Wild West Experience

It’s been a while since a western movie hit the silver screen. If I am not mistaken, the last good movie in this genre is Tombstone by Kevin Costner about the legendary Wyatt Earp; officer of law and feared gunslinger. Other old time favourite includes The Magnificent Seven, Maverick and anything from Charles Bronson or Clint Eastwood.

Apart from the settlement of petty issues through the end of a Point 45 Magnum or Winchester Rifle (thank god that period has passed), I am always fascinated with the simplicity of a cowboys life. Almost everything owned or consumed is worked with own sweat and effort. However that the romantic representation from Hollywood, we will never know for sure unless we’re in that era.

The only thing that burned in my mind as result of watching lots of western is: I always imagined myself as a cowboy in a dessert, whenever I am eating baked beans with eggs and using only a fork of course but no hat :P

Moving along and interested to experience more on the cowboy culture, I’ve stumbled upon the Houston Rodeo & Livestock Show (a/k/a rodeoHOUSTON). This is a one stop cowboy experience event that last for almost a month held next year from 3rd till 22nd March 2009. There are rodeo shows, square dancing, country music, authentic western barbeque, gun slinging and of course real cowboys. There are also many activities for both grown-ups and children whom you can participate; I am looking forward to have a go of shooting a rifle, 0.45 Magnum and trail rides.

Looks like I have to sell lots of stuff on eBay to set some budget, if I plan to go. Its going to be quite a task with the recent fuel price hike and hopefully by the time I’m going, there are still RodeoHouston tickets available. Oh well, in the mean time better I practice my Yeeehaaaaww!!

Take A Hike

Yesterday, most of us experienced the massive traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur due to the recent announcement of fuel price hike. I don't want to elaborate on the road conditions that day nor on the fuel price.

However I would like to share on my total bill for dinner that night at a mamak outlet. Its only been a few hours since the price hike announced and food prices suddenly went up also. The tandoori chicken which I ate rose RM 1 from RM 5.50 to RM 6.50 and Beehun Sup remains at RM 4.50 even though ordered without egg. When complained, the mamak only says that with or without egg it remains the same.

Recently I've been careful with my expenses and finding cheaper substitutes for my needs and wants. Example; instead of eating at the mall's food court after a movie and drink coffee at Starbucks, we go for a cheaper venue such as mamak, SS2 etc. But if the food court has reasonably priced food items, we usually resort to eating there.

Back to the mamak, I will never go there anymore. Worse case, I'll cook my dinner at home; it's fresher and more delicious even though its only baked beans and eggs. I wonder how will the current weak government control such act and inflation. Sight* I'd better stock up food to cook.

Spice Up Your Bathroom With Fabric Shower Curtains

Bathroom is an integral part of any home. It is used daily and usually shared between the households. Even though we use this facility regularly, more often we neglect its ambient and décor. Rightly so; as not much you can do once the fixtures, cabinets and amenities are already in place.

Apart from putting a pot of flowers, shower mats and etc; putting in shower curtain changes significantly the way your bathroom looks as it is the biggest visible element. You can make you bathroom feel bigger, cosier, funky or just more pleasing with the eyes with a dash of colour and patterns provided by a shower curtain.

Choosing the right material is also important, in my opinion; fabric shower curtains is more hygienic and easy to clean. They are less prone for mold and mildew to flourish. At Cozy Homewares, they have a wide variety of fabric shower curtains with different materials, texture, colour and pattern to suit every taste. Furthermore at this current moment, the shipping is free. Head over to Cozy Homewares to refresh the look and feel of your bathroom.


This entry is written for http://www.cozyhomewares.com

Got Conned at Money Changer

Dear friends, hopefully this does not happen to you. Yesterday, I went to a money changer to change my access Indonesian Rupiahs back to RM. I had a stack of Rupiah in 100,000 and 50,000 denominations, which the total amount I was very sure off.

It was like any normal transaction, I handed over the total amount to the money changer and they counted it. The dispute only arises when the total amount was not as per what I've submitted. I requested for a recount and the amount totaled up the same; 50,000 Rupiah short. The money changer handed the money back to me, and when counted truly it was 50,000 Rupiah short.

What else could I do? Reluctantly I changed the money. Afterwards, I've check my pockets, my wallet and it is actually impossible to misplace a single sheet as I had tied it with a rubber band and kept in a separate pocket. I was puzzled and stressed as I am very sure of my total mount.

The only conclusion I could think off is that the money changer conned / shortchanged me. How? She did counted in front of me. Recalling back; I did have a stack of Rupiah in two different denominations as mentioned.

Upon receiving the money from me, the money changer split the money according to the denomination; putting one half on the table out of my view while immediately counting the other using an automated machine. Once done, she proceeded to count the money on the table; I can't see if she kept one note aside as the counter was high. At least this is how I figured, they took my money. Like I said; What can I do? Just bad luck.

Lesson learned:

• Never hand over a stack of money with different denominations to the money changer.
• Always keep your eyes lock on the money.
• Never go to the money changer again (Mid Valley, LG Floor at the KFC escalators. Right most money changer)

Ignite Yourself Through Socialspark

Izea, the company which gave us the opportunity to earn money via blogging with PayPerPost is now introducing a new product called Socialspark. This new service combines the best of both worlds of social networking and cash earning through the Internet.

Through Socialspark one can promote their blog and make new friends with other fellow bloggers within the community. In addition to that, you also gain exposure for your blog to advertisers which increase your chances of being recruited to write for them.

Apart from that, the normal marketplace for paid per post blog opportunity is still there but with an enhancement. In Socialspark; if the opportunity has been fully taken, you can queue for the next batch of opportunity. So now, you don’t have to keep refreshing your browser to get an opportunity, instead you will be notified via e-mail if you are successful in the queue.

I’ve registered myself and found Socialspark website quite user friendly, graphically pleasing and easy on the bandwidth as pages loaded quite fast for lower broadband connections. Yes, you can register for both ParPerPost and Socialspark. I can’t wait to have my blog approved in Socialspark so I can grab the opportunities in this site as well. Interested? Signup up now to Socialspark and add me as your friend :)

Toilet Announcement

Malaysia is not so famous for its toilet cleanliness but there are efforts improve. The following is a notice which I've stumble upon in the mens toilet put up by the premise owner to prove my first statement:

Hahaha.. Luckily when I first read the statement, it didn't sink in to my mind yet.. if not; laughing while doing my business could effect my aim. I wonder what notice did they post in the ladies :P

Weight Issues

Today I’ve experienced light headedness at work which prompted me a visit the office doctor. I suspect it was my blood pressure which causes this and I am partially correct. I said partially because all the 3 reading done differs from one another; the first 2 being high and thankfully the last reading indicates normal blood pressure.

The doctor let me off with an advice for me to do a blood test and reduce weight. To date I had gained 40 pounds from last I’ve seen her in 2006. I suspect my weight could be a contributing factor other than stressed at work.

Looks like I have to be selective and cut down the portions of what I eat and back to exercising regularly. It going to be quite a hurdle to change the eating habits as I find eating relieves my stress. Going back to gym is also daunting, but it’s unavoidable for my health sake.

Coincidentally today also, I’ve discovered that there is a drug that can assist in reducing my weight. The drug is called Generic Acomplia from Rimonabant which works by blocking your cravings for food or other substances. It is a great way to cut down my food intake; if coupled with regular exercising, I could be well on tract to lose weight and regain my fitness.

Will seek advice from my doctor if this product suits me, as initially I understand that the will be a side effect. If you are in a similar position as me, trying to lose weight; why not visit http://www.rimonabant20.com to find out more on how this product could assist you.

This entry is written for http://www.rimonabant20.com

The One With The Suprise Birthday Party

This is a long overdue entry, however I still have to post this to show my utmost appreciation (Len, if you don't mind, I borrow your header preamble for this entry) to Yang, Lenny, Alya, Fairuz, Mysara, Bigg, Ninie, Afza and Syaban; thank you very much for attending the birthday party. It was nice of you and it really made my day after a mundane and laborious day at work.

Apart from that, I would also like to thank my many friends that extended their wishes throughout the day; you're a lifeline for me to keep me on working. I especially liked the one which Ika, Zainul & Qais sent to me (as pictured on the left). And special thanks to xumb for leaving a birthday wish on my blog.

Last but not least, to the one that made this possible; my sweetheart Sayang Noorul Aiza :) Thank you very much for making this happen and thank you for the super nice gift (as pictured below). It was totally unexpected and really came to me as a surprise! I thought you really needed the disposable panties for the trip and cake for your mom :P

































p/s : Was super busy on my birthday as I am scheduled to leave Indonesia the next day (24th - 29th) and Sabah the following week (1st - 4th May); so have to complete work lor. Will post on the trip on another entry ;)

Six Sigma A Smarter Solution

Six years working in an incumbent telecommunication company, I have learned that quality is key for anything from satisfying customers, maintaining network performance and lowering costs; just to name a few.

One of the quality tools that we use is Six Sigma, which emphasizes on zero defect, continuous improvement of business processes and management commitment toward quality. It is a very useful tool for any type of organization or even individuals to continuously improve productivity efficiency.

Smarter Solution is an established training, consulting and coaching company which focuses on Six Sigma Education. It offers clients an innovative business process improvement system that goes beyond the balanced scorecard and integrates the best practices of Lean Six Sigma. I'm for one fortunate enough to attend a course on Six Sigma from one of its affiliates. To find out more on Six Sigma or training schedule, head over to www.smartersolutions.com

This entry is written for http://www.smartersolutions.com

Dasyatnye Sales Blog

Hi all..

I am pleased to announce that dasyatnye.com now has a sister site Dasyatnye Sales Blog. This new site will focus on sales activity of practical gadgets, computing and photography accessories. All products on sale are from my personal collection, family or friends. Please drop by from time-to-time to see on the latest product on sale.

As a launching promotion, there are discounts for the Handbag Hooks. Please over to Dasyatnye Sales Blog for further details. Happy shopping :)

Cheap International Calls at Phone Cards Avenue

Telephone nowadays is a necessity, whether it is over a fixed or wireless network. While local calls are getting cheaper, International calls is still charged at a premium rate as the rates are beyond a local telecommunication company’s control. As workaround solution we have an alternative such as communicating through the Internet, however it lacks that intuitive feeling of picking up the phone and talking to the other person in real time.

Well, fret no more over that expensive International call bill at the end of the month. Now you can feel free to pick up that phone and make an International call with an advent of cheap Prepaid Phone Cards providers such as Phone Cards Avenue. This company makes its easier for us to find the best possible rate to a call destination using cheap prepaid phone cards. Phone Card Avenue provides the best online phone cards solution for International and long distance calls. You can save up to 95% of your call charges by using the phone cards.

Phone Cards Avenue website itself makes it easy for us to find the best rates by country. Just select from the drop-down list your country and all Phone Cards available will be displayed. Malaysia for example, the lowest rate is at 6 cents per minute; which is dirt cheap for an International call. Apart from the rates, Phone Card Avenue also provides some ratings on the Phone Card’s; Call Quality, Billing and its Connection performance.

As this is an online phone card service provider, you will do all this in the comfort of your home. No more going out to 7-Elevens to buys calling cards or wait at night or early morning just to catch that slightly cheaper rate from your Telco. Take control of your phone bills and make calls whenever you want at the cheapest rate. Head over to Phone Cards Avenue now to find the best rate for your country.

This entry is written for http://www.phonecardsavenue.com

Malaysian Driving

I know this is a topic that we commonly know and experience from day-in and day-out. I've been on Malaysian roads for quite some time to express my opinion that attitude of a Malaysian driver has become from bad to worse. We have become so inconsiderate, law breakers and violent; we even have the cheeks to be mad or argue when clearly they are in the wrong or breaking the rule.

Take an example just for today, with the limited hours on the road; I have witnessed:

• 3 accidents, 2 on the road and one gone into a river
• 5 drivers driving while the traffic lights are red
• 2 drivers driving through a no entry or the opposite direction of a one way street
• 2 drivers driving through a red light at a pedestrian crossing
• numerous people not stopping at a zebra crossing
• uncountable numbers of speeding
• changing lanes or turning at a junction without signaling
  
• reckless driving

I read Readers Digest article on the Ranking of the Worse Drivers (attitude) in the world approximately 6 years back; Malaysia ranked fifth in Asia. By today if the study was conducted again, I would think we could be ranked the first. As at that time, Philippines drivers was at the top spot and the way the author put it; it describes the way we drive today.

Children witnessing their parents breaking the law on the road, what would they think about that? It should be ok as the parents did i, excellent example to the children. Do you have no shame? The authorities not doing their job enforcing the law prolonging over the years, this is what it has become. People no longer respect the law nor the authorities, do you have no shame?

It is a sad sight to see and a heartache of how bad things had become. Worse of all, if you think beyond the driving; in my opinion it reflects our attitude, discipline level and our principles in life. I love this country and that is why I express my dissatisfaction and grief here as clearly the government is not doing anything significant to rectify this social ill. I wonder what kind of leader or society will we have in another 10 years time?