Baju Raya II

Dj Fuzz sporting a KLG Sqwad's Labour of Love tee (picture taken from here)


I want the t-shirt!!! Anyone have a clue where I can get them from? I've read that I can do some kind of online order but I'm too lazy to do the order through the internet. Money transfer? I think it's a way to avoid people from seeing each other.I knowlaah, I'm so hard to please... I believe in the beauty of dealing human to human (big difference, I tell you...)

Back to the story, I think I can wear this on Hari Raya Ke2 as my grandparents used to live in Klang before settling down in Kuang (suddenly we all have a story, eyh?). So, if you know where to get those, drop me a comment :)

*anyone thinks my mum would love me as much as she did before if I wore this on Hari Raya Ke2?*

A Disgrace of Sorts

I am appalled by the recent conundrum in Malaysia. It is as if we have totally lost control of everything that we feel the need to hold the helm at any cost. Imposing a nonsensical act of law without any solid justification of its existence or relevance in current scenario makes the desperation of threatened-ones inadvertently appear crystal clear.

It shows how things are on the beam ends for the current administration. It is beyond me why the journalist was detained if the man who uttered those filthy words is only taken action under the organisation's law. Although that acknowledges that the man has done something wrong, I think he is the one who should be detained under such laws for causing such a public unrest. On a different view, it also goes to show that the reporting was not wrong. So, why the biased treament?

It's been 20 odd years since a journalist is detained under the act and this happens only a few months after the head adviced all the members of the medias to be brave in reporting the truth. For so many years, I have believed in the power of words and now this has only increased my beliefs.

You say she had a hidden agenda? Check under your sleeve to say that you don't...

*pardon my annoying euphemism but it is always hard to swallow the truth over something you are affiliated to*

Who I Want To Meet?

In my online social network pages, they have always asked me "who i want to meet" which would pretty silly to be answered as 'everybody' (mind you, I did answer that too). You don't want to meet everybody, do you? For example, a sex maniac or a psychopath serial killer. And for that matter, we all have different reasons on why we want to meet someone. For example, I want to meet Soulja Boy to knock his head for ruining my eardrums so that's not something nice, is it? (Although some would readily cheer me on with the same spirit)

Not so incidentally, there's a long list to this that I have kept on updating since I was a kid. Believe me, choosing who to include has not been hard compared to who not to include. In your mind, set the notion that meeting means having a cup of coffee and talking about things that matter as I have technically met some of the people in my list here. So, Ok! Go!

Jit Murad- for that man I smile about since I was ten years old until now. I love that mop of curly hair he has and his relentlessly funny self on stage as well as his ability to hook you with his acting.

John Legend- for being that voice I listen to every night

Jhumpa Lahiri- for telling me that emotions can be related through as little words as possible and still be effective

Michel Gondry- for being a visionary visual graphic artist who provided me with more things to look forward to in life with his stories

Mos Def- for still standing in the league of super-rappers (probably one of the best alive) and not losing his soul or mind.

Noam Chomsky- for being an excellent linguist and a monstrous political figure

Barack Obama- for believing in change and stepping forward with the right foot all the way that it seems almost impossible to comprehend.

Norani Ahmad- for struggling for the rest of the Muslim women in Malaysia although being constantly unappreciated and pressured to stop. Sister won't stop for nothing.

Marc Jacobs- for creating fashion miracles that strikes my heart at all the right notes.

Jay Z- for being a "flow futuristic", astute businessman and remarkable man at heart.

Tun Dr M- the man who has remained in my list since I was 5 years old for many, many reasons.

Kaka- for being extremely talented in football and sincere in devotion.. An example to everyone, regardless of faith and interest.

Toni Morisson- for showing what being Beloved in Love means...

Datuk Zeti Akhtar- for Economics 101 at its best, I think only a woman of her stature can achieve what she has.

The Raslan Brothers- this should come in the complete package as only then can I ask the question, "is it in the genes?"

You- siapa ya? :)

I have not listed all that I could but these 15 people are the ones I have always looked forward to meeting. Hopefully I can meet half of them before fate takes one of us away. At last, a clear purpose to life.. hahaha!

I am tagging nisa, nina, tasha, alin and cek sou to write about the TOP 15 People they want to meet. Bolehlah saya analyse diri anda nanti :p

KL Hip Hop Fest 2008

I'm overjoyed by this fest coming up soon here in my soil, my heartland, Kuala Lumpur. The tentative dates for this two-day festival that will be held for the first time are 15 and 16 November 2008 with the venue yet to be confirmed. The festival is more correctly defined as a symposium of the genre which has long since become a lifestyle. Among the things planned for the two days are several workshops, competitions and a bazaar where you can get every imaginable Hip Hop gear/stuff.

About the lineup of guest performers, rumors has it that Lupe Fiasco (yeah! yeah!), Nas (yeah! yeah! yeah!) and KRS One (gotta crank up that old CD again) will be flown over to rev things up for us who once can only hope such festivals could ever be held here in Malaysia. Under the banner of KL Hip Hop Festival, also expect a lot of Asia's best hip hop outfits (which of course would include our talented homegrown performers) to represent.

This would be another thing I would venture and brave my heart through alone, knowing that none of my friends share the same passion or are willing to fork out a substantial amount of money (am expecting a two-day pass to cost in the least around RM 150). But after much disappointment of not being able to attend the 1st Asian Hip Hop Festival in Thailand due to my busy schedule, the KL Hip Hop Festival should be embraced by all the likes of me with the love for the music.

*you know what would be better? Having Mos Def down here!!!! That would be awesome but you can't have everything... Next year perhaps*

Ceritera Baju Raya!

I had a so-called resolution for Syawal 1429h... Not to buy a baju raya this year because I want to save on expenses and control my wants. Plus, I think I have an abundance of baju kurung. But the trips to Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman robbed my soul... I should be more determined with my resolutions next time. Next year, no baju raya... Janji, saya janji!

Anyway, baju raya saya cantik & saya terpaksa beli. Baju kurung warna maroon garang, with subtle studs and such an elegant touch. The Mother bertekad membeli baju colour sama for herself, my sister and my nephew. And we also painted the house with that range of colour. I started an unexpected wave, it's overwhelming...

Macam tulah kalau orang best.. and saya perlu belajar jadi lebih modest.

Toilet Talk

I am sick and tired of coming back every weekend to the college and discovering that the toliet I regularly use has turned into a sewage itself. Every Sunday, whenever I peek into the toilet, there's bound to be things that other people besides tuan-punya-badan should not see. The smell is like fermented cencaluk that is further fermented under the sun until it bubbles. I mean, we boast that we're civilised human beings but if you can't take care of the place you defecate in, how do you call yourself one?

There's no point being super-smart or super-gorgeous if you expect someone else to mind your s**t. I don't consider myself a clean freak or something like that but it's just logical that you'd check the toilet before you leave it. I just have the habit to clean the toilet each time I use it because I know I'm sharing and I wouldn't want other people to suffer any kind of inconveniences because of me. Sadly, it is probably only me who thinks so. I know that I am the only one who cleans the toilet because I've tried refraining from doing any cleaning and the place turned into a wreck. And the stuff that I deal with is filthy and annoying. I mean, how the hell did you do it that it gets spread all over the place and then, you'd expect someone else to clean it? Simply mind boggling, nose bothering and throat choking...

We've talked about it like grown ups, things have been bought for the purpose yet people still refuse to participate and assume responsibility. If it doesn't start at your own home, how do we expect to create a socially conscious and civic minded society? No wonder the public toilets are in its worst condition because so-called educated people act as such. I'm sorry that I have to resort to writing a blog here and bitch about it but all those days spent cleaning the toilet has its toll on me.

Ia Baru Bermula...

Aku kagum dengan seorang lelaki. Kekaguman itu lahir kerana dia seorang yang sangat lain daripada apa yang disedari. Ya, aku mungkin tidak kenal lelaki yang boleh kugelar "datuk" itu secara peribadi tetapi kekagumanku lahir dari kaca mata lain dan bacaan sendiri. Seorang lelaki yang tidak takut jeriji besi dan tidak endah dengan umpat caci.

Aku kurang bertuah kerana tidak dapat hidup dalam era penulisannya yang gigih, aku kurang bertuah kerana tidak dapat merasa sendiri perjuangan pena dan prinsip... Tapi aku sudah cukup, cukup bertuah kerana mataku masih mampu melihat di sini kerana adanya lelaki berani ini.

Untuk seorang lelaki yang telah melalui seribu satu cerita semasa hidupnya, perginya tidak menandakan berakhirnya kisah tersebut tetapi tanda bermulanya satu babak baru, dituruti sebuah eulogi untuk mengingati dan menghargai.

Untuk A. Samad Ismail yang telah kembali ke rahmatullah pada 4 September 2008.

A Mess of Love

In this mess, where should I look for it?
All those flimsy strings of love threads,
That I need to mend our damaged torn hearts,
To bind it tightly as I bid to place a seal,
But it's impossible to peer in to seek,
When I have this mess of love...

In this mess, where should I look for it?
All those long tassels of loose hopes,
That I deem to plait our tangled worn dreams,
To knot it neatly as I kid to lace a kilt,
But it's inexplicable to sneak in to peek,
When I have this mess of love...

Plights after similar plights endured,
But this mess stays on after years,
Even after I have shed our tears,
With all those talks against fears,
Yet, plight after plight we've endured,
As is commendable in this mess of love...





credit is due for the 'inspiration' to you

Looming Presence

During the ten years that I have known my best friends (needless to say it's Asraf and Nabil), somehow my opinions always mattered (waaah, ayat bangga diri tu.. boley?).The things I have a say in range from choosing the correct jeans cut until the owh-so-important choice of girlfriends and I admit that it sometimes can be daunting.

Not to say that they would make a decision based solely on what I say but I must add that it influences what they will ultimately decide. And let me tell you the best part, I can never see someone being good enough for them. I'm like the disapproving sister who judges the potential sister-in law with discreet looks and side-way glances to see how she reacts to something. It's not how she looks that usually matters to me but how she carries herself and how well the compatibility between her and my concerned friend is. Then, how she speaks to others there and whether she questions my looming presence...

It's like a unsaid rule that the three of us would implicitly or explicitly talk to our (potential) partners about how it is important that we can all get along well. That my partner will be 'ngam' with Nabil and Acap as their partners can indulge in similar things with me. This is like our second set of siblings, the brothers and sisters we have at heart. It is also to tell our partners that "hey, babe... there's nothing to worry about. What Acap, Nabil and Ana has is a friendship that will never be tainted even if you doubt it"

So when I disapprove of someone and it turns out that the person is as I expected them to be, I would feel guilty if I hadn't said anything in the first place. It's not that I wish to say "I Said So!" but more that I have placed the boys in the caution mode beforehand for them to realise that this might not work. It breaks me to see people not doing them right because these two people are not the playing around type. They are sincere and willing to try although they can be the most confused and fickle minded being at times.

My looming presence is a cloak to shelter my friends from the impending hurt that they might experience. Even when you leave, we will always have each other. Even when you hurt them, we will always comfort each other. Because that is what our presence are for...

Chained Letter

This is a letter from a friend...

To all my beloved friends,
Be it from Sabah, Sarawak, KL and semua di Semenanjung Malaysia. I would really need your help, I'm representing Infinatez and our INF team.
Alhamdulillah Infinatez now is moving in a correct direction, we are getting invitation to appear in various events, shows, interviews etc. To those yang sudah dengar our songs "Paparazzi", "Ada Masa" & "Sayang Kinabalu", we hope you enjoyed it. Kalau belum you can listen to it here - myspace.com/infinatez
Ok, the help yang I need from you guys is to request our songs to be played in radio stations. To be exact we would like you guys to request "Ada Masa" as it is our latest single, tapi you guys boleh juga request our other songs.
One way is to request it at Xfm (previously known as Xfresh)

One thing at a time, we can focus on Xfm first. But if you prefer other stations like Suria fm, you can do so. You probably get a listen to it at DJ Hairil's Suria Intro every Sunday. To listeners in Sabah, you can ask DJ Othoe to play it @ Suria Pagi Kinabalu 105.9fm.
Guys, we really need your help on this one. Again, do have time to listen to it at our myspace and if you like it, kindly do request for it. We hope that our songs could be heard all over the country, and the rest of the world.
ps: Infinatez will be back with more sounds. We promise.

Thank you.
Yours truly,
Alvin MY aka Defoo (who can be read at The D)

Mbeki Loves Mugabe

It's good that the peace talks initiated by Thabo Mbeki as the head of the African Union has started since June thus allowing more time for deliberation over issues that matter but a speedy conclusion and resolute reconciliation must take place soon to provide Zimbabwean with more time to kick start the shattered economy state. Circa 1970s, Zimbabwe was one of the most promising economy house of the Afrikaan continent ironically under the governance of Mugabe who was then viewed as a revolutionary man with strong visions for his country. Fast forward 30 years later, the inflation rate has surpassed 2 000 000% and Zimbabwean are suffering all these as the consequences of one man's desire to remain powerful and rich. Besides suffering from the economic recession (or collapse), hundreds are killed or injured since the March bloody election that saw the rise of poors and bourgeois against the corrupt, dictatorship government.

That's why I think Mbeki loves Mugabe so much that he is willing to stall negotiations on who should take the lead role of governing Zimbabwe even after a definite, undisputed win by MDC Party lead by Tsvangirai (which is still referred to as the opposition party). I am appalled by the arrangements made and the way negotiations are dealt with. I'm a tiny person with one brain but I think the plan worked out puts Mugabe too much into favour. Yes, Mugabe did win the Presidential elections uncontested but that's only because Tsvangirai boycotted the election. Mbeki should not and must not take that lousy reason into consideration for retaining Mugabe's so-called-deserved place in the government where Mugabe will be President while Tsvangirai will become the Prime Minister (yes, if it rings a bell, Mbeki used the same formulae in South Africa for him and Jacob Zuma). How can it be a man loathed by the majority of his people still remains in the position of the most respected one? Absurd but true.



Note: As this post is written, Mbeki in Harare currently to wrap up the negotiation and all political rivals in Zimbabwe has agreed to the power-sharing agreements amidst rumors of Mugabe's reduced power as President.

6 Weeks Notice

I haven't been blogging about much recently, simply because I did not have the time to do so. For the past 7 weeks, I have been teaching in a school located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and have since been devoting most of my attention to it. Besides that, I also had to make time to spend with friends and family. Hence, my unexplained absence from the cyber world.

Though, it is not the only reason why I have not blogged. It did not escape me that recently, every time I hit the "new post" tab, all I can think about is to comment/bitch/grumble about things that unsettled me as a new teacher. And often half way through, I would think about how unethical that would be. That reflection, in retrospect, helped me avoid a lot of uneasiness. Why I say so? Because not too long ago, a small issue escalated in one of my friend's school when he blogged about something as such. I did not want the same unnecessary fuss and not to surprise you, students do take the effort to google you up in the internet if they find you interesting enough.

So my days in the school passed by quite quickly that I'm only left with another 6 weeks to complete my practicum stint. I cannot think of a more roller-coaster like ride in my life than these past 6 weeks. I will never forget the very, very warm welcome students gave to me when I was introduced in the assembly on the first day. It was weird but still charming. My numbered days with my form 1 Nilai and 2 Nilai are very much frowned upon as I sincerely cannot imagine a better combination of students to make my day. I love my 1 Nilai to pieces since I have been with them since day one and we have grown very close with each other. When I came back from the mid practicum briefing, they seemed happy to have me back that I cannot help but to beam with joy too. 2 Nilai has just been with me for the past 2 weeks but they're sweet angels in those devilish manners that they portray. My previous 2 Setia is also much missed that I look forward to any relief classes with them.

That said, I must highlight that some teachers disappoint me. They go in late to classes or do not teach or sit while they teach or do not take effort to prepare materials and what more to provide conducive learning environment. All they do is give notes for students to copy and ask them to complete photocopied exercises. I ponder whether I would turn out like that too one day and it breaks me to see that some new, young teachers are already acting the same. I wonder why they became teachers. For me, it's important to show that you mean business but you care. Pardon me, I'm not saying that I'm good but I really don't mind sleeping in late just to prepare materials because I feel that it is my responsibility to maximise my students' learning experience. It's not only for evaluation because what's good in a series of merits given by your lecturers in 4 lessons while the other lessons with your students come across as (well) shitty...

These teachers dread entering the last classes but for me it's for these students whom you can really bring a difference. The weak ones are the most risky group to fall into discipline problems and face learning difficulties while the smart ones can probably work things out on their own. My experience with 2 Setia has been exteremely rewarding where students did not play truant during English Language even though they skip the other classes. It's a sign that I might have succeeded in making learning interesting for them and that boosted my love for the profession. Darn, I wish I would remain this enthusiastic and keep this love for the job for the next few years to come. If not, I'll just put on my enthusiastic mask for teaching is only quarter of knowledge sharing with another 3 quarters of theatrics...

We're All F***ing Something

We're all f***ing poets when it comes to words,
We're all f***ing losers when it comes to earth,
We're all f***ing amateurs when it comes to love,
We're all f***ing younger when it comes to lust

We're all f***ing fairies when it comes to work,
We're all f***ing astronauts when it comes to dreams,
We're all f***ing ignorant when it comes to belief,
We're all f***ing rascals when it comes to judgement


We're all fooling something... what were you thinking?

I Think It's OK Indeed

Looks like Malaysia can pride herself again on having produced a truly talented man who found the route to re-define his music and at the same time, managed to save his soul. A man seemed lost to the world but came out again to prove that his absence was for the better even if it meant jeopardising some of the momentum (or craze)that he has garnered over the past 10 years or so. For those scratching their heads since I haven't reached my point, I'm talking about Malique Ibrahim and his solo debut produced under the indie label, Qarma Music entitled justly, OK.

OK is a double disc album with 20 tracks although I sincerely think "Diam" does not count as one (or two for that matter :p). I remember grinning with much anticipation as I looked at the credits for some of the tracks and the moment I got into the car, the record was playing on full blast. I went straight to track 7 on disc I, Kau Yang Punya featuring Najwa Mahiaddin and couldn't help but to feel an involuntary sinking-into-the-chair-I-was-sitting-on sensation. This track is a fine remake of The Roots' You Got Me and I dare to say Najwa made the song happen. Even better, there is another 5 Mic Remix of the song in Disc II featuring Najwa, Lah, Zaf and Elvira (musical orgy, for sure!). Another winning collaboration in this album is "Mantera Beradu" with M.Nasir which gave a significant and exciting flair to OK.

The other tracks in this independently distributed CD also speak volume for the album's strength where you have a clear impression on all the experimentation the man would like to take. For example, Bahasa Melayu becomes the primary language compared to EL widely used in Too Phat's previous albums as a reflection on Malique's ability to tap on a relatively unexplored side. Another appealing thing is that despite being quite egoistically generated around his life as is expected with rappers, the issues talked about can easily be identified with. You have tracks such as "Layu" and "Rahsia" which revolves around a genuine concern for Malays from Malique's point of view going against some party-like rastafarian influence in tracks such as "Rasta Say" and "Masih Khayal (Bangun)" featuring Zaf. I particularly like "Dalam Aku Ada Hantu" and "Assalamualaikum" for Malique's fluid-like poetry skills and this album also pushes my buttons for the brilliant, brilliant samplings in tracks such as in the title track "OK" featuring Cat Fabuloso and "Pergi Jauh" featuring Elvira (Did I hear Lah's smooth voice too? I think credits for him is much deserved for this track).

I wasn't too much of a fan of Malique before and despite having all of Too Phat's album, I would only categorise myself as a listener of their music. But after a dose of OK, consider myself converted as I discovered the strengths and developments of Malique, not only musically but also as a human being. OK stands out as it does not fear to be a true justification of all the trials and tribulations of a man trapped in conflicting worlds (nihilism vs existentialism, East vs West, English Language vs Bahasa Melayu). Malique's sincerity in sharing his life and his undisputed "ritma atas puisi" skills make this album a sure winner.


Ways To Get The Album
The album is available in all Rock Corner stores:
• The Gardens, Mid Valley City
• 1 Utama
• Mid Valley Megamall
• Bangsar Village
• Subang Parade
• The Curve
• Trend-SOGO
• Rhythm Music-Pertama Complex

For those too busy to function like all us who can, you can also try this method:

STREET TEAM DELIVERY (WITHIN KLANG VALLEY)

please send an sms to +60122957148 with your details and our street team will deliver the albums to your doorstep within the same day.
* delivery applies only for orders of 3 copies and above
* cash on delivery

For those living outside Klang Valley, visit Malique Ibrahim@Myspace

Sepi

Lah & Zafri have not been keeping quiet since becoming independent artiste. Most recently, they have worked on OST of Sepi (a film directed by Kabir Bhatia-yes, of Cinta's fame- that will be screened in cinemas beginning 26th June 2008). Besides working with big names like Yuni Shara, they have also done a remake of Rossa's Aku Bukan Untukmu with an R&B feel. I like it... In fact, I love it. I did a search in youtube and found the vid... Sila, sila... hehe

Captured

The Paparazzi VC by Infinatez is ready for your watch.. Have a watch and enjoy ;)



After watchng this video clip, you would have a say of their song. If you lke it, do vote for Infinatez on hitz.fm at
Malaysian English Top Ten and click at the new song section... Now, that's not much to ask since you're already logged in to the net anyway...ngeh ngeh

Paparazzi

If you have been listening to the major radio stations (i.e hitz.fm, Era FM, Suria FM etc.), you must have heard the new single, Paparazzi by Infinatez (Top 4 Gangstarz Season 1). It's a catchy, up tempo beat written by one of the members of Infinatez and having been noted by their recent superb performance as... well, paparazzis in the highly acclaimed P.Ramlee The Musical show, Infinatez cannot find a better time to launch this single :)

And the single is out for sale on an EP form too! I've listened to some songs from the EP and it's quite good (I think, I know 'good'.. ewaaaah). This is the second EP by Infinatez and you CAN see the improvements. The single will be selling at an unbelievably cheap price of RM12.90 at this age of the capital E word but that doesn't mean the EP is of any low quality or standard. It has 4 songs in it, which are:

1)Paparazzi
2)Ada Masa (a beautiful, beautiful ballad)
3)Sayang Kinabalu
4)Paparazzi feat Cat Farish

To get ur hands on the single, log in to www.infinatez.com/v2 or give the INF team members a ring (Eizani-012 9364600 or Syai- 012 9364500)

I say, support Quality local music. Vote for the single, Paparazzi by Infinatez on your favourite radio station and give one of Malaysia's finest the big break they deserve





*on a slightly different note, can anybody tell me whether Altimet's album is out or not? it should be right?)*

Block

I've been blocked, my mind that is. No, not a writer's block (not much of a writer in the first place). I guess I'm feeling overwhelmed with a lot of things including my newly found fear of entering the workfield. Next year, I must prepare myself in a foreign place without my usual support system. No Mummy, No Nabil, No Acap... Imagine... Yes, imagine.. Now, swallow.

Selfishly, I want to be able to wake up everyday and just head to the kitchen to hug my mum. I want this joyful, laid-back, stress-free life that I always had with Nabil and Acap by my side to never end. Takmau pi Bota Kanan, Bota Kiri, Bota Depan, Bota Belakang.

But now is the time to show some gratitude. Must set my mind that the world doesn't work in my convenience. Next week onwards, it will be berkhidmat untuk negara :)

List Of Shame

Being a list-crazy person, I loved Rob O'Connor List of The Day blogposts. I almost agreed with all his 25 worst rappers of all time but I was gasping for breath as I read through his list of Ten Most Annoying Singers. Note: Annoying doesn't mean bad singing, just plain annoying to the ears. So, you have a look at the list and see whether you agree or not, k? hehe

The Ten Most Annoying Singers by Rob O'Connor
10) Celine Dion: I know there are millions of people who would beg to disagree, but let's get real, people. She sings 15 notes where one would suffice and turns every song into an anthem for self-empowerment. It's like getting an hour of Oprah condensed into four minutes. She sings. It's time to start the lawnmower.

9) John Mayer: Young people are impressionable. I'm not sure where John Mayer learned his vocal craft. I hesitate to call it singing. It's more like whimpering. And for some reason, this has become a trend not stopping anytime soon. As you'll sadly learn as we go further down this list.

8) Conor Oberst: As the wunderkind who leads Bright Eyes, Conor Oberst was given a certain amount of leeway since he was a young teen when he started out and his precious singing--so sensitive and intimate you could hear the post-nasal drip--was mistaken as precocious. Well, he's in his 20s now and he still sounds like he's swimming back to the womb for protection from this hard, harsh world. Come on buddy, stand up straight and stop trying to imitate the Cure's Robert Smith. He got there first. And even he must know he sounds a little silly.

7) Lily Allen: Contrary to this column, I want to like fresh, young talent. I want to hear singers bring true commitment to their material. The first time I heard Lily Allen I thought it was quaint. Then it seemed every young female singer was determined to sing just like her, as if they're running out of air in their lungs and have to get back to the respirator before the next verse begins. Sure, she's bouncy and spunky. But if I might quote what Lou Grant once told Mary Tyler Moore: I HATE SPUNK.

6) Devendra Banhart / Tiny Tim: I'm not convinced they're not the same person. Tiny Tim was a novelty item singing with that stupid ukulele something about tiptoeing through the tulips. Anyone with any half sense would know it was novelty item that shouldn't be used as the basis for an entire recording career. And for thirty years, it wasn't, until freaky-folk dude Devendra Banhart showed up and started warbling in that unlistenable, untrained vibrato the kind of nonsensical lyrics that didn't sound all that great back when people were taking the kinds of drugs you're supposed to be on in order to enjoy it.

5) James Blunt: All this talk in the media about whether or not waterboarding is torture is moot. Forcing anyone to listen to "Beautiful" on repeat constitutes torture. You want my darkest, deepest secrets? This guy's quivering voice gets you my social security number, my mother's maiden name, my personal PIN and any random government secrets I'm currently harboring.

4) Frankie Valli: Frankie Valli was a hero to some back in his day. I grant you this. He was consistent! He consistently sang in a voice designed to send dogs running for cover and perfect for breaking glass. "Rag Doll, " "Sherry," "Dawn," "Big Girls Don't Cry," the list is enormous. He very well could be tried as a war criminal. Who would object? Seriously? Who?

3) Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins): Yes, despite all his rage he's still just a rat in a cage. Unfortunately, that cage came with a microphone for him to transmit his Smashing Pumpkins hits to a helpless, hapless world at large. While Billy could orchestrate grand walls of guitar and write albums of endless tuneage, he insisted on singing it himself. Except this is not singing in any conventional sense, but rather the sound of a petulant, whiny child. This is what happens when parents don't tell their kids to shut up often enough. Children need to know you don't like them.

2) Scott Stapp (Creed): We could probably start laying the blame on Bono, Eddie Vedder, Jim Morrison and that guy from Blood, Sweat and Tears, but in the end it's Scott Stapp who epitomizes that macho bellow that sounds like a man who's gone overboard at the All-You-Can-Eat Buffet and has just received spiritual orders to let everyone know they're going to hell if they don't save themselves somehow. His spiritual torment becomes your problem. Thanks, pal.

1) Michael Bolton: OK, this was easy. C'mon, you knew Mr. Bolton would top the list. Who else can take a love song and turn it into a hernia? When a man loves a woman he doesn't do so by screaming in her ear--so why should it be acceptable for a man to sing a sensitive love song as if he's directing traffic for the hearing impaired? R&B classics deserve their place in musical history and should be protected from this man's desecration of all that is holy. It's only right. Let's make it a law.

I only beg to differ number nine and two which I would personally replace with Rihanna & Lou Bega... others, pretty true :p

Nisa Loves Me Too Much

that she tags me into answering all these questionnaires all the time :p

1. Yourself: Confusing
2. Your partner: Non-existent
3. Your hair: Layered
4. Your mother: A Gem
5. Your father: Missed :(
6. Your favorite item: book
7. Your dream last night: all smiles
8. Your favorite drink: kickapoo
9. Your dream car: Audi T4
10. The room you are in: Kelam Kabut
11. Your ex: Confused
12. Your fear: Losing Loved Ones
13. What you want to be in 10 years: A wife and mother
14. Who you hung out with last night: the hockey crowd
15. What you’re not: ignorant (hopefully)
16. Muffins: gardenia
17: One of your wish list items: a Marc Jacobs Mika bag :)
18: Time: is too short to be spent wrecklessly
19. The last thing you did: washed my face
20. What you are wearing: my not-so-huge-tshirt
21. Your favorite weather: spring
22. Your favorite book: interpreter of maladies by jhumpa lahiri
23. The last thing you ate: Kuay teow
24. Your life: is almost beautiful
25. Your mood: grateful
26. Your best friend: nabil
27. What you’re thinking about right now: what time i should leave for home?
28. Your car: is in the wait list
29. What you are doing at the moment: listening to Sergio Mendes' new album

30. Your summer: was great
31. Your relationship status: Single.
32. What is on your TV: nothing
33. What is the weather like: gloomy
34. When was the last time you laughed: last night
35. Cats: sneeze
36. Music: escapism
37. Life: beautiful
38. Love : Lollipop :)
39. Friends : Completes Me

I have to add one, so here goes

40. Food: abundance

Since nisa tagged mass and nisha', i would tag soya, nina and tash... sekian