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Tuesday, April 26, 2005

How deceiving…

I’ve been wanting to write this comment ever since I started my blog. Do you know that in the UK, the tv advertisements for KFC OR Fillet burger have been banned. People were complaining that they were deceived by the size of the burger in the ad. The court has decided that the burger is falsely represented in the ad. The KFC representative defended their case by saying that the burger size is small because the price is cheap.

Well, in my opinion, the ad should also be banned in Malaysia. I mean, looking at the ad, surely we think that the burger is of a standard size, if not bigger than the usual. But it turns out that, the burger can’t even satisfy the appetite of some children. After three bites and a few small munches, the burger is already in our stomach. No time to savour the taste or even enjoy our meal. It’s hardly enough to be our breakfast. What do they expect, buy half a dozen of it?

And the price, it’s not really that cheap, Mr. KFC…

Monday, April 25, 2005


Aaah, don't be shy miss... Posted by Hello


Ohh...now we know why... Posted by Hello

Toy Let

I came across these 2 photos which my sis had sent to me via email, about a new toilet concept in Switzerland (above). It is an interesting concept....mirror-like walls if you are on the outside of the toilet. But once you are inside, it’s a different story. The walls are made entirely out of one-way glass. No one can see you in there (luckily), but when you are inside, it looks like you're sitting in a clear glass box. You can completely see the outside world. But still, I’m sure our conscience is telling us ‘Hey! What are you looking at?’ to the person who is walking nearby and whose eyes gaze upon the toilet.

Imagine if the same ‘see-through’ concept is applied in Malaysia, especially on those free toilets. I bet after only a few weeks, the ‘tranparent’ walls and roof would be covered with dirt, grime, smoke (from cigarettes) and even faeces and urine. You’d be busy wondering whether to complete your ‘business as usual’ or not, instead of admiring the outside views. Ewww.....gross!

After seeing those pictures, they somehow reminded me of the good old days back in 1999, the time when I had the adventure of my life, backpacking in Europe (Switzerland included).

I was in Lucerne at that time, at this 'glass-making' factory. The toilets are not transparent (obviously they hadn’t come up with the idea back then). However, instead of them putting up the usual 'men' and 'women' symbols at the doors, they actually put the words ('men' and'women') in Swiss French. Since it was an emergency 'leakage' and there was no one to ask, I gambled that I picked the right one. I only realised that I was in the wrong toilet when after leaving my cubicle, I saw a lady at the sink. Luckily she greeted me calmly and understood the mistake that I made. Otherwise, she could have flipped out, dashed through the door and screamed “Pervert! Pervert!” while pointing towards me. Then, came those huge factory workers whose sizes were like Hulk Hogan, picked me up and threw me into the Lucerne Lake. Hmmm….quite an imagination that I have, huh?


Anyway, after recalling that memory, I realised that the ‘women’ door is always on our right side, am I right?

Friday, April 22, 2005

Farewell my love

Yesterday was a public holiday. Today is a Friday – a working day (sigh!). I’m taking the bus after work, going back to Muar, meeting up with her. Ija and her parents will be leaving for Umrah tonight, for two weeks. Under their Umrah package, a bus will be picking them up together with other Umrah travellers from Muar to KLIA airport in KL. So, basically, I’m going back to Muar while she leaves for KL. Quite a plan, you might think. But the thing is, their flight is very early in the morning - not very convenient for me to take a taxi to go to the airport. That will cost me a bomb since other modes of public transportation is still not in service. After all, I don’t want other Umrah travellers to suspect that I have some kind of relationship (ehem…) with Ija and the family.

Luckily the traffic is smooth. I arrive just in time before the ‘kenduri’ for their farewell begins. Those who are at the kenduri are nobody whom I never met before – Ija’s three aunties, her granny and her siblings. No other relatives are present. So, I don’t have to worry about someone who might be whispering, ‘Is he the one?’ or ‘Who is that?’ or just plain ‘Oohhhh…’ I know that time will come sooner or later, but better be later, if you ask me. Let the mystery lingers for a little while longer.

P/S: In case you don’t know, Umrah means visiting Mecca for Muslims. If Hajj is performed only during a particular period of the Muslim year, Umrah is performed during the remaining months of the year. And that is only one of the differences between Umrah and Hajj. As for ‘kenduri’, it is a religious ceremony where attendants pray and praise for Allah and the Prophet Muhammad. People hold a ‘kenduri’ for various reasons: to pray for the dead; to bid farewell for the loved ones or to express gratitude to God for passing an important school exam (examples). Usually, there will be foods and drinks served, but that is not the main agenda.

Thursday, April 21, 2005


I was indeed a million-dollar baby. Posted by Hello

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I’m not a boxer, not yet a million-dollar baby

Today, 20 April 2005, my (kick) boxing class begins. There are two instructors for the class, a Malay guy D’Zul and Dan (I think he’s American). As for the students, only myself and two other girls. Man, it is tough. But then, what is not tough in this world especially if it’s new and doesn’t come with practise. The stretching involves something that I’ve never seen before. After half hour into the class, I feel so drained and out of energy. But since the class pace is fast, I don’t want to take a rest and lose anything. At times, I’m really gasping for breath and literally panting, like a cat who is thirsty for water (now I know what it feels like since usually when I feel a bit tired during exercise, I just pamper myself by pausing or slowing down). Even the ‘cool-down’ stretching is rather intense, not fully match the word cool down. Apart from the stretching routines which are varied, the one and half hour class involves some kicking and punching workouts. You see, before the class, I plan that when I punch the bag, I just need to imagine someone whom I just love to punch if I had the chance. You know, maybe like George Bush, Ariel Sharon, my 12th ex-girlfriend (haaa…..haa…..) or some other people. But then, it turns out that due to tiredness and pressuring myself to do it right, it becomes rather difficult to imagine those people. Despite of that, I’m sure with practise and the right guidance, I can be the next million-dollar baby (male, that is).

P/S: If you don’t know what I’m talking about, Million-Dollar Baby is actually a boxing flick by Clint Eastwood. See me while I was a baby (above). Aren't I a million dollar cute?

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Sunday, April 17, 2005

I Miss U Granny, Donnie Darko, Gym, Engaged!!, Sepet, CSI

Today is a Sunday. I’ve been planning to start a blog page since early February 2005 but was delayed due to surveying which blog server is the best to host my site and also….ehemm…the usual habit of procrastination and laziness. There have been some memorable moments and unexpected events for the past few months, plus my right brain seems to be squeezing creativity on a lot of things that I encountered, begging me to share them with you. Therefore, for my first post, I would be actually taking you back down my memory lanes….

Monday, April 04, 2005

I Miss U Granny :(

I’m sure each one of us ever wished they could turn back the time for all sorts of reasons – either to avoid making that mistake or to make something right. As for me, one of those times would be the year 2000.

Before departing to England in 1997, my granny had been healthy except for her usual joint pains. You see, my granny had been living with us even before my sister and I were born. She was the one who took care of us whenever our parents were working. Our knowledge of reciting Al Qur’an was largely due to her diligence in teaching us.

While I was in the UK, my mother never told me that granny sometimes fell grievously ill (due to her weak heart). She was even bed-ridden a few times. I only came back from England on December 1999, about 5 months after my graduation, not fully knowing the seriousness of this matter. I remember the first words that she uttered when I arrived home were “It’s like we have promised each other that we shall see each other again. There were times when I felt my time had come but God wanted to grant that promise.”

My sister got married on 01 April 2000. Miraculously, she got better at that time. Really better that she could climb the stairs up and down, talked to guests and stood for a long period of time, sometimes without her cane in her hand.

Just days after the wedding, her health was failing again and it was one of the worse. My sis was about to go back to Kuala Lumpur (KL) with my brother in law. After 4 months, I still hadn’t got a job. So, despite my granny’s current condition, I decided to follow my sis to KL so that should there be an interview, it would be easy for me to attend it.

On the morning when I left, I hugged her and kissed her on both cheeks. What really surprised me was she showed no emotion whatsoever. She didn’t hug back, didn’t return my kiss or said anything. She just sat there on the bed, staring blankly ahead. Reluctantly I left the room. I later found out from sis that granny also showed her the same (no) emotion.

Two weeks after the wedding (Friday, 14 April 2000), we in KL received the bad news – granny had passed away. My mum and a relative was by her side at that time. It was one of the saddest news I ever received.

Her words when she greeted me after I reached home a few months ago rang to my ears. She was willing to hold on just a little bit longer so that she could see me again. But I on the other hand, failed to wait on her and left her behind when she was unwell (and maybe when she needed me the most). Maybe that was the reason I was still jobless at that time. It was a blessing in disguise that I failed to realise. I should’ve been there when she was dying, so that she could return my kiss when I asked forgiveness from her. For quite some time, I really beat myself up over this matter. I felt I had disappointed her, failed her.

I just learned the other day that only the selected ones would know their time on earth was almost up. And I would not be surprised or even doubt it if granny was one of those lucky ones. Maybe, that was the reason granny showed no emotion that day. Maybe, that was why she had enough strength during the wedding. She knew she was leaving us…….

Granny, when all plans go well, I would be getting married soon... You had witnessed all your four grandchildren’s weddings except your final grandson, ME! If only you could be there, I miss you granny….

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Sunday, April 03, 2005

Donnie Darko

I finally got hold of Donnie Darko dvd (mind you, from Amazon.com, not some pirated stalls). The movie was about this troubled teenager who travelled through time and managed to see the future with the help of his imaginary giant bunny rabbit friend. But, just because he could see what was going to happen, it didn't meant that he could change what had happened in the past.

I read really good reviews on this cult classic (the movie was made in 2001). It was one of those independent movies that had received international recognitions including an award for Best Original Screenplay. It starred Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore (also one of the executive producers), Jena Malone, Patrick Swayze and Noah Wyle. One of the best I've seen. A highly recommended for all adults (since the theme is rather unsuitable to those below 18).

The movie never actually made it to Malaysia. There are a few reasons why a particular US title never reach Malaysian shores;

1) the movie is banned, or brutally censored that the distributor thinks we might as well just ban it.
2) the distributor is not interested in releasing it here due to having no confidence it will gain enough profits. Perhaps because the theme is too heavy/not popular to our culture or the movie is not widely publicised (like those independent ones).
3) we don’t have that many cineplexes. It is very rare to see up to 3 US movies being released here in one particular week. Furthermore, apart from our local movies, we also import those from Korea, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia.
4) due to the long queues to release in cinemas, the distributor sometimes decides that the movie goes straight to VCD/DVD. Examples are Pitch Black, Phone Booth, Underworld, Under the Tuscan Sun, Shaun of the Dead and Wimbledon.

Here are some of the amazing titles that we Malaysians never get to see:
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Texas Chainsaw Massacre (remake), 28 Days Later (UK production), The Perfect Score, Eurotrip, Cellular, Shattered Glass (Hayden Christensen of Star Wars 2 & 3 proved that he really could act in this one), Scary Movie 3, Hannibal, Dawn of the Dead (remake), Open Water and All I Want.

Reviews on them (and other movies) are available in my website.

Friday, April 01, 2005

Mr Gym

On 1st April, I officially signed up for the gym’s fitness programme. In my blog profile, I said that I enjoy working out at the gym. Just for the record, I’m not actually a fitness freak. This is because, I do enjoy eating junk foods in front of the tv and having long hours of sleep (whenever I have the chance). But since I have declared my interest in exercising, looks like I will have to maintain my health and shape from now on, for as long as I can.

I join the gym’s membership for quite some time already, but never actually made full use of it. Besides, I always didn’t have the strength to lift my legs walking to the gym (the building is just located next to my office), giving work as an excuse. But now, since I have a strong reason to be and look healthy, I decided that I should ask for the instructors’ help in exercising the right ways.

I don’t really fancy looking like Arnie or Sly or Hulk Hogan. For me, my goal is to look great and having six packs is an ABSolute must!

The fitness programmes are divided into four modules. Each one targets different parts of bodies and engages different types of equipment. I know now where I did wrong all this while and learn new exercise routines. I even learn new stretching exercises and how different stretches work for different reasons. Every day after I finished a module, I would go back, drew sketches of the exercises and wrote down the steps like the do’s and dont’s. This is how serious I am to reach my fitness goals. If you want to join the gym (Malaysians only), do contact me.

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