My laptop stolen!

Stupid f*ck**ng bloody useless scumbags! During lunch time, 4 laptops was stolen in my office and one of it is mine. Gone all my precious data. That is nothing in this world that can repay it back.

Don't you useless piece of walking meat have anything better to do than to steal other ppl's belonging. I really hope, let me say this is Malay - "Harap harap kau kena langgar dgn kontena lori laptop Dell and mati tertimbun dlm ribuan laptop. Dan juga aku harap semua RAM, motherboard masuk dlm korongkong busuk kau dan perut kau terburai dgn sisa-sisa toksik batteri laptop tu. Itu pun aku rasa tak puas tgk kau mati macam tu, biar lori kontena gilis kau 5000x, sampai badan kau tinggal sisa daging dan tulang utk dilapah oleh anjing kurap yang gila." Also, I hope you get fried, baked, steamed and cooked in hell for eternity.

Really upset and disappointed. Habis baik, aku tak tangkap kau dlm ofis.

Fitness First Review : Island Plaza, Penang

For someone who doesn't go to gym so often, I sure write alot about gym. What the heck...

FF Island Plaza is located in Island Plaza shopping complex, Penang. I believe its on the way to Feringgi Beach. I was staying in Sg. Dua at the particular time. Travelling across the island, thru the horrible Penang traffic for 1 hour gym workout. Not worth it. But anyway...

• Parking is paid by hour. I think its about RM 1-3.
• Take the lift and go up to 4th floor (I think). FF its on the left turning (I think).
• The receiptionist was friendly and helpful. Thumbs up!
• 2 level floor. The juice bar on the upper level. (Why do they ever do this!?)
• The whole place looks kindda small. All the machines and cardio equipments are cramped into a small place. More like a warehouse sale.
• The free weight are is small, more or less like DU.
• Big glass windows along the gym. You can see Penang and its wonderful condos.
• I think this place is frequented by expats.
• One studio and 1 small abs area.
• Machines, more or less the same as the rest of the FF gyms.
• Plus point, they have a sitting area just outside of the changing room. Not bad.

Ratings?

Check out for more reviews below
FF Manulife
FF IOI Mall Puchong
FF Menara Axis
FF The Curve
FF DU
FF Consplant

Interviews

My position in the company requires me to interview and hire candidates applying for an advertised position. Throughout the years, I have interviewed no less than 50 people for various position. On the net, there is a lot of information regarding how a candidate should prepare for an interview.

Now, you guys listen to me. Direct from an employer. This is a grunt from me as an employer to all those job seekers.

1. Only apply for a job if you are INTERESTED!
   Don't waste a person's time. I shift through hundreds of resumes looking to shortlist candidates. So don't waste my time to call you and to find out that you are not interested.
   
   
2. Read the freaking job advert line by line!
   Study if you match the requirement stated. I got a candidate telling me on the phone, that he is only interested if the job is beneficial for him! In which planet are you in!? No one takes employees to only benefit on one side. There should be a balance on both party. If you don't match the job spec, don't apply!
   
   
3. Be polite on the phone. You are talking to your future employer.
   Some candidates just think they are hellavu great. Be polite and courteous. You are not the only person we are calling. After shifting through hundred of people and we think you are important enough to be called for an interview, have the respect and decency to talk politely. This kind of people usually get rejected immediately from me. So remember, the first phone call is important if you are serious about the job.
   
   
4. Make time for an interview!
   I got candidates telling me they are not free for an interview for the whole week. Why did you apply then? Negotiate politely for a best interview time. I don't care if you are busy, I am much busier than you are but yet I made time to call you. Always prepare a suitable time in case you are called for an interview.
   
   I used to conduct interview during the weekends to make those working candidate's life easier. Almost 60% did not show up for an interview. What!?
   
   
5. Show up for your interview! If you can't make it, call one day in advance.
   Some candidate don't even bother to call. Remember, someone on the other end had sacrifice his weekend is waiting for you to show up.
   
   
6. Bring all the necessary documentation, demo, source code and etc.
   Some candidates comes in for an interview with just a pen. I am not interested in your degree. Show me your project source code, demo and such. This will impress your interviewer more. And dress appropriately matching the company's attire.
   
   
7. Don't waste my time!
   There are candidate who comes in for interview just to 'test water'. I had one guy who had the cheek to tell me that. If you seriously looking for money, go sell VCD or something.
   
   
8. If you don't know the answer to a question, admit it!
   Don't try to wiggle your way out. It makes you look stupid. Don't try to correct your interviewer either. I would not be asking a question if I didn't know the answer earlier.
   
   I had candidate telling me she can't answer theoretical questions, but can perform exceptionally well if given practical work. No problem, I flip open a test paper which I have kept prepared. Do it now. Didn't do well either. Now, why do you get yourself in such a dumb situation?
   
   
9. Once you get a job offer, show up for work!
   If you have received another job offer, please inform you employer about it, ASAP. Don't make them prepare your offer letter, get a desk and PC for you, install the necessary software, waiting in anticipation for you and only to find out later through 3rd party that you got another job.
   
   This are really sick people and deserve to burn in hell. Its no joke since you got the HR, Management and Technical department all working for your arrival. Not to mention the projects that you are suppose to handle.
   
   
10. Keep your promises once you have entered your job!
    Most candidate will promises anything during the interview, but the moment they enter the workforce, things change.
    
    My gold fish needs a bath, I can't work late. I can't do this, can't do that. My pay is not enough, gossips, chatting on IMs, taking long lunch breaks, frequent MCs, surfing jobstreet in the office.
    
    You knew what you were getting into, so shut up and start working. Ask all relevant questions before signing the contract. Don't like working in the company, then leave, PLS!
    
    

In each industry, I believe its a small world. You will end up meeting the same industry people for meetings or projects. Top management tend to meet each other more often. So there is an opportunity to ask about a future candidate application. So don't screw up with any of your employers. The news will get passed around.

Take interviews seriously. "I got no time".

Fitness First Review : Manulife

Located within the ground floor of Menara Manulife (Used to be known as John Hancock). Its located in Damansara Heights area beside Menara HP.

• Easy access from the main road. There is parking at the basement and the surrounding area. But beware, getting a parking might be difficult.
• First impression, there is sure alot of equipment here. All cardio and machine lumped into one area.
• The interesting part of Manulife is you get machines which other FF centers do not equip. This must be a gym for hardcore, so I heard. Btw, this is the only FF center that I have seen which you can do DECLINE bench press. Enough said.
• Two floor, the juice bar and changing room are on the floor above. Looks like they discourage ppl to drink.
• I am seeing double again. There is a small free weight area, but each equipment seems to be doubled. 2 smith machine, 2 sets of complete barbells (amazing), 1 1\2 set of complete dumbbells, 2 leg extension, leg curl machine and etc. However the workbench looks like from the era of Muscle Beach. Really hardcore man.
• There have glutes and calf machine. Finally!
• The changing room is clean, but as you enter, the dark colored wooden lockers and flooring makes you feel that you are in some kindda dodgy spa center. They should really refurbish.
• I met a very nice PT guy. However, can't say the same about their sales ppl.

Ratings?


Check out for more reviews below
FF IOI Mall Puchong
FF Menara Axis
FF The Curve
FF DU
FF Consplant

New Year in Phuket

I celebrated my New Year in a foreign land - Phuket! This is the second country I am visiting after Singapore which was in the year 1997-1998.

Patong Beach

How was it? It was overall a good trip but could be better. Being in Phuket with a bunch of friends was an interesting event. For a person who didn't travel much, I can say the 10 most striking thing about Phuket from my point of view is :-

1. 96% population in Phuket are whites (from all over the world). The rest are Indian, Nepal, Chinese, Thai and "lain-lain".


2. Pork is served widely. Its like their national dish. You can get pork just about everywhere. Its tough for a Muslim to eat. Yes, there are Halal restaurant, but its like paying RM 20 for a meal.


3. Dogs in Phuket are mute. They don't bark. Not even the Rottweiler.


4. My trip was during the super peak season, so the prices of all items are triple than normal. But their imitation products are good!


5. I can't get used to paying in Bath. Because everything you pay, you need to add a zero behind the number you pay in Msia. Imagine paying for a mineral water, "20 bath", "what!? 20 ringgit... ohh wait a minute... RM 2.. ok...."


6. Thais can't pronounce Twenty (20). They will pronounced it as Seventy (70). I got a shock of my life while paying for my mineral bottle.


7. There is mobile advertisement van promoting Muay Thai fights all day and night long. For the first day you are there, its fine.. but it sure gets on your nerve after the first day. "Big fight! Big fight! Tonight! Tonight!". Ganee goes = "F*$% idiot! Stupid irritating! Arghghh!"


8. Beware while bargaining with Nepal girls (The salesgirls in the gift shop lah!). They may be small but feisty.


9. Somehow Thailand is famous for suits. You can make your complete business suit here for RM 500. I got one!


10. Everyone is your friend in Phuket. "My friend, come in my friend".

New Year!?

It was the best New Year ever! The entire Bangla Road (Strange.. didn't see any banglas) was in a party mood.

• Firecrackers was bursting all night long. Those CNY firecrackers bursting one after another on the roads.


• People were dancing, spraying you with some kindda party thingy. (don't know what is it).


• Watch fireworks just above you, literally I was directly under the fireworks, it was amazing.


• Watch ppl let go hundreds of lanterns by the beach. It was a beautiful sight.


• Watch ppl get drunk and stone asleep by the beach. I hope the wave didn't bring him away.


• People was amazingly nice. Even though they were drunk and partying. No fights broke out. Ppl were polite and respectful. You can't get that in KL. Not with the Mat Rempits around.


• Ppl were dressed to kill. We came with shirt and jeans. Ok what?

Other interesting things?

• Phuket this time around was full of perfect ppl. The guys were hunk and very muscular. The ladies were very pretty and overly "perfect" in certain part of their body anatomy. Kindda Utopia. Were we the outcast.


• Yes, there were topless girls in the beach, sadly old ppl.


• Yes, there were pretty "ladyboys". No I didn't approached them.


• Sleazy joints? Its there if you look hard enough.
  
• Bangla Road is the most happening place in Phuket. Its filled with rows of bars and pubs. Each outlet has its own trademark. Some provide pole dancers, both original and ladyboy.


• The best pick up line I have heard... "Mister, can I love you for one hour?". Hahahh my friend and I laughed hysterically.
  
• Take a tour to Phi Phi island. We went snorkeling at one spot. It looked like 100m deep. Although beautiful but not for the faint hearted.

Things that I missed and wished I have done:-

• FantaSea show


• Simon cabaret show


• Firing range


• Jet ski


• Visiting Karon beach (Nude beach?)


• Getting a bike/car and travel the entire island


• Getting a spa treatment


• Watching a Muay Thai fight


• Getting on a Tuk Tuk.


• Visiting the rest of the beaches. So sad....


• Walking half naked like the whites guys. But alas, I don't have 6 packs.....

My advise, visit Phuket during the New Year once in your lifetime before you reach 35.

Year of Weddings

I have attended countless of wedding this year. Its been a year of marriages. My cousin is getting married on Christmas day as well. I have been the "unofficial" photographer for at least 6-8 occasions and been requested personally about 4 times. I seriously gotta start making money out of this. Ohh btw, I become the PM and Emcee for one of those weddings as well. Should I venture into wedding planner business?

My friend's wedding has just concluded and he is now in Hawaii for honeymoon. Of course the unique thing about his wedding is his wedding card which I forgot to mention. How often do you get a wedding card with your name printed on it? No, not the empty dotted line to invite you but a special piece of card just to thank you. Unfortunately my friend, you spelled my name wrongly. Its OK, I forgive you. Make sure you get me something nice from Hawaii.

Russell Peters

This is freaking hilarious comedy. I was trying to embed it here from Google Video, but I can't seem to get it to work for some reason. Stupid Google.

Here is the link anyway. Check it out. You will not regret it.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4604360870333886926&q=rusell+peters

Update @ 3rd Dec
Rusell is coming to KL in March 2007! I must get the tickets at all cost! I must! I must!

Food & BMW & Wedding

Food

Just to get your brain all fired up with the title, actually its 3 separate issue I would like to speak about. Firstly, about Nasi Kandar Penang.

I am a big fan of Nasi Kandar ever since my work in Penang started about 2 years ago. Since then I have been on a hunt for Nasi Kandar in Penang and KL. Last week I took an opportunity to have lunch at Original Kayu Nasi Kandar at Aman Suria. The reason simply because I wanted to go by Egonutrition and pick up a supplement. I will come back to this.

Picture courtesy of pasankia.blogspot.com

Surprise! Surprise! When they say original, they really meant it. It was simply fabulous. It had such an originality on the taste. Never have I tasted such even though in Penang. The chicken was nice and big and I had a huge mountain rice. The price - RM 6. Total reasonable. I was full and satisfied. Service was good. The waiters were nice and prompt. The best part, my bill was RM 16.28, I paid RM 20. They cashier didn't have 2 cents, so he gave me 5 cents back. Now that is what I call real honest business! 5 stars from me! This is going to be my favourite place for many years to come.

EGO

Now Egonutrition - I can't find your freaking place. I pusing pusing 2 big round, can't find. I didn't have the map or the phone number. No sign board. I gave up.

BMW

BMW? Ever seen the BMW advert in Astro. With one nerdy looking guy and 3 girls? And they went about "Testing testing, BMW?" - So bloody irritating. I never understood the advert till today. For goodness sake, it look like the production team was made up with bunch of high school morons.

Wedding

I attended my boss's wedding couple of weeks back. Very nice wedding and I volunteered myself to be the unofficial photographer. 2 thing struck to me on that day.

1. Boss will be a boss. You can see my boss my walking around nervously and scolding the hotel managers. Take charge in every situation.
2. When I arrived at my table, I had a nice little surprise waiting. My name on a card. It was actually to indicated where am I suppose to sit. This is my first time seeing such arrangement. I thought it was very nice and thoughtful. You get the personalize service feeling. He got my name spelled right!

All the best and happy married life!

PS - Dude, your screwed. :)

A Month's Update

I have been missing for a while now. I attribute this to my busy schedule and lack of new and interesting development to blog.

I have been officially hired to be a photographer for my friend's engagement. Well, its actually a candid cameraman position. No pay, but loads of learning to do. The engagement was like a wedding. I can't imagine how the wedding would be like. The pictures turned out well and I am glad my friend is happy. More to learn, more to do.

After 3 months of self imposed solitude from gym, I am back in action. I really can't say whether its my sheer motivation and determination or the NO kicked in, I was like a Energizer bunny yesterday in the gym. I couldn't stop working out and waiting between sets was a chore. A real kick ass workout.

Over and out....

Secret Recipe secretly cheating?

Update @ 14th Nov 2006
I have tried several Secret Recipe shops and all of them does have this defect. So on one occasion, I had to ask. The reply was simply, "The machine rounds up the number. Would you like your change?". This proves that SC's staff are aware, and in order to get your 2 cents back, you NEED to ASK!

Now the best part.... almost a month now.. no action from KPDNHEP. Why do I even bother?



Btw, same thing happen today at KLCC foodcourt - Bengal's corner. 2 cent was not return again. Why does this happen to me?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I decide to buka puasa with my favourite Secret Recipe cake last week. However I come out with 2 slices of cakes and alot of questions. Have a look at the receipt below. Do a bit of math, and can you tell me where did my 2 cents go?




I know my maths is weak... so can anyone explain this? Btw, I didn't get my 2 cents back as I paid RM 50, and the cashier return RM 40 back. I have filed a complain with http://e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my. Lets see how its goes.