Another slow slow week day..

Huuuuarghhh.....

It is another slow slow week day. Temperature outside is hitting close to 40C, with slight winds rustling the leaves. Temperature inside no better.

I've just reviewed thru 63 resumes, all online. What a nightmare... strangely enough, there's so many people out there looking for work. Must prepare for another influx of fresh graduates. Unfortunately, the choices out there are too slim for picking.

So what if the number of places per university had increased? Seems till now, they've still not managed to do much character-building in the future generation. No, scratch that. I should say, they merely reached a handful of minorities, where people development are concerned.

How would you feel, as an interviewer, when a candidate walks in late, couldn't understand english, couldn't understand questions aaaaannnd... allows his legs to twitch throughout the whole interview?

They don't bother to check up on the Company, don't even know what industry they are applying to, and have the cheek to ask for a four digit pay!

Or perhaps, I've been meeting local candidates. Yes, that could be it. Poor sods never had the exposure of professionalism. Didn't know what is called sophistication. The old adage sticks - Katak bawah tempurung.

Scour the web, see the world...

It's lunch break.
With not much else to do, besides munch on carbs, I decided it'll be good to scour the world wide web, and see what's happening.

First place to start - Other blogs.
I'm surprised to find stuffs I'd never expect to see, just by clicking "Next Blog" again and again...
Found a site about a trans-sex living in Manila... then another site popped up about a same-gender loving brother... then site about comics... then site about American Idols... then site about hot chicks online :o !...

Come to think of it, whatever it is that they blog about, it's basically their life. Their interests. No wonder today's daily claimed that political bloggers can write all they want, the number of readers are still small to have much impact. The phrase was "bloggers write for other bloggers to read".

Meaning, only bloggers read my posts. Only friends who knows I've got a blog would pop in occasionally to see what I'm up to, that is, if they're interested to know. Or sometimes, they'll pop in after being reminded to pop in... hah! Pop away!



I've been re-reading my very thick copy of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, in preparation of the launch of The Deathly Hallows.

Speaking of Hallows, I was arguing with a buddy who runs a bookstore, that there was a typo error in his advertising. I told him there was no such word as Hallows. Needless to say, he dragged me over to the dictionary section, and we started combing tomes after tomes of dictionary. True enough, only one had the word. And it's equally as unclear.... So to Ask Oxford I turn.

hallow
/halo/
• verb 1 make holy; consecrate. 2 honour as holy. 3 hallowed greatly revered.
• noun archaic a saint or holy person.
— ORIGIN Old English, related to HOLY.

Hah... the amazing language of English. Another new word, which I doubt any of us would be using it much. Can't expect us to go round hallowing stuffs and people, rite?

Lobster dinner

One good thing that came out of the KK trip.

My parents brought back 4 fresh, succulent lobters.

Picture above shows the meal that we made:

1. Cheese baked lobster
2. Lamb in mint sauce
3. Leftover turkey thigh - baked
4. Wild mushroom + yellow corn soup (we mixed both)
5. Hydroponic salad - crispy... yum...
6. Fried potato skins with salsa sauce
7. Mashed potatoes with yellow corn
8. Garlic bread
9. Pecan, Walnut and Plum pie from Strudels

Excessive. I know. For 6 people, this is mad. Besides, there's 2 bottles of wine (I must recommend the Lehmann, 2002, mixture of 3 grapes)

Worst thing is, I'm to go for my annual blood test coming Wednesday. Those Lobster roe is definitely gonna shoot my cholesterol off the roof!

Ahhh... yum!

Gunung Tahan, anyone?

Speaking of hikes and treks, I've been informed of organised treks up Mt.Tahan, the earliest is in August.

Out of curiosity, are there friends out there who would like to make up a group for this trek? Normally, a group of 10 would be ideal, as the whole trek/camp would take up 4 days. There's plenty to carry, the walk is tough, the fun factor is high.

I'm keen. Anyone else?

Bummer...

What a bummer..

My parents are climbing Mt. Kota Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia, this morning. I just got news that mother is felt dizzy, cold and her legs hurt. She's staying put at Laban Rata. She's not going to complete the climb to the summit.

Dad went ahead. Halfway up the summit, he dropped the torch. As usual, he trodded on, and tripped. Hurt his legs. Said it felt weak. And so, he turned back.
Good thing he's safe. Those cliffs are too dark for trekking without light. And one wrong step....

Right now, they're both headed back to base, enroute to KK town for a good rest. They'll need to nurse their injuries, sooth the pain. I know most definitely, they're disappointed for not reaching the summit. Nevermind. What's important is that they went up. Halfway, is better than nowhere. I've seen too many younger ones, who shudder at the thought. This is where guts and bravery comes from.

I've been there. Sis had been there. It was indeed very challenging to get to the top. But I had expected dad to be able to make it. After all, he spent an hour daily at the gym. For a 59ner, he's definitely fitter than I. If only he had listened and secured the torch to his arm.

I've been thinking since then. Perhaps, next year we climb as a family. We'll lookout for each other. Try to make the summit together. Right then. 12 months of preparation work. I better go get a medical check. Will my knee hold up for the climb?

CYoong's been there. Heard his toe is still black till now. Is he going to amputate it? But I know he'll say, it's worth it. We're not Everest material. Yeap, we're too soft for that. But for a softy, we've got the guts to go at it. It runs deep in our blood.

Bungee jump, anyone?

Invitation to Stuff 3rd Anniversary @ Zouk

Hey'all!

I've got an invite for two, to Stuff's 3rd Anniversary Party at Zouk, 18th May, 9pm.

Anyone interested to go catch "...a few hot bodies...up close and personal with some beautiful models....catch the eye of our gorgeous cover girls...." drop me a message and I'll have it couriered.

Hurry!

Joys of achievement

Ever shared in the joy of another person's success?

Today, a sales consultant of mine walked into my room, with red eyes, and the first thing she said was,

"Give me a hug"

I was naturally concerned, and wondered what happened to her. We hugged. She sat down, and blurted,

"I did it! I closed the first breakthrough sale of our new product in Melaka".

Ahh, tears of achievement. That explains it. I'm happy for her. I believe, in the 3 years that she had slogged in my team, this is the greatest achievement for her. Not only did she successfully penetrated the market, she had managed to get the product placed in a high profile residence, and at the same time achieved her highest sales record for May in Melaka.

Way to go, Fiona. Now you just keep up the momentum, and it's guaranteed that you will see your efforts bear fruit.

No one, other than herself and I, would understand the hardships that she had gone through to get this far. She saw her biggest career growth in her 10 years of employment, through me. She had to bear the harsh words, silence and ignorance by the top, all the whilst believing in herself and pushing harder.

Now, success.

It's momentary. It's for the day, the month. But she got it right. Now to keep going. To go where they had wanted her to go, but gave up. She must make it there.

"Ut sementem feceris ita metes" - As you sow, so will you reap

Sale! Sale! Sale!

To the Sales Addicts out there.... Yoo hoo!
Here's something you'll like - The Great Singapore Sale 2007
It's on from 25th May to 22nd July.

Thanks, Fabian for the tip.

Oh, and while I'm at it, here's the website to Uniquely Singapore.

New Word - Photonut

I learnt a new word today, courtesy of Fabian.

Photonut

Definition:

• Wikipedia - none
• Fabian - people who're passionate about photography
• WWW - generally refers to Photo Nut, ie photographs of nuts; and websites

So what.
I like it. From now on, Fabian, PohChin, MayChean, CheeWee & CheeYoong are officially Photonuts! Hahahaha.....

Anyone looking for work?

Anyone looking for a HR position, based in Labuan?

I was asked to put word out. Can't reveal much, but the fact that it's a good International Company.

Interested parties please email me.

Japanese Teppanyaki, or some yaki....

Warm Sake served in warm water (Duh!)

Warm Sake anyone?

We visited this dainty little restaurant selling Japanese food last night. Second time here, after Valentine's.

Liked the place. It's owned by a lady who had spent much time in Japan. Speaks good Japanese (she converse with her mostly Jap clientele in Jap), pleasant. Even have lots of novels and magazines from Japan.

Food's a little costly, by local standards. A light meal could come to RM50 for two, with 2 set dishes and a vege. That's minus the Sake too.

Oh, I was told Sake's good for health. Don't know how true it is, but I must say warm alcohol is certainly refreshing. It's actually rice wine, thus the taste needs some getting used to. In fact, I was perspiring by the 3rd cup (warm alcohol=blood rush)

Strange people, strange happenings.

Do you meet lots of strange people around all the time?

Like the weird ones that snap at you for no apparent reasons, or the clingy ones that refuses to let go despite you asking nicely, again and again...

I've seen enough of such people. Some are really creepy (friend in reading would agree). More often than not, we'll try our best to avoid such people. Then again, you and I know avoiding problems doesn't solve them.

What can we do about them?

I'm home alone again..

Poor JD. Everytime we come back to Melaka, he spends the whole day alone at home. It's sad to see his excited face in the morning, thinking that it's time to go back to Subang. I know he misses home.

Well son, we'll be back this coming weekend. Hang on there for another 4 days. I'll get you some chicken treats to compensate.

Melaka Tree

Anyone not seen a Melaka Tree? Now I'm not certain if this is the one that Parameswara leaned against and founded Melaka.

However, I must say that it is indeed shady.

Visit Melaka

Over the weekend, my cousins dropped by Melaka for a food tour. As is part of the itinerary, I took them to visit the landmark of this historical place. And for those interested, the statue above is found on the hill behind the Stadhuys.

And that's my niece, Chloe with her proud parents.

Dungeon Siege 2: Broken World

What's this?

I believe many reading this blog would be wondering what nonsense I'm up to this time.

The past weekend, I've revisited my schooling days past time of computer gaming, upped a notch by setting up a local area network at home. And I proudly say, we've completed the expansion quest of Broken World, after a long hiatus from gaming.

To those who likes fantasy, 3rd party RPG, multiplayer cooperative gaming, Dungeon Siege II is indeed a captivating game, offering good challenges and exciting moments.

PaintBall

I went for a Paintball session recently, with my colleagues, on grounds of team-building (or stealing time from work, whichever way you want ot look at it).

Anyhow, it's my first experience at Paintball, after hearing and reading about it for so many times. Really, nothing comes close to trying it out in person.

The Equipment:

• Face Mask - a very important safety component. More often than not, the is one of the nicest target to go for.
• Marker - this is a term used for the "gun". I was told that it's called a Marker, and not a gun, to avoid the connotation with violence and legality. (We were advised to avoid wearing military camouflage as well, in case we're mistaken as a militia group training for the wrong reasons). You'll notice that in photographs from foreign websites, the camouflage make up part of the gameplan.
• Pellets - not bullets. It's filled with paint made of vegetable oil (edible).

The Rules:

• Everytime we enter the enclosure, it's Mask On! No matter for what reasons, be it to adjust the obstacles, retrieve items, walk past. Of course, it's more for personal safety.
• Marker safety must be ON, and the Barrel Stopper fitted. Again, safety reasons.
• At close range, NO shooting. Just tap with the marker barrel. (Now I must add that those pellets really hurt, even when hit from a distance 10 feet away)

We played the game 4 to a side, with the objective of capturing the opponent's flag. Then again, this being our first time, our intention lingers more towards the number of bruises we will leave on the opposition; not the victory of flag capture.

To add to the fun, the session was held in the woods, amidst a light drizzle. Needless to say, we ended up soaked, muddy and bruised.

Like excitement? Try Paintball. Ladies and Gents alike.

Dinner Ala HongKong TeaHouse

Lindy found a magazine recently, listing most of the common HK teahouse dishes that we find in the major chains... Cheese Baked Rice, Twin Sauce Pork Chop Rice, French Toast...

Needless to say, we jumped at the chance. Results, passable....

Fried Spaghetti

Borsch Soup (HK ABC soup)

Cheese Baked Seafood Fried Rice

French Toast, with Honey and Peanut Butter

Not bad, eh....

Heroes

Have anyone been following the Heroes series?

I've been following the first season on my notebook. Thank goodness for the world wide web. Now for the uninitiated, Heroes is all about people with unique abilities, due to some oddities in their brains which gave them the additional advantege over others.

Given a choice, what would you choose?

• Flight - the freedom of movement, speed and a most useful ability to have when we need to get far far away..
• Persuasion - the power of persuasion, getting people to do things they do not intend to..
• Telekinesis - reaching out with the brain to physically move objects..
• Bend time and space - controls time, moving forward, backward, or stopping it for good..
• Foresight - seeing the future, before it happens..
• Mind reading - hearing what others think..

I wonder how this world will be like, if some people are given this "gift".

Surviving in the Klang Valley

I received this from a friend, and posting it uneditted. Odd how people could survive under such circumstances..

In Malaysia, the average family income is RM3,000/month.
I understand there are many families whose monthly income does not reach RM3,000, but, to make things simple, let's take RM3,000 as the figure. Ok lah, right?
Okay, let's start rolling with a family which has Papa, Mama, 1 daughter and 1 son. Ngam-ngam ...

Calculation starts...
-Electricity and water bill:RM100 (No air-con, No home theatre, No water heater ...ok?)
-Phone bill (Mobile):RM100
-Meals for a happy family:RM775 (3 meals on RM25/day, RM25 for 4 persons...?)
-Papa makan teh-tarik during working hrs:RM155 (RM5/day, RM5 ... can eat what?)
-Car repayment:RM400 (A proton saga aeroback, 7 yrs repayment)
-Petrol (living in city, traffic-jam):RM300 (go to work, bring son to school, only can afford one car running)
-Insurance:RM650 (kids, wife and myself)
-House repayment:RM750 (low cost housing repayment for 30 yrs, retired still have to work to pay!)
-Tuition: RM80 (got that cheap meh? I don't think so)
-Older children pocket money @ school:RM20 (RM1/day, eat bread?)
-School fees:RM30 (enough ah?)
-School books and etc:RM100 (always got extra to pay in school)
-Younger children milk powder:RM50 (cannot have the DHA, BHA, PHA one, expensive)
-Miscellaneous:RM100 (shampoo, rice, sauce, toilet paper)

No medical fees, no cinema visits, no Astro education, no outing with expensive tolls and carparks, no extras for LRT and busses.

Now it's starting to ring true. Most Malaysians go thru life in debts. House debts, car debts, credit debts. It's no surprise that an honest survey will turn up more bankruptcies than reported.

Can someone enlighten me if the same is true elsewhere??