A little milestone went almost unnoticed yesterday. This humble little blog clocked its 10,000th visitor, with over 20,000 page views since its inception 45 days ago.
Not much when compared to sibling Dua Sen, which recorded over 1 million visitors and 5 million page views, but still noteworthy :)
PS: Will the 10,000th visitor please identify yourself? You won a Smart Car!*
*numerous terms and conditions apply
Friday, June 16, 2006
Thursday, June 15, 2006
The New Age Woman
She's smart, savvy and sexy. She's great company, no matter the time or place. While dining, she would regale you with plans to save a faraway coral reef, or even the world.
Janice at Chocz KLCC. Panasonic Lumix FX8
Lu Sean at Ampang town. Canon Ixus 430
Pink Pau at Bangsar Avenue. Canon Ixus 500
All pictures with Olympus C8080
You listen just as attentively when she enthuses about flea markets and all things esoteric. She makes the hunger more bearable by being so unconsciously adorable. The food finally arrives. Just when you are about to dig in, she yells “Stop!”
Have you forgotten to give thanks and say grace? It may be nice to hold hands before a meal but that isn't what she has in mind for the moment.
Instead, she whips out a camera and photographs the dishes laid before her. She must have that pic for her blog, avatar or online album.
Seeing how steadfast she is, you relent and take a picture of her taking a picture. Only when she finishes, can you eat.
That's the new age woman...
Janice at Chocz KLCC. Panasonic Lumix FX8
Lu Sean at Ampang town. Canon Ixus 430
Pink Pau at Bangsar Avenue. Canon Ixus 500
All pictures with Olympus C8080
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Kick Off!
The nation will grind to a halt, billions of ringgit will change hands and mamak stalls will finally pay Astro commercial subscription rates.
The World Cup kicks off!
The Malay Mail hosted a private screening party for its friends and clients at the upper deck of C18@Bangsar Avenue. This new entertainment center is converted from the old TV3 HQ in Bangsar.
Bathed in UV and neon lights, the large indoor venue is really cool and almost surreal. There's also a pool parlour and restaurant at this renewed address in Jalan Liku.
The door gift was quite thoughtful. In the bag, was a copy of the paper, a red/yellow card, a whistle and something which my very bored companion Janice may appreciate. A copy of "Football For Dummies."
The World Cup kicks off!
The Malay Mail hosted a private screening party for its friends and clients at the upper deck of C18@Bangsar Avenue. This new entertainment center is converted from the old TV3 HQ in Bangsar.
Bathed in UV and neon lights, the large indoor venue is really cool and almost surreal. There's also a pool parlour and restaurant at this renewed address in Jalan Liku.
The door gift was quite thoughtful. In the bag, was a copy of the paper, a red/yellow card, a whistle and something which my very bored companion Janice may appreciate. A copy of "Football For Dummies."
Friday, June 09, 2006
Fastest Clock In The Universe
World Cup widows, don't take it lying down. Grab a partner and go watch Philip Ridley's Fastest Clock In The Universe this weekend.
This perverse play is ably directed by Joe Hasham and acted by the fine ensemble of Gavin Yap, Ari Ratos, Joanna Bessey, Niki Cheong and Faridah Merican.
The story of a man who refuses to accept the fact that he ages, is a play recommended for mature Malaysian audiences only.
It's intense and farcical at the same time. Not quite sure if it was the playwright's original intention, but the generous expletives seem to incite the most guffaws.
I like its darker moments; the flip-flop conflict between Ari's humiliated Tock and Gavin's overbearing Cougar.
In their world, time stands still. Decay is denied, preserved. The sounds of fluttering birds juxtaposed eerily against a stuffed hornbill.
I love Jia Wei' s set. The mirrors, stuffed birds, empty bird cages and embalming fluids added immeasurably to the mood.
It played to a full house the night I was there. I think KLPAC should consider doing away with free seating for Pentas 2. Getting into the hall was like getting into a LRT train in the mornings.
Gavin struts his stuff and Ari considers stuffing him in formaldehyde
The best seats are on the front row, on the right of stage. By the way, that's bird shit on the window, not raindrops
A rather big sign at the entrance of KLPAC offers a hint to what is in store....
This perverse play is ably directed by Joe Hasham and acted by the fine ensemble of Gavin Yap, Ari Ratos, Joanna Bessey, Niki Cheong and Faridah Merican.
The story of a man who refuses to accept the fact that he ages, is a play recommended for mature Malaysian audiences only.
It's intense and farcical at the same time. Not quite sure if it was the playwright's original intention, but the generous expletives seem to incite the most guffaws.
I like its darker moments; the flip-flop conflict between Ari's humiliated Tock and Gavin's overbearing Cougar.
In their world, time stands still. Decay is denied, preserved. The sounds of fluttering birds juxtaposed eerily against a stuffed hornbill.
I love Jia Wei' s set. The mirrors, stuffed birds, empty bird cages and embalming fluids added immeasurably to the mood.
It played to a full house the night I was there. I think KLPAC should consider doing away with free seating for Pentas 2. Getting into the hall was like getting into a LRT train in the mornings.
Gavin struts his stuff and Ari considers stuffing him in formaldehyde
The best seats are on the front row, on the right of stage. By the way, that's bird shit on the window, not raindrops
A rather big sign at the entrance of KLPAC offers a hint to what is in store....
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
So Much For A Happy Ending
On Friday night, while chilling at our usual spot, we heard the cries of a kitten nearby. Nothing unusual as there are many strays in the area.
I decided to investigate anyway. Whenever I got near the source, the crying would stop. I checked all the nearby drains but could not find anything.
My best bud Paul and I have climbed down many drains and crevices in previous attempts to rescue a fallen kitten or puppy.
In fact, my cat Longkang was plucked from a monsoon drain so deep I ended up trapped myself. But that's another story.
Anyway, the following night we were hanging out at the same spot with Sharon and we heard the same eerie cries again...
Paul and Sharon
Horror of horrors! There was a kitten stuck on a signboard above the shops. Probably her mother hid her there and never came back for it.
Maybe the mother was ran over by a car. We'll never know but it was 4am and there was a hungry and frightened kitten trapped above us.
The victim. Fortunately I took this one and only pic of the cat. Otherwise, the firemen would have thought we were imagining it.
Paul trying to lure it down
We borrowed a ladder from the nearby Seven Eleven but it was not tall enough. Sharon called the Fire & Rescue Department. To their credit, they dispatched a team within 10 minutes.
Now, the heartbreak begins.
The ladder that came with the truck was too heavy to rest on the signboard, they explained. Understandably, they didn't want to risk damaging private property just to rescue an animal.
Like catching snakes
So they tried probing with their snake catching calipers and gave up. Nobody wanted to think out of the box or go the extra mile.
I don't blame them, at least they came. Maybe I watched too many Animal Planet rescue episodes with happy endings.
They said they will return at 8am though, when there is better light.
We even offered our ladder
Daybreak and Sharon was still waiting
We waited till around 8am. Found out later from witnesses that they returned at noon, glanced around, and left quickly.
Sharon made a follow-up call and they claimed the kitten eluded them a second time. OK, at least they tried. We are grateful.
It was a holiday weekend and we couldn't access the floors above. Meanwhile, either the kitten is already dead or growing up with pigeons.
Most likely she's shivering in a corner. Tell me how, readers...
I decided to investigate anyway. Whenever I got near the source, the crying would stop. I checked all the nearby drains but could not find anything.
My best bud Paul and I have climbed down many drains and crevices in previous attempts to rescue a fallen kitten or puppy.
In fact, my cat Longkang was plucked from a monsoon drain so deep I ended up trapped myself. But that's another story.
Anyway, the following night we were hanging out at the same spot with Sharon and we heard the same eerie cries again...
Paul and Sharon
Horror of horrors! There was a kitten stuck on a signboard above the shops. Probably her mother hid her there and never came back for it.
Maybe the mother was ran over by a car. We'll never know but it was 4am and there was a hungry and frightened kitten trapped above us.
The victim. Fortunately I took this one and only pic of the cat. Otherwise, the firemen would have thought we were imagining it.
Paul trying to lure it down
We borrowed a ladder from the nearby Seven Eleven but it was not tall enough. Sharon called the Fire & Rescue Department. To their credit, they dispatched a team within 10 minutes.
Now, the heartbreak begins.
The ladder that came with the truck was too heavy to rest on the signboard, they explained. Understandably, they didn't want to risk damaging private property just to rescue an animal.
Like catching snakes
So they tried probing with their snake catching calipers and gave up. Nobody wanted to think out of the box or go the extra mile.
I don't blame them, at least they came. Maybe I watched too many Animal Planet rescue episodes with happy endings.
They said they will return at 8am though, when there is better light.
We even offered our ladder
Daybreak and Sharon was still waiting
We waited till around 8am. Found out later from witnesses that they returned at noon, glanced around, and left quickly.
Sharon made a follow-up call and they claimed the kitten eluded them a second time. OK, at least they tried. We are grateful.
It was a holiday weekend and we couldn't access the floors above. Meanwhile, either the kitten is already dead or growing up with pigeons.
Most likely she's shivering in a corner. Tell me how, readers...
Sunday, June 04, 2006
The Remember Series
Johan Nasir's The Remember Series is a timely tribute to those popular but now defunct clubs of yesteryears.
He rounded up deejays and music from dead clubs such as Baze, Boom Boom Room, Barbarran, Piccadilly, plus a few more to be announced.
Grateful retired clubbers get to re-live their decadent days, one club at a time, over several weekends.
Even recently expired DV8 is now designated old school. Last night's tribute to that notorious club left me with mixed feelings.
The classy venue, Bond in Avenue K, lacks the gritty atmosphere of that once 'untouchable' club in PJ. Nevertheless, it was nice to reminisce from a safe spot.
Same great music minus the menacing bouncers, fights, raids and inebriated stewardesses...
Bar Bond screens Bond movies at one corner
Johan "I See Dead Clubs" Nasir
Sharon the Malay Mail intern, the blogger and friend from Kuala Kangsar
He rounded up deejays and music from dead clubs such as Baze, Boom Boom Room, Barbarran, Piccadilly, plus a few more to be announced.
Grateful retired clubbers get to re-live their decadent days, one club at a time, over several weekends.
Even recently expired DV8 is now designated old school. Last night's tribute to that notorious club left me with mixed feelings.
The classy venue, Bond in Avenue K, lacks the gritty atmosphere of that once 'untouchable' club in PJ. Nevertheless, it was nice to reminisce from a safe spot.
Same great music minus the menacing bouncers, fights, raids and inebriated stewardesses...
Bar Bond screens Bond movies at one corner
Johan "I See Dead Clubs" Nasir
Sharon the Malay Mail intern, the blogger and friend from Kuala Kangsar
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Klang Gates' Last Stand
Olympus C8080, ISO 100, f3.5, 1/160 sec
The Klang Gates ridge is shrouded by early morning mist and blanketed by gloomy clouds.
Beneath it, blinking emergency vehicles congregate at yet another fatal landslide.
Standing stoic as development encircles, its own ending tragically imminent...
Friday, June 02, 2006
Cindy Yeap Live at NBT
My dear friend, the lovely soprano Cindy Yeap performed at No Black Tie last night. Together with tenor Tan Wei Han, baritone Fuad Ahmad and (surprise!) NBT boss Evelyn on piano, it added up a superb show.
Yes; imagine classical art songs and arias from operas at a jazz club. The second set was more palatable (for me) with songs from musicals including my favourite "On The Street Where You Live" (from My Fair Lady):
And oh! The towering feeling
Just to know somehow you are near.
The overpowering feeling
That any second you may suddenly appear!
People stop and stare. They don't bother me...
Halfway through that song, I suddenly realised in today's context, this song may well be the stalker's anthem...
The accomplished trio will be back on 17th June (Mozart Night) and 1st July (Opera Night).
No Black Tie
17 Jalan Mesui
50200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2142 3737
Captivating Cindy on stage
With fellow singer Janet Lee
True to her "down-to-earth diva" image, we went mamak after her show
Yes; imagine classical art songs and arias from operas at a jazz club. The second set was more palatable (for me) with songs from musicals including my favourite "On The Street Where You Live" (from My Fair Lady):
And oh! The towering feeling
Just to know somehow you are near.
The overpowering feeling
That any second you may suddenly appear!
People stop and stare. They don't bother me...
Halfway through that song, I suddenly realised in today's context, this song may well be the stalker's anthem...
The accomplished trio will be back on 17th June (Mozart Night) and 1st July (Opera Night).
No Black Tie
17 Jalan Mesui
50200 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 2142 3737
Captivating Cindy on stage
With fellow singer Janet Lee
True to her "down-to-earth diva" image, we went mamak after her show
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Good Hair Day
The National Press Club had another one of its impromptu theme parties. Last night was Girly Hair Salon For Men Night...
Stephen after skin whitening
Rocky moments before they snipped off his ponytail
Yusri getting a rub down
President Rocky, Lay Chin, Me and Patrick
Pat & Yushaimi showing off their new haircut
Stephen after skin whitening
Rocky moments before they snipped off his ponytail
Yusri getting a rub down
President Rocky, Lay Chin, Me and Patrick
Pat & Yushaimi showing off their new haircut
Monday, May 29, 2006
Race Queens
Just when I thought I've see enough belly buttons to last a lifetime, the thoughtful people at SIC sent out an invitation to preview the upcoming Japan GT Championhips at Sepang. Due to acute shortage of local supply, over 200 race queens will be imported from Japan...
Update: See the latest pics of Japan GT girls in Sepang 2006
A Fireangel pose from the middle!
Me overdosed
Update: More Japan GT girls pics here
Update: See the latest pics of Japan GT girls in Sepang 2006
A Fireangel pose from the middle!
Me overdosed
Update: More Japan GT girls pics here
Sunday, May 28, 2006
East Meets East
Under the shadow of KL Sentral, sprouts several business establishments named or re-named after the famous landmark. There's the Urut Sentral, Klinik Sentral, Rumah Tumpangan Sentral, among others.
One of my favourite restaurants in the vicinity is Restoran B' Sentral. The name may not be original but the place has a number of original and creative offerings on their menu.
The eatery is converted from an old bungalow and its floor is tiled with old railway sleepers. A nice throwback to the old days Brickfields, where a giant railway yard once stood.
During a recent visit with Janice, I ordered their new Claypot Nasi Beriani Kambing (RM 10.50); an unique and clever combo of Chinese and Indian cooking styles. This has to be one of the best fusion dish I've ever tasted.
Janice had the Roti Romali (RM 3), a grease-less capati cooked over the back of an inverted kuali. She also tried another house specialty, the intriguing Afghani Chicken (RM 8).
It looks deceptive, like white Tandoori Chicken. It is marinated quite differently and cooked with cheese stuffed within. The bread is oil-free as advertised and goes quite well with the juicy chicken.
There's ample parking and a big screen for the World Cup season, so check it out when you're in the area next.
Restoran B' Sentral
Near the Pejabat Pos, opposite the Pos Laju depot, Brickfields
You won't miss it even from far
The claypot beriani comes with an egg
The lonesome Afghani chicken on the right
No, is not hunchback Quasimodo's shirt on a special ironing board. It's Roti Romali cooked over an upside down wok
If you look a bit further left, you'll see the railway sleepers used for the floor
One of my favourite restaurants in the vicinity is Restoran B' Sentral. The name may not be original but the place has a number of original and creative offerings on their menu.
The eatery is converted from an old bungalow and its floor is tiled with old railway sleepers. A nice throwback to the old days Brickfields, where a giant railway yard once stood.
During a recent visit with Janice, I ordered their new Claypot Nasi Beriani Kambing (RM 10.50); an unique and clever combo of Chinese and Indian cooking styles. This has to be one of the best fusion dish I've ever tasted.
Janice had the Roti Romali (RM 3), a grease-less capati cooked over the back of an inverted kuali. She also tried another house specialty, the intriguing Afghani Chicken (RM 8).
It looks deceptive, like white Tandoori Chicken. It is marinated quite differently and cooked with cheese stuffed within. The bread is oil-free as advertised and goes quite well with the juicy chicken.
There's ample parking and a big screen for the World Cup season, so check it out when you're in the area next.
Restoran B' Sentral
Near the Pejabat Pos, opposite the Pos Laju depot, Brickfields
You won't miss it even from far
The claypot beriani comes with an egg
The lonesome Afghani chicken on the right
No, is not hunchback Quasimodo's shirt on a special ironing board. It's Roti Romali cooked over an upside down wok
If you look a bit further left, you'll see the railway sleepers used for the floor
Saturday, May 27, 2006
Rhythm Of The Rainforest
My friend Antares premiered his documentary "Rhythm Of The Rainforest" at KLPAC tonight. As the title suggests, it is about that annual pilgrimage of debauchery (for some of us) to the heart of Borneo. The Rainforest World Music Festival.
At 80 minutes, it is a little long and rambling. Still; it is a worthwhile nostalgic flashback for past attendees and eye-opening for newbies. For me, seeing my favourite trance-inducer Faiz Ali Faiz alone, is worth the price of admission.
Public screenings are on tomorrow (Sunday) at 3:00 and 8:30 pm at the Indiecine, KLPAC If you purchase the DVD (RM 30), you get in free. Otherwise, is only RM 10 for a ticket. Take a trip!
Antares and family
The DVD
At 80 minutes, it is a little long and rambling. Still; it is a worthwhile nostalgic flashback for past attendees and eye-opening for newbies. For me, seeing my favourite trance-inducer Faiz Ali Faiz alone, is worth the price of admission.
Public screenings are on tomorrow (Sunday) at 3:00 and 8:30 pm at the Indiecine, KLPAC If you purchase the DVD (RM 30), you get in free. Otherwise, is only RM 10 for a ticket. Take a trip!
Antares and family
The DVD
Friday, May 26, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
The Coconut House
Pooi San was driving me around aimlessly on Sunday. We were trying to think of a new place for dinner and beers. Not a hard thing to do, for most people.
The thing about her is that she drinks only Carlsberg and avoids places that provide only side parking. We finally settled down at the Coconut House at Jalan Pudu Lama. It serves Danish beers and the parking bays are not too challenging.
The restaurant is housed in a rustic pre-war building. With its tall ceiling, retro chandeliers, the place is charming and even romantic, given enough beers.
Like its sister restaurant in Melaka (which I visited years ago), the service is again overly unobtrusive. Even though, it was near empty, we had to wave frantically for our orders to be taken.
We ordered sauteed button mushrooms (specifically) for appetisers but were served bland shitake and abalone mushrooms (RM 9) instead. The expressionless waiter said it was the same thing!
The seafood pizza (RM 21) was tasty but looked a little impoverished even with extra seafood toppings (RM 4.50). The crust was uneven and lopsided but it was a pretty good deal.
The pork-free restaurant also serves pasta dishes, soups, salads, desserts and coconut juice.
Coconut House
28-30 Jalan Pudu Lama, Kuala Lumpur
(Behind the Hindu temple, opposite Puduraya)
Tel: 03 2031 2830
We had the whole place to ourselves
While our pizza is being fired up in a giant coconut oven...
...we settled for some mistaken mushrooms
The seafood pizza with extra seafood toppings
Pooi San the happy camper. Note: the coconut is an ashtray
The thing about her is that she drinks only Carlsberg and avoids places that provide only side parking. We finally settled down at the Coconut House at Jalan Pudu Lama. It serves Danish beers and the parking bays are not too challenging.
The restaurant is housed in a rustic pre-war building. With its tall ceiling, retro chandeliers, the place is charming and even romantic, given enough beers.
Like its sister restaurant in Melaka (which I visited years ago), the service is again overly unobtrusive. Even though, it was near empty, we had to wave frantically for our orders to be taken.
We ordered sauteed button mushrooms (specifically) for appetisers but were served bland shitake and abalone mushrooms (RM 9) instead. The expressionless waiter said it was the same thing!
The seafood pizza (RM 21) was tasty but looked a little impoverished even with extra seafood toppings (RM 4.50). The crust was uneven and lopsided but it was a pretty good deal.
The pork-free restaurant also serves pasta dishes, soups, salads, desserts and coconut juice.
Coconut House
28-30 Jalan Pudu Lama, Kuala Lumpur
(Behind the Hindu temple, opposite Puduraya)
Tel: 03 2031 2830
We had the whole place to ourselves
While our pizza is being fired up in a giant coconut oven...
...we settled for some mistaken mushrooms
The seafood pizza with extra seafood toppings
Pooi San the happy camper. Note: the coconut is an ashtray
Friday, May 19, 2006
Jazz Cafe Season 2 Day 4
Beautiful gold medalist Carolyn Au-Yong relaxes as me and Patrick grapple with the subject of rhythmic gymnastics and cheerleading
Popular actor/director Gavin Yap getting ready to do an impersonation of an impersonation of the host
The 'kingly actor' Mano Maniam and Patrick were from rival schools in Ipoh
It's a wrap! Christine & Janice who were supposed to visit us at the studio, got waylaid by some shopping at 1U instead. They eventually caught up with us at Centrepoint for some drinks.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Jazz Cafe Season 2 Day 3
Celebrity guest Shebby giving sleepy me an analysis of the Barcelona-Arsenal game.
Theatre and radio star Nell Ng attended to by Shegar, Patrick's personal stylist
Superbabe Ning Baizura getting ready to sing and talk
Pang the editor of Kakiseni.com. I love that portal! According to Pang, there are rumours stating otherwise. Well, you heard it from the horse's mouth. I love Kakiseni...
After much persuasion, the producers finally assigned a butler to our room on the third day
Warming up our next celeb guest Cindy Yeap
Doreen Tang, the other star of M! The Opera had to lengthen her skirt on the set
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