First of all, wishing all Muslims a Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir dan Batin. May we all have a barakah Ramadhan this year and years to come, Insha' Allah.
During the 4-day off, a massive exodus of people are leaving the cities, whether to go back hometown or simply, to take advantage of the holidays by going travelling. Due to the large no. of vehicles on the roads, accidents are prone to happen. Other than that, the slow-moving traffic may also cause some of us to make stops at rest areas. This had prompted me to share an experience that I encoutered, to some friends and families. Now to the rest of you, here it is...
"We all have heard this before: how someone's car was stolen after the driver stepped out of the car to open the house gate; or while the driver was taking a leak at a gas station. Such unfortunate events usually occurred when people left their cars with the engines still running. Even more unfortunate if the thugs took the cars with people (usually women and children) still inside.
Sometimes when we hear something like this happen to other people, we might think that it can never happen to us, OR we will always take necessary precautions to avoid such mishaps from ever happening to us.
Now a sensible lesson to learn from all this would be never to leave your car with the engine on and always to lock the car before you leave right?
But for those with families, they may encounter a situation where the children are sleeping inside the car when they need to leave the car for a short while. In such a case, as long as the spouse stays behind to lock from the inside, the engines and air condition will remain on.
So you thought by doing it this way, your family is spared from harm, until an honest mistake almost changed it all.
I could never forget the night when my family and I were heading back to KL from hometown. The traffic was heavy and slow. After reaching a main rest area, I had to stop for a break.
We parked at a well lit area and with people around. Since it was cool inside the car, I decided to turn off the engine and lock it. But just after walking a few metres away, the car alarm went off. Baffled, coupled with the urgent need for me to go to the loo, I turned the engine back on and asked my wife to lock from the inside.
Our little angel was sleeping soundly at the back seat with wife sitting next to him. After I left, she received a phone call. While on the phone, a man came, stood facing the driver's side of the car and tried to open the door.
Thinking it was me, she unlocked the door. Luckily, since she was sitting behind the front passenger's seat and with the phone tucked between her ear and her shoulder, it took her a while to unlock the door, and the man already left just as she managed to.
Realising it could not have been me, she locked it back again. Had she unlocked it a second sooner or the man returned upon hearing her at the door...?
After that incident, my wife and I had agreed on a system. Whoever has to leave, the other needs to lock immediately if the other stays inside the car. The one who leaves also needs to show the face first to get back inside.
Perhaps you could use this system too, if necessary. Show your smiley or cheeky face at the window all you want, if it can ensure your family's safety, then why not. These days, people with bad intentions can be anyone and they will act whenever an opportunity presents itself, where ever that may be.
We ought to protect our loved ones at whatever cost. It is our family who matters the most. Don’t you agree that we may meet different people every day, but it is our own family whom we always go back to. People may throw all sorts of nasty remarks and assumptions about us, but at the end of the day, we know who we are and our family are the ones who will never turn their backs on us.
May you and your family have safe journeys and great health, always..."
I submitted the 'article' to a major daily and it was published 10th September 2009 (see above). Only the gist of the story was featured, and as expected, the babbling parts were removed :-)
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When I had a 'berbuka puasa' (break fast) with my wife at this one restaurant the other day, the bill came with a short survey, asking for customers' feedback. The survey stated that a gift would be mail delivered to those who completed and returned the survey. I remembered answering the survey the first time we ate there, some months back. I also remembered we never received any gift whatsoever.
This had prompted me to write to the local daily again, and on 18th September 2009, it came out (see above). Many portions had been chopped off, mainly due to make space, instead of for clarity purpose. Personally, I think, the original article serves the meaning better, don't you think? :-)
"The public has been warned not to fall into the trap of some get-rich-quick schemes or dubious lucky draws, since such illegitimate methods are organised by unscrupulous parties in order for them to trick us into parting with our money.
But how about those other presumably 'legal' contests and product surveys which promise gifts and prizes to customers, sometimes by just entering/submitting entries? These companies gain extra profits and sales at the expense of customers' time and money (regardless how small the latter may be).
I remember when a well known brand for baby milk formula had a promotion of giving away free small packs to those who sent in a certain number of the brand's milk spoons. Till date, no free packs ever received by us. The company had called me once to ask for my wife's name and to confirm our address, but only to send an unrelated mail from their partner. How else would they know my phone no. and house address if the spoons hadn't reached them in the first place?
In a parenting magazine, our baby's photo was selected to be among the lucky few to receive product hampers. Two months had passed and still nothing (YES! I'm referring to the Pa&Ma magazine. See previous entry). The mag did not indicate that we have to pick up the hamper ourselves or we need to call them up to arrange for a delivery. If the latter is the case, why is that so? Why should customers care more instead of them?
A couple of surveys that I foolishly volunteered to answer (one to a music distribution company, the other a food outlet), after getting hooked by the promise 'A Mystery Gift Awaits You'. Again, still no gifts - quite a mystery.The public should have proper channels to lodge complaints when incidents such as these happen. Writing a letter directly to those organisers/companies would almost definitely fall on their deaf ears. It is one thing to have bad customer service, and another to trick customers with empty promises."
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Now here's the latest one. I had just sent this 'little' article to a few local papers. I made it as brief and straight to the point as possible and hopefully, it too will be published without under too much scrutiny of the editors' scissors :-)
"Whenever a major festival approaches, departmental stores would greet shoppers with festival decorations. Such decorations attract tourists and locals of all races alike.
Hari Raya may have been given double-standard treatment in the past with flimsy decorations in certain malls. But this year is a different picture. Despite the current economic uncertainty, there were more choices of places that offered Ramadhan buffets and the spirit of Hari Raya can be felt everywhere. Thank you to all shopping malls, departmental stores, specialty shops, hotels and restaurants who have given it all out to decorate their premises. Suria KLCC deserves a special mention for its unique kampong theme with Lat’s cartoons drawn on hard woods, shaped into individual cartoon characters, a kampong house, fences, trees etc.
However, although Hari Raya lasts for a month, the ambience within the malls does not usually last that long. Decorations are taken down, sometimes barely a week into Hari Raya. Can't they wait for at least two weeks?"
'Posing macam ni ok tak Ayah?' - Of showering and sponging
I was so delighted to find out last Wednesday that the photo I sent to the Pa & Ma magazine is featured in the 'Mandi Manda' column of the August edition, that I showed the column to some of my colleagues.
The above photo which was edited due to space constraint of the column and to make way for other kids' photos, was selected as one of the lucky few to receive prizes. Don't you think the caption that I created to go along with the photo, 'Posing macam ni ok tak Ayah' (Am I posing correctly Ayah?) aptly describes the photo?
But my enthusiasm was cut short when at 4:20, the babysitter called me, telling me that Ikhwan had a fit due to fever. That explained why I had a bad feeling when I kissed him that morning. He was perfectly fine the night before, and still showed no indication of having a fever when my wife sent him over in the afternoon, before she went to work.
What freaked us out was the fact that the babysitter could have missed it (the fit). She too was not well and decided to sleep next to Ikhwan. She was awaken when she heard some funny noises coming from Ikhwan. Had she slept in the next room or she was too deep in her sleep? We shudder to think....
Another incident that shocked us was how she ran to a clinic across the road from her apartment building, I mean in her, possibly still drowsy condition (from just waking up and her sickness).
After the doctor had not fully successful in making his fit stopped, her husband who happened to be nearby, drove both of them to HUKM. For this, we really thanked her and husband for taking care of Ikhwan just like their own.
I arrived at the hospital just before 5 and immediately rushed to the Emergency Unit. No one seemed to be able to contact my wife. It must have been a hectic day (as usual) at the Kajang Hospital. Coincidentally, my parents-in-law were nearby the Kajang town and they decided to stop at the hospital to break the news to my wife.
My wife and parents-in-law only reached HUKM close to 9 o'clock that night. Ikhwan was cleared to go. For the first time, I took care of Ikhwan all on my own during the time when he needed a parent the most. All the while, it was my wife who stayed and spent nights at the hospital, tending for him. Those four hours of him hugging me and calling for me, would hopefully make our father-and-son bond much stronger, Insha' Allah.
Ikhwan is at the peak of being so active and so curious of trying and learning new stuffs. All of us are just amazed at his energy and bubbly nature. We just hope the fit won't ever happen again to him, Ikhwan Rasydan.... Aaaamiiinnnnn.....
Mizunderstood - some 'little' jokes to brighten your day!
Here are some little ‘jokes’ that I want to share, based on real life experiences. Hopefully, they will brighten up more, your already brightened day!
For those who know me well, they'd know that I’ve been working in the field of Intellectual Property (IP), especially in patents, throughout almost my entire career life. Prior to working for the present company, I was with this IP firm called Michael Yeoh (not the real name).
Now, here’s a typical conversation that took place whenever I tried to explain to people (especially those I just met at functions not related to my job and I didn't bring my name cards), about the line of work that I do. Usually, it would start with the other person struggling to get my name right... sigh...
Person A: Hi! I'm A
Me: I'm Abdun..
Person A: Hi Abdul... Me: No, not Abdul, but Abduuuuunnnnn (see how I pronounced my name as though reciting an Al Qur'an verse with tajwid Idgham Maal Ghunnah)
Person A: Errr... Sori, so, how to spell your name? Me: It's A-B-D-U-N, with the N, not L...
Person A: I see, so, it's A-D-D.... Me: (thinking quietly) Are your trying to spell out the word ADDRESS?
So, after sorting that matter out, here's the next confusion that ensues:
Person A: So, where do you work? Me: I work with this firm called Michael Yeoh. Person A: Michelle Yeoh? The actress? Me: No… no… Michael Yeoh … (emphasizing on the word ‘Michael’) Person A: So, what does it do? Me: It’s an IP firm….. Person A: I see, so you are an IT person… you do computer programming? Me: No, not IT, but IP…. Intellectual Property! Person A: Property? So, the company builds condos or what? Me: Intellectual Property is ‘Harta Intelek’ – you know those Trademark and Copyright stuffs… But I deal mainly with patent matters. Person A: Patterns? You are a designer? You design clothing patterns?
Usually, at this point of time, I’d be too lazy to carry on with the conversation and tried to change the topic to something else, say… like the weather for instance. Now that I’m with a well known company, finally, whenever someone is asking me where I work now, I can simply say the name of the company, without being misunderstood by the other party.
Talk about being misundersood, my son, Ikhwan, despite his young age of just turning slightly over two years old, had been misunderstood by people too.
For a start, people always say Ikhwan looks like a Chinese. So, when Ikhwan grows up, he will probably get that a lot more (be mistaken as a Chinese). Someone might even straight away talk Chinese to him.
Ikhwan is also quite tall and big for his age. People have come to us thinking he's already 5 or 6 years old. The other day, when we were in the elevator at a shopping mall, with Ikhwan sitting in his stroller, another family walked in (a couple and their kid). Then, the mother said to her child, "Tengok abang tu, baik aja duduk dalam stroller," which means in English, "Look at that 'abang' - sitting so obediently in his stroller." (The direct translation for'abang' would be 'older brother'. But the Malays also commonly use it to politely referring those who are presumably, slightly older)
One quick look at the couple's child, both my wife and I knew that he was way much older than Ikhwan. Heck! He no longer needed to rely on a stroller to go out with his parents.
Anyway, how about this as another joke? Enjoy... :-)
The new Chairman of the Company, Mr. Ikhwan Rasydan is ready to chair his first ever board meeting. Sitting 'stylishly' in his specially ordered chair, he poses for the camera before he commences with the meeting.
Suddenly, there is a sudden change in Mr. Chairman's expression. He's probably not happy with the way his photo is taken OR perhaps he doesn't like the ambience in the meeting room OR can it be due to the choice of refreshments for that day OR may be, he just wants the camera for himself?
The Board members are puzzled when suddenly Mr. Chairman broke into tears. They know that the meeting is probably going to be postponed now OR they will surely be next in line to get scolded after the photographer's turn. It's going to be a long day...:-)
Last year, when I learned that a new Star Trek movie was due to be released in 2009, my heart was compounded with both eagerness...and doubt. Eager, because upon seeing the name J.J. Abrams at the helm, I knew he was going to make it great. But at the same time, I had doubt if I ever going to like the movie at all. I mean, look at Star Wars! Although I did watch the three Star Wars movies when I was a kid, I never did become an avid fan. Thanx to George Lucas for coming up with those crappy prequels (ok, so Sith was slightly better than the first two), now I kinda' hate Star Wars.
Likewise, I was never a Trekkie. Well, I may recognise some of the characters from the TV show and know what the story revolved around, but only vaguely. If The Simpsons hadn't used Leonard Nimoy as a guest voice in some of its episodes, I might not even know there was a character named Spock Prime. True, the Star Trek movies starring Patrick Stewart (who also played Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise) as Captain Jean-Luc Picard were quite recent, but they failed to attract me to become a fan.
But when I saw Trailer 2 of the new Star Trek movie some months back, I knew that Abrams will be taking us for a thrill ride. My doubt was immediately replaced with uncontrollable anticipation. (You can view the trailers here. I think trailers 2 and 3 were made brilliantly, without giving too much away, with nice music scores. I especially love Trailer 3 more - more touching).
Gladly, my anticipation was met with satisfaction. Heck, I dragged my wife along just to watch it again, and she too, had enjoyed it and both of us are non-Trek followers.
For most movies, they usually left me awed only when the end credits started rolling in or after I left the cinema. But for Star Trek, it made my jaw dropped even at the beginning of the movie, and my jaw continued to drop (literally) at most times throughout the movie. Yes, it is THAT good!!!
What made Star Trek such an unforgettable movie? Well, for a start - it is a fun movie and full of action right from the start - from the attack on USS Kelvin, to when younger Kirk destroys the classic car (for no apparent reason), and the fight scene between Kirk and Sulu with some bad Romulans on the drill machine, right up to the climax battle sequences. With the characters running (usually to save themselves or others) for most of the time, indicates that the pacing is not going to slow down and moviegoers should stay glued to the screen and in their seats - like when the 800 souls are 'flying away' for their lives, or when Kirk rushes (with McCoy and Uhura entails behind him) to prevent the USS Entreprise from falling into the trap, or when Spock and the Vulcan elders are running out of the cave, or when Kirk is trying to save himself from being eaten by the (cool) space monsters on Delta Vega, or how about when Earth's core is being drilled from space and the Earthlings are running towards it, wondering what it is (the drill machine is a reminiscence of the Alien space craft from the Independence Day movie - with hot, fiery beam fired from the centre of the craft and the beam is protected by circular side walls. In Star Trek, it is the side wall that Sulu uses to bounce himself back up to safety).
Despite its fast pace, all the main characters (the good guys and the 'bad' ones) are properly introduced and developed - we either love them or hate them. The movie also invokes our tear 'glands'. Both Kirk and Spock lose a parent in tragic turn of events! Our hero James T. Kirk is both beaten (his dad dies, and so, he settles for a less-than-ordinary life) and got beaten up rather badly, I mean...literally. First, the bar fight, then by Spock and towards the end of the movie, by some Romulans thugs. The Romulans are headed by Nero, played by Eric Bana (Bana is clean shaven and tattoed - making him almost unrecognisable). We also feel for Spock, with personality crisis (half human/half Vulcan) and trying hard not to be emotionally compromised after witnessing the tragedy that befalls his mother (an older and taller Winona Ryder) and home planet.
In one memorable scene, Abrams brilliantly puts all the (good) characters on the bridge. Totally priceless, especially for the fans!
The movie provides good comic relief when Kirk is trying hard to get Uhura's first name, or seeing Kirk's reaction to those numerous vaccine shots, or Chekov's first scene with his accent, or Scotty and his false calculation when transporting Kirk and Spock right in the middle of the enemies.
Go watch this one! So what if you don't understand those sci-fi technical stuffs like 'external inertial damper' or you worry if you can't fully appreciate the characters. The movie calls for repeat viewing, for fans (of the Star Trek franchise) and non-fans alike. After all, the Rolling Stone calls it as a 'Pure Filmmaking Exhilaration' and 'An Irresistable Invitation For Fun', and Access Hollywood"The First 'Star Trek' For Everyone" (true indeed), and Newsweek with its simple yet accurate two-word review to sum it up - "Way Cool".
A branded toothpaste company has decided to use this photo for their latest ad campaign. However, they are torn in what tagline to use. Help them choose from the followings:
1. Regardless of age - you need to beam your teeth!
2. Your teeth can help you express your emotions.
3. With teeth this good, it's hard not to have another candid camera moment.
4. You need to grin - even when you're mad!
5. Brand X toothpaste - you'll have no reasons not to show your teeth again.
6. When your child is all angry, wanting to get hold of your camera, you know it's time for another picture perfect!
7. Aren't you glad you brushed your child's teeth with Brand X toothpaste this morning?
Recently, I mentioned about having my two weeks off. The two-week off also meant two weeks without salary. I didn't mind being salary-less for a short period of time, and the 'new' company had allowed me to postpone my starting date with them. I really needed the break. After all, I still wasn't ready, physically, spiritually AND mentally for the transition of my career journey to take place right after I left the 'old' office.
Wife was working as usual during my break of course. But, since I had some time away from work, we thought of planning a trip together - and so we did, just the three of us for the first time. So, off we went to... LANGKAWI!!! (from 22 to 24 February, the day before my birthday)
We took the AirAsia. Initially, we were worried on how Ikhwan would react when looking at the sheer size of the plane, hearing the loud noise of the plane's engine and being on the plane itself (we gave him sweets to help reduce the effects of 'blocked' ears on him, especially during take off and landing times).
Surprise, surprise... he was as active and talkative as usual. Even when on the plane, he was friendly to strangers.
He did look rather perplexed sometimes, like when he felt the inclination as the plane took off, or when we took him up the cable car ride to Gunung Mat Chincang (Chopped-off Mountain) and when he saw the beach, the rolling waves and the vast ocean (from the beach) for the first time in his life.
A little bit about Langkawi - It is a cluster of 99 islands, but the main island is the major attraction and accessible by ferry and by air. When you are there, I'd say renting a car and exploring the island on your own is more recommended than depending on taxis or tour guides. The roads are so easy to navigate and no traffic congestion at all! (unless during peak periods I guess).
When you are at Langkawi, a trip to Mount Mat Chincang by cable cars is a must for all nature lovers (I prefer sight seeing from up a mountain without the hassle of climbing up the mountain myself, so this fits me well). The total journey up the mountain is 2.2km. As you feel the incline of 42°, enjoy the surrounding views - the green forests, the choppy peaks (thus the name of the mountain), the rock formation that took 450 million years to form, the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls, the sea and some of the 99 islands. When going up and down in the cable car, we could see that Ikwan might have felt a bit 'gayat' (afraid of heights) but not knowing how to express his feelings. 'Cian dia...'
When at the Middle Station, you can choose whether to alight from the cable car, enjoy the sceneries at the viewing platform there or just stay inside the cable car, which will take you further up the Top Station.
The Top Station is at 709m above sea level and has two viewing platforms. Up there, if the weather is clear, you can see the mainland Kedah and South Thailand. Talk about the weather - the cable car only opens at 10 and closes at 6 (if not mistaken). So, if you only leave your hotel after 10, most likely by the time you are on top of the mountain, it's close to noon already. You know how noon is like in this tropical country. So, imagine standing on the viewing platform during mid-day. Most likely, you'll be drenched in sweat and your eyes cringed due to the sunlight. So, you may want to go there later in the evening instead, like after 3, where the weather is a little milder and not so hot.
One more attraction not to be missed when at Top Station is the The Langkawi Sky Bridge. The curved pedestrian bridge provides different perspectives over the land (including Thailand’s Tarutao Island) and sea, perches precariously over a spectacular chasm, 700m above sea level. Incredibly, the cable-stayed bridge curves 125m around a single support.
When at the bridge, it somehow reminisced me to the time when I went to the Neuschwanstein Castle in Fussen, Germany (read here and view here). A bridge nearby the castle, was just almost as high. From the bridge, I could see the castle, a waterfall, a deep gorge and the nearby mountain and forests. The weather may be cooler and breezy, but it was a straight bridge. So, I'd say the Langkawi bridge is more unique in its special ways.
Other places that we went to and things that we did were strolling down the beach (Ikhwan was quite intimidated by the waves and the sand, the latter due to him probably thinking the sand is swallowing him), visiting the Underwater World (don't miss the penguins!!) and Dataran Lang (Eagle Square - Langkawi was derived from the Malay word 'helang') and did some shopping. A funny thing happened at Underwater. Ikwan was so exhausted when we arrived there, we couldn't wake him up. Since we didn't want him to miss the chance looking at all those fishes, we went for lunch at this one restaurant. Even being in that rather noisy and stuffy restaurant couldn't wake him, until we reached the Underwater entrance door back again, one hour later. All in all, we were satisfied and enjoyed ourselves. Ikhwan was also such a sport! We know that it is very likely Ikhwan won't be able to remember most of these experiences, if not all. So, every now and then, I would tell him stories about being on the plane or our cable car rides, in my efforts that hopefully, some memories could be etched in his memory somehow, Wallahua'lam...
But we plan to go there again someday and stay there longer. Next time around, we want to take the excursion to that Lake of Pregnant Maiden where the excursion includes eagle watching/feeding, visit one of those waterfalls/caves and perhaps the Crocodile Park, the Mardi Agrotechnology Park and those historical places like Makam Mahsuri and Burnt Rice (I visited the historical ones when I was in school). Wife also wants to do more shopping (and I wish we did drop by at that particular store selling Italian-made products. The store is among the many stores at the foot of Gunung Mat Chinchang. I want to look for Versace jeans).
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1st April was Ikhwan's 2nd Birthday.We had it all planned, even from last year to have Ikhwan's 2nd Birthday celebration a grand one! So, the condo hall was already booked, and some invitations had already been sent out! But due to a mixed up at the workplace, the size of the guests had been to be shrunken (luckily, I haven't sent out the invitations to everyone that I wished to invite yet).
Initially, I was told that I had to go outstation to an overseas country, on that same day we planned for Ikhwan's birthday party (it was the 4th, Saturday). So, the invitations had to be cancelled (imagine having to do that to those who already said 'yes') and we thought of having a very small one instead, just a 'kenduri doa selamat' (a gathering to thank God for all His blessings) among close family members only, so that it could end early.
But at the last minute, the outstation trip got cancelled. Due to lack of time (and lack of spirit to have it so big anymore), the size of the guests was increased just a little bit, by inviting some close friends, and we did have it in the hall. So, if you read this, and you did get invited the first time round (and then said 'yes') but the invitation to you was cancelled, I do apologise if you weren't re-invited. It was still a small party anyway, and not as grandeur as initially planned. No hard feelings yeah?? :-( Anyway, Ikhwan showed his intimacy, caring and gentleman side during the party. He gave his heart (or rather, a heart-shaped ballon) to a beautiful young lady, but somehow got rejected. Aaaahhhh, poor him .... (see below photos) I am sooo proud of him. So cute, huh? Hehe ... Anyway, you can view more photos of the Langkawi trip and Ikhwan's Birthday here: 1) Langkawi 2) Birthday party for Ikhwan
Each day had passed on so quickly, that I found it hard to recap! What with leaving IT, then having a nice two weeks off (which included spending some time away for the first time with wife and kiddo), attended a 16-day unforgettable course and now, having started at a new place with so much to do (and I kinda' enjoy it very much!).
Time had not allowed me to concentrate on anything else other than what's ahead of my career and family paths, that blogging was no longer part of my agenda, let alone free surfing and blog hopping and errrr... that other thing. What with the prospect of going mobile every now and then, the trend (of seldom blogging) may seem to continue. I just hope all is fine, especially my blog readers and blog friends.
During the course, I had the opportunity to join a community service at a welfare home for orphans and kids from underpreviliged native families.
Among the activities, we had some games organised for the kids. I was one of the facilitators for those below 12 years old. Since it was raining that morning, the games had to be done indoor, in one of their halls.
On one chart in the hall, something grabbed my attention. The words "ALL WORK WITHOUT PLAYING, MAKES JACK A DULL BOY" were written across the chart. Obviously, whoever put it there (I reckon one of the staff or regular volunteers of the home) was influenced by the movie The Shining, which is based on the book of the same title by Stephen King.
Just a quick info about the movie (I haven't read the book but the movie is one of my favourite horror movies of all time). It tells the story of writer Jack Torrance, who is in a desperate need to come up with a brilliant idea for his next book. For that, he applies for a job as the winter caretaker at the ominous, mountain-locked Overlook Hotel so that he can write in peace. Despite learning that the previous caretaker had gone mad and killed his wife and twin daughters before killing himself, he still agrees to take the job, bringing his wife and son with him.
During the long winter season, the hotel becomes eerily quiet and all communication (on the road at least) is shut from the outside world due to heavy snowing. So, just the three of them living in the hotel. Slowly Jack becomes possessed by the evil, demonic presence in the hotel and starts to act psychotic. In one scene, Jack's wife sneaked up to his work desk, and found out that all her husband had been typing for the past few months was this: "ALL WORK AND NO PLAY, MAKES JACK A DULL BOY"; and it was repeated lines after lines, paragraphs after paragraphs, pages after pages (with hundreds of those pages).
The movie was rated R for a reason. With scary scenes, which include blood pouring down and flooding the hotel floors; the naked and rotten old woman traumatising Jack; the twin girls appearing out of nowhere showing Jack's son where and how they died and Jack ripping apart the door with an axe to get to his wife. Even Jack's face expressions (played brilliantly by Jack Nicholson) was scary enough.
I find it hard to understand, of all the great and valuable quotations available out there, or perhaps lessons that could be learned from those children stories that the kids must have heard of or read from, that particular 'quotation' from the movie made it to the chart instead. They even kept the name Jack in it.
True, one part of our lives (be it working or playing) should not be too far more extreme than the other. However, when it comes to kids, it is common for them to prefer playing than working or studying. Having that 'quotation' up there is like in a way, giving the kids a green light to play more, so that they won't become dull due to working hard (or smart). Imagine a kid came to you and asked, "Where is the quotation taken from?" and you replied, "Oh, it's from an R rated movie." You can lie but it still feels a bit off, that's what I think.
P/S: The photo above represents the playful side of me, and also what I'll be blogging about next - Ikhwan's 2nd Birthday...
I was doing some market research recently on all things parenting, and a particular result hit me: there are people out there, who entered these in their search "how to molest a child without getting caught."Yikes! pretty disturbing huh? I wonder what these paedophiles were looking for? Help from former paedophiles? This shows the dark nature of the Internet.
On a non-related matter, when I googled 'holiday villa langkawi' a few days ago, I clicked on a result that seemed to me was the official website to that resort. If the website IS indeed the official site, it sure is disappointing. In it, they kept repeating the words ".......in the northern tip of Peninsular Malaysia off the coast of Kedah" in almost all of the sentences. After visiting the site, for sure the message that the geographical location of both the Langkawi island and the resort itself is in the northern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, off the coast of Kedah is very much inculcated in our minds. The links "Location" available at the top and bottom of the website's main page seem to be redundant. Talk about a different kind of dark nature of the Internet. Hahaha....
Anyway, putting aside how crappy the website is, here's a photo of the resort, nestled within the tranquility of the Langkawi island, which is in the northern tip of Peninsular Malaysia off the coast of Kedah :-)))) Nice huh?
The Oxford Dictionary says "boulevard" means wide city street, often with trees on each side. As for me, "boulevard" is the path that I thread my way through in life. At times, the trees give me protection from the hot sun above. While at other times, no amount of trees can comfort me when it pours. Come rain or shine, the road continues to provide me with the journey of life until it reaches its destination.
About Me
Name: The Pisces Man
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
People say I'm sweet, kind, a gentleman, caring, romantic and observant (let's just concentrate on the good attributes). I love those who matter to me, and care about things that count. I'm a Malay Muslim and proud to be one. I DON'T think Islam should be judged by those nasty followers. Islam should be judged by the religion itself; its teachings and the purpose behind them. I mean, humans will still behave like humans right? Usually, regardless of religions that they embrace. It is also in my nature to please, since I believe that TO PLEASE EVERYONE IS AN IMPOSSIBLE FEAT, BUT NOT TRYING TO PLEASE ANYONE OTHER THAN ONESELF IS A POSSIBLE DEFEAT (own quote). Apart from sharing the things I read, watch and listen to, I'd also share my thoughts and feelings, and express my views on certain issues. Last by no means least, I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM EVERYONE OF YOU OUT THERE ABOUT ANYTHING! If we knew each other 'in the previous life' and had lost contact, or we hardly contact each other nowadays, do email me or comment on my entries. Feel free to explore my blog & website (http://members.fortunecity.com/abdunmy/). Cheerio & Wassalam.
Sometimes, to boldly go (where no one has gone before) at warp speed may cause you unnecessary troubles.
Own quote, based on Star Trek
Lesson from the quote: Rushing to reach your destinations or goals may get you there fast, but may not always be the smartest thing to do!
"Note The Quote (Malay translation)"
Kadang kala, perjalanan (ke tempat yang tidak pernah ditujui) pada kelajuan maksimum boleh menyebabkan kesusahan pada diri sendiri.
Rekaan sendiri, berdasarkan dari Star Trek
Pengajaran: Terburu-buru untuk sampai ke destinasi atau matlamat hidup mungkin boleh membawa kita ke sana dengan cepat, tetapi langkah itu tidak semestinya yang terbaik!
You have to find something that you love enough to be able to take risks, jump over the hurdles and break through the brick walls that are always going to be placed in front of you. If you don't have that kind of feeling for what it is you are doing, you'll stop at the first giant hurdle.
George Lucas (Film Director and Producer)
"Favourite Note The Quote 2"
A sign in a mosque on the need to switch off handphones:
P/S: Email me if you wish to receive a "Weekly Note The Quote" newsletter, a compilation of quotations that appear here in this column or in any of my blog entries within a particular week. Please put Note The Quote in your email subject. TQ.
If you have a specific field/term to search on Islam, you can also enter your search item(s) at Islamic Web Directory, available at the bottom of an entry entitled Proofs. For your convenience in accessing the Directory, Proofs is available in "Other own (cool) stuffs" column. Thank you.
Penguin Rush
First of all, wishing all Muslims a Selamat Hari Raya, Maaf Zahir dan Batin. May we all have a barakah Ramadhan this year and years to come, Insha' Allah. 
