Faikay's Den

Eid Mubarak 2011

2011-09-01T03:04:00.000+08:00

I must start blogging again ...

2011-08-25T23:11:00.001+08:00

I remember telling my fellow students that studies have been made and has shown that the act of blogging regularly may improve one's writing ability. But I have not blogged for such a long time. I must start again soon. I miss blogging as it helps me to vent out my thoughts that may sometimes be a tad provoking for people.

So, what's the deal with blogging? Well, firstly, blogging encourages your mind to speak, so to say. It helps one write and receive feedback on one's entry and that might encourage some form of interaction. This will lead to a healthy dose of writing. Honestly, I hate writing and the irony to what I have just said lies in the fact that I've graduated with a degree in Linguistics and Literature in English. Probably, I haven't had the time to really sit dow and think about what to write or perhaps, the novelty of blogging, which at first I've found to be oh-so-fun, has faded in the midst of Kuala Lumpur's nasty smoggy air.

I will promise myself that I will at least blog once a week if not every day. My thoughts and views of my daily life is going to be shared with my fellow followers and hopefully, I will once again shine as a few of my followers' favourite blogger.

Till then,
Ciao bello!

Zzzzzz with niece

2010-09-13T14:18:00.000+08:00

Ieper .. Where I used to call home ...

2010-08-15T00:28:00.001+08:00

Ypres (French pronunciation: [ipʁ], English: /ˈiːprə/; Dutch: Ieper, pronounced [ˈipər]) is a Belgian municipality located in the Flemish province of West Flanders. The municipality comprises the city of Ieper and the villages of Boezinge, Brielen, Dikkebus, Elverdinge, Hollebeke, Sint-Jan, Vlamertinge, Voormezele, Zillebeke, and Zuidschote. Together, they count some 34,900 inhabitants.

During World War I, Ypres was the centre of intense and sustained battles between the German and the Allied forces. During the war, Tommies nicknamed the city "Wipers."

Today, Ieper is a small city in the very western part of Belgium, the so-called Westhoek. Ieper these days has the title of "city of peace" and maintains a close friendship with another town on which war had a profound impact: Hiroshima. Both towns witnessed warfare at its worst: Ieper was one of the first places where chemical warfare was employed, while Hiroshima suffered the debut of nuclear warfare. The city governments of Ieper and Hiroshima advocate for cities never to be targets again and campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons. The City of Ieper hosts the international campaign secretariat of Mayors for Peace, an international Mayoral organization mobilizing cities and citizens worldwide to abolish and eliminate nuclear weapons by the year 2020. Mayors for Peace 2020 Vision Campaign.

Ieper Flag

The imposing Cloth Hall was built in the 13th century and was one of the largest commercial buildings of the Middle Ages. The structure which stands today is the exact copy of the original medieval building, rebuilt after the war. The belfry that surmounts the hall houses a 49-bell carillon. The whole complex was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999.

Gosh, I used to roam these streets myself while every Saturday. Now, I roam the streets again with Kaklong, Khairi and Faizell.

Cyper ... derived from Cafe Ieper. Ieper has a history with cats and that's why all around Ieper, lots of thing will be associated with cats.


Thee met melk

And not to forget, my favourite chocolatier "Van Groot". I think, and still do, that they make the best chocolate in town. All chocolates produced here are hand made and a fraction of the price from the ones in Brussel.

Chocolate warfare. Very Ieper.

Chocolate Cats ... I rest my case :)

The Menin Gate Memorial in Ieper commemorates those soldiers of the British Commonwealth - with the exception of Newfoundland - who fell in the Ypres Salient during the First World War before 16 August 1917, who have no known grave. Those who died from that date - and all from New Zealand and Newfoundland - are commemorated elsewhere. The memorial's location is especially poignant as it lies on the eastward route from the town which allied soldiers would have taken towards the fighting - many never to return.

Every evening since 1928, at precisely eight o'clock, traffic around the imposing arches of the Menin Gate Memorial has been stopped while the Last Post is sounded beneath the Gate by the local fire brigade. This tribute is given in honour of the memory of British Empire soldiers who fought and died there. The Menin Gate in Ypres only records the soldiers for whom there is no known grave, As graves are discovered, the names are removed from the Menin Gate.

If you do get to visit Belgium, don't forget to visit Ieper and Brugge. There lots more to see there than there is in Brussels and personally, I think the Flemish people in Ieper are the nicest in the country. Thank you Ieper for making our short trip here one most memorable and thank you for all those wonderful memories while I was living in this wonderful city.

For those interested in Ieper, log on to http://www.ieper.be

Malaysian Hospitality Part 3 (Long Overdue)

2010-08-14T23:22:00.003+08:00

Long overdue this post is, however, I thought I'd still continue with the posting as I've so many nice pictures to share with the world.


Waiting for our flight MH003 bound for Kuala Lumpur at LHR's Golden Lounge.

Named "Kota Bharu", this was the plane that took us back.

Location: Upper Deck. Very rare do I sit in the aisle seat. My sis wanted the window so I gave it up :)


This was the Chicken Breast served with black pepper sauce and roasted vegetables.


Lunch ... yummy! This was Red Snapper with steamed vegetables.


I had this ... umm ... Kurma Lamb Shank served with Nasi Bukhari and Acar.

And for pudding, we had Mango Charlotte. De~lish!


Breakfast starter ... flaky croissant and fresh cut fruits with muesli and apple juice.

Breakfast ... we all had the Nasi Lemak ... kinda missed it.

Flight Steward Kamaruzaman ... great guy ... lotsa laughs with him.

Our other crews in Business Class ... Sharon and Chief Steward Nadzri. They were fantastic.

All in all, it was, as usual, one of the best flights I've ever taken. Thanks Sharon, Kamarulzaman and CS Nadzri for the great flight and thanks one again for taking care of us on board one of your flights. Your sincerity and hospitality was one that made us forget we were actually travelling. We felt as if we were visiting your homes. Thank you.

Jakarta

2010-08-11T16:49:00.000+08:00

Alam ku ...

2010-08-10T00:51:00.000+08:00

Busy bee working - Bratagi

Hidden Light - Bandung

"Bebek" - Medan

Fruits of the field - Medan

Blooming - Brastagi

My Nature

2010-08-06T04:09:00.000+08:00

Silent Thoughts

2010-08-06T03:59:00.000+08:00

The Mind plays tricks when it's working at its fullest

trUSt

2010-08-04T01:51:00.000+08:00

trUSt

A lot I have heard and debated about trust with my friends, colleagues and most important, me. Why is it when 2 hearts meet, the first thing that must be cemented is trust. Simple ... when there is no trust, there is no US.

That took me quite a while to digest coming from someone I admire and love very much. It all seems to make sense once you sit down and think about it. Doesn't take that much to make sense.

Trust, according to Lady G is like a mirror ... you can fix it when it's broken but you can still see the crack in the motherf****r's reflection.

Well, trust is subjective in its own way. It depends on the individual to table out what trust means.

Karena Ku Cinta Kau

2010-07-21T01:34:00.001+08:00

Jika ada yang bilang ku lupa kau
Jangan kau dengar...
Jika ada yang bilang ku tak setia
Jangan kau dengar...

Banyak cinta yang datang mendekat,
Ku menolak,...
Semua itu karna ku cinta kau...

Jika ada yang bilang ku tak baik
Jangan kau dengar...
Jika ada yang bilang ku berubah
Jangan kau dengar...

Banyak cinta yang datang mendekat,
Ku menolak,...
Semua itu karna ku cinta kau...
Kau...

Saat kau ingat aku ku ingat kau
Saat kau rindu aku juga rasa
Kutahu kau slalu ingin denganku
Kulakukan yang terbaik
Yang bisa ku lakukan
Tuhan yang tau ku cinta kau

Jika kau tak percaya padaku
Sakitnya aku...
Jika kau lebih dengar mereka
Sedih hatiku...

Banyak cinta yang datang mendekat,
Ku menolak,...
Semua itu karna ku cinta kau...
Kau...

Saat kau ingat aku ku ingat kau
Saat kau rindu aku juga rasa
Kutahu kau slalu ingin denganku
Kulakukan yang terbaik
Yang bisa ku lakukan
Tuhan yang tau ku cinta kau

Saat kau ingat aku ku ingat kau
Saat kau rindu aku juga rasa
Kutahu kau slalu ingin denganku
Kau tahu juga ingin denganmu
Kutahu kau slalu ingin denganku
Kulakukan yang terbaik
Yang bisa ku lakukan
Tuhan yang tau ku cinta kau...

KL ... here we come!

2010-03-08T22:26:00.006+08:00

As absurd as it may sound (as I am from KL), I've never had the opportunity to go around KL camwhoring. However, recently, Aldhi came over from Medan and I thought that this was just the perfect opportunity to snap some shots while showing him the sights and sounds of KL. The results ... you tell me ... enjoy!

Taken at the lighted fountain in front of Pavilion. The pic was a bit
blurry. Wonder who took this shot?

Boy, was he one happy bunny! Haven't seen anyone so excited
to be pictured anywhere around the sights of the Twin Towers.

ok ... ok ... enough with the smirks and sinister laughs ...
This WAS the opportunity, right?

Background:
Satu warisan, satu matlamat, 1Malaysia
(which part is correct / incorrect)

Why do I always look dorkish?

heheheh ... now that's what I call an 'enter frame'

And sporting my brand new glasses ... I mean goatee. Cute?

Ok, dunno what the heck he was pointing at but it does
turn out right in the pic, eh?

Again, a work of art, literally!

Aldhi at his best ... the phone. Kinda reminds me of Lady Gaga's
"Telephone"

And me fumbling with the freaking menu ... what was I gonna have?

And this pic wraps it all. It was one most memorable afternoon. Thanks
Aldhi for the company ... hehehehe

Guys Night Out ... A Listening and Speaking Course

2009-10-29T23:28:00.007+08:00

Hehe ... Guys Night out ... only those who attended the last class got invites. However, Mohsin (thanks Muiz, for the correction) missed our class although he went looking. I found out that night and asked why they guys didn't drag him along. They said he was too shy. Well, next time.

Belgium ... Home to the famous Manneken Pis

2009-08-30T15:17:00.006+08:00

After spending 2 nights in Paris at Benoit's apartment ( Thanks for the great apartment, Ben!) we drove up to Brussels. Brussels is just a 4 hours drive away from Paris and the view during the drive was just a sight to behold. Welcome to Brussels everyone. Enjoy your stay!

Twilight in Paris

2009-08-30T14:53:00.004+08:00

A good 7 hours drive from Central London brought us to the home of one of Europe's famous landmark - the Eiffel Tower. Yes, I was in Paris! And how would I describe Paris? Paris is Paris ... no words nor phrases to truly describe this city of lights. With its delectable cuisine, high end fashion and numerous museums , Paris is a city that will keep you at awe.

Malaysian Hospitality Part 2

2009-06-13T03:04:00.006+08:00

As the aircraft gracefully taxied out to Runway 32R for departure that day, we were all
given the finest of what Malaysian Hospitality has to offer. As I was in First Class and my sister and brothers were in Business Class, we were separated when the seat belt sign was on. However, we all managed to sample what has won Malaysia Airlines it's pride and kudos stripping the previous champion of its winning title "Skytrax World's Best Cabin Staff".

Anyway, as were were taxing to the runway, we were offered bottomless choices of cold beverages as well as a hot towel and that pleasant Malaysian warmth and grace. On board menus have been neatly tucked into the reading material compartment located in front of you. As it was a long taxi, I decided to study the Menu in First Class and immediately decided what I wanted for Lunch.

A view from the window in Business Class show the left wings and its 2 engines. See how the wings sag. Actually, all that force comes from the weight of the fuel its carrying in the tanks of those wings.

After a long and lengthy taxiing, we finally reached Runway 32R and was given clearance to depart immediately. The takeoff roll stater with the mild whining of the 4 Rolls Royce equipped to fly this bird halfway around the world nonstop. Around 3/4 of the length of the runway, the plane tiptoed and flew into the sky. Destination London Heathrow.

Again, at the window, the view of the KLIA highway can be seen. It was about 10.45 in the morning and not many cars can be seen that day.

The duration before the pilot took off the "Fasten Your Seatbelt" sign was a good 10 minutes or so. I guess he wanted to make sure that the bird was stable before allowing anyone to walk about the cabin. So off we flew some more escaping the Malaysian airspace.

While waiting for lunch to be served, the crew came round and took drinks order again. This time they came back with packets of peanuts for all to enjoy whilst waiting for the main meal.

In no time again, the cabin crew came round dressing tables for lunch. First up ... tender morsels of delicious Malaysian satay!!Yum Yum!

We were offered 3 sticks of beef and 3 stick of chicken satay complemented with Nasi Himpit, cooling cucumbers as well as Onion pieces. All topped up with that delectable peanut sauce only Malaysia Airlines knows how to make it best. It's consistency, taste, flavour lies probably in all that hours of boiling in the catering kitchen back in KLIA.

The food did stay long enough to be photographed but then gobbled relentlessly by my brother who was kind enough to camwhore with his food. Second rounds of satay were offered to all.

As we were all hapily gobbling what seems to be Malaysia's best satay, most of us started toying around with the IFE. All was on demand. That meant that you could start to watch the movie when and as you wish, puase, rewind etc all at the touch of a button at your fingertips. Here, you can see "Confessions of a Shopaholic" being aired.

As we finished our satay, the crew came to clear the table. Next offering was the appetizers!.

Appetizers today consisted of

"Dual of Balic Salmon and Marinated Scallop"
Served with Mango Relish,
Fine Leaf Lettuce and Fresh Lemon Wedge

Servings of your choice of bread(s) also took place and what was on offer consisted of Garlic (pictured), soft roll or wholemeal roll. Of course, Garlic will always be on our favorite list. A florette of butter was served to complement the warm bread(s). The salmon and Scallop were fresh at the taste and the mango relish added a tangy zing to the fine taste of the seafood. Neither tasted fishy and the lemon just did its trick by spritzing a dash of zest to the food.

Then came the main course. Most of us opted for:

"Lobster Thermidor with Creamy Lobster Sauce"
Complemented with Saffron rice and Glazed Zucchini.

The Creamy lobster sauce did miracles for this dish. The lobster was served in small pieces and not in a shell. However, that wasn't mush of an issue as you won't eat the lobster shell anyway. However, a spoonful of this dish and rice was heaven. Never did food taste so good in my mouth! The saffron rice was just right and it was very fluffy. Too bad the dish went down fast but it was sure worth it!

My brother's companion had the

"Deep Fried Chicken Thigh with Black Pepper Sauce"
Served with Chinese Fried Rice and Sauteed Vegetables

A small taste of it had me reminded of what had to be one of the best black pepper chicken had in years. The Chinese Fried Rice did justice to it and the sauteed vegetables were just done. Still crunchy to the bite.

After we managed to finish everything, the cabin crew cleared the table once more and offered desserts. I had the Bread and Butter Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. According to one of the crew on board, this particular dessert has just been featured on the menu. So, they were eager to know what we all though of it. They got the idea when the collected the dessert plate clean!

We were then offered coffee and tea and finally we were free to watch, listen walk about or just sleep for the remaining part of the journey - or until the next meal call.

In between meals, Malaysia Airlines offers hot noodles, a selection of sandwiches and cheeses and crackers as well as chocolate bars and fresh fruits. All put at a neat corner of the cabin where passengers are free to raid the larder should one feel hungry.

The next meal time was about 3 hours before landing. A light meal was served.

As it was just a light meal, once the tables were dressed, we were given a tray consisting a bowl of fresh fruits as well as the appetizer featuring:

"Spiced Chicken Salad"
On a bed of Fine Lettuce Leaf, Mushroom Salad, Orange and Onion Ring

There was a melting pot of taste all together. The chicken was spiced and the mushroom had a very strong taste. However, the orange gave its sweetness somewhat a special fusion and aroma to the whole dish.

The main course pictured here is the

"Stewed seafood with Saffron Sauce"
Simmered prawns, squid and fish in Saffron Sauce
Served with Tagliatelle Pasta, Snap Peas and Carrot

Once again, the seafood was fresh to say the least. No fishy taste and the pasta was just the perfect complement to the dish. Vegetables were cooked to perfection and the meal was just superb.

If you fancy a Malaysian fare, you can opt for this dish

"Hainanese Chicken Rice"
Served with Roasted Chicken, Pak Choy, Carrot,
Enhanced with Soya Sauce and Chilli Ginger

Yes, the Nasi Ayam you get around the country is also featured on board one of Malaysia Airlines' flight. I was actually surprised seeing the dish ACTUALLY being served with that humble soy and chilli sauce separately. The taste of the roast chicken was good. Roasted to perfection and the fluffy rice was aby chicken rice lover's dream come true.

Like I said, I was in First Class but my brotehr had the camera and he was in Business Class. Had I the came at hand, you would've sampled First Class Menu. Honestly, there wasn't much difference but you would have to fly First Class to sample it yourself.

Hope you've enjoyed this.

Bath

2009-06-09T23:02:00.008+08:00

You might have heard of the Roman Bath in England. It's healing waters have brought people all over the country to sample it. However, outside the bath lies a beautiful city. An eye opener only one can experience once one has sampled the city oneself!

Upon arrival in Bath, took a picture of the lovely garden. The sun was shining and everyone was having a glorious time!

And the streets of Bath. At different parts, the streets are actually cobbled stones in the ground.

The walls of the famed Roman Bath.

Pulteney Bridge. Seeing isn't always believing.

Pulteney Bridge from another angle. Told you looks can be deceiving.

In front of the Bath Abbey - marvelous architecture!

Then it's time for some grub. Forget the sarnies. Lemme have em fish and chips in true British style!

After lunch, we walked up to the Jane Austen Center only to learn that it has just closed for the day. Shucks! Too bad because I was hoping to get some Jane Austen stuff.

However, we continue our walk up to the Circus.

And of course, we wouldn't want to miss visiting the Cresent. If you have watched the Duchess, you'll remember this scenery from the movie where the were playing Polo on horses.

Starfishing away!

And trying to look like a complete fool .. but the ground was ... ooh ... so comfy.

Then, the three of us decided to have headshots. This is the outcome. Not bad eh?

And of course, a doze before we head back to London. Bath is truly amazing. If you're anywhere near Bath, please take the time to visit. You'll fall in love with the city instantly.

London Part 2

2009-06-09T22:58:00.003+08:00

Arrival at our lovely apartment.
Home sweet home!

Yay! We're in London!

Taking the tube to the West end.

So, what we're we watching that night?

CHICAGO!

Malaysian Hospitality

2009-06-09T22:51:00.002+08:00

Flight MH004 on 18th May 2009
Kuala Lumpur to London

Departure: 1005
Arrival: 1615
Flying time : 13hours 10 minutes.

Camwhoring with the Inflight Supervisor (cool dude!!)
If someone remember's his name, please holler. Thanks.

Me and Khairi at my seat in First Class.
Truly luxurious.
Seat 2A.

Photo opportunity with the Chief Steward.
(Tak ingat gak nama dia.)

Of course ... Khairi and me.

London in Memory (18th - 22 May)

2009-06-02T01:28:00.007+08:00

LONDON PART ONE

London .. london .. london
It's just a wonderful place to be. Everyone loves London.
And so do we :)

This are some pics of the trip to Europe this year. First up ... LONDON

What's this? The infamous Underground sign leading to the subway.

And of course ... there is always time for camwhoring no matter where you are.
On thing i noticed about the trains ... the colour of the railings inside actually
matches the colour of the line you're travelling. Say in this pic, it's kinda bluish - this
is the Picadilly Line.

Another snap in the Underground. Moving and moving fast under the
streets of London.

Umm ... freezing but though it was a nice Kodak moment. Taken at
Trafalgar Square minus the pigeons.

The next day ... first stop - Tower Hill.

London isn't London without its iconic Tower Bridge.

Tower Bridge taken from Tower Hill. So many TOWERS in London eh?

Oh oh .. caught in a moment.

The small side streets in London near Tower Bridge. Kinda reminds me

of an old Blur song going ...

Cabbie has his mind on a fare to the sun

He works nights but its not much fun

Picks up the london yo-yos

All on their own down soho

Take me home

Other people wouldnt like to hear you

If you said

That these are the best days

Of our lives

Other people turn around and laugh at you

If you said

That these are the best days

Of our lives

And then, there's the shopping ... oowh ... lotsa lotsa shopping

In front of the neon lights in London's Picadilly Circus. Lotsa

people there too at night.

Well, boys wanna have some fun too albeit in front of the

Buckingham Palace.

The gates of the palace. Obviously closed. Open to the public in June.

Strike a pose before the sun sets. If I'm not mistaken, the time

when this pic was taken was about 8pm.

And as we were about to leave, the polie came and blocked traffic

all around. Waiting in anticipation, we caught a glimpse of Charles in his car

(the one behind the motor bike) but was too excited to snap a photo. Damn!!!!]

Wellington arch ... not far from the palace.

Then walked to Harrods for more cam sessions.

The view at sunset. Just magnificient. Didn't manage to go in

as it closed at 8pm and we arrived there just after.

And took the train to see Big Ben. Lovely at night.

We rented a car for the excursions out of London - namely

Bath, Paris, Brussels, Ieper, Brugge and London again.

Last day in London at out rented apartment. Thanks Michelle for

letting us stay there. We'll be back soon.

Baby On Board

2009-05-13T03:14:00.003+08:00

BABY ON BOARD

Performed by The Be-Sharps
(H. Simpson, B. Gumbel, S. Skinner, A. De Beaumarche)

Baby On Board, How I've adored
That sign on my car's windowpane
A bounce in my step, loaded with pep
'Cause I'm driving in the carpool lane.

Call me a square, friend I don't care
'Cause that little yellow sign can't be ignored
I'm tellin' you it's mighty nice
Each trip's a trip to paradise
With my baby on board

The Great Escapade

2009-05-06T18:44:00.018+08:00

“Alang, I want to go to Hong Kong Disneyland for my Birthday this year!” said my 5 years old nephew as he watched a Disney commercial on TV. Well,as he is my only nephew … why not. I started looking around for deals that would not burn a hole in my pocket. I started looking through newspapers but nothing was in my budget. Then, I decided to surf the MAS website hoping that I’d get a good deal. As the website loaded, my eyes caught hold of this ad

“What’s this?” I asked myself and hastily clicked on the image. To my surprise, I was brought to a myriad of wonders MAS was offering its customers! They called it the MAS Stimulus Package. Hmm … there is no way I’d be able to save flying a 5 star airline but my hunch kept on insisting I checked out the packages. So I did and checked out this one. The GRAB-A-DEAL package.

I made a dummy booking ... and the results appeared. My response … “WHOA!!! Are they serious?“ I booked at once, and this time, for real. With the great deal that MAS offered, I was able to fulfill my nephew’s dream and got his sister to tag along as well as my sister and brother. So, off we went to Hong Kong …

The Hong Kong skyline taken as we arrived.

This picture’s for you Mom!

Nothing beats the smile on a child’s face. And my sis and bro

In the background.

This certainly was the highlight of the trip. Got to shoot a photo with

Mickey.

So there we were in Hong Kong for 5 days and thanks to Malaysia Airlines, you have made my nephew’s dream come true. Without your Grab a Deal package, my nephew and niece wouldn’t have met Mickey and his magical Disneyland.

But my story doesn’t stop here … it goes on.

So, having spent a week in Hong Kong, it was time to send the kids back home, In Terengganu. My thought that time … I’m so laaaaazzzzzzyyyyyy to drive after such great break. My sister doesn’t drive so I’ll have to do it. As the thought lingered, a little voice kept telling me to check the MAS website again for other deals.

“Yes, I will do that”

So, off I went surfing the net again. Hmm … this looks interesting:

The Kids Fly Free Package. Great! Buy 2 adult tickets and one child flies free! What do you know? I could use the money saved to bring the children to the beach! Another flying adventure for the children and all because MAS was offering too-good-to-resist deals. So, I called the MAS Call centre and enquired about the deal. The result … a weekend in Terengganu with my nephew and niece. My elder sister came along too.

Hmm … how time flies when you’re having a great time. The weekend was coming to an end and my elder sister and I had to head back to KL. So I tried booking 2 seats back to KL. To my surprise, seats in Economy were all sold out! As my sister had to attend an important meeting Monday morning, we had no choice but to fly Business Class. She sighed … “that’ll cost us a fortune.”

Not knowing her cunning brother remembered of a deal on the website

called the Business Companion Package, flying home to KL in style was not going to cost s fortune. As one passenger pays the full Business Class fare, the companion pays 50% of the actual fare. So, what we did was to add up the total and divide by 2. Voila … a trip back home at a fraction of the price and in style too.

A wet Sunday evening wasn’t going to spoil the fun!

The famous Malaysian Hospitality at its best!

Although it was a short flight, the warmth of the cabin crew has always kept me in awe. How do they do it? The answer … sincerity! So we made it back home that evening and my elder sister was relieved she’ll make it to her meeting the day after.

I was still in my holiday mood. I’m yearning to travel so more as MAS is offering these irresistible packages. So, where should I head next? I know, I’ll try Kota Bharu. So I called up my friend and said I was visiting his city. He asked me to stay with him. Well, that’ll keep cost at a minimum. I agreed. So, how much will I have to fork out this time. I tried this package …

Are they nuts???? With MAS' 80% OFF DOMESTIC package, it’s cheaper to fly to Kota Bharu than taking the train. I booked my seat without hesitation. So, off I was to the state of Cik Siti Wan Kembang. What had I planned? Since I saved up to 80% of the fare to Kota Bharu, I'll use the money for SHOPPING! So, the next day, my friend brought me to Pengkalan Kubor.

Got Mom her favorite Corelle and at a bargain too! Savings everywhere!!!

Then, I wanted to sample the beaches of Kelantan. I was taken to Tok Bali.

Pristine white sand and peaceful.

So, the few days in Kelantan was very enjoyable. The people are frienly and the food … you’ve to try it yourself. Once you start, you won’t stop! All in all, Kelantan was just awesome.

It’s almost the end of my hard earned holiday. I’ve few days left before I start work. However, my host friend will be traveling to Kuala Lumpur for a few days as he has matters to attend to. I was delighted to learn that he hasn’t booked his ticket yet. So I suggested that we go through the MAS deals and found this:

Aha … the MH FLEX 1 + 1 package! One of us buys an Economy Flex ticket and the other travels for free!!! Yippee. My host friend wanted to buy the ticket and let me fly free. And they say that there’s no such thing as a free lunch ;)

We were to leave the next few hours! Yes, it all goes fast. We packed our stuff and got to the airport, checked in and waited for the boarding call. In 10 mins, we were all asked to board according to seat numbers. Upon boarding, a familiar face welcomed me on board and we exchanged glances …

“Umm … macam kenal je.” I said to the leading stewardess that day and looked at her name. It read Rohaya.

“Ha ah … macam pernah nampak.” she answered and smiled.

So, I smiled back confusingly because I knew her from somewhere. But where? When?

Then it struck me, I remember! It’s Kak Roy! The stewardess I was traveling to Hanoi with when I was 14 years old. She was on that plane with me. I have proof.

Here is my autograph book

and here’s her kind words

So, I called one of the cabin crew and to confirm her identity. It was her. After 15 years, I meet her again. I waited till we landed to chat with her. She remembered me as a young boy traveling to Hanoi to meet my parents. She remembered the autograph book too! So, we had a good chat about everything. As I was so excited I forgot to take a photo with her and realized that after I’ve left.

I left the aircraft feeling somewhat energized and satisfied. I’ve truly made the best decision to travel with Malaysia Airlines. Its packages brought happiness to 2 children I know, happiness to my sister and friend in KB and not to forget, happiness and fond memories to me. Best of all, I've still money left from all those savings MAS offered for another trip!

I headed for the ERL platform and upon boarding, I thought to myself “Man! That was great. This truly is the time to travel!”

Kids Day Out

2009-04-08T23:01:00.003+08:00

On being very lucky to babysit my nieces, I had to make sure they wouldn't cry ... so I took them to the park to fly a kite on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the playground had more appeal!

Then today, we didn't go fly kites but went around on my Moto Kapchai. Boy, how the girls enjoyed it!

Malaysia Airlines have done it again

2009-04-06T15:25:00.004+08:00

True Malaysian Hospitality ... keep up the MH brand

Malaysia Airlines has been named winner of the 2009 World's Best Cabin Staff award, in another closely fought contest during the World Airline Survey

"This is a quite remarkable achievement by Malaysia Airlines" said Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, "because it is the 6th time in the past decade that this prestigious accolade has been won by the airline. This is the world's largest and most respected Award to recognise Cabin Staff Service Excellence, and is a clear benchmark for the highest quality of staff onboard service".

Malaysia Airlines CEO, Idris Jala, was delighted and proud of his cabin crew, stating that "they have showcased Malaysian hospitality at its best, treating our customers as valued guests in our own home".

"The SKYTRAX Cabin Staff survey is based around asking customers to nominate their favourite airline based upon the complete quality of their onboard experience. This is more than just serving meals or tending to customer needs, since the survey assesses the all important soft-service elements of an average passenger experience. The friendliness, enthusiasm and sincerity of staff service are clear differentiators when we examine airline performance. Consistency of service remains another critical feature, since it is this which drives future purchase and loyalty decisions amongst customers" said Plaisted.

Asiana Airlines (the 2008 winner) maintained a very strong performance taking runner up spot this year, with Thai Airways moving up into 3rd place, with Singapore Airlines in 4th and Cathay Pacific Airways in 5th position.

CONGRATULATIONS MAS!

Sydney City Zoo

2009-04-06T15:11:00.003+08:00

Me holding a Blue Tongued Skink ... his name is Bluey :)

Umm ... was some kind of lizard thinggy. Wasn't sure what it's called.

You don't leave Australia without taking a snapshot of this cutey ...
the famed Koala Bears!

Aha ... the mascot of the Down Under. Who's cuter?

Blast From the Past

2009-04-02T01:48:00.003+08:00

As I was cleaning out my drawer in my room today, I came across these pictures. He he .. made me smile a bit. Gosh .. I looked different and young. I scanned them immediately and here they are.

I still remember this day .. well, not exactly but I do remember it being taken in 1985.
Back then, I was 9 years old. I was in Grade 3 and the name of my
school was Queen Elizabeth Public School in Ottawa, Canada.
I also remember my homeroom teacher Ms. Benedict combing my hair and fashioning it
the way you see in the picture. It was messy hair picture for me that year.

This one was taken the year after. In 1986. Grade 4 with Mrs. Wood. She was the prettiest
teacher in school that time and boy was I lucky to have her as my homeroom
teacher. Unfortunately, one of the teachers moved out of the school and we were one teacher short. And because of that, we were all moved back to our classes the year
before ... not that we were put back one grade lower. We just had to share classes
with the younger kids. So, this picture was, again, with Ms. Benedict.

Finally, 5th grade! Mrs. Wood's class again. This was taken in 1987. Umm .. later that
year, we had to move back to Malaysia ... and that was like one of the
biggest turn in my life. That's what you get when you're
in a family with a Dad that travels for work. I made my 5th grade the best
it was. Joined the school patrols for the third year straight, joined the Soccer
team, played Baseball, Volleyball and Floor Hockey.

Ansett Australia B727

2009-03-26T18:36:00.005+08:00

As I was flying this plane today, I though I'd share with you some shots I took while simming.

The plane today is a B727-200 of Ansett Australia.
Flight Routing is from Darwin to Denpasar.

Plane aligning on the runway.

Pilot's eye view of what the runway looks like once the plane's aligned.

Take off. Rotate speed or V2 is about 145knots.

Not very pleasant weather. Hope all passengers have seat belts
fastened all the time when seated.

Aircraft descending into DPS.

Cockpit of descending aircraft.

On approach ... flaps set and landing gears extended.

What you see ahead is the runway.

Never Had A Dream Come True

2009-03-24T00:33:00.002+08:00

Everybody’s got something, they had to leave behind,
One regret from yesterday, that just seems to grow with time,
There’s no use looking back, or wondering, (or wondering),
How it could be now, or might have been, (or might have been),
All this I know, but still I can’t find ways to let you go,

I never had a dream come true
Till the day that I found you
Even though I pretend that I’ve moved on
You’ll always be my baby,
I never found the words to say
You’re the one I think about each day
And I know no matter where life takes me to
A part of me will always be with you.

Somewhere in my memory I’ve lost all sense of time,
And tomorrow can never be cause yesterday is all that fills my mind,
There’s no use looking back, or wondering (or wondering),
How it should be now, or might have been (or might have been),
Oh this I know but still I can’t find ways to let you go,

You’ll always be the dream that fills my head
Yes you will, say you will, you know you will oh baby,
You’ll always be the one I know I’ll never forget,
There’s no use looking back or wondering, (or wondering),
Because love is a strange and funny thing, (and funny thing),
No matter how I try and try I just can’t say goodbye, no no no no.

I never had a dream come true
Till the day that I found you
Even though I pretend that I’ve moved on
You’ll always be my baby,
I never found the words to say, (never found the words to say),
You’re the one I think about each day, (you’re the one I think about each day),
And I know no matter where life takes me to
A part of me will always be...
A part of me will always be with you, oooohhh.

Earth Hour 2009

2009-03-22T23:05:00.004+08:00

Earth Hour in Malaysia is planned and run by WWF-Malaysia and its partners. We welcome all parties to participate in Earth Hour on the 28th of March 2009 by turning off your lights for one hour from 8.30pm-9.30pm.

If you would like to sponsor or be more involved in Earth Hour, contact:

araj@wwf.org.my
or call
+603-7803 3772.

Have you pledged your support?

WWF Malaysia ... for a good cause

Caught the Earth Hour Boys of OU doing their stuff!

Again, the Earth Hour Boys of OU ... thanks for a great job guys!

DBKL has confirmed that Dataran Merdeka amongst others will go dark in support of Earth Hour Malaysia!

Other Buildings to go dark :

Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad
Dataran Merdeka
Perpustakaan DBKL
Menara 1 DBKL, Jalan Raja Laut
Menara 2 DBKL, Jalan Raja Laut
Menara 3 DBKL, Jalan Raja Abdullah
Bangunan Kelab DiRaja Selangor

Malaysian icon the Petronas Twin Towers have confirmed its participation in Earth Hour 2009! The tallest twin buildings in the world will be turning off its non-essential lights for one hour in support of Earth Hour.

Song of Innocence

2009-03-17T00:12:00.002+08:00

The Chimney Sweeper
William Blake

When my mother died I was very young,
And my father sold me while yet my tongue,
Could scarcely cry weep weep weep weep,
So your chimneys I sweep & in soot I sleep.

Theres little Tom Dacre, who cried when his head
That curled like a lambs back was shav'd, so I said.
Hush Tom never mind it, for when your head's bare,
You know that the soot cannot spoil your white hair

And so he was quiet. & that very night.
As Tom was a sleeping he had such a sight
That thousands of sweepers Dick, Joe, Ned, & Jack
Were all of them lock'd up in coffins of black,

And by came an Angel who had a bright key
And he open'd the coffins & set them all free.
Then down a green plain leaping laughing they run
And wash in a river and shine in the Sun.

Then naked & white, all their bags left behind.
They rise upon clouds, and sport in the wind.
And the Angel told Tom, if he'd be a good boy,
He'd have God for his father & never want joy.

And so Tom awoke and we rose in the dark
And got with our bags & our brushes to work.
Tho' the morning was cold, Tom was happy & warm
So if all do their duty, they need not fear harm.

__________________________________________________________________

I remember studying this poem by William Blake during my first year at the International Islamic University. It was a class by Prof. Jalal and he had to go very fast since this subject was taken during the third semester where classes only lasted for 7 weeks.

William Blake writes of experience and innocence. As is, his works are either known as Song of Innocence ( The Chimney Sweeper ) or Song of Experience ( The Tyger). Honestly, this poem has been one of my favorite and a critical analysis is also included. Hope with the analysis, you'd have a better understanding of this piece and fully enjoy it.

In "The Chimney Sweeper" of Songs of Innocence , Blake uses various poetic devices"including metaphor, repetition, anaphora, metonymy, alliteration, onomatopoeia, and multiple meanings" to bring his readers into the terrible existence of all chimney sweepers. Blake denies his readers, or his young subjects, a happy ending unless they realize they must "do their duty" as given by God. While the poem seems to literally assert that there is hope for sweeps only in heaven, reading for spiritual, symbolic, and moral significance provides multiple conflicting meanings behind this short poem. The innocent, hopeful narrator, a young sweep, seems to dare his readers to assist in preventing the moral decay of the lower-class' painful existence.

The first stanza introduces the narrator, a young sweep, and the family background which caused his unfortunate, lowly position:

When my mother died I was very young,

And my father sold me while yet my tongue

Could scarcely cry weep weep weep weep.

So your chimneys I sweep & in soot I sleep. (1-4)

The young sweep was abandoned through death and betrayal by the two people most readers depend upon to support and nurture them throughout adolescence, causing his fate as an unloved and unknown chimney sweeper. Blake does not even give the young speaker a name, using instead the mysterious first person voice. For the father to sell the boy so young, the reader knows that the sweep comes from a poor background, where money (or morals) is short; however, though the sweep is an individual, his name "and individual status portrayed by that name" appears unimportant.

The anaphora "weep" in the third line holds an ironic double meaning: while it could be read literally as the cry of a young child unable to pronounce his "s," it also symbolizes the weeping "or lack thereof"of the little sweep. Thrown into work so young, the sweep may not have realized the horror of his position until just recently. This double meaning stems from the metonymy of a tongue crying: the reader thinks of words as well as tears. Also, the alliteration of the consonant "s" ("sweep," "soot," "sleep") sounds like a brush repetitiously scraping a chimney wall. The dirty sweep cannot avoid his condition, even in sleep.

Blake has the sweep address his readers' morality in line four ("your chimneys (italics mine)" because they assist in his current "soot"-filled existence by hiring him to clean their chimneys. Through this, Blake places the blame for the social epidemic of sweepers onto his readers for not stopping the cruelty.

While the meter of this first quatrain starts as iambic pentameter, Blake disrupts this pattern in each line. In lines one, two, and four, the second feet are trochees, alluding to a possible connection between the mother, father, and chimneys. Blake also uses a spondaic rhythm in the third foot of line one (" died I ") and the last two feet of line three (" cry weep weep weep weep "). These interruptions catch the reader off guard"a job commonly held by disrupting spondees"and deepen the impression of the mother's death and the crying chimney sweeper. The spondees in line three also help the reader hear a brush (" weep " " weep ") as it sweeps a chimney. Besides these rhythmic disruptions, Blake also omits a syllable from line three (catalectic) and adds a syllable to line four (hypercatalectic) in order to end line three with a strong, accented close and a rhyme ("sweep") for "sleep." A rhyme scheme of aabb is used here and throughout the poem, and the narrator predominately speaks in simple conjunctions, showing his young age.

As the poem continues, the focus shifts from the misfortune of the single sweep to the hardships of his young friend and fellow sweep, little Tom Dacre:

There's little Tom Dacre, who cried when his head

That curl'd like a lamb's back, was shaved, so I said,

'Hush Tom never mind it, for when your head's bare,

You know that the soot cannot spoil your white hair.' (5-8)

While the sweep gives reassurance to young Tom that the loss of his hair is for the best, there is much more going on symbolically and spiritually in this stanza. In line six, Blake uses a similie to compare Tom's "white" (innocent) hair to the hair on a lamb's back. The lamb is a representation of Jesus, the Lamb of God, and a symbol of innocence. Tom's white hair also symbolizes his youth, as his hair has not yet darkened with age. In shaving Tom's head, his innocence and spirituality are lost, but "as the next stanza shows" the speaker's nonsensical, comforting words are enough for Tom to accept the loss.

Blake's use of the passive "was shaved" in line six begs the question, "who shaved his head?" He does not give us someone to blame for this taking of innocence. However, it does recollect that Tom's head must be shaved to be a chimney sweeper, and chimney sweepers are present to sweep "your" chimneys. The moral guilt Blake wants his readers to feel is also increased in this stanza because the reader can now see Tom, an individual young boy, crying at the loss of his beautiful white hair. They now have a name, and there the reader visualizes one more bare-headed sweep crying and "aside from his fellow sweep" comfortless.

Like stanza one, Blake disrupts the predominately iambic rhythm in each line of this quatrain. Here, the third feet of lines five ("Dacre ") and six ("lamb's back ") are spondaic, and the last foot for both ("when his head "; "so I said ") are anapests. This gives the lines the "sing-songy" rhythm readers hear when reading out loud, used to show the youth and innocence of the speaker, the sweep, and his happiness in being able to comfort someone else, which continues throughout the rest of the poem. As Heather Glen explains, "the unselfconscious excitement of [the narrator's] speech registers both his own delight and the particular and beautiful reality of the other child" (179). Starting with a spondee in line eight stresses the words "Hush Tom," and further disrupting with two trochees (" ne ver mind it") draws attention to this line and makes the young speaker sound forceful in his order. Interestingly, each line of this stanza has an extra syllable at the end, here and throughout most of the poem. Since Blake seems to be working with an iambic base, he wanted to end with an accented syllable in each line ( "head ," " said ," " bare ," "hair ") to create a link to the hypercatalectic fourth line from stanza one (" sweep ").

Continuing to widen his focus and proclaim the despair of sweeps to his readers as a significant social problem, Blake's subjects increase in number from the narrator and Tom to thousands of hopeless sweepers in the third stanza:

And so he was quiet, & that very night,

As Tom was a sleeping he had such a sight,

That thousands of sweepers Dick, Joe, Ned & Jack

Were all of them lock'd up in coffins of black. (9-12)

To escape the hopeless life, Tom's only resource is his dreams; yet, Tom's dream is a depressing view of himself and "thousands of sweepers" "lock'd" in dark coffins. These coffins symbolize death as well as the darkness of being confined in life as a chimney sweeper. The black of the coffins serves as an opposite to Tom's white hair, shaved off that morning. Black connotes the multiple symbols of death and dirt. Confining the once white-headed, innocent Tom in this black coffin shows that his innocence has been spoiled. The word "coffin" also serves multiple meanings: not only is it a literal coffin, but it is also a dark, confined space , like a chimney. In life or death, the sweeps are "lock'd" in their coffins.

While this stanza holds the same general meter as the second stanza, the spondaic disruption at the end of line eleven (" Nick, Joe, Ned ") reminds the reader of line three's spondaic meter (" weep weep weep weep ") in the first quatrain.

Optimism seems pointless for the young sweeps; yet, the fifth stanza shows Tom's irrational belief that there is still hope for happiness:

And by came an Angel who had a bright key,

And he open'd the coffins & set them all free.

Then down a green plain leaping laughing they run

And wash in a river and shine in the Sun. (13-16)

While the sweeps cannot free themselves from their coffins, this "Angel" can, and does with a "bright [white, innocent] key." Besides the literal "Angel," or servant of God, the Angel may symbolize the caring people willing to help the sweeps lead a happier life. No sweeps are left behind in the claustrophobia of their coffins/chimneys, for the Angel "set them all free." Here, "free" suggests the freedom of a life without sweeping as well as freedom in the afterlife.

The green of the plain is like the youth of the boys with the soot removed, or the green of a perfect day in Heaven. It contrasts with the white of Tom's hair and the black of the coffins, acting almost as an "in-between" for these absolute colors. In line sixteen, the dirty boys are finally able to wash the soot from their light skin. Washing "in a river" is like baptism, cleaning away sins as well as the dust and dirt from the chimneys. Though Blake says the sweeps literally shine (connecting to the "white" of innocence) in the Sun, this may also mean the spiritual rays of God's love.

The trochaic disruption in the meter of line fifteen (" leap ing laugh ing") reminds the reader of the narrator's trochaic rhythm in line eight (" ne ver mind it") and, as onomatopoeias, these disruptions sound and feel like the words are "leaping" and "laughing." The alliteration of 'l' here also makes the words sound fun and energetic.

Tom's dream continues, depicting the innocent fun the sweeps can have if they are "good":

Then naked & white, all their bags left behind,

They rise upon clouds, and sport in the wind.

And the Angel told Tom if he'd be a good boy,

He'd have God for his father & never want joy. (17-20)

They are naked, and just as innocent as when they were first born. All the world's troubles are gone as the sweeps, like the Angel, "rise upon [the] clouds" of heaven and enjoy the fresh "wind" instead of their confining "black coffins." Like Jesus, the sweeps are resurrected. This "rising" may also symbolize a lift from the lower class positions of sweeps to those of middle or upper-class children. The "bags" the sweeps leave behind are the literal bags a chimney sweeper carries and the figurative emotional baggage of their soot-filled experiences.

Line eighteen is a perfect pentameter (no hypercatalectic syllable), showing a closer connection between the first half of the line ("they rise upon clouds ") and the second ("and sport in the wind "). Blake also chooses to alter his rhyme scheme in this stanza. "Wind" is considered a near rhyme with "behind" because they do not sound the same. This disruption in the rhyme scheme shows a disruption in the monotonous, hopeless lives of the chimney sweepers.

Yet, as the poem continues, the readers see that this optimism is still in question:

And so Tom awoke and we rose in the dark

And got with out bags & our brushes to work.

Tho' the morning was cold, Tom was happy & warm,

So if all do their duty, they need not fear harm. (21-24)

The "leaping," "laughing" and "ris[ing] upon clouds" were only part of a dream. The morning is still "cold" (the "shine" of the "Sun" is absent), and it is still "dark" ("black") outside. Yet, Tom wakes feeling refreshed and ready to pick up his bag and brush again and work his job without despair. Tom feels "happy & warm" emotionally and spiritually, even if he is still a sweep, because he was promised by the Angel that if he was "good" and does his "duty," he'd gain a "father" and "joy" in the eternal sunshine of heaven. Taken literally, Tom will find happiness only once he is dead.

The fulfillment of this promise, though, is still in question if the reader takes the "Angel" to be the moral society, or readers of this poem. The vague "all" and "they" pronouns allow for multiple readings. If "all" and "they" refer to the readers of this poem, then Blake is challenging them to help the sweeps. As Heather Glen asserts, "by the final line of the poem, the subversive resonances animated by the child's vision have made it impossible to see him merely as a meekly shorn lamb: in his appeal to "duty' which " all' must obey, he is a figure bearing not peace, but a sword" (157). That sword is the threat that they must "do their duty" through actual and monetary charity, or they need to fear harm from God, or the "thousands" of sweeps.

Metrically, the last two lines of stanza six shift to predominately-anapestic hexameter ("Tho' the mor ning was cold . . ."), possibly to focus the reader's attention to these last two lines as the meaningful moral of the poem. Drawing further attention, the first half of line twenty-four ("so if all do their du ty") has a hypercatalectic, unstressed syllable. Blake also uses assonance to connect "awoke" and "rose" in line twenty-one, and alliteration to connect "bags" and "brushes" in line twenty-two.

Unfortunately for the sweeps, Tom's dream is only a dream. The conditional "if" the Angel uses in the fourth stanza shows that the fate of the chimney sweeps can go either way. It is not just up to the sweeps, but also their customers (the poem's readers), who must be "good" to end this social plight. Yet, instead of illustrating the cold plight of the sweep, Blake ironically depicts the happy scene from stanza four at the bottom of his illuminated page. The Angel lifts a young sweep from his black coffin while many other sweeps stand by "leaping" and "laughing" at the edge of the river. By focusing on the possible happiness in his illumination, Blake asks his readers to compare the realities of the sweep's lives to what they potentially could be like, and tries to give them moral strength to take on their roles as civil servants.

Works Cited

Blake, William. �Chimney Sweeper.� Blake's Poetry and Designs . Ed. Mary Lynne Johnson and John E. Grant. New York : Norton, 1979. 25-6.

- - - . �Chimney Sweeper.� New York : Thames & Hudson, 2000. 54.

Glen, Heather. ��Vision and Morality': Songs of Innocence .� Vision and Disenchantment: Blake's Songs and Wordsworth's Lyrical Ballads. New York : Cambridge UP, 1983 . 110-223.

My personality test result

2009-03-14T22:51:00.001+08:00

Your view on yourself:

Other people find you very interesting, but you are really hiding your true self. Your friends love you because you are a good listener. They'll probably still love you if you learn to be yourself with them.

The type of girlfriend/boyfriend you are looking for:

You like serious, smart and determined people. You don't judge a book by its cover, so good-looking people aren't necessarily your style. This makes you an attractive person in many people's eyes.

Your readiness to commit to a relationship:

You prefer to get to know a person very well before deciding whether you will commit to the relationship.

The seriousness of your love:

Your have very sensible tactics when approaching the opposite sex. In many ways people find your straightforwardness attractive, so you will find yourself with plenty of dates.

Your views on education

Education is less important than the real world out there, away from the classroom. Deep inside you want to start working, earning money and living on your own.

The right job for you:

You have plenty of dream jobs but have little chance of doing any of them if you don't focus on something in particular. You need to choose something and go for it to be happy and achieve success.

How do you view success:

You are afraid of failure and scared to have a go at the career you would like to have in case you don't succeed. Don't give up when you haven't yet even started! Be courageous.

What are you most afraid of:

You are concerned about your image and the way others see you. This means that you try very hard to be accepted by other people. It's time for you to believe in who you are, not what you wear.

Who is your true self:

You are mature, reasonable, honest and give good advice. People ask for your comments on all sorts of different issues. Sometimes you might find yourself in a dilemma when trapped with a problem, which your heart rather than your head needs to solve.

Balik Ghombhau (Rembau) Yay!

2009-03-10T22:21:00.008+08:00

Yes yes ... not many people know it but I am a Negri Sembilan descendent and my parents are from Rembau, Negri Sembilan. In fact, the whole generation is from Rembau and us kids are the first generation to live out of Negri Sembilan.

So, I'm from Negri Sembilan ( walaupun tak ngaku ), what does that mean?

1. Masak lomak cili api ikan semilang
2. Sambal tumih
3. Rondang ayam ngan daging
4. Ayam masak minang
5. Tempe gogheng

Here are a few pics taken at Rembau

Gunung Dato in action

When the sun was out

Then came the rain.

Hmm ... no one lives here anymore. Sad, could've restored and made
a nice home out of it. Not anymore I guess.

Bored ... ujan kat luar.

Tagged ... hiks ... first one!

2009-03-10T22:01:00.002+08:00

I've been tagged by eddie. Well mate ... here we go!

1)kegunaan lain alat2 dibawah:

a) Anak Kunci

-calar kete orang yang tak disukai ... :)

b) Penutup Pen

boleh dijadikan penanda buku kalau terdesak sangat

c) Botol Mineral

dibuat alat muzik untuk menyakitkan hati orang

d) Paper

buat bungkus apa-apa yang patut

e) Seluar 'D'

bahan bakar untuk menyemarakkan api

f) Lesung batu

guna untuk pecahkan ketulan ais yang besar

g) langsir

tutup moto buruk dari ujan dan panas

h) Komputer

hiasan agar nampak intelek sikit

i) Duit syiling

simpan dalam tabung bear biar penuh

j) Laman Blog

jual pai epal atau cupcake resipi Faikay :)

2) personal tag

[1] your full name n nick?
Mohd Khairul bin Abu Sufi @ Faikay

[2] single or taken?
Taken (i hope)

[3] hotlink, celcom, digi or Umobile?
Celcom, Maxis

[4] indoor or outdoor?
Both tapi depends on the situation and weather

[5] are you thinkin bout someone rite now?? who?
Yes ... umm .. dia dah makan ke lom ... eleh ... korang ni ... wat2 tak tau lak

[6] sushi or roti canai?
Roti Canai

[7]have u fell in love with 2 person in one time?
Sudah beberapa kali tapi tak berfaedah ... in the end, suma hurt

[8] flipflop or sneakers?
sneakers ( mesti black and white)

[9]what do u tink bout me?
hiks ... kena cakap ke?

[10] 5 person u wanna tag with dis ques??
hard, eisz, rarza, dzeng, aredeng

Rainy Day

2009-03-03T16:34:00.000+08:00

A bomb drops and no-one stirs
On a lazy summers evening
Seated with a man
She knows she shouldn't be with
But in his eyes, the lies surprise
Something she's been needing
A certain touch within her voice
Can tell you what she's feelin'

I want you
Need you
Yeah, I want you
I need you

And I'll be lyin' here waitin'
Hopin' lov'll come my way
(Save it for a rainy day)
But if the sun's still shinin'
I'll save it for another day
(Save it for a rainy day)

A door slams and suddenly
She's awoken from her dreams
Of late goodbye's and shadowed eyes
Those crazy summer feelings

I want you
Need you
Yeah, I want you
I need you

And I'll be lyin' here waitin'
Hopin' lov'll come my way
(Save it for a rainy day)
But if the sun's still shinin'
I'll save it for another day
(Save it for a rainy day)
Save it for a rainy day

I want you
Need you
Yeah, I want you
I'll need you

And I've been lyin' here waitin',
Hopin' lov'd come my way
(Save it for a rainy day)
But if the sun's still shinin'
I'll save it for another day
(Save it for a rainy day)

Yeah I'll be lyin' here waitin'
Hopin' lov'd come my way
(Save it for a rainy day)
But if the sun's still shinin'
I'll save it for another day
(Save it for a rainy day)
Save it for a rainy day
(Save it for a rainy day)
Save it for a rainy day
(Save it for a rainy day)
I'll save it for a rainy day...
Save it for a rainy day...

The Malaysian Drivers; Faikay’s NOT SO PROFESSIONAL point of view.

2009-03-03T16:30:00.001+08:00

I don’t drive very well … heck no! I just got my driver’s license and I’m still holding a probationary one till 2010. Though I do not drive well, I sure do know that Malaysian drivers don’t drive well either. What makes me say this? Well, here are just a few thoughts.

THE TELEPATHIC MALAYSIAN DRIVER

This specimen can be of a Malay, Chinese, Indian or any other origin from Malaysia. Drives either a big car or one that shames the sunken, rusted titanic. He/She/It drives its mind knowing that other people on the road can read its mind. Therefore, always decides to overtake or change lanes without the use of the car’s signal (probably thinking that it will use up all the car’s battery power). And when it hits into a foreign object, utters some Malay words like “Hoi, ko tak Nampak ke aku nak masuk. Buta ke?”

THE GOLD MEDAL MALAYSIAN DRIVER

Probably won several gold medals for sprinting in the Olympics or ohh … limp … eeks! So, life for this specimen is always fast paced. Everything needs to be in a rush. Don’t bother about life nor safety … speed is the priority. What this specimen does is drive inches away from your bumper. The closer, the better – just as long as it can go fast. When you brake for emergency and the car behind you kisses your car’s booty, it (the gold medal driver) will blame you for driving too slow and endangering the lives of others on the road.

THE “NO-YOU-CAN’T” MALAYSIAN DRIVER

Always, always a woman. Drives a car thinking that she will arrive at her destination faster than anyone else (although you are also driving a cooler, faster car). What she does is block your car in ANY POSSIBLE way to be in front of her although you are in a traffic jam ( She thinks that she’ll arrive faster because she is one car ahead of you. YES! One car), at a junction that requires you to cross the lane her car is at (she thinks by blocking access to your car will help her save time as she, yes, is ONE CAR ahead of you), or when you need to enter a main road from either the left or right (She blocks you because she got there first!).

Double Double Toil and Trouble

2009-02-27T02:17:00.003+08:00

If you're familiar with the wordings of this post, well, Congratulations - you must either have watched the movie (starring the Olson twins) or you are just a Shakesperean fan. Where do I stand? Both .. I have watched the movie although it wa ages ago and I do love Shakespeare ( umm ... Thanks Dr. Aleya for the B+). Of all the plays he's written, I've studied a few in detail:

1. Macbeth
2. Hamlet
3. The Merchant of Venice
4. Henry V
5. Romeo and Juliet
6. Othello
7. Twelfth Night
8. Antony and Cleopatra

As you known or might have known, Shakesperean plays are divided into three categories; comedy, history and tragedy. The classification of these plays are quite straight forward to what the meaning entails:

Comedy ( har har har )
History ( kings, kings and more kings )
Tragedy ( till death do us part )

Back to the original topic, Macbeth. Well, Macbeth was the first Shakespearean play I studies during my university days. It was my first real encounter with Shakespeare. Phew ... it was hard that time but as time went by, we kinda got used to it and Shakespeare was no alien to us then.

Of course, Macbeth can best be categorised as a tragic play. Someone dies in the end. Not gonna ruin the story for you. You can read it and it's also available in modern English. Makes the reading a whole lot faster and easier.

My favorite part in Macbeth is definitely Act IV, Scene 1. The brewing of some crazy stuff by the three witches. Enjoy!

A dark Cave. In the middle, a Caldron boiling. Thunder.

Enter the three Witches.

1 WITCH. Thrice the brinded cat hath mew'd.
2 WITCH. Thrice and once, the hedge-pig whin'd.
3 WITCH. Harpier cries:—'tis time! 'tis time!
1 WITCH. Round about the caldron go;
In the poison'd entrails throw.—
Toad, that under cold stone,
Days and nights has thirty-one;
Swelter'd venom sleeping got,
Boil thou first i' the charmed pot!
ALL. Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and caldron bubble.
2 WITCH. Fillet of a fenny snake,
In the caldron boil and bake;
Eye of newt, and toe of frog,
Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,
Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting,
Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing,—
For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.
ALL. Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and caldron bubble.
3 WITCH. Scale of dragon; tooth of wolf;
Witches' mummy; maw and gulf
Of the ravin'd salt-sea shark;
Root of hemlock digg'd i the dark;
Liver of blaspheming Jew;
Gall of goat, and slips of yew
Sliver'd in the moon's eclipse;
Nose of Turk, and Tartar's lips;
Finger of birth-strangled babe
Ditch-deliver'd by a drab,—
Make the gruel thick and slab:
Add thereto a tiger's chaudron,
For the ingrediants of our caldron.
ALL. Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and caldron bubble.
2 WITCH. Cool it with a baboon's blood,
Then the charm is firm and good.

2004 In Memory

2009-02-27T01:06:00.005+08:00

Modul Disiplin dan Ketahanan Diri:

AKADEMI BOMBA DAN PENYELAMAT
KUALA KUBU BHARU
20 - 27 APRIL 2004

I was actually cleaning out my closet this evening when suddenly, out came this CD containing pictures and videos of the Discipline Module that I went through in 2004 as part of the Diploma programme organised by INTAN. I could still remember the scorching heat that week and we were all very anxious and no to mention, nervous - not knowing what to expect but have heard tons about this particular module ... SCARY!

Well, these are some pictures I want to share with you.

OIFF - Offensive Indoor Fire Fighting
What we had to do was to enter a burning container
and try to fight the fire before it spreads. Umm ... I was the
third in line, had to take my glasses off. At this point, we were briefed
about safety before entering the burning conatiner.
Believe me, the heat inside was none I have experienced BUT watching
a real live fire from a 1 metre distance was just amazing!
We saw the different stages of burning and the structure (physical)
of a live fire. The temperature reached a whopping 300 degress celcius!

Yup .. me in action. The training before the real stuff. A firehose
needs a 2 man team to handle as the force of the water
is very strong.

Well this was me in 2004 (the one on the left) with a mate of mine.

This training was called "KAWAT HOS". This was taken during
the briefing session. We were told to watch a demonstration by our
fellow fire fighters.

The team in action. Where am I? First row ... furthest to the right.

Scuba Diving Session
Was actually one of my favorite activities throughout
the whole week. Was geared up in a scuba diving
suit all equipped and ready to descend underwater.
This is me practicing my breathing using an oxygen mask.

Oil Leak
Apart from the OIFF activity, this one - called
OIL LEAK was extremely challenging. Not only
were we faced by a roaring fire that burnt almost
20 metres into the air, we were supposed to put it out
by suffocating its oxygen source. I was in the sweeper
team. The first in line. The head. What we were
responsible to do was to ensure that our friends
do not catch on fire by the leaking oil running through.

The Unborn

2009-02-12T17:05:00.003+08:00

The Unborn is a 2009 supernatural horror thriller film written and directed by David S. Goyer.

The film stars Gary Oldman as a spiritual advisor to a young girl ( Odette Yustman) who is tormented by a dybbuk. The dybbuk seeks to use her death as a gateway to physical existence.

The film is produced by Michael Bay and Platinum Dunes. It was released in American theaters on January 9, 2009, by Rogue Pictures.

KL ... KL ... (and me)!

2009-02-12T15:33:00.002+08:00

These are pics that Khairi took while we were waiting for our movie last night.
Just thought I'd put them here ...

la ... la ... la ...

mmm ... popcorn!

stop it bitch!

ok ... ok ... last one

Sleep Clinic at Institut Perubatan Respiratori, HKL

2009-02-10T01:48:00.002+08:00

Not the very best of pic ... but just to let you know that I was at a sleep clinic recently and was asked to participate in a sleep study. I am suffering from OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) and that's why I feel sleepy all the time. I apparently do not get enough sleep at night hence the oxygen level in my blood becomes very low.

Almost set now, target get up time .. 0600 hrs! Nite2

Laat pic before I get some shut eyes ... check out the wires and stuff strapped to my body. Will I get some sleep?

I must say that the sleeping area at the Sleep Study Clinic is extremely comfortable!

Me getting all strapped up!

Pantai Kemasik, Kerteh, Terengganu Darul Iman

2009-02-10T01:40:00.002+08:00

It was a long weekend so the family thought that we'd give my lil sister a visit in Kerteh, Terengganu. As we were there, I took the opportunity to visit the beautiful beaches Terengganu has to offer. Here are some wonderful pics:

Mak Yong

2009-01-31T01:50:00.002+08:00

Mak Yong is an ancient dance-theatre form incorporating the elements of ritual, stylized dance and acting, vocal and instrumental music, story, song, formal as well as improvised spoken text. It is performed principally in the state of Kelantan, Malaysia. Many theories have been advanced to explain the genre's origins, though it's generally acknowledged that it's deeply rooted in animism as well as shamanism.

Today, the genre is performed in three basic styles:

(a) As non-ritual theatre for entertainment per se,
(b) As ritual theatre associated with healing and done in combination with the shamanistic main puteri; and
(c) As urban commercial theatre.

Briefly early in the present century, an unsuccessful attempt was made in Kelantan to create a palace version of mak yong.

The mak yong orchestra is made up of a three-stringed spiked fiddle (rebab), a pair of double-headed barrel drums(gendang) and a pair of hanging knobbed gongs(tetawak) while the genre's musical repertoire consists of approximately thirty pieces, most of them accompanied by singing and dancing. No stage-properties and few simple hand-properties are used.

In mak yong, the male lead role (pak yong) is conventionally played by female performers. In addition there are the following roles: the female lead (mak yong); a pair of clowns (peran), a pair of female attendants (inang) as well as a wide range of lesser roles including those of gods and spirits, orges or giants, palace functionaries and animals.

The mak yong repertoire consists of a dozen or so stories, still existing in the oral tradition, dealing with the adventures of gods or mythical kings. The principal, and earliest story in the mak yong repertoire, entitled 'Dewa Muda', has tremendous spiritual significance.

Mak yong performances last from about 9.00pm to midnight, and it takes several nights to complete a story.

Pocahontas Trailer

2009-01-31T01:29:00.000+08:00

IF you need to know (briefly) what the animation entails, here is its official trailer which was released in the 1995. Enjoy

Farewell

2009-01-31T01:12:00.002+08:00

I came across this clip on YouTube. Want to share my favorite Disney moments with all you out there. Enjoy and don't be afraid to cry :)

Part 2: How to Fly a Boeing 747-400

2009-01-31T00:25:00.003+08:00

Ok, the last time we were discussing this topic, I was using pictures of Singapore Airlines' aircraft. However, as a tribute to our national airlines ( memories so fond since I was very very young), I have decided to use images of Malaysia Airlines in this part.

In the last section, we stopped when you have reached cruising altitude. You will be asked to gradually increase your height throughout the course of your flight. This is also due to the fact that your aircraft has become lighter as fuel has been burnt. As the aircraft gets lighter, its velocity in the air increases.

What goes up, must come down.

Once the aircraft is at its cruising altitude the next thing to determine is when to start its descent. The actual point can be affected by terrain, traffic, and adjacent airspace. Here is a simple formula to give you a general idea of when to start a typical aircraft down.

Subtract the destination airport elevation (rounded to the nearest 1000 feet) from the aircraft’s current altitude (in thousands of feet). Then,
Simplify by dropping the thousands. Then,
Multiply the resulting number by 4. Then,
The product is the number of flying miles from the destination where the aircraft should start its descent.

To use Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) as an example:

Airport elevation - 71ft (round up to 1,000)
Aircraft altitude - FL310 (31,000 feet)
31,000 - 1,000 = 30,000
Simplify to 30
30 x 4 = 120

An aircraft inbound to KUL at FL310 should start descent approximately 120 flying miles from the airport.

During the initial descent, the control tower will advise you of your new altitude, heading, airport direction, and which runway you are to use. You will have to do the necessary adjustments to what have been instructed.

From time to time, you will receive updated instructions on your speed and heading. During the descent, it is wise that you ensure all engines are at idle speed and let the aircraft glide at its momentum making sure not to overspeed and risk structural damage.

You will enter the assigned airport's runway at an angle of about 40 - 45 degrees from the direction of the runway.

At this stage, you will have probably slowed down to around 200 knots, flaps at position 4 , speedbrake at position 2 or 3, depending on the weather condition.

As you reach enter the localizer, your aircraft will automatically bank toward the direction of the runway. Here, you must make sure to stabalize the aircraft's spped and height. Minor adjustments will do fine.

When you are aligned to the runway, reduce the aircraft spee to around 160 -180knots with flas at its current position. The HSI will move towards the centre and this indicates your glideslope. At the point when it has reached the middle, you are now required to lower your landing gears.

You will gradually glide down the glideslope with the aid of your navigational equipment. Reduce speed gradually and lower flaps accordingly until you have reached the desired speed for landing. This should be about 145knots with full flaps on a fine day. At around 50 feet off the runway, once again, you are to idle the engines and flare the aircraft on the runway.

The aircraft should now be at an angle of about 20 degrees. As the aircraft slowly glides onto the runway, the main landing gears should have first contact. You will physically feel this. Once the landing gears have kissed the runway, apply full reverse thrust and arm spoilers to reduce the lift on the wings.

Full reverse thrust is now aplied and the automatic braking system will kick in. Turn off reverse thrust at 60 knots and continue manual braking. The aircraft should now be inert by its speed. Yuo will receive radio instructions from the control tower once again. They will guide you to the taxiway.

The moment you leave the runway, turn off your strobe lights and return spoilers and flaps to its original position. If you do not do so, you might hit objects on the taxiway which will result in damages to the aircraft flaps.

Taxi to your instructed gate at around 20-30 knots.

After a long flight, you will be greeted by an announcement of the cabin crew like this:

"Ladies and Gentlement, we have now landed at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. To all visitors, we welcome you to Malaysia and to all Malaysians, Welcome Home!"

"Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan, kita baru sahaja mendarat di Lapangan Terbang Kuala Lumpur. Bagi pelawat-pelawat ke Malaysia, kami mengucapkan Selamat Datang dan kepada warganegara Malaysia .. Selamat Pulang"

For some odd reason, this announcement immediately makes me feel at home.

At the gate, you will see a set of ground handling crew that will be ready to service your aircraft. At the gate, turn off your beacons and instruct cabin crews to disarm all doors.

This then ends your flight.

HAPPY LANDINGS!

Flight Lesson 1: How to fly a Boeing 747-400 (Brief description)

2008-11-26T16:50:00.007+08:00

1.You begin by making sure the plane is fully loaded with fuel, all the cargo has been put into the belly of the plane, passengers and crew (obviously) have boarded and all exits securely locked.

2. Turn on your anti-collision, navigation and any lights needed according to the time of the day. At the same time request clearance to taxi from the control tower.

3. Once you have received clearance, start pushback and ignite engines one by one. when all engines are running and your taxi way is clear of all ground equiptment and staff, you may begin taxing to the runway. But before that, set flaps to position 4 or around 20 degrees for takeoff. bear in mind that the usage of flaps are always determined by the weight of the aircraft and the weather condition.

4. Taxi at around 20 knots until you reached your approved departure runway. Upon approaching, request clearance from the control tower once again for permission to depart. When clear, line up on the runway.

5. Instruct cabin crew to be seated at their stations. Start by spooling the engines to around 60% of N1. Once all 4 engines are stable, increase thrust to around 98% of N1. At around 140 knots, you have reached V1. This is the decision point to whether or not you'll continue flying or abort take off. At about 152 knots, you have reached V2, YOU MUST ROTATE!

6. Climb at a comfortable rate of 2200ft/min. At about 175 knots, start retracting the flaps to 15 degrees. Continue climbing and adding speed. At around 220 knots, retract flaps to 5 degrees. Reduce thrust to about 80% of N1 once you have reached 250 knots and fully retract flaps. You are now flying at around 250 knots/ hour under 10000 feet. This is DCA requirement. DO NOT OVERSPEED or your clearance may be revoked.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

My attempt to being Next Top Model

2008-11-26T15:57:00.006+08:00

Attempt Numero Uno:
After much hesitation and laughing, Khairi almost gave up.

The end Result!

The Story

2008-11-26T15:46:00.007+08:00

THE STORY

It was a memory I can’t erase
Like a dream come true from out of the night
When I first saw you our eyes met face to face
I knew right then and there that it would be right

Just when I thought I was over love
Baby you stepped right into my life
Will we be lovers or just the best of friends
Or will the story just come to an end

Was I just a victim of circumstance
Or just a fool who fell too quickly in love
But when I saw you, there was someone else
And I knew that I could not
Could not be - not be second best
No, no,no,no, no

Chapter 1
Momma told me when a boy meets girl

Chapter 2
That you see rainbows, stars shining in your world

Chapter 3
But when it’s over the writing’s on the wall

Don’t you keep cryin’ no, no
Just keep on
Just keep moving on

Hong Kong and Disney

2008-11-25T16:43:00.007+08:00

Yes, it was raining all day long but what the heck!

The Hong Kong Skyline ... simply breathtaking amidst the dark clouds.

Khairi, Qayyum and Iman

Disney, here we come!

M - I - C - K - E - Y MOUSE

When there's Mickey, there's always Minnie!

And not to forget ... Pooh.

Faikay ... Where Art Thou?

2008-11-25T16:11:00.003+08:00

Whoa! It's been forever since I last entered anything into this site of mine and a few of my friends are getting quite bored reading the same ol stuff over and over again. The main reason I do not get to blog much these days is due to the fact that my Internet Connection sux big time and we've been switching from operator to operator but nothing seems to work like the way people want their broadband to perform.

It's the end of November and in no time, the new year will greet us all. My resolution ... do I really need one ... well, is to lose a few extra pounds over the month. Am seeing a dietician now and she's (supposedly) teaching me how to eat and live well (?) and I'm supposed to see her again next month and am expected to shed a few pounds by then. Is it working? Don't think so.

Was also in Guam last January ( he he he ) and got pictures taken but diodn't post anyone of them yet. Guam was wonderful. Umm ... it's part of the US but you do not need a valid US visa to enter if your intention is tourism ... and not to exceed 15 days. It's not that far away from Malaysia, in fact the distance is a bit further than the Philippines but we had to do a whole detour to get there ... and thanks to Mileage Plus for the fantastic flight with Singapore Airlines. Just love that airline. Does miracle for you! So the routing was like KBR - KUL - SIN - KIX - GUM - KIX - SIN - PEN - KBR.

Went to HKG last June with my siblings, nephew and niece too. Was there for a week and went to Disneyland. Had a great time although mother nature wasn't so kind enough to give us sunshine all week long. Oh well, you don't go to HKG everyday and certainly not to Disneyland as and when you please.

Hospitalised a few times too this year. Was in HKL for stone blasting and sleep apnea. Yep, sleeping disorder. Just can't get enough of those zzzzzzzss at night. Thought it was a mild situation, indeed it wasn'r. Doc Fauzana (from IPR ... you're a great Doctor) said that I don't have enough saturated O2 in my blood. That's why I'm just so sleepy all the time and it'll affect my heart at a later stage. So am gonna get the fixed too. have a few pics when I was in for a sleep study. Will post them here in a bit.

Phew ... that was brief and does tell almost everything about me these past few months ( did I mention I drive now? And own a Gen 2 ;-) ). Will keep y'all posted in the next coming hours and days. I the meanwhile, take care and see a doc if you're not getting enough sleep at nite.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES A380

2008-07-03T19:34:00.003+08:00

TRAVEL IN A NEW LIGHT

What one is offered in Singapore Airlines' SUITES. The usual price tag for this class of service costs
around 20% more of its published First Class fares.

The Singapore Airlines A380 is configured with 471 seats in three classes: Economy, Business and the new Singapore Airlines Suites, a class beyond first.

The aircraft entered commercial service on Thursday 25 October 2007, with a special return flight between Singapore and Sydney. The majority of seats on that flight were sold at auction on eBay, the global online marketplace, and all of the proceeds from the auction are being split among charities in Singapore, Sydney and a global humanitarian organisation.

Then, on Sunday 28 October 2007, the A380 commenced scheduled service between Singapore and Sydney on one of the three daily flights in each direction.

The delivery of subsequent aircraft will allow for the introduction of the A380, also on one of the three daily flights between Singapore and London's Heathrow Airport from the first quarter of 2008.

During the last few years, Singapore Airlines has joined with Airbus, and other A380 customers, to work with the world's major airports to ensure they are A380-ready. The support of the airport communities has meant many airports, to which A380s will operate, are now ready.

Singapore's Changi Airport, is home to the Singapore Airlines A380 fleet, was the first to be ready, and when the new Terminal 3 opens early next year, 19 gates across the three terminals will be fully A380-ready, including having aerobridge access to both decks.

Singapore Airlines is particularly delighted to recognise the impressive operating capabilities of the A380, demonstrated since the aircraft's first flight in April 2005.

Fuel burn is considerably lower, on a seat-mile basis, than today's large aircraft. This offers operating airlines real efficiency benefits, while also mitigating the environmental impact of flying. Emissions per passengers are the lowest of any aircraft.

The A380's noise emissions prove that big aircraft are not necessarily noisier. New technology, new design, airframe construction and engines all aid in making the A380 the quietest large passenger jet ever built. Onboard, the cabin amenity is substantially improved, with significantly lower cabin noise throughout.

Travel in a new light, aboard the Singapore Airlines A380.

With the money that you are forking out, you will be pampered in your own private cabins onboard the aircraft. Amenities include your own personal reading light and entertainment system, a small wardrobe to hang your coats and jackets a service with more than just a smile :)

Here, you can see the bed being laid out complete with fresh bed sheet and full size pillows specially made by Givench for the airline.

Now, who says the romance of travel died?

Hakone and Fujiyama

2007-09-27T14:00:00.007+08:00

Me looking cute on the boat cruise at Lake Asahi.

Me, looking kinda confused.

Cable Car ride. Yipee.

Nature is sure beautiful up here.

Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji without the snowcap.

Tokyo Disney (Wohoo!!!)

2007-09-27T13:32:00.003+08:00

Mickey Mouse everywhere! Where am i?

Tokyo Disney, here I come!!

One day passport costs 5800 Yen.

Hunger pangs!

Fries, shrimp burger and a soft drink ... ahh, just like home.

Poor Mickey. Bit part of his ears off.

About to enter SPACE MOUNTAIN.

At the souvenir shop. This shot atken by Abe shows lotsa Chip and his Mom from Beauty and The Beast.

Cinderella's Castle at night. Just about to leave Disney (huhu) and hope I'll be there again someday.

First Stop: Ueno and Shinjuku

2007-09-27T12:49:00.000+08:00

Oh great! What am I going to eat and how do you decipher these kanji characters? Well, didn't have anything on the menu.

This is Khairul San pouring the tea. Wearing a Yukata in a Ryokan in front of a shoji screen made from washed paper.

Me posing on front of the traffic in Shinjuku.

And a very tired feet throughout the day ... walking, walking and walking.

Tokyo Part 2

2007-09-27T12:30:00.000+08:00

Here are some pics of the trip:

This picture was taken on the feeder flight from Penang to Singapore Changi airport. The flight was quite short but Singapore Airlines seemed to pull it well by serving a full meal. The contents of the meal includes braised chicken noodles, mushroom, chinese greens, a salad and a panna cotta. It was deleicious for a 1 hour feeder flight.

As you can see from the shadow, Singapore Airlines was operating a Boeing 747-412 series aircraft to Tokyo Narita that day. Abe took this pic while we were in the glide slope and about to land. Was just too good to not post. Love the pic!

E.T. Phone Home ... That'll cost you a million yes for the first few minutes :) I was desperately trying to call Mom telling I was safe in Tokyo already.

First stop of the day ... UENO. We travelled by the skyliner (as the Japs called it) to Old Tokyo called Ueno. The cost of the tickets were 1920Yen per person. Journey took about an hour.

And finally, the train. Off to Ueno. See you there!

TOKYO ... HERE I COME ....

2007-09-27T12:20:00.002+08:00

This photo was taken on the 3rd of September 2007. I was on my way to Tokyo travelling with Singapore Airlines that day. Flew in style ... was in Raffles Class. Nice huge seats, lie flat bed seats and hmm ... the entertainment option was great but didn't see much of it as I needed my beauty sleep more than ever. Anyway, Singapore Airlines ... you're a great way to fly!

Didn't We Have It All?

2007-04-14T14:00:00.003+08:00

Hello everyone and welcome back to my blog.

What is love? How do you define love? What is required when you are in love? I know I don;t have the perfect answer but what I can say is that love requires two or more ( in this context - person ) to express strong mutual feeling towards each other. Love is when you tolerate each other and accept one as it is. Love is about making sacrifices and forgetting about one's weaknesses and focus on the person's quality that attracted us to it.

I am no poet nor philosoper. I just know that love is when two people care about each other. Wanting to be together eternally. Wanting to build an ever lasting relationship that nothing can shatter.

However, I might have missed the whole point of being in love. Being in love does not mean you have to try your best to make your other half happy. Being in love is all about caring. Why have I missed it. Why have I forgottoen the whole point of it? Was I trying to hard to make things too right? Was I just a lame lover? Was it because I really don't know what love is all about.

I do not know and I don't have the answer. I do know that strong feelings exist and have survived the ups and downs of life.

Shape of My Heart

2007-04-14T13:56:00.000+08:00

Baby, please try to forgive me
Stay here don't put out the glow (echo)
Hold me now don't bother if every minute it makes me weaker
You can save me from the man that I've become
Oh yeah

[Chorus:]
Lookin' back on the things I've done
I was tryin' to be someone
I played my part, kept you in the dark
Now let me show you the shape of my heart

Saddness is beautiful loneliness is tragical
So help me I can't win this war, oh no
Touch me now don't bother if every second it makes me weaker
You can save me from the man I've become

Lookin' back on the things I've done (back on things I've done)
I was tryin' to be someone (trying to be someone)
I played my part, kept you in the dark (in the dark)
Now let me show you the shape of my heart

I'm here with my confession
Got nothing to hide no more
I don't know where to start
But to show you the shape of my heart

I'm lookin' back on things I've done
I never wanna play the same old part
I'll keep you in the dark (Keep you in the dark)
Now let me show you the shape of my heart

Back on the things I've done
I was tryin' to be someone (Trying to be someone)
I played my part, kept you in the dark
Now let me show you the shape of my heart
(Now let me show you the shape of my heart)

Back on the things I've done
I was tryin' to be someone
I played my part, kept you in the dark
Now let me show you the shape of

Show you the shape of my heart

Hypertension Serious in Young Men

2007-03-03T17:35:00.000+08:00

You're under 35 and feel fine, yet the doctor says your blood pressure is high and you'd better come back to have it checked again. Being a red-blooded male, you figure five years will be soon enough. After all, isn't high blood pressure an old man's disease?

"Young men are less likely than older men to believe they have hypertension and less likely to go back to the doctor," says Daniel Lackland, DrPH, spokesman for the American Society of Hypertension. "Often these are patients whose blood pressure would respond to weight management and other lifestyle changes, but they're less likely to seek treatment."
Untreated hypertension damages the heart and other organs and can lead to life-threatening conditions that include heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. It's called "the silent killer" because symptoms generally appear only after the disease has caused damage to vital organs.
"With treatment, we can truly prolong life," Lackland tells WebMD.

Understanding High Blood Pressure

If your blood pressure is 120/80, 120 represents systolic pressure, or the pressure of blood against artery walls when the heart beats. Eighty represents diastolic pressure, or the pressure between beats.

The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) guidelines categorize hypertension as follows:

Normal. Less than 120/80
Prehypertension. 120-139/80-89
Hypertension. 140/90 (130/80 for patients with diabetes or chronic kidney disease)
Stage 2 hypertension. 160/100

Hypertension, or high blood pressure (HBP), exists when either the systolic measurement is 140 or higher or the diastolic measurement is 90 or higher. However, in the majority of people, controlling systolic hypertension is a more important heart disease risk factor than diastolic blood pressure (except in young people under the age of 50).

There are two types of hypertension: essential, which accounts for 90% to 95% of cases, and secondary. The cause of essential hypertension is unknown, although lifestyle factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and excessive alcohol or salt intake contribute to the condition. In secondary hypertension, the cause may be kidney disease; hormonal imbalance; or drugs, including cocaine or alcohol.

According to the JNC 7, half the adult population is prehypertensive or hypertensive, and because blood pressure increases age, most people will become hypertensive if they live long enough.

Younger vs. Older Men With High Blood Pressure

Younger men with high blood pressure typically have high diastolic pressure while older men have high systolic pressure. "In young men, the diastolic pressure rises because the heart is pumping harder," says Lackland. "In older men, the systolic pressure rises and stiffens arteries.
"Part of the problem with young men is increased body mass. Ten years ago we wouldn't have seen hypertension in the teens and 20s, but now it's increasing along with rising obesity rates. We're seeing the increase in particular in African-American men, but it affects men of all races."
Lackland, who is professor of epidemiology and medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, says that as with older men, treatment for younger men follows JNC 7 guidelines for lifestyle changes and medications.

The JNC 7 recommends the following lifestyle modifications for people with prehypertension as well as hypertension:

Weight reduction.
Maintain a normal weight with a target body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9.
This can result in an approximate reduction in systolic blood pressure of 5-20 points per 10 kilograms of weight loss, according to the JNC 7.

DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan.
Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Reduce saturated and total fat. This can be expected to drop systolic blood pressure by 8-14 points.

Lower salt intake.
Reduce dietary sodium to less than 2,400 milligrams or about 1 teaspoon a day. According to the JNC 7, a 1,600-milligram sodium DASH eating plan has effects similar to a single drug therapy. The approximate reduction in systolic blood pressure would be 2-8 points.

Aerobic physical activity. E
ngage in regular physical activity, such as brisk walking, at least 30 minutes per day most days of the week. This can decrease systolic blood pressure by 4-9 points.

Moderation of alcohol consumption.
Men should limit alcohol to no more than two drinks per day. A standard drink is defined by the type of alcohol. For example, a standard drink, such as a 12-ounce bottle of beer, a 5-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5-ounce shot of 80-proof distilled spirits, has between 11 and 14 grams of alcohol. Limiting the amount of alcohol to this quantity is expected to result in a reduction in systolic blood pressure by 2-4 points.

When medications are indicated for younger men, one question is what will be the long-term effect? "We've had medications around since the 1970s, but with newer ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers), we don't know," says Lackland. "But the benefit of keeping blood pressure to goal is so great. Without treatment, a man at [age] 30 could be facing end-stage renal disease, stroke, or heart attack."

Another Complication Worth Considering
If the threat of premature death from complications of untreated high blood pressure doesn't get your attention, perhaps this will: A recent study showed that men with high blood pressure were 2.5 times as likely as men with normal pressure to develop erectile dysfunction (ED). Men with prehypertension also had a higher incidence of ED than did men with normal pressure.
Michael Doumas, MD, of the University of Athens in Greece, presented the study at the American Society of Hypertension 20th Annual Scientific Meeting and Exposition. In order to assess the link between hypertension and erectile dysfunction, researchers excluded men who had a history of diabetes, heart disease, renal failure, or liver and vascular disease, which are associated with ED.

While the study of men aged 31 to 65 didn't compare younger vs. older men, the fact that more than one-third of the participants with high blood pressure had erectile dysfunction should be seen as another very good reason to seek treatment and follow doctor's orders.

Risk Factors
Young men with hypertension often have what's called "metabolic syndrome," which is known to contribute to heart disease and diabetes. It includes a cluster of risk factors found in an individual and include excess body fat (especially around the waist and chest), high cholesterol, and insulin resistance. Studies have also shown that early vertex baldness can be associated with HBP. In addition, obstructive sleep apnea and snoring are linked to HBP in men in general.
Family history plays a role, but whether its importance varies with age of onset is unknown. "From epidemiological and twin studies, estimates range from 10% to 40%," says Ulrich Broeckel, MD, who is researching the role of genetics in hypertension. The goal of research is to subcategorize hypertension in order to improve diagnosis and treatment. "We're not ready for a diagnostic test, but ultimately we'll treat patients better based on their genetic makeup."

Learn to Manage Anger
Managing anger may be more important for younger men than older men, says Charles Spielberger, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of South Florida in Tampa. "I don't know of studies that look only at men under age 35, but a young man is dealing with a lifelong habit of anger," he tells WebMD.

He says anger involves feelings ranging from annoyance to rage and causes psychological and biological changes. Spielberger developed the widely used STAXI (State Trait Anger Expression Inventory) to assess anger and has studied the role of anger in hypertension. "Research shows it is people who are boiling inside but don't show it who are more likely to develop hypertension."
Anger can also be a personality trait. "Some people feel anger more often across a wider variety of situations. People who do this and hold it in, they're the ones in danger of hypertension."
Spielberger tells WebMD that a good anger management program can help someone lower or normalize blood pressure. It's a three-step process.

First, learn to recognize the anger and the situations that cause it. "A lot of people who feel anger frequently might not recognize it, especially low to moderate levels."
Second, analyze the situation. "If your supervisor frequently makes you and other employees angry, tell yourself 'It's not me. This person is supercritical. I'll listen to what he says, but I'm not going to blame myself for his bad disposition.'"

Third, reduce the anger. "Counting to 10 will distract you, or try muscle relaxation. If possible, avoid the situation."

What About 'White Coat Hypertension?'
If you have a physical exam that shows elevated blood pressure, your doctor might say it could be "white coat hypertension," meaning the stress of seeing the doctor caused the high reading.
White coat hypertension was once thought to be benign, but that may not be the case, says Ulrich Broeckel, who is assistant professor of medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He co-authored a study of 1,677 patients aged 25 to 74. The study, reported in the British Medical Journal, measured structural changes in the heart, which Broeckel says were probably related to stress and the response to stress. "We found a significant difference between people who had white coat hypertension and those who didn't. It suggests that if people have these increases in blood pressure when they see a doctor, they have them in other stressful situations," says Broeckel.

Don't Wait 5 Years
"The longer you have untreated hypertension, the more complications you get," says Broeckel. "We also know patients who had early onset hypertension and developed diabetes at an early age. It makes early diagnosis and treatment very important."

From Pengkalan Kubor to Tok Bali

2007-03-03T17:28:00.002+08:00

This is me checking out stuff at Pengkalan Kubor Duty Free Zone located about 45 minutes by car, from Kota Bharu. Here, you can find all sort of quality label goods such as Corelle, Vision, Noritake etc at earth shattering prices. However, beware! You will be excised 30% of your total purchases when you exit the duty free zone if your shopping includes things like I mentioned above. Nontheless, the sellers know what to do so if in doubt, always ask! Be prepared to leave at about 5.45pm as the gate closes at 6pm sharp. If you're trapped inside, you can always leave through the gate but your car whill have to sleep there :) We don't want that to happen now do we?

Too Long ... Too Gone

2007-03-03T17:08:00.000+08:00

Too Long ... Too Gone ...

Yes ... yes ... too long and too gone. I guess I've been negelcting my blog for quite a while and I have had comments by people telling me to start updating my blog and to bring back its days of glory. I must admit that I have not been in the mood for writing for quite some time. However, I will change and will try my best from now on.

Sitting here in my room as the rain heavily pours outside, all I hear are the thumping of the raindrops agains the awning. Nothing makes me feels better than the rain heavily dropping down from the heavens! I love the rain, i love the clouds, i love the dark rain clouds and i love the smell that is produced when the slightest drop of rain touches the top of the sun scorched lawn around the house. Weird but I am the rain guy ... although I hate it when I'm out walking or having a good time and without warning, the rain falls.

So as usual, what is new about stuff in my life ... lemme see. Well, I'm still the same ol' me ... teapot style :) and I'm still working and alive and kicking. I will be transferred to Kota Bharu, Kelantan soon and I hope that the transfer will happen soon enough.

I really dunno what to write now. I'll sign off but I promise tonite, I'll cook up something for everybody so your eyes can start to feast on my blog again.

Till then, ciao!

Faikay

Aishah's Comeback Part 2

2006-11-25T18:33:00.000+08:00

Would you still remember "Sensation" or "Respect the Beat" as well as "Call Me". Then this petite person of a half Kelanatanese descent came back home and came out with other hits such as "Janji Manismu" and "Camar Yang Pulang" that made her top all charts there were in the country and at once caught the hearts of her fellow Malaysian fans with her first Malay album. Yes, indeed it was AISHAH. And Aishah made Malaysia proud by making her name in the international music arena in New Zealand all the way to the United States.

I was 12 the time I first heard of the famed FAN CLUBS ... a New Zealand group of about 4 lads and Aishah being the lead singer. Their hit video CALL ME aired almost every week and I thought that Aishah was the coolest thing ever.

Things changed when I was in Form 2 and Aishah came back to record her first Malay Album entitiled Aishah. God, was I hooked on to it ... yep, made me an official Aishah fan. She then came out with several more albums, then the marriage with Rahim from Singapore, Aishah got sick, got well, came out with yet another album and stopped singing for a while to concentrate on her crafts. She published 4 books on hand craft and she's also doing very well with it.

2006 has also marked another year in her calendar. Aishah is making her comeback and releasing a new album which is scheduled to be released this November!!!! Yipee!!! Her single Melukut Di Tepi Gantang was used as the theme song in one of the Malay dramas during the Fasting Month.

Can't wait to get hold of her new album and for you Aishah fans out there, don't forget to get it too ok!

Ps - WHAT MAKES AISHAH MALAYSIA'S TRUEST POP STAR

1 HOLD A BACHELOR, MASTERS DEGREE FROM AN OVERSEAS UNIVERSITY

2 SPEAK PROPER ENGLISH WITHOUT THE EMBARASEMENT OF BEING LAUGHED AT

3 LOVES HER COFFEE WHITE AND NOT IN A MUG

4 WRITES HER OWN SONG THAT MADE IT TO THE TOP

5 WRITES HER OWN SONG IN ALL ALBUMS

6 HUMBLE

7 SHE'S GOT A GREAT VOICE

8 WEARS A TUDUNG AND NOT AT HER WEDDING RECEPTION IN A MOSQUE

9 FIRST MALAYSIAN TO BE THE PEPSI ICON

10 DOES NOT FORGET HER TRADITIONAL ROOTS

11 LOVED BY ALL FELLOW MALAYSIANS

more to come and be listed ... tungggguuuuu :)

Aishah's Comeback Part I

2006-11-25T18:27:00.000+08:00

MELUKUT DI TEPI GANTANG

Di malam yang sunyi
Dudukku termenung sorang diri
Di jendela sepi

Hingga dinihari
Ku menantikan kepulanganmu
Namunkah hanya sekadar
Tinggal kata-kata
Bagaikan melukut di tepi gantang
Begitulah aku
Di dalam hidupmu
Ada tiada tak memberi kesan
Hanya aku menanggung
Kerinduan..

Dulu pernah kau katakan
Sayangg..
Ingin mendengarku berlagu riang..
Menawar duka laraku
Lupakan saja..
Derita yang berlalu
Tapi mengapa dirimu, kasih..
Ibarat lalang ditiup angin
Kasihmu diracun
oleh kata fitnah
penuh hina
Hingga kini kau biarkan saja..
Diriku menanggung sepi
Dengan irama dukaku
Yang tak bermakna
bagimu...

Click here to listen to Aishah's MELUKUT DI TEPI GANTANG

SYDNEY IN MEMORY

2006-11-23T21:26:00.000+08:00

Hi there!

So, Sydney in memory. Yep, was there for the holidays about two weeks ago. Was there with someone special ... he he ... and we were staying at the Somerset Hotel in Darling Harbour. The hotel was great and was a serviced apartment concept with a full kitchen and separate bedroom. Was lovely.

This is me at the balcony outside our hotel room.

A candid shot of me looking confused on Kings Street.

Under the maple tree!

On the hop on and hop off tour bus ... costs AUD32 per person

The all amazing Sydney Harbour overlooking the famous Opera House

Just a small taster. I'll post some more in a few days ok. In the meantime, stay tuned and stay cute :)

Faikay

Happy Birthday To Me!

2006-11-20T01:56:00.002+08:00

+++28th October 2006 +++

The day a truly loving guy came to life 30 years ago

to bring laughter and love to the world so in need of it and

to make sure that all the chocolate makers in this world

would make a huge profit from the disgustingly large amounts

consumed by this one of a kind loveable being

Hello all!

It's again been some time since I last posted anything here. This time, I'm gonna show you my birthday surprise from someone who obviously loves me (he .. he .. ) and didn't forget my birthday. And to all who sent me those sms's and birthday cards, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Not to forget 'sayang', for the birthday cake and all :) You're truly magnificient!

This is the cake from a top view. It's an American something chocolate cake. Bought from a cake shop called Muhibbah in Kota Bharu. It's got layers of sponge cake sanwiched over layers of coffee cream and smothered in rich milky chocolate. Topped with a Doraemon and Garfield figurine as well as finger biscuits and other decorative stuff you can't eat.

Here is another view of this awesome cake. You can see the small figurines clearly and a better view of what once used to be what the dictionary calls - a cake!

What should I write about ?

2006-10-14T02:44:00.000+08:00

Hello again and welcome to my blogsite. Before I continue, I would like to wish all my muslim counterparts Eid Mubarak and happy fasting. It's coming to and end soon and I am sure many of us out there are preparing for the joyous festival that we all await once a year.

So, here I am again blogging again .. dunno really what to write about. I mean I've a zillion thing to say but what would the most meaningful be? What if I talked about the new version of Flight Simulator. So, all you FS fans out there, dunno whether you are aware or not, Microsoft has finally come up with a newer version of Flight Simulator.

I used to remember the good old days of flight simming. I mean I was only 8 - 9 at that time and the computer we owned that time was the best the world had to offer. It was a TANDY .. dunno whether you've heard of it but that's what we owned in Canada ( year 1988 ). I could still remember the only plane you could fly was just a cessna on a green monitor. graphics were very scarce that time but the flying experience sure had me stuck on the computer for a long long time.

Then there was FS 95 ... not too bad until FS98 came along. I thought the latter was great and then MS came out with FS 2000, had me simming again, then fs2002 WHICH I didn't like very much because my PC couldn't cope with it. And finally, there was FS2004 ... which I truly am addicted to. I've downloaded many planes, airports, scenery and stuff so that my simming experience would be ( as MS says it ... as real as it gets ).

However, there were no new versions of FS in 2005 and in 2006, whic is coming to and end, MS has finally released a better version called Flight Simulator X.

There you go guys, better graphics, relaistic airport setting, crowded skies, traffic, airport vehicles, ships, boats ... all you can think of. Check out the site at http://www.microsoft.com/games/flightsimulatorx/flash/default_aircraft.htm

I'm sure you'll be fascinated. Well, I am and can't wait for it to be released here in Malaysia. If any of you out there have tried it, give us a picture of what you think. I'm sure we'll love ure experience.

In the meanwhile, take care all and happy simming!

Capt. Khairul

Me ... The Worry Wrat

2006-09-03T22:52:00.000+08:00

Have you ever had the feeling that things just aren’t good enough for you? Or had you had one of those days where you think that everything’s just fine but actually deep down inside your heart you have a zillion questions you needed answers for but are too frustrated to find them because no one will give them answers to you because everyone’s telling you that everything is fine?

Well, I guess I have a problem of not believing that things are just fine the way they are. Why am I like this? Is this due to the fact that I am so insecure or obscure about everything that I need to know that everything’s just fine? Is it because all the answers in the world are just to make me feel fine or is it because I am too proud to admit that I wanna know that all is well and fine and that’ll help make me feel better?

I don’t know? I’ve been told before that I worry too much. Have been asked to chill down and don’t worry about the problem unless something really bad happens … then worry about the problem? Is that a good way of treating or remedy the situation? Should I just sit down and wait for something bad to happen and then take action to correct it? Or should I just keep on typing this piece of crap while the problem I am facing isn’t going away and pretend that writing this will help it go? What should I do?

Gosh, if you come across this, I’ve written more questions that there are statements here. You are just wasting your time if you go past this sentence. I am going to keep on typing until I can think that things are ok or I can find a solution making me think that things can be ok already. What does it mean to become a perfectionist? Am I a perfectionist? I don’t think I am. Am not obsessive compulsive like you see in one of those comedy series that our local television station airs every … umm … I can’t remember when.

What can I do? What is there for me to do? Where can I get the answers? Is it normal that man isn’t equipped with all the answers in the world because he can’t handle it? Am I too weak to handle the truth? Anyone … please tell me … please …. I need the answers …

What Kind of A Kisser Am I?

2006-09-01T21:01:00.000+08:00

You're a Romantic Kisser

For you, kissing is all about feeling the romance
You love to kiss under the stars or by the sea
The perfect kiss involves the perfect mood
It's pretty common for kisses to sweep you off your feet

What Kind of Kisser Are You?

ANYONE DISAGREES? LEMME KNOW OK!

What Superhero Am I???

2006-09-01T20:44:00.000+08:00

You Are Superman

Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound.
And pretty cute too. No wonder you're the most popular superhero ever!

What Superhero Are You?

Bad Day - Daniel Powter

2006-09-01T20:40:00.000+08:00

Where is the moment we needed the most
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost
They tell me your blue skies fade to grey
They tell me your passion's gone away
And I don't need no carryin' on

You stand in the line just to hit a new low
You're faking a smile with the coffee to go
You tell me your life's been way off line
You're falling to pieces everytime
And I don't need no carryin' on

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Well you need a blue sky holiday
The point is they laugh at what you say
And I don't need no carryin' on

You had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day

(Oh.. Holiday..)

Sometimes the system goes on the blink
And the whole thing turns out wrong
You might not make it back and you know
That you could be well oh that strong
And I'm not wrong

So where is the passion when you need it the most
Oh you and I
You kick up the leaves and the magic is lost

Cause you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
You've seen what you like
And how does it feel for one more time
You had a bad day
You had a bad day

Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day
Had a bad day

And you had a bad day?

2006-09-01T19:55:00.000+08:00

As I am writing this, I am currently listening to Daniel Powter's "Bad Day" that so tells about my life today. Well, Have you ever experiences or had one of those days where things just didn't or refuse to work out? I did ... it was today and it was horrible.

It all started when I was checking out a the Renaissance today. Being booked at a VISA special rate, I was supposed to be given a USD100 hotel voucher that can be used to offset some amount of the total final bill. However, the hotel ran out of the vouchers and I ended up paying the full amount when I could have SAVED a lot if I used my corporate rate. They then did promise to save them 3 vouchers for me so I can take them when I check in to the hotel the next time.

Then, I had a bit of a misunderstanding with someone ... yep, had to be the person you care about most. It was an arguement over nothing but I guess when ure in a relationship, everything seems a tad sensitive to you, doesn't it? We worked things out though and that someone's at work now ... and I'm here typing away and wiping my tears since this afternoon.

Next, I forgot to revalidate my room keycard as I extended my stay here at the hotel. I was on the 17th floor already with a bit of groceries. Thinking my misery would end once I reach the room, I was unmistakably wrong. It got worse. I had to go downstairs and askk reception to issue me a new key card. oh did I mention that there were billions of people waiting at the front desk???

Then got into my room, unpacked my stuff only to find out I bought the wrong type of instant noodles ... I bought the instant fried noodles instead of the slirpy soupy ones. And the worst thing is that I prepared it like it was instant soup noodles ...ended up eating awfully tasting stuff.

Tried connecting to the net using my handphone and wasn't successful during the first trillion attempts :( Was tempted to waste RM60 on hotel brtoadband charges but I kept patient. i got connected in the end but that almost costed my phone flying out the window. Now come to think of it, what did my phone do? It's Celcom's building I should burn down tomorrow.

So here I am sitting all pathetic today, watching my life just critter away, looking into internet sites, indulging into airline food ( pics of course ) while waiting for sayang to come back. Kinda miss sayang tho. Hope sayang comes back in a good mood. It was my fault, I know but hopefully all goes away ...

Destiny

2006-08-04T20:35:00.000+08:00

IT'S DESTINY
IT'S THE DREAM
I DREAM OUR DESTINE TO BE.

I CAN SEE
OUR FUTURE AM I SATISFIED.

YOU AND ME
IT'S DESTINY
FATE IS ON OUR SIDE.

HAPPY ME!

2006-07-24T21:05:00.000+08:00

Believe it or not, this is how I feel now ... ------->

All smiling and laughing. Why do I feel so? I dunno ... well, actually I do but if you've been reading my blog these days, I'm sure you must have figured out the answer. It's nice to be with someone again ... knowing that the person will be there in need. So, I don;t have to look for a shoulder to cry on anymore. I've one already. It's really awesome how two people can just fall for each other ... I guess I tripped and you-know-whom caught hold of me. Then, the twinkle in the eyes, the sweet smile and the story goes on and on. Hmm ... should I dedicate a song this time? nah ... been told that I'm a stereotype by doing so :) he heheh ... guess it's so much easier borrowing someone's poem than busting my brains out trying to make the words rhyme or keeping the rhythm. Wish my poetry lecturer would read this ... his name is Mr. Marshall and he's British. Taught me Introduction to poetry during my 2nd year in Matriculation and then there was also Dr. Jallal from Pakistan teaching me Poetry in my 1st year degree programme.

Been out of the office for the past 4 weeks, since I was assigned to Cambodia for the short meeting. Will only be in the office on Wednesday. Took a quick peek in my room just this morning and the mess on the floor! The memos, letters, periodicals etc etc ... Lotsa catching up to do. But I guess that wat you get for being away.

The picture was taken using my Motorola V3X and amazingly, the picture turned out beautiful. And it was taken in the cable car at Langkawi. Was there with a couple of my office mates. A meeting with our Indonesian counterparts. Was there for a week and now back at home.

Anyway ... nothing new to report to you except that there's a 5th rabbit in the cage that just appeared from nowhere. Will try to take their pics and post them here.

Take care all!

ps - I'm so in love!!!!

calling all sabena fans ...

2006-06-23T09:17:00.000+08:00

Dear "Sabeniens",

I just recently found this great website that'll help us re-live the sabena golden era. The address is http://users.pandora.be/sabenapictures/index2.htm

It's a great site with lotsa pics and the famous sabena screensaver for your pc. It does bring back fond memeories of this Belgian now-defunct airline.

my favourite PETERPAN band mate ... UKI ! ! ! !

2006-06-22T14:29:00.000+08:00

Lahir di Bandung dengan nama lengkap Mohammad Kautsar Hikmat, bergabung dengan peterpan karena memang semenjak di SMP, Uki seneng banget main musik. Ngefans banget sama kakak beradik Liam dan Noel Ghallager dari band Oasis itu, Uki memang sudah punya cita-cita dari kecil untuk jadi superstar. Di ulang tahunnya yang ke 17, cowok yang juga jago gambar ini dapat hadiah gitar listrik pertamanya. Bersama Ariel, Andika dan Indra dia membentuk band Topi di tahun 1997, yang adalah cikal bakal peterpan.

Love this Peterpan Poster!!!!

2006-06-22T14:05:00.000+08:00

Another nice pic

2006-06-16T22:18:00.000+08:00

Just for the sake of posting my pics. Cheers!

WHAT AM I LIKE TODAY???

2006-06-16T22:08:00.000+08:00

What am I like today?

Still 'ol me ... not much difference.

Although I've a new phone now :)

Still love travelling, picture above was taken at Bromo, Surabaya. Fantastic place.

So, you guys still remember me? Write or call me ok!

Thank you all!

2006-05-16T08:07:00.000+08:00

Dear all,

I'm flattered by all the emails I have been receiving through this blog site. Your comments are highly appreciated and I will try to update the site more frequent. Just didn't have the time to do so recently but will commit to update things soon. In the meanwhile, do keep writing to me and hope to hear from you all again soon :)

Moving on ...

2006-04-18T13:06:00.000+08:00

18th April 2006

Moving on ... yes and will never look back. So the question people are going to pop ... did I throw everything away, fix up a vodoo doll, burn pictures, throw a tantrum ... nope. Will treasure each moment and will never forget and besides, it was mutual. Wasn't one sided, we both agreed what's best for each other.

I guess it's back to travelling around the world looking for new experience, new faces, new culture and a new me :) Am looking forward to it already. What do I have planned? China, Turkey, Russia, Argentina, South Africa. Dunno where to go and what to do. Probably best if I start picking up friends first.

I'm sure I'll have lots more to write about when I'm 100% myself. In the meanwhile, I'm back to flying planes on my PC at home. Got a sore shoulder last week. Was on the computer for hours flying around the globe. I love MS Flight Simulator 2004. The best game there is to venture into.

That's it for now. Take care and cheers!

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do ... Cont'd

2006-04-17T13:34:00.000+08:00

Yes!!! It's Official ...

What more can I say? Cest la vie and Carpe Diem!

What else is there to say. I remembered Ann-Louise Tidell (an ex colleague of mine from Belgium) telling and hugging me at the same time while I was in tears ... "Look Khairul, this will not be your first break up and it will not be your last"

I took it positively and still am. What can I do and what will I do. Nothing. Shit happens. And besides, life's a bitch ... then you become one.

Sad? Me ... yeah but hmm ... dunno lah. Time will tell. At least I've my friends around. Take it one day at a time ... yeah. Will do that.

Why me? The question is ... Why not me? :-)

Thank you all for reading.

Love you guys!

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

2006-04-17T13:22:00.000+08:00

Don't take your love away from me
Don't you leave my heart in misery
If you go then I'll be blue
'Cause breaking up his hard to do

Remember when you held me tight
And you kissed me all through the night
Think of all that we've been through
Breaking up is hard to do

They say that breaking up is hard to do
Now I know, I know that it's true
Don't say that this is the end
Instead of breaking up I wish that we were making up again

I beg of you, don't say goodbye
Can't we give our love another try
Come on baby, let's start anew
'Cause breaking up is hard to do

SOLAR ECLIPSE IS HITTING EARTH AGAIN !!!

2006-03-29T08:12:00.000+08:00

CCRA, Ghana - Tourists and scientists were gathering at spots around the world for the first total eclipse in years, a solar show that will sweep northeast from Brazil to Mongolia and blot out the sun across swathes of the world's poorest lands.
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The last such eclipse in November 2003 was most visible from Antarctica, said Alex Young, a
NASA scientist involved in solar research.

Wednesday's eclipse will block the sun in highly populated areas, including West Africa.

In Togo, authorities imported hundreds of thousands of pairs of special glasses that consumers cleared rapidly from shelves in the capital, Lome. Villagers in the interior will not have access to the eyewear and officials called on them to stay home.

"Please, do not go out and keep your children indoors on solar eclipse day," Togo's minister for health said in a message broadcast on state television.

Day will turn to night in the eclipse's route and a corona — the usually invisible extended atmosphere of the sun — will glow around the edges of the moon as it comes between the earth and the sun.

"Imagine if your hair was to stand up from static electricity, that's kind of what the corona looks like all around the sun," NASA's Young said. But the corona's light can burn eyes.

In Ghana, where the effect will be particularly visible, people were spending about $1 for "solar shades" — paper-rimmed glasses with dark plastic lenses that resemble eyewear used for viewing three-dimensional movies.

NASA said Turkey will be the best spot to view the eclipse, and tens of thousands of tourists were expected along the Turkish Mediterranean coast. Astronomers from NASA and Britain's Royal Institute of Astronomy were also going to an ancient Roman amphitheater in Turkey to view the phenomenon.

The moon is expected to first begin blocking out the sun in the morning in Brazil before the eclipse migrates to Africa, then on to Turkey and up into Mongolia, where it will fade out with the sunset.

Superstition will follow around the world, as it has for generations.

One Indian paper advised pregnant women not to go outside during the eclipse to avoid having a blind baby or one with a cleft lip. Food cooked before the eclipse should be thrown out afterward because it will be impure and those who are holding a knife or ax during the eclipse will cut themselves, the Hindustan Times added.

Total eclipses are rare because they require the tilted orbits of the sun, moon and earth to line up exactly so that the moon obscures the sun completely. The next total eclipse will occur in 2008.

Tak Bisakah - Peterpan

2006-03-28T13:55:00.000+08:00

hatiku bimbang namun tetap pikirkanmu
selalu slalu dalam hatikuku
melangkah sejauh apapun itu
selalu kau di dalam hatiku

kuberjalan berjalan memutar waktu
berharap temukan sisa hatimu
mengertilah kuingin engkau begitu
mengerti kau di dalam hatiku

tak bisakah kau menungguku
hingga nanti tetap menunggu
tak bisakah kau menuntunku
menemani dalam hidupku

tak ada kau mencari hidupku
kemana kau tau isi hatiku
kutunggu sejenak aku disitu
jalanku jalan menemukanmu

TAKE A WHIZZ FROM TIME TO TIME ... IT'S GOOD FOR YOU :)

2006-03-28T13:46:00.000+08:00

I was at the hospital last week and progress of my kidney stones ... 2 cm! Not much progress in sense of reduction but I've been told it's a transluscent stone formed from the huge amount of uric acid in my blood. Am on a purine free diet and another date with the radiologist in September to monitor the stone progress.

A word of advise, relieve yourself from time to time and comsume tons of water. It's good for you as it cleanses your kidneys :)

Take care all!

Lost my phone ... uhuk ... uhuk

2006-03-28T13:39:00.000+08:00

It's official ... no, not that Malaysia didn't make it to the top 5 in the Commonwealth Games recently held in Melbourne ( 6 wouldn't be bad either )

I lost my phone, my sleek, silver, Samsung flip phone. I think it was taken while I was at the office. I remember leaving it on my desk and going to the loo for a whizz ... but when I came back, it wasn't on my desk anymore.

So, I lost my phone. Am I going to be bitter of the fact that I lost my phone? I'M MORTALLY WOUNDED!!! Nah ... can't be bothered but I am concdrned of the fact that I also lost the hundreds of numbers I have saved in my 128K Sim Card. So what am I going to do about it? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!

I'll save the numbers when the calls come in. In the meantime, any of you there who thinks I might have lost your number, call or text me at the same number ok :)

Cheers!

Day off today!!! Yipee ... (not) :(

2006-03-03T12:52:00.000+08:00

Today was supposed to be my day off because I had something planned for the weekend with someone. Unfortunately, my boss is away and I have to make sure that things in the office are running smoothly ... DAMN IT!!!!!

Anyway, what I'm wearing today:

My glasses
Pin stripe long sleeve shirt ( Yellow, Blue and White )
Orange Tie
Tie bar
Black Trousers
Black Shoes
Black Socks
My Tissot
Acqua di Gio
Thumb ring
And a smile on my face as always

Cheers!

My PC's Wallpaper

2006-03-03T12:46:00.000+08:00

Fantastic ain't it? Just remarkable :)