The Babyboss Story: July 2009

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

My Birthday SIGG Bottle

This year's birthday was somewhat different from the ones I had over the last many years. As far as presents are concerned, I only got one. But the best and most happening part was receiving loads of birthday wishes at Facebook. I think I got almost a hundred birthday messages. To me, thats a lot. Never have I ever gotten so many well wishes before.

I only got three birthday text messages on my handphone. And that shows the power of cyberspace and the popularity of Facebook over SMS. I guess its simply because writing a message on Facebook is free while text messages cost some ten-fifteen sen. Yes, I also understand that the birthday reminder at Facebook also helped reminded many about the date, thus the hundred messages. Nevertheless, I am still happy about it.

Well, my one and only present this year is my much needed SIGG water bottle. I wrote a blog post about this Swiss-made water bottle and its superior features. I got a blue one.

This is 1.0L SIGG Dark Blue Traveller #7533.30

The old and the new. My old bottle is from F.O.S. The paint on the mouth of the bottle is peeling off and is likely no longer safe to use (I don't want to be swallowing paint!!!).

Even the box for the SIGG bottle is luxuriously handsome.

So yeah, I have already put my new SIGG bottle into action. Somehow, don't know why, the water from the SIGG bottle seem to taste better! Hmmm...

Monday, July 20, 2009

Acts Of Betrayal

The world is sometimes so wicked, so filled with wicked hearted, unappreciative and cunning people. And I am not even taking about those unproductive, lazy and incompetent ones. It has become a known fact but having to experience it myself is another totally different experience.

Many years ago, a friend approached me and asked me for financial help. And for some reason, all these wickedness and cunningness are always related to money. Anyway, this friend needed RM10,000 for his mother's emergency medical cost and even gave me a post-dated check for the repayment of the loan. When the day came to bank in the check, it bounced. Called him up but he won't pick up the call. After a while, even the number got disconnected.

About three years ago, I referred a lady friend to open a banking account with a European bank. She was a divorcee and I wanted to help her make some money from the much higher interest rate from this bank. And so she did and had been enjoying good interest rates for over a year, collecting her monthly interest payouts happily. Sometime middle of last year, she wanted to take out all her money, in the climax of global recession. All banks, especially European banks tighten up all money transactions.

To cut the long story short, she is now blaming me for the delay of releasing her money. She is even threatening to sue me in court if I don't get her money out. And even to the extreme of asking loan sharks to come collect the money from me. What has it got to do with me? I was only the referrer. I don't have the money! She even scolds me with harsh vulgar words and accusing me of "cheating" her money. But she never thanked me even once for giving her the high interest payouts over the last one year plus! When things go sour, all she can think of is accusing and blaming me for everything. This was supposed to be a friend. Thanks but no thanks!

Another friend, from one event management company whom I have worked closely with, asked me for a favor. He wanted me to take photographs and video of some big shot police officer's daughter's wedding. In the name of "favor", I did it for him and even gave him a good price. The even was in April this year. Until now, I have not received my payment. He is no longer taking up my calls and neither is he replying to my text messages. He is totally ignoring me.

He bumped into me a few days ago at a coffee shop, he was with some friends. He did not even dare to look at me and chose to sit with his back facing me.

Another case. I did an event for this public listed company and I was dealing with their national sales director. A day prior to the event, he asked me to supply to him projector screens, switchers and cables. He said to issue a separate invoice and not to add on to the original event invoice. And so I did. The event was last year February. To cut the long story short, I have yet to receive my payment until today. Again, he is denying my calls, text messages and emails.

I can go on and on with a few more other incidents. It is so sick when these "friends" who asked me for help and favors, turn their backs on me when things got sour. My monetary loss is the small issue, it is the betrayal act that hurts me the most. Sometimes I wonder if I have been too kind to people. Someone once told me that I need to learn to say "no" even when I feel like saying "yes".

And that has brought to me many conflicting experiences, especially when I serve in the church. The Bible says to love your enemies, to forgive and to be a blessing. With God's grace, I truly need to learn and master the art of DIVINE WISDOM.

Sigh, jadi orang bukan senang! God...help us all.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The Haze

The haze situation in Cheras, as of this morning and afternoon, was reasonably pleasant with only a slight hint of its presence. But when 6pm came, things changed for the worst. The haze was thick and brought visibility down to like 3 km! The surrounding condominiums and buildings opposite my own condo unit were showered with thick haze. And the further buildings seem to have "disappeared"!!!

This picture was taken from the left side of my condo unit, 17 floors up, at 7pm. A normally easily visible KLCC and the KL Tower have gone "missing" in the thick haze. The furthest building I can visibily see is around 3 km away.

At a glance, the ambience does resemble a typical evening at Genting Highlands where instead of 37C worth of dusty haze, is 16C worth of cool fog and midst. Unfortunately, this ain't the case!

Opposite view from my unit is Leisure Mall, which is now almost hidden in thick haze! I think its the worst of haze condition so far.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

SIGG Water Bottles

SIGG, "The Original Swiss Bottle", is recognized world-wide for Swiss quality and craftsmanship that comes with nearly 100 years of heritage and experience. Produced from a single component that is seamless and has no comparable weak points, SIGG bottles are tremendously durable and virtually unbreakable.

In June 2006, Backpacker magazine conducted a relentless field test of leading water bottles brands. With the services of a 100 pound cannon packed with golf balls, they were able to destroy all of the targeted bottles – except one! Following the bottle barrage, they dubbed SIGG "The World's Toughest Water Bottle."

As tough as they are on the outside, it's the inside of SIGG bottles that make them so special. Due to SIGG's special, proprietary internal coating, these high-tech bottles are resistant to fruit juice acids, energy drinks, alcohol and virtually any consumable beverage. Because the liners are taste and scent neutral, you can enjoy any beverage you'd like – without any lingering smell or taste of the last beverage you drank.

The composition of the liner also reduces the chances of bacteria build-up. And because the liner is virtually baked into the inner walls of the bottle, it will not flake or chip even if dented on the outside.

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There has been a lot of press concerning plastic water bottles (polycarbonate) leaching harmful chemicals into the container's ingredients. It's extremely important to note that SIGG bottles exceed FDA requirements and have been thoroughly tested to ensure 0.0% leaching – so they are 100% safe.

In Malaysia, the SIGG water bottle (1.oL) is retailing at RM129 each.

July 28 is just around the corner and guess what's #1 on my birthday wish list?

A SIGG WATER BOTTLE. :)

Sunday, July 12, 2009

TV3 - Inspirasi Konsert

Again, for some funny reasons, I can't seem to move the pictures around. So, the sequence is, again, in reverse order.

This was the TV3 concert I covered while of my other fellow friends were shooting the Japan Super GT 2009 at Sepang. Given a choice, I'd take Japan GT anytime! Anyway, this was TV3's 25 years anniversary concert themed "Inspirasi". As usual, like their monthly Jom Heboh concerts, it was attended by Malays with maybe 1 or 2 foreign visitors who'd probably get a shock seeing how the crowd behaved. And I am not making this up and neither am I being biased because I actually interviewed one of the visitor.

The concert, being a Malay concert, had all Malay local artistes lined up for the evening. Some names I know, some I don't know and some I don't even bother to know.

Here are some pics that should tell the whole story.

Fireworks at the end of the show. I think the budget was the main reason for the rather "thin display".

The finale, all the artistes came out for a final good night.

Hmm, this is Awie!

Faizal Tahir

Malaysian veteran singer, M.Nasir.

The Malaysian "divas". From left is Adibah Noor (in white), Ning Baizura, Noryn Aziz and Jacklyn Victor (of Malaysian Idol fame).

The crowd and the stage.

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I have shot TV3 concerts for some years now and I always, and mean ALWAYS, see fights. Somehow, the people just can't stay polite and keep peace while enjoying the concert. Somehow, they just have to irritate each other and start a fight. You kacau me, I kacau you! Not just once but a few times in ONE show!

This is what I mean "gangsterism" among the youths! The police, and I mean POLICE and not the RELAs, had to come and literally "arrest" the boys!

I have also covered many Hong Kong, Taiwan and international artistes' concerts here in Malaysia and we don't see such rowdy behaviours. Yes, there were "naughty" boys too but not to an extreme of a "police arrest"! In fact, only the RELAs were on duty. Somehow, the TV3 concerts require the presence of the police force. That tells us something, doesn't it?

Not sure who they are. In fact, I don't know 60% of the artiste line-up.

Veteran singer, Jamal Abdilah. Married and divorced 3 times. And I thought this only happens in the Western celebrity culture. Malaysia Boleh!

Before the show started, balloons were distributed. And everyone, including the adults, rushed for them. The father would take 3 balloons, 2 for his kid and one for himself. I mean, haven't they seen balloons before? Why would city folks go to the extend of "fighting" for balloons? Gosh!

Our "spiderman" up there, 40 feet above ground, fixing the molefay lights.

Huge amount of power was consumed that evening. The source...industrial generator sets.

The clowns

The crowd

The inflatables

Street artistes at work on their graffiti

The "Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad" also known as the "clock tower" in front of Dataran Merdeka. A view that I have not shot for more than 10 years. I remembered when I started photography as a hobby some 18 years ago, I always drive down town shooting these old buildings.

EAW KF750 speakers used to give rear coverage for the people at the far back area. Personally, I think these aged KF750 performs far better than the newer ESS line arrays used as front of house at this concert.

TV3's sound engineer at the Yamaha PM5D digital mixer for FOH mix

The entire stage at 6pm

The ESS (East Sound System) line array Front-Of-House system. They sounded ok but I think it was a little "hard". Maybe the sound engineer preferred "harder" sound.

The music director's keyboards station. Not sure who she was but it was a lady. No, it was not Jenny Chin.

The drummer. Forgot his name!

The Yamaha M7CL digital mixer for stage monitors mix

The ESS power amps for the line array FOHs

Well, that's about it. That was my evening at TV3's Inspirasi Konsert Ulang Tahun Ke-25. I still think shooting the Japan GT would be more fun!

Sigh.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Moments at Michael Jackson's Memorial

I watched the live telecast over Astro's CNN coverage of Michael Jackson's memorial service at the Staples Centre. At first, I didn't get good signals from Astro due to the rain, so I watched it over CNN's website on streaming video. But later, reverted back to Astro when the rain stopped.

It was a super slow 2 hour plus event. And the replay the next day got everything told in less than 60 minutes! Should have watched the replay instead. But then again, nothing beats the suspense and thrill of watching a live telecast and knowing that its happening there over in US, exactly as you see it on TV. That is also why I only watch football matches if its "live" and if its "the finals".

Anyway, a few things brought me to tears while watching MJ's memorial last nite. The pushing in of his coffin by his brothers was somehow heart moving. I mean, its Michael Jackson's body lying inside there, alright!

But I was especially touched when his 11 year old daughter, Paris Jackson, gave the short but super touchy speech and when she said her daddy was the best daddy in the world, it brought me tears. This were her exact words, "Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just want to say that I love him so much", and she burst into tears.

I mean, the world has never heard from this girl and when she speaks, she moved the world to tears! How powerful. Watch the video HERE.

When Brooke Shileds gave her testimony, she concluded with the lyrics of "Smile" and she teared. Then Michael's brother, Jermaine, sang the song in full.

Awesome lyrics, super meaningful. He almost couldn't finish the song. Again, brought me to tears.

But I think, the best part, at least in my opinion, was when the pastor (I think it was Pastor Lucius Smith) closed the event with a prayer and mentioned this, "the King of Pop will now have to bow his knees to the King of Kings". And that's God, our Heavenly Father! Rest in peace, Michael.

I woke up at 12 noon this "morning" and I am still awake now (its 4:30am). I think I better hit the sack now and hopefully get back to my "normal" sleeping routine!

Good night, Malaysia!

Monday, July 6, 2009

A Satisfied Event

I actually wrote quite a lot about this event but somehow for don't know what reasons the entire text just disappeared! Anyway, it was a good evening. Everything went well. Most of all, the client was happy and have their thumbs up! It was an awards nite for their Presidential Directors of an MLM company.

The pictures are in reverse order and I can't seem to rearrange the order of the pictures! Don't know wuts wrong with Blogspot. Anyway, here they are. All images taken with Canon IXUS70.