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

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

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

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!

SADE - KING OF SORROW

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

SIX YEARS WITHOUT HIM

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.

ANY GOOD HANDYMAN AROUND?

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

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 : MADONNA - SECRET

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 hypnotic guitar riff at the beginning of the song sent a tingling sensation down my spine which got me hooked on the rest of the song. I guess 'Secret' will always be one of my favourite Madonna songs ever alongside 'Crazy For You' and 'Live To Tell'.

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

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

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.