Microsoft Shutting Down MSN Live Services

Yeap... It's true. Like it or not, after Microsoft bought over Skype. They've decided to shut down the MSN Live Messenger which will be schedule on the March 2013. This decision will affects all regions with the exception of China.

This move is to prevent the conflict of interest between Skype and MSN Live Messenger. And after all, Skype will surely brings in more revenues with users using cash to buy credits to make calls. MSN Messenger has been with us for a very very long time. It has stands all test and trials of competition, competing against chat room like irq and other instant messaging services like ICQ and Yahoo Messenger and Skype.

 However, all good things must come to an end. And the time has comes for this wonderful companion which has been one of  the essential software since 1999.

I'm sure we'll miss MSN very much but the grief shall not be long as there's already facebook chat and google talk eagerly taking its place in no time. But then, I'll be quite sure many corporates IT heads are having headache on which to use for their instant communicating tools after this. For I'm one of them.

More details in BBC

Cheers,
Andy MH Ooi

Changes thru the years

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

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!!!

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.

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.

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...

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...

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

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...

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

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?

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

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...

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

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...

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

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

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

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.

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