’t it?’
‘Hey, Dad. It is. Care to join me? The grass is dry and you can lie down and watch the clouds with me.’

Looking at the clouds, he took up the offer and lie down beside him. A moment of silence passed by, without anyone of them saying anything. Both of them were staring at the clouds above them.

‘Dad, I could use your advice,’ Michael finally broke the silence.

‘Oh?’ his father responded as he continues to stare at the sky.

‘Have you ever been in love with two women at the same time before?’

‘Of course I had. Your mom and your grandmother,’ Bill answered in his usual cheeky manner. It made both of them laughed. As the laugh subsided, his dad continued ‘You are having an affair with another woman?’

‘No. But I do confess that I had another woman in my mind.’

‘Your wedding with Sarah is just six months away. You are having second thoughts about it now?’ His father asked.

‘Yes. Seems like it. You remember Christy Rawlins?’

‘The brunette whom you admired since you were in secondary school?’

‘Yeah. That’s the one. We are still best of friends till now. Sarah met her too and all three of us hanged out a few times with a couple of friends on a group outing. Sarah knew that I had feelings for her. And she knew that Christy had the same feeling too. And that was making Sarah jealous and mad.’ Michael let out a sigh before he continues. ‘Now, our relationship is in jeopardy. We have been at each other’s throat for months now and we can’t solve the problem at hand currently. She is not willing to have an open mind about it.’

‘Have you considered the facts from the point that she is standing?’ asked Bill. He paused for a moment. Then he continues, ‘There is a certain love that can’t be shared. The love of a spouse is completely different from the love of a friend and the love of a family. It can’t be shared with anyone else other than the one whom he or her wanted to pledge his or her future to. ‘

‘I understand that now, dad. Thanks. I promised her that I would get rid of that infatuation between me and Christy but yet, Sarah doesn’t trust me.’

‘Well, I can understand why and I don’t blame her for that. She doesn’t trust you anymore. Trust is the pillar of love. Same like a pillar of a house. If the pillar crumbles, so is the house. In this context, so is your love.’

Both men were silent after that.

Bill started to stand up and swipe off the grasses off his clothes. ‘It’s getting late. And my rheumatism is acting up. Are you coming?’ asked Bill.

‘Nah. I’ll stay here for a bit longer. You go ahead. I’ll be back for dinner.’

‘Alright. See you then.’

Michael continues to lie on the grass as Bill started to walk home. Michael sighed and wished that his life to be simple.

Saying The Right Words At The Right Time: The Difference Of A Builder And A Destroyer

2009-03-17T07:58:00.001+08:00

Saying the right words at the right time has a huge psychological effect. It could boost up someone’s confidence level or motivation level as well as someone’s mood.

Last month, I had managed to have a chat with an ex-colleague of mine via IM. During the conversation, I was praising my friend as she looked good on the photo that she used. Mind you, I have not seen her for more than half a year.

She was surprised for the praise that I had given her as she said I hardly praise her for that. Mainly because of one fact: she needed motivational speech more than anything else. At that time, she was having problem with her work. All that I could see was an unhappy girl. Hence, the right words and that right moment at that time were only motivational words: words that would push her to go the distance.

A friend of mine was making a fuss about what her boss said to her that made her feel so angry. I was dumbfounded as well for such a thing can be uttered by someone you expect to be a motivator in turbulent times. I’m sure you would feel the same way as she does if your boss said something like this: ‘This work requires two weeks of your time to complete it. But I set a deadline for you to complete it in one week.’ Oh yeah! Such a statement would already indicate that her boss is someone who is not reasonable. Because of such a statement my friend was having the negative energies: unhappy and complaining. This, in fact, has an undesirable impact on her colleagues’ mood and motivation level as well.

Hence, never underestimate what words can do to. They have the power to build and yet at the same time they have the power of destruction. If you feel that you don’t know what you need to say, better don’t say it. Exercising self-restraint is better at times.

One Year Has Passed ......

2009-03-15T19:13:00.005+08:00

... and everything about her is still the same.

It was a well known fact that I left my previous employment due to conflict that arises with my ex-boss on my second last engagement for the firm. The conflict that arises

That particular fact was well known to my teammates as well as my colleagues and friends who are closed to me. And I’m sure that it was known to other colleagues who are working in the same department as I had. Its just a matter of whether they interpret it as a fact, or only as an act of defamation against my ex-boss.

Whatever their interpretation was, it was now proven that it is a fact rather than an act to discredit her working attitude and style as well as her character. This is because the current team who is working on the same engagement are suffering as what I had suffered last year. And for that, I felt pity for them as a friend.

And because of that, something had crossed into my mind. I wonder whether she knows about her own weaknesses that her staff loathes her for. If she does, I wonder how she could sleep peacefully every night while her staff is cursing her as they have to work throughout the night.

Sometimes, I feel pity for her on two matters. On one of the matter, I pity her if she is ignorant of the fact that she has significant weaknesses on her working attitude and style as well as her character. On another matter, if she did noticed about her weaknesses, I pity her because I’m sure she will get her repayment for what she has put into others. And sad to say, it’s not one person who had endured the pain and suffering that she has given. And imagine that she received all of them in one shot as a retribution for her evil deeds.

The First 'Fiction' Category Post

2009-03-11T07:45:00.005+08:00

As you all might have noticed with my previous entry, I had a second thought on writing short stories. I emulated it from a friend of mine who did the same. I believe he was the one who inspired me to write a story-based blog. However, there are several differences between both our entries. His entries focuses more on good values while mine is more towards novel style. I will be focusing on climaxes instead of the creation of a head to toe story.

The urge to write came to me as I found myself lying awake at 1 a.m. Found that I had nothing better to do, I just took the time and write rather than rolling on the bed with eyes open wide. It was fun. Suddenly found a very interesting story line and I just attacked on it. And when it was done, I clicked 'Publish Post'. And tadaa, the first 'Fiction' category has been officially launched.

Not much editing though. But I do agree on the fact that it could be improved on a much better manner. But it was 2 a.m when I completed it. And sleep finally came to me. Hahaha!

On another key note, my cousin has had the urged to set up a website for story writing as well. As an avid reader, he has some several ideas on how to proceed with it and he has spoken to me via IM on that matter. I will give a constant update if there is any further development. And hopefully it will be a positive one as well.

A Confession

2009-03-10T00:53:00.004+08:00

"I have something that I need to tell you," Joshua blurted out.

Kelly looked up and said "Sure."

Sensing his distress, she stopped from her walk and look at him. This is the first time she saw him acting this way. Usually, Joshua is someone who is composed and organized in every manner of his speech. But the words that he has uttered comes from a completely different Josh that she have not know.

Her dark brown eyes gazing up at Josh made him feel even more uncomfortable. For a moment, Joshua seems to have been lapsed out as he was unable to find words to say it out.

"Well?" urged Kelly. "Would you like to find a place to seat while you find the right words?" asked Kelly in a cheeky manner. Then she wear her beautiful sweet smile upon her face. Again, Joshua felt his heart skipped a beat. He felt it everytime he watched her smile at him.

"I'm not sure whether you knew this: but I'm actually in love with you," Joshua finally said it out. Joshua looked into her eyes. He was prepared with any possible answer that might be coming forward from her. But he was unaware whether she was prepared for it.

Kelly's facial expression became unreadable. Joshua knew it well: she was actually prepared an answer for his approach.

"Josh, I'm sure you would have know that I'm already attached," said Kelly in a calm tone. Her facial expression become unreadable. Although, Kelly was warm and jovial, she could be someone who is cold in the outside whenever it comes to matter of importance. At that moment, Joshua knew it well: she was actually prepared to have this discussion with him. And the answer that she gave was kind way of saying "No" to Joshua.

"Yes, I know. And that was something I have put it into consideration. But for me to hide my true feelings will hurt myself even more. At least I took this opportunity to express myself and to listen to your reply. And now I feel that a burden has been lifted from my heart." Joshua looked dissapointed. Although, he was prepared for a rejection, he still couldn't handled it well. It was because his love for her had grown stronger over these few past months.

Sensing a shift in his mood, Kelly said, "You are a good man that I have ever met in my life, Josh. You are a kind and good friend. As well as a true gentleman." She smiled. And it had a good effect on Joshua as he smiled as well, although a hint of sadness lingers on his face.

Before Josh could say anything, Kelly said, "I wish that you would be able to find someone who is better than I am, Josh. Someone who would suit you well."

At that statement, Josh looked as he wanted to say something. But he refrained himself from speaking. Finally he said, "Thanks for hearing me out. I do hope that our future meetings would not be an awkward one. Let us continue to be close friends."

"I would love that, Josh," Kelly smiled her warmest.

"I will try my best to drown away this excessive affectionate feeling. I hope that you would not hide yourself away from me," Joshua returned her with a smile as well. Relieved clearly showing upon his face as the situation has passed by.

After both of them had gone their separate ways, Joshua said to himself, "If I am such a good person in your eyes, then why would you not accept me? I chose you because you are the 'someone' who suits me well in terms of characther." With these thought, tears began to streaming down his cheek as he drove away.

The Raging Storm

2009-03-08T21:58:00.003+08:00

The sky was clear with the sun shining bright
The breeze was cool and the clouds were fleeting by
While the birds were chirping and butterflies flying
As I sat under a tree to enjoy the moments passing by

Rumbling thunder was heard from a distance away
The cooling breeze became suddenly became a full fury wind
As the dark clouds emerged with the lightning flashing bright
To signal out the oncoming dread coming this way

The beautiful scene was turned into nightmare
As the clear blue sky and the sun went into hiding
And the chirping birds were all fleeing
To give way to the raging storm to show his might

Oh, why had you come dear raging storm
Do you not see what had you brought?
You arrival is not well received by many
For everything now turns to gloom and somber

With a deep rumbling sound the storm replied:
It is not I who wish to be so
But I am only a slave doing my Master’s bidding
For I am his instrument for His playing pleasure

How true it is I wondered
As there were times when things would go awry
Eventhough how well we conceived a perfect plan
For all of which are beyond our control but His' solely only

We Pay For Someone's Action

2009-03-01T23:26:00.005+08:00

The day was 26th February 2009. When the news was released to the media and public began to know of it, unsatisfied voices from the general public was heard echoing. The news was relating to the increase in toll rates for five major highways namely PLUS, SPRINT highway, Ampang-KL Elevated Highway (AKLEH), Sungai Besi Highway and the New Pantai Expressway (NPE).

Although it is not a bad idea of raising tolls to deter consumers from travelling with car to work, there were downside to such a decision. Namely the efficiency of our public transportation. For a country to be called a developed country, public transportation should be a top class facility. Ours is just a total disgrace.

Do you know what is the thing about the toll increase that makes me go red? Its due to the dire fact that someone signed the toll concession agreement on our behalf saying that we should be paying for the increase in toll fee. Hello!! I thought that representative should be doing us a favor instead of exploiting our money. It seems like we pay for someone's actions.

Instead of the highways being run as a public facilities, it was being run by a bunch of profit-making toll concessionaires whose wealth is only distributed to those who are able to buy their shares.

The toll hike saga created a stir among our country's populace. Some suggest that it should be taken over by the government and some suggest that the agreement should be renegotiated. I agree on those two steps.

But interestingly enough, there was one individual who suggested that EPF should buy over the toll concessionaires. I was dumbfounded by it. Why would some representative who is supposedly managing majority of the populace's retirement fund using their money to buy over something that only a fraction of people who would benefit it? Imagine what would I benefit if I don't own a car and hence don't have to pay toll to be forking out my retirement fund to such a venture? Doesn't it only benefit those individuals who are affected only? And still, doesn't it mean that the toll concessionaires would still be a profit-making company?

This article is based on my opinion. But I do say that someone made a good comment on how the matter should be issued. Here's the article that would give a general idea of an individual who suggest that EPF should take the highway concessionaires private.

Pride & Prejudice (2005)

2009-02-23T08:12:00.009+08:00

**I apologized to my dear readers for the late posting. It had been a very busy week for me and hence, I was unable to find time to make any postings. **

Pride and Prejudice. I'm sure you have heard of it before. Its a classic book from the famous author Jane Austen. A book which still sits on my bookshelf, waiting for me to read.

Last week, I've watched the movie adaptation of the book. Starring Keira Knightley, of which she was nominated for the Academy Award's Best Actress in a Leading Role, as Elizabeth (Lizzie) alongside with Matthew MacFayden as the proud and aloof Mr Darcy.

All I can say that it is a lovely movie indeed. Given the aspect where I would hardly find any love movies to recommend except for the classics such as 'Sleepless in Seattle' and 'You've Got Mail!', it is a good movie to watch.

The movie mainly revolves around the Bennet family who lives in a farm. The family consists of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and five daughters, namely Jane, Elizabeth (Lizzie), Mary, Kitty and Lydia. The girls were of marrying age and Mrs. Bennet was fussying about their eldest daughters of not getting married.

Of course, the stories revolves about courtship in the 18th-century. The significance on the understanding of the courtship at that time would help you to understand the romanticism of the story.

The dialogue used is very fascinating, captivating and intellectual (in terms of the words used and the sentence is structured) as well as the customs and culture of the English. The view of the film was beautiful view of Peak District as well as notable houses in the UK that is open for visit such as Chatsworth House in Derbyshire and Wilton House in Salisbury as movie set for Pemberley, Groombridge Place in Kent as movie set for Longbourn and few other notable houses. Details on those houses should be available in Wikipedia.

Overall, it is a good movie. I'm not surprised that Keira Knightley managed to get the nomination for the Academy Awards. No dissapointment at all.

Hatred

2009-02-19T21:52:00.003+08:00

Sometimes, we encounter unreasonable people in our lives. But through them, we would be able to know what is the measure of being reasonable and what is deemed as unreasonable. But what defies logic is that these sort of poor lot would treat others the same way as well. Regardless of the fact that he/she was not offended by his/her victim.

I'm sure this is very common. And I'm sure that you are annoyed when you are at the receiving end. But the best way would still be to preserve your heart with good values and not adapting to those degrading values that was exhibited. Remember: All you need is a moment to dwell in those negative auras to draw out your negative values. By then, hatred has won.

No one said that the world is fair. But no one said that hate has occupied this Earth. Gandhi said 'You must be the change that you want to see in this world'. It all begins with you. If you want the world filled with hatred, it only needs to be started by you. For if you are instilling hatred, others would retaliate with hatred as well. And in the end, you killed the love that others would have in their heart.

Are You Going To Finish Strong?: An Inspiring Video About Determination

2009-02-17T08:20:00.006+08:00

I've just viewed a very touching and inspiring video about determination. The title of the video is called 'Are You Going To Finish Strong?'

Nick Vujicic is the speaker for this video. Currently at the age of 26, he has given inspirational speeches to over two million people in 12 countries over four continents (Africa, Asia, Australia and North America). He has given speeches to corporate level audiences as well as high school student audiences.

Born without limbs, Nick has gone through a lot since he was young. He was bullied when he was at school. At age eight, he was contemplating suicide. With the love and care from his parents and family and his devotion and love of God, he managed to go through that difficult phase.

By the age of 12, his mother showed him an article about a man with severe physical disability. He began to realize that he was not the only one with major struggles and he knew that his story would be inspirational to many. Hence, he by the age of 17, he began to speaking in public with Christian prayer group that he attended before starting a non-profit organization called Life Without Limbs.

(Source: Wikipedia & Life Without Limbs website)

An Eye For An Eye And Soon The Whole World Is Blind

2009-02-16T08:35:00.004+08:00

I found a quote that is much related to my earlier entry "An Eye For An Eye".

The quote by Gandhi read as follows: An Eye For An Eye And Soon The Whole World Is Blind.

Interesting!

Friday the 13th: What Happened That Day

2009-02-13T23:53:00.005+08:00

It was Friday the 13th. The superstituous unlucky day. Coined by Gioachino Rossini as he deemed that Friday as his unlucky day and 13 as his unlucky number. And it was a coincidence that he died on Friday, 13th November 1868.

Yet, everything went very well that day. Without any glitch. In fact, there were happy moments in conjunction with Valentine's Day, my company has ordered T-shirts for all employees. With a shape of a big love printed on the front for guys and at the back for ladies. Our HR department requested everyone of us to show our support for the campaign and wear it on Friday.

It was glad to see that everyone in my team supported such initiative. Although, some showed their reluctance in wearing it, but I do hope that as time passes by everyone is proud to identify themselves with the company.

In fact, we even had our chilling out session. Everyone was there talking to one another and in a light mood. Now, that's what we called as team bonding. Although, it is hard to get everyone out on a social event due to family and personal commitments, times like this are well appreciated. Making jokes and talking about marriage customs, Valentine customs in Japan, etc.

I managed to take an opportunity to ask my boss about one question. That question was bugging me for the whole week. And everytime I asked someone who has worked in the company longer than me, none of them had the answer or the answer would be very dissapointing. When I posed the question to my boss, he said that it was a good question. I was happy that I was able to give my two cents of opinion to my boss. And in fact, I was appreciative that my boss managed to create such a working environment.

Bachelors And "Bachelor-wanna-be"s Night Out

2009-02-12T08:07:00.004+08:00

11th February 2009, Kuala Lumpur - Two bachelors were noticed to be hanging out with two "bachelor-wanna-be"s at KLCC at 7.15 p.m. yesterday.

Haha! OK! I'm overdoing myself. Shouldn't have reported in like a newspaper.

My cousin approached me via IM and invited me for a movie session. After he informed me of the attendance list, I was sniggering. Fortunately that we communicated through IM as he won't be able to see me sniggering. Otherwise, he would turn the situation around and started his insult on me being single that would turn me into a laughing stock. Oh yeah! He is definitely one big clown. In size. Plus, his joking ability. Surprised that he hadn't consider to be a stand-up comedian.

Those two lovey-dovey husbands were able to hang out with us because their wives were out of town. One of them has a full-time lecturing job in Malacca and will be only in KL on Friday evening for classes. She and her husband will be looking to stay in Cyberjaya after my cousin's company shifting there. Then, she will apply for a transfer to the Cyberjaya campus.

The other wife has just given birth last week and is currently at hometown resting with the newborn baby. However, my cousin has to come back to KL due to work commitments.

Yesterday night went on well. We hang around at KLCC for dinner before our 8.30 p.m. movie starts. And we were discussing about a few things: from up-coming movie releases to dramas of politics that has occurred recently. All those chats within the span of 30 minutes before we headed up to watch Red Cliff 2.

Good movie. Some handsome actors and beautiful actresses. Awesome strategies. A should watch movie for the fans of Chinese history.

P.S. It was ages ago since I watched Wednesday night movie. Hehehe! Happy to have a change in trend of life.

Working Overtime: Why I Did It?

2009-02-11T08:57:00.000+08:00

This article or entry is based on what I see from the experiences that I have garnered from audit line in one of the reputable professional firms in the country for almost three years. An engagement will be handed out to you with the expectation that you would be able to cover all areas to ensure that the audit report issued would not be misleading to the users of the financial statements. Even though the bosses know that the deadline is impossible meet, they would still require you to complete it on time. And if you are unable to finish it on time, you would be getting constant phone calls, bad mouthed behind your back and scolding.

The overtime that we gave seems not to be noticed by our bosses and hence we were not being appreciated. All the blood and sweat that has been poured would not be rewarded at an acceptable level. Your overtimes would not be reimbursed with cash received in your bank at the end of the month. Nor will it be fully compensated one to one hour of overtime worked for time-off. Audit line in Malaysia is cruel.

But still, auditors work overtime. But the question of why are they are working overtime still looms? For me, this entry would be my answer to that question.

For those who are close to me as well as my colleagues who knows me, they would have heard that I have a office PR status. Yes. PR. Permanent Resident. I would be there every night after office hours continuing my work after I left my client’s office. Staying overnight was a common thing. To the point that one of my close friends made this following statement: You should just cancel your house rental. Yes. My friend said that.

Yet, unfinished work has to be completed. Hours and hours were dragged on. New working hour record was constantly broken to the point where it reaches up to 60 hours without any proper sleep. Out of those, I’ve only spent less than 5 hours for meals and bathes. The only entertainment I had were my MP3s.

All of these overtime were put forth are not due to noble values such as commitment and willingness. But it’s due to a four-letter word: F.E.A.R. Fear of getting screwed. Fear of damaged reputation. But surprisingly not fear of deteriorating health. How naïve was I?

I’m glad that those nightmares were gone. It is now far, far behind me. But at least I’m now more grateful and satisfied with my current life and learned on how to utilize my free time effectively. At least I have the willingness to work overtime now.

The Sudden Need To Be Crappy

2009-02-09T22:01:00.004+08:00

Its ten p.m. Its working day tomorrow. Back to reality. Back to the world of stress. And yet I'm not sleepy eventhough I only slept for less than 5 hours the night before.

With an ice-cream on my hand, I was thinking of enjoying it over a book that I was about to finish. Instead, I suddenly have the urge to crap on my blog. Yes. Writing without a true objective on my mind. No good opening paragraph and no g00d closing paragraph to drive home my point. Just typing all the way. Aimlessly.

Just got back from dinner in Subang. Went over there to meet my cousin over dinner. And a little bit of beer tasting. This is the second time in my life having beer. Pathetic, right? Chatting all the way about movies, animes etc. And he is already in the early 30s and was recently married only. But yet, only both of us were together for dinner as his wife works in another state and will only be in KL on Friday eve.

Right after he sent me home, he have one word of wisdom for me. "Look for someone." His word of advice is in conjunction with the upcoming Valentine's Day this coming Saturday. He thought that I was becoming more like him. But in fact, I wasn't. I didn't grief till I was 30 years old. My griefing period was over. Plus, I didn't accept the fact that I will be ending up spending my time with 'Me, Myself and I' till the day I die.

Suddenly the book and the bed looks tempting. Hehe! Wondering whether I should be finishing the book today. Yawn!

The Mood to Write?

2009-02-09T13:15:00.005+08:00

On Saturday, my friend invited me to have lunch with him at Dataran 3 Two at S14 PJ yesterday. The whole idea was to sit, chat, have lunch and of course to surf the Internet. Hence, I've travelled all the way down there. I have no issues at all on travelling. Its better that way than to sit aat home and locked myself up in my small tiny room. Plus. the prospect of having a company is interesting enough for me.

After chit chatting over lunch, we switched on our laptops and we continue to do our stuffs. He was focussing on his attention on this particular assignment. Hence, he was starting up and I can see that he was dedicated as he was typing non-stop. I, myself, however, was having difficulty in completing an article for my blog. And he noticed my difficulties.

Hence, I was beginning to wonder: why can't I write? Was it because I need the right mood to have my ideas out in a free flowing manner (such as I'm drafting this one out)? Or was it the environment? Or is it due to the spontaneity of the subject matter that I want to write?

I practically have no definite answer on any of the above questions. But I do know that it is a combination of 'YES' for those questions. Sometimes, my creativity skills are at its peak when I'm in the right mood. Sometimes its affected by environments and sometimes its a bout the spontaneity of the things I want to write. (Such as this article)

I wonder how other bloggers are able to post good quality materials on a quality on a committed deadline?

An Eye For An Eye

2009-02-07T01:19:00.006+08:00

Somehow, I felt tired about office politics. Doesn’t it tire them or wear them down? We are colleagues, for God sake. Where is unity? Where is team work? Where is tolerance? Where is work ethics? Have you heard about professionalism?

My task requires coordination with another department. Without the other department’s commitment in providing accurate data, my work would not be accurate and it might result in re-work of information. The thing is top management would like to see the report that we have completed. If the report is inaccurate, the one who will be at the end of the brunt will be both our departments.

And the thing is: the superior in that department was made aware of by his staff that the total figure was not accurate. And yet, he wanted to release the figures to us. He was aware of that he is providing us FALSE information. Where are the work ethics and professionalism?

Some say that such treatment should be retaliated. ‘An eye for an eye’ as they say. The phrase actually comes from the book of Exodus in the Bible. The principle meaning of the phrase is to ensure that retaliation for an intended party is equitable for damages that have been received by another party.

I felt that such a phrase should have been removed from the Bible. If not removed, at least everyone should know that the New Testament Bible has preceded that phrase especially in the Gospel of Matthew. In paragraph 5:39, the Lord Jesus Christ said “But I tell you not to resist him who do evil; but rather whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

In plain simple words: retaliation has been preceded by a nobler act. It’s about us resisting from doing evil. No matter how harsh it is. No matter how much suffering we had. This is not about being noble. This is about us ‘not to be taken advantage by Satan’ as we are aware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:11). And this is about changing the world. This is about one ‘Act of Random Kindness’ (from the movie Evan Almighty).

God: How do we change the world?
Evan: One single act of random kindness at a time.

God: One Act of Random Kindness. (God scribles ARK)

Sometimes I’m just tired in living in this world. What happened to compassion and kindness as we grow mature? Have these noble characteristics extinct just like the dinosaurs had extinct from Earth?

Call me dumb. Call me naïve. For if acting with kindness and compassion even to the lowliest human being ever exist will result in my death, then so shall be it. At least I will try my best to ensure such values still continues to exist and instilled in my future generation. Let this blog entry be a constant reminder of my pledge to do so.

I pray that my ‘one act of random kindness at a time’ will change the world.

P.S: Sounds too noble for you to believe right?

The Need To Scream

2009-02-05T16:26:00.003+08:00

Sometimes, I felt that I have been pushed to the point that I feel the need to scream. The scream on top of my lung that would pierce the ear drums of those who stood nearby. A point where self-control is no longer exercisable.

My colleagues read the wrong signals a few times. They thought that I was very angry when I worked. I was not. I was just serious and dedicated when I’m under tremendous stress. At that point of time, I would not even talk to anyone or looking up when someone passes by my place (I was conveniently seated at the door).

In my time working in my new company, my colleagues only saw me angry once. And that is because that was the only number of time I was angry. And if I’m angry but yet able to manage self-control, you will be seeing a pair of eyes that piercing your very own soul. Oh yeah! With my big round eyes, you should be scared.

It is often said that the people who are patient when they blow up, is the worse of them all. I agree with that statement, because I do blow up. Big time. Although, rarely. This is because when I blow up, it exceeded my tolerance level of maintaining my anger or frustration or both.

Hence, if you are able to read my anger expression correctly, you better leave me alone for a while until I am able to cool down. If you happened to be the one who offended me, better run away and hide until the storm is over.