Liberty in Solitude

Prayers to Allah

2012-01-22T00:41:00.000+08:00

O' Allah

I pray to you that the decision I am making is the right one. It feels so right, but I am scared. Leaving the comfort zone, coming to the real world where what you put in is what you get back. All this while I've been living a life where progression is subject to third parties' view. Now I leave it to hardwork, integrity and prayers.

O' Allah. Please let this be the right one.

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hahahahaha

2011-09-20T09:40:00.003+08:00

this took some off from a dreadful weekend...

Back to the real world...

2011-09-18T23:24:00.000+08:00

Just came across this article in the Star today about a 55-year old Greek who set himself on fire because he failed to renegotiate on his home and business overdue bank loans.

I used to read about the same in India (or was it Sri Lanka?). Other than the weather, the world economy is shifting. Being a European would not necessarily mean you have higher purchasing power.

I wonder how the GDP per capita will change in the next two years. I bet you'll see a lot of Caucasians flocking into the Malaysian capital with high paid jobs meant for the locales.
It is already happening slowly. They will claim that with their 'vast' knowledge and experience that they will know how to run OUR companies/economy better. Give them 10 years, they will turn our economy Icelandic.

Trust me, this will happen. The trend is leading this way. I hope our leaders wouldn't be blinded by the 'impressive' resumes.

Btw, this includes the Americans too.

Teruknye

2011-09-18T22:46:00.000+08:00

I am really lost for words on this one. Adebayor scored the fourth in the injury time. What happened?

It all started from the flying Bale really. Skrtel was not able to cope with Bale's pace. The team got nervous after seeing their right side got ripped again and again.

Then when Modric got his goal, the team crumbled.

Adam saw the red card. The 'Scholes' of the Reds. He marched out together with the team's spirit. It was pretty obvious when even Liverpool's latest signing wasn't ready to come out when Agger was struggling. Coates didn't want to come out into the losing team.

Whenever the ball came to the opponents half, the midfield pass the ball back to defence and Reina. Reina, having to be closed down scarily at times had to release a long pass in haste. There goes another possession to waste.

Then came the 2nd half. Skrtel had the red coming. It was only a matter of time.

Then Spurs 2nd, 3rd and 4th came. Bellamy and Spearing weren't enough to change the team. There was only one person who can salvage a game such as this. The number 8 is still recovering.

The other mistake in the tactics was Kenny's decision to put Carrol ahead of Kuyt. Cm'on Kenny, Andy is not good enough to be in the first eleven. Not yet.

My best man of the match was Enrique. Without a doubt. He worked consistently to make sure Liverpool would have a chance to turn the game around. Yet this is a team game. One man is not enough.

Kenny, this is not good enough. Not good enough! Get off the refs already and get on with the game.

Sungha Jung

2011-09-15T19:46:00.001+08:00

when i grow up.. i wanna be like sungha jung... his pinky has more talent than the 10 of me...

'more than words' lovers.. watch minute 2:46 above...

Remarkable Guy

2011-09-15T17:38:00.001+08:00

best...

2011-09-13T19:57:00.001+08:00

Honesty...

2011-09-12T11:18:00.001+08:00

Aiyo!

2011-09-11T02:04:00.000+08:00

I was expecting the visiting team to win. Even when Stoke have one of the best home records in the BPL.

Carragher obviously conceded the penalty for Liverpool. Though I don't think his adrenaline rush was necessary. He was lucky for even staying on the field after the foul.

I had the feeling then it wasn't going to be Liverpool's night when Henderson missed the three consecutive chances and Adam follow suit in embarrassment.

Though it wasn't a night that Liverpool should not be proud of. There were so many chances created even a one-legged blind drunk could score. It just wasn't meant to be.

A good game. Liverpool is beginning to look like a menace. Only missing now is a 'bomoh'. :P

Gratitude

2011-09-07T15:10:00.001+08:00

Life sometimes can be unfair. And true friends are hard to find. Some can be best buddies now and they turn the other way when you no longer matter. Such is life.

Keikhlasan is used too loosely nowadays. It takes two to tango. When you are down, I'll take care of you even where you are not looking/knowing. But when I am down, if a friend is ikhlas, you should do the same.

I know some of my buddies are going through a hard time. I might not know everything, but I do have some experience in this. As long you can sleep at night, you have done your part.

Allah is fair and just. So chill and enjoy life as it unfolds the good and bad in people. What goes around will come around. And tend to what is within your control. The rest, leave to fate.

Mat Sabu...

2011-09-02T20:56:00.001+08:00

... is only another politician. Politicians only want to get elected. Getting elected and be in power is their bread and butter. They may not even be the most qualified person to run the government, but they can get there through elections.

That is why I don't think politicians will necessary make good leaders. They make good speeches, they can rally a crowd, but how do we know if they are the right and qualified man for the job?

We got lucky with Mahathir. We may still get lucky with Najib. To be fair, Najib still needs to prove himself though.

I don't know if I want KJ to lead me. I don't know if he is able to lead me.

I am sure Mat Sabu is not the man I want to lead me. I am very sure I don't want Anwar to lead me too. How can I sleep at night if the government is being run by stand up comedians? As a matter of fact, what is the difference between the two profession?

The current government electoral system by vote is not perfect. It is not perfect because there could be unqualified individuals who can literate a few issues eloquently and get elected because of that. It is based on popularity, not the qualified. Yet, it is the only system we have right now.

When you, me and several other on-the-fence voters make our ballots, we need to make sure the man we appoint, is the man who can lead. Not the one who wants to lead or speaks the loudest, yet not able to. It is our responsibility. Nobody else.

Raya 2011

2011-08-31T17:15:00.001+08:00

I wrote this entry twice. The first version was lost when the bb went kaput.

I started the Raya with a fever. The day before I was at the hospital. I was accompanying my dad for a medical check up. He had been delaying it. Of all days, he wanted to go the day before Raya.

The doctor wanted to ward him because of high blood pressure. The thing is, he always has high blood pressure. He has spinal muscular atrophy type III and lymphoid. The lymph pushes his rib cage and heart, making them work harder.

Knowing him, he wouldn't want to be warded. He was looking forward to see his cucus.

So I caught a bug at the hospital and was on panadol the whole day. Battling the headache and high temp. By the end of the 'rounds', the headache had worsen. The temperature was through the roof. My stomach was bloated. But I had a fulfilled heart.

Another Raya gone but we did go through it. It amazes me that so little is what matters most.

Hooked I Am

2011-08-29T06:18:00.001+08:00

I am Hooked
Hooked I am
Hooked I am

That Hooked I am
That Hooked I am
I don't like being Hooked I am

Do you like to live in a house?
Or would you rather live like a mouse?

No I don't want to lose my house.
No I can't let my family live like a mouse.

Now how do you want to go here or there?
How do you want to go anywhere?

I have to buy a car to go here or there.
Signing life to loans to go anywhere.

Would you rather be a fool?
And be another man's tool?

I don't have a choice but to be fool.
Till I am free I'll be another man's tool.

So shut up and work from 9 to 5.
And beyond that till you die.

I'll do you as you say from 9 to 5.
And beyond that till I die.

LFC... So far...

2011-08-28T23:52:00.001+08:00

Yesterday's game must have been the finest from King Kenny's new squad. Henry seems the better of the Americans in BPL right now. Such an improvement from a summer ago.

As I write this I am watching the Man Utd vs Arsenal game. I am looking at Man Utd's first 11 and I am not impressed. Though they are leading by 3. The other Manchester team looks more solid and experienced on paper. Winning over Spurs, 1-5 at White Hart Lane must be condemning to Redknapp's army.

From the first few games I am of the view the 2011/12 top four squads are Man City, Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea - in this order. Arsenal seems been lacking in muscles and fangs. Spurs just don't have the squad morale.

It is still too early to see how things will turn out to be. I'm hoping the Kop end's team will be amongst the UCL's contenders next year.

Moving forward

2011-08-28T00:02:00.001+08:00

How does one move forward?

Some walk

Some run

Some with their eyes closed

Some with their eyes opened

Some with a high nose

Some look down

Some uses a cane

Some being pushed

But all in all the same

It all goes with one step at a time

Shah Alam

2011-08-22T14:27:00.001+08:00

It has been a while since I've written an entry.

Let me see... What has been happening. Well, one, my wife and I are in the process of buying a house. We have been scouting over a year now and we finally saw this one property in Shah Alam which is a bit out of our range. We will be paying through our noses for it. But seeing the current property trend, I don't think we can ever find any property such as this.

Good location. The space is huge compared to our current double storey intermediate. It has always been our plan returning to Shah Alam when my daughter is going into primary school. I went to SRK Raja Muda. I have fond memories of this school. I couldn't think of any other school good enough for our kids.

The thing is, I have also fallen accustomed to living in Bukit Antarabangsa. I have good neighbours. There was one particular day when the shower was broken and I had to look all over town to find the parts to fix it. The problem was, it was already late into the night. And it was during the fasting month. Luckily my neighbour was kind enough to help me with it. Then there is this other fella who kinda influenced me to get a mountain bike. I bought one and have been riding since. I mean whenever I can la.

Having said that, I am quite excited going back to my hometown. I hope my kids will to. It is Shah Alam. It is home.

Inside Job (The Movie)

2011-05-17T22:28:00.002+08:00

I watched this a couple of times already. It is about the Financial Crisis that struck the world in 2008. In it were names of institutions and individuals who led the global financial markets.

Essentially, greedy people with power were either too stubborn to admit they were wrong, or they blatantly put the world in jeopardy for a few bucks. I have to admit, when I was younger, I thought of being an investment banker. However, my contractual bond with the company who sponsored my tertiary study limited my pursuit.

An investment banker, if you work hard enough, smart enough, can go up the corporate ladder faster than any other industry. It was (or is) a dog eat dog world. Sadly, what I didn't know back then, was that some of these bankers, they preached integrity but don't practice them. Their God was money.

I am disgusted by their past practices which led to many losing their pension money, houses, education fund for their kids, etc. How do they sleep? I don't know.

This is a movie I recommend all to watch. If we don't learn from it, history can become tomorrow's news. If that happens, how much more stupid can we be?

... i like writing..

2011-04-01T22:41:00.003+08:00

but i've got limited time to spend on this blog...

The recent weeks have been cruel, time wise. Late nights at work. Packed weekends with commitments. Better be busy than idling to fill it in.

Not much news on Liverpool too. Lost to Braga ended the season for me. Fourth place is still possible but it is too dependent on Chelsea and Spurs results. I only hope that Liverpool will not waste opportunities if Chelsea and Spurs slip.

Also heard a hoax (?) today that Mourinho is rumoured to take over Kenny's job by summer. Mourinho is a colourful and a great manager/coach. He might do good for Liverpool. Yet, I would like to see Kenny at the helm. He is a true Red. Mourinho's loyalty is unproven.

Penat

2011-03-14T22:34:00.001+08:00

Work has been crazy the past few weeks. I haven't been this tight for quite some time. Too many things are going at once. It has been too fast for me to sit back, consolidate and digest on what has been happening. Most of the time it is just processing the ins to get the outs in time.

Luckily the other things in my life have not been crazy. The headache/vision is getting better. The family is doing relatively ok.

Last weekend was crazy. Saturday was haphazard. Groceries in the morning. Then rushed to Ampang Point for my daughter's music class. Then we went down to Klang to visit my sister. She just gave birth to a baby boy less than a fortnight ago. Then we rushed to Salak Tinggi because my in-laws just got back from Mekah. We got home late that night. Way over midnight.

Sunday was equally tight. The whole day at Mid Valley, trying to squeeze many things at once. We could only strike out half of our to-do list. Got to find time to do the rest before this weekend.

I am tired.

Liverpool v Man Utd (3-1) 6 Mar 2011

2011-03-06T23:39:00.000+08:00

1. Surprisingly, I was confident of a Liverpool win. All factors were siding Anfield. They usually play better against the big clubs.

2. My MOTM is Suarez. He was fantastic! His turning was great! He runs well with the ball. A fighter. All the traits of a true Liverpool player.

3. Kuyt finally gets the right support. He should play the front man if Carroll is not playing. Suarez plays off Kuyt is better than Suarez as the top man. Well deserved three goals.

4. Meireles wasn't playing in his position but he didn't do that bad.

5. Gerrard was abysmal. He only came alive in the last 15 minutes. His passes were nowhere. Luckily Lucas made good cover.

6. The team played good. I don't know what happened to Man Utd. They didn't play like usual. Seems like they miss Ferdinand and Vidic. The central defence was nearly non-existent.

7. Good game. Well deserved result.

Old Friends

2011-03-03T00:07:00.000+08:00

I had a blast last Saturday night. Dinner with my old buddies from high school. I wasn't expecting to see so many familiar faces. Last time we gathered this many was the day we went to get our SPM results. It was grand.

I'll be honest. My time at Alam Shah wasn't entirely pleasant. There were ups and downs. Being teenagers we made mistakes and may have hurt somebody. Or have been hurt by others. Intentionally or not, anybody should let it be bygones. It is part of growing up. However hard it is.

I'm so proud to see friends who have achieved much at this age. A friend who stand out to me was a Sukhoi fighter pilot. The first of its kind in Malaysia. Knowing how he was and how he has grown really aspires me. We can achieve anything as long we put our heart and soul to it.

Not to forget business owners with global reach. Or soon to reach the world. Looking at myself, I've got a long way to go before I can stamp my name. Long way. I hope once I do, nobody will forget.

Let's keep up the work guys. The end is no where near. Let's show how it is done :)

West Ham v Liverpool (3-1) 27 Feb 2011

2011-02-27T23:50:00.001+08:00

Unexpected result. I was confident of a win, even when we were down by one. But when the second went pass Reina, I thought whether this was going to be one of those nights.

It turned out it was.

Two reasons for the loss. One, Danny Wilson didn't play as he should. No flair in attacking. And even worse, no confidence when defending.

Second was Suarez came to life too late. He was a disappointment in the first half. He did better in the last 20 minutes.

Let's not take it from West Ham. They played well. They obviously wanted to win it more.

Seems Champion's League is a bit stretch for us.

Kenny Dalglish putting his faith in Kop Kids at Liverpool FC - Chester Chronicle

2011-02-20T13:17:00.001+08:00

Another interesting article.

http://www.chesterchronicle.co.uk/chester-sport/liverpool-fc-news/2011/02/19/kenny-dalglish-putting-his-faith-in-kop-kids-at-liverpool-fc-59067-28196071/

DJ Kuyt Has Got Liverpool Back on Songs

2011-02-20T11:37:00.001+08:00

A hilarious article from Sun Mirror after a disappointing result at Prague. I know it was an away game but it took away the winning momentum. I'm quite confident we can progress to the next round since we are playing at home in the 2nd leg though.

People tend to forget inertia when talking about momentum. Inertia is the 'stillness' that stuck the matter in motion. Unless we keep on winning, the inertia of doubt could plaque the players. Let me remind you that we slipped after winning against Chelsea the first time this season.

Anyway, the link to Sun Mirror below. But the article is reproduced here for your convenience.

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Liverpool-Dirk-Kuyt-reckons-his-new-role-as-Reds-dressing-room-DJ-has-sparked-the-mini-revival-article701917.html

[Start]

Dirk Kuyt is the master blaster inspiring the Liverpool revival.

The Holland forward has been appointed as team DJ.

And Kuyt, 30, revealed: "Ever since I've plugged my iPod into our music system and play the stuff I've collected at home for our games, we've not lost a game. I think we are all a bit superstitious as players.

"I took over from one of the lads and when they all like it, they let you be in charge. It is like taking a penalty. If you score, they all let you take the next one."

Kuyt went on: "What do I play that gets the lads going? Kings of Leon, The Killers and Amy Winehouse. That sort of stuff.

"Then, after the warming up, I let the physio take over with his iPod for one song.

"When we come back in the dressing room he has put 'You'll never walk alone' on. That gets us all together. We feel so united when we hear that."

I Got This Free at Chilis Today

2011-02-15T23:08:00.000+08:00

I'm quite proud to share my birthday today with a great man, Prophet Mohammad saw. Even though it may be only once all my life. What a contrast of personality.

Spending the day with my family is the best.

Liverpool v Wigan (0-1)

2011-02-13T01:13:00.001+08:00

1. The first 15 mins started too slow.

2. Meireles goal was fantastic! Most consistent goalscorer for the Reds of the season!

3. Then, Wigan got their goal in the second half and everything went Hodgies. :(

4. I understood why Kenny changed the formation against Wigan. It had risks. Now Kenny has to face the media.

5. I have no clue why Kenny made the substitutions. Too confident? We were only leading by a goal.

6. Europe is slipping, yet I'm not surprised. Remember, we went downhill after the first win over Chelsea of the season. Dejavu.

Kopticles

2011-02-11T21:57:00.000+08:00

1. Good luck Hodgies!

I know you meant well but seems like parting ways was the only solution. I thought you were going to be successful. Then again, Fergie said so many nice things about you I wondered why. Now it is apparent.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/mobile/football/teams/w/west_bromwich_albion/9391291.stm

2. This Dane is rapidly becoming a favourite of mine. He speaks his mind off and sees things black & white. No need to be on the fence.

The sucker elbow was so sweet. However accident it seemed. Made all the red painted faces gleamed. :D

http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/story?storyId=878746&leagueTag=ENG.1&lang=EN&leagueTag=ENG.1&top

Unthinkable...

2011-02-11T00:51:00.000+08:00

... is the most gut-twisted movie I've ever seen. I have tried watching this movie so many times, but I couldn't see through the scene when they axed the terrorist's finger. Like any other movies, this terrorist is also sadly portrayed as a Muslim.

The movie is about a Muslim terrorist who let himself captured so that he can tell the FBI, CIA, the US Army that he had placed 3 nuclear bombs through US which set to detonate in 3 days unless his demand is granted. The big names in this movie are Samuel L. Jackson and Carrie-Anne Moss.

There are a few lessons I want to share:

1. History is written by who won the war. Those who lost will be written as evil.

2. Movies are a great political tool. If you make the agenda too obvious then it'll go aloof. People won't remember them. But if you make movies which let the audiences leave with the idea that follows them home than you have created a change in mindset. That's the ecstasy of all great creative works. Making people change the way they think. Movie making can be jihad.

3. The Muslim community lacks this. They are too blinded with the tacit and forget the implict. We are being blinded everyday with productions that were written by winners of the war. We are forgetting our own history. Why? Because the war victors wrote them.

4. How could Bryan Ward wrote so much about Che Det? Why didn't we? Don't we want our other stories to be heard? Will we be always labelled terrorists? How? We need to step up. Not many sees this. But movies are a tool and also a threat.

My Jihad is animation. I will strive it with Allah's guidance.

(Image is taken from IMDb)

Sickly

2011-02-07T22:20:00.002+08:00

My son threw up three times today. He is not feverish, no cough but slight running nose. Not noticeable unless if you got close.

It all started with my wife having sore throat and cough a week ago. Then it was my daughter caught it. Today I am down with it together with my son.

We went to Klinik Idzham just now and he gave us a bunch of medicine, for my son and I.

I have always been sick. I don't know why. I have asthma, keratoconus and most recent is this migraine type of headache. I get infected very easily when there is bug going around.

People ask me why I go to the gym nowadays and control what I eat (when I can resist). The answer is plain simple. I want to get healthier. I've quit smoking for about three months now and I hope not to start again.

I've got a family to take care. I can't look after them when I am sick. I am a man (last time I check) and a real man should do what is best for the family.

Chelsea v Liverpool 6 Feb 2011 (0-1)

2011-02-07T02:30:00.001+08:00

1. It was a very good result for Liverpool. 0-1, an away game, at Stamford Bridge of all places, is just plain awesome. Don't forget that we have a season double against Chelsea.

2. It was such a riveting game. The majority of the game was the battle of midfield. Liverpool have more heads there making it hard for Chelsea to break. Lucas was in the middle of everything.

Dalglish got it right by having 5 at the back to mitigate Chelsea's 3 forwards. Liverpool's only forward was Kuyt. Yet Kuyt's work rate equalled all Chelsea's infield strikers. He's an amazing player.

Best player for me is Lucas. He was Chelsea's pain. He stopped everything.

3. The togetherness of the Liverpool squad have gotten stronger since Kenny took charge. Honestly I didn't expect Kenny to be able getting results within such a short period. This was key of Liverpool's turnaround. Chelsea could learn something here.

4. I wasn't expecting the result. Looking at the list of players, Chelsea should have win. Now we have moved up to sixth.

5. I have to say I was surprised Ancellotti started El Traitor. He wasn't ready. He wasn't Suarez :P

6. The interviews with Carragher, Meireles and Dalglish were also true reflection of Liverpool's football approach. Professional and modest. Football is about a team. No player is bigger than the club.

7. Let's now take the season a game at a time. Can't wait for the next game.

*****

* Trivia. It just occurred to me John Henry's statement when justifying Andy Carroll's hefty price tag was a back slap to Chelsea. When he said Liverpool were willing to pay any amount as long as it is £15m less than El Traitor's selling price. It other words, Chelsea funded Andy Carroll at whatever price. Even if El Traitor was sold £70m, Carroll would have been bought at £55m. It wouldn't matter to Liverpool. Chelsea would make our squad better. Read between the lines. I think Liverpool's squad is stronger now.

* After seeing El Traitor's performance I have to agree with my office colleagues' view that we are better off without him. He has been a sour puss since the season started. His BPL peak may just have ended two seasons ago. The World Cup took the life out of him.

Commodity

2011-02-06T09:40:00.003+08:00

The year of the Rabbit to the Chinese is believed to be the most prosperous of all. I also read in The Star yesterday that commodities or commodity related equities would be the best bet for 2011 investment. Being a muslim, my investment criteria would have to come with solid reasons and shariah compliant. It was a good read nevertheless.

The reason for this entry is not on investment in commodities but to share with you what I believe is the most valuable commodity of all. I think you would agree that 'time' represents the most scarce and most expensive commodity. The Quran said in Al-'Asr because of time, verily men is in loss. Unless for those who have faith, live clean and pure lives, and know how to wait, in patience and constancy. (Taken from Abdullah Yusuf Ali's notes from the Quran Translation).

Yesterday I wasted 3.5 hours on the road. I drove a total 7.5 hours from Penang going back to KL. It usually would have taken me 4 hours or less. I'm not a Penangite. I was there to attend a relative's wedding.

I felt so gutted with the time wasted. We left at roughly 4.30 pm. We could have reached home earlier around 8.30ish pm. I could have watched Stoke beaten Sunderland 3-2. It was an important game for Liverpool in our chase for a European spot next season.

Time as an important commodity leads to many things. How you 'spend' it will determine how you lived your life. Faith and families are constant in your life. Your job isn't. So be patient. Take life as it comes and be good/nice along the way. Being bad/rude is just way too easy and uncivilised.

King Kenny

2011-02-05T10:54:00.000+08:00

... I like, but still got more time to go before permanent commitment. We will see.

Nyum Nyum

2011-02-04T22:00:00.000+08:00

Hehe. Secara rasminya hari ini adalah hari 'jalan-jalan cari makan'. Tengahari makan nasi kandar di Tajuddin Hussain. Malam makan makanan laut di Teluk Tempoyak.

Title: Liverpool FC Fans Told To Recycle Torres Jerseys

2011-02-04T17:28:00.000+08:00

The link below is quite funny. Torres' no 9 jersey is now worth nothing. I would think any Liverpudlian will be ashamed to own let alone wear it. I don't blame them. They were betrayed. Who would have thought El Nino turned out to be Judas?

http://www.clickliverpool.com/news/local-news/1212362-liverpool-fc-fans-told-to-recycle-torres-jerseys.html

Nasi Kandar Journey

2011-02-04T15:24:00.001+08:00

Just arrived.. Kinda excited :)

Alternative to Line Clear.. Which wasn't clear...

Crib

2011-02-03T23:08:00.003+08:00

1. History

My small family moved to Bukit Antarabangsa August 2007. We've been here for almost 3 years now. The main reason why we chose this place is because of its proximity. We used to commute from Shah Alam and Salak Tinggi to our office at Petronas Twin Towers. By chance my wife and I work there. She is on Tower 1 and I am on Tower 2.

We used to spend 45 minutes to an hour every working day travelling each way. That was average. There were times we took close to 2 hours when it rained or there were car accidents. After our first born, we thought we would rather spend more time with her than on the road. So we moved closer and spent 25 minutes and 15 minutes travelling forth and back. This saved us 30 minutes. Times that with 260 working days is 7,800 minutes or 130 hours.

We were graced with a son last April. Now we have a pair. We also have a maid to nurse our kids while we earn an honest living daily. There are more people in the house now. We want a big family therefore we pray for more kids. Hence a bigger house.

We like our existing house. The design suits us. The neighbours are friendly. The location is close to supermarkets, highways, hospitals, my mom, etc. We are comfortable here. However we will need to find a new place if we want to continue living comfortably. Our current house fit us fine now but may be not in the future. We need to start exploring alternatives. There are a few things we need to consider in our next move.

2. Location

We are contemplating either to go back to Shah Alam where I am from, or stay put in Ampang district. Taman Melawati is within our Ampang consideration since it houses the Melawati primary schools. Well known during my time producing kids with quality for top secondary boarding schools like Alam Shah and TKC. We either want to put our kids there or my old Raja Muda school in Shah Alam.

I have known Shah Alam since forever. It is my home and will always be where I am most comfortable. However in the recent years the air there have become more polluted. I have no proof but I've been hearing more stories about kids in Shah Alam growing up with asthma. I don't want my kids to grow up like me. I grew up sickly with asthma.

3. Type

I want a bungalow but I don't think we can afford it (yet, insyaAllah). Preferred set up would be 6 rooms and 5 bathroom. 1 for my wife and I, 2 for the kids, 1 for the maid, 1 for the guest and 1 as an office. The house should have enough land area if we need to expand. The parking lot should be big for 2 cars. Common areas spacious enough for living and dining.

Newly developed or secondary market is not a concern. I personally prefer secondary market. We don't have to trouble ourselves with renovation. But it seems the range we are looking at are pricier than the secondaries of a typical 22x75 sf double storey terrace. The type we are residing now. We are now left with the primary market for a semi-d or bungalows.

Again. These are all preliminaries. Our family is still small and the need is not urgent. We think it is good to start now than later. Another good project to keep ourselves busy :)

...By the way..

2011-02-03T07:40:00.000+08:00

I appreciate Babel now more than Torres. Babel at least has the decency to thank the club and fans. Torres is just plain Torres...

Suarez in the Morning

2011-02-03T06:51:00.003+08:00

My daughter started coughing last night. I think she got it from her mother, who had been unwell since two days ago. She woke up around 4ish this morning and I saw her lying down on the sofa, with mild coughs and trying to get back to sleep. She looked tiresome, with sappy eyes and everything.

I sat next to her trying to calm her down and it worked. She finally got back to sleep. To other parents out there, get your child to sip plain water right after every cough. It helps to smoothen the throat. Massage the child's chest gently. Nothing fancy, just circular motion all over the chest. It calms the kid down and in no moment they should fall asleep. Being children, they need their parents to be there for them.

(courtesy of soccernet.com)

I actually woke up to watch Luis Suarez' debut as Liverpool's new no 7. I only watched the second half and it started decently with Meireles goal. He has been a wonder since he joined the club. He is a true team player unlike a certain 'kid' from Spain.

I didn't think much of Suarez, even he managed to get Liverpool's second goal. He wasn't great but I think it would be unfair to judge him given he only arrived at the Merseyside a few days ago. Yet, he did show a lot of potential with a few one-twos with the other players. Can't wait to see him in full flair alongside Carroll.

I am still gutted with El Traitor's departure. I still think we have lost the best finisher in the world. Then again, the team is somehow stronger with the new additions. There is more balance. I'm sure once summer comes King Kenny will be able to mold the team better.

Things are looking good with the home win. 7th place is not grand but the momentum has started rolling. I don't think aiming for Europa League next season is far stretch, Champions League is. Nevertheless, optimism is in the air. Unlike a few months ago. We shall keep the faith.

Good Riddance

2011-02-01T12:40:00.001+08:00

(image courtesy of soccernet.com)

The Kop was shocked last weekend with a transfer request from the then Liverpool no 9, Fernando Torres. We have known a player with his talent would attract top $$ from the major clubs in Europe. I wasn't surprised when Chelsea offered Liverpool GBP35m for him. Just he is worth more that that. I figured it would be unwise for Liverpool to accept it because Chelsea is one of our biggest rivals in BPL. If the transfer fall through it would be another Ashley Cole-Arsenal-Chelsea or Benayoun-Cole-Chelsea-Liverpool sagas all over again.

But the transfer did fall through last night. Liverpool accepted an improved bid of GBP50m. I'm truly shocked with Torres unprofessional conduct. Here was a man who came out to the press a few days before on his commitment to the club. And being a professional I thought he would honour his contract. How wrong I was.

He had shown that he has no honour. If he had any respect for Liverpool, he would have waited till the summer. Instead, he jumped right away when Liverpool was still finding its momentum just to maintain a decent finish to the season. I'm truly flabbergasted.

Looking ahead we now have Andy Carroll, who I think is a bit pricey at GBP35m. Suarez seems like a good catch at GBP23m. Hopefully we can finish better this season.

Btw, Nando, good riddance. You are ungrateful.

Such A Proud Day

2011-01-31T09:31:00.000+08:00

It was a proud day for me. Seeing my daughter in her first music class was priceless. I didn't expect she was going to enjoy the class much as she shown.

The classes plus books were expensive. But I would think any $$ spent on your children education is invaluable investments. I thank Allah for letting us afford it.

Next, to get her learning swimming and Islam. I can teach her to swim. Islam is a bit more tricky because it is more an acceptance thing. Allowing her to believe truely.

I've heard and seen stories when kids are brought up too rigid in morality ending up the opposite. If I understand Myeisha, she is the type not to be told but reasoned. This will take time but well worth once she grasps the belief. It is my responsibility, and my wife's, to prepare her for the world. Building a solid base.

Gerrard: Calm Down!

2011-01-28T22:44:00.002+08:00

I only managed to see the game today. It was a lucky win. The game could have gone either way or stayed on the fence.

Paintsil made the win possible with his own goal. I think he played well. Liverpool seemed having singled him out in the second half causing Paintsil making undeserved fouls. I think the ref didn't do his job well.

Nowadays I think Gerrard is a bit too edgy in his game. He is either too eager or too big head for his teammate. He should calm down. He tends to pass the ball too fast even when it is a 50-50 chance.

I am a big fan of Gerrard but I think Daglish needs a few more games to figure out his best eleven. Gerrard may be a great player but football is not an individual game. I have the same comment on Carragher.

Next BPL game is next week against Stoke. I hope Kenny can get back to back results for Liverpool. Europe shouldn't be Liverpool's priority, finding form is.

Raped

2011-01-27T21:37:00.002+08:00

I am not sure how to share this. I just heard a daughter of my friend was attacked and raped two nights ago. She is in her late teens/early twenties. My friend is a Swiss and this happened somewhere in Europe.

I don't know how to react. It is one thing hearing about it in the news, but to know from someone you have met does put this into a different perspective.

To learn the fact this happened in Europe was surprising.

On another note, it is as equally surprising to see how bad their economy has become. Preaching morality is easy, committing it is a different ball game.

Wolves vs Liverpool 22 Jan 2011

2011-01-22T22:56:00.000+08:00

(The actual result is 0-3)

1. Question is, are they back?

2. The last I've seen Liverpool played this good was two seasons ago. The season when they whacked four passed Madrid without conceded any. The season when Man Utd was humbled by double defeats.

3. They played as a team. As rightly said by the commentator, the individuality of each player was amiss. They went forward and came down defending quickly at the same time.

4. No calamity in the process. A poignant trait when Gerrard and Carragher are in the team. The heart is important, but it must be guided by the head.

5. The return of the king empowered the players. The last three managers have been too tactical when approaching games.

6. Another positive takeaway was the performance of the young players. All thanx to Rafa for their development. The time is just ripe for King Kenny's picking.

I'm quite lucky

2011-01-22T10:56:00.000+08:00

I thank Allah for all the good and challenging thing in my life. I looked back and realised that I could have ended up worse.

I'm grateful for being a born a Muslim Malay. Having Islam in my life keeps me in balance. Being Malay gave me education opportunities that I might wouldn't have had otherwise. I've known a few of non-bumis who struggled to get paper qualifications. I respect those who persevered. I don't know whether I would be able to go through what they went.

To the Malays who thought they would have succeeded even without our forefathers help are arrogant. To all the Prime Ministers, thanx a bunch. I owe you guys my freedom, family, education, etc.

All the not so good things in my life I accept for the challenge. Allah is All Knowing. There must be reasons why all these happened. To my siblings, let's persevere and keep what we have. Whatever is left of it.

Ismail Farez Ali

2011-01-16T23:39:00.000+08:00

My dad asked me one day what differentiated a man than a cow. He is the type of guy who cracks jokes all the time so I didn't know whether he was serious or pulling my leg. It turned out to be one of those time he wanted to advise me on something profound.

Both cow and men breath, eat, drink, sleep, feed their young, etc. But what a cow doesn't do is benefiting other cows. If a man lives without leaving anything behind for the world than he is no better than a cow.

Ismail Fariz Ali was a great man. He departed sometime a year ago, leaving a wife and a daughter. His departure left a void that was unfathomable to those who know him. He is one of the great leaders Khazanah had seen. A humble, kind and sharing person. I've never seen a man so respected by many. Nobody spoke ill of him. The massive turnout at his farewell, a sign of the great man he was.

He was indeed, awesome.

May Allah put him amongst the mukmin. Amin.

Al-Fatihah.

Outlier

2011-01-02T01:24:00.000+08:00

I was recommended to read this by my career mentor. A real genius with three masters in mathematic. A humble muslim too.

I recommend all to read it. Especially for parents with young kids. This book is intended for career aspiring people but my own conclusion is it may be best to cultivate the young.

Malcolm Galdwell, the author, said an outlier is a product of both luck and hardwork. This is my own conclusion. I can't do anything to be luckier but I can work harder. Galdwell specifically said the rule of thumb to be good at anything is to spend 10k hours specifying a skill. Be it at programming like Bill Joy and Bill Gates, or music like Mozart and Beethoven. You need to focus and enjoy what you're doing.

I am turning 33 this year. I've been working for 10 years. I don't think I've spent any amount of time on anything specific other than watching TV. I've wasted too much. I need to start work hard now to be good at anything. If I'm lucky, I'll be someone by 43.

I believe in hardwork and fate. It is in the Quran. If anybody is saying something against it than he is an arrogant fool.

Liverpool Log: v Bolton 1.1.11

2011-01-02T00:41:00.000+08:00

I'm still not sure what to think of Hodgson. He at times do bring out a decent game.

Despite what the media + majority is saying, I think Liverpool still has a good squad for top four. Just look at Man Utd and Arsenal. They don't have the best squads but they have very good teams that work together.

Benitez brought in many good players to the club. He is a good manager but in my opinion a bit lacking when it comes to coaching. Lucas was abysmal during his tenure but what sort of 'released' under Hodgson. He tends to over strategise, which confuses players therefore stricts them from expressing on the field.

I thought Hodgson's appointment would deal the 'human' factor missing during Benitez' reign. But no, he got into the tactical side too much and disrupted the progress the club has made. He should have focused on what the team needed, coaching.

I am writing this with 10 mins left. The goals are 1 each. Whatever the outcome is, I think Hodgson has to make way.

December, the Month of Jalan2

2010-12-31T22:32:00.001+08:00

I'm glad I could finally travel after being stuck at home for a month.

We did a couple of things this year that we have been holding off for quite some time.

We did a day trip to Temerloh for ikan patin early of this month. It was gggoooddd! Stopped by the rabbit farm at Bukit Tinggi on the way there and elephant reservation at Kuala Gandah on the way back. My daughter fed the rabbits and rode a donkey at the farm. She smiled from ear to ear the whole ride. But we only managed to catch the tail end at the reservation so we plan to go back there.

A week later we took the Petronas Twin Towers Skybridge tour and visited Petrosains. My wife and I have gotten on the Skybridge numerous times but it was the first for our kids. A new addition to the tour (besides the RM16 fee per person) is the tour on the 86th floor. The view was sublime.

It was the kids and my first visit to Petrosains. My wife have been there once when she was my girlfriend. I didn't know how huge Petrosains was. It was very educational and intriguing. We completed the whole thing in 3 hours.

The recent weekend we went back to my hometown in Pasir Mas. Coincidentally my wife's cousin is holding her wedding reception in Kota Bharu. So we killed two birds with one stone.

It was great returning to my dad's hometown after so many years. Last time we got back was in 2006. It was timely because my uncle planned a barbecue which we enjoyed much and a solat hajat for my cousin. He is leaving to Lebanon for a year with the UN peacekeeping army (prayers for his safety there). Then there was the shopping spree at Pengkalan Kubor and Rantau Panjang. Highlight was football jerseys for my kids/ nephews/ niece and Cornelle dishware for the house.

We drove by Batu Burok on the way home and checked the night in Sumai's apartment. My daughter was desperate to dip in a swimming pool and they have an indoor. A good decision since it was the raining decision. That night we had a simple dinner and bought the famous keropok lekor at Losong which was not far.

We left the hotel after my daughter had another half an hour dip in the pool right about 10ish am. Arrived home around 5ish.

Great December 2010. A very memorable holiday.

So goodbye 2010. Hope not to see you again. It has been a bad one save for my son's birth.
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My Achilles Heel

2010-12-01T11:11:00.001+08:00

Yesterday was bad. Only slept for 4 hours the night before. In the afternoon went to the eye clinic. Hoping for a miracle cure. It turns out a to be a fruitful visit. Not a solution but I finally understand what caused my headaches.

My right eye is stronger than my left eye. Normally, one's vision would be corrected with the stronger eye playing the dominant role. It is not in my case. I constantly see both sights.

So when I told them that I actually I actually read both sharp and blur visions they were puzzled. I did one test. The test, requires some eye focussing movement. At the test, once I managed to focus, it gave me a 'pang' sensation like someone knocked my head with a club. The headache was so bad I had to take painkillers right after.

I was with the focussing specialist just now and they have concluded that I have image convergence problem. The eye muscle to converge are too week ie like an old man. So on top of Keratoconus, I have Convergence Insufficiency. Both overlapping and double visions.

I haven't seen the neuro post test. Will see what she has to say when I do in the afternoon. But I'm really glad to finally understand what caused my headaches. Now let's get treated!

What does it take for me going to sleep!

2010-11-30T03:07:00.001+08:00

It's 3 am! Just had Slipknox and am still wide awake. Read 4 books (with one eye) and now I have a headache.

What the heck!

I'm back :(

2010-11-29T20:12:00.001+08:00

Sometimes I wonder if it is just me? Psychologically? Coz nothing is coming out from the tests. I do feel pain throbbing all over my head. It doesn't come out of MRI, blood tests etc tho.

I was ok last week. I could have returned to work but my sleeping schedule wasn't working out. Over the weekend the doctor gave me something to help me with my sleep.

The drug turned out making it worst for my headache. It made me have nightmares. Really scary nightmares that felt real. Nothing spooky but real life like problems. Like last night I woke up from sleep at least 10 times after managing to turn the lights out at 2.30 am. I was kinda awake at 10.30 am but I just couldn't open my eyes. It was bad. Everything was. The headache, the glare, the giddiness, everything.

So I head back to see the neurologist, lovely doctor by the way, and shared with her what happened. She said the drug made me hypnotic which made me having those nightmares. So I'm off those for now and we are back to square one.

I was readmitted back to PCMC this afternoon. The headache is now on and off. The doctor wants to observe me closely so that she can get the drugs right this time.

What I'm worried most now is not this. It is how my work colleagues are taking this. I've been away from office close to a month. I've emailed my bosses and nobody answered. And my colleagues too.

Aiyo...

My Daughter's First Bike

2010-11-28T20:44:00.000+08:00

She's 4 years old. So the bike is kinda late for her. We earlier bought a pink three wheeler when she was between 2 to 3 but she couldn't cycle it forward. Only backward. So that didn't count in my books.

So we brought her to the bicycle shop today and let her test on a few. She fell for this one.

She didn't stop cycling when we brought it back home. Luckily it just stopped raining when we got back.

Unfortunately my head started spinning again and whilst I'm writing this she was still cycling and I'm heading for a Maghrib sleep. I know it's not good to sleep at this hour. But what to do la. The migraine is back.

Finally... A good sleep...

2010-11-27T16:14:00.001+08:00

One reason my migraine has been bad is because of sleeping problem. I tend to wake up during night and sleep for long hours in the day. Inconsistently.

Got a pill from the doc which worked last night. I only woke up once, which was pretty good. 11 hrs in total. A good catch up. :D

Cherios.

At the doctor's (again)

2010-11-26T13:04:00.001+08:00

I was diagnosed with keratoconus circa 2004, 2 years after realising deterioration in my left eye vision. My doctor then at SMC suspected I have a lazy eye which got me furious because I would have known about it since birth! Only after 2 years he concluded I had keratoconus. 2 bloody years!

I've been hopping from one eye specialist to the other ever since SMC. ISEC, TTMC, Tun Hussein Onn and the most recent one is PCMC. Hoping for a miracle. All the specialists concurred that there is no permanent remedy. I have to rely on RGP lenses which are expensive and painful to wear. When it gets too dry it can pop out without warning. Once it popped out into my teh tarik. I was laughing my ass off with my friend but in my heart I felt like a handicap.

The vision in my left eye hasn't been improving. I now can no longer read with it. No matter what lens I use. I rely on my right eye to read. To most, the stronger eye would be prevalent in seeing but unfortunately not in my case. I constantly see 2 visions. One is readable, one is fuzzy.

My work requires attention to detail, quick decision making and focus in long hours. Khazanah has an important role to the Nation. Though the public would argue we are not, I truly and honestly believe this is the time where the Nation needs us most. Unfortunately my physique has taken its toll on me.

Last year I opted to go for a CXL operation for both of my eyes. The CXL operations were meant to strengthen the eye. It did what it had to do. But it had a unique side effect on me. Usually it takes one week for a normal person to recover after the operation. I took one month for each eye. There is this weird throbbing headache all over which the doctors diagnosed as stressed migraine. I've taken a lot of different pills (topamax, amitriptyline, etc). The best that works for me is Epilim. They usually give this for epilepsy patients (sawan) because it can handle the moods. It is quite undermining to be categorised here.

Recently the headache came back out of sudden. I suspect it is because of constant work and personal pressure I put myself into. If it is only work pressure, I am quite sure I will be able to handle it. But my family is breaking up and the overwhelm of it all keeps me up at nights sometimes.

I have been away from office for the past two and a half weeks. I need to go back to work asap. I haven't been performing to a level that is satisfactory to me but I am not sure I will be able to get there anymore. I think some may call it as burnout. I think I'm threading the same line but not by option. The epilim still works, but not without side effects. I am now an insomniac.

I am thinking of quitting my job but I have a family to take care. I need the income to support our living and my medication. Plus I have not achieve anything in my life that I can be proud of yet. I have a goal in the animation industry and I won't be satisfied until I can put a stamp on it.

So that is me right now.

Tom Werner, the new Liverpool Chairman

2010-11-26T06:01:00.004+08:00

From what I personally gather, the bloke seems to take notice more of the camera then what was going on the pitch during the chavs game. Dunno, maybe it is me.

Taken from Wikipedia:

Thomas Charles "Tom" Werner (born April 12, 1950 in New York City, New York) is an American television producer and businessman, who via his investment in New England Sports Ventures is chairman of the Boston Red Sox, and chairman of Liverpool Football Club.

Werner was born in to a wealthy New York area family. He was educated at The Hotchkiss School, one of the nation's elite private schools, and earned an English degree from Harvard University. In 1973, Werner entered television by working for ABC-TV. In 1975, he became the Director of East Coast Prime Time Development. Werner was promoted to senior vice president of the prime time development department in 1979. While at ABC Werner and his partner Marcy Carsey saw Robin Williams in a Comedy Club and launched Mork & Mindy. Werner also oversaw the development of Bosom Buddies which started the career of Tom Hanks, as well as Soap which started the career of Billy Crystal and Taxi which started the career of Danny DeVito.

Werner co-founded The Carsey-Werner Company with Marcy Carsey in 1980. In this capacity he served as executive producer of such television programs as The Cosby Show, Roseanne, 3rd Rock from the Sun and That 70s Show and other successful hits. Werner made nearly $600 million selling episodes of The Cosby Show for syndication. In 1999, he was honored at the Museum of Television and Radio.

In 1990, Werner entered the world of sports by purchasing the San Diego Padres from Joan Kroc. Werner bought the Padres with 14 other investors and partners. Werner often used the team to help promote his television programs, such as when he invited Rosanne Barr to perform the national anthem. At one point during his tenure, Werner's Padres traded many players in a rumored attempt to lower salary. Fred McGriff and Gary Sheffield were the two most popular players dealt, though Sheffield's trade brought legendary closer Trevor Hoffman to the team. While unpopular at the time, the Padres did win the National League Pennant in 1998.

In December, 1994 Werner and his partners sold most of their interest in the Padres to John Moores.

During the administration of President Bill Clinton Werner and Carsey were close friends and frequent advisors to Bill and Hillary Clinton.

In 2000 Werner, Carsey, and longtime partner Caryn Mandabach joined Oprah Winfrey to start Oxygen, a 24 cable channel serving the modern woman.

Sports

Werner is a co-founder and investor with his friend John Henry in sports investment and operations company New England Sports Ventures. In February 2002, NESV paid $660 million for the Boston Red Sox baseball franchise. They also purchased Fenway Park and the New England Sports Network from the Yawkey Family Trust, managed by John Harrington. The Red Sox won two World Series since, in 2004 and 2007. In 2010, NESV bought English Premier League team Liverpool FC from lawyers acting on behalf of the Royal Bank of Scotland, the lenders to former owners George N. Gillett, Jr. and Tom Hicks. On 25 November 2010, Liverpool FC aannounced that Werner would replace Martin Broughton as the club's chairman beginning 1 December 2010.[1]

The making of WWIII

2010-11-26T05:42:00.000+08:00

The Korean disputes, the declining oil prices, the European economy unrest. Korea, unlike German, is nearer to our borders.

http://www.google.com/gwt/x?source=reader&u=http%3A%2F%2Fthestar.com.my.feedsportal.com%2Fc%2F33048%2Ff%2F534556%2Fs%2Ffed013e%2Fl%2F0Lbiz0Bthestar0N0Bmy0Cnews0Cstory0Basp0Dfile0F0C20A10A0C110C240Cbusiness0C20A10A11240A80A10A60Gsec0Fbusiness%2Fstory01.htm

The failing US economy will trigger it all. The biggest capitalist is a familiar kin to scavengers.

http://www.google.com/gwt/x?source=reader&u=http%3A%2F%2Fthestar.com.my.feedsportal.com%2Fc%2F33048%2Ff%2F534556%2Fs%2Ffed3518%2Fl%2F0Lbiz0Bthestar0N0Bmy0Cnews0Cstory0Basp0Dfile0F0C20A10A0C110C240Cbusiness0C20A10A11240A80A7450Gsec0Fbusiness%2Fstory01.htm

Similar build-ups to the prior two wars. Dig your barracks people and store up food, water and fire source. The Aztec's 2012 prophecy may come a year earlier.

From Rocky and Zakhir: MACC report made mentioning Dino Rais « The "thirteen million plus Ringgit" guy rambles….

2010-11-26T05:27:00.000+08:00

Interesting article indeed.

http://www.google.com/gwt/x?source=reader&u=http%3A%2F%2Fbigdogdotcom.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F11%2F24%2Fmacc-report-made-against-dino-rais%2F

TUN DR LIM CHONG EU - Che Det

2010-11-26T05:10:00.001+08:00

Such my historical ignorance, thank you Che Det for the enlightenment. My condolence to the family, people of Penang and Malaysians benefited from Tun Dr Lim's contribution.

http://www.google.com/gwt/x?source=reader&u=http%3A%2F%2Fchedet.co.cc%2Fchedetblog%2F2010%2F11%2Ftun-dr-lim-chong-eu.html

My kids...

2010-11-25T19:49:00.000+08:00

The reason of my life, so they can get a better future.

What have come to us?

2010-11-25T07:20:00.001+08:00

We are not Singapore! We have ample land. Yes the land value is high! But people keep forgetting there is more to life than $$$. The monumental Pudu Jail is an example. We are losing our identity!

But I doubt the nay-sayers will win. The Eiffel tower standing tall in Paris is a monument where $$$ has more push that heritage.

Its this early in the morning and I can't get to sleep!

2010-11-25T03:58:00.001+08:00

Bugger.

Beggars

2010-11-24T18:20:00.000+08:00

I'm big on not giving out your hard earned cash to beggars. Rasullullah said the hand that gives is better than receives.

My father is a handicap. He has spinal muscular atrophy type III also known as Kuggelberg Wellander disease. His muscle degenerates over the years and he has trouble walking. He never begs.

I will not beg and I will not condone beggars. To those who gives out know that you are not helping the helpless. You are making things worst. If you don't have money, WORK! Allah gives you four limbs to work. Even the blind gives massage to earn a living.

I once saw a lady beggar with a stick hide the stick to get into a Kancil once she makes her collection.

Don't be stupid people. DON'T GIVE IN TO FEED YOUR CONCIENCE!!! YOU ARE BEING MANIPULATED!

Like my new glasses?

2010-11-24T17:35:00.001+08:00

My left eye distorts my vision and giving me headache. I'm experimenting it.

Call me Mike Archangel from now on. He's a character from Airwolf.

Another boring day...

2010-11-24T11:55:00.002+08:00

Been at home for the past two and a half weeks nursing a migraine that can't be explained. The throbbing feeling is all over the head. The same pain after the cxl operation I had on both eyes last year.

I had topamax which gave me muscle spasm. Acupuncture that gave me 2 hours of relief. Also did TMS, new medical treatment where they jolt your brain neurons every 5 minuts for half an hour.

Now I'm on epilim again. The purple one. Three at night and one one in the morning. Plus a sleeping pill at night. The headache is gone, but I can't be sure because I'm always asleep. :(

Relek la...

BPL: Liverpool vs West Ham 20101120

2010-11-21T11:13:00.002+08:00

Notes:

* Glen Johnson did superb to get a goal. He needs ro be more consistent. Kelly should be a close understudy.

* Meireles is superb. He's everywher. We have a Kuyts in him.

* Carragher should not be in starting 11. Johnson-Skrtel-Soto-Konchesky is our best back forum. Super sub across the back fourm.

* Liverpool should target a win margin by 3 at leasy.

* Livepool has always been discipline behind the ball.

* Reina is the best keeper for Liverpool. Never sell him.

* Maxi is hardworking but no flair. Good super-sub.

Nada more from me

Testing

2010-05-06T18:41:00.001+08:00

testing one two three... hopefully this time it works!

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device via Vodafone-Celcom Mobile.

2010-04-30T17:22:00.000+08:00

Test

2010-04-28T23:31:00.001+08:00

Testing...

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_08rIPb7cQHs/S88WTuAAjkI/AAAAAAAAAFg/HtLuNllNAXk/S360/IMG00056-20100421-2309.jpg

Hopefully this works!
Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device via Vodafone-Celcom Mobile.

Freedom!

2010-04-11T02:50:00.001+08:00

My tenureship is coming to an end. Soon!

Looking forward to minimal weekend interuptions! I miss my 'time'.

Muslim Unity

2009-12-15T16:06:00.001+08:00

I was attending the conference earlier at PWTC. It was officiated by
my beloved 4th PM of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir. A good man with a good
heart. A true leader from any context.

He spoke in his usual composed yet relax and firm manner. He started
of explaining what unity is etc and why is it important to the muslim
community. The sort of stuff you can download from Wikipedia. Nothing
much.

However, in the body of his speech he then reminded the disunity since
there are differences in the sect and tribes in Islam. Particularly
the Muslims separation right after Prophet Mohammad s.a.w. demised,
into the Sunni and the Shi'ite.

The formation of OIC was intended to move the Muslims to global unity.
There are 1.6 billion of us. If we all move together we will be strong
and heard. However OIC is a failure (my words). It is a coalition of
governments of Islamic countries. These governments are constrained by
its local politics hence it is difficult to find common ground.

Other NGOs eg Greenpeace, human rights movement, climate change and
whaling worked well because they weren't governed by the government.
They were moved from the coalition of people!

What Tun M recommends is for the people to form a new organisation
called OIU (?) to unite the Muslim NGOs. This OIU should have
realistic goals. But the turn up is poor. I was told by a friend of
mine there are many more Muslim NGOs not involved in this. Not a good
start.

I believe in his idea, but not so much on his execution. There have
been too many mediums being set up to do similar things. But we do
need to start somewhere.

After hearing this, I am not sure how am I able to contribute. How do
I go about this?

Test

2009-12-13T20:00:00.001+08:00

...Challenges...

2009-05-28T04:45:00.001+08:00

What to do.. Life is like that.. Too many things going on but nothing
I can share with nobody..

Sabarla Labu...

--
Fyzul Adzwan Mustapha Kamal
http://adzwan.blogspot.com

the four frogs

2009-02-07T13:51:00.000+08:00

The four frogs, whom leaped from one party to another party/ independent should be castrated. We should hold them contempt to our political morality.

In the era of many gloom and doom, we are putting our focus on wrong things. In principle, the statute and constitution should not have allowed party hopping since this proven to be going against what the people voted. When I went to cast the ballot in March 2008, I voted for the party, not the person. I presume most people did the same because I've never met the candidates. I don't know them, but I thought I knew the party they were representing.

Our prime concern now should be on our economy, Gaza and environmental concern - in this order. Our economic fundamentals are strong. BNM has done a great job since 1997 crisis to ensure we have strong regulations over the financial institutions. The monetary policy has room for flexibility. Our fiscal policy has enough reserves to sustain multiplying expenditures.

According to common sense, the global investors should be flocking to our shores since there are no formidable alternatives. But, our political uncertainties have made our country less attractive. Our country ratings is not getting better because of this. We should address the problem. Which is the constitution that allows party hoping. This is the underlying cause. The political uncertainty is the result of this!

What I'm proposing is not only Perak government to dissolve and hold another state election, but the whole country. I understand the mass majority will be against this. Too much money has been spent last March, but this is the right thing to do. We can put uncertainty aside and move on together for a better Malaysia.

Think about it - it is the right thing to do. Hard but right.

Gloom

2009-02-03T20:12:00.000+08:00

...Sigh...

Something I realised, I sigh a lot nowadays. Everything seems to be in dire gloom.

Thousands are dead, children and women were not spared from the wretched Zionists. Nothing of great immediate impact can I do to change it.

There are flyers going around asking the public to show support by not buying products that contribute to the financing of the massacre. This is the least I can do. Now I no longer go to McDonalds/ KFC, buying groceries from Tesco/ Carrefour, drinking Nescafe, eating Maggi, etc.

.. and you know what, it is working. At least by a small margin. Last night I was on the phone with a friend who just came back from OZ. He was at McDonalds yesterday and there was no queue (ignore the part where he went to McDonalds, there is a good story behind it).

In the ads today, McDonalds is slashing their value meals by half! I know we were hurting them, but to slash their price to half proves it.

Now my fellow humanitarians. Let's not stop here! We need to keep on boycotting! We need to keep on our aggregate effort to show that we care. You'll never know what the mass can do if we work together!

Tell everybody... Please... Those kids are suffering because of your money. Choose the harder choice. Buy local products! :)

... makan2 @ my house... kelantanese delegates...

2009-01-07T21:10:00.000+08:00

damn the zionist...

2009-01-05T08:38:00.000+08:00

... May Allah give the Palestinians strength... The will to jihad and defend for their humanitarian rights...

I don't understand why the US are condoning to this act of terrorism towards the Muslims. They played their act of peace to the genocide of women and children of Afghanistan and Iraq. It seems the Zionists are acting hastily before Bush' reign of terror comes to end ie Obama may not give the same greenlight to the Zionists.

And I am powerless as a muslim. I was having breakfast when I wrote this, I wonder what my Palesitinians brothers are doing at the moment. Please share with us how we can help...

2008 in review...

2008-12-31T12:04:00.002+08:00

I truly believe 2008 has been my most eventful year... ever...

It started slowly, with a major finance related project, another groundbreaking deal. Went to the Middle East like any other years...

Come mid-year, the pace got faster with the new role I've taken. Went throughout the world on business classes and sleept in five star hotels, just to realise that materiality is meaningless. It does make your living a whole lot more comfy, but not neccessary. Learned a whole lot in the process. But still not sure where I'm heading to...

Was in Beijing when the earthquake killed thousands in China. Was at Oberoi Mumbai before it got bombed two weeks after. And the most recent tragic, and more personal, was the landslide at Bukit Antarabangsa on 6th December 2008. Quite something huh....

Alhamdulillah went for umrah twice.. (got balded twice).. the first in the fasting month.. the latter was when there was lesser crowd. Alhamdulillah kissed Hajr Al-Aswd...

Then there is the financial crisis and the political crisis. Both internationally and locally. Internationally the dumbasses in the financial market were too greedy. Now everybody is 'feeling' it. And don't forget the S-curve on the oil price. Politics were interesting. Bush got 'booted' out, deservingly and Obama is now the President-elect. Locally BN has lost significantly (though still in control) and seems to be heading to a more balance government in the future. Composite wise. PM has announced his handover to DPM. DSAI and its alleged sodomy.

Entertainment wise, the screeing of Iron Man, Incredible Hulk (the more credible one), the Dark Knight, Heath Ledger's suicide, Alba got married and with a baby, Spears balding and Basic Instinct scene, etc.

... and it all ended with a short deserved vacation in Jakarta.. seriously.. if anybody is visiting Jakarta, you must visit the Taman Safari in Bogor, eat ikan gurame/ nasi padang/ sup buntut, shop at Blok M/ Pasar Pagi Mangga Dua, but don't visit Seaworld. Our Aquaria is twice better....

Bukit Antarabangsa - Post Mortem

2008-12-18T21:26:00.003+08:00

I was surfing the net, during my lonely time at Darby Park because my other family members are back in Salak Tinggi. My brother in law is getting married and everybody is there to lend a helping hand.

I was reading Dr Raffick's blog rights2write.wordpress.com entries, latest news from Google and the clips on youtube, all under 'Bukit Antarabangsa' headline. These are what I have learned for myself:

1. All 3,000 of us were affected by the tragedy differently. We faced different circumstances. I was lucky because the company I am working for, Khazanah, was there to help through and though. They were there with a pick-up car, keys to Darby Park serviced apartment and keys to the office Perdana. Others may have been more tragic, mine was Alhamdulillah was not as bad. The only thing I can decently do now is share my own personal experience, the good and the bad.

2. BAD - POLITICIANS. How the tragedy was handled by the politicians was a disgrace. Both sides, the ruling government and the opposition were politicising the whole situation. It was too much. I didn't care what you were representing. I only cared if you were helping. The logos that you put up at your respective so called control centres made me want to puke. Who in the right mind at that time gave a damn?

3. GOOD - ARMY, RELA, NGO, RESIDENTIAL COMMITTEES, POLICEMEN, FIREMEN AND KHAZANAH CSR TEAM. Gratitude should only go to those who truly deserved. They were all great in their own capacity. Without the help of these kind spirits, who knew what could have happened. Thank you.... my family and I owe you our utmost gratitude. No words can ever describe how important what you have done for us...

4. BAD - FALSE ACCUSATIONS. I must also apologise to the army and Rela, because I was amongst those who made false accusations of you looting without knowing better. I don't think whatever I say now would matter much because of the old Malay proverb, 'terlajak perahu boleh diundur, terlajak kata...'. My ignorance and panic in dealing with the whole situation made me believe in the slightest rumour. I should have known better. I am sorry.

5. BAD - MPAJ. Yes, we may have been ignorant of the environmental condition of the residential area when we bought the place 2 years ago (and moved in last August). We too were dependent on the government whom we trusted to put the interest of our safety before anything else. Including but not exclusive to the pressure from the developers or grafting opportunities or any other reason whatsoever. I now no longer trust the government. But this does not mean I am on the opposition's side too.

... My tragedy at bukit antarabangsa...

2008-12-08T23:40:00.003+08:00

I was supposed to go back home late last Friday night/ Saturday morning. It was 1 am and I was still at the office. SOA asked me to stay behind a while longer to discuss on some stuff. I was already too tired and my wife was already on the way to pick me up.

Alhamdulillah I didn't stay back, if not I would not be back in time when the disaster struck. I would have been stuck outside with my family left at home.

It was 3 am plus when I heard the loud thumping sound. I went straight to bed when I reached home at 1 am plus earlier. I was exhausted. It has been numerous weeks of long nights at the office and travellings.

I wasn't sure what I heard, I was half awake.I only realised the aircond was turned off. I didn't suspect anything different because we sometimes set the aircond to shut off just before Subuh. It can be too cold for our daughter who would start coughing if it gets too chilly.

I came to realise there were new messages on my Berry around 6 am plus. I hate my Berry. It can be such a nuisance at times. I keep it on silent mode nowadays because it couldn't stop vibrating or ringing. I read the messages. The subject matter says it all - 'Landslide'. It came from my office colleagues living in the nearby neighbourhoods. It got my anxious a bit more when I realised my neighbours were up and making noise outside. I prayed Subuh and looked out the window.

My wife then woke up after an SMS came in. It was from her sister, who works for Mix FM, giving warn about the landslide. Whilst she was praying, I went out to see the neighbours. To find out more what was happening. They told me the only road access into our neighbourhood was under a landslide. The big houses along the road were swept away with the earth and lives were lost. They told me I could catch a glimpse of the landslide at the edge of my neighbourhood, Taman Bukit Jaya. From Jalan BJ/6A, the last row and closest to the incident.

I couldn't see much from there really. Only the tip of hill where the land gave way. It didn't look bad (and to only realise how I was wrong afterwards).

On my way back home, the people passing me told me to start storing water. The main pipe has been cut off. We are on the neighbourhood big water reserve then, and the tank was running low. My colleague from Khazanah confirmed it.

I called my wife to ask the maid to start storing water.When I got back, my wife and I decided to walk to the incident. We didn't have electricity so we couldn't see the news on tv. Best to see it for ourselvevs. The walking was around a km plus.

When we got there, the crowd was already up and two police cars were making an invisible boundary. They kept the crowd back because the earth wasn't stable. We could see the houses and cars buried underneath the massive land. It was in pieces. Broken walls, window frames, broken doors - all were all jolting out from earth. It was clearly impossible for anyone to have survive that. The earth covered across 'Little Australia', the road and Taman Bukit Mewah. Clearly, we have lost our only road in/ out to the outside.

I wanted to link up with my Khazanah friend but by then, the land gave way again. My wife was nearby me but the crowd started to break away in panic. There was a woman scream frantically and ran all over the place. She caused quite a stir. But it didn't last long, the minor landslide only lasted for five seconds or so.

We decided it was safer to return to home to figure out what to do next rather then wait at Ground Zero. We opted against linking up with my fellow Khazanah friend because we didn't feel safe being there. By the time we reached home we were exhausted. My wife and I aren't really in good shape, physically.

We didn't do anything much when we got home. My wife lied down and we asked our maid to start preparing breakfast. I went for a quick shower and noticed the water is already nearly gone from the main pipe. After we had breakfast I decided to return to the scene on my own. I asked my wife to stay back home to attend to our daughter when she wakes up. It was too risky for both of us to be at Ground Zero.

I scouted a bit more this time when I reached the scene. I could see people with bagpacks and trolley bags moving towards Impiana Selatan. I asked one of them and they told me they have found a way out. But only on foot and water was rising fast. The water came from the main pipe which was destroyed from the landslide.

The authorities were about to close the path because it seemed like it was going to start raining soon, which would aggravate the already flooded path. But, I wasn't sure. So I decided to make my way to check it out for myself.

Along the way, I could only now see the full devastation of the landslide. It was the worst natural disaster I have ever seen in my life. I remember seeing firemen going into half buried houses looking for survivors. I saw a Perdana and a Kancil half way buried in the earth. I heard then there were 17 bodies pulled out (but later found out only 4 died, the rest were injured). People from Rela, the police, the army, the fire brigade, volunteers, were all there to give a helping hand. (Kudos to these volunteers, they were our saviours. I initially joined the ruckus that accused these angelic folks of looting the evacuated houses, to later found out these were false accusations. Sorry.)

When I got to the pathway, it was clear to me that the water through it was rising, fast. I knew I couldn't get my family in time to go through it. It was about to rain again and this was another risk I couldn't take.

I then made my way home, asking my wife to start packing our staff. We needed to be ready in case we need to evacuate the place. (The media later claims the authorities have 'instructed' the 3,000 residents to move out, this was b**ls**t. Nobody told us so... We had to figure out ourselves at the start. They came to our house way after the majority of the neighbourhood left the place). I was still panicking and didn't know what to do.

On the way, I chatted up this one fella who just came back from the outside through the flooded path. He told me his family had gone across and only he was allowed to return home to get more stuff. I remembered he was telling me he just moved to the neighbourhood a week ago. His parents and in-laws planned to celebrate the coming Eid Haj at their new house, and then this occured. He looked very sad. But anyway, he confirmed that small kids are not recommended to go through the flooded path.

As I reached my house I bumped into my Kelantanese neighbour who told me her husband was stuck outside and was looking a way in. She said the authorities had found another path through the forest from Taman Atheneum. I wasn't sure about this because it really seemed unlikely then.

When I got home, I joined my family packing. I told my wife we could only bring the necessities in backpacks. Trolley and shoulder bags were not adviseable considering the route we might take.

My Berry was having trouble connecting to the outside since I woke up. GPRS was nearly never there and GSM wasn't stable. I couldn't even speak to my Mama and Papa properly without any disruption. I managed to speak to my sister momentarily though.

Friends from the office were worried and started pouring in emails, sms and calls (or missed calls). I tried to contact back but the messages and calls didn't go through. I then decided to send a mass email to everybody at the office from my Berry. I didn't have much choice since I could only get GPRS once in a while. Luckily the message went through in the first attempt. I only could receive emails after that.

Messages of a rescue team meating up from Khazanah office was really assuring. I've met a lot of good people in my life, but these Khazanah staff are out of the ordinary.To be continued ...

(I wrote more after this but I just lost it... it was one and a half time more than what i had written!!! I'll rewrite this when i calm down... and edit the original entry.. )

bukit antarabangsa landslide

2008-12-08T09:04:00.003+08:00

Around 6 months ago, I was in Beijing when China got hit by the terrible earthquake tragedy. Thousands died.

Close to a month ago I was in Oberoi, Mumbai. Two weeks later it got bombed. People died.

Two days ago, around 3 am plus Saturday morning, 6th Dec 08, Bukit Antarabangsa, there was the landslide. 14 houses were lost. 4 died and a few more got injured. My home wasn't there far away from the tragedy, probable around 300 metres or slightly more. I am staying at Taman Bukit Jaya, Bukit Antarabangsa.

I'm thankful and greatful to Allah for this test didn't take away my wife and kid from me. I'm grateful to Allah that my house is still intact. I haven't lost much, probably only the market value of our house. We bought the house two years ago when the house was at its peak, RM330k. We moved in last year (because the inefficient MPAJ land transfer process took ages to complete).

My wife and I love the house. It isn't perfect, but it does put a roof on our head, shelter the living room where my daughter runs around playing, etc, you get the drill.

It is deeply sad because of the ridiculous and greedy authorities who approved the place for housing developement. Some of the areas there are clearly not safe for houses to built on. Wonder why they approved them in the first place...?

We can't chase after the developers because they are naturally profit oriented. Life and safety will always come second. We can only blame the authorities because they are not supposed to be siding the developers. They should side against the public and make decisions for the interest of the community. There is only one reason why they would approve the area to be constucted, that they are corruptable. I might be wrong.. but then again... I might be right also..

We should go after the people who are responsible for this. Not only for our lost in monetarily, but for the manslaughter of the four. We should...

I'm writing this whilst listening to the khutbah after the eid prayers. The doa' is touching.

Please Allah. Help us...

..yoga anybody?

2008-11-23T12:36:00.000+08:00

It is so sad, why did the fatwa body came out with such a ridiculous ruling? Especially at times when political concerns and financial uncertainties should be where we concert our efforts at?

It is just not making sense. Islam is a religion for the mass. It's the one true belief of the world. But that is a separate discussion. Islam is a religion that preaches healthy living, happiness, goodwill, these sort of stuff. Yoga, is an exercise. Full stop. No muslim I know practing yoga chants during yoga. No muslims...

Looking at our Malay Muslim culture, we do have Hindu influence. But that doesn't mean we practice Hinduism nor makes us a Hindu! As long as we don't believe, we are still Muslims. Don't tell me our matrimony process is unIslamic because that is BS. Merisik, bertunang, berinai are all proofs of Hindu influence in our culture. But that doesn't make us Hindus!

What we are mistaken is that we think Arabic culture is holy and potrays the true Islam. It is not! I've been to the Middle East too many times! Do you know that they also burn 'kemenyans' for good luck. What a cock & bull! That is purely syirik!

Please, let us take the higher road here. Don't let us argue on something so petty. We should be preaching the holiness and trueness of Islam. The move to haram yoga are both wrong and disrespectful. We are carrying the flag to spread the real teaching of Prophet Mohammad, a man chosen by Allah! An enormous burden! We can't get the kufr listen if we keep lamenting on petty matters!

There are so many things to do. At times like this, when the spine of our daily lives, capitalism fails, is an opportune time for Islam to come forth and lead the true way of life! Islamic Finance is a legitimate preacheable alternative to the current corrupt economy. Riba' is bad, full stop! And what are we talking about at this time? Why yoga?

... liverpool entry..

2008-11-02T10:26:00.001+08:00

I haven't seen a liverpool game on the telly for the past three weeks or so. Missed the win at Stamford Bridge! I was looking forward to see last night's game at GMT+8.

But yesterday, as I thought we would stride on the waves of a winning streak came to a stumbling block. How could they lost to the team at the other side of the table?!

Benitez may have made a mistake by substituting Keane with Babel on the 70th minute. He had to, because the former Spurs player didn't want to take any strike on the Spurs' goal. Honorable but not professional. A career killing mistake.

Redknapp made a superb change by taking Lennon in. The speedy winger was the perfect opportunist against Arbeloa who was on the attacking side of the field most of the second half.

But that is football. You win some, you loose some. I am still sore...

Robbie Keane

2008-07-30T08:25:00.002+08:00

Quick one...

Wasn't expecting this news to come true. But it did. And yet, I'm not entirely convinced. The one who worn the same number 7 just before came in with a big reputation from Leeds. Also a fan since childhood days. Kewell, was a flop.

But do prove me wrong Keane.

So... What now...

2008-07-25T12:38:00.002+08:00

Ok... The cost of living is now higher than what it used to be. What do I need to do? Or, what can I do?

The first thing I did was to drive slower. Someone told me fuel consumption is more efficient at lower km/h. But not too slow coz it may cause some grunts on the road.

It didn't bother me much to drive slower coz I do drive like a girl. My mechanic can testify to this coz my exhaust is dirty. Apparently the merciless you drive, the cleaner is the exhaust of your car. My car's exhaust system is very dirty.

It's not because I'm not a skillful driver (which I think I fairly am), I just don't like to be on haste when it is not necessary..

Even Mrs drives faster than me.

The other thing I've done was to replace the lightbulbs to energy savers. I did this last year in August soon after I moved into our new house. I can't compare the bills with non-saver lights coz I don't have the history. But I think my part is done here.

Things I'm thinking of doing now are like putting up solar panels and also installing an NGV system into our Myvi The solar panel seems quite a good idea, just don't really know who has credibility in this business. If I find out I'll share.

The other day my sister in law send me an email on NGV. It doesn't cost much as compared to how much I can potentially save. It is also more nature friendly. It is just the number of available stations that is stopping me at the moment. There is none in my area. Or I haven't really took notice.

But then, if I do get the tank, then I may have trouble in storage coz it is gonna fill up the boot. But don't worry, I've got a solution to that, but I just can't share it yet. :)

... Let's work on our own means...

2008-07-11T19:43:00.002+08:00

Let's try to decouple ourselves from being too dependent on other people for our well being.

Let's try and remove dependencies from our dictionary.

Let's forget with what goes on in the government and concentrate on living.

The ridiculous price on fuel is there to stay. Until when is anybody's guess. The papers today did show some declining numbers on the prevalent commodities. Though I doubt (and hopeful to be wrong) that it will go back like it originally was.

Luckily the price on food is still subsidised. The real anarchy is when this is no longer the truth. It's quite saddening what is becoming of us. We have become too dependent with things we take for granted the past years. We need to change.

But to mitigate radical changes that we can't keep up, probably it is good if we pace the change. Sustainability can be an issue when taking change too drastically.. I remembered earlier there was a sudden drop in traffic the day the fuel was re-priced. Nowadays the traffic is back to norm.

The question now is where to be more frugal. Which part of our lives. I don't have a choice of using public transport because there aren't any at my area. Save for taxi of course. Even then it is pricier than driving on my own. I do go to work with my wife so that already saves a bit.

tbc

...the fall of capitalism...

2008-07-03T19:53:00.002+08:00

I thinks it is about time I share what I think of what is happening economically to you and me. The 3Fs ie fuel, food and financial are the new headlines in this round of economic downturn. 10 years ago was the currency crisis. 20. years ago was the stock market crisis. I think the generally known (but scientifically unproven) rule of thumb that our economy 10 year cycle is true. Whatever goes up, must come down. Eventually.

Let me clear things first. I'm not an expert on this matter. What I'm sharing is what my view after all the information I heard and read. You can agree, and you can doubt it. Healthy discussion is welcomed.

Before we begin, let me try and share with you what happened. Greed - started it all. You see, those creative investment bankers in the US had to create some creative financing scheme to fund property development of those who can't really afford.

In the finance world it is easy. You have those who can afford to borrow and those who can't afford. The former is the 'prime' and the latter is the 'subprime'. The motivation to lend money to the subprime group, is that you can ask for a higher interest because of the premium in taking in more risk.

So when this subprime group didn't pay up, by last July/ August, the whole financial world went haywire. Why?

The majority lenders were the big banks eg Citibank and UBS. Combined with Basel II (deposit/ lending ratio capital obligation), these forced them to announce historical losse.s and massive layoffs. Recession or even depression in my view, is inevitable. The question is, when will the actual 'black' day be?

This leads to the other crisis on the list which is fuel. Forward trading of oil as a commodity is based on speculation. It is basically what the traders think the price would be in the near future. So when the subprime hit the market, the global investors got scared and started to invest on asset backed instruments. Besides gold, oil is the next dependable commodity ie lower risk. The masking of sudden increase in oil demand or decreasing supply (from Iran-US-Israel issue), to me is pure bullshit. It was more of speculative ploy to lure investors who don't know where to park their money.

The final crisis on food, to me is not directly linked by finance and fuel. It should have been a growing concern globally because the natural economic progression of developing countries, focused too much on industry or technology based business. This means nobody wanted to go into agriculture because it was not fashionably trendy. It was not the 'in-thing'. Since nobody wanted to harvest food, then nobody is getting enough. This is quite sad but it is the truth. I'm also part of the problem. Being born in the modern era, the agriculture business always look rather backward looking and boring.

All three factors affecting the global community is REAL. The only issue here is time. When is it going to hit us? Domestically in Malaysia we are relatively decoupled from the subprime affect. BUT, fuel and food are not decoupleable. A greater depression is inevitable. Probably much worst than Black Tuesday in 1929 and Black Monday in 1987.

Capitalism is crumbling. What is happening now is rather scarier because the eye of the hurricane are fundamental needs. Financial because you need money to buy stuff. Fuel because you need to travel and transport stuff. Food? No need to elaborate on that. Can you live without food?

And the saddest thing is, we Malaysians are now too engrossed with the political frenzy. A topic I loved to write on but have to abstain to avoid being marked upon. Those who know me, understands.

... csi: miami..

2008-04-27T22:14:00.000+08:00

Or CSI: Horatio, I despise it.

Horatio solves every case.

Horatio kills all the bad guys.

Horatio comes out with all silly one liners.

Horatio finishes other people sentences.

Horatio poses like he's the only one the audience should look at.

Horatio is the most handsome and th most pretty amongst all.

Horatio is always at the focus of the camera man at every scene he is in.

Horatio is always mentioned when he is not in any scene he is absent.

Horatio glows when he is in the pix.

Horatio is CSI: Miami.

I hate CSI: Miami.

...change of air....

2008-03-30T13:22:00.001+08:00

I've been thinking about what to do next, career wise, for quite some time. I thought about change in location, from a couple of offers in London and Middle East. Yet my family needs, come priority before the rest. I don't think my wife and daughter would mind much, but my parents and siblings would. In-laws too probably.

I've been doing practically the same set of tasks for four years. I like what I'm doing now but I need a change of air. Just for a year or two. Need to learn general stuff. I'm being over specialise on corporate finance. Want to know more about the higher level of strategic thinking.

There is this new offer coming up. Nothing is concrete, but it seems plausible that my lifestyle will change drastically soon. Don't think I'll be home around 7 to 8 pm like I am normally at present. Probably much much later. 12 am seems the going rate at this new function.

As usual, I can't share much of what my future responsibilty will be. Confidentiality is at its highest priority in my organisation. Because whatever decision is taken, it will effect/ affect many. At the national level.

Please pray for me to have more patience in approaching this new job. Friends, I'll be seeing less of you after this. Families, weekends will be at the mercy of my office comrades. For the betterment of you and me holistically.

continuing...

2008-03-24T23:50:00.000+08:00

I wasn't in the mood to continue with the 2nd part after Manure toyed around Liverpool last night. They were in different class altogether. We only have Torres and Gerard in the attacking at the extreme stature. They have Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez (sub), Nani (sub), Giggs (old). Damn it.

The end results justified the game. Losing 3-0 is simply a lost.

I'm still not in the mood to continue with what I intended to write about. Will do so when I feel like it.

im finally a bit free...

2008-03-23T22:26:00.000+08:00

Was a bit stuck with work for the past month or so... Now I have some free time to write stuff.

I'm now sitting in front of the telly, in a mamak stall watching the manure vs liverpool game. Half time. Liverpool is down by one goal to nil, and a man down. Mascherano just got the 2nd yellow thus red carded. What a controversy. I couldn't write what was the ruckuss about coz Astro went blank during then. But it took the whole Liverpool squad to come him down.

I wanted to write something down when I turned 30 last month, the 15th. I'm old. I look like I'm 35, and I feel like I'm 50. Tired of work and all the crap this world is offering. But what to do, you can't have it all.

I am still nobody from my standard. I used to think I can change the world to a better place but I am no where there.

The game just started again. To be continued...

cuti2 Malaysia...

2008-02-05T08:10:00.000+08:00

My small family decided to play by ear this holiday. I've adopted the policy to combine my annual leaves with public holidays whenever it is convenient. It won't matter if I'm busy with work or to save up leaves. These two common reasons people usually come out with no longer make sense to me.

The consecutive long weekend holidays of the Federal Territory and the Chinese New Year seem to good to not miss out. The last long holiday before the next holiday, which is in March. Our prophet's birthday.

We couldn't travel much during last December holiday season. Planned to visit our relatives in Kelantan. The monsoon flood halted our intent. We're not going back this time too since most of our family members will be in Raub.

We went to Eye on Malaysia and Aquaria on Monday. The ferris wheel cycled five times. An extra cycle than the normal ride. I think the conductor was half awake when we were up there. He or she must have the most boring job in KL.

The fee ride was RM15 for an adult. Myeisha got in for free. What do I think about the ride? Just say I would rather spend it on a prosperity meal.

The Aquaria was the opposite. It was expensive, RM38 a head. But we got corporate discounts from Mrs' employer. The discounted price was RM22 each. Myeisha, as usual, free admittance.

We went to the National Zoo recently. Not so long ago we were at Langkawi's Underwater World too. I can safely say, Aquaria tops those two hands down. It was both educational and entertaining. We missed the 3 pm shark feeding slot though. We were too exhausted and hungry then.

That night we made up our mind to go to Fraser's Hill the day after. We wanted to get away from it all this holiday but couldn't decide on the destination(s). Planning is good for pre-arrangements, to get bargain rates, etc. Because of our procrastination, we could only go ahead with Fraser's Hill.

We left quite late on Tuesday from home. Had an am appointment with Dr Nasir, Myeisha's peadritician. Her 18 - 24 months shot was due. She took it like she always did. Cried out a little when the jab was in, then silent a second after it was out. Her pain barier is definitely better than mine. I squealed worst when I'm in pain.

We left Ampang Putri quarter to twelve. Arrive the hill late afternoon. Finished touring the top in an hour. We booked Silverpark Resort earlier but we decided to look for Mrs company's corporate lodging instead. Remember, we had no bookings. To our surprise, Silverpark was where the corporate lodging was. Luckily there was an opening but we had to wait confirmation from Mrs' HR. Went for a very late lunch at 5 pm before returning to check in an hour later.

There were only three apartments occupied at our block of five floors. I'm guessing there are 8 rooms a floor which makes it 40 in total. By night time it was too dark and cold, we decided to cook ourselves Maggi. It wasn't worth it to drive out. The place was quite spooky. If someone broke into our apartment, we couldn't get help. It was no where available. There was no hotel phone. Our only communication was our mobiles. I blocked the door with a fire extinguisher after making sure it was already locked. Then I locked our bedroom. I had my trusted swiss knife sleeping next to me too. You see, I was petrified.

The day after, on our way down from the hill, we didn't know where to go. Then my wife had this idea to go to JB. I wasn't sure it was good initially until she reasoned out that we've never travel along south east of the Peninsular. The only familiar name to me on that route (my geography is terrible) was Tioman. So I said why not to the wonderful idead. I still had a bit of scepticism on lodging availability though. It was Chinese New Year.

Anyway, we were driving towards Kuantan when I dialled 103 from my mobile. I asked for Seri Malaysia's number in Kuantan. When I called them up, they said they have walk in rooms available for the night. Then we looked at the map and noticed Rompin and Mersing were on the way too. I got the hotel numbers and dialled them up. Mersing was fully booked but Rompin still had rooms available. We then said if we could make it to Rompin before nightfalls, we would overnight there.

We made a short detour into Kuantan to look for DVDs. My brother knows this hawker who can give good bargains. I spent RM quite a lot there. We then left in a hurry and managed to get to Rompin by Maghrib. We didn't sleep at Seri Malaysia though. We found this small resort next to the beach. Quite cozy but the price is a bit on the high side. The supply and demand theory was against us.

We woke up the next day and had a short dip in the swimming pool. Myeisha was scared to go in the last time. It was when we were at Awana Kijal on my company's family day trip. Anyway, she wasn't scared this time. I had to carry her forcefully out from the pool by the time we had to go. She screamed to get back while shivering from cold. I can vaguely remember how fun it was to be in the water as a kid.

Then we left for JB. Called up my sis who knows the place better than anyone else. Asking for lunch venue recommendation. She said to go to Singgah Selalu at Danga Bay. The seafood was good, but I've tasted better. My wife didn't agree with me though. Maybe the choice wasn't as good during lunch time as compared to night time. Both kerang bakar and otak-otak, their specialties, were only available at night.

Right after that, we had a short tour in JB and drove back home to KL. By the time we reached Ampang, I was bloody exhausted. But then, it was worth it. If I had to do all over again, I'd do the same. Save for the Fraser's Hill probably.

whats going on with liverpool?

2008-02-01T12:40:00.000+08:00

They splashed millions more, but they are in no way title contenders. Even qualifying for a European championship is in doubt.

What happened? What in the freaking world is happening to Liverpool? They started the season with a bang. Better than how Manure and Arse-nal started. Even Chealshit's Maurinho-Abramovic-Grant conspiracy ain't tarnishing their titleship hopes.

Some are blaming the players. Some are blaming the gaffer. Some are blaming the owners. Pointing finger is easy. But now is not the time. We need to react back to get the 'Liverpool' way back on track.

Cm'on lar. I'm so far away down here I can still hear you bloody w**k**s up there whining. Remind us what Liverpool stands for. Bring us back to the glory days.

P.s. This post was before the recent weekend game where Liverpool won 3-0. I remain unconvinced.

The Harmony Silk Factory

2008-01-27T00:49:00.000+08:00

... is the title of the book I just finished reading few days ago. It was articulately written by Tash Aw, a Taiwanese born with Malaysian parents. His childhood was here in Malaysia and have been in London from teenhood till now.

It was beautifully written. Not my preferred English, but a good literature nevertheless. He narrated the main character, Johnny in three different voices with a twisted ending. I did expected the ending was as sort, but the manner Mr Aw wrote it was not typical. I do recommend it for a lazy afternoon reading, but I don't find it a page turner.

I'm now getting back to finish A Prison's Diary Trilogy by Lord Archer. I'm on his second book, Purgatory. I started reading this a year ago but then stopped when I got too occupied with some domestic responsibilities. Sacrifices are unavoidable in parenthood.

Will share with you what I think of this book once I finish it. When? Your guess is as good as mine. Seriously.

A WW1 veteran died, leaving only one more...

2008-01-21T18:00:00.000+08:00

To me, this should have been today's newspaper frontpage. Its significant is more global than affirming Wednesday's Thaipusam is a public holiday in KL and Putrajaya. Not that I'm not excited getting an additional day off from work.

What intrigued me most was the soldier's humility. The French was supposed to be awarded, some sort of medal of honour after serving and surviving two major battles in WW1. Don't ask me which battle coz I can't remember the specifics. He rejected them because his dead friends were not even getting a wooden cross for their burial?

He said both the Alliance and the Germans went to fetch water from the same well when there was no battle. Rubbing each others shoulders, acknowledging they had enough of this nonsense. His words that hit me most was "Nothing justfies war, nothing".

Nearly a century later, men has not turn wiser for peace, but went on creating more destructive weapons. Are we turning more civilised or are we getting more barbaric? I remembered my teacher once told me, the more civilised society are, the skimpier the women dressed. Very true. We are heading towards the stone age, where the stronger rules.

Why? I can write this relentlessly but nobody can do anything about it. Nobody. Not even the self proclaimed leader of the free world. The one from the White House. So why write? Why even bother?

certainism...

2007-11-26T17:47:00.000+08:00

I've got some mental problem. Besides the obvious, :). My memory section hasn't been like it used to for the past years. Maybe it is because of age. But I'm not that old.

In the old days, I can remember lenghty numbers easily. You just mention your phone number to me, I'll make some mental repetition in my head and presto, your number is stored. Nowadays, it is taking me longer to process. And I don't remember it that long either.

Forget names. I'm more hopeless with names. Have always been.

I suspect it has got to do with focus. Back when there were less worries, it was easier to concentrate. It is not as easy now. When you are starting a book, at the same time you start thinking about work, about your kid, groceries, laundry, etc. You can't focus.

Somehow rather the other day, I managed to get my head focus on one thing. And I managed to remember intentionally on the item till today. It is nothing much, I just focused on where Bhutan is in the world map. Mind you, I never understand geography. So to be able to remember where Bhutan is, was a very big deal.

The secret is discipline when reading. Discipline when digesting information and knowing where to store it. How to store it. I'm still experimenting this theory, and hopefully I can improve my memory. I need to be that person who is always certain of what he knows. Like I used to be. I need that back!

...the weekend..

2007-11-18T23:50:00.000+08:00

There was nothing extravagant the recent weekend. The only way one can truly enjoy days of nothingness.

Well, it wasn't truly empty. Saturday morning was supposed to be our family's attendance to Myeisha's first public performance. She was in the toddler's zikir group. I was quite excited to go. Unfortunate or fortunate enough, all of us woke up 11ish that day. I didn't expect it was so late because for the past months we'll be up latest by 8 something. The performances started at 9 and finished at 12. We missed everything!

I had mixed feeling about missing the show. Of course there's missing the show, but we haven't got any proper sleep for so long. I couldn't recall the last time I had an uninterrupted long sleep. My wife seems to be forever. Myeisha also wasn't as cranky because she had enough rest. I though it was a well spent Saturday morning.

Sunday was the same. We woke up late. But not too late coz we had weddings to go to. Office colleagues'.

Anyway, that was about it. Nothing much, just the way I love it.

...drifting...

2007-11-13T20:12:00.001+08:00

Don't you feel sometimes that your life serves no purpose? You merely drift through the days. Occupying with relentless routines. Sleep, shower, bath, meals, work, etc.

My mind is heading that way again. It usually is during this time of the year.I'm getting sick of this. Since everytime I think too much of this, I will never find answers.

Work. Everything seems to be on pause. Yet, I do have to acknowledge this ain't going to be long, before my function changes. From the looks of it, this is going to be the most challenging post I have to adhere. Not many have the previlledge. InsyaAllah. Allah is All Mighty and All Knowing. Allah knows what is best for me.

Family. Myeisha was exhausted from diorrhea for the past few days. Her mom, my wife didn't get much rest too. Everytime Myeisha is ill, Mrs will have to succumb to the over clinginess of our child. This is natural I presumed.

Liverpool. Won against Besiktas at European's record of 8-0. Very much to my surprise. Rafa opted to, again to my surprise, the similar line up, to face Fulham last weekend. The result was not astounding, but a win by two goals is enough to shed glimpse of becoming the league champ.

Home. The renovation work is completed. The only thing remains is to touch up the paint on the wall and to clean the floor with acid. The setback was caused by the damp weather. Till we can get proper sunlight, the wall will not be dry enough for the paint to really stick.

Laters.

Maids: The Never Ending Story

2007-11-06T08:33:00.000+08:00

A friend of mine had a mishap recently. As the title shows, it involved his maid.

We, the not so young generation of yuppies are in the process of getting things in place. Car? Check. Wife? Check. Baby? Check. House? Check. Maid (optional)? In progress.

My friend just got his maid from an independent source few weeks ago. Everything went well till the maid fell ill. She was warded for a week (I think) and diagnosed with TB. My friend is in the process to send her home. Pity the maid. Hope she gets better.

The thing is, the investment made to acquire the service is not small. Our disposable income is not that big. When this happens, it really hits you big time.

I was stunned when I knew about this coz I'm in the process of getting a maid myself. I was lost for words. Anything can happen so I pray to Allah for the best. I pray that we'll get a dependable helper to take care of Myeisha and our home. To my friend, I pray the best for you too bro.

Got more stories, but like the norm, I don't have the time to write everything down. This will do for now.

ramadhan & syawal

2007-10-29T13:08:00.000+08:00

I've written so many times on this, but I keep on loosing it.

Anyway, like the past three years, we celebrated Eid in KL. Mrs wasn't able to get additional holidays from work. Its the half year consol, again. I'm developing a slight distaste towards her employer. She had the impression last year's account closing would be her last. Apparently not. What to do. Life as a coolie.

The good thing about this round of Eid, our close family are all healthy. To those who remember, Papa had TIA or mini strole around this time last year. Alhamdulillah, all is well.

Unfortunately, I just found out a distant relative of mine got it. The TIA I mean. Sort of the same timing, on the eve of Eid. He was, give and take 10 years ahead of me. He was healthy. No high blood pressure. No heart illness. His blood was a bit thicker than normal though.

The other sad recent news we received, my wife's brother was warded last Friday. We suspect it has something to do with a brain surgery he underwent a couple years back. Still waiting the tests results.

Till next time.

...ampang putri...

2007-09-17T23:08:00.000+08:00

Myeisha is in the hospital. We've been here since Saturday night. She was admitted because of viral fever.

We headed back to Shah Alam last Saturday, planned to sleep over to break fast and celebrate my dad turning 61. Myeisha was already bogged down with a bit of temperature and a slight cold since last Thursday. It looked she was getting better, but it wasn't as we approached night time. She threw up twice.

That is when we decided to skip everything and went to see the pediatrician. We decided to go to Ampang Putri coz it is closer to home. The ped wasn't around coz it was already late. The doctor in the emergency ward suggested us to stay in the hospital. We obliged since it is more convenient at the hospital. We don't have any maid at home to help us with the chores. So staying at the hospital was a natural decision.

Myeisha is feeling a lot better now. The ped may be able to release us tomorrow. Can't wait to be back home. I need to spend time on a proper bed. My neck stiffen during my stay at the hospital. The sofa has been unkind.