The earthquake and its resulting tsunamis have taken many many lives and property. We mourn and pray for all those who have lost their families, homes and livelyhoods. You are in my heart and may God bring you comfort and peace.
Looking at the TV reports and seeing the devastation, it brings tears to my eyes. I walked on those streets in Phuket, mingled with its people, bargained hard for their ware. Most of you who read this blog will have similar memories of your own. Lets make it a point to remember them fondly, and to put the people you have met in the top of your thoughts.
We may be safe in our homes... but we have all been effected by the tragedy.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Yo Ho Ho..
This must have been the most carollling I have ever done in one season. Lets see.. I must have sung White Christmas more than 10 times! It was quite good fun going to rehearsals again and then on to perform, albeit singing with a different group meant that I had to be slowly accepted by its members. I knew them, some of them very well, but as a group, barriers still needed to be overcome. I was very glad when they did... They are a remarkable bunch and I had a great time.
Thanks guys!!
Thanks guys!!
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Chui's Birthday!
No.. don't ask me how old she is.. but all I can say is, she hasn't aged a bit to me since we've met. (Not to mention she is sitting right behind me as I write this). We had a little impromptu get together for cake and "candle" (ahem.. in this case lighter, since the person in charge didn't bring it.. strange considering they bake cakes for a living!).
It was a really short gathering, but still quite good fun. Just click on the photo to see the rest of the set.
It was a really short gathering, but still quite good fun. Just click on the photo to see the rest of the set.
Monday, December 13, 2004
La Residence - Bangkok
Chui and I stayed in a neat little hotel in Bangkok, called LaResidence. Comprising of only 24 uniquely appointed rooms approximately 10 minutes walk to the BTS Skytrain near Patpong. Like a complete spaz am, I forgot to take pictures of the room itself, but here is a quick peek at their library.
Friday, December 10, 2004
Eventful Year
2004 is coming to a close, which leaves me to reflect a rather eventful year. I sit here in relative isolation. Working at home leaves me with many many hours all by myself, and it does sometimes leads to melancholy. So, I sit here and ponder the things that has happened in the past 12 months or so. And wow.. did I do and experience a lot, and it surprises even me.
This year saw me becoming a contractor of sorts. Took me the first four months of the year to supervise the renovation to my current abode. It was difficult. But well worth the effort. Chui and I now have a place we call home, and I hope some of our friends also feel like it is their home away from home. We have had more social visits in the past 6 months than ALL the social visits I had in my old condo. Excellent. To borrow Hannibal.. "I love it when a plan comes together!"
We have also become fast friends with CM. Unfortunately, we may now lose him to his grand master plan next year, but that is another story. But for what its worth, we have become pretty good friends and do load of stuff together. Its been a treat.
Holidays. What can I say. Somehow, I have managed to squeeze out quite a few trips this year. Lets see.. went to Phuket with the boys. Great fun as usual. Its funny how familiarity can be part of the fun. Considering we have been to Phuket at least 4 times now as a group, there must be something to be said about being familiar with the going ons that keeps us coming back. Ah.. and then there were the two excellent dive trips. We did Perhentian early in the year. It was good to return to the island where I got certified on being able to discover new things about the island, having been restricted to lessons the last time. And off course, we capped the year with another excellent week in Mabul's Sipadan Water Village. Again, there is something to be said about the famialirity of the destination. This time round, the place felt even better, and the people friendlier! Even managed to get invited to my only badminton game this year on the island. What can I say, but it was bliss. Would I return. A resounding YES.
Then there was Shanghai. I wrote a little about it in an earlier blog entry. The best thing about this holiday, is that it wasn't! Huh? Well.. it was a sponsored junket by Honda. Another friend of mine who is the editor of a big motoring magazine, sent me as his writer as he was unable to go. So.. here I went to one of the most expensive cities to visit in Asia, flew business class, was given money to spend, and was feted at every meal. What else could a guy want. Oh.. and off course I got to watch the inaugural F1 race there live, walked the paddocks and visited the BAR garage.
Chui and I finally made a trip (all by ourselves) to Bangkok. Had to plan early for this trip. Bought the tickets a few months earlier at the Matta fair and basically waited as the days counted down till we got to go. The trip was a little like the happenings over the past year. HECTIC! How we managed to cram in 3 massages, one spa treatment, meals, sightseeing, hours and hours of shopping and commuting into 3 and a half days is beyond me.
Ahh and then there was the whole episode with my partners at work. What can I do but heave a big huge sigh, and say, "it is finished". It wasn't a very good year at all when it came to my business. However, I believe the story is not yet finished. Things all happen for a reason, and the reason willl soon reveal itself..... I hope. But seriously folks, it is for the better, the wallet may be empty, but the resolve is still there. With the support from Chui, its still been a pretty good year despite the setback.
Off course there is much more that happened over the year. There is things that has happened with Chui, my extended family has become bigger with the inclusion of Darrel, and a smaller part James (Asha, my ex wife's new baby), hobbies, new people I met, stuff I bought... Many many things... but I shall not bore you any further.
This year saw me becoming a contractor of sorts. Took me the first four months of the year to supervise the renovation to my current abode. It was difficult. But well worth the effort. Chui and I now have a place we call home, and I hope some of our friends also feel like it is their home away from home. We have had more social visits in the past 6 months than ALL the social visits I had in my old condo. Excellent. To borrow Hannibal.. "I love it when a plan comes together!"
We have also become fast friends with CM. Unfortunately, we may now lose him to his grand master plan next year, but that is another story. But for what its worth, we have become pretty good friends and do load of stuff together. Its been a treat.
Holidays. What can I say. Somehow, I have managed to squeeze out quite a few trips this year. Lets see.. went to Phuket with the boys. Great fun as usual. Its funny how familiarity can be part of the fun. Considering we have been to Phuket at least 4 times now as a group, there must be something to be said about being familiar with the going ons that keeps us coming back. Ah.. and then there were the two excellent dive trips. We did Perhentian early in the year. It was good to return to the island where I got certified on being able to discover new things about the island, having been restricted to lessons the last time. And off course, we capped the year with another excellent week in Mabul's Sipadan Water Village. Again, there is something to be said about the famialirity of the destination. This time round, the place felt even better, and the people friendlier! Even managed to get invited to my only badminton game this year on the island. What can I say, but it was bliss. Would I return. A resounding YES.
Then there was Shanghai. I wrote a little about it in an earlier blog entry. The best thing about this holiday, is that it wasn't! Huh? Well.. it was a sponsored junket by Honda. Another friend of mine who is the editor of a big motoring magazine, sent me as his writer as he was unable to go. So.. here I went to one of the most expensive cities to visit in Asia, flew business class, was given money to spend, and was feted at every meal. What else could a guy want. Oh.. and off course I got to watch the inaugural F1 race there live, walked the paddocks and visited the BAR garage.
Chui and I finally made a trip (all by ourselves) to Bangkok. Had to plan early for this trip. Bought the tickets a few months earlier at the Matta fair and basically waited as the days counted down till we got to go. The trip was a little like the happenings over the past year. HECTIC! How we managed to cram in 3 massages, one spa treatment, meals, sightseeing, hours and hours of shopping and commuting into 3 and a half days is beyond me.
Ahh and then there was the whole episode with my partners at work. What can I do but heave a big huge sigh, and say, "it is finished". It wasn't a very good year at all when it came to my business. However, I believe the story is not yet finished. Things all happen for a reason, and the reason willl soon reveal itself..... I hope. But seriously folks, it is for the better, the wallet may be empty, but the resolve is still there. With the support from Chui, its still been a pretty good year despite the setback.
Off course there is much more that happened over the year. There is things that has happened with Chui, my extended family has become bigger with the inclusion of Darrel, and a smaller part James (Asha, my ex wife's new baby), hobbies, new people I met, stuff I bought... Many many things... but I shall not bore you any further.
Wednesday, December 01, 2004
Humbled in Bangkok
We must have walked for hundreds of miles.. OK.. I exaggerate, but we sure put in quite a few hours a day on our feet. Bangkok is a shoppers paradise. Its retail industry is quite literally a few heads above ours in good ole' KL. It’s all there in Bangkok, from the very quaint and cheap, and the hyper expensive, lies many many shades of retail experiences that needs to be experienced to understand. Chui and I spent literally hours browsing through hundreds of shops. Like pirahnas on a blood trail, we blitzed Bangkok.
Friday, November 12, 2004
Excellent Reading!
A friend sent me this link.. I found it a nice read!
Fcuk The South
Enjoy...
And on a separate note:
For all my Muslim friends... Selamat Hari Raya!!
Fcuk The South
Enjoy...
And on a separate note:
For all my Muslim friends... Selamat Hari Raya!!
Monday, October 25, 2004
Wedding Photographer.. Anyone?
Just bought meself a spanking new.. well.. spanking almost new digital SLR. I know.. I know.. I can already see eyes rolling. But heck, I love taking photographs, and I am pretty decent at it, so this digital camera is going to be an investment. I mean, I love music, have loads of CDs and such.. but I cannot say that an iPod I so greatly lust for, is an investment. Maybe I have not found an angle yet, but that is another story.
How do I pay for this camera then?
Wedding photography. So.. all you readers out there (yes all 10 of you!). I offer my services as a back-up wedding photographer. Don't want to commit myself to much... yet. My services are affordable, so please keep me in mind.
How do I pay for this camera then?
Wedding photography. So.. all you readers out there (yes all 10 of you!). I offer my services as a back-up wedding photographer. Don't want to commit myself to much... yet. My services are affordable, so please keep me in mind.
Saturday, October 09, 2004
The hype about skype
Here is my unabashed plug for an internet telephony service called Skype. Here is a really cool way to stay connected. Skpe offers the user telephony over the internet across platfoms. In the past, mac user for instance could talk to one another using Apple's proprietory iChat software. Cool and as revolutionary as it is, only Mac users can use it.
Skpe, allows you to talk to one another regardless of operating system. Mac users, Windows 2000 or XP or Linux users can simply download the app (in beta form at the moment), and start chatting. Actually even Pocket PC users can use sype turning almost all Windows based palm devices as handphones! One can even make calls using the computer to normal land based or mobile phone lines. You just have to buy some skype credit (in units of 10 or 25 euro), and the service becomes available to you. The best thing about this is, the cost of the calls you make is actually cheaper than even a local call. Eg: it costs only 0.022 euros per minute to call from anywhere in the world to a Malaysian land line.
One need not be on broadband. Skype apparently works with a 33.6 internet connection.
So go to www.skype.com and get online today..
If you want to add meto your contact list, my skype id is dyap38.
See ya all
Skpe, allows you to talk to one another regardless of operating system. Mac users, Windows 2000 or XP or Linux users can simply download the app (in beta form at the moment), and start chatting. Actually even Pocket PC users can use sype turning almost all Windows based palm devices as handphones! One can even make calls using the computer to normal land based or mobile phone lines. You just have to buy some skype credit (in units of 10 or 25 euro), and the service becomes available to you. The best thing about this is, the cost of the calls you make is actually cheaper than even a local call. Eg: it costs only 0.022 euros per minute to call from anywhere in the world to a Malaysian land line.
One need not be on broadband. Skype apparently works with a 33.6 internet connection.
So go to www.skype.com and get online today..
If you want to add meto your contact list, my skype id is dyap38.
See ya all
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
Shanghaied
Touching down in Pudong International Airport in Shanghai did not really make much of an impression on me. It a normal airport, with basic facilities, nothing to grand about it. My impression of Shanghai really started to develop between the airport and the hotel. Arriving smack into rush hour, we had lots of time to experience first hand what a traffic jam is like in a mega city of 17 million citizens. I was to find out later that rush hour would last most of the day. The highways are impressive structures, weaving around the city like giant ribbons, leaving the ground in two or three levels as high as 10 stories. It scares me to think what will happen when even a quarter of Shanghainese own their own cars. They will need highways with their combined levels taller than most buildings.
Despite the traffic, the trip showed me the beauty of Shanghai. The city council has really made a tremendous effort in landscapping the entire highway with lush trees and beautiful flowering plants. I would later discover, much of Shanghai the same. It may be a sprawling concrete jungle, but it is also quite a green one.
The weather was quite wonderful. It is nearing autumn, and we were blessed with sunny and clear blue skies and a nice cool breeze, which made walking about the city a really wonderful experience. Shanghai is actually more European than Chinese, being a port of some importance in the region to the British, French and the Portugese. It actually felt like I was walking down some parts of Sydney, Australia. The only thing that gives it away are the 17 million Chinese citizens! So walking around proved the best way to see the city. The Chinese must also walk a heck of a lot, because I could not find a fat person if my life depended on it. All that walking must do them good.
Women in China are also quite tall. Many I had the pleasure to gawk at were taller than me. SO believe me when I say I had my eyes full.
Despite the traffic, the trip showed me the beauty of Shanghai. The city council has really made a tremendous effort in landscapping the entire highway with lush trees and beautiful flowering plants. I would later discover, much of Shanghai the same. It may be a sprawling concrete jungle, but it is also quite a green one.
The weather was quite wonderful. It is nearing autumn, and we were blessed with sunny and clear blue skies and a nice cool breeze, which made walking about the city a really wonderful experience. Shanghai is actually more European than Chinese, being a port of some importance in the region to the British, French and the Portugese. It actually felt like I was walking down some parts of Sydney, Australia. The only thing that gives it away are the 17 million Chinese citizens! So walking around proved the best way to see the city. The Chinese must also walk a heck of a lot, because I could not find a fat person if my life depended on it. All that walking must do them good.
Women in China are also quite tall. Many I had the pleasure to gawk at were taller than me. SO believe me when I say I had my eyes full.
Friday, September 03, 2004
34
What does it mean to be thirty four? Not much really. Life as I know it has not really changed very much to be honest. The birthday was a really pleasant affair. Chui woke me up... we had a lovely breakfast, and went for a nice walk. We bought grocheries for dinner. Allan, Nigel and Chris came over. They whipped up a sumptious meal, we had good fellowship, my son called from SA, sang me happy birthday, in tune.. so.. despite all the calamities that have befallen me over the past year, life is good, and I thank GOD.
Monday, August 23, 2004
Generous soul!
Last weekend a good friend contributed our home with a working DVD player! Finally! A working DVD player besides my laptop that reads all discs fed to it without temperament. My old DVD player was a temperamental beast! At first, it would only play original DVDs and only a few "pasar-malam" editions. It got progressively worse, when it would reject even my original discs. The sometimes-works-sometimes-not syndrom plays havoc to some dull evenings, when one buys a movie expecting to eliviate the boredom, only to end up smacking the DVD player as it constantly rejects the discs. At least it works up a sweat...
So thank you to that kind and generous soul. Now I will have to pay you back and raid your DVD collection! hahaha...
So thank you to that kind and generous soul. Now I will have to pay you back and raid your DVD collection! hahaha...
Friday, August 20, 2004
Going SoHo
Being ousted from my company may not be such a bad thing. A little dented pride perhaps, but I vowed very early on in my life that I will not be detered by such set-backs! Funny how things work out actually. I have set up office at home. I have new clients and new projects to do. And I am also looking forward to new challenges in a new industry. I actually feel the outlook to be really good! Thanks Nige and Allan for the support, your kind words mean a lot to me.. and thanks to Chui for being right next to me, for without your support, I could have forgotten that vow.. and wallowed in self pity.
I am calling my new company SiGil Works. (unless the ROC rejects it)
I am calling my new company SiGil Works. (unless the ROC rejects it)
Wednesday, July 28, 2004
BROADSIDED
You are walking down a street, minding your own business, wary of what is going around you. But all of a sudden, you are broadsided by a bus! This did not really happen to me, but I very recently suffered a similar fate. No broken bones, but I definately feel the pain.
Let me explain.
It began only last Friday. I had basically just started to get back into the groove after a brilliant break scuba diving in Sipadan when I had lunch with my business partner. Ed, I consider more of a friend than business partner, but what happened next has rocked my rose coloured sun glasses of my round face! I visited him at his house renovation site, which naturally followed with lunch, which was when he out of the blue announced that he had bad news for me. The exact words still resonate in my head. "I have bad news for you."
He went on to explain that our other partner, and I quote; "KY wants you to sign over directorship". I was quite taken aback by that as you can imagine. There was absolutly no clue as to what lead to the situation, as far as I am concerned. What had gone on behind my back, went on without my knowledge.
So here I am, in limbo, unsure of my future.
Let me explain.
It began only last Friday. I had basically just started to get back into the groove after a brilliant break scuba diving in Sipadan when I had lunch with my business partner. Ed, I consider more of a friend than business partner, but what happened next has rocked my rose coloured sun glasses of my round face! I visited him at his house renovation site, which naturally followed with lunch, which was when he out of the blue announced that he had bad news for me. The exact words still resonate in my head. "I have bad news for you."
He went on to explain that our other partner, and I quote; "KY wants you to sign over directorship". I was quite taken aback by that as you can imagine. There was absolutly no clue as to what lead to the situation, as far as I am concerned. What had gone on behind my back, went on without my knowledge.
So here I am, in limbo, unsure of my future.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
We just returned from another glorious dive trip to Sipadan Water Village. This time around, i managed to get a lot more aquanted with the people there. Made new friends in Leonard and Alex, both work with SWV and are genuinely nice fellows. Leonard is a bit of a sportsman, and invited me to a friendly game of badminton. It was great fun, especially since Richard and I beat the local boys!
Managed to borrow a strobe for my underwater camera, which resulted in better pictures than last time. However, my set-up is still quite basic. Convinced now, I need a better camera. Haha..
This was the first holiday that I had in a long time on which I really did not feel like coming home. What is there to miss anyway? With fantastic weather, clean fresh air, lovely friendly people, great food and much more, it was difficult to leave. Oh well.
Managed to borrow a strobe for my underwater camera, which resulted in better pictures than last time. However, my set-up is still quite basic. Convinced now, I need a better camera. Haha..
This was the first holiday that I had in a long time on which I really did not feel like coming home. What is there to miss anyway? With fantastic weather, clean fresh air, lovely friendly people, great food and much more, it was difficult to leave. Oh well.
Tuesday, July 06, 2004
His name is Darell
My first nephew. About time to! He is very adorable and by the time he is old enough, Benjamin will be able to teach him a thing or three!
Go check out Darell.
Go check out Darell.
Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Momentous Day
Today is a great day.
Firstly, I am officially an uncle. Little Colmart (not his real name), arrived this evening weighing in at 6.2lbs. Both mother and son are well.
I also went for a job interview today and it went really well. Interviewed over a nice Japanese lunch and impressed the interviewer enough for him to make a call to his MD to meet with me immediately after lunch. The MD and I also had a nice chat and he sounded pleasant enough. From what I have gathered, he is quite a good boss and a quick decision maker. Time will tell.
Firstly, I am officially an uncle. Little Colmart (not his real name), arrived this evening weighing in at 6.2lbs. Both mother and son are well.
I also went for a job interview today and it went really well. Interviewed over a nice Japanese lunch and impressed the interviewer enough for him to make a call to his MD to meet with me immediately after lunch. The MD and I also had a nice chat and he sounded pleasant enough. From what I have gathered, he is quite a good boss and a quick decision maker. Time will tell.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Brand New Nephew..
..on the way!
My sister experienced the first signs of childbirth yesterday afternoon and she has since checked into the Chinese Maternity hospital. Her doctor expects my new nephew sometime tonight. I pray both mother and child to be in good health and that God looks over them.
My sister experienced the first signs of childbirth yesterday afternoon and she has since checked into the Chinese Maternity hospital. Her doctor expects my new nephew sometime tonight. I pray both mother and child to be in good health and that God looks over them.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
2 More Weeks
Ahhh.. a blink of an eye and another fabulous trip to Mabul and Sipadan is looming. Yay! Besides the regular suspects, we have a few uniniated Sipadan divers! A friend has even signed up to do her Open Water course there.
I pray for better visibility. For some reason or another, I have not experienced the crystal clear vis, Sipadan is fabled for despite having logged around 30 dives there. So maybe we will be rewarded this time round.
I pray for better visibility. For some reason or another, I have not experienced the crystal clear vis, Sipadan is fabled for despite having logged around 30 dives there. So maybe we will be rewarded this time round.
Monday, June 14, 2004
Almost a perfect night
Last night was a super night for sport fans and almost a perfect night for me! Rossi won a another incredibly close contest with Sete Gibernau in the MotoGP race, followed by Schumi's perfectly judged strategy, winning the Canadian GP from 6th place on the grid and a perfect 90 minutes for England in their battle against France in Portugal. Until.. they somehow slipped up. Sigh..
Time for me to get some Green tea and Coke stocked up, for more late-nights.
Time for me to get some Green tea and Coke stocked up, for more late-nights.
Friday, June 11, 2004
Is it Worth it?
Business has been rather slow lately, which has left me to ponder upon the merits of looking for another job. The biggest dillema is that I will lose the freedom and autonomy that i have grown rather accustomed to. I guess the biggest question is if this freedom and autonomy worth almost double the current salary I pay myself (that is when I can, that is..)??
Losing the freedom is not that bad issit?
Losing the freedom is not that bad issit?
Thursday, June 10, 2004
The Hardest Part
The house is essentially finished. Now for the hardest part of all. The BIG MOVE!
Been trying to find the inspiration to start the process by packing up some stuff. A week later, all I have managed is 3 boxes full. One box containing CDs. One of full of books. And the last one some misc items. I think I have hardly even dented the stuff that needs to be moved. Sigh...
So, the question many have asked me is when will we be shifting in? I think the question should be, when will you finish packing. A question I have no answer for.
Been trying to find the inspiration to start the process by packing up some stuff. A week later, all I have managed is 3 boxes full. One box containing CDs. One of full of books. And the last one some misc items. I think I have hardly even dented the stuff that needs to be moved. Sigh...
So, the question many have asked me is when will we be shifting in? I think the question should be, when will you finish packing. A question I have no answer for.
Monday, June 07, 2004
Inspiration
The best testimony of a job well done is when it inspires others into following in your footsteps. I remember when i first saw Baldesh's home, and how much I loved it and how it made me dream of finding my own house and to personalise it.
A few friends came by for a flash visit to our new home yesterday. And I happily report that I think it had left them with similar reactions. This is the best testament to the hard work that we had put in the past 4 months. I feel invigorated.
A few friends came by for a flash visit to our new home yesterday. And I happily report that I think it had left them with similar reactions. This is the best testament to the hard work that we had put in the past 4 months. I feel invigorated.
Monday, May 17, 2004
250kph Club
Ahhh.. Finally drove a car over 250kph. And in a Bentley Continental GT no less!
When I was asked if I wanted to test drive the new Continental GT, I almost drooled at the prospect even though I think I managed to hide my excitement well enough not to change his mind. What's the big deal you might say.. well.. The thing is, the Continental GT is one of those cars which is just a little special. Not just loads of money special. It stands apart from the usual mercedes and bimmer or even jaguar and belongs to a special class of car joining the likes of ferrari and rolls royce. It is practically still hand made in the age of mass production, and you can tell. Sheer class.
3 tonnes of metal, leather and wood pushed along by a W12, 6 litre, twin turboed engine making over 500 hp.. swoon.
The car is fast but then that is a given, considering the power the engine generates. The car has a 320kph topspeed, so we barely reached its full potential. But what surprised me was that the car was totally unintimidating to drive. All that power, the sheer weight (the car weighs twice my alfa!) and sheer size, shrinks once you are in the drivers seat. It was quite easy to drive, more accord than ferrari, and everything was quite effortless. Its even easy to carve traffic in this car. The brakes are colossal, its front brake discs are 16inches in diameter and when called into action, brings all 3 tonnes to a very quick halt.
What was not surprising however, was the fuel consumption. Actually I was surprised, I expected it to be better. The car has a 90 litre fuel tank. If you drive it like a granny in a pinto, you get just under 400kms before having to fill her up. Driving the way we did, expect only 180kms! Aiks!
Oh.. for the pleasure of owning one of these beauties.. ante up RM1.5million! And wait in line as there are already 15 orders!
When I was asked if I wanted to test drive the new Continental GT, I almost drooled at the prospect even though I think I managed to hide my excitement well enough not to change his mind. What's the big deal you might say.. well.. The thing is, the Continental GT is one of those cars which is just a little special. Not just loads of money special. It stands apart from the usual mercedes and bimmer or even jaguar and belongs to a special class of car joining the likes of ferrari and rolls royce. It is practically still hand made in the age of mass production, and you can tell. Sheer class.
3 tonnes of metal, leather and wood pushed along by a W12, 6 litre, twin turboed engine making over 500 hp.. swoon.
The car is fast but then that is a given, considering the power the engine generates. The car has a 320kph topspeed, so we barely reached its full potential. But what surprised me was that the car was totally unintimidating to drive. All that power, the sheer weight (the car weighs twice my alfa!) and sheer size, shrinks once you are in the drivers seat. It was quite easy to drive, more accord than ferrari, and everything was quite effortless. Its even easy to carve traffic in this car. The brakes are colossal, its front brake discs are 16inches in diameter and when called into action, brings all 3 tonnes to a very quick halt.
What was not surprising however, was the fuel consumption. Actually I was surprised, I expected it to be better. The car has a 90 litre fuel tank. If you drive it like a granny in a pinto, you get just under 400kms before having to fill her up. Driving the way we did, expect only 180kms! Aiks!
Oh.. for the pleasure of owning one of these beauties.. ante up RM1.5million! And wait in line as there are already 15 orders!
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
Those Dang Holes!!
Bloody potholes! They are everywhere. It won't be long before they swallow whole cars.
Driving into Sec 16 yesterday, I drove into another one of those blastid holes. Normally, I would try and avoid them, but the hole I encountered yesterday was unavoidable. Actually, a pothole is a misnomer, as it should more appropriately be called a trenchhole. The bloody thing covered almost the entire lane, and my best efforts in trying to avoid the bloody trench was in vain. Result: Trench 1, Alfa 0.
My tire was ruined! And had to spend the next 15 minutes replacing it with the spare, and then hobbled to my tyre-guy to get a the ruined tyre fixed. Only to find a big gash inside the tyre, which meant an expensive replacement.
This is my second experience, getting my tyre ruined by these bloody potholes. I hope it will be my last.
Driving into Sec 16 yesterday, I drove into another one of those blastid holes. Normally, I would try and avoid them, but the hole I encountered yesterday was unavoidable. Actually, a pothole is a misnomer, as it should more appropriately be called a trenchhole. The bloody thing covered almost the entire lane, and my best efforts in trying to avoid the bloody trench was in vain. Result: Trench 1, Alfa 0.
My tire was ruined! And had to spend the next 15 minutes replacing it with the spare, and then hobbled to my tyre-guy to get a the ruined tyre fixed. Only to find a big gash inside the tyre, which meant an expensive replacement.
This is my second experience, getting my tyre ruined by these bloody potholes. I hope it will be my last.
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
We are on the hill!
Its been almost 3 months now since Chui and I embarked on our ambitious house renovations and I am very glad to announce that we are almost done.
We have just to finish the floors, painting, the instalation of doors and touch-ups to do, and we should be done. Oops.. actually, we will still need to do the cabinets and lights, but they are relatively simple, if not expensive excersises. So here we stand, on the hill, ready to roll on and move in.
So go have a look at the latest pictures, because the next time you see the house, we would have moved in, and we all should be having a grand time warming the place!
We have just to finish the floors, painting, the instalation of doors and touch-ups to do, and we should be done. Oops.. actually, we will still need to do the cabinets and lights, but they are relatively simple, if not expensive excersises. So here we stand, on the hill, ready to roll on and move in.
So go have a look at the latest pictures, because the next time you see the house, we would have moved in, and we all should be having a grand time warming the place!
Friday, April 09, 2004
Concerned with your mileage?
I had an opportunity to test drive a Hybrid Honda Civic late last night. The car was on loan to a journalist friend who will be conducting a review of the car.
Truth is. Its an excellent car.
The car is dual powered by a regular engine which is coupled with an electric motor which assists the small engine in the go faster department. Its quite a complicated bit of engineering and the people at Honda should be lauded in bringing regular consumers like you and I, such impressive technology and at a rather surprising low price. For just two thousand ringgits more than your regular Civic, you get oodles of tech, and many nods of approval from your greenie friends when you tell them of the substancial fuel savings you get. The hybrid averages 15km per litre of fuel, much better than the paltry 8km per litre in my Alfa, that is roughly 750km for a full tank of petrol (50litres). And this is city driving mind you. Expect far better results if you do more highway driving.
The engine stops running when you come to a full stop with your foot brake engaged. You won't even feel the difference, only knowing the engine has stopped by the tachometer reading zero. All other electrical components in your car remains active. When you release the foot brake, the engine returns to life as if by magic. Again, this operation happens unintrusively and quickly, because by the time your right foot reaches the accelerator pedal, the car is already ready to roll.
The electric motor comes in seamlessly when you require a more urgent passage. Somehow the engineers have managed to tie both powertrains together into one cohesive unit. The only way that you know the electric motor has engaged is by looking at the dashboard. The dashboard is rather informative, providing the driver practically all the information he needs to know. Besides the regular, speed and tach dials, the driver can monitor his battery life, the electric motor power assist ratios, and when the battery is being charged.
The system is efficient! When you brake, the battery is being charged, as the kinetic force is being tranfered into electricity that recharges the batteries for the electric motor. You never have to plug this baby in, it takes care of itself.
The car comes with a three year waranty, that covers all aspects of maintanence including lubricants. Not bad eh?
Truth is. Its an excellent car.
The car is dual powered by a regular engine which is coupled with an electric motor which assists the small engine in the go faster department. Its quite a complicated bit of engineering and the people at Honda should be lauded in bringing regular consumers like you and I, such impressive technology and at a rather surprising low price. For just two thousand ringgits more than your regular Civic, you get oodles of tech, and many nods of approval from your greenie friends when you tell them of the substancial fuel savings you get. The hybrid averages 15km per litre of fuel, much better than the paltry 8km per litre in my Alfa, that is roughly 750km for a full tank of petrol (50litres). And this is city driving mind you. Expect far better results if you do more highway driving.
The engine stops running when you come to a full stop with your foot brake engaged. You won't even feel the difference, only knowing the engine has stopped by the tachometer reading zero. All other electrical components in your car remains active. When you release the foot brake, the engine returns to life as if by magic. Again, this operation happens unintrusively and quickly, because by the time your right foot reaches the accelerator pedal, the car is already ready to roll.
The electric motor comes in seamlessly when you require a more urgent passage. Somehow the engineers have managed to tie both powertrains together into one cohesive unit. The only way that you know the electric motor has engaged is by looking at the dashboard. The dashboard is rather informative, providing the driver practically all the information he needs to know. Besides the regular, speed and tach dials, the driver can monitor his battery life, the electric motor power assist ratios, and when the battery is being charged.
The system is efficient! When you brake, the battery is being charged, as the kinetic force is being tranfered into electricity that recharges the batteries for the electric motor. You never have to plug this baby in, it takes care of itself.
The car comes with a three year waranty, that covers all aspects of maintanence including lubricants. Not bad eh?
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Excellent trip until...
We had a very-very goodtime in Perhentian. The company was good, the room was ok, the food was yummy, the divemasters professional and also quite yummy if you were in a skirt, and best of all, the diving was excellent.
Visibility on the most part, was not too bad, but the life under Perhentian waters is wonderful! Loads and loads of anemone, and the fish seemed even friendlier than Sipadan! Managed to capture quite a few fish shots, something I had not managed to do succesfully before. My opinion is Perhentian offers some of the BEST diving in the East Coast. It is arguable, that Redang is better, but overall, I believe its better in Perhentian as the island tends to attract a more international crowd. We were practically the only Malaysians at the resort, not that we felt out of place mind you.. I only noticed it one dinner, when we were the only locals in the whole dining area.
The only thing that marred our stay was the Ferry service. On the way to the island, 60 people and all their luggage were crammed into a boat made for 40 passengers. The supposedly 1hour travel time became 1.5 hours due to the extra weight the boat was made to carry. There were not enough life jackets to go round and some people had to sit on the floor! To add insult to injury, the bloody ferry did not pick us up at the end of the trip!!
We waited for our ferry at 4pm, and by 4.30 we were getting a little anxious. 4.45 came and our resort manager received a call to say that we were left behind because the boat was overloaded. Surprise surprise. These people actually sell tickets.. I don't know why they even bother.
Left stranded, the resort said that they would send us back to the mainland with one of their dive boats. I think to myself.. we have been in these boats for 4 days now.. they seemed ok. Wrong. The boat ride back to the mainland was harrowing and not to mention wet! Needless to say we were quite pissed off, being put into such a predicament. Fortunately we made it to the mainland, and finally home to KL, allbeit a lot later than anticipated as the AirAsia flight was also delayed by an hour.
So it was a rather eventful trip to say the least. But would I return? YES.
Visibility on the most part, was not too bad, but the life under Perhentian waters is wonderful! Loads and loads of anemone, and the fish seemed even friendlier than Sipadan! Managed to capture quite a few fish shots, something I had not managed to do succesfully before. My opinion is Perhentian offers some of the BEST diving in the East Coast. It is arguable, that Redang is better, but overall, I believe its better in Perhentian as the island tends to attract a more international crowd. We were practically the only Malaysians at the resort, not that we felt out of place mind you.. I only noticed it one dinner, when we were the only locals in the whole dining area.
The only thing that marred our stay was the Ferry service. On the way to the island, 60 people and all their luggage were crammed into a boat made for 40 passengers. The supposedly 1hour travel time became 1.5 hours due to the extra weight the boat was made to carry. There were not enough life jackets to go round and some people had to sit on the floor! To add insult to injury, the bloody ferry did not pick us up at the end of the trip!!
We waited for our ferry at 4pm, and by 4.30 we were getting a little anxious. 4.45 came and our resort manager received a call to say that we were left behind because the boat was overloaded. Surprise surprise. These people actually sell tickets.. I don't know why they even bother.
Left stranded, the resort said that they would send us back to the mainland with one of their dive boats. I think to myself.. we have been in these boats for 4 days now.. they seemed ok. Wrong. The boat ride back to the mainland was harrowing and not to mention wet! Needless to say we were quite pissed off, being put into such a predicament. Fortunately we made it to the mainland, and finally home to KL, allbeit a lot later than anticipated as the AirAsia flight was also delayed by an hour.
So it was a rather eventful trip to say the least. But would I return? YES.
Friday, March 19, 2004
The Beach Awaits
We are off to Perhentian to kick off our dive season tomorrow morning. Yay! Truth is, I am totally clueless about this trip, as my beloved has made all the reservations and is the main organisor. So I shall just tag along and see what is in store. You all have a great weekend now..
Thursday, March 11, 2004
My baby turns 7
Benjamin is 7. A big boy now and he very recently welcomed a brand new brother! James. I hope they are all doing well in SA and that they are all adjusting well to being a new older brother, being a mother for the second time after 7 years, and being a brand new father! Congratulations to Asha and Martin and Benjamin.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
6 degrees @ work
Was at my house yesterday, when one of my new neighbours popped in to say hello. She was quite impressed with what she saw, and enquired about who designed the plans. I had serious doubts if she new Kevin at all, but as it turned out, she did! It did not stop there.
We went over to her place to check out her lovely garden, when we discovered we had a ton of mutual friends. Maybe more, if we had more time to discover the links.
I found out that she was working with a NGO, a Women's Rights Activist and she is also in the Arts scene. Being in the art scene myself, I discovered that she was with the Five Arts group. Sunetra Fernando, a mutual friend and her "Rhythm in Bronze" Gamelan group, who recently concluded another successful concert, this time with the MPO, just had their post concert, wrap party in her house.
Complementing about her garden, she mentioned Seksan and his lovely wife/partner Carolyn and how they were going to come over one of these days to make suggestions to improve her already lovely garden. What an amazing coincidence. Seksan had also offered to come over to my place when it was closer to completion to help with our landscaping as well.
Cool eh?
We went over to her place to check out her lovely garden, when we discovered we had a ton of mutual friends. Maybe more, if we had more time to discover the links.
I found out that she was working with a NGO, a Women's Rights Activist and she is also in the Arts scene. Being in the art scene myself, I discovered that she was with the Five Arts group. Sunetra Fernando, a mutual friend and her "Rhythm in Bronze" Gamelan group, who recently concluded another successful concert, this time with the MPO, just had their post concert, wrap party in her house.
Complementing about her garden, she mentioned Seksan and his lovely wife/partner Carolyn and how they were going to come over one of these days to make suggestions to improve her already lovely garden. What an amazing coincidence. Seksan had also offered to come over to my place when it was closer to completion to help with our landscaping as well.
Cool eh?
Friday, March 05, 2004
New Pictures of Renovations Posted
Chui asked me to upload the latest pictures. Comparing this new set to what I posted a couple of weeks ago, I must say we have made quite a bit of progress. So go.. see for your self. pictures
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
Off with His Head!
Most of you will know by now that I am a Liverpool FC fan. And if you have been following the Red's fortunes for the last 3 years you will understand this rant!
LIVERPOOL FC SUCKS.
They cannot string ten passes together. The midfield is almost non-exsistant. The forwards lack decent feed, and when they do, lack the first touch. The defence have to do more work then they ought to do. Gerard Houlier MUST GO!
Everytime I see them play these days, it is just plain painful to watch, so called lesser teams with better coordination, better skill, and more imagination, kick Liverpool arse. Les Boss has said time and time again that he is building a team of the future. I see no future if we continue with playing like this and I wish the idiots on the Liverpool board has more sense! Maybe Thailand's PM, Taksin, should buy the club!
LIVERPOOL FC SUCKS.
They cannot string ten passes together. The midfield is almost non-exsistant. The forwards lack decent feed, and when they do, lack the first touch. The defence have to do more work then they ought to do. Gerard Houlier MUST GO!
Everytime I see them play these days, it is just plain painful to watch, so called lesser teams with better coordination, better skill, and more imagination, kick Liverpool arse. Les Boss has said time and time again that he is building a team of the future. I see no future if we continue with playing like this and I wish the idiots on the Liverpool board has more sense! Maybe Thailand's PM, Taksin, should buy the club!
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Uploaded Pictures of our Renovations
Pictures speak a thousand words. The truth is I am too lazy writing a thousand words, so pictures will just have to do.
Go check the pictures out.
Go check the pictures out.
Friday, February 06, 2004
Is it Bribery?
Gave Just Heavenly cakes to two of my immediate neighbours who must tolerate our renovation work and the noise. Call it being neighbourly, a trick which has helped an architect friend of ours build beyond legislations. As long as our neighbours don't make a complaint, we should be fine with the authorities.
Hope they enjoyed the cake.
Hope they enjoyed the cake.
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
Auspicious Day
Today is the day we start our renovations to our new home. With some Fung Shui advice from Chui's parents, we started the day working on some bits in the North West positions of the house followed by some more work on the South West before the real work of demolishing the rear extension. When I visited the site this morning, things were progressing nicely, the workmen had already started the demolision work and was almost done by the time I left.
They have to work quickly as they will need to create a path for the digger which will be used tomorrow.
A quick sms to my brother to order some nice cakes with a note of apology to my immediate neighbours which i hope will soothe their patience for the noise and inconveniece they will be experiencing over the next few weeks as the workers demolish more sections of the house.
We have been dreaming of the day.. and now its reality.
They have to work quickly as they will need to create a path for the digger which will be used tomorrow.
A quick sms to my brother to order some nice cakes with a note of apology to my immediate neighbours which i hope will soothe their patience for the noise and inconveniece they will be experiencing over the next few weeks as the workers demolish more sections of the house.
We have been dreaming of the day.. and now its reality.
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Starting the year...
Funny how time just flies by. I have been meaning to update my blog for sometime now, and have been a little tardy in this regard. Oh well.. its never too late I guess.
Firstly let me tell you about Daddy Martin. (Well.. that is what my son calls him.) I had a chance to have a proper conversation with him this time around when they were back for Christmas and it was a relevation. Martin is my ex wife's fiance and together they take very good care of Benjamin. Funny how things turn out for the best. I cannot think of two better people to be responsible for Ben, me included. Martin really does love Ben and together with Asha is raising Ben in a great way. You only have to meet Ben today and spend some time with him to realise that he is a great kid. Polite, disciplined, willing to share, but still with the kind of exuberance and kid should have. He is such a balanced child.. unbelievable.. and I thank God for it. And to Martin.. thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This year shall be a great year. I feel it in my bones. Chui and I will be renovating a home together, business is picking up... holidays are in the plans.. new friends... so its great overall, with so much to look forward too.
I hope you all have a great year as well. God Bless!!
Firstly let me tell you about Daddy Martin. (Well.. that is what my son calls him.) I had a chance to have a proper conversation with him this time around when they were back for Christmas and it was a relevation. Martin is my ex wife's fiance and together they take very good care of Benjamin. Funny how things turn out for the best. I cannot think of two better people to be responsible for Ben, me included. Martin really does love Ben and together with Asha is raising Ben in a great way. You only have to meet Ben today and spend some time with him to realise that he is a great kid. Polite, disciplined, willing to share, but still with the kind of exuberance and kid should have. He is such a balanced child.. unbelievable.. and I thank God for it. And to Martin.. thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This year shall be a great year. I feel it in my bones. Chui and I will be renovating a home together, business is picking up... holidays are in the plans.. new friends... so its great overall, with so much to look forward too.
I hope you all have a great year as well. God Bless!!
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