Mind,Body & Soul

Let's have a beer

2009-05-16T22:43:00.003+08:00

This phrase may soon be spoken by local Muslim men (or women, for that matter) without much apprehension, in the same league of that other popular sentence, `Jom kita pekena teh tarik.'

Alcohol-free beer from Iran is now available in Malaysia. The beer is called Istak and is brewed from the same grains (barley and malt) as normal beer except that there is no alcohol content because of no fermentation, or so it seems.I've neither seen nor taste it yet,so I can't really justify how does it taste.

To many people, beer is an alcoholic product. It is part of a group of beverages that Muslims are prohibited from drinking. Even though it is alcohol-free, Istak is sold in bottles that look like any other normal beer bottle. Even the liquid looks like ordinary beer. So you cannot fault the average Muslim citizen to be a bit skeptical. The fact that it is manufactured in Iran, a very conservative Muslim country, does not help allay this doubt.

Who are the people who would want to buy and drink alcohol-free beer anyway? Muslims who have the hidden desire to drink beer but dare not cross the line by taking the real thing? So does 'no alcohol content' really equates 'halal'?

In the end, it all comes down to personal choice. We'll soon see if Istak becomes a popular drink in Malaysia.

10 Signs To Know If U're A Typical Unhealthy Malaysian

2009-05-10T01:05:00.004+08:00

1.Each morning,you rush to your local nasi lemak gerai/mamak and patiently line up and order nasi lemak + fried egg + rendang + curry + fried chicken and a huge sotong (squid) along with its sweet gravy for breakfast and teh tarik for your drink.

2. Each time you park the car at your office or shopping mall etc,you are willing to drive like 30 to 40 minutes and some even 1 hour and waste litres of petrol just to find the closest parking spot to the entrance,so u don't have to walk much.

3.Each time you use the putra lrt, star lrt and etc you never take the stairs(some dont even know where the stairs are) and use the escalator like a free funfair ride.

4. Each time for lunch you order stuff that the mamak insist that you must use extra plates to prevent from breaking their plates from sheer weight.

5. Every time some one says high blood preasure , you put your hand and fingers against your neck to check your pulse.

6. You have enough black rings on your eye due to lack of sleep that pandas want to mate with you regardless of gender.

7. Zoologist in Africa bans you from the safari as that the lions can die if they consume your highly cholesterol-filled body .

8. MAS airlines puts you in the last end seat as your weight helps the plane to tilt backwards easily for take off and touch down.

9. Each time you go to a japanese restaurant , the other customers on the other end of the food conveyer never ever see the food.

And finally

10.You can make an engine sound from your mouth like a big 8 liter V8 engine by simply breathing in your lungs as you smoke like hundreds sticks of cigarretes within a week just like a car carburator.(You could even produce exhaust smoke from your mouth)

The email that ruined my day

2009-04-13T18:30:00.003+08:00

Faisal,
Your are requested to come back to Labuan latest by tomorrow evening for the SIT with Shell and the preparation for Shell SJ808B and SJ806 which will be mobilize by the 25th April 2009 as plan for now. Plan the SIT will be sometime this week with Baker Atlas.

Regrds,
Boss

That's it, back to Labuan after 6 days off.Mana cukup beb!Hopefully flight delay smp bulan depan.Hahaha

Finally

2009-03-28T15:31:00.004+08:00

After a string of persuasive emails, my boss finally gave the green light for me to have days off.Yippi! There's a job with Carigali Hess scheduled in mid April and I've been told to standby for the job.Well, as long I've enough time to prepare everything for the engagement,I'm ok with that.

I'm so excited to go home! :)

Mari tengok budak korea yg hebat ni

And this Korean version of "Tuts My Barreh".Hahaha

Hancus gile English.Pengsan Mariah kalo dia tengok ni.

Let's get popping!

2009-03-25T20:51:00.004+08:00

This guy is definitely not from this world,yet he's really amazing.Enjoy! :)

Sway

2009-03-07T23:27:00.004+08:00

She sings better than the original singer, Bic Runga. Thumbs up Ana!

Enjoy the song

Don't stray
Don't ever go away
I should be much to smart for this
You know it gets the better
Of me sometimes
When you and I collide
I fall into an ocean of you
Pull me out in time
Don't let me drown
Let me down
I say its all because of you and here I go
Losing my control
I'm practising your name
So I can say it to your face it doesn't seem right
To look you in the eye
And let all the things you mean to me
Come tumbling out my mouth indeed its time
Tell you why I say its infinately true
Say you'll stay
Don't come and go
Like you do
Sway my way
Yeah I need to know
All about you
And there's no cure
And no way to be sure
Why everythings turned inside out
Instilling so much doubt
It makes me so tired
I feel so uninspired
My head is battling with my heart
My logic has been torn apart
And now
It all turns sour
Come sweeten
Every afternoon
Say you'll stay
Don't come and go
Like you do
Sway my way
Yeah I need to know
All about you
Say you'll stay
Don't come and go
Like you do
Sway my way
Yeah I need to know
All about you
Its all because of you
Its all because of you

A bit of this and that

2009-03-05T20:51:00.006+08:00

Gosh, it's already March. Time just flew by so fast. I spent New Year+Raya Haji in middle of ocean which last until end of January and it was the most bitter time I had in offshore ever. The job had a lot of hiccups and I almost gave up at one point. Lucky we managed to get through it even in a painstaking way.

I'm in Kemaman at the moment, helping out and at the same time learning bout the tools. It's glad to be back here again, which was like my 2nd home a couple years back. I still can recall that journey with my Uni frens, after our FYP presentation in 2006, just for the taste of the legendary Haipeng coffee and we went there for 2 weeks in a row! Hehe. Bunch of crazy fellas, reminds me of Harold n Kumar Go To White Castle.

Wedding invitation keeps coming after one n another and I'm expecting more to come throughout the year. I guess I won't be able to attend much of them since I can't really plan my days off. Job is picking up in months to come which is good for my career growth but in the other hand, it means I will have less time for myself and my sayang.Huhuhu. I hope we can still proceed with the engagement plan next month since it has been postponed few times. Just pray for us.

Selamat Pengantin Baru in advance for Andak-Partner, Iza-Afif, Su-Partner, Kak Aishah-Bro Amir as they will tie the knot this month. Semoga berbahagia hingga akhir hayat hendaknya. Aminnn.

August Rush

2008-11-13T13:08:00.005+08:00

"I believe in music the way some people believe in fairy tales"

There’s music in the wind and sky. Can you hear it? And there’s hope. Can you feel it? Open your heart and u'll start to believe.

Last night, I watched this movie called August Rush. It was simply a brilliant masterpiece. Mainly because the gist of the show is about music, so it touches a string in my heart. Indeed music is a language by itself.

The music mysteriously draws Evan a.k.a August Rush, penniless and alone, to New York City in a quest to find - somehow, someway - the parents separated from him years earlier. And along the way he also find the musical genius hidden within him which his long lost parents happen to be a talented and gifted musicians as well; his father is a charismatic singer-songwriter and his mom is a cellist supremo.

I won't tell much about the movie as it might be a spoiler to such a well-crafted storyline. Get the DVD or download it and I'm sure u will be touched at the end of August's journey.

Score: a remarkable 9/10

When an angel smiles

2008-11-10T15:36:00.004+08:00

I stumbled across this YouTube belle with the Vanessa Hudgens looks and amazingly versatile voice. Her name is Alyssa Bernal and she made me waste hours on YouTube when I should have been doing my works. I just can't get enough of her.Hehe.

She has the smile that can melt even the most stoniest heart. She's such a cutie.

Check her out on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/hchsknights08

Work frenzy

2008-11-01T20:29:00.003+08:00

I've been working too much, I must say. Yet, I'm really satisfied of what I've done. To see the tools is working fine and get the expected result was worth every single sweat and time.

2008 almost close its chapter yet there are few more unfinished business. Hopefully I've ample time to get it done.

Offshore job is coming in 2 weeks time. Rough sea, bad weather, seasick are things I'm expecting this time around due to monsun season.*sigh*. Job could take like 2 weeks instead of 5 days just because of these inevitable factors. But hey, that's the world of oil and grease monkeys. U can't really expect everything will be smooth sailing.

I miss everyone back in KL. My family, my sayang, my friends. No offence Labuan, u really sucks.Hahaha. Darn, I've no motive to post this entry. Just for the sake of keeping this blog alive.
Cyah in the next page! Cheers

Life oh life

2008-08-30T13:17:00.002+08:00

It has been almost 4 months since I came to Labuan and started a new life here. Most of ppl were surprised when I told them that I'll be working here and the rest said it is ok and encouraged me to take the challenge. Yeah, challenge. I guess that's what brought me to Labuan and of course, good money.

Welltec is rather a small company in terms of oilfield services. They started to stamp their business in Malaysia since 2005 and despite a slow start at early stages, now they have started to be recognized by others. My colleagues said I joined the company at the right time when things starts to hike up and grows. Looking forward to positive outcomes in future.

Ramadhan is approaching very soon. Happy Ramadhan Al-Mubaraq to all Muslims. May the holy month bring you good health, happiness and peace.

Update from Labuan

2008-05-23T15:50:00.004+08:00

Hi all.A quick update from Labuan.I've been here like almost a month, nothing much to share with you guys.No big shopping mall, no cineplex,no McD,no BK.It's like a dead town, at least for me but if you are a nocturnal person, then Labuan is the perfect place for you. Pubs, karaoke,clubs are everywhere.Darn, really missed lots of things back in KL.In fact, I've been missing everyone and the loved ones. :(

About the new job, everything seems really new for me.Lots of mechanical things with some weird jargons.Lucky it still have to do with electronics plus hydraulics which at least I could relate to.I guess I'll not be going offshore as of yet, perhaps only after I go for training prolly in September(it would be my 1st Ramadhan away from Malaysia). For the time being, I'll try to get use with the new environment and learn as much as I could before the day comes.

By the way,I'll be flying home next Thursday.Yeah, I'm homesick, can't deny that. So, I guess I'll be catching up with you guys later. Signing off for now.Salam

Al-Fatihah

2008-02-07T19:03:00.001+08:00

The day just turning to Sunday.It's 12.30 am when the phone rang. We received a bad news. My dearest grandma had passed away at approx. 12 am in her sleep. It was a total shock for all of us.

I just couldn't comprehend the news and still find myself in disbelief. I just spoken to arwah on the phone the day before and she didn't show any sign of illness or mention anything about it. Arwah was supposed to come to KL during the weekend but due to the fever that my uncle had, the plan has been cancelled at the very final hour. And suddenly, the news hits me.

I really took me some time to finally accepted she's gone forever.

My 'uci' (what we called arwah) is no longer in this world. She'll be missed tremendously.

May her soul rest in peace. Al-Fatihah to Allahyarhamah Khatijah bt Abdullah (1930-2008)

Reality bites

2007-11-01T21:46:00.000+08:00

Salam and hye everyone!

I think it's still not too late to wish "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri" although raya is approaching to its end.Well,this year's raya has been treating me well,my 1st time celebrating it not as a student.Teehee.

Only get to spend my hari raya for 1 week since I had an offshore job in Miri on the 22nd Oct. Went there for 8 days (just get back on Tuesday).It was my 2nd trip to Miri and to Helang Platform(owned by Nippon Oil) as well.The platform is the nicest I've been so far (no offence, Petronas), the place is so clean and comfortable(hey, u get a room with Astro+single toilet ok).The operation staff gave a warm and generous reception, which make u feel at home. The job is excellently done and alhamdulillah, I don't have to endure a 4 hours boat trip back to shore,thanks to the unschedule chopper on last Saturday.Hehe.

I was supposed to have another job,however due to rough sea,it is advisable not to go offshore at the moment.Quite relieved when the news hits me.Hence, here I am, back in KL safe and sound.To be honest, I still prefer to work somewhere around Terengganu.I hardly enjoyed my stay in Miri,without any concrete reason.P/s:food is one of them, I think.most of them are tastless!

I've started to have this unpleasent feeling about my company's negligence to their staff.The management sucks big time.It's 1st of Nov,yet I still didn't received my pay+allowance.This infuriate me and my colleagues,to an extent,they plan not to come to the office.Some sort of 'mogok' la.I wish I could do that but I don't think that will solve the problem.All I can do now is keep praying and do my work as best as I could.

However, I've started pondering my option.Maybe it's time to move.Let see how it goes.I'll be updating soon.

Oh yea,FM2008 is out now!Hahaha,time to get addicted!Start to make your transfer.

After a long hiatus

2007-07-27T00:31:00.000+08:00

It is about time I devote some more attention to this blog, though really really inactive of late. The reason for the inactivity is I was pretty much occupied; mostly due to work. Stayed in Miri for a month, went to offshore and so on. Last 2 weeks, I was in Kuantan and then Terengganu. Things get a bit screwed up but still managed to overcome it. Dulang-B Platform isn't the best platfrom you wish (I got conjunctivitis!). Look forward to go to other platforms.

I've been tagged!!

2007-03-10T23:45:00.000+08:00

Well,I often read other people's tag but never think of doing it.Yea,no one has tag me either.Not until Toped tagged me to do this.Kinda fun.I am on the ropes! I have to list 6 weird things about myself, then tag 6 others to do the same.Here it goes:

1. I like the smell of petrol.I believe I'm not the only one in this world.

2. I've the capability of knowing someone by just looking their back.Proven.

3. I have to have at least 3 pillows to sleep well. When I stay in a hotel I usually ask for more
pillows because they only have one per person as a general rule.

4. I breathe through my mouth.Kinda used to it since the operation when I was 10.

5. I hate roundabouts.It's not I'm traumatized whatsoever but it kinda tricky invention.

6. I do get sweat easily.I don't know whether it's kinda disease or whatnot.I think I just have to
live with it but that doesn't mean I've a bad odour.I smelled like normal man do.

There goes my list.Phew,I really had a hard time doing this.Good to know I own this traits/habits.Makasih ya Toped.Benar katamu,terupdate jua blog ku ini.Hehehe

2007 Movies

2007-01-15T23:40:00.000+08:00

Here are the 10 movies we're looking forward most in the year ahead. At least for now.

1. Spider-Man 3 (Due in May)

WHAT'S IT ABOUT:
Possessed by a sinister alien entity, the abruptly not-so-friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man takes a spin on the dark side.

WHO'S IN IT:
Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and James Franco are joined by Thomas Haden Church as the Sandman, Bryce Dallas Howard as doomed Gwen Stacy and Topher Grace as Venom.

2. Shrek 3 (Due in May)

WHAT'S IT ABOUT:
When he's touted as heir to the throne of Far, Far Away, Shrek -- with Donkey and Puss in Boots -- tries to install a new king.

WHO'S IN IT:
Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Antonio Banderas all reprise their roles, while Diaz's ex-beau Justin Timberlake voices the potential new ruler.

3. Transformers (Due in July)

WHAT'S IT ABOUT:
Robots disguised as cars, trucks and planes wage war. Based on the toys.

WHO'S IN IT:
Who cares? It's got giant freaking robots.

4. Fantastic Four: Rise of The Silver Surfer (Due in June)

WHAT'S IT ABOUT:
The Fantastic Four, meets their greatest challenge, The Silver Surfer.As the Silver Surfer races around the globe wreaking havoc, Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben must unravel the mystery of The Silver Surfer and confront the surprising return of their mortal enemy, Dr. Doom, before all hope is lost.

WHO'S IN IT:
Jessica Alba, Michael Chiklis, Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans, Julian McMahon, Beau Garrett, Andre Braugher, Vanessa Minnillo

5.Harold and Kumar Go to Amsterdam (TBA)

WHAT'S IT ABOUT:
Best friend stoners Harold and Kumar head to Amsterdam and engage in more wacky adventures, plus Harold pursues his budding romance with Maria.

WHO'S IN IT:
John Cho, Kal Penn

6.Brazilian Job (TBA)

WHAT'S IT ABOUT:
Charlie Croker and his fellow crew of expert thieves head to Rio de Janeiro to pull off another heist in this follow up to The Italian Job.

WHO'S IN IT:
Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Jason Statham, Seth Green

7.Wolverine (TBA)

WHAT'S IT ABOUT:
This "X-Men" spinoff will focus on Hugh Jackman's Wolverine and his as-yet-unrevealed backstory in which researchers replaced his original bones with a metal skeleton called titanium.

WHO'S IN IT:
Hugh Jackman, Anna Paquin

8.Ocean's Thirteen (Due in June)

WHAT'S IT ABOUT:
In the new sequel, new addition to the family is Al-Pacino.

WHO'S IN IT:
George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Eddie Jemison, Shaobo Qin, Carl Reiner, Elliott Gould, Ellen Barkin, Al Pacino

9.Goonies 2 (TBA)

WHAT'S IT ABOUT:
This sequel to the '80s flick will find the stars of the first film reuniting 20 years later (along with their kids) to solve a new mystery.

WHO'S IN IT:
Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, Kerry Green, Martha Plimpton, Jonathan Ke Quan

10.Mr. Bean Holiday Movie (Due in September)

WHAT'S IT ABOUT:
Rowan Atkinson returns to the iconic role that made him an international star in "Bean II." In his latest misadventure, Mr. Bean--the nearly wordless misfit who seems to be followed by a trail of pratfalls and hijinks--goes on holiday to the French Riviera and becomes ensnared in an European adventure of cinematic proportions.

WHO'S IN IT:
Rowan Atkinson, Willem Dafoe, Emma de Caunes, Jean Rochefort

No Fuel Price Increase In 2007

2007-01-05T20:09:00.000+08:00

There will be no fuel price increase this year, says Second Finance Minister Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop."

If you are asking about petrol price increase, the answer is no," he said when asked to comment on rumours about the price increase.

In February last year, the government announced a 30-sen hike in the prices of petrol and diesel to RM1.92 and RM1.58 per litre respectively and the price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to RM1.75 per kg.The fuel price increase was the largest ever in the country but still kept Malaysia as the second lowest in the region after Brunei in terms of retail fuel prices.Before that, the last time the prices were increased was on July 31, 2005, when the petrol price went up by 10 sen per litre, diesel price by 20 sen per litre and LPG price by five sen per kg.

So that should put to rest the earlier speculation that a fuel rate hike was imminent. Let us hope that the government keeps to its word on this.

Adieu 2006,Welcome 2007

2007-01-04T12:41:00.000+08:00

How is the new year going for you? Good? Awesome?How did you celebrate the New Year? With fireworks? With friends? Or you just went off to bed and have a nice comfort sleep?Well, regardless of how you chose to celebrate two-double-oh-seven, it won’t mean squat until you choose to make the most of the remaining 362 days, today included.

May 2007 be ten times more exciting and five times more awesome for you.

Happy New Year.Selamat Tahun Baru.