All About Shackks

Changes thru the years

2011-10-17T20:32:00.002+08:00

After a tiring day, as I was sitting down to read my news after dinner, a sudden thought comes to my mind.

Do you have such experience:

At the age of 10, you would run around with other boys who you might not even know his name, only knowing he'll be here the next day at the same time.

At the age of 12, you would hurry home after class, get change and rush your lunch. Then sprint out to your friends' house. Shouting for their names as you reached their gates. What happens next, no one knows...

At the age of 15, hogging the public telephone was a norm, leaving those behind you frustrated. Either you're chatting with your classmates, or to the sweet looking girl you're hoping to date.

At the age of 16, roaming around the streets in bikes with friends was the proudest things to do. While boasting of everything in school.

At the age of 19, dating with the college belle was the ultimate goal. One who took their studies seriously are deemed as nerds, only good when the exam is near.

However, all these happy days just zap to oblivion the moment we started our working days.

So, do you still remember your childhoods?

Cheers,
Ansy 'Shackks' MH Ooi

Lack of important feature in Windows Server 2003

2011-04-28T11:26:00.001+08:00

It's quite surprising to know that the system administrator are not able to view the history of the user's activity on the domain's resource effectively and easily. The administrators has to take several beaten path and weave it's way full of confusing settings and configurations before it's able to see the information it wanted, after filtering from the lots of useless information from the pool resulted from those settings and configurations.

I've been looking for a solution on this matter after the HOD of OSSD Department aka "My Lady Boss" asked me to do so. Using a Windows Server 2003 built from Virtual Machine 2007, I discovered that getting such information wasn't easy, or inaccessible to laymen. Scouring the internet made me understand that more than half of the world's System Administrators are looking for solutions on this matter, as early as 2004. Basically, I've no access

Why??

With the capability of being a Domain Controller of a massive network configuration, Windows Server 2003 (various edition) should be able to have various tools to made the System Administrator's life easy, enable them to access to information easily. But then, somehow, they decided to made it hard, as thou life is easy as it seems. I just couldn't understand why. Is that so hard to track activities on the Active Directory or the share resources the server has rolled out?

I just can't fathom the mind of those brilliant developers in Microsoft. They took assumptions that life are supposed to be so... err.... have they been in the shoes of System Administrators prior to their attachments in Microsoft, I asked myself sometime, every time I hit a bug in the system. Life as a System Admin aren't easy, they have to cope with the temperament machines who would just black out out of no reason, and those users who just loved to mess with those settings we meted out for their benefits. Above all, those outside factors, vendors, customers, business partners etc.

Anyway, enough of my rant, through the span of days of scouring the net for answers and solutions, I've seen scripts, utilities and various third party software, which some would work perfectly but most wouldn't. This is because our network environment are somewhat different from other typical Domain setup. We used more of workgroups and only logged on to the Domain to share the network resource aka Shared Folders, Shared Printers. Therefore, the users and workstation don't really log on to the Active Directory in the Domain Controller locally, rather through the network resource. So until now, I've nothing to reply to my boss and I'm getting quite anxious already.

For anyone who do have any idea or solutions for my scenario above, I truly appreciates your kindness to share with me.

Back to the net, hopefully for a solution...

Cheers

Andy 'Shackks' Ooi

2011 >> I've got a pet in the office!!!

2011-01-12T15:11:00.000+08:00

Happy Belated new Year 2011!!!

Was kinda late to greet my new year wish this year. All due to this job, which I've hanged on for almost a year already, left me quite breathless and tired when I reach home. Even weekends were not spared as Saturday was usually family activities out of the house when either or both Mummy or Penny are working. And Sunday is left for washing both cars, or groceries shopping. The rest of the free time was occupied on Facebook or PSP already. hehehe

Anyway, the year 2010 was quite a mix of everything, adventurous but frustrating, fun yet quiet, peaceful almost boring. Worst of all, every month are face with financial difficulties, even we tried to save no matter what. Sadly, I've faced with 2 accidents on my car, one during 2Q of 2011 and second one, a hit and run causing minor dents, a few week before 2011. So now I'm actually waiting for a windfall so that I'll have some extra money to repair the dent. Hopefully, before the Chinese New Year.

Anyway, I has been 12 days in 2011, and it seems the same as in 2010. Same environment, same people, same shit and same routine, everyday. The only thing that has change is the time and the date on the calendar. Kind of bored of the environment already, but then, I'm unable to make any drastic moves now as we've got plans for the Chinese New Year and for something big mid of 2011. So have to grit my teeth and bear with whatever comes my way. Telling myself that everything that was thrown to me was a challenge, taking them, and learnt as days goes by.

Today was quite a plain day, with the lost of directions on what to do to start my morning. Browse for some solutions and thought of installing a workstation which was requested a few months ago. But the clerk has left, therefore, the computer was brought back to the office once again. So tired.

After all those have been settled, whatever was moved, are right in it's place. I'm back to my desk, and with delight, saw a lil' black spider. Without any thoughts on it, I used a small plastic container and caught it. Now, upon the suggestion from my colleagues, it's my pet. In that container on the wall socket by the side of my desk. Ridiculous, isn't it?

Somehow, I don't really know what to feed it. Hopefully, the ants will be a delight to it.

I wishes everyone, to any follower(if any) those who actually chanced upon this quiet and lonely blog, a very prosperous 2011 and may this year be a great year for everyone.

Cheers

Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Logging in as Administrator in Windows XP.

2010-12-27T17:07:00.000+08:00

For those who are using Windows XP since it's was launched many years ago would understand the need for an Administrator's account as it's privileges within the Operating System yield almost unparallel power.

However, if you've create an user account of your name, although with the Administrator's privilege. The original in-built account would be banished to appear only in Safe Mode.

To enable to logon to the in - built Administrator's account, one will have to tweak the registry in order to enjoy the convenience. Beware, risk are high as well.

1. Click "Start" > "Run" > "Regedit" > Click "OK".

2. In the Registry Editor, browse to "H_Key_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList"

3. Right Click at the right panel, click "New" > "DWORD Value"

4. Type in "Administrator" in the Name, replacing New Value #1. Then, double click the new registry key you've just create to edit the value to 1.

Try it. I shall inserts some print screens later tonight if possible.

Above technical was from raymond.cc website while I was researching to solve an issue related to this.

Cheers,

Andy "Shackks" Ooi

DIY guide to remove Proton Gen2 head unit, and to add in AUX cable.

2010-11-02T12:01:00.002+08:00

Finally, after a few days of searching high and low in the world wide web for information, I decided to put my hands down and to use what I've learnt.

The existence of the Aux in my factory fitted car head unit will save me a small bundle of money and unnecessary trouble of having to convert mp3 to wav then burn to a CD.

Wednesday, after a brief reading of the scarce information on some forum, I then dismantle the head unit, but was stuck as I do not know the exact location of the remaining two screws which are hidden by the lower panel. I stopped, reducing the risk of breaking any plastic parts, which may be too costly to replace later on.

Off I went to research further, hopefully to be able to make some changes later on. And by chance, I managed to gather more information of the Aux pinout diagram and the 3.5mm stereo
jack wiring diagram as well. And as minutes and hours passed by, discovering more and more information needed for the project, I have a very vague understanding of how to dismantle the
head unit now. Armed with information passed by a very experienced DIY sifu, I decided to start the project on Friday night. At least, I've got Sunday for any remedial action if things gone awry.

I managed to remove the head unit from the dashboard by removing the top multi-switch panel using a butter knife, then remove it from the panel by unscrew the two screw by the side of the switch controller. Disconnect the two wiring socket was quite difficult as the black socket on the right was quite tight.

After the switch controller is out of the way, there's two screw which fasten the head unit housing in place firmly. It's clearly visible and a good Phillips screwdriver will unscrew the two screws in no time.

Then, unscrew the two screw which fasten the bottom panel so that you can pry open enough space to see the screws that fasten the housing of the head unit.

Using a butter knife, pry open bottom panel through the small gap between the head unit front's panel and the bottom panel. You'll see the screws on the bottom of the housing. I used a small screwdriver to place between the two panel to create a gap so that lesser effort to be used to create a space, and also minimizing the risk of breaking the bottom panel through excessive force. It's advisable to use a good long Phillips screwdriver with magnetic end so that you'll be able to retrieve the screws after unscrewing it.

After the two screws are out of the way, pull the head unit towards you slowly, making sure that there's nothing is blocking it. The bottom screw holder on the housing will brush against bottom panel, scratching the paint work if you neglected the bottom part while pulling the head unit.

While the head unit is halfway out of the dash, you'll be able to peep through the wiring at the back of the head unit. Make a note of it and disconnect the antenna jack on the right, then the 3 socket on the left. Remove the head unit and you're on your way to your next project.

In this project, I'll be adding an AUX cable so that I can plug into any device to listen to mp3.

I got myself some connectors, cables, heat shrink tubing and a 3.5mm stereo jack through some electronics shop down the road. One down is the smallest pin connector they have is still bigger than clip on the head unit, therefore, there's need for some modification, or else, there'll contact between the pin beside. I had the cables soldered to the 3.5mm stereo jack accordingly by the technician at the electronics store for convenience.

Back at home, I sleeved the cables into the heat shrink tubing so that the looks will be neater. Then, trying on the pin connector on the back of the Aux pin. Using a pliers, I then sized the pin connector to the correct size so that it'll fit snugly into the pin even if there's alot of shaking. I also removed the top tubing and resize it so that there'll be enough space for the other two connectors. After making sure all three pins are able to plug into the pin nicely and tight. I sleeved them into the heat shrink tubing, covered the whole pin, so there will be no contact with the other pins no matter what. Reducing the risk of short circuits.

Shrink the tubing, making sure they're fitted. Then plugs the connectors to the corresponding pins. Do some shake test to ensure they won't drop out in any case.

Then, off I go to the car to reassemble the head unit back to the dash. Now, you'll see there's two hole for the wiring to the head unit. Lead the cable to the hole on one hand, and pull the cable from the bottom of the dashboard. leaving sufficient length of cable in the head unit space so that the pin will not disconnect if you happens to pull to hard in the future.

Then slowly, push the head unit back to it's place. Making sure that the bottom screw holder do not scrap the bottom panel nor the top panel does not go too high. T

At the same position where you disconnect the socket earlier, reconnect them back, making sure you do not mess with the three AUX connectors by accident. Don't forget the antenna jack. Push the head unit to it's place firmly and test for functionality. Makes sure everything is working fine as when you remove it.

Screw the top two screw first, that will put the head unit in place firmly while you screw the bottom part. Just like earlier, carefully pry the bottom panel and place a screwdriver to create a gap. Then, screw back the two screw to secure the bottom housing.

Now, screw the bottom panel.

Place the multi-switch controller back to it's place and reconnect the two sockets. Place them back firmly and screw the two screw to it's original place. Test the switch for functionality. Makes sure everything is working. Then, place the top cover back.

And now, think of how to arrange the AUX cable nicely so that it'll not create a nuisance when you're driving.

Hope this will help. If you need any additional information, place a comment and I'll try my best to answer them.

Cheers,

Andy "Shackks" Ooi

What luck this morning...

2010-10-25T09:28:00.004+08:00

This morning as usual when I woke up and prepared to work. Routinely, as every working morning, i would put my things in my car, then reverse the myvi for the convenience of Penny.

However, I noticed Gen2 door's is not closed tight and a fast check on the cabin lights gives me a dreaded feeling that the battery has gone dead. Tried starting the car, no indicators light on and the car would not start... Gosh!!!

Therefore, I got no choice, sent mama to work with the Myvi first, then get someone to check on the car battery. However, I was quite worried that the battery is total loss and I would have to change a new one which cost about RM250. I just hope the situation could be savaged.

After I reached home, I walked to the shoplot outside my house and found a shop that service air con already opened. I approached them for assistance, but they do not have any battery on hand thus unable to help. Asked me to wait for the next door mechanic to open. Therefore, rather than waiting at home, I walked to the newly opened used tyres dealer shop to check out the tyres. Quite cheap, compared to the shop I changed for the Myvi...

One thing good I noticed today is that the shoplot's actually is a full service centre. There's 2 mechanic, 1 air cond service and a tyre dealer (but no alignment nor balancing service offered.) and there's been here for quite some time already. Not bad eh...

After a short chat at the used tyre dealer, I then left the shop and found the mechanic was already opened, but Uncle Gan, my usual mech was still closed. The air con shop I approached just now signal me to come over and they've got the battery to help me. I then arrange for them to come.

They come over, connected two cable spare the battery to my battery and starts the engine. Voila!! The engine running as it used to be. Easing my wallet. That cost RM20 (He asked for RM10, but I gave RM20).

However, after 30 minutes or so of running the engine and two round of spin, I stopped the car and restart but found some indicators light up persistently, which makes me kinda uncomfortable.

I do hope that this incident will not dent another major hole in my wallet again. So total damage is RM20 and a half day leave...

Cheers
Andy 'Shackks@ Ooi

I had a dream...

2010-09-17T13:39:00.001+08:00

I had a dream last night. Nothing much of the dream that demands such attention, actually, nor it was intriguing. But then, it made me thought about it once a while, when my mind has nothing on. It probably was a sequel to another dream I had earlier, perhaps week ago, I couldn't really recall.

In the earlier dream, vague memories was about me reprimanding a lady, perhaps a kin of mine which the face was not familiar at all. I was quite unhappy about her worshipping a spirit at our house. I told her off but she was quite adamant on doing so, which resulted her to move away. And then, I thought that was the end of the story.

However, what I dreamt of last night proved I was wrong. However, this morning's dream was perhaps a little more than it's prequel, with much more involved. It started when I was approaching the door from the living room of a house. As I reached the door, I saw 3-4 god-like spirits on the porch, and a statue of one of the spirits. They were engaged in different activities, with two of them, resembling children playing among themselves, one fairy was just lingering a watching them and another deity which had a statue, was there looking around.

Shortly before I knew it, I was talking to the deity near his statue as he was eating a small fruit on a small patch of grass. Suddenly, his fruits dropped and landed behind him. We looked down and was surprised to noticed there was some burnt incenses on the grass. The incenses was standing upright which suggested someone was worshipping something quite often. Immediately, my mind came to the lady which I reprimanded earlier. I told the deity what happened and it ponders. Then, he said some spirit might be here.

I reasoned with him, that the lady is already gone, and the spirit might be with her as she's the one who are worshipping it, and not anyone else in the house.

However, our conversation was interrupted as my mother rushed me to help her to set up the table for worship of the 7 Fairies of the moon. As the setting up are on the way, I was asked to setup the larger incense with my cousin. We then moved on to outside of the house to do so. I managed to set up mine quickly, but my cousin is having difficulties with his. I then went over to help him. Using a used candle, I then burnt it and drop some wax to form a base for the incense to stand on, somehow, after 3 to 4 tries, the base that I was trying to create took the form of a bullet-shaped lighter. No matter how I did it, it just repeatedly took that form time and time again. Thus, we just tried to let the incense to stand on the lighter, but the lighter cracked into pieces once the incense is forced toward it.

Then, my dream ended. Nothing much though, but then, it let me thought about it quite often.

Cheers

Andy "Shackks" Ooi

2010-07-07T17:32:00.001+08:00

Yay!!!

I've been promoted in conjuction to my conformation after the probation period. 6 months has passed so easily, and the first day I reported to work in this company was still so vivid in my memory as though it was just yesterday. Everyone was quite surprised that months has gone and I'm now wearing uniform already... Oh, the uniform, let us not dwell much about it or else this will be endless.

Anyway, I've already updated half of the story last week, if I'm not wrong.

Let me update you the second half of the story now. Thursday, if I'm not wrong, I went to talk to my superior about the increment. I braved myself with a deep breath and knock the door and went in, said my piece, came out and walk away with a sigh of relief. Not relief about what I've told her or the fact that she'll look into this matter, but more on the fact that I've already said what I wish to convey, rather than being a coward and keep it to myself.

However, after 2 weeks, what I've expected happened. Although she did look into this matter and did some adjustment, however, the sum wasn't really to my expectation and I was quite disappointed. The end result was just something to appease me after the conversation. It does alter the fact that I'm still considered as a cheap labour - or maybe, in their eyes - we are. Slaves which should not be too bothered about and does not deserves to strife to live in the life as they are. Therefore, It's quite disturbing and somehow, showed me the "togetherness" they have been talking about. It was just nothing but just lip service.

With such instance, I made my decision. I need to survive and at where I'm now, I can't be dawdling in my life no more and I should have a bottom life defined by myself, rather by someone with the nature of belittling their subordinates.

On a more relaxing note, from my point of view which I believe everyone will concurs with me. The 2010 Word Cup which is towards the end will be won by the Germans. They are strong in teamwork, fast on the attack and a dedicated defences had caused upsets to several teams who happened to be favourites before the World Cup such as England and the Argentina. Therefore, don't forget to watch it...

Cheers,

Andy "Shackks" Ooi

A fall from the sky...

2010-07-02T14:03:00.001+08:00

What happened as a pleasant surprise a few weeks ago, has now becomes a disappointment now.

Few weeks ago, i was told that I'll be confirmed and also promoted to another level on the corporate leader. This tidings brought happiness and makes me felt that the efforts and self-believe i gave into this job are worth it after all - not only for the self-satisfaction. I've started counting the days and hoping that the incerment of my monthly remuneration are good. Hopefully, able to improve my current financial standings so that
I'll be a lil' more comfortable.

After a few weeks, all those hopes and happiness began to evaporate so quickly as it came. Everything was like going back to square one and all of a sudden, my enthusiasm for this job has gone away. I received news that the increment was nothing more than a mole-hill which, in my very own opinion, was not of the promoted level. I felt humiliated and insulted by the increment. I was being consoled that what I heard was just rumours and nothing is concreted yet, therefore, I started to seek solace in those consolation, hoping the real thing would be better that what I'd heard earlier.

Yesterday, the real thing came. I saw the paper and the rumour turns out to be true. The deal was passed out with ink and seal. This time, my pride was totally crushed after seeing the words used in the letter and the figures of my incremented salary in the black print on white thick Conqueror Paper. But then, I reluctantly added my acknowledgement. Never understand why had I done it nor what is the consequence that will be later.

I was rash to seek comfort in many irrelevant minds hoping that someone might shed a light on what to do next, however, I can sense such will only bring undesired consequences in the very near future. One response even had a hint of sarcacism by saying that I should be happy that position gives me free glamour and my dissatisfaction can be easily be erased with my branded accesories and my costume jewelleries. No matter what response I've received, I still felt that the increment I've received was in the form of a package - a Buy 1 Free 1 package. I can't justify this action and the increment given to me. Some felt the same way as I do while felt that it was how they are. The environment here is really true to the saying "You pay peanuts, you get monkey".

I'm still weighing on the option if I should bring this matter to my superior's attention, hopefully, she'll be able to do something for me. However, I'm quite sceptical on that and kept thinking about the way I'll be mocked by her. i wonders if this has beaten my confidence that I now no longer has the strength to walk forward on my own. Working in such environment wasn't that comfortable at all and for countless of times, I did think of ending my employment here, hopefully, will free myself from the dreadful feeling I've been going through everyday.

So, what shall I do now?

Shall i go and give it a try, or shall I bow down cowardly?

Cheers

Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Tips & Tricks of computing - How to add a troublesome network printer

2010-06-16T09:21:00.001+08:00

Ever stuck in a situation where you're connected to the network printer in your local area network but no matter how you try to install in your computer, Windows just can't find it on the network?

Well, I was in this situation last week. For the whole week, I'm able to ping the network printer, but no matter how I try to connect to the printer. Windows Vista just can't seems to locate it. What I meant of network printers are printers which are connected to the network via an ethernet cable rather than shared through a computer. This printer are getting common nowadays and are more convenient and idependent compared to those connected and shared from a computer.

Anyway, let's get to topic. This trick may applies to all the Windows Operating Systems but my personal experiences are on Windows Vista 32-bit over Sony Vaio's laptop. This trick allows me to connect to an printer that are on another network connected to my local network over VPN.

Before you move on to the below guide, try to connect with the printer by installing the drivers as per recommended by the manufacturer. Consult the printer's manual or check the manufacturer's website for best installation method. If unable to install because the installation are unable to communicate to the printer over the network, then move on to the next step:

1. First of all, do make sure all the printers details such as model and suitable drivers are present and ready in your hard disk.

2. Then, open a dos prompt windows and do a ping to the printer IP address to check for connectivity. If there's prompt reply to your ping, then, ping to the address continuously by adding "/t" option to the ping command.

3. Let the ping go on and you may starts to install the network printer. Try to connect to the printer with the installation as per recommended by the manufacturer, that is with the installation software that are provided with the printer.

4. If the installation software fails, then add your printers in the "Printers & Faxes" windows (Windows XP) or "Printers" in the Control Panel (WIndows Vista & 7).

5. At the above mentioned folder, click "Add Printers" link to open the "Add a Printer" for (Windows XP) or "Add Printer" (for Windows Vista & 7) Wizard.

6. Then Follow the wizard's instruction you reach to the step where the wizard as you to select a Local Printer or a Network Printer. Click on the "Local printer attached to this computer" radio button. and untick the check box for "Automatically detect and install my Plug & Play printer. For P&P, you'll not need to use this wizard. Then click the Next button.

7. At the next step - Select a Printer Port, Click on the "Create a new port" radio button and select "Standard TCP/IP Port" for the Type of port option. mThen click "Next".

8. This will open the "Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port Wizard" windows. Follow the wizard instruction and click Next until you reach the "Add Port" step.

9. For Windows Vista and 7, select "TCP/IP device" for "Device Type". then, at the first text box title "Printer Name or IP address", type in the IP address for the printer that you wish to connect. Usually, the Port Name will automatically filled with the IP address and a couple of extra number or character as you type the IP address in the first text box. Just ignore the second text box, unless it's still empty after you type in the in address. If that's the case, type in IP_ follows by the IP Address you entered just now. Then click Next.

10. Click Finish at the next screen to complete the current wizard.This will close the Add Standard TCP/IP Printer Port Wizard and go back to the Add Printer Wizard.

11. After that, choose the printer driver, or click "Have Disk" to browse for the driver in your PC.

12. Then, click Browse and find the driver files in your Hard Disk or removable media. These files are usually ".inf" files.

13. After finding the software drivers, the wizard will display a list of printers which the driver files are for. Select the printer model that you wished to install and click Next.

14. If the next steps enquire you whether to keep or to replace the existing driver, just select "Replace existing driver" and click Next.

15. Now, the wizard should be installing the driver or copying the required driver files to your hard disk.

16. It's your choice to share the printer for other's in your network to use and to print a test page.

Now, I believe you should be able to print using the printer you just installed.

Cheers

Andy Ooi

Should I or shouldn't I?

2010-06-08T10:41:00.001+08:00

For now, the only reason I stay on here is for the money. That's the only motivation that keeps me going from one day to another.

I don't know if I'm being negative or just things aren't going well for me at this stage of time. I somehow felt that this place aren't right for me and I do not have the drive nor the energy to go after what I'm looking for in this job. Eventhough I've been here for a few months, I'm not able to blend in and I always felt I'm alone. The feeling is so lonely and the daily routine seems like a chore. I've developed a habit of watching the time now and then eager to know when I'll be freed. The mood changes whenever I entered the factory in the morning and changes again in the evening after work. Is this healthy?

No, it isn't healthy. Sometime, i managed to convince myself I can live on with this job but as days passed by. My opinion changes and my mind sticks on to the original plan of seeking a living elsewhere when something unhappy hits me. This has makes me so tired and confuse of what I'm seeking, making my goal blurred out. Making me so fatigue that I don't even have the extra energy to do what I wish to do. Why is this so?

I do understand that lives aren't that comfy and I do not have the luxury of being picky of the working environment that I fancy. I bow to the fact that I'm nothing to slave of time and money just as what majority of us is in this society. Having to tolerate and keeps our opinion and grouse to ourself no matter where and when just because we are weak in certain area which plunge us to the lowest level in the command tier of any society. We tend to kneel for money and bow for power, hiding our dignity and making us ever so humble in front of those who do not deserve it. Our dignity and ego are only flaunt towards those who do not deserve such treatment, but then, we just blindly display it without the second thought if there's ever the need of such at the point of time. It's just for self-satisfactory after we hid it ever so well for survival.

The smile we wears on the face are ever so real only to discover that it was fake. However, the quality of the smile was so real, that only those who knows, understand it was just for show. Is there a desperate need of hypocrisy just for the sake of survival?

Why can't we be true to ourself, to others of how we felt and think no matter where we are or who are we with?

Why do we, just for survival, have to hide our inner self, hide our pride and dignity?

Do we really have to do that so that we're able to have meat and rice on the dining table?

Why?

The answer to these questions are so simple. As I mentioned earlier, those who has the money, has the powers, will stands on the uppermost part of the command tier of the society, while we, the pauper or the average Joe, will only be the lower part of the command tier - bowing for power and kneel for money. Some, in desperate, doing things against their conscience or disintegrates themselves to what we call criminals.

Our goals are simple - to climb upwards. However, the ladder aren't the same as those normal ladder you see anywhere. Not everyone can climbs these ladders. Some are destined to be at the top of the ladder, some are good enough or lucky enough to ascends fast and smooth. However, some - due to turns of events or plain unlucky - just slid down to the bottom of the ladder.

Seems like my topic of the day has slide sideways again. So, I'll not continue any further. Back to work now and will continue another day.

Keep your toes with you all the time...

Cheerios

Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Something I saw from the youtube.com

2010-05-25T10:42:00.002+08:00

Last week as I was browsing youtube.com for some new videos to be entertained, I came across a Malaysian movie being uploaded onto the website. In fact, the whole movie was splitted into 11 parts was the full movie you get to see in the cinema or at home via DVD. I wonder how could one has such patience not only to upload the whole movie but to split them up equally to comply with the limit set by youtube.com.

However, due to the movie features on cars and drift (not much of pretty girls, for your info, the culture in Malaysia doesn't has space for those), I couldn't bear to let it be another entry on my Mozilla Firefox's history, therefore, I clicked on the first video. And shortly, one video rolled following another,and in no time, i reached the 10th, sparing the 11th as it was just the credits of the film. To appreciates the film in my own way, I actually fast forward the 11th video to see who is the production crew. In my opinion gathered after limited experiences of watching local films. I finds that this one is extremely good and worth spending the money for the blockbuster ticket but not to the extend of having a hard-copy for collection. There are things, which are just not that satisfying... Too much talking, and the actions seems too much professional even for the villian's followers.

The story line wasn't that refreshing as it was just another "I'm back for you" plot where the villian are back to get back what he's lost in the past. And the main character are somehow involved in the past which are only revealed later on in the movie. Furthermore, in between the main plot the supporting casts starts getting jealous and splits up while the main character are busy lovey dopey with the female character. To think of it, there are no more than 10 female cast in the whole movie with 2 on the good side (main female and supporting character) and the rest being the "pack of the gangs" on the villian's side (they are just there, being on a corner of the screen, no movement, no dialog).

Racing and drift actions movie are getting common nowadays starting with The Fast & Furious from the west and Thunderbolt from the East (starring Jackie Chan) - just to name a few - and these movies are always on the billboard as days goes by hoping to rake a couple of millions while the interest among the viewers are still there. However, these movies managed to create their own characteristic and selling point which makes us wouldn't want to miss each and every of these movie. But then, this movies surface at the end of this trend which I starts finding the racing scenes, whether on the track or road) are repeating or even as though they are so familiar which I thought I saw it somewhere. The drifting especially on the road during the chase, are so perfect which only 3 cars are crashed throughout the whole show, makes me wonders if drifting actually originated from Malaysia rather than Japan. I understand these performance cars are pricey here in Malaysia but then, ever spared a thought that accidents do occurs, especially on the road. How is it that a law enforcer who drives a modded Sylvia can drift that well? How does he afford that, come to think of it?

One of the main features of this movie I felt it's worth highlighting first is the slang during the conversation, not the dialog. The villians are not only talking in broken/pasar BM but also cantonese on and off throughout the movie... Well, I've never thought that the Malaysian Censorship Board would be so generous to let this slip through them. It's quite refreshing to see a couple of local gangster talking in slangs and cantonese, localising the movie. For me, at least, there's a reason to watch this movie, being a Malaysian and able to connect to the story line, or else, it would be just another foreign movie, which I believe my interest on this movie would drip faster than when I was watching Titanic.

Technically, the rides and hardware are well done too. Modded not to the extreme but just enough for auto enthusiast to salivate whenever the rides are on the screen. The external modding of the ride are good enough for me to hope that the ride will be on the screen for once more. The colour matching and the theme used for the rides does not force itself to our eyes resulting in a distaste feeling, but leaves us hoping for more. A lil' drawback I felt in this movie on this aspect is that I can't really feel the bond between the driver and his ride as what we normally would have and there's impossible to hide no matter how you try. But then, there's no such feeling in this movie. Maybe this is something which I'll hope it'll improve in coming sequel.

And the angle of the screen during those chase, race are well taken, capturing the exciting moment of the actions, which captures our interest to follow the plot or rather the rides. This is especially important , in my point of view, for the movie to keep captivating us, giving us the feel it's supposed to deliver. I finds it's quite successful which stops me from my work and clicking from my part of the movie to another, being impatient as the new part started load due to the expensive yet inefficiency of Streamyx. I like movies that gives me such feelings and this is one since 2 Fast 2 Furious.

Overall, I find that this movie is a proof that Malaysian movie industry has matured to a certain stage enough to share the stage with the others already on the international board. If such standards are maintain or improved, Malaysian movies will very soon becomes the hopefulls for international prestigious awards throughout the world. Let us pray these days will come soon.

Signing out...

Andy "Shackks" MH Ooi

Ushering a new year...

2009-12-31T10:15:00.003+08:00

It's time again for us to usher a new year leaping into new challenges and also hoping that this new year will be a bountiful year for us. But before that, let us sit down and think for a moment what had 2009 given us.

For me, 2009 is another roller coaster ride as what I've been through in 2008 but the latter presents me with more excitement, happiness and quite a fair share of grief and despair.

I started 2009 with plenty of emptiness but that soon had me filled in with new hopes and dreams when I've found a soul-mate who is able to share my dreams and my happiness not to mentioned being by my side shouldering my gried and despair just when I need her. With an equal share of grief and despair, a mistake I've made quickly became an opportunity for some ungrateful wretches to stab me in the back which has been an regret for some time. It was hard to recover but we did. Enduring the days where these mongrels are by my side breathing the same air, eating the same food, waiting for another chance to hurt us again, it forms an excitement to makes their life difficult by exploiting their weakness and their greed for power. That turn out to be a pleasure for us after some time. However, by that time, we were focussing on our journey to Europe, therefore, the antics of these weasels are no more our pleasure nor attention, although we do get excited whenever there's a chance to slap them with a humilliating front. That's what they deserve for such betrayal earlier.

By Mid of 2009, I've travelled half of Europe covering France, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Italy and also Budapest with my loved one. Sharing my dreams, discovering new cultures and marvelling at amazing architecture and nature as we journey through these countries through trains and flights. We learnt alot of their histories and adapted into the culture of sipping a cup of cappucino's on the side-walk while the world just bustling in and out. Otherwise, some light shopping on a raining afternoon presents you a galore of wonders which you never have thought existed. It is indeed a exiciting and new experiences exploring new cities by foot eating and drinking away. Those memories will be etched to my heart forever for it's my dreams to set foot on a continent with a fascinating histories and cultures.

Shortly my return to Malaysia which are filled with hopes, I started work in Singapore but that lasted only 3 months despite my commitment to the job. However, we can't force things if it doesn't work, therefore, I left to much relief. All the time, I was rushing here and there, being so tight and often discriminated by the employer due to my physical built. At the fourth quarter of 2009, I was jobless, without an income roaming the streets of Johor Bahru for opportunities.

Without any regrets, I thanks 2009 for the wonderful time it had given to me and the experiences I learnt grow from it.

I wishes everyone a Happy New Year and hopefully, your 2010 will bring you new hopes and challenges.

Cheers,
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Bed of Roses

2009-12-04T10:09:00.002+08:00

Many says that Life ain't a bed of roses... But to me, life is like lying on a bed of roses. To enjoy the companion of the beautiful blossoms, you'll have to endure the thorns that protects the roses.

Life is all about pains and it's achievement. It has been several months I'm back in Malaysia now, and seasons has past on the other side of the globe where I've been the past 2 years. However, I still misses London and it's lifestyle as much as I misses home when I'm in UK. How was that to be? I wonder, but I never managed to get any answers till date.

I've come to realise that many things are so much different and influences our mindset and opinions that we became somewhat self-conflicting.

For instance, when I'm in UK, i misses home, family and friends and the places where memories lingers on to make me move on when I'm down and out. But, when I'm back here, when I should be delighted to be home. Such a feeling only lasted a moment. Just like how the roses lasted and now I misses UK. Going through all sorts of hiccups and bumps here at home.

Although the life in UK was harder than at home, hard to imagine but then, the roses of the life was enjoyable. The roses alone are enough to let the painful scorns of it's thorns to be forgotten, maybe only to be regretted when I'm there... Well, we never know.

However, facing the fact that what's done is done. I'm now where I call my home, I shall step back to reality, fulfill my commitment and work hard hoping one day, roses will blossoms here and the bushes will have lesser thorns that it will be.

May Uk stays on as beautiful as what it has shown to me and hopefully, it's glory will live on forever for my children to see and they shall feel and see the atmosphere I once saw.

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Countdown to Home...

2009-04-06T17:05:00.002+08:00

It has been two winters ever since I came to England in 2007 and now, I'm counting my days with mixed emotions. I'm confused. I don't know if I'm happy to leave this place but I kinda like it here. At least, the living standard aren't that high here.

However, UK is not my Home no matter what. Home is where the family is and my home is in Malaysia where my loved ones are waiting for me. Anyway, I'm looking for the day to come where I can hug my mum after being away from here for that 2 years which I can only hear her voice but not being able to see her. I miss her and I want to see her. It's time to go back now. haha

Furthermore, this place consist too much of memories I wish to leave behind and starts a new one. Everytime I look back, memories stabs me in the heart, memories once was sweet had turn sour now and I don't intend to dwell on them too much. I already have someone who are good enough for me to live for and I want to start a new life with her. A new chapter in life with her, hopefully, till the end of my book.

But then, before I go back to settle down. I'll explore at least half of Europe to gain more experience and see as much as I can. For I can't foresee any opportunities of roaming the streets of any european cities in the near future once I'm back home. So, this will be the best time to do it, since I'm still young and strong enough.

Time does fly and I shall be off to work now, or else, my bank account will not be fat enough for my holidays.

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Heavy snow for 2 days

2009-02-05T19:09:00.005+08:00

What happened on Sunday came as a shock for us. While we're busy sorting out, cleaning tables, as the lunch session are about to end, outside started snowing. That afternoon was a very busy one as everyone came for the lion dance performance and it was chaotic. Almost every table was occupied and there's still handful of people waiting in the bar for empty table, and thankfully, they waited patiently.

Sunday started with a gloomy morning then a sunny afternoon, when the lion dance performance started. As time passed on, clouds began to gather and blocked the sun away about 3pm. As the day began to tick nearer to four, snows began to every land it could. It stopped at 4pm and started again about 7pm. Pei Yee was hoping it would continue until late night so that we can have some fresh ones on our face as we walked home but it din't happened. But then, as we reaches home, it began snowing again. Heavy snowing and wind creates a scene like those you would only sees it in the movies. It was like a snowstorm, with snows falling from everywhere even into the house if you open the windows. Visibility are limited due to the snow and what used to be greens and tar are nothing but layers of white snow.

On Monday morning, as the snowing continues, the layers of snow on the ground reaches approximately 1 inch thick. It's almost impossible to drive or even to walk as normal but then, we took the best of it and had some fun. We came out early, had some snowballs flying around, snapping some pictures and took 15 minutes to make a very simple snowman. A normal walks to work only takes about 20 minutes max but we took almost 50 minutes to reach. All due to the thick snows and also snapping some pictures for memories. It was quite a beautiful scene with layers of white snows covered every inches of land or horizontal platform on the face of the earth surrounding us. Everything was white, the roof of the houses, the cars, grassland, trees, everywhere. Nothing else can be seen (except for the walls). It's the first time I've seen such heavy snow in UK. Not even in Iceland (well, it was snowing on the day I reached Iceland, but when I reached late at night, most of the snow had melted.).

On the Town centre, the first floor car park was empty as the ground was covered in snows as well and the pond was a No Entry due to safety reason. We can't use the stairsdue to slippery conditions. Some shops aren't open and everyone who's out are for some reason, definitely not for leisure. Only the kids are out for some fun in the snow. Business that day was bad as everyone prefers to stay indoor for the road was wet and slippery. Cars are slow on the road to avoid accident and we're extremely cautious when we cross the roads. We avoided crossing the main road on the way to work as a slip while crossing the road would be fatal.

It was truly a quite afternoon and later on in the evening, the management then decided to close early to minimise the loss and get to finish early. We did some shopping for groceries and then went home. On the way home, we had some fun with the snows throwing snowballs at each other, stepping on the fresh snows on the grassland. it was quite fun actually. Albeit the fact that the grounds was slippery and wet. We reached home about half eight and i did not waste any time bulding a proper snowman. It took me about an hour to build one at the height that reaches my shoulder. But the next day, someone took the head away.

Good thing don't last. On the sunny tuesday, the snows began to melt. The beaten track of snow became ice due to the low temperature and became extremely slippery as what I've experienced in Iceland when I was on the Golden Circle Tour walking on the Þingvellir national park and the Gullfoss waterfall. While on the way to work, Pris almost had an accident as we had no choice but to walk on the road and it was so slippery that she can't return to the footpath when there's a car approaching us. Somehow, I managed to pull her to the footpath.

It was indeed a nice experience and the scenery which we took for granted everyday was even better. Some may not like it, but for me, it was nice. A relaxing walk yesterday with Pei Yee within the white landscape will be a very good memories in time to come when I returned to Malaysie where's it's impossible to witness such scene again. But for now, I'll have some trouble walking to work later on...

It's foggy today maybe due to the condensation of the ice but then, according to BBC weather forecast, it's going to be a rainy day which I can foresee more walking problem and tomorrow will have a another session of snowing. We'll see how it goes then.

Cheers
Andy 'Shackks' Ooi

How Time Flies

2009-02-01T08:46:00.000+08:00

Time really flies. February is here and the memories of Christmas when I went to Birmingham with Jack, Pris and Penny was still very vivid. January 2009 was very much of a fantasy which are worthy to be recorded into my history. It was a month of a roller coster where I'm really lost and the New Year still brings back some unwanted memories. However, towards the end of January, 2009 shows what changed it brought me.

True to some who said 'Being with someone who you loves are more painful than being with someone who loves you'. I now understand what it means. I've somehow, with some blessing found someone who loves me and she actually took the initiativeto make her feelings knowns. it was quite a funny story and we're now enjoying every day as minutes and hours passes by.

I now dare not think of the distant future and makes any plans for the both of us as I could not promise her anything, but I'm treasuring my moments with her everyday and hopefully, our relationship will blossom as days passed by. Never had I imagined we'll be together but then, I believe that Fate does have a way of surprising us everyday in our life when we least expected. We used to be bitter-heads but now, we are the talk of our colleagues teasing us and making jokes about our relationship.

Anyway, It's the 7th day of the Chinese New Year which stands for the birthday of Man. In Malaysia, it's the day where we has Yee Sang with our family. But for me, all I can imagine is a busy day ahead.

Cheers
Andy Ooi

Happy 2009

2009-01-01T18:09:00.000+08:00

The year of 2008 has been a roller coaster ride for me. Happy moments, good memories and aching events which I've no intention to elaborate. All of them somehow found their way to me last year.

No matter what, I'm still grateful for those happy moments graced upon me and shall learn from what I've experienced throughout the year.

I wishes everyone a Happy 2009 with loads of happiness, fortunes and good health.

Snowing in November.

2008-10-29T07:49:00.008+08:00

A year ago, I would be jumping with joy like a lil' boy whose his parents bought him something he wanted long long ago. But today, it's just so painful. Every drops of it are like sharp sword thrusted into my heart bringing out the memories of what happened 7 months ago when we first saw snow that thick in Acton.

A sudden drop of temperature this Autumn might means winter comes early it was snowing quite heavily this evening about 8pm something. It continues to snow until 9 plus leaving a thick trail of snow everywhere.

It was a beautiful sight, but to me, it's a sight which brought out painful memories. We had so much fun then when we first saw the snow which we're expecting since last year. We're so excited like lil' boys and girls and we even made a lil' snowman ourself and gave it a name. But now, it's just snow. Nothing more than that.

Couldn't resist taking some pictures while I'm on my way back from London, I've managed to get some shot:

Earlier today, I went to visit Vicky as we've been talking about meeting up but never did so. So, after a brief chat last night, we made up a date and we eventually met up today. I went over to their house mid day today in Hackney and to my surprise, there's a Bansky's work just opposite their flat. Lucky them.

I've been reading alot about this graffiti artist when I was in London and saw alot of his work through the newspaper and this is the first time I saw it with my own eyes. Lucky Nasri get to admire it everytime he's smoking outside. lol

From Vicky's flat

Closed Up

Cheers,
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

I've fucked my life.

2008-10-10T06:43:00.002+08:00

Walking alone in the middle of a dark and cold autumn night after work.

"What the fuck am I doing here?" I asked myself.

My life is fucked up in England. I've got no life now. My girlfriend who I loved deeply left me. All my effort, my love for her has come to nought. All of it has become worthless now. Not even worthy compared to the fallen leaves during the cold and dry autumn. All the while, I've loved a woman who has been pining the hope the man who she loves will return to her. All the while, my love for her has not been able to penetrates deep into her heart, all cause her heart has been filled up with the hope that has nothing to do with me. My hope for the future which surrounded around her, my readiness to sacrifice for her happiness and well-being, are all for the sake of nothing.

What used to be sweet memories that has etched to my heart are nothing but sharp needles attached firmly causing aches and pain, which I believe, no physical pain I've endured during this lifetime will be able to surpass it. Every heartbeat are just as painful as every day without her. However, life still has to go on. The matter she has left has become a reality which can't be reversed, which I hoped it can be.

I'm now all alone. No friends or anyone who is ready to sit down and listen to me. All I do every night is to convince myself to sleep. So that, tomorrow, when the sun rises again, I too rises. For the sake of my future. As much I hated this job, but I've become a tool to earn money, as what everybody does. Except they've done it with a solid objective. While I, with my dreams and hopes being quashed, still searching for my objectives, my life.

Everyday is the same repetition of life. Nothing changes. It's not as colourful as it used to be. I've become dull and my "colour" has faded so much I can't even recognises myself anymore.

"Is that me?" Surprised.

What needed to be done to find my real me?

Cheers
Andy OOi

I pierced my ears!!

2008-10-03T07:34:00.004+08:00

Yeap... That's what I did this afternoon after I cleaned the hostel. I was cleaning the hostel and suddenly, the idea of piercing my ears spring to my mind and I put everything down and changed my clothes. After that, I just went over to one of the shop and spent a £5 for 2 studs stuck on my ear lobs.

malas take photo of d other side la.

Now I'll have to live with this pair of gold studs for 6 weeks and gotta clean it twice daily. According to the lady, I must use hot water with some salt. However, I just use some antiseptic cream. Much much more convenient la. Hopefully, after 6 weeks, I'll be able to change to some nice nice earing liao. Or better still, enlarge the hole like some of them does it here.

See how lar. Depend on my mood. Perhaps, I'll just stick to the taditional earing, or maybe I'll be a lil' extraordinary and goes for the weird stuff.

Cheers
Andy Ooi

Foggy Morning in Harlow

2008-09-29T06:52:00.004+08:00

For some reason, Friday morning was very foggy. The fog was still very visible when I started work at 12pm. I was surprise when I looked outside of the windows and visible wasn't very good for a sunny 9.15am.

From the corrider.

From my room.

Luckily, the fog was persistent enough so that I'm able to take this pictures after I bath.

Aniway, something happened this afternoon. A group of 14 celebrated a 13th year's old birthday at our restaurant. When they left, they left gradually, when everyone cleared the table, me, Chee Yong and Pei Yee went over and clear the tables of glasses, bowls, plates and other rubbish as usual.

After a while, one of them - a young lady - came over and ask if we saw a black box and some envelopes. We checked around but there's no such thing. Therefore, we continued with our cleaning. As I was just clearing the glasses and wares, I wasn't around that table anymore and only Chee Yong and Pei Yee was there. Out of curiousity, I went over and kaypoh.

"What happened?" I asked.

"Did you see a black box and some envelope?" Chee Yong replied.

"She says it contained money in the envelope." Continued Chee Yong.

"No leh." I answered.

That young lady looked anxiously but her items are still unrecoverable. After some querying, the young lady's grandfather then went over to Jack and had some conversation. Jack then came over to the station with the old man and dunno do wat. After a while, I went back to the station and the old man ask me if there's another bag being dumped already.

"No." I answered.

The young lady then said she wanted to see the CCTV recording and said she intends to lodge a police report.

"Well, go ahead lor" I thought.

I then referred them to Jack and after a while, I saw Jack calling somebody. Our lady boss then appeared and talked to them. As we were busy clearing the tables, I didn't really bothered about what was going on as our break is nearing.

I wonders what happened.

Cheers

Andy MH Ooi

My complaints

2008-09-26T23:12:00.002+08:00

I was complained this afternoon for something I did not do. Worst of all, the act that I was alleged are so absurd that there's no way I will carried out during the job.

A pair of elderly indian couple actually complained me of digging my nose in the station and then serves them before washing my hands!!

This complaint is so absurd that I jumped at Jack who had received the complaint.

I've received 2 complaints so far and they are as follows:

1. I was being rude to the customer.
It was a very busy that night and the group of 5 or 7 of them requested me to take their orders for drinks. I checked their ticket and found that they're arranged to buy their own drinks at the bar and so I told them so. They told me they want to change to another table so that they can order their drinks and I told we do not work that way. And I walked off. Afterwards, I saw 2 ladies from the table talking to Pris.

2. Digging my nose in the station and not washing my hands.
This is the most absurd and funniest complaint I had so far. How would someone actually done that openly. Even I finds it disgusting and would leave the restaurant immediately. The nearest act I can recall is brushing my nose cause it was itchy, that's all.

Working in UK can be very demanding as customer can and will complain you for every lil' things you do. All they seeks is that lil' discounts off their meals thus will finds fault with anything they can. Yet, we're working our arse off for that lil' amount of coppers everyweek.

Cheers
Andy MH OOi

A scary dream came true...

2008-09-24T22:37:00.002+08:00

It was funny to think that how a dream can can come true and woke your biggest fears and worries when it really happens.

Last nite after a good chat with mummy over the msn, I took two pills for my flu and went to sleep. Somehow, the pills wasn't that effective as it used to be the previous nite and I couldn't sleep so I ended up fiddling with the downloads which I'd let run overnite. After a while, I checked the clock and was surprised to realised the time is already 3.00am and quickly went to sleep forcing myself to sleep no matter what. Gotta work tomorrow, you see.

At some point of time, I was in a point of mid-conciousness and I dreamt of a teacher asking me for advice for her two pupils who had lost their passport. They're from abroad and needs to go back to their country after a cultural exchange activity between England and their home country. Thus, losing their passport will means they risk being misidentified as illegal immigrants which will be captured and imprisoned for a period of time before being sent back. The teacher was worried sick and do not how to do. I was nonchalant to their plight at first as I do not what is the best solution for them. After a while, I advice her to report the case to the police and then report to the their embassy or High Commision and see if there's anything the embassy can do about it. I'm sure they'll be able to reissue a passport or some temporary pass for them to leave the country and enters their home country.

After a while, i woke up. This dream lingers for quite a while in my head and I wonders what will I do if I happens to fall into this plight.

"Will there be anyone to help me?"

"What will happen if I failed to produce my passport if I was asked to on the streets?"

"Will the authority believes me and assist me in recovering my passport or even helps me to get a new one?"

Then, something springs up in my mind.

"Where is my passport?"

I remember bringing it out for dinner last nite as I'm unsure where I'm going next so I thought I'll bring it with me just in case. I remembered slotting it in my back pocket of my jeans before putting on my jacket. Somehow, my memory recalls that when I get home, my back pocket was empty. I starts to panicked. I then quickly checked my bag, my jeans and then my room... Shit!!! None. My passport was nowhere to be found!

So, I calmed myself and then recalled where I went and what I did last nite. Eventually, I took the decision to go back to the restaurant I went for dinner last night and try my luck if they kept my passport for me, if I really dropped it there.

After a minute of changing, I checked with my housemate where's the local police station if there's any event I need to go there to make a report. However, she does not know. Come to think of it, I wonder what that lil' brain of her's contain. haha

Aniwae, even without the idea of the whereabout of the local police station, I still rushes over to the restaurant immediately with the hope that I do not need to make a trip to the police station if they happens to keep my passport for me.

Alas, as the restaurant gets nearer and nearer, I noticed the door has an A4 notice.

They were not open for business today!!!

The notice reads "Due to a fault, we'll be closed until 1700pm ". So, I peeked thru the windows and fortunately, there's someone in the restaurant. I keep knocking the window and they keep telling they are shut.

"I'm not here to eat!!" I thought angrily.

Making silly gesture to plead them to the door, however, a waitress then saw me and went to their counter and got something and hurry to the door. When she opens the door, she handed me my passport (at this point of time, I heaved a huge sigh of relief immediately) and ask me if everything was intact. I flipped through my passport and makes sure two copies of paper attached to the passport are present and then replied to her everything was well and thank her profusedly.

She replied "It was nothing, and we tend to keep such important things and return to customers. it was nothing"

Then, i left the restaurant was a sense of gratefulness in my heart and luckily, I left a 10% tip last nite after the dinner. The tip really works well though. I then shopped around the town centre before goes back to the hostel...

Come to think of it, if I did not advice the teacher what to do in the dream, will I ever see my passport again??

Think about it.

Cheers
Andy M.H. Ooi

P.s. I still loves you, Jessie...

My New Job

2008-08-08T22:31:00.002+08:00

It's been a month since I moved to this lil' quiet town in Harlow for my new job. It's just a normal waiting job but the catch is that it provides meals and accomodation... Which makes me save a plenty of ££ every week. However, I'm alone here as Jessie are working in the London's branch. So, it's kinda lonely here, fortunately, the colleagues are a good companies.

Comparitively, the people are more friendly from those in London and the lifestyle are more relaxed. This self-contained town has everything you need and the people here are quite diverse in race and ethnicity. Although shopping are quite limited compared from London, but then, there are enough retails to tempt you from parting your hard-earned money from your wallet or your bank account, which fortunately, I've been quite resistent enough. hahaha Furthermore, with Jessie controlling the finance, It's safe to say that I've been a good boy in terms of spending money on unnecessary clothing or gadgets.

Now that Jessie are going back to Malaysia for 3 weeks, I really do not know how to cope the loneliness as what keeps me going all these while is the thought of able to meet her once a week when I'm not working. However, it's not possible for me to fly to and fro once a week (unless I'm a rich tycoon). It's sad, but I know it's unavoidable as the trip are neccesary. The only thing I can hope for is the 3 weeks will just fly by with a blink of an eye.

Cheers
Andy MH Ooi

A new episode of life...

2008-07-03T19:10:00.002+08:00

Life... It's capable of twisting you when you least expected. It makes you adapt and readapt to new environment and situation, when you're just starting to get comfortable of your current life. Maybe, that's what makes life interesting, but some may take it as tiring. To me, I don't know it's a challenge or a joke god has thrown to me. Nonetheless, I shall take it.

As said, my new episode shall unveil next Monday, I've accepted a new job in Harlow, Essex and the job starts this Monday. There shall be a very big changes in my life as I've to share my living spaces with a bunch of strangers, and greatest of all without Jessie. God knows how long will I last, as He's the one who's arranged this path which I've taken unwittingly.

After being unemployed for a month, I've mixed feelings for this new changes. Happy as I've got a job which will takes all frets away for awhile, however, sad as I've leave her. None is great enough for me to reverse my decision, as rationally, things has to move on, no matter what. Thus, let this episode be etched into my history. Hopefully, this decision of mine shall bring happiness and glory which I've failed to see now.

Cheers,
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Where Am I now??

2008-05-16T07:21:00.002+08:00

London has the busiest the air traffic, among the other major city in the world, I presumed. No matter where am I, either walking to work, strolling, rushing to somewhere, outside having a breath of fresh air, as long as I'm expose to the sky of unknown boundary, I can easily spot an aircraft flying past. What the weather may be, or the time of the day, you'll never fail to see one, or even to hear their loud roar as they fly by.

Every casual glance or a purposeful find and your eyes will easily catch one, and that reminds me of my family, my homeland. What am I doing here? Whenever such question is thrown by me by a stranger engaged in a friendly chat, I would normally answer them "oh... I wanna experience a new culture."

Is that what I was really here for?

I don't know. I don't even know what's the purpose of my existence in a land filled with people from various background, ethnicity, religion and purpose to fill this "Land of Opportunity" anymore. I've forget all the aspirations, all those words I've said to assure everyone at home of my venture to the west. Cos none of them has been fulfilled and I felt like a liar, who are guilty of every single deeds they at home can think of. How am I to return and face them? I'm no master of glory nor wealth, even after 10 months being here.

However, all is not lost. God has been kind to me as I've able to get a job which feeds me and provides me a good place to shelter from the wind, rain and sun. With a comfortable settings to rest myself after a long day of self-humiliation. However, I don't know if my current predicament is a lil' prank of God - I don't blame Him or anyone, but myself, maybe - to humor himself after a busy day with the chores with mankind or a punishment of whatever I've done previously, this is certainly not the ideal career I'm seeking, or intend to extend it any further. But, I've given no choice only to stay on, while days just flow by like water in a fast flowing river. Never a day is the same. Some, are just best forgotten, else it be a nightmare which only makes me reluctant to leave the house. Others are memorable, yet nothing to be proud about. It's just the job and it's right if you're good at it.

Although I've amassed a number of gadgets all these while, however, they're just to fill the growing void which has an appetite of my future which is so bleak that may have charred my pride.

Until then, I shall go on until I get something which might restore my future and may that let me regain my control of my pride so I shall return home home proud and honorably.

Cheers

Just a thought today...

2008-02-08T08:38:00.000+08:00

While I was on train to work today, I accidentally heard a sobbing mother's phone conversation about her child being caught for possessing cannabis. She was at a loss on what to do and are rushing to the school. She has no idea of what her child's addiction's to cannabis, so, such new really shock her.

Some years ago, when I was still in college, I do took that path behind my mother's back. It all begin's with mixing the wrong pack of friends, however, they are not to blame entirely as I wasn't forced to take it at gunpoint. I was curious and hoping to be 'in the pack'. Which all teenagers seeks - a sense of belonging and respect. My mum must have been depress when she learnt of what i'm doing outside.

Drugs is easily accessible in London, so, it's no surprise that youngsters here use them at young age. Moreover, the laws here are so lenient (cannabis is Class B drugs, which means it's only confiscated and fine, if found possessing tem) thus are not so much as a prevention nor deterrent to use drugs.

Furthermore, local artist like Amy Winehouse, Pete Doherty and others big names like Britney Spears are constantly being linked with using drugs on the newspapers almost everyday. They are not being punished by the law and such circumstances sends a wrong message to the public, especially the young ones. They assumes that using drugs is not only harmless yet it may be glamorous as well. Yet, a recent death of a Hollywood artist - Heath Ledger -are also linked with drugs abuse (suspected). However, this doesn't translated as the consequence of drug abuse, but a great loss to Hollywood.

Having worked in one of the high crime area in London, i've came across teenagers as young as 11 or 12 shares a ciggie with their parents or grandparents and older ones - about 15-17 years - peddling drugs and has access to firearms. And no the laws simply can't control them or stops them.

I'm no preacher neither a morally perfect person, but it's understood that drugs does nothing good to individuals, families or the society. However, people takIng the plunge to the abbey only increases day by day and year by year. And there's no practical solution from the governments to help them or to prevent anyone having these harmful substances but only talks of hipocrisy.

Therefore, it's only up to us, ourself to really keeps these harmful substances away from our loved ones.

Cheers
Andy.

Merrrrry Christmas!!!

2007-11-07T09:08:00.000+08:00

ho ho ho...
It's the season of the year again and Christmas seems to be a very big event for the English. Everywhere is having Christmas sales and people are all stress up for the DAY.

Aniwae, we had a simple christmas, which means we don't really celebrates much coz, if we're out in the city, we might end up walking back home which would take up hours of walking in the cold... reallllly cold out there!!! So, we decided to cuddle up at home watching I Am Legend with some wine. hehehee

Aniwae, I've got a Swatch watch for Jessie which we went to the Boutique in Oxford Street to choose weeks before Christmas to avoid the frenzy and the crowds. Well, she took almost 2 hours making choices, trying out before we saw the one in the display pillar... And, she loves it!!

Jessie's christmas present

And for my christmas present, Jess got me a Sony PSP which I've been pestering for many many months. And finally, she relented and got me one. hehehe... Darn happy when I got it and couldn't take my hands off it when I on it. hehehe

My christmas present

Well, no snow in London during Christmas, but then, out presents makes up the white christmas... hehehehe

We spent the whole day of Christmas at home eating, cooking and drinking wine with Jessie's friend Amy. She came over to for a nite. We had Bak Kut Teh, dumplings and few others simple dishes and we really enjoys the food...

Boxing Day in UK is more about shopping... All retail outlets are having reduction up to 70% but all I see is only 50% and we got our hand itchy and spent over £40 for 2 jackets, 2 tees from Uniqlo and a tees from French Connection... All these for only £40!!! cheap lor... Can't imagine the amount we gotta spend for all these if we're at Malaysia or Singapore. hahahahahaha Really love shopping in London.

Our Boxing Day Shopping Spree

Well, New Year is coming and I wishes all my readers a Happy New Year and may all Wealth and Health be with you all year round!!!!

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Autumn in Hyde Park

The Good and The Bad

2007-10-14T20:53:00.000+08:00

Wee wee... It's been 3 lengthy months since the first day we landed in Heathrow Airport and things has pretty much changed for the better. However, there's still certain things which I'm still complaining about but to no avail.... sigh!!! thatz life, isn't it?? you'll never get the best of both world. damn.

Aniwae, letz get on with some good news rather than boring my readers (errr... have I got any??) with those whingeing... however, my mind is all about the lunch Jessie is preparing in the kitchen now. mai siao siao....

Aniwae, the good news is that I've managed to get a job so that there's some income to pays the rent and get some food (altho I got them free... hehehehe) on the table. It's just a counter job at a Chinese Take Away Restaurant situated in North West of Inner London.

The good thing about this job is that the boss is pretty much good people which are supposedly very rare in London, especially in food industries. Furthermore, I get to meet many types of people, bad, good, kind, humorous, chatty, rough, and the list goes on... the only bad side is that there's no rest day for this job. The only rest day is 25th December and that is still pending for a conformation... cannot complain lar. The boss edi say edi, this work no off day or Bank Holidays de (Bank Holidays equivalent to Public Holidays in Msia). Bo pian lor, jump into the river edi. Just swim lo... As long as got $$, then can edi.

As this job seem good and I see myself maybe dwelling in it for a few more months, me and Jessie decided to move somewhere nearer so that I can cut down travelling time and expenses as my previous place is only for short rent and it's time we pack and go.

Thatz where the bad news comes to light. Our new place has yet to get a phone line for a broadband!!! That means NO INTERNET!!! siao liao lor... No internet in this era means no access to nothing at all!!! even having a phone means nothing to us. It has been 2 months edi yet there's no progress on his application and whenever Jessie ask him, he's sure to use his ol' good set of explainations which we can do nothing to him. So, bo pian lor. Btw, dun ever ask me how did I get this uploaded... ehehehe

Aniwae, itz kinda late edi (yeap, I works on Sunday too) and Jessie is about to come back with lunch from the kitchen. Therefore, I gotta help clean up the table fer lunch before I starts my day earning ££....

Until next time, stay safe, stay well and most importantly, stay happy!!!

Cheers mate...

Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Life's pretty hard in London...

2007-08-06T06:58:00.000+08:00

Yeap..

Itz pretty hard in London; one of the most expensive city and the most populated city in the world. All those words about London is no fable at all. You need to be really really really really really really really lucky to get the job you like or wanted within a few months. This place is packed with all sorts of people with all sorts of skilled and talents from all sorts of places in the world. My landlord's a Mauritius, my flatmates a Hongkie and another an Irish but she's currently in Berlin teaching. It's of now surprise if someone next to you was speaking some funny accents and you don't even understand what is that.

It has been like 3 weeks since I landed in London, but I've not been able to secure a job although there's rumours many exployers prefers Malaysians over other nationalities to run their business.

Actually, I've been to two interviews and they're nothing but dissapointment only. Unlike Jess, her interviews are actualy hopefuls and she's still waiting for calls from a prospective employer. Big company leh.

The first one was a position for Management Trainees at Wembley Park. And going there from where I stay needs 1 hour of travelling by Tube. But then, after that 1 hour of journey which cost me £5 to and fro ( and itz £10 fer the both of us), it turns out to be a direct selling company. %&^*&^"£$" waste my blardi time and $$... But then, the positive part about the trip is that I saw the new Wembley Stadium. But then, sibeh paiseh, limpeh din take photo. hehehehe

Second one was a IT Trainees... The advertisement talks until sibeh steady. Give placement with training in IT Networking lar. So, I oso shiok shiok go interview lor. Skali.... the MCSE, MCP and the CCNA course altogether cost me a whopping £5340 leh. Siao one. Where I got such $$ to pay fer it. If I got such $$ in my pocket now, would I be roaming the street or scouring the newspaper or even surfing the recruitment website fer jobs. Aniwae, before that nice fella can continue, I stopped him and tells him I'm actually a poor bloke looking fer a job which can provide me a sensible amount of income so that I can get some hot meals on the table.

This one lagi worst. I have to travel to another satellite town by train de leh. Luckily Jess did not follow me. It cost £4.70 for a return ticket just for that. And worst of all. There's nothing to see in the town. Ultra boring journey which yield no result at all!! aih...

I've sent countless resumes for IT related jobs and also covered god-knows miles of streets and pavements scouring for jobs in retail shops, restaurants, take-aways or even groceries shops. All of their answers are actually the same: "I/We've already got someone already".

Niamar!! They got someone for the vacancy, yet they still have the notice on their windows!!!

That, Jessie got answer fer it... hahaha.

"It's simple." says Jessie.

"They are just being polite and they don't want you lor" she continues nonchalantly.

Thatz the cold hard truth shot at me that day. I was kinda stunned the moment Jess finished the last sentence and she was really kewl about it. As though, itz pretty common from her experience.

I mean, they need someone to work, to run their business, yet, they are picking on choosing over the choices they have. To be frank, I don't really see ppl walking around on the streets looking fer jobs just like wat we're doing all the time after the 3 days "honeymoon period" when we just arrived in London.

I can totally understands that the Turkish restaurants would prefers turkish and so on. But then, what about chinese food, Thai Restaurants and even Vietnamese restaurants. What are they looking for? Chinese from China, Thais or Vietnamese?

I still can't understand. These 3 races or nationalities are from the Asia region and other than the language and culture, they are kinda the same physically, isn't it...

Aniwae, we've kinda decided to move to Leeds and tries our luck there. Furthermore, the rent there is super cheap. Not like what we're paying here for this Master Bedroom.

And Jessie just clinched a deal for a double room in Leeds fer just £200 a month inclusive of all bills and internets. Can't u believe it?!?!?

I'm off to sleep now to end the day and tomolo shall be a brand new day. Hopefully, GOd will have a pleasant surprise for me as I've been a good boy for not smoking or boozing lately.

Cheers mate...
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Greetings from LONDON, UK!!!

2007-07-29T04:43:00.000+08:00

Heeeeeelloooooo everyone...
Yeap.. me now in London. Flew in two weeks ago and has been here since then.

London, a town where they has a mixture of old architecture in the midst of a modern urban and the lifestyle here is totally different from JB. Even the people here is mixed!! U gets Asian, Europeans, Americas and many many more which I don't even know how to differentiate.

Aniwae, I'll write more later with plenty of pix, ya. I'm now finally sitting down uploading my 300++ pictures to a new online photo album which I just created after my princess keep rushing me repeatedly.

Meanwhile, I wondered why is the government is poking their nose on what people is writing about them instead of paying attention and making policy to meeting fellow's Malaysian needs. Ever since the last flood a few months ago, we've not heard any update on this matter although various state government and the federal government has been saying they've got plan and done deals with contractors to make sure such things will not happens again. What is the update on it? Anyone know?? How has the preparation done if there's a situation to occurs again? Are we in a position to prevent it altogether and the people of Malaysian who's been living in lowlands can sleep well knowing that the heavy rain will not cause something disastrous which not only destroy their properties but also their lives? To me, let what should be written be there and do what you can. As long as your conscience is clear, nothing can inflict harm to you physically or mentally.

Cheerio...
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

The Pearl of The Orient.

2007-07-03T22:37:00.000+08:00

Pulau Pinang, true to name. Even after all these years, this place will never stop to amazes me. The food, the places, shopping and temples will makes you miss them once you leave at then of your holiday.

This my 2nd n last day in Penang, having breakfast in the hotel. Hotel's food will never satisfy me and no matter how good is the chef, they're never good wuth those stalls just a short walk away from d hotel.

I'll update more tomorrow after I get some rest and sorts out those pix I took while me there.

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

My favourite Snacks

2007-07-02T00:07:00.000+08:00

hehe... Yesterday was considered the most unfilfilling Saturday by spending the whole day with Jessie in her new house so that the contractor can repair their tiles on the room.

Aniwae, I just came back after supper and a nite-drive round JB with Jess, Yee Yee (Jess' Sister) and Andy (Not me, itz Yee Yee's fiancee or soon-to-be hubby). I took the usual roti telur just now at the mamak, but then, me hungry again. And Ramli burger no more edi. No choice lor. have to sleep with a disgruntled stomach lor. What to do.

Aniwae, as mentioned above, I've got something to share with u guys and it's my fave snack... Nice and cheap (now not cheap edi) snack. The best is, it's delivered to your doorstep. steady leh.

it's served hot... very hot.

Yeap... Itz a karipap. What's so special about a karipap?, u may ask. I dunno what special abt it eccept that the size of this karipap is half the size of your palm and it has a quarter of an boiled egg in it other than the usual curry potato fillings.

curry potato and boiled egg as filings.

arggh... cannot write anymore edi. I'm getting hungry edi. Must go sleep now or else, I'll end up gobbling another packet of instant noodle later.

cya guys. I'll be going to Penang fer two days so I might not be able to update me blog. But then, I'll make sure I updates them when I come back. With more fooooooood, of coz...

cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

My favourite supper

2007-06-29T12:41:00.000+08:00

hahaha... remember I once had posted about my favourite supper? And yes, this series is back again and this time, with more pix more exciting which will make u rush out to get one of these after reading this... hahahahaha *evil grin*

Aniwae, as usual, I'm the old boring guys which I can eat the same thing over and over and over and over and over again and my favourite supper will always be the RAMLI BURGER!!!

yeap... the good ol' Ramli burger. cheap, delicious n better than any franchise fast food beside the street...

It doesn't come with fancy wrappers but a simple white wrappers with many burger pictures over it.

the wrapper kinda match my placemat leh.

The salivating sight really makes me an impatient man, more than I was before. Now, I just wanna rip out the wrapper and gobble everything inside the wrapper. But then, my mind took over and I managed to control my urge and took a picture of it. And once that damn wrapper is out of me sight, the heavenly smelled of burnt margerine bread and the seasoned cooked meat patti just hypnotised you and makes u yearn for a bite on it. And the looks of the whole thing, OMG, beyond any words to describe it lar.

see lar. how to resist wor??

This one, is an Ayam special where the chicken patti is covered with a fried egg. This just makes the burger more delicious. The union of the ingredients used for this burger not only to seasoned it or just to add to the value are simply awesome.

AWESOME!!!!

Now now, since we're here edi... Do you guys mind if I stop here as I've lost my remaining bits of logic and mental strenght to restrain myself another bite of this heavenly graced food. Just can't stop taking my eyes away from this and it's kinda hard for me to type this too... Maybe I'll just continue afterward or tomolo morning.

Gone in less than 60 seconds. Faster than Nicholas Cage, eh...

ok ok... I'm now done with it and my mouth are reminiscing the taste of the cooked chicken patti and the fried egg with the companion of fellow fresh tomatoes n shredded cabbages and the seasoning of chilli sauce, mayo and others inside the patti. So, to put an end to everything with satisfaction, it's best to wash it down with plain water. yeap... not any carbonated soft drink, hard liquor, cheap beers or expensive wines. Just the normal plain water...

A cup of room temperature plain water

ok ok... now that I've satisfied my hunger and all my senses. It's time to go to sleep and makes many wonderful dreams while my stomach digest the burger.

i've actually got a funny questions to ask u, but then, I refrain myself coz I finds it too gross for some people. hahaha

cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

A lil' Gift

2007-06-29T11:59:00.000+08:00

I left the company with a lil' heavier finger. NO!!! not the middile finger or something like that. This is something realy warm my heart and I appreciated what they've done.

My colleagues (list below) actually grouped up and bought me platinum diamond ring as a farewell present... come come, let me show u:

Nice or not??

I think it's very exquisite. The diamond although small, but then, I see it as a symbol of their thoughts and sincerity. And, I'm still grateful to them for giving me such an valuable gifts and I'll treasure it forever.

Thank you:

Kak Aieen

Aishah

Diana

Uncle Sim

Ah Tai

Ekowati

Alek

Nazrul.

And to top it up, they even had some "pantun" for me which describe their sadness of my departure. That almost makes me wanna cry... hahaha

From Kak Aieen:

Anjing kucing masak kari
Anak Kambing masak cili api
Budak IT sudah lari
mane aku nak cari ganti

From Aishah

Dua Tiga Kucing Berlari
Anak Kambing Menari-nari,
Dua Tiga Boleh Dicari
Kalau Lu dah Pegi, Bila nak balik sini

From Diana

Anak Kambing Lari sana sini
kalau Dah kat sane ingatlaj kami disini

aih... i really felt sad to leave them. However, they'll always be in my heart...

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

I'm Smoke-Free!!!!

2007-06-28T14:04:00.000+08:00

frames from www.fairytaletarot.com and

ciggie stub pix is from www.codemonkeyx.org

haha... yeap. I've been smoke-free since this Monday and it's has been 4 days edi. Yeap, 4 blardi solid days and still on-going. So, now, I'm consider a quitter and I'm definitely proud of it.

I thought quitting smoking is very hard in the first place which actually delays my plan and I've been dragging on and on until I myself suspects that I'm not ready quit it all along.

To be frank, I oso dunno how I quit it. As far as I can remember, as I was having difficulty breathing that day (Friday), I was still smoking. Itz just not that much only lar.

Then, all of a sudden, I told myself not to bring the ciggie to work and there I go. WRONG!!! Dat blardi morning I dun have ciggie. So, I din bother to take my lighter oso. I then told myself "see today can tahan without ciggie or not"

Well, it was good. I'm actually not that ciggie-dependent as I used to think I was and as day pass by until today, I've not been smoking edi. Isn't that good???

I was well on my way to a new path to a new life. A life which which is part of the 2nd phase of my life. Ok lar... nothing much to write abt me quit smoking lar. all is well at this moment after 4 days and I'll need to monitor myself so that I can really quit it.

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

see wat i found!!!!!

2007-06-27T10:54:00.000+08:00

Was clearing my virtual storeroom in my pc just now as tomolo is my last day and I've saw alot of things which I almost forgotten their existence. Most of them is pictures which I took and save to my office pc. Why office pc? dun ask me, I myself oso dunno y i rather save in my office pc and not my house pc. haha

Aniwae, feast ur eyes on wat I've found:

this is my office. I've was in the general office until they shifted the whole general office to ground floor and I was shifted to the Marker Room. The chinese lady on the right of the pix is Shieh Yong. A great colleague and the only "human" chinese in the company. Pretty sumore leh... But, too bad, she got hubby edi and I got my princess edi.

This is my desk. The monitor for my pc and the tv for the factory cctv. And do you still rememeber the pencil stand I made myself a few years ago... Itz still there. hehe One of the best I still had during my 3 years in this company. And, the best of all, this office has a great view beyond the window, if no one actually blocked my view like wat is shown in the pix.

Nothing much lar. Just looking over the production floor only. The view won't help much on sleepiness tho. hahaha

This lil' pix was used as my avatar in the WAC forum quite sometime ago. It was to celebrate my success of the NEON LIGHT DIY INSTALLATION Project... The white car was my ex-car. The White Stallion... I miss him very much.

I did this with photoshop last year when I got my new Gen 2. Unfortunately, I won't be driving it for long now. The consolation is maybe my brother will be driving it. At least, I'll still be able to see it. hehehe come come, tell me, nice or not?

hehe... this one nice or not? I done it for fun thinking of some side sticker for my car. And Jess insisted something of her part is on the car so I had this idea. Skali, she was shocked and said this idea are kinda "daring" edi... hahaha But honestly, I like it. hehehe... romantic hor. awwww..

Thatz all Folks... other's is private and confidential liao... but dun think senget hor. All is work related pix only. Nothing which is not supposed to be in this computer will not be in here. hehe.

cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

p.s. Am I boring u guys??

Birthday Wishes!!!

2007-06-27T08:20:00.000+08:00

yalor... Itz my Ah Dear Birthday today... 27/7. sorry, but me ain't revealing her age here. Gals age is secret de leh. cannot suka2 reveal one. I know can edi. haha

She celebrated her first moment of the day with her 2 best friends Claire and Linda. I did not join. malas wanna see one of them who has this shitty attitude problem. So, malas lar. Later, her lil' birthday celebration turns to disaster... then I really jialat liao hor.

So, maybe I'll celebrate with her tonite if her family has no plans for her. Otherwise, I'll just buy a slice of the Secret Recipe Chocolate Cake which she likes. See how lor...

Aniwae, made up something for her (which she'll not see it coz she dun visits my blog de, sad uh...) with photoshop... Just for fun de lar. The pix was extracted from the one we took when she's testing this new pink karer waist pouch in Roxy. (50% discount leh... buy liao lor).

And the original picture is:

hahaha... steady bor... And I admit. the background, the wording and the cartoon was extracted from other pix I dloaded from the net. paiseh lar. I where got so much energy to draw these complex wording wor. hehe

DEAR DEAR,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU AND I WISHES YOU MANY HAPPY RETURNS AND I LOVE U.

And hor, other than my princess' a June baby, Uncle Rick's a June baby too. And he's birthday was yesterday, on the 26/7. Paiseh hor, Uncle Rick. I wasn't aware of it until mama stormed out of her room last nite asking me to teach her how to send a message to your spore henpon... Then only I know. But then, lucky thing I managed to send my greetings to him thru phone in the eleventh hour. Really eleventh hour leh. I called him about 11 something at nite and he just woke up... I dun have any of Uncle Rick's photo or else, I'll make him a nice nice card like what I did with Jess'. hehehehe

Uncle Rick,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MAY U LIVE TO RIPE OLD AGE AND EVERYDAY IS A FRUITFUL DAY.

Uncle Rick, dun be angry hor, if I dun make u any cards... hehehehehe.

Cheers,
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

A tribute to the Ladies...

2007-06-26T09:23:00.000+08:00

Ahz... now the wolf face all come out liao. They're my colleague lar, all either married or getting married. So, give up whatever ideas in ur head hor... Me leaving this god-forsaken place in two more days, (Yippie!!!!) so thinking to write a tribute to them, as a token of appreciation for all their help since days one which I'm really grateful and no words are sufficient to express my gratitude...

The only human recognise in the building where they've managed to survive throught the torment by the non-human species in the building. Somehow, they should be sent to the NASA or the X-Files to check if they're mutants or not... Me, 3 years edi cannot tahan n wanna cabut edi, you imagine, they worked there for at least 7-8 years leh...

Aniwae, I did asked kak Ainon to get me their pix but until now, still no pix from them. But then, lucky me, I got some of their candid pix, which I feel, are 100 times better than what they wud give me those "statue pose" pix... dun wan that. nothing new at all.

Aniwae, search as I may, I only got 2 or 3 of them so far... And, for sure, once this is post up and they saw it, i'll be running for my life with them holding rulers, chairs or whatever they can get their hands on to get me for these pix... hahahahahahaha

This is Kak Ainon, my mentor and sister in the company. She helped me a great deal.

haha... can guess wat she doing or not?? hahaha... this pose is the funniest one and she tot i've deleted the pix edi. hahahah I'll leave the pix to you guys' imagination and I'm sure she'll be jumping up and down when she saw this pix...

Next is Aishah... A young mother and her adorable baby gal (which I've never seen b4, but all baby conform cute one mar, rite). She's a great lady too. Help me alot and been my target of constant bully. She wud either lose her slippers or some other thing once in a day... And who done it? Ask her and she knows the answer. Very fast de. She dun even have to think who done it. hahaha Paiseh lar, she too pretty for me to take a pix of her. Skali Kamal (yeap, her hubby. u wolves dissapointed leh... hahahaha) come chasing me with her Evo Wira then I jialat edi. kekekeke

Next is new comer Diana... She hor, too new, so I din get any candid shot of her... Later when Kak Ainon gimme their pix, then I show u guys. Diana, been here for only a year is young and bubbly. But then, anthenna abit short lar. hahaha Reception always very slow one. But then, her funny character makes her blend in with the group very easily. So, I was ousted... aih. :'(

These 3 gals are very close and can talk non-stop de... And they got one thing in common...

hahahaha... yes... thatz to sleep after their lunch... hahahahaha

Aniwae, I'm gonna miss them and the time we spent together. We had lots of laughter together and also worries. Whenever I need help or advice, they're willing to give to me without any expectation for rewards or whatsoever. Which, I'm really grateful for their sincere friendship which has already exceeded the boundary of mere colleague.

Kak Aieen, Aishah, do accept my appreciation and gratefulness for all those help and advice you've given to me selflessly and also my apologise if I ever done anything wrong or my mischevious acts which has not only brought u distress but also inconvenience in any part. Thank you...

ok lar... me eyes edi teary liao. cannot write liao. today no bring tissue paper and itz will be so shame shame if I were to have tears in my eyes. No more macho man edi lor... Later they sure laugh at me de.

Cheers.
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Unc Rick's and Family new blog!!!!

2007-06-26T09:05:00.000+08:00

walaueh... Unc Rick got a new blog wor... sumore damn keng one.

The title alone edi can tapao me edi... I think I can retire from blogging edi. hahahahaha.

Aniwae, Uncle Rick's blog, Let Thoughts Tell is really nice and the topic spans from recipes to Hippotamus... yeap. me ain't wrong. Denise (me cuz in ozzy) was writing abt Hippotamus in the title "Hungry Hungry Hippo". I'm so envious of them as the blog is a full participation of the entire family and the content is sooooooooo rich... compare to mine, itz just like the Singapore Zoo in Uncle Rick's blog while mine is the Johor Zoo... only got flies with one or two visitor once in a blue moon... aniwae, enough of whining here. Cannot write too much, or else, there's nothing for u guys to read over there ler... hahahahaha

Do check out Uncle Rick's blog after this ya... And if possible, do leave a comment or two in their blog...

To Unc Rick and Family,
KEEP UP THE GREAT EFFORT!!! UR BLOGS ROX!!!!!!!

cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Pimple Outbreak!!!!

2007-06-26T08:10:00.001+08:00

morning eberybody... apa mcm semua???

Recently, my cheek was flooded with horrendous pimples and they looks like map of UK leh... no matter wat I used to wash my face oso cannot wash them away. sibeh sianz...

My princess buy for me the new brand of Men's facial product Nugeno Men leh. One cleanser alone edi RM20++ liao leh. use liao oso not same.

Now that the cleanser going to finish edi, I'm still thinking whether to buy again the brand or to change to Kao Biore Men. That one cheaper... Less than RM10 edi can get one big one. but still smaller than Nugeno one lor. But at least, cheaper lor... then my zact oso no more ler. jialat.

But actually, both can't help me. They only can wash the oil from my face and keep it dirt free. Other than that, my pimples are here to stay...

Wanna know why??

Yesterday evening I went to see Doctor Gan, coz I'm experiencing heavy breathing mar, tot going to say bye bye to this earth liao (niamar, damn worrying leh). But then, lucky thing, Doctor Gan say it's due to my gastric only. Heng ahz.. Then in the midst of the discussion, I then ask him abt my pimples lor... He say it's due to hormone disorder wor... warloweh... me so old edi, still kena hormone disorder leh. This proof I'm still young at heart. hahahahaha...

Aniwae, I'll most probably go back to Doctor Gan to get the prescription for this... Must be handsome with smooth cheek so that my princess can kiss kiss mar, rite or not... hehehehe

cheerio,
Andy "shackks" Ooi

The banks now want a raise too

2007-06-22T08:53:00.000+08:00

yeap... itz true. After Pak Lah announced the salary increase for all the civil workers, then, police and other respectives government agency and ministry announced increased on their respective office, now the bankers wans a salary hike edi... The National Union Of Bank Employees or Nube (yes, itz pronounce noob to me) says that banks makes profits by millions and billions and their employees are gaining nothing from this.

They are wearing some badges kinda a protest so that they can get their salary increased. if like that hor, then everyone starts asking for salary increase liao lor. good or not ahz?? dun care lar. my problem with these banks is as below lor, other, i no chap edi. talk until thirsty, type until finger sore edi lar:

niamah... The bank is not open to our convenience but to their own and charge us at every whim and fancy as they like then still wants increase ahz?? if want increase, then make Saturday a full working day lor. At least, we fellow contributors who work our asses off (coz of these idiotic chinamen boss) for our ~~beloved~~ boss. Everytime when we need to have some business with the bank, we either have to beg our manager or superior for some time out or even gotta take leave so that some financial problem are settled. And some cipet banks will not let u go with just a visits and makes sure that they've tortured you enough with numerous visits or lets you waits for mant many many hours until the seat (eventho plastics) has the shape of your butt moulded to it. kns...

Sometime, simple matters like getting a replacement ATM card will have to takes up to a month before I can get the ever non-lasting ATM card. From you, u might ask with a surprise. Bank Simpanan Nasional lor... This the only bank I known of since young until I've come to know there's more than meet the eyes from everything. This bank is one of the ~~best~~ and most stable bank in Malaysia. But hor, the ATM and the staff service is top notch kanasai. no play play one.

Then, you got the Maybank. One blardi request for the FD takes up to dunno how many weeks to process then ask me go take the receipt. Post to me lar, for goodness sake. I use the I-Account (I stands for Internet, itz supposed to be an internet based banking account) bcoz of convenience mar. Not because I wan to travel down and up just to get a receipt. Please lar, use your blain leh... aiyo.

Other bank dunno liao lor. never deal with them before. these 2 bank enough to make me headache and my blood pressure go up. Anymore bank will makes a fountain on my head ler.

Come to think of it, after Nube got the increase, maybe the Malaysian's Associated Beggar Society (<- is there a society like this ahz?) will also starts imposing a stardard market rate for minimum "donation" liao lor. hahahaha At least, their daily collection must be able to get necessity and food...

chun hor, pix taken from: FunnyHub

Anyway, i'm ready to be out of the local Malaysian scenes and this makes me wonders if I'll ever miss the Malaysian news which often, either creates amazements at how low one's mentality can be or gives shames to fellow Malaysians.

cheerios
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

2 choices in life...

2007-06-21T08:41:00.000+08:00

this morning sibeh sianz... my avant browser die on me again with that stupiak "error GDI.exe" message again. wat to do to cancel that problem, anyone? I upgrade the blardi VGA driver liao leh. still cannot wor... nabeh.

so, sianz sianz, go browse my dload's folder see see wat to delete lor. wanna leave this stupiak place liao mar, so must do some cleanup de lor. Then, I chanced upon this powerpoint presentation, after reading it... Sibeh good lar. I share share with you all:

You Have Two Choice
Jerry is the manager of a restaurant. He's always in a good mood. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would always reply:

"If I were any better, I would be twins!"

Many of the waiters at his restaurant quit their jobs when he changed jobs, so they could follow him around from restaurant to restaurant.

Why?

Because Jerry was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, Jerry was always there, telling him how to look on the positive side of the situation. Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to Jerry and asked him.

"I don't get it! No one can be a positive person all of the time. How do you do
it?"

"Each morning I wake up and say to myself, I have two choices today. I can choose to be in a good mood or I can choose to be in a bad mood. I always choose to be in a good mood. Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be victim or I can choose to learn from it. I always choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of life. I always choose the positive side of life." replied Jerry.

"But it's not always that easy,” I protested.

"Yes it is," Jerry said.

"Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. It's your choice how you live your
life." Jerry continued.

Several years later, I heard that Jerry accidentally did something you are never supposed to do in the restaurant business. He left the back door of his restaurant open. And then in the morning, he was robbed by three armed men. While Jerry trying to open the safe box, his hand, shaking from nervousness, slipped off the combination. The robbers panicked and shot him. Luckily, Jerry was found quickly and rushed to the hospital. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, Jerry was released from the hospital with fragments of the bullets still in his body.

I saw Jerry about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Want to see my scars?"

I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone through his mind as the robbery took place.

"The first thing that went through my mind was that I should have locked the back door," Jerry replied.

"Then, after they shot me, as I lay on the floor, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or could choose to die. I chose to live." Jerry continued saying.

"Weren't you scared?" I asked.

Jerry continued, "The paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was
going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the Emergency Room and I saw the
expression on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their
eyes, I read 'He's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Well, there was a big nurse shouting questions at me," said Jerry. "She asked if I was allergic to anything."

"Yes, to bullets", I replied.

Over their laughter, I told them: "I am choosing to live. Please operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."

Jerry lived thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude.

So, moral of the story is: There's choices in life no matter what and you're who you're depending on the choices you take everyday when you starts your day...

Very nice pix taken from:

http://baytrail.abag.ca.gov

See of it as a Y intersection and decides which path to take. The right one or the left side. None of the path is neither right or wrong. They're your decision. However, the result will not be the same at the end of the day. Since there's choices for you, why not choose to be happy for the whole day. It keeps you slim and pretty too...

paiseh lar... this morning a lil' brain-dead. So nothing from me original but to compy from someone else... This one oso good mar. Got standard mar. This is from who, I forget liao lar... but then, i'm making sure that this great story will be passed to many for it's great value and moral contained in it... :D

ok lar... i've to get back at wat me doing ler... errr... wat i've been doing just now?? nvm. ciao.

cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

p.s. Unc Rick got a blog edi... but then, he not yet gip me his addy leh. I'm quite sure he gonna update his blog on the mongolian spare rib we had together on Sunday...

JB in deep shit now!!!!

2007-06-16T10:57:00.000+08:00

Robberies, snatch thieves, gang rapes, murders... you name it. it's all in a package when comes to crimes statistic in JB. All of the above that I can think of are for sure in the chart and JB, now has dropped into slump and we are among the top in the list where crimes are concern among the few states.

Monday, an innocent chinese couple was robbed while they're on their way from Pontian to town. The 23 year old man was slashed twice in the leg and the 19 year old girl was gang raped by 3 of the 4 malay robbers cum rapist.

Tuesday, another innocent chinese couple was robbed while they're refuelling their car at a petrol station along the Pasir Gudang Highway. They're bundled and droven to another location before the thirty something man was slashed twice in the leg and the late twenties woman was gang-rape.

The assailant of the above heinous crimes are a pack of 4 malays in a silver Toyota Altis. One of them is a ex-gang member who, few years ago, was arrested for a similar offend. Somehow, he was released due to "lack of evidence".

Shahabudin S.K. Mohamed Ariff, 27, is an ex-member of the Sagol Gang.

The Johorean police should also takes the blame for the increase of crime rates in Johor. Their lackadaisical attitude is wat cause of all this. The first couple had already called the police to report their situation, however, instead of rushing over to the scene, they cruelly turn the victims away and directed them to call to another police station which controls the area where they're now. And when they called to the second police station, they deny to help. they then call for their brother to help. 5 minutes away from where the couple are, the brother approach two police for help. These 2 police who are busy issuing summons for various traffic offends rudely brush them off and continues to do what they're doing. Not knowing the seriousnes of the matter.

So what they're scold "Bodoh" by the top brass who knows of this when the reporter approach him. What can be undone by scolding "Bodoh". The invisible scar will still be there no matter what.

People,
please... help us by signing the Petition in the this website organised by the Persekutuan Tiong-Hua Johor Bahru.

Hopefully, the government and the police will take some pro-active action so that JB was once again, safe and sound not only for the locals, but also for visitors from all corners of the world and also walks of life. It's time to make some changes. Better changes.

If you do have any excellent ideas on this matter, pls feel free to drop in a comment.

cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

To Whom It May Concern

2007-06-09T08:07:00.000+08:00

I would like to bring up a few issues in my opinions, needs the attention of the concerned authority in Johor Bahru.

1. Many heavy vehicles such as public bus, pickups, lorries and also those belongings to public companies and government department emits thick smokes. They smoke they emit when the vehicle starts to move actually causes any motorist or drivers behind them not able to see anything in front of them. It not only are dangerous to road users but also causes heavy air pollution. However, these selfish drivers and their owners still have these vehicles on the road for their own profitable gains. On the night of Friday, June 8th 2007, on the traffic junction along the Tebrau Highway towards Kota Tinggi, a bus emits smokes as it starts to move. Several motorist who was caught unaware had to force themself through the layer of thick smokes emitted from the bus. And an evening a few months ago, I came across a JKR's pickup in Larkin which also are the same. Several cars has to switch lane to overtakes it and one of the car is a 20 year old Datsun which had it's windows wind down, maybe due to the air conditioning is spoiled. Imagine what these harms does this vehicles causes to the nature, health and safety of the roads we uses everyday. These are just two among the numerous event which I've came across so far. And I believe, this is just the tip of the iceberg. I hope the CVLB, JPJ and the traffic police or any relevant enforcement team are on the road to checks on these vehicles. If possible, get them out of the road. We're here promoting to conserve and safe the environment while they continues to pollute the earth all for just some monetary gains.

2. Many roads which has been dug or repaired by contractors are for sure uneven. Worst, they crack and cave in after a few months. Weeks if heavy rains occurs. One example is the Jalan Dato Jaafar from Larkin Stadium to SRJK (C) Foon Yew 3 & 5. The middle of the left lane (towards Balai Bomba Larkin) are uneven and has several pot holes big enough to cause a motorist to fell to his death. Luckily, up to now, nothing bad happened. Jalan Hasil is another road which often has potholes no matter how many times it's retar in a year. Other than that, the traffic junction off Jalan Cenderawaseh and Jalan Langkasuka is also the same. It is always in repair mode and in not time, potholes are visible again. These are just a few example of the roads condition in Johor Bahru no matter it's a alley or a main road. What does these contractors uses to retar the road. Some time, the road are retar because of repeated projects are done at different times by different contractors for different government agency or GLC. Even Skudai Highway, Tebrau Highway and Pasir Gudang are not spared either. They too has many uneven roads and potholes. Accidents happens maybe due to carelessness and reckless driving, but then, these potholes too are the culprits. My 1 year old car already has suspension problems just because I couldn't evade those potholes in time. Many of my friends experienced broken rims or damaged suspension because of the road conditions which we have to live with it. We taxpayers do not deserves such road quality.

3. Many roads sign are vandalized with stickers and grafitti. It's an ugly side and to think that it's Visit Malaysian Year. What does our visitors think of us. Johor Bahru is frequently visited by fellow Singaporean and what do they think of us? Many street names and road directions are covered with all those Ah Long's contacts and it's hard for tourist to find their way. Even I myself who lives in Johor Bahru for 28 years has difficulties to identify certain streets. yet, these helpful street directories and name are being vandalized and up to now, only a few amount of them are being cleared.

4. Street Lamps & Traffic Lights. There's still a large number of street lamps are not working properly and some of them never function since the day they were installed. Some, are lit for a day or two, but after that, they goes off. Traffic Lights cease to operates when heavy rains occurs and these causes many inconvenience to motorist and drivers as it's already hard to drive during heavy rains, yet, we're often left to take unnecesary risk crossing busy roads just because the traffic lights are not functioning. Other than that, the bulbs which are faulty are not replaced and left as it is for days no matter how busy is the road. Drivers need to use their basic instinct to know when it's green and when it's red. Traffic Light and Street Lamps are equally important to maintain road safety yet these are often neglected and ignored. To which I wonder why.

5. Crimes. There's a increase in crimes rate in Johor Bahru. Many here has fallen victims to snatch thieves, robberies and theft and some of these victims lose their life innocently. However, there's still no increase of police patrol either on foot or on patrol car. Nobody feels safe to roam the streets anymore. We hear of some crime news so often through victims or media reports. We have began to worry for the safety of our loved one and also our properties. Nobody will stop if we see an accident or a vehicle broke down by the road thinking it may be a trap set by these villians whose up to no good. And till date. Only a handful of cases which is reported by the media is solved. How about those which are not reported by the media? Are they solved? Or these files are left by the side to gathers dust.

A random question to anyone on the street about their confidence on the local police and the reply will be a negative one. The Police Force here has left a very bad impression on Johorean and confidence level is low. Many do not bothered to report cases to to the police if they became victims to some petty crimes or scams. I've a friend who received a call from a woman with a chinese accent. The chinese woman informed her that she had won a large amount of cash price and ask my friend to bank in a certain amount of cash into her (or somoeone else) bank account. I got to know about that, and I advice her to report the issue to the police. The first word which comes from her mouth without any hesitation is "no need lar. why need to go through such a hassle?". This is a very sad trend. All these because of the lackadasical attitude of the police personnel which almost everyone had experienced when they step into a police station to report a case. Albeit the fact that there's a small number of black sheep in the police force

I hope the above gets the attention of the concerned department and some rectification process will be drawn out. Our Prime Minister is flying around the globe telling leaders of countries and states about the Iskandar Development Region and Singaporean are coming in as investor, providing economy and tourism income to Johor, yet these matters will only jeopardise the growth of Johor. My intentions are not to condemn the government but to bring out the awareness of what we Johoreans have to endure everyday. I love Johor Bahru and I hope, one day in the near future, I can once again be proud of Johor Bahru. We don't ask for mega structure or multi storey flyover to be proud or happy. What we wish is a safe city and our basic needs fulfil.

Cheers
Johorean

Above is the letter I've typed in the middle of the night. No special reason or anything that spur to writes it. Just thought about it when I was bathing, and out came this letter after that. I've sent the letter to the Editor of Thestar.com.my and nst.com.my. Check to see if the letter is publish or not...

cheers.
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Telekom cheat money by using message recorder if call recipient do not answer calls!!!

2007-06-07T18:27:00.000+08:00

I called my princess' office a while ago and the line was not answered. After a few beeps, (six or sevens if me ain't wrong), the line was continued with the message recorder. I believed that every landlines for sure has these features on their line and the owner of the line are unaware of such things.

Everytime the call is connected to the message recorder, the caller is charged at least 10 sen no matter he/she likes it or not.

In fact, not only Telekoms does it. The Mobile Telecommunications Provider has it too. But then, we know of such features and we're taught on how to disable the features. But, Telekom just install this features to our line without informing or asking us for permission then charge the caller for it.

It's plain bloodsucking.

cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

My IQ

2007-06-07T14:28:00.001+08:00

Was having tea with Khalis two days ago and somewhere in the middle of the conversation, he asked me to take an IQ test in Tickle.com. He got 149 or something which I think there's no way I can get any points more than his.

Aniwae, yesterday, out of curiousity I took the IQ test. 50 questions, multiple questions and some are easy, some are hard. Some seems hard, but were easy actually and vice versa.

My result is:

You're a Intuitive Interpreter!

The Super IQ Test

Brought to you by Tickle

Go on, take the test and see wat u got.

cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

hotmail got limit in sending emails??

2007-06-04T09:03:00.000+08:00

:o yes, now only I know.

hotmail has limits in sending a number of emails a day. I wonder watz that for? I was shock when I receive the error...

Below's the print screen of it:

I wonder why they restrict it. It's so inconvenient...

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Gua sulah lesign...

2007-05-31T13:43:00.000+08:00

yeap... gua sulah lesign!!!

But, the feeling wasn't that great as I've been expecting. I felt a tinge of sadness and also dissapointment. I did not passed the letter to my manager, instead, I asked a favor from the admin kakak to pass it to him. I malas wanna see his face lar... kekekeke

Aniwae, me last day will be late next month, so, I gonna drag another month more before I can be really free!!

aniwae, the weather here is abit gloomy now, so if ya wanna go out, do prepare a umbrella ya...

cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

A new ME for a new PHASE!!!

2007-05-31T11:09:00.000+08:00

lol... Dunno watz mood just hit me this morning and I've been messing up my blogs since I started work at 8.00am... ok.. a few minutes after 8.00am. The traffic a mess!!

Anyway, I did a new header this morning through photoshop and it took me about 2 hours. Draining all my troubles and it's something nice, early in the morning... :D

And Ronnie helped me to choose this one. A cleaner look without all those messy fringes on the side tribal decor. Thanx Ronnie. You've been a great help. ;)

The old one, is also a fruit of my labor and I too love it. But then, I need somethinig to perk up my blog, guys... I'm sure you guys agrees with me, eh.

The current:

it's still be in my imageshack.us collection and maybe, it's good to view it once a while.

cheers...
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Assistance from the whole earth to battle traffic accident?

2007-05-30T09:28:00.000+08:00

Is there a need to do so?

From what I see, even a normal driver without much experience in driving would tell you why there's so much cause of accident all around Malaysian roads and we need expertise from all over the earth to come tell us. How funny would that be.

How many times are we to be made a laughing stocks before we actually learnt to open our hearts to listen what our compatriates wants and what is wrong in our own motherland. Why is it that such simple matters need to for such extravagant solution occuring a large chunk's of dough from the treasury where's our hard earned money is siphoned by our pocket through the scheme called "Tax". It's not justified at all...

There's many reason why accident rate is high in Malaysia and most of them often lies to the quality of the roads. Let me tell you more:

Potholes.
These are the most common thing you would see in the road, especially in Malaysian roads. Their size spans from a 20-sen to a big one where it can fit a whole lorry's tire. Everywhere, no matter roads in major city or some small kampung where you have to walked for an hour to the nearest river to get water. Such potholes are not being cared for it immediately and let it be as it is until something happens then, blame is pushed around to cover the shame for a good period of time before someone actually fills up the pothole. However, these pothole will come out again after a few month. So, don't be too happy when you see some labourers holding hoes and operating a road laying machine in your neighbourhood. It's a shortlive moments of "Smooth transportation".

Most of these potholes occurs after rains or after a bunch of over-weight lorries used them. So, it's good to remember the locations of these bunnies so that you won't be a victim. Memorise them as they are more important than your license and road tax expiry dates.

Bumpy/Uneven.
Yes, these are also the trademarks of our Malaysian Roads. And also in the same case, no roads are spared from these fault and even the North-South-Expressway has these. Don't think that by paying the toll or whatever charge they calls it, you'll be travelling in a smooth as a "baby's butt" roads from the point of departure to the point of arrival. Somehow, sorry to dissapoint you, things don't go these way. You're made to pay for everything if possible, yet roads, are being paved as how they fancy.

Even, those roads which was once cut out to lay pipes or whatever projects will sure has such things. They re-pave the tar to the roads, and I tell you. The road are worst than those in India or even in Iraq. At least, these country are better than paving a better road to their people who hates their policies leader to the core of their heart. There's not a fixed pattern on the bumpy stretch and they may be horizontal or even stretch for a good 10 miles on the road. Often, it happen after some works are done on these roads where "it makes our live more easier and comfortable". My FOOT!!! How would a uneven stretch of road be easier to us?

Alien Objects
I'm sure most of us has at least seen once or twice objects on the road where they're not supposed to be, right? And what do you do? You swerve frantically so that these objects may it be soft as platic bags and small as pellets to solid as stones and big as a water pipe.

":o Wat a water pipe doing in the middle of a street??", you may asked.

Don't be surprised. There's actually one and a friend of mine encountered it and a innocent biker was hurt when my friend swerves to the road shoulder thinking it was the best thing to do. After all, we're told to do that during our defensive driving course, remember?

Well, these time, I would not say it's the government fault anymore. I gotta be fair, dude and duddetes. Or else, I'll lose my head... I'm not gonna risk that!! Yeah, the government are nor strict, you might argue. But tell me, do you actually litter in your own house or your passage way? How would you know who is littering at your garage or your common corrider when you're not at home when someone actually does that vicious deed? It's the same case as the enforcers. They too has families and private lives and it's not fair for them to be there all the time. Furthermore, you don't expect to have a law enforcer at every miles of the road, rite? You feel that you're being monitored and there's no freedom.

All is due to the irresponsibilities of the road-users. Well, most of us here is selfish, period. We only think of ourself and nothing about those next to us. We don't really care about our surrounding, we only cares for ourself and our properties. We failed to understand that the well-being of our surrounding not only benefit ourself in the long run and also those we cared for and also those who shares the same land as we does. Thats why our roads are always dirty and compared to country such as Singapore and Thailand, we lose shamefully.

I gotta stop here. Will add more later...

cheer
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

What goes on all these while...

2007-05-30T09:09:00.000+08:00

It was clear... Very clear now. After failing to get something which would benefit them, those bitches in the Accounting Department launches a suit of despicable action to back-stabbed me. All I done is to make everyone safe of any provocation and to prevent any future office-politicking. Yet, my kind gesture was not accept in grace and appreciation but are repay with such a deceitful deeds.

And the worst of all, my cowardly manager stands in their grounds and not a word of any changes in the authority was convey to me personally. All I got was an innocent messenger who in the end, becomes the victim of circumstances.

All the facade of "Getting a cheaper price to save cost" was actually uncovered when I sit down to think about it. Regretfully, after all these occurences, such ponderings has become too late and nothing can save now. What I've done at these moments will not save anything as I do not see any benefits in the long run to compete with them. After all, the cowardly manager will never stands on my sides and hear my stories. All he ever hear is words from those who wear skirts no matter those words are kind or deceitful.

I've no interest to fight fire with fire, not because of my lack of power or whatever, but all because I'm tired with such matters. I shall not stoop to such a level where bitches and whores reign and will not stands at the same levels as my manager stand. That will only degrade my current position. How shameful will it be if I were there bickering and fighting about such petty matters where, once in the history, only whore in brothels and bitches in markets would be bothered about. Surprised, at such conglomerate (yeah, unfortunately, at this point of time, I'm included) of a disorganised group of people running a company, the unworthy manager is nothing but a follower to cowardly to make decisions to change and the only worthy authority I see is the Manageress who actually the one who manages the company and allowing it to survive.

In a weird sense, the second level of staff seems to be some boot-polishers at both side. The admin had a spinster always ready to poke her nose into everything although it's not her scope of work, pretending to be helpful and the production side has a medium weight talk more than work man who does nothing but going all around to find any fault if he can complain to the manager. To be frank, I see no productivity in such activities but, maybe that will helps them secures their jobs and maybe a special scheme of pay-rise and bonus all year round. Well, you never know.

Anyway, I'm tired of what goes on in this wretch place and I'm out of here in no time. Hopefully, my second phase of life will be more eventful, meaningful and brings more self-developement in me. Rather than staying here to rot and die without a good cause.

cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

New Link...

2007-05-29T14:17:00.000+08:00

Andrew has got a new blogsite and I've just linked mine to his website... His blog got this interesting title of "Daily Moo's, Hoo's and Haa's". lol...

It's kinda interesting with all the blog entry and there's one for you to guess what kinda car in the picture... Do check it out as the blog is relaxing and worth a read once everytime there's something new in the blog. He's quite active in updating his blog. So no worries on dissapointment or bored (just like mine). kekekeke

Do check it out if you guys got time, ya...

cheers.
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

A compliment from your boss

2007-05-24T22:49:00.000+08:00

"Very Good"
"Excellent"

Unless the above words of encouragements comes from some evidences which is kept as a records for the next 100 years, otherwise, they're just tools used for you to work harder so that they gets more credits and their face are more swollen from the praise of the management which, may, guarantee a fat pay rise or bonus at the end of the year.

Such is the cheapest way of making a subordinates thinking that their effort and contribution are worthy in the company which just prompt them to work harder, putting in extra efforts or hour for the benefit of the company and not for himself.

Why do I say so? Who gets the best of the benefits when the financial year end accounts shows a big fat profit in the end of the day? It's the management and the board of directors. In most cases, the management will get less than halves of what the board of directors would get. What do you get? A month bonus and a "The company ain't really doing well and we're trying to keep our best to keep your job" excuse. These are nothing but craps right out from the people who sign your payroll. Bear in mind, even those who mutters the crap (i.e. manager, Human Resource or the admin) gets what you gets too. They're just on the usual payroll who get the sme doughs the same time you do.

So you ask, "The company ain't doing any better?"

Would a company which are not doing good still able to survive the whole year without a single sign of retrenchment or even down-sizing? Would a company which "ain't doing well" still able to pay the utilities bills, salary and other etc expenses (thatz include your boss new BMW, Merc and his Golf set) able to manage by it's own till the end of the year and even pays you the bonus which you think is entitled to you by rights?

Think again, many companies close door the next day when things don't go the right. They either leaves the staffs stranded in front of the gate or the staffs knew that day will come.

So, in a nutshell, do what you are supposed to and do not work more than what you're supposed to. That will only caused you more troubles in the end of the day and will give you nothing but headaches. Never be a smart aleck to help others in their jobs, unless they are willing to part you a significant share of their next salary. Otherwise, you're just courting trouble.

So, Work Smart and Never Work Smart.

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

A new phase...

2007-05-24T15:50:00.000+08:00

2 more months and I shall starts a phase in life. A new chapter, where I will ventures into somewhere else, which I myself do not know what to expect.

As times flies past, many things to set down to reality and uncertainties of what lies in the future waiting for me starts to weight my hearts, making me very confuse to think about. Furthermore, too much things to settle down here, lucky thing that things are going fine, or maybe a lil' less than "fine", but then, still good enough to console myself that I'm able to pass through safely.

Not much knows of my plans and I don't intend on revealing this so early. All I can say is, it's a new venture and many questions still unanswered till now.

I'll stop here on this matter and will continue as the end of this current chapter is coming to an end.

cheers,
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

So Long... QD!!

2007-04-14T10:43:00.000+08:00

div>
Yeap, it's time to move on and the QD has been trade in for my princess' new Nokia 5200 and we're going to collect it tonite.

She's excited with the handphone and I really felt so bad that she has to endure another night to get her new phone. All becoz of my contacts is in the QD. I've been procrastinating whether or not to transfer all my contacts from my QD to the 818 Pro and laziness somehow managed to subdue me. Although deeep deeep deeep in my heart, I knew I've to do it somehow.

Anyway, I've managed to do so last nite. Yeap, at the eleventh hour of it. hahahaha

I really love this phone and having a QD is really useful no matter where you are or what you're doing. The QD has accompany for many boring days and nights and got me addicted to some of the games I never thought I would. I really feel reluctant to let go of this handphone. It's a great phone no matter where and when you are.

I've got so many games that I never felt I could finish them all and I can spend all night playing them, believe it or not. And, it's one of the most reliable symbian phone I had since the early Nokia 3660 which I've got for a very short while.

Anyway, it's time to move on now and So long, my good friend. You've been great all along and I'll remember you. ahahahahahaa.

So now, I either gotta use my Nokia 8250 or my Samsung Dunno-wat-model. aih... I miss u, QD!!!

Before that me n my Dopod 818 Pro has lose a faithful companion, I took a pix of them together... So that I can rethink back together... hehe

Valentine's Day

2007-02-15T08:25:00.000+08:00

Valentine's Day, or formally known as St. Valentine's Day, is a day where romance floating in the air no matter for who or where it is. Love be renew and deepened on this day through sweet whispers and geetings that melts the heart, even those made of ice. It makes singles wishing they got someone special to celebrate it and attached something to anticipate of what will they come to that day.

I got my princess a bottled frame from KinoCrafts.com and courier from KL just nice on the morning of the day itself. Nice timing eh... I thank god for this, also, credit goes to Mr. Tan of KinoCrafts.com... And, thanks to Slenz, I managed to make out a picutre by patching up a few pictures which we took together at various locations and events... Thanx Slenz... hehehe

She likes it... errr... I think so...

But for me, my Valentine Day ends up with a lil' tinge of dissapointment... Just a lil' only, trust me. She actually didn't prepare anything for me!?!?! Not that I mind, but then, I was like expecting something something from her as many of my friends was busy preparing something to surprise their boyfriend. She actually thinks nothing of it. However, She did passed me a Hong Leong Bank's watch coz mine just broke down... nice timing eh. Maybe this would be just be a lil' consolation to cover my lil' tinge of dissapointment then.

So, how was your St. Valentine's Day?

Just Blurting...
Andy "Shackks" Ooi.

p.s. Happy Chinese New Year to everyone!!!

Tribute to the Badminton Men's Double.

2006-12-09T08:45:00.000+08:00

have you guys watched any of the recent Asian Games that are currently hyping up at Doha?

Well, I too confess, i didn't. Until I accidently switched on to RTM1 and caught the Malaysia Badminton Men Doubles Team in action against the Indonesians. And, I never touched the remote throughout the games.

The team in specific is Koo K K and Tan B H. They were really fast and reminds me of the olden days when our Malaysia Badminton Team reigns the Thomas Cups and wateva cups you may think our Badminton may join. They were the pride and joy of our country until age taken over them and new blood joins in.

(Picture taken from Doha Asian Games Official Website)

However, things may look different now. Malaysia Badminton Team has managed to grab quite a number of medals throughout this game and a quick check in the Doha 2006 Medal listing website shows that the badminton team has managed to get 3 bronze. Well, it might not be much but then, at least they get something. And I'm proud of being a Malaysian with their achievements in an international games. Lets hope they learned from their mistakes and improve themself to bring Malaysia Flag flying higher.

Anyway in badminton, there's another gold for us to grab tomorrow morning. It's the Final of Men's Doubles between Tan B H and Koo K K versus KIDO M. SETIAWAN H. from Indonesia. This is gonna be another good match to watch as both are equally powerful and fast in their paces and playing style and I trully hope wat the commentator mentioned will be correct. Our Malaysian Double will grab it back to make everyone Malaysian proud and let our National Songs played once again in a hall filled with people from different countries, various walks of life who practise different religions and cultures.

Tan B H and Koo KK has been in top form in this year Asian games performing at top notch conditions for the last 3 days, defeating various teams and climbing the match ladder in the process. Below is the summary of their path through the finals:

06/12:
HASAN S./HASAN J.(BRN) lost to KOO K. K./TAN B. H.

07/12
LEE
J. J./HWANG J. M. (KOR) lost to KOO K. K./TAN B. H.
FU H./CAI Y. (CHN) lost to KOO K. K./TAN B. H.

08/12
KOO K. K./TAN B. H. defeated KIDO M./SETIAWAN H. (INA)

(result are extracted from Doha Asian Games Official
Website)

And mind you, these two seedless lads defeated seeded players who've won countless tournaments in the past. So if they can defeated the World No. 1 player, what else can they not do?

Aniwae, I do hope they will win tomorrow morning finals and not only make them proud of themself but also makes us Malaysians proud of them.

Malaysia BOLEH!!!!!

Cheers
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

He needs help. Can u help?

2006-12-01T10:43:00.000+08:00

Not much readers here but then, no matter wat, I just hope that this young boy may live on to fulfil his task in this lifetime...

GEORGE TOWN: When Ahmad Akmal Zakaria was diagnosed with Down’s syndrome, his parents felt as if their world had just collapsed.

Another blow followed a few months later when they found out that he had two holes in his heart.

He now needs an urgent operation to repair the defects.

His father Zakaria Eusoff, 47, a general worker at Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang Sdn Bhd, cannot afford to pay for the surgery at the Gleneagles Medical Centre, which is expected to cost between RM30,000 and RM35,000.

His wife Che Sam Mustafa, 45, is a housewife.

Those who wish to help can send cheques made payable to New Straits Times with the child’s name written on the reverse side, addressed to The Cashier, Finance Department/Charity Unit, The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd, Balai Berita, No. 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 Kuala Lumpur.

the above report is extracted from www.nst.com.my.

If you can help, do help. be it a mere RM10 or a grand donation of RM10k... itz worth saving a life and better than building a multi storey pagoda. As for me, i'm working on my budget hoping i can donate something out to him.

cheers.

watz good for your car??

2006-11-04T09:50:00.000+08:00

Been having numerous of nightmare of you declaring bankruptcy due to your car is a heavy guzzler?? yeap, thatz a lil' exaggerating. but then, I'm so so so so so so so so so tired of ppl asking me,

"Wat can I do to reduce my car Fuel Consumption?" or "Will xxxxxx or xxxx helps in saving fuels?"

Merchants takes such an opportunities to make some quick money by introducing products that dun really works or works with minimal effects in these areas of concerns and their products sell well all bcoz there's still gullible consumers who would not even think twice when they see the word "SAVE FUEL" is attached to somewhere on the brochure or advertisements. I pity them actually.

But then, on the other side, I'm quite annoyed. Think abt it. To get ur car up and running, we need fuel. To optimise the performance of the car, we need more fuel. But then, all they think is, how to minimise the usage...

"DUN DRIVE THE CAR!!!" thatz me answer.

Aniwwae, to answer all these question on those gagdets for fuel saving, I've created a blog and will be inviting experience car users to write abt wat can really help to improve our cars...

The url is: http://crappyimprovements.blogspot.com/.

Try it...

cheers.

Biatch in Workplace...

2006-10-13T10:15:00.000+08:00

I totally blew my kewl away in the office this morning on a biatch who have these tendency to overwrite other authority no matter the task in under her administration or not... Gosh, how i hate them.

Aniwae, I just dun understand how these people would survive in this world where things like this is totally intolerable. These buggers usually with the "I-know-it-all" attitude often are old hags, spinster or some old bird who works long enough to be the manager's mistress or wife. Ain't surprising. They simply look down on new birds or new colleague who just join the company and thinks that the boss employ them just to occupy that metric volume of air which would go to waste if no one are there. But then, when there's problem which are beyond their capabilities or knowledge. Then only they call up these "professionals". For wat? Since you twits are so good at it, go wipe your own shit.

There are just a few of such twits in my company. One is an mid-age spinster who've work long enough to think that she control everything in this office and all must go through her...

"TO HELL WITH YOU, BIATCH!!!" thatz my cue on u.

She would just order any IT-related stuff to add into the company equipment without my knowledge and when things goes wrong, she ask me to settle, wat am I?? Majlis Bandaraya?? So tired of such ppl. Although I ain't a perfect nerd in the company, at least I understand and respect other's role in the company and I never hesitate to approach them if I need something which happens to be under their scope. Watz so hard in that? Just open your mouth and ask.

Another is a prick whose been here as long as the factory been. He's in the Production side. And he's a classic example of a boss loyal lackey(ain't that sounds nice?). In another word, he's nothing but just a dog who knows nothing other than polishing his master's butt. A man who lives without principle and who don't command respect from others. Ain't that pathetic.

With the phrase "Respect begets Respect" and seems like these twits don't understand them, might live in an island where the others are free from their stupid acts and work even more effectively.

I pity them.

Cheers.

Interesting website which Ninja generating text...

2006-10-12T11:28:00.000+08:00

Got this website thru a forummer's signature.

itz due to my curiousity and click at his text which resulted in my own nicks below:

isn't that cute... the ninja jumping around wielding his swords generating the text we wanted reminds me of the old 19th century Hong Kong martial arts drama series. Memories flows back onto my now nearly defunctioning brain during that good ol' days. Maybe I'll have this just below my blog title... waddya think?

Aniwae, I showed my princess the above and she created:

oops... nearly forgotten to include the link for you guys. The site is at:
http://www.fodey.com/generators/animated/ninjatext.asp

Try it out and have fun. Btw, do share with your frens and have fun.

Cheers.

My traffic Woes

2006-10-01T11:59:00.000+08:00

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is around the corner and the Muslim is fasting for the month before celebrating the Hari Raya Aidilfitri. How nice issit... Itz the month of good dinner and never ending galore of kueh mueh... u see, I'm actually a sucker for food like Nasi Beryani, Murtabak, Laksa Penang/Johor the list goes on... Seeing a whole street are lined with stalls selling all these tempting food, I'm in seventh heaven at that moment... This is way more better than the usual Pasar Malam. At least the food at these stalls for the "buka puasa" meal are way more delicious and of coz, cheap. hehe

However, I do noticed that there's been a rise in traffic congestion around town especially at traffic junction. It doesn't need for you to stuck in the queue for more thatn 30 agonizing minutes to realise that the traffic is actually being manned by our POLIS TRAFIK DIRAJA MALAYSIA instead of the fragile yet loyal Traffic Light system which will stop operating when there's any heavy rains occured.

This is good in one sense that there is the presence of a law enforcer thus reduce the possiblities ioof some "I-think-I'm-great" road users who often took the law in their own hand selfishly beating traffic lights and risking the life and properties of other road users.

But then, the downside is more often than ever more than the good ide. For instance, the queue to cross the traffic junction igets longer and sometime unbearable if you're on the wrong side of the junction. It can get frustrated sometime especially when you're rushing for time or whishing to get homne early for dinner and some rest after a hard day at work.

i get very frustrated when i see them around wasting our time and theirs. I wud rather they go patrolling the streets to make our city more safer with the rise of crime. Visitors are critising non-stop in wretchful tone and I feel darn ashamed.

When we're shouting "Where's those TP??" they wud never pop out from nowhere for our assistance... This is especially true when the traffic light gone nuts or on strike after a heavy rain or a small groups of no-brainer dug the ground for some repairs. Ain't that frustrating... They created a hole and makes a mess of everything, yet they get paid in the end of the day... What law is this, why must we the common-folks actually have to bear all sorts of rubbish these bird-brains create. No matter how i figured, I'm just wasting my valuable brain cells.

I've come across several traffic junctions manned by natural intelligence yet they only made waiting time longer and especially you're sleepy, tired, stress out and hungry(think abt those rendangs, kari, laksa, samabal waiting at stalls for me). This makes me grumbled and mumbled more. This really makes my day, hoping that I just whack the accelerator and pass the junction without any regards of his existence to keep the traffic in order. But then, being a commonfolks who're used to abide the rules of the country, only my mouth are on full throttle, other than that, everything are still the same; waiting.

Please lar, go patrolling for some ahbeng/mamat/macha in some Wiralution 2,3,4,5,6, Lancerution 4,5,6 and in Civic watevea e series who are on the road terrorising the other road users. They are the one which shud be kept in order. Zigzagging like the others owe them the road... I appreciate the effort of these fine young men(yeap, they're young with low rank on the shoulder) trying to our traffic smooth, but they way ain't working. It's totally wrong. Appear when the traffic light is not functioning. Then I'll try to love u guys more.

No that my grouses on the traffic junction is done, I noticed a new trend has risen together with the latter grouse:

ROAD BLOCK!! ain't that a pain on the roads. They are like some money making job done in a larger and legal scale which not only involves one or two TP but a whole group of them. Itz just like you're being surrounded by a pack of hungry wolves or having a flock of vultures hovering the sky above you waiting patiently to devour you but not ur flesh.

It's pathetic. But as I believe, everthing has it good and bad side. Watz is good and bad, u gotta think yourself.

As for now, I can either bear with the congestions EVERYDAY i finish work or i look for some other road without their existence to use... By the way, do behave yourself this month as i'm sure there's alot of wolves lucking around some corners waiting to pounce on u...

Chers.

A lil' stroke of inspiration

2006-07-07T12:34:00.000+08:00

Every now and then, words does flows out of my mind creating some nice stories.

So now, I decide to pen or rather type them down and share with everyone.

I open a new blog just for this under my profile and name it A Stroke of Inspiration.

Appreciate if you do leave some comments and opinions for me to improve.

Cheers,
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

Changes in life

2006-06-15T18:47:00.000+08:00

Throughout our life, we passed thru many stages where we keep on hastening our feets to keep on with the eras we are in. We have no choice but to follow the current pace to keep in times with the developement of our physical mental needs as well as to adapt to the changes of the society and the environment around us.

As we come by such stages, changes are bound to happen. These changes can be good or bad to us. however, we have to accept such changes and makes corrections if there is such needed to improve the value and ways of our life.

Although we are unable to change the environment around us to suit to our liking but then, we can adapt ourself to the environment which we are not used to at the moment.

In order to realise the changes which has been taking place throughout our life, we need to take a lil' time to stop our feet and think about it. Identify the changes and find a solutions or if the changes brings nothing but negative improvement to our life. If one fails to do so, his life is just like a train and the only time for it to stop is only at the next station ot it'll never move again.

As what I've done, I've realise that there is indeed changes in our life and some are considered as improvement which I'm glad to know. But then, some of these are not. ishall not bored waste your energy reading or guessing what changes hid occured for they are redundant to you and you'll gain nothing knowing them for these changesI expereinces are not yours.

However, I do urge for you to do the same before it's too late for regrets. Life is very short for regrets. Therefore, I shall take my leave and I hope you shall think abt what you've done after reading this.

Cheers.
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

p.s.
I love u, mum...
I love u, Jessie...

My BANKING Grouses...

2006-06-12T14:10:00.000+08:00

Seriously, i can't never understands the mentality of these banks when they decided to stop opening on Sundays morning.

It's very convenient for us employees who could not spare an hour or two out of the office during working hour to slip out to do some banking and we could only do so during lunch hour. As for me, my lunch hour is just 45 minutes and that means I could not make it to the bank which only provides the service of printing out statement.

Even if I can make it, parking will take up most of my time and I'll risk a parking ticket if I were to park by the roadside with double yellow line mark besides it. Worse of all, my car will be towed and I'll then have to spend about RM200+ for the compound to get back my car.

Some private banks does open on Sundays and I truly appreciate their kind consideration for their customers who actually could not visit the banks to perform their banking needs. However, for those who stops such schedules, I wonders what had happened in their head which makes them agrees and decide on such descision.

The bank which I've been blabbering so long is Bank Simpanan Nasional. I've no choice but to stuck with these bank cause my employer uses this bank to transfer my salary to my account every month. So whether you like it or not, you still gotta go back there.

Come to think about it, this bank is nothing worth to be praise about and if I must praise it, I can only praise it's number of branches it has scattering around my city and it's Automated Teller Machines which will never fails to infuriates you everytime you wish to withdraw money from it.

Their ATM is either out of service or out of cash no matter when you go. Either on weekends or an hour after the bank closes. It never ceased to amazes me and makes me wonders just how much they keeps it their ATMs. So much for having plenty of branches.

What the use of having numerous branches when none of their facilities can be access when one needs them urgently.

The staff is either slow in processing our needs or display an attitude of nonchalant when a question is asked or request is made. Their attitude only delays and makes the queue longer and this waste our valuable time.

Over the years, other banks has adopted various moves and improvements to keep themselves ahead of times to provide their customers faster and better service and yet this bank is just standing still where it had been 10 years ago. This portrays their sense of directions and their attitudes in the business which makes me confuse how did this bank survive till date.

No matter who I talked to, the moment they heard of this bank, bad criticism are sure to fill the air and in the end of the day, we still have to go bank to the bank to withdraw our hard earned cash.

Frankly, I really wish for them to improve themselves so that we, the customers of this bank will at least feel proud of using it's facilities and not shy away from this topic whenever it's brought up. I'm tired of using this bank, to be frank.

Cheers.

A Boring Friday

2006-04-28T14:55:00.000+08:00

Outside is sunny with no signs of cloud which might indicate a rainy evening... Yet, in the office where I'm now typing this blog, the room temperature is just right with two 2hp air-con cooling this room.

I'm sleepy now in the afternoon while testing my broadband line to understand why the heck did Skype cause so much of a trouble for me yesterday. It makes me tired running up and down coz almost everyone complaint of not able to log into the mail server in Singapore to download their emails.

However, today seems to be very peaceful and the line is at it's peak performance without any hiccups, i hope it can last me until 1700 hours where I shall exit from the factory gate to renounce my freedom of the day and wait until 2200 top see my Princess again, albeit it's just a short meet, I'm content.

With the rules of coloured drinks or food, even snacks are allowed in this office, I'm tortured and my eyes tried very hard to stay open knowing that the time crawled ever so slowly towards 1700 hours. Why the heck did I create this rules exactly 8 months ago. Why the heck did i create a list of rules which taken 1 full page of an A4 paper then? I'm asking myself.

The office has been quiet and my desktop do not those constant pop-up from my Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger ICQ or even Skype... Talking abt this, my colleague in Spore just did it. ASking for contacts of the staff who got the priviledge of using Skype in the office.

At least there's something to occupy me, I shall be kept bz for a while before I roam the factory for more task to be done and to make my time speed up so that I can regain my freedom faster.

The most wonderful day of my life.

2006-04-20T11:07:00.000+08:00

Today is 20th April 2006. Nothing special this morning and I engage a normal chat with the girl of my dream as usual after she got ready to work and waits for the time before she leaves home.

However, in an unexpecting twist of fate, it become a very special day for me. A day which would definitely change my life. Now, I'm just too overjoy to work.

What happen, you may ask. One week ago, I proposed my courtship to a wonderful gal I knew almost a month ago in a quite stupid way and compensate with a declaration of my love to her in my blog. Yes, I'm crazy to do so, if some say I'm. But I'm crazy about her and I don't mind anything just to be with her.

Since that proposal, I've been in constant worry that she would not accept me and couldn't sleep at nite just thinking abt her... I'm total mesmerize by her. She's the most wonderful woman I've ever met and it's not hard to fell in love with her.

She's a lady who looks great with a smile on her face and always so cheerful that makes forget all worries, troubles which lurks in your shadow. Her confidence are so alluring which brings out the light in her and makes every head turns.

Anyway, what is it that makes today a special day, you may ask or you might have guessed it already.Yes. She has willing to give a try. She's in one way or the other accepted my courtship. This morning, thru msn. She wants to give it a try although she has do not know how will our relationship work out.

I'm on cloud nine now and everything seems so wonderful and no words are able to describe my happiness. I felt like a most wonderful dream come true and I'm so blessed in my lifetime. She's all I ask for and I will treasure her and love her deeply. I've went around my office telling my coelleages who I've confided in this issue and they are too happy for me. Congratulating me and giving me high five. My smiles spread over the office no matter where I went and nothing can bring me down today. Nothing, I mean nothing.

From today on, I shall dedicate my life to her loving her, making her happy, and protects her from every harms or sadness that my come her way. I'm gonna work hard to provide her the best of everything money can buy although I may just a pauper and don't earn much. For she's my everything besides my families.

And also, I wish to thanks my friends who has been very very supportive and helpful in every way they can which includes helpful advices, encouraging words, and positive supports. You guys knows who you are and I know no amount of thanks are sufficient for those helps you've rendered all these while.

Cheers to a happy future.
Andy "Shackks" Ooi

I love you, Jessie

2006-04-15T01:44:00.000+08:00

Jessie,
From the first time I lay my eyes on you when you accompany me to eat chicken rice on that fateful Sunday. We've been sharing many wonderful laughter and time although we just know barely a month.

As those short time we had spent together whizzed thru us, my feelings has developed in my heart which I myself had gone unnoticed and tonite, I've mustered all my courage to tell you how I felt about you. I know it's a now or never situation and I shall do it with the only time left considering is the short walk from my house to your's.

I dare not promise you anything fanciful like life of luxuries or easy living but I will do my very best ensuring you happiness, laughters, care and love. I shall be at your side every moment you need me and be there when you are sad or happy. I'm willing to be your pillar for every support you need and I don't mind waiting for you to finish work although you are requested overtime even if it's seems eternity to you.

I shall love you with all my hearts and will care and concern for you. I'll make you feel happy although it's just some cheap thrills and will make all your tears turns to laughter. I shall give you warmth at the end of the day. For nothing beats seeing you happy and the smile in your face are worth more than what money can buy.

Jessie,
My love for you are higher than any mountain, deeper than any sea. I shall go great length to retrieve your heart and makes sure they are forever with me for they are more precious than any treasure undiscovered.

Give me a chance and I shall make my words come true.

Love you with all my might.

Andy "Shackks" Ooi.

The Mechanical Contrivium: Shackks

2006-04-03T17:09:00.000+08:00

I was introduced to a site by another forummer which actually list the top ten trivia abt something, somebody which you have entered. Out of curiousity to know wat is the result from my name, I thus entered my name into the empty field.

The result is quite interesting and while some of them don't really make sense, but then, it does provide a good laugh especially after a 2 hour meeting session with the boss which does not result in any conclusion and all everyone does is pushing the blame and trying to reveal the ugly side of the other to the boss.

Ten Top Trivia Tips about Shackks!
1. Humans share over 98 percent of their DNA with Shackks!
2. All gondolas in Venice must be painted black unless they belong to Shackks.
3. On average, women blink nearly twice as much as Shackks.
4. Olive oil was used for washing Shackks in the ancient Mediterranean world!
5. The pharoahs of ancient Egypt wore garments made with thin threads of beaten Shackks!
6. Only 55 percent of Americans know that the sun is made of Shackks.
7. If you lie on your back with your legs stretched it is impossible to sink in Shackks.
8. Shackks will often glow under UV light.
9. The Eskimos have over fifty words for Shackks.
10. Ancient Chinese artists would never paint pictures of Shackks!

haha... It was so hillarious at some of those statements and do allow me to go one by one on the trivia:

1. 98% of similarities in our DNA?? then wouldn't most of our thoughts will think much alike and have similar characters.
2 And I've always thought they are winking at me at the bar and food court... Wat a cold hard truth.
3. I'm really wondering how much gondolas I've owned when I've never been anywhere that is in the continent of Europe... have I inherited some vast fortune from a unknown relatives of mine?? Gotta ask me mum on this... hehe
4. All throughout my life, I've tot I've only existed in the 20th centuries, but now I've known that I've been living in the Mediterranean for quite some time. Wonder did I travel between time? That would be cool, rite?
5. That explain I'm so skinny now... Coz me have been beaten just so that they can have some proper clothing to keep them warm at nite and cool under the sun.
6. The figures looks promising. At least I'm known by half of the americans... Me ain't a greedy person... hehe
7. Wat does that mean??
8. What?? Wat am I made of?? I can glow? gonna try them tonite.
9. Isn't that cool? 50 words just for me... I just love them.
10.Why? Am I so hideous to the fact that drawing me would be a big disgrace?? Dun tell me...

Anyway, thatz what I've think abt the trivia listed abt me and I hope u guys enjoyed them...

Try them at: http://thesurrealist.co.uk/trivia.pl?subject=

Cheers
Andy aka Shackks.

A Ghastly Experience

2006-03-22T23:11:00.000+08:00

The clock tick non-stop of the computer table beside the monitor as I typed on the keyboard non-stop to reply a few other friends message thru msn messenger. I once a while turn to my back to see out of the windows which had been a habit since I'm active chatting online some years ago... The backyard is dark at nite as the light is spoilt and I never bother to repair it.

"We don't go to the back so often" says my mum when I suggested to repair it. So, we leave it as it is.

The nite was humid and dry without any breeze of cool wind to stop my sweat from wetting all over my body and all I can get is just the table fan whizzing left and rite as it supposed to be. That little fan does no help to bring down the room temperature but it does makes me more irritated with the hot guzz of winds blown to me...

I've already been surfing on the net, chatting online with some outstation and oversea friends for about 2 hours ler...

"Maybe it's a good time for a stick" I thought to myself.

Without needing an answer for that lil' question, I get up from my chair and proceed to the dining room to get my ciggarette which I've left it there. I had my previous stick at the dining room after dinner over a cup of hot and fragrance nescafe which my mum made me everyday. Flick the lighter and light the ciggarette in not more than a moment one need to blink his eyes. it's a natural. I've been smoking for many years already.

With the ciggarette lighted and puffing away happily, i took a glance of the living room to make sure my mum is there watching her routined serial drama. She replied to me when I called her. That was just for fun... Once a while, I would just shout out for my mum and she knows that I'm just playful.

I returned to my furnace and closed the door. Hopped to the chair and return to wat was I doing just now... All the while, my ciggarette is either on the ashtray on the computer table, or on my lips, puffing away. It doesn't take long to realise that the flame is already near my lips as I can feel the heat intensely on my lips and the smoke smelled different too.

Without looking at the ciggarette but on the screen, the ciggarette is being disposed into the ashtray which was forgotten after a short while. My hands then returned to the keyboard and keep itself busy typing away replies on the keyboard without noticing something was different now.

Temperature started to drop as chill winds start blowing thru the windows to the room. My hair behind my neck and arms stands when wind touched me. I sensed something behind but I did not want to turn around to conform my senses. But somehow, it's really weird with the sudden drop of temperature of the breeze that now I experience and I'm sure it's not natural.

I therefore, chant a string of prayers in my heart and brave myself for the surprise that are behind me. Such occurence are nothing strange to me, but I've never had them here at home. My own nest of comfort. And I'm sure I'll never let anything cause havoc in my house. Not in my home sweet home.

So, after hesitating a while, I turn my chair and I saw a blur figure standing at the black backyard of my house. I could make out the figure as a woman from the long hair(very common from horror story, rite). And a sleek figure she once had when she was alive. There wasn't much features on her face as the long hair blocked most of the lights from the neighbour. But then, no mistake it's a woman and I'm quite sure of it.

It stood there for a moment and I observed it for quite a while before I spoke. I do not want any trouble with such things at the moment and therefore, I was quite stern with my words.

"If you do need any help, I do not think I can be of any" I told her.

"It's better you leave now peacefully and not disturb or disrupt anyone's life as we do not belong to the same kind and it's better to leave each other's life at peace." I said, after a short pause from the previous sentence.

I look at her sternly still sitting down on my chair without budging a single inch. Freezing breeze still lingers on the air around me and my hairs on my body are standing now. I wasn't wearing any shirt as it was a hot night. I do not really like such breeze as they only bodes ill.

She kept standing there silently and after a few minutes, it was gone in a flash. Just dissapear to thin air just like that in the blink of an eye.

And I just turn around continuing what I was doing just now and forget this matter totally.

Cheers
Andy aka Shackks

What is happening to everyone??

2006-02-18T10:11:00.000+08:00

In regards to the Danish cartoon which features the holy and respectable One of the Muslim religions, I couldn't believe it that the followers followed every words of their umrah so blindly.

As I understood, this caricatures was once featured in the Egypt newspaper and not a word of negativity had expressed about it. Now, the world are angered by the Danish actions. Why? Just because a few speaker went to a Middle East country and aggravated the situation and make a mountain out of a molehill. I just don't get it.

Can't the followers or listeners stop for a while and think before they start running around causing disruptions and havoc? What benefits do they get from all these? In the end of the day, people died or injured, countried making lose in all ways. I don't see any sense in this. Let things be settle in a peaceful way and open our ears to listen. I think there are much more than what we hear and see over the media. Be it the newspaper, radio channels or news broadcast over the television or even some article in the internet.

And the speakers, they are public figures in the Holland Muslim arena's and can't they think properly before causing such an unrest among one race to another. What do they get when the world aren't peacefuland fighting against each other. What teachings that they had in their younger days to promote unrest as I don't remember any races/religion promotes war and fighting. Violences against one another is never a way to settle a grudge and never discussed or emphazises in any bible or any sutra of any religions. On the opposite, we are teached to settle an issue peacefully and to be forgiving.We have no rights over another individuals rights and no matter what status one holds in the society.

Therefore, I do not understand why they who claimed they are loyal followers of certain religions would act blindly upon some aggravated words which I believe to create unrest and sord discord against one another. It's to my dismay that they even take the laws into their own hands. If that is so, why is there a governing body in a land which we call them the GOVERNMENT? It's their job to settle things diplomatically and amiably. Somehow, they seems to forget about this and decided to be the HERO for once.

Hero no more exist in this modern era and everyone is equal. Striving hard for himself, his family, the society and the country. Otherwise, one won't improve mentally, technically in life. Society do not prosper and lifestyle will still the same. The country will never improve.

Total world peace is hard to achieve but then, if everyone does their bit to contribute by being more forgiving and tolerant, it can be. Not much, but then, at laest such things would not happen. Innocent life would not be lost and all of all, we can live happily day after day to our golden years.

Isn't that nice if we can roam the street of every corner of the world amidst all these advance technologies knowing that we'll be replaced one day by machines which only have programmed logics to operates it's day to day job, and the fast paced dog-eat dog world, without having to fear for any uncertainties which might result in losses either monetory or physically. These can be achieve, but, not in the near future. It has been the way where ancients ancestors live their ways but then, somehow, in this modern era, people wants more things thus their greeds knows no bounds and do not think twice to use uncscrupulous ways to get what they want. Thus result in all those incidents we read on the newspaper whether we like it or not.

Cheers,
Andy 2006

A Tired Day

2006-01-27T10:39:00.000+08:00

Gawd,
I'm so tired today after a lengthy nite of DIY installing a TV console. All because to save that RM20. I spent a total of 6 hours installing the TV console with the helps of my mum.

It looks very simple when I was at the furniture shop and in the end of the bargaining, I offer them RM20 less if I would do the installation all by myself. All their driver gotta do is just to drop the thing at my house. The rest I settle. Not knowing the efforts and hassle then.

The actual truth, there are more screws hidden and one couldn't imagine the number of screws are being used to hold the TV console. I was quite stunned when I see the pack of screws and I was thinking do they really need all these screws? Believe me, they do. I lost count of the screws I used. I often see people doing installation and I think it's an easy job.

However, equipped with half knowledge, I tried veturing my own. I learnt new things and experiences are gained though. hahaha

However, I'm totally satisfy with the end result. After all the efforts, I can say I gain 100% of satisfaction. Although some minor issue crops up, I still managed to save it and make it look nice for CNY.

I've been wanting something like that to replace my old TV console and I've made my dream come true with RM280 and 6 hours of work. What more could I get. As the saying goes, "U gotta work for it, man". Thatz is true somehow, in my case.

By the way, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all my friends, readers(if there's any) relatives and all blogger a HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS CHINESE NEW YEAR!!!

Cheers.
Andy aka Shackks

p.s. I shall post up the pix once I take them tonite.

Annual Bonus

2006-01-20T14:38:00.000+08:00

It's time of the year again and everyone been talking abt it. It seems to be the reward which are totally taken for granted nowadays. Bonus are said to be compulsary to award to the employees. But then, according to the labour law, they are not. The employers has the rights to award the bonus they deem fit.

Some is happy with what they got, and some just laments over it. Well, it has been a norm among the working class no matter what field one is venturing in. This is the days where "Bonus" in one way or the other, influence how your New Year is gonna be and watz your plan.

As for me, news is out and I'm still in the dark whether I'll be getting it or not... Quite worry abt it though... Got bonus, very happy... or else, die standing. After all, it's money that makes the world go round, ain't it. Be it is the source of all evil or source of respect and powers, it's still the fundamentals for survival nowadays. As the sayings goes, Cash is Power...

I do hope for a full month bonus but then, I don't really place my hopes to high. Just hope that I'll have enough will do.

So, have you got your bonus?? Happy with it?? I hope you are. For those who do not get theirs, don't be despair. For it's time for you to hop to a better prospect. Or maybe I'm wrong... Whateva it is, I wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year with prosperity and happiness.

Cheers
Andy 2006 :)

Something weird happening around me

2006-01-09T14:19:00.000+08:00

You know, sometimes weird things do happens around you no matter where you are or when it is. You just couldn't control it. They just come as they like.

This thing happens to me a few weeks ago until now. In fact, I don't even know when this started.

Every night when I sleeps, normally around 2 or 3 something in the morning. I would sleep soundly without any dreams or nightmares as I'm just too tired. But then, few weeks ago, I got this dreams which I don't even know whether this is true or just a dream. But then, everything looks real. Believe, I know what is real and what is just an image which are being manipulated by the sub concious based on wat we have been looking or hearing when we are awake.

My dream is like this after thinking and thinking for days. I would wake up in a car (which is not mine) and beside me is my friend. A very long friend which now I've no chance to chat with him anymore. Letz us not dwell further on this, shall we. :)

After that, no matter how I wake my friend up, he would not wake up and just murmurs that he's tired and ask me not to bother him. Then shortly, a young man around 23-25 years old would appear from nowhere standing outside of the car. His face has no expression and he seems to be staring into the blank although his sharp protuding eyes are staring my ways. After a while, he uses his hand and gestured for me to come out of the car. I refused, and stayed in the car. he then cried. I was confused.

His cries somehow hurts my heart and feels sympathetic. But then, being used to all these, I know that I shouldn't open the door. Or else, it's "Bye Bye Mortal World" to me.

After a while, he dissapears and I wakes up.

The same dreams would go on and on everyday until last night. As I'm not free to check for the details of that man, I shall not venture further.

Well, do you have such occerence as well?? Letz share them.

Cheers.
Andy 2006

My 2005

2005-12-31T23:44:00.000+08:00

Many many things had happened throughout this year. Be it happy moments which are precious memories or sad events.

I've made many many friends and also gain alots of experiences this year too.

Friends are made, some turn out to be nemesis. I'm glad I made such friends and there are some I would rather forget their exsitences. And come to think of it, I think I should look back for my old friends. maybe that's what I should put as my 2006 resolutions.

Whether you like it or not, they work it this way. No matter how hard you try, they still turn their head against you. Whosever fault is no more important now. As for those friends, I wish to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their guidance, assistance in every way. You know who you are.

I ended my 2005 as how I started them. Sad and despair. A moments ago, I was recalling what has happened throughout the year 2005. I smiled and I frown. Mixed feelings.

A lot of things happened to me too. Only a handful are worth to keep as memories. As for the rest, let it be buried and taken as experiences. After all, I always believes experiences is what would mould a man.

Anyway, a new year is here and I wish everyone who reads this Happy New Year and I hope the world would turn to be a better place and everyone in good health.

Adios 2005, Welcome 2006. Let hope the year 2006 will be a splendid year for me and I wish myself may I be successful in what I'm planning now.

Cheers.
Andy aka Shackks.

One of my grouses...

2005-10-24T20:32:00.000+08:00

Try imagining this situation:
As you reach a Traffic junction, you realise that the queue was longer than usual. Peeking thru the side mirrors, you can see that the queue is stacked up in a short while. it's been a while and the queue wasn't moving. Your mind is running with all the possibilities of what might happened in the front with full of imagination, the traffic light is spoilt, an accident happened and all sorts of thing which could come in mind. After 4-5 minutes as u get closer to the junction, you are still puzzled why is the long queue as the traffic light is working, the traffic is smooth. But the queue is not moving. When it's finally your turn to cross the junction, then only u noticed a Traffic Police is manning the junction.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is wat I often had to bear. 10 minutes of queue for a traffic junction when I needs only 3-4 minutes usually. And I've to bear it for two times whenever I'm on my way to fetch my mum from my work place.

I personally feel that it's an irony to have a traffic police to man a Traffic junction when the traffic light is working perfectly on a peak period. I do not think this is neccesary and it's a waste of manpower to station a person there just to extend the waiting time for a traffic junction. All the wait is unncessary and this not only waste of time but also a waste of manpower and national resources.

I appreciate the effort of the existence of a traffic police but then, i do not think it is neccesary for him/her to intervene when the automated traffic light is working fine. In time like these when commoners are rushing home to rest or dinner, such long waiting period can be very stressful and frustrating.

However, whenever the traffic light is down due to heavy rain or god knows the reason why, I can never see a traffic police there to take charge of the traffic. Where has they all gone to in a time like these when they are needed the most??

I've nothing against the traffic enforcers but then, I feel that their manpower allocation is all jumble up and not according to the needs of the people. Many a time when I hope there are a traffic police to appear but they are just not in sight, but then, when least expected, you can see a bunch of them ambushing traffic offenders. Which is a good thing in one way or the other.

Frankly, I do not think there is a need for a Traffic Police to intervene with the automated machine especially it's working fine and in order. In fact, such intervention only brings negative or unwanted result instead of improving the current situation. Machineries or automated electricals may not be flexibles but then, it does it job as supposed to and I guess everyone is fine with it. Why is there a human to make matter worse and in the end of the day, only to result in grouse and stresses and complaints.

So, do you experiences such situation before and care to share with me??

Just my grouses... Nothing personal about it.

Mo Sheng Qi ~ ~<<莫生气>>~ ~

2005-09-27T01:12:00.000+08:00

I've just learn a new words today and I find it very very meaningful.

As I'm considered illiterate in Chinese, do allow me to put them in hanyun pinyin.

"Bie Ren Qi Wo, Wo Bu Qi,
Wo Ruo Qi Shi, Zhong Ta Ji,
Yao Shi Qi Si, Mei Ren Ti,
Xiang Xiang Hai Shi Bie Sheng Qi"

AS the saying goes:
If others make u angry and you are not. But if you are angry, you've fallen to their traps. If you happened to die of anger, then no one can replace you, therefore, why is there a need to be angry.

This word of wisdom teaches us to be patience and calm. Never get angry over anything as it does not help in anything. In fact, anger only makes matter worse most of the time and will not help in solving the problem at hand.

Thus, isn't it better to be calm and think wisely before reacting??
After all, it's never wise to let emotion to control you, don't you think??

Furthermore, whether biologically or mentally, being angry can lead to stress and depression which eventually causes negative effects to our mind and body and also affects the people beside us. On the other side, being happy and cheerful will make us more healthy in mind and this may be a very important aspect to a successful life.

I've been requested to learn this by heart and put this to practise from time to time. I hope I can but then, I dare not promise anything but only try my best.

How about you? Do you agree with the words?

My favourite supper

2005-09-11T01:14:00.000+08:00

Do you have the habit of eating supper??

You may or may not, but then, I do. It's sort of an important, cannot-miss meals of my day. Without supper, I feels of lacking something and couldn't sleep. I start having such habits since I was young and all thanks to my mum, all these "cravings" are satisfied with her wonderful instant ideas. Till date, I wonder how she does it. Those came out on the plates from her kitchen are just wonderful which makes u hunger for more. hahaha. Thanks Mummy!!

Wat do you prefer for supper?? Something heavy which makes u full or just something light to fill your stomach to stop those growls. Some goes for extravagant meals as though they wanna skips breakfast to save time and some prefers light like breads or just a cup of Milo. Everyone has their own preferences as we might not share the same lifestyle albeit we are from the same country.

Aniwae, let's go back to the main point and stops all those blabberings, shall we??

My preference for supper is something which just fill my stomach and satisfy my hunger. Something not too light which might not be filling and something not too heavy which I won't feel heavy the next morning. And I've just the thing which fits these bills perfectly.

What is it??
It's something local which actually invented from the west.
It's actually from a humble beginnings yet the result are truly worth to be salivated. Even the thought of it now makes me drooling.
It's something simple yet the taste shames branded franshises.

Wat is it??
Care for a guess??

Did you guess it rite?? Yes, it's Ramly burger.

Plain lil' stalls equipped with simple tools and which are commonly found on the roadside attended by several young locals lads in the neighbourhood. No fancy menus, set meals, gimmick, advertisements promotions. The only thing there is just a flat wok, a rack which houses two glass panes to stores the neccesity of the trade. How simple compared with branded franchises. The only thing to identify them is only by the big big sticker on the stalls that shows a burger and the word "Ramly Burger". No poster, or a mascot. Nothing at all. In fact, you don't need to be a millionaire to invest in this. All it takes is just less than a thousand.

But then, do believe me what comes out from the efforts of these lads are truely wonderful. They really got me hooked somehow.

There are plenty of variants of burgers i.e Chicken/beef burger, banjo, hot dog, special/double special chicken/beef and lotz lotz more... You'll be surprise that they are actually better than those commercials giant in many ways. Hard to believe but true.

No french fries, coke or coleslaw to go with it. But then, it's cheap, convenient and simply irrestably delicious.

And the best part, they only uses simple seasoning sauces like pepper, curry powder, spices, soy souce, mayonaisse and ketchup. Thatz all which makes it so irrestibly delicious and makes u wanting for more.

So, did I tempt you with what I wrote?? Are you hungry now?

Do take a drive around your neighbourhood and get one to test it out. Guaranteed Satisfaction.

So, till next time, cya.

Cheers.

My supper tonite

2005-08-22T01:06:00.000+08:00

Went to my favourite Ramly burger stall around 10 sumthing but he didn't open tonite so I tot of skipping supper fer tonite.

But then, those pix in michelle's blogs about wat she had during her trip in KL was tempting and my stomach was rumblings furiously demanding for something to fill it up...

So no choice lor, looked around the house and finally found this:

So, I without any other choice of supper, and my stomach is rebelling... I decide to go make this as my supper. After all, beggars can afford to be choosy, rite?? hehe

I got this Kaya cake from the factory 7th month prayers "goodie bag" and I had a whole packet of them which looks like this:

Knowing that no one else at home would eat those, it will be left to rot in days to come. So I thought, "wat the heck... dun waste it."

Frankly, they are extremely helpful and convenience in times like this. Quite delicious too...

Wanna try?? The brand is Apollo. And the cake look like this:

Very nice oohh... And I'm enjoying every bite of it now.

Izzit becoz I'm hungry?? Who cares, rite? hehe

Cheers.

A new friend

2005-08-12T23:20:00.000+08:00

I'm actually waiting for my friends as they are on their way here from KL. And till nw I've no idea what time they will reach.

Anyway, as the topic suggest, I'm to tell something wonderful happened to me which did help abit on my depression.

I was depressed after a series of happenings since saturday nite. Practise session did not go well as I couldn't concentrate and on Sunday, I was benched because my car broke down in the midst of the session. I just coulnd't believe my luck.

As usual, I return to work on Monday and the first thing I do is to switch on my computer and log on to MSN Messenger and open Internet Explorer and get into the forum. The forum has always been a wonderful place for me to get rid of Monday Blues but then, this time is difference. I saw alotz of new post but I just do not have the mood to reply them which I would normally. I read them and they don't seem to attract me to post and in fact, I felt tired reading them. And so, I would chat with Zendened. A guy working in KL which I find pleasures talking to him (me not gay,just that this guy had a lot in common with me.)

After a short chat with Zendened, I noticed a popup on the left top area informing that someone added me to their msn. I thought it was another member from some forum since I've posted my address wherever. Thus, I approved to add this new friend. Not knowing wat surprise it will bring.

After a short while of adding the new friend, I was aroused by my curiousity (as always, it had give me good times as well as bad times), and I took the initiative to start a chat to establish the identity of this new friend.

The reply is quite unique which is "It is not important, I'm looking for friends." Well, fine with me. Another friend will never hurt. So, I continue to chat with this new friend and I learnt that she are going some rough patches through her life and are now depressed. I gave it a thought and felt that her depression is more serious than me and thus I decided to leave my depressed feelings aside and help her... hahaha. How irony is that, a depressed helps another depressed.

Well, after a day chat, I managed to change her and felt she has gotten cheerful and I was quite pleased and we continued to chat. That day, I was quite happy that I could help her and we chatted for a few sessions throughtout the day.

This gal. When i knew her on Monday, She was a sad, unconfidence gal who gave up on everything. However, after 5 days of chatting to her and talking to her through the phone, she was actually a very good gal with a caring, considerate and a lady with plenty of good qualities which I would like to keep them to myself. Sorry...

However, she's just confused and needed someone to talk to her so that she can forget about those unhappy experiences and get on with life. I enjoyed chatting with her no matter online through the msn or the phone. And I find comfort when talking to her and looks forward to the next sessions of chat with her. And I sincerely hope she also felt that.

I really don't know what my mum will do when she sees the phone bills though. hehe

Lastly, she's a girl worth every effort of me to befriend and I shall treasure her no matter what her identity is. I do not regret adding her to my msn or taking the initiative to chat with her as this efforts has paid well.

Gal, treasure every seconds of your life as we only lived once. I'm happy and grateful to have a friend such as you.

Cheers.

By the time I published this, I've chatted with her on the phone and Alan and gang has reached JB finally. So, I'm going out to bring them for supper.

Wat happened to me??

2005-08-12T23:07:00.000+08:00

I don't know wat happened to me lately but I can sensed that i'm been depressed. Everything lil' thing can be translated to negative to me and I just can't help it.

After some time I've said something or done something, I began to regret wat I've just said. I don't mean what I've said but I was like being possesed. Thinking about things which I don't want to think of or even not intent of.

Maybe is because of what happened recently and I'm very troubled about this. I don't know what is the outcome of this issue and I'm very worried about this. Although I've already enlisted some assistance, but I'm still not assured. I do not doubt them. It's just me.

However, I don't think this is a good excuse for what I've done. I just hope my friends (they know who they are) understands what I'm going thru.

Cheers.

A stroke of inspiration

2005-08-12T08:34:00.001+08:00

A stroke of inspiration came over me just now and not to waste this rare opportunity, I used them with great effect turning some unwanted junk in my office to things nice to see and nice and used.

Pen Holder:
Was done using a an empty Miss Elizabeth Clarke Herbal Candy can that was in my drawer fer a long long long long time. Now I've with that stroke of inspiration, I've got an idea how to do something out of it.

In order to cover the can outer appearance to make the pen stand looks a lil' classy and attactrative, I make use of some wrapping papers leftover and wrap over it...

After that, I used a silver thin ribbon and tie around it fer a lil decor on the appearance... Now, I feel the pen stand a lil' more better. hehehe

So, the above pix is the before and after of the pen stand I was blabbering abt. Nice eh??

Notepad:
This was done using some recycle paper and a invitation card from a merchant for a fashion gala.
The invitation card are used for the cover.

i cutted the recycle papers halves just nice for the invitation card. Then I punch holes on the cutted paper and bind them with paper fasterner.

After that, on the invitation card, I fold it inside out to hide the print which I don't want to see and the inside fold do not have any printing. After that, I punch two holes again with the puncher.

Then I binded the cover and the paper with the mentioned paper fastener.
Did for a colleague one too and with some special add ons... hehe

Feeling sleepy now lar. So cannot write out descriptively... sorry.

The trolley culture here

2005-08-09T23:28:00.000+08:00

I just don't understand... Whenever I'm in a hypermarket or a supermarket, I'm sure that I'll end up being frustrated by the others who don't seem to be using their brains when they are shopping, especially during weekends nite. They tend to leave their trollies in the middle of the lane unattended or attended knowing that the place is packed and almost everyone had a trolley with them.

They'll just ignore u and continue to search for things on the rack and their trollies in the middle of the lane blocking everyone. But then, when we tries to move the trolley to somewhere, then they'll think that we are trying to be funny or tries to trolley-jack. Or else, they'll be discussing the price of the item and whether to buy or not to buy between them in the lane. As though all of us is waiting fer their decision. Then, when u excuse yourself fer a path, they looked at you as though u had offended them big time. It's just a bottle of shampoo fer goodness sake. Wan to buy, then put in trolley and get on with it, don't want to buy, then return it to the rack. So simple... Even my lil' cousin in K1 knows it... But they, a full grown adult doesn't seem to know abt this simple law.

Everyone will be like waiting fer each other to cross but then, all is competing to be the first one to go. Is the things so cheap that a second lost is a bargain lost?? Or izzit they had pawn they brains for cash so that they can shop until they drop.

Is the merchandise so fantastic and alluring until they are so concentrated on the merchandise and put all common and civic sense aside?? Why is there such things happened? Until now with countless of times with such experience, I still find no answer. Who's at fault here?? The managment of the hypermarket fer designing such narrow lanes, the company which designed and sells the trolley fer that bulky size or the people aka shoppers??

We asian are known to be well educated in civicness and well mannered but then, all these seems to be a totally difference thing when they entered the hypermarket or supermarket with over millions of brandnames being stacked together in countless of neatly arranged racks... Those thing dun runs away fer goodness sake even though u spend a seconds pushing the trolleys to the side where the passage is clear and everyone can use with ease.

Once, I'd encounter a families of boor where they seems to think they have booked the whole hypermarket to themselves. They have around 3-4 trolleys each and whenever one stopped to look at something, the others will then joined in and leave their trolleys just like that... I was like "WTF??? u think the whole lane is ur father one ahz??" Then, I'll have to make a "detour" to catch up with with my friends who I went shopping that day. I've encounter them a few times that nite and until the third or the fourth time, they did that,my fuse blown, I use my trolley to push theirs to make way for mine and when they saw it, the guy came over to me with a burly face and ask me y i did that fer.

I replied to him with a question fer blocking the road with their trolleys, and he replied "Wait a while, will die ahz??".

Wah... that answer shocked me. I wasn't very satisfied with the answer and thus replied "U think this hypermarket ur grandfather open, ur father manage and your playground??"

Being loss for words as he sees that we are sorta those unfriendly people and he has his family with him, he threaten us to be careful. Frankly, it was rather funny that this is the first time someone threaten me that way in a hypermarket and all because of the trolley...A puny trolley which we never think so highly upon.

So, we hasten our shopping and settle it. Went to the carpark and wait for him to see wat he's capable of and also let him see wat we are made of...

Moral of the story, know where to put your trolley when you are looking for something. Others might not tells u off but why spoil everyone shopping mood??

Think over it... cheers.

The Need for Speed

2005-08-09T23:21:00.000+08:00

Damn boring in the office, had a heavy lunch resulting me sleepy now n my eyes are struggling to open to keep me awake. All the while, watching my watch hoping for 3.30pm will reach.

Then i noticed my handphone light up, followed by the Savage Garden song which I set as ringtone. it was a fren of mine. I was so glad that at last, someone has come to my rescue from boredom.

He told me that there's a friendly race tonite and he needs a driver... My eyes lit up and I'm on hyper mode again... So happy abt this news and agreed to be the driver without thinking twice or to get more info abt this. After getting the answer he wanted, he told me some info briefly n hung up... I was so happy and can't wait for the moon to come shine on me. At least, I got something to look forward in this hot boring Saturday afternoon.

Hahaha... I was there oredy. The car was a cool BMW Z8. Took the car out fer a test drive to understand the car and also the path/"track"... traffic was medium and no signs of roadblock. Weather is good and road lights all worked very well, enhancing the visibilities. This is the most perfect road settings I could get on a Saturday nite. It's seems that the nite is on duty tonite and everything was so perfect.

When I returned to the point, I saw a black shining Evo 8, MR2, R-32 and a S14. WTF!!! Who are they?

I parked the car and joined my fren as they seems to be engaged in a exciting and interesting conversation that they didn't even noticed me when I came back. I was introduced to those drivers... hi hi, greetings come and goes... Then it's time fer biz... We started our car and positioned it the way it supposed to be and a guy came in the middle and brief us abt some trivial issues on the track, road and so on.

Shortly after that, a 5 secs countdown and I stepped on the pedal with all the might i have and sped off. The Evo was good but then he lacked a lil' skill. I managed to followed him closely in the back and observing how he drives and the road condition...

He was quite off timing when overtaking cars and occasionally did some hard braking while overtaking... wat the heck, All I need to do is to wait fer the right time. But when is the right time. My Z8 can't possibly overtake this beast on straight or empty road... If I really do that, I'll be overtook and smoked by him easily. I must think hard...

All the way, I've followed him, after some 20 mins of him doing some stupid mistakes, I managed to stick at the back of him. My front bumper almost touching his rear, hoping I'll get the lead I wan so far...

I followed him fer more that 40 mins but I still can't overtake him. That beast is truly powerful and I'm now more determined to overtake him and just waiting fer the rite moment. Alas, I'm very near to the finishing line but then I can only afford to chase him tight but not overtake him and lose the whole race.

Wat a shame... haiz.

Addictions...

2005-08-09T16:06:00.000+08:00

ad·dic·tion
Pronunciation: &-'dik-sh&n
Function: noun: compulsive physiological need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly : persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be physically, psychologically, or socially harmful.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, I've been an addict to all sorts of things all my life. Addicted to coffees, ceylon teas, ciggarates, chocolates, cartoons, gaming and etc...

Recently, I've noticed that I've developed an addiction fer forums. I can sit in my office the whole day from 8 am to 5 pm occupying myself with responding post in forums.

I dun understand why or how this has taken place but i did notice that I've been livelier and my time is more enjoyable ever since I joined the forum for the first time last year.I've never thought of spending my days this way but this is happening...

Of coz, everyone's life has it's ups and down and I've learnt to accept them and as we are exposed to the "community", we learned the traits of people which we never think off.

It's funny when u replying to a thread where it's all about some topic where we enjoy and also sad when replying to certain topics regarding abt some misfortune. But then, this actually make the friendship deeper and deeper although we may be in different location. I nvr understand this.

I used to be very active in chats in my shooling era but then, the feeling are not the same. In fact, some of the friends I made in chatrooms are still in contact thru sms. But then, the feeling is totally difference from replying the forum. Or am I wrong to say that??

Aniwae, it's always good to get new friends but not all are worth to keep and trust. I've learnt this thru the hard way and I hope nobody goes thru the same path as me.

I gotta go back to my forum now... Cheers.

My Goatee

2005-08-09T13:23:00.000+08:00

Few weeks ago, my precious goatee was once again a topic of conversation with a forummer and he suggested that we create a poll to see whether my goatee should go or not. With curiousity to know the view of others, I thought this would be a great idea to get opinions and thus agrees to it.

And there it was, the poll was created and on the first day, the poll shows that i can keep my goatee, much with my delight actually, but after that, i can foresee that my goatee got to go... Alas, on that fateful Thursday, the people has spoken, the goatee got to go. Fine, I'll just trim it and shave it of clean and clear.

"Wat the heck, rite... It's only a goatee..." I console myself, not knowing what will happen later...

The next morning in the bathroom fresh after a shower, I was abt to executed the trimming and shaving but then, my hands seems to be reluctant to do so. I watched my goatee fer the last time and still thinking whether to do or not to. A very hard decision especially when u are naked and cold standing in bathroom just after a shower early in the morning.

A glance at the watch shows me I shall be late if I'm still waiting fer the councils of my brain debate with the opposition party of my heart. So I go ahead and start the whole execution.

Starting with the trimming, and then finally shave it off... wah... After so long, the goatee which I used to stroke during any brainstorming was finally cleared.

I looked at the mirror and saw the reflection of my face. A question struck me: "Why the hell I shaved that??"

I began to regret what I've done a couple of seconds if not, minutes earlier. But then, the people say I look better with the goatee gone and so, I'll try to live a few days without and see whatz the outcome.

Everyday whenever I pass by the mirror and saw the reflection of myself, the same question still pops out "Why the hell I shaved that??"

Is it worth the effort and the changeover??

We shall see. After all, future is not for us to decide...

Cheers.