Jason Mraz

Ok...this post is rather delayed but better late than never right. I was given Jason Mraz concert passes by a media friend - thanks Mary Teoh! Although I'm very much a music enthusiast, I was never into attending concerts and all. My last concert was Bon Jovi in New Jersey in 2003 - so you can see how long that was right.
The concert wasn't really that bad really except that the setup was rather stupid.

As you can see, these were the tickets but there is another story to the seating arrangement that I settled for.

During his media conference, he looked really regular - nothing really exciting about him. When he speaks, he sounds like a white dude trapped in a black man's body and spirit - I mean, he sounds black and you would think he is black if you spoke to him over the phone.

The line to get in was not that bad altough we weren't allowed to bring food and drinks in which didn't make sense to me at all coz I understand that the organizers were worried that some of those people standing in front of the stage would throw shit up stage but those sitting in like "east-bum-fuck" can even throw anything close to the stage so they should be allowed to at least bring drinks in - water I mean!

So, about the seating. When I walked in, the line to get to the dedicated area was a mess so we decided to sit by the bench towards the side of the stage. Guess what - the stage was visible but the sound was purely meant for those standing directly in front of the stage. So, for people like us who were sitting on the side-lines, we could have a conversation without raising our voices one-bit! How pathetic is that!

The final bow before closing the show. In conclusion, the music and showmanship was good but the sound system was pathetic and I sometimes wonder if Malaysian concert organizers can ever do anything right! Now I know why when mega-huge-big names come down - like Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, etc - they never let any Malaysian touch or handle the sound engineering and in fact they don't even use the local equipment.

My final thought - good music executed in a very poor manner! I've seen better!

Malaysian Rich Kids.....

I recently read a blog that was posted by someone who resides outside of Malaysia. The blog is really interesting and it speaks the complete truth and actual facts of life around ther world - especially Malaysia. It touches about Malaysian politicians, celebrities and recently - MALAYSIAN RICH KIDS! Check it out - http://www.gutteruncensored.com/2009/03/malaysian-politicians-like-to-have-fun_11.html

These kids are nothing but spoilt. Daddy and mommy are rich so they automatically become rich but sadly, these kids are suppose to be the one's who are potentially on track to lead our country but if you meet them now, this is what their life is:
1. Party
2. Do drugs
3. Flirt
4. Sleep around - being nice - sometimes multiple
5. Drink till kingdom comes
6. Drive drunk and get away from the cops because they are rich

Disgusting if you think about it! All the money in the world but NO Fr%$*ing brains whatsoever!
Do something for the country and do us a favor - GET A FREAKING DAMM BLADY LIFE AND IF YOU CAN -DISAPPEAR! You're not that hot without the make-up, and manicure and pedicures.

Sun-Busted!!!

Ok. This was my first Sunburst and since Johnnie Walker was sponsoring the VIP deck, I was given some VIP passes. So a few friends and I headed to Sunburst. Firstly, thank GOD I had VIP car pass coz the parking on the street streched all the way to Hartamas...geezzhhh!!
We drove into the club and stopped at the first check point where our tickets were checked and we were tagged with hand tags. Then we proceeded to look for the parking spot which happened to be right by the entry point near the Silent Disco. Let me tell ya - although it's a cool concept, it was funny watching a bunch of people with headphones jumping, dancing and singing to tunes that none of us could here without the headphone.
The only reason why I wanted to go was to watch Pharrel Williams of N.E.R.D. Thier show was good. But I think they were pissed with the organizers coz half way through the show, Pharrel actually told the guards to f%$k-off and let people come on stage. That didnt go too well with security but N.E.R.D didn't give a damm what they thought. By the end of the show, there were almost 50 over people on stage dancing with the group.
Then came on Korn - music that I call rubbish coz it's not singing but it's screaming. I don't even know how to enjoy such music where you don't know what it's about. Can't sing along to and can't even dance to.

The VIP area was pathetic coz it was empty and it was freaking far away from civilization. Johnnie Walker was behind the bar but apparently, they have specific bar-tenders serving specific drinks - how stupid. Jaeger was they so we tried that with Red Bull - cough syrup tasted better. So since that was a failure, we decided to head down to common ground.

We hung out at the Tuborg area where I met some friends. Most of them were completely drunk coz they've been drinking since noon - bodoh kan!!

The best part about the whole event was the Speedzone Tour marque. It was cooling, good music and there were alot of people whom we knew so we partied there all night. Towards the end of the night, I was behind the DJ console (I'm not that important but I know everyone there so I got access) and finally I was able to drink some Johnnie Walker Black Label....aaaa!!!!!

Overall, my impression - a complete failure to Sunburst. Some artists that were suppose to perform didn't even show up and no one told us anything.

Next year - stay home!

Formula One Is Back!!!!

It's crucial that I blog about this because it is about what we have planned for Johnnie Walker in March and April.
In line with the global sponsorship of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, Johnnie Walker has in the past activated many exciting activities around the sport. Mainly parties and promotions. Why you ask? Simple - everyone loves the sport and the lifestyle around it.
This time around, we are executing many exciting on-ground activities. This is what you can look forward to:
1. Johnnie Walker Consumer Promotion - happening in over 120 outlets nationwide, with every purchase of 2 bottles of Johnnie Walker Black Label, you instantly get a gift - either a long sleeve or short sleeve t-shirt with JW & McLaren corporate partner logo. On top of that, you also get an entry form that puts you in the running to win Grand Stand tickets to the race in Sepang.
2. Johnnie Walker Grand Stand Hospitality - we will host 115 of our local consumers, media and selected celebs at the race track. The hospitality includes the following:
- Central pick up and drop off point from 1 Utama to SIC and back on both days
- Hospitality pack which includes ear plugs, JW lanyards with ID tags and race tickets, t-shirts, caps, umbrella, hand-fans and we feed you too.
- Block seating at Garnet Grand Stand where you get the full view of pit entry action, corners 5, 7 and the last corner before the straight shoot.
- Also, since you're our guests, after the race, your ticket gets you into Jami's concert at the heli-pad.
3. Johnnie Walker Grand Prix Viewing party - hosted in one of KL's hottest spots - Quattro Club on april 5th, loyal JW members of Quattro club, will get a chance to be invited to watch the race live from 3pm-8pm with friends and celebs with free flow of finger food and Johnnie Walker Black Label. To make things interesting, specially developed Grand Prix cocktails will be served to everyone.

So, we cover all angles - if you wanna be in the middle of the heat and burning rubber or you wanna chill out with friends in town, we have offerings for you.

This is not where things ends - look out for July through October - we have exciting plans for you and it's only a matter of time when we share with you what we have in store for you.

See you at the track mates!!!

Bangkok - Amazing Thailand

I've been travelling quite a bit now with my brother and it really helps the bonding session between us. Also, Sudesh who is also my "brother" has been travelling with us as well. Timing is perfect because somehow work comes in play so it's not all loss.
We stayed at the Pathumwan Princess hotel in Bangkok - 5 star with 3 star pricing - how cool is that. This is Cheri -who was our faithful server at the hotel bar and after the 2nd day, she knew what we drank and when we drank it. Some people call it the "identification of an alcoholic" but we like to think that she's got great memory power.

This is the new Bangkok airport - let me tell ya - stupid ass system. The country is great but the airport is crappy! When I was taking this picture, some 4ft 2inch security ding-bat came up to me and told me "No pictures" and I figured she said that coz I'm Asian and so when I spoke with an American accent, she smiled and said "It's ok sir". Freaking hell!! Double standards! Thank GOD she isn't the mascot of the country or else no one will visit Thailand.

My room was great! Huge bathroom (sorry forgot to take picture). Comfy bed and great view.

The room was about 900 sq feet and that's huge - a little service apartment minus the kitchen.

I told you the view was great. This is the semi-olympic size pool at the hotels neighbouring sports complex. Like I swim but the thought was fun!

While everyone sipped on beer (and the fact that I'm off beer completely - been 5 months now) I decided to chill with Smirnoff Ice - best drink on a HOT day!

Now, this is traditional. It's like going to Egypt and not seeing the Pyramids. We dove into every damm Tom Yam Kung we could find. It was spicy as hell but who cares when you're having fun.

There is a street in Bangkok where the European's live - filled with bars and budgets hostels. These were populated with back-packers (somehow I don't know how they do it but they do) and my brother had this fascination of sitting by the bar and just watch how these people behave. Indeed it was funny!

This was a classic photo opportunity. A bar actually had this sign up at the entrance. I started laughing at this. Then I was told that many Thai's carry guns which is why this sign was put up coz apparently these Thai's are trigger happy when they get pissed off - good thing we didn't piss anyone off!! We were very friendly tourist - a trait that comes with good up-bringing :)

Believe it or not, in my own country I don't know how the subway, monorail or LRT works but in Bangkok, I travelled on trains. Cool!!!!

This is a good lesson for those damm motorcyclists in our country who don't know what "Road Manners" means. In Thailand, the queue up like cars - how nice. They don't go around mugging, kidnapping, stealing or fighting with people.

The airport was well dec'ed out. Beautiful structure of Thai culture.

Another shot of the airport deco. This little kid was wondering what it was and was trying to walk into the alter.

Many think that Bangkok is a heaven for men "ONLY". In fact it isn't. Shopping is really cool here as well. Just gotto be careful on what you buy coz it could be fake but if you're one who only buys original stuff, you can tell the difference.

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 team has launched the MP4-24 with which it will campaign in the 2009 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The sexy looking car was unveiled by 2008 World Champion - Lewis Hamilton and his side-kick Heikki Kovalainen.
The new car bears little resemblance to its world championship-winning predecessor due to the introduction of new rules that have radically reshaped Formula 1.

Seen here pulling the cover off the new beast that Lewis will drive to try to capture his second chanpionship in 2009, is the new MP4-24 Vodafone McLaren Mercedes machine. It carries heavily revised bodywork, re-sculpted front and rear wings, slick tyres and a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), the MP4-24 has been in development since September 2007 in order to successfully accommodate the huge changes that have been made to the technical regulations.

A full team shot by the new car, where test driver Pedro de la Rosa will conduct the first two days before the race drivers take over. Testing has always been fun to watch if you had to chance to - not only do they beat the crap out of the car, they also do everything and anything possible to damage the cars performance so that they can further tweak the quality that will go into the races.

Seen here is Ron Dennis who has now taken a back seat but will continue as an advisor to the team. I think it's about time the man chilled out but F1 will not be the same without him and especially McLaren, will feel the difference.

The No:1 resembles that this car is being driven by the World Champion from the previous year. Directly above it, resembles the worlds No:1 scotch whisky brand - he!he! had to drop some compliment.

I'm really excited about the upcoming Formula One season. Lewis is definitely under tremendous pressure to perform and with Ferrari stepping up their game, Lewis and McLaren cannot afford to take any risks in terms of team management and on-track performance. I guess it's about staying ahead rather than taking a huge leap.

The new MP4-24 looks very different with the tail wing looking alot sleeker than the previous version.

The line-up of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team. If you ask me, I think Heikki has great potential and if he isn't the 2nd driver and has the option to prove himself, he might just beat Lewis on-track.

The classic team walk.

And of course the usual "take a picture with the Vodafone" phone! Why not drink a whisky while you're at it!

The ever so con-fusing steering. If this was in my car, I would be crashing all over the place.
The element that makes the difference in the car.

And being proud sponsors of the team, Johnnie Walker globally and regionally and locally have executed some world class campaigns leveraging on the sponsorship.

Malaysia will not be left out of course so watch out in the coming months people - coz Johnnie Walker is gonna blow your mind!

Who Gets The Bill???

I recently read this very interesting blog on a friends blog site - www.heavaness.blogspot.com. She had posted an entry about "who should pay - the guy or the girl"!
This is a very interesting blog entry because I believe that in our society, nothing is black & white anymore.
Vanessa makes a real valid point and believe me you - not many girls that I know think this way anymore. There is no harm in a girl picking up the bill! Lets travel back to the 60's: (teng teng teng)
In the 60's, women were pretty housewives and looked after the home and the kids and they cooked, cleaned, ironed and kept the house in one piece.
Today, many women are very much involved in the corporate world and believe me, it has made the world a much better place coz there is a neutrality in views in most organizations now. So, with them being involved in work world, means that their battle for equal gender rights is working and slowly the world is opening up to women making decision.
In my point of view, there is nothing wrong when a woman pays for the entire bill - we see the situation as it is but between the couple, there could be a deal - for example maybe she was taking him out to celebrate his promotion, or she lost a bet or she insisted that she pay, etc. So many possibilities but yet we generalize the guy and call him a loser.
I've been out many times and have had my friends who are girls paying - reason being, we have an understanding that I will take care of alcohol and they take care of food. Does that make me a pig? Of course not and believe me - I'm all about equal gender.
So, girls - don't be afraid to whip out your purses and swipe that card and guy - don't be afraid to lean back and chill while your lovely lady treats you!

The Joy & The Tear

Today, someone did something for me that really touched me deeply. I mean, besides my own brother who has done things for me that I can only dream of repaying. In my capacity, I can probably do 10% back for him but if I could I would do alot more for him.
But back to this one person - I consider him as my brother as well. He went missing for about 4 years which made me wonder what happened to him and that maybe my brother and I meant nothing to him but over the past 6 months or so, he has returned and we are just happy that this brother of ours is back.
This is the story of how this guy literally touched my heart - I've been shopping or have been in the mood for a new car - not brand new but rather used or recon. I've been searching for awhile now when all of a sudden, this brother of mine called and told me not to buy a car and that he has an option for me. He has a spare car that he wants to sell and instead of selling it off, he told me that I can take over the car and just continue the monthly payments.
Now, there is alot more to say about this whole offer but essentially what I wanna say is that, he is one person besides my own brother, who doesn't care about the money but rather cares for his friends and family. He could sell the car and make some easy cash but he didnt - rather thought about me and decided to offer this to me.
It is true - money can never tear closeness apart!!

Stand-Up Characters......

I've noticed that everyone has a certain topic that is repeated every month or week on their blog - either it's about their clothing, or getting to know someone, about a brand, movie reviews, etc. So, I decided to jump in the band-wagon! Typical right - no originality at all man!
But, my originality comes in the form of the characters that I choose - which is why my repeat topic would be "Stand-Up Characters". This can be about anyone - stand-up comedian, stand-up friend, stand-up mentor, stand-up colleagues, etc. For now, I'm gonna start off with "Stand Up Comedians" coz GOD knows that we all could use a laugh every now and then.
George Carlin - my first encounter with him was in the U.S. A friend of mine came over to my crib for some beers and herbs and he brought with him this DVD to watch which we watched 4 times that night. The first clip of his goes something like this so sit back and enjoy as he tells you what age is all about!!
p.s. This isn't my work so all credit goes to George Carlin.

George Carlin's Views on Aging:
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids?
If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions. 'How old are you?' 'I'm four and a half!' You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key
You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. 'How old are you?' 'I'm gonna be 16!' You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life !You become 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away.
Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.
But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.
You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70!
After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!
You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime. And it doesn't end there.
Into the 90s, you start going backwards; 'I Was JUST 92.'Then a strange thing happens.
If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. 'I'm 100 and a half!'
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

Party in Jakarta

OH!MY!FREAKING!GOD! Have anyone of you been to Jakarta and partied? It is insane dude!! And I mean IN"f&%^*ing"SANE! I don't think the party ever stops in Jakarta. My experience was incredible - literally shows you what money can do (not that I have alot of it but in Jakarta, everyone is a billionaire!!!). Anyway, it was a holiday that I've been waiting for ages coz I just needed a break away from Malaysia - somewhere no one can reach me over the phone, no emails, etc. So I went for a break with my brother and another friend of ours - also my brother!!
This is my brother on the left and our friend Sudesh. We had dinner at this restaurant in Jakarta called Lara Dutta or something like that but the food was fantastic.

Since we were on holiday, we literally freaked out. Went to this club called Club 36 - combination of karaoke and club in one building. Of course we were drinking Black Label and we were VIP's - money talks here.

Some of the people that we met at the club - people in Jakarta are very very friendly and always willing to help and guide others. And plus, these girls party real hard - harder than Malaysian people.

Some of my friend's friend.

This is one of the dancers at the club who reminded me so much of a colleague of mine - like they are twins or something. This girl is called Nam and she is from Thailand.

The famous Flaming Lamborghini shot - the trademark of my brother in getting people super drunk!

This is me and Nick (the one in the center) who works with Interlocal in Jakarta and he really sorted us out with the super VIP access and car and driver. He tha man!!!

Of all the people that I met during my stay here, this girl is probably the most interesting person. She is actually an engineering student and works part time in the club as a hostess - when I say hostess, I really mean hostess!! Not PR!!

Overall, my holiday didn't consist of any sight seeing except for some shopping that I did in Blok M - bought 6 t-shirts, 2 shirts and a cap from Polo Ralph Lauren for RM400 total! Beat that punks! My holiday was about eating, drinking, partying and getting buzzed and happy - something that I can no longer do in Malaysia due to certain matters - need to maintain ma!

My next vacation spot - Amsterdamm!!!

Johnnie Walker 1805

In July 2005 Johnnie Walker, one of the world’s top whisky brands, celebrated the birth of its founder with the release of this special edition blend specially created by the Johnnie Walker Master Blender, Jim Beveridge. It has been made with the best whiskies, which are all at least 45 years old and have been predominantly selected from distilleries that no longer exist.
Only 200 bottles of the special blend, created by the makers of the luxury whisky Johnnie Walker Blue Label, were ever produced and none have ever been available for retail sale. Experts estimate the value of the whisky to be well over £10,000 per bottle. The whisky is best sampled with a glass of ice chilled water to refresh the palette. I best describe my experience with Blue Label as an explosion of taste. It's one of the label's of the Johnnie Walker family that I will absolutely not share with every Tom, Dick & Harry but rather with close friends and family.

Jokes....Jokes.....Jokes...

What is life without laughter! What is life without smiles! Here are a few things that I came across that made me smile, giggle, laugh and cry (cried coz stomach was painful after all the laughing).

Believe it or not, these ads actually found their way into newspapers all over the world:
1. Braille dictionary for sale. Must see to appreciate.
2. FOR SALE BY OWNER: Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica. 45 volumes. Excellent condition. $1,000.00 or best offer. No longer needed. Got married last weekend. Wife knows everything.
3. Help wanted, singer for rock band. Must be female or male.
4. For sale, Hope Chest, brand new, half off, long story.
5. Help wanted, adult or mature teenager to baby-sit. One dollar an hour.
6. Lost: small brown poodle. Reward. Neutered. Like one of the family.
7. For sale: a quilted high chair that can be made into a table, potty chair, rocking horse, refrigerator, spring coat, size 8 and fur collar.
8. Four-posted bed, 101 years old. Perfect for antique lover.
9. Wanted: Part-time married girls for soda fountain in sandwich shop.
10. Man wanted to work in dynamite factory. Must be willing to travel.
11. Christmas sale. Handmade gifts for the hard-to- find person.
12. Wanted, man to take care of cows that does not smoke or drink.
13. Three-year old teacher needed for pre-school. Experience preferred.
14. Wanted. Widower with school-age children requires person to assume general housekeeping duties. Must be capable of contributing to growth of family.
15. Tired of working for only $9.75 per hour? We offer profit sharing and flexible hours. Starting pay: $7 -- $9 per hour.
16. Our sofa seats the whole mob and it’s made of 100% Italian leather.
17. Full sized mattress. 20 year warranty. Like New. Slight urine smell.
18. Nordic Track $300 hardly used, call Chubby.
19. Joining nudist colony! Must sell washer and dryer $300.
20. Open house body shapers toning salon free coffee and donuts
21. Found: dirty white dog. Looks like a rat... been out while. Better be reward.
22. Exercise equipment: Queen Size Mattress & Box Springs - $175.
23. ALZHEIMER'S CENTER PREPARES FOR AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER.
24. Free Yorkshire Terrier: 8 years old. Hateful little dog.
25. Free puppies: ½ cocker spaniel, ½ sneaky neighbor’s dog.
26. Free puppies: part German Shepherd, part stupid dog.
27. German Shepherd, 85 lbs. Neutered. Speaks German. Free.
28. Snow Blower for sale…only used on snowy days.
29. Bill’s Septic Cleaning: “We Haul American-Made Products."
30. Cows, calves never bred…also 1 gay bull for sale.
31. Nice Parachute – Never opened. Used once.
32. Hummels – Largest selection ever. "If it’s in stock, then we have it!"
33. 1 man, 7 women hot tub. $850/offer.
34. Shakespeare’s Pizza. Free chopsticks.
35. Harrisburg Postal Employee Gun Club.
36. Tickle-Me-Elmo, still in box, comes with its own 1988 Ford Mustang, 5L, Auto, Excellent condition $6800.

The things that people think of these days!!!

I recently decided to take a drive to Genting Highlands. The last time I went there was in 2002 - alot have changed since. Can you believe that I almost got lost heading there - good thing (which is quite rare in this country) that the signage on the highway was pretty decent. Genting was genting as usual. This is what I conclude about that place - families travel there for some relaxing time - men throw their kids at the theme park, thrown their wives at the mall and they then gamble their wealth away - I lost big gambling as well - a whole RM20 in slot machines - now I gotta work O.T to make that cash back.
I always wanted to visit the Ripley vault so this was great and I met the world tallest man - he didn't have much to say coz he was made of wax! but he was good company. Agreed to all my views in life without any negative or positive feedback.

This was the world's first ever deck of cards produced!

The original Siamese twins - can you imagine having your brother stuck to you all the time - while you shower (in this case shower together), while you eat, sleep, driving must be a mission and worst of all, when you're having sex - geezzz.....eeeww!!!

This dude just looked weird caged up and all.

The worlds smallest show and BIGGEST shoes. Step aside Ronald, you've got a match you clown!

This guy is interesting - apparently he was the only human being that can stand in a human size microwave with a piece of raw meat and walk out unharmed with a cooked meat. Speak about keeping an eye on your cooking!

Now, this is suppose to be the world's luckiest chair - I will need to say it's only lucky in getting you "some-some" - if you know what I mean. Besides that, everything I asked for was no where in plain sight.

Who needs cookware when you've got this dude.

Ancient Indian's doing the small head sacrifice.

This guy got stabbed with this iron rod through his face and when he went to the doctor, he was advice that if the rod was removed, he will die. So guess what he did - he kept it and lived another 30 years. I think this is even worse than living with a Siamese twin stuck to you all the time.

Another guy in africa who has a piece of wood pierce through his heart - same doctor he went to coz he never removed it and lived longer than he expected. Literally having someone break your heart.

This guy was a frequent diver in the U.S. and during one of his diving adventure, he encoutered a difficult moment with a shark. He was bitten by the shark but he survived to tell the tale.

A baby coffin - pathetic and sad.

This is a human neck-chain that was used in ancient times to tie people.
A tiny living space of a midget.

This was a boat ride within the resort where is automated but has this weird looking doll at the back which is creepy!!
Some of the inside look & feel of the resort - where most rides are for the families.
Another shot of the weird dude at the back of the boat.

Outdoor shot of Genting from the heights.

Another beauty shot - iPhone takes good day-time shots!

Overall, it was nice being there for the day. Loved the cool weather and the lovely scene. It's definitely not a place to stay over and spend a few nights if you don't gamble. The food is expensive and the rides are ok! only!