"Gaeity ! Glory! Glamour! "

Humility

2009-05-01T00:34:00.001+01:00

Sorry for cross posting, it's one of the inspiring article which i come across and can't stop myself from sharing with all. Afterall, love is sharing! :) Enjoy!

The Most Beautiful Word in the English Language
By Bruna Martinuzzi

Many years ago, one of my university professors mentioned that "windowsill" was voted the most beautiful word in the English language. Being an armchair linguist, this factoid naturally stayed with me. Words have enormous power. They can make us erupt into laughter or bring tears to our eyes. They can influence, inspire, manipulate and shock. They can build and destroy. Some words have different effects on different people. One such word is humility. It is one of those words that are seldom in neutral gear. Some, like me, love the word and all it stands for. Some almost fear it and interpret it synonymously with lack of self-confidence or timidity.

The dictionary defines humility as modesty, lacking pretence, not believing that you are superior to others. An ancillary definition includes: "Having a lowly opinion of oneself, meekness". The word "humility" first struck me in the context of leadership when Jim Collins mentioned it in his seminal work Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't. In this book, Collins examined companies that went from good to great by sustaining 15-year cumulative stock returns at or below the general stock market, and after a transition point, cumulative returns at least three times the market over the next 15 years.

Among the many characteristics that distinguished these companies from others is that they all had a Level 5 leader. Level 5 leaders direct their ego away from themselves to the larger goal of leading their company to greatness. These leaders are a complex, paradoxical mix of intense professional will and extreme personal humility. They will create superb results but shun public adulation, and are never boastful. They are described as modest. An example of such a leader who epitomized humility is David Packard, the co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, who, in Jim Collins' words, defined himself as a HP man first and a CEO second. He was a man of the people, practicing management by walking around. Shunning all manner of publicity, Packard is quoted as saying: "You shouldn't gloat about anything you've done; you ought to keep going and find something better to do."

Another great leader is Patrick Daniel, CEO of North American energy and pipeline company Enbridge, who espouses two leadership attributes: determination to create results and humility, shifting the focus away from himself and continually recognizing the contributions of others. "I have learned through the lives of great leaders," he said, "that greatness comes from humility and being at times, self-effacing."

Clearly these leaders, and many others like them, don't espouse the meaning of humility as "meek". On the contrary, it is a source of their strength. But the notion of being self-effacing is one that we struggle with in our competitive culture, prescribing that we take every opportunity to toot our own horn, and that we don't dare leave the house without our dynamic elevator speech all rehearsed.

We often confuse humility with timidity. Humility is not clothing ourselves in an attitude of self-abasement or self-denigration. Humility is all about maintaining our pride about who we are, about our achievements, about our worth - but without arrogance - it is the antithesis of hubris, that excessive, arrogant pride which often leads to the derailment of some corporate heroes, as it does with the downfall of the tragic hero in Greek drama. It's about a quiet confidence without the need for a meretricious selling of our wares. It's about being content to let others discover the layers of our talents without having to boast about them. It's a lack of arrogance, not a lack of aggressiveness in the pursuit of achievement.

An interesting dichotomy is that, often, the higher people rise, the more they have accomplished, the higher the humility index. Those who achieve the most brag the least, and the more secure they are in themselves, the more humble they are. "True merit, like a river, the deeper it is, the less noise it makes". (Edward Frederick Halifax). We have all come across people like that and feel admiration for them.

There is also an understated humility of every day people we work with who have the ability to get the job done without drawing attention to themselves. Witness the employee who is working at his computer into the late hours, purely motivated by a keen sense of duty, the executive assistant who stays after 5:30pm on a Friday night in an empty office to await a courier, or the manager who quietly cancels an important personal event to fly out of town to attend to the company's business. This is akin to the philanthropist who gives an anonymous donation.

Humility is also a meta-virtue. It crosses into an array of principles. For example, we can safely declare that there cannot be authenticity without humility. Why? Because, there is always a time in a leader's journey when one will be in a situation of not having all the answers. Admitting this and seeking others' input requires some humility.

Another mark of a leader who practices humility is his or her treatment of others. Such leaders treat everyone with respect regardless of position. Years ago, I came across this reference: the sign of a gentleman is how he treats those who can be of absolutely no use to him.

Something interesting happens, too, when we approach situations from a perspective of humility: it opens us up to possibilities, as we choose open-mindedness and curiosity over protecting our point of view. We spend more time in that wonderful space of the beginner's mind, willing to learn from what others have to offer. We move away from pushing into allowing, from insecure to secure, from seeking approval to seeking enlightenment. We forget about being perfect and we enjoy being in the moment.

Here are a few suggestions on practicing humility:

There are times when swallowing one's pride is particularly difficult and any intentions of humility fly out the window, as we get engaged in a contest of perfection, each side seeking to look good. If you find yourself in such no-win situations, consider developing some strategies to ensure that the circumstances don't lead you to lose your grace. Try this sometimes: just stop talking and allow the other person to be in the limelight. There is something very liberating in this strategy.
Here are three magical words that will produce more peace of mind than a week at an expensive retreat: "You are right."
Catch yourself if you benignly slip into over preaching or coaching without permission - is zeal to impose your point of view overtaking discretion? Is your correction of others reflective of your own needs?
Seek others' input on how you are showing up in your leadership path. Ask: "How am I doing?" It takes humility to ask such a question. And even more humility to consider the answer.
Encourage the practice of humility in your company through your own example: every time you share credit for successes with others, you reinforce the ethos for your constituents. Consider mentoring or coaching emerging leaders on this key attribute of leadership.

There are many benefits to practicing humility, to being in a state of non-pretence: it improves relationships across all levels, it reduces anxiety, it encourages more openness and paradoxically, it enhances one's self-confidence. It opens a window to a higher self. For me, it replaces "windowsill" as the most beautiful word in the English language.

Based in British Columbia, Bruna is the President and Founder of Clarion Enterprises Ltd, a company which specializes in emotional intelligence and leadership training. Visit her website at www.increaseyoureq.com.

The Marine Highland Troon

2009-04-19T19:32:00.001+01:00

I was stationed in Troon last weekend and stayed in 3 different hotels in 4 days due to the Easter Weekend where the tourists are out and hotels are overbooked.

The first hotel which i stayed is known as the Barcelo Troon Marine Hotel, one of the best hotel in Troon. It is situated next to a golf course and also just by the beach. The hotel is equipped with lots of facilities, gym, restaurant, saunas, swimming pool, bar etc..just like what a good hotel should provide ;p

The hotel has also breakfast served in the morning which is pleasant actually to start your day. The room is big and i think it can accommodate more than 4 people at a time. I didn't take the golf course but i have to admit that with such fine weather and nice flat green fields, no wonder everyone, at least most people play golf here!

Sweet!!

The Climb

2009-04-19T09:26:00.001+01:00

I'm listening to this song, The Climb taken from Hannah Montana the Movie at the moment. Yeah I know I'm listening Miley Cyrus but its the lyrics that is very inspiring that I cant help myself but to share with you bout the climb that we faced everyday, metaphorically in our daily lives as how we struggle to climb the barrier and the hurdles that's in our way.

I can almost see it,

That dream that i have been dreaming about,

There's a voice inside my head you'll never reach it,

Every step I'm taking, Every move I make feels lost with no direction,

My faith is shaking but I got to keep trying

Got to keep my head held high

How often we end up in this similar situation, we dream of things that we want to do, and dream of dreams that is realistic and achievable and dreams that brings us higher but there's always that voice in our head, that silly voice that seems to tell us, wait another minute, wait another time, its alright everything can wait, you can do this, you can't do that. How many times have we ever felt misled, ever felt that every steps we took is without direction and also destination. Just to keep us getting out of bed and tremble as we grit our teeth and tell ourselves that we gotta try, we should keep trying and keep our head up high.

There's going to be another mountain

I'm going to always want to make it move

Always going to make it an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm going to have to lose

Ain't bout how fast i get there

Ain't bout what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

In life, there's always going to be one mountain after the other, and other than wishing to make it move, we just have to push ourselves to be brave enough to embrace our fear and climb it. I think that is one of the reason why I always like to scale the mountain during the toughest of season with heavy rain and end up getting drenched in the cold and have to muster all the strength in me just to climb every step to the top. There are also time when we have to learn how to give in, have to learn how to lose. Losing is not a bad thing actually. Its just like Liverpool going out on the Champions League due to Chelsea but not after giving a tough fight which ended up in a 8 goal thriller, one of the epic football match of the 08/09 season(yeeah rite??;p). The important thing is as long as you give your all, your best then if you have to accept the bitter sweet symphony of losing, so be it. Pick it up and keep moving on. It's just like how Jose Mourinho accept defeat when MU beat Inter Milan in the quarterfinal.

"The great thing about Jose is he can laugh at himself and he's able to separate what happens on the pitch and off it.

"He might lose a game but you can still have a conversation with him about anything and everything after it.

"It's important for managers to be able to communicate with each other and forget the game, no matter what the result," he added, in a comment probably intended to resonate in Liverpool and North London more than Milan.

So, it doesn't really matter how long it takes but the courage to embrace our fear, to face it and to climb the mountain that is in front of us.

The struggles I'm facing

The chances I'm taking

Sometimes might knock me down but

No I'm not breaking

I may not know it but these are the moments that

I'm going to remember most yeah

Just to keep going and I gotta be strong

Just keep pushing on cause

Lastly, there's a saying, stick and stones may break my bones but words will never will, so every problem presents itself with an opportunity. I remember my younger brother used to say, 'For every problem has a solution, and for every solution has a problem'. I like it in all adversity, he will still sticks to the optimistic side of him, to look at every challenges as an opportunity to move forward. Come to think of it, the satisfaction of taking calculated risks and sometimes going for a wild goose chase in every struggles that you face is very rewarding at the end. Of course if everything does not work out, take a deep breath and explore other options while hanging on the edge of a cliff.

A piece of thought on this wonderful Sunday.

A weekend in Belfast

2009-04-16T21:18:00.001+01:00

It was a rushing week, with full of meetings and reports to rush to. You know how it is, moving up and about to get things done, and even though it sounds scary, but nothing beats a good weekend! ;)

I had the chance of meeting a good friend of mine who now sort of resides in Belfast, at least that is what I think, and to which I support his future undertaking whichever it may be. I have the chance of meeting Savio, although he is now known as Dr. Savio, which I think I'm still not used to call him Dr just yet!! Haha! But anyway, he's a good, dedicated and shall I say industrious an ambitious doctor who work tirelessly and I think it's quite refreshing for both of us to get out of the office(for me) and the hospital for him to show me around the historic city of Belfast!

I left to Belfast from the John Lennon Airport, Liverpool. It was a Friday afternoon and the security was tight. I think it is due to the fact that there was a shooting that happen during the week and the unrest between the unionist and the nationalist, the IRA etc. Nevertheless, I remembered the encounter with the customs officer.

'Where are you going son?"

"Belfast"

"Purpose?"

"Leisure!"

"Leisure??"

"Yeap, I'm going for St Paddy's day!!"

"St Paddy's day??" With a smile and suddenly all smiles, "Naa come on, you're celebrating St Patrick's day??"

"Yeap, Guinness and Shamrock, where else could I spend my weekend? ;p"

Such warmth and hospitality that I received not only that moment but my entire stay in Belfast! Arriving in Belfast International Airport, I boarded a bus and get a return ticket to the city. I was quite annoyed that I had to rely on my own, but I guess it was pretty straightforward and it's my fault that I didn't survey the place before I arrived! Nevertheless, there was nothing to worry about as the bus station to the place where Savio stay is within walking distance!! We stayed in the hospital! Well the hostel used to be a ward and its creepy for me at least, as such dark areas make the edge of my hair stand on its end! Nevertheless, I was made to attend the Malaysian Nite, organized by the Queen's University Belfast students during the Fri nite that I arrived. Although I was pretty much a visitor but I guess it was quite enjoyable to see a group of Malaysian after a period of time in a foreign land. I had my first ever Irish Stew, although its a delicacy to many, it was well...my first time trying it :)

The next day, we walked throughout Belfast town, and I think we managed to cover the whole town and try different varieties of food! Yeap, i think we ate a lot, lots of food. We walked and walked and walked and just to stop during lunch hour to watch the dreadful MU vs Liverpool match which I bled my heart out, watching the game from Kitchen Bar with lots of Liverpool supporters in it! Not forgetting that the Northern Irish have close ties with Liverpool thus the passion towards the YNWA team!

Then we went to Seafood bar for snack or maybe lunch or whichever you call it! I had fresh oyster which I miss so much having just like the one in Shogun, One Utama, with lots of Sashimi..yummy! I ordered crab caused I missed the crab dishes in Asia Cafe, Subang which is lovely! Well, can't wait to have these 2 meals once I get back to Malaysia! Firstly, the sashimi's and my crab seafood dish!

The Saturday night, I had the opportunity of joining the medical students for a birthday party in TGI's. Albeit the difference in profession among the medic students,I'm honored to enjoy their company and I guess we had fun too. Thanks to Siao Wen for being a hospitable host on the nite!

I wished I could stay longer in Belfast and take the bus to Dublin, Ireland but I guess that trip is for another time! I attended mass in the hospital and then a quick walk down to town area for Sunday breakfast. We went to St George's market and it's a market once of its kind.

The flight back to Liverpool was a full of mixed feelings as I know reality will have to step in as I prepare myself to work the next day!

Cheers!

Guilty

2009-04-10T17:59:00.001+01:00

I feel terribly guilty for leaving my blog unattended. It's not that I have nothing to write or I got bored writing, but everyday I'm aching to pen my thoughts and also to start typing away. Its Good Friday today, and its still Blessed Lent. It's even April already and I'm typing this piece from the attic room(that is what I call it in this hotel where I'm at), in South Beach Hotel, Troon Scotland.

I don't think I have a valid reason or excuse why I didn't spend time writing my thoughts. Maybe it's out of anger or maybe I was just dissatisfied with stuffs. But anyway, the month of March is pretty busy to me both work and also weekends. I did have the opportunity to visit a friend of mine in Belfast, Northern Ireland and I know its long due but, thanks Savio for the hospitality! I did end up in Paris for a day for the JECI Composites show and there are so many composites stuffs to learn. And now I'm back in Prestwick, Scotland for my assignment, so its quite a handful I have and that won't be my excuse to not to write. I have lots of picture to post and that will be my motivation. Its a good weekend away from Bamber Bridge and hopefully its as fruitful as any other weekends!

Much has happen in March and beginning of April as well. We Malaysians have a new Prime Minister, for those who still don't know(duh!), and we just had our 3 by elections which see mix results as well. We even have a new line or so they say, cabinet ministers and all of us really really hope they will take their job seriously. Not forgetting that the UMNO election is over and thus the power transfer. We also have the verdict for the case of the Mongolian model with the accused (there are actually lots of publicity by the foreign media if you type it in Google) receiving their marching orders to the gallows! As for the other guy, he's pursuing his studies in PHD in one of the prestigious university in UK. Well, enough, let's step out of politics for a while, and see what will the changes be especially in this trying times, the current economic crunch which seems to affect everyone else in Europe and I'm not sure whether it will be just a matter of time before it hits the shores of Asia.

As for me, I have reached the middle of my sojourn here in the UK and as I'm about to return home, which won't happen till the end of June, I have lots in my plate and I always remind myself complacency is not an option or I will end up like MU giving precious away goals to Porto. I am definitely going to watch MU Vs Arsenal in May in Old Traffod again, and this time I hope we will win the Premier League, FA Cup and also Champions League by then! Impossible? We'll see.

I have also just submitted my form for the Troon 10k Race!! I know I'm crazy for doing so and I still think I am! I did try to run along the beach and I didn't even make it to 2 km on a breezing evening with winds that can blow you away! I don't know how am I going to fare during the race which is bound to happen in 3 weeks time but I'm definitely going to give it a try! I already got my running number, which is 969! Nice one!

Before I start to bore you to death on this lovely weekend. I shall end my piece with a Blessed Easter blessings to all. Rejoice, be happy, be merry and channel all your negative energy to something positive k!!

Cheers!

I just love Edinburgh

2009-03-16T21:42:00.001Z

Awrite! Guid mornin! Hou's aw wi ye? (Hi! Good morning! How are you?)

A'm fine, slainte! (I'm fine, thanks!)

I just love Edinburgh!

Edinburgh is beautiful, gorgeous and lovely. The minute you set your eyes on the city, you can't help but go ooh..ahh...ooh..ahh... No wonder those who get to be here for secondment or even their studies just love the place very much. The Scottish accent, peculiar to some but common to many or vice versa seemed very fascinating in its own way. It sounds foreign at first, with me experiencing a 5 seconds laps when I first met a few Scots but gradually I like the language a lot. Maybe its unique history and culture, its just splendid!

D'ye spaek Scotts? (Do you speak Scots?)

Juist a wee. (Just a little).

I just came back from Edinburgh 2 weeks ago and I wished I could stay longer and just capture all the images in my head. The medieval buildings are just mesmerizing with vast history, will surely captivates anyone that visit the city of culture even if its for a day!

I wished I had my own DSLR sooner and can just click away. Most European cities seemed easy to walk about and so is Edinburgh with lots of souvenirs shops to go. A word of caution to the ladies and the active shoppers, bring lots of money! Anyway, if you're thinking of saving some, its almost impossible not because its expensive, but its so reasonable that you don't mind taking and picking the souvenirs off the shelves! Not forgetting the common notion of "Ah..I'm only here once in my lifetime, what the heck". But I think its pretty worth it though (here I go again!). The kilts, Scottish gems(ooh..) and all other Scottish merchandise its awesome. Even their famous bagpipe band, the Red Hot Chili Pipers, they're marvelous! For whisky lovers, Scotland is the land of single malts and whisky, the Water of Life they call it. Funnily, I didn't got myself a a single malt here even though I should. I think I'm guilty as charged in spending already. Don't lah ask me how much I spend, paiseh ;p

We spend one whole day in Edinburgh, although we very much like to go to Sterling Castle and other places nearby, but its a worth outing. The weather is chilly and windy, not as cold as when I first got here. I might have acclimatize myself to the weather already and thankfully there was no rain for us to walk and paint the city red!

The Castle Of Edinburgh should be the place to start your j0urney. From here, you get to pass through lots of medieval, historic buildings with souvenir shops nearby. Again, ladies and gents, lo and behold, the land of culture, with ancient and vast history, with great tradition such as William Wallace who made Scotland what it is now, and years to come! Just go and walk through the city, helpful tourist guides along the way will be on site to assist you and enrich you with information regarding the tourist sites as well. The University of Edinburgh looks majestic with its main building situated in the city centre itself, and food its not much of a hassle as you can get different varieties of food everywhere, from middle east to oriental to Mediterranean and western food.

Ah..i'm sorry for the long absence, i think its pretty long for not writing and least that is what i feel and my hand is just so itchy to start typing along. No worries people, i have lots of pictures and also trips to share with you. I am back in the cyberworld with 3 Broadband kit which i just bought and what the heck, i could not wait until the end of the month for Sky to install their broadband in my apartment.

We stayed in Troon during our trip to Scotland. The next day on Sunday, we took the opportunity to visit Glasgow as well, very much an industrialized city and used to be one of the largest city in Europe, and it was snowing and raining on the day itself. It was freezing cold, with hails but its a worth outing as we walk and walk and walk throughout Glasgow and then headed back to Preston, leaving Scotland behind.

A'll be reit back! (I'll be back soon), I promise!

Alive and Well

2009-03-05T21:08:00.001Z

Alive and well. That's how I am :) I have been missing you all and for those that I haven't visited in recent weeks(in the cyber world), I bid you well and the best everything life can bring. Bear with me as I have just moved into my new apartment here in Preston. Its a lavish apartment suite(at least that is what I taught) but without Internet and television at the moment, nevermind the Jacuzzi and the grand kitchen design with balcony and rooftop view overlooking the other side of Preston.

Cool huh? Yeap, I will be based here for another 2 months of so. Its a long one for me from my beloved and I do wish her well with lots of warmth and thoughts from the heart. Next week will be my first major and daunting task, the first Design Review Gate and to imagine myself presenting in a big room with the Brits and Scots, will be pretty exciting. I think I will hold on until next week to find out whether or not I survive the battle.

I had a wonderful weekend last week as I managed to be in Lytham St Anne with Bro Columba's cousin and family. It was a fruitful outing with lovely Malaysian food which I missed so much! I love the English homes as its very accommodating and also comfy. Its a lovely place, St Anne, the place where Tiger Wood met his wife, and one of the main golf course for the Golf Masters. Although we were rushing to move into the new apartment, I managed to chip in part of schedule for that wonderful visit.

Moving to West Cliff, Preston, was a win-win situation for both the management and us, as we managed to save huge amount of money on accommodation and yet having the best a service apartment could offer. Oh ya, its without the Internet and the television at the moment(I've to stress it thousands of time caused its so stressing). I ended up sleeping at 8:30pm yesterday nite, much to the amusement of myself. I don't really like to sleep so much. For those who knew me well, i will always find ways to do something, and to keep myself busy so that i will enjoy every minute of life and also treasure the luxury called sleeping. I'm now in the dark in my car parked outside my former inn for using the broadband which I still have an account to use till the 6th March. Now..gosh!!That's tomorrow and i think i need the broadband to keep me updated and also abreast with everything else that needs attention.

Nevertheless, happy March everyone. This month is a pretty busy month for me. I will be all over the place (if you count Scotland, Northern Ireland & France as places). Well its both work and leisure and I will be quite up and a bit as well. I have filled my calendars with agendas for most weekends too(how about "Preston Beer Festival" for a start? Cool huh?). I'm not sure how I'll go about it but I'll managed somehow. Tomorrow, I will head to Scotland, and I will meet up with the other Malaysian guys up there. Hence, my whereabouts will be as such ; Friday in Prestwick, Saturday will be in Edinburgh and Sunday in Glasgow before returning to Preston, England. Pheww, what a weekend it will be huh ;p! Scotland is another beautiful place I always want to go and I'm so looking forward to it! I won't be able to make it to Aberdeen though and to see the Loch Ness but hopefully someday I will reach those places! (No worries Flo, we'll meet up in London with Well!)

Alright now, I have to get moving, the temperature is getting colder(1.5 deg Celsius) and its so dark in the car. I look like a computer geek with a laptop on in the dark typing secret codes away!

Till then everyone, cheers!

Highest Paid ...

2009-02-26T23:56:00.001Z

I have gotten this list from a good friend of mine(I'm still trying to find the source though) and it fascinates me to see how much the football stars earn per week! No wonder some of the pundits or even normal people like us commented that football is indeed a crazy game and an expensive one! Lets see, the amount these top 50 earn per week errm...lemme check my bank book,..hehe..I wish us all luck in breaking that bank book! ;p

At the moment in Europe:
Player, Team, Per week in Euro (Per Year in Euro)
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic Internazionale 750.000 (9.000,000)
2. Ricardo Kaka AC Milan 750,000 (9.000,000)
3. Lionel Messi FC Barcelona 700.000 (8,400,000)
4. John Terry Chelsea 631,182 (7,574,179)
5. Frank Lampard Chelsea 631,182 (7.574.179)
6. Thierry Henry FC Barcelona 625,000 (7.500.000)
7. Samuel Eto´o FC Barcelona 625,000 (7,500,000)
8. Cristiano Ronaldo Manchester United 563,555 (6,762,660)
9. Ronadinho Gaucho AC Milan 541,667 (6,500,000
10. Andrei Shevchenko AC Milan 541,667 (6,500,000
11. Michael Ballack Chelsea 541,013 (6,492,154)
12. Steven Gerrard Liverpool 541,013 (6,492,154)
13. Rio Ferdinand Manchester United 541,013 (6,492,154)
14. Raul Gonzalez Real Madrid 533,333 (6,400,000)
15. Ruud Van Nistelrooy Real Madrid 533,333 (6,400,000)
16. Iker Casillas Real Madrid 500,000 (6,000,000)
17. Frederic Kanouté Sevilha FC 500,000 (6,000,000)
18. Wayne Rooney Manchester United 495,928 (5,951,141)
19. Michael Owen Newcastle United 495,928 (5,951,14)
20. Fabio Cannavaro Real Madrid 483.333 (5,800,000)
21. Robinho Manchester City 473,386 (5,680,634)
22. Francesco Totti AS Roma 458,333 (5,500,000)
23. Luca Toni Bayern Munique 458,333 (5,500,000)
24. Arjen Robben Real Madrid 455,000 (5,460,000
25. Ashley Cole Chelsea 450,844 (5,410,128)
26. Deco Chelsea 450,844 (5,410,128)
27. Fernando Torres Liverpool 450,844 (5,410,128)
28. Carlos Tevez Manchester United 428,302 (5,139,622)
29. Adriano Internazionale 416.667 (5,000,000)
30. Patrick Vieira Internazionale 416.667 (5,000,000)
31. Charles Puyol FC Barcelona 416.667 (5,000,000)
32. Andres Iniesta FC Barcelona 416.667 (5,000,000)
33. Xavi FC Barcelona 416,667 (5,000,000)
34. Sergio Aguero Atletico Madrid 416,667 (5,000,000)
35. Gianluigi Buffon Juventus 416,667 (5,000,000)
36. Willy Sagnol Bayern Munique 416,667 (5,000,000)
37. Dimitar Berbatov Manchester United 405,760 (4,869,115)
38. Andrei Arshavin Arsenal 405,760 (4,869,115)
39. Didier Drogba Chelsea 405,760 (4,869,115)
40. Nicolas Anelka Chelsea 405,760 (4,869,115)
41. Paul Scholes Manchester United 405,760 (4,869,115)
42. Alessandro Del Piero Juventus 400,000 (4,800,000)
43. Karim Benzema Olympique Lyon 400,000 (4,800,000)
44. Lúcio Bayern Munique 400,000 (4,800,000)
45. Frank Ribery Bayern Munique 400,000 (4,800,000)
46 Joe Cole Chelsea 383,217 (4,598,609)
47. Ryan Giggs Manchester United 383,217 (4,598,609)
48. Xabi Alonso Liverpool 383,217 (4,598,609)
49. Jamie Carragher Liverpool 383,217 (4,598,609)
50. David Beckham AC Milan 375,000 (4,500,000)

*David Beckham, LA Galaxy (still) Euro 1.25 (Euro 15,000,000!) He is still the highest paid footballer in the world but will take a drastic pay cut if he switch to AC Milan.

*As of 26 Feb 09 (it might still change).

Ash Wednesday

2009-02-25T23:08:00.001Z

Blessed Lent to everyone! My Ash Wednesday this year is a special one as I get to go for the evening mass and then joined the religious for their night prayer in the Benedictine chapel. I also got a call from Bro Adam, the first Sarawakian monk from the Order of Cistercians, whose monastery is at Mt St Bernard, Leicester. There're few websites explaining what Lent and Ash Wednesday is all about and the celebration called Shrove Tuesday or Pancake's Day in England a day before marking the beginning of Lent.

So may this Lent be fruitful and peaceful to you. A short one though, with lots of thoughts and prayer.

Blessed Lent everyone!!

Sunday Breakfast with Bro Columba

2009-02-22T20:02:00.001Z

It is going to be Lent season soon. This morning after mass, we had a short morning coffee with Bro Columba, the Benedictine monk from Sabah who is currently based here in Bamber Bridge for his next station. How fast has time flown as we are entering the final week of February and spring is already knocking on the door.

As for me, it's great to catch up with my fellow countrymen who is also here in the small town of Preston.In my previous post, St. Mary's Brownedge & St Wilfrid's, Bro Columba is the first Sabahan Benedictine monk in the religious order of St Benedict. Bro. Columba has also invited us to witness for ourselves the lives of the monk in Ampleforth Abbey in York which is an opportunity to see the countryside and its a good weekend retreat as well. I remind myself to bring a notebook next time when I meet up with Bro. Columba as there always lots of information and interesting fact in regards of the life in the religious order(anyone up for religious vocation?). Fuh, after Amsterdam and now a retreat with the Benedictine monks! This gotta be fun! :)

I remembered when I was younger when I had the chance to join retreats and go through the Saturday Morning Missal which is also used by the monks and also other religious orders throughout the day. I wonder how is it like here but I am sure to bring back some shots in the countryside too. It will be spring and the flowers will start blooming! Can't wait!!

Yesterday we had a trip to Leeds. It was pretty an industrial city but also with interesting Victorian and Edwardian buildings which we managed to get a few good shots as well. We also managed to drove to Kirkstall Abbey, which is a ruined Cistercian monastery to the west of Leeds city centre in West Yorkshire. I am also very excited to know that we have our very own first Sarawakian Cistercian Monk (Bro Adam who happens to be from the indigenous community of the Orang Ulu in Sarawak! Kewl!!) .

This weekend I will spending a night at Lytham, St. Anne's-on-the-sea, just somewhere below Blackpool with the cousins of Bro Columba for a British weekend. It will be great as well as I will get to taste Malaysian food again(I'm so missing Malaysian food right now ;p)! Yeap yeap, will take some photos by the beach in this winter-to-spring season!

In a couple of hours or maybe a day, I will be... ahem a year older, a year wiser ,so they say. I thank God for the past years of my exciting life and thank Him for His abundant grace and blessings as well. It will be another birthday away on this 24th from my loved ones, and love you all very much, muaakss!!

I would like to end today's piece with this birthday quote below. Sweeeet!!!!!!!!!

Men are like wine. Some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.
- C.E.M. Joad

Finally Amsterdam!

2009-02-20T13:47:00.001Z

Haha..yeap, i have been to Amsterdam! It was very tiring and exhausting. Hold your horses. I know what your thinking. It took me sometime to recover from the jet lag and the exhaustion but I think its really worth it!!

Its been a while since I wrote, and to those who wonders, its just another tough week. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. I think to some, its almost the same. But to me, I would like to learn from the past, get up again, keep learning and keep moving forward. One of the quote which I would love to remember today was, "When we learn once, you have to learn thrice". And if there are times when you feel lazy, I have to despise that idea and tell myself to think of tomorrow, of what should I answer in the boardroom. Its like a shadow chasing me yet depending on me at the same time. Its the lil thing called pressure that elevates you of your comfort zone and always producing results beyond your means. The feeling of not to be satisfied easily and always to double check. Double check.

Alrite, enough of work! Let me bring to you one of the trip which I have always wanted to go all this while!

AMSTERDAM!!! Amsterdam is a lovely place! Just when I thought I would have to dismiss the idea of getting there as mere fantasy, I had the call from Alex AJ :

"Ba Guz, suda beli tiket ka? (Have you bought your ticket yet?) "

"Huh?, ala..macam nda dapat owh..belum lagi tima duit nih..(huh?..i dun think I can make it, money not in..) "

"Buli tu ;p!! (Sure you can!!) "

What the heck, its now or never! Thank God for easyJet! easyJet is just like Air Asia to Malaysia! It makes dream come true. We board the plane from Liverpool's John Lennon Airport. The feeling was nervous and thrilled. Its so anxious not to know what is to be expected on the other side! Dup dap dup dap! The crowd was just what you would expected, young and crazy. Hehe..one could only know too well what's in their mind ;p

The trip took us one hour! As per all other flight, I always get into hibernation mode once I sit in my chair. I don't know why. Just after I put on my safety belt, I was fast asleep and the next thing I knew, I was already up in the air in the Airbus A319, and just before I could enjoy my dreams, I'm already awake when the landing gear touched the ground of Schiphol Airport. Fuyoo Amsterdam here I come!

Approaching the immigration officer, I'm all lit up like a lamp; excited and also jittery!

"How long you will be here?"

"Till Sunday"

"Purpose of visit?"

"Pleasure :) "

Looking at my smirk, the officer just smiled and chopped my passport!! AMSTERDAM SCHIPHOL!!

Wowee!!! Now now, one thing that I overlooked on my trip to the Netherlands is, the language!! Everything is in DUTCH!! Haha, I didn't spend a lil time learning a few simple words in Dutch, and everything from the signboard to the menu, the train ticket and to the travel info! I always assume there will be multi lingual signs just like what we have in KLIA, with all the signs up to all major languages you can think of but err.. not much.

We took the train to Rotterdam and bought the weekend return ticket which cost €20,40. If you must, I would have to say that the living cost in this beautiful city is expensive to me. At least its more expensive compared to the UK. Its more like in Malaysia where a normal 500ml of coke cost €1,60 (in Malaysia would be RM1.60). Considering the expensive exchange rate of the Euro, we would have to ration our food, thanks to AAJ, we have free European buffet style breakfast in his apartment, in Crown Rotterdam Hotel.

Next morning after visiting a local club in Rotterdam(that being the first club I entered in Europe), we headed down to Amsterdam on a return ticket which was more expensive than the trip from Schiphol to Rotterdam, €24,80. It was a gloomy morning with slight rain, the whether that week was cold and its was raining snow in the UK. Argh..of all the weekend, it has to be raining! Not wanting to hamper our mood, I keep my spirit high as we arrived at the Amsterdam Central Train Station,with my thoughts on the Visitor Information Centre. I'm looking for the first thing most people will look for.. the RED LIGHT DISTRICT!! Hey hey, cool down cool down, I know what you're thinking!! Haha, I know that grin! Well the place is amazing, breathtaking, lots of things to see, to smell and touch(oops although I didn't choose that 3rd option!). We spent most of the time around the Red Light District, walking around and around and around looking at things, which weren't what I expected. Its still early in the morning though, only 9:30am, I bet the city is still sleeping(or other "thingy" is still sleeping) ;p!

Nevertheless, we didn't let that pull us down as we walk around the city, and the city is full of bicycles. Even the tourist polices are using bicycles. You got to watch out for bicycles rather than of cars in this country. Even though, the oil company, Shell, is from the Netherlands but the oil price here is pretty expensive per litre. Being a tourist attractions for various reasons, there were lots of people by midday and we opted to go to Madame Tussauds instead. We didn't mind the ticket price, which costs €21,00 per person, its the Madame Tussauds of Amsterdam. The wax museum was my first of its kind and there were lots of wax(obviously) to see, and I took lots of pictures with "celebrities"!! They looked real and shiny(because of the wax)! I have few naughty shots with "J.Lo" and "Beyonce" too ;p!

For lunch, we had Indonesian food. Funny, rite? Well, the Indonesians have a long history with the Dutch and there were lots of Asian in Netherlands as well, and some of the Indonesians that have been in the country so long that they speak just like the Dutch. Fascinating huh? :) Believe it!

We walk more and more throughout the RLD in the evening where the raunchy and spicy shows starts. There were lots of "dolls" in the glass house and in each lane that we past, they seem to cater for each preference that you have in mind. Big, small, Asian, three-some err..etc. and I believe they are licensed. Its quite fascinating to see how the girls will try to entice you for a short "visit" with their skimpy dresses and erotic moves with price ranging from €50 and more depending on the services that you require (i knew that from the shopkeeper ahaks!). There were lots of live shows but it looked very dodgy so I choose to pass. There were also Strip Shows and some sneak peaks! Its nothing that you have never seen already(gotcha!). Yea yea I knew I wasted it but sincerely at that point of time, it feels like one of the exposure program that I attended and its more to empathy that I have rather than pleasure on my mind. Nevertheless, they were pretty tempting though for the faint hearted.

Well Amsterdam is not complete without the "coffee shops" around. There were lots of them in the RLD and weed is legal in Holland. Yeap, they even sell you the seeds and I would like to think that the stuff is pretty dangerous. We see quite a no. of people that got "stoned" and there are some experience which isn't too nice to think of. For those who are more adventurous, they will have a puff and also a slice of cake which has marijuana in it. As a personal advice, I would choose to say to you to refrain from it. Well its a matter of opinion but I will strongly tell you to enjoy other stuffs. As the side effect of marijuana is extensive and by any means, its still illegal and its still a drug which has negative effects of your body.

We left Amsterdam by 7:15pm although most of us still wanna stay. As for me, I'm pretty satisfied with the trip as I have come to see what I want to see and I will look forward for my next destination, which I will let you know soon!

Cheers!!

Have a lovely Valentine!! :)

2009-02-13T21:10:00.001Z

Alright, alright, by now you must either be truly bored with all the hypes of Valentine or you are actually feeling sentimental and romantic with the notion ~ love is in the air, mushy mushy and lovey dovey stuff. And to add matter worst, newspapers, super markets, radios, Internet and any form of mass media has already propagate the idea of a lovely Valentine and the things you should and must do to spice up your erotic life..oops I mean your love life.

I believe everyone has his or her point of views regarding celebrations of love. There are actually no rights nor wrongs, its all ok, I understand from your point of view, I beg to differ from what you said, and so many ways to justify why we should and shouldn't celebrate this day of love. Just don't get too emotional for those who oppose it yeah. Live with it! After all, everyday should be a Valentine one mite say. Everyday should be a birthday. Everyday should be a "something" day. That's right. Again, whichever opinion it may be, Happy Valentine's Day people.

It's been a while since I wrote, I think I'm pretty caught up with work, up to the extend that I'm afraid that I'm gonna end up being a workaholic! Sometimes it's a tricky question to draw the line, but I'm sure I'll be able to handle it. Everyone have role models to look up to, I mean you have to, you are the director of your own movie(remember the movie "Click")? It's all the choices you have made and how you are going to live with it. Hmm..come to think of it, which is better? being a workaholic or being an alcoholic? I think anything with a "lic" it isn't that good. Just a little will suffice rite?

I think tomorrow will be just a quiet weekend, thought of spending some lil video conference with my love back home, and maybe I'll just post up the trip that I had last week, hehe..Amsterdam!! Its still a beautiful place, but I think I will look forward to my next destination(lots to pick but it depend on the current credit crunch! damn!), still keeping my finger cross!! On Sunday, maybe I'll just go down to Bolton, or any nearby town and take some pics and will have it post up :)!

A short post for this one though, I wish all of you a lovely Valentine, with lots of love overflowing like a river, may you be bless with abundant blessings and lots of love. For those who are going to get hitched this year, congratulations, and have a lovely blissful wedding!! For those who will spend the their time alone, lots of love be upon you as well, may you always feel the lovely touch of a Valentine's blessing.

Cheers!! Go ahead, touch that dial and spread the love! :)

XOXOXO!!

York, the ancient city.

2009-02-09T20:55:00.001Z

I bet if I'm going to tell any Tom, Dick and Harry that I have been to York, I will get the normal reply of " Ooo, where is that? ". Fret not, as I will take you through the journey of a fantastic day in the ancient city of York, filled with history and culture.

From Bamber Bridge, there are 2 ways to go to York, the main one by using the motorway, while the other, by using the countryside. Albeit 15 minutes longer(the total journey was around 1 hour 45 minutes), we decided to take the country side since there are going to be lots of sceneries to see, something which we haven't gotten any clue but its a great way to start the weekend.

We took the M65 ( a way of identifying their highway system) which passes through the town of Burnley, and blimey, Burnley is beautiful and looks historic to me. Too bad we could only see it from a far, with strategically placed settlement with beautiful buildings -ancient and nice. The countryside was so green, with sheep's grazing at the prairie, and I had the naughty thought of barging at them yanking away. They looked so calm just grazing all day, lots of them - unperturbed. We pass through the town of Skipton and Harrogate as well, its just like the small town of Leyland (somewhere near Bamber Bridge) but its a good way of discovering the countryside. There were a few windmills which I had to slow down for Mak to take some photos, although he grunted that I was jerking the brake carelessly due to the cars tail-gating behind - a result of silly tourists who can't resist to take photos almost everywhere we go. We also had the chance to see large golf balls, okay, its actually the radome belonging to the British RAF along the way to York. I don't think I will be able to post that up, but just imagine a few golf balls, multiply by the size of a few hundreds, you get the idea.

Arriving at York, as we enter through M59, we could see the walls of York and parked our Vauxhall at the Railway Station(which cost us £13 at the end of the day). York is designed in such a way that, it will try to divert every car out of the city of York, not because it doesn't welcome any visitors -far from it, but as one of the major tourist attraction in England, its necessity, to avoid jamming the whole place with cars, thus the expensive cost of parking your car.

The first destination that i was dying to go was the York Minster. The largest cathedral in UK, York Minster is one of the cathedrals that you shouldn't miss. Its very visible from afar, and with vast history, from the romans to the present, you wouldn't want to miss it for the world. From the York Station to the York Minster, it takes around 18 minutes by foot. There was a garden just on the way to the Minster where they had this cute silver squirrels with bushy tail and they were so tame!! It will just come up to you and wait for food. They were so adorable and just fun to watch. And while taking photos of the squirrels, I'm sure in the squirrel lil minds, they were asking for "Food!! Food!! Where's my peanut you silly tourist?!!" Haha, but too bad, there weren't anything to give the squirrels but just to cuddle them(I wish!).

We paid approximately £9 to enter the York Minster as it includes, the Tower, the Minster and also the Undercroft. The Tower was tall with 279 steps!! Although it wasn't that high, but I was panting half way through and it was too late to turn back! The reward? A super magnificent view on the top of the Tower overlooking the lil town of York, from coast to coast, from east to west, and from south to south, it was so mesmerizing. The clear blue sky was lovely and the sun was shining. It was a very good weather and i forgot about the chilling cold for a moment. Nevertheless, there was this poor attendant who were overlooking the counter at the tower which was shivering so bad, he wasn't in any mood to laugh at all. It was just to cold and freezing on the tower. And if i haven mentioned, forget about climbing the tower if you're a big size, cause the tower was so narrow, you actually have to "push" your way through. Man, no wonder they did put up a caution for everyone to see that, anyone with vertigo, health problems, height phobia, and pregnant ladies are not advisable to climb. Aye aye Sir!

In the Undercroft there were lots of crypt and also the basillica, the point where the romans used to meet up, to become the corner stone of the building. To be in the place where the romans had once stood was honorable. The structure was very well preserved and there was even a statue of Constantine, although I'm not to sure how Constantine ended up there.

Out of the York Minster, we walked to the shambles, where the romans used to walk in the city, and the pavements, the pebbles on the road from the times of the romans were still very intact. Not forgetting there was a place belonging to the late parents of Guy Fawkes, the Gunpowder Plot fame!! Remember remember the 7 of November, the gunpowder, treason and plot..in that movie, I love the line, "The people shouldn't be afraid of the government, the government should be afraid of the people". Funny but true. Although its never ever likely to happen in M'sia, but hopefully the leaders in M'sia know what is expected of them and to propel the country to greater heights, out of the credit crunch and stop politicking for a while.

Oops sorry, lets stick to York. From the shambles, we walked all the way to the dungeon(yeap they had a dungeon but too bad we couldn't get into it because there were very long lines,told you it was a tourist place! Then we just spend the time walking through the bridge and just sight seeing. On the way back, we took the M61, with Mak volunteering to drive and I almost doze off instead of making sure he's awake to drive, it was just so exhausting and the rest of us, dozing off in our slumber thinking of the bed in the inn.

That's all folk!!

Amsterdam!!!!

2009-02-04T19:08:00.001Z

Alright, alright, hold your horses!! I don't know what Amsterdam is like, or what is going to be, but its one of the places that I wanna visit for so long. Enough of the mundane and dreading news we heard all day regarding stuffs which does not benefit us in anyway(whatever and whichever it is). Enough of the bad start to a midweek with lots of emails and reports to rush to. Enough of going to recap those fall outs and mishaps or even blunders. For those of my fellow friends and family that didn't had a good day as well, let's look forward to weekend and hopefully it will be another fantastic week to look ahead. Fingers crossed and God Speed.

Its going to be a sunny Saturday with slight rain in Amsterdam this weekend according to the weather forecast. The sight of Schipol Airport(although I'm not sure how it looks like at the moment) is so tempting to land my feet on and just kiss the ground! To leap up high with my fist in the air, wowee!! Ok, that's exaggerating! And to Alexander A. J., please be on time to pick me from the airport! The King has arrived, seh ;p

I have lots of photos to post up actually. Again, its not the ones in Amsterdam(hang on, its not here yet) but the ones taken in York, and I managed to visit one of the 10 places that you should see in UK before you die. Hehe, alright, its the York Minster and etc, and the photo is so cool! Again, credit goes especially to Maverick Mak for taking such splendid photos while I'm here. I did take a few shots as well and I hope I can say that I'm also improving with every shot.

Was just on the phone with Alex, and boy, is he so happy to meet me and Firdaus this weekend. I think that is what loneliness will do to you in a foreign place after one month!! Seh, luckily I got this blog to keep me busy or else I myself will lose my sanity. Yeap, i also miss my Missus back home, and baby, Happy Anniversary! Hehe, well I will post this in another blog of mine, ought to spare you the mushy mushy stuff ;p!

Cheers people!! Gotta learn a few dutch for my trip to Amsterdam!! God Bless!!!

ps ; hah I know what you're thinking!! Amsterdam and whatever it can bring!! ..Wait on it in the next post!!

Requiem

2009-02-04T18:19:00.001Z

Requiem because Silver has fallen. Requiem because it affects everyone young and old. Requiem because we all know what happen or so we thought. Requiem because the citizens of The Silver State will mourn instead of leaping for joy. Requiem because we are still experiencing Extreme Denial Syndrome. Requiem because we will have a chieftain with tainted past. Requiem because its so dirty you wanna puke. Requiem because it's not the ruling administration that we shout but the fate of the people of the state. Requiem because its very diabolical and also controversial. Requiem because to kidnap and making statements under duress is denial of everything that you could think of. Requiem because its just so helpless to think and do anything but cringe in a corner and try to live our everyday's life. Requiem because the current credit crunch doesn't seem to bother those in authorities. Requiem because its just a gimmick to gain more attention to affirm credibility after the lost of a single seat in KT. Requiem because its forcing people into believing that it's the right and humane thing to do. Requiem because of the unending drama, and we just have to keep quiet and say nothing about it. Requiem because its just the right thing to do at the moment. Let's us pause a moment in silent..

Libera me

Libera me, Domine, de morte aeterna, in die illa tremenda:

Quando caeli movendi sunt et terra.

Dum veneris judicare saeculum per ignem.

Tremens factus sum ego, et timeo, dum discussio venerit, atque ventura ira.

Quando caeli movendi sunt et terra.

Dies illa, dies irae, calamitatis et miseriae, dies magna et amara valde.

Dum veneris judicare saeculum per ignem.

Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine: et lux perpetua luceat eis.

Translation (Deliver Me) :

Deliver me, O Lord, from eternal death on that fearful day,

when the heavens and the earth are moved,

when you come to judge the world with fire.

I am made to tremble and I fear, because of the judgment that will come, and also the coming wrath.

when the heavens and the earth are moved,

That day, day of wrath, calamity, and misery, day of great and exceeding bitterness.

when you come to judge the world with fire.

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.

It's SNOWING in February!!

2009-02-02T22:36:00.001Z

SNOWWWW!!!!!! Yoohoo!!!

Wow!!! I woke this morning feeling a lil lazy because I'm so comfortable in my bed, its so cold and the bed and pillows is so soft, who wanna get out of bed? After getting ready and all, as I was about to open the hotel door, I dashed outside!!

ITS SNOWING!! Wowee!!!! SNOW!! RAINING SNOW in a February month!! Just when you thought that the snow might elude you and be gone, its snowing in front of you. Ice and snow flakes is everywhere. The roads, cars, and everything you can see is covered with snow! Nevermind if its only negative 1 degree Celsius, nevermind if I'm not wearing any glove, I was just too excited to see the snow and if I just could, I would lie down on the grass covered snow and just roll. I wanna ski and do the moonlight walk even! Haha, yea yea, I know its my first time watching the snow falling and some of you have seen snow countless of time, but its just so fun and exciting. And for that few moments, I just let my teammates enjoyed the snow and took a couple of shots before driving off to the office.

The meteorological department has forecasted that it will be snowing heavily today and tomorrow and that this snow is the result of the wind from Russia. It was drizzling snow all day even in the bright shiny afternoon. Yeap, the sun was up and bright in the sky and the snow was still glued to the ground, not melting as if waiting for me to finish off work soon and just quickly glide and build my snow man. Unfortunately, the snow hasn't been that thick but we did have a lil snow fights on our own, crumbling our own snow balls and threw at each other. Forget that we're all adults, it's snowing and lets be merry and cherished the every drop of snow flakes!

I wish it will still snow tomorrow!

February!

2009-02-01T12:35:00.008Z

Its February already!! Apuu, jampat amat(gosh, how fast!)!! Anyway, another month has passed and February is one of the many months that I'm very fond of. You know, luvvy dovey and also i'm turning a year younger, oops i mean older. That's fast. Updates, I'm still based in Bamber Bridge and also work has definitely increased as time flies.

Jogging
Realizing that all work and no exercise make me a oversized whatever-you-wanna-call-it, i went to Matalan (a reasonable kinda shop to get a set of sweatshirt and pants for me to jog-its only £8). I have too start exercise here, be it day or nite. No wonder during lunch time, the Brits will just jog about or walk in the park or just simply play soccer. Really, lunch time! And we just ate sandwiches for lunch. Imagine a bored panda eating the bamboo. Bored and tired. That's me. Just munching my sandwich every lunchtime.

Picture courtesy of http://www.animalfactguide.com/mammal_giantpanda.php

And my oh my, i did go for a lil jog from my inn to the office (its actually a running distance i must say and not walking distance.) My newly bought reebok was really comfy and it was pretty chill. Of all the evenings that i opted to jog, why must it be 2 degrees Celcius on that day. But thinking of my ever expanding waistline, i asked one of my teammates F, to tagg along. One thing about the cold is that it won't cause you to sweat, oh no, not even a drop of sweat. You only end up having a cold chest which i had to soak myself in the bathtub after getting back from the jog. Nevertheless, its a fruitfull one as i feel a renewed sense of excitement to keeping fit! Na..at least i can say i did join the Brits in one of their antiques jogging after work in the icy cold winter.

Football with the Brits
We had chance to play football with the Brits, last Friday around 5pm(where it was dark already) when the temperature is 4 degree Celcius. I'm not really a soccer player but the thought of running like crazy after a ball when it's freezing is fun. Arriving at the astro turf, i was well covered (my clothing i mean, with shoes, 3 layers of shirts and long pants, i quickly got myself sorted out and just took my normal place as a left back(not that i have been a defender all my life), i just need to keep my body moving to get rid of the cold that is starting to chill my bones. The Brits were very friendly and i had fun. Naa..i don't play that bad, i'm quite okie, with the other 3 big guys at the back covering the goal post(we don't need much running do we ;p). The game was fantastic, and i surely look forward to the next one. Thanks to Chris G, for inviting us to the game.

Intellectual Property Training
During one of the weeks here, we were told to join the IPT training. Boring as it might sound, its actually a serious offence especially in the state with sensitive issues such as export control and the likes. You might even get jailed and fine depending on the seriousness of the offence. Data, worksheets, emails and information is deemed sensitive to a certain company and they definitely don't come cheap once you are caught for IP breach and etc. Personally, its not much as an issue in M'sia as every online data is easily accessible due to the availability of p2p software and also websites make it easy to obtain stuffs which you were supposed to buy. To get them correctly is fairly expensive. Nevertheless, i'm just wondering whether it applies to blog as well? In terms of pictures/cross-posting, is it that serious? So how do you draw the line?

Cheers!

Lancaster & Blackburn

2009-01-29T20:31:00.014Z

Last Saturday has been a fruitful day to me. At first, I thought of going to York, to see the York Minster and also the largest maze in the world which is there, but then it wasn't meant to be. Nevertheless, we intended to go to Blackburn at first but change to Lancaster at the last minute after considering the recommendation from the receptionist.

Its very much of a coincidence as well since the day we went to Lancaster, the movie Braveheart was shown on tv here and ahem, its my first time watching the movie. Alright alright, i didn't mean to miss that movie out of my list but the pictures below is the ancient cross as a memorial of the coronation of King Edward IV. Cool huh?

So here we go to Lancaster, not knowing what to expect there and we decided to drive there instead since its only 25 minutes away from Bamber Bridge. Lancaster is really a scenic scene with ancient history. There are quite a number of Asian in Lancaster, as per my observation, with mostly made up by students studying in University of Lancaster, there are more young people around this city and also the English are rather stylish with their appearance albeit in a fairly conservative manner compare to their counterpart in larger cities like Manchester or Liverpool.

As quoted in wiki, here is what it says about Lancaster. "Long existing as a commercial, cultural and educational centre, Lancaster is the settlement that gives Lancashire its name. Lancaster has several unique ties to the British monarchy; the House of Lancaster was a branch of the English royal family, whilst the Duchy of Lancaster holds large estates on behalf of Queen Elizabeth, who herself is also the Du ke of Lancaster. Lancaster was granted city status in 1937 for its "long association with the crown" and because it was "the county town of the King's Duchy of Lancaster"." For more on this city, click on Lancaster.

In wiki, it is said "Lancaster Castle, partly built in the 13th century and enlarged by Elizabeth I, stands on the site of a Roman garrison. Lancaster Castle is well-known as the site of the infamous Pendle witch trials in 1612. It was said that the court based in the castle (the Lancaster Assizes) sentenced more people to be hanged than any other in the country outside of London, earning Lancaster the nickname, "the Hanging Town"."

The pics below isn't a castle but the priory next to it. Its like a church and we are lucky to have enter inside the church and look at a different perspective of the church of England.

I have taken many pictures on this trip as well. What upsets me most is my pictures weren't so good as to what i have done before. Oh ya, I'm referring to my skills. I have yet a long journey to accomplish(in photography) and i hope i can learn it fast while I'm here. Thus, pardon me, if the pictures aren't that good. Nevertheless, thought of dividing this post into two buts its just almost impossible with the many beautiful scenery and the vast history of the town of Lancaster. Considering that every single moment counts, every trip i make matters, its very upsetting that some of the pictures weren't up to par. Maybe my expectations were a lil higher, but nevertheless, be assured that I will get it sorted out. I better start learning to take at the correct angle and everything that a photographer should know, especially an amateur like me. Nevertheless, hopefully the pics are good k.

That's the famous street in Lancaster and we visited the Lancaster Town Museum plus we manage to see a mountain bike demonstration. Cool.

Well, i think the team enjoyed our outing at Lancaster, the places are very scenic and beautiful, Victorian buildings are what that shape the city and they had sort of like a Saturday market on that day. I didn't buy anything just yet because its suppose to mean a cheap weekend outings, the words used now are always vigilance, prudence and cost savings. I think that also apply to me here. The best thing about being here is inflation is very low compare to my homeland. Just like going to shop for daily goods or rations at Sainsbury (in Msia it will be something like Giant, Tesco etc), you'll rarely exit £20 and that's a whole lots of goodies (which after foreign exchange to Msia would be RM100) which is still the same, but look at the value. How much different does it make. Luckily for us right now, the £ has deteriorate due to the economic turmoil which has affected the western country badly and as of today, the currency is 1£ to RM4.9++ that Saturday morning. Wow, a few years back it was 1£ to RM 7.2 even!! But I'm not complaining as much just yet, because saving is a must and upmost priority at the moment. Savvy?!

Below is a picture of the small canal which we manage to find. The bridge is actually a road and its still in a very good shape! The building next to it is a house by the canal. Funny how i always thought i'm only going to see these in the movies, but its really in front of me and i hope my mind can capture as much memories as the camera could ;p

From Lancaster, we drove down to Blackburn which is just around 15 minutes away from Bamber Bridge. I arrived in Blackburn nearly evening, and just manage to take a few shots which has the word Blackburn. I didn't get to go to Eawood Park, Blackburn Rovers FC stadium if that is what you are thinking. Well, a summary of Blackburn on a personal level for me is that, there are more Muslims in Blackburn which is also a delight for some of the members of my team, as access to Halal food will be easier and there is a mosque, a big one, and one can see many Muslims in this town of Blackburn, i mean relatively quite a number compared to other towns/cities like Liverpool and Manchester. I got myself a nice shirt from Mckenzie while in Blackburn. I think its pretty nice and its suitable to use especially if i were to go chill when i get back to M'sia.

Well, it is almost a month since i have been I'm stationed here in the UK, i have been busy as well with work, with the responsibility that i shouldered while I'm here but I'm enjoying every moment of it and its a great learning experience with an exponential growth of information and understanding in and out of my system day and nite. I hope family and friends and my love ones back home are in the pink of health and take good care at this time of recession and also the current economic turmoil. Again the key word, be prudent in your spending, saved more cash, avoid as much debt as possible, and stay away from plastic cards(you know what i mean) if possible.

I wish you great warmth from the cold winter of the Brits and till i write again, do take care!

St Ignatius, Preston

2009-01-27T21:00:00.007Z

Last Sunday, we managed to go to church in time(after assuming that all Sunday masses and services starts as 9:30am). Leaving the inn around 9am, i decided that we should just try our luck at entering one of the many churches in Preston, there are many of them you know, with tall domes which are easily visible miles away.

The church that we attended today was known as St Ignatius. more than a century years old. The parish priest of the church is Fr Tom. One known fact is that St Ignatius parish is formed as way back as 1833 as their history suggests (St Ignatius).

We managed to reach to St Ignatius for the Sunday 3rd week of the year and luckily enough, we reach there in time just for the Sunday Mass. As per normal, the church here are magnificently beautiful, with lots of decorations and I'm just awestruck whenever i stepped into this hall of worship. Not that I'm a holy and pious but i believe that i shouldn't put aside my spiritual life although how lil there may be. But lemme tell you, the church is lovely, and the people are very welcoming, which explains how we joined in the Sunday tea after mass, after being invited by one of the church caretaker, Margeret. Thanks Marge! Well, the church were not that empty but there are still number of places left to be filled. The reading about the prophet Jonah is always inspiring in terms of courage and perseverance and somehow it touches upon my current role and also motivating in a way. Sometimes, to lead, one has to make tough decision and also be actively proactive, always thinking very far ahead, and never look back, have a thick skinned and always looking out for your flock. Well, do check the Sunday readings to know more k.

Of course I can't just leave this post without pictures. There are a few of them here, and well, i think i have ballooned up a little in of the pics oopss.. Foods delicious you know! If don't believe me try that gammon shank! Its so cheap and cheap, compare to M'sia where it's very expensive for the same thing. But, i'll promise to watch my diet. Err, i hope booze don't really count haha!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!

2009-01-25T21:55:00.009Z

Wishing everyone a very Happy and Prosperous Chinese New Year 2009!! May the year of the Ox, brings much prosperity and may we all endure and hope with great grace to bring us through the year 2009.

Gong XI FA CAI!!

To all my family members, my grandma as well whom i wish the best of health and also lots of warmth from here, Gong Xi Fa Cai Poh Poh! To Uncle Richard and Aunty Aileen, have a more prosperous Chinese New Year, my cousins Jo and Ben Ji, my uncle Ruis and family, family friends far and near and my friends(all of you, yeap you!) back in Sibu, KK, Penang, KL, and wherever you maybe, and the rest of those whom I didn't include here in my blog, you are all in my warmest wishes from the icy cold of weather here.

Have a great time wherever you are and an exotic year ahead!

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!

Liverpool..scenic!!

2009-01-22T17:34:00.020Z

There are more pictures with this post. Hopefully they are scenic and nice to look at. Its all taken in Liverpool also . Funny that i actually prefer to go Liverpool while I'm here but let's see what's the plan next weekend and the likes.

Lime Street is where the trains end from Preston to Liverpool. Since Liverpool is situated by the sea, its pretty cold as well, and the strong breeze will make your bones chilled. The perfect example is shown by these pigeons. They are actually very small but due to the cold, the look like a cute furry ball. Very furry and adorable.

As you stepped out of the station, you will be greeted by majestic looking Victorian building with war memorial and also monuments.

That Saturday, apart from going shopping for shoes, we walked to Pier Head near Albert Dock. There was a warship at the dock the other day with that military helicopter(i forgot the name rite now, pardon me) and lots of people were on that ship looking. We didn't really aboard the ship and just took the photo few hundreds meters away.

This is the building at the waterfront of Liverpool. The New Museum has not been completed and still under construction but its ok since its a bright sunny day with beautiful sky.

Nice majestic buildings huh? Just imagine if that's a house! Wohoo..thinking of Buckingham Palace..gosh..must start planning to go London already.., oops sorry just day dreaming. :)

This is the sun at 1pm. Yeap, sun sets at 4pm here in Liverpool. So basically, by 10am everyone will be on the streets going about and doing their thing, and by sunset, the street will be cold and ffreeziing. One minute the sun will hover above you and within a half an hour it will already set to set.

I made this pics while jumping in the air. There were a few shots that actually show the motion of me jumping clearly taken with 5 frames persecond and the other photo is showing and a lady looking at my silly antiques!

Just a walk away from the Liverpool station is places where the shopping centre is, with Liverpool One of the more popular due to its strategic location.

That's the shoe that Mak bought and its pretty cheap. Real cheap. I mean really for those who lives in Britain! And we won't get such good deal, except for the extreme sales which weren't really any sale at all cause such sporty shoes like these still burn a hole in the pocket.

And finally the Golden Man below reminds me of the street of La Rambla in Barcelona, where there will be lots of "living statue" such as below. Oh ya, i remember we have our own Golden Man in Bintang Walk itself back in Malaysia.

Cheers!!

Anfield!!! Liverpool FC

2009-01-20T19:56:00.009Z

Okay, finally for all Liverpool fans, im sure there are many of you out there, nevertheless, i present to you the pictures that i managed to take in Anfield, The Kop, The Liverpool Stadium and whatever names you gives your favorite football club, The Reds aka Liverpool.

It's still on the same Saturday morning while we first set foot to Liverpool City of Culture. Pardon me for my ignorance, but i just found out that the Anfield stadium was just a walk away from their nearest derby, Goodison Park, Everton FC Stadium. It was really fascinating though to be able to go to these both stadiums and lucky us, on that particular day, Everton had a game and they were versus Hull City(i later learned that Everton won the game 2-0).

The Kop, or the Liverpool stadium and Goodison Park, will not have any match near each other as to avoid cramming the streets with vehicles and also any brawl due to the intense rivalry between the two derby. I know of a Liverpool fan who will don the shirt of their clubs on the day the Reds won the Champions League, passion huh? Anway, enjoy the pics and i'm glad to have set foot in Anfield, the home of the Reds.

You'll Never Walk Alone eh? ;p!

Cheers to Barrack. H. Obama!

2009-01-20T19:07:00.007Z

This lil post is dedicated to the 44th President of the USA, Mr Barrack H. Obama. Its just a short one though. I'm sure he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulder. At least that is what everyone else has in mind. And millions of eyes are awaiting for the change that he promises. At this time where the economy is fragile, recession is imminent and the global downturn of businesses everywhere, people are looking at him for relief for the economic turmoil that is happening.

The war in Iraq and also Afghanistan, the tense situation in Israel-Palestine, and other places in conflicts, the use of nuclear power and etc, he has a really big responsibility to partake. I know he knows what is expected of him. And all of us just wish him well. As for those who oppose US policies and etc, i'm not here to judge nor am I ere to irk your comfort zone, step aside, and for once, lets hope for the best.

I also wish that change will happen in our hearts, the place we live, in our country and also the nation, and i wish for the very best.

I will like to end this piece with a the lyrics of the song from Will.I.Am

Yes We Can

It was a creed written into the founding documents that declared the destiny of a nation.
Yes we can.
It was whispered by slaves and abolitionists as they blazed a trail toward freedom.
Yes we can. Yes we can.
It was sung by immigrants as they struck out from distant shores
and pioneers who pushed westward against an unforgiving wilderness.
Yes we can. Yes we can.
It was the call of workers who organized;
women who reached for the ballots;
a President who chose the moon as our new frontier;
and a King who took us to the mountain -top and pointed the way to the Promise Land.
Yes we can to justice and equality.
(yes we can, yes we can, yes we can, yes we can...)

Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity.
Yes we can to opportunity and prosperity.
Yes we can heal this nation.
Yes we can repair this world.
Yes we can. Si Se Puede
(yes we can, yes we can, yes we can, yes we can...)

We know the battle ahead will be long,
but always remember that no matter what obstacles stand in our way,
nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change.
We want change!
(We want change! We want change! We want change...)

We have been told we cannot do this by a chorus of cynics who will only grow louder and more
dissonant.
We've been asked to pause for a reality check.
We've been warned against offering the people of this nation false hope.
But in the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything false about hope.
We want change!
(We want change! I want change! We want change! I want change...)

The hopes of the little girl who goes to a crumbling school in Dillon are the same as the dreams
of the boy who learns on the streets of LA;
we will remember that there is something in America;
that we are not as divided as our politics suggests;
that we are one people;
we are one nation;
and together, we will begin the next great chapter in America's story with three words that will
ring from coast to coast;
from sea to shining sea - Yes. We. Can.

(yes we can, yes we can, yes we can, yes we can, yes we can, yes we can, yes we can, yes we can)

The Nikon D200

2009-01-20T00:02:00.005Z

Here is the machine that captured most of the wonderful pictures during my stay in the UK. Kudos! (courtesy of Maverick Mak)

Liverpool, the city of culture :)

2009-01-19T18:17:00.019Z

Okay okay, hold your horses. Cool down, i'm no Liverpool FC fan. I just happen to go to Liverpool on one of my trips down town. Yeap down town, since Preston is up north. Okay, i have been to Liverpool the past two Saturdays, not because i'm a Liverpool FC fan, but Liverpool actually has a lot of nice places to take photos. Oh ya, this is part 1 of Liverpool k.

Okay, that is me looking out of the train on the way to Liverpool. Thinking of home maybe, or maybe just lots of stuff to think about. I have to thank Mak@Maverick for all the pictures taken. He's been very patient though with all his models(the team who is on the trip as well). His Nikon D200 has really done wonders to all the shots that has been taken and its really wonderful!
We took the train to Liverpool from Preston. We figured it out its better to enjoy the scenery rather than driving around and looking for parking unnecessarily when we get to our destinations. Afterall for big cities like Liverpool and the likes, the main train station is usually near the tourist attraction and lots of people will flock there.

It was very cold the first day we headed to Liverpool. The temperature was still hovering around negative 2 degree to 4 degree celcius. Figuring that i'm already used to the cold, i opted not to bring my snow cap along which was really a bad decision to make.I was very cold and shivering all the way, and my ears were freezing and reddish red. Luckily it didn't come off(my golly!).

Arriving in Lime Street, that is where the Liverpool station is, we were all excited admist the cold. What cold? Who cares actually and it didnt take me long to feel the cold inching through every veins and bones in my body. Liverpool City, the city of culture, as it is fondly known, is very scenic with lots of Victorian building. I wonder how did they builders way back took all their effort to really build their monuments and also homes the way they are.

Oh how small i'm on the steps of these pillars. It kinda reminds me of the cartoon Hercules, when Hercules walks up the steps to meet his father, Zeus. It also reminds us how small we are in His creation.

We had the chance also to enter the Liverpool Museum since it is free. I had a few shots here, one of it which i like the most is to take the photo in front of this Hornbill. Hey it reminds me of Sarawak okay ;p! hehe

Alright, i know you are wondering whether i make it to the Kop, i mean, Liverpool FC stadium. Yes, i did. Although i didnt get to meet Stevie Gerard and the gang, but i did enjoy my trip down to Anfield. Till we meet again. Cheers!!

St Mary's Brownedge and St Wilfrid's

2009-01-18T20:48:00.011Z

Its been a week since i actually wrote. Been busy with work and all i can think of whenever i reach my room is either my dinner or fall flat on my bed and just slept before video conferencing with mylove back home. Even now, i just woke up after a few hours of nap.

I managed to go mass the last 2 Sundays when i'm here. The churches here are very beautifully maintained albeit their age. And it is not hard to find church here, its almost everywhere, it looks ancient with a lot of history and its architecture is really mesmerizing. The second Sunday i went to St Wilfird's in Preston, where it is one of the famous church in Preston. I haven have a really good shot in the church, so there arent many photos in this piece. The mass in St Wilfrid's was the 7am morning mass which i opted to go, and im considered lucky to reach the place with one shot(i just sort of stumbled the church by accident the day before, when we actually got lost on the way to the railway station to Liverpool. The 7am mass was presided by a very old Jesuit priest(the church was run by the Jesuits). The interior of the church is very magnificent. Its covered with marble(i hope im saying this right). The congregation was very little and it touched me a lil bit, as its as what as we were to imagine, with the congregation being very old, and also very young. Okay maybe it was the early morning cold, it was 2 degree celcius that morning.

Here are some pictures of St Wilfrid's early in the morning.There wasnt any flashlight used and im only using my compact camera, Panasonic Lumix. Pardon me if the pics weren't that good.

Today, i attended mass at another church located at Bamber Bridge. The St Mary's Brownedge is served by the Benedictine Monk's from the Ampleforth Abbey. The mass today was exceptionally full because its Children Mass, and the children were preparing for baptism. Its actually very happy to see lots of the folks in the church, with young people and old alike.

i made a few correction to this post(thanks again Bro Columba!)

Okay, the best part today is, i saw a fellow Malaysian, all the way in Bamber Bridge! Really! And i had the honor of meeting Bro Columba Moujing, a Brother belonging to the English Benedictine monk of Ampleforth Abbey in York. While reading the bulletin, I couldn't help but noticing the name, Columba Moujing, i mean hmm..the name sounded familiar, he must be a Sabahan. Thus after the mass, after meeting Fr Terrence, that's the parish priest, he introduced Bro Columba to us and its really so happy to see someone from Malaysia and in no time we started yanking in our local Sabahan dialect. Betul betul happy bah! Bro Columba was very hospitable to us and invite us for a cup of coffee at his monastery. Oh ya, he is a Benedictine monk by the way, his six years already in the order of St Benedict. I couldn't help but ask him his journey into the calling of St Benedict and how he shared with us his journey into becoming a monk. How he shared with us, was an account student in Uitm Shah Alam and eventually his calling to become a monk. He was really jovial and happy to meet us. Im on the other hand is very blessed to have met him. Thank you Bro Columba. Hope to meet you again!

Here are some information on St Mary's Brownedge in Bamber Bridge. http://www.stmarysbrownedge.org.uk/

and also the life of Benedictine monk in Ampleforth Abbey;
http://www.abbey.ampleforth.org.uk/

Here are some pics in St Mary's Brownedge.

And here is a photo with Bro Columba. Cheers.

I watch Man Utd play at Old Trafford!!!

2009-01-12T21:22:00.027Z

Wohooo!!!!!!! hehe..i can say that again and again and again!!!WOHOOOOO!!! I actually watch Man Utd play at Old Trafford!! And of all the places in the world, its in Old Trafford at the Theater of Dreams!!! And its the game of the season, Man Utd Vs Chelsea!! And to make things much much better, MU won with a whopping 3-0!! Wohooo!!!

Wakakaka..the feelings was unexplainable! The scenario, intense, magnifying, gigantous, and AWESOME!!! To actually watch Ronaldo within a few metres away from you,its an unexceptional feat, the fans, the rivalry,the passion, the emotions, gosh, i can explain everything at all in one go! I'm actually using all exclamation mark because it was AWEEESOOME!!! To be able to jump up in the air with the fans, to sing in the stadium , to watch Berbatov, Rooney, Gary Neville, the Asian hero-Park Ji Sung, and also the rest of the United team was actually miraculous , stupendous and mind-boggling!! :)

It all happen on a normal Sunday morning, just like any other Sunday, minus the hard partying or chilling out the nite before, and actually I was still extremely exhausted after visiting the Kop or Anfield the day before(that's on another post), I managed to get up early, 5:30am in the morning, to prepare to go to mass at St Wilfred Church, the view is magnificent(that's also in another post). Me and the rest of the gang, board a train to Manchester Victoria, the city of Manchester!! And now i can say that I have been there!! The cold winter doesn't to make any effect on me as well. I bought a shirt at Hard Rock Cafe Manchester, its pretty cool although I have to return to Hard Rock Manchester to exchange the size to L because I'm actually big wit h my impending belly ;p!

We took a tram(my first experience in a tram at England actually) from Picadilly to Old Traffod. The fans were already everywhere with people donning the shirt of Manchester United. The atmosphere as intense as it is, is just so cool, never in my life i have seen such massive United fans and as i walked towards the stadium, its actually awe-inspiring to see lots of people. There were lots of merchandise for sale and I have to admit being a united fan through and through, i bought myself a cool shirt(look at the pics later) and also a funny hat. I was feeling a little down actually as I wasnt sure whether there were any chance at all to watch the match. Come on, all big matches at United were sold months ago, what more with a match like this - VS Chelsea!! That's like one of the most impossible things to happen. Thinking optimistically, we j ust took photo, the stadium photo was the most important, be it outside the stadium, when suddenly someone said :

"Tickets anyone?, Tickets? "
I have been hearing that a lot as I neared the stadium but this time, what the heck, just ask-lah, no harm, if its extremely expensive, who cares, as long as i reached Old Trafford, its a dream come true already. To my surprise, he answered ,"90 pounds a piece". Duh, its to expensive to me although its way much cheaper actual ly than the price shown in the website, with the available sits reaching up to 159 pound actually. So I asked one of my colleague, Faiz, and he just said "Nak!". With a sudden surge of confidence and exuberance, I just said, lets do it, lets get the ticket and viola! I got the ticket od the one of the most important game of the season!! Its actually the very most important as if Man United win this Saturday, they are actually gonna be on the top of the League!!

Its still 2 hours before the game, with the excitement and also the anxious feeling clouded my mind wondering whether the ticket will actually get through, after all its a legal ticket, why shouldn't it get through rite? I bought some memorabilia's of United merchandise, which im sure not to regret, cause its bought on the biggest day of the season and everything is magnificent.

The stadium is awesome! Please pardon me because i think i will say the word awesome millions of times! AWESOME!!!

As i entered the stadium, an hour earlier to be precise, just to savor every moment in the stadium, and enjoyed the moment breathing the same air in the Theater of Dreams with the stars! Name it, i saw the United players warming up on the pitch, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Carlos Tevesz, Nemanja Vidic, Johnny Evans, Anderson, Edwin Van Der Saar, Park Ji Sung and the rest of the United gang who were warming up on the pitch. Ronaldo were really awesome no matter how much criticism he received and many congratulations to him on receiving the FIFA World Player of the Year as im writing this piece. His twinkle feet were fast as a lightning and its so entertaining to watch him play. The players were like artists on their own with the magical touch each time the hit the ball.

The fan were awesome! No ones, and i mean it, no one smoke or drink in the stadium, the discipline were very high. Yeah they were passionate about their team alright, but there were orderly and discipline, no smoke, no beer whatsoever in the stadium except the kiosk area. And the crowd, especially the home crowd were cheering for their players with full of charisma, vigor and vitality. No matter how much the rivalry the fans put in, somehow, i gotta salute them for cheering for John Terry, the Chelsea captain cum the England captain as well. I would like to think that they cheer for John Terry because he is an English captain and not because of his famous blunder in Moscow during the Champions League which saw United snatch the title away in the dying minutes. And yeap, John Terry slipped again in one of his kick during the match, and i was like wondering, what the heck mate, get up and go get the ball. But credit to the Chelsea team, they tried hard but wasn't the best team of the nite. I get to see Michael Ballack( he should have joined Man United from Bayern Munich just like Owen Hargreaves), Ashley Cole which i think doesn't have a really good game that nite, same as well as Frank Lampard, and Deco wasn't contributing as much. Well i know you might say I am bious because I am a United fan through and through and although its hard to criticize Man Utd when they lose, but i try to be fair in my assessment most of the time.

Again, the whole day was stupendous, magnificent and marvelous! Oh ya, before I end, didnt i say that." I WATCH MAN UTD VS CHELSEA AT OLD TRAFFORD AND THEY WONT 3-0!! WOOHOOOOO!!! ".

To make it sweeter than honey, here is every song that every United fan must know :)

Glory glory Man United,
Glory glory Man United,
Glory glory Man United,
And the REDS go marching on on on!!!

Blackpool and Lebanese Food

2009-01-09T21:14:00.015Z

Today's the first week i have been stationed in Preston, a town few miles away from Manchester. It has been a very cold week and the weather wont be getting any warmer for the next couple of weeks. My body has been acclimatizing with the freezing cold and the only setback during the winter is the short span of daylight, with the sun rising in the morning at 8:30am and sets quickly at 4:10pm. Never mind attending the office while the sun hasn't risen and leaving in pitch icy cold dark weather as i have been that situation while working with Sony before only that the working hour currently is shorter that what i normally experience in Malaysia. Its icy cold and the weather hasn't even reached at least 5 degree Celcius ever since I arrive here.

Yeap, i miss everyone back home and mybeloved dearly but thank God for the internet, video call is very much easier with MSN Messenger and also with the telco provider called Lebara which provide pretty cheap call charges to countries outside the UK. Calling Malaysia is only 5penny per minute and you can do the math. Driving in the UK is also an experience with speed cameras almost everywhere(reminding me of the movie The Bourne Ultimatum where London(or UK) is filled with cctv everywhere) thus the need to drive extra carefully and cautiously. I wish it could happen back home but hopefully it will get better someday..yeah rite..hopefully.

Physically, i might have grown sideways, or im still maintaining as i need extra food to warm me up, the cold could really speed up your metabolism. Workwise, it has been very challenging and also exciting. To be with the best in the aeronautic field is an honour and its a big responsibility. Great powers come great responsibility huh? Step aside spidey,here comes Guzzy. Thanks to the team as well as there are also the best in the field. Nevertheless, there are no time or space to feel comfy just yet, as the tumultous journey is about to begin and we will go through it together as a team and will succeed through even though how scathed we may be.

That's me amazed with the CO2 out of my mouth forming smokes(as if) due to the cold weather.

Today, is food day. Either all the inputs and readings all these week really take the fat/energy out of me, or im just starved. Its not easy actually to find places to eat especially during lunch, as most outlet will only serve either pastry or maybe just sandwich, and the whole week i have been Subway's loyal customer, tell me about it, i have tried most of the Subway of the day except veggie delight because i'm more of a meaty person.

Today's lunch is a western setting in this family restaurant cum bar called "Lancs York". Its a very relaxing and comfortable restaurant and bar with the classic settings. The building is also a classic European building with a Victorian touch.
That's Mak, the owner of this fabulous Nikon D200 and his photo skills is amazing. Kudos bro!

Attach are more pics of the Lancs York. Not forgetting what i had for lunch, its something called a BIGMAN. You'll know why when you see the pics!

We had the opportunity to go to Blackpool as well today.
I never imagined I will be in Blackpool someday but this place actually do exist and its along the coastal area. We drove from Bamber Bridge and manage to reach just in time as the sun was about to set. Blackpool is like a city of entertainment but nevertheless during winter or maybe the current economic crunch that hits the Britains badly, so most of the shops are closed. Enjoy the pics.

That's Woolworth, apparently it is one of the stores that is closed down because of the credit crunch which has hit UK badly. Some of the pictures were taken near the Blackpool tower which is one of the tourist attraction in the area.

That's the design team with the Head of Stress. Cheers guys!

As today is mainly about food,we end the day by dining in a Lebanese Restaurant. Oops, I just remembered, i haven got the pics with me now but nevertheless the food was good, very tomato-ey, since there are lots of tomatoes everywhere.

Tomorrow's gonna be an exciting day. Will go to Liverpool! Although im MU fan through and through but i think i will take this opportunity to go places while im still here and also at the same time enjoying my assignment given to me.

Viva people! Take care!

I end the piece of thoughts today with a picture of two local Blackpool lads who are fascinated by our presence with the camera clicking here and there.

Safe Driving

2009-01-08T22:56:00.006Z

This particular post is dedicated to driving safe and also defensive driving. I'm putting a post specifically for this because I think I should keep to it and really really mean it. I actually admire those who drives with charisma, and also with control, not letting their emotion taking the wheels and always be patient and calm on the road. Gosh, how is that ever possible in Malaysia? I don't know but i think everyone has a role to play. Although i may not be many, and might not even change any percentage of crazy drivers on the road. I have to start driving like my dad who i think is the best driver in the world for me apart for Michael Schumacher who is the greatest Formula 1 driver of all time.

I think being in the UK has taught me what it is to drive safely and it has sunk into me the beauty of driving actually. And that traffic jams can actually be avoided. Always we have to give in to the whim and fancy of other irresponsible drivers but I'm sure we are not silly enough to succumb so low to their standard. How despicable!

Here are a few posters to ponder upon:

So everyone, lets make the road a safer place to be k!

Cheers!

Week 2 in 2009

2009-01-08T22:26:00.002Z

As im writing this piece, my laptop is already in Prestwick, Scotland, and i had to use my colleague's to update and keep writing my thoughts. The laptop is there to be reconfigured to access some design database and will get it back by Tuesday the soonest...well i'll spare you from that. Thousand apologies for not updating as much as i can, as i was really very exhausted after cracking my brain and grasping lots of information in one day exceeding the capacity of one's brain. Nevertheless, its a great and fun assignment as I would say it because being with the best in the aeronautical field as this is indeed an honour. Its just like a childhood dream and im actually living the dream. Although its just the beginning and there are more bumpy roads ahead, with God's grace and blessing im sure i'll be able to do just well.

Tomorrow will be the first weekend Im here in Preston, and after a whole week of inputs and more inputs, it will be great to unwind and relax. Hopefully the wheather wont be as chilly as it is the past week, its getting better though and i dun really need mylongjohns anymore, but im more careful in walking and also moving about as not to injure myself unnecessarily. The plan was to go to Blackpool in the afternoon tomorrow to take some pictures, and to Manchester on Saturday and hopefully Liverpool on Sunday. Yeah, i know what you're thinking. I don't think I will be able to get tickets to watch MU vs Chelsea as tickets for "hot" games like that will finish months ago. Ive got the chance to meet a fellow Englishman who is also the Design Eng and he happens to be an Everton fan. No worries mate. At this point of time, the experience of being in the stadium is what im really looking forward to apart from setting foot in London for the Buckingham Palace, Big Ben,Waterloo Station, London Eye and etc. Not forgetting to be able to take photos and memoirs in Old Trafford, Anfield, The Reebok Stadium(Bolton), Rovers Park(Blackburn) and etc. Well we'll see what happens on the weekend and I will update you with more pics as i go along yah.

For the past few nites, i have been eating some Mediteranean Food as I have to bring my colleageus along. I have also been to the restaurant and pub near the place im staying and it has an English touch. Yeap, I do miss Malaysian food as much. Right now Im in my "survival" mode and all other foods are alright as long as it gives me the energy and warmth to withstand the cold.:)

Sorry people today's post is not as long as usual as im really exhausted with the massive brain activity. But im looking forward for the weekend and on Sunday will be able to go to St Wilfird's Catholic Church in Preston where it is run by the Jesuits.

Take care there:) Love y'all!

3rd Day in Manchester

2009-01-05T20:52:00.018Z

Yeap, that was me, standing next my ride,when it was negative 2 degree celcius, the car was literally frozen. It has been the 3rd day since i arrived here. Okie, im not going to keep on counting the days im here ;p but anyway, so far all i can think of is the cold, the cold and nothing but the cold. The wheather is so cold, icy cold and again, cold. I experienced my first ice this morning, where the ice actualy formed on the roof of mycar, making it look like a block of a toy car and i had to start the engine to heat it up. The roads were starting to be iced and had to drive carefully to avoid skidding off the road. It was a cool experience really.

Yesterday, we had the first experienced of driving around Preston, Samlesbury and also Bamber Bridge. You will be surprised actually that the place is actually very nice, easy to drive and navigate(apart from the cold-again!). Although, the sun doesn't seem to show up at all until noon and quickly descends by 3:45pm, scurrying for food for my fellow team was the priority as they need to find places to dine. Food wise was more to the western settings which was definitely exquisite and also in big chunks of volume.

I think i sort of injured my leg in the morning when i accidentally landed wrongly after a small jump. Silly me. I think my clothing wasn't enough to keep my body warm and hence, it sort of freeze the whole body. I think I injured the metatarsal..it sort of became blue black..wonder why..hmm..i'll just have to be more careful next time. England is going to get even colder this week with the temperature might go to negative 7 degree Celsius on Wednesday. Thank God for Long Johns! hehe..no matter how silly it is, but it really works to keep the body warm.

The afternoon, everyone else was already sleepy due to the body still hasn't adjusted to the 8hour difference and also the jet lag. Nevertheless, we braved ourselves and drove all the way to Trafford Park, Manchester. Its more of a shopping complex and my oh my, sales were the order of the day, and lots of cheap stuff were paraded for sale(of course its pretty expensive once converted to ringgit) but nonetheless, its also worth it, as the price is really reasonable. The were one stall which sells food around the world and guess there are even Asian food on the menu. Check out some of the photos i took!

I also got myself a book, actually it was a book inspired by my Unc R, The Rules of Management by Richard Templer which only costs ₤5.99. In Malaysia, it cost about RM75 for the book!!

The first day in the office was splendid. When we were introduce to the design team, it was really an enthralling sight to see the aircraft designers on their workstations! Really so cool! Its just very much inspiring to me and hopefully my team members as well. Lunch today was in Subway and dinner was in Sandos, a Middle East restaurant which serve Kobedah with rice(tell me what you think when u see the pics k). Others are the dinner plate taken by my teammates.

Not really much pics to display today because the other photo was still in Mark's Nikon D300.

Take care everyone!!

Arrival In Manchester

2009-01-03T20:41:00.005Z

Fuh, im still experiencing the jetlag going thru every vein in my body, and i trying to fool my body into not sleeping just yet as its only 8:45pm in Manchester. Ooo..did I say Manchester? hehe..yeap, i just arrived this afternoon 2:35pm Manchester time (10:35pm Malaysia time). Mixed feelings clouded my mind. There are sense of Euphoria because of the 1 degree Celcius temperature, with every breath breathed lets out vapours of C02 which is equivalent to that of a dragon's breath(okie i made that up hehe..but u got the drift ;p).

The journey with Qatar Airways was ok, with a transit in Doha. And Doha itself was very chilly because of the winter. Nevertheless, the best is of course the minute i set foot on Manchester soil, the chill went down my spine and in no time i was freezing! Yea yea, i know its my first time being in Manchester and its no big deal, but I do thank God for that opportunity for being there. I have always wanted to go to Manchester and I'm glad I'm here at the moment. Of course, im missing mylove ones back home. But to hear their voice even though for a moment made my heart skipped a beat. Dont worry love, muaks!

My hotel room is comfy enough, although its none of the Hilton's but its really a comfortable place to be. As long as there is a bath tub, i can just soak myself in the hot bath(now i know why is really called a hot bath-because of the extreme cold whether, i could barely last 10 minutes on simple clothing outside the hotel with the temperature hanging over me in 1 degree Celcius. My Vauxhall Vecxtra is good enough to get about but I will wait till tomorrow to go to the City of Manchester or maybe just Preston.

The nearest so called shopping mall is just a walking distance away, called Sainsbury, but the cold make it impossible to walk across the street as i'm so afriad of jay-walking. But the price are fairly reasonable and also kinda expensive if you would convert it to Malaysian Ringgit. Foodwise, i think i will give it a few days before my body starts to crave for rice. So far is just bacon, eggs, beans and also sausages. Im also eager to taste the food served but will have more opportunity in the days to come. And bought myself a Cusquena Beer too. Just a lighter note was, we stumbled upon a Perodua Kelisa parked outside Sainsbury ~ cool.

Attach are some pics. Till i post again,tk! :)

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-01T10:53:00.006Z

Happy New Year people!

Its 2009 already and many has made plans or resolutions to be done throughout this year. Hold on to your resolutions as much as you can and don't let it slip through or you will still be having the same resolution year in and year out.

I myself has a few goals( i prefer calling it goals because i have much better shots to score and achieve them, at least that is what i would like to think). Hopefully I will be able to achieve my goals as well as the rest of you.

Today is also my last day in Malaysia for the time being as I will be stationed in Manchester till March 2009. I have packed most of my stuffs and hopefully it will not exit the 20kg requirement set by Qatar Airways. Mixed feeling is what i have at the moment. Going to leave my loved ones behind but I'll be back and I'll make sure the trip is a worth one.

Today we are also hit by the sad and despicable news of the banning of the Malay edition of the Herald Newspaper. I think most of us are utterly and disgustedly by the stance taken by the Home Ministry to ban the Malay edition of the Catholic Newspaper because its using the word "Allah" in their publication. No offense but coming from East Malaysia, I think the word Allah in my native dialect has been used even before Malaysia is even formed and we have been growing up with the word "Allah Taala" as reference to God, and the Supreme Being, the Almighty and etc. Well another's man meat is another man poison. I think God in any way would be most happy to know that his followers are actually learning to pray. Whatever. Nevertheless, we hope this despicable act will be undone soon. May the Lord's blessing touched the heart of the officers and the enforcers of the Home Ministry and anyone who are involved in making those ruling. It has been always good before this, why stir the hornet's nest? Not that the oppressed are hornet, but being oppressed and suppresed isn't very ideal in the long run. Anyway, finger cross people. Finger cross.

I have just returned from my New Year's dinner with Z n family. It was really a fantastic one and open the more various outlet and also dining place to dine in. Just had buffet in Sunway Mentari and the price was fairly reasonable(thanks Z), and the food was abundant! I have lots of favourites to pick upon and I can't resist the temptation to take on the Mantis Prawn. Its so fresh and delicious plus all the other sea snails which i have never eaten before. The place is cool and very packed, to be able to go there is to book the seatings in advance as people will packed the area and just seat outside the premise just to be seated for dinner. A funny scene will always be the rushing for the marinated chicken which is obviously scrumtpious to everyone there, as the chicken will finish within seconds when it is displayed to the public!!! It doesnt matter whether you are young or old, when the chicken comes, its time to plunder and plough your way through!

To end the nite, I manage to chill in Rainforest again with my beloved, just a jug of beer and also a cocktail for my love called the Pussy Foot.

Happy NEW YEAR 2009 people! May all your dreams come true!

Last Day of 2008 ! and a Fantastic 2009 !

2008-12-31T05:49:00.007Z

Today is the last day of 31st Dec!! Fuyooo!!! Year 2008 is slowly fading away and enter the year 2009. Malaysiakini has just declared the Newsmaker of the year is the Rakyat! (i just deleted the caricature of the cartoon posted as it was flowing with spams).

I have just returned home from work and as usual, KL is jam packed with cars everywhere with people either returning home from work, on CNY shopping, or even "Back to School" shopping or just wanna celebrate New Year. As for me, im just going for a nice dinner(im thinking of eating crabs today) and maybe just chill out a little. A quiet New Year celebration for me this time, i guess :)

Nevertheless, I await 2009 with full of vigour and vitality, with God's grace and blessing for all mankind for a blessed year ahead. Take the good and leave the bad. History is a great teacher and I'm gonna keep moving forward. Reach the stars people!!

“Another fresh new year is here . . .
Another year to live!
To banish worry, doubt, and fear,
To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me
To live each day with zest . . .
To daily grow and try to be
My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity
Once more to right some wrongs,
To pray for peace, to plant a tree,
And sing more joyful songs!”

William Arthur Ward quotes (American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)

Happy New Year 2009 !!

Viva 2008, Hello 2009!! :)

2008-12-18T05:38:00.040Z

I'm always procrastinating when it comes to setting up this blog. I know I concentrate more on my friendster blog (http://guzandrew.blog.friendster.com/), and being a perfectionist, i always want to jump to a new interface with new attractive stuffs and layout but i guess i have to just start writing and move on. I have been contemplating on the idea of writing in blogspot but sometimes when u wait too long the wait becomes so not worthwhile.

So why the sudden change? Why dont i just stick to the current blog that i have? To start again is like starting from scratch and more effort will be poured into it. Well, i have answers for that, some which are pretty obvious such as "blogger has more space and bigger viewer" and the not so obvious which are "I want to start afresh"..

I think the reason will be to really start from the beginning as everything is fresh. This will also be my first writing after a while and im sure there are lots of updates as well. Countless I must say. Lemme c..i got this, i got that, this, that, this ermm and that too.! Hmmph.

I love writing in the friendster blog because it gaves me the freedom to do whatever I want with limited resources but when you start venturing out of your comfort zones, that is where the fun starts,and hence the real need to concentrate more on a blog which wont be bug by spams and unwanted comments. Gosh, i cant believe that friendster layout is no longer taking care of its interface with lots of spams comments that i have been receiving lately.

Well, recently everything has been splendid for me so far. Year 2008 has been full of a mixture. Starting the year with a bang, conquering mount kinabalu with my fellow colleageus and with my sister tagging along, here are some pics at the peak of Mt Kinabalu.

One of the other significant addition was the arrival of my "kala pah", many thanks to the artist who designed it so well and the result is fantastic. I only can let the mind imagine so much, and its always as new as the first time it got there kinda thingy. The guys at Borneo Ink was really talented and well known for the inking skills. It was not as much painful as the one did by my former great grandparents. Nevertheless, its one of the "Adat Bejalai" and im glad to have it done.

Then the preparation towards the big day, my premarriage seminar, and i really recommend all those who intends to tie the knot to attend this premarriage seminar as it really benifits you. You will be suprised and no matter how much the world has shape us, its still best to listen to our parents and also the teaching of the church or religious.

The Gawai celebration in Sibu with my family(anne send her regards from afar), the introduction of Cher to the other side of me, to the life in Nanga Nansang, are the following pics.

and many more Gawai pics which will be uploaded in the iban section.

Hence not forgetting the fun-filled parties and also bachelor nite(thanks ppl),

the civil registration in sibu, the one of the final candidate for an European outing-to Belgium to be exact, my Big Day(have a whole blog dedicated to it), thanks to all who managed to come and also well wishes, love you all so much, and at the same time the wonderful opportunity and courier opening, my younger bro's engagement, friends' wedding, parties again and finally the end of 2008.

Here are the pics during the journey's to Jeremy's Engagement in Serian, Kuching.

Year 2008 also has few lows which i will learn from my mistakes and also get up from all the falls and slumps that i went through. I have to move on and keep moving forward. Pride comes before a fall, penny wise pound foolish and also always stand my feet on the ground.

This will also mark the death of my friendster blog as I will concentrate fully on this blogger interface and i assure you, although the layout is as plain as can be, I hope I will entertain not only myself but anyone who drops by with refreshing and spicy thoughts regarding life and everything else we yank about. ;p

Cheers!

Qualms and quandary

2008-07-29T10:38:00.003+01:00

Wow!!

Starting a blog is easy. Seriously there aren't any qualms and quandary beginning a new blog without much fuss. But choosing the best layout is kinda tricky. There is always other layout that seem to cool or just doesnt seem rite. But im pretty satisfied with this one at the moment, the tail of the whale depicting my eagerness to jump and swim in the open sea, enjoying the cool sunny breeze and also the clear blue water with school of dolphin swimming side by side(they suppose to be tame aren't they?)

Although the blog has been up and away since 2006, it was never really updated but just to make sure i had a blog. Naa...actually i do have 2 blogs and i paid more attention to the other blog which glad to say i do update it from time to time.

Nevertheless, since i have now join the bandwagon of merry making and entering a whole new cyberspace dimension, in the famous words of Julius Caesar, "Veni, Vedi, Vinci!!"

Cheers!!