Saturday, May 31, 2008

Another one bites the dust...

Tower Records KLCC will close down soon.. probably in June..
That's what one of the workers said to me yesterday..

I'm quite upset as Tower Records usually carry great titles that we seldom see on the selves.. I still remember hangging out after school at Tower Records KL Plaza.. Even in Japan, everytime I went down to Shibuya, I'd stop by Tower Records (the only place where you'll get to see the Sitis, Shielas & Zainalabidins - that is what they mean by 'breaking into Japan market'.. hah!)

Some of the happy memories I have with Tower Records (regardless of location)

- the place where I learned to appreciate various types of music - in other words 'Free listening' :)

- bought my first Japanese artist CD - misunderstood 'Speed' with 'Spitz' but ended up being a fan, even joined the Speed fanclub in Japan.. haha

- bought my first Chinese artist CD - got to meet Sun Yan Zi in person as I was the 2nd person to by her debut album and the only Malay guy at that meet the fan session!

- bought my 1st Marilyn Manson single - it was banned in Malaysia soon after

- the place where I hung out as my buddy went for his university enterance exam in Sendai - he passed, met again with his old flame and I got my Santana/Rob Thomas 'Smooth' single ;)

- bought my 1st Aerosmith live DVD - burned a hole in my pocket :P

- the only place that had CDNaz's CD - Kejora Di Sahara, killer ballad that inspired me to revisit
my unfinished script

Tower Records will always have a special place in my heart.. :~(


Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Trigger Mechanism...

That was my main point for today's training on the topic of being a "Dynamic Employee"..

You see.. people (including your's truly) have problem sustaining motivation sometimes..
Some can carry it on for a few days, but most will slip back into a depressing mode when faced with certain type of challanges.. kena marah ke.. sedih ke.. all those negative vibes tend to bring you down..

Now by understanding how the mind works, we can actually simulate positive vibes.. and the key is what I call 'Trigger Mechanisms'.. basically when the brain is triggered by one or more of our 5 senses, we recall certain data from the unconscious mind to the conscious mind.. For example, when we smell a particular scent, we recall a certain memory of a person or place.. and what happens is that data also brings forward the emotion that is attached to it..

Just imagine if we have a token or momento that would help trigger those good memories around us all the time, wouldn't we be able to keep ourselves positive and motivated?
My answer would be 'yes' because I'm doing it and it really helps.. And the best thing is, it comes in various forms.. a friend I could talk to.. a song that I listen to.. a picture that I keep.. the pen that I put in my pocket.. the accessories that I use.. all are my personal trigger mechanisms..

Although I must advise against being too dependent on those trigger mechanisms - it could lead to idolism an such.. But it doesn't mean that you can't try it out.. What have you got to loose anyway? kan?
See for yourself what works best.. because at the end of the day, the best thing that you should be greatful for is your own self.. and that is the ULTIMATE trigger mechanism! Betul tak? ;)

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Of late...

I miss performing..

Ever since James left Sharp and went back to Sabah, I personally felt that that was the end of Blind Sight.. We started with the 'original four' - Jai, Zainy, James and your's truely.. The other 2 came in just for the show and on and off during jamming session Paka (Jai's brother) would join.. It would have been the best line up with the 'original four' + Paka.. but I guess it was not ment to be la..

Last couple of weeks I got a chance to 'let out some steam' by singing in front of a great crowd with Ben the one man band.. It was great but I was on duty, so had to hold back a bit -- actually I went abit over board and jumped off the stage a few times.. haha..

It made me wonder.. what would have happen if I had actually went to the 1st Malaysian Idol audition.. I did registered but didn't went for it as I had a seminar in SIRIM.. alasan je, sebenarnya takut.. hehe.. can't blame myself la, because I was not the same person I am now back then.. well, life goes on..

Anyway, went to test drive the new Perodua Nautica today.. quite a smooth ride but for a 'local' car, price agak mahal sikit la.. Actually I still have to say that my current ride is still better..
But more important is, while in the car, I heard Fall Out Boy's "Beat it".. these guys are really growing on me.. check out the video..




Hmmm... must learn how to upload some of Blind Sight's footages ;)

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Ulang Cetak Kedua 2008

I went to PTS to get some stocks of my book this morning..



I asked Cik Din, "Banyak lagi ke stok buku saya?"

Cik Din replied, "Ada seribu lebih lagi.."

I was concerned and continued asking, "Tak laku ke diorang pulangkan?"

To my suprise, Cik Din said, "Taklah, kita baru ulang cetak.. 800 pieces"

:)))

Apparently according to Cik Din, not many books of those type get second printing..

Alhamdulillah.. ada juga orang Malaysia ni yang nak baca buku aku.. hehe..


Today was a good day, now I'm more charged up to finalize my "football teambuilding program".. more updates on that soon ;)


Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Takkan lari gunung dikejar..

Alhamdulillah, rezeki..

About a week ago I posted something about loosing a job because my rates were too expensive..
Well, agaknya it was ment to be..
They called me back as they couldn't engage any other trainer.. the only thing is, I had to cut it down to a one day training as I've given the dates to another confirmed client..
Takpa, I'll still give it my best and make sure they want more after this..
Bak kata Scorpions..
I climb the stage again this night
cause the place seems still alive
When the smoke is going down
When the smoke is going down
When the smoke is going down

Tanjung Malim, here I come!! :)

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Using the brain where it matters most..

OK, this post will be a bit grotesque.. so reader's discretion advised ;)




Saw this about a year ago... I thought it was really a great idea..



Then I saw this yesterday...



You see guys, a lot of us come up with great ideas everyday.. but at the end of the day, implementation wins..
And actually its never a competition.. Because, no matter who came up with the idea 1st, there is always room for improvements..
Something to think about huh? :)

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

New episode up!

The new episode is up..

http://dove.msn.com/?source=msnhp#/gofresh/Episodes.aspx/

Check out Alicia Keys acting 'not good at singing'..
And who was that white guy again?? Ex-Simpson..?? hehehe...

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Me, too expensive??!

I thought I had it in my pocket..
I was sooo confident that my quote was reasonable..
suddenly the reply e-mail came and said..
"kami tidak dapat memilih en fauzan kerana kos yang ditawarkan agak tinggi"
I was in shock!!
I was never a money driven person.. heck, I even do FREE seminars..
So, I asked.. what is their definition of "berpatutan"..
rupanya, their budget was RM100 per hour..
aiseymen.. apasal la tak cakap??!...
I could have quoted RM98 per hour, because to me getting the job was more important than the fees.. hmmmm.. Oh, well.. lesson learned..

Saturday, May 03, 2008

The song remains the same..

No, I'm not talking about the Led Zeppelin song..
Just wanted to share my little 'discovery'.. try it out..

First, sing the ABC song

Then sing Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star..

Now... How many of you guys out there noticed, that the ABC song and Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star has the exact same melody?? :)