Reality Bites

I have been instructed to move from my No. 17 Workstation to a new No. 15 Workstation. So the whole day was spent moving my stuff around. Juan & I are a distance apart now (sulk) - thanks to them. I was hoping that they might forget but they remembered. On holiday, still have their incoming emails. Lucky that I don’t have to see their faces until next year.

Had a nice dinner with Trix at Asiari tonight. The IKEA-furnished place is just so warm and relaxing to hold private conversations. The Beef Stew was awesome – it was so appetizing – must bring Juan along next time :)

Liverpool beat Newcastle 2-0. But, it sort of ruins Owen’s homecoming isn’t it?

Shout Out

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

(Sigh…wish it was a White Christmas - instead of having the Tropical Sunshine lingering around) :)

The Best In Me

I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
I’m just out to find
The better part of me

I’m more than a bird
I’m more than a plane
More than some pretty face beside a train
It’s not easy to be me

Wish that I could cry
Fall upon my knees
Find a way to lie
About a home I’ll never see

It may sound absurd…but don’t be naive
Even Heroes have the right to bleed
I may be disturbed…but won’t you concede
Even Heroes have the right to dream
It’s not easy to be me

Up, up and away…away from me
It’s all right…You can all sleep sound tonight
I’m not crazy…or anything

I can’t stand to fly
I’m not that naive
Men weren’t meant to ride
With clouds between their knees

I’m only a man in a silly red sheet
Digging for kryptonite on this one way street
Only a man in a funny red sheet
Looking for special things inside of me

It’s not easy to be me.

-Five For Fighting: Superman (It's Not Easy)-

Holiday Cheer

10 days of freedom as they are on their Christmas & New Year leave. Woo hoo! :)

We bid farewell to Jacques on Thursday. Jacques deserves so much more than just a Thai lunch and a leather sling bag. There was no recognition to acknowledge 9 years of hard work and labor. All The Director said was “Thank you for extending your stay for another half a month to help out Joachim and Pietro”. Cold-blooded people. No wonder Jacques said that this place is no longer worth working in. I guess everywhere is the same but Tommy wants to prove me wrong.

I’m done with my Christmas shopping. This year affair will be low-key. Nonetheless, I have a lot to thank for.

FIFA World Cup 2006 Draw

Group A
Germany / Costa Rica / Poland / Ecuador
Definitely The Germans & The Poles.

Group B
England / Paraguay / Trinidad & Tobago / Sweden
Certainly it will be easy for The Three Lions to top Group B and they will be join by The Swedes. Unless underdog Trinidad & Tobago lead by former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke can create an upset. Otherwise, Sven-Goran Eriksson & his boys shouldn’t have a problem at all – they have clearly avoided the stronger teams.

Group C
Argentina / Ivory Coast / Serbia & Montenegro / Holland
I’m writing off Ivory Coast and Serbia & Montenegro. The Argies and The Dutch can top this group with flying colors. They don’t even have to put their best players in the game. The good ones should start making an appearance in the Round of 16.

Group D
Mexico / Iran / Angola / Portugal
No offence, but Iran and Angola should not even be here in the first place. Ireland and Turkey should have those 2 spots.

Group E
Italy / Ghana / United States / Czech Republic
A bit tricky. All 4 teams are strong. Italian’s football is beautiful, The Americans has shown promising performances (with several of their players have gained elite experiences by playing in the English Premier League) and The Czechs was impressive in Euro 2004. I’m picking the Italians and Milan Baros’s home country.

Group F
Brazil / Croatia / Australia / Japan
Wow! Toughest of the lot. Let’s face the fact, when it comes to skills - The Brazilians have it. It’s impossible to eliminate The Samba Boys. Croatia, Australia & Japan will have no chance to claim the top spot. Now, it’s the fight for second place. I’m torn between Japan and The Socceroos. My preference will be The Japs & The Aussies. I know it’s impossible but The Brazilians has been world champion for so long – time to give way isn’t it? :)

Group G
France / Switzerland / South Korea / Togo
The French and The Koreans.

Group H
Spain / Ukraine / Tunisia / Saudi Arabia
Again, what is The Saudi’s doing here? The slot should have been given to Wales, Greece or even Uruguay. The Spanish empire will take the lead, followed by Ukraine.

The Quest for the Cup begins! :)

Life or ...Something Like That

I underwent an Operation Training for 4 days in a row. Physical work was the agenda. I do what the Big Boys do – loading & unloading at the dock, packing, displaying, paperwork, everything! The experience was exhausting and I feel like a pancake – flat out. 23rd better arrives fast.
Christmas is just around the corner. The tree is up, christmas cards sent – only 2 things left: presents to buy and the Christmas Eve dinner to look forward to. Time to get merry people! :)

My Song Of The Year

My life is brilliant
My love is pure
I saw an angel
Of that I'm sure
She smiled at me on the subway
She was with another man
But I won't lose no sleep on that
'Cause I've got a plan

You're beautiful. You're beautiful
You're beautiful, it's true
I saw you face in a crowded place
And I don't know what to do
'Cause I'll never be with you

Yeah, she caught my eye
As we walked on by
She could see from my face that I was
Fucking high
And I don't think that I'll see her again
But we shared a moment that will last till the end

You're beautiful. You're beautiful
You're beautiful, it's true
I saw you face in a crowded place
And I don't know what to do
'Cause I'll never be with you
You're beautiful. You're beautiful
You're beautiful, it's true
There must be an angel with a smile on her face
When she thought up that I should be with you
But it's time to face the truth
I will never be with you

-James Blunt: You’re Beautiful-

I melt every time I hear this song :)

The Simple Life

I didn’t go for the dinner at Marriot last night. I think Jo & Troy did. Instead, I had my meal at SS15 and went to RP (at Hyatt Saujana) after that. The session ended early and Dad was surprise that I was home before 2am :)

I am damn pissed off with Aurora! It was my work, my format and Aurora took all of the credits. That’s plagiarism. And someone or some people have been spreading rumors of me leaving M13. That is so f.u.c.k. I’m sure the wind came from Boss’s side. However, Ronnie has once taught me – “Friend is friend, Work is work. Always protect yourself”. The Others need to keep an eye on as well.

I’m very curious over the controversy.
It triggers 2 questions:
- who is the perpetrator behind the video footage? Was it a whistleblower or was it someone who happens to be at the right place at the right time?
- Is such a body search necessary?
I’m sure the community at large (including myself) would love to be more well-informed on this issue; our constitutional rights in such a situation. Since transparency is encouraged, I think it’s about time that the authorities should publicize their Standard Operating Procedures on police custody & lock-up rules. They have defended that they will continue to strip their suspects naked and require them to undertake light exercise steps. When the suspects stretch their arms & legs, the authorities will then be able to ascertain that there are no hidden items. Previously they have discovered some suspects who hide razor blades, cigarettes, pills etc in their private parts. Fine; I do understand their concern. But isn’t such an act is insulting the modesty of a person or intruding into the privacy of a woman? I’m just wondering – can we ordinary citizens refused such a request and can we demand that the body search be conducted in another way? Metal detectors / X-rays – the ones that are being used in the airport? Can that be an alternative instead of stripping naked in front of an officer?

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly Updates

The numbers are healthier looking this week :) We don’t even have to wait for December to kick in. If we keep this up until the end of the month, we just might be able to hit the budget. Juan & I are pleased!
Mom has been discharged from the hospital. It’s good to have her back in the house. House chores are so not my cup of tea.

Disappointed! I came out from The Director’s room on Wednesday morning empty-handed. Way earlier, I was promised that I will be given options – but in the end, there was only one choice – not mine but theirs. I’m sure Boss has a hand in this.

The ugly piece – Thursday Management Meeting. Very ugly and brutal. Will we survive?

Calling Down An Angel

A short & painless week it was. The Director was not around; has flown over to the Orange Kingdom to defend our budget – this has allowed The Others and myself to roam free and wide. Nonetheless, Boss keeps a very close eye on us. Even when Boss is not around – there is always the “bacteria” who will be reporting back to Boss on how we have behaved.
Other than that, the figures have been shaping up well – we are still behind budget, but as long as we are making a positive margin, it’s good enough – for now. Hopefully, in the month of December, we will see a stronger public consumption which I believe will be able to stimulate the market. However, some local economics expert has claimed that domestic demand will be on the decline and a minor financial crisis is forecasted. Well, if only the rakyat has a pay rise – then with the extra disposable income, there will certainly be demand. And when there is demand, there will be supply – which is good for the businesses and the overall market. Simple economics principle. All goods & services prices are up yet the rakyat income remain unchanged, so where are we going to get the buying power to help this country? The inflation and income per capita numbers just doesn’t tally.
Next week is going to be boring – Tommy will be away in Bangkok. And I feel uncomfortable being in the same room with Joachim :(

Mom has been admitted to the hospital on Thursday morning for gall bladder. She is in stable condition. The family is very grateful for all the support and prayers from relatives, friends, neighbors and church members.

England and Australia are in the World Cup finals :)

TORN

Is it an act of defeat…when you begin to accept things as they are? When you silently acknowledge that they are a permanent fixture in your existence? When you begin to see that this is nature’s law?

The news that Tommy brought forth to me on Tuesday evening – was very surprising; which added a new dimension to the game – yet it’s also a classic example on how capable some people are. If these people can do such thing to Juan & Jacques, obviously they can do the same thing to everyone else as well – including me; the newbie. Jacques will be leaving us in mid-December, which spoils my plan. With Joachim’s promotion, there is an encouraged possibility that I will be taken under Jacques’s wings since the both of us are so neutral plus the fact that Jacques has been a good mentor to me. I don’t want to be under Boss, I don’t even want to go near Aurora, Guillermo, Thor or Joachim. Nasty superiors! But with such upsets – everything is unpredictable. Everyone is replaceable and everyone is not secured. Time to find a new route :)

No Merger!

A joint statement from both of the University’s Chancellors was released over the weekend. It read:

“…the feasibility study undertaken by the universities had revealed that a merger could be beneficial but that it would also be a highly complex & expensive process with no guarantee of success…there is a significant risk that the outcomes would not justify the cost, which could be as high as tens of millions of dollars over many years and the major reorganization & restructuring required…it is in the best interest of both universities…it is decided that the two universities would be better served at this point by continuing to explore research and other synergies but remaining separate institutions…in addition, Murdoch & Curtin will examine options aimed at increasing the viability of courses with low enrolments…”

A relieve :) I think with the announcement, Sir Walter Murdoch & everyone who associates themselves with Murdoch University will be celebrating Murdoch’s 30 years of brilliance (1975 – 2005) with pride. That is one identity that cannot be taken away from us.

I know that some universities are finding it difficult to compete in today’s strain student market. The landscape of the global education industry has transformed greatly over the years. As people are no longer isolated – domestic competition has revolve to regional competition that fights for the same pie and a declining economy means the lack of funding from the government – all this has make more and more academic establishments to find means to upgrade themselves, to re-brand themselves and some have even resorted to being more commercialized than others. The current trend is for universities to branch out by opening sister campuses in other regions. And with such composition of local and international presence, every country wants to be an education hub and the gold mine is the International Students (fully loaded cash cows) with the majorities coming from China and other parts of Asia. Nonetheless, the function and the integrity of a university should not be succumbed for money-making.

Newcastle kicked some balls and clinched a 1-0 win over Birmingham.
Liverpool beat Aston Villa 2-0. If they win more games, than they are no flukes in the European League.

Tomorrow – one step at a time. Remember to count 1 to 10 and breath.

The Living & The Dead

The publicity of its debut release in this country was low-key and it did not generate the kind of hype that it deserves. However, the local press has heaped nothing but praises. Of course, it had occurred many times where the masses opinions can differ greatly from the critics. But a collaboration that sees Tim Burton at the helm with Johnny Depp & Helena Bonham Carter – I doubt any effort can go wrong.
The piece was no disappointment at all. The effervescent Creator who gave us ‘Edward Scissorhands’, ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ & ‘Sleepy Hollow’ delivered yet again another dark, quirky, original and out-of-the-ordinary tale. A story of tradition romance, optimism and a very lively afterlife (done in a cabaret performance); told in a classic Tim Burton’s style.
Set in the 19th century European Village is a story of Victor Van Dort – a nervous ninny who is inexplicably forced to marry a girl he’s never met – Victoria Everglot. We saw their love at first sight, we saw them falling in love. Unfortunately, this Mr. Van Dort could not get his marriage vows right (man!) during the wedding rehearsal (total screw-up). The scene moves on to where Victor practicing his vows in a dark forest. When he does get it right, he unwittingly places the wedding ring on a twig – without realizing that it was a finger bone; that belongs to a dead body. And with that, Victor was whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious: CORPSE BRIDE!
It’s a good watch :)

The paintball session is off! :( Not enough kaki, unless…Trix, Ping, Seth & myself…joined Derek & Co.? An option – that needs serious consideration. It may do more harm than good.

PeeKaBoo

Last night Halloween Party was a blast. Miss Klein ordered Domino’s, free face-painting & tattoo drawing from Ping, Tommy donated the balloons, Trix brought fruits and I sponsored a bottle of red wine; Cabernet Merlot from Commissioners Block. This may be the last.

62K
(frown) The numbers said it all – it is so not impressive at all!
All those late nights, all those efforts – seems so unworthy right now.
There is so much to do, and I only can do this much. I feel that I really let Juan down :(
All of a sudden I feel drained. I have endured the last couple of months with positive thinking; but somehow I feel that they were just wishful thinking instead. I think I have seen enough, heard enough and feel enough. Maybe its time to move on. I know The Others feel the same way too – but they have loans to re-pay, family to support; where can they go? It’s good enough that we share the same contemplation :)

Happy Divali!

SoundScape

Found a nice present for S – it was girlish & pinkish! A small gift that will remind her of me :) Not that S needs to as I’m always in her thoughts and in her heart.

Happy Halloween!

In-Animate

Dinner invitation on 2nd December, 7pm at the Marriot. I’m tempted to accept yet half-hearted to attend. Wonder if Jo & Troy are going. It’s comforting when there are familiar faces around. Of course, I can make new acquaintances – if I’m game enough – a formal dinner party with 80 strangers?
Will be going shopping later, have to get a present for S – something nice, something sweet, something S, something that is cherishable until S next birthday :)

Jaded

The week has been long and full. It was chaotic, my workstation is in a mess, I’m in a mess – yet it was enjoyable…only when some people are not around. I know that my days in M13 are certainly numbered. Of course, Boss’s entourage is not that bold to ask me to leave but their not-so-discreet actions have certainly makes me feel…wanting to. No worries, I have thick skin. Don’t spare me the hardship – as a matter of fact, bring it on. The more knocks I go through, the more sharper I am. I’m just going to finish off what I have started. If its time to leave, I will go.
It’s just upsetting that the game was played unfairly. Less-able, confident people with strong backing versus More-able, confident people who lack the connections. So why I’m being sidelined? Because I hang around with the latter. They judge me with the people I hang around with – automatically assumed that I am on the other side. The smaller Seth & Juan’s group are, the better for Boss to strengthen the territory. There is no right group or wrong group here – just a conflict of interest; which has become personal.
The coming 2 months…I hope it’s the end of something simple – And the beginning of everything else :)

Today is S birthday. I missed her. I missed him too.

Sour Girl

Everyone is so well behaved this week – ahh; I’ve been told that the appraisal season is approaching – no wonder! :) I wonder if there will be a 360 degrees appraisal. If the upstairs people can appraise the downstairs people, then why can’t the downstairs people appraise whether the upstairs people is fit to run the household or not? Anyhow, I won’t be appraising anybody anyway :) This tough task should leave it to the so-called experts. Seth even asked me when is my expiry date…why must I pack my bags when I’m still gaining something out of this?

The stars shine down,
And watch us live,
Our little lives,
And weep for us.
-Monet Nodlehs-

Planning to play paintball in 2 weeks time but not enough kaki at the moment. So far only 4 of us are confirmed – Trix, Ping, Seth & myself…hmm…somehow must try to persuade the rest; then we will have a team, then we can play ball.

Going down to Phileo after this – going to do lunch with my ex-BCI mates.

Something Beautiful

Date: Thursday, 13th October 2005
Time: 2000 Hours
Venue: Padang/Collyer Ballroom, Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore

Vice-Chancellor’s Charge to Graduates:
“…Graduates it is my great honor to welcome you to the fellowship of educated men and women. The award of a University Degree carries many privileges but like all privileges it also carries responsibilities.
I charge you as graduates of Murdoch University to use what you have learnt for your own betterment and for the benefit of the community.
I charge you to use the skills and knowledge you have acquired with rigor and integrity and to commit yourselves to a program of life-long learning and inquiry.
I charge you to remember the lessons Murdoch has taught you about the worth of others, particularly those who have not had the opportunities that you have had.
I charge you to set high goals and to continue the hard work that has brought you so far.
And in all you do, I charge you to be deserving of the good name of Murdoch University…”
Vice-Chancellor & President – Professor J.V. Yovich

The evening begins with the Students Procession into the ballroom; accompanied with music from William Byrd’s The Battell. The proceedings were open by the Chancellor Emeritus Professor G. Bolton. Then, the stars of the night took center stage – 120 graduates in maroon gowns with varied hood colors & black mortar boards, was confer their degrees. They were greeted with thunderous applause and thousands of glittering flashbulbs. The night ended with a Valedictory Address, Occasional Address, several Heartfelt Speeches and a Farewell Tribute.
I went to sleep that night accompanied by a thousand stars, a thousand smiles, a thousand faces, a thousand hopes and a thousand feelings. Content – I am :)

For Him, For Her, For Them

When I’m lost in the rain
In your eyes I know I’ll find the light
To light my way
And when I’m scared
And losing ground
When my world is going crazy
You can turn it all around
And when I’m down you’re there
Pushing me to the top
You’re always there
Giving me all you’ve got

For a shield from the storm
For a friend, for a love
To keep me safe and warm
I turn to you
For the strength to be strong
For the will to carry on
For everything you do
For everything that’s true
I turn to you

When I lose the will to win
I just reach for you and
I can reach the sky again
I can do anything
‘Cause your love is so amazing
‘Cause your love inspires me (yes it does)
And when I need a friend
You’re always on my side
Giving me faith
That gets me through the night

For the arms to be my shelter
Through all the rain
For truth that will never change
For someone to lean on
For a heart I can rely on through anything
For that one who I can run to

I turn to you

-Christina Aguilera: I Turn To You-

Very Merry & Beary

I know I’m a bit outdated but I just got the news that Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes is expecting a baby together! Wow…that was – quickie. I’m sure everyone in Hollywood will be wondering how long this ‘TomKat’ relationship will last. Hollywood’s Golden Boy has proven that he is a devoted father and Dawson’s Creek’s leading lady has a clean record; not a wild party animal…so I’m betting on…6 years? We’ll have to see then.

I found this Bear excerpts:

Baloo
(from Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book)
Nationality: Indian.
Home: Indian Rainforest.
Fave Food: Anything convenient – jungle fast food.
Outfit: He’s a nudist :)
Friends: Mowgli & Bagheera.

Yogi
(from the Hanna-Barbara Cartoon, based on baseball legend Yogi Berra)
Nationality: American.
Home: Yellowstone National Park.
Fave Food: Picnic grub like sandwiches & rock buns.
Outfit: A hat, collar & necktie.
Friends: Boo Boo.

Paddington Bear
(from Michael Bond’s Paddington Books)
Nationality: Peruvian.
Adopted Home: London – He is named after the London Railway Station.
Fave Food: Marmalade.
Outfit: A Mac and sou’wester.
Friends: Jane.

Somehow they have missed out on Mr. Bean’s Teddy Bear and Winnie the Pooh.

Black Sheep

I was called to The Director’s room on Tuesday morning – I’ve got the 50% of what I wanted and The Director got the other 50%; so its fair game. I will stick to my original plan – I will lay low for now and I will definitely step up when the time requires. And I hope I will not screw things up. People here are complex, their actions are complicated and sometimes I wonder what goes through their minds. In the boardroom, they will take out their samurai swords & cut you into pieces. Boss’s coalition remembers every mistake you make, the people you hang out with, the words you speak – all these are their ammunition; they will open fire if the need arises. And I don’t have any shield nor self-defense weapons. That explains why I am so delicate & conscious. But why I’m still around? Because there are so many things for me to learn! The prime reason I’m staying.

On Friday evening, checkmate! Boss won. The Director promoted Guillermo and Joachim. The dark horses fell, Boss’s alliances (all of them) are in higher-up rank now and they ambush & encircle Seth and Juan. What a beginning! Boss is slowly monopolizing the division and I feel like I’m on the chopping board right now. Boss is now The Queen.

For me there is nothing to lose. I’m here to learn and M13 is paying me for that. If there is still opportunities and space for me to grow, I would love to stay. I don’t strive for perfection; I strive for growth, I strive for development and I strive for improvement. Boss’s coalition has said enough bad things about me behind my back (probably in front of The Director) – I don’t give a damn. I do expect people to say good things about me & I do expect people to say bad things about me. I know what my flaws are, I’m not afraid to admit them and I will try to get them fix. I will not be 100% perfect but the gap can be narrowed. If I screwed up, fine – maybe this is not for me, I will move on but it has been an experience. I don’t mind being kicked out if I’m not performing but I do mind if I’m kick out due to other people’s doing. Why all this competitive politics happen? Because nepotism, power & greed have been embed into the culture.

Sweet Like Chocolate

Hectic week! Hectic week!
I have to finish all of the work before I go off for my 1 week leave. Can you imagine, every hour the stack of papers that are resting on my desk will pile up like nobody business! I have been putting like 2 extra hours a day since last week and still it doesn’t help to minimize the workload. I don’t even have the time to digest. It’s so rapid, it’s so overwhelming. So much of preparation and execution – tiring, yet I know it will do me good.
Meanwhile, 100 meters away from my workstation; there is no movement from The Director (so low-profile) but Boss has been extremely busy; frequently seen at The Director’s room every now and then. Of course this is very normal as The Director needs to be briefed on the daily routines, statistical figures, current & upcoming assignments, inventories, blah, blah & blah. Nothing to be suspicious about :)

Headlines – Another devastating tragedy for Bali.
A series of explosions was denoted through 3 crowded restaurants that killed 22 people and wounded 50 others. Is it worth it? Is it truly worth it to kill your own people, destroying your country’s financial system, distressing your nation to bring your message across for your own personal agenda? And accomplishing it in the name of God? For godly purposes by godly people? Bullshit! It’s humiliating the religion indirectly; and because of that, the religion is being discriminated worldwide and your people are living in fear, rejection & hatred in the Western mainstream community. The world has enough of catastrophe – tsunami, earthquakes, hurricanes, bird flu; one after the other…god knows what’s next. Please do something more civilized! I’m living in an era where the world economy, humanity and security that will never be the same again. Uncertainties have never become so certain before.

Top Sport News – Europe Champ: Beaten.
4-1! 4-1! Chelsea beat Liverpool 4-1! Is Rafa Benitez sleeping on his job? Or is Jose Mourinho’s team is that good?

The Magenta Feeling

Monday – Work
Tuesday – More work. Thinking of Friday :)
Wednesday – More more work
Thursday – Friday is tomorrow

Friday – Woo hoo! I know, I know…I’m not a very enthusiastic 7 months old fresh grad (smile cheekily)…and bearing in mind that I have to work my ass off for the next 5 decades. It was one hell of a bloody hard-work week for me. The walk was hardly cherry-blossoms. It’s all about deadlines, deadlines and more deadlines! There is a never-ending story in M13. Everything passed so fast…sometimes unnoticed. But I had a great Friday night - great food, good acquaintances…went K, have a few rounds of drinks and of course; celebrating Miss Klein’s birthday and I reached home 4.30 this morning. My parents are so going to kill me.
The new Director has arrived. Danish, 5 Feet 6, married, sandy-white hair, seasoned negotiator, combat experienced and non-smoker. Everyone is playing the wait-and-see-game. Therefore, I will sit still, go under-radar and have my eyes & ears wide open :)

Monday Blues

Something was missing today…the voice; Ronnie’s voice…no longer lingering around the room. The space has become somewhat lifeless and hollow yet I’m actually very happy with Ronnie’s departure from M13. Don’t get me wrong! Ronnie is great…my time under Ronnie’s charge has been very educational albeit some un-pleasurable disagreements. But it just feels strange of not hearing those razor-sharp words spitting out from Ronnie’s acid tongue anymore…words that could pierce deeply into your heart and kill off your self-esteem once and for all. I still have the picture of Mikhail’s tearing lost face (Mikhail has eventually left) imprinted in my mind. I was terrified; knowing that I’m very vulnerable in the inside as well. I remembered one late evening where I told Seth that I’m not sure whether I can do this; I don’t want to wet my pillows at night. At times, I too wonder if the Feng Shui of the room has anything to do with this or was it me who jinx Ronnie? Since my arrival, Ronnie has lost 4 bureaucrats; first it was Gracie, followed by Ali, Mikhail and Abbott. Some in the know said that it was Ronnie’s short fuse that drove them away. By all means, Ronnie is not nasty – just a very scheming perfectionist that expects work to be carried out fast, efficient and no mistakes. I (being the inexperienced who has put my foot in the wrong places and stepping on Ronnie’s cute toes occasionally), of course has not been spared either but luckily the blow was gentle and did not knock me off my feet. I guess perfectionists are critical and hard to please. But for now, Ronnie can go and terrorize someone else somewhere.
Meanwhile, everyone is looking forward of the arrival of our new Danish Director; especially Boss. I’m sensing that Boss is plotting something and one of Boss must do list is to get rid of me. Boss finds it hard to control and slowdown a rebel that has a mind of her own. Besides, Boss has the connections and the finest troops in the camp – Thor, Aurora, Guillermo and Joachim. And guess what, I don’t give a damn!

The F1 race is coming to an end. Wasn’t it a colorful season? It’s boring when one team dominates the entire sport. It was so refreshing to see young drivers (Alonso, Kimi, Montoya) dethrone the senior Schumacher. The fall of the Red Baron was so joyous to watched :)

We Are The Champions

The Glitz & Glamour
The Red Carpet Treatment
The Press, The Media, The Celebrities
The Camera Flashes
The Crowd

(smile sheepishly) I voted for Daniel and he won!! So the question is – did Malaysia get it right? Did the voters vote popularity over talent? Or more precise, did they vote looks over talent? On Friday night spectaculars, Nita has outright shown that she has the extra edge. She has the strongest vocals (the high notes) over Daniel, she has 8 years of experience singing in the club circuit, she is tall, she was beautiful – all these added value has enhanced her stage performance. She was all out; one of the best vocal performances that we have seen from her. And I was not surprise during the exclusive Press Conference (after Daniel was declared the winner) the Press & the callers was harsh on him and voice their dissatisfaction over the outcome; claming that Daniel’s cute face has helped him to get the votes in, particularly from young school girls. Critics were aplenty and what hurts the most is when Daniel’s problem of diction was brought up – is he World Idol material?

For me, Daniel & Nita are 2 very different singers. Daniel’s vocal range is more low-key and his style & tone is very Mando-pop – which I think will be his future direction. He can sings simple songs with easy-going melodies & notes and he delivered them beautifully. I melted when he sang Broery Marantika’s Angin Malam. His music style works for me. If people say that Daniel’s cute looks pulls in the crowd, than what about Nita’s beautiful face and sexy curves? Her sexy rendition of Shirley Bassey’s Big Spender must have attracted some male voters as well – isn’t that another crowd puller factor? Throughout the theater elimination stage to the workshops and finally the spectaculars, Daniel has enjoyed performing, never holds back and connects well with his fans. His boyband personality, good song choices (except for one rotten apple – KRU’s Ooh La La. it was awful, like a fishbone stuck in your throat) has never put this amateur in the bottom 3. Where as the more experienced Nita always got herself hanging by the thread. In today’s global music market, talent helps to sustain an artist’s longevity and beautiful looks generate album sales, sponsorships and concert revenues. Margins are getting thinner you know.

However, I think Jaclyn Victor still out-performs them :)
It was also very unfortunate that Trish and Attila (2 very strong vocal voices of the group) was eliminated early and I hope they will come back, if the third installation is confirmed.

Newcastle beat Manchester City 1-0.
I’m hardly a fan of this St. James’s Park club but since Owen is there…I’ve got to give him some moral support. However at the bottom of my heart, Owen is still an Anfield boy. It’s the entire manager’s fault – he is so thrifty to fork out the cash to bring Owen back to Liverpool from Real Madrid. Well, that’s football. Players are like commodities. Whichever club that has the most cash will makes the call and pulls the strings.

Back to work tomorrow :(

Have You Done Enough Damage For Today?

The Fluke & Flux of my life...officially begins...