ELIXIR OF LOVE

MAWLID AN-NABI 1433H

2012-02-04T23:23:00.016+08:00

May the teachings and noble character of Rasulullah (peace be upon him) become the way we live our daily lives. إنشالله‎

يا ربي قد غفلنا وكلنا طمع
في عفو وفي كرم وفي اعتاق
وجنة مع سيد البشر
ندعوك... ندعوك ربي من الأعماق

لو كان بيننا الحبيب
لدنا القاصي والقريب
من طيبة قبل المغيب
طالباً قرب الحبيب

بقربه النفس تطيب
وتدعوا الله فيجيب
أنوار طه لا تغيب
بلغنا لقاه يا مجيب

هداك الكون الرحيب
رحمة الهادي القريب
حديثك النهر العذيب
جوارك الغصن الرطيب

فدتك روحي يا حبيب
محمد مكرم الغريب
بقربك الروح تطيب
يا رحمة للعالمين

يا حبيبي يا محمد
يا طبيبي يا ممجد
أنت ذوالفضل المؤيد
جل من صلى عليك

GOODBYE NOMOT

2012-02-02T22:44:00.017+08:00

My oldest tomcat, Nomot, had been acting quite strangely for the past two weeks. He ate a little and stayed most of the time at home sleeping on my table. He only went out of the house for a while and he would be back not long after that. He did not show any symptoms that he was sick but it was clear that he was not his usual self. He did not even fight with Milo, a big grey cat that often sneaked into my house to steal food. Friday had always been a special day for him. He knew I would be going to the 'pasar malam' in my housing area for my weekly shopping and that meant there would be fried chicken for him. He would often wait for me until I came back and as soon as he saw me, he would be running to get me. He loved fried chicken but last Friday, he only nibbled on the fried chicken that I bought for him. It was as if all his appetite was gone. A few days ago he became terribly sick. He hid himself under the bed and only came out when I called him. I could detect the inevitable smell of death emanating from him. I immediately knew that he had been poisoned. I'm quite sure he had eaten grass which had been sprayed with insecticide or pesticide. I realised that the end was near and I had to be mentally prepared for it. I talked to my Mom and told her about the situation. From time to time, I would give him some fresh water to drink since that was all that he could manage to take. I knew he was suffering but I did not take him to the doctor. I did not want to put him to sleep. It is not something that I believe in. I've learned from past experiences that nothing much could be done when poison has entered a cat's bloodstream but I was still hoping that something miraculous would happen. My dear beloved Nomot did not make it. He finally breathed his last breath tonight. I was in the living room when I heard a choking sound from him. I knew that the time had come for me to say goodbye. I stroked his stiff body and whispered comforting words to him. I told him that everything was okay and he would go to a better place. My sweet protective Nomot died on my lap while I was still holding him. Goodbye Nomot and sleep tight. We will meet again in a beautiful place made for me and you. And I promise you there won't be any more suffering for us.

ALLEYCATS : SAMPAIKANLAH SALAM CINTAKU

2012-02-01T10:06:00.004+08:00

As much as I love cats, this entry is not about any cats at all. This one is a story about me and the Alleycats, the Malaysian music group. Well, to be exact, it is not even about me and them. It is actually about me and a very good friend. You might wonder how the Alleycats are part of this story and I'm going to tell you how. Although none of the musicians are Malays, the Alleycats were very popular among the Malay music listeners back in the 80s and 90s (they still are). Back in 1985, I attended a concert (Malam Kerana Kau) at Stadium Negara with a very dear friend (who will remain anonymous of course). It was a last-minute decision to go and see the Alleycats in action. As a result, we arrived quite late since we were not familiar with the route to the venue at all. It was also raining slightly that night and the motorbike ride all the way from Serdang (I was studying there at that time) to the stadium was not pleasant at all. By the time we reached the place, we both looked like two skinny cats (no pun intended) which had fallen into a drain. But how wonderful it was to be young and carefree! To be without heavy responsibilities and life-long commitments. It was definitely a night that I will remember and cherish until the end of time. That was almost 27 years ago and now, both of us have gotten older and hopefully, wiser too. The sad thing is we are not even speaking to each other anymore. We had a falling out back in 1986 and we have stopped talking to each other ever since. We had been friends for years and suddenly, everything went down the drain just like that. It's obviously stupid when we fight over petty matters but it's even more stupid when we lose someone over something that can easily be avoided. Looking back, I wish I had not allowed my foolish pride and ego obscure my judgment and decision. I humbly admit that everything was due to my own folly and none of my friend's.

Sampaikanlah salam cintaku padanya
Walaupun terluka namunku merindu
Kerana cintaku tiada akhirnya
Walaupun kau telah menghancurkan

Sampaikanlah salam cintaku padanya
Walaupun sengsara namun ku masih sayang
Kerana cintaku mewangi dan harum
Walau tercampak di mana jua

Andai ku tiada, andai ku pejam mata
Biar ku abadi cinta yang setia ini
Biarpun kau jauh, sambutlah salamku
Kerana aku masih menyayangimu
Tidak pernah aku membenci dirimu

p/s Dear friend, you are not forgotten and will never be. Terima kaseey for the wonderful times we had!

The ticket stub from the Alleycats' 1985 concert.

GONG XI FA CAI!

2012-01-25T17:00:00.013+08:00

I think it is still not too late for me to wish all those who are celebrating to have a wonderful Chinese New Year. This year is the year of the Water Dragon; supposedly a very auspicious year to get married and have children. Neither one of them will be happening to me, I can assure you that. I was at the bank today when I saw a Lion Dance troupe getting ready for a performance. I have seen a few Lion Dances before but I've never had any opportunities to take any pictures. This time, I had my old but reliable camera along. I am not a photographer (I never will be) and my camera is not one of those sophisticated DSLR types (it never will be either). Still, I kept on snapping pictures like there was no tomorrow. The banging of the drum and cymbals added to the merriment of the occasion and I stayed until the whole performance was over. The lions moved animatedly from one part of the bank to another much to the excitement of the bank customers. They would stop and eat the mandarin oranges that were placed all over the bank before spitting out the rinds to people who were in front of them. At the end of the performance, one of the lions plucked the lettuce which was hanging at the entrance of the bank and spat the lettuce all over the bank manager who then rewarded the lion with a red envelope. For those who are not familiar with the ritual, it can be a truly ROTFLOL moment when you see lettuce flying out of the lion's mouth before landing on whatever that is nearby (including people!). FYI, I have a long Chinese New Year holiday this year and will only start work next week. Let's hope that the Water Dragon will bring us a lot of 'ong' this year. To all, Gong Xi Fa Cai!

SHARIFAH AINI : BIDUANITA NEGARA 1 & 2

2012-01-23T11:46:00.001+08:00

Finally, the CDs that I've been waiting for are here. I found out that the music shop from which I ordered the CDs had lost my phone number and that was why they never called me to inform me that the CDs had arrived. Well, it was worth the long wait (more than two months actually). Kak Pah's pictures on the CDs covers are truly 'divalicious' and classy; befitting her status as a 'biduanita'. I won't say anything about the song selection but I'm really happy to hear certain songs that I haven't heard in such a long time. They truly took me back to another place and time when life was much simpler and less complicated. Unlike Kak Pah's other compilations, one can tell that these CDs are special. All the 10 CDs were priced at RM 89.90 and to me, that was super duper dirt cheap. Where else can you get a nice compilation like that at such price? A few online sites that I've checked are selling them at a much higher price and that doesn't even include the postage. To all Kak Pah's fans, go out and buy these CDs. You know you want them!

Diva!

FLASHBACK: ENID BLYTON

2012-01-09T11:28:00.002+08:00

I'm pretty sure many of us in Malaysia are familiar with Enid Blyton especially those who grew up in the 70s and 80s. Despite criticisms regarding her work, she has managed to attract a lot of fans from all over the world. Some libraries even withdrew and banned her books due to elements of racism, sexism, separation of class and xenophobia in the books. Her books have been translated into more than 90 languages and here in Malaysia, the task of translating her books into Malay language was initially done by Fargoes Publication. Federal Publications (and a few other publishing houses if I'm not mistaken) took over the job of publishing the translated books later. I started reading the Malay versions of Enid Blyton's books before slowly (and painfully) graduating to the original English versions. I was only a 'kampung' boy whose exposure to English was very limited so a lot of things in the stories totally eluded me. In addition, the setting of the stories was 1940s until 1960s Britain which was totally alien to me. The Malay versions tried to maintain the stories as original as possible but in a Malaysianised context. My favourites have always been the Famous Five (Lima Sekawan) and the Five Find-Outers (Lima Penyiasat Dan Anjing). I did find the Secret Seven (Tujuh Persik) too simple for my liking and I always had difficulty remembering the names of all the seven characters (and who's who) from the series (I still have problems remembering people's names until now). Another favourite of mine is The Secret Island (Pulau Rahsia) from the Secret series. I borrowed most of the books from the school library since I clearly did not have the means to own them. I managed to get some of the books later with my small savings and pocket money. The first Enid Blyton's book that I bought was Lima Sekawan Di Pulau Kanari Lagi (Five On Kirrin Island Again) and that was in 1977. I guess that is why I still treasure a lot of things (especially books, magazines, cassettes and records) from my younger days since they did not come easy to me.

Lima Sekawan Di Pulau Kanari Lagi (Five On Kirrin Island Again)

Lima Sekawan Di Tepi Laut (Five Go Down To The Sea)

Lima Sekawan Riang Merantau (Five Have A Wonderful Time)

To get more information on Enid Blyton's stories which have been translated into Malay, visit this wonderful blog duneoworld.blogspot.com. Another website that is a must for all Enid Blyton's fans is enidblytonsociety.co.uk. Have fun going down memory lane!

FLASHBACK: FLASHDANCE

2012-01-03T00:30:00.004+08:00

It has been almost 30 years since the movie 'Flashdance' was released in 1983. As embarrassing as it is, I have to admit that I still enjoy watching it from time to time. I don't care much if people say that I am still trapped in the 80s. To me (and a lot of other people as well), the 80s were the best of times. Maybe it was because I grew up in that era. Nowadays, I am only growing 'out' and 'old'. The movie is definitely not of the so-called 'intelligent' genre so don't expect to be mentally stimulated watching it (guys might be stimulated in other ways though). The plot (is there one?) is much, much thinner than Victoria Beckham on a diet and the acting is clearly not one endorsed by Lee Strasberg. I love this movie and I love it very, very much (I'm a sucker for 'love stories', didn't I tell you that?). I love the cardio workouts and dance routines in the movie (FYI Jennifer Lopez and Geri Halliwell even copied the final dance routine from the movie for their music videos). I love Jennifer Beals (she was such a cutie then and she is still now) who plays Alex, the main character and the way she dresses (totally secondhand and Salvation Army chic!). And I love the songs especially 'I'll Be Here Where the Heart Is' and 'Maniac'. Despite the watery and clichéd storyline, there are a few lessons that we can learn from the movie. The movie is all about never giving up and reaching for your dreams despite all the odds that go against you. Those are the mantras that we should abide by in life if we want to succeed. And if love comes your way, grab it and never let it go. Now, who says that only Bollywoodwood movies and Malay dramas are melodramatic and over the top?

This is the pirated copy of the movie soundtrack that I bought way back in 1983. With my limited pocket money, that was the only thing I could afford back then.

And these are my original cassettes and CD.

365 MORE DAYS TO GO!

2012-01-02T21:13:00.003+08:00

The first day of 2012 is over. Now, we have 365 more days to spend before 2013 comes and greets us.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 - LET'S KARAOKE 21 : VIVA FOREVER

2012-01-01T23:03:00.003+08:00

Happy New Year, everyone! Last year, I 'vogued' myself into 2011 but for 2012, I'm geared towards a more reflective and mellow mode. I hope all the good and positive things that I have experienced so far will go on to greater heights. I also hope that all of us will have a wonderful year ahead. This time, to usher in 2012 I have chosen 'Viva Forever' by the Spice Girls. Do I need to explain why? Nah, I don't think anybody will be interested.

Anyway, Spice Girls' Viva Forever was the first interactive CD single that I bought back in 1998. At that time, interactive CDs were still considered a novelty and I can still remember vividly how fascinated and amazed I was with its multimedia sophistication. I have to admit that I like this song very much. The melody and instrumentation are very soothing and there is a little story behind the lyrics too. The video clip for this song features the animated 'Spice Girls' since Geri Halliwell@Ginger Spice had already left the group at that time. The single that I have does not contain the instrumental version that I have used for this karaoke. Instead , it contains the 'Tony Rich Instrumental' which (I think) is the instrumental version of the 'Tony Rich Remix'. I managed to secure the instrumental version from the Internet and this is the final result. This song is quite easy to sing and I'm quite sure almost anybody can pull it off without sounding gruff as if they've had too much spice in their curry.

The single's cover

Do you still remember
How we used to be
Feeling together
Believing whatever
My love has said to me
Both of us were dreamers
Young love in the sun
Felt like my saviour
My spirit I gave you
We'd only just begun

Hasta mañana
Always be mine
Viva forever
I'll be waiting
Everlasting
Like the sun
Live forever
For the moment
Ever searching
For the one

Yes I still remember
Every whispered word
The touch of your skin
Giving life from within
Like a love song never heard
Slipping through our fingers
Like the sands of time
Promises made
Every memory saved
As reflections in my mind

Hasta mañana
Always be mine
Viva forever
I'll be waiting
Everlasting
Like the sun
Live forever
For the moment
Ever searching
For the one

Back where I belong now
Was it just a dream
Feelings unfold
They will never be sold
And the secret's safe with me

Hasta mañana
Always be mine
Viva forever
I'll be waiting
Everlasting
Like the sun
Live forever
For the moment
Ever searching
For the one

NEW YEAR'S EVE 2012

2011-12-31T22:26:00.009+08:00

It's currently 10.27 p.m. on New Year's Eve and as I type this entry, I am :

i. listening to Sheila Majid's Malam Ku Bermimpi.
ii. drinking my tea and smoking my cigarette.
ii. hearing the sound of tiny raindrops on the rooftop .
iv. replying text messages from those who still remember me.
v. checking my facebook for new notifications (seems like there is none).
vi. reading my friends' blogs.
vii. talking to my Mum who is watching Chef Bruce Lim cooking up a storm on 'The Boss'.
viii. stroking my cats and watching them groom themselves.
ix. thinking about my loved ones.
x. getting ready for bed.

Goodnight, everyone. Sleep tight and here's hoping that tomorrow is going to be a better day for all of us.

2011 ROUND-UP (2009 AND 2010 RECYCLED)

2011-12-30T16:46:00.008+08:00

Any great achievements for me? NO. Any extraordinary happenings? NO. Any exciting changes in my lifestyle? Definitely NO. Everything came and went like the previous years. Am I happy? YES. To some, it can be quite strange how a person can be happy and content when not much has happened to him or her. Yeah but that's me. I'm comfortably cocooned in my life at the moment that I don't think I want anything changed (unless it's for the better). At least, not yet. I'm sure that something is bound to happen sooner and later and I'll be shocked out of my pants when that happens. Till then, I'm going to enjoy the routine that I've created for the past couple of years and if there are going to be any changes, I hope they will be gradual. Some of my friends have commented on my laid-back attitude and I can only agree with them. After all, what is there to argue when everything that they say is true? Still, it doesn't mean that I don't work hard or put in any effort at all. I do but I don't think I'll be increasing the quota for my effort any time soon. Even then, I would say that what I've done is definitely much more than that done by some of my colleagues and friends. So how about that?

p/s This entry is recycled for the second time just like I predicted.

ADELE - TALENT VERSUS BODY IMAGE

2011-12-19T22:19:00.003+08:00

It seems like everyone is into Adele nowadays. Gifted with a soulful voice, she reminds me so much of Alison Moyet (of Yazoo before she went solo), Helen Terry (backing vocalist for Culture Club in the 80s) and a few other big-boned female singers. All of them are/were, coincidentally, big girls with big voices. Adele has it much easier than the other singers though. Critiques and fans alike are much more interested in her talent and artistry rather than her size (that's the way it should be anyway). Alison Moyet and the rest are not as lucky. Despite their huge talent, they never got as big as Adele (no pun intended on both accounts). I am not sure whether the recording industry, media and fans nowadays are less concerned about how a singer should look like since Adele's newest album '21' is very well-received globally. It has also managed to garner several prestigious awards. A few full-figured female singers had to shed their weight in order to look sexier and more appealing to the public. Just look at Jennifer Hudson and Toni Braxton. They started as singers who depended on their voices and not their images. It was not long after their first albums that both of them began to flaunt their new sexier and slender bodies. Toni Braxton totally took it to the other extreme when she started to dress in very revealing clothes that left almost nothing to the imagination. Ann Wilson (of Heart) once had to have mostly facial shots and wear dark clothing for the group's music videos due to her constantly ballooning figure. Debora Iyall (of Romeo Void) is a brilliant songwriter and yet during the group's heyday, she was discriminated and asked to lose weight. Most swimsuit models need to be physically toned and trim in order to sell the products but real singers whose asset lies within their vocal cords should not be too obsessed to look picture perfect. Kudos to all female singers who fight for their art without looking like tarts.

Adele

Ann Wilson

Debora Iyall

Alison Moyet

Helen Terry

p/s Beauty passes but wisdom remains.

CUSTOMER DISSERVICE

2011-12-13T10:49:00.002+08:00

I used to love window shopping very much and up until now, I still enjoy going from shop to shop during my free time. There is something about being in a shop and browsing through the shelves or racks displaying the goods that excites me (it's like having a sugar rush!). Unfortunately and sadly, that feeling is slowly diminishing due to certain incidents that I have recently experienced. FYI, I usually don't like to make rushed decisions and when I decide to buy something I really like, I will usually ask a lot of questions and scrutinise the goods until I am totally satisfied. After all, I am going to spend a certain amount of money on something that I will probably keep forever. The problem is quite a number of shopkeepers and salespeople (especially the younger ones) whom I've met lately are not what I expect them to be. Some of them are downright rude and arrogant. Others act as if providing services to customers and giving explanations to them is a big favour they bestow on whomever they fancy and definitely not part of their responsibilities. Situations like these definitely make me want to pull a 'Julia Roberts' in that unforgettable 'Pretty Woman' shopping scene. After she was snubbed by two snotty saleswomen working in a posh boutique, she went back there later to tell them how much commission they had lost simply because they did not want to wait on her. That will teach anyone that all customers should be treated equally and respectfully. I have seen a few businesses in my hometown crumble due to lack of courtesy and proper service. When I walk into a shop, I don't expect to be treated like royalty (it wouldn't hurt me one bit if I were given such treatment though). I don't demand red carpet service and I don't require 24-hour assistance. I want to be treated like a potential customer who will be parting with his hard-earned cash to feed the proprietor, his family, his staff and his pets. More importantly, I want to be treated like a human being. Not like a doormat. Is that too much to ask? A good friend of mine will undoubtedly make a scene if he is given such a shoddy service. There have been a few times when he raised his voice so other customers and passers-by would hear him. He would start asking for the manager or the owner of the business before giving him an earful on good business management and employee training. There have also been a few occasions when he asked the salesperson to ring up his bill and decided not to buy anything at all at the last minute. I don't always believe in fighting fire with fire (sometimes I will). It's risky and in one way, childish. It doesn't bring a lot of good to anyone except temporary satisfaction and superficial victory. Besides, being nasty to snobbish people will only drag me to to their level and I certainly do not want to stoop that low. I sincerely hope that one day they will realise that they have done a great disservice not only to others but also themselves.

p/s It can be very tempting at times to give this type of people a dose of their own medicine since I know I can outbitch almost anyone and be more obnoxious than the most obnoxious. Just don't let me get started, okay?

MUSIC FORMATS : IMPENDING CHANGES

2011-11-28T17:54:00.006+08:00

I've lived long enough to see the changes and transformation in the way music is marketed and released to the public. When I was growing up, it was common to see vinyls or records sold in music stores. These came either in EP or LP form with the former containing 2 to 4 songs and the latter 10 to 12 songs. 8-track cartridges came not too long after that, making it possible for one to listen to music while driving. Cassette or audio tapes were very popular in the 80s since they were light, portable, affordable and more durable. When the first Walkman was introduced by Sony as a portable cassette player, the music industry saw a tremendous boost in sales of cassettes. CDs were introduced in the late 80s and they slowly gained popularity among music buyers. Now, music is offered to the public in whole new way. Downloading or streaming from iTunes and other music services is quite the norm nowadays especially among the younger generation. Consequently, the older music formats are slowly being abandoned by both buyers and publishers. We can't fight the digital age and sooner or later, changes are bound to happen but are we ready to embrace the changes? Will the changes bring far more good to all parties concerned namely the buyers, retailers, producers, artistes et cetera et cetera et cetera? As consumers, are we ready to happily accept this new format and abandon the old way we purchase and listen to music? Can downloaded audio files replace the psychical formats that we are so familiar with all these years? It's different when we talk about CDs replacing audio tapes or audio tapes replacing records since CDs, audio tapes and vinyls are all physical formats. Here we are talking about a digital form replacing the physical forms. As a consumer, I feel I will get my money's worth when I buy a physical format since I will be getting not only the music but a few other things as well. Album covers, booklets, mini posters, stickers, box, obi, promotional items et cetera et cetera et cetera will no longer be available for music buyers. Furthermore, the quality of the best downloaded audio files (so far) has still not matched that of a CD or vinyl. In other words, consumers have to shell out more money for a product of a lesser quality (and obviously with no extras). Listening to music is all about appreciating the beauty of sound and voice. It is not simply listening like what many people have been doing. Beauty will be lost when it is not appreciated and so will good music if it's abandoned to make room for something inferior.

NEW HIJRI YEAR 1433H

2011-11-26T22:39:00.001+08:00

As we observe the new Hijri year, let us reflect earnestly on the past, stay firmly on the present and look positively towards the future. May Allah s.w.t. forgive our countless sins, and bless us with continuous mercy and endless favours. Ameen.

LET'S KARAOKE 20 : IT'S RAINING MEN

2011-11-23T22:18:00.002+08:00

The rainy season is here and I think it's only appropriate if I feature a karaoke that is somewhat related to the wet weather. 1982. That was the year when this song came out. Totally from another time and another place (to some it might even be from another planet or dimension). Back then, I could not even understand why the song was titled 'It's Raining Men'. I had heard of raining 'cats and dogs' but definitely not 'men'. Yup, it totally boggled me. Yet, this song has endured and survived. A classic club staple, this song has become some sort of a gay anthem, women's anthem or whatever anthem you want it to be. One thing for sure, a spin from the DJ's booth will never fail to draw people to the dance floor. The song itself is fun, campy and infectious. It has been covered by Gerry Halliwell for the movie 'Bridget Jones's Diary', RuPaul and the Australian girl group, Young Divas. Still, nothing beats the original. The Weather Girls (or 'Two Tons O' Fun' as they were originally known) took this song to the top of the US Dance Hot Club Play in October 1982 and I'm pretty sure that it wasn't even raining then!

p/s 1 This is my 20th karaoke post so let's celebrate!

p/s 2 I have replaced one word with H.........! since some people might find it inappropriate to use a term with a religious connotation.

p/s 3 Be extra careful during this rainy season and don't let small children play outside without adult supervision. This public message is brought to you by elixiroflove.blogspot.com.

The single's cover

Hi. Hi!
We're your Weather Girls. Ah-huh
And have we got news for you. You better listen!
Get ready, all you lonely girls
And leave those umbrellas at home. Alright!

Humidity is rising
Barometer's getting low
According to our sources
The street's the place to go
Cause tonight for the first time
Just about half-past ten
For the first time in history
It's gonna start raining men

It's raining men! H.........!
It's raining men! Amen!
I'm gonna go out to run and let myself get
Absolutely soaking wet!
It's raining men! H.........!
It's raining men! Every Specimen!
Tall, blonde, dark and lean
Rough and tough and strong and mean

God bless Mother Nature
She's a single woman too
She took from the heavens
And she did what she had to do
She taught every angel to rearrange the sky
So that each and every woman could find her perfect guy

It's raining men! H.........!
It's raining men! Amen!
It's raining men! H.........!
It's raining men! Ame---------nnnn!

I feel stormy weather moving in
About to begin
Hear the thunder
Don't you lose your head
Rip off the roof and stay in bed

God bless Mother Nature
She's a single woman too
She took off to heaven
And she did what she had to do
She taught every angel to rearrange the sky
So that each and every woman could find her perfect guy
It's Raining Men! Yeah!

Humidity is rising
Barometer's getting low
According to our sources
The street's the place to go
Cause tonight for the first time
Just about half-past ten
For the first time in history
It's gonna start raining men

It's raining men! H.........!
It's raining men! Amen!
It's raining men! H.........!
It's raining men!

SEA GAMES XXVI 2011 - SOCCER FINAL

2011-11-21T23:44:00.014+08:00

Congratulations, Malaysia. We won. Despite everything that we had to endure in the land of our own brothers and sisters.

BENETTON'S UNHATE CONTROVERSIAL ADS

2011-11-18T18:09:00.026+08:00

The world's problems are not equivalent to the petty quibbles that we usually have at home. When Benetton suggests in their latest advertising campaign that political and world leaders literally (or is it figuratively?) kiss and make up, it is IMO such a stupid thing to do. On the contrary, it might only fuel more animosity and resentment among us. I won't soil my blog by putting up the images from the campaign. There is nothing artistic about them especially when those images have been manipulated and tampered with. I cannot imagine having my own photos photoshopped and put up for all to see without my consent. I don't understand why Benetton had to come up with those pictures. Weren't there any sensible people working in the ad and marketing department anymore? The company used to come up with colourful images depicting people of different races, ethnic groups and walks of life wearing their clothing. Those images are beautiful, colourful, pleasing, non-controversial and non-political (some contain nudity, of course). There is nothing (too) provocative or disrespectful about them and yet the message is clear. Benetton has clearly crossed the line this time and instead of promoting UNHATE, they have only managed to show how UNCOUTH they can be.

p/s Don't you simply love these colourful and happy images?

ALBUM COVERS INSPIRED BY ART AND OTHER SOURCES - PART II

2011-11-13T21:50:00.000+08:00

Lucille Handberg - Tornado

Deep Purple - Stormbringer

Siouxsie & The Banshees - Tinderbox

Auguste Rodin - Eternal Idol

Black Sabbath - The Eternal Idol

Henri Rousseau - The Snakecharmer

Fleetwood Mac- Tango In The Night

Man Ray - Tears

Cyndi Lauper - What's Going On

Charles Allan Gilbert - All Is Vanity

The Damned - Stretcher Case Baby

Def Leppard - Retro-Active

SITI NURHALIZA - FALLING IN LOVE

2011-11-12T20:38:00.006+08:00

Love the concept of flash mob in the video but I still feel that something is missing. Anyway, enjoy it!

11.11.11

2011-11-11T19:40:00.003+08:00

Special? Of course it is special since everyday is special. More so because it's a Friday and there is a full moon tonight!

HERO THE CAT

2011-11-08T10:09:00.001+08:00

There is nothing new about this story since many bloggers have already written about it. Still, I feel a deep sense of obligation to dedicate a short entry for this special cat. I'm pretty sure many have heard or read about 'Hero', the cat whose front legs were amputated simply for stealing food from a restaurant. Until now, I can't even look at any picture of Hero without feeling sad and mad at the same time. Sad to know that he has to live like that for the rest of his life and mad at the person who did that to him. Hero might not be a pedigree cat of distinguished breed but he is still one of God's creatures and he deserves to live like anyone of us. So how can a person be so heartless and so cruel to inflict such inhumane punishment for such a petty crime committed by a hungry stray cat? I guess we will never know the answer to that question but I know one thing for sure. One fine day, the person who did what he did to Hero will receive what he truly deserves. Call it anything you want to. Karma. Payback. Divine retribution. Whatever it is, there is simply no way that he can get away with it. When the day comes, there is no where that he can hide. To the person who saved Hero, I can say that you are truly blessed for having a loving heart. May Allah bless you and your family.

WHITNEY HOUSTON AND SPARKLE

2011-11-07T21:47:00.010+08:00

I have always loved stories about people who find strength and inspiration in times of trouble. Human stories like these usually warm the weary heart and give hope to the tired soul. Everyone knows about Whitney Houston's past troubles and now, my favourite singer is back in action to reprise the role of Effie in the movie remake of Sparkle. The original version was released in 1976 and stars Irene Cara (of Fame fame) and Philip Michael Thomas (of Miami Vice fame). Well, some of you might be too young to know who Irene Cara and Philip Michael Thomas are but let me tell you this. They were once big names in the entertainment industry especially in the 80s. In this movie, Whitney will play the role of mother to Sparkle (played by Jordin Sparks) and her two sisters. Not much is known about the progress of the movie so far but there is already a lot of buzz about the movie which is currently being filmed in Detroit. A few pictures of Whitney and the cast have also surfaced on the Internet and I have to admit that Whitney looks really good. I know there is going to be a soundtrack for the movie and I hope there will be a few songs from Whitney as well. The story is set in the 60s so expect to see a lot of retro and vintage stuff.

SHARIFAH AINI : REMASTERED AND RE-RELEASED

2011-10-30T15:15:00.001+08:00

I'm glad that a few of Sharifah Aini's old albums have been released in CD form. Hmmn, I wonder if there is any possibility of EMI coming up with a box set containing all her albums (EPs, LPs, soundtracks, collaborations, compilations et cetera, et cetera, et cetera). After all, she has remained loyal to the same recording company throughout her illustrious career which spans more than four decades (and we are still counting). Without a doubt, she is a living legend and a national treasure. Not only is she an extraordinary singer but also an award-winning actress and a productive lyricist. She has been in the industry longer than Sheila Majid and Francissca Peter have and yet, the latter have their own box sets. Like any other singers, she also has her own legion of loyal fans who are more than willing to buy her box set. She deserves to have her own box set and I'm pretty sure that many of her loyal fans will agree with me. Everybody knows that EMI Malaysia is no longer active but EMI Music Publishing Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. still keeps an office here. I'm sure they can do something about it, right? It will be such a waste if her complete music catalogue is not published for the public to treasure and appreciate.

C4N YOU R34D TH15 M3554G3?

2011-10-26T20:29:00.000+08:00

1 F0UND TH15 0N TH3 1NT3RN3T

TH15 M3554G3
53RV35 TO PR0V3 H0W 0UR M1ND5
C4N D0 4M4Z1NG TH1NG5!
1MPR3551V3 TH1NG5! 1N TH3
B3G1NN1NG 1T WA5 H4RD BUT NOW,
ON TH15 LIN3 YOUR M1ND 1S R34D1NG 1T
4UT0M4T1C4LLY W1TH OUT 3V3N
TH1NK1NG 4B0UT 1T, B3 PROUD!
0NLY C3RT41N P30PL3
C4N R3AD TH15.

مُعَمَّر القَذَّافِي‎

2011-10-24T01:11:00.009+08:00

Put politics and everything else aside. مُعَمَّر القَذَّافِي is like any of us ; a mere human being and most importantly, a Muslim. May الله forgive all his sins and our sins too. Al-Fatihah.

PLANNING A MARRIAGE

2011-10-20T01:26:00.000+08:00

A good friend of mine is courting a girl whom he is planning to get engaged to soon and he asked me why I never showed any interest in his relationship (sounds like I'm quite a busybody, huh?). We have often told each other about a lot of personal things (including some really sinful ones!) and he was quite perplexed with my almost nonchalant behaviour. Well, there are a few things that I will never interfere with and one of them is other people's relationships. I've learned from painful past experiences never to try to get between two lovers (sounds a bit dirty I know). People who are in love are totally a different species to me. They don't normally function like normal people. They eat, drink and breathe love. In addition to living in their own private world (or heaven to them), they are also much more sensitive to criticisms regarding their relationship. It is difficult for them to see the flaws in their relationship and each other. Everything is perfect and rose-tinted. Any negative comments or remarks from friends will only bring about a soured friendship. As for me, I will only voice my opinions when I know for sure that something is not right and I will only do that to a few selected friends. Even then, I have to be careful how I'm going to make sure my opinions are known to them. One wrong word and that might be the end of a friendship. I have always believed in couples discovering each other (sounds dirtier I know) at their own pace and without any interference. The courting period is the right time for them to find out more about the other half without any outside influences (though I know there are many people out there who put up a different personality when they are dating but that's a different story anyway). My friend is really serious about this girl and I know how apprehensive he is at times. He wonders if he is making the right decision at the right time with the right person. He is planning his marriage not his wedding. To a certain extent, he is planning his life and future. All I can do is to give him all the support that he needs when he needs it. I will not volunteer any opinion or suggestion since I believe he knows what he wants. He is capable of making his own decisions and being responsible for them. As for me, I am going to watch from afar and hope that he gets everything his heart desires.

A CAT STORY PART II : THE CAT FROM NEXT DOOR

2011-10-16T23:15:00.005+08:00

This is another story taken from "Collected Cat Stories" by Stella Whitelaw.

It was so undignified and that's what really got Herbie about living with the ever-expanding Robinson family. Sometimes he felt he must have been delivered in a Christmas stocking, gift-warapped, but far more durable than the other playthings.

He knew if he saw six-year-old Katy donning her nurse's outfit then he was due for a blanket bath, and that meant being swathed in towels and ignominiously anointed with water. It meant having his face and ears washed which he particularly detested, but for the sake of Katy's gentle crooning and cuddling, he put up with these atrocities.

Eight-year old Jane had thought up a torture of a different kind. He suffered being dressed in a matinee jacket, long nightie and bootees with a satin-ribboned bonner flattening his ears. He endured being ridden up and down the road in the basket on the front of her bicycle. This was far worse than being pushed in the pram, because at least in the pram he could take a nose a nose drive down to the foot of the cover and leave only his tail showing, whipping the pillow.

But in the bicycle basket, he was exposed to public glare and comment. He could not even have a good scratch. At the first sign of a slackening of Jane's attention, he would leap out on to the pavement, fly through gardes and across the fields to a secret place where he would hide long enough to divest himself of the hated garments.

This went on until Jane ran out of baby clothes.

Thomas, two years her senior and lanky with it, had a habit of putting Herbie on the top of doors. Just why, Herbie did not have the slightest idea. One minute he would be curled up happily on some abandoned school blazer, then...whoop s! He would find himself being born aloft by Thomas and deposited on the top edge of an open door, scratching and clawing to gain a balance. Once there he could remain lying along the edge with complete indifference until rescued by some adult Robinson.

Herbie was a Bi-coloured Shorthair. He could be described as a black cat with white splodges or a white cat with black splodges. It depended on the angle of viewing which colour was predominant. He had a small, alert face with intelligent eyes and neat ears. No one was quite sure of his age. He came sort of before Katy and after Jane. His birthday was celebrated on the date of the Battle of Waterloo, 18 June, when he was encouraged in vain to blow out the candles on a nice piece of cod fillet and all day it was cream, cream, cream in his saucer.

He ate well with the Robinsons. They were always saying he was the only cat in Great Britain who got meals on wheels. This was because Grandma Robinson was to old to have new teeth fitted, and anything she fancied but couldn't manage went into his bowl. Herbie was game to try anything from trifle to spaghetti bolognese. He was not fussy.

Herbie loved boxes. They were his all-consuming passion. He would get into any box, trying it out for size. He would investigate the depths of paper bags, plastic carriers, handbags, suitcases, typewriter lids...you name it, he would get into it.

When the crates arrived he was delighted and curious. But when he made a few tentative forays, there were immediate shrieks of 'Mind the china!' 'Off that linen!' 'Help, that one's full of glasses!' and eventually, 'Will someone put Herbie out, please?'

So Herbie sat in the garden and watched. There were no blanket baths and bicycle rides these days. Everyone was so busy. He did not quite understand what was going on.

One morning the Robinsons assembled outside with bags and parcels and he was being passed round for hugs and wet kisses. It was all very messy and he still did not understand what was happening. He hoped it didn't mean that he was going down the road. Several of his elderly friends had told him that hugs and wet kisses meant going down the road and not coming back.

So Herbie was quite relieved when it was evident that the Robinsons were not intending to put him in the car as well as all their family and their mountain of luggage. He rubbed his head against Katy's new ankle socks to show that he forgave her all the medical ministrations.

'We don't really want to leave him behind, but what else can we do?' said Mrs Robinson. 'One is always hearing about cats that walk back to their old homes and how could Herbie cope with all that ocean? We're so grateful for your kind offer.'

'Shall I have a new kitten in Australia?' asked the fickle Jane.

'Of course, darling.'

'Don't worry, Mrs Robinson. I'll look after Herbie for you,' said a new, sweet young voice. 'He'll be perfectly all right with us. I'm sure he'll soon get used to us and we'll take great care of him.'

Katy wept more water all over Herbie's ears. 'Goodbye, darling Herbie,' she whispered. 'I'll never forget you, never, never, never...'

It was very disturbing, and then amid a great deal of noise the Robinsons drove off, leaving Herbie and he sweet voiced young woman on the front lawn. He looked at her, wondering what was going to happen next. She was very young and quite tall. He hoped she was not going to put him on top of doors. She regarded him a little uncertainly , her fairish hair brushing her cheek like a breeze stirring a cobweb in the moonlight.

'Come along,' she said, trying to sound brisk. 'You live next door now.'

He did not move for two reasons. Firstly he did not know what next door meant, and secondly h was a mite worried about th door bit. Chrissie picked him up carefully and gave him a few little pats. 'Come along,' she said, again, more cheerfully. ' This way...'

The net door house was joined on to the Robinson's house and it was exactly the same, except that it was all the other way around. He discovered that Chrissie and Alan Marshall were newly-weds, that they lived in empty rooms and went out all day. It was very strange. Sometime Herbie thought he had gone deaf.

It was an odd house. There was nothing to jump on, knock over, hid behind, sit on, scratch at, sniff at, trample on or investigate. Most of the time Herbie sat in the middle of the kitchen floor, polite and distance, grooming himself and slightly nauseated by the pervading smell of paint. He missed the Robinsons and all the noise and activity. He missed being talked to and included as part of the family.

'Herbie doesn't seem very happy,' said Chrissie for the hundredth time. 'He behaves like a visitor.'

'Perhaps we ought to show him around,' Alan suggested. 'That might make him feel at home.'

'It's very difficult when you've never had a cat before,' said Chrissie. 'I never know what to do.'

'Don't worry, darling. They are very independent creatures, aloof and stand-offish. It's probably just his way.'

Alan hoisted Herbie off the floor and carried him up the stairs. He flung open the first door with a flourish.

'Now, this is the spare room,' he announced, putting Herbie down on the lino. Herbie was amazed. It had been impossible to move in the Robinson's spare room when they had one. It had always looked like a central sorting depot for Oxfam. But this spare room was totally without interest... he prodded the two tennis rackets with some apprehension.

'Careful, old chap,' admonished Alan. He steered Herbie out of the spare room and into the next room. 'And this is our bedroom. We sleep here,' he added unnecessarily.

Herbie made a flying leap on to the rose-patterned duvet. It sank most satisfyingly, but before he had even done half a turn, Chrissie had whisked him off again.

'Sorry,' he said. 'Not on the bed.'

'He was not allowed on the two armchairs either, or on the draining board, or in Chrissie's shopping basket, or in the linen cupboard or under the television set. So he took to staying in the middle of the kitchen floor, quiet and withdrawn, sometimes pretending to be asleep or watching a bee buzz against a window-pane trying to get in.

The garden was immaculate and everything was in measured rows. Herbie learned to tread carefully. He found it hard to stalk tigers in an organised jungle of Tom Thumb lettuces, or scare birds who were already wary of all the flapping labels.

The best spot was the greenhouse, baking warm and out of the draught. But Alan was growing grass in trays and kept shutting Herbie out.

'Shoo... mind the cuttings. Off my seedlings, old boy.'

Herbie lost weight despite the fact that the Marshalls were kind to him and fed him. But Herbie's heart began to fail when he saw Chrissie reaching yet again for the tin opener. He longed for a bit of fruit cake and some cold cocoa.

He made one visit to the Robinson's old house but never again. A horrible sloppy dog with ears hanging down like soup plates had moved in. Herbie shuddered and kept to his side of the fence.

Sometimes he sat on the pavement outside and watched people go by on bicycles and in cars. One young woman with red-streaked hair always stopped and stroked him, knowing the special place under his chin just above where his purr started.

Sometimes he followed children along the road, but he was afraid to go far. He was less trusting than he used to be. Especially after the field-mouse episode. He had only meant it as a gift for Chrissie. It was such a tiny thing and was paralysed with terror. Yet Chrissie had shrieked as if being attacked by a rampaging bull elephant. Herbie simply did not understand her and brought no more gifts.

The situation improved somewhat when Chrissie stopped going out every day. She started to sing around the house and that was rather nice. However, although she sat around quite a lot Herbie was never invited on to her lap. He now learned that he must not sit on her sewing or try to get into her knitting bag. The tennis rackets were moved into the back of the broom cupboard and some furniture was delivered for the spare room. Alan began hammering in the evenings and Herbie watched the shelves going up with interest.

'Off you come, Herbie. They won't take your weight,' said Alan, lifting him down.

'He's just testing,' said Chrissie with new perception.

Alan kissed her tenderly.

'Funny girl,' he said, ruffling her hair.

One day a new smell arrived in the house. Herbie recognised it immediately. It was the thin, sweet smell of milk. Something stirred and breathed in the pram parked in the hallway, and made small mewing sounds.

Herbie pricked up his ears. Surely it was not another cat? He stood up on his back legs and peered in, but the mesh of the cat-net obscured whatever lay under the mound of blankets.

'Say hello to Timmy,' said Chrissie, picking Herbie up with a growing confidence. It was the first time that Herbie had felt safe and not about to be dropped. He trembled slightly with a small rush of emotion.

Now the improvements began to accelerate at a rate of knots. Chrissie left things on the floor and was far too busy to notice if Herbie sat on them. All sorts of boxes and pails and bins began to appear in the kitchen.

'What on earth shall I do with this cereal?' Chrissie wailed one breakfast time. 'Timmy won't touch it.'

'Give it to the cat,' said Alan.

Baby cereal! One of Herbie's favourites. His rough little tongue could hardly lap it up for purring. Then at teatime it was marmite soldiers dropped all over the floor in various stages of squashed disintegration.

'Oh, you are a messy baby,' said Chrissie, hurrying to clear up, but Herbie was there before her. It seemed like years since he'd had a marmite soldier.

The baby soon began to crawl and then there wasn't a thing Chrissie could do about life at floor level. It became a glorious landscape of wooden bricks, round-eyed ducks, chewed crusts, lost shoes, sticky spoons and a fat yellow teddy bear who kept falling. Herbie sat amid the chaos, keeping an eye on the baby, keeping his claws sheathed an never getting in the way. He was still rather like a visitor.

One afternoon Chrissie was sewing while her baby played on the floor with some empty cotton reels. Herbie was sunning himself by the window when through half an eye he saw the baby reaching up towards the flex of a reading lamp.

No one really knew whether he remembered the occasion when Katy Robinson did the same thing and brought the whole contraption crashing down on her head, but in a split second Herbie leaped off the windowsill and sent the baby back on his bottom on the carpet. The baby howled in surprise and one chubby fist shot out and grabbed at Herbie's long waving tail.

It hurt. It hurt very much. Herbie was almost transfixed with pain. He dug his claws into the carpet.

Then Chrissie was down on her knee, scolding the baby, hugging Herbie. Or was it hugging the baby and scolding Herbie? It did not really matter for Herbie's heart was leaping up into a joyful rumble of happiness.

For in that moment Herbie had looked into Timmy's eyes, and had seen a faint but unmistakable vision of blanket baths, and bicycle rides and door tops, and perhaps even worse. But it meant Herbie had a home. The move was complete. Next door had become home. At last.
THE END

LET'S KARAOKE 19 : I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY

2011-10-15T21:24:00.002+08:00

Long before she became the sex kitten (à la Brigitte Bardot) she is known for today, she was just another soap opera actress in the Australian television series 'Neighbours'. When she made her debut on the music scene (singing a cover of Little Eva's Locomotion), her image was that of the typical next door girl; young, sweet and somewhat demure. As her lucky stars would have it, her second single 'I Should Be So Lucky' moved to the top of the charts in 1988 and there was no more looking back for her after that. This is a very catchy song (it sounds very dated now, of course). Most of the time, I don't even listen to (or sing) the words properly. The phrase 'I should be so lucky' is repeatedly sung throughout the song; thus making the other parts of the lyrics seemingly unimportant. There is another version of the video clip (from an Australian TV special I think) which shows Kylie riding in the back of a convertible BMW and sporting a very 80s ensemble (big hair, big shoulder pads, big belt). Well, if you think you should be lucky, maybe you could try singing this one for a change.

The single's cover

In my imagination
There is no complication
I dream about you all the time
In my mind a celebration
The sweetest of sensation
Thinking you could be mine

In my imagination
There is no hesitation
We walk together hand in hand
I'm dreaming
You fell in love with me
Like I'm in love with you
But dreaming's all I do
If only they'd come true

I should be so lucky
Lucky, lucky, lucky
I should be so lucky in love
I should be so lucky
Lucky, lucky, lucky
I should be so lucky in love

It's a crazy situation
You always keep me waiting
Because it's only make believe
And I would come a-running
To give you all my loving
If one day you would notice me

My heart is close to breaking
And I can't go on faking
The fantasy that you'll be mine
I'm dreaming
That you're in love with me
Like I'm in love with you
But dreaming's all I do
If only they'd come true

I should be so lucky
Lucky, lucky, lucky
I should be so lucky in love
I should be so lucky
Lucky, lucky, lucky
I should be so lucky in love

I should be so lucky (so lucky, so lucky)
I should be so lucky
I, I, (I, I)
I should be so lucky (so lucky, so lucky)
I should be so lucky
I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I

In my imagination
There is no hesitation
We walk together hand in hand
I'm dreaming
You fell in love with me
Like I'm in love with you
But dreaming's all I do
If only they'd come true

I should be so lucky
Lucky, lucky, lucky
I should be so lucky in love
I should be so lucky
Lucky, lucky, lucky
I should be so lucky in love

SITI NURHALIZA - ALL YOUR LOVE

2011-10-09T21:17:00.004+08:00

I have always admired Siti Nurhaliza and how she has managed to come so far in the music industry. I can't say that I am an ardent fan of hers but a few of my friends are totally crazy about her. They will feel very offended if something bad is said about their favourite singer and will go all out to defend her. The release of Siti's English album did pique my interest and it has been a while since she made an impact on the local music scene. Is the album any good and is it worth buying? Well, I believe if you can sing well, you can sing almost anything in any language. To tell the truth, the whole album is not really that bad. Actually, it's pretty impressive and I do like most of the songs especially the more upbeat ones. I'm quite sure none will ever chart on the Billboard Top 100 (you know how 'racist' the US Billboard can be towards non-American singers) but with heavy airplay/promotion/video rotation, anything is possible. Despite cruel criticisms by some people, I think Siti deserves a pat on her back. She has released an album that I believe can satisfy her fans and the general buyers. Her voice is very clear (there is no indication of Autotune being used to enhance her voice) and it is real easy to understand her pronunciation. She doesn't try to affect any accent or diction that can make her sound fake and pretentious. She is just like many other singers out there whose first language is not English. Her diction, pronunciation and accent are results of her surroundings, upbringing and various other factors (just listen to Celine Dion, Shakira, Julio Iglesias and Jamaican reggae singers). We don't have to be ashamed of what or who we are and I believe Siti is not trying to be American, British or Australian. She is simply a Malay Malaysian singer who sings in English. The music suits her singing voice and the music arrangement does not make her singing become secondary. I also find delightful traces and elements of ethnic music throughout the whole album. The artwork for the album is also a big departure from her previous albums. It's vibrant, colourful and cheerful. All in all, I would say that this is definitely not a cheap album to produce. The mastering was done in Australia and LA and the inclusion of international producers/musicians clearly indicates that she is roping in other talents as well. For the CD cover and inlays, Siti wears quite a number of designer stuff. Zara, Hermès, Cavalli, Max Mara, Etienne Aigner, Diane von Furstenberg and YSL (I'm sure everything is hers and not on loan). I wish that Siti had not totally depended on the few writers and lyricists who contributed to the album. It makes the album too one-dimensional actually. I also wish she had included a few remixes (for the clubs) and instrumentals (for me to sing karaoke of course). On a scale of 1 to 10, I give this album an 8 1/2 (and that is because there are no remixes or instrumentals).

p/s I know that I won't get anything from promoting this album but please buy the original CD, okay? It's really dirt cheap at only RM 29.90. Let's give a bit of all your love (and support) for her. Who knows you might be falling in love with her...

GOODBYE ARISTA

2011-10-08T21:59:00.004+08:00

After 36 years, it's time to close shop. Goodbye Arista. R.I.P. You will be missed.

ALBUM COVER COLLAGE

2011-10-08T17:21:00.002+08:00

Found this on somebody's website somewhere. Totally brilliant in my opinion. Love them, love them, love them! Christian Marclay, the brain behind this form of art, overlapped LP and CD covers to create these interesting images.

Behind closed doors...

Marilyn Manson and the Brazilian Girls on the way to Nirvana from Holywood?

Michael Jackson would have been thrilled (not) to see this!

No! No! No! No! Dont phunk with my album cover.

Donna Summer loves to love Eric Clapton's slow hand. Or is it Arthur H's?

U2 feels it is right leaving Bon Jovi behind.

Take a bow(ie).

It's your choice if you want to go AC/DC.

Vincent Capretta is not looking back since he's got money.

A SYAWAL WEDDING

2011-09-26T17:18:00.026+08:00

I really thought that I was done with the whole 'wedding business' after my baby brother got married earlier this year. Boy, was I wrong about that. Zam, one of the guys at the centre where my mother goes for her hemodialysis treatment came to me asking me to help with his 'hantaran'. He was already nervous from all the things that he had to do since his 'kenduri' would take place on the first week of Syawal. I understood what he was going through and how could I say no to him? He was always nice to both me and my mother and to say no was definitely inappropriate. I had tonnes and tonnes of things to do both at home and at work but I figured that I could still manage everything. He wanted royal yellow as the theme colour for the gifts and I was afraid of using too much of that colour. It seems that I'm much more partial to softer and soothing hues lately instead of stronger primary colours which can be very overpowering if not utilised wisely. Initially, he had left everything for me to decide but hey, I don't usually work that way especially if it involves other people and their money. I managed to persuade him to go shopping with me for stuff that we needed (rightfully, it was he who needed those things and not me). My job was made easier when he never did once disagree with any of my suggestions (his mind was clearly somewhere else, lol). I have seen too many extremely elaborate 'hantaran' (a complete turn off for me) and I definitely did not want the decorations to overshadow the gifts. Personally, I'm quite satisfied with the outcome of my work which I think is simple and not too over the top (but only in my opinion, mind you). To the bride and groom, congratulations!

p/s One of my nephews will be getting married soon and I have already told my sister that I can't be of much assistance to her (since she stays in another state). I am ready to give suggestions and opinions but I definitely will not be able to be too involved this time.

THE ROCKY HORROR GLEE SHOW

2011-09-25T21:09:00.006+08:00

I know I'm way outdated (almost a year behind actually) since I only got to watch 'The Rocky Horror Glee Show' last week. I did not particularly like the episode and I think the songs were horribly performed. Watching it did bring back some good memories though. I was only 19 years old when I attended the midnight screening of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' for the first time. All my friends were seasoned and regular attendees of the movie while I was just an innocent and clueless 'virgin'. I'd say that they were quite keen to 'deflower' me. Poor little me. With a little bit of persuasion and smooth talking (it didn't take much to coax a 19-year-old virgin actually), I agreed to go and watch this movie. I had never heard of it before and and no idea whatsoever what it was all about. They promised that I would have a good time and we would go for a 'bite' (no pun intended) after the screening. Imagine my shock when I reached the cinema which was located at the student centre. I could see quite a number of people dressed up in drag and strange outfits. I had seen beautiful drag queens and transvestites before but what I saw made me want to run and hide in a deep hole somewhere. There were guys wearing heavy make-up, black lace corsets, stockings and garter belts under the bright lights! They were definitely not a pretty bunch. Others came with umbrellas, newspaper and flashlights. It was really a strange sight. It wasn't raining at all that night and there was no warning of any impending blackout either. I had no idea what the newspaper was for but I was sure that it was not for reading. A few were comfortably dressed in their night clothes or underclothes (seriously, I'm not joking). I was among the few who were decently dressed and I guess that was how they knew I was still 'pure'. I wondered what I had gotten myself into but there was clearly no turning back from that point on. The rest, as people say, is history. My 'cherry' was busted that night and how! The movie is still one of my favourites of all time and I feel truly sorry for those who lost their 'virginity' watching the 'Glee' version. It was not even half close to the real thing. One has to go and see the stage production or the movie itself to truly feel what it is like to have a mind-blowing orgasmic experience. Now, my dear fellow Transylvanians, let's do the Time Warp again!

My old 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' cassette. Totally last century, y'all!

HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY!

2011-09-16T12:01:00.000+08:00

Happy birthday, Malaysia.

SO UN-MALAYSIAN OH BOY!

2011-09-14T10:10:00.010+08:00

I might be inviting some (maybe even a lot of) disagreements when I say that there is not much that young Malaysians can be proud of when it comes to 'Malaysian Boy', a song produced by Astro in conjunction with the 'Suara Kami' concert. I love the idea of having singers of different races singing the multilingual lyrics and the concept of the video portraying young Malaysians coming together but I can't feel the song at all. Yes, the song is catchy and I'm sure that a lot of people like it very much. To some, it is even better than the original version (American Boy) but does it really express 'suara kami' (our voices)? Why couldn't they come up with something authentic (in all sense of the word) to depict the pride of young Malaysians? It's almost funny to think how on earth we ended up adapting 'American Boy' as a supposedly 'youth anthem' for Malaysians when many other singers have made it into a parody (check Wikipedia for a comprehensive list of 'American Boy' parodies). I am not doubting the sincerity and motive behind the song's production. I'm merely saying that we don't need to rely on a 'borrowed' popular tune to reach the masses. I'm pretty sure that we have enough talents among our youngsters and musicians. We should be capable of coming up with something much more original than that since Malaysian music itself is colourful and diverse. Can't we adapt and infuse those Malaysian elements into a song that we can be proud of? All in all, giving the song a pathetic dose of Malaysian flavour does not mean that it has a Malaysian essence. And that is that, thank you.

p/s I am definitely old school (no doubt about that) and I am proud to say that 'Warisan' by Sudirman and the original 'Saya Anak Malaysia' by dR. SAM are still among the best patriotic 'pop' songs so far.

LET'S KARAOKE 18 : FOOLISH BEAT

2011-09-12T23:58:00.001+08:00

Tiffany and Debbie Gibson were the indisputable pop princesses and the music industry's sweethearts back in the 80s (very much like Britney and Xtina at the beginning of their careers). Both of them also churned out hits after hits which appealed to teenage girls all over America and their popularity later spread to other parts of the world especially Japan and Southeast Asia. Like many other teenage idols before them, they slowly faded out from the mainstream music scene. Their fans grew up and the fickle music business no longer seemed to be interested in them. Trying to shake off their girlie images, both of them appeared nude (separately, of course) in Playboy magazine (they both looked good by the way). I have often wondered what it would be like if they were to appear together in a life-sized special centerfold (that would definitely be something, right?). Now, before I digress, let's go back to the song I'm trying to feature here which is 'Foolish Beat' by Debbie Gibson (she prefers to be known as Deborah Gibson nowadays). This ballad was the fourth single taken from Debbie's debut album 'Out Of The Blue' and her first number 1 song on the Billboard chart. She held the record as the youngest writer, producer and singer of a number one song for 19 years before the record was broken by Soulja Boy in 2007. She also had a few more hits from her second album but her third and subsequent albums after that failed to match the success that she had earlier. Still touring and performing, she can be seen in Katy Perry's video 'Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)' acting as Katy's mother with Corey Feldman, another 80s teen idol.

The single's cover

There was a time when
Broken hearts and broken dreams
Were over
There was a place where
All you could do was
Wish on a four-leaf clover

But now is a new time
There is a new place
Where dreams just can't come true
It started the day when I left you

I could never love again
The way that I loved you
I could never cry again
Like I did when I left you
And when we said goodbye
Oh the look in your eyes
Just left me beside myself
Without your heart (without your heart)
I could never love again
Now that we're apart

When I was sorry
It was too late to turn around (turn around)
And tell you so
There was no reason
There was no reason
Just a foolish beat of my heart

I could never love again
The way that I loved you
I could never cry again
ike I did when I left you
And when we said goodbye
Oh the look in your eyes
Just left me beside myself
Without your heart (without your heart)
I could never love again
Now that we're apart

Oh, can't you see
I'm not fooling nobody
Don't you see
The tears are falling down my face
Since you went away
Break my heart
You slipped away
Didn't know I was wrong
Never meant to hurt you
Now you're gone

I could never love again
Now that we're apart (now that we're apart)
I could never love again
Now that we're apart

MY OWN PRIVATE KARAOKE LOUNGE

2011-09-10T21:50:00.001+08:00

I've noticed that my blog has been turning into some sort of karaoke lounge lately. To tell the truth, I don't have anything interesting to say or write at the moment. In other words, I'm running out of ideas on what to write (it's not like I had tonnes and tonnes of ideas before this anyway). I am not really fond of rambling about personal stuff and reporting every single thing that happens in my life sounds a little egocentric to me. In addition, it is so not me anymore to comment on every current issue, especially social and political ones, that others might find interesting. I prefer to keep things to myself nowadays. I'm no longer the loud and vocal person I once was. I haven't lost my bite and my bark but I'd rather not show my true colours too much to everyone. There was a time when everyone could expect a comment, opinion or remark from me regarding almost everything. Nowadays, I prefer to keep my big mouth shut since there have been far too many occasions when I have put my foot in my mouth. Most of the things are quite impertinent to my being and existence anyway. Maybe my seemingly shallow understanding on a lot of stuff has also hindered me from being too critical and judgmental of things. I believe that my commenting on any of them is not going to do any good to me (and others) at all. I'm not saying that I'm so goody-two-shoes or trying to be one. That bitchy, sarcastic and complaining side of me will always be there and can emerge anytime without warning. What I'm trying to say is these days, I'd rather not let things get to me too easily. I think I've enough of chaos, drama and theatrics that can and will rob me off the feeling of peace and tranquility that I so much need in my life. I need something light and not too serious. At the same time, I also want to share a little bit (just a little bit) of my life and feelings with others without revealing too much. Certain things are better kept as secrets, right? Hence, the virtual karaoke lounge in this blog. It's a place where you can sing your hearts out. In fact, you can even vent out your frustrations, sadness and anger here. To those who like to sing, you're very much welcomed here. The number of my self-made karaoke songs is very small and I hope you can find something that you like. I will try to come up with more, provided that I have the time and resources. Welcome to my karaoke lounge and stay as long as you want to. There is no cover charge and this place is opened 24/7/365. Don't forget to bring some friends over and let's have a good time!

EID UL-FITR GREETING CARDS

2011-09-06T23:44:00.001+08:00

Today is the 8th of Syawal and I'm back at work again after celebrating Eid with my family and friends. Each Eid is special in its own way to me and I am grateful for all the blessings that have been bestowed upon me. Most of my family members and friends were there for the celebration. I had enough food to serve to my guests. My house was adequately decorated (and most importantly, clean). Everyone (including my cats) was happy and in good health. The weather was fine and heavenly. I definitely couldn't ask for more (and I shouldn't). There was only one thing missing though. I no longer received any greeting cards from friends and relatives. No, I'm not talking about virtual cards that we can get for free on the Internet. I am referring to the old-fashioned greeting cards that we used to send back in the old days. How many of us still send this type of card every festive season? I don't even know anybody who does that on a regular basis anymore and I have to admit that the last greeting card that I sent was like 7 or 8 years ago. Sending these cards was almost like a ritual that I never missed doing until I, too, got hooked on sending virtual cards and wishes via the Internet or text messages. I really feel guilty abandoning this so-called ritual though I know how time-consuming and expensive it can be sometimes. True, sending wishes in this new era of technology is much easier and more convenient than it used to be but it certainly lacks the personal touch that we usually feel when we receive something special and personal. The feeling that we get upon receiving these old-fashioned greeting cards from loved ones via the mail is indescribable (at least it is to me anyway). An absolutely good feeling that tugs at the heart and warms the soul. It makes us want to savour and treasure that moment forever. It will certainly take a lot of effort on my part to start sending these greeting cards again but I hope I will be able to do it next year. I might start by sending a few cards to those whom I haven't seen in years (provided I still keep their addresses somewhere).

p/s I have a mild case of hoarding and I don't usually throw away any greeting cards that people sent to me. Some of these cards are more than 20 years old and I still treasure each and every single one of them.

HAVE A BLESSED EID 1432

2011-09-02T22:13:00.008+08:00

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
✿ S E L A M A T . H A R I . R A Y A . A I D I L F I T R I ✿
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To all Muslims, have a blessed Eid and may we find peace and contentment in our hearts and souls.

REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS

2011-08-01T23:41:00.006+08:00

I wrote about 'furoshikis' in this blog a while back and now, it is almost like a trend to be seen with a reusable shopping bag when one goes out in public. Being the 'fashionista' that I am, (yeah, right) I, too, equip myself with a few of these eye-catching bags which I either bought or got for free. Most of the time, you can catch me carrying my tattered and almost worn-out 'Tesco' green bag on Friday evenings when I go to the 'pasar malam' near my housing area to get my weekly supply of vegetables, fruits and other sundry items. I am yet to see another man in my neighbourhood carrying these reusable shopping bags in public but that is to be expected since how many men are confident enough to carry a bag which resembles a very big handbag? Not many, of course. I think it is kind of 'cool' and 'stylish' to be totting these bags around (especially for the ladies). Some of the bags are quite attractive and interesting in terms of materials and colours used. Some can even be folded and tucked away neatly inside your purse or pocket. I have also noticed a few of my female colleagues using these bags when they come for work. I think that the use of these types of bags should be given more exposure, promotion and encouragement. Plastic and paper bags are completely a thing of the past. Those who are still using them to carry their stuff should be spanked on the buttocks (hard) for committing such a (fashion) crime. There is also nothing wrong if you want to give your shopping bags your own personal unique touch. Just make sure that the materials used to decorate your bags are also reusable and recyclable. A small ribbon, a few patches of unused fabric or some big colourful buttons can add a lot of style and personality to your otherwise ordinary, boring-looking shopping bags. When strutting your reusable bags, make sure the bags are clean and odourless. Otherwise, instead of portraying the 'fashionista' look that you desire, you might end up looking like a character who scavenges the neighbourhood dump.

This is the ideal 'Green Bag' Look that you should strive for

and this is the 'Bag Lady' Look which should be avoided at all costs

RAMADHAN 1432H

2011-07-31T08:14:00.002+08:00

Welcome back, Ramadhan. InsyaAllah, Muslims all over Malaysia will begin the fasting month on Monday, August 1 2011. To all I know and love, let us start this blessed month by counting the blessings that have been bestowed upon all of us. There are many others out there who might not be as fortunate as we are. Despite the overall increasing prices of goods, we are still able to put food on the table, prepare for the Eid and enjoy other wordly pleasures that have been denied to others due to poverty, war, illnesses or economic crisis. May this Ramadhan bring us peace of mind, wisdom, patience, forgiveness, benevolence and humanity.

LET'S KARAOKE 17 : BACK TO BLACK

2011-07-26T21:39:00.012+08:00

Now that she's gone, I'm pretty sure there will be people out there who are looking for her karaoke. Some would like to sing her songs too, I believe. This might be the first of a few more Amy Winehouse's karaoke. Here's to remembering Amy Winehouse and Back To Black...

The single's cover

He left no time to regret
Kept his dick wet
With his same old safe bet
Me and my head high
And my tears dry
Get on without my guy

You went back to what you knew
So far removed
From all that we went through
And I tread a troubled track
My odds are stacked
I'll go back to black

We only said goodbye with words
I died a hundred times
You go back to her
And I go back to, I go back to us

I love you much
It's not enough
You love blow
And I love puff
And life is like a pipe
And I'm a tiny penny rolling up the walls inside

We only said goodbye with words
I died a hundred times
You go back to her
And I go back to

We only said goodbye with words
I died a hundred times
You go back to her
And I go back to

Black, black, black, black
Black, black, black
I go back to
I go back to

We only said goodbye with words
I died a hundred times
You go back to her
And I go back to

We only said goodbye with words
I died a hundred times
You go back to her
And I go back to black

AMY WINEHOUSE : THE LATEST ADDITION TO CLUB 27

2011-07-24T12:12:00.032+08:00

I guess everything was fated to be though the co-incidents are quite uncanny. Amy Winehouse, the troubled British chanteuse, has joined the list of other influential musicians (Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison of the Doors, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana) who died at the young age of 27. Each and everyone of them was responsible for shaping music, especially rock music, to a certain extent and most of them had become victims of drug overdose and/or alcoholism. Without a doubt, these artistes were naturally gifted and great talents usually come with a high price. Uniquely gifted people, especially artists, musicians and philosophers, are usually difficult to understand and most of the time, they are also misunderstood. They live in a world of their own, separated from others and the reality. Quite often, drugs and alcohol seem to be their only solace and form of escape. I wrote a short entry a few years back about how some people fail to cope with failed relationships based on Amy's song 'Back To Black'. I guess the song is some sort of a premonition of what was about to happen to her. Many might say Amy and countless other drug overdose victims are totally responsible for their own deaths but we need to remind ourselves that drug addiction and alcoholism are a very powerful and devastating illness. It's not a habit that one can pick and discard at will. Millions have succumbed to this disease and many more will, I'm sure. Most of the time, substance abusers and alcoholics are unable to fight their demons alone. It takes a lot of courage, will power and determination on their part to fight their never-ending struggles. Many of them might look tough on the outside but it is also quite often that they are very fragile and hollow inside. The unbearable void, pain and emptiness that they feel inside often lead them to self-destruction, making them lose the will and desire to go on fighting and living. Deeply-troubled souls like these are difficult to fathom and to leave them alone is like watching them digging their own grave and doing nothing at all to stop them. One of Amy's final performances in Belgrade, Serbia clearly shows the terrible state she was in at that time. It's really sad and heartbreaking to know that another tormented soul has lost the battle against substance abuse. RIP, Amy Winehouse. You will definitely be missed.

LET'S KARAOKE 16 : DON'T WORRY

2011-07-09T03:57:00.009+08:00

Once upon a time, this one was a favourite of mine. Kim Appleby was one half of the duo 'Mel And Kim', a group she fronted with her sister Mel Appleby. They had a few big hits back in the 80s such as 'Showing Out (Get Fresh at the Weekend)' and 'Respectable'. Their music was very much Stock Aitken Waterman which was the rage among club-goers back then (some might diss the SAW sound now but seriously, it was truly BIG then). Sadly, Mel And Kim's rise to fame was stopped short when Mel was diagnosed with cancer. After a few years hiatus (Kim took care of Mel when she was sick) and Mel's death in 1990 (from pneumonia), Kim released her eponymous debut album (also in 1990). The album produced a few hit singles and one of them was this song 'Don't Worry'.

The single's cover

In no time

You'll be fine
Don't worry

Don't worry
Don't worry

You met a guy
He said he was your lover
He said he loved you like no other
He told you that you were the only one
How could he say that when he's having so much fun
Now he says you're making him sad
How is that when he treats you so bad
Now he's gone
Left you for another
You're not the first
You now discover

Don't you cry
You'll get by
You'll be back on you feet
In no time
You'll be fine
Don't worry
You got hurt, you got hurt
You're not the first
Your heart aches
It won't last
It will pass
Don't worry

Don't waste your time thinking of the past
Love like that could never last girl
Don't you know things happen for a reason
It's meant to be just like the change of seasons
You're not to blame
Don't you feel so bad
He was the one who was making you sad
Now he's gone
Left you for another
It's for the best
You will discover

Don't you cry
You'll get by
You'll be back on you feet
In no time
You'll be fine
Don't worry
You got hurt, you got hurt
You're not the first
Your heart aches
It won't last
It will pass
Don't worry
Don't worry
Don't worry

Standing all of my own
Love will never be the same without him
Trying hard to be strong
How can I go on
Now he's gone

Don't you cry
You'll get by
You'll be back on you feet
In no time
You'll be fine
Don't worry
You got hurt, you got hurt
You're not the first
Your heart aches
It won't last
It will pass
Don't worry

Don't you cry
You'll get by
You'll be back on you feet
In no time
You'll be fine
Don't worry
You got hurt, you got hurt
You're not the first
Your heart aches
It won't last
It will pass
Don't worry

LET'S KARAOKE 15 : TWILIGHT WORLD

2011-07-02T17:05:00.019+08:00

Swing Out Sister? Quite an unusual name for a group. Well, quite a very unusual name for anything actually (they got it from a 1945 movie of the same name). Their type of music is not something that can be categorised as standard pop but they did manage to infiltrate the pop market with a few of their more pop-friendly songs. I guess not many people can appreciate their brand of music and maybe, that is part of the reason why they have not achieved the success that they so much deserve. Like other singers and groups of similar genre such as Sade, Basia and Simply Red, they too have kept their own loyal followers from all around the world.

The single's cover

Time out
World in a hurry
There's more love than money changing hands
Lights out
Thinking out loud
Turn your back on the world outside
Night thoughts
No one can share
As darkness breaks through another day
Secrets
Talking out loud
Silence waits just a dream away

Forget lonely crowds, unfriendly faces
They'll soon became familiar places
Before too long, before too long

Don't be fooled by love songs and lonely hearts
You're living in a twilight world
Don't be fooled by love songs and lonely hearts
Don't give in to the twilight world

Time out
World in a hurry
There's more love than money changing hands
Lights out
Thinking out loud
Turn your back on the world outside
Forget lonely crowds, unfriendly faces
They'll soon became familiar places
Before too long, before too long
Don't be fooled by love songs and lonely hearts
You're living in a twilight world

Don't be fooled by love songs and lonely hearts
Don't give in to the twilight world

Don't be fooled by love songs and lonely hearts
You're living in a twilight world
Don't be fooled by love songs and lonely hearts
Don't give in to the twilight world

AVANT-GARDE OR JUST PLAIN UGLY?

2011-07-02T00:50:00.001+08:00

I've seen a few monuments and memorials erected which somehow do not seem to convey any meaning to me. Instead of enhancing the landscape and appearance of a certain place, some of these structures can be considered as monstrosities not worthy of construction in the first place. Why was going on in the minds of the undertakers when they were doing the projects? Did they take into consideration the overall look and effect these 'uglies' would have on people and the surroundings? Certain structures are even overshadowed by other constructions around them, making them totally insignificant and totally 'blah'. Impending suicide, I'd say. What is the point of building a monument or memorial if it doesn't serve any purpose at all? Talking about these 'uglies', I have seen many replicas of certain objects erected right smack in many town centres in Malaysia. I'm sure most of us have seen these gigantic durians, pineapples, mangosteens, wildlife, marine life and myriad others in the middle of a busy intersection somewhere. Totally distracting and totally cartoon-like sometimes! I wouldn't mind so much if these replicas are placed near the entrance of a farm, orchard, amusement park or anything of that sort but not in the middle of a town. I'm sure we can place these 'giants' somewhere else. Definitely somewhere that is more touristy. Some might argue that these structures are points of interest and serve as landmarks for certain localities but I'm sure we can find something that is much, much more attractive and appropriate than a giant durian or a giant squid. What say you?

LET'S KARAOKE 14 : KISSING A FOOL

2011-06-18T21:53:00.010+08:00

It's time to hit the microphone again, guys. This time, I have chosen George Michael's Kissing A Fool, the fifth single taken from his first album 'Faith' upon his departure from Wham!. Unlike his other singles from the album, this song did not manage to climb to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It stalled at number 5 and the top spot on the chart for that week belonged to Bon Jovi's Bad Medicine. I guess everyone and his girlfriend were into Bon Jovi back then. By the way, George Michael was also considered as a hottie at that time (that was a long, long time before his infamous restroom incident). Kissing A Fool has also been covered by Michael Bublé and I'd have to say that both versions are excellent. So here it is, the karaoke for George Michael's Kissing A Fool. Just don't start singing like a fool.

The single's cover

You are far when I could have been your star
You listened to people who scared you to death and from my heart
Strange that you were strong enough to even make a start
But you'll never find peace of mind till you listen to your heart

People, you can never change the way they feel
Better let them do just what they will, for they will
If you let them steal your heart from you
People, will always make a lover feel a fool
But you knew I loved you
We could have shown them all
We should have seen love through

Fooled me with the tears in your eyes
Covered me with kisses and lies
So goodbye
But please don't take my heart

You are far, I'm never gonna be your star
I'll pick up the pieces and mend my heart
Maybe I'll be strong enough, I don't know where to start
But I'll never find peace of mind while I listen to my heart

People, you can never change the way they feel
Better let them do just what they will, for they will
If you let them steal your heart
And people, will always make a lover feel a fool
But you knew I loved you
We could have shown them all

But remember this, every other kiss that you'll ever give
Long as we both live
When you need the hand of another man
One you really can surrender with
I will wait for you, like I always do
But something there that can't compare with any other

You are far, when I could have been your star
You listened to people, who scared you to death and from my heart
Strange that I was wrong enough to think you'd love me too
I guess you were kissing a fool
You must have been kissing a fool

PLAYING WITH THE BIG BOYS (AND GIRLS)

2011-06-06T20:48:00.011+08:00

I know the title sounds a little bit dirty but there is not much to it actually. I've been playing Mafia Wars on facebook for quite a while now and a few weeks ago, I thought maybe I could expand my Mafia family. I was feeling a bit too ambitious and I did what most players would do in order to get active and powerful Mafia members easily and quickly. I did a bit of searching here and there and contacted a few high-level players to be in their family. Little did I know that most of these big boys and girls were already in warring clans. There are hundreds of these clans and some of them can be pretty obsessed and vicious when it comes to playing this game. I really put my little Mafia ass in trouble since I could easily be detected by other players as well. What started as a game that I played for fun with some good friends turned into a nightmare. I was attacked and robbed left and right 24/7 by these warring clans. They definitely are a ruthless lot and most of them are automated players. Well, there was nothing I could do except to lie low for a while and wait until everything is back to normal. The attacks are a lot less now and I am able to resume my game peacefully. The moral of the story is never try to get into the big league if you're still a greenhorn. You still have a long way to go and there is still a lot more that you have to learn. And I have definitely learned my lesson.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

2011-05-08T10:19:00.005+08:00

Mother's Day is back once again and this time, I'd like to give thanks and honour to all the ladies who have 'mothered' me in one way or another. Nobody can doubt that y'all have done a wonderful job and today is definitely yours to enjoy. But the real award will have to go to the only mother I have in this world (and the hereafter), Puan Hajah Kamsiah binti Haji Abdul Hamid or more well-known as 'Madame Kam' to my close friends. So to all mothers out there and especially, Madame Kam, have a wonderful Mother's Day today. Y'all are much loved! Muah! Muah! Muah!

ALBUM COVERS INSPIRED BY ART AND OTHER SOURCES - PART I

2011-05-07T21:58:00.001+08:00

Boris Vallejo - Dragon Tatoo

Ted Nugent - Penetrator

Abdul Mati Klarwein - New York Angel

Reuben Wilson - Blue Mode

John Steuart Curry - Tragic Prelude

Kansas - Kansas

Frank Kelly Freas -The Gulf Between

Queen - News Of The World

Henri Fantin-Latour - A Basket Of Roses

New Order - Power, Corruption & Lies

M.C. Escher - Bond Of Union

Ian Hunter- Ian Hunter

René Magritte - The Listening Room

The Jeff Beck Group - Ola

René Magritte - The Blank Cheque

Styx - The Grand Illusion

Sir John Everett Millais - The Boyhood Of Raleigh

Talk Talk - It's My Life

Édouard Manet - Le Déjeuner Sur L'Herbe

Bow Wow Wow - See Jungle! See Jungle!

Boris Vallejo - Butterfly Wings

Amuk and XPDC

ENFORCING MY IMPERATIVES : IN A 'GRAMMATICAL' MOOD

2011-05-05T22:21:00.004+08:00

Sometimes it can be quite difficult to 'request' someone to do something since its strength is never as potent as 'telling' that someone to get the job done. I don't like to be seen as an autocratic person (bitchy, fussy and uncompromising are more like it) but somebody (not me obviously) has got to do it. I have had enough of unfulfilled requests, incomplete tasks, abandoned jobs, substandard projects et cetera et cetera et cetera and I don't think I want to be diplomatic any longer. I've tried to be cynical and sarcastic but some people just can't grasp the idea of cynicism and sarcasm. To resolve this issue, I will have to resort to implementing imperatives. No more 'can you, could you, would you, will you' and 'please' when it's much more effective to practise my authoritarian skills (I can be very Hitler-like, mind you). So I guess I will have to tell some people to do their jobs :

IMMEDIATELY
RESPONSIBLY
QUICKLY
RIGHT
ONCE

So to those who feel that this entry is written for you or about you, you'd better get off your lazy ass right now!

J-POP AND K-POP

2011-04-25T15:30:00.004+08:00

It seems that a lot of Malaysian teenagers are into K-Pop or Korean pop nowadays. This can obviously be seen in their way of dressing and hairstyles. Before K-Pop made it way to the Malaysian shore, it was Japanese pop or J-Pop which dominated the scene but the impact was not as big as that of K-Pop. I also did not know that a lot of Malay songs from the 70s and 80s were actually cover versions of Japanese pop music until I heard a few of the original tunes on youtube. It was amazing how heavily Malay music 'borrowed' from the Japanese that some of these cover versions have become the signature songs of these secondary singers. J Mizan is known for his' Hari Ini dan Semalam' and Rina Rahman for 'Berikan Ku Bahagia'. Other Malaysian singers who have sung the cover versions of Japanese songs include Sudirman, Noorkumalasari, Sharifah Aini, Uji Rashid, Halil Chik, Sanisah Huri, Alleycats and Sarena Hashim. I might be a tad too old for this K-Pop thing now but the J-Pop songs from yesteryears really suit the old man in me very well.

p/s On a lighter note, if Japanese pop is known as J-Pop and Korean pop as K-Pop, what should we call Chinese pop? Chi-Pop obviously, which in the Malay language sounds very much like the vulgar word for the female genital!

WHAT A JOKE : RECYCLING WOMEN'S INTIMATE APPAREL FOR THE SAKE OF EARTH DAY

2011-04-22T10:22:00.004+08:00

I read an article in the newspaper today (http://www.hmetro.com.my/articles/Dermacoliselamatbumi/Article) and I almost choked. How do you show that you are doing your part to support Earth Day? Well, you can announce your plan to collect used brassieres and donate these unmentionables to relief centres and under privileged women who don't own bras. You can also work with certain government organisations and promote your campaign nationwide. Yes, that's right. That is what you can do and this is the strategy taken by a women's undergarment company with the co-operation of the Ministry of Women's Development. There is even a facebook page for it. It seems that both parties are keen on educating the public regarding recycling and the purchase of quality products (the company's producta obviously). Have they really gone out of their minds? Do they know how ridiculous the whole thing sounds? I know there have been similar efforts being carried out but most of the time, the undergarments are recycled or donated to women in really, really poor countries. Are the under privileged women in Malaysia in such dire straits that they have to wear other women's used bras? Will these under privileged women be sincerely and eternally grateful for this so-called kind gesture? I'm not sure what this company is trying to do. I can't really see how they are actually helping to save the Earth by asking women to donate their used brassieres and then extending the donation to the less fortunate ones. I don't see much recycling process here at all. All I see is using the relief centres and less fortunate women as a dumping site for their used bras. And how can this step be seen as helping to save the Earth when for each bra donated, the donor will receive a RM10 rebate to buy a new bra of a certain brand from the company? Buyers will also be given a 'Save The Earth' bag (made from paper I think so go figure) when they purchase products worth more than RM100. It's not a campaign or a measure to save the Earth. It's a blatant marketing strategy. That's what it is actually. There are many ways how we can help save the Earth but I believe that donating used brassieres to the less fortunate is not one of them. It is tacky and it is demeaning. If I were one of these unfortunate women, I would feel totally humiliated. I deserve my own new bra even if it's non-branded and cheap. I'd rather wear a RM5 bra than demean myself with a RM350 used bra from La Perla or Victoria's Secret. If this company is really trying to help, they should be buying new brassieres for these ladies NOT giving them used ones. They should also educate women to hand down their used bras to their own daughters or teach women to turn the bras into something that can be used again. That's what recycling is all about.

GEORGE MICHAEL - TRUE FAITH

2011-04-17T12:51:00.001+08:00

It was not too long ago when I put New Order's True Faith video clip (one of my favourite groups) here and now, it seems that George Michael has come up with his own version of this classic New Order staple. I love George Michael's haunting and soulful voice but I'm sorry to say that I don't like this version at all. I can't feel the song. In fact , it makes me feel quite numb in the brain. It might have something to do with the arrangement of this song or it could be the auto-tune used that totally turns me off. For someone who can easily bring a lot of emotions into his songs, I don't understand why he had to resort to using auto-tune for this cover. Just listen to You Have Been Loved, Jesus To A Child, A Different Corner, One More Try and Kissing A Fool and you'll know what a wonderful voice he has. This is also not the first time he has covered other singers' songs (which he has done amazingly). He covered The Police's Roxanne brilliantly and his rendition of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face can melt almost anybody's heart. I'd say that his version of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face is as good as Roberta Flack's, much, much better than Celine Dion's and will make Leona Lewis's version sound like an amateurish attempt. Well, I can only hope that the great George Michael will be back soon serenading us with his beautiful voice. Until then, you're still not forgiven, George.

LET'S KARAOKE 13 : ماهر زين - إن شاء الله

2011-04-11T21:06:00.012+08:00

It seems like everyone is into Maher Zain these days. I even own a poster of him that I wheedled out from a music store owner (I can be quite persuasive sometimes). Personally, I believe that everyone has a 'spiritual' side and from time to time, the soul simply yearns for something soothing and reassuring. The international Islamic music scene has been slightly vacant for quite some time now and it's delightfully refreshing to have a singer who can fill up this void. It is my hope that he is not going to be another flash in the pan. This karaoke is the official karaoke version released in Malaysia. I only removed the vocal part so it's clear that I cannot take any credit for it. Anyway, enjoy this one!

SIX YEARS WITHOUT HIM

2011-04-11T05:01:00.000+08:00

April 11. The time has come again. The sixth anniversary of his passing. A date so vivid that it will be etched on my mind forever. A date that is much more important to me than any other date. A day when a light in my life flickered out, leaving behind only half-forgotten memories and fading photographs. Sometimes I even contemplate whether I can truly be happy again knowing that he is not around anymore. Then, there are times when I wonder if I had done enough for him. Oftentimes, I'd tell myself that he is in a much better place and my wanting him to still be here is only part of my own selfishness and self-interest. There is no way I can turn back time and though it is very heart-breaking, to keep on wishing for something that is impossible will not serve any useful purpose. Abah, you are still missed all the time. Al Fatihah.

SADE - KING OF SORROW

2011-04-10T20:14:00.001+08:00

This is one heck of a depressing song and I must say it's the rain that seems to come every evening that is causing me to feel this way. Well, I have to put the blame on something, don't I?

I'm crying everyone's tears
And there inside our private war
I died the night before
And all of these remnants of joy and disaster
What am I supposed to do

I want to cook you a soup that warms your soul
But nothing would change, nothing would change at all
It's just a day that brings it all about
Just another day and nothing's any good

The DJ's playing the same song
I have so much to do
I have to carry on
I wonder if this grief will ever let me go
I feel like I am the king of sorrow
The king of sorrow

I suppose I could just walk away
Will I disappoint my future if I stay
It's just a day that brings it all about
Just another day and nothing's any good

The DJ's playing the same song
I have so much to do
I have to carry on
I wonder will this grief ever be gone
Will it ever go
I'm the king of sorrow
The king of sorrow

I'm crying everyone's tears
I have already paid for all my future sins
There's nothing anyone
Can say to take this away
It's just another day and nothing's any good

I'm the king of sorrow
King of sorrow
I'm the king of sorrow
King of sorrow

ANY GOOD HANDYMAN AROUND?

2011-04-06T21:22:00.003+08:00

It can be difficult to find people who can do things around the house anymore. At the moment , there are tons of small matters that need to be fixed inside and outside my house (and that does not include the things inside my head!) and I have to admit that I am not so good when it comes to fixing things. A cleaner, yes I am. A fixer, absolutely not my expertise. I can't even punch a nail straight without chipping the wall or hitting my thumb. Once I tried to change the light bulb of my table lamp and I almost got myself electrocuted. So nowadays, I usually have to ask somebody to change the lights for me or at least have somebody there with me. Really pathetic. And once I get one thing fixed, something else will crop up. It can be very frustrating and tiring at the same time when you have the go through this never-ending process of fixing and repairing. I wish everything is self-serviceable or comes with a life-time guarantee.

TAHLIL AT THE TOUCH BY ANDAMAN MIRA

2011-03-27T21:28:00.010+08:00

I came home late last night after attending a 'tahlil' at my friend's new premise. Mira's bridal boutique, The Touch by Andaman Mira, is now located on the ground floor of a shophouse instead of the top floor of the local shopping plaza. That means better access for his customers who don't feel like climbing the stairs before they could get to his boutique (which means less energy consumed for me every time I visit him there). The 'tahlil' started quite late since we had to fetch the students from a local 'tahfiz' school. The 'tahlil' went well as planned and after that, we had to send them back before we went out for something to eat. To Mira and Ady at The Touch by Andaman Mira , congratulations!

The new premise of The Touch by Andaman Mira

LET'S KARAOKE 12 : SECRET

2011-03-26T11:44:00.002+08:00

I guess I did mention that I once liked Madonna (very much) and loved her music (a lot). So I will be putting a few karaokes from her from time to time (for old times' sake, of course). My interest in her music waned after she released her 'Ray Of Light' album. The only songs that I like from that album are 'Frozen' and 'Nothing Really Matters'. I gave the other songs a once-over and decided that either Madonna's music was getting too old for me or I was getting too old for her music (fact : both Madonna and I are getting old). 'Secret' was released as the first single from her 'Bedtime Stories' album and upon the first listening, the guitar riff at the beginning of the song sent shivers down my spine.

The single's cover

Things haven't been the same
Since you came into my life
You found a way to touch my soul
And I'm never, ever, ever gonna let it go

Happiness lies in your own hand
It took me much too long to understand
How it could be
Until you shared your secret with me

Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret

You gave me back the paradise
That I thought I lost for good
You helped me find the reasons why
It took me by surprise that you understood

You knew all along
What I never wanted to say
Until I learned to love myself
I was never ever lovin' anybody else

Happiness lies in your own hand
It took me much too long to understand
How it could be
Until you shared your secret with me

Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret

Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret

Happiness lies in your own hand
It took me much too long to understand
How it could be
Until you shared your secret with me

Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret

Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over, mmm mmm
Something's comin' over me
My baby's got a secret

Mmm mmm, my baby's got a secret
Mmm mmm, my baby's got a secret
Mmm mmm, my baby's got a secret for me
Mmm mmm, mmm mmm, mmm mmm

FRANCISSCA PETER'S BOX SET

2011-03-23T22:26:00.019+08:00

This is my second box set from a local artiste. The first one is Sheila Majid's box set which I bought last year (There is another entry about her box set). Francissca Peter or more famously known as Fran was one half of a duo (Roy & Fran). They had a few hit songs back in the early eighties before both of them went solo. I have always loved Fran's songs and yet I did not own any of her cassettes or CDs (until now that is). Maybe it was because most of her popular songs could easily be found on the Internet or were played constantly on the radio. This box set consists of 10 CDs (including one new single entitled 'Tiada Gementar Lagi') which I got for only RM 97.80 and was released in conjunction with her concert at Istana Budaya. Quite similar to Sheila's box set, this one is also very basic (even their poses on the box sets are quite similar). Just a box containing the CDs. Nothing special at all and the collection is incomplete since one of her albums which was produced independently is not included in this box set. It is sad when a project to mark an individual's achievement (2011 is her 33rd year in the music industry) is treated like any other ordinary event. I'm pretty sure there are many other fans of hers who would love to own a few commemorative items. The company in charge of the box set could have come up with posters, key chains, booklets, stationery items, postcards et cetera et cetera et cetera (I can be quite demanding and you can tell that I am not the type who can easily be pleased). Still, this is better than nothing.

I hope the recording companies will produce more box sets in the future. The current music (most of it anyway) bores me and I will be as happy as a lark if the COMPLETE discography of these artistes is released :

1. SUDIRMAN - I wonder why EMI is not doing anything about this at all. A first class entertainer like him should have his own box set. His first EP and English albums should be included too.
2. NOORKUMALASARI - My Kak Noor! Love her so much! I'll be the first one ordering this one if it comes out And don't forget her last album after she was dumped by EMI.
3. AZLINA AZIZ - It's time for her to make a comeback and a box set might trigger some public interest.
4. SHARIFAH AINI - What can I say? She's legendary!
5. ANITA SARAWAK - Another legend.
6. KHATIJAH IBRAHIM - A box set could have been produced when she last performed at Istana Budaya. Not that many people know that she also has three English albums to her name.
7. UJI RASHID - With so many good and popular songs there is no way this sweet-voiced singer's box set is not going to sell. Her albums with Hail Amir should be included as well.
7. ALLEYCATS - You can find reissues of their old albums but not the complete discography.

MY BABY BROTHER'S WEDDING

2011-03-23T22:25:00.051+08:00

I haven't had time to update this blog for quite a while since I was busy planning my youngest brother's wedding (and juggling my other responsibilities as well). As fate would have it, a week before I attended my brother's 'akad nikah', I was 'asked' to be the MC for a formal function at my workplace. What pissed me off was the fact that somebody else was already selected to handle that job much, much earlier. I didn't feel like refusing the 'job' since I knew how important that function was. So I took everything in stride and did what I was asked to do. Surprisingly, I did not bitch out loud (which I rarely do anymore) even though I was pulled into different directions simultaneously. Regarding my brother's wedding, there were still some invitation cards to be delivered and other minute details that had to be attended to. Living in a small community like mine, personal invitation is still considered as the proper way to invite some people (especially the older folks). I could have put the cards into their mailboxes but it would seem like an insult to them. With tonnes of things still not settled, I left for Puncak Alam (where the bride and her family was staying) with my mum for my brother's 'akad nikah' ceremony. I stayed almost all night finishing the 'hantaran' and woke up groggy the next morning (who wouldn't if they were in my shoes?). The rest of my family members arrived at the place where my mum and I were staying and then it was off to the bride's place for the 'akad' ceremony. Everything went well as planned and I have to admit that I even shed a little tear (just one teeny, weeny little tear that was barely noticeable anyway). After lunch, we packed our stuff and then it was back to my hometown to prepare for the 'kenduri' on the groom's side. I went through my list of do's and don'ts (mostly do's) and finalised the small details I might have overlooked. The night before the 'kenduri', I sent my mum and my family members packing to the 'rest house' since I did not want them to worry whether I had done everything or not. In the past it would have been 'it's partay' time if I had the house all to myself but not anymore since there were still things to be done. On the day of the 'kenduri', I went to the hall where the wedding was to be held to oversee everything. It was raining (quite heavily at the beginning) and I was a bit afraid that it would spoil the wedding but then, I decided that there was only so much that I could do and control (and the weather was not one of them). The guests started to arrive and the reception went well as planned. There is so much more to tell but I do not want to bore anyone who reads this entry. I'd also like to thank everyone who was involved in making my brother's wedding a success especially all family members, relatives and friends (you know who you are). So here are some of the pictures. Congratulations to the happy couple and by the way, I want to see a new addition (or maybe two) to the family by the end of next year!

The 'hantaran'.

My cousin explaining how to prepare the 'tepak'.

Yours truly deep in thoughts during the 'akad nikah' ceremony.

Some of my family members after the 'akad nikah' ceremony at the bride's place.

Along and Faiz doing the 'pelamin'.

Along, Faiz and Coco decorating the 'pelamin'.

Mira arranging the flowers and Ady doing the wedding aisle.

Mira and Ady putting the final touches on the wedding aisle.

Fooart and my younger brother, Shahril arranging the 'bunga pahar' and 'bunga telur'.

Mira doing the fruit carving, Fooart and Shahril shelling the quail eggs and Ady listening to them.

The reception hall from the entrance.

The 'pulut kuning'.

The bride and groom.

Some of my family members during the wedding reception in my hometown.

p/s I wish my father were still with us to see his youngest son get married. Al Fatihah for him.

CATHY : SINGLE, DATING, MARRIED AND PREGNANT

2011-02-15T09:36:00.002+08:00

I don't even remember when or why I started following her comic strips. All I know is I like them a lot (for those who know me well, they know this is always my most frequently used excuse or reason). Maybe it is because they are quite light and non-political. Another possibility is because they make fun of the modern women's insecurities and idiosyncrasies (as can be seen in its tag line - "four basic guilt groups" of life — food, love, mom, and work). I find the characters to be funny, zany and paranoid but in a very realistic way. In a way, I can see many similarities between the comic strips characters and the characters that I encounter in my life (that includes me too). The main character, Cathy, married her boyfriend, Irving in 2005 after decades of dating him (in cartoon time of course).

After more than 30 years showing how paranoid most of us can be, this comic strips finally came to the end of its run in October 2010 with an announcement of Cathy's pregnancy. As a character, it seems to me that Cathy has almost come full circle. Starting as an insecure woman who has to juggle the 'four basic guilt groups' of life, she can now boasts of having a career, a husband, a home and finally, a family. What more can she ask for?

p/s Bye for now, Cathy. I just can't wait for you to be back with more zaniness and new insecurities.

AKADEMI FANTASIA SEASON 9

2011-02-13T22:16:00.005+08:00

This reality show will make its appearance for the 9th season soon and to tell the truth, it doesn't make me excited at all. I stopped watching the show a long, long time ago and I don't think I will start watching again. Soon the battle will begin and I can almost anticipate the hullabaloo and ruckus this show is going to produce and reproduce (like always). It has been reported that this is going to be the final season of the show (or is this another on of their gimmicks?) when, in my opinion, they should have called it quits many, many moons ago. By the way, the word 'gimmick' has a negative connotation to it and used to be associated with con men. It is quite strange that there are many of us who are considered as an educated audience can easily fall prey to the exploitations and manipulations of the mass media. Well, to the fans, have fun watching the show, rooting and voting for the contestants, and spending (or wasting) your mobile phone credit.

p/s As for me, I think I'm going to stick with 'Losing It With Gillian' and "Master Chef'. What a combination, huh?

LET'S KARAOKE 11 : AGAIN

2011-02-09T12:21:00.024+08:00

I have always liked Janet (Miss Jackson if you're nasty) since she came out with her third album 'Control' back in 1986. What she lacks in terms of vocal prowess (she is definitely no Celine Dion), she always compensates with interesting video clips and catchy songs. Known for upbeat and dance-oriented songs, she sometimes came up with ballads such as 'Let's Wait A While', 'Come Back To Me' and my favourite 'Again'. 'Again' is taken from 'janet', her fifth and in my opinion, her best album so far. There are two versions of the video clip. One of them contains scenes from her debut film 'Poetic Justice' and for this karaoke, this is the version that I have chosen.

The single's cover

A wise man once said, "You should look at the ocean and realise that no matter how famous you are or how much money you make, you should know that you'll never be as important as the ocean."

I heard from a friend today
And she said you were in town
Suddenly the memories came back to me in my mind

How can I be strong I've asked myself
Time and time I've said
That I'll never fall in love with you again

A wounded heart you gave
My soul you took away
Good intentions you had many
I know you did

I come from a place that hurts
And God knows how I've cried
And I never want to return
Never fall again

Making love to you
Oh it felt so good and oh so right
How can I be strong I've asked myself
Time and time I've said
That I'll never fall in love with you again

So here we are alone again
Didn't think it'd come to this
And to know it all began
With just a little kiss

I've come too close to happiness
To have it swept away
Don't think I can take the pain
Never fall again

Kinda late in the game and my heart is in your hands
Don't you stand there and then tell me you love me
Then leave again
'Cause I'm falling in love with you again

Hold me, hold me
Don't ever let me go
Say it just one time
Say you love me
God knows I do love you again

NEW ORDER - TRUE FAITH

2011-02-09T10:50:00.001+08:00

I feel so extraordinary
Something's got a hold on me
I've got this feeling I'm in motion
A sudden sense of liberty
I don't care 'cos I'm not there
And I don't care if I'm here tomorrow
Again and again I've taken too much
Of the things that cost you too much

I used to think that the day would never come
I'd see the light in the shade of the morning sun
My morning sun is the drug that brings me near
To the childhood I lost replaced by fear
I used to think that the day would never come
That my life would depend on the morning sun

When I was a very small boy
Very small boys talked to me
Now that we've grown up together
They're afraid of what they see
That's the price that we all pay
Our valued destiny comes to nothing
I can't tell you where we're going
I guess there's just no way of knowing

I used to think that the day would never come
I'd see the light in the shade of the morning sun
My morning sun is the drug that brings me near
To the childhood I lost replaced by fear
I used to think that the day would never come
That my life would depend on the morning sun

I feel so extraordinary
Something's got a hold on me
I've got this feeling I'm in motion
A sudden sense of liberty
The chances are we've gone too far
You took my time and you took my money
Now I feel you've left me standing
In a world that's so demanding

I used to think that the day would never come
I'd see the light in the shade of the morning sun
My morning sun is the drug that brings me near
To the childhood I lost replaced by fear
I used to think that the day would never come
That my life would depend on the morning sun

YOU'RE NOT...

2011-02-02T18:41:00.006+08:00

I don't even dare deny this.

WHITNEY HOUSTON IS BACK Y'ALL!

2011-01-31T16:26:00.012+08:00

Yay, Whitney is back! She looks better and she sounds better. There have been two outstanding performances from her recently and sadly, one of them was at the funeral of her ex-husband's mother. The other performance was from BET's Celebration Of Gospel. Way to go, gal!

GONG XI FA CAI!

2011-01-31T15:59:00.010+08:00

祝┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓♥(\ /)
福┠恭┠┨賀┠┨新┠┨年┠┠快┨┠樂┨ღ( . .)ღ
你┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛c(”)(”)

This is the year of the Rabbit and to be more specific, the year of the Water Rabbit. They are usually perceived as :
1. cuddly (definitely like me).
2. warm (definitely like me too).
3. lively and vivacious (like me when I want to be).
4. adorable and cute (like me?)
5. instinctual (absolutely unlike me).

Since these characteristics do not fit me, it is crystal-clear that I am not a Rabbit. Anyway, I'd like to wish Happy Chinese New Year to all and may the year of the Rabbit bring us happiness and prosperity! Lou Sang! Lou Sang! Lou Sang! Lou Sang! Lou Sang! Lou Sang! Lou Sang!

AL FATIHAH

2011-01-30T11:20:00.006+08:00

Another ex-classmate passed away yesterday. After leaving school more than 25 years ago, I only know the whereabouts of my schoolmates through a few close friends and it was through one of them that I got to know about his passing. I was at work when I received the sad news. He was a very nice person who was soft-spoken and always smiling. Looking back at the old picture below, a deep rush of nostalgia suddenly swept through my heart. How innocent and carefree we were back then. And so full of hope of life ahead. There he was in the picture. The third person in the middle row from left. I wish time could stand still for a while so I could once again relish in the joy of youth. Kamal Bahrin, you will be missed. Al Fatihah.

Top row (l-r) : Qisti, Anbalagan, Lutfi, Shamsul Amir, Amir Azman, Shamsul Fadzali, Allahyarham Rosidi, Aminuddin, Nafzal, Khir.
Middle row (l-r) : Alzafri, Azlan, Allahyarham Kamal Bahrin, Roslan, Razman, Darul Hisham.
Bottom row (l-r) : Meor Jamaluddin, Badrul, Nasrat, Zainol Fikri, Rahman, Tarmizi, Hamdan, Syed Hazman.

LET'S KARAOKE 10 : ONLY GIRL (IN THE WORLD)

2011-01-26T12:45:00.024+08:00

Say whatever you want but I could not resist trying to do a karaoke for this one. I know I am past the 'teenage-dance-club' period but this time I really could not help myself. The song itself is very catchy and the hook stays in my head almost forever. Rihanna has definitely progressed from her very dark and edgy image. This time she looks more feminine and even flirtatious. The video clip is fantastic and I like it very much. There is a surreal feeling to it especially the reddish hue, the multi-coloured balloons and the swing that seems suspended from the sky. To all the girls out there, enjoy this one!

The single's cover

La la la la
La la la la
La la la la
La la la la

I want you to love me
Like I'm a hot pie
Be thinkin' of me
Doin' what you like
So boy forget about the world cause it's gon' be me and you tonight
I wanna make you beg for it
Then Imma make you swallow your pride
Oooohhh

Want you to make me feel like I'm the only girl in the world
Like I'm the only one that you'll ever love
Like I'm the only one who knows your heart
Only girl in the world...
Like I'm the only one that's in command
Cause I'm the only one who understands
How to make you feel like a man, yeah
Want you to make me feel like I'm the only girl in the world
Like I'm the only one that you'll ever love
Like I'm the only one who knows your heart
Only one...

Want you to take it
Like a thief in the night
Hold me like a pillow
Make me feel right
Baby I'll tell you all my secrets that I'm keepin', you can come inside
And when you enter, you ain't leavin', be my prisoner for the night
Oooohhh

Want you to make me feel like I'm the only girl in the world
Like I'm the only one that you'll ever love
Like I'm the only one who knows your heart
Only girl in the world...
Like I'm the only one that's in command
Cuz I'm the only one who understands
Like I'm the only one who knows your heart
Only one...

Take me for a ride, ride
Oh baby, take me high, high
Let me take you by surprise
Oh make it last all night, night
Take me for a ride, ride
Oh baby, take me high, high
Let me take you by surprise
Make it last all night

Want you to make me feel like I'm the only girl in the world
Like I'm the only one that you'll ever love
Like I'm the only one who knows your heart
Only girl in the world...
Like I'm the only one that's in command
Cuz I'm the only one who understands
How to make you feel like a man
Only girl in the world...
Girl in the world...
Only girl in the world...
Girl in the world....

ÜBER CHILDREN

2011-01-17T12:15:00.009+08:00

I'm not a parent and I don't have any children so I'm spared from having huge ambitions and aspirations for them. Some might consider my not having children as a big loss since I will never be able to see my own children grow and develop. I don't really think much about this but whenever I look around, I see a not so healthy trend among parents nowadays and it's getting more and more serious. All parents want the best for their children and there is nothing wrong with that but sometimes, this can mean pushing these children beyond the ordinary limit and setting extremely high standards for them. Most of the time, it's not even the children who are competing with their peers but the parents who are competing to see who can produce 'more intelligent' children. I know there will be some who will not agree with me but this is still my opinion (and I am entitled to having one). Nowadays, it is nothing out of the ordinary when we read about pre-school children with special talents and skills. There are some who can solve complicated Mathematical problems, play musical instruments like professionals, read and write at the age of two, memorise a whole set of numbers et cetera et cetera et cetera. Some parents claim that their children are 'special' because the parents have come up with special methods, strategies and techniques to train their children. Sometimes, these parents demand special care, attention and privileges be given to their so-called ' gifted children'. There are even a few who underrate the current system as if the whole world revolves around their children and nothing is good enough for them. Well, I'm sure every parent thinks their children are special anyway and I believe every child is special in his or her own way. This situation has become so commonplace in our society that we have even stopped questioning whether what we are doing is actually good for the children. We are proud when another child prodigy is discovered and we hope these children are going to come up with miracles when they grow up. Remember SufiahYusof? Remember Mohd. Shukri Hadafi? Remember Chiang Ti Ming? These are a few of local examples of gifted children who somehow do not make it in the real world. They might be geniuses in their own specialised fields but it takes more than a special gift in a specific area to make a child wholesome and balanced. What about their social, emotional, psychological and spiritual development? Are these areas covered too when we make a fuss over these children? This trend of producing 'superhumans' is not limited to the academic world only. It has affected other areas too. We often hear about child actors and singers who have problems adjusting to the real world once they grow up. Michael Jackson, Tatum O'Neal, Gary Coleman, Mcaulay Culkin, Dana Plato and Lindsay Lohan are a few examples of how fame and abnormal childhood can affect a person's personality, character and judgment. Some like Drew Barrymore and Tami Stronach are lucky enough to be able to escape the traps of childhood fame. The athletics field is not spared either. A few years back, the whole world was shocked by the physical attributes of Richard Sandrak who was nicknamed Little Hercules. Now we have Giuliano Stroe, a six-year old boy who also happens to be a bodybuilder just like Sandrak. Both of them started to lift weights when they were barely out of their diapers. Scary, isn't it? It's also not unusual to hear about girls as young as four years old who undergo almost military-like training in order to prepare them for beauty pageants. Truly sad actually. I staunchly believe that there should not be any competition between nature and nurture. These two should go hand in hand. Each complementing one another and NOT completing the other.

p/s On a lighter note, maybe these superheroes above will be able to produce our much needed superbabies but until then, we still have to depend on our own human genetic pool.

FACEBOOK CLOSING? I DON'T THINK SO

2011-01-17T07:18:00.012+08:00

There have been rumours circulating around the Internet saying that facebook is closing soon. Really? Nah, I don't believe in any of this stuff until it is proven true. All I know is that too many people who are involved in its operation are making too much money to even consider that idea. Who are they trying to fool anyway? It is possible that facebook will be taken over by another entity but to close it will be the most stupid move anyone can make. To all facebook fanatics, I can bet my top dollar it will still be here for a while. Even if it does close, I still don't understand why we should be worried. It's not like our entire lives are totally dependent on it. So chill, guys. With or without facebook, life goes on.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 - LET'S KARAOKE 9 : VOGUE

2011-01-10T12:33:00.023+08:00

The single's cover

I know it's a little bit too late to wish y'all a Happy New Year but what the heck. A lot of people are still in the New Year mood and it's better late than never anyway. One thing for sure, I'm 'vogueing' into 2011 with new hopes and new spirit (but with last year's resolutions of course). I hope 2010 was a good year for all of you (as mentioned in my previous entry, mine was okay but it could have been better) and I hope 2011 will be a blast for all of us. So let's vogue into 2011 in style!

What are you looking at?

Strike a pose
Strike a pose
Vogue, vogue, vogue
Vogue, vogue, vogue

Look around everywhere you turn is heartache
It's everywhere that you go (look around)
You try everything you can to escape
The pain of life that you know (life that you know)

When all else fails and you long to be
Something better than you are today
I know a place where you can get away
It's called a dance floor, and here's what it's for, so

Come on, vogue
Let your body move to the music (move to the music)
Hey, hey, hey
Come on, vogue
Let your body go with the flow (go with the flow)
You know you can do it

All you need is your own imagination
So use it that's what it's for (that's what it's for)
Go inside, for your finest inspiration
Your dreams will open the door (open up the door)

It makes no difference if you're black or white
If you're a boy or a girl
If the music's pumping it will give you new life
You're a superstar, yes, that's what you are, you know it

Beauty's where you find it
Not just where you bump and grind it
Soul is in the musical
That's where I feel so beautiful
Magical, life's a ball
So get up on the dance floor

Vogue (Vogue)
Beauty's where you find it (move to the music)
Vogue (Vogue)
Beauty's where you find it (go with the flow)

Greta Garbo and Monroe
Dietrich and DiMaggio
Marlon Brando, Jimmy Dean
On the cover of a magazine

Grace Kelly, Harlow, Jean
Picture of a beauty queen
Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire
Ginger Rogers, dance on air

They had style, they had grace
Rita Hayworth gave good face
Lauren, Katherine, Lana too
Bette Davis, we love you

Ladies with an attitude
Fellas that were in the mood
Don't just stand there, let's get to it
Strike a pose, there's nothing to it

Vogue, vogue, vogue, vogue

Oooh, you've got to
Let your body move to the music
Oooh, you've got to just
Let your body go with the flow
Oooh, you've got to just,
Vogue !

2010 ROUND-UP (2009 RECYCLED)

2010-12-31T21:07:00.004+08:00

Any great achievements for me? NO. Any extraordinary happenings? NO. Any exciting changes in my lifestyle? Definitely NO. Everything came and went like the previous years. Am I happy? YES. To some, it can be quite strange how a person can be happy and content when not much has happened to him or her. Yeah but that's me. I'm comfortably cocooned in my life at the moment that I don't think I want anything changed (unless it's for the better). At least, not yet. I'm sure that something is bound to happen sooner and later and I'll be shocked out of my pants when that happens. Till then, I'm going to enjoy the routine that I've created for the past couple of years and if there are going to be any changes, I hope they will be gradual. Some of my friends have commented on my laid-back attitude and I can only agree with them. After all, what is there to argue when everything that they say is true? Still, it doesn't mean that I don't work hard or put in any effort at all. I do but I don't think I'll be increasing the quota for my effort any time soon. Even then, I would say that what I've done is definitely much more than that done by some of my colleagues and friends. So how about that?

p/s Nothing much happened to me in 2010 and this entry is the same one that I wrote a year earlier. In other words, it's recycled and I might do the same thing again at the end of this year!

MY BIRTHDAY : JUST ANOTHER DAY

2010-12-04T09:20:00.012+08:00

I celebrated my birthday a few days ago and to tell the truth, there was nothing special on that day. It was just like any other day. I was too tired to think of any way to celebrate (and too old for that actually). I had my breakfast with my mum and did my house chores after that (didn't I just mop the whole house a few days ago?). I checked my facebook and replied the birthday wishes that I received (thank you y'all!). In the afternoon, I had a light lunch with a friend and after that, we went to the bank to finalise his house purchase (I sat there in a daze waiting for the next customer to be called as the bank officer went through all the details with him). Then both of us went to the hardware stores to look at paint samples and catalogues (This got me a bit excited since I love seeing colours). We also went to see a guy to get quotations since he wanted to do a little bit of renovation for his living room (I had to keep my mouth shut since the renovation was for his house and he could be quite stubborn with the way he wanted things done.) After that, it was off to the supermarket to get a few things on my grocery list (the same veggies and the same canned processed food as always). It was drizzling by the time I finished and we headed back to my house. I went to bed quite late and that was that. I remember someone said "A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip."

p/s So much for adding another number to my age, huh?

MICHAEL JACKSON - BREAKING NEWS

2010-11-08T21:27:00.061+08:00

I believe many have heard that Michael Jackson's posthumous album will be out soon. December 14 to be exact. The first single 'Breaking News' from the album 'Michael' premiered today and I like it very much. It is definitely a 'Michael Jackson song' (no doubt about that) but the song itself is not without any speculations and doubts. There are many out there who think that the singer of the song is not actually Michael Jackson himself. Well, I don't know what to say. It could be Michael and it could be someone else imitating his voice. There are rumours circulating on the Net saying a singer named Jason Malachi is the one who actually sings the song. The passion, feeling and conviction usually associated with Michael's delivery are not truly evident in this song and this could be the cause of all the doubts and suspicions. Either way, his estate and Sony will definitely be making lots and lots of money from this. There are many factors that could have contributed to this. Michael's voice could have changed as he got older and if that is really him, I'm sure the vocal recording is not the final take. It could have been a recording taken during a song rehearsal. The recording company could only work with what was available to them and that is why the song lacks many of Michael's signature sounds. I'm sure the truth will be known sooner or later. We have enough sophisticated technology to identify a person's voice and it's not impossible somebody out there can prove whether it's Michael's voice or not. During the meantime, I'm simply going to enjoy the song regardless whether it's Michael Jackson or not. After all, it is indeed breaking news.

p/s Well, what do you think? Is it Michael?

RACE : OVERRATED?

2010-11-05T23:53:00.036+08:00

Race. It's not really an issue but it is sad how we tend to make it into one and then blow it out of proportion. It's difficult to define someone by his or her ethnic background anymore and to do so is only going to invite endless debates and arguments. To me, there is only one race. The human race. There are no other races in this world unless you count the aliens who are yet to prove their existence (that's why we still produce human babies FYI). Still, there are many in our community who are still obsessed with skin colour and ethnic background. What we fail to see is that many of us are not only of one ethnic background anymore. The only thing that we have succeeded in doing is putting people in categories that we ourselves or someone else have chosen and set. That might have worked hundreds or thousands of years ago when racial superiority and racial discrimination were a common practice (for obvious reasons of course). At that time, interracial marriages were very few and far between (almost unheard of actually) but nowadays, marriages of that sort are no longer seen as strange. So how do we categorise the children of interracial marriages or do we even dare to categorise them? It's time we look beyond the physical attributes and ethnic background of a person and go deeper than that. A person should not be judged based on what he or she looks like. I, for instance, am quite dark in complexion while my younger brother is very fair. Most of us do not even look like our ancestors from hundreds of years ago. The issue of race in Malaysia might not have reached a truly complex level since children from interracial marriages are often brought up in the dominant culture of one of their parents but it can and will be when children do not want to or no longer can identify with only one culture or race due to the complex nature of their family background. There will be many who will refuse to be labelled as 'Malay', 'Chinese', 'Indian', or the discriminating 'others'. Even right now, there are many around us who are proud enough to embrace their various heritages and do not want to be of only one. This racial labelling is often social and political in nature and to continue putting labels on people will only heighten racism, prejudice and mistrust. It's still not uncommon to hear parents who are against interracial relationships and there are many who are totally against interracial marriages. Love is universal and it knows no boundary. Love is not just one shade but a rainbow of colours. Whatever thin, invisible line that we have created will one day break and we'd better pray that it will not break all of us too.

LET'S KARAOKE 8 : WHATCHULOOKINAT

2010-11-01T14:05:00.016+08:00

The single's cover

It's time for you to strike back
They're lookin' at you
Whitney Houston
Muhammad 2 G
They're watching your every move

Bobby

They're watching you

Why you lookin' at me
Don't get mad at me
'Cause I'm still gonna be me
(Tell me, tell me, tell me)
Whatchulookinat
(Tell me, tell me, tell me)
Whatchulookinat
I feel your eyes on me
You been telling lies on me
(Tell me, tell me, tell me)
Whatchulookinat
(Tell me, tell me, tell me)

See I don't understand
Why you keep peepin' me
When you don't even like me
You're after me and my man
Don't think you're stressing me
'Cause your lies don't excite me, no no

(Never thought)
Never thought, never thought
(Never knew)
Never knew that you would do this to me
Do this to me
(Try to ruin me) Ruin me
(Be my enemy) Be my enemy
(Never thought)
Never thought, never thought, never thought
(That you) That you
Would act as if you're cool with me
So why you lookin' at me

Why you lookin' at me
(Don't get mad at me)
Don't get mad
('Cause I'm still gonna be) Gonna be me
(Tell me, tell me, tell me)
(Whatchulookinat)
Me, me, me
(Tell me, tell me, tell me)
(Whatchulookinat)
Tell me whatchulookinat
(I feel your eyes on me)
Feel your eyes
(You been telling lies on me)
Telling lies
(Tell me, tell me, tell me)
Tell me
(Whatchulookinat)
(Tell me, tell me, tell me)
Whatchulookinat

Oh you know you're wrong
Don't wanna respect my song
But it's okay 'cause either way
My following is real strong
You try so hard to show the whole world what I do
Now I'm turning the cameras back on you
Same spotlight that once gave me fame
Trying to dirty up Whitney's name

(Never thought)
Never thought, never thought, never thought
(Never knew)
Never knew that you would do this to me
Do this to me
(Try to ruin me) Try to ruin me
(Be my enemy) Be my enemy
(Never thought)
Never thought, never thought, never thought
(That you) That you
Would act as if you're cool with me
Why you lookin' at me

Messing with my reputation
Ain't even got no education
Trying to mess with my concentration
Don't even have a clue of what I'm facing
All you know you need to stop it
Defaming my name for a profit
God is the reason my soul is free
And I don't need you looking at me

Lookatchaself

LET'S KARAOKE 7 : I LEARNED FROM THE BEST

2010-11-01T07:56:00.010+08:00

I finally did it! Whitney Houston's I Learned From The Best, one of my favourite Whitney songs of all time. I'm not sure if the instrumental is an original or not but I finally managed to find one that fits into the video. Now, let's sing!

The single's cover

Did you really think that
I would really take you back
Let you back in my heart
One more time
Oh, no no

Did you think I’d still care
That there’d be more feeling there
Did you think you could walk back
In my life
Oh

So you found you missed the love you threw away
Baby, but you found it out too late, too late

And so you know the way it feels to cry
The way that I cried when you broke my world in two
And baby, I learned the way to break a heart
I learned from the best
I learned from you
Oh baby, now, I learned from you

I remember cold nights
Tears I thought would never dry
How you shattered my world
With your goodbye, your goodbye

Would have sold my soul then
Just to have you back again
Now you are the last thing on my mind

Now you say you’re sorry and you’ve changed your ways
Sorry but you changed your ways too late

And so you know the way it feels to cry
The way that I cried when you broke my world in two
And baby, I learned the way to break a heart
I learned from the best
I learned from you
Oh baby, now, I learned from you

So when all you’ve got are sleepless night
When those tears are clouding up your eyes
Just remember it was you
Who said goodbye, who said goodbye

And so you know the way it feels to cry
The way that I cried when you broke my world in two
And baby, I learned the way to break a heart
I learned from the best
I learned from you
Oh baby, now, I learned from you

I learned from the best
I learned from you

LET'S KARAOKE 6 : DOESN'T REALLY MATTER

2010-10-29T23:03:00.035+08:00

The single's cover

Hmm, he-he
Oh, hey
Doesn't matter (It doesn't matter)
Doesn't matter at all

Doesn't matter what your friends are telling you
Doesn't matter what my family's saying too
It just matters that I'm in love with you
It only matters that you love me too

It doesn't matter if they won't accept you
I'm accepting of you and the things you do
Just as long as it's you
Nobody but you, baby, baby

My love for you, unconditional love too
Gotta get up, get up
Get up, get up, get up and show you that it

Doesn't really matter what the eye is seeing
Cause I'm in love with the inner being
And it doesn't really matter what they believe
What matters to me is you're in love with me

Doesn't really matter what the eye is seeing
Cause I'm in love with the inner being
And it doesn't really matter what they believe
What matters to me is you're nutty-nutty-nutty for me

(You're so kind)
Just what I asked for, you're so loving and kind
(And you're mine)
And I can't believe you're mine

Doesn't matter if you're feeling insecure
Doesn't matter if you're feeling so unsure
Cause I'll take away the doubt within your heart
And show that my love will never hurt or harm

Doesn't matter what the pain we go through
Doesn't matter if the money's gone too
Just as long as I'm with you
Nobody but you, baby, baby

Your love for me, unconditional I see
Gotta get up, get up
Get up, get up, get up and show you that it

Doesn't really matter what the eye is seeing
Cause I'm in love with the inner being
And it doesn't really matter what they believe
What matters to me is you're in love with me

Doesn't really matter what the eye is seeing
Cause I'm in love with the inner being
And it doesn't really matter what they believe
What matters to me is you're nutty-nutty-nutty for me

(You're so kind)
Just what I asked for, you're so loving and kind
(And you're mine)
And I can't believe you're mine

Doesn't matter what they say
Cause you know I'm gonna love you anyway
Doesn't matter what they do
Cause my love will always be with you

My love for you unconditional love too
Gotta get up, get up
Get up, get up, get up and show you that
My love is true, and it's just for you, uh

Doesn't really matter what the eye is seeing
Cause I'm in love with the inner being
And it doesn't really matter what they believe
What matters to me is you're in love with me

Doesn't really matter what the eye is seeing
Cause I'm in love with the inner being
And it doesn't really matter what they believe
What matters to me is you're nutty-nutty-nutty for me

Nutty-nutty-nutty my love for you
I can't believe my dreams come true
I've finally found somebody whose heart is true
And best of all you love me too
And nutty-nutty-nutty my love for you
I can't believe my dreams come true
I've finally found somebody whose heart is true
And best of all you're nutty-nutty-nutty for me

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa

Nutty-nutty-nutty my love for you
I can't believe my dreams come true
(He-he)
I've finally found somebody whose heart is true
And best of all you're nutty-nutty-nutty for me
Nutty-nutty-nutty my love for you
(I'm always doing that!)
I can't believe my dreams come true
I've finally found somebody whose heart is true
And best of all you're nutty-nutty-nutty for me

GUCCI IS GUILTY OF STRANGELOVE

2010-10-12T23:17:00.007+08:00

Gucci has just launched its latest fragrance for women, Guilty which is said to be inspired by Barbara Streisand's song of the same title. Even the print ad for the new fragrance bears a striking resemblance to the album covers of Streisand's Guilty and A Star Is Born, one of my favourite movies of all time. All that was fine until I saw the ad campaign on television last week. I could not believe that they (don't ask me who they are since I don't really know) have used the anthem of my youth, Depeche Mode's Strangelove but by a different group for this commercial. Oh my heart! My aching heart. I'm sure there must be a lot of people out there who like Friendly Fires' version but DM's version is still the one that I hold close to my heart. Nothing can ever replace that version. Period. End of discussion. I love that song so much that I even posted two different versions of Strangelove video clips back in November 2008. Every time I listen to its haunting melody, deeply ambiguous lyrics, pulsating drum beats and lush hypnotising synths, I am taken into another world. Totally strangelove, I'd say. To me, they (again I don't know who they are) have committed a serious crime and it is totally 'unforgivable' (pun intended of course).

THESE (SKULL BUCKLE) BOOTS ARE MADE FOR WALKING

2010-10-10T21:11:00.004+08:00

I love boots especially ankle boots. In fact, I love most boots as long as they are not too bulky or make me look as if I belong to the construction site or the fish market. I even own an old pair of Capezio cowboy boots which are considered as 80s vintage nowadays. I also have a pair of tan soft-soled moccasins which enable me to feel the ground when I walk in them. These skull buckle boots were on sale on the Internet and they reminded me of my old pair of boots that I kept somewhere in the the back of my closet. Just for old time's sake, I decided to try them on once again and to see if they would still fit. Well, it's quite difficult to outgrow some of your foot fetish and I can safely say that they still look fine after all these years (it's been almost 25 years since I first had them). I even felt like kicking some butt when I was wearing them. I don't really fancy the first pair in the picture below since they remind me of riding boots and the skull buckles are not 'tough' enough for me. In fact, the buckles look like little brooches to me. The second pair is quite okay but again, the buckles are similar to those in the first pair. The third pair looks much more contemporary and I don't really mind wearing them to work if I have them (unfortunately, I don't). I also love the heel and the pointed toe. The zippers give them a sophisticated touch and the sheen is just perfect.

My old punk boots on the other hand came from a different era (last century actually). The heels are not that high and the soles are quite flat. The best features are the buckles of course. I loved these boots back then and I still love them now. Unfortunately, I don't think they fit with my workplace environment and current lifestyle so I'm going to send them back to where they were before. I believe their walking days with me are now over. One of these days, I'm sure they are going to find a new owner (one of my nephews maybe?) who is fascinated with them the way I was with them more than 25 years ago.

KEEP A CHILD ALIVE : WHITNEY AND SADE

2010-10-03T14:06:00.007+08:00

Two of my favourite singers at the same function. Yes, both of them were at the 'Keep A Child Alive', a benefit spearheaded by Alicia Keys to raise funds for children. Sade looked as stunning and graceful as ever and Whitney looked good too. Whitney's appearance somehow signifies her return to the centre of celebritiness (is there such a word?). She rarely makes public appearances anymore and a glimpse of her in public is enough to create a frenzy among her devoted fans. I wish the two of them had performed together at the benefit but unfortunately, they did not. Alicia and Sade, however, did perform 'Stronger Than Pride', a song which is taken from Sade's third album of the same title. Sade's world tour, her first world tour in ten years, will kick off next year in Hamburg, Germany. I'm sure more great things are in store for both of them.

(NOT) TO FORGIVE AND (NOT) TO FORGET

2010-09-29T15:53:00.002+08:00

In life, sometimes we have to make choices when it comes to the next course of action once a (bad) relationship is over. When I say relationship, it can mean anything and everything. It can be a relationship between lovers, spouses, colleagues, friends, relatives and even siblings. Should any connection with the other party continue or should it stop? Should any casual relationship be allowed to exist or should everything be best put to rest? Someone who has been hurt badly in a relationship might go for one of these options but it is definitely difficult to make the right decision since a lot of factors can come into play.

a. to forgive and forget
b. to forgive but not to forget
c. not to forgive and not to forget
d. not to forgive but to forget

I have always believed that for everything and anything that has happened, it is better to forgive and forget. All that has changed and I'm not even sure if it's for the better. I am trying to learn to erase certain people, places and memories from my life. It's one of the most difficult decisions that I've made but I do have a lot of scars, bruises and injuries on my soul to prove and I do not want to add even another scratch to it. At the moment, I simply cannot afford to be my 'old self' anymore. My decision might seem harsh and irrational to some people but there is no more room for all these. In other words, the bitter past is over and there will never be a second chance for it to slide back into my life. I have to move on and look to the future. Good experiences will be kept tight in the corners of my mind. That is where they belong. I have always cherished them (and always will) but don't expect me to be bound to them as if they were the most precious things in my life. The opposite, on the other hand, does not even deserve to be part of my life anymore. I've been grounded for too long and I want to learn how to fly. Naturally, I cannot be weighed down by any emotional burden and sentimentality. I am not saying that this is going to be my principle forever since nothing ever stays the same but at this moment, this is how I feel...

HOW TO BE A DIVA

2010-09-19T15:27:00.000+08:00

Welcome to DIVA 101. This is a short course on how to be a real diva. Here you will find tips that will help you become the envy of every woman alive. These tips are not in any particular order but each and everyone of them is as important as the other so don't try to skip any. Simply follow them religiously and success is guaranteed to be yours. If you fail, don't bother retaking it. It simply means you are not meant to be one. Other recommended courses : NERD 101, JOCK 101, SLUT 101.

Lesson 1 : It can be real or it can be fake but you still need to have it. Lots and lots of it. The bigger, the better. No self-respecting diva can be seen without 'it' being in its proper place. What is it? HAIR. As mentioned earlier, it can be yours, it can be fake, it can be somebody else's but you still need to have it. Just look at Diana Ross and Elizabeth Taylor. Local example : Sharifah Aini.

Lesson 2 : Lots of glitter (not shine). You can have glitter on your clothing. You can have glitter on your hair. Or you can have glitter on your make-up. Just remember that the Vegas showgirl look is a definite NO. Go for classy glitter not trashy. Again, Diana Ross is the perfect example.

Lesson 3 : Never explain yourself. Explaining yourself shows that you care too much about what other people say which translates yourself as someone who is not confident enough to brave the wilderness. A diva could care less about gossips and rumours surrounding her. There is nothing mysterious about her. She simply has a nonchalant attitude. Madonna will never be the diva she is today if she has to explain every single controversial thing that she does (which is a lot).

Lesson 4 : Be over the top (even if you can't really afford it). Being over the top depends on your attitude not the size of your Swiss bank account. There are women who definitely will have more money than you do but they can never be the divas they aspire to be. So maximise and optimise your situation and your lifestyle. Some people say that the sky is the limit but a diva can definitely go beyond that. Extravagance and opulence are the keywords here. Examples : Kimora Lee Simmons and Naomi Campbell.

Lesson 5 : Jewelry. You can buy them, borrow them, rent them or even steal them. It doesn't really matter what you do as long as you have them. First choice : Diamonds. One carat and above. Nothing less than that. If possible, of rare cut and colour. Nothing can top that and it's the definite status symbol. Second choice : no second choice actually. No costume jewelry and please no imitation either. Anybody can spot a fake from a mile away. And never ever wear rhinestones.

Lesson 6 : Marry well and marry rich (not someone with the surname 'Rich' okay?). It also doesn't hurt if you marry more than once but make sure you don't come out of any marriage with nothing. Never marry someone who is below your social status unless it's your third or fourth marriage and you have enough from your previous marriage to support your definitely younger toy boy. Learn something from Rita Hayworth and Liz Taylor.

Lesson 7 : Never show your weakness(es) in public. Never succumb to your own emotions in public. A diva can fall from grace when she shows that she is just like any other woman out there. Shed a tear (two at the most) and quickly wipe it (them) from the corners of your eyes but never sob.

Lesson 8 : Never stay at home waiting for something to happen. Make sure you are always in the public eye. You can go out socialising, doing charity work or even be in jail. Just make sure the press and the paparazzi know you are in there. Bring an entourage if possible. The more is definitely the merrier. Remember that the universe revolves around you.

Lesson 9 : Dress as if you have a socialite party to attend. Wear designer clothes which sound exotic and foreign (if possible, the ones which are barely pronounceable). Leave Guess, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger to the kids. Choose Badley Mischka, Emilio Pucci, Diane von Fürstenberg or Yohji Yamamoto instead. Patronise an aspiring designer if you like his or her work. Drop the label if it has become too commercial.

Lesson 10 : Never pay cash. A diva doesn't have time to deal with real money. Imagine looking for coins in your purse when it should be holding your blood-red lipstick. Leave the paying part to your assistant and your accountant. American Express only, please. No Visa or MasterCard.

Lesson 11 : High heels. You can be a six-footer but nobody says that you cannot wear them. No ballerina slippers or worse, sandals. Stilettos if you can balance yourself well. Don't horse-walk and don't drag your heels. Just sashay and float. Paint your toe nails if you have to show them but not in garish colours. RuPaul is almost seven foot tall but that doesn't stop him from hitting the roof in his heels.

Lesson 12 : Never curse and never swear. Leave all the four-letter words to the hoes from the ghettos and the bitches from the hood. Be acidic and sarcastic but never bitchy. Come up with witty remarks and unforgettable quotes. And no shouting either (not in public anyway. You can always shout at your domestic help at home if necessary).

Lesson 13 : Smile but don't grin. Grinning is for girls who think they can attract guys by showing their pearly whites. Plus grinning always makes anybody look stupid. You are a diva not a bimbo so smile like one.

Lesson 14 : Leave a trail of exotic scent wherever you go but never divulge to others what it is. If you can afford to have a perfume named after you then so much the better. Visit a perfumer (le nez to the French if you are a snob) to create your own personalised perfume and make sure it is packaged to reflect your 'divaness'.

Lesson 15 : Never ever proclaim yourself as a diva. A diva is like a queen and a queen does not need to tell her subjects that she is one. She knows who she is and her subjects do too. But remember a queen can always be dethroned so protect yourself well.

If you think you can follow these simple steps, then you are ready to enroll in Diva 102 which is definitely more comprehensive and intensive than this introductory course. There will be no test (which means no retest) or final exam. Only an on-going assessment of your progress and status. Good luck!

HAVE A BLESSED EID 1431

2010-09-09T23:19:00.007+08:00

To all, may we have a blessed Eid this year and may peace be with all of us.

MY RAMADHAN

2010-09-06T22:50:00.008+08:00

A few more days and the fasting month will be over. Muslims all over the world will be celebrating Eid and Syawal will soon take the place of Ramadhan. I haven't done much preparation for the celebration except making some cookies yesterday (which turned out okay) and cleaning the house (which was very therapeutic for me). Really pathetic I know but I can't do more than that. I'm not in the mood for a lot of things lately and I feel emotionally drained. I've been going through Ramadhan this year like a zombie and it's not a very pleasant sensation. To my frustration, I can't even pinpoint the exact reason(s) for the turmoil I'm experiencing inside. I'm sure it's not midlife crisis (I went through that a few years back) and it's definitely not andropause (not going to have that in the next few years at least). I want to blame it on the weather but I'm too smart to pick on anything that can't defend itself. Neither can I put it on the people around me since nobody has done me any wrong (nothing that is that serious anyway). So what is the problem here? I guess I only have myself to blame. A lot of bad and sad things are happening around me and I guess I can't take them anymore. A few people I know passed away unexpectedly this Ramadhan. A good friend is having serious marital problems after twenty years of marriage. Another good friend is breaking up with his lover. The devastating flood in Pakistan. Some people taking my kindness for weakness. The negativity and depressing news in the media. The list goes on and on. My emotions are too fragile at the moment and I can't handle all these things simultaneously. I'm sure this feeling is temporary and I'm also sure that I will soon recover from this minor emotional disorder (I don't have any other choice, do I?). It's just that I hate feeling so helpless and weak. In retrospective, I believe all these things are blessings in disguise. On second thought, it has been a great Ramadhan and I am thankful that I am still breathing to bask in all its wonder. I'm sure that Syawal is going to bring new lights, new insights and new directions into my life.
آمين

WHY AM I STILL BLOGGING?

2010-08-24T23:09:00.006+08:00

I am a late bloomer when it comes to blogging and when I finally got to it, blogging was no longer all the rage. In fact, it is now considered as passé. So why am I still blogging? Why am I still holding on to something that is almost outmoded and outdated? Why can't I simply use Twitter or facebook? Nobody reads my blog anyway so why don't I just quit? The reason is simple. I am not the type of person who can give my opinion in fifteen words or less. I am not good at summarising my thoughts and ideas. I love lengthy detailed sentences. I am of the older generation and I will never be the always-on-the-go type which usually typifies the younger generation. Blogging enables me to touch on a topic or a subject at a deeper level (there's nothing deep about the things I write actually but I like to think that I put some thought into them before they are published). I have lost my spontaneity (which I doubt I will ever regain) and that's why I prefer to voice my feelings in my blog instead of putting them out for the whole world to see on facebook or Twitter. I know a few friends who have put their blogging to rest and a few others who are taking an indefinite hiatus. Blogging can be quite frustrating if you know that nobody is reading your blog but I have always considered my blog as a diary in which I can jot down anything I like about the happenings in my life (which do not amount to much actually). Of course, I don't write about very personal things. Certain things are better kept to oneself and I am not ready (I guess I'll never be) to share that part with the rest of the world yet. Blogging can be quite time-consuming and a lot of times, you run out of ideas. Not everyone is born to be a writer and not many can keep their creative juices flowing . That is why many bloggers choose to limit their subject matter and focus on one specific area. At the same time, there are many unique blogs which have attracted loyal followers from all over the world. These bloggers have created inimitable identities and styles for their blogs. They have readers who give them constructive comments and sometimes, even financial support to keep on blogging. At the moment, I am not even sure how long I will keep on putting my thoughts in this blog. I hope it will not suffer an untimely death since I intend to bore (to death) anybody who comes for a visit. I'm sure one of these days, this blog is going to die but I do hope it is not going to happen soon.

GETTING TO HAPPY 2

2010-08-21T23:21:00.001+08:00

I wrote way back in March about Terry McMillan's new novel 'Getting To Happy' and I was super excited (I almost peed in my pants) to get a glimpse of the cover. I simply love it and I can definitely tell who's who. Gloria is the one in baby blue. Robin is in pink. Bernadine is wearing the lavender dress. And Savannah is in canary yellow. I must have read Waiting To Exhale about a thousand times now and I can hardly wait to know what these ladies' lives have been like for the past 15 years. I'm not sure if this sequel is going to be as good as 'Waiting To Exhale' but I can hope, can't I? After all, life is partly about our journey towards happiness and contentment. Nothing stays the same and nothing can be perfect forever.

WELCOME BACK RAMADHAN

2010-08-09T21:44:00.011+08:00

InsyaAllah, Ramadhan 1431H will start on Wednesday and I sincerely hope all of us who are observing this month will be in good health. Amid the excitement of welcoming this blessed month, let's not forget that there are others who might not be as fortunate as we are. Therefore, let's not be wasteful, indulgent and extravagant. Let's make this month a time for us to cleanse and purify our bodies, hearts, minds and souls. Let's practise moderation, patience and self-control. Let's have a truly meaningful Ramadhan.

p/s This is the link to the official Ramadhan timetable for Malaysia which can be downloaded and printed for our convenience.
http://www.islam.gov.my/portal/puasa10.php

AL-FATIHAH

2010-08-05T17:56:00.010+08:00

I had just returned from town when I received a phone call from an ex-schoolmate informing me that Firdaus Yusoff, one of our friends from high school, had passed away. I knew that he was hospitalised but this was a real shock. Firdaus Yusoff or Oz, as he was fondly known, was a jovial person and was my classmate. We were never really close when we were in high school since he was a 'rocker' and I was not one. Our class had a lot of 'colourful' characters and he was one of them (I only found my 'true colours' after I left school). He also liked to tease me (and another friend, Gush) a lot! He had always been interested in music and music was in his life until he was hospitalised. His first (official) public performance was during our school's Silver Jubilee celebration back in 1982. I might be wrong here but that was the first time I saw him playing. After our public examination, all of us went our own ways and Oz went to one of the public higher learning institutes to further his studies (and played music on the side). Then, his music took over. That was the beginning of his foray into music and he stood by his music till the end. The last time we met was somewhere in Central Market when he was still busking. Through facebook, I managed to get back in touch with a few of my ex-school chums including him. I found out that he was working in Langkawi and from his pictures, he looked truly happy. Now, Oz is gone but the high school memories will always remain. Al-Fatihah.

LET'S KARAOKE 5 : HEARTBREAK HOTEL

2010-07-31T15:30:00.024+08:00

What! No Whitney Houston's karaoke? Well, it's quite difficult for me to get any original Whitney Houston's instrumental that can fit perfectly into her video clips. Finally, I had to resort to creating an incomplete karaoke. This song is taken from her 'My Love Is Your Love' album which I absolutely love. I wish I could create 'I Learned From The Best' since it is one of my favourite songs. Still, this is better than nothing. I didn't put in the lyrics in the video clip though. They are already there in the first place.

The single's cover

This is the Heartbreak Hotel
This is the Heartbreak Hotel
This is the Heartbreak Hotel
This is the Heartbreak Hotel

This is the Heartbreak Hotel
This is the Heartbreak Hotel
This is the Heartbreak Hotel
This is the Heartbreak Hotel

You said you'd be here by nine
Instead you took your time
You didn't think to call me boy
Here I sit, tryin' not to cry
Askin' myself why, you do this to me

Since you're not around for me
To tell you baby face to face
I'm writing you this letter
And this is what I have to say

All I really wanted was some of your time
Instead you told me lies when someone else was on your mind
What'd you do to me? Look what you did to me
I thought that you were someone who would do me right
Until you played with my emotions and you made me cry
What'd you do to me? Can't take what you did to me

Now I see, that you've been doin' wrong
Played me all along and made a fool of me baby
You got it all wrong to think that I wouldn't find out
That you were cheatin' on me, baby how could you do it to me

Since you're not around for me
To tell you baby face to face
I'm writing you this letter
And this is what I have to say

All I really wanted was some of your time
Instead you told me lies when someone else was on your mind
What'd you do to me? Look what you did to me
I thought that you were someone who would do me right
Until you played with my emotions and you made me cry
What'd you do to me? Can't take what you did to me

This is the Heartbreak Hotel
This is the Heartbreak Hotel
This is the Heartbreak Hotel
This is the Heartbreak Hotel

This is the Heartbreak Hotel
This is the Heartbreak Hotel
This is the Heartbreak Hotel
This is the Heartbreak Hotel

All I really wanted was some of your time
Instead you told me lies when someone else was on your mind
What'd you do to me? Look what you did to me
I thought that you were someone who would do me right
Until you played with my emotions and you made me cry
What'd you do to me? Can't take what you did to me

All I really wanted was some of your time
Instead you told me lies when someone else was on your mind
What'd you do to me? Look what you did to me
I thought that you were someone who would do me right
Until you played with my emotions and you made me cry
What'd you do to me? Can't take what you did to me

I ain't gonna take it, I ain't gonna take it no more
I ain't gonna take it boy
I ain't gonna take it no more
Everything you say is a lie

LET'S KARAOKE 4 : CRUSH

2010-07-28T23:44:00.022+08:00

This one is for the Gleeks and I am sure there are many out there. The original version is sung by Jennifer Paige back in 1998 and the new version is by Lea Michele (which is not really that bad). I simply love this song. It tends to stick in my head for quite a while every time I listen to it. I guess it must be the chorus that does that. The song is very light and breezy, a little bit sensual and not too 'dancey'. Definitely a song for driving to the beach with friends on a Saturday afternoon. An appropriate song to dedicate to that someone who is head over heels with you when you are just simply enjoying his or her company.

The single's cover

Ahh, crush, ahhh

I see ya blowin' me a kiss
It doesn't take a scientist
To understand what's going on baby
If you see something in my eye
Let's not over analyze
Don't go too deep with it baby

So let it be what it'll be
Don't make a fuss and get crazy over you and me
Here's what I'll do
I'll play loose
Not like we have a day with destiny

It's just a little crush (crush)
Not like I faint every time we touch
It's just some little thing (crush)
Not like everything I do depends on you
Sha-la-la-la, Sha-la-la-la

It's raising my adrenaline
You're banging on a heart of tin
Please don't make too much of it baby
You say the word "forevermore"
That's not what I'm looking for
All I can commit to is "maybe"

So let it be what it'll be
Don't make a fuss and get crazy over you and me
Here's what I'll do
I'll pay loose
Not like we have a day with destiny

It's just a little crush (crush)
Not like I faint every time we touch
It's just some little thing (crush)
Not like everything I do depends on you
Sha-la-la-la, Sha-la-la-la

Vanilla skies (vanilla skies)
White picket fences in your eyes
A vision of you and me

It's just a little crush (crush)
Not like I faint every time we touch
It's just some little thing (crush)
Not like everything I do depends on you
Sha-la-la-la
Not like I faint every time we touch
It's just some little thing
Not like everything I do depends on you
Sha-la-la-la
Not like I faint every time we touch
It's just some little thing
Not like everything I do
Depends on you

ELIXIR OF LOVE

MAWLID AN-NABI 1433H

GOODBYE NOMOT

ALLEYCATS : SAMPAIKANLAH SALAM CINTAKU

GONG XI FA CAI!

SHARIFAH AINI : BIDUANITA NEGARA 1 & 2

FLASHBACK: ENID BLYTON

FLASHBACK: FLASHDANCE

365 MORE DAYS TO GO!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2012 - LET'S KARAOKE 21 : VIVA FOREVER

NEW YEAR'S EVE 2012

2011 ROUND-UP (2009 AND 2010 RECYCLED)

ADELE - TALENT VERSUS BODY IMAGE

CUSTOMER DISSERVICE

MUSIC FORMATS : IMPENDING CHANGES

NEW HIJRI YEAR 1433H

LET'S KARAOKE 20 : IT'S RAINING MEN

SEA GAMES XXVI 2011 - SOCCER FINAL

BENETTON'S UNHATE CONTROVERSIAL ADS

ALBUM COVERS INSPIRED BY ART AND OTHER SOURCES - PART II

SITI NURHALIZA - FALLING IN LOVE

11.11.11

HERO THE CAT

WHITNEY HOUSTON AND SPARKLE

SHARIFAH AINI : REMASTERED AND RE-RELEASED

C4N YOU R34D TH15 M3554G3?

مُعَمَّر القَذَّافِي‎

PLANNING A MARRIAGE

A CAT STORY PART II : THE CAT FROM NEXT DOOR

LET'S KARAOKE 19 : I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY

SITI NURHALIZA - ALL YOUR LOVE

GOODBYE ARISTA

ALBUM COVER COLLAGE

A SYAWAL WEDDING

THE ROCKY HORROR GLEE SHOW

HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY!

SO UN-MALAYSIAN OH BOY!

LET'S KARAOKE 18 : FOOLISH BEAT

MY OWN PRIVATE KARAOKE LOUNGE

EID UL-FITR GREETING CARDS

HAVE A BLESSED EID 1432

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ✿ S E L A M A T . H A R I . R A Y A . A I D I L F I T R I ✿ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

REUSABLE SHOPPING BAGS

RAMADHAN 1432H

LET'S KARAOKE 17 : BACK TO BLACK

AMY WINEHOUSE : THE LATEST ADDITION TO CLUB 27

LET'S KARAOKE 16 : DON'T WORRY

LET'S KARAOKE 15 : TWILIGHT WORLD

AVANT-GARDE OR JUST PLAIN UGLY?

LET'S KARAOKE 14 : KISSING A FOOL

PLAYING WITH THE BIG BOYS (AND GIRLS)

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

ALBUM COVERS INSPIRED BY ART AND OTHER SOURCES - PART I

ENFORCING MY IMPERATIVES : IN A 'GRAMMATICAL' MOOD

J-POP AND K-POP

WHAT A JOKE : RECYCLING WOMEN'S INTIMATE APPAREL FOR THE SAKE OF EARTH DAY

GEORGE MICHAEL - TRUE FAITH

LET'S KARAOKE 13 : ماهر زين - إن شاء الله

SIX YEARS WITHOUT HIM

SADE - KING OF SORROW

ANY GOOD HANDYMAN AROUND?

TAHLIL AT THE TOUCH BY ANDAMAN MIRA

LET'S KARAOKE 12 : SECRET

FRANCISSCA PETER'S BOX SET

MY BABY BROTHER'S WEDDING

CATHY : SINGLE, DATING, MARRIED AND PREGNANT

AKADEMI FANTASIA SEASON 9

LET'S KARAOKE 11 : AGAIN

NEW ORDER - TRUE FAITH

YOU'RE NOT...

WHITNEY HOUSTON IS BACK Y'ALL!

GONG XI FA CAI!

祝┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓♥(\ /)福┠恭┠┨賀┠┨新┠┨年┠┠快┨┠樂┨ღ( . .)ღ你┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛c(”)(”)

AL FATIHAH

LET'S KARAOKE 10 : ONLY GIRL (IN THE WORLD)

ÜBER CHILDREN

FACEBOOK CLOSING? I DON'T THINK SO

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2011 - LET'S KARAOKE 9 : VOGUE

2010 ROUND-UP (2009 RECYCLED)

MY BIRTHDAY : JUST ANOTHER DAY

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
✿ S E L A M A T . H A R I . R A Y A . A I D I L F I T R I ✿
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ஜ۩۞۩ஜ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

祝┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓┏┯┓♥(\ /)
福┠恭┠┨賀┠┨新┠┨年┠┠快┨┠樂┨ღ( . .)ღ
你┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛┗┷┛c(”)(”)