I remembered declaring in this blog (my earlier articles on her works) tht I love every piece of Cecilia's work. Strangely, this book was quite a drag to read (at least for me). It took me like 2-mths (?!?) to complete reading it (with breaks filled by reading other books).
It's not tht the storyline is bad. It's quite an interesting idea actually. Probably the start was a bit too slow paced & there's pieces of puzzles tht needs fixing (& am too lazy to figure out I guess); but it became interesting & easier to plod through the rest of the way.
"Here" in this book is referring to a place where all the "X-files" / people / things tht went mysteriously missing, went to. But I'm jumping the gun. Let me start with the main character. She's Sandy Shortt & her name is a contradiction to her appearance (her hair is dark brown & not sandy at all; while her legs is so long she can hardly be referred to being short even by men's standards).
Anyway, Sandy has a childhood "friend" cum "enemy" called Jenny-May Butler. One fine day Jenny-May went missing & Sandy blamed herself for the cause of Jenny-May's disappearance. Apparently, it was because she prayed / wished very much tht she doesn't need to face Jenny-May ever again & lo-behold she's missing.
After that it became her obsession to find ALL things tht has gone missing. She didn't stop at ppl. She'd also turn the whole hse upside down, comb the streets & trace back all possible routes just to find a missing sock or watch or toothbrush. It was her obsession even in her adulthood, where after quiting the police force (initially she thought she can help find missing persons legitimately) she has set up an agency specialised in locating missing person. Success rate may be slim, but at least she hope she's doing something to return these missing people to their loved ones.
Along the way, she stumbled into "Here" & found tht there's a whole community of missing person of all nationalities that they even had Registries by the language tht each new comer converse in. They even have several villages, with their own local councils, townhalls, schools, medical facilities (all using whatever tht is "found" Here but missing in the other world where we live in) etc. Sandy refused to accept tht she'll be Here forever & to conform to the way of life tht's being set up by the community.
There's more to the story, but essentially it's about "Here". Do read it if you want to know what happened to Sandy in the end & whether she succeeded in her quest to find Jenny-May.
Thursday 29 October 2009
Book Review: Stripped by Julie Elizabeth Leto (Harlequin M&B's The Bad Girls Club)
hehe... I've not been reading Mills & Boon since my highschool days. I've moved on since then... but I was caught without a book on my train ride home from KL to Seremban one day, so I grabbed this book as a light read for the 1+hr train ride home. Only found time to write a review on it today.
Well, "Stripped" in this story, does not mean stripping down to their Birthday suits. It's actually refering to stripping of "powers". Hmmm.... intrigued? Well the story is abt a modern day witch (Lilith St. Lyon - why witches / vampires tend to have french sounding names?) who did not follow the rules of the witch community, so the "council" decided to strip her of her "powers". Unfortunately, her elder sister is the head of the council so it created quite a rift between them.
What is her powers exactly? & what has she done wrong to deserve such punishment? She can mind read / has psychic powers. 1 of the golden rule of the witching world is not to use it for personal gains. However she's used it to figure out the likes & dislikes & sexual fantasies of a detective (Mac Mancusi) she has been working with in solving crime using her psychic powers. He freaked out & felt cheated (cos' he thought tht the fact tht they have so much in-common boils down to Chemistry) when he found out tht her psychic power was real (he'd always thought tht it was all a hoax / some other scientifically explainable methods).
So she was left "man"-less & powerless all at the same time. Then a series of crime occured, forcing Mac to contact Lilith. Despite her lack of powers now, Lilith is determined to prove to the council tht she's worthy of her powers & hopefully it'll be returned to her someday. To cut a long story short, there's some twist & turns with battles & new "beings" like Warlords etc thrown in for good measure.
Not a bad read, considering the author is able to compress so many actions in such a short novel & yet managed to develop the flesh & bones of the main character - making it come to life.
Well, "Stripped" in this story, does not mean stripping down to their Birthday suits. It's actually refering to stripping of "powers". Hmmm.... intrigued? Well the story is abt a modern day witch (Lilith St. Lyon - why witches / vampires tend to have french sounding names?) who did not follow the rules of the witch community, so the "council" decided to strip her of her "powers". Unfortunately, her elder sister is the head of the council so it created quite a rift between them.
What is her powers exactly? & what has she done wrong to deserve such punishment? She can mind read / has psychic powers. 1 of the golden rule of the witching world is not to use it for personal gains. However she's used it to figure out the likes & dislikes & sexual fantasies of a detective (Mac Mancusi) she has been working with in solving crime using her psychic powers. He freaked out & felt cheated (cos' he thought tht the fact tht they have so much in-common boils down to Chemistry) when he found out tht her psychic power was real (he'd always thought tht it was all a hoax / some other scientifically explainable methods).
So she was left "man"-less & powerless all at the same time. Then a series of crime occured, forcing Mac to contact Lilith. Despite her lack of powers now, Lilith is determined to prove to the council tht she's worthy of her powers & hopefully it'll be returned to her someday. To cut a long story short, there's some twist & turns with battles & new "beings" like Warlords etc thrown in for good measure.
Not a bad read, considering the author is able to compress so many actions in such a short novel & yet managed to develop the flesh & bones of the main character - making it come to life.
Book Review: The Fire Inside by Kat Martin
I think I've found a Period Romantic author that can rival Judith McNaught. Of course I'm still pretty much bias to McNaught being the all time best author for Romance genre books (especially Period Romance. Unfortunately I don't really fancy her modern-day romance novels), but tht doesn't mean I shouldn't give credit to other really good authors of the same genre.
Anyway, back to the book. It's abt Kassandra Wentworth ("Kit" for short), the daughter to a Viscount is already in her 20's (21 to be exact) & she's still not married (gasp!! horror!!.... **grin**). However, it's not from lack of suitors; but more so because she refuses to be submissive to the male gender - her father & future husband (if any) included. And due to a shameful secret from the past, she refused to ever fall in love (again, am not letting the cat out of the bag here so tht you can still enjoy the book).
Of course, there's always someone to change her mind on that. That hero is Clayton Harcourt. Naturally you'll need a strong hero to handle a spirited heroine like Kit. He's the bastard son of a wealthy Duke. What he lacks in purity of lineage, is "compensated" by his skills & shrewdness in managing his personal estates & finances - making him the Duke's favourite (though he can't openly admit / show it).
There's a thick plot from the time the 2 strong characters meet & have clash of will, to the point where they got married & even after they got married (sneak preview - there's a kidnap & chase scene involved). So overall it was highly entertaining, racy & full of suspense especially towards the end of the novel.
Go read it or if you can't find it, I'm willing to lend (if you're in Malaysia tht is).
Anyway, back to the book. It's abt Kassandra Wentworth ("Kit" for short), the daughter to a Viscount is already in her 20's (21 to be exact) & she's still not married (gasp!! horror!!.... **grin**). However, it's not from lack of suitors; but more so because she refuses to be submissive to the male gender - her father & future husband (if any) included. And due to a shameful secret from the past, she refused to ever fall in love (again, am not letting the cat out of the bag here so tht you can still enjoy the book).
Of course, there's always someone to change her mind on that. That hero is Clayton Harcourt. Naturally you'll need a strong hero to handle a spirited heroine like Kit. He's the bastard son of a wealthy Duke. What he lacks in purity of lineage, is "compensated" by his skills & shrewdness in managing his personal estates & finances - making him the Duke's favourite (though he can't openly admit / show it).
There's a thick plot from the time the 2 strong characters meet & have clash of will, to the point where they got married & even after they got married (sneak preview - there's a kidnap & chase scene involved). So overall it was highly entertaining, racy & full of suspense especially towards the end of the novel.
Go read it or if you can't find it, I'm willing to lend (if you're in Malaysia tht is).
Wednesday 28 October 2009
Movie Review: Surrogates
On 16th Oct, we had our department "Work hard, play hard day", where we leave office at 12noon, have a long lunch & adjourned for a movie. We decided to watch it at GSC Signature, The Gardens - Premier Class. We would have gone to Gold Class (about RM30+ more expensive than the Premier), but the movies for Gold Class are not suitable for a mummy-to-be (my boss who was 8+mths pregnant at tht time).
Everyone decided to watch Surrogates, despite someone telling us tht it received less than flattering review. One of which, is regarding Bruce Willis' side-parting-wig on his Surrogate. Poor Bruce. I don't know is it because we went in to the cinema with extremely low expectation due to the movie review we heard of, or it was really good. Turned out, everyone agreed tht it wasn't such a bad movie afterall.
It's interesting & not too impossible an idea. The fact tht mankind can avoid air-borne virus / germs like SARS & H1N1. No risk of contracting sexually transmitable disease. Not look old - hence elliminating the painful need for plastic surgery. Not look fat / skinny / bald / hairy & have the option to look model-like. I would imagine it's a liberation for gays too! He can finally be a woman (for those who mentally believes he is 1) through his surrogate.
Yes. In the not too distant future, we can lie down comfortably on a lounge chair with some headgear over our eyes, temple & foreheads & control our Surrogate's body as if it's our own. Living our lives from our room without needing to venture out.
It started with a series of murder cases where a weapon can electrocute & practically "fry" the Surrogates eyes & in turn kills the owner of the Surrogate. Bruce Willis is involved in the investigation. During his investigation, his surrogate was "destroyed" by a group of ppl who don't belief in surrogates & advocates living in "the flesh" as we were created. This forced him to continue his investigation in "the flesh". Naturally he solved the case (not going to spoil the fun of watching how he did it by elaborating too much here) & an unexpected ending.
I can't say it's extremely good tht it'll be your biggest regret to miss it, but I'd say it's worth the watch.
Everyone decided to watch Surrogates, despite someone telling us tht it received less than flattering review. One of which, is regarding Bruce Willis' side-parting-wig on his Surrogate. Poor Bruce. I don't know is it because we went in to the cinema with extremely low expectation due to the movie review we heard of, or it was really good. Turned out, everyone agreed tht it wasn't such a bad movie afterall.
It's interesting & not too impossible an idea. The fact tht mankind can avoid air-borne virus / germs like SARS & H1N1. No risk of contracting sexually transmitable disease. Not look old - hence elliminating the painful need for plastic surgery. Not look fat / skinny / bald / hairy & have the option to look model-like. I would imagine it's a liberation for gays too! He can finally be a woman (for those who mentally believes he is 1) through his surrogate.
Yes. In the not too distant future, we can lie down comfortably on a lounge chair with some headgear over our eyes, temple & foreheads & control our Surrogate's body as if it's our own. Living our lives from our room without needing to venture out.
It started with a series of murder cases where a weapon can electrocute & practically "fry" the Surrogates eyes & in turn kills the owner of the Surrogate. Bruce Willis is involved in the investigation. During his investigation, his surrogate was "destroyed" by a group of ppl who don't belief in surrogates & advocates living in "the flesh" as we were created. This forced him to continue his investigation in "the flesh". Naturally he solved the case (not going to spoil the fun of watching how he did it by elaborating too much here) & an unexpected ending.
I can't say it's extremely good tht it'll be your biggest regret to miss it, but I'd say it's worth the watch.
Bagan Pinang By Election - After Thought
I realize I forgot to mention about the campaign rally which Anuar Ibrahim gave his speach. No doubt some Chinese treat him with doubts. There's always talks tht "he was once as extreme as the BN gangs; why should we trust him now?" But, I still think he's truly a great orator & I also belief in choosing between the lesser of 2 evils.
Anyway, back to his speech. He mentioned a lot of things tht night (the last night before the election) & I'm sure it's covered extensively in Malaysia Kini. But there's 1 comical part tht somehow stuck on my mind... He referred the campaign billboards, flags etc by the BN "Macam Sarkas!" (i.e. like a Circus). Hahaha...
I remembered tht morning I was just complaining abt it being a waste of tax payer's money. I'm sure tht is our money... I doubt the party would have spent it so lavishly if it's their own. Even if it's not tax payer's money, am sure it's a "forced tax" from a number of Chinese / Indian businessmen - the so called "pendatang"s (apparently they are not "pendatang"s when it comes to money... but after the cheque is cashed, they are back to being "pendatang"s). However, Anuar really did sum the whole set-up quite accurately... "Macam Sarkas!"
Anyway, back to his speech. He mentioned a lot of things tht night (the last night before the election) & I'm sure it's covered extensively in Malaysia Kini. But there's 1 comical part tht somehow stuck on my mind... He referred the campaign billboards, flags etc by the BN "Macam Sarkas!" (i.e. like a Circus). Hahaha...
I remembered tht morning I was just complaining abt it being a waste of tax payer's money. I'm sure tht is our money... I doubt the party would have spent it so lavishly if it's their own. Even if it's not tax payer's money, am sure it's a "forced tax" from a number of Chinese / Indian businessmen - the so called "pendatang"s (apparently they are not "pendatang"s when it comes to money... but after the cheque is cashed, they are back to being "pendatang"s). However, Anuar really did sum the whole set-up quite accurately... "Macam Sarkas!"
Proud to be a Penangite! :-)
Today I receive an interesting e-mail from a nice friend who remembered I was from Penang. The current government has done us (Malaysians) proud on an international scale! The article is as follows.
"Congratulation to all Penang People!!
While Pahang governed by Barisan Nasional for past 52 years is facing bankruptcy, Penang is praised by Global Anti-Corruption watchdog Transparency International for its anti corruptions efforts.
What makes Malaysia all of a sudden to be ranked on 47 out 180 countries?
Answer : The Malaysian People made the right choice by denying 2/3 majority enjoyed by Barisan Nasional all this years. Its a well check and balance by Pakatan on Barisan that led to this 47th position.
If Malaysians want to enjoy this, then you should know what to do in the next election!! Anyway congratulations to Pakatan led by DAP in Penang. In just 18 months CM Lim turned around Penang into corrupt free State. Shame on BN & ex-CM Dr Koh of Gerakan.
“RM 10 billion in losses from corruption per year is a huge sum and there must be greater commitment from the Federal government towards fighting corruption to ensure that 27 million Malaysians can benefit from this RM 10 billion dividend from successfully combating corruption.”
Global anti-corruption watchdog ranks Malaysia 47th least corrupt, praises Penang
By Lee Wei Lian
GEORGE TOWN, Sept 24 – Global corruption watchdog, Transparency International (TI), has ranked Malaysia as the 47th least corrupt nation in the world and commended the island state of Penang for its anti-corruption efforts.
Denmark, New Zealand and Sweden was listed by TI as the top three least corrupt countries as measured by the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which ranks countries in terms of the degree to which businessmen and country analysts perceive corruption to exist among public officials and politicians. Singapore, Finland, Switzerland, Iceland, Netherlands, Australia and Canada rounded off the top least corrupt countries.
Malaysia came in 47th out of 180 countries in the index, tied with Hungary and Jordan.The CPI is part of TI’s Global Corruption Report (GCR) 2009 released yesterday.In its report on Malaysia, TI highlighted the Malaysian practice of the “revolving door” whereby individuals move from government to business, or business to politics, and back again, and estimated that corruption could cost Malaysia as much as RM10 billion a year.
“Significant government participation in the private sector and considerable business participation in politics means that the movement of gatekeepers to players and players to gatekeepers has a negative influence on the concept of checks and balances,” said TI. “The complexity of the relationships between politics and the public and private sectors means that corruption may take place with impunity. Until drastic action is taken to separate the cosy relationship between government, business and politics, the anti-corruption effort will remain no more than a token gesture,” said TI.
Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng says he is “humbled” by the recognition by TI and added that he was concerned over the fact that that corruption could cost Malaysia as much as RM10 billion a year – an amount equivalent to 1 or 2 per cent of GDP as pointed out by the GCR when it cited the findings of the special government business facilitation task force Pemudah and the World Bank.
Additional report contents that were of concern to Lim was Malaysia’s per capita spending of only RM5 on anti-corruption efforts and the fact that only about 10 per cent, or just 7,223 potential corruption cases, of the total 71,558 reported between 2000 and 2006 were investigated by the Anti Corruption Agency, the precursor of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, with a conviction rate of less than one percent. “The GCR 2009 concluded that this illustration of the Malaysian government’s inaction in the light of the serious corruption allegations, along with its seeming inability to catch the big fish instead focusing on the ‘small fry’, suggests that what anti-corruption efforts exist are mere tokens,” said Lim.
“RM 10 billion in losses from corruption per year is a huge sum and there must be greater commitment from the Federal government towards fighting corruption to ensure that 27 million Malaysians can benefit from this RM 10 billion dividend from successfully combating corruption.”
Lim also today announced that the state has managed to cut about RM36 million or 12 per cent of in operating expenditure this year due to its efforts to curb corruption.“Transparency International’s recognition of anti-corruption efforts by the Penang state government through CAT (Competency Accountability And Transparency) governance is backed up by savings of nearly 12 per cent of the 2008 Penang state budget of RM 36 million from operating expenditure. This RM 36 million savings has allowed the state government to carry out social programs and implement its people-oriented government,” said Lim.
TI said that the Penang state is the first Malaysian state government to implement the open tender system for government procurement and contracts. It also recognised the state government’s directive barring administrators and state executive councillors from making any new land applications and efforts to attract professionals to serve on various boards, such as the Penang State Appeals Board.
“On behalf of the Penang state government, we feel humbled by the recognition given by a world renowned body such as Transparency International and would redouble efforts to ensure the anti-corruption reforms are institutionalized and ensure more professionals are appointed to key bodies. Fighting corruption generates savings for the people,” said Lim. He added that the two local authorities in Penang are expected to save another RM34 million over three years from a “transparent” negotiation over the price of solid waste disposal that reduced the rates agreed to by the previous Barisan Nasional administration by a further 42.4 per cent.
Lim said that the savings would go towards the state government’s “3E” programme to:
“enable” the people with skills and knowledge so that they have an equal opportunity to create wealth,
“empower” them with fundamental rights and basic freedoms, and
“enrich” the people by sharing wealth and economic benefits."
Well, finally! My 1 vote made a difference. Hope the next step - making Penang as economically competitive as we were 10-20years ago, will materialize. Penang used to be the Silicone Valley of the East & we're neck-to-neck with Singapore. Lately we have dropped off the radar in both industry & tourism. If Penang can get back on its feet in this area, I'm sure many professionals (me included) would return to the beloved island!
Naturally I don't expect the current Penang government to perform miracles in less than 5 years before the next GE. However I hope we can see at least some small results by then. Actions & results are stronger than words. If the people can see the visible difference in governance, even with less campaigns / talks, small budget tht can't afford lighted & blinking campaign signboards, flags tht got shredded - the truth will persist.
I'll end with my favourite quote by Mahatma Gandhi "I may look despicable, but when the truth shines through me, I am invincible!"
"Congratulation to all Penang People!!
While Pahang governed by Barisan Nasional for past 52 years is facing bankruptcy, Penang is praised by Global Anti-Corruption watchdog Transparency International for its anti corruptions efforts.
What makes Malaysia all of a sudden to be ranked on 47 out 180 countries?
Answer : The Malaysian People made the right choice by denying 2/3 majority enjoyed by Barisan Nasional all this years. Its a well check and balance by Pakatan on Barisan that led to this 47th position.
If Malaysians want to enjoy this, then you should know what to do in the next election!! Anyway congratulations to Pakatan led by DAP in Penang. In just 18 months CM Lim turned around Penang into corrupt free State. Shame on BN & ex-CM Dr Koh of Gerakan.
“RM 10 billion in losses from corruption per year is a huge sum and there must be greater commitment from the Federal government towards fighting corruption to ensure that 27 million Malaysians can benefit from this RM 10 billion dividend from successfully combating corruption.”
Global anti-corruption watchdog ranks Malaysia 47th least corrupt, praises Penang
By Lee Wei Lian
GEORGE TOWN, Sept 24 – Global corruption watchdog, Transparency International (TI), has ranked Malaysia as the 47th least corrupt nation in the world and commended the island state of Penang for its anti-corruption efforts.
Denmark, New Zealand and Sweden was listed by TI as the top three least corrupt countries as measured by the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which ranks countries in terms of the degree to which businessmen and country analysts perceive corruption to exist among public officials and politicians. Singapore, Finland, Switzerland, Iceland, Netherlands, Australia and Canada rounded off the top least corrupt countries.
Malaysia came in 47th out of 180 countries in the index, tied with Hungary and Jordan.The CPI is part of TI’s Global Corruption Report (GCR) 2009 released yesterday.In its report on Malaysia, TI highlighted the Malaysian practice of the “revolving door” whereby individuals move from government to business, or business to politics, and back again, and estimated that corruption could cost Malaysia as much as RM10 billion a year.
“Significant government participation in the private sector and considerable business participation in politics means that the movement of gatekeepers to players and players to gatekeepers has a negative influence on the concept of checks and balances,” said TI. “The complexity of the relationships between politics and the public and private sectors means that corruption may take place with impunity. Until drastic action is taken to separate the cosy relationship between government, business and politics, the anti-corruption effort will remain no more than a token gesture,” said TI.
Penang chief minister Lim Guan Eng says he is “humbled” by the recognition by TI and added that he was concerned over the fact that that corruption could cost Malaysia as much as RM10 billion a year – an amount equivalent to 1 or 2 per cent of GDP as pointed out by the GCR when it cited the findings of the special government business facilitation task force Pemudah and the World Bank.
Additional report contents that were of concern to Lim was Malaysia’s per capita spending of only RM5 on anti-corruption efforts and the fact that only about 10 per cent, or just 7,223 potential corruption cases, of the total 71,558 reported between 2000 and 2006 were investigated by the Anti Corruption Agency, the precursor of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, with a conviction rate of less than one percent. “The GCR 2009 concluded that this illustration of the Malaysian government’s inaction in the light of the serious corruption allegations, along with its seeming inability to catch the big fish instead focusing on the ‘small fry’, suggests that what anti-corruption efforts exist are mere tokens,” said Lim.
“RM 10 billion in losses from corruption per year is a huge sum and there must be greater commitment from the Federal government towards fighting corruption to ensure that 27 million Malaysians can benefit from this RM 10 billion dividend from successfully combating corruption.”
Lim also today announced that the state has managed to cut about RM36 million or 12 per cent of in operating expenditure this year due to its efforts to curb corruption.“Transparency International’s recognition of anti-corruption efforts by the Penang state government through CAT (Competency Accountability And Transparency) governance is backed up by savings of nearly 12 per cent of the 2008 Penang state budget of RM 36 million from operating expenditure. This RM 36 million savings has allowed the state government to carry out social programs and implement its people-oriented government,” said Lim.
TI said that the Penang state is the first Malaysian state government to implement the open tender system for government procurement and contracts. It also recognised the state government’s directive barring administrators and state executive councillors from making any new land applications and efforts to attract professionals to serve on various boards, such as the Penang State Appeals Board.
“On behalf of the Penang state government, we feel humbled by the recognition given by a world renowned body such as Transparency International and would redouble efforts to ensure the anti-corruption reforms are institutionalized and ensure more professionals are appointed to key bodies. Fighting corruption generates savings for the people,” said Lim. He added that the two local authorities in Penang are expected to save another RM34 million over three years from a “transparent” negotiation over the price of solid waste disposal that reduced the rates agreed to by the previous Barisan Nasional administration by a further 42.4 per cent.
Lim said that the savings would go towards the state government’s “3E” programme to:
“enable” the people with skills and knowledge so that they have an equal opportunity to create wealth,
“empower” them with fundamental rights and basic freedoms, and
“enrich” the people by sharing wealth and economic benefits."
Well, finally! My 1 vote made a difference. Hope the next step - making Penang as economically competitive as we were 10-20years ago, will materialize. Penang used to be the Silicone Valley of the East & we're neck-to-neck with Singapore. Lately we have dropped off the radar in both industry & tourism. If Penang can get back on its feet in this area, I'm sure many professionals (me included) would return to the beloved island!
Naturally I don't expect the current Penang government to perform miracles in less than 5 years before the next GE. However I hope we can see at least some small results by then. Actions & results are stronger than words. If the people can see the visible difference in governance, even with less campaigns / talks, small budget tht can't afford lighted & blinking campaign signboards, flags tht got shredded - the truth will persist.
I'll end with my favourite quote by Mahatma Gandhi "I may look despicable, but when the truth shines through me, I am invincible!"
It's a Baby Girl!!
I thought I would feel depressed... Sigh.... Another person has safely delivered a baby while my womb is still empty...
Strangely, I handled such depressing thought much better this time. I can even feel happy for my boss who has just delivered a baby girl at around 7.30am this morning. Maybe I've learnt to accept tht I can't shy away from all the pregnant women around me (seriously... I used to avoid pregnant women like the plaque because I can't handle their protruding tummy presence).
Come to think of it... why do I want to endure such pain of labour when a small ear piercing sent me howling... when a centipede bite made me cry & vomit (hehe... tht is another story fr my past... I'll see if I have time to write abt it later). My boss shared with me tht the feeling after delivering a baby is like the southern region has "koyak-rabak". My sis-in-law described it as worse than having someone slashing your arm... :-) Maybe all these talks is making me think twice of having a baby....
Hah! Who am I kidding... I still want at least 1. I'll just bid my time... again...
Strangely, I handled such depressing thought much better this time. I can even feel happy for my boss who has just delivered a baby girl at around 7.30am this morning. Maybe I've learnt to accept tht I can't shy away from all the pregnant women around me (seriously... I used to avoid pregnant women like the plaque because I can't handle their protruding tummy presence).
Come to think of it... why do I want to endure such pain of labour when a small ear piercing sent me howling... when a centipede bite made me cry & vomit (hehe... tht is another story fr my past... I'll see if I have time to write abt it later). My boss shared with me tht the feeling after delivering a baby is like the southern region has "koyak-rabak". My sis-in-law described it as worse than having someone slashing your arm... :-) Maybe all these talks is making me think twice of having a baby....
Hah! Who am I kidding... I still want at least 1. I'll just bid my time... again...
Wednesday 21 October 2009
I'm Back....!!!
Wow... Feels like it's been some time since I'm back here writing. I think if it's not for a comment I got for 1 of my articles, I would have forgotten it's already towards the end of Oct! Yikes! How did time pass by so fast!
I wanted to wait for the photos from my Krabi trip downloaded before I update about my trip to Krabi... & from past track record - you'll know it'll really be some time later. Meanwhile.... I'll just share some interesting pix on the creativity of advertising... enjoy...
I wanted to wait for the photos from my Krabi trip downloaded before I update about my trip to Krabi... & from past track record - you'll know it'll really be some time later. Meanwhile.... I'll just share some interesting pix on the creativity of advertising... enjoy...
Wednesday 7 October 2009
Bagan Pinang By Election
For those who follows politics, would have heard about the Bagan Pinang By Election. I know it's in PD, but I didn't know how close to home until last week after candidate nominations, bunting & posters being put up and stage being prepared for talks & rallies.
I just found out that the place tht hubby & I have been staying for the past 4-5 years is within the Bagan Pinang area! I always thought tht it's just Teluk Kemang / Mukim Si Rusa.
Anyway, the reason I wrote about this in my blog (which I usually try to avoid writing... I'll leave it to the experts to write all the facts / expose the lies out there) is because while having dinner at a local restaurant, we found tht there's a political talk held in a large empty bungalow land right next to the restaurant. It's organized by the DAP+PAS+Keadilan coalition party = Pakatan Rakyat. Just after we paid the bill for our dinner, we heard some commotion near the entrance to the gathering area.
We then saw a large group of people circling a van; effectively trapping it (& the passengers) with no room to escape. Out of curiosity, we walked towards the scene. After asking the by-standers, we found out tht it started with 2 staff of the MPPD pulling down the flags of DAP & even tearing some of the flags tht was taken down too. Naturally, the ppl supporting the Pakatan Rakyat were furious, so they blocked the escape route of the ppl involved & practically surrounded the van. Police had to "come to the rescue" & "negotiate".
The reason given for the act was also laughable. Apparently because the candidate is from PAS, no other party's flags can be displayed. Errr.... ok.... that's strange... I do know tht the candidate from BN is from UMNO (the infamous Isa), but I remember seeing flags being put up for MCA & Gerakan. Why weren't these flags taken down & "shredded" on site?! This is the double standard treatment tht the opposition / government (depending on which state they're in) is talking about. I'll not elaborate further on this as it was discussed at length in many other blogs.
My take on this is... quit with all this "sandiwara" cos' it looks like the more "drama" tht's put on show to "tell" the public tht the Pakatan Rakyat folks & their supporters are creating riots / disharmony has all seem to back-fire. The "kepala lembu" incident became a hot topic used against the current ruling party; not to mention the recent fiasco of a certain minister being bashed & had his neck in cast from some "scuffling" during nomination day. Now this...??? Some ppl just never learn...
I just found out that the place tht hubby & I have been staying for the past 4-5 years is within the Bagan Pinang area! I always thought tht it's just Teluk Kemang / Mukim Si Rusa.
Anyway, the reason I wrote about this in my blog (which I usually try to avoid writing... I'll leave it to the experts to write all the facts / expose the lies out there) is because while having dinner at a local restaurant, we found tht there's a political talk held in a large empty bungalow land right next to the restaurant. It's organized by the DAP+PAS+Keadilan coalition party = Pakatan Rakyat. Just after we paid the bill for our dinner, we heard some commotion near the entrance to the gathering area.
We then saw a large group of people circling a van; effectively trapping it (& the passengers) with no room to escape. Out of curiosity, we walked towards the scene. After asking the by-standers, we found out tht it started with 2 staff of the MPPD pulling down the flags of DAP & even tearing some of the flags tht was taken down too. Naturally, the ppl supporting the Pakatan Rakyat were furious, so they blocked the escape route of the ppl involved & practically surrounded the van. Police had to "come to the rescue" & "negotiate".
The reason given for the act was also laughable. Apparently because the candidate is from PAS, no other party's flags can be displayed. Errr.... ok.... that's strange... I do know tht the candidate from BN is from UMNO (the infamous Isa), but I remember seeing flags being put up for MCA & Gerakan. Why weren't these flags taken down & "shredded" on site?! This is the double standard treatment tht the opposition / government (depending on which state they're in) is talking about. I'll not elaborate further on this as it was discussed at length in many other blogs.
My take on this is... quit with all this "sandiwara" cos' it looks like the more "drama" tht's put on show to "tell" the public tht the Pakatan Rakyat folks & their supporters are creating riots / disharmony has all seem to back-fire. The "kepala lembu" incident became a hot topic used against the current ruling party; not to mention the recent fiasco of a certain minister being bashed & had his neck in cast from some "scuffling" during nomination day. Now this...??? Some ppl just never learn...
This Is It! I'm Going To Krabi....
My flight will be at 1+pm today. This is it! Hubby & I will be boarding the plane (AirAsia) via LCCT in a few hours time. Just finished packing & finishing some work assignment at 2am in the morning.... :-p
People normally say, if you don't feel good about a trip, don't go... It might be a premonition. I can't say I don't feel good... but I can't say I feel good either... There's only... err... how to describe it... nervousness? Not sure how to describe the mixed feelings. But it all came about because ppl keep harping abt how "dangerous" the place we'll be visiting...
Indonesia just experienced a quake... Samoa experienced it too... What is to stop the area between Sri Lanka to Krabi to have the same quake? There's even prediction tht says a quake as huge as 8+ Richter will hit North East of India some time in Oct. Errr.... It is Oct... North East of India is kinda close to Thailand don't you think?
Aiyo.... all these talks just makes me nervous, but we've already made all the bookings... Oh well... Just some ramblings while waiting for my file to slowly load... Man... the connection is ridiculously slow even at this hour of the day!
People normally say, if you don't feel good about a trip, don't go... It might be a premonition. I can't say I don't feel good... but I can't say I feel good either... There's only... err... how to describe it... nervousness? Not sure how to describe the mixed feelings. But it all came about because ppl keep harping abt how "dangerous" the place we'll be visiting...
Indonesia just experienced a quake... Samoa experienced it too... What is to stop the area between Sri Lanka to Krabi to have the same quake? There's even prediction tht says a quake as huge as 8+ Richter will hit North East of India some time in Oct. Errr.... It is Oct... North East of India is kinda close to Thailand don't you think?
Aiyo.... all these talks just makes me nervous, but we've already made all the bookings... Oh well... Just some ramblings while waiting for my file to slowly load... Man... the connection is ridiculously slow even at this hour of the day!
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