Tidakkah Kau Terfikir....

* Kenapa kedai makan melayu mesti ada kucing??? Kadang-kadang, kucingnya berkurap dan berkudis tapi tiada usaha untuk menghalau kucing-kucing ini yang menggaru bulu-bulunya yang mungkin melayang masuk makanan kita. Hakikatnya, tidak semua orang gemarkan kucing sebagaimana tidak semua kucing gemarkan orang.

* Kenapa filem Tamil hampir selalu memperjuangkan cinta yang agak mustahil? Tapi cinta itu pasti akan berjaya melalui perbincangan yang mengambil masa lima minit di akhir cerita dan menjadikan semua pergaduhan yang memerlukan hero itu untuk terbang sana sini agak pointless serta kekayaan melampau bapa pihak perempuan takde faedahnya... Hakikatnya, aku tetap akan tengok juga sambil terpinga-pinga seronok

* Kenapa orang muda Malaysia lebih kenal Barack Obama dan Pervez Musharraf daripada Shafie Afdal dan Azmi Khalid? Hakikatnya, internet membuka minda kami dengan terlalu luas dan global sehingga kami hampir tidak peduli tentang yang di sini. Maka, gunakanlah internet dengan sebaik mungkin untuk menaip "Malaysia" kerana Yahoo dan Google juga ada maklumat tentang negara ini.

* Kenapa kanak-kanak di bandar tidak bermain layang-layang dan gasing lagi? Hakikatnya, PS2 yang lebih mahal tapi mungkin hanya mampu bertahan selama layang-layang dan gasing itu juga merupakan cara terbaik untuk mengunci anak di dalam rumah dan jauh dari penculik-penculik. Maka, mungkin boleh dicipta perisian PS2 yang berunsur permainan tradisional supaya anak-anak ini tahu cara terbaik untuk menerbangkan layang-layang itu dengan tinggi apabila mereka perlu berdepan situasi itu kelak.

* Kenapa di Malaysia, ia promosikan krim pemutih kulit tapi di barat, beriya pula menjual self-tanning solutions? Hakikatnya, kita hanya melihat kecantikan melalui apa yang dipromosikan oleh syarikat korporat konglomerat sebegini yang cuba memenuhi pendapat masyarakat sekeliling tentang erti kecantikan. Dalam erti kata lain, mudah benar kita terpengaruh dengan pemasaran sebegini kerana ia ditetapkan orang sekeliling kita (di Malaysia, kau cantik bila kau putih dan di barat, kau cantik bila kau tanned, padahal semuanya manusia juga). Maka, kecewalah dgn diri sendiri apabila hasilnya tidak sama dengan Fasha Sandha atau Zhang Zhi Yi tanpa melihat cermin dengan tepat untuk sedar bahawa inilah realiti dan yang terpantul itu adalah anda yang mencuba pengomersialan secara DIY.

Retrospect

I've been tagged by Nisa and I was pretty bored too.. hahahaha. Anyway, it's all about being a reflective practitioner regardless of what your practices might be...

10 years ago………..
The beginning of many beautiful friendships started when I was 13 where almost all of them lasted until today as we kept in touch constantly. My friends from my schooling years help me to always feel a sense of youth and relevant to the nature of my being. In other words, they help to define me and my lifelah. Besides that, I can clearly remember that I was very adamant on not going to any boarding schools despite the relatively good results and being the cool parents that they are, mummy and daddy just let me be. 13 was also the age when I knew the meaning of being serious and focused on the future by setting my aims and future career path (",)

5 years ago………
Was still dealing the loss of my arwah daddy (honestly,it's never going to be easy). I also worked in my mama's shop and earning some bucks to support self. Coming to IPBA was another defining moment of my life where I learnt how to become a thinker and a progressor.

1 year ago………
Was full of mixed emotions... Around this time, I was back in Sydney after a long holiday in Malaysia. Learnt that the relationship I had was based on lies, felt wasted and promised to stay focused on studies (Alhamdulillah for the diversion). Alhamdulillah again for the great house mates with whom I got to share laughter and tears, the fantastic lecturers (miss Dan O'Brien, Rod Lane, Ilija Casule & George Cooney in particular)and exhausting learning experiences...

Yesterday I was…….
hanging out for lunch at Makbul TTDI with Nina, Durra, Aimi and Nisya after LTP's tutorial where we got banged quite badly by Miss Lum (tidakkah kau penat?). Attended this really inspiring seminar on teachers' accountability by Mrs Vasantha Mallar before going to Gulai Kampung for a roti canai for tea. Blogged a bit and went for dinner... plainly said, it was all about makan :p

5 snacks I enjoy………
1. hotdog
2. burger
3. rojak pasembor
4. fifi and aidid's food (apa-apa sahaja just to annoy them
5. cheesecakes


5 songs I know all the words to…….
1. Ayu- V.E
2. Dil To Pagal Hai (tidakkah kau terkejut?)
3. Ordinary People- John Legend
4. Negaraku
5. Dilanda Cinta- Shanon Shah

5 bad habits………
1. fusses over trivial things (e.g expects matched set of cutlery di kedai makan)
2. procrastinates
3. listens to music loudly (ganggu orang!)
4. cuts into a discussion or conversation abruptly
5. often makes remarks about everything regardless of whether you're interested to know or not :p


5 biggest joy…….
1. Family (Mummy, Fifi, Aidid, Sunny)
2. Close friends
3. Good books
4. Great Music
5. Knowing that all of my loved ones are happy :)


5 favourite toys……..
1. my handphones
2. my PC
3. nina's lappy
4. aidid's race cars
5. fifi's vast collection of barbie dolls

5 favourite tv shows…….
1. Rove
2. Chaser's War On Everything
3. Majalah 3
4. Spongebob Squarepants
5. Kevin Hill

It's An Unfair World

Yesterday, I was talking or rather, chatting to a good friend who I've known for almost 5 years now. He is one who always has a great view on various issues so much so that I just love listening to him because more often than not, our views would be the total opposites but we will agree to disagree in the most funny way (knowing how uptight and headstrong I can be, that's a pretty big surprise aye?).

But his one view on the topic of our conversation yesterday was something I could not and, if I may add, refuse to comprehend, considering how much leadership work he has handled before. Well, it went like this or something to the same effect...

T: So why do you want to try so hard? Just so you know after 23 years of living, you ought to know that it's an unfair world. In Malaysia, it's an unfair system. Just deal with it

I almost caught my tongue, or rather my finger, after absorbing this opinion of his. Okay, I agree that the world has been an unfair place but why is that when you CAN change something, you simply refuse to? We talk so much about changing or shaping the new generation but we ourselves hold a principle in our mind that things are stagnant and there's nothing we can do about it.

His pessimistic view was rather hard for me to swallow as it does reflect that some people are actually holding back the needed change. Pardon the euphemism but if we're going to remain this ignorant, how can we ever make the world a better place? Small things are parts to a bigger dimension, small changes are the vehicle to a broader one. If you can't believe in the possibilities, it will remain the world as it is today.

It's an unfair world because we choose to make it so. Ye, aku frustrated :(

You're Perfect

It's never the wrong look in your eyes,
The Innocence and freedom I seek,
In the long Wilted life I've lived,
The rows of Sorrows never borrowed,
Always mine to Claim in a mute minute,
Always sole to a lone Soul,
Time and again, it yearns for Perfection,
That eventually came in You...

Maybe this Innocence won't last,
My Wilt will end the next second,
Cautioned by excitement of other Charms,
The Sorrows will then be sold earnestly,
Nothing will be to be Claimed as mine,
Of Souls flying upon the soaring skjavascript:void(0)
Publish Posty,
Time and again, Perfection redefined,
But You will always be my Perfection

*for all my loved ones, beauty is defined in you*

Ten Songs Of Significantly Interesting Beats To Be Remembered

This is just a random list I have decided to come up with to celebrate almost ten years of serious music appreciation (hahaha!). Okay, maybe not that random as I've spent two weeks thinking about this list. It's definitely not easy to decide and I faced difficulties in determining a criteria but I made the ultimate choice a day ago (you must be wondering why I have a lot of time in my hands... the answer is I actually don't.. haha) FYI, songs may be chosen for a variety of reason, from compact and impossible music arrangements to the creative energy channeled in the song. Interesting might not mean good or revolutionary but just defining enough for a know-nothing person like me, so pardon the quite limited repertoire of music. Anyway, tidakkah kau teruja juga untuk tahu? So, here it goeslah in no particular order

1) One Thing- Amerie
2) Agua De Belen- Poncho Sanchez
3) 99 Problems- Jay Z
4) Seven Nation Army- White Stripes
5) Summertime- Miles Davies
6) Joget Pahang- P.Ramlee
7) Used To Love You- John Legend
8) Song 2- Blur
9) I Want You Back- Jackson Five
10) Wannabe- Spice Girls

For all those out there raising an eyebrow over this short list, do care enough to relate your selections. Those who smile over the triviality of this list can now move on with their lives as usual and not break a blood vein trying to compile this obscure part of life (waaa... sarcastically deep tak daku?)

Bila Ana Jahat

Caution: Ana was in one of her bitchy, post-PMS moods when she experienced all these so she had to wait until she is finally rational after a looong bath and a cup of good Vittoria coffee. This might come quite delayed but all the more still relevant to anybody out there who has experienced any kind of frustration of the same sort.


I have a certain set of pre-conceptions of how customer service should be provided to clients primarily because clients pay money for the service while the person who serves would ideally represent their organisation/corporation. Though, I often ask myself if I'm setting the standards too high for these people who rightfully do not owe me anything at all. Okay, to give you a clearer idea, I'll just relate a situation where I was pretty pissed off with the service and simply couldn't tolerate the lack of professionalism or politeness. So, you tell me whether I am fussy or some people just don't know how to treat others.

A blazing hot afternoon at Bangsar:
I was accompanying Durra to do an important banking transaction at a bank, naturally. As the electronic beeper alerts us that we should proceed to counter 6, we dutifully approach the empty counter and a stocky man at counter 5 looked at us with a half-effort glance and said "counter 5, counter 5.. counter 6 kan kosong" (like, hallo! how are we suppose to know?? knowing how busy bank counters can be, i thought we were supposed to wait patiently like all good citizens should do). Being the sweet, little creatures that we are, we followed the instruction and Durra went on with the transaction.

Pakcik : Ni nak buat apa ni?
Ana : Nak withdraw duit
Pakcik : Owwh.. takde kad ke? (sly look)
Ana : Hurrmmmm... nak aktifkan akaun kembali sebab dah dua tahun tak guna akaun
(if you're wondering why I'm talking, Durra was diam and not answering, so I did)
Pakcik : Okay... tapi kena masukkan duit dalam akaun juga. Keluar dan masuk
Ana : Owwhh... ye ke? Saya diberitahu hanya perlu keluarkan duit di kaunter
Pakcik : Tak tahulah.. Kadang-kadang orang ni bagi maklumat lain-lain. Suka hatilah
Ana : Transaksi masuk sudah pernah buat dalam masa terdekat ni sebenarnya
Pakcik : owwhhh... dah buat??? oklah.. suka hatilah (asks for the forms and IC)

Pakcik checks the forms and insisted that Durra should put some money into the account regardless of the information I gave. (lantak kaulah, pakcik)

After a few moments of trying to authorise the forms, he seemed to face some difficulties...
Pakcik : Ni macam mana ni? Sign tak match pun... Bila buat akaun ni, sign sama tak?
Durra : Errr... tak sama rasanya. Sebab dah lama buat and tak pernah guna buku akaun
Pakcik : Ye ke?? You all ni buat saya rasa tak sedap hatilah.. Sebab yelah, orang suka tipu pakai akaun orang lain ni, terutamanya orang pencen punya. Sekejap saya tanya pegawai saya.. yang ni, kita tak boleh main lepas sahaja

(Bisik hati kecil Ana sementara pakcik in his selipar jepun goes on to meet his pegawai: Hallo, pakcik! On that account book, it did state that Durra was born in 1985, takkan dah pencen kot??! Plus, the ic number in it matches with her IC yang terang-terang ada mukanya. Kalau ye pun the fault is hers for not having the same sign, you shouldn't have said yang you tak sedap hati seolah-olah you are making a direct accusation that my friend is a delinquent)

Pakcik: oklah, you datang lepas sejam... kita kena tunggu fax dari cawangan lama you. You pergilah makan dulu ke ape ke... Lepas sejam, you boleh datang balik (dengan lagak ketua kampung pisang)

After an hour or so, we came back and I decided not to accompany Durra at the counter now for fear that I would make comments on how easy the problem can be solved and he shouldn't have treated us as an unnecessary fuss. Luckily, Durra was served by another person who appeared very professional despite his apparent young age. Still, the pakcik selipar jepun felt obliged to shout out the necessary procedures from his counter 5 to counter 9 as if the guy who was handling Durra's transaction didn't have the brains to do it(the guy did seem pretty annoyed, mind you), causing the whole bank to know that Durra didn't have a matched signature.

Pakcik selipar jepun went on to call Durra to his counter to give a short ceramah on how much trouble they went through because of this and why she shouldn't change her signature. I just looked on from where I was seated in the waiting area because by then, I was keen on taking his selipar jepun and turning it into soup for him to drink so that he can learn how to treat people with a level of professionalism as this is not a transaction in Kedai Pau Pak Abu where you can say anything and I wouldn't care.

Well, it wasn't so much of what he said but rather the way he said it that made me feel that I will never open a bank account in that bank. If you're so lazy to please your clients, then try to ask for another position where you can wear selipar jepun and I wouldn't give a rat's ass. . And they say that "our principle is that our customers are always right"... Yeah, right!

Sharing Is Caring

I know that phrase holds a lot of true meanings to it but I have to admit that I'm a type of person who finds it very hard to share things with people I'm not in a comfortable level with. My close friends might know that I don't mind going the extra mile because I sincerely care for them yet for others, I often get this bisikan hati jahat that goes 'alaaaa.... mana boleh??? i susah-susah ja berusaha selama ni tau. Mana boleh kongsi???'

Thus why I find it hard to work academically in groups, especially when it's not with the preferred few who can stand my sudden aggressiveness when defending my ideas and commenting on the others. Yes, I do get suddenly worked up when it concerns the outcome and quality of m work. I'm still learning to place myself in a position where I'm not always right and not only my idea sells but knowing myself, I know I'm gonna be too focused on getting it done the way I want that I'll end up devising it konon-konon up to my standards (yang takdelah best pun). But Insya Allah, I'll try harder in the future and do remind me when I get too insensitive when I say "Eh, kau rasa idea kau ni valid ke untuk benda yang kita buat ni?"

Still on sharing, I was blessed with superb house mates while living in Sydney and honestly, I really miss hanging out with them. I do see them everyday but it's not the same without the breakfast sessions and the late nights we had in our own little place we can truly call our own home. Rindu kamu, Nisa, Syada and Durra(not that I don't LOVE living with Nina now:p) At least, they know how fanatical I am about the toilets cleanliness, picking up your own hair in the bathroom and washing the dishes in the sink (tidakkah kau terasa?)

Anyway, I think sharing is caring only if you really care. If not, it would be sharing is tiring or sharing is boring... Owh well, I hope you got my point :)

Perihal Cengkerik Dan Ketam

Situasi 1: Satu pagi yang hening tapi panas di dalam Dewan Kuliah A di saat aku energetic walaupun tidur sejam sahaja malam sbelumnya (tidakkah kau gusar?)

Encik NZR: You know they say, manusia ni rambut sama hitam...
(being good and well trained Malaysian students, you will feel obliged to sambung his ayat)
Us: Hati lain-lain
Encik NZR: Nolaaaa... gigi lain-lain. When they want to identify your body, they look at your teeth and dental record, not at your liver.
(kedengaran unggas dan cengkerik malam memecah kesunyian yang awkward)

Situasi 2: Pagi yang redup tapi ada cicak yang bercorak seolah-olah tatu orang Maori (kau ingat cicak tak tahu erti cool?) berselindung di sebalik langsir berwarna pic di Dewan Kuliah A yang juga dikenali dengan nama DKA

Encik NHL: Jarod, you try to book DKA for this Friday's mass tutorial... If you can't, then go to Plan B (holds silence).. book the DKB. If you still can't, then try Plan C (holds silence).. book the DKC (sambil tersengih girang)(kelihatan seekor ketam janggal melintas secara senget di khalayak ramai)

Kering hatiku mendapat pensyarah begini...

Perubahan Yang Boleh Dipercayai

Bagi yang telah lama mengenali saya, pastinya anda mengetahui bahawa saya mudah teruja apabila berbicara tentang politik sehingga saya yakin pasti ada yang berdoa dalam diam agar saya akan segera berhenti membincangkan tentang isu-isu yang selalunya berpanjangan dan berlarutan menjadi perdebatan, lazimnya kerana waktu yang selalu dipilih adalah ketika kami duduk di meja makan/kopi :p Peliknya, saya tidak pula melobi mana-mana parti politik yang wujud di Malaysia malah saya lebih kerap membicarakan tentang suasana politik di luar negara untuk mencetuskan perbandingan dari segi ketelusan dan pengendalian dalaman.

Sebenarnya, saya tidaklah terlalu obses dengan isu-isu ini kerana niat saya cumalah untuk meningkatkan kesedaran politik dalam diri dan juga rakan-rakan tetapi saya selalu berasa terpanggil untuk melihat sebab di sebalik mengapa golongan muda di negara ini secara amnya kurang mengambil tahu mengenai senario semasa berbanding dengan mereka yang seusia kami sekitar 1940-an sehingga lewat 1980-an yang tdak pernah gentar untuk menyuarakan pendapat mereka dalam isu berkaitan politik, tidak kiralah sebagai pemerhati luar atau gerakan dalaman. Saya hanya berharap agar apa yang bakal diutarakan seterusnya di sini mampu membuka minda kita tentang betapa jauh tapi pentingnya kesedaran berpolitik dan tanggungjawab yang dipegang oleh generasi muda di Malaysia, khususnya golongan intelektual yang amat diperlukan untuk membantu mengubah sedikit sebanyak warna politik di sini. Saya juga harap anda faham bahawa ia bukanlah kebenaran yang paling nyata tentang senario politik Malaysia kerana ia hanya pendapat peribadi yang dicetus dari rangkuman pemerhatian, pengamatan serta perbandingan.

Mungkin ada antara anda yang tersenyum sinis kerana menyedari durasi masa di mana kesenyapan politik (jika dibandingkan dengan dekad-dekad sebelumnya) mula melanda negara ini adalah ketika kita di bawah pengendalian Perdana Menteri Ke-4 namun bagi saya, ia bukanlah suatu situasi yang wujud hasil halangan berekspresi secara terbuka tetapi lebih kepada kerana keselesaan hidup yang dilalui membuatkan kita sedikit leka dan lupa untuk melihat belakang kembali dan melihat sebab sebenar di sebalik kemakmuran hari ini. Ramai yang tidak mengetahui, contohnya, Tun Dr M juga pernah dibuang keahliannya daripada UMNO selama 3 tahun dari tahun 1969-1972 kerana menyuarakan pendapatnya secara terang-terangan mengenai beberapa isu dalaman serta apa yang dilihat sebagai sebab "kepincangan" pengendalian UMNO ketika itu. Pemuda UMNO (seolah-olah mereka bukan sebahagian dari petubuhan itu) di banyak kawasan sepakat mengeluarkan memorandum untuk menyatakan sokongan mereka terhadap Dr M dan menyarankan keahliannya diterima serta merta sekiranya permohonan dilakukan. Apabila Tun Abdul Razak menjadi Perdana Menteri, Dr M pula yang menjadi tonggak utama kerajaan seperti beliau tidak pernah ditidakkan oleh pertubuhan yang dinaunginya itu.

Ya, ia adalah tidak adil untuk meyalahkan pihak lain di atas keengganan kami untuk mengambil tahu perihal politik Malaysia tapi secara terus-terang, kami tidak pernah dididik dengan kesedaran untuk menjadikan medan tersebut sebagai tempat untuk mengubah nasib serta memperbaiki taraf kehidupan kami. Pada kami, hanya kemajuan ekonomi yang mampu menjana mobiliti sosial dan hal lain boleh dikendalikan oleh pihak yang "bertanggungjawab". Justeru anda melihat anak-anak muda seperti segelintir rakan-rakan saya yang masih belum mendaftar sebagai pengundi walaupun sudah layak berbuat demikian sejak beberapa tahun dahulu dan ada pula yang awal-awal lagi sudah bercadang untuk tidur sahaja di rumah pada hari pengundian kerana tidak menyedar betapa besarya kuasa yang mereka pegang dengan undian mereka. Saya boleh menerima rungutan kecil anda bahawa kita tidak punya banyak pilihan yang bagus untuk dilakukan (one is focused on getting to the Moon with a Rocket while the other seems earthed in turning us into the Land Of The Rising Sun [In Law]) tetapi saya percaya bahawa sekiranya kita gagal untuk menggunakan kuasa yang kita ada, kita telah mengkhianati datuk nenek kita yang bergolok gadai untuk memastikan kita mampu mengecapi apa yang kita miliki sekarang dan juga turut hilang hak untuk mencorakkan masa depan Malaysia untuk anak-anak kita kelak kerana temoh 5 tahun pada tangan yang salah boleh menyebabkan kerosakan yang akan mengambil masa yang terlalu lama untuk diperbaiki.

Tidak dapat dinafikan juga bahawa kerenah dan tingkah laku sesetengah ahli politik juga menjadikan arena ini dilihat sebagai sesuatu yang agak mengecewakan dan tidak memangkinkan kemajuan mana-mana pihak. Lewat 1990-an serta abad baru ni menyaksikan beberapa percakaran kuasa politik yang sedikit sebanyak telah menjejaskan kualiti kepimpinan di dalam parti masing-masing dan membawa kesan ke atas keyakinan rakyat terhadap kerajaan mahupun barisan pembangkang. "Kami tahu apa yang kami lakukan, anda tidak perlu mempersoalkan kami" merupakan antara mesej terselindung dalam kebanyakan jawapan mereka yang berpengaruh ini terhadap teguran-teguran kecil kami tetapi hasil kerja mereka sering tampak tergesa-gesa atau cetek tahap pemikirannya. Keengganan pihak dalaman untuk mempersoalkan kesilapan dan kesalahan yang dilakukan demi untuk menjaga kepentingan masing-masing menyebabkan perkara ini akan terus berlaku dalam kitaran kegagalan yang tidak terhenti. Jika tiada sesiapa yang selantang Tengku Razaleigh untuk bertanya secara terbuka selepas melihat beliau tersingkir (walaupun diterima semula) kerana tidak mahu kehilangan peluang menaiki strata kerajaan, saya rasa kita tidak dapatlah menyalahkan pucuk kepimpinan sebagai memberikan tekanan pula.

Kesan daripada situasi tersebut pula mungkin dapat dilihat pada kemunculan penulis-penulis blog sosio-ekonomi yang secara terang-terangan atau berkias mempersoalkan serta membincangkan kepincangan yang dapat dikesan namun suara mereka pula dikekang dengan ancaman penahanan di bawah akta ISA dan sebagainya (seraya saya teringat kepada wartawan tersohor, A Samad Ismail yang pernah 3 kali ditahan malah sekali pernah dituduh komunis dek kelantangannya di akhbar- kepada anda yang menulis kerana anda percaya kepada tanggungjawab anda, teruskan usaha kerana Tuhan bersama mereka yang jujur dan ikhlas). Ini menambahkan lagi keyakinan kami bahawa suara kami tidak dihargai dan pendapat kami tiada nilainya selagi kami tidak bergelar Yang Berhormat yang dipilih oleh 34% pengundi yang keluar mengundi di kawasan tersebut. Mungkin kami kurang ilmu kami kerana kami muda atau kami kurang akal kerana kami peduli mengenai sesuatu yang kami tidak fahami tapi apa yang kami perhati, bila anda bergaduh, anda tidak pula bergaduh untuk kami sebaliknya untuk diri sendiri... Maka apa gunanya perjuangan ini? Saya masih mencari jawapan yang pasti dan saya amat berharap untuk menemui dalam masa yang terdekat ini bersama anda.

Of Certain In Denials Phase

We were having this random conversation in the car the other day as we were heading to Bangsar. Apparently, we were all sort of in a slight denial that we're all going to be teachers in a year time (yakah??) so we started giving each other some other career that is suitable to their faces, character and how they look in baju kurungs

Aimi:
Ana and Nina thought she would be in a PR post somewhere in an entertainment company
Nisya thought she would also be a PR manager but in some other domains

Nisya:
Ana, Aimi and Nina all thought she would be a secretary of some big shot CEO who is fussy but appreciates her ;P

Nina:
Ana, Nisya and Aimi all thought she looks like a teacher in tudung but like a garang, tomboyish engineer who has to visit sites without it.. ahahaha

Ana:
Aimi thought she would have a serious job like an "encountant"
Nina thought she would be a DJ (nisya tanya "in baju kurung?")
Nisya thought she would be in advertising


Looks like I'm the most unpredictable onelah... Why?

Aku Rimas Dengan Facebook

One day, facebook will face its doomsday because of the many application requests people have to either ignore or approve in order to sort out their lives and keep their friends... They will.. Trust me, they will.


Muahahahahaha... I obviously am tortured with the 400 requests I have to go through in the next 3 hours.

The Wicked Ones!

Thanks to Nina's trip to Singapore, I've been introduced to the very progressive sounding percussion band that calls them "Wicked Aura Batucada"... Have a look at their clip and be enthralled with their beats. They're releasing their first indie album around February but I'm not sure whether it will reach our shores "legally". Anyway, i heard that they're coming down to Malaysia in August for the Festival Gendang in Genting... So, we'll see :)


*them doing a number called Funky Cherry Bomb*

ps: John Legend, the man himself will be coming down to KL for Sunburst Fest on the 15th March 2008! RM200 will be the price of the tix... Other performers said to take center stage are Incubus, The Roots (wohooo!), Atilia, Joe Flizzow etc

Prank Gone Wrong

Imagine a room stuffed with 125 people, fanning and whispering to each other, moving about at their seats restlessly, perspiring away and staring blindly into a space called the board... Yes, that's a normal scenario in my Dewan Kuliahs here in IPBA. Somehow all the lectures seem to take place that way. I know that I really need to stop drawing unnecessary attention onto myself in the lecture hall but I find it extremely hard to keep quiet and focus on the lecture when it has been a 3 hour affair with the lecture hall being inconducive for the well being of any human form.

Besides the usual loud smart arse remarks that I pepper on the mistakes or funny stuff that the lecturer says in front (like saying 'there's only one mistakes'), I am also always guilty of pointing out any of the noticed "abnormal" things that my coursemates around my seat do in a not-meant-to-be-loud voice so, it's shared by others too thus my small time reputation as a prankster. But I always remember to choose who I want to usik and what ways would be the most suitable one which would result in me making a fool out of myself more than the person being targeted so that the person don't feel victimised (yes, i do analyse the way I make jokes)

So last Tuesday, I thought it was only padan muka sendiri when Dr Chandran, who was actually giving quite an interesting/entertaining lecture, caught me at the usual backbencher spot doing a funny chicken-like dance to the sound of Nisha' unsilent phone that rang at that time. So instead of the joke being on Nisha' because I was going "waaah... bestya, ada irama boleh menari-nari" in a Sin Chan manner with my hands all over the place, Dr Chandran actually smiled and said 'Is there anything interesting going on at the back?? I can see that we have people who are very talented in dancing.. Maybe she wants to share with all of us in front here". Nina and Aimi laughing uncontrollably while Alin and 'Ainur making it a point of "advising" me on my mistake certainly didn't help too because probably half of the cohort knew who the culprit was by then :p Soooo maluuuuu....

Despite all of those time when I attracted attention by sneezing ultra loudly (it's beyond my control) and actually doing my moral responsibility of ensuring that my dear friends don't fall asleep during these important lectures, this would be the best disaster I have caused upon myself. And guess what? Durra had to do the dance when the both of us bumped into Dr Chandran today and he just smiled while I bashfully siku her perut (padan muka kau!). Ana, stop being the smart arse prankster that you are because the pranks can get back at you.. I want to be a quiet student after this and only talk when asked to. When you are not a good student, how do you expect to be a teacher then kan?

We'll see how long that resolution is gonna lastlaaa

At Least, We're Better Than Ghana

Yes, this is an insider joke for those who have seen the infamous and controversial standup comedy by Jit Murad back in 2005. Jit relates how when he and his brother gets fed up about the Malaysian system, the only consolation they have is that at least we're better than Ghana who gained independence in the same year as we did but seems to be lagging economically as well as in ensuring peace. But hey, whoever wants to be compared to Ghana in the first place????

I hate to ask this question but do you think that there might be some country out there that compares themself to us, "no worries.. at least, we're better than Malaysia"? Well, it really is typical for people returning from abroad to sit down over a cup of coffee and rant about how much Malaysia is lagging behind all those developed countries that we've been to. I noticed the pattern that is quite imminent when I hang out with Mii, Nina, Nisya and Durra.. or with anyone who has been overseas for that matter. The complaints would range from cars refusing to stop at the pedestrian crossing at Telawi (or anywhere else) to how we feel most insecure in our own nation. I remember being frustrated before I left but the feeling has been growing ever since.

Does it mean that we're cocky?? Or we're plainly ungrateful or better said, 'lupa diri"? I've asked myself that question almost each time I make a comment about my frustration over the system or lifestyle here. Come to think of it, 2 years is hardly a long time but I felt that it has been an eye opener for me to realise that life can be better if we choose to change it. It gave me a sense of how much of my previous 20 years ca be improve in many aspects if only things were slightly "easier" for the general public who has an average earning income of RM2500 a month in this country (and not those who might spend the same amount just buying their monthly beauty supplies). Thus, it's actually so frustrating when people tell me off when I try to do something different/beneficial because they believe that one person CANNOT make a difference.

The economic divide might seem like it's still under control but I see/hear about people still eating rice with salt while others use only imported salt from the Mediterranean seas. Do we really want to wait for Malaysia to stoop to India and China's level that are prospering at the international business domain yet still fail to ensure that all of their citizens are taken care of and lead a healthy lifestyle?? For that matter, I just want to highlight that Malaysia has indeed been indulging in a lot of projects (like the space expedition) that could've waited until we really can afford it. What's the use of being able to have someone seeing the world from outer space with a budget amounting to billions when there are underprivileged kids in Telumpik who haven't seen a proper solar system model that costs RM150 each to enrich their understandng of the world around them?

Change is the only believable and needed thing now. In other words, I just hope that we will always have the chance to say "Well, at least we're better than Ghanalaaa"

Montague Said...

A person called Lady Mary Wortley Montague said that "No entertainment is so cheap as reading, nor any pleasure so lasting"... Terima kasih, Lady Montague for capturing what I feel most of the time.

I'm currently reading the collected short stories of Gabriel Garcia Marquez which is a compilation of stories of among his earliest up to some of the most recent ones... macam nak nangis because IPBA (surpisingly) has it. So, last night I was dwelling on his very, very experimental (even for this period of time, I suppose) stories of death that was looked upon from several different angle. I think Marquez is indeed a genius, too much to contain in words sometimes. I think the way he plays with prose is terribly enticing for my oft-shackled to rules mind. Yes, I do understand that everything I read has been translated from Spanish but I also believe that good translators do capture the soul of the original writers.

I'm only half way through the stories (there's about 20 in it) and I'm already considering to buy the book. But there's Kam Raslan's Confessions of An Old Boy and Farish A. Noor's From Majapahit to Putrajaya to but (both would cost me around RM75).. Dina Azman's I'm A Muslim would probably be readily accessible soon through Nina (hehehehe). I'm also planning to read everything by Pramoedya Ananta Toer that I can get my hands on after this....

I know, I'm ambitious but ambition is good!

Turn Off The Switch

Is it just me or has the amount of people calling themselves "artists" or even "artiste" has practically doubled or maybe tripled ever since I left?? It's funny how people are generally more interested in the glamorous world nowadays, everybody is a singer/actor... I came across this guy who went on to introduce himself as "I'm Ali, I'm a librarian by profession, a poet at mind, a musician by numbers and a guitarist at heart".. hurrmmm... okaaaaayyy.. rightttt.. awkward... crabs passing by...

Well, I don't intend to put people down but what drives me crazy is that the quantity does not come with quality. Arts is a channel of expression but don't try tooooo hard to express yourself because it can be daunting on the others. Select a forte and be really good in it before you venture into other areas because unless you're Jit Murad or Zahim Al-Bakri, you rarely have the ability to do everything and even these people I've mentioned don't do everything. I reluctantly tune in to some of the Malaysian series on the free tv (since Mummy doesn't believe in Astro) and each time, I feel nauseated by the extent to which everything is overdone from their hair, make up to their acting skills (is it even skills that they're showing?)

Some of the people in the mainstream media do not even do well what they are professed to do. I hate to quote names but one of the people who really can't act but appears on tv regularly has got to be this "actress" who acts in Jelatang, Puteri and featured in Jangan Pandang Belakang. Probably she is pretty but I certainly doubt that she has the talent. If we continue giving oppotunities to those who don't deserve it rightfully, this so-called industry will fail to progress further as it should.

Looks like I'll just have to stick to stuff at KLPac and continue to stay insane through attending underground music events or watching independent movies so that I can judge what's better for me rather than just bitching about how mainstream is not my favourite stream. Because sometimes, I have the tendency to be different just for the sake of it.

It's Been A While

I feel so guilty of hogging a space on the web and not updating it... macam semakkan tempatlah, more or less :p

my life has been great since I came back although I must say I got tired of answering to people why I am so thin... Believe me, it is beyond my control.. I tried very hard but I just can't seem to become a little chubbier.. But this new self is also alright whaaattt???

I just got a new haircut about three weeks ago. Pretty drastic, I must say and I cursed pakcik Ming Wai (my hairdresser) for cutting it this short but I got good responses for it despite me actually crying my eyes out the night I got the haircut... haha

Met most of the INFs, was pretty interesting to meet people you've only been talking to through the online medium.. They're a crazy bunch, something I need to get used to (I think.. hehehe). Looking forward to a lot of things in the future for all of us :)

Adapting to IPBA has been a little crazy too. The first week I was very moody and poor Nina had to deal with me all day and all night. Yes, nina is my roommate (yeah!). I think she is the only humanly form refuge I can really depend on here in IPBA (owh, durra and nisya too :p). We had a few problems sorting out our places here in the hostel and some of us nearly got into a dispute if we hadn't chose to confront each other about it. Thankfully, we managed to clear things out and we also managed to identify the "culprit" who has maliciously tried to deceive all of us with her stunts... people, people.. IPBA has only started for two weeks and all the dramas are already out :p

And I've been guilty of indulging myself in a lot of angauness.. Should stop before it gets out of hand and I "endanger" myself. Sometimes, a little crush develops itself overnight through thoughts we choose to feed to it. I am only concerned about being a little too hasty that it will merimaskan the other party.. so for the time being, Ana should just take it slow ya?? :)

Owwh, well... You might be bored reading about all these stuff but I promise to continue updating this blog with something more substantial in the near future (waaahhh, macam berkhidmat untuk kerajaan pulak).. until then, toodles

Surreal..

In 7 hours time, i will board my flight back to Malaysia.. It's been a wonderful ride and I would do it again if I had the chance :)

Selamat Tinggal, Sydney... for now :p

And She's Good!

My dad listens to some of Los Zafiros' songs but I never did hear or know much about them. Just happened to google them today out of curiosity and found this video on youtube. This song is titled "Y Sabes Bien" and it's about a good girl (as the title suggests) who the guy is in love with. It's one of their biggest hits as at the peak of their success, they were Cuba's (or South America, in general) biggest chart topper next to The Beatles. I love the simple but sincere words they used in the songs. Kau berani buat harmony camni?? hahahaha


(To all the people who I've annoyed by sending them the link to the video, I'm "sorry" ;p)

Distressed

I've been thinking long and hard whether I should be writing about this issue. Someone told me that I shouldn't and I was very afraid myself that I do not have enough information or knowledge to talk about this but it keeps running through my mind despite me heavily teling myself not to think about it.

I cannot sit still and laugh at jokes when my nation is in distress. It's a ballooning issue and I have a strong feeling that it would not end soon. The most depressing part is that the both ethnic race (damn, we're all supposed to be just Malaysians) that are having this feud between them are parts of me. To think of it rationally, it shouldn't have been a racial issue. If one group comes forward with their petition, it should be something that the other groups should respect and try to understand why there is such a dissatisfaction within the nation. If a sibling complains to the mother/father, do we go and kick him in the head? If you do so, all I can say is that means you probably come from a family with troubles and not enough emotional support.

I was very disturbed with a few bulletins in my social network webpages written by Malays saying that they are racist and they are proud of that fact. Some wrote that the other races should go back to where they come from. If South Africa asks the Malays there to go back to their country, do you think it's fair? If Australia or United Kingdom asks the Malaysians there to go back to where they came from or Malaysians getting hassled all around the world for not belonging where they are despite having the expertise and knowledge to improve themselves, how would you feel? For all Malaysians, there is no home other than Malaysia. Stop telling people to go back where they came from because even you (in retrospect) might not belong where you said you do.

We're all in this together. Stop saying that you don't care because you should. This petition that came after another one by a separate ethnic movement about 7 years ago is an alarming sign. It is not enough to think of it as a phase because although some claims seemed pretty much far-fetched, others might have a strong case. Stop thinking that one is more superior than the others because honestly, we're no different from one another. The earth belongs to God and we were sent to govern it with harmony and equality. And we are obliged to do wholeheartedly regardless of our differences.