Been Burnin Purple Haze

Its almost one month since i posted anything here. I'm having a hectic schedule for the past weeks due to report writings and all. Till now I'm not having enough sleep and slowly i can feel myself being buggered by fatigue. I'm testing my human treshold time and again by doing this.Is it that i spend so much time for others i dont spend some for myself? Maybe, or perhaps its just part and parcel of life. I got so much to tell here but i'm just to stoned to bother. Remind me of what could have been in this space.

Planetshakers Conference 2006

Planet Shakers was birthed out of a vision that Russell Evans received from God, instructing him to start a youth conference that would change young people, and inspire them to make a difference in their world.

The Planet Shakers Conference began nine years ago with about 300 delegates. Since then, we have seen incredible growth with numbers doubling every year. It is held every year in January, seeing thousands come from all over Australia and different parts of the world.

In 2004, the conference was held in five venues over three weeks. Two weeks in Adelaide, our inaugural week in Perth at Challenge Stadium and two venues in the one week in Brisbane (at Garden City Christian Church and Citipoint COC). Up to 16,000 came along to the night-time meetings. The aim of the conference isn't to entertain but to facilitate a worship encounter with God. 2004 also saw the start of our own Planet Shakers Conference in Malaysia which had a significant impact on youth ministries and churches in all states.

The conference included Electives on Worship, University Outreach, Overseas Missions, Holy Spirit, High School Ministry, and Business & Leadership. The conference had a tremendous impact on the thousands of youth with a strong message to hear the cry of their generation and to respond with the message of Jesus.

DATE: 9-11 November 2006

VENUE: Grand Pyramid Convention Centre, Sunway Pyramid, Bandar Sunway

Find out more here

just a feeling

Nobody knows who I really am

I never felt this empty before

And if I ever need someone to come along,

Whos gonna comfort me, and keep me strong?

We are all rowing the boat of fate

The waves keep on coming and we cant escape

But if we ever get lost on our way

The waves would guide you through another day

Nobody knows who I really am

Maybe they just dont give a damn

But if I ever need someone to come along

I know you would follow me, and keep me strong

And every time I see your face

The ocean heaves up to my heart

You make me wanna strain at the oars,

and soon I can see the shore

I want you to know who I really am

I never thought I'd feel this way towards you

And if you ever need someone to come along,

I will follow you, and keep you strong

~just feelings inside me that needed to be let out~

all is good in the hood

well, to sum up the missing weeks:

"work-lepak-work-lepak- work- deepavali-lepak-aidilfitri-lepak-lepak -lepak-work"

...sounds like alot of fun eh....

In Penang!!

yeps..yeps...i'm blogging this while surfing at Starbucks Gurney Hotel! well, i have to come down here for work reasons and i'm gonna go back to KL tommorow.Sighs....good food, good life and also quite a cool rainy nite. Wish it could be like this every day.

Sheesh...

I am slightly slacking in the office these few days, dont know why or how. Its like i'm out-of-form and my goals are sluggishly achieved. I gotta pick up and buck up before it affects my performance. Sighs....

Congratulations to Mike Woon& Alicia Ng

Congrats to my colleague Mike and his wife Alicia on their wedding on the 8th of October 2005! Had a great time at the dinner last night as well as the karaoke session after dinner with the rest of the office. May God Bless Always, Cheers!

Jakarta Journals (part III): A Cook's Tour + Thristy Traveller

Now, I am passionate when it comes to food and drinks whenever i travel. Among the first rules i like to observe is never to eat at tourist joints and try as much to eat as how the locals do. This is what i did exacly in Jakarta.

Food

In Jakarta, the culinary experience is very much Malay influenced with abit of Chinese influences here and there. For starters, their Nasi Padang is a must try at Jakarta. Just chose a decent and clean eatery and treat yourself to some authentic Indonesian cooking ( I ate at Sari Bundo near Alila Hotel). Its unique as the cooking is not so spicy but the add on sambal is. Recommended are the chicken dishes as well as beef rendang. To wash it all down, there is the ultimately delicious "Alpukat" or Avocado juice which is thick and sweet not unlike a fruity milkshake.

Another thing that you should try is the night warungs that they set up around some parts of Jakarta ( my hotel is strategicly near these joints) and i tried one of those for dinner. In these warungs, the recommended dish is the Ikan Gurame (which is very delicate in texture and tastes sweet) which is cooked in a variety of styles. You will never go wrong with the fish.

Not to be missed is the 'Bakso' or Beef Soup with Noodles ( some sort of Beef Kut Teh with meat balls). The one i tried was at the Jakarta Convention Center, Senayan (some restaurant near there, looks quite dodge) it was killer!!

Beverage

Well..err...Indonesia has its own beer too, its call Bintang Beer! its quite smooth and suprisingly nice. But if you wanna binge in Jakarta, be warned it gets expensive if you venture beyond 2 drinks ( USD 10 per drink) . As for clubs....well, look for me and i'll give some more info...cant do it here. ;p

Jakarta Journals (part II): Financial Jakarta

On the way to the Jakarta Convention Center, we drove into the financial district of the city and wow, i'm impressed. They got banks everywhere and these are banks with big buildings ala Sinagpore's Shenton Way area. There are alot of buildings and most are modern. This sight is a impressive contra view to slums and other areas of Jakarta. It seems that their financial market is much more matured than ours and very much dependent on foreign dollars ( from Sgpore & US) . But what you see is only part of the city which has a population of about half of Malaysia, the other parts of the city are not desireable and is very much advised to stay away from. I have seen that part of the city through a short-cut taxi ride which brought me through the squatters of Jakarta under its railway line. Its a real ghetto and the only thing that saved me from unwanted stares is that i am black/biege/colored. If i was a mat salleh, i would have been an easy target for robbery there. Here you can see the poor side of things and the huge income dispairity between the rich and the poor ( as with all metropolis e.g Bangkok, New York, Los Angeles). Seeing all that leaves very much food for thought as well making me hungry.

Next: A Cooks Tour + Thirsty Traveller

Jakarta Journals: First Impressions

Okay, when I first heard that I will be going to Jakarta for an expo together with the team at the office I was cold and not really keen so much on it. I was like what can Jakarta offer (I had different picture of that place then) but after spending six days there and got back I think I have a much improved impression of the place.

On day one, the moment you step out of the plane it feels like you have just turned back time and go back to the eighties. The Jakarta International Airport has the look and feel of Subang Airport long time ago. It seems time didn’t change much here in this place. On the trip to check in at the hotel, i noticed that most of Jakarta looks very much like KL back in the early 80's with lotsa squatters, i mean alot. The scene is very much Asian with motorcycles squeezing for space with cars and everything else on the road. Even in the cab itself, you will get the idea how hot and dusty the city is. With the air-con at full blast i still sweat and trust me its worst in the open.

We checked in at our hotel which is Alila Hotel at "Pecenongan" area of Jakarta Central. Its a nice boutique hotel with minimalist designs and setting. Its zen for some and plain simple for others (if you are the Four Seasons type) . With our bags chucked at the hotel we went for lunch and also explore our exhibition site at the Jakarta Convention Center.

Next: The Financial Jakarta

Interesting facts on Oil Reserves

If you think Malaysia is lucky to have at least an oil reserve, just ponder at these facts..

- There are countries with huge oil reserves that are in poor shape: Iraq, Venezuela and Nigeria to name a few.

- Read somewhere, and i might be wrong but after oil, Iran's second largest export is pistachio nuts. That cant be good. ( I asked someone before what does Iran had otehr than oil. He said "We've got carpets." That doesnt sound good either.)

- Do you know that Norway has a very large oil reserves but it pretends like it doesnt have any?
Hmm...maybe if we can pretend like them??

Spaced Out

Different day, same questions. Still seeking the answers. Pardon me while i burn into flames.

Good Times are Over?? - (paranoia hits me)

I think i have been covering this topic quite often in this blog huh? This piece of news confirms that due to low interest rates and high inflation, our rolling good times of afluenza is over. Some said its due to the high energy prices but i think its a combo a few things. First, our import bill is higher than our exports says here and therefore we are not earning as much as we are buying (on a macro level) Second, we are depending on consumer spending to move the economy and as always a low interest rate for loans and non-upward adjustment to incomes will just last as much as it is now. Thirdly, not many investors are keen on investing here in Malaysia due much better competitive edge offered by Thailand and Vietnam here in SEA and of course India and China globally(less FDI flowing in). Mix these 3 plus energy prices and you get the gist of times to come in the near future.

So what happened you may ask? 2004 was a good year yes it was but 2005 was different. This year more and more Malaysians are on debt and the ones paying the debt that has been spurring the local economy (automobiles,properties, non-essential goods) is having a hard time financing his daily essential purchases due to reduction in fuel subsidies and a not so good macro economic overview. Its a tough year for many lower and lower-middle but how bout the middle and upper-middle income class? Are they feeling the pinch yet? I dont know but from my position i am feeling quite concerned that my investments are shrinking faster due to the high "unofficial" inflation rate of about 6 percent. Damn, the more i process the more confused i have become....

Living a Blessed Life

Are we living a blessed life? Am i living a blessed life? these are questions i ask myself time and again just to keep my feet on the ground. I know i am living a blessed life with all of His loving grace and i dont want to forget that. I am thankful to God that i have good friends and i am in the fellowship of worthy people which i can count on and they can count on me. I am also blessed with a great family that never fail to support me as well blessings in terms of the riches i am able to enjoy. So what can you do when you have all these goodness? well, share the way to achieve it of course!!

There are many people out there that are lost in the darkness and dont know of a better living. I come across these people now and then and i always wonder what if they discover the love of God and change their lives. We have only one chance to live and it would be a waste if we dont do it right. But we who are blessed should extend our arms to the lost ones and try to show them the light. Change things not by preaching through words alone but walk the talk and live life the way He would himself. Be the living example is what i dream to achieve and i hope i can inspire my surroundings to do better for their lives.

Thy Word is a lamp to my feet,

A light to my path alway

To guide and to save me from sin

And to show me the heavenly way.

wish you were here

I'm down and tired, gotta pay my sleep debts....but this is goin on my mind. Been thinking alot about my life lately and while listening to my mp3s i came across this song and its words that reflect my feelings. Ponder it.

So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell,

Blue skys from pain.

Can you tell a green field

From a cold steel rail?

A smile from a veil?

Do you think you can tell?

And did they get you to trade

Your heros for ghosts?

Hot ashes for trees?

Hot air for a cool breeze?

Cold comfort for change?

And did you exchange

A walk on part in the war

For a lead role in a cage?

How I wish, how I wish you were here.

We're just two lost souls

Swimming in a fish bowl,

Year after year,

Running over the same old ground.

What have we found?

The same old fears.

Wish you were here.

-Pink Floyd

Selamat Hari Merdeka!!!

31st August. What does Merdeka Day means to me? Well, for starters a holiday and second my friend's birthday. But more than that, its the date our country gained independence from the Brits. Yeps, for our forefathers it was a day that they have dreamed and fought toe and nail for. Those days were hard but somewhat tough days makes us much more united than it is now.

I still remember the National Day parades back in the 80's and early 90's. The highlight for me was when the Police and Army took their turn at the Dataran Merdeka and i definitely love the flybys from the Air Force jets. As a kid growing up then, i was excited by the affair mostly because school was out and the jets that took part in the parade will fly pass my house. It was an awesome sight of jets above your head outside your home. It was the good old days where 20 cents aiskrim potong rules with Chicadees. It was fun then and how i wish we can return to the good old days where people work hard and actually do things for the country rather than for money and race.

I believe all of us have a dream of a better Malaysia and of course we dont expect Utopia but at least a throw back to the golden days of the 1980's. For my part, i'll do what i can and if all else fails i will still be proud that when i was a kid i loved my country. Happy National Day guys!

Merdeka Speacial: My Top Ten Wish List

For our country's 48th birthday this year, i have drafted my top ten list of what wish could happen or should happen. Its an open list which i have long thought about and want to share with you all.Here goes nothing....

10. Make me a rich crony so i can help my fellow buddies..i mean fellow citizens.

9. Say 'Tak Nak" to ciggies. For real.

8. What happened to the AP issue? ( not Approved Permit but Ayah Pin)

7. I want some APs too and leave Naza alone. He is kind enuff to make cars cheaper for us to own. You rock man!!

6. Better service from Government Hospitals. Its about time man, its about time.

5. Save the Tigers! No, not the beer but the real ones that can be found waiting to be cooked in dodgy restaurants in places like Puchong and Broga. Burp!..soree...heheh

4.Perodua to continue making us Malaysians proud to own quality cars. It not cheap mind you.

3. Proton to make quality cars instead of the cheap plastic rubbish now. We love ya but even love got its limits. If younger bro Perodua can, you can too!( If Proton quality like Nissan, i sure buy wan)

2. Policies that favour the hardworking and the intelligent (even if its for Ahmad and Ali.. Ah Kow and Muthu can still JV with Ahmad and prosper ;P)

1. God Bless Malaysia!, Its has been a long and tough road to get here and its not gonna be any easier ahead. For everything and nothing else, i pray to God to shower His love and care to Malaysia and shield its people from suffering and to continue the prosperity that we have enjoyed. And oh yeah, continue to give Pak Lah the strength and the will to fulfill his promises as Prime Minister.Amen.

*** Disclaimer****

This list is in no way intended to be political and is done with humour in mind. Also, I am a staunch supporter of the current Government and Prime Minister. All rights reserved and no part of the article may be reprinted or published without the author's consent.Peace Y'all.

These Days

These days - the stars seem out of reach

But these days - there ain't a ladder on these streets

These days are fast, love don't lasts-in this graceless age

Even innocence has caught the morning train

And there ain't nobody left but us these days

-Bon Jovi

It doesnt take a genius to know whats going on in my mind.Its just me.

seeking heaven

Its one of those days again, broke and bored. Weekends arent really an exciting prospect these days with almost all entertainment cost money(movie,theater,shopping,makan and minum) so i should be thankful that i stay at the grounds this weekend and prepare for next week's. Is this the world we live in today? need to spent to enjoy? to some extent it has, even going to church cost money (car fuel). What happens when i dont earn? what happens when i run out of money? would it be nice if i am rich? Yes, being rich is the heaven many is seeking. I wont deny i harbour hopes of being rich but to what extend? The dangers the road of riches are known to plunge unsuspecting blokes to the hell of being drunk with money and power. Once you tasted it, you crave more and more. The hunger will leave you devoid of your soul. You will forget the love and ways of God.
I still cant find the heaven i seek but i do believe its assured if i maintain what is close to my heart and not lose my focus. Patience is key and success is not assured in finding heaven of wealth but it is for health.

How Can We Have The Assurance Of Heaven?

Recognize our sinfulness (Romans 6:23).

Believe Jesus died for us (Acts 16:31).

Receive Him as Savior (John 1:12).

Trust His promise (John 20:31).

questions and answers

"..........this has been going on in my mind for sometime now, maybe days. Is it the right thing to do? One part says i should forget it and another says gamble away. The stakes are high especially when emotions are involved. I have been trying to forget it and only heaven knows how much intellectual reasons i tell myself this plan wont work out. Its still here in my head. The problem is what i feel is honest and i cant find any reasons to justify it. Its there when i wake up and its there when i sleep.

Madness happens when you fall for someone. I am experiencing it right now.I didnt want this to happen because it i am tired of how things end up for me. I always lose, all the time. Maybe its me, maybe i dont have what it takes. I ran away from it for more than a year until now. Deep inside i want to gamble it but burned hands and fears is holding me back. I dont wanna to make a fool of myself again. All i wish for is that what i feel disappears into thin air and save myself from losing what is dear to me. Losing a relationship is painful. It still hurts till today. "

- Tales of a Secret War