Friday, December 22, 2006

The Bridge

Does this ring a bell?



"Theorizing that one could time-travel within his own lifetime,
Dr. Sam Beckett led an elite group of scientists into the desert,
to develop a top-secret project known as Quantum Leap.
Pressured to prove his theories or lose funding,
Dr. Beckett prematurely stepped into the project accelerator,
and vanished...

He awoke to find himself trapped in the past,
facing mirror images that were not his own,
and driven by an unknown force to change history for the better.
His only guide on this journey is Al,
an observer from his own time,
who appears in the form of a hologram that only Sam can see and hear.
And so Dr. Beckett finds himself Leaping from life to life,
striving to put right what once went wrong,
and hoping each time that his next Leap...
will be the Leap home..."


I used to be able to recite the above every Wednesday night 8.30pm in front of the telly.. Quantum Leap is one my favourite TV series ever - eventhough back then TV2 couldn't show it in proper sequence (for crying out loud, how hard could it be anyway?)..

As a child growing up (and still growing - horizontally hehe), time travelling has always been a fascination of mine.. You can see from my profile that my favorite movie(s) is the Back To The Future Trilogy.. But Quantum Leap had a different angle to time travel as not only does Sam randomly travels back (he doesn't go to the future) but he travels for a reason - one that is beyond his own control..

I see my life as somewhat similar to this.. It's been a journey with many leaps into people's lives.. some I meet for a very short period of time but the encounter has an everlasting effect.. while some are still part of my life.. there are also those who keep resurfacing every now and then.. Everything happens for a reason (hikmah) and sometimes we only learn about things much much later.. A simple case of God knows what's better for you..
For example, just the other day one of the Japanese boss came to me to ask about a song we played.. That song have been playing in his head for more than 3 years and he couldn't recall who sang it.. I was happy to learn that someone actually listened and had benefited from that performance.. ;)

For those who might not know this, I've also always been on the move (leaping).. since I came to Klang Valley, I've moved houses 8 times.. Not just that, I've lived in Muar, Batu Pahat, Penang, KL, Shah Alam, Wisconsin (USA), Hull (UK), Hakodate (Japan).. I'm not bragging, but all those 'leapings' made me lose a sense of belonging.. I started not to care too much about moving on but I did feel somewhat similar to Sam in "hoping each time that his next leap will be the leap home".. But one thing I sensed over the years is, every new place I go, I've been given a chance to be the 'bridge that connects two sides'.. Just before I left my friends in Penang, I made some friends become friends with that of not their group.. When I left Batu Pahat, my classmates were finally coming together and as I finished my SPM in KL, my class was really a tight bunch.. Even when I was in Japan I had been chosen to be the speaker for my class for the 'Farewell Ceremony' since everybody was cool with me.. :)

I still think I'm currently here in this place where I'm at at the moment is to do something.. I haven't really figured it out yet and I guess that's why I haven't leaped yet.. I think I've been doing some good over the years (in terms of being the bridge) but perhaps it's still not enough.. In the other hand, as much as I wish it would have been better or some other place, perhap this is my home.. I guess I'll only know much later.. maybe some time in season 6 or 7.. hihi..

For those who I've been blessed to know over my lifetime, not matter where you are, I'd really like to say thanks.. all the trouble that I've caused for as little as I may have helped, you have actually made me more of a person.. and as I take this short break, I'll be sure to bounce back again.. See you guys on the flipside!



MAKE 2007 WORTHWHILE!

Thursday, December 21, 2006

What drives you..?

PANAMA
by
VAN HALEN
(David Lee Roth on vocals)

[Guitar Intro] <-- real classic!

Uh!
Oh yeah!
Ah-huh!

Jump back, what's that sound?
Here she comes, full blast and top down
Hot shoe, burnin' down the avenue
Model citizen, zero discipline

Don't ya know she's coming home with me
You'll lose her in that turn
I'll get her!

Panama, Panama
Panama, Panama

Ain't nothin' like it, her shiny machine
Got the feel for the wheel, keep the movin' parts clean
Hot shoe, burnin' down the avenue
Got an on-ramp comin' through my bedroom

Don't you know she's coming home with me
You'll lose her in that turn
I'll get her
Uh-oh!


Panama, Panama
Wow!
Panama, Panama
oh-oh-oh-oh
Woo!

[Guitar Solo] <-- killer!

Yeah, we're runnin' a little bit hot tonight
I can barely see the road from the heat comin' off
You know what I'm sayin'
Ahh, I reach down between my legs n' ease the seat back

She's runnin', I'm flyin'
Right behind in the rearview mirror now
Got the fearin', power steerin'
Pistons poppin', ain't no stoppin' now

Panama, Panama
Panama, Panama
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Panama, Panama
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Panama


This song is a great BGM (background music that is) if you need that 'boost' while driving.. Now, some may think its about getting it on with a sexy girl but I prefer the car theme, hence the connection.. Diamond Dave is great at writing such lyrics.. nearly as good as my hero Mr Tyler - Steven that is..

And while we're on the subject of cars.. I'm thinking of doing some cosmetic touch ups to my red compact which may include white sports rim, smoked headlamps and Van Halen's 'Frankenstrat'(black-white-on-red) on the hood.. What do you guys think?


Van Halen's 'Frankenstrats'



sensei's Vi

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Khatan: Journey to Manhood

No no no.. not me.. my nephew laa.. :P

Azizi's circumcision was yesterday.. His father is on duty in Mekah now so I accompanied my sister to the hospital.. This is a pictorial of what went on..


Can you imagine this kid is still 9 years old?


Azizi and his mother.. those are my dead plants behind them.. hehe


Azizi getting a call from Dad.. last minute manly advise kot? Check out my lame driving face.. hahaha..


A rainbow graced the morning.. Cool huh?


Eagerly waiting.. the boy next to Azizi is his uncle.. long story.. ;)


Last shot, all ready to go..


It won't hurt abit.. yeah, like you've been through this.. hihi


Senyum paksa.. Don't they look exactly alike?


Senyum paksa part 2.. Guess who's nervous?


I'm done, you're next sucker!!


I wonder what's he thinking.. "the nurse was quite cute? naahh.." hehe


The picture says it all.. I was speechless too..


Apasal asyik kalah je ni!!


One for the album.. Mean looking Doctor huh?


I wanna go home..


Atleast I don't have to go through that again..


Hey! Go easy on the bumps!!


Enough with the pictures already..





So, that was it.. Azizi is recouperationg at my house for the week.. He's eyeing my Xbox.. Hmmm... maybe tomorrow laa.. hehehe..

Snake Scare.. Hmmm..

Last Friday night an ular sawa by the size of arm and about 1+ m long sneaked into my neighbour's house.. This was the same neighbour that's baby-sitting my daughter..

Such things happen.. I don't have much to say about the incedent as the ular sawa was probably cold or washed out of its home due to the heavy rain.. But I'm very thankful that it wasn't violent.. It probably ate a rat or something (my auntie who lives next door said it might have eaten a cat) because it was resting still and not moving at all - a sign that it was full and digesting the food.. I didn't snap a picture as I didn't want to agitate it.. can't take any unnecessary risks.. even the neighbour's 3 kids were locked up in a room with their mother..

From what I heard, the snake was spotted by one of the kids and the father immediately called the trusted BOMBA which was located somewhat 10 minutes away..
I knew about this at about 9+pm and I has been 'quite a while' since the phone call was made.. The first reaction from the Bomba was "we don't usually do this (catch snakes).. it's DBKL's job".. Hmmmm..

Probably due our house being located on the other side of the state border, and it was at night, DBKL kinda kept silent and did nothing.. about an hour later, Bomba was 'kind enough' to call back to ask "did DBKL settled it?".. I could only imagine how my neighbour felt.. I'd be breathing fireballs if I was the receiver of that call.. I don't know what my neighbour said (he was ready to capture the ular sawa by himself) because the Bomba felt 'kesian' and said they's dispatch a unit to help.. Hmmm....

Roughly 2+ hrs later a few good ol' Bomba guys came with a dog cather's pole.. They came on a car because the fire truck couldn't pass the 'height limit' bar at the main road coming into our residential area.. Makes you wonder what if someone's house caught on fire? Hmmm..

Anyways.. they caught the snake without breaking a sweat (maybe the snake was tired after having to wait too long :P ) but guess what, the Bomba guys didn't bring a bag to put the snake in! My uncle had to give them a couple of garbage bags.. Hmmm..

So, after they had their tea (the neighbour's wife served a pot full) our nation's saviour happily went on their way.. And that was it.. Hmmmm...

I wonder what they did to the snake... Hmmmm...


Bomba guys in action..

Friday, December 15, 2006

Getting’ harder to breathe..

Now, the Maroon 5 song goes like this..

How dare you say that my behavior's unacceptable
So condescending, unnecessarily critical
I have the tendency of getting very physical
So watch your step cause if I do you'll need a miracle

You drain me dry and make me wonder why I'm even here
This double vision I was seeing is finally clear
You want to stay but you know very well I want you gone
Not fit to fuckin' tread the ground that I am walking on

When it gets cold outside and you got nobody to love
You'll understand what I mean when I say
There's no way we're gonna give up
And like a little girl cries in the face of a monster that lives in her dreams
Is there anyone out there cause it's getting harder and harder to breathe ( x2 )

What you are doing is screwing things up inside my head
You should know better you never listened to a word I said
Clutching your pillow and writhing in a naked sweat
Hoping somebody someday will do you like I did

When it gets cold outside and you got nobody to love
You'll understand what I mean when I say
There's no way we're gonna give up
And like a little girl cries in the face of a monster that lives in her dreams
Is there anyone out there cause it's getting harder and harder to breathe ( x2 )

Does it kill
Does it burn
Is it painful to learn
That it's me that has all the control

Does it thrill
Does it sting
When you feel what I bring
And you wish that you had me to hold

When it gets cold outside and you got nobody to love
You'll understand what I mean when I say
There's no way we're gonna give up
And like a little girl cries in the face of a monster that lives in her dreams
Is there anyone out there cause it's getting harder and harder to breathe ( x3 )


But what I’m talking about is literally ‘getting harder to breathe’.. my nasal septum is bent (don't get me started on that Matchbox20 song) and has almost completely blocked the right side of my nostril. Sounds funny kan? but my only option is surgery.


So, after months of delaying I'll be going for my septoplasty right after Christmas.. How do I feel right now? How would you feel if somebody were to put a chisel up your nostril and wacking it with a hammer? :P

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

11 months old today..

Today Amani turns 11 months old.. And thanks to your votes, on the same day, her picture made it to No.1 in 'the cutest baby poll' on MIX.FM's website.. Check it out!





I'm not sure when this thing ends but keep the votes coming! hehe..

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Chronicles of a One Night Rockstar..

Finally, the day that I've been waiting for over 3 months has arrived.. Friday, 8th December 2006..

After Friday prayers I stopped by the office to get my things..
Went up to 5th floor where we'd practise daily during lunch time & after work..
Had a brief moment to look back & say my 'good-bye'.. I wonder what the future holds for that room..

Drove back home for a quick shower (not counting the rain).. dropped by the next door to check on Amani.. she was sound asleep.. gave her a kiss on the forehead and went on my way.. It was still raining and there was a minor quick flood that caused my stress level to go up a notch.. the radio played "Sedang Ingin Bercinta" (Dewa19) and I thought it might be on of those 'signs'.. I kinda blanked out the lyrics and just listened to the music.. konon tak nak ada Ahmad Dhani's influence in my rendition..

After the dreaded Sunway toll, I managed to arrived at Sunway Hotel around 3.45pm.. just about the time that we were all supposed to gather at the lobby.. Zafi was just a few seconds behind me.. He came lenggang kangkung.. didn't even bring the his drumsticks nor his shirt (I assume the others would understand that we wont be going back home to change after sound check).. I was too 'into the performance' to be mad at him.. lantak lee.. hehe..

Not long after that came the rest of the 'motley crue'.. Ujang, Zainy, James & Jai.. Zafi and I went up to the ballroom to see if the event management guys have finished setting up.. this was what I saw..


Really laa.. Does this look like the deco of a BIG company's 10th year Anniversary?


Since almost everything seems to be ready, I went back down to call the guys for sound check.. it was about 4.30pm and Zafi noticed that if he didn't go back home now to change, he might not make it back in time - Sunway area being a bottle neck after 5pm.. and so I let him go.. Jai was quite pissed that Zafi didn't help carry the stuffs up before leaving.. I couldn't careless.. hehe..

The guys came in to see the small stage and the lousy backdrop.. the right side of the stage felt really unstable - macam berdiri atas jambatan gantung! We set up the equipment and started our sound check cum final jamming.. James had made a last minute decision to not use the keyboards.. lucky for us, one of the guitar amp was busted and we had to use the the keyboard amp instead! The soundguys tried to cover by giving me direct connection via the mic for my semi-acoustic guitar.. I didn't intend to plug it in anyways.. :P As we played, we noticed only 2 monitors we provided.. we asked for 5.. now Jai couldn't hear much at the back.. We asked them to crank up the volume and it kinda worked.. I reminded the dude to record the audio.. I should have seen it coming when his faced went blank for a split second.. the boss promised the audio would be recorded in MD format.. something that would turned out to be another janji Melayu later in the evening.. :P

So, we had our sound check (without Zafi actually playing his part).. Atleast we did got through all 5 songs before the soundguy stopped us to allow the dancers to practise.. it was about 5+pm.. Everything was set perfectly when we finished.. or so we thought!

Since we got time to kill, we went across the road to a mamak stall.. I was still on a 'no-ice diet' so I was the only one drinking a hot drink.. The guys made me to go easy on the curry.. I said what the hell.. hehehe..

After the brief mamak session, Ujang & Jai went to the guitar store at Sunway Piramid to buy a guitar strap for Ujang semi-acoustic (last minute decision to let Jai play guitar on 'Beyond') and last minute accessories shopping.. The rest of the gang went back up to register & change clothes.. Zafi still haven't arrive at that point..

Being the 'anak tiri' performers for the night, we weren't provided a changing room so, staying true to the rockers that we are, we opt for the toilet.. nasib baik toilet bersih! haha.. This is me after finish dressing up.. that's James & Zafi (far left) at the back..



So we made our way back to the ballroom.. I could hear the 'fans' going "waaa.." when we entered.. we stayed put at the table.. Zainy was feeling abit 'chilly' while my throat was getting dry.. James started drinking the Jasmine Tea.. Ujang came back around few minutes before the event started as he was charging his handphone batery..


This picture was taken before we performed.. masing-masing tak boleh nak senyum betul-betul.. hehe


After the speeches (MD said bonus is year is ALMOST 2 months - how lame is that?), staff award ceremony & several lucky draws, finally it was time for us to stand-by.. The MC gave as an introduction (calling us THE Blind Sight.. alo, takde THE laa) and we played the intro to "Smoke on the Water".. could hear a few people yelling and that got my adrenaline pumping!

Our set started of with "I Believe in a Thing Call Love" by Darkness.. I was totally in my zone until Ujang's guitar solo.. we couldn't hear any sound at all and I mistakenly thought it was the 2nd verse.. Damn the sound guy! What the heck happened to all the volume setting during sound check?


Blind Sight covering Darkness.. me pointing to Ujang for the guitar solo that wasn't ment to be..



One of my best shot in recent years.. this picture made it to the company's main notice board.. hehe



Cool moves.. Me & Ujang doing a Steven Tyler & Joe Perry..



2nd song - Sedang Ingin Bercinta.. Setiap ada kamu, otakku berfikir bagaimana caranya untuk berdua bersama kamu.. ;)



Zafi on vocals.. He did the 'dangdut girl' verse..



Zainy doing great backing vocals for last chorus on "Sedang"..



James going "Beyond".. a real 'amoi' puller this guy.. check out the cameras..





We did a Chinese + Japanese mix on Beyond's "海闊天空" (遥かなる夢に~Far away~).. I took the Japanese part of course.. still need work on my Chinese hehe..



Great shot by my buddy Andre.. wallpaper material here.. :)



Jai shifting from drums to guitar for "Beyond".. no shot of Zafi on drums..



Zainy the "Pencinta Wanita".. yours truly on guitars & backing vocals..


Last song was Ratu's "Teman Tapi Mesra" done in A.. Check out the crowd's reaction!


Performance wise I think we did well.. many expected us to crumble on stage but we managed to proved them wrong.. the sound guys didn't help much on that.. sishhh.. and they kinda blew any chance of us using the audio recording for future purposes as they only got the last 2 songs on tape.. yes you heard me, not MD but cassette tape!! 2 lagu je pulak tuu!! Damn disappointed!

Next after a crowd game & some lucky draw, Farahdhiya took the stage.. Hmmm.. I have nothing against her but she could have made a better song selection.. She did blew me away on "Bertakhta Di Hati" - her last song for the night..


Me, Ujang, Farahdhiya & Jai - Celebrities should stick together.. hehe


Our last time on stage that night was for the "Happy Birthday" number.. the directors came up to cut the cake & we played the 'normal' version before rocking the song with a "Pretty Woman" mash up.. We could have dragged the song a few more times but opt to stop as the MD didn't know what to do on stage.. hehe..



Blind Sight feat. Mr Mikami - Each of us got a 'token' for our 'great' performance..


All in all the night went pretty good.. Before we parted ways, we took 1 last group photo for the album.. It surely was a night to remember and probably the start to an interesting future.. who knows, kan? :)


Blind Sight - 8 December 2006

Friday, December 08, 2006

When darkness turns to light...

There's been quite a number of lyrical entries over the past week.. Well, sometimes I use songs to express things that are personal and only I could understand (and try to resolve by myself).. How you wish to interpret it is totally up to you ;)



IT END TONIGHT
by
ALL-AMERICAN REJECTS

Your subtleties
They strangle me
I can't explain myself at all.
And all the wants
And all the needs
All I don't want to need at all.

The walls start breathing
My minds unweaving
Maybe it's best you leave me alone.
A weight is lifted
On this evening
I give the final blow.

When darkness turns to light,
It ends tonight,
It ends tonight.

A falling star
Least I fall alone.
I can't explain what you can't explain.
You're finding things that you didn't know
I look at you with such distain

The walls start breathing
My minds unweaving
Maybe it’s best you leave me alone.
A weight is lifted
On this evening
I give the final blow.

[Chorus]
When darkness turns to light
It ends tonight,
It ends tonight.
Just a little insight won't make this right
It's too late to fight
It ends tonight,
It ends tonight.

Now I'm on my own side
It's better than being on your side
It's my fault when you're blind
It's better that I see it through your eyes

All these thoughts locked inside
Now you're the first to know

When darkness turns to light
It ends tonight,
It ends tonight.
Just a little insight won't make this right
It's too late to fight
It ends tonight,
It ends when darkness turns to light
It ends tonight,
It ends tonight.
Just a little insight won't make this right
It's too late to fight
It ends tonight,
It ends tonight.
Tonight, Insight
When darkness turns to light,
It ends tonight.

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Tak stabil..

I'm abit 'shaky' today, not sure why.. maybe because I'm too excited + nervous about tomorrow.. or perhaps because after this, all that I can look forward to is my operation..

Anyway, I'd like to share with you guys this song.. kinda sums things up for me.. ;)

Rapuh
by
CDNaz

Ku tersesat di jalan ini
Kehilangan arah..
Aku hanyut terbawa arus
Tidak tahu ke mana

Uhuhu.. tanpamu
Ku lakukan lagi.. kesalahan
Demi kesalahan

Jangan pergi..
Lihat.. aku jadi lemah
Jangan pergi
Lihat.. ku rapuh

Maafkanlah semua luka
Yang ku goreskan padamu
Dan keangkuhan diri ini
Hingga kamu pergi..
Uhuhu.. tanpamu
Ku ciptakan lagi..
Persoalan.. demi persoalan

Jangan pergi..
Lihat.. aku jadi lemah
Jangan pergi
Lihat.. ku rapuh

Uhuhuhu..tanpamu
Ku ciptakan lagi..
Persoalan.. demi persoalan

Jangan pergi..
Lihat.. aku jadi lemah
Jangan pergi
Lihat..ku rapuh

Jangan pergi..
Lihat.. kini aku lemah
Jangan pergi
Lihat.. ku rapuh

Jangan pergi..
Lihat.. kini aku lemah
Jangan pergi
Dengar.. kumeminta



Sometimes you just know.. Sometimes you just feel.. Other times you just wish you're not the only one.. Hari ni kasi jiwang skit... hehe

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

2 days to go...

The "big day" is approaching fast.. and I haven't deceded what to wear yet.. yikes!

So, to get some ideas, I've been 'revisiting' what I wore for the annual dinner in past years.. I didn't allocate any budget for clothes this year as I used up all my spare change for music equipments and studio rentals.. :P

Drum roll please!! hehe..

2001












Theme : Colourful Nite

I just joined the company & was still 'geeky'.. "lurk before you leap".. hehe.. the lady beside me is Kak Shari from accounts department.. she would later become my neighbour..


2002










Theme : Batik Nite

Got a little bolder.. Went up to sing Roy's "Ratnaku" (it wasn't a competition back then).. I thought I should have won the 'creative dress' award.. hihi


2003


Theme : Elegant Nite

Absent.. I had lost my voice for over a month, so I thought since I woundn't be singing, why bother going.. :P


2004










Theme : Rock Nite

My big comeback! Sang Bon Jovi's "You Give Love A Bad Name".. Won karaoke & creative dress.. Got married few days later.. haha..


2005












Theme : Orange & White Nite

Had high expectations but fell short.. 3rd place karaoke after singing Kembara's "Hati Emas".. Seen here with creative dress winner Edmond - he left the company soon after..


2006


Theme : Night of Excellence

Probably my last with this company.. hope the band would blow everybody away.. keep tuned in for the review, probably next week!

Tuesday, December 05, 2006

In the heat of summer pleasure winter fades..

Don't know why but I couldn't get this song out of my head today..

I've never heard of Janis Ian before (baru tau nama dia bila try google tadi) and my only knowledge of the song is from Shiina Ringo's cover version of it back when I was in Japan (last trip in 2002).. maybe you guys could search the net and download the song from somewhere.. or if you have the MP3, please share it with me ;)

LOVE IS BLIND
by
JANIS IAN

LOVE IS BLIND
LOVE IS ONLY SORROW
LOVE IS NO TOMORROW
SINCE YOU WENT AWAY
LOVE IS BLIND
HOW WELL I REMEMBER
IN THE HEAT OF SUMMER PLEASURE
WINTER FADES

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE
BEFORE I CAN'T REMEMBER
MEMORIES I SHOULD FORGET
I'VE BEEN BURNING
SINCE THE DAY WE MET

LOVE IS BLIND
LOVE IS WITHOUT A MERCY
LOVE IS "NOW YOU'VE HURT ME"
"NOW YOU'VE GONE AWAY"
LOVE IS BLIND
LOVE IS NO HORIZON
AND I'M SLOWLY DYING
HERE IN YESTERDAY

IN THE MORNING
WAKEN TO THE SOUND OF WEEPING
SOMEONE ELSE SHOULD WEEP FOR ME
NOW IT'S OVER
LOVER, LET ME BE

LOVE IS BLIND
LOVE IS YOUR CARESS
LOVE IS TENDERNESS
AND MOMENTARY PAIN
LOVE IS BLIND
HOW WELL I REMEMBER
IN THE HEAT OF SUMMER PLEASURE
WINTER FADES



Shiina Ringo once said that you could switch "Love" with "Life" in this song and it would still make sense.. Hmmmmmm....

Monday, December 04, 2006

Promo sikit..

If you think Dian Amani is cute, please vote for her at MIX.FM's website..

Thanks a million guys! And sorry for being a such proud father.. ;)

Friday, December 01, 2006

One for my girl.. Dian Amani :)

Jewels in the Sky

Whenever I look into your eyes
It reminds me of the night sky..
No other mystery could match
the wonders of what lies beyond..
And for what reason do I
believe that you are mine..

Whenever a tear is shed from your eyes
I think of why dolphins cry..
The deep blue sea is too wide
for one to cross without a companion
by his side..
Like every pearl that is found
I know that you are my precious one..

Like jewels in the sky..
A star shines bright and gives her own light..
Like jewels in the sky..
There's no reason to fight as each is special every night..
Like jewels in the sky..
Sometimes nothingness is a virgin canvas waiting to be a piece of art..

sensei 1-dec-06