About Me

I have done a lot of things in my life and have also worked in many different jobs to make a living and to experience life. This blog is just some of my musings, sometimes funny, sometimes inspirational, sometimes sad, sometimes angry, sometimes simple but all the time, it's just me.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

A lot to write but . . . .Happy New Year

I just do not seem to be inspired or motivated to write anything right now.

But I do want to write eventually of the nice dinner we had in Chalet on our anniversary.

Also about the nice little party we had in our home in KL.

I would also love to write about the days gone by in 2008 ... the new year is coming and I generally do not make specific resolutions except to be a better person every year.

I will write about this things, but not right now. As such, this is likely to be the last post for 2008.

So until next year then.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and let us all hope for a great year ahead.

Thanks for all the wonderful memories.

Here's something from the late Dan Fogelberg singing Same Old Auld Lang Syne


Take care and Be Well.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

12 years

On 27 December 1996, I was married to my wifey.

We had a church wedding at the St John's Cathedral in Bukit Nenas followed by a small lunch at the hall next to the church.

The service was conducted by Father Daniel Lim now a Monsignor.

We had about 45 guests and the food was catered by this Chinese vegetarian restaurant I frequented called Anywhere.

After a nice lunch, we rushed back to this budget hotel we booked in Brickfields for us and our guests.

Got ready for our Indian temple wedding which was attended by another 30 odd people.

The temple was in Pantai Dalam and is now surrounded by highways all over, above etc.

After the temple wedding, we again rushed back to our little hotel to get ready for dinner in Bombay Palace restaurant.

Again about 45 people came for dinner.

12 years ago, we were limited in cash but very much in love and after about 3 years of courtship we decided to get married.

Getting married to my wifey especially in church was a little challenging as we had to go through marriage course in the Roman Catholic church and I had to sign documents stating that my children will be brought up as Catholics.

12 years on, I am still very much in love.

Only wish is that work would not keep me apart as much as it does.

Oh well, this is something I have to continue hoping for, believe and hope that God will keep us closer together.

Time flies, we have had our ups and downs . . . but we have weathered through it all.

Congratulations to us. Here's a toast to us.



Take care and be well.

Friday, December 26, 2008

Dressed up and dressed down

Once too often I see this scene in Malaysia be it in Kuala Lumpur or Miri.

A guy and a girl go out dating, they may be just starting out, or boyfriend and girlfriend, or engaged or married.

They make reservations in a nice restaurant, they plan to have a nice romantic dinner, just the two of them.

The girls always look forward to this. They put on their best make-up, wear their best shoes and wear a nice dress. They are decked out.

And the guy . . . . guess what?

You know it, right?

Shorts, t-shirt, sandals, flip-flops or shoes without socks.

That is the idea of some guys taking their girls out for a date.

Okay, so I am generalising a little, but I see this way so very often that it is unbelievable.

Guys, common, dress up a little, put on an ironed shirt, jeans are fine but wear some shoes.

Geez, I tell you, when I went out dating (I have been out of the market for 15 years or so) but I used to dress up.

Take your girl to a nice place, please dress up, wear a nice shirt, do up your hair a little, wear nice shoes. . .

Take care and be well.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

Ho Ho Ho and Fa La La La La...Merry Christmas


Come Let us Adore Me
Come Let us Adore Me
Come Let us Adore Me

He he he he he

Christmas for me is spending time with family and some friends... this year it has been mostly spending time with family and my wife, and sometimes, that is all that is required.

I have had a jolly good time and merry wishes from many people all around the world and it seems that is how it is going to be going forward in my life where I have friends and family members all around the world and sometimes being together is not possible.

I wish for Christmas all happiness in the world to each and everyone of my family members spread around the world and each and every one of our dear friends also all around the world.

Family in Poland, USA, India and Singapore and other parts which I do not know.

Friends in Malaysia which includes dear friends in Sarawak, Sabah as well as USA, Austria, Australia, South Africa, Finland, France, Indonesia, Philippines, Scotland, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, England, Poland, Czech Republic, Japan, China, Maldives and others.

Have faith and hope always.



Take care and be well.

Monday, December 22, 2008

And the song of the year award goes to.....

This was funny, I had to pinch it from Malaysiakini.

Sometimes just makes me go Da Da Da....



What you do and what you don't
What you will and what you won't
What you can and what you can't
This is what you got to know
Loved you though it didn't show

Da Da Da




Take care and be well.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Wedding Bells

The Bride's flowers enroute to Bintulu in Dungaboy's cupholder


The slightly nervous Groom.... is the Bride going to show up!!


The Bride and the Father ... seems the father is more nervous than the Bride?


The wedding and the dress that I help choose... really nice.


The traditional group photo



The 2 angels at night - Ser and Mack



Me and Wifey

The Grrrrrrrrrrrroom and The Brrrrride ..... what a handsome and beautiful couple.


Congratulations Add and Wynn.

May your life be filled with all good things.

The first and only wedding I attended this year and it was a blast, fun and meaningful.

Take care and be well.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Ta..na..na..Won't you take me to....Bintulu

Have not blogged for a few days now, but over the weekend, we went to Bintulu for Add's and Wynn's wedding and what a surprise Bintulu was.

I will blog about Add's wedding sometime soon, but now about Bintulu.

A few months ago, sometime earlier this year, I wanted to drive to Bintulu just for the heck of it, but was discouraged - being told that there was absolutely nothing in Bintulu.

Bintulu unlike Miri, is not a city, but that's where any comparison ends.

I found Bintulu to be more modern, cleaner, better shops, better food and even a better mall and reasonably priced compared to Miri.

Miri in comparison seems a little run down.

Bintulu roads were mostly 2 lanes everywhere.

The shops had a cleaner, more colorful feel to them.

The food was really reasonably priced.

The only other thing that I could compare with Miri was that the beaches did not seem to be well maintained in this 2 places.

I think apart from that Bintulu is far more nicer to be in terms of quality of life and living.

The theme of the weekend.... how appropriate....

Gotta make a move to a town that's right for me
Town to keep me movin', Keep me groovin' with some energy

Well, I talk about it, Talk about it, Talk about it, Talk about it
Talk about, Talk about, Talk about movin
Gotta move on, Gotta move on, Gotta move on

Won't you take me to
Bintulu
Won't you take me to
Funkytown
Won't you take me to
Bintulu
Won't you take me to
Funkytown



Take care and be well.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

You Can Win If You Want

This is now Kupps favorite song, so this blog dedicated to him ... yes, you can win if you want.

You can win if you want
If you want it, you will win
On your way you will see that life is more than fantasy
Take my hand, follow me
Oh, you've got a brand new friend for your life

You can win if you want
If you want it you will win
Oh, come on, take a chance for a brand new wild romance
Take my hand for the night
And your feelings will be right, hold me tight


Modern Talking .... ahh the memories, used to love them. I thought it was a bygone era.

Pink carrot cut pants, band leader jackets ... it was cool then but seems funny now. Same like bell bottom pants, but you know what, I am gonna look or tailor carrot cuts and bell bottoms, just for the heck of it, bring back the 70's and 80's, why not?




Take care and be well.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Who-do Hair-do Vodoo?

Who do hairdo vodoo?
Mack do hairdo vodoo.
I do hairdo color.
Wifey and I like Mack hairdo vodoo.
Mack likes her hairdo vodoo too.
I think hairdo looks real cool, fresh and sweet.
Before
After


Take care and be well.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Chingo piao, chingo piao, chingo piao lock

Blog title courtesy of KC (His version of Ah Pek singing Jingle Bells Rock)







Take care and be well.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Fractured

My sister in law, wifey's sister, Sophie fractured her foot a few days ago.

She had an accident in the swimming pool from the swimming lessons they go for in the special school that she attends.

Yes, Sophie is special, she is down syndrome, and due to the lack of schools for special kids in Malaysia, she started attending school only a while back.

We found her a school which she could attend in Ampang.

And as all private special schools go, the lack funds to hire professionals and therefore, she had an accident in the pool.

The foot swelled up.

Wifey took her to a old clinic we were going to previously in Bukit Antarabangsa.

The doctor gave some medication for pain and swelling.

The pain and swelling did not reduce. So, my family doctor, B, told us to get an X-Ray done.

The verdict: A fractured foot - the 5th metatarsal is broken.



The poor kid has been living with a fractured foot the past few days without being able to communicate her pain.

Life at the moment really seems like Murphy's Law.

People say things can only get better ..... but can't they also get worse.

I think I am getting fractured .... but hey, things can only get better, right? Or worse?

Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.

Take care and be well.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Maggi Classic Curry Flavour

Something comforting about eating Maggi mee classic curry flavour.

Maybe it is a male thing or maybe it is not, I am not entirely sure.

But every time I am really hungry, all I have to do is heat up some water and make Maggi and it truly feels so fulfilling.



It may not be the healthiest food out there and I do it less and less as I get older.

Maybe it is down to once or twice a month at most.

But every time I have it, I feel nice, I feel full, I feel a burst of flavours in my mouth, I feel fulfilled, I feel gleeful and I am grateful.

It is one of those things . . . you just appreciate.

Take care and be well.

Monday, December 8, 2008

The Great TM

I really generally hate dealing with call centers especially one from a monopolistic GLC like TM.

I think that they are too scripted and never think outside of the box or go the extra mile to resolve an issue just because they don't have too.

This was different when I was growing up with those phones with the dial and the only communication tool you had was the fixed line telephone. Those days, the technician would even come on a Sunday if the phone lines were down.

My phone line has been down a week and Internet Streamyx has been intermittent during that time.

Every time I call them I get the same scripted questions even if I give them the case id.

No difference in their replies or questions, 5 different people but all the same questions.

Then I am informed that a technician named Happy Dick with a certain hand phone has tried to call me.

I see no missed call or message from this number, so, I ask them where he has been calling.

Guess where?

To my home number - which I have reported does not work.

This is the magnificence of the monopolistic mega GLC's which rakes in millions in profit every year.

Take care and be well.

Sunday, December 7, 2008

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

Time to put up the Christmas Tree.

So, had a some friends over and ask each of them to bring one decoration each, so there is now a part of them on the tree.

Angel brought a gold Angel bearing a gift of a wreath, Kupps brought 2 red gold stars, JoJo brought 2 origami socks that she decorated herself and I put up a Merry Christmas sign decoration.

I made eggnog which tasted a little too strong of rum, gluehwein that actually tasted good, some sandwiches, some mashed potatoes, some minced fruit pies.

We also had some cookies.

The evening ended early as Mack's mum just came over out of the blue and she had to go back.

I am glad they showed up though and really appreciate everyone who came and made this special. When wifey comes, she too will add her deco and hope that whoever else comes will also add some of their own personal thing.


Mack and her lil Angel. So cute, both of them.



JoJo and her self made Origami Christmas socks, as bright and beautiful as the person.



Kupps and his gold red star, like a lil boy who got a star from his teacher.



Me with the look the reindeer has when he sees the car headlights approaching.

The tree came with a cheap looking plastic star which JoJo and I managed to remove and replace with this classic wire and bead star.



Al E, my lil boy contributed too, he gladly put up his bone on the tree.


O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging;
Not only green when summer's here,
But also when 'tis cold and drear.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me;
How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly.
O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!
How richly God has decked thee!

Take care and be well.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Malaysian Registration Department Website

This is the state of English in Malaysian government departments.

This website from the Malaysian Registration Department or is it Ibu national registration department ' office.

This had me in stitches, laughing out loud and spraying water out of my mouth.

I could not believe it. This link courtesy of YAB.

Check it out: The website




Take care and be well.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Metrics

I come from a generation that used both the metric and the older system.

Anyone remember what it was called?

The imperial system.

Will go to the market and buy a 'kati' of vegetables, a dozen eggs, a pound of curry powder etc.

Eggs used to come in very environmentally friendly pack made of some recycled cardboard waste material which we would reuse. You could buy a dozen or a crate. For those of you who do not know how many a dozen is, one dozen is 12 pieces. One crate usually would be around 24 eggs.

For festive seasons, my dad would also buy crates of soft drinks. The crates were simple wooden crates that contained 18 to 24 glass bottles of the soft drink like Coca Cola, Kickapoo, Fanta etc.



The country and the world in general than moved to the metric systems, simpler, easier but gone were the imperial days.

For a long time, eggs now come in plastic cartons.

For a long time, I always thought I was still buying a dozen eggs. It was familiarity.



A while later, I realised a plastic carton of eggs did not contain a dozen eggs but just 10 eggs.



Metrics at work, I have been getting 2 eggs less for many many years and I feel cheated....

Take care and be well.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

So this is Christmas

Just pimped up my website for the festive season.

You can play songs, play a game by decorating a Christmas tree, look at my rocking Santa, see the countdown to Christmas, enjoy my singing Snowman and just enjoy the Christmas Tree and lights on top as well as bottom.

And here's wishing all my friends Merry Christmas in more than 100 different languages. In bold are just some of the ways different people say it in Malaysia. I am still adding more.

Afrikaans: Geseënde Kersfees
Afrikander: Een Plesierige Kerfees
African/ Eritrean/ Tigrinja: Rehus-Beal-Ledeats
Albanian:Gezur Krislinjden
Arabic: Milad Majid
Argentine: Feliz Navidad
Armenian: Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand
Azeri: Tezze Iliniz Yahsi Olsun
Bahasa Malaysia: Selamat Hari Natal
Basque: Zorionak eta Urte Berri On!
Bohemian: Vesele Vanoce
Brazilian: Feliz Natal
Bengali: Shubho borodin
Bidayuh: Selamat Andu Krismas
Breton: Nedeleg laouen na bloavezh mat
Bulgarian: Tchestita Koleda; Tchestito Rojdestvo Hristovo
Catalan: Bon Nadal i un Bon Any Nou!
Chile: Feliz Navidad
Chinese: (Cantonese) Gun Tso Sun Tan'Gung Haw Sun
Chinese: (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
Choctaw: Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito
Columbia: Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo
Cornish: Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth
Corsian: Pace e salute
Crazanian: Rot Yikji Dol La Roo
Cree: Mitho Makosi Kesikansi
Croatian: Sretan Bozic
Czech: Prejeme Vam Vesele Vanoce a stastny Novy Rok
Danish: Glædelig Jul
Duri: Christmas-e- Shoma Mobarak
Dutch: Vrolijk Kerstfeest en een Gelukkig Nieuwjaar! or Zalig Kerstfeast
English: Merry Christmas
Eskimo: (inupik) Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo!
Esperanto: Gajan Kristnaskon
Estonian: Ruumsaid juuluphi
Ethiopian: (Amharic) Melkin Yelidet Beaal
Eritfean/ Tigrinja: Rehus- Beal- Ledeats
Faeroese: Gledhilig jol og eydnurikt nyggjar!
Farsi: Cristmas-e-shoma mobarak bashad
Finnish: Hyvaa joulua
Flemish: Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar
French: Joyeux Noel
Frisian: Noflike Krystdagen en in protte Lok en Seine yn it Nije Jier!
Faeroese: Gledhilig jol og eydnurikt nyggjar!
Galician: Bo Nada
Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr!
German: Froehliche Weihnachten
Greek: Kala Christouyenna!
Haiti: (Creole) Jwaye Nowel or to Jesus Edo Bri'cho o Rish D'Shato Brichto
Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!
Hebrew: Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova
Hindi: Baradin ki shubh kamnaaye
Hausa: Barka da Kirsimatikuma Barka da Sabuwar Shekara!
Hawaian: Mele Kalikimaka ame Hauoli Makahiki Hou!
Hungarian: Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket
Iban: Selamat Ari Krismas
Icelandic: Gledileg Jol
Indonesian: Selamat Hari Natal
Iraqi: Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah
Irish: Nollaig Shona Dhuit, or Nodlaig mhaith chugnat
Iroquois: Ojenyunyat Sungwiyadeson honungradon nagwutut. Ojenyunyat osrasay.
Italian: Buone Feste Natalizie or Buone Natale
Japanese: Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
Jiberish: Mithag Crithagsigathmithags
Kadazan: Kotobian Tadau do' Krismas
Kayan: Selamat Do Krismas or Selamat Dau Krismas

Kelabit: Doo aco Krismas
Korean: Sung Tan Chuk Ha Lao: souksan van Christmas
Latin: Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!
Latvian: Prieci'gus Ziemsve'tkus un Laimi'gu Jauno Gadu!
Lausitzian:Wjesole hody a strowe nowe leto
Lettish: Priecigus Ziemassvetkus
Lithuanian: Linksmu KaleduLow
Saxon: Heughliche Winachten un 'n moi Nijaar
Macedonian: Sreken Bozhik
Maltese: IL-Milied It-tajjeb
Manx: Nollick ghennal as blein vie noa
Maori: Meri Kirihimete
Marathi: Shub Naya Varsh
Navajo: Merry Keshmish
Norwegian: God Jul, or Gledelig Jul
Occitan: Pulit nadal e bona annado
Papiamento: Bon Pasco
Papua New Guinea: Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas na Nupela yia i go long yu
Pennsylvania German: En frehlicher Grischtdaag un en hallich Nei Yaahr!
Peru: Feliz Navidad y un Venturoso Año Nuevo
Philipines: Maligayan Pasko!
Polish: Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia or Boze Narodzenie
Portuguese:Feliz Natal
Pushto: Christmas Aao Ne-way Kaal Mo Mobarak Sha
Rapa-Nui (Easter Island): Mata-Ki-Te-Rangi. Te-Pito-O-Te-Henua
Rhetian: Bellas festas da nadal e bun onn
Romanche: (sursilvan dialect): Legreivlas fiastas da Nadal e bien niev onn!
Romanian: Craciun Fericit
Russian: Pozdrevlyayu s prazdnikom Rozhdestva is Novim Godom
Sami: Buorrit Juovllat
Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Sardinian: Bonu nadale e prosperu annu nou
Serbian: Hristos se rodi
Slovakian: Sretan Bozic or Vesele vianoce
Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
Scots Gaelic: Nollaig chridheil huibh
Serbian: Hristos se rodi.
Singhalese: Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa
Slovak: Vesele Vianoce. A stastlivy Novy Rok
Slovene: Vesele Bozicne Praznike Srecno Novo Leto or Vesel Bozic in srecno Novo leto
Spanish: Feliz Navidad
Swedish: God Jul and (Och) Ett Gott Nytt Ã…r
Tagalog: Maligayamg Pasko. Masaganang Bagong Taon
Tami: Nathar Puthu Varuda Valthukkal
Trukeese: (Micronesian) Neekiriisimas annim oo iyer seefe feyiyeech!
Thai: Sawadee Pee Mai or souksan wan Christmas
Turkish: Noeliniz Ve Yeni Yiliniz Kutlu Olsun
Ukrainian: Srozhdestvom Kristovym or Z RIZDVOM HRYSTOVYM
Urdu: Naya Saal Mubarak Ho
Vietnamese: Chuc Mung Giang Sinh
Welsh: Nadolig Llawen
Yoruba: E ku odun, e ku iye'dun!
Yugoslavian: Cestitamo Bozic

Take care and be well.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Dec 1 - World AIDS day and Wear a tie day

Monday, a bunch of us, the usual gang decided that we should wear a tie just for the heck of it.

So, Mack, Add, Kupps and me decided to wear a tie to work. Mack and I even wore a red ribbon for World AIDS day. KC was in defensive driving, and not sure if he did wear a tie.

We all met for lunch and we all looked really smart.

We may have got some stupid comments throughout the day, but in general, I think those people who gave us stupid comments were jealous at how good we four looked. Most people had a pleasant smile and curiosity about it.

Unfortunately, did not take any pictures, everyone was busy, then I was rushing back after meetings and my car stalled and that is a whole different story.

Will I do it again, wear a tie to work? In a blink.

We all looked really smart, fun, and like a nice group of friends. So, yes, in a blink, I would do it. In fact, may propose another wear a tie day on Jan 5, which will likely be 1st day of work in 2009 for many of us.

I do have some pics that Bu Bu took of me, here they are:-

Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Timbadia :-P
Having a laugh

Bending over forwards laughing out loud

Biting off Mike Wojkowski's head

Take care and be well.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Untitled

Stuck in the fast lane;
Cars zooming by, some swerving to avoid me;
Sweating profusely, heart beating fast, calling everyone and anyone for help;
Looking for a friend, friends, mechanic, tow truck, a kind hearted stranger, anyone;

Stuck in the fast lane;
Cause Dungaboy stopped and refused to restart;
Could not push it aside because it was heavy and heavy traffic;
HELP ME! I NEED SOME HELP!
Push, tow, restart, push aside, send me home, anything, something;
Finally buddy came over to help, as well as boss, and another;
Some relief, some help, some calmness, some confidence but
Stressed, tensed, upset, disappointed, sad, relieved, safe, everything, whatever ....

Take care and be well.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Be who you are and say what you feel

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.

AH, the wisdom of Dr Suess.

Have some green eggs and ham, read some Dr Suess, enjoy life, relax, have an open mind, try new things, be who you are, say what you feel, take care and be well.



Take care and be well.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

A ray of hope

A ray of hope flickers in the sky
A tiny star lights up way up high
All across the land dawns a brand new morn
This comes to pass when Al E was born

A silent wish sails the seven seas
The winds of change whisper in the trees
And the walls of doubt crumble tossed and torn
This comes to pass, when Nilesh was born

A rosy hue settles all around
You got the feel, you're on solid ground
For a spell or two no one seems forlorn
This comes to pass, when Sarah was born

And all of this happens, because the world is waiting.
Waiting for one child; Black-white-yellow, no one knows...
But a child that will grow up and turn tears to laughter,
Hate to love, war to peace and everyone to everyone's neighbor,
And misery and suffering will be words to be forgotten forever.

It's all a dream and illusion now,
It must come true sometime soon somehow,
All across the land dawns a brand new morn,
This comes to pass when we all were born.





Take care and be well.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Oversaid but not dead: Don't worry, be happy

In 1988, Bobby McFerrin sang this song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" that sort of became an anthem and he won many many awards for it including Grammy's for Album of the Year and Song of the Year.

In 1992 whispers started that he had killed himself. That he could not heed his own advice in his song.

This rumours I remember spread all the way to Malaysia as well though be it a little later. In 1993, when I was a journalist, I heard this news as well that he had shot himself.

This was a time when Internet was not present, so it was not that easy to verify this news. I called various people in the international news agencies but to no avail.

I remember I finally managed to get a hold of his record studios and then to his manager and found out that he was alive and well and that he was surprised that the rumour had spread so far all the way to Malaysia.

In this days and age, news spreads like fire due to the Internet and print media like the newspapers are long considered old news. Even some news in television is considered old.

He is alive and well. Is that Robin Williams in the video?

Well, don't worry, be happy.



Take care and be well.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Wonderful life and inventions

I am amazed at all the wonderful and interesting inventions that have come about in my lifetime in Malaysia. These inventions may have existed elsewhere earlier but came to our shores later. Things like:

A computer (used an Atari in my dad's office and played pong);

Mobile phones (I am one of those who did carry a briefcase like mobile phone);

Color television (Tun Hussein Onn pressed the button, my dad had bought a color tv, and presto, we had color. 50 people came to my house to witness this as they had yet to buy color tv's);

Internet (what is there to say has been said, I was introduced to Internet in mid 90's);

Seat belts (remember driving around without seat belts and how much effort it took for my dad to remember to wear them when became a law. Now it is a habit and we start with new back seat belt laws soon);

Polaroid pictures (never owned one but a friend did and we had great fun with this ingenious invention);

Digital camera (take all the pictures you want and delete what you don't want later, I was not among the first to jump into this but when I jumped, it was straight into the deep end);

Music CD's and MP3(yes, I had vinyl records, then cassettes, even cartridge, then CD's and now MP3's);

DVD (from VHS to Blue Ray DVD's - coolness);

Pen Drive (from 5.25" floppies to 32GB pen drives and SD cards);

I could go on and on, and there are some bad inventions that could have been avoided to help the environment - like plastic bottles and containers as well as Styrofoam containers for food.

But I am amazed at the number of inventions and creations within my lifetime.

Take care and be well.

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Attacks in Mumbai, India - my main concern

Muslim militants attacked at least 10 targets in India's financial capital of Mumbai, killing 104 people and injuring more than 300.

I would have been shocked about this but generally not personally concerned in usual circumstances.

However, my dad is in Mumbai right now.

And therefore, I am concerned, worried.

I have spoken to him and he is okay but I am more concerned of what may come - more attacks, curfews??

I have my sisters as well as other family members there as well.

So, am just concerned right now.

Take care and be well.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

The Wind Blows and the Trees Whisper

In 2007, wifey and I were in South Africa. For me, this was my best vacation ever. It was adventurous, fun and just really really nice.

And I came across this thing I wrote in my last few days of my vacation there.

The wind blows
And the trees whisper to me
As the strong waves crash against the rocks
Out in a distance
A whale blows her horn

The wind blows
And the trees whisper to me
The birds are singing a song
The bushveld comes to life
And the zebras come out to graze

The wind blows
And the trees whisper to me
Against a large Acacia tree
An old bull elephant is resting
While the mother and baby
drink by a water hole


The wind blows
And the trees whisper to me
The lion lets out a roar and rests
After devouring his meal
And the hyenas await
to scrounge on the rest of it

The wind blows
And the trees whisper to me
The two oceans meet
And the Rainbow Nation sings
We are the cradle of life
Come to us
And let the wind blow
and trees whisper to you
again and again for
as long as you wish.

Take care and be well.

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Tired

Just tired. Even Al E is tired.

Weary, exhausted, not fully recovered, blurry, painful and teary eyes, hungry, thirsty, tired, just dog tired....



Take care and be well.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Happy Birthday Pappa

My dad is 74 today.

The last time I bought him a birthday present was when he turned 70.

Since then, he had not been around for his birthday - travelling to see my sisters or my brother who are all overseas.

As most parents go, you respect them, you appreciate them and there will always be times when you disagree with them and get upset with them.

My dad has been a decent dad. When we were growing up, he was always so busy that we only saw him in the weekends but he made the best of the weekends and we always had family outings that I remember.

Every weekend would be a trip to the swimming club, picnic by the beach, a trip up to Penang Hll, a trip to eat durians, a trip to Botanical Gardens etc etc.

My dad, he is 74 today. Born on November 24, 1934. Happy Birthday Pappa. I love you always.



Take care and be well.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Salute to Michael Crichton, my favorite author

My favorite author is Michael Crichton, he passed away on Nov 4, 2008 of throat cancer.

I just found out about it.

Michael Crichton wrote many books, some in a different name, he wrote about 26 books. 1 has yet to be published but now will be published posthumously.

I have read 23 of his books and will definitely read the last book as well.

I remember having started reading Michael Crichton first while I was in University in 1989. The first of his novels that I read was The Great Train Robbery and since then itself, he became among my favorite authors. The last book of his I read was Next which was published in 2006 and I have been eagerly waiting for his next book unaware that he is dead.

I now eagerly wait for his last book, like I have eagerly waited for all his new books, which will be published in 2009.

Maybe there are some people who do not know him but I think most people have seen the tv series and movies that are inspired from his writing. Especially ER on tv and Jurassic Park series in movies. Other movies include Twister, Runaway, The Great Train Robbery, Coma and some others.

Thanks Michael for all the great books you have written, may you rest in peace and your soul find peace in heaven.




In Memoriam
Michael Crichton
1942 - 2008

Best-selling author Michael Crichton died unexpectedly in Los Angeles Tuesday, November 4, 2008 after a courageous and private battle against cancer.

While the world knew him as a great story teller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us -- and entertained us all while doing so -- his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes. He did this with a wry sense of humor that those who were privileged to know him personally will never forget.

Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand.

He will be profoundly missed by those whose lives he touched, but he leaves behind the greatest gifts of a thirst for knowledge, the desire to understand, and the wisdom to use our minds to better our world.

Michael's family respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time.

A private memorial service is expected, but no further details will be released to the public.



Take care and be well.

Friday, November 21, 2008

One car treasure hunt

Friday afternoon, WHPH, 1 car treasure hunt, bomdeyadah bomdeyadah bomdeyadah...

Well, 4 of us decided to make a nice afternoon out of errands.

Pit-stop 1 - Lunch at 9 to 5 with Muniandy; laughs and some decent reasonably priced food (about RM10 per person with drinks)

Pit-stop 2- Went to collect Kupps insurance; saw a nice unexpected water village scene behind the car dealer, children playing around although they do not have much but having a blast nevertheless; saw a cool purplish pink VW Beetle with original engines, seats and white rimmed tyres for RM9,800;

Pit-stop 3 - A road block stop where Kupps went to pick up his altered trousers somewhere near Mega Hotel;

Pit-stop 4 - Off to the immigration where Mack made her new passport; asked around to find out what was in Yulan plaza before it was built.

Pit-stop 5 - Off to see Add wedding studio shots, where we helped her make some choices; also came up with the idea of our own photo shoot.

Pit-stop 6 - Eat Ice Kacang, chendol, kuih udang.

Pit-stop 7 - off to the kennel to pick up Al E. Al E sits between Mack and Add and gives Mack a good licking.

Pit-stop 8 - send off Mack, Kupps and Add.

End of treasure hunt, take Al E for a ride around town and then back home. Spend some nice quality time with my boy.

I enjoyed the afternoon, and so did the rest. That's how we do a 1 car treasure hunt.

Take care and be well.

The Remaung sleeps tonight

In the Luak Bay
The rainy Luak Bay
The Remaung sleeps tonight

In Miri Resort City
The oil city
The Lejo sleeps tonight

Hush my Al E
Don't bark my AL E
Your daddy sleeps tonight



Funniest version I have seen.

Take care and be well.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Coconut water, make you strong like a lion

Went to Mack's backyard to take some coconuts to assist in my healing process.

The rather small/short coconut tree did not require a monkey or human to climb and pluck the coconuts but still required some parang chopping work and a little climbing on a ladder positioned in a very precarious way.

Thought it would be easy enough, so rushed from work to pick Al E and then to Mack's place to pluck some coconuts.

So, I was in my dark grey Armani work pants and Marks and Spencer's pink work shirt.

The area was wet/muddy.

The tree was over the back gate - so had to climb over the gate, set the ladder in a odd angle.

First tried to twist some low hanging fruits but took a lot of twisting. So I asked Mack for her parang and went chopping away.

Finally, got 14 lil coconuts, but 3 fell in the drain and 1 had the parang go through it, so all the water came out. Took 11 back home.

Can you imagine me, in my work clothes, pants folded, pink shirt, swinging away the parang like a maniac, for coconuts.

But hey, coconuts are supposed to be good for you and it's also good for your daughter, it's full of iron and makes you strong like a lion .... so says Mr Harry Belafonte ... just listen.




Take care and be well.

AIDS merbahaya, Aedes pulak mengancam manusia

Read on the cap of my Snapple:

"Mosquitoes are attracted more to people who have just recently eaten bananas."

Weirdly interesting fact.

I remember one of the weirdest dikir barat song many years ago, "AIDS merbahaya, Aedes pulak mengancam manusia...."

I never understood how RTM dikir barat group linked AIDS and Aedes and came up with that song.

But hey, you want to prevent Aedes or Dengue, stop eating them bananas ... no more pisang goreng, pisang tanduk, pisang emas, pisang kasturi ... pisang awak.

Maybe we should also stop eating banana leave rice ... but that's not too difficult in Miri, there is none available.

Don't know how much truth on a Snapple cap but hey, don't expect miracles, it won't prevent AIDS yah.

AIDS merbahaya, Aedes pulak mengancam manusia...

Sheesh....

Take care and be well.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Stoned Kidneys and Salute to a King

Just back from CAMC, diagnosis is inconclusive. But when you have difficulties, it can't be good.

So, maybe kidney stones or a kidney infection. How bad? Don't really know yet.

Also mourning the loss of my nephew, well my brother's dog Raja just passed away.

Raja was diagnosed with liver cancer and is now in his home in heaven.

So, my brother has lost his son (in his own words) and while I have never personally met Raja, I can understand how he feels because I treat Al E as my own son.

I pray for Raja's soul, I pray for Al E's well being daily and now I pray for my kidneys.

And appreciate all the concern and care from everyone.

This blog written at 7pm but posted much later.

Take care and be well.

Monday, November 17, 2008

My first memory

I have read before that you cannot remember things early in your life and cannot remember things that happened when you are a baby. You may think you know it but it would be from stories.

I can hardly even remember things and people from my school or University except for the one or two odd ones.

I hardly remember all the people even in my previous job - but that is quite recent, so I do remember most of them - but there are a few that I cannot remember.

I remember 1 friend from kindergarten, his name was John. I remember 1 person from primary school, we were in the same class for all 6 years if I recall correctly. His name was Thomas.

I do not remember all the names of my classmates in From 5. I know many of them but sometimes just do not remember their names.

I have a bad memory in that sense.

My earliest memory is from when I was about 3 years old. I remember my first trip on a plane.

The trip was from India to Malaysia.

My mother was bringing me and my brother back after staying in India for about 2 years.

My sister's were left behind in India since then but that is a story for a different day.

On the plane trip, I remember arguing with my brother on who gets to seat on the window seat.

I remember that my mother had a difficult time and we were reprimanded by the stewardess and had to fasten our seat belts which she fastened for us.

I remember my brother getting the window seat.

I remember shortly thereafter, the stewardess brought both of us a plastic cup that was filled with sweets.

I remember landing and I remember my dad picking us up in an old borrowed car.

I remember that I also had the plastic cup until I was in Form 5. The cup suddenly disappeared, I reckon it was thrown away.

I guess like my memories fade, the cup had faded over the 15 years I had it and there was barely the cartoon drawing left on the cup.

It is amazing sometimes what we can remember and sometimes what we tend to easily forget.

I remember to this day the day I fell in love with my wifey. She was not in love with me then yet, but I was and I knew that one day, she would be my wife.

I know sometimes we remember things, sometimes we forget things, sometimes we remember people and sometimes we are totally lost to who they are, sometimes we hurt others and sometimes we fell hurt ourselves - but just like memories and the cup, I always have hope that the hurt to will fade.

Take care and be well.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

302 Google Search results

Yes, 302.

When you type in Nilesh Timbadia which is not too common a name, you get 302 search results.

Of these 302, at least 26 are me - many from Facebook accounts.

How to remove internet presence or limit internet presence when you have an active blog, comment on other blogs and newsportals as well as have Facebook?

Any suggestions? Kindly leave a comment.

Take care and be well.

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Saturday

Breakfast

Home with AL E

Facial

Early dinner at Soho

Drinks at Soho

Back home

Skype with wifey and friends in KL home

Then skype with birthday girl, my sister in law ... for about an hour and half

Then watch tele a little

Then a surprise visitor at 2:30am

Then back to sleep.

Take care and be well.

Friday, November 14, 2008

With My Own Two Hands

Ben Harper - With My Own Two Hands


I like Reggae music and songs.

I wonder if someone will say this is not singing (like he said about Tom Waits). It bothers me but honestly, it does not matter.

To each their own. I try my best in my life to appreciate all types of music and songs.

I also try my best to appreciate different people, different cultures and everyday I learn something new.

I am in the 40th year of my life and everyday I learn something new, and everyday I end the day with gratitude and something to appreciate.

When I celebrate my 80th or my 100th birthday, I will still be learning.

And I can change the world with my own two hands. Even if I change one persons life, make one persons life happier, then I feel that the world has changed for the better.

Life is truly beautiful and love actually is everywhere.

Take care and be well.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Holding my own

Al E has been having behavioral problems,
Tearing things apart when I am not home.
I fear his safety, don't want him to choke on something.
Breaks my heart ,
But decided to send him to kennel while I am at work.
More for his safety, partially for my sanity,
At least until Ser is back.

Calm down, deep breathes
And get yourself dressed
Instead of running around
And pulling on your threads and
Breaking yourself up
If it’s a broken part replace it
If it’s a broken arm then brace it
If it’s a broken heart then face it

Hold your own, know your name, and go your own way
And everything will be fine

Hang on. help is on the way
Stay strong. I’m doing everything.
So hold your own, know your name, so you can go your own way
And everything will be fine
Everything.


The last couple of days,
Al E has been pulling things,
Climbing places like the sofa and the desks,
Defecating in the wrong places
And eating and pulling clothes, crystals, papers, boxes, tissues etc.

Are the details in the fabric?
Are there things that make you panic?
Are your thoughts results of static cling?
Are there things that make you blow?
hell no reason Go on and scream
if you’re shocked its just the fault of fault manufacturing

Everything will be fine
Everything in no time at all
Everything


Sometimes I feel I am not a good person,
To send him to the kennel.
But it is for his own safety.
Maybe we have spoiled him too much.
But we both love him to bits.
I don't want to point the fingers at anyone,
But until I can train him to be home alone,
Without having an anxiety attack of being left alone,
Al E has to go to the kennel while I come to work.
It is like sending a kid to a baby sitter.
So, why does it hurt,
why does it break my heart,
why does it bring tears to my eyes,
why is there a lump in my throat.

Hold your own, know your name, and go your own way
Are the details in the fabric?
Are there things that make you panic?
Are your thoughts results of static cling?
(is it mother nature’s sewing machine)
Are there things that make you blow?
hell no reason Go on and scream
if you’re shocked its just the fault of fault manufacturing
Everything will be fine
Hearts will hold.


Take care and be well.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Whiplashed from Emergency Braking

On the way to work, normal routine but the usual roads were more jammed then usual. As such, many cars were haphazardly diverting to use another road.

I was maybe driving at 10 to 15 km/h. A car in front of me haphazardly came into my lane and hit the car in front of him. I was following the other car at a good 2-3 second distance, but when this car cut in, I had to apply my emergency brakes.

First, what does applying emergency brakes mean? Many people actually do not know.

To apply emergency brakes, you would hold your steering as usual and literally stomp on your foot brake pedal. The car will come to a stop.

Is your engine still running? If the answer is yes, then you have NOT applied emergency brakes.

During emergency braking, the car engine would stall and you would need to restart your car. As usual, while restarting, remember to put your gear to neutral.

I have applied emergency brakes a couple of times before and was glad that I still had it.

However, this time, I felt a big thud on my seat and my seat was pushed forward. This actually gave me a minor whiplash and thus the headache I am having now.

What was this thud that pushed me forward? Another car? I look in my rear view and there were no cars to close behind me.

Then I felt behind my seat and felt that my laptop bag had flown from the back seat and heat the back of the driver's seat causing a minor whiplash.

So, folks, seat belts at the back are more important for the front passengers, especially the driver's safety.

And as for laptop bags and any bags of significant weight, we tend to put it on the seat. I would recommend that bags are put in the boot or on the floor. I am sure I will start putting my laptop bag on the floor rather than the seat.

Also, need to find a way to secure Al E when taking him for a drive.

Emergency brakes, a little whiplash, a major headache and life goes on.

Take care and be well.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Burst

Sometimes, we just have to let out some steam, burst out ... this pics taken with my new but relatively cheap K770i.