Me and Me Only

What is more relaxing than a day where you can wake up at 7am in the morning, do a washing, go back to sleep till 11am, play newly installed FM 11, go out for lunch, wash the car, read gizmodo and lifehacker, keh poh on other people's blog, facebook and the remnants of the royal wedding, listening to own playlist, go through FastFive OST, watch some films, ate fruit, sip a cup of tea and later go out for a hang out?

I can has a lazy day

 The Lazy Day song did not exactly describe my day, but close. This is what I call the me-myself-and-I day.

Happy Labour Day everyone! =)

Bewitching Blackpool

For all the places that I had been in England, the seaside town of Blackpool seems to implant a deep impression in my memories. It seems the most unlikely of choices, because apart from the numerous theme parks and piers there, the town looks like any other town. However, I am mysteriously deeply attracted to this small town.

Blackpool tower.

It was a random choice to select this serene town as a place to have a visit during one random weekend.
As mentioned, there were not a lot of attractions to mention. However, I am happy to go anywhere, since it was a weekend. And it was just around 30 miles from Liverpool, where we were studying.

Anyways, the journey was a blur to me. I honestly cannot remember any part of it. The memories actually started to come back when we stopped in front of Sacred Heart Church. It was showering at the time. We had no clue where we were in Blackpool and the boys decided to scout in front with the girls hugging each other at a corner, hiding from the rain. Eventually, we mapped and figured out the place, and decided to march to the promenade  , where the city centre is. The first attraction in sight was the Blackpool tower (unknowingly to us at that time). We had breakfast at McD's, before heading to the piers.

The weather was cooling at the time. Rain and drizzle took turns and it was windy with the sea breezes consistently hitting us. We stop by at one of the amusement centres to avoid a sudden heavy rain, and spent a few hours playing games there.

Coral Island, one of the amusement centres.

As the sky brighten up around 10am, we took the wet road again. Most of us split into groups. Me and my usual mates start the journey from the North Pier and headed south.

One of the things that contribute my liking to Blackpool was the beach. It easily reminded me of the beaches of Tanjung Feringhi in Penang.

Us at Centre Pier.

Heading further, we reached South Pier, where the Pleasure Beach theme park was. As the gang decided to hit the amusement machines once more, I chose to take a walk further down the seaside promenade. It was very relaxing to do so and I have the fondest memories of Blackpool during the long walk.

The calming scenes during the walk. Another reminder of Penang, where Gurney Drive is.

As evening approaches, we decided to call it time for our day trip. It was slightly a regretful decision, as later I realized that the town actually came to life during night.

I actually made it my first priority to visit Blackpool once again with the next opportunity to visit the UK. Hope it arrives sooner than later. =)

Given the Chances

When I woke up today, I did not expect to see the score 3-0 with Liverpool at the right end. The team lost to West Brom with the most boring of displays. However, they beat the crap out of the other Manchester team. In fact, it could be 5-0 had it not for a goal-post moment for Suarez and glaring miss from Kuyt with an open header.

Carroll's two goals had been two brilliant moments. Really happy to see him score for the first time. If he had come from the academy, that would have been an achievement. And speaking of the academy, that is what really impressed me actually. For the last decade, only Gerrard and Carragher had been the product of the famed Academy. Rafa Benitez multi-cultured the academy with lots of imports. But so far, only Emiliano Insua came close to be on the first-team sheet any other time. Everybody else, the club just buy buy buy. And most are either not up to standards or not given chances for a breakthrough. 

Half way through the season with Dalglish in reign, I am glad to see three players from the Academy performed. Mind you its only less than 6 months since King Kenny was in charge. First of all it was Martin Kelly. Till his recent injury, I would say he played with aplomb in every match, Man U included. Then, there is Jay Spearing. Short and stout, but his contribution on the field can be matched with Kuyt's work-horse like stamina. Two starts, and ahead of Joe Cole, it pretty much sums up how he had developed.

Then last night, it was John Flanagan's turn. Flanno, as he was affectionately known, was getting a debut in Anfield and against big spending Manchester City. Came out victor with a 3-0 score. Can't ask much more from an 18 year-old right back, ain't it?

Heck, he didn't even look 18 to me. But hell yea, he played well.

It reminds me of the days when Arsenal had an, well, arsenal of quality left-backs. Ashley Cole, Clichy and then Kieran Gibbs. We currently have Johnson, Kelly and Flanagan. Now that is depth. And two are from the Academy mind you.

Hence, the fans are hopeful that more will turn up. The likes of Pacheco, Bruna and Suso should light up Anfield in the future. Given the chance.

Like It's Her Birthday

The title is just a pick from the current song that I am listening. Coincidently, it is my birthday. Heh.

Someone reminded that I am 24. I kinda forgot about counting how many birthdays I have went through. After all, its the only thing that doesn't matter counting.

As usual, I have tons of excuses about why there aren't many posts lately. Of course, my recent marriage to my work is one of them. Not to mention the lack of dedication and commitment. A major problem that has become synonymous everything that is me. Hence, it has become a personal resolution to discard such a bad habit on me birthday.

On another note, birthdays are kinda like a longer version of 30 Seconds To Fame. My FB notifications kept beeping so frequently that I have to switch me phone into silent mode last night. No, I am not saying you guys are irritating. The notification alerts are. Anyway, thanks for the wishes.

Of course not much celebrations nowadays. Not a kid anymore you see. Plain simple dinner with family is the best I have hope for always. Birthday cakes are totally out of the equation.

And here we go, +1 to age. Till the next post, ciao.

The Blahs

Ooh, its been a long time since the last update. Pretty much due to the reason that life is a bit mundane for post-CNY. And the four letters starting with L of course.

So this post is kinda like hey-no-worries-im-still-here post. And I'm gonna talk about all those microscopic matters that has and will be happening.

First, come end of March, it is time to be back. That exotic comfy little island of the northern region. For good. That is where I am gonna develop the daunting project that the company are looking at. Such exciting challenge I say. And in addition, I am the lone-ranger that is gonna take a huge stride in making that project a success. The phrase do-or-die might sounds cliche to you. But it is surreal to me. Come September, I will know which path I am going to.

And March is going to be THE fecking busy month. The hectic fairs, the hardcore marketing and the astounding task to put the company on the map in an already competitive shore. And all the weddings. Omg. My girl-friends are already fearing they are entering mid-life crisis. Crazily paranoid these bunch, I tell you. And yes yes, the weddings. Omg again. Makes you think when is yours every time you receive the glaring red invitation cards. Heck, I need to have a girlfriend first. Hint.

So here I go, for a roller coaster ride. Hopefully by April, I will still be fine and alive. I used to worry too much when I was young and energetic. But now, I preach the laissez-faire style of doing things.

So yeap, basically that's it. And oh final point, I think Penang is more alive now, since most of my friends are back from their self-imposed exodus. Teehee. Its gonna be a good good life. Hopefully.

Looking Forward

Its still CNY mood here. And boy, Liverpool have been providing the icing on the cake for the new year.

The transfer window has been dramatic. That certain Spanish made the move to an arch rival, of all teams. Back then, I think with Owen abandoning us for Real Madrid, it was disappointing. But this is another level.

And what an irony. Raul Meireles and Co. show him which is the bigger club now on Saturday.  Torrid Torres. Not that anybody likes to see him fall. But the lack of respect (Agger, D. 2010), is certainly there.

Nice touch by the way, Agger.

And here we have Suarez and a certain 35mil player with us. Optimism is coming back to Anfield. The Dalgish revolution is ongoing. Everything seems to be set straight. Hope it goes on.

Come Saturday, we are looking forward to a fifth straight win. Not a streak we have seen often in Liverpool these days. And certainly we want to see more of Suarez and Carroll, hope they are up for the next few matches.

YNWA.

The Year of the Rabbit

This year, I anticipate CNY more than ever. I am still wondering why.

Maybe because I was away and I longed to go home. The friends and family gatherings seems very enticing. I got this wanna-be-connected feeling. Maybe its because of the small office environment. Maybe its just the angpows. Heh.

Coming up, there will be lots of Gong Xi Fa Chai greetings to be made. Lots of ang pows to be received (hopefully). And this year the Reunion dinner is going to be different. Instead of the usual steamboat, which has been the family tradition for the past...hmm...forever, we decided this time we go for the restaurant package. Guess everybody is becoming either too ancient or too busy to prepare the steamboat. Good thing is we can still eat it as 1Family. (Sorry Najib, have to steal your 1M idea.)

So yeah, another year gone, another year coming. Hmm..

Have you seen an unorganized CNY rant before? Well, you just did.

Happy Chinese New Year! Keong Hee Huat Chai!

A New Hope

Liverpool fans will always be accused of harbouring high hopes, even when the reality doesn't permit it. Me included.

But come today (Wednesday), we will be against a team with an eccentric manager and an industrial-like team that had, most of the time, defied odds of going down straight away after one season. Meet Ian Hollaway and his unfancied Blackpool team.

Last time around, the "mighty" Red Pool actually lost to the Orange Pool. Disgrace.

As aforementioned, we have hopes. This time, it's newly found.

Meet King Kenny

Kenny Dalglish, the legendary one. And whatever titiles that can be bestowed upon him. This guy is in charge to at least guide Liverpool from a great slump.

The buid-up to today's match has been positive. We saw a gritty performance from the team that was a goal and a man down at Old Trafford maintaining the score at one-nil. That was the first match the King was at the helm. And at press-conferences, KD has been very positive about the club and the players. What he said about Fernando Torres is especially encouraging. An assurance to the fans and the star himself.

Score please.


Today, there was only one hope. And that will be: Win against Blackpool.

Like KD, we were taking things step by step. Magic wands or not, we will not walk alone.

Out and Out

Roy Hodgson is a good manager. But apparently that was not enough.

At Liverpool FC, we always have (sometimes delusional) high expectations.
He might have took Fulham to the Euro Cup final. But come to think of it, he hasn't actually won anything big.

But that is not the point, we always give people a chance to prove themselves.

However, when you took a Liverpool team out and lost to the likes of Blackpool, Blackburn and Stoke City. Sorry lar. Unacceptable.

Via Studs Up . Apparently he doesn't have the chance to do so.

Its not uncommon that we the fans have to go through the down-u-go taunts from rival fans (yes you opportunistic Mancs). But going down seems to be unforgivable if not impossible. Newcastle and Leeds comes to mind.

Now the legendary Kenny Dalglish will be leading a bunch of misfits out to salvage anything from a shitty enough half season. Come July, we should be winning the league staying in the league with a respectable position. Say 7th?

We will never walk alone. And hey, all the best Roy! I meant it.

Harimau Juara

Memang menakjubkan! Harimau Malaysia memenangi AFF Suzuki Cup kali pertama sejak 21 tahun yang lalu.
Apabila final whistle berbunyi, ia dianggap bunyi ternyaring rakyat Malaysia. Malaysia Menang! Malaysia Boleh! Itulah saat kita sebagai rakyat Malaysia berpeluk-pelukan menyambut kejayaan yang boleh bertanding masa Malaysia memenangi Piala Thomas 1992.



Safee Sali menyambut gol sama-sama pemain Harimau lain.

Masa kita sama-sama menyaksi perlawanan ini, kita dapat rasa semangat patriotik rakyat Malaysia. Di mana-mana sahaja, tak kira stor mamak atau restoran, kita boleh lihat rakyat berbilang kaum duduk sama-sama menyokong pasukan Harimau yang bertungkus lumus di dataran tempuran yang dikelilingi penyokong lawan.
Malah memang tidak boleh dinafikan bahawa tak kira apa-apa jua kaum atau ideologi, kita tetap menyokong dan beryakinan kepada juara-juara negara kita.
Esok digelar cuti awam demi menyambut kejayaan Harimau Malaysia. Semoga kita berbangga dan Selamat Tahun Baru 2011!


(PS: First attempt on using BM for post, consider not bad already can come out with words. XD).

Tron Tube

Image via Deviantart.

How cool is that? If only all of us can travel at the speed.

Next time when there are students coming in asking about how to get around London, I shall show this map.

Oh, and we should have one for KL LRT lines.Hmm....

Eh? Somehow I never see a really organized tube map for the LRT line. Oh geez, Malaysia.

Self Control

"Self-control separates us from our ancient ancestors and the rest of the animal kingdom, thanks to our large prefrontal cortex. Rather than respond to immediate impulses, we can plan, we can evaluate alternative actions, and we can refrain from doing things we'll regret. We can also take advantage of these innately human abilities by developing wisdom and willpower."

                                                                                                            -Psychology Today

Yes, that is a motivational quote.

Thanks to this quote, I have the courage and gained control to do one hugely difficult task.

Killing off Civilization V and wiped it off from my lappie.

 I tell you this game damn addictive sial.

That is simple, kind of. The hard part is deleting the saved games.

Curbing addiction is what it is. And you need self-control. Seether sang it best in No Shelter: If we don't help ourselves, we'll fall.

I've seen many fell, first hand. WoW, Facebook games. Not to mention the typical culprits like drugs and sex.

Like any other addiction, there is always a withdrawal period, and I have taken the easy way out once by reinstalling it again. Let's wait and see if I can get through it this time.

Of Dls and Censorships

Its been awhile since I did the usual things that I did during the college years. Thus in bright sunny day gloomy silent night,I decided to reenact some of my rather unusual hobbies.

One of the biggest fan of cheapskate-ism, I browse through the charts and dl the stuff that I like. What is frustrating about the hits on radio is that they are always the same people coming up with similar bits to be the mainstream. And by definition of mainstream, Malaysia only can provide you the Gagas and the Biebers.

Sometimes, the hardworking and the best goes unnoticed. People rather go for the eccentric and girly-sounding boys. It is sad that we can't get much exposure apart from the overawed music.

Ok, I digress. Just need to rant there.

And yes, one of my unusual amusement is to dl songs that are featured in movies and series. Seriously, how many people heard of Imogen Heap or maybe Coheed and Cumbria or maybe the Lost Prophets? What about Corrine Bailey Rae or Anberlin?

And all those censored or (sometimes ridiculously)  banned movies. Oh and the TV series that unsuccessfully make it to our shore. Even for those who made it, its usually one season late. Thus, we don't really share the hype that is spread across the world.

And to think a certain ministry wants to setup the dictatorial laws of banning downloads and most ridiculously, the Facebook. Geez.

Seriously?

Ok, going back to me songs and soundtrack. Do apologize for the unorganized post (read: rant).

Carrying The Weight

The fatigue is evident. Powerful long shots are no longer the critical skill once in possession. Neither is the aerial command and the agility. The only thing left is the dedication and determination. And that is also the clouded and mimed by the dwindling stamina and the weight carried right above the crotch.

What was lacked in the technique area, it was always compensated by the aforementioned skills. So there is a sense of usefulness evident on the pitch. The largely reduced prowess is the bane to totally enjoy the game.

What is to be done is a long list of retraining and fat burning. Interestingly, determination is one trait that is largely counted on, but dedication is not. Very confusing and weird indeed. Probably that is the downfall to most of the promises made. Hmm.

All in all, I need to helluva exercise and fitness regaining.

On the Upside of a Curve

The learning curve is still on the uphill process, albeit rapidly.

Most of the time since I started, it was just e-mail. Then, when one of us shot off to Australia (how nice) for a field trip, I was left with the great power responsibility. Everything came at once. There are times when I was so muddled up, that everything seems to be wrong. I got the feeling that the bosses must have thought that they hired the wrong candidate. It was mid-week. Confidence and self-esteem can be very low.

Thankfully, I am blessed with a good support group. Me colleagues. Although not all the times they can be the knights in shining armour, they try their best in helping me adapting. Of course my bosses are not all-evil, just so you know. It is just their job to make sure everything is fine at the front line. We are the front line.

Anyways, as the week goes, my brain started to clear up the clot automatically. TGIF seems to be a more welcoming term than any other time.

Hopefully by next week, I am able to get most of things right. The two day break from all the chaos is much appreciated.

Do You Love Penang?

That question was placed upon me.

The instant answer for this question is of course: "Duh."

But that question keeps me thinking. I mean, why yes?

Is it the food, the traffic, the people or just the place? Or is it just blind loyalty? Reverse question: What I don't like about Penang? Hmmm....

Seriously, none. I really love Penang.
















Its not fair to compare KL to Penang. Yet, we got cheap food. First thing that came to mind. I mean RM2.20 for Wan Tan Mee, people (RM4 in PJ).

Traffic is not that bad, although the road surface is as shitty as KL's. Judging by the amount of traffic reports on radio, you know its going to suck driving in the KL buzz.

I got people from other busier places telling me that Penang is so much relaxing. I can't really see the difference back then, even when I am in KL for studies. Note studies and work. Really two huge difference in comparing environment and atmosphere. There is the relaxing factor here. Everything here is slower in pace (except for the cars on the road, uncivilized is a better word though). Of course depending on confounding factors, things here are less hectic and frantic.

Come mid-year next year, I would be back to where I belong (hopefully). Having said so, I think its hard to leave a city that provide me the character, opportunity and endless valuable experience in my life. Not to forget the people that I have call the best of amigos.

How Do You Want Your Beef, Boss?

One month into the job, and the grilling, barbecuing, frying and steaming are already happening.

Not that I am complaining. In fact, it is rewarding, in a way. I am finally reactivating the hippocampus and the frontal lobe, after the under-usage of these parts of the brain.

So there is the ranking, selling points, demographics, environment, financial situations, accommodation, accreditation and donowhatelsetion to deal with. Couple it with admission, application and verification, the volatile brain might be fried before it starts to function again.

Yes, it is going to be that I-know-its-for-my-own-good cliche. After all, we are the marketing team. Oh wait, we are also the admission, management, HR and advertising team too. Somehow, I always ended taking up BSBH jobs. What is BSBH you ask? Its bau sua bau hai (literally cover mountain, cover sea). You get the point.

Then again, it is challenging and exciting. Marketing is a skill, so is psychology. Applying both in motion and results can be devastating. That is probably why the boss likes the psycho people. Marketing is new to me though. I maybe a crap spreader in daily conversation, but when it comes to promoting, I will run out of manure pretty fast. Thankfully, I am promoting stuff that I believe in. Education. Not some direct sales magic product.

And can you believe that we actually have to take tests and exams? And I thought that those were things in the past after graduation.

Anyway, the beef is ready. Overly grilled here and over-fried there. Wonder how it is like to stay up late again.

Report soon (if I can come out alive lar that is)

P/S: Good luck to the peoples that will suffer the same fate. Freaky f**kin Friday awaits.

Into the New

One month into the all-new job, and I am very happy and excited. There are a lot of stuff that I can be very satisfied with and that certainly enhances the self-esteem.

I can't stop comparing to the previous job, and if so, there are so many things that can make me say: Thank goodness I left. Then again, its not fair doing such comparison between two companies as they emerge and evolve into totally different ventures. But for myself, its a huge wonderful leap.

Of course in one month, it is also unfair to say everything is pleasant and all. However, the initial signs are good. Its nice to realize that I am into something that I have passion in.

In addition, I have colleagues and even bosses who takes sarcasm to the next level. A trait that is unlikely to be liked by some, but certainly suits me well.

Oh well, I am not going to jinx it further with galore of words and song praises. Just being very appreciative to be given the chance.

Work beckons. Will mumble some other time.

Multicultural Concept

So this is what I have observed in our multicultural society.

Malay boy talking to Chinese boy about joining their team for football.

Note the language they used.

M: (Mandarin) Can I join this team?

C: (English) Sorry I don't understand what you saying?

M: (English) I mean, can I join your football team?

C: (Malay). Bolehhh.....

I am not sure whether to see the Malay boy as an eager kid or the Chinese boy as embarrassing. Do advice.

I'm On Fiiiirre

Ok, first of all, this is the best video that the EPL has produced so far. Second, Kasabian rocks. And while going through the clip, it just makes me think of one thing. That is...

I WANT TO GO TO ENGLAND AGAIN!!

Its a little bit depressing and proud at the same time to say: " Hey, I've been there." Well, mostly.

So when am I going again? I don't wish to say someday. Because usually that means forever not (I stole this line from the movie Knight and Day, pardon). Oh well, if I worked hard enough, I might get the chance in a year. I don't care if its leisure or business, I just need to breathe the English air.

Ok, enough day dreaming. Back to work.