Ken Can Quote

kennygoh dot com

2009-09-25T13:26:00.001+08:00

I’ve MOVED!!!

Ok… so, I got a Dot Com… and I’ll be blogging from there from now on. All of my contents here have been moved there.

Hmm… after SHIFTING DAY, maybe I’ll have a BARBECUE COOKOUT at my new home! ;-)

See ya there!

www.kennygoh.com

“Blink” – The Power of Thinking without Thinking

2009-09-06T03:22:00.001+08:00

I just finished the book, “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell. It’s a book that talks about thin-slicing, that instant moment within the first 2 or 3 second of us being confronted with a situation or subject and the immediate thoughts or judgement that is created then.

I loved it.

Gladwell had described many interesting scenarios of how important is our instant judgement, how it applies to us, how it’s used and how sometimes we need to be aware of snap judgements. He isn’t just talking about relying on coming to immediate conclusions, rather giving an understanding of how it applies effectively to making a decision.

Loved the examples he shared inside here. From a statue that did not look right in the first instant, to a general making judgement in the thick of a battle, to Pepsi and Coke’s differences and to the unfortunate incident of a man wrongly gunned down by inexperienced policeman. Gladwell, brought countless situations where thin-slicing is a key component of making the right decision.

What will I take from this book? Well, I’d learn to react faster in situations where in the past, I’d otherwise stumble and be speechless. It will definitely help with my wits and responses and most importantly understanding why I make snap judgements.

Must read for everyone! ;-)

Upside Down Cuteness on FaceBook

2009-09-03T09:47:00.001+08:00

Do you know that FB has a upside down language setting?

Hmm… must be some kind of joke the technician at FB is having…

FB Technician 1: Okay, Muhammed is done with the last language… that makes 65 languages altogether.

FB Technician 2: Cool… hmm.. well, now I am bored.

FB Technician 1: Yeah… *yawn*

FB Technician 2: Hey, let’s stand on our heads for fun!

FB Technician 1: Alright!!!

(and they do it)

FB Technician 2: Wow… this is fun…

FB Technician 1: Now my FB screen looks funny… It’s upside down.

FB Technician 2: Oookay…. let’s see if we can do something about it.

(and they spend a pointless 2 weeks, creating a whole new lingo for people who likes to use the internet while standing on their heads!)

FB Technician 1: Wow… I love it… now if we can just get the management to fly us to space so we can work upside down… maybe create a couple more new lingos for whatever space aliens we find out there!!!

Wait a minute… not everything is upside down!…

That’s more like it… ;-)

Trip Back to Miri

2009-08-28T17:15:00.001+08:00

So, I’ve been back for a week in Miri, Sarawak, my hometown. So glad to have had this break to catch up with old memories, old friends and most importantly, family in Brunei as well.

It really helped to pop the chill pill and take it easy for a little bit after an extremely busy period in Kuala Lumpur. I got a chance to indulge in some pampering from family but most significantly was the opportunity to go around and take pictures of my lovely city.

Oh did I forget to mention about the food?!!! It was food galore in this trip. Hmm…. that reminds me about going back to KL and getting my fitness program back in check! Hmm… can I get back to normal if I don’t eat at all! Hehehe…

Well, we’re going back tomorrow. It’ll be sad to leave but happy at the same time when things get back to normal after this loooong leave… :-)

Finally Doing Something Really Worthwhile Online

2009-08-09T18:21:00.001+08:00

I’ve been busy.

I’m sure you must have guessed with the less than frequent posting on this site here. So, what have I been working on? Some of you must have also noticed my absence for quite a while now from my other social medias (or perhaps you didn’t and I am just kidding myself with some wishful thinking!).

Anyway, I’ve been busy on 2 online ventures. Achievers Paradise and Pics Can Talk. These are my 2 proudest online creation to date. Finally, something which I am doing worthwhile online. They are my little pet projects which I have been envisioning for quite a while now and finally has come to be.

Achievers Paradise is really a site which I dedicated to all my collection of ideas about personal improvements and being successful. The 2 key words that I really hold dear to my heart, “achieving” your life’s work and living a blissful life of happiness in “paradise”.

Pics Can Talk is as it says, a site that I share about all the things that I have gathered about photography over so many years of experiences. Up to today, many young friends still ask me many things about photography which today I am sharing with you on Pics Can Talk.

Well, I have since monetized the site, allowing people to download some really useful materials from the site. with my free time, I will be adding on more information and resources. Well, I hope you guys reading this will take a bit of time to check it out for many new and exciting stuffs for your personal enjoyment.

Putting Yourself Out There… Online

2009-07-28T11:59:00.001+08:00

I was having a chat with my brother a few days back and I suddenly had a moment of clarity and revelation (doesn’t happen as often as I would like it to!) as I was talking about portraying yourself online.

“The Internet’s the Devil.. Facebook is the Devil… Social Networking is the Devil”… ;-) (Along the train of thoughts from Mama Boucher in Waterboy)

I realise a lot of people when asked questions regarding online privacy, thinks of sites where you place your personal information and thoughts as being risky places where all sorts of strangers may get to find out more about yourself.

Well… ironically, these may also be the people who willingly battle day to day details of blogging or sharing ideas online. The general idea is that as long as they talk about things that is happening around them, then they are safe from presenting private information.

Well, for me blogging (or social networking) is a way of “cloning” yourself! – Putting your personality online to reach out to friends or anybody whom you allow to read your blog or profile.

WHY DO PEOPLE DO THAT?

Because as much as we like to socialise, we have very little time to do that in our own physical-self. There is only one of us, after-all. And we can only spend so much time with 1 friend at a time.

I treat it like cloning because your profile or status is reaching out to multiple people at one go. It isn’t necessary a bad thing, but you need to be aware of who reads it or how so many different friends react to your posting. (Which coincidentally, makes things even more interesting).

CLONING A FAKE!

Also, having multiple networks isn’t faking it, it’s about how you wish to portray yourself in each network of friends.

It is no different from the fact that you dress up and put on extensive make up when you go for a chic party as compared to going for a Sunday picnic. Or perhaps when you talk to colleagues and when you have casual outings with your friends.

We all talk differently in different situation… and so does our blog or blogs.

It’s about how you portray yourself. Well, I love it cause I enjoy a multi-faceted lifestyle where I can always fallback on one or the other when I need to. It’s all down to how I feel at the time.

And you know what’s the best part when all these “clones” of myself is doing their work online? Well, I get to enjoy the things I truly enjoy in my own physical and real self without worrying about how I should portray myself in real-life!

Hehehe…

Ciao! ;-)

Artistry 2009 – Liquid Sensations and Rhythm Persuasions

2009-07-27T01:04:00.001+08:00

Isn’t that a most beautiful sight?!!!

Yup, that magic happened last night at our event for Artistry 2009. It was an amazing event in all accounts even though I got to see it from ground up. It was a spectacular sight to see the backdrop, ambience and details in the full glory of lights and rhythm that shook the whole place.

The line-up of performances backed by an environment of pure rhythmic and pleasurable beats left no chance for a normal heart beat as DJ Milinka, One Buck Short, Homies, Dominique Tsai, Fatman Scoop, Ying Yang Twins and DJ Mr. Sam rocked the house down from one end of the show to the other. Lumiscense provided an unequalled template of pure projection and lighting pleasures that left little room to ask for more.

Enjoy the pictures here, but words and pics do not come close to describing the euphoric nature of the entire experience that is ARTISTRY 2009 – The truly inspiring, worldwide phenomenon that is the Global Art of Mixing!

Tiring Couple of Weeks Ended Up on a High!

2009-07-27T00:48:00.001+08:00

Sigh… I must get rid of some of this negativity! Hmm… should live to my believes (read the title bar on top!). These couple of weeks were pretty tiring getting things together at work, one thing after another.

But the celebratory event of Artistry 2009, sure changed the tone for the finale of this period. I shall blog about that in my next update.

In anycase, I’m just glad to be able to pace myself for a while. I know a couple more exciting events are coming up soon, I’ll just have to get back on my feet again running. (sigh… might still be for a little while longer).

Tomorrow on leave! So glad to be doing something really different for a change cause I am taking little Celeste for her first play! She’ll be playing Cinderella! I’ll be posting pics and a documentary of how it will turn out!

;-) Ciao!

IPhone is CRAP

2009-07-04T12:30:00.001+08:00

After a long string of mental battle, between trying to convince myself it was cool to own and IPhone and to get the freaking thing to work it like how I was given the fantasy of thinking… I finally decided the thing was CRAP!!!

I’ve been having so much issue with the phone… when it’s downloading email, I have to sit and wait… because you can’t do anything then! The freaking phone lags even more than my grandma walking around the house on a bad day! Often I have to go and get a cup coffee and come back and maybe do some work on my computer… go out have a chat, then come back and then, my phone would give me a shy smile and bing and says it was ready to be touched! …stupid…

And the word “No Service” has been burnt to my forehead… well… at least from the number of times I banged my head on the phone trying to get a freakin’ “service” out of it!!! “I’ll serve you alright!!!! I’ll serve you a glass of cold water… straight from the tap!!!!” … stupid…

…with my Maxis Sim Card…

…with my DiGi Sim Card…

Anyone wants it? …. :-(

Back from Shanghai!

2009-06-29T00:36:00.001+08:00

Yay… I’m so happy to be able to blog again!… Of course this is among other things which I am happy about coming back…

Well, guys, just be glad that our censorship isn’t as bad as China’s… at least we still can have our say.

Now… I’m just too tired to start writing a long blog… I’m going to sleep first!

Happy Father’s Day

2009-06-21T12:23:00.001+08:00

To my friends, REAL MEN, who has done the BRAVEST and MOST DARING thing, to go where all men COWER in fear...HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!... :-D

…I think I’ll treat myself today… I’ll take over the controls of the TV remote control, leave the toilet seat up, and shave and NOT wash the sinc…

The Words Escapes You

2009-06-21T12:14:00.001+08:00

Oh my… when you have to write a lot a lot… and torrential amount of words seems to just be pouring out of you continuously, your brain without a doubt will be sucked dry, ending up like an arid piece of sandy patch that’s being eroded by winds that never ceases..

WTF?!

Writing, writing, thinking, writing, thinking, change topic, write, write, think, write, think, write, write,…take break for fingers… think, think, write, write, change topic, write, write, think, think, write, think… bang head on the wall.. think some more, write, write, think, think… write, think, write…

SIGH!

What’s a good show that I can watch whilst my brain is turned off and recuperating? I’d walk to the cinema.. “Sir, ticket please… oh yeah, and can you leave your brain by the cloak room, you don’t need it for this show…”

WOW..

I don’t care… it’s Sunday… and I’ll be “dumb”.

HEHEHE…

Oh ya… maybe I’ll watch some more Magibon on YouTube or enjoy the soothing sounds of MichellePhan’s voice as she talks about makeup which I totally have no use off…

For now… Kenny is switching off!

Magibon Crazy

2009-06-21T11:48:00.001+08:00

WTF! ROFLMAO!

I’ll probably talk further after I wipe my tears dry…

ROFLMAO some more…

Zee Avi from Miri

2009-06-20T13:05:00.001+08:00

Hahaha… a colleague of mine just showed me this WONDERFUL video clip from an international singer who happens to be from Miri, Sarawak… my hometown!

So nice to know that we have a talent like this from my neighbourhood. Anyway… when I saw this clip.. I was laughing so hard.. I LOVED it… Wishing that there will be more like this.

Just listen to how great she is.. her single!

Exciting 2 Weeks

2009-06-20T12:46:00.001+08:00

Wow… when a person hits a high… he really HITS a high…

These 2 weeks was it for me… It was like one thing after another at work… but it wouldn’t be a good feeling if things were piling up. Well, in this scenario it was like job in… get done… next one.. get done… job in… get done… next one… get done… and on and on.

I guess that’s the best way to get a high when you know while you are working on other things, the stuffs which have been done earlier are in the works.

Well, the excitement is just the beginning. I’m like on a roller coaster ride that’s been through a few dips and rise… but I know the big loop is coming and it isn’t just one!

;-)

Fitness Back on Track

2009-06-08T10:33:00.001+08:00

Okay! I’m getting my fitness and health back on track!

After having accomplished a burst of fitness furore in August – October last year which saw a great improvement in my physical self… I really believe it isn’t impossible to get back my old self physically. Well, November through to Chinese New Year didn’t help. Hehehe…

Yup, there was a period of pause. But now, having sorted out transportation and timing issue, I was back. The random spurts which I had to try and get started will (hopefully) now be replaced with a permanent goal to achieve my ideal physical goals.

Hmm… personally, I’d say, this round started last Saturday, 6 June. I had a gym session in the morning, Salsa in the afternoon and badminton in the afternoon. Hadn’t been that active for a while. By 11pm on Sat night I was snoring in high heavens! But, the routine started again on Sun morning at 7am… and then a last-minute decision for a jungle walk on Sun afternoon with the wifey and princess. Then again this morning!

You know what… I’m in pain now… Every muscle of my body screaming for help. But, I’m gonna leave it to my mind to hold that all important “health conference” and convince my aching body, why I need this! Hehehe…

Oh another reason, I’m going back in August to see Mom and Dad along with all my relatives… ;-)

Ken Can Quote : Dream

2009-06-04T08:29:00.001+08:00

If you can DREAM, you are already on your way to making it HAPPEN.

Ken Can Quote : Money…

2009-06-03T17:39:00.001+08:00

Money don't make the world go round... but it makes people go round the world...

Rearview Mirror of Life

2009-06-03T00:48:00.001+08:00

Do you drive a car without rearview mirrors?

How does the rearview mirror help?

To see cars that are coming either on your left or right before you turn and cause an accident.
To look behind to see if anything is coming right up behind you, threatening to run you off the road!
Or simply to see what you have just passed or drove over!

The rearview mirror of life is for ALL this and MORE! Don’t take it for granted… We all need to use it, we all need to look “behind”… ok?

(PS… ever thought of changing your rearview mirrors to the BIG one so you can see more?!!!) ;-)

That was just a quick thought! ;-)

Good Morning Greeting!

2009-06-02T10:07:00.001+08:00

Good morning people!!!

A short greeting to SHOW you how BUSY I am in this period that I hadn’t even updated my blog in the last 3 days…. Hahaha… don’t you think that’s funny? Before this, I would have said 3 months, but now it’s only 3 days…. go figure! ;-)

Excruciating Torture!!

2009-05-31T00:08:00.000+08:00

Hmm.. what are your definition of modern day torture devices?

YUP!!!

Yesterday was dentist day!!! After having been avoiding the dentist for the last 5 years (took pride in the condition of my teeth thus far… well at least up to recently!), yesterday’s appointment was unavoidable as I had began to feel some pain in my lower right jaw…

Celeste was there too to have her teeth checked… I think she took it better than me considering that it was her first time EVER! Hehehehe…

So, with my great experiences of past fearful encounters with the “masked-kind” (dentists!!)… and their tools of torture, I reluctantly opened my mouth and braced myself… (hahaha… got the pun? braced = braces?!!! Hahaha…. errrr… ok ok maybe it wasn’t so funny…)

Hmmm, do you notice how when the dentist talk… you can never tell what they are feeling?!!!!

Hmmm, must be something to do with their mask and their years of training, using their calm, emotionless voices to hypnotise you into thinking that the torture device in their hands would make everything fine… yeah fine AFTER THE PAIN!!!!!

WHIZZING SOUND OF THE DRILL!!!!!!

Anyway… once the drill started… I have to say the whizzing sound that came from it is one of the most feared detail of this ordeal!! It was relentless… drilll… whizzz… drill… whizzz… drilll… whizzz… PAIN!!!!!!… drill… whizzz.. PAIN!!!!…. damn…

..and there I was helpless… with this lady dentist staring down my mouth… while my eyes looking for a point on the ceiling to focus on and “mentally” trying to fly away!!!…

With 2 cavities and 45 mins of repair… my body was numb… no… not the anesthetic… numb from gripping and flexing all my muscles each time the pain hit!!!

Hehehehe…

…and you know what was the parting message from the dentist after all this!!!!

…”If you should experience further pain after this time… you may be required for root canal repair….”

WHAT THE F$@#%!!!!!!

Root Canal Repair just means bringing me to the edge of pain-tolerance… no need to repair the canal of my root… just throw me into a canal some where!!!!

Hahahahahahaha… ouch… teeth hurts to laugh too much…… (kidding!)

;-) Ciao (with a bright white “repaired” smile!!!)

Redesign… redesign…

2009-05-27T11:28:00.001+08:00

I’m fighting the urge to redesign my blog!

Well… after bumping to some really cool templates I realised there is so much you can do with the look and feel of your pages!

Nevertheless, I’d like to think of this blog as being personal and all the elements I put here is my own. I’ll stick to it… especially the part about being “sunny”!

Happy weekday people. Hope it’s as sunny for you! ;-)

A Whole New Meaning to Using Toilet in Public

2009-05-26T01:50:00.001+08:00

Hmm.. I just came across this interesting little bit of news. Apparently, in London’s tourists quarter, someone came up with the brilliant idea of a one-way mirrored toilet…

Wow… hmm… I wonder who would have thought of that? Perhaps someone who’s sat long enough on the crapper and feeling that his/her life isn’t interesting enough. Or the setting in of quiet desperation for attention!!!

Ok, apparently some people love voyeurism… this takes the cake. Seems just like some act of desperation.. “Ooohh… I need the rush!”…

WOULD YOU DO IT?

Hmm… personally, let’s just say music would not be in my head if I said, the flute will not be played here or you won’t be hearing from my ding dongs soon enough… no sir ree!!!! Big Ben here is just gonna have to find some REAL privacy to water the plants!!!

Hahahaha… :-)

Stay away from my Lunch!!!

2009-05-23T01:55:00.001+08:00

Found this being sold online… dang… who would have thought of a simple idea like this! Hehehehe…

THE SCENARIO:
You have your freshly made sandwich and happily bring it to the office community fridge… where it should be safe, right?…

Well, WRONG!!!

Well, frustrations led to this cool idea… a “mould printed” paper bag! Hehehe.. I love it! Of course unless, the nosy office cleaning lady comes over and chucks it away…

But beware ok, don’t end up late one night, while at work and half asleep, going to the fridge and mistaking a real mould growth for this and start chomping down on it…

It wouldn’t be a pretty sight in the toilet later… ;-) Hahahaha…

Electrotango is the next sexy..

2009-05-21T01:01:00.001+08:00

Working on some music ideas recently for an upcoming project, I came across the new fangled music (well, maybe not so new to Europe but certainly a new discovery to me) called ElectroTango… a fusion of Tango presented in a new fashion way of Electro music composition.

…and I find it pure and simply, sexy!!!

Some of you may recognise it from music used by Cirque du Soliel and similar performances… YES, it is the type of music used for that… very rhythmic… just nice for the steps used in the performance!

Just makes you want to stand up and strut, don’t it!?

Hehehe….

Twitt Twitt! :-D

2009-05-20T07:18:00.001+08:00

Just in case you didn’t realise…

I’m on Twitter too!

http://twitter.com/kennygoh

or RSS here

http://twitter.com/statuses/user_timeline/26964080.rss

Ciao! …or should I say… twittaloo….!!! :-D

Daily Motivations : Take a Bite Size at a Time

2009-05-17T19:49:00.001+08:00

Sometimes you are just overwhelmed at the amount of things that gets dumped on you. Whether it’s work, relationship, responsibilities or just your personal goals, there is a limit to how much you can “consume” at a time.

Oh yes, I believe my mouth is bigger than hers…

So, just take a bite size. It may be small, but you know you’re gonna finish that cake one way or another.

So, heads up people… and just enjoy the taste… Hehehe ;-)

The Irony of Fitness and Sticks of Pleasures..

2009-05-17T19:17:00.001+08:00

So, today on this lovely sunny Sunday as I stepped out of the gym, my enjoyment of the natural condition around me, the wonderful blue skies, the warmth of the sun on my skin, and the fresh cooling wind was suddenly and rudely interrupted by a haze of puffed smoke… and ironically, these came from the very same gym mates who only moments earlier, sweated and puffed along side me, with faces committed to achieve a certain target on the treadmill.

Hmm… irony… oh yeah!!! It’s a BIG irony alright!!!

I wonder what makes these people tick? Or rather… what ticks in their heads? What ticks when one thinks about exercising to get fit… and while the body works one way, their index and middle finger tightly grips the stick of pleasure in between them.

Forgive me for being generalising the matter, but though there may be many reason leading to being a puff monster but the ultimate result can be only one… and that result we’ve been taught since young and now appears on the front of cigarette packs sold everywhere.

Anyway, I didn’t write this to evangelise smokers here… I was just ranting because I felt good at the gym and even out of the gym until my image of hardworking healthy people was just shattered….

Bottom-line?

Well… Gym and Smoking is just wrong…

Wait a minute… that smoker is old… he isn’t suppose to still be old.. in reality, he may have died a long time ago.. if he was really a smoker… ;-)

Angels and Demons Movie Review

2009-05-16T13:20:00.001+08:00

Watched Angels and Demons yesterday and I totally enjoyed the movie! As I began the show, I tried to recall back events and clips from The Davinci Code, thinking perhaps parts of the movie will be making a reference back to the earlier movie written by Dan Brown. I was surprised to and glad to know that the movie had its own storyline.

The show had the feel of adventure movies in the past like National treasure except that it was “realistic” and WAY much better with Tom Hanks at the helm! (I seem to compare Nicolas Cage with Tom Hanks a lot, but of course as much as I love Nicolas Cage, there is no comparison… Tom Hanks is definitely the true master of suspense and mystery.. and Nicolas… well, let’s just say he’s usually the comedic relief in movies that are just meant to be serious..)

Anyway, back to the movie… the pace and suspense is kept right up there from the start… but then again, anything that involves religion and deep meanings usually do always keep you on the edge of your seats.. I loved the fact that although it was about Christianity and beliefs, it was clear enough to be understood by non-Christians and those who are not stoic Christians.

With regards to the ‘chase’… there was just enough and not too much that will make it dizzying… so just right! There is so much depth even in the cinematography that it’s a movie that will make me watch again and again..

If you haven’t watched it.. go with an open mind, and just be mesmerised! ;-)

Enjoy!

This Job is a Roller-Coaster

2009-05-15T06:45:00.001+08:00

Isn’t it just the greatest job in the world? I’m sorry but it may sound a little self-indulgent but you gotta give it to this job…

A job where you don’t just work for a single company but you are working on multiple projects for multiple companies! It’s like you can expect different things every single day and the project environment changes according to what you are working on!

In one day, you could be putting yourself in the place of a cigarette company, working out event ideas and understanding the marketing mentality whilst working towards holistic planning in approaching set marketing goals, targets and ROI… The next day, you’re planning a costume party and understanding what entertainment works and what doesn’t for a bunch of 20 to 30 year olds… The very next day, you are in a board meeting advising a GLC company on the right approach for PR and event execution with a whole list of rationalisation to back-up your sales pitch!

It’s excitement at its very peak! …and your mind could be reeling in the process of absorbing so much information and not to mention churning OUT information!

It’s a roller-coaster ride. It’s a ROLLER-COASTER ride down to the trenches of seemingly impossible challenges and the peaks of euphoric triumphs…

The next ride is coming, gotta hop back in…

Ciao peeps!

Peanut Butter Latte

2009-05-13T20:52:00.001+08:00

Hmm… dunno why this suddenly appeared in my head… As I was making coffee in my office pantry, I suddenly had the urge to drop a dollop of Peanut Butter in my coffee and see what that taste like..

YUMMY!!!

Anyone heard of this before?

If this GOES ON THE MENU after my posting, REMEMBER!!!!!!!… I said it here FIRST!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ciao!

Weekend Photography Outing

2009-05-13T14:46:00.001+08:00

I haven’t been actively shooting for a while. Today at lunch I suddenly had the urge to go out this weekend for photography. Well, since I gotten by Canon 10-22mm wide angle lens, I hadn’t shot architecture (dedicatedly, only went to Penang).. and that’s one of the thing that this lens is great for…

This weekend’s outing therefore shall just be me and extreme wideangle! Hmm… I’ll throw in HDR effects just for fun! ;-)

Visit my Flickr Gallery when you have the time! > http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenjiimages/

Star Trek was out of this WORLD!

2009-05-12T17:21:00.001+08:00

After having not slept through the night working on a new project… (yes… that tends to happen at “good” times when we do have something to do at the office… nuff said)

Anyway, after having lunch I had to make a choice to go back and get rested… but having been convinced by a number of my usually “docile” friends, who are not normally moved by anything other than epic love bits and chick flicks, that this movie was the “bomb” in their books, I decided the temptation was too great!

So, I convinced my physical self, that I had to watch this right at that moment…

A little bit of history…

I don’t know if I am a Trekkie but I grew up with Star Trek. I remembered Star Trek Enterprise being shown on the TVB (Brunei TV Channel) back in Miri on Sunday afternoons when I was back in Form 2 (That was like 15 years ago!)… and I never missed an episode. Then again when I was studying in UK, I remembered watching Star Trek: Insurrection in 1998.. wow, that brought back memories.

Anyway, back to the present… I LOVED the movie, the energy, the pace the way in which it kept me awake (after about 30++ hours of of no-sleep)… Just as a point of reference, I slept through the sucky movie “Australia” even though I was wide awake.

I must say… I kept waiting for Zachary Quinto (who plays Sylar in Heroes) to slice the skull of all those he fought with!!! Hahahahahaha!!! Or maybe throw them across the room with his telekinetic force! Anyway, for someone playing an expressionless Vulcan, I guess he was the best person for the role, considering he already has a forehead and deepset eyes that was made for it! Hehehe..

Unfortunately, Chris Pine didn’t play a very good Kirk though… He was simply NO William Shatner. I would have loved someone with a bit more of Shatner’s pompous style and persona.

Nevertheless the movie indeed was a keeper in my books!!! I loved the storyline.. and all the best effects that went with it!

A MUST WATCH!! (over and over again… ;-)…)

Worthwhile Lateness

2009-05-11T21:08:00.001+08:00

Working late tonight!!!

Working on something inspiring… hmm.. something that would definitely be worthwhile doing considering all the stuffs that we’ve been getting ‘dirty’ with. Anyway, nothing like a little inspired delight to make your Monday a little better!

:-)

Err… I may blog again like say at 4am in the morning before I crash!

Bookmark : Jazz Artistes

2009-05-11T15:30:00.000+08:00

Just browsing through Last.fm and realised as I started playing Mindi Abair’s song, I was also referred to other great performer of the same genre.

Here’s a list (which I will continue to update) which I would like to bookmark here:

Mindi Abair
Pamela Williams
Michael Lington
Rick Braun
Paul Taylor
Warren Hill

Life’s Good

2009-05-11T10:47:00.001+08:00

After a whole WEEK of conditioning about how good life is… I’m beginning to think that LIFE’S GOOD! Hahahaha… catchy isn’t it?

Well, today’s a Monday and it’s sunny… yes PEOPLE! Life’s Good… hehehe… really it is..

Ok ok.. it’s a Monday morning and I guess I am allowed to be a bit crazy.. no, no seriousness will just kill me!

Ciao! (…till maybe lunch time…) ;-)

Mommy’s Day Dinner

2009-05-11T01:15:00.001+08:00

Hehehe… after having repeatedly failed to book a place at the elusive Tamarind Springs restaurant located at the picturesque hillside of Ampang (I am getting to wits end wondering when we will finally be able to eat here!!!)

Anyways, Winnie’s practicality and common sense brought us to 1 Utama. Yes, not only we were expected to fill our stomachs, a bit of shopping wouldn’t hurt (not that I can say the same for my wallet…)

So, Mommy’s Day Dinner was decided to be at Sushi Zanmai. Another elusive place for me before this… just look at this…

Well, not that bad… 15 minutes of standing only. I’ve seen a 30 minutes wait at this place before.

Winnie was trying to be happy.

No doubt, her smile just warmed my heart knowing there was still hope at the end of this queue.

But, then doubts began to set in… this place was that good meh?

Finally as we got to our seats, brought by a hostess who was trying to be as friendly as possible but obviously hurried…

The menu… not bad… photography wise lah… The test of taste was soon to be!

So, here it was…

Sushi!!! Succulent, juicy pieces of salmon draped over a fresh cut of perfectly steamed Japanese rice wrapped in aromatic seaweed paper and fresh condiments.

For the pics, that’s all folks!

Wait a minute… where the hell are all the rest of the pictures. Hehehe…. *sheepishly* Well, considering having shot of first few pictures under the suspicious eyes of wandering waiters, and then in my hunger, beholding the wonderful servings and having to be overcomed by the urge to just pounce on the food in sinful delight… I guess the camera just got pushed to the side, neglected for the rest of the meal.

Sorry guys, but seriously, it’s GOOD. You gotta taste and not just see it… Sushi King/Gengki Sushi… they might as well start serving sushi burgers, unagi fries, and green tea flavoured softdrinks and come together to form McSushi… cause good Japanese food takes good care to prepare.

Well done, Sushi Zanmai.

Jaring Email

2009-05-10T23:12:00.001+08:00

I wonder why so many people still ask me why I am still using my Jaring account? Every new stranger who asks me for my MSN link and I tell them my Jaring account would be surprised at this.

Last I saw, Jaring is still offering internet services right? Broadband as well… Perhaps the least they can do is offer me something for being a long term customer… err… oops. Let me take that last statement back.. Now.. when was the last time I ever paid Jaring for anything. Hmm….

…my bad! :-P

Party Time : LG Blog Launch

2009-05-10T18:26:00.001+08:00

Whew…. just recovered from yesterday’s event. The launch of LG’s new blog at www.lgblog.com.my. The concept of the party? A gathering of all angelic and devilish bloggers. Yes, it was Heaven and Hell colliding at the same time!!! I had a cool time… well at least I can say it at the end of the evening as I was filled with scepticism as to how we would fill our venue, Metropol Bar (a chic new outlet in KL) with all sorts of devils and angels coming in character. My doubts just disappeared with the appearance of our first bloggers!!!

Yes, without a doubt! They were a bunch to be reckoned with. So, there was the launch proper, free-flow of food and drinks, games that would shiver the most stoic of personalities.

Indeed I survived by sheer determination to see this through to the end!!! :-) I shall be looking forward to more future fun like this… Hmm…. costume parties may just be making a BIG comeback!

Heaven and Hell collided!

Jolyn with her “Most Eccentric” costume!

Our special guests!

…and new friends!

Ciao people! ;-)

Why do I love my Mom and Dad so much?

2009-05-10T16:51:00.001+08:00

Every year, Mother's Day and Father's Day pass by and I take it like any other holidays. Maybe, I remember to call back home to send my wish to Mom and Dad. We have a nice conversation, and every year like they always do, they would say thank you and just ask how I am doing. It all seems so routine.

Well, call it sentimental, but this year I just wanted to remember what is it about my Mom and Dad that I love so much.

I miss them.

I miss them because I am here with my wife and little girl in KL while they are in Sarawak, my little hometown. But, for them this is just one of the many sacrifice they have been willing to take as long as I am happy. When I think about them wanting me to be happy, I think how selfless they are.

Why do I say that?

Because whatever I do, what ever path I choose to go on, Mom and Dad never forced me to do anything otherwise. Sure, they wanted to make sure we were alright. The constant worries, and the calls, the talk, the advices and the simple messages which they wanted to tell me to be careful about everything. These things which when I look back now... I realise I often took as nagging and complaining... and thinking back the number of times I get frustrated and answer back harshly, telling them I am OLD enough and I know what to do!

...sigh.

Now when I think of it... how else can they be "part" of me, now that I "think" can decide everything by myself. Where do they fit now that I am so strong headed thinking that I know how to do everything. Mom and Dad loves me and just wants me to be happy. And perhaps now at this time, I should continue to listen. Whether or not what they say is wrong or right (by my own perspective), I realise they believe they are doing what they can to still make a point in my life...

...to still have a part in my life now.

I love my Mom and Dad for being so selfless. Over the years as I grew up, I always asked... why did we not go for holidays like other people or have better things at home. Mom and Dad chose to just smile and tell us siblings, "You will understand, one day". We never stopped questioning through school. But eventually we DID travel. And we travelled FAR, FAR away... and it was for our studies. Mom and Dad said, "See... we saved up for you to travel. And so.. now you get to travel, but by yourself." This travelling didn't mean anything to Mom and Dad, because they know in their heart, that they did not do it for themselves. They did it for us.

Today, I understand. I love my Mom and Dad for that.

I don't see Mom and Dad that often because I live away from my hometown now... but I always try to think about them. Phone calls never seemed to be long enough. Mom still thinks that I shouldn't talk so long on the phone because it's expensive. But in my heart, the cost of the call isn't important. The calls just don't seem to be LONG enough... It's not the same when I don't see my Mom and Dad, but I try to imagine them smiling every time I call, because that's all I can do when I talk to them on the phone.

When I was young, I always wondered how it was going to be like to live on my own. How FREE I would be! To enjoy, to have fun, to go for entertainment. Oh, the things that I would do. Even nowadays, sometimes I think of the freedom of mixing with people of my own generation, partying, drinking, dancing...

Now, when I think of it... I wonder...

I wonder what Mom and Dad is doing as I am in a club, downing drinks, dancing and shouting, waving my arms, grinding my hips, rubbing shoulders with known and unknowns, saluting the DJs as I take in the ambience and music like a person on some kind of high. Maybe Mom is watching her favourite soap opera alone or Dad is watching the news on his own, occasionally sharing with Mom on what's happening to the world. Or maybe Mom and Dad going to sleep peacefully, just glad that we are happy and enjoying ourselves?

I wonder about them...

Mom and Dad loves each other.

And I have never seen a love that is so heartfelt. They don't do it like how we do nowadays. They love each other through being with each other, talking to each other and EVEN enjoying the quiet while sitting next to each other. They don't have to say " I love you" but you know what? That LOVE is more than any words, cards, greeting, or wishes on Facebook can ever replace. When I think about their love... I feel a little ashamed inside.

My Mom has done so much for us. Been there for us. Her thoughts, day and night is always about us. Dad in his regal silence, watches over us and when he speaks, his words come out from thoughts which had taken a lot of processing as he watch us grow up and become good people.

Does it matter to Dad if I say I want to grow up to be just like him? But you know what? ... in ALL his selflessness, being like him is NOT important, because in his heart, he always wants me to be a good person, anyhow without using himself as a comparison. But you know... when I think of it, I can never be as good as he is, however much I try...

Mom... I know mom cries sometimes when she thinks about us. Because in her selflessness, she thinks that our LIFE should be much, much better. Despite how much I tell her that I am happy and doing well..., she always wants the best for us. And because nothing in life is ever perfect, I believe Mom will always continue to wish for us for the rest of our lives... and I know she will have many of the moments where she cry when she thinks about us.

I love my Mom and Dad very much.

Well, work and my life here doesn't permit me to see them very much, I envy those who can... and I am sure there are others who thinks they envy us to be able to live independent lives from Mom and Dad... Think again.

At least though I can't see them, I want to think back how much I love them. I won't forget that, but I realise I don't give this enough thought.

Mom, Dad, "I'm coming home soon!". To them, us going home is a BIG celebration. To me, everyday of having them love us is a BIGGER celebration of more than any other!!!

Mom, Dad, I love you very much.

A New Look

2009-05-10T16:47:00.001+08:00

I’ve always blogged under www.kenjiimages.blogspot.com. Never gave blogging a serious thought until recently. Well, yesterday for one.. cause we just organised a cool party for bloggers.

So today, I woke up realising I should be revamping my online presence! There’s quite a lot to do, but today, I’m beginning with my blog.

I’ll slowly be transferring my old blogs here. I’ll still keep www.kenjiimages.blogspot.com, but perhaps will be using it for another theme!

Ciao people! :-)

Technorati Tags: new,blog,ken can quote,revamp

A Blast and MORE!

2009-04-25T02:09:00.000+08:00

Hennessy kicks of this year’s celebration with a blast!

The start of the 2009 season began with a blast of international performers Starz Angels. From Paris, London, Los Angeles, Las Vegas to France. They are now in Malaysia kicking off the party season along with Caprice, our very own rebellious, boyish, YouTube heartthrob.

This year, the mix is finer and will be going down smoother than ever before!

Enjoy the sights and sounds from the party… !

View Full Album

Technorati Tags: Hennessy,Artistry,Party,Night,Dance,Stars

Morning Adventures @ Taman Tasik Manjalara

2009-04-15T02:33:00.000+08:00

So, for my next early morning excursion, woke up at 6:15am and made my way to Taman Tasik Manjalara, just a mere 10mins drive from my home. This was a small lake, but there were lots of people here, in contrast with the Desa Parkcity Waterfront Park. So much so that I had to swerve and avoid other joggers as I ran along the path…

And as I jogged along that path, I counted up to at least 8 different groups in the entire area doing Tai Chi!… Mind you, these were large groups of people too! Hehehe… One of these days, I must join one of the groups and see what the hype is all about!

Anyway, TTM wouldn’t be a place I’d come to every morning if I wanted a relaxing environment… but if I am looking at getting energised, I’d probably can “feed” off the energy of the people around here! ;-)

Till my next adventure!!!

SALSAFIED! – What I learnt this week?

2009-04-13T01:01:00.000+08:00

First class at Salsa was wonderful…

Suddenly, the same reason that made me fell in love with ballroom dancing years ago, all came back, the moment I took a step into the dance hall at Salsajay (Salsa Dance School in Petaling Jaya).

Joining some students who had been there for a couple of weeks, I was swept into the whirlwind of the dance! No introductions, no formal hellos… it was like “Now Dance!!!!”… hahahaha… What to do? Having “jumped into the pool, I had to SWIM!”… But, Jeamie (the wonderful instructor) and some really nice tutors made it look easy, even for us, the beginners… ;-)

So what moves did I learn in my first class?

The Basic Step
The Inside Turn
The Cross Body Lead
The Cucaracha (Side to side)

Hehehehe… 10 mins into the class and I had to do ALL that! I was like “OMG!”… “OMG!”…. “HELP!”… I wonder if it registered on my face… well I don’t think anyone caught the ‘green’ complexion on my face! Hahahaha… But soon into it, following everyone’s rhythm, I was soon getting into it. I’d like to think it was at least “believable”! Hehehe…

Anyways, at home now, and I’m trying it out… Got some Salsa music to have fun with… at least this coming week at the Salsa Club, I can dance a little instead of oogling at all the movements on the dance floor!

Get Salsafied!!! ;-)

Morning Adventures @ Desa Park City

2009-04-10T12:03:00.000+08:00

Hmm… lately, taking points to chill, relax and just enjoying the pleasures of an easy-going lifestyle comes into the balance. I have been hitting the gym for a while now. No doubt this has done wonders physically and mentally! :-) It is now a habitual activity which by this point I believe I would not be able to keep a balance function without.

Anyway, coming from that, I have started to act on ravings by my fellow fitness friends about the pleasures of exercising outdoors. So, yesterday morning I woke up at the ungodly hour of 5:45am and drove over to Desa Parkcity outdoor park to check it out. 10 mins drive.

Hmm… I must say, the park looks spankingly new, of course by the fact that it’s only about a year ++ old. I was there before sunrise, so I got to see others who has made this their daily routine… to wake up early and placate their desire for fitness.

Well, conveniently I had my collection of Bossa Nova hits on MP3… I put on my earphones and when the music started, I was immediately taken on a pleasurable flight… keeping my feet off my pavement in slow strides, I started my jog around the park…

That got me hooked! Hmm… somehow I had felt the sudden connection with the “cliché” scenes of American movies where the guy is jogging in the park or by the lake… hehehehe.. It is very enjoyable, the fresh air is a change from smelling the thick, humid sweaty air… compared to this, gym may seem a bit claustaphobic. Hmm… I shouldn’t hammer the gym, cause I’m alternating both routine, one day gym, one day outdoors. Of course at the gym, you get “electrically” charged… hmm… must have something to do with electrolytes… hahahaha ;-)

Ok, enjoy the pics, more adventures to come as I visit different parks weekly!

A Kiss

2009-04-09T23:28:00.000+08:00

Another one of those things that would just pop into my head at random… ;-) This time...

KISSING

Kissing is taken so much nonchalantly, by a lot of us. When I say nonchalantly, I mean not just for the seasoned kisser, but those who almost never does it and when he or she does do it, they try not to “think” about it at all! Hence, nonchalantly…

Did you ever realise, THAT simple press of the lips is interpreted in hundreds of ways, done in thousands of methods and limitless number of reasons?

… showing love > a kiss from a mother to her child

… in the heat of passion > the locking of lips on two lovers

… the quick “I love yous” > a light touching of lips

… endearing greet > a kiss on the right cheek and then a hug

… social nuances > a kiss on the left cheek and then the right

… care and protection > a kiss on the forehead

… a friendly gesture > the flying kiss

… superficial love > the air kisses

… the love of an object > kissing an object in happiness

… and much more..

Kissing is passionate.

Remember, the time you kissed someone you really loved, with passion. At that single precise moment, you are oblivious to everything around you… your heart beats to a point that it’s the only thing that you can hear… every single part of your body tingles for the briefest moment then the tingling feeling rushes back to the tip of your lips just before it touches… your hands sweat, and your mind doesn’t stop computing… hundreds of images runs through your head, blurred to a point where it simply becomes non-sensical… your eyes lock looking for a sign, any-sign in the other persons eyes to say “everything is ok”… and just before your lips touch, your breath meets… that magical air of closeness…you inhale and savour its warmth… and then….

…the kiss.

Your entire world, everything that you know, at that precise moment, comes together to meet at that single point… the point of where your lips touch your lover’s… ;-)… and that’s the magic of a true passionate kiss…

A simple kiss tells of your emotion. If you cry and you kiss… your lips quiver as they touch. If you are happy and excited… your kisses are fast and you laugh and smile as you kiss.

The next time when you kiss… indulge yourself in that moment. Make sure you realise your emotions at that very point. Savour in and “record” the moment your lips touches…

…no matter how many times you kiss your husband rub his face
…no matter how many times you kiss your daughter on her forehead
…no matter how many times you kiss your mom and dad and tell them that you love them
…no matter how many times you feel that she is the right girl for you when you kiss her
…no matter how many times you show your trust and confidence with a simple kiss

… for that is one moment you will always want to build on and remember… the moment your lips “create” a little magical story of love in the pages of your life.

Goodnight everyone and

"XXXXXXXXX" ;-)

Bookmark : Salsa Lessons On Youtube

2009-04-06T11:27:00.000+08:00

Salsa!!!

2009-04-06T11:13:00.000+08:00

Salsa!!! (not the food kind… it’s the dance…)

Some of you may have realised that I have recently embarked on a new passion… DANCING!!! So is it a new thing? A craze of the moment?

No… cause I’ve always loved to dance. When I was 17 and studying here in Kuala Lumpur, I was always itching to do some stuffs in my free time after schooling hours. Japanese classes, sign language classes and the short stint at Cyber cafes to see the new craze of internet at the time (Yes! I am THAT old… sigh…).. and most importantly, weekly dancing session at the Federal Academy of Ballet here in Bangsar… and NO it wasn’t ballet that I was learning, it was Ballroom Dancing 101..

What made me start? Well, for starters I was in the hotel management line and dad always said that some knowledge and experience of cultured hobbies would be a great base to start this off. Haha…. so ballroom dancing it was.

Well, that was then.. and now, after so many years, dancing again is at the top of my list (after gym of course) as one of the things I would do as a break, and escape!

And you know what’s the fringe benefits of Salsa Dancing? Getting to know other friends who are as passionate about this!

So now… Saturday nights, instead of club hopping, getting pissed drunk, dancing silly with arms and legs swinging in all directions, laughing and shouting at whatever and most importantly the dough from one’s wallet flows out as fast as the liquid from each bottle and jugs ordered to the table (not that this happens all the time, but still.. most of the time); at the Salsa Club, I end up with a bottle of mineral water and a glass of coke! Hahahaha…

Imagine this… it’s a new thing for me… It’s Saturday night, and you are dancing and the only thing that passes down your throat is cool clear refreshing water that replenishes all the sweat from dancing… and if it’s a bit of sugar high you need to get your feet moving, a glass of tall long coke is all it takes. Culture shock? Yes, it is!

Hahaha, but, seriously, there’s always the best of both world’s. Drinks are here also… but most importantly, you get sucked into this celebration of socialising and getting to know people! Not hard to get to know new friends… ;-) Well, my class starts next week, hoping my darling wife will follow suit and come with me as well… of course that is if she can stop laughing long enough to start dancing!!! Hahahaha…

A Friend In Town

2009-04-03T13:39:00.000+08:00

I had a nice guest from Nottingham in town last Sunday evening. Marianne, a friend of my good friend Jennifer Latham came by. (Jennifer, if you’re reading this, you should have CAME down as well!!)… Anyways, a brief historical recap, Jennifer was a really good friend who gave me my first English treat in good ‘ol Birmingham, a nice little English dinner. I never forgot that! So, I owe her to bring Marianne around for an evening to see the sights.

Well, being a seasoned globe trekker from Australia, Bali, Europe, Thailand, Indonesia etc.. I am sure backstreets and secret spots were where she wanted to head to. We trotted from KLCC, to Skybar, for an amazing view of the towers from the top, nasi kandar for dinner (yes, her first time!.. hehehehe), Petaling Street and eventually, a spot of night scene in Bamboo at Taman Tun…

Here are the proofs!! ;-) (Note to Marianne: I had as much fun as you did… !! Hehehe…)

Lounge Music : Samantha James

2009-04-02T22:55:00.000+08:00

Oooh….

New CD time!

So, I was on my music spending binge again and I got the album, Music In Style Vol 2 and I came across a piece which is simple to die for… errr.. I mean in the terms of simple having your breath stop and then rising into the light towards a place called “Lounge Heaven”…ahhhh….;-)

Lovely! The whole CD was lovely.. but one particular track by Samantha James an American singer that has a casual, relaxed, lounge-styled voice caught my attention.

It was “Rain” by Samantha James.

Couldn’t find a clear piece of that on YouTube, but here’s another one of hers!…”Angel Love”.. Looks like this will be my fav genre for a long-long time to come…

Elaborations

2009-04-01T11:00:00.000+08:00

Ah… the pleasures of dissecting ANYTHING at all, be it a single word, a few text, a paragraph, a situation, a real scenario, a hypothetical event, verbal words uttered in a conversation, a picture, a person, a group, emotions, thoughts, a dream, someone’s problem, your own difficulties, a little excitement, about something, a new muse, an old passion, etc……

That’s my escape.

Give me a word… and I’ll give you a 200-250 word paragraph relating to it.

You know what it is?

It’s the pleasure of letting your words (and thoughts) take you on a journey somewhere else other than where you are right now…sometimes simply because you need to get away and you physically can’t!

Everyone can think… and think a lot. May not be the same as another, but that’s the beauty of reading another person’s writing… it’s always different.

So, go ahead, “elaborate”… that’s my word of the week.

Managing It

2009-04-01T10:07:00.000+08:00

What do you do when a stressful schedule begs to intrude into your life and mind?

Well, we all would like to escape to someplace and just be “lost” to the world and to just think of nothingness…

These few weeks it is.

What do you do when you can’t physically leave?

…and your mind is in a fix and you can’t pin-point just one thing that may be the cause of this all?

Hmm… I come to remember having heard… “don’t eat a cake in one bite, eat it bit by bit”…

…but you know what? That FREAKIN’ cake is damn huge!!!!

*sigh*

The Pleasures of Ambience and Writing

2009-03-24T15:50:00.000+08:00

Call me naive but having written articles and doing some freelance copywriting for 4 years now, I have just discovered the pleasures of finding the right places and ambience to write in.

I used to think that when you put a pen to paper… or in this case.. fingers to keyboard, hehehe… you’d have to be totally focused and close-in on yourself while ignoring your surroundings. Well, that’s one way of doing it, but it takes too much effort to try and block out your surrounding!

But, writing the last few issues for my mag, I have decided to find nice little lounges and cafes to do it in.

Talk about being REALLY naive…. hahahaha! Goodness.. laughing at myself.

So last Saturday I hung out at “The Apartment” in the Curve, Mutiara Damansara.

Nice little place with the concept of a home… well, at least it tries to be!

It’s a nice place.. I was there at tea time so it was kind of quiet. Hmm… the type of environment you would want to be in when you are pressured to finish an article which you’ve been putting off for WEEKS!!!! hahahaha… (errr… If my editor sees this, I wish to APOLOGISE profusely!!!!) :-P

Anyway, I realise that when you are comfortable and not distracted… the thoughts flow easily… and you can go on an on… (Coincidently as I am writing this blog, I am in Old Town White Coffee in Sri Sinar… hmm.. looks like I’ll be a kopitiam junkie soon)

Well, I ordered 2 plate of dishes from their tapas menu.. An Avocado salad and Chicken Liver Pate…. hmm… food was so so only… But then again, those were just to keep my mouth busy as my brain was working.

And of course my FAV drink… Ice Latte!

Looks like Nescafe Ice, doesn’t it?

Anyway… safe to say I finished my article as I took the last bite of my tapas… the 2 whole hours there was quite an enlightening experience… Must do more of this again!

Now… for my next article… (Yes… Mr Editor I am starting the next one early!) ;-)

My Notes for a Happier Life

2009-03-23T00:05:00.000+08:00

Some notes that we should always remember to make each of our lives a bit sunnier:

Live life like you have only ONE LIFE TO LIVE!
Kiss like you are giving LIFE to your lover
Laugh like you are the only one in the room
Dance when you are NAKED and see yourself smile and even LAUGH!
Hug your child like you are her WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD!
Say "I LOVE YOU" as much as you say hello
Tickle another and allow yourself to be TICKLED!
Look in the mirror and smile, happy that YOU ARE YOU!
Cry like a thunderstorm, because when the tears end like the rain, the SUN WILL APPEAR!
Money comes and go, but LOVE IS FOREVER
Spend more time on WHAT YOU HAVE than working for what you have not!
Do you COMPLIMENT about good service as much as you complain about bad service?
A nice thing you say to someone does AS MUCH GOOD FOR YOU as it does for that person.
JUMP OUT OF BED instead of crawling.
Write your FAVOURITE SONG list on the wall of your toilet and sing!
TOUCH your partner every moment, every minute you are with her and FEEL it!
Let people OWE you and don't expect to OWE people.
STRUT to work with your head up, don't slouch!
Practice your SMILE, not your FROWN!
Most importantly, love yourself like YOU ARE THE MOST PRECIOUS THING IN YOUR WORLD!

Pucker Up and Kiss Life

2009-02-26T11:31:00.000+08:00

Pucker up and kiss life.

If you got something to be happy about... kiss life... it deserves it.

If life is testing you... kiss life... it'll be surprised at your candour.

If you are sad... kiss life... there may be hope from this gentle gesture

If you are angry... kiss life... you'll calm down

If you hate someone... kiss life... it'll make you think of the good things about that person.

In the end... just be patient.

Life may just end up kissing you. :-X

The Paradox of Our Life : Sobering Thoughts

2009-02-16T09:37:00.000+08:00

Oh my goodness... I was really surprise this morning when I came into office, checked my mail and got this email forward to me by my Dad... I wrote my earlier note on Saturday morning but when I read this one, it's talking about something along that... and more!
It's really true, and close to heart. Thanks Dad!

The NOTE :

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.

A Message by George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways,but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgement, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

George Carlin

Contradictions Of Our Lives

2009-02-16T09:35:00.000+08:00

Something we think of sometimes... sometimes a lot... sometimes not.

What is contradiction?

When something so good is so wrong.
When you can explain one moment and not in the next.
When maturity is there along with immaturity.
When you love and hate at the same time.
When you want to know and don't want to know.
When you are feeling at the top one moment and at the bottom the next.
When you win but you lose at the same time.
When you think you are so sure but unsure when you think about it.
When you ask for help but want to hide away.
When you need it but don't want it.
When you can laugh and cry at the same time.
When you regret but want to do it again.
When you feel close but distant.
When you hate that you love so much.
When you think about not thinking about it.
When you say it but don't mean it.
When it's wrong to tell the truth and right to lie.
When you are good but not that good.
When you wish for something you know you can't have.
When perversion is affection.
When perfection is riddled with mistakes.
When you make the right mistakes and the wrong good deeds.
When you are thinking what he's not.
When you are responsible at being irresponsible.
When you think what's good for you isn't good for you.
When she can't love you because she loves you so much.
When the brightest moment is the darkest moment of your life.
When the thing that touches your heart cuts you like a knife.
When you have to hear what you never want to hear.
When you give something you never intended to give.
When she gives what you want and you can't take it.
When the truth is a lie and the lie is a truth.
When you can't let go of the thing you love the most.
When the things you do wrong teaches you the right.
When happiness is a lie and sadness is a blessing.
When you have to let go of what you held on to so closely
When it is only fair that life is unfair
When we cry over something we should be crying for
When we move back to move forward
When we say so little to say so much

Think about it my friends... :-)

Spiral Annual Party 2009 was a Blast!

2009-02-10T00:12:00.000+08:00

I think the pictures should suffice to tell you what a great time we had last Thursday at our 2009 Annual Appreciation Party held at the Sultan Lounge, Mandarin Oriental...

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR COMING!!!... and making it a blast!

We gotta do it again every year!

Blog Test From My Phone

2009-02-09T19:52:00.000+08:00

Okay I'm just checking out this blogging software on my phone!

Pics Can Talk is Talking Again!

2009-02-09T02:47:00.000+08:00

Ok... Pics Can Talk, my blog about photography is back again. I've been neglecting the task of spending time updating and adding contents to the blog.

So those of you keen on taking up photography or just want want get resources and information, check it out.

http://www.picscantalk.blogspot.com

1-0 Maxis Broadband/Streamyx Fixed Line

2009-02-09T00:29:00.000+08:00

Ok.. it's official.

My Maxis portable Broadband modem transmits faster than my fixedline Streamyx modem at home in the evenings.

Especially when I am looking through Youtube Videos and Facebook pages.

I thought I'd say that out so some bloody Streamyx people will know they have a sucky line here!!!

A Note for a Friend: Keep on Believing

2009-02-07T23:30:00.000+08:00

My friend...

What you have today, may not be what you'll have tomorrow.

And tomorrow you'll have things that you are wishing for right now.

Believe...and know that whatever you are wishing for will come true.

Don't say something that isn't true, don't assume that things are the way it should be right now...

but believe...

...because if it happens, then you'll begin to trust in your beliefs.

...because if it doesn't happen, you never assume that it is the way it will be, then you move on.

My friend, don't say it, believe it. Your action and your thoughts will begin to follow.

...and then things will be better.

Achievement

2009-02-07T17:22:00.000+08:00

A friend (who is a real Queen, Queen J actually) once told me a really, really good quote. And I thought about it and this is how I interpreted it:

"Be happy with what you have.

Because what you want, you don't have yet and you can get it anytime you set out to get it...

...but what you have, took your life's effort and is a statement of what you achieved.

So, take pride and be happy with what you have."

Happy Again.

2009-02-07T17:16:00.000+08:00

I've been feeling crappy for a while.. a long while now, but today I feel happy again. Liberated, I guess. :-)

I wrote this here to remember. Maybe one day, I'll talk about it. :-)

From Kopitiam to Cafes

2009-02-07T17:12:00.000+08:00

I'm sitting here at Starbucks having my favourite low-fat latte, after an hour of gym session, and blogging on my phone...

Hmm.. is that how I wanna start this entry? Honestly, I'm thinking, who cares?! I could be blogging from a kopitiam in Miri, my hometown, a kampung house in Kedah or any of a hundred of places.

I wonder how much of what we say daily is a result of how we want others to perceive us rather than how we perceive of ourselves.

Pretentious.

There is a big difference between doing something for ourselves that makes us feel good and doing something to make others think we feel good!

Thus, the question that begs to be ask... "Who are we doing it for?"

Imagine yourself, a single person on an island, does it matter what you wear or how you look to the non-existent others. Or your soulmate who knows you so well as much as you know yourself was with you. Or perhaps friends so close to you, you would give anything and sacrifice your best days just to be with them in times of need. Does image matter?

The line is blurred, my friends. And nothing is ever really bad. Either way you think about it, it's the person you BE.

I'm just finishing my latte as I finish this blog.

Today I'm having my RM10 caffe latte, tomorrow I'll be having my 80cents teh tarik kurang manis... In fact, forget about the kurang manis!,... I'll have the real thing, head on.

Overnighter 1 : Looong Hourssssss...

2009-02-03T21:38:00.000+08:00

As I am typing this with erratic fingers that run all over the keyboardssssddaasdwwffffasfg.... (oops there it goes again)... as well as droopy eyes, I am counting the number of hours I have not slept. ... hmm... ok.... *thinking*... ok, forget about it, brain is already in "shutting down" mode...

Well, I just wanted to highlight it as the first overnighter of the year. Nothing spectacular, just making a note of how many of these, there will be... ;-)

Goodnight.....z.zzzz...ZZZzz.zzz..zzz

760++ Friends and Counting

2009-02-03T00:41:00.000+08:00

Hmmm.... guess I've been asked 1 too many times before on how I got 760++ friends on my FB.

Okay, let's see if this justifies the nos... ;-)

170 school friends/hometown friends from Miri (there's more and I'm still looking!)
70 college (KL) & university (UK) friends
45 colleagues & ex-colleagues
120 suppliers & company partners (from 10 yrs ago)
185 clients and met on jobs (clients from so many yrs ago)
50 event personalities/performers/hosts we worked with
25 relatives (I'm sure there's more out there in FB)
45 photography friends (PhotoMalaysia/PhotoKaki/Click! Mag/Photography Workshops/Other Magazines)
30 people whom I bumped into on FB and found interesting ;-)

So that makes a total of +-740 people.

(Oh BTW, that's how you guys are categorised in my FB lists!)

So, where the heck did another 20++ people come from???!!

Yeah... I'm wondering about that. Hmm... think they should be consisting of your friendly stalkers, the lonelies and desperates, females checking me out (God knows what for?!), males checking me out (I don't want to know what for!!!), and the nice people pretending to be people they are notsss...;-)

And you say "Why the heck did you add them?". Guess at the time, it was the only way to find out who they were!!!... then I didn't get round to removing them... oh well, time for some grass trimming soon! (if I get round to it).

Ciaos friendly ppl!

(Say HI to me on FB if you hadn't already!)

Starting a Monday Morning

2009-02-02T10:47:00.000+08:00

It’s a Monday morning and it’s been a while since I have felt great about a Monday morning. I and wondering about the reason for this. Perhaps it was the long break this Chinese New Year, a separation from work that helped me to recuperate and made me see what I love about my work. The excitement, the adrenaline rush, the relieve of stress and pressure after a certain task all adds to that feeling of accomplishment.

It’s going to be a great Monday morning because I woke up today smiling. Next time you guys wake up, remember to take note of how you are feeling at the time you wake up. Because that’s the note which will start the rhythm of your day. Which is why I really, really believe that it is extremely important to go to sleep at night having sorted things out or having done a little thinking about how you are going to go about your day. Otherwise, you would wake up, worried or not knowing what to do.

So, well for me, today…it’s a great Monday morning.

Chinese New Year Chef... Amazes Himself

2009-02-01T00:30:00.000+08:00

Hahaha... so, there I was... Chinese New Year eve and I was all alone at home. Where was everyone, you may ask.. long story. But to surmise it, Winnie and Celeste was back in Miri, my mom and dad was in HK, and my bro, sis and bro-in-law were coming around for dinner.

I had my work cut out for me. This year, duties for CNY falls in my hand. I had to cook CNY eve meal single-handedly... The responsibility was heavy... as heavy as the two woks that I was holding onto as I juggled the task of CNY "masterclass" cooking... hehehe...

Okay, it wasn't exactly a menu fit for the Gods... but it did get me close to the tail-end of dreaming about being an apprentice for the Gods of chinese cooking... *wink* *wink*...

Anyway, all you ladies (who cook) including my Mom and wife would have been appalled at how I did my shopping! I practically did it 1 day before and I sped through the aisle at the local supermarket like how I usually drive my car.

But, the menu was as clear as day in my head... If I had been a fickle minded woman, at least 3 days of shopping would have been required. That task took me about 50 mins to be precise... hehehe...

Okay, so what did I churn out?

Started preparing in the morning and in between watching the TV, washing clothes, ironing, and the last sweeping of the house before new year, I sweated over the woks, pots and pans...

10 dishes!!!

White Fungus, Fish Maw soup with Fish & Lobster Ball
Pork Char Siew (marinated with red wine and spices)
Roast Chicken with Plum Sauce
Broccoli and Mushrooms in Chinese 5 Spice Sauce
Sliced Beef, with Peppers and Spring Onions
Fluffy Foo Yong Egg Omelete
Steamed Choi Sum Vege
Yong Chow Chinese Fried Rice
Chinese Wet Fried Yellow Noodle, and...
Yee Sang with Fresh Salmon

There were 2 other dishes (Japanese Egg Tofu and Century Egg + Marinated Sour & Spicy Cabbage) that I had unfortunately not been able to make. But, considering only 4 of us were at the dinner... we were honestly thankful that I hadn't got around to it...

Seriously... I hadn't cook like this before.. at least not as much.

I'm still thinking twice whether I should make this another one of my hobby. Must do a reality check before I begin my plans to conquer the world of cooking!!!

Things That Guys Do For Their Car to Make Themselves Happy

2009-01-31T23:18:00.000+08:00

Ok... I should be happy now???!!!

Hehehe... I'm still asking myself. :-P

Okay, so the first day of my "holiday" which started one week before the Chinese New Year break, I decided to make a surprise stop by my friendly local car modification shop and look for some "men stuffs" for my car.

I tell, you testosterone levels and hard metal auto accessories are freakin' related!!! And they work together to put that smile in your face and that skip in your heartbeat. Dontcha' forget it...

Anyways, it started with a K&N Filter High-Flow filter that helps in improving engine air-flow resulting in better ignition and fuel-consumption = improved HP.. okay... yeah...

Next, a racing strut bar... for all that important cornering control. How fast do you have to go around a corner to feel the effects of this? Well, I may be just telling myself... but I think it works to a certain extent. Plus, the bar just looks cool when you open up your engine during a TT session, sipping hot-coffee and pretending to be a fast driver with an "out-of-place" racing cap on your head. (Who am I fooling?)...

Okay, so the BIG thing was next. An engine voltage regulator by the name of Hot Inazma. It's all in Japanese, people... So, when the salesman told me about it... there was a pause in his voice... perhaps expecting me to go "ooohh.... ahhh... wow....". And the sucker that I am, gave in.... With a satisfied smile, he promptly told me many a fanciful terms about how wonderful this product is. Well, so much so, that you feel like just plugging it onto your own body and give yourself a little "accelerated excitement"!!! Hehehe...

Anyways, the thing, was soon plugged to the heart of my car.

So the verdict after all that "toys that are suppose to make me happy?"...

As I drive my car down the road, I give off stares to other drivers, whilst thinking in my head... "yeah, I've done stuffs to these wheels, you don't see it but I feel it"!

Guys, afterall, you do what you have to, to feel good right? Hmm... maybe I'll come back to this again when I can wrap my head around some terms which will be a bit more helpful... technically, that is... hehe...

14.1km per litre

2009-01-31T22:49:00.000+08:00

So, there it was, 14.1km per litre.... wish it would have hit 15 or beyond, but that's as far as it goes as I drove my Toyota Camry 2.0 on a bright sunny day down to Ipoh for CNY visiting...

Tell me people, does 14.1 sound reasonable? But, then again reflecting the true consumption, you gotta know it averages out about 9.0km per litre when I drive it around the city like normal.

Making New "Sounds"

2009-01-31T22:30:00.000+08:00

Ah... having time of your own...

Guys, once you realise your life begin to resemble an old record, not that an old record sounds any bad, songs which you play back so often you begin to hum it all the time even when you don't think about it... So, when your life does begin to resemble it, you realise you gotta add a few notches in it to carve out "new sounds".

Well, my new sounds have been my gym time and karaoke... YES!... you've heard about my gym time but Karaoke? Go ahead, laugh or smile or whatever you may be doing now...

But you know what?... I realise when you physically have to do something which requires some kind of effort or skill... be it aiding your health and fitness... you feel good and in this case, putting your vocal cords to work, you feel great!

It's something you can say "HEY! I'm doing something which I can try to get better at!!!"

So people... I'm singing.

Honestly, I'm a lousy singer... but that isn't important (perhaps it is important to whoever happens to be at karaoke with me at the time because it's a matter of "survival"... my voice may kill... yes... do laugh again... ;-)...) Well... what's important is that I really enjoy that little "my" time.

I used to wonder why people sing at karaoke. I even think it's corny... well, call me corny, but I just realise what the Japanese had thought about when they first invented this little idea.

At the gym, there are no phones, computer, work, or worries. There's just you and what you can do.

At karaoke, it's the same (I make it a point to switch off my phone)... There's just you and how you sing.

It's bliss I tell you...

Writing Again

2009-01-31T22:05:00.000+08:00

Wow... between October and now was a long time. Well, that's what you get when you have a colourful season... one where the colours become so overwhelming you are blinded for a while forgetting to spend time doing what you started out to try, like writing and being "opinionated" about stuffs.

Well, I'll be filling in stuffs here about what's been happening, back-dating some perhaps. So if you come across things that suddenly appear before this post, you know I was "back in the past", gathering my thoughts and punching text here.

Learning Respect

2008-10-12T13:59:00.000+08:00

"You may not always be right."

Always remember that.

...when you are helping someone

...when you are advising someone

...when you are sharing your thoughts

...when you state your opinion

...when you believe you are right

Sometimes it seems that you may be able to explain it all, but what life teaches you is that you may not always be right.

It may sound right, it may feel right, but how do you know if it is right for someone else. You may be doing more harm than good.

So, do learn to listen.

And not always be adamant about what's right and what's not.

Talking is a two way communication.

:-)

Checking Yourself and Your Head!

2008-10-12T13:45:00.000+08:00

Well, the other thing that has developed in the last 2 months, is a new found respect and attention to the power of my thoughts...

Sometimes I think, I think too much... See! That in itself is already a paradox... thinking about trying not to think too much, definately not something you'd want to think about otherwise you'd think too much about not thinking... huh? *head hurts*

Okay... okay...

Well, the last couple of months, I've been checking myself and looking at the things I've been doing so far in the last 10 years of my life. That's how long I've been working. Evaluating.. the works of my life. I'd spare you the details.. but know that there has been so much new experiences, ie. marriage, career building, fatherhood, starting a home etc... All the things that I now, really care about.

But, there is the flip side of it, there always is, the things that I've left behind, ie. carefreeness, partying, being irresponsible and having to be forgiven for it, being single... etc.

Call it early mid-life crisis... (which really shouldn't be happening to me), but letting my thoughts run-away with those really didn't help.

Well, things are better now.. in fact, perhaps better than it has been for a while now. I may have asked myself those questions to just check, but the answers to those has created a whole new way in which I look at my life.

I realise when you move on, you create new things and experiences in your life that truly meaningful. Don't look back... don't look back because the life that you have left behind, is not yours any more to take back. It has done it's work, to teach you, educate you and to fill you with a past that is rich and full of truly wonderful experiences. And you bring this forth to a new life that is even more wonderful. You learn to look at what you have and simply love life for them!

So, the last 2 months, I guess I grew a little more.. in my thinking. :-)

Cam Whore in the Making

2008-10-12T13:11:00.000+08:00

What's that about?... you may ask...

Well, this part of the story is about my physical self... A topic which I have never been really proud about... well up to NOW!!! :-) :-)

I've always been physically challenged in the area of body definition and looks (damn, did I just say that? Sounds so gay!)

Anyway, with the last joke told to me in August about being a SANTA CLAUS for Christmas, I decided I'VE HAD IT!!!!! Damn freakin' fed-up and frustrated and sick and tired... of all those paunchy jokes... Yeah, I'm the one that finishes the dishes at the end of meals, loves the juiciest, oil dripping cuts, acquiring the habit of having sinful snacks while I enjoy the late evening entertainment... though all these are not usually true, it still hit close to the heart whenever it's brought up!

So, it started in August...

A fitness regime that will make a difference.

Fitness First, which I had neglected close to 2 years is suddenly now my favourite hang-out. Rice, sugar, flour all white stuffs... has now been categorised as 'icky' in my list of foods.

Food replacement meals, which I had tried before in the past but strangely enough with the motivation of a new me, now tastes even better ;-), oatmeal and dried fruit breakfast, a little help from Hydroxycut (spare me the explanation and google it up if you wanna know).. it was the beginning of a wonderful relationship with fitness and health!!!

:-)

What do you get when you put all this in the mix along with a determination to change... well, see for yourself.

THE OLD ME

THE NEW ME

And friends... it's still a work in progress ya! Goals to be set in December and February... ;-)

Busy for 2 Months...

2008-10-12T12:54:00.000+08:00

Okay, so there was a 2 months absence from blogging.

What to say? I've been busy...

Well a couple of interesting development have been the order of the last few months.

Of course, first and foremost has been something that I've been putting off for quite a while.

"DOING SOMETHING FOR ME!!!"

Okay, that has got to do with me physically and mentally.

Alright, more details in the next blog entry.

Photo-Editing Course & Workshop

2008-08-11T00:31:00.000+08:00

I will be starting a photo-editing course soon. This is in collaboration with the magazine, "Click!" which I am currently writing for.

Yes, through my busy schedule, I am STILL doing this! Well, to be honest, I had always wanted to keep a hold onto this hobby/passion of mine. Like I said before, it's a means of escape.

So this time, I am escaping via a photo-editing course which I will be conducting in September at the Click! Learning Centre.

I'll have more details soon as I work out the details of the course structure, eg, how long and what sort of things will be covered. In the meantime, if anyone is interested, do contact me and I'll see about booking a place for you. Currently, we've had a group booking (that's one of the reason behind the course).

Private School for Celeste

2008-08-11T00:03:00.000+08:00

You know you come one full circle when you start making plans for school for your child. Well, Celeste will be 4 in January and she will be an early beginner in kindergarten then.

We made a trip to Sri Bestari, a private school here in Bandar Sri Damansara, on Saturday, an Open Day at the school. May I say I was well impressed with the place.

We had always been concerned about where Celeste would eventually be schooling and some of the schools in our area, Taman Sri Segambut would not have been the best choice. So, fortunately a friend of ours told us about a private school just nearby that had the best of private school education and facilities with a government school syllabus...

I had always had the notion that private schools generally kept to themselves in terms of studying systems, and curricular activities.. but I was wrong here. There were quite a few inter-school activities which the school participated in, and they had some excellent track records to prove their capabilities.

Well, kindergarten is a starting point for Celeste, but I am quite sure she will be comfortable studying here till she grows up to primary and secondary school with Sri Bestari.

Well, that aside, as a walked through the classrooms, labs and halls of the school, I suddenly felt a bit emotional... there was the sentimental familiarity with the place... almost as if it wasn't very long ago that I was a student, myself. Not that it made me feel old but that I somehow realise how much fun I had when I was studying, carefree and without any worries (except for homeworks and exams, which I would gladly trade for, with my current responsibilities!)

But, we've moved on... the best part of it is that I am able to do it right for my little princess... and I hope that one day, she looks back and realises that we've always wanted the best for her.

She'll grow up to make me proud... :-)

A Snooze and "D'oh!"

2008-08-10T22:51:00.000+08:00

I realise it has been a while since I wrote... and I know why. It's not some intelligent and clever answer.. though that is what I would have liked to put here as a good come back message.

But I realise everytime I come back from work and get all excited about posting the next great thing to have happened, I end up on my comfy sofa in my study... and then ZzzzZZZzzzZZZzzzz... I would wake up and go "Doh!" at 7am in the morning...

*sigh*

Ok ok on with my posts...

Hennessy Artistry Party!!!

2008-07-26T22:55:00.000+08:00

Okay... after party high...

You know what's the best part about being at the best party?

Well???

It's when you realise you and a crack team of events, creative and servicing personnel are the ones behind one of the best parties organised for the year!

Yup, I am talking about the Hennessy Artistry party which just happened a week ago.

Organising the event was a mean feat... worrying about the different areas,

"Will there be any parking problems?"
"Will there be a long queue at registration?"
"Are there gonna be fights?"
"Will the drinks be served fast enough?"
"Is the music good enough"
"Will the power (from our gen sets) be good the whole night?"
"Will the authorities shut down the party?"

and the list goes on to several tens of pages... :-)

Yup, it was a roller coaster ride which ended up on a real high, right up to a few days after the event.. when the reviews started coming in. You read it for yourself... then enjoy the pictures below..

Good reviews all round... from media, bloggers, the security team, local authorities, the venue, celebs who came, the performers themselves to our client! To feel any better, I would be drinking the Hennessy cocktails on a nightly basis... hehehe.

Damn proud of the team! Spiral Integrated...

Now... next.. gotta start planning for the next events!!!

“This is by far one of the BEST clubbing event I have been to in KL!! To those who didn't make it - you guys missed one hell of a party!! Great job Hennessy!! You guys have really outdone yourselves!!”
http://mariaelina.com/?p=295

“Ooh, Hennessy Artistry was rockin' yo! :D Everything about the night was close to perfect. The crowd, the venue, the drinks yum yum wtf, the music!”
http://mae-schmae.blogspot.com/2008/07/apple-bottom-jeans.html

“Hennessy Artistry was awesome!”
http://joshuaongys.blogspot.com/2008/07/hennessy-artistry-190708-introduction.html

“Last Saturday I went to the best Hennessy Artistry event yet.”
http://simonseow.blogspot.com/2008/07/hennessy-artistry-indoor-arena-hot.html

“I couldn't quite believe how her team transformed the place ... wow!”
http://juliansi.blogspot.com/2008/07/flo-rida-hennessy-artistry-kiara-kl.html

“Hennessy Artistry last night was a blast.”
http://www.kinkybluefairy.net/2008/07/20/is-everyone-recovering-too/

“But there’s nothing, not a single one as fabulous as Hennessy Artistry 2008!!!”
http://jenkinyat.com/2008/07/20/hennessy-artistry-2008-bukit-kiara-part-1-atmosphere/

“As i've said Hennessy Artistry RAWKS!!!
It's a happening event and its so cool and generous for the sponsors to organize such HUGE AMAZING HAPPENING event!!!”
http://joshuaongys.blogspot.com/2008/07/hennessy-artistry-bukit-kiara-part-1.html

“…this place took my breath away, Hennessy did an awesome job. It was the urban club that looked like a transformed warehouse,…”
http://simplyfelicious.wordpress.com/2008/07/21/purring-toes/

“Super cool settings and fantastic atmosphere in the indoor arena.”
http://momentzofmylife.blogspot.com/2008/07/art-of-mixing.html

“It was awesome! Great environment with the live performances by Pop Shuvit, Machi, DJ Latin Prince, Flo Rida and VJ Callen.”
http://lovesickz.blogspot.com/2008/07/hennessy-artistry-live-music.html

“We walked into the Kiara Equestrian Club. THe mood for partying was awsome… Registration was quick and swift, hence no long que… After the nite end around 3 am , I have only one Verdict! HENNESSY! U ROCK!”
http://beyondphotoblog.blogspot.com/2008/07/hennessy-artistry.html

“Hi all! I've had a crazy night!”
http://danieltan2u.blogspot.com/2008/07/crazy-night.html

“overall it was such an amazing event, all thanks to hennessy and the amount of $$$ they threw in for the party.. they even supply h2o right after our exit..”
http://budderflyx.blogspot.com/2008/07/hennessy-artistry-bukit-kiara.html

“When i arrived at the Bukit Kiara Indoor Stadium looking from the outside..i went like WOW!! SO BIGG!!”
http://mytoughtsstripped.blogspot.com/2008_07_20_archive.html

“Wooooohooooo~! it was awesome.... hennessy found the right people to handle this event... it is a total success”
http://happilybroken.blogspot.com/2008/07/hennessy-artistry-bkt-kiara.html

“It's getting bigger and bigger.”
http://eiling.blogspot.com/2008/07/hennessy-artistry-bukit-kiara.html

“Hennessy Artistry has come and gone, the party was great, the performances was great and the drinks was excellent”
http://mikeyip.com/2008/07/20/hennessy-artistry-bukit-kiara-part-1-of-2/

“ Just came home from the Hennessy Artistry event and OMG it's uber funnn!!!I'm still experiencing the after party high.”
http://am-to-pm.blogspot.com/2008/07/hennessy-artistry-bukit-kiara.html

“Thumbs up for the event organizers of Hennessy Artistry Event...”
http://danceandwrestle.blogspot.com/2008/07/hennessy-artistry-event-bukit-kiara.html

“rock the show !”
http://princess-steph88.blogspot.com/2008/07/hennessy-artistrybukit-kiara-indoor.html

“IT WAS THE BOMB”
http://jennihsurf.net/archives/148

“I expected the event to be good. However I was DISAPPOINTED! The event was not good but TOO DAMN GOOD!!”
http://www.superwilson.net/2008/07/hennessy-artistry-bukit-kiara-pictures.html

A total transformation!

Melody of Machi... the Belle of the show!

Pop Shuvit.. were a great hit!

Even Utt and Taya from MTV decided to show up on stage...

The entrance to another realm of entertainment!

Machi from Taiwan shakin it!

Royalty in 'da house!!!... DJ Latin Prince...

Flo Rida in his Element!

Just bein' happy it went well..

The Team that did it all!

This was the CREW!!!

Yes, smiling faces all the way through.

Celeb Watch : Isla Fisher

2008-07-05T01:32:00.000+08:00

I just watched Definately, Maybe, a movie about a man (played by Ryan Reynolds) and his daughter and how he is asked to tell the story of his love life. The show's charmer was the little girl (Abigail Breslin). Was definately a tear jerking moment when she cried.

However, I wanted to refer back to a stunner in the show, Isla Fisher (wife of Sacha Baron Cohen). Lovely, lovely, lovely. She played a lovely redhead who kept on stealing moments in the show with her charming smile.

I also just found out that she's Australian too. Hmmm, I begin to wonder of all of Australia's export of beauty are meant to be good looking (eg. Nicole Kidman, Anna Paquin). Well, she's certainly an actress to watch out for on future roles.

Emo: What's That?

2008-06-30T19:34:00.000+08:00

I learnt a new word today... Emo.

Actually, to be honest, I am still not quite sure what it means.

What is an Emo?

Emotional fool? (Oh you are so Emo all the time.. *bleh*)

Hardcore punk? (Oh you are so Emo... I love it..*yuck*)

Google up Emo and you'll see what I mean...

Search Emo in Dictionary.Com and that's like writing Emo a thousand times in the sand off the beach of Langkawi while the waves are coming in... *sigh*

So, what is Emo anyway?

Gotta get my brain to stop thinking about it, or else I'm gonna go Emo!

My Brass Band is Playing all Sorts of Jibberish Again

2008-06-30T19:24:00.000+08:00

I'm in one of those mood again... well the one where you feel like nothing around you is happening quite right. It has to do with jobs and tasks. I usually try to start Monday with a cheerful smile and a upbeat disposition... Well, this morning started at 6:00am with me hitting the snooze button a couple of times of my handphone alarm wishing that there were a few more minutes of peace and quiet sleep. But, alas, there was my notebook computer sitting on the desk of my study room beckoning me to finish some work I was suppose to have done over the weekend for an early meeting at my client's...

*sigh*

*sigh again*

My weekends were once sacred. The clearing of tasks before the end of a Friday evening was usually done in urgency, but nowadays the glass of water seems to always be full even right up to the end. Gulping it down doesn't seem to be quite an easy solution anymore.

Though I made it a point to clear my thoughts of work during a Saturday or Sunday which is usually meant for rejuvenating, I can't help getting thoughts of the impending torrents of work that is expected to come flooding in (brought on by the tipping over of the "full-glass" hehehe...) Can't seem to keep my head clear.

So, then comes today, a Monday where everything seems to be just half completed.

Multi-tasking, you say?

Yeah, right...

Honestly, that term should actually come with an instruction manual! I guess it's the bane of many self-respecting intellectual individuals. To spread your focus across as many things as you think your mind can handle.

One may be mistaken by thinking that it's a skill to handle many task at the same time, but I believe in honest truth that it's about how you switch your focus from one subject to another seamlessly and without affecting your rhythm.

So, today, my rhythm has started off sounding like a beginner brass band on the first day of band practice!

Hmm.... *sigh*

"Ok ok now... everyone, let's split the band up into smaller groups so we can focus on each particular areas and get our task done!"

Hmm... focus!

*Kenny starts to meditate like a Zen Guru... the fool!"

Beauty Shots from Cameron Highlands

2008-06-23T00:05:00.000+08:00

Ok ok, I am still in this phase... so, just let me be for now ;-)

Just been to a trip to Cameron Highlands. (and no, it wasn't because of the new car!) Took a couple of beauty shots up there.

New Legs for My Love

2008-06-11T23:16:00.000+08:00

My car got new legs today. A set of shiny chrome 18" rims. Honestly, I almost put off doing this but then the thought lingered. It didn't take much to tip me over with my colleague, Sly convincing me that it was the right thing to do. I guess the argument was sound... either I do it now or it will be an indefinite wait till who knows when!

So, "switching-off" my rational thoughts, I went with what my heart desired... an opportunity to make my car different from any out there. I guess that's one of the prime deciders which people who loves their car goes to when they take the effort to do it up!

I must admit, the youngster in me had quite a bit to do with it. Here I am with many who call an old-man's car (hmm... more so for the previous generations, this new one is a far cry away!), but transformations that may seem slight to put it in another category altogether (ie. its white! with a body-kit that is subtle enough to do justice to the car's original elegance but yet define the deeper persona of a young heart, and most importantly, shining new wheels that just screams style...) Hehehe, I ought to be modest, but I just couldn't help feeling proud.

Anyway, I chose the 18" Work Euroline DH rim design (produced by EXE Pegasus) with Falken 912 tyres. I had chosen from almost a hundred rims and this one just screamed at me to put it on.

The back tyres is offset, different from the front, a design trick which makes the car look like a sports car with larger back tyres. I hadn't noticed that earlier but realised that it was a really cool design, a unique one at that!

The investment was substantial but a well-worth one considering the status of the car and it's now new looks (great legs gets good head-turning... hehehe).

A White Beauty

2008-06-10T01:13:00.000+08:00

Ah!!! Finally, the long anticipation for the arrival of my white beauty has finally been realised today as I collected my pristine white Camry from the dealer this afternoon. I could hardly contain how I felt as I drove my way there. In a fleeting moment, I reflected on the distance I had come within a span of almost 11 years, the vehicles I drove tracking the path of my life.

It started off with my Dad's Mazda 323 in 1998 when I was back in Miri. It was a young man's little move-around mode for about a year. Then, it was a Proton Iswara which marked the move into a real career in Kuala Lumpur. In 2005, 6 months after the birth of my little princess, the Toyota Avanza came to be the trusted transport for my little and new family! Honestly, I'm gonna miss that car.

And now, as I move on to the next phase of my life, in the wake of new beginnings in our career and a new home, this white icon, makes its way into our lives. I am sure it will see us through many, many years to come.

Anyway, the heart of a little boy in me meant that the Camry had to have little tweaks to just give it that little extra difference to be unique. Honestly, it was just very, very minor. I had closed one eye and opted for V-Cool Elite Tinting, the top of the range from the leader of auto film manufacturer. Cheap? NO... worth in time to come? YES and much more... hehehe.

The car came with a cool optional bodykit which I believe will be enough trimming for it not to be dubbed a pimped vehicle.. and yet being a little different from stock.

Hmm... my colleague Sly seems to have convinced me to a set of sport rims on the car. My heart seems to be talking louder than my analytical brain (which happens to be calculating figures...) Will see where that goes... *sniggers*

Golfing in a Little Piece of Paradise

2008-05-12T18:28:00.000+08:00

This morning in Bali, we woke up early in the wee hours of the morning and made our way to Bali's New Kuta Golf course. A beautiful 18-hole course that overlooks the best beaches and high cliff sceneries of Bali's shores. Oh and we, I meant by the 4 of us, Kenneth, Sly and Alex.

It felt like somewhere between Augusta and St Andrews, without the weather of course... A little piece of golf real estate that has yet to be fully discovered. Somehow, I felt that when it does get discovered, I'd be playing golf seriously!!!

Well, one of the highlights of the game was the beautiful caddies that we had accompanying us. Hmm... good experience, having pretty girls helping you at golf and running around trying to make sure you were properly taken cared off... hehehe. Well, I started off with an early nervous disposition due to the embarrassment for my bad golf... Anyway, that gradually went away as we soon relaxed after the first 9 and started to joke around.

This picture was taken at the "Bunker Hell", the 6th-Hole that was surrounded by an entire circle of sand

Golfing was great here. Though the sun was aplenty, the cooling sea breeze blew over the whole place. So, we did not feel overly tired. That's of course also due to the golf cart we had available...

Well, I'll leave you with the shot of the day at the New Kuta Golf Course...

Event Grandeur in Bali!!!

2008-05-11T04:41:00.000+08:00

It was unbelievable...

And I meant that in many ways, the definition of the word. First of all, I'd have to say, unbelievable in terms of how tired we felt at the end of it all. Honestly, it was a test of not only physical work by mental dexterity that required never ending and constant alertness. It was a learning experience working with people from different nationalities and having to bridge all these into a single unison successful project.

Our client was from Singapore, Samsung Singapore to be precise. And though we were neighbours, the pace and style of work was different. The client was assisted by consultants from Korea and a Singaporean office. Seeing eye to eye and trying to talk at the same level was a constant battle of communication finese... hehehe. And the Balinese support partners were quite a different bunch altogether and works on a different pace level, one that suits the easy going style of Bali... *smile*

A brief outline of the job and what we had to do...

We were honoured to have been appointed the team to execute a grand event and exhibition concept in Bali for Samsung Regional Headquarters.

We developed a concept that saw the build-up of a grand scale exhibition showcasing Samsung's range of printers. For this purpose, we flew in our production team to work at a local outfit. I was impressed with what they did with what they could get in Bali.

We also conceptualised a grand gala dinner event which served as the cherry on the top! The venue, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park was the scene... and the sky was the backdrop!!! It was breathtaking without our structures but out of this world and almost surreal with everything in place!

May I say at the end that it was nothing short of spectacular... and I am so very proud.

In Bali with DJ Tiesto on my Birthday!!!

2008-04-23T10:44:00.000+08:00

A couple days ago, I dreaded this trip. It was a trip to here, Bali... (yup, I'm still here) Must sound very funny doesn't it. Who dreads Bali? Well, it wasn't so much that it was Bali but the fact that the place that I was gonna enjoy some holiday breakaways in the future, was going to be the place I would remember for work... And I expected it to be worse because I thought, I'd be away at work on my birthday.

But, it ended up to be one of the best experience. First of all, the tour agency here that we were working with ended up surprising me with a cheer and dance, while we were having dinner at one of the most beautiful places in Bali, the restaurant at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park.

On top of that... I just found out on the same day that Tiesto, the World's No 1 DJ is in town!!! And.... the tour agency gave us some free tickets to the event!

OMG! I got to see the World's No 1 DJ in Bali on my birthday!!!

That's like walking into the Chocolate Factory... *giggling like a shameful little girl*

Weekly Hellos to Singapore

2008-04-05T18:41:00.000+08:00

Travelling for work is NO JOKE...

Honestly, when you think about travelling for work in the beginning, it seems like a novelty... yeah... "LOOK!!! I am travelling again...". Seriously, that statement leads to some more sighs than smiles ...

Okay, hmm.. the last one month.. starting from end of March, I've been clocking my travelers miles with weekly meetings in Singapore, 2-3 days at a time. Ok, ok... doesn't seem far to travel but when you think about flying, check-in, waiting, flight, with total waiting and traveling time of 4 hours one way and 4 hours back, that's 8 hours spent commuting!!!

If its driving, that's the same number of hours.

... wait a minute... hmm.. I just realised that if some of you reads this and thinks that I am complaining, trust me, I'm not... hehehe... Just had to stress that it's NO JOKE, that's all.

Well, I do miss my wife and daughter while I am away, but it's great that they both understands (well, my daughter is trying to) but it's a whole new way of working for me and for them. It's seasonal but having to commute actually does give me more appreciation to those who need to do this on a weekly ritual for the entire span of their working career. I am also curious to find out the common practices of such business commuters.

Well, the Bali trips are just starting but, it'll just be for another 2 trips or so...

Need to sort out my traveller's pack.....

Trip to BALI for WORK!!!

2008-04-05T18:26:00.000+08:00

On Mon to Thu, I was down in Bali. Interestingly enough, this was my first trip to the island after having mentioned about going there many, many times before.

Hmmm... I think about the many times, my friends (those who think they belong in the upper echelon of society) starred at me, bugged-eyed and said, "OMG, you have NOT been to Bali? Oh, I go there all the time, it's wonderful... look my tan was just from my last week there... and see love bite from a fling in Bali.... blah blah blah..."

Hah! Well, take that all back... I've finally been to the island. But, alas, it's for work.. Hmmm.. let me think about it again, perhaps it's not such a bad thing afterall. A fully-paid trip to do the same work which I would have been required here to do back in KL anyway, and achieving somewhat a first... a regional job in another country, a grand gala event at one of the most spectacular venue in Asia and recognition to boot. That's a layered cake, baby... with icing and cherries on the top.

Well, honestly, I am also most pleased with the privilege of bringing my fellow team-mates who have worked so hard for this and other jobs and then perhaps a bit of R&R time afterwards.

Details of the job latersss, ok? ... once we've confirmed the details of the event and executed...

... the above is a teaser pic ... hehehe...

Check out some more of my shots in Bali here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenjiimages/sets/72157604382912078/

PS : Hahaha!!!! I just had to laugh... If you see on the right side of this page, on my Blogger Poll, I had actually asked about where to go on my holiday... "an island retreat to Bali" was first on the list... I guess I can strike it off now...!!!

Golfing at Guthrie Golf Course

2008-03-16T19:41:00.000+08:00

It's been two Sundays since we've made it our routine to play golf every Sunday morning. It's about time I got round to getting myself on the move and some exercise!

The Guthrie Golf Course, which is essentially a golf academy which features very, very short Par 3 holes which they actually called "Pitch and Putt". So, I guess you can literarily walk around with a pitcher and a putter and do a full round of golf at all of its nine hole.

So, Kenneth and Sly are now my official golf flight members. Fortunately for me, we are all amateurs at this... makes my golf look not so bad!! hehehe...

Last week we started a bit late at 9am and ended up being fried by the sun at 11:30pm.... unbearable!

This Sunday, being smarter, I woke up at 5:30am... yes crazy right? 5:30am on a Sunday morning! And got round to picking up Kenneth and meeting Sly for a quick breakfast before teeing off from the 1st hole at 7:30am.

I have a few more rounds to go before I'd post my score here, for fear of being ridiculed! But, honestly, I am doing much better this week than the last!

Hopefully this keeps up... it'll be nice to apply for a golf club membership with all the perks... eventually......

MY NEW PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG!!! - Pics Can Talk

2008-03-05T01:21:00.000+08:00

Hoorah!!!

I've finally got round to doing it... a dedicated blogsite which will feature some of the writing works I have done in the past 4 years as well as new photography and digital image editing techniques.

Some of the earlier articles from this site are my published works in Sound & Pictures Mag, Chip Photo Video, Digital Camera & Photography as well as Click! Magazine. However, I will also be presenting techniques and tutorials of new photo editing styles which I am currently exploring with.

I hope you all can learn something new from these pages. Do check it out and enjoy!

http://www.picscantalk.blogspot.com

Windows Live Writer

2008-03-04T17:26:00.000+08:00

I just downloaded this application which allows me to upload my blogs directly here. Hmmm... curious... I am just testing this out to see how it works.

Just added the photo on the left... looks promising... let me upload this and see how it turns out.

*Edit : Okay! It works!!! And much easier to use than the HTML editor... love it... more to write tonight!

*giggles*

New Photo Collection : Wildlife

2008-03-02T18:32:00.000+08:00

Hey, check out my new collection of pictures entitled "Wildlife". This time around, I am revisiting some of my old shots with a new "lease on life". Took the time to do a bit of creative editing.

Enjoy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kenjiimages/

My Beautiful Clouds featured on the front page of Shutterstock!

2008-02-24T01:56:00.000+08:00

So I was minding my own business, going about my daily, online routine of checking on my regular updates when it occured to me that I hadn't been checking on my shutterstock status. (Well, I told myself previously that I would just let the stock image companies sell my images with minimal supervision)

When I looked at my account.. I was surprised! There was a sudden surge of sales and my earnings doubled... And when I had a look at the details closely, I realised there were multiples of downloads just from this particular image. At first I thought it was a technical glitch and went to the front page to check the help links... and lo and behold, there was my image in full glory... hehehe...

I wish they would feature my other shots just like this as well... Anyway, this shot happens to be one of my favourite pictures, shot 4 years ago, "Silver Living in the Clouds" and has been featured in many of my previous writeups and editorials.

That surge of sales just from that photo alone earned me the approximate of a dinner at Shangri La... mmpph... gotta tell the wife the good news.. ;-)

What I am Listening to NOW! - Mindi Abair, the girl with the Sax Appeal

2008-02-23T02:46:00.000+08:00

Okay... this is gonna be like my artist of the week (if I have the time to update it as often lah...).

Well, my current artist of the week is Mindi Abair.

If you love Jazz and you don't know her, then I'd say you've been hiding under a box, my friend. She's the sexiest saxaphonist I've known so far... considering I don't look at male saxaphonist as being sexy! of which there are many... Her smooth jazz tunes is very catchy and contemporary, not boring but is fresh and features some well placed staccatos which creates an interesting mix of beats and rhythms.

Anyway, I found her as I was listening to the Modern Jazz 2 compilation. My fav song of hers would have to be "Come as You Are".

Check out this video of hers and tell me what you think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdoOrKFZbDQ

Here's her site : http://www.mindiabair.com/

I am back to writing articles!

2008-02-23T02:20:00.000+08:00

After almost an 8 months of absence from writing articles for a couple of my favourite photography/lifestyle magazine, I was beginning to have finger twitches. I guess that's a writer's withdrawal symptom. I use to enjoy waiting for the first copies of the magazine to hit the shelf and then sitting down with a Starbucks latte in one hand while reviewing what I have written in the other.

That leave of absence was really due to not being able to commit my time (and basically not having a LIFE, outside of work... apart from family life of course...).

So, today I received a call from an old friend, editor of Click! magazine. It was more than just a courtesy call... March's issue will be out soon and he wanted to know if I was in... How could I say no, when I 'walked' away 8 months ago and missed every moment that I was away.

So, it's crunch time this weekend till the mag hits the rollers next week. If you guys catch this, be on the look-out for my two current articles in March's issue of Click!

1) Dodging and Burning for Digital Enhancement; &
2) "Yes you Can" mini-series...

Now... off to writing!

Comparing a Little Photo Editing

2008-02-18T01:18:00.000+08:00

Here the difference between a useless picture and a useful one...

After some elbow grease (or should I say wrist grease?) results in a more presentable picture that has some good dynamic range...