Learning Curve

Well... to say I havent seen anything yet is an understatement, yet, I really think I have not seen anything yet. So, what am I on about here? Last 2 weeks was a learning curve for me... it was tough...damn tough to be honest. It was like a whole new world to me. Malaysia is my country and yet, I still feel alienated from my peers. People dont talk and act the same way as I felt 7 years ago. Things have changed so much. I need time to cope and for that matter, Stephannie has enlightened me alot on this. Although we belong in the same boat, we have both offered advices to each other and I can only say I hope it augurs well with each other. I have always had a dream... distant at the moment... but I will make it good in due time! Watch me. To my dear, sorry to have been a pain... I am learning in this new environment. Lets go through this together. I am actually listening and learning frm you. Lets make it happen.

Jargons

Its been almost 3 weeks now to the date I got back and things seem to have pretty much stayed the same. The changing phase of my life seems to be getting more exciting as days go by... yet, my life is still blighted with anxiety, uncertainties and worries. Maybe its due time I had a reevaluation of myself and see where I stand. Its almost easy to say that there are plenty of jobs out there, and yet, getting one is almost elusive. For the next coming few weeks, things will change and I am sure of that.... by what margin, I dont know but its sure hell going to be tough. wish me luck.

It's Just The Beginning

Been there, done that, now its time to start over. Its been almost 2 weeks since I touched down to the place I was once so familiar with.... 'was' actually compliments the echo of fear deep down in me. Neither Stephannie nor I have found our rhythm yet... and yet, the word 'yet' offers us some comfort in knowing that the end is yet nigh for we will gain momentum in almost everything we do... at least that is what we are hoping for. Things have been tough and it has been such comfort to see all these guys coming forward to lend a listening ear as well as dishing out invaluable advices. You may say it takes time but it is traumatic as well.

All we know is, time will tell and till then, we'll be keeping our fingers crossed hoping that everything will turn out not too bad if not fine. Ta'... we miss you Liverpool... and CONGRATULATIONS KOPITES for being in the finals of Europe's finest in over 20 years. You'll Never Walk Alone!

Countdown Begins

It was hectic all round ever since 19th March as I ventured out to Europe and back. Time flies... and I am only left with another 8 more days to go before I return home. It has been manic as I leap from one place to another, one person for lunch and another for dinner... and of course, not forgetting my most wonderful and magical trip to Europe, paella dinner at La Rambla and a French toast the next and before you know it, pizzerias lined up along piazzas, coffee under the sun and then mysterious trips on cobbled lanes and dark alleys. It was fun but tricky. Now, I am back to a different ball game... something which I have been having mixed feelings about and some what for the first time ever, an unfamiliar territorial advantage I would put it. Tricky and challenging. I am tired now, excited, worried, sentimental, but very much looking forward to start my life back in Malaysia from scratch that is. Hopefully, everything turns out well. Chao...ta'. Till then, and probably the next when I can update, I will be in Malaysia. Goodbye Liverpool...

Scam Uncovered: Part 1

26days before my last day at work, 30 days before my Euro trip begins, and finally 57 more days before I bid adieu to the country I've becomed so fond of, and to Liverpool that I've felt so ever passionately about. Over the years, I've grown to appreciate the basic things in life and seen people from all walks of life (in which I should be counting myself lucky for)... however, it brought me to realise how far complicated one's life is and also how cynical the society has become.

I remember those days when I used to burn the midnight oil trying to do everything possible to reach as far as any academicians would, or for that matter, even when I was in Liverpool, forsaking everything just to support myself in pursuit of wearing the grand robe, receiving the scroll and bla bla bla... but in just a matter of these few years, many things have changed. I feel there is no more meaning to the word honour anymore. It's all a whole load of bollocks! While universities in Britain are bracing itself for a tremendous influx of foreign students (thanks to the expansion of EU and also massive advertising in Asia), they are also raking in billions of pounds from genuine and also unscrupulous accounts. Whatever happened to those hard earned titles or Honours in the past? It really baffles me how money talks, bullshit walks. Right, I've heard all these before but these days, it seems everything is possible with money... and that includes buying a degree or even gaining entry into universities. I mean, c'mon, universities in Britain are considered to be the creme de la creme of universities in the world with the likes of Cambridge, Oxford, Kings, etc... but NOW, after experiencing some very exciting encounters with other peers, I feel let down by the whole system. Let me cite this example and you judge by yourself.

I know this person, J, a foreign student who has a network of friends in the UK as long as the Queen's honorary list (and I am not joking). This person is one of charisma and character and J's contacts not only include friends from the native country but also friends who hold legal and authoritative positions in this country's hierarchy. Incidentally, we are close friends and I do get to hear a lot of very unjust dealings that has been going on lately although I believe J's not part of the scam. Then, there was this one fine day when M, another close friend of mine who happens to know J, contacted J and begin confiding in J. I listened closely and began to have mixed feelings on how to help M. M's predicament was of failing to gain entry into university after faring badly in M's second attempt in 2 years. My first reaction was of course of advice from the experience I've had but it came to a grand halt when J smiled and interrupted our chat with an outgoing call. M and I continued but a minute later, it came to another halt as J interrupted us for the second time (after finishing the call)... only to start explaining a series of terms and conditions (as seen in most agreements) to M. I was utterly shocked, baffled, stunned, and most of all, ANGRY. The terms were short, precise and simple, .... "What course you want to be enrolled in, your name, address, start date and which university?". The conditions were... "Have your bank details ready in 3 days. Amount payable for entry gain to university of your choice with no holds barred = £3000"!

Without a doubt, this of course triggered a series of shocking but hysterical celebration by M which was understandable by his means but CERTAINLY not by me! I wasn't a bit amused by this scam to be honest. I tried so hard to abstain from bursting out in anger that I kept quiet and left the impromptu celebrations to themselves. It was during this period that I thought long and hard to myself... was it worth the while for me to FORSAKE everything when others are having it so easy! Nonetheless, my conscience reassured me that I was made out of the real material and NOT a bogus scholar. Five months on, M failed again and has left the university not only with a broken spirit but a broken person. Nevertheless, all is not lost as M has vowed to make a comeback during the next term commencement and in the mean time, announced a period of leave-me-alone to let-me-down-all-my-sorrows and go for a long awaited break! For J, a sum of commission must have been pocketed and shared between the other bastards of this scam. J's income will never be shortcoming in the near forseeable future and neither will J's accomplices be. This is because, the scam is never ending with other prospective plans lined up during the entire academic year which includes BOGUS Graduation ceremony packages starring bogus scholars, robe hire companies, bogus deans, lecturers and a complimentary scroll with a truly authentified certificate of your CHOICE. The much common packages include the sorry-but-rich-ass kids buying out of courseworks while they are partying all night long wasting their life away. This forms a network of scam, one of MONEY TALKS, BULLSHIT WALKS while there is the other one of an-innocent-man trying to earn some money while there is. Coming to think of it, they are all pretty lucrative in a way. I was the latter.

The story continues...

Happy Chinese New Year

.... Its Chinese New Year... that time of the year again... just like Christmas... with a bit more spice to it. However, I find it strange that Christmas now to me is much more celebrated than CNY because there is so much more atmosphere from where I am at the moment. Plus, I have not celebrated CNY since 1999 which makes it even harder for me to grasp what is it like celebrating CNY at home now that the turn of the century has passed. I suppose its much more different now. Anyhow, CNY is another day here in Liverpool, work as usual and the only difference between the years is that I've become a vegan for the day... the first day that is. This has never been attempted before and its my first. I've cleared the attempt and I have vowed to continue doing so for the years to come.

At the other front, business as usual but things are getting a bit more stressed with lots to do. Ordered them boxes today and hopefully it'll arrive next Tuesday so that I can actually start packing and ship the whole lot out by February. Things are beginning to come together and lets just hope everything turns out well. Till then... ta' and more updates soon.

Strange Week

It has been a strange week indeed. So strange that I've had to crack my brains to think of the previously unthinkable. Started with Liverpool losing three in a trot, and how often do you see that? Then it was with two of my closest allies... it was a case of '...at the wrong place and wrong time...' the turn of the weekend was thought to be better but it turned out worse! Smart Wings cancelled my local flight from Rome-Prague and I am left with the mess of sorting out my other cancellations with the hotels that I've booked in for including Rome and Prague respectively plus my flight back to London. Well... I thought shit happens... I'll sort it out but before I finish meddling with my mess, there comes another one. Another ally of mine was detained and is in detention in Manchester now before being transferred to another detention center in Oxford tomorrow. No reasons given for his detention but honestly, this is the case of 'why does all good people have to die first...?' scenario... He was just earning his noble living in peace and this shit has to happen! I know shit happens but damn... I just hope things get better tomorrow or by next week before the New Year of the Rooster sets in. Pray for me! Till then...chao'... 76 more days to go...

Busy Days Ahead

There you have it. The new year started with a bang, in fact a tremendous bang that shook the entire world. None saw it coming but anyway, after 19 days, everyone moved on although I must say, the generosity of people from all walks of life rather amazes me.

Well, a lot has been done and there is more to do. As for me, I've gone through 75% of my Euro trip now after weeks of searching through the internet for flights and accomodation and I am rather glad to have found a few good ones. I'll be off on a trip of my life *so far*, to places like Barcelona, Geneva, Chamonix (Ski Resort in South of France), Rome, and finally Prague and it'll all take place on the 23rd March right up till 5th April. It'll be more of a backpacking trip rather than a luxurious one but hey, I am dead excited about it! And immediately after that, I'll be staying in London for a good 2 weeks before I wrap it up in Liverpool, my 2nd home town after Ipoh, Malaysia, and fly off from Manchester, days later. Oh yeah... before I forget... this is one my friend's homepage dedicated to her voyage around the world and it was made for that purpose. So, Anne... there you go... Bon Voyage! (*she's actually touring now with her first country, South Americas... so, I'm pretty late here).

In the mean time, I am struggling but also coping to juggle my time between work, planning, gym, and packing. Hmmph... packing, it's all a wonder to me that after spending almost 6 years here, I've bought loads and loads and never really got to use them. Some are such as a Black & Decker Dustbuster, CD racks, VCR, books etc etc.

Hence, Stephannie and I are currently packing everything in and accumulating everything so that we can have a rough idea on what to sell or give. Things like uplighters or halogen lamps, PC (desktop), scanners, dustbuster, cds (£5 for 3cds?), Denon hi-fi system, car, tv, VCR, guitar(Westfield electric acoustic and in brand new condition+stand), computing, economics and management books (loads and loads at cheap prices), speakers+sub woofers, tables, iron etc. Name it, you got it. So, if anyone is looking and interested, gimme a bell. Having to deal with this is secondary though as primarily, I'm in a fix on what to throw and what to bring back as I am shipping them all back home in a months time. Therefore, I am pressed for time as I only get to spend that mere 2 hours tops after work every single day to pack my things up while sorting out every other single thing as mentioned above. It's a great deal of work here.

Apart from all these, I've finally received something today that I so dearly longed for months and months and months. I saw the white 'air mail' envelope today in my mail box and I was hesitant in opening. Looking so unconvincing, I pondered whether it was really true before Stephannie finally shoved me aside and gave me a impatient snare (that we were actually gonna be late for work if I dont pick up my letter) and opened it. I closed my eyes for a second there as I awaited the good news. But there was silence and when I opened my eyes, there she was smiling at me, more like grinning, as I jumped for joy! It was the best news for me in 2005 and I hope more will come. What made it better though was when I opened the main door, snow greeted us (it was a blizzard actually) and although it was quite terrible in those windy conditions + snow, I was smiling all the way through as I couldnt contain my joy. Well, enough said though as I am back to square one now trying to find my final accomodation in Prague as it was freaking difficult trying to get one in Chamonix and Rome (dead expensive!).

Therefore, when more is done and when time is on my side, I will write again. Till then, ciao and ta'! .....96 more days to go!

Let's Begin

The year ends again... and next comes a new one. But this was a special year; 2004. Natural disasters, war, and femine grabbed all the headlines. Not much I can remember of except sufferings and lost of loved ones. This must be the most forgettable year of all in a decade. Never have humans ever witnessed such sufferings. Iraq was likened to the killing fields of Vietnam, genocide in Sudan, and natural catastrophes all are very distressing pictures that will remain in our minds for as long as we live. Whenever the tv is turned on these days, disturbing images are beamed and we would be forgiven if we thought that a movie was showing.

I would like to forget about 2004 as we usher the year 2005 in. Not many years or for that matter, never have I forgotten any year in that respect as I greet the new one in and may this be the first and last. The only light side of this year was when snow greeted my wonderful Christmas at 8.15pm which coincidentally was the first in many years right on Christmas Day in Liverpool. Turbulence, distress and the limbo factor was all but prevalent in my 365days in 2004. May the next year, today onwards in 2005, everything will be in place and let us pray that the world is a safer place to live in. Happy New Year to all out there.

Tsunami Tragedy

Clockwise From Top Left: Sattelites pictures showing the Indian Ocean lapping the SouthWest Coast of Sri Lanka hours before the tsunami struck, the sea being sucked out by the wave which retreats metres from the coastline, tsunami hits coastline, and finally, surging inland devastating everything in its path.

From a beautiful and supposedly calm Christmas, came Boxing day when disaster struck. Not many knew its impact, nor its devastation, and not many understood its reasons, but days after this tragedy, we have all finally come to terms with the catastrophe, be it in the state of shock or disbelief. Pictures, videos and reports alike showed that very little survived the tsunami's velocity and scale of devastation. With figures approaching 100,000 confirmed dead, a million more displaced, this has to be the worst ever natural catastrophe in a decade. Enough said. You judge for yourselves. Not one soul in this entire planet is not affected.

If everyone were to contribute a little, it makes a difference. These are some of the websites in the UK if need be.

1. Disaster Emergency Committee
2. International Committee of Red Cross
3. Oxfam UK

Devastation

... It was a very very nice Christmas... a white Christmas to begin with, a very nice party which was of course followed up by a hangover the morning after, work was as usual on Boxing day, Liverpool took the game to WBA and went on a rout of 5-0, demolishing them on its way...everything seemed perfectly fine until disaster struck. Measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale, a tremendously powerful tsunami had caused devastation to South Asia... with Sri Lanka the hardest hit, followed by coastal resorts in Thailand, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Malaysia. I was supposed to be posting pictures that I took over the past few months today, but ever since I was informed of this very tragic event at 4pm today by Stephannie, my heart sank with the thousands of people who lost their lives. I am utterly devastated by this tragic incident and I just didnt have the mood to do anything else... and that includes posting anything else here now.

LFC Updates

... splendid performance... if only Liverpool can play like that week in week out... anyway, historical matches are rare, not since Fowler scored against Newcastle in 97' with a resounding 4-3 win... but yesterday... Mellor's goal was simply breathtaking... shook the entire Kop stand. It was just one of dem goals... especially when it was Arsenal on the receiving end.

My Sunday Car Wash

Top Row : Entry Point, First Soap Wash

Second Row: Scrubbing, 2nd Scrubbing

Third Row : Car Shower, Blow & Dry.

Mmmm.... my dad would be pissed to know that even with his summer intervention not long ago in asking me to wash my own car, I have continued to be the lazy me but hey, its' winter for christ sake... or rather... errrr... autumn. Therefore as much as I dont want to say this, dad, I am sorry but the car needs a wash and it's just too cold for me to even spend 10 minutes outside when it's almost 5C. However, I have attached some pictures here for your viewing and I hope you understand how cold it is considering what the man was wearing in Picture 1. Enjoy. Ta'.

LFC Updates

yay... 3 points in the bag. Plucky win on Saturday against Crystal Palace. Next up... Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium this Saturday. A must win fixture to stay in contention. Good Luck! Hail the return of our very own Stevie G! Exciting times ahead!

WTF?

Today, I read a rather bemusing and short article in The Star Online stating this:

"GOVERNMENT offices and commercial houses in Johor have been instructed to fly flags at half-mast as a sign of respect for Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, according to Berita Harian.
State Secretary Datuk Mohd Razali Mahusin said the order, made by the Sultan of Johor, was effective until Arafat's burial in Ramallah. "

After browsing through much of the Berita Harian Online edition, I still could not verify this news. But having said that, I can only comprehend this much and I thought that flying a flag at half-mast in Malaysia was only reserved for the passing of dignitaries or royals or individuals who are of Malaysian nationality. Therefore, if such is the case, why are Johor's government offices and commercial houses instructed to fly the Malaysian flag at half mast? or was it the Palestinian flag? Even that, flying a Palestinian flag in Malaysia to show respect for President Arafat? I mean, don't misunderstand me as I have plenty of respect for President Arafat and I mourn his passing with the rest of the world as I believe in his cause.

But such incident can only de-neutralise our country's stance to the so-called 'leaning states' if news as such spread. I find it rather disturbing that the Johor state can call for such 'official' stance, espcially when the order was made by the Sultan of Johor. I can't help but think that it has something to do with religion (correct me if I am wrong); especially when in times like these, the mention of religion as a sensitive issue can cause outrage as has been clearly demonstrated by what is happening around the world. Even if it's politically motivated, do you think it's right that such actions should be called for? I don't think so although I do agree that the Middle-East crisis should be on every nation's agenda for the forthcoming decade or so.