Thirty Four

The New Year is only 12 hours away. And I'm sitting under a Melaka tree at the Taman Bukit Maluri's playground with a pen that I received at the International Summit on Islamic Banking & Finance and 12 pieces of used A4 papers, try my best to jot down all my memorable events in 2001.

First and foremost is my first and 'betul-betul' job. With the country's uncertain economy, I'm so blessed to be offered a place at Bank Negara Malaysia, one of a very few prestige and leading organisations in this country. Futhermore, I'm very honoured to be involved in the project of formulating a single regulatory and supervisory framework for the development financial institutions (DFI). And the first product of our unit i.e. Rang Undang-Undang Institusi Kewangan Pembangunan (DFI Bill) has been passed by the Parliament just before Eid Mubarak.

Second event was the death of my beloved 'Ayah' Meng. A few of my siblings and cousins were wondered why I cried heavily on that day. No one knows except my mum, that this quiet sixty something adopted son of my great grandparents somehow or rather planted deep down in my heart a desire to excel in academic. And frankly, I think this father of 2 sons and 2 daughters has motivated me more than  my own father. Until today, I'm still wondering why he cried when receiving a blue green note from my first salary. Al-fatihah and may Allah bless you.

Third is my father illness. After recovered from a minor stroke just a few days before 2000's Raya, the doctor diagnosed him with a kidney stone. And because the stone can't be treated by using the usual laser treatment, a quick operation to remove the stone is really needed before it continues damaging my dad's left kidney. From an aggressive father, surprisingly he has turned into a sensitive human being. Sometimes he even cried when watching sad dramas on TV. I don't know how put it in words but I can feel that we've started to communicate. Again. Even though I'm hardly feel his direct and spontaneous love to me, but I do sense some kind of respect sparked from his two eyes. And to me, that means so much and I would treasure it forever.

This year also I begin to renew my contact with old friends. After Rezuan, came Mus, Borhan, Ameer, Yusof and in a few hours from now, I'm going to meet Che Tong! During the reunion in May, I found out that some people do change to become a Better Man and what we need to do is to give them a chance. Friends - old and new - bring colourful experiences and meanings to my all year long. 2001 is the year when I went to the disco and karaoke lounge for the first time. Even though I find myself uncomfortable in a smoky, crammed and dimmed surrounding, I think those nights gave valuable lessons to become an abdullah.

My affection to music also flourished rapidly in this year. For the first time in my whole life I bought quite a number of original CDs - Kirana, Seandainya Masih Ada Cinta, Syyh... Syafinaz, Mimpi, Phoenix Bangkit, AbstrakVersiFantasi, Soul Alive, Aku Cintakan Mu, Brandnuendo & Isyarat Jiwa. I'm so lucky got to see Dari Jemapoh Ke Manchestee & Kaki Bakar.

But the best gift I ever had this year  is a praise from my best and very closed friend of mine. It's not the typical words by our usual friends; trying to buy our heart but this one means so much and I nearly wanted to cry when I first listened to it. Thank you my friend and I'll always pray that you'll become a good if not a great son. And like I said before, trust nobody but our mum.

Goodbye 2001.

Thirty Three

Haiya, malas mahu kerja.  

So, how was your Raya?. Mine was awesome! And tiring. Now I believe my dad that Raya could costs a fortune. Trust me, RM600 is never enough for the angpau.

When I came home, I was shocked to find out that my brother has snatched all my clothes including my Baju Melayu. Which mean I've to buy a new one for myself plus my other siblings. Well, another RM500 gone to Parkson's Grand, Mahkota Parade.

Luckily, my little bro, Lan has finished paint the house. So, my only task was helping my mum 'cleaned' the chicken and kopek kerang for the rendang. While my sisters baked some biscuits and cakes (I love their biskut cornflake. It tastes better than Nek Chu's! But a lot of people prefer the chipmore biscuit)

As usual, my top 3 Eid Mubarak ads are as follow:

First: Perodua
Second: Petronas
Third: Takaful Nasional

I missed the dramas on Ntv7. Best tak? But I did watch some on TV3. Thank you so much for airing once again my favourite drama Tiga Duri Di Hati Bonda (TDDHB). I did know that it has a sequel! Boleh tahan but TDDHB is still the best. Maybe because Ogy wasn't in the movie. You may want to label me as bias but seriously, aren't we miss her so much?

I think maybe Dr. Mahathir could appoint me as his adviser. Why I said that? I've been asked by a lot of my relatives on a single issue. Bila ekonomi akan pulih? Hello, I've just started working with Bank Negara Malaysia not even a year. Do you want to know my answer?

To some I said middle 2002 and to the others I said end of 2002. Or in a nutshell, I don't know. But one thing for sure, don't stop spending. We can't rely heavily on export-oriented sectors anymore. Our focus should be on the domestic market. Trust me, we have quite a number of credible economists in this country and lets us pray to the Almighty.

I thought Malaysians celebrate Raya for a month?

Thirty Two

I'll be on leave starting next Monday, 10 December 2001 until Christmas. And I would like to take this opportunity to wish Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri to all of you. Maaf zahir batin.  

To those in Melaka feel free to pay me a visit at my parents house at Pasir Puteh, Bachang, Melaka. Don't forget to give a ring first. Insya-Allah, kalau ada rezeki lebih, I'll be holding the 'open house' somewhere after Christmas.

Thank you so much for those who sent the greeting cards especially Fairuz Khan. I was so surprised to receive one from you. Once again, thank you very much and Eid Mubarak.

Thirty One

I declined another dinner invitation. This time from my best pal, Mus. Well, it wasn't because Impiana Hotel is not up to my standard but the idea of going there has turned me more dizzy than before. Don't ask me why! And at the same time I got running nose.

So, I would like to extend my apology to Eli & Atul and Mus & the gang as well. Insya-Allah, I'll be coming to Yusof's house tomorrow night. I'll try my very best!  

I'm in the mood for holiday... and Eid Mubarak! Well, I can say that my table is empty until this Saturday and I'll be on leave starting next Monday until Christmas. Wow! Or Hurray?  

At the same time, I'm waiting how much bonus I'm getting for the first time. Mintak biarlah banyak, bukan gitu Cik Limah?

My second cousin, Uyun asked me the other day, how's my preparation for Raya. He was so surprised to find out that I have no intention to buy new Baju Melayu. Hello! What's wrong with that? I've two pieces that I've bought in 1997 and they are still fit on me. It's not that I don't buy anything. I'm planning to get some casual clothes and a brand new sandals.

And don't ask me how much I put aside for angpau. That question only make me nervous. 10 sen seorang, boleh lagi ke?

I've told me before, I'm looking forward to watch Aidilfitri ads by giant companies such as Petronas, Telekom & TNB. And don't forget to check my Top 3 Favourite later.

Wassalam.

Thirty

Please, stop sending hatred emails to me. Come on guys, don't take the awards seriously. And by the way, it is my award! So, I don't give a **** to what other people said.

For the past few days, I wondered why it is a must to some people for Siti Nurhaliza to win every single music award, even to a greater extreme, those personal music awards such as mine! Don't they think that I have a right to honour my favourites too? Full stop.  

Last night I broke my fast with Ameer and Mus at Pizza Hut. I love the Satay Supreme. Sedap betul! Then, we went to StarHill to check out the pre-sales. Oh, my God! So crowded. I fancied a black shirt by British India and it's only RM64.50 - after 50% discount. After looked around for almost 2 hours, we decided to went home. And without looking at me, Mus said to Ameer (dengan selambanya), "Biasalah dia ni, bukan beli pun!"  

It is true that I normally take some times before making any purchase. For instance, I went to several music stores at different locations at various time period before decided to grab Nora's Kirana. It's not because I was hunting for a bargain, but it is because I need time to build my confidence on the thing or product that I've planned to buy. This is because I dislike to have some regret afterwards.

To some people, it may seems stupid or silly but that's me. Until today, I can proudly say that I'm satisfied with what I've bought. No regret!

Eli and Atul asked me out to dinner tomorrow. I'm still tired from the yesterday's and I'm not sure lah whether I've the strength to engage in another break-fast-out function. I've declined several invitations and I don't think that I have any excuse left.

Anyway, selamat berpuasa and don't forget to give me a shout if you catch me shopping for Hari Raya. Wassalam.

Twenty Nine

The result of arenaKu Music Award 2001 has out with Nora repeated her victory in Anugerah Industri Muzik 2001, last March. She surprisingly defeated Camelia's Mimpi and Seandainya Masih Ada Cinta to win the Best Female Album title. Her killer song, Menyemai Cinta Bersamamu, which composed and produced by Azlan Abu Hassan, bagged another two awards - Best Musical Arrangement and Best Song.

The newcomer, Dayang Nurfaizah won Best Female Vocal Performance and Artiste of The Year while the sifu of Malay music industry, M. Nasir brought home Best Male Album and Album of The Year through his latest masterpiece, Phoenix Bangkit.  

Camelia, who received 8 nominations, went home with only Best Album Cover. Best New Artiste went to Yassin, while another newcomer from Singapore, Ferhad won Best Male Vocal Performance.  

Our very own diva, Sheila Majid, who teamed up with Harvey Malaihollo in Begitulah Cinta, managed to grab Best Duo or Group Vocal Performance.

This annual music award was judged by a panel of five - Syed Mustaffa Syed Mohamad, Ameer Mamat, Mohd Nazrol Majid, Mohd Yusof Rahmat and headed by Hasmiron Hamdan.

Congratulation to all winners! (click for details)

Twenty Eight

Ramadhan is here again. And this is my second year fasting for 12 hours daily after came home from Manchester, where I used to break my fast at 4pm.

Even though I broke fast early during my stay in Manchester, I found that fasting over there was more menggoda iman compared to in Malaysia. With a cold environment and daring people and plus 1001 kind of temptations and attractions, I was lucky to have survived! When I think of those days, I feel so thankful to Allah for such wonderful experience.

Last Friday, I sent my dad to Kuala Lumpur Hospital to be warded for his kidney operation. Unfortunately (I'm still not sure whether to call it fortunate or unfortunate), his blood pressure increased and the doctor has postponed the operation to after Hari Raya. On January 25th, 2002. But he needs to be warded by 22nd.

Nek Mok, Ayah Mahmud & Mak Besau, Uncle Neno & Angah Ata and their families came last Saturday. So, we were very busy entertained orang Melaka. At the same time, Ojot brought home plenty of Mc Donald's coupons.

With that coupons, Mus and I broke our fast on last Monday. We ate 3 cups of Iced Milo, 3 cups of Coca Cola, 41 pieces of chicken nugget and mineral water and plus one Big Mac.

Just now, Din shouted at me that Agong has passed away. Quickly, I rang Malaysiakini to find out from where they got the news. One of their staff told me that the news appeared first on News Straits Times online and 2 hours after that, Dr. Mahathir announced on TV that it's official that Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Dipertuan Agong died at 11.57 at the private medical center.

Al-fatihah.

Twenty Seven

I'm getting busy at the office at the moment. Meeting after meeting, trying to meet the deadline. Is it deadline or dateline? Anyone out there would like to tell me the difference between two?

Do you want to know what I did last weekend? I went to the Actors' Studio at Bangsar to catch Charley's Auntie, stars Louisa Chong, Taj and Rashid Salled. Do you want to know the verdict? Tiga bintang. Even though the acting is mediocre but I found that the script is well adapted into Malaysian context. And Rashid Salleh is really a funny guy!

After spent 2 hours for the English theatre, Mus and I were puzzled of where to go next. Entah kenapa hari itu, langsung tidak tahu hendak merancang? After went around the Bangsar Shopping Centre a couple of times, Mus spotted the nearest bookstore and if I'm not mistaken, it was the Times bookstore. And from the store, I learned about a new entertainment magazine, Sentiasa Manja (in Malay) which featured Ning Baizura as the covergirl.

Mus also agreed when I said Ning's sexy appearance in this magazine will become another controversial issue. And you know what, it comes true when I read last Sunday's Pancaindera, this matter has been raised.

After getting bored looking at the books, we decided to go to CM, to find a nice place to fill our stomach. On the way, Ameer called to say that he was around and would like to join us. So, we headed to Sogo, instead of Central Market.

Guess, what I've bought? A pink tie!!! Hahaha, jangan jealous! And I wore the tie yesterday, which annoyed Syed so much? Is it true that pink is a girlish color? Please someone, help me! Nasib baik Liris and Myn liked it.

On Sunday night I was so delighted to attend the Konsert Hari Kitar Semula Kebangsaan. Who were performing? Intan Sarafina, Dayang Nurfaizah, Ziana Zain, Ferhad, M. Nasir and Siti Nurhaliza. The best performer? Ziana Zain. But Ferhad is the friendliest among them.

Before I end, I would like to wish Happy Birthday to my dear sis, Hasnizah and my second cousin, Syazwan Safi. Sorrylah, tiada hadiah.

Twenty Six

Entahlah, tiba-tiba timbul keinginan hendak tulis dalam BM. Tiada hal, kan?

Macam mana, puas hati dengan keputusan separuh akhir Muzik Muzik 2001? Tiga kejutan berlaku. Pertamanya, lagu yang diramalkan paling layak dinobatkan sebagai Lagu Terbaik kategori Pop Rock iaitu Materialistik, gagal melangkah ke akhir. Rasa-rasanya, lagu ini lebih indah melodinya berbanding Kau Bagaikan Permata, yang juga hasil sentuhan Helen Yap. Seandainya vokal dijadikan faktor penentu, bukankah vokal Siti agak tenggelam timbul pada petang Isnin lalu?

Keduanya, Noraniza Idris tersingkir dalam perebutan yang agak sengit dalam kategori Etnik Kreatif. Nampaknya, tidak berpeluanglah untuk kita berpesta pada malam Juara Lagu 2001 nanti. Dan ini mungkin juga berita baik buat peserta-peserta lain bagi merampas anugerah persembahan terbaik yang terkalung di leher Ratu Irama Malaysia kita selama tiga tahun berturut-turut.

Andainya Aku Bersuara, nyanyian Liza Hanim, dengan persembahan vokal yang mantap, telah melayakkan diri untuk berentap dengan lagu-lagu indah dalam kategori Balada. Biarpun tidak sekontrovesi mana, tetapi lagu ciptaan Azmeer ini tidak kurang mengejutkan. Ini kerana lagu Soal Hati dan Siapalah Hati adalah lebih kuat melodinya. Ini yang menimbulkan persoalan sedari dahulu lagi, apakah aspek yang dinilai oleh panel juri Muzik Muzik. Kekuatan lagu ataupun persembahan?

Selain itu, pemilihan panel juri juga amat mecurigakan. Mengapa perlu pengadil dari bidang komunikasi sedangkan tiada pakar bahasa bagi menilai lirik yang juga unsur terpenting dalam penciptaan lagu yang bagus? Satu lagi, kenapa tiada satu pun juri yang mempunyai latar pendidikan formal dalam bidang muzik dipilih? Bukankah ramai anak Malaysia yang mengaji di Berkeley College of Music, salah satu IPT ternama di jurusan ini, seperti Ahmad Izham Omar, Mac Chew, Aubrew Suwito dan Jenny Chin? Sungguh ironi, dalam kita mencanang kempen memajukan industri muzik, kita sendiri memutuskan hubungan kita dengan dunia luar. Pelik bin ajaib.

Cukup kot untuk komentar pada hujung minggu. Petang ini, saya ada temujanji dengan Charlie's Auntie di Actor's Studio bersama-sama Mus. Kalau ada umur, jumpa kita di Dataran LRT, Komplek Sukan Bukit Jalil pada petang esok. Ada konsert Hari Kitar Semula Kebangsaan yang menampilkan Dayang Nurfaizah, Ferhad, M. Nasir, Ziana Zain dan Siti Nurhaliza. Jumpa di sana...!

Twenty Five

Why can't I find the semi-finalists for Juara Lagu 2001 on the net? The only thing that I know is three out of four Nora's songs are in. How about the rest? And why can't they post the name on the Muzik Muzik's website? Why?

Have you listened to Ziana's new album? If not, better book your CD now. I love track 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9 but I really disappointed with Cintamani by Adnan. It sounds like a cut-and-paste song! I don't mind if it comes from Azmeer or Saari Amri but not Adnan Abu Hassan. And why can't he gives Azlan to produce his songs. Well, I'm not denying that Adnan is very good in creating good melodies but when he produce them, the songs sound too kampung!

Actually I don't know what to write. Oh, maybe I should say something about Kaki Bakar. I went to see this movie last Wednesday with Mus and Ameer. You want the verdict? I loooooove it very very much. It's so Cannes!

Don't be surprised it's only 70-plus minutes long because initially it was produced for the TV station. This first Malay film - until this moment, Kaki Bakar remains the only Malaysia film - ever screened at the Cannes Film Festival tells a story of Kakang, an Indonesian who married to a local woman, fighting for his principle.

Disappointed with the society, he teaches his beloved son, Kesumo, on the importance of standing up by the principle and always act like a man. To be exact, act like a jantan! As a result, Kakang doesn't only burnt down the pondoks but his not-baligh son too. And his confused son was the one who put a full stop at the end of his journey.

Kaki Bakar doesn't need Erra or Awie to sing the half-cooked songs to give some soothing mood to the audience. And this film requires no love scenes to keep people nailed to their chairs. The scene when Kakang cried after sang a Javanese traditional song, to me, is the most beautiful scene ever! Now, I doubt that my dad or his dad had never cried in their life before.

Twenty Four

Adikara won 7 out of 10 awards at the National Dance Festival 2001. They grabbed Best Dance Group, Best Performance for Traditional Category, Best Performance for Creative Category, Best Choreographer for Traditional Category, Best Choreographer for Creative Category, Best Music for Traditional Category and Best Costume for Category. In a nutshell, they are simply the best! Congratulations.

Another week passed by without a Malay drama. It's too much to ask for one or two good Malay dramas per week? Something really need to be done quickly. If not, our TV dramas will face the same fate as our films.

Talking about film, it's very sad to see Malaysian delegates came home with empty hand. Well, even though we won The Best Animation Film category, but only 2 countries sent their works - one from Vietnam and the rest from Malaysia. I can't agree more that what we'd sent to Jakarta were not films but telemovies. I still can't believe until these days that the so called professional jury has chosen Gerak Khas to represent us. Hahaha, what's a joke! Maybe they were amazed with Nasha's eyeballs movement until they got drugged and incapable to distinguish between good and worst.

How about sending Z. Lokman's movies next time? Why not? Malaysia boleh!

My friend asked me this morning about the BBQ party. I said, okay lah. Banyak makan. Banyak nyanyi.

Party to me is not merely about food but it goes beyond that. It's where we come together and mingle around. Food is just to keep us steady to talk for another couple of hours. Human interaction is what counts. And interaction is not about singing or dancing to a loud music. If not, we're just like the music box. When I attend a gathering, I would like to tell stories, lots lots of stories. And I also want to hear lots lots of stories too. You tell or listen to, a story is not by your mouth or a pair of ears but using your very own heart. I'm sure we do this all the time. Don't we?

Well, I hope you now understand my feeling about the BBQ party I'd attended last Saturday. Ketemu lagi.

Twenty Three

I felt so uneasy this morning because I failed to turn up at my friend's show last night. He was competing for the National Dance Festival Award in Shah Alam. It wasn't that I'm purposely don't want to go but man, it's too far from my place. Anyway, the result will be announced tonight at the Shah Alam City Hall. So, good luck!

Another episode of Survivor to come tonight. Do we hear a bet? I guess someone from the other team will be voted out. Maybe this time it will be the dentist. It's not because that I dislike this guy, but I believe everybody will find that he'll become the major obstacle for them to win $US 1 million.

I'm not that eager to catch tomorrow's night drama on the TV3.  Because based on the promo, I don't think that it's up to my standard. The last Malay drama that I watched was 3 weeks ago - something to do with tikar, nenek and puyu. I can't recall the title at the moment. But the script was very original and different. Again, directed by a unknown name to me.

Another party to attend tomorrow. This time it's organised by Usop and the gangs to celebrate Kak Pah's birthday. Tak tahulah nak datang ke tidak. They'll having a BBQ but at night. I think it's too dark to have one. Mus is negotiating with Usop to bring forward the time. At 5, please!

And welcome home to Amir Imran! Is there anything for me from Japan? Okay lah, I need to continue my work. My boss is back from 2 day-course plus a day MC. Oh.... Puan Shahariah!

Twenty Two

I spent my long weekend with my big family - Mak Lang's family plus Busu's plus Nek Chu and my other cousins. And we watched the Dari Jemapoh Ke Manchestee not once, but three times. I've told you that this film is cool. So, hurry up! Get your copy from the nearest store.

This morning I received a phone call from my best friend saying that one of our friends has broke up after dating this gorgeous UH doctor for 6 months. That's the bad news but the good one, another God's gift is in the picture. Could you believe that, how easy it is to get a partner these days! I thought 'the one' is an endangered species. Maybe there are a lots of thing I need to learn from my beloved friend.

While talking about films, a colleague of mine mentioned about Spinning Gasing, which is currently showing at the local theatre. He raised the issue of morality portrayed in this first Malaysian English movie, which to him didn't sincerely reflected the actual image of our society especially the homosexual scenes.

Hahaha! That's was my spontaneous answer. I'm so fed up with some of us who are so moral-concerned at point of time but very liberal and secular at another. Why it's okay for Awie and Fiza in Getaran but we make so much of noise when we saw Ariff giggled with a guy under a blanket. Hello, both are sins! So, why apply two different sets of rule?

If we are too keen to become a bunch of pure moralist, lets adopt the Iranian's film guideline. No to sex, horror, violence, tahyul, dedah-dedah, pegang-pegang and other non Islamic issues.

If not, stop yourself from being biased!

Twenty One

This morning I received an email from Myn, one of my colleague. No, it's neither a long essay of what she did in the past nor a stupid gossip forwarded over and over again. It contains two interesting pictures or movie posters to be exact. And these pictures make my heart smiles until to this moment.

The first one is about a falsely accused prisoner tried to escape from New York and another one shows a kid tried to escape from two bandits in the Big Apple City.

Well, they are just movie posters. What's so cool (funny) about that?

To me, it's not the two pictures but the mood brought by these two images. The thinking of how people react to conflicts and how art and creative been used to express human feelings.

As I said before, no body wins from the incident on the 11 September 2001 but losers. If Mr Bush think that he can regain American dignity by bombing Afghanistan, then, he's definitely wrong and he'll always be loser.

A question for Americans, aren't these your dreams?

Twenty

Hahaha! Siti Nurhaliza is still the most popular artiste in Malaysia. Tak dapek den nak menolong!

Sorry for those who called me several times during the weekend. Like I said before, I went to Ju's engagement ceremony in Muar. I arrived home at almost 10.30pm and was so tired to stay up and reply your calls.

Until recently, I didn't know that the engagement majlis could become such a big gathering. I thought it's like a family-get-together-party. Cuma lima enam dulang makan. Or maybe that's a practice in Muar only?

During my trip to Muar, Mus and I had the opportunity to pay a visit to our beloved school, Sains Muau. And we met cikgu Fared. We listened to a lot of gossip from this once the most handsome SMS teacher. I can't jot them down here because they are so hot and confidential. Why don't you ring me! Oh, ya... cikgu Fared would like to keep in touch with his basketball team especially Hurul. So girl, please give him a call!

Some of you have noticed that there is a new column named Cakap2 run by PakHaji, a friend of mine. Alah, a segment where you could hear any kind of scandal and not only the hearsay from the entertainment industry. Starting from next month, Mus will be in charged on music and I'll be running the sajak, e-journal and guest corners. Anyone interested to hold on film section? Email, please!

Nineteen

So, how do you find with the new look of my homepage? I hope it's more colorful and cheerful now. I'm trying to scan some of my pictures and hopefully will be able to upload it as soon as possible.  

Mus, Kak Nor and I are going to Muar this afternoon, to attend the engagement majlis for our big sista Ju. Hopefully we'll have enough time to drop by at our beloved school, SMS Muar.

Don't forget to watch tomorrow's Anugerah Bintang Popular 2001 on TV3 at 4pm. It will be great to see some new faces win the awards especially for the most popular bintang. Aren't we tired of seeing the same face on the podium for the past four years?

To all fans of Ning Baizura, Song Music is coming out with a compilation album which will features the new arrangement Curiga. But I'm hoping that this 'new' song will be included in Ning's newest English album, Natural Woman. So, don't forget to check it out at your nearest music store.

Besides that, there is another good news for those who loves Dari Jemapoh Ke Manchestee. The VCD is out now and please get your copy from the Speedy Video and Music Valley.

When talking about music award, please get yourself ready because the announcement of arenaKu music award is just around the corner. So, tunggu!

Eighteen

I'm feeling very sad to read about the second bombing by the US and Britain on the Afghanistan late yesterday. Once again, don't  the people have suffered enough for the past two decades? Why can't we spare some sympathy, if not love, to this dying nation?  The attack has increased my doubt on the Westerners' sincerity to wipe out terrorism. How can you put down the fire when you yourself lit new fire? sincerity to wipe out terrorism. How can you put down the fire when you yourself lit new fire?

Is the United States really serious in combating violence and terrorism or she is just too eager to destroy a Muslim country? And how about Israel - the greatest Racist and Terrorist State ever! In fact, Ariel Sharon is the mother of all terrorists.  

Last night I voiced out my intention to boycott US and British products to my uncle's family. Guess what, no one seemed to be interested and one of my cousin said that it's another mission impossible!

I don't blame him and to a greater extent it is quite impossible (not totally impossible) to live without any American or British product especially for those who is fond to R&B music like me. Like the old saying, if there is a willing there will be a path to achieve it.

For instance, instead of going to American fast food restaurant, why not we spend our money on Tazza or Mary Brown? Or Pizza Malaysia. Besides CNN, there is a long list of more reliable international new centres such as AFP, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting News Online, Russian News Agency or even own very own Bernama.

So, lets give a try for a week!

Seventeen

I'm so relieved to come back to the office after a long boring weekend. I didn't go home because of some misunderstanding between myself and some interested parties.

I hate to be alone. Be lonely.

Mus went back to a rural area called Kulai. And Ameer went home to Bemban, Melaka. Unfortunately, I've canceled the lunch date with Siti Nurhaida Khalid (Anne lah!).  My aunt and her hubby went for my cousin's wedding at Sungai Siput, Perak and left me with Zul, Wan and Kelana. Ahhh! Semuanya jantan.

First, I thought the TV programs will save me but sadly to say, it added to my existing hurts. I really think that something need to be done faster if we don't want to see more and more unproductive and demotivated humans are been produced.

Luckily, on Sunday I decided to go to the office, just to check my mailbox. Then, I went to the PC fair at the PWTC. Well, nothing much and nothing great had caught my attention. After I got bored, I went home and did some karaoke lessons and watched Anchor Woman. Well, I didn't like this Japanese soap opera. Maybe because I've missed the earlier episodes. Well, lets give another try next week.

This morning I was very busy. I attended a meeting which ended at 5.15 plus an hour break at 1pm. Anyway, my boss is taking half day leave tomorrow. Well, a OK-news for me and Myn and definitely a big and good news for Syed, I think.

Oh, ya! I forgot to express my disapproval of the attacks on Afghanistan yesterday. Don't the Afghans have suffered enough? Well, I've decided to boycott any US and British products until they say sorry for what they did. Anyone care to join me?

Okay lah, it's almost 7pm. I think it's time to go home. At the same time, I'm listening to Ricky Martin's Nobody Wants To Be Lonely, which was my theme song for last weekend. Bye.

Sixteen

Should I go on or continue writing about my last weekend? Maybe I could tell it briefly. Well, after the miserable first day, my second was okay. I worked hard at Kak Ipah's wedding and went to bed early. Oh, ya... I met Ezlin Emly, my ex-classmate, who just married last few weeks. She is still as sweet as the first time I met her 14 years ago.

Last Sunday was one of my worst Sunday. I didn't know what to do? My parents were busy with other functions, Fizul went for tuition, Lia is still at MSM Kuantan, Mira spent all the day with her friend and that left me with Niza and Lan. I intended to change the minyak hitam but can't find any workshop opened on Sunday. At the end, I spent the day watching Bukit Kepong.

If you noticed, this is one of my favourite movie. But after watching it this time, I found it different from what I'd watched before. Anyway, it's still one of the best Malay film ever produced. Yusof Haslam was good in that movie!

Once again I went to bed early that night. The next day, I caught the 2.30pm bus to KL with eagerness, look forward to come back to work. Luckily, there was not much work waiting on my table. However, Syed Id felt uncomfortable with my new hairstyle. Oh, ya I forgot to mention that I got a haircut on Sunday after watching Bukit Kepong. Anyway, I've no intention to impress him. So, shut up!

I heard from Mus, Tower Record is having a gigantic sales on Malay CDs. Yeap, as low as RM2+. I'm planning to check it this afternoon but nobody wants to follow. Maybe I should ask Ameer to accompany me. I'm looking forward to collect Ning's album.

Fifthteen

Do you know what I found out after come back from a 4-day rest? We do need a break from work. And I'd enjoyed my holiday very much. Plus, no piles of work on my desk. Thank God!

I began my first day of  a long weekend with a trip to Rama Clinic to collect my MC. Then, I got ready to meet my friends at Ampang (to send all the nominated CDs to the jury!) before meeting my aunt and my cousins at the Puduraya. But it was not went that smooth as what I wrote, because I'd to wait for 2 hours for the bus to Melaka and while waiting for my companions and the bus, I went to Kotaraya to buy some stuffs. Unfortunately, I was caught by a heavy rain. So, I ran to the nearest Watson to get an umbrella. By the way, the clock was showing a quarter to 4pm.

After satisfied with a green (the official color of Watson) umbrella, I walked leisurely to the counter with my Citibank Blue Card in my hand. To save my face, I added one more product worth RM70 because according to the staff the minimum value for using credit card is RM20.

Now came the first conflict. The verifying machine was down, I don't know, maybe because of the rain agaknya! To make thing worse, the cashier asked whether I have enough cash. Hello, if I have plenty of cash, what for I gave you the bloody plastic card! Then came the store manager, an Indian lady, asked the same questions. Maybe she can read my anger sparked from my fresh and naive-looking face, she took my card after requested my permission to inspect the card in her office. Hello, look who you're talking to! Inspection konon.

After too fed up waited for almost 15 minutes, I said to the cashier that I want to cancel the purchase. With a very sad face, this twenty-something-year-old guy informed me that he can't do that without the authorization from his superior. At the end, I went to the nearest Public Bank ATM and settled the bill and straight away walked into the heavy rain with my green umbrella heading to Puduraya.

My bad day didn't end there. The bus only came at five. And I arrived home at 7.30 pm. After had a quick dinner, we (my dad, my mum, my sis and I) went to Kak Ipah's house. Apa lagi, menolonglah.

Gtg. To be continued... hehehe

Fourteen

I'm thinking of taking half-day leave tomorrow but I've plenty of work on my desk. I'm on leave for three days starting this coming Saturday. One of my relatives is getting married. Don't you realised that so many people getting together these days!

I really hope that all of you are aware that arenaKu music award is on its way. The names of the finalists are out with M. Nasir topped the list with eight nominations and followed by Camelia with seven nominations. Surprisingly, the newcomer, Pretty Ugly received  five nominations including Best Male Vocal Performance, Best Male Album and Best Album. Other big names are Syafinaz and Sheila Majid, both nominated for five categories, Nora and Dayang Nurfaizah (4), Siti Nurhaliza, Fauziah Latiff, Ferhad and Sheila On 7 (3). Good luck to everyone.

Thirteen

Mak ooii! Sepuluh hari e-journal ini tidak bertulis. Maaflah. Sibuk sangat dengan kursus serta masalah-masalah negara. Ditambah lagi gosip tentang perang antara Amerika dan Afganistan. Aduh, pening kepada ini dibuatnya.

Sebenarnya banyak benda yang hendak diceritakan tetapi tidak tahu macam mana hendak mula. Aku puas hati betul dengan penyudah drama bersiri Long Vacation. Sena dan Minami - satu pasangan yang cocok dan serasi. Aku sendiri pun masih tidak percaya yang aku boleh melekat pada soap opera Jepun. Mungkin kerana skrip dan lakonan mereka yang bersahaja itu yang menambat hati ini. Apa-apa pun, lepas ini aku tidak lagi boleh melabelkan semua soap opera sebagai tidak bermutu dan bertaraf picisan.

Ada sesiapa di luar sana yang turut serta dalam upacara penutup Sukan SEA? Aku berharap sangat yang aku tidak keseorangan pada malam tersebut. Sangat amatur. Penuh dengan cacat cela. Tidak seperti kesungguhan yang ditunjukkan pada tahun 1989. Acara-acara yang dipersembahkan pada malam 17 September 2001 itu langsung tidak mencerminkan kewibawaan kita yang pernah menjadi tuan rumah acara sukan yang lebih berprestij. Itulah, semuanya disorong kepada Pak Ngah. Macamlah Malaysia ketandusan tenaga-tenaga kreatif. Noktah!

Sepanjang hampir setahun aku kembali ke tanahair, sudah tiga buah drama Melayu mencuri hati ini. Pertamanya, drama yang diterajui M Rajoli - Ragam Menantu, Mat Nor Khusairi & Velvet Boys dan malam kelmarin - Seruling Kasih.

Daya tarikan karya Rashid Sibir ini terletak pada pengarahan dan sinematografinya. Dunia yang dirakamnya cukup indah, mengimbangi kesuraman hidup yang ingin disampaikan. Di samping plotnya yang segar, Seruling Kasih menampilkan barisan pelakon yang boleh berlakon. Selain Rosyam Nor dan Azizan Mahzan yang tampak tidak konsisten di sepanjang perjalanan cerita itu, pujian patut diberikan kepada Umie Aida, Wan Maimunah dan "Mak Kintan" dengan lakonan yang mengesankan. Dan watak serta lakonan Wan Maimunah mengingatkan kepada Fauziah Nawi dalam Sayang Salmah. Pendek kata, puas hati!

Selamat Hari Lahir buat adik aku, Hazlan, yang ke-12. Dan juga Aidil. Maaflah, tidak dapat hadir ke parti kau. Aku dengarkan, dari sumber-sumber yang boleh dipercayai, gamat betul Hotel Concorde, korang kerjakan. Sekali lagi, selamat hari lahir.

Okay, siapa yang bakal bergelar Bintang Paling Popular 2001? Siti Nurhaliza atau Normala Samsudin? Atau Rabbani?

Twelve

I was really shocked when I read The Star online that The United States of America was attacked in the morning of September 11, 2001. And until today I still cannot believe that it really happened! I would like to hand my condolences to the people of America for this tragic incident. May Allah be our guidance throughout this heartbreaking period.

For the past two days, most of the news centres are very eager to make Osama Bin Laden held responsible for the attacks. I don't think it is wise for us to jump into conclusion before the appropriate authorities finished their investigations.

I missed the news on the telly because I can't enter the house. I left my keys at my office and ended up sleeping outside the house in the cool night with the mosquitoes played the background music. I felt like a homeless for the first time in my life. Luckily, I remember Mustaffa's phone number and went to the nearest phone booth to call for help.

Unfortunately, at 11.30 pm, my best friend was engaged in a very important call. Well, with no more coin in my pocket, I ran back home and started collecting old boxes to be my mattress. I snatched my 2-piece towel and my cousin's sarong at the verandah for me to cover my 52kg body.

Alhamdulillah, I managed to sleep until 5.30 am before ran to catch the first Komuter to my office. In my planning I was supposed to pick up my keys and ran home but the news of US under attack has nailed me onto my chair. At the end, I was in my office for the whole day, in same attire I wore yesterday. But I managed to get a quick bath at the M floor's gent.

After finished work, I went to Bukit Jalil with Mus and Faizal instead of going home. Despite poor performance by Watson Nyambek, I was amazed with the Singaporean newcomer. By the way, he looked just like Ferhad! And Malaysian newcomer for 400m, Mohd Zaiful Zainal Abidin. But I'm a bit disappointed that he failed to win any medal. Malaysia Boleh!

Eleven

Malaysia Boleh! That's what can I said about our incredible starting at Kuala Lumpur Sea Games 2001. As of 4 pm, we are at the top with 24 gold medals leaving Vietnam at the second place with 7 gold. I'm planning to go to the stadium this Saturday for the athletics. Anyone interested to join me? If I'm not mistaken, the ticket is about five bucks. Jomlah!

This morning one of my ex-sms muar friends called. He was concerned with my big anger to one of our friends. According to him, I was a bit carried away and advised me to calm down. You know what, that's the first time he called me. I'm very happy and touched. Yeah, to have a friend that called you just to remind that you're out of the track. And I really appreciate that. Once again, thank you Fauzi Khalid.

So, how was the annual dinner? Okaylah. I wore a long brown Soda® slack with a brown Siamese Padini® shirt. And a pair of Tulip® sunglasses and black leather shoes by West End®. Others? Most of the men came either in batik or office attire. I did not enjoy the food. I think it was too mediocre for a five star (some of my colleague said it is a six star) hotel. Nothing extravaganza.

The best thing happened during this almost 4 hours dinner was the grand lucky draw. Tan Sri Dato' Zeti Akhtar had to draw sixth times for the second prize - a fully paid trip to Kuching, Sarawak.

Besides that, Siti Nurhaliza performance on that night was quite enjoyable. But she did not sing my favourite song, Beradu Di Khayalan. Only the same and familiar songs like Percayalah, and Balqis. My Chinese friends and I are very impressed with her vocal capability in delivering Celine Dion's That's The Way It Is. Put aside her poor pronunciation, SRC should start planning for her to penetrate the international market.

Just one humble comment to this in-making diva. I don't think the back-up dancers helped to enhance your showmanship. You're better off without them. Besides, this is not Juara Lagu.  

Last but not least, it's time for the Long Vacation. I can smell that this drama is coming to its end. I'm still puzzled with whom should Ryoko ended with. Sena or Shinji? Or should Minami weds Tetsayu or go for Sena? I think I want to write a review but after it ends. Or if anybody outside there want to say something about this soap opera, just email me.

Before I go, I beg for those who wish to jot a few words on my guestbook, please careful with your language. Thanks.

Ten

Geram! That's what I felt this morning after reading an email from my ex-sms muar friend. Well, he didn't write bad things about me but a few childish and irresponsible remarks on one of my best friends. I thought the era when we were very eager to put people down was over quite some times. Those period of times when my friends and I used to make fun of the names of our parents. For instance, every time the words pandan, tandan, kelindan, and dan appeared, the whole class will laugh. Simply because these words sound like Hamdan, my father's name.

It did not stop there. During the secondary school days, we became more mature. We stopped making fun of parents' names but started to create spectacular nicknames. Or false names. New extravaganza words were born like Mat jiwang, Mat skema, glencet, pondan, lauk, and the list goes on...

After engaging in these flamboyant activities for 17 or 18 years, slowly we're getting tired of them. Some of us started to address our man-to-man relationship seriously as we increase our obedience to God. More new words appeared such as respect, honesty, dignity, tolerance and integrity. What can I conclude is, I love this new era. I'm becoming more sensitive and starting to appreciate everything that surrounds me.

But this morning's email really really disturbed me. I feel very ashamed to have such an immature stupid ex-schoolmate. Oh, God! I've lost my excitement to go to the annual dinner. Some of us might labeled me emotional but if this will make me an emotional person, well let it be.

Siti Nurhaliza will be performing tonight. Until this moment, I've no idea what to wear to the annual dinner. Definitely, no fancy mancy dress when you're working with the Government. Everybody seems like talking about batik kinda stuff. No way! I'm not coming in those attire. Don't get my wrong. I'm not looking down at our traditional cloth but I think I'm not yet eligible to wear one.

I would like to congratulate Ezlin Elmy Ramly for her wedding today. Semoga bahagia ke anak cucu. Sorry, I'm not able to attend the ceremony in Melaka. Insya-Allah, my sister, Mira will be coming on my behalf. Once again, Selamat Pengantin Baru.

Last week, I forgot to announce my annually Merdeka Day's best TV commercials. For this year the winners are:-

winner: Maxis (masihkah ingat lagi liriknya?)
first runner up: Perodua (biar sumbang namun menyumbang)
second runner up: Petronas (kenapa saya suka rumah saya?)

Nine

We had a surprise birthday party for Mus last Monday. The party was supposed to begin at 7pm but started 2 hours later because of the unpunctual guests. The list of honorable guests include Nazrol, Fuad, Rosminah, Faizal, Shahkir, Aidil, Juliana, Kidi, Ameer, Usop, Ungku, Su, Afka & Haron.

The party began with the birthday routines such as sing the birthday song, cut the birthday cake, make-a-wish event and jamuan. After the dinner (Domino Pizza - sponsored by HMInc), we had a game called kotak beracun. During the game, Usop, Su, Juliana, Fuad & the birthday boy were punished with several tasks such as performed Madonna's famous dance act (VOGUE) and gave a short acting show.

Three glamorous awards went to Dr. Afka of University Hospital for Tetamu Paling Vogue Award: Aidil of RHB Bank for Tetamu Paling Over Award; and Ameer of DBKL for Tetamu Dibawah Lindungan Kaabah Award.

The party finished at 5 minutes to 11pm. I would like to thank everybody involved and the generous sponsors. Terima kasih daun keladi, tahun depan tajalah lagi

Eight

Breaking new! ARENAKU - hasmiron online has been reviewed and chosen to bear the 2001-2002 Golden Web Award.

Seven

So, how did I spend my long weekend? Nothing interesting on the first day. I was at home for the whole day, expecting to watch wonderful and cheerful merdeka-themed programmes on the TV. And I was badly disappointed especially with the TV3’s Setia Serumpun. Hello, where were our very talented people? The first episode (to mark the Indonesian independence day) featured Sheila Majid, Ning Baizura, Dayang Nurfaizah and Jamal Abdillah, which made me very satisfied with their superb performance.

Based on the standard that they’ve set, I believe everybody will expecting the same quality, if not better, for the second episode, which is to celebrate our Merdeka Day. Other big names such as Syafinaz, Zainal Abidin, M. Nasir, Anuar Zain, Sharifah Aini, Tan Sri Datuk SM Salim, Siti Nurhaliza, Rosiah Chik, Camelia, Nora, Ramlah Ram, Ella, Amy, Ziana Zain, Aishah, Rabbani and Raihan came to my mind. Unfortunately, only Nora, M. Nasir and Anuar Zain appeared. What made my heart broken was the set? Oh, My God! I can’t believe it, their setting was much much more beautiful than ours! Not forget to mention, their well-prepared performance and better selection of songs and artistes.

Luckily, Ntv7 saved the day with very good comedy, Mat Nor Khushairi & The Velvet Boys. I’m very positive, the drama will be named the Best Drama for next year’s Anugerah Skrin and Mamat Khalid (siapa dia ni?), start prepare your speech for your second Best Director Award. Want to know my favorite scene? When Mat Nor talked to the unseen Mak Besah. And my favorite character? Abang sulung Penghulu kampung.

Because did not want to be disappointed again, I decided to spend my Saturday with Mus and my two ex-MHS seniors, karaoke at Yow Chuan (betul ker ejaan ni?) Plaza. Cancel. Kidi went home to Bemban, said Ameer of DBKL. So, Mus and I spent the whole afternoon sang Kasih Berubah again and again and again.

After finished watching my routine Long Vacation, we headed to the auditorium of DBKL for the Kuala Lumpur’s Festival Tari. Some of you must be asking, since when I have passion on tarian? Sorry, I can’t answer you. Well, maybe I was there to show my support to my friends – Ucop & Sam.

Three teams were competing for a place to represent Kuala Lumpur for the National Dance Festival that will be held in Selangor this coming October; Adikara Dance Theatre, Kumpulan Kesenian PDRM and Kumpulan Telekom.

Neither PDRM nor Telekom gave strong fight to Adikara’s Zapin and Serampang 12 for the asli category and Tenun for the creative category. However, I like very much PDRM’s performance for the asli category. Well, Adikara’s was very asli and well-prepared show but there was something missing. They were just performing a dance but the police people who were actually dancing. You actually can fell the excitement, joy and the spirit sparked from their dance. The best dance act is when the men danced on the mengkuang mat. The only lacking was - COORDINATION.

I love very much Tenun. I named it 3Cs - creative, cheerful & colorful. But the ladies need to focus more on the stage usage. Please redo your music. Pay more attention on continuity. All I can say is GOOD LUCK. Break your heart, ..... your legs.

I'm sorry to hear that my friend, Shah, is not well. Sorry once again because I can't pay you a visit. Get well soon and I'm looking forward to meet you and your buddy.

Guess what, today is Syed Mustaffa's birthday. Dah tua kau, Mus! Happy Birthday to you. And guys, to forget our dirty plan!!! See ya.

Six

What's hot? Tomorrow is the Merdeka Day and two of my colleagues are getting married. One is in this afternoon and another one will be on the day after our independence day. So, congratulations to Lakshmi, Malaysia & Nor Aminah!

A lot of people have been asking me with the same one (I don't know how to label it) question. Bila nak kahwin? And the same answers I've been using for the past few years. Either Insya-Allah or Belum masuk usia kahwin Rasulullah lagi.

Don't be surprised, among my circle of friends, I could say that I'm the one who prefer to marry at the young age. By my age now, my mother has already a 3-year-old son and a 6-months daughter. And if you've been listening to me very closely over the past few years, maybe you can recall my favorite number for my children 'collection'. I even have prepared their names and what kind of education that will suit them. And I told this to my mum, my best friends and some of my classmates. Until my mum said I should stop talking about this issue because it made her scared.

After started working, then I realized that there is a long list; what you need to do, what you need to have before bringing in other people's daughter. And the list can be much longer to the eldest in the family like me - with 3 younger sisters and 2 younger brothers.

Last April, my best pal asked me why I love to have such a big family. Unfortunately, I failed to answer it straightaway. This morning while happily cleaning myself in the bathroom, I realized that I'm a selfish person. I might be using my further anak to fulfilling my unachievable dreams. That's why I've been planning all of these, if not crappy, scary ideas for the past few years. At the moment, while typing this journal, I'm actually laughing at myself - how silly I could be sometimes.

For those who is getting married sooner or later, Selamat Pengantin Baru. And Selamat Hari Merdeka to all of you. Don't forget to memorize the lyric of Negaraku!

Five

I didn't get the ticket! but I ended spending the whole evening with my best pal, Mus and my ex-high school seniors  - Ameer & Kidi. We managed (?) to catch Anuar Zain's performance at, guess where, Pandan Indah FAJAR. Anyway, it was a nice show and he had proved to me that Anuar Zain really can sing, live lagi. Panas! During the show, there was a male fan who wanted to whisper something to Anuar Zain, but accidentally kissed the artiste's cheek. Merah muka adik Ziana Zain ni.

I would like to apologize to a group of people who are offended with my remark on meritocracy. That's just a personal opinion and I wasn't intended to promote any individual's or group's ideology.

Yesterday I read the story of Zuleika Farouq, a 7-year-old girl, who is ready to take her A-Level exam by the end of this year. My first impression was her parents must be crazy. By that age, some of my cousins are still struggling to learn the alphabet. But it wasn't that long until I finished reading the article. She started to read at the age two and begin to play the piano a year after that. And mathematics a few years later. In other words, she is genius!

Some of us may be asking, isn't that too early for a little girl to do a task normally for 17 or 18-year-old teens? We need to remember that kids are fast learner and some of them are very eager to expand their horizons. If we don't encourage them, I'm very positive that they will become demotivated to increase their knowledge. I've had a couple of friends who started to read at the age of 3 or 4 but at the end working as a clerk at one of the commercial banks in Melaka or still struggling to get a job after, last month, one year came out from a polytechnic.

But, the process of nurturing a child should be voluntarily. Once you forced them, the journey will become less and less exciting.

How come nobody is asking me about the Japanese soap opera that I mentioned last week? Am I the only one watching that show? Tengoklah, best tau!

A special thanks to Rose Diana for being the first to throw a few words in my guestbook. Terima kasih.

Four

Oh, my God! My inbox was flooded with hundreds of emails. I was away for a 5-day-course. Luckily, there is not much work at the office. If not, I'll be dead by next week. Actually, I'm in the mood for MERDEKA. Aren't you? Especially, after watching those patriotic ads on the telly. We do have a lot of creative people in Malaysia!

At last we will have the opportunity to watch our first and only representative to the Cannes Film Festival, Kaki Bakar, that will be shown in the local cinemas starting this Sept, 20th. Horary!!! But it is quite sad to know that this movie is not in the list for Asia Pacific Film Festival, which I think has the chance to win top awards. And I'm very positive the Indonesians will love Kakang (Khalid Salleh) and his son played by Ngasrizal Ngasri. But I'm puzzled who played the leading actress? Until I read the Utusan, I thought Normah Damanhuri starred in it but the paper said it was Azizah Mahzan? Mana satu ni?

There were a couple of emails asking me to comment on meritocracy. I'm neither pro nor against this issue, but to have a same level of playing field, there are many factors to be considered.

How can we expect all rural students with limited facilities such as electricity, teaching aids, reading materials, information and communication technology (ICT) and lower standard of living to have the same performance with their counterpart in the urban areas. I would like to suggest the quota system is based on the economic background regardless what race you are. If majority of them are Malays then, Alhamdulillah, you've helped the Malays without denying other poor non-Malay students right to enjoy tertiary education. But, further studies by professionals will be required so that the just and sound policy is employed.

I'm going to Istana Budaya (IB) tonight to experience my second Malay theater, Cindai (my first at IB). Anyone interested to join me?

Three

Welcome home to my dear auntie Midah, who just arrived from London for one week visit. And thanks for the delicious British chocolate. To my cousin Nurul, thanks for the t-shirt. Yeap, nice color!

I would like to say thank you to Shah too, for a wonderful afternoon last Saturday. How do you find so much times to decorate your home? We spent the whole afternoon watching the Cit Cat Party. Amboi, melaram habis Azwan Ali. Jee, you looked so gorgeous at the party and I like your kontot hairstyle! There were so many big names at the gathering includings Ferhad, Nora, Dayang Nurfaizah, Ziela, Kuza, Maya Karin, Jun, Tomok and X-Factor. Kelasss, tak reti-reti lagi!

Anybody out there watching the Long Vacation on TV3? My God, I think I've addicted to this Japanese soap opera. Why don't you have try on this weekend (Saturday & Sunday) at 6pm and send to me your comment?

Do I need a guestbook? Tak nampak macam kampung ke?

Guys, the band Couple is returning to the scene again with turning melancholy to magic. To those who rindukan MatChap and Azhan especially ex-MCBantings, better catch this album now!

Two

I went to Nora's website. Guess what I found? Pictures of me during the karaoke contest at Sepetang Bersama Nora. I lost to 3 talented fans of Nora - Jahliah Mahat, Yani of Harian Metro and this gentleman which I forgot his name). But what make me proud is the good feedback on my performance. Nora, through her website, comments, "Ni dia ..yang bagi hadiah 'teddy bear' menyanyikan lagu 'Pinta'. Sambil nyayi bagi hadiah 'teddy bear' kat Nora. Wah! persembahan dahsyat!" I was surprised Jaja didn't win the contest. Well, she sang beautifully, the crowd loved her and even Azwan Ali joked that she was miming. She sounds like Nora. Anyway, the judges' decision is final and they are all professionals too.

I met my ex-classmate, Rizal on the way back from Friday prayer. Didn't I change a lot? Everybody said, "Tak banyak berubah." Should I fell flattered or offended? Any suggestion? Anyway nice to meet you. And to all ex-Merahans, Rizal is working at Takaful. And we have Joey Lee at HSBC and Azizul Shaari at Arthur Anderson. Where are others?

Thanks to all of you who sent emails to me. Keep in touch, kay.

One

I'm so confused. When I woke up this morning, I felt so great and fresh. Everything went so smoothly. But now, I'm so demotivated. Must be the module 4 test! I'm very positive that I'll fail the test badly. Arrgh, who cares. Life is too short to be wasted on thinking about that insignificant assessment. 4 down and 3 more to go.

Last week, I went to see Dari Jemapoh Ke Manchestee with Mus at KLCC. I'm so surprised the LPF gives the green light to the movie. Are they becoming more lenient these days? Anyway, this is one of the best Malay films ever produced. To those of you who haven't watch this film, please hurry.

I just bought 2 new CDs: Pretty Ugly - AbstrakVersiFantasi and Ferhad - Soul Alive. **** for both of them. I'll post up the review later. In this year alone, I have bought: M. Nasir - Phoenix Bangkit, Camelia - Mimpi, Dayang NurFaizah - Seandainya Masih Ada Cinta, Syafinaz - Syyh.... Syafinaz and Nora - Kirana.

When are they going to show the 4th season of Ally McBeal? What the Ntv7 shown was the episode of Ally (A 30-minute cut and paste from the first season of Ally McBeal show). Hello, Fox is going to broadcast the 5th season soon! I can't wait to see Robert Downey Jr. in it.

What's hot in KL? The ERL track is making progress but the proposed fare should be revised. Good attendance at both concerts - Jamal Abdillah and Ziana Zain. Congratulation! And not to forget VCD. I really hope everybody will play their roles. It's time for us to start nurturing ourselves to honor others' intellectual property. RM10 could be ideal for an original VCD and RM19.90 for the CD. If KRU Record can still profits at that price, why can't others?