Major Word Vomit ALERT!!

To make up for my being absent from this blog for the last couple of weeks, I shall now indulge myself with a really looooooooooooong post. Told you there was gonna be a word vomit. You were forewarned!!

(o_O)V

However, since I myself am not that much of a typist I shall make things short by putting in pictures. Plus, it 3.59 am. Why am I still awake? I'm blaming the BBQ Curry Twisties.

Yuni & Osaka

About a month back, my dear lil sis flew all the way back from Tokyo just to surprise our dear mum. After weeks and weeks of planning we managed to pull the whole thing off without dear mum ever suspecting. Now although we tried to keep it just between the siblings but a major operation like that required external helping hands like our dear cousin Ika, and of course my Aunty Mama. Oh and I also had to rope in Nurul's help due to the strange fact that even though we're living in the digital age where everything can be bought/ arranged online nowadays, this one particular bus company does not sell their Ipoh-Singapore bus tickets at their HQ in Kuala Lumpur. So zaman batu.

Anyways, Yuni stayed for over 2 weeks and then she had to fly back. The pic above shows us having fun in TGIF, the night before her flight back. Our farewell gift to her was a huge steak meal. I wonder how long she'll go without meat again. Poor little carnivore, forced to go on a fish & vegetable diet. LoL.

Yuni will be moving from Tokyo Uni to Osaka Uni as soon as she gets back but Osaka seems to be extremely keen on having her over and have been bugging her with phone calls throughout the entire 2 weeks. I guess the Japanese Embassy scholarship really pay these unis extremely well.

Now there's a reason why so much planning had to be done when Yuni came back. She wasn't alone. I mean she had STUFF!! Lots of it!! Aah, the perks of having a sibling living abroad. I didn't manage to take pictures of all the stuff she brought back for all of us but suffice to say there were a lot of Green Tea boxes being passed around. I myself got some really cool stuff like Japanese makeup, cups with Japanese kanji, Japanese perfume and little knick knacks. But my favourites are these two. A delicate Japanese fan made 100% from bamboo and A clutch made from Kimono silk with a matching hand emroidered purse. The fan was extremely handy during those fan-less days at my apartment.

So now Yuni is in Osaka. She's already started class and seems to be enjoying herself. We do miss her terribly but its not like we live during zaman batu where there was no internet. I see her online every night and we do chat regularly. So since she made the effort to fly back to Malaysia I guess I have to return the favour. Hmm... I wonder how much it'll set me back to go to Osaka?

24hr Theater Project

One word... FUN!! That's all I need to describe the 24hr theater project. Wait! One more word... TIRING!! But still... it was loads of fun!! I met loads of cool new people and had gained so many new experiences that there's no way I'm missing next year's project. Although maybe next year I'm gonna try out as a writer. Try to tackle script writing for a change. I'll probably suck but what the heck. If I suck bad enough I may even win the group one of those "fun" awards they give out. This year my group went home empty-handed but Sheena's group won the 'Most Pretentious Play' award. LoL. Even Syd's group won something. Was it the 'Worst Play' award? Haha... but it was all in fun. It definitely made the night interesting. For those who wants to try out something new next year then this is something you should definitely try out. Imagine some of the participants actually slept in Istana Budaya. Talk about dedication.

IIUM Poetry Night

I'll probably wear out the word FUN after I'm done with this post. But yeah... Poetry Night was super duper fun!! I must say, after all that trepidation about being a Poetry lecturer at the beginning of the semester seems a little funny (see there's the word 'fun' again) now. And I think the students had a lot of fun as well. Sheena and I organised poetry night as a way for students to realise that poetry is not at all boring and can only be found on a page. Plus, it's also a fun way to evaluate the students without turning it into dull and dreary presentations. Plus, we also did a good deed and raised money for the Gaza Relief Fund. It wasn't much but I'm sure every bit counts.

There was a little scerfuffle at first with some so-called "trademark" on Poetry Slam. What's with the deal of an organisation claiming trademark on a genre? According to the trademark we weren't allowed to have a poetry slam unless we gained permission from the organisation first. Whaat?? Total bull if you ask me. Thank goodness Sheena and I were not the only ones who feel that way. So after discussing it with Hazlan, who is totally our hero by the way, we decided to go ahead with the poetry slam. And thank goodness we did because some of the slammers chosen to slam were actually pretty good. We may have found some slammers to actually start competing in actual poetry Slams.

So can you spot the lecturer among the students? Coz I cant.

One of the more creative submissions for visual poetry from my class. There were more but because I'm a poor, poor part-time lecturer who can't afford a camera just yet so I really had to rely on other people's pics. But trust me the other submissions were just as good and just as creative. I'm reall proud of those kids.

Responses to the Poetry Night was extremely positive so here's to hoping that Poetry Night will be a semesterly-thing. Or at least... an annual thing. *fingers crossed*

BENL Reunion Charity Dinner

BENL Alumni organised its second reunion dinner in conjunction with the charity drive to raise funds for the Gaza Relief Fund. It was mostly an effort made by the seniors from Pyan's batch but I ended up helping them out since I know that it'll be fun (hmm, I wonder how many times I've actually used this word in this post) to actually get dressed up and catch up with old friends. Unfortunately the first part of the night was not that fun for me as I was the MC. Being MC is okay but damn these people and their demands and last-minute changes. Don't you get it that MCs also get nervous. Gawd... I was so friggin nervous that I totally flubbed Prof. Q's name during the introduction. My own supervisor's name!! Sheesh! Buat malu mak bapak je.

But as the evening progresses I relaxed and so there were less mistakes. Whew! Surprisingly the turnout this year was better. Last reunion about a quarter of the hall was empty but this time it was definitely a full house. To top it off we managed to raise about RM2000 in donations. So Abang Husni and Pyan definitely deserve a pat on the back for a job well done.

They even brought in some great entertainment that night like the traditional Malay percussion group, Dewangga Sakti and the Al-Aqsa Dabka Dancers. One of the Palestinians was particularly good-looking although you can't see him in the pic. Such a shame that he's so young :P.

This is the group photo of most of the alumnus that came. Don't you feel that somehow this doesn't show BENL folks in their true spirit?

Now that's more like it!!

Again, here's to hoping that there'll be more of this kind of reunion dinner thingies in the future.

I've gone Grey

No... I haven't grown old. Yes I'm in denial about that. Yes I got myself grey contacts. I used to wear the same colour years ago and I kinda missed having them so since they're cheap, what the heck. I got them online for only RM38. And they're wearable up to 6 months to a year at a time. Deal or what?! I've already made my second order. Brown this time. Check out the blog:

Geolens2U

But on another note, I seriously need to do something about my online shopping addiction.

I'm err... more Mature.

Coincidentally my birthday this year fell on class day so I decided what the heck, I'll celebrate it with my class. Plus it'll be a way for me to commemorate my first ever teaching job in IIUM. So I threw a small party. Again... it was FUN. I'm simply amazed at how a certain amount of food could disappear in just a matter of minutes and at how fond I can be towards a bunch of youngsters whom I've known for only a few months. But hey, if they say you'll always remember your first love I guess a teacher of any kind will always remember the first class that they've ever tought.

The gals of ENGL 1515:Section 4. Cute aren't they?

My class. I shall miss teaching these kids.


I'm err... more Mature (part II)

The very next day, IIMU threw a birthday soiree for me as well. Shucks!! I really love those folks. I couldn't manage to get a picture of the cake from the previous party (since it was kinda smushed due to a minor mishap plus the fact that it was gone within 10 minutes) so this time I snapped a picture before anything happened. That my dear readers is a picture of a blueberry chocolate sponge cake bought from a small but very good bakery in Sri Gombak, called Hidayah Bakery. Sangat sedap!! Next time you can just forget about Secret Recipe and hunt down that bakery. A 1kg cake will only cost you RM25 at the most.

The picture below pretty much summarises what I ate at my two birthday parties. The only diference was that the food at IIMU disappeared at a much slower rate. I actually got to taste all of the food before it was gone. But still... both party was fun in their own unique way.

Thanks a mundo to Kak Aini for organising the whole shebang. It's people like her that makes me stay at a job that pays me a measly RM15 an hour.

I'm err... more Mature (part III)

I know the pic is blurry but I just love this pic.

The third installment for my birthday took me way out of IIUM and all the way to Look Out Point in Ampang. It was a really sweet gesture made by Nurul, J- her BF, and Shazna (Nurul's sis) but unfortunately I was not told that we were headed to Look Out Point so there I was that night, wearing 2 1/2 inch heels trudging all the way up to the peak. Definitely a workout I tell you. But still... it was fun (^^).

I'm thanking god everyday for giving me great friends and I must say that there's not that many friends of mine who is greater than Nurul. That night was totally a night that I'll cherish. Good company, free food and more cake. LoL. Plus it was a bonus as well that she chose a gorgeous location that I have never been to before. So being there for the first time ever with great friends was the cherry on top of perfectly great night.

I'm not sure where Nurul got this cake from but it was totally amazing. Again, you can never go wrong with chocolate cakes. But I'm guessing that the cake was the cause of all the blurry pictures taken that night. All of us were probably sugar high. Who wouldn't be, we scoffed down half the cake. But here's to Nurul, J and Shazna. Thanka for making that night perfect.

ENGL 1515 Finals

As all good things must come to an end, the ENGL 1515final exams marks the ending of my teaching the section 4 kids. It was both exciting and sad for me since it was my first time ever being the invigilator for an exam rather than siting for one but I'm kinda sad because its the last time I'll see them as my students. Unless! Unless... I ace the interview this 23rd and get the permanent lecturer status!! Woohoo!! Then I'll probably be teaching more subjects!! But I don't want to get my hopes up so I'll leave that story for another day *sigh*.

But the invigilating experince was loads of fun. I'm sure it'll wear off by the time I invigilate more and more exams but I'm just gonna cherish it for now. As for marking the papers... well, I'm having fun procrastinating on that as well. But I'll get to it soon. I will. I will. Maybe tomorrow :D

So this marks the end of my word vomit. For now. I'll probably continue tomorrow. Somehow the word vomit doesn't seem to want to stop but my body is failing my brain. Need to catch some Zzz. A sign of maturity? Hmm... nah!! In denial? Yes, I am.

When you can sink no lower...

Over the past few days I've been made aware of a certain blogger who has successfully irked a vast majority of the current BENL students. All because of a single blog post, BENL students have been instantaneously broken up into 2 groups: those who are enraged by it and those who stand firmly by the blogger's side.

So what's all the hoo-haa about?

A review. Or to be exact, a review on drama students' performances during a class assessment.

Now as an individual, I have absolutely nothing to do with this whole debacle. I am no drama student nor lecturer. Nor was I there during the performance night to actually form my own opinions about it. However, through sheer curiousity I found myself reading the controversial blog post that had pitted BENL student against each other. Now I shall not be revealing the blogger nor the blog to which I refer to as I would rather not have the situation to be further blown out of proportion. Yes, I do realise that by blogging about it I am somehow contradicting myself but with all these thoughts going round in my head the very idea of keeping mum about it would absolutely kill me. Thus to heck with contradictions and here goes.

DISGRACED. I am totally and utterly disgraced.

Disgraced by the idea that a petty issue like a drama review turning into a full-on verbal war, which I must state was read gleefully by numerous other readers from the public and various other higher institutions. As of now, the department is now the laughingstock of the academic society.

Am I blaming the blogger? No. The blogger is entitled to her opinions. The person actuallly raised up issues that even. I, myself sorely neglected throughout the duration of my teaching. I am a teacher of poetry in an Islamic institutions and yet I have failed to highlight the core concept of the institution that I am in; Islamization of knowledge. I have failed to teach my students to evaluate poetry through the eyes of a Muslim scholar. Thus, I am grateful to the blogger for bringing up this issue. To my students, I apologise greatly for failing you in this sense.

So am I blaming the commentors? No. They too are entitled to their opinions. They felt that they were scorned and thus they defended themselves. It is only natural.

So who's wrong?

They ALL are. The blogger for being glib, rude and insensitive. And the rest for being immature and mean. Realise people, just how powerful a blog can be. Imagine the conclusion people can come to concerning BENL students, no scratch that, the entire IIUM student body after reading that singular blog post. Is that the image that we all want to portray to the world? Is that how we wish to be seen? Do you not feel the humiliation when a student from another university wanting to turn the whole embarassing debacle into a thesis? How will we now hold our heads up high with people snickering behind our backs at the sheer stupidity displayed within that blog?

I. am. at lost. for words. I am disgraced. I have nothing else to say.

Poetry Night: Poetry Out Loud!!

Hear ye! Hear ye! Exciting night coming your way!!

If by chance you're bored, have nothing to do on Thursday Night then do come and check out IIUM's Poetry Night. It's a night when poetry comes alive and off the pages. Check out students performing self-written original poems as well as their renditions of poetry through the visual arts. Best of all, come check out IIUM's first ever POETRY SLAM! It's poetry slam as it should be. A battle of the poets and their words.

Date/Day: 19th March 2009 / Thursday

Venue: Main Auditorium, IIUM Gombak

Time: 8.30 p.m.

Admission is RM 1 and all proceeds shall be donated to the Gaza Relief Fund.

Note to self...

Dear Self,

If ever the need to splurge threatens to overwhelm, just remember...

YOU WANT THIS PHONE BAAAAD!!

Though in this colour...

So willpower, do behave.


Love,
Your Self.

Hazlan Da' Slammer feat. Fynn Da' Performer

Saturday, 7th March 2009
Spoken Word Workshop
HS Square

As humble as the event was, it was probably one of the most fulfilling moments that I've had as a newbie lecturer in the department. Looking at how much fun the students were having during the session, and at how loud I laughed throughout the entire workshop I must say that I did good. Oh-kay... Sheena helped too. So WE did good. Poetry in IIUM will never be the same again after this.

Hazlan started out the session with a brief intro on poetry slam. It was 10am so due to the lack of nutrients in my tummy when the session started, my brain refused to compute the fact that I should've snapped a few pics of Hazlan as he was giving his lecture. So thanks to Google, this pic would have to suffice for now. Whoever out there that has a pic of Hazlan on that particular day itself do buzz me. I'd truly appreciate it. Plus Hazlan too would like to have some pics as mementos of that great day.

pic courtesy of thebookaholic.blogspot.com

Then it was Fynn's time. To describe Fynn, I must simply quote from one of the comeback queens of our time, Britney Spears. No other quote could ever describe her best. Spears sang:

There's only two types of people in the world
The ones that entertain, and the ones that observe

I guess I can say that I somehow belong in the second category. Although I don't feel like I belong there 100% but more often than not I find myself nudging the line of this circle rather than the other. But heck, in certain aspects I'm happy being there.

*forgive me for the poor pic quality. I just had my battered old handphone on me then. Am working on an upgrade soon. Wish me luck. Better yet, give me money.

Now Fynn on the other hand, un-doubt-ed-ly, belongs to the type of people who entertain. It's in her blood. And her personality shines brightest when she is in front of her audience doing what she loves most: Performing.

She definitely captured the attention of my students that night. As you can see from this pic, the students were hanging on to her EVERY word. And if they're not doing that, they were either laughing along to her jokes and her antics or simply immersing themselves in the happy spirit that was Fynn. What amazes me the most is the fact that she managed to convinced even the most shy and the most nervous of my students to turn into a full-blown performer of poetry with just an hour of lecture. You gotta give this gal credit, she was definitely born to teach the performing arts.

And I have to seriously figure out what this girl eats to get so much energy! Not only she was talking 100 words/ minute, she was all over the stage; tapping, clapping, jumping, falling (yes, she literally fell to her knees) just to explain the technicalities of performance. Most people would be out of breath by the time she's done with the lecture but noo, she picked up the guitar and started singing. Either this gal is in secret the bionic women or her family OD-ed her with multivitamins and chicken essence when she was growing up or something.

Here Fynn managed to drag Sheena and a student to join her for her freestyle poetry recitation. Sheena instantaneously became the 'cool' lecturer when she showcased her skills on the guitar whereas for that guy, well... he probably gained himself a couple of new fans after that impromptu show. Guys with guitars somehow always get the girls. As for me, well... I was happily nudging the 'observer' line. Poetry is SO not my scene. In my students' eyes I'm probably the 'boring' lecturer.

I wish I could show the going-ons of the first ever mini poetry slam that Hazlan held afterwards but I was too busy enjoying myself that I totally forgot to take pics. But no major loss. Thanks to Hazlan and Fynn, Poetry Night is going to be a bomb!! And with that anticipation in mind I've already acquired the services of a (free!) photographer. Poetry Night will showcase a proper Poetry Slam, and students performing poetry and if nerves don't get the best of me, I may perform too. Sheena talked me into it. She said something about poetry lecturer needing to set an example to their students. Plehh... I hate it when she's right.

But don't let my lack of talent stop you from showing up. It's for a good cause as we're collecting donations for the Gaza cause.

So here are the details:

IIUM Poetry Night
Thursday, 19th March 2009
Main Auditorium, IIUM Gombak
8.30 pm
Fee: RM1

Yeah, there's an entrance fee but it's only RM1 maaa. Takkan tak mampu kot? So come on folks, be there... or be square!!

FINALLY!!

It's done!!!

*do celebratory dance*

Finally... all the hard work, the blood (paper cuts can be lethal you know), the sweat and the tears have paid off.



Now, time to enjoy the little peace and freedom I have before I have to do it all over again.

*sigh*

Masakini Theater's 'The 24 hour Project'

Masakini Theatre Company is producing the 24 Hour Theatre Project for the second year running. This Project expressly organized to encourage youths to develop their talents and understand albeit under duress, all aspect of theatre-making, will once again be held at Istana Budaya. While the young are encouraged to join in it is hoped that experienced theatre personalities will compete, not only to sharpen their talents but also assist the young ones with their wealth of knowledge. It is also an opportunity to bring the young and the experienced closer together.

The Project is a perfect vehicle for local actors, directors and playwrights to showcase their capacity for theatre-making in a unique format. The purpose is not to create something perfect but to experience the pressure-cooker intensity of writing and producing a 10 minute play in such a short time.

Last year about 52 people took part and some excellent scripts and performance were produced.

This year our Director-in-Residence will be Christopher Jacobs who has vast experience in directing. Mr. Jacobs has been living in Malaysia for the past 18 years and has been directing plays in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.


Dear All Me,

Please be notified that you are registered for the 24 Hour Theatre Project under the Director category. Please acknowledge and we will see you on 14th March 2009, 7.00pm sharp at Istana Budaya, Bilik Sri Nilam. Actors do come with your one-minute audition for writers and directors to note your capabilities.

All participants, please ask your family and friends to come support this project by buying tickets for the show which are RM20.00 each. Tickets available at the gate.

Many thanks and see you there.

Sabera Shaik


*Woohoo!! Can't wait!! I miss theater like mad. And this time I'll be doing something in Istana Budaya!!!

Oh friends, families, readers, and anybody who just feels like laughing at amatuers trying their hands at theater, feel free to come by to Lambang Sari Istana Budaya on March 15th (performance night). The show will start at 8.30pm.

Flower bouquets are highly encouraged :D

Rachael Yamagata & Ray LaMontagne

Thanks to a fellow Malaysian fan, ChesC, I was made aware of this beautiful song sung by TWO of my most favourite sultry-voiced crooners.

The merging of the voices: SUPERB.

Now if only the movie NEW MOON (Twilight Sequel) actually picked it up for one of its soundtrack then it'll be perfect. I'm sure most tweens nowadays would go 'Huh? Who?' at the mere mention of their names but atseriously I think mainstream music world should discover the beauty that is Rachael Yamagata and Ray LaMontagne. I personally believe that their talent is not fully appreciated by the music world even though their music and lyrics are to die for.

So for now relax... and enjoy the sheer beauty of this song.

Zee Avi debuts in May

Note this date, people!!

May 19th, 2009.

Nona Stylista

Announcing the GRAND OPENING of the latest blogshop on the net...

A collaboration between 3 fashion forward gals, who never seems to have enough time to go shopping. Thus through an ingenious move, they decided to combine their love of fashion, online shopping, and blogging to come up with their very own shopping portal.

Catered for classy, young fashionistas on the go this blogshop will not disappoint. So GO... check it out now!

Nona Stylista

The Reluctant Academic Strikes!

A: So Shan... you going to the seminar this weekend?

Me: Yeah, I am. Should be interesting.


Seminar Day

7.30 am

B: [SMS] Do you need me to pick you up?

Me: [SMS] naw.cangomeself

B: [SMS] ? U sure?

Me:[SMS]xya. (Sambung Zzzz...)


9.15 am

A: Eh... you're here. Was wondering where you where.

Me: Yeah... err... I couldn't get a cab.

A: Ye ke? Sayang. You missed Muhammad Haji Salleh.

Me: Aww dang. Oh well... (pause) Jom gi makan.


11.30 am

MC: We shall now commence with session 2. Let's invite our distinguished speaker, Prof. P to give his presentation.

*clapping

Prof. P: Clinical experience, public perceptions, and research have indicated that the Indian community has been over-represented in attempted suicide and suicide rates in Malaysia. A computerized search of the literature back to 1966 ...

Me: (YAWNS)

Prof. P: ... Patterns of migration experiences, religious and cultural beliefs, higher suicide risk in rural areas, the use of toxic biocides...

Me: Zzzzz...


12.30pm

Me: (In a cab... heading home).


12.40pm

Me: Zzzz....

*The Seminar was supposed to end at 5pm

Yuna @ Bijou Bazaar!

Yuna will be selling a few of her stuff at Bijou Bazaar tomorrow and this is also your chance to get the EP if you still haven't got it!

So come on!

Click here for more details:

Bijou Bazaar @ Soho KL, Solaris Mont'Kiara (Facebook)

p.s. Happy Valentine's Day to all of ya out there. Go spread the love. Support the local music scene!!

Alahai Mak Datin Oi...

Datin-datin sekalian...

What is it with you people? Jadi Datin tu best sangat ke? Gah sangat ke sampai antara kengkawan baik sendiri pun kene bahasa-kan diri as Datin? Nama yang dianugerahkan oleh mak bapak korang tu tak cukup bagus ke? Bila kengkawan sendiri pun jadi Datin, dok sesama panggil each other Datin camne korang differentiate antara satu sama lain? Saya tak paham... bebetul tak paham.

Wahai mak Datin...

Do you think people care that you're a mak Datin? Do you think people actually give a damn to know that they're sitting next to a Datin when they're having a lovely meal at a nice restaurant with family and friends? Tak payah la nak cakap kuat-kuat. Kami kat sebelah je. Boleh dengar you all menjerit-jerit panggil each other "Datin". Reality check mak Datin oi... orang pergi restaurant sebab nak enjoy makanan yang dihidangkan bukannya nak mencari alasan nak jumpa memana orang yang kononnya "berpangkat". And yes, people without the "pangkat" nowadays can afford to go to the places that you go to too. You're not the only one with the money nowadays.

Oh mak mak datin sekalian...

Is it wrong for me to wear something casual to a kenduri? Granted la I was supposed to wear baju kurung since it was an Islamic thing but salah ke aku memakai seluar? Perlu ke pandangan sinis dan jelingan-jelingan tajam yang dilemparkan ke arahku itu? Sekurang-kurangnya aku berpakaian kemas, sopan dan yang penting sekali aku menutup aurat dari hujung rambut hinggalah ke pangkal kaki. Not an inch of my aurat was exposed. Betapa teringinnya hati tak ber"pangkat" aku ni nak tuding jari kat jambul korang tu and your jarang figure-hugging kebayas and say 'Sedar tak korang di mata pandangan Tuhan, you're the one that's underdressed'. Mau terjojol biji mata korang kalau aku cakap macam tu. But I didn't say that. I may not have a title but I was brought up with dignity. I need to respect my elders. Emphasis on the word elders ye. Sedarlah wahai datin-datin oi, kebaya jarang are only flattering to those whose skin don't sag.

Datin...

Bukannya saya tak respect you. But you're making it too easy for me to NOT respect you. Ingatlah sikit, pangkat Datin tu bukannya anugerah. You dapat pun secara proxy. All because you married a guy who was good enough to be given the honour of Dato/ Datuk or rich enough to buy himself that particular title. Lain la kalau you yourself have the honour to carry the Dato' / Datuk title in front of your name like Datuk Zeti Akhtar Aziz or Datuk Siti Nurhaliza. In cases like that, you don't have to demand people's respect. You'll get it just like that.

So sedarlah diri sikit wahai warga-warga Datin sekalian. Jangan nak menyombong diri di atas perkara-perkara kecil seperti title tu. It's what you make of that title that will give you the respect that a mak Datin deserves. As Shakespeare said it 'A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet', so even if you don't have the Datin title but you contribute to the people then in their hearts you are a deserving Datin.

You dig?

Tig Tag Toe (or: 'My Puns Are Stupid')

As a newbie in the Order of the Coffee Guzzlers & Shisha smokers, High Priestess Zetty Amny has prepared my initiation rites. I am supposed to do as follows:

Rules: The rules are simple. Use Google Image to search the answers to the questions below. Then you must choose a picture in the first page of the results, and post it as your answer. After that tag 6 people.

I am:

Let's see what you make of this ;D


I really want to go:
Yes! I realise that I am over 20!!


My favourite place:
Penang to be axact.

My favourite thing:

I wish my laptop was as cool as this one though :P


My favourite drink(s):

Mamak makes the best Teh O' Ais

My favourite food:

and also:

Ye... saya suka makanan omputih. Nak buat camne?


My favourite colour:

I live in:

But in reality, I live...

and also:

I was born in:

I attend:

My favourite show(s):

as well as:

In this sense... yes, I'm a bimbo.


This is my hobby:

but I also like:

I definitely wish for:

and:

I tag:

1. Fynn
2. Elyna
3. Sue Anna Joe
4. Sarah B.
5. Azreen
6. Azman

Disclaimer: The statements expressed here are entirely based on present/current circumstances and are time-sensitive; changes may occur to the blogger's state of mind and well-being that can affect this opinion. The blogger also declares that she has not received any monetary or non-monetary compensation from posting this but will accept them from generous donours out there.

Thank you.

Koko Kaina / Zee Avi

*pic credit to takemeonline.blogspot

Following Fynn's reccomendation, I decided to check out another local indie musician Koko Kaina who now goes by the name of Zee Avi. And again, twice in the same week, I was blown away by this girl's sheer talent.

Dayyum!!! The voice on this girl.

So naturally I became an instant fan. I am now a subscriber to her Kokokaina Channel on Youtube and has also signed up to be in her mailing list at her official Zee Avi website. So yeah, I gotta give a shoutout to Fynn: I owe you one!! Am loving like this girl like mad!

So how talented is she?? So talented that she’s been picked up by Jack Johnson’s music label, Brushfire Records. Brushfire manager Emmett Malloy calls her a cross between Norah Jones and Billie Holliday. She's currently recording her debut at the Solar Power Plastic Plant, Brushfire's home studio in L.A. Backing her are Jack Johnson's band: drummer Adam Topol, bassist Merlo Podlewski and keyboardist Zach Gill. With a group of talents backing her up like that you know her album is gonna be a bomb.

She's already made her debut with Brushfire records through their christmas album with the song "No Christmas for Me". Aside officially being the first Malaysian singer to be part of the Brushfire Records roster, She's also the first female! This is the video for her "No Christmas for Me" single. Check it out.



However still no word on when her album is going to be out but rest assured, as soon as it is out I'm gonna be the first to lay my hands on it!!

Lisa Hannigan - NOW SOLO

Formerly a part of Damien Rice's act, Lisa Hannigan has broken free and now debuts her solo album "Sea Sew". Been a fan of hers since her Damien Rice days, and her latest single "Lille" does not disappoint. Check out the official music video for "Lille". Wouldn't you love to have a pop-up book just like that? I'd have hours and hours of fun. (Yes, I know I'm over 20)

Learn more about the lady with the velvety voice on her official website: Sea Sew.

p.s. HappyThaipusam to all Malaysians. Yeay! Yeay! Esok cuti!!

Yuna - local IT indie girl

I have just discovered Malaysia's local 'it' indie scene girl. Yuna, an amazing singer/ song writer. Totally reminiscent of Fiona Apple, Rachael Yamagata and Alanis Morissette.

Yeah, I know am lightyears 'ketinggalan zaman' but I have never been much of a follower of the local indie scene. Aside from the usual indie-gone-mainstream kinda bands like Meet Uncle Hussain and Hujan, I'm totally clueless on who's who in the Malaysian indie music scene. Not that I don't appreciate the indie scene but Malaysian iindie music before this were the type that made my ears itch and my skin crawl. For a person who appreciates lyrics those kind of bands were the bane of my existence. Then came the bands who were heavily influenced by the Indonesian indie music scene. Whew! My ears now rest easy.

So when I suddenly discovered Yuna, totally by chance ( I was actually surfing for online shops :P), I was totally blown away. She plays the type of music that I liked. That I listened to. That I enjoyed. It was totally a dream come true. Not only she has a great voice, her lyrics are superb! And the best part part was the fact that her pronunciation for English songs was perfect! I can never stand local performers butchering an English song through their pathetic pronunciation. I just can't help myself. I am an English language major after all.

Here's Yuna performing my favourite song, Deeper Conversation. Check out her other songs: Rocket, Dan Sebenarnya, Missing a Star, Polaroid etc. Her EP is already out but only sold at various stores around KL.

1. THE SUPERSUNDAY Concept store. How to go there?
   
2. Wondermilk. 41 Jalan SS21/1A Damansara Utama (same row as TM Point and IACT college)
3. The Dolls Store. 87 Basement , Jln Bulan, Bkt Bintang , Kuala Lumpur (in front of Metrojaya, BB Plaza)

Yuna usually sells her EP album at her show venues as well. So if you want to check her out here are her upcoming performance dates:

February, 20 2009 08:00 PM - Festival Tunku Bahiyah Kompleks Perdanasiswa, Universiti Malaya

Petaling Jaya

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March, 7 2009 03:00 PM Graphic Day UiTM Lendu

Melaka,

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March, 15 2009 08:00 PM Mosaic Music Festival: Nokia Music Station (Indie Air) Esplanade Outdoor Theatre Singapore

So anyways I'm just glad that I finally found a local artist worth supporting. Won't even mind becoming her groupie XP For those living round Gombak area and wishes to purchase her EP, Good News!! A supplier is more than happy to help you. Contact this lovely lady and she'll hook you up. Remember.. buy original. Support the local music scene. Go Yuna!

Supplier: Zaina Wardah
Tel. No: 012 3401545
Email: cheq2wawa2@yahoo.com

Greetings to the Year of the Brown Cow/ Ox

The Significance of the Brown Cow

The year of the Ox is associated with domestic trouble that seems to have no solution. The grounded, rational, earth influence of the Ox may bring good fortune to troubled economic times but only with a sustained, well planned effort. The Ox influence brings an aversion to risky credit and quick answers that are not well conceived. The Ox year brings success only through discipline and through hard work. The steady ox is quick to anger when confronted by what seems to be irrational opposition, but the use of reason works well and avoids a charge by the angry bull. There is much danger of war and unrest if diplomacy does not prevail.

The last time the earth Ox was seen as the ruling influence was January 29, 1949 - February 15, 1950. The world suffered a recession in late 1948 and early 1949 (looks like history is repeating itself). The world economy recovered during the year of the ox due to rational decisions and careful planning. By 1951, the recession was over. Many will be searching for a quick solution to the current economic crisis, but the ox favors a well planned, consistent path that will take more time but lay a foundation for long lasting results. The strong earth influence of this year favors a strengthening of the housing market, but risk takers will not find this year favorable. Those who look for long term benefits, have a well thought out plan and are willing to work to see results will find great success.

Baby boomers who were born the last time the brown earth Ox ruled the zodiac celebrate their 60th birthday this year. Those who are influenced by the Ox will have experienced many years of good fortune if the planning, hard work and discipline of the sign were heeded. Those who failed to plan are given a new opportunity this year. If the lessons of the past are integrated, the future brings harmony and good fortune at home and in business.

Lishaznia's Note: So let's take heed of the cow's wisdom - plan well, be rational, be smart and lastly be patient. Barack Obama is well-known individual born in the year of the Cow. Let's see if he displays all the characteristics associated with those born in the year of the Cow.

Taken from : Chiff.Com

HOLD YOUR SALIVA!!

I don't know where this DISGUSTING habit originated and frankly I don't care but it has seriously got to STOP!!!

It is NOT FUNNY to be hit by saliva and god knows what else (eew!) while you're happily minding your own business as you wait for the bus or walking along the sidewalk.

IT IS UNHYGIENIC!!

IT IS DISGUSTING!!

IT IS GROSS!!

Did I mention that IT IS DISGUSTING?!!

IT IS A VIOLATION OF PERSONAL SPACE!!

Yes it is A VIOLATION! You do NOT want other people's disgusting, excess bodily fluids oozing on your jeans. And to make matters worse, once the gunk gets on you there's pretty much nothing else you can do but go home and put it in the wash. And the spitter walks off with nothing more than an apology. You know for a fact that he's just going to do it again. It is so infuriating!! It should be made a rule that ALL BODILY FLUIDS MUST REMAIN WITHIN THE PERSON WHEN IN PUBLIC PLACES.

As for spitters, seriously do you think it is cool to spit? Do you think it'll make you look macho? Do you actually think that a girl will get turned on by the fact that you spit everywhere?

THINK AGAIN!! We want men with more class. And salivary glands control.

I think the Malaysian government should learn from the Chinese Republic. Make spitting an offense!! Fine them!! And if they still don't comply, let them rot in jail!

And in come responsibility...

Ever been hotel-hopping?

Going from one hotel to another on behalf of your company. Checking out their rooms, their services. For a short while you have power. You're a king!

The Sales Exec bending over backwards trying to woo you, please. You can practically see the RM sign shining in their eyes.

They know. They know that if they get you, money will start rolling in. 5- digit figure at the very minimum. Commission wise, that's a whole lot.

So have I ever been hotel-hopping?

Nearly.

Responsibility called. And I had to answer.

Adulthood SUCKS.

"Lagu Untukmu" by Meet Uncle Hussain won JUARA LAGU 2008

*APPLAUSE* All hail MEET UNCLE HUSSAIN for winning both the POP ROCK Category and the coveted JUARA LAGU 2008. You guys ROCK!

Lagu Untukmu - Meet Uncle Hussain