"I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz

Taken from Blusakura808

Hi fellow blogger, just sit back and relax and listen to this beautiful song. Have a pleasant and wonderful weekend !

The Past Kota Baharu..

Zawi’s post about Jalan Gajah Mati inspire me to write something about the past. What I am sharing here is the past landmarks and places I frequently visit. All that I know during the 60’s, 70's and the '80's. Come share with me what you know about.

Rani Theatre – Located somewhere near the present KB Securities. Building demolished. Used to be the oldest and run down theatre. Sells cheapest tickets among the three theatres, around O.45 sen . Use to have strip (bikini) show and Chinese live concert. I guess the hall is cheaper for rental.

Odeon Theatre- the better class theatre. Usually play Chinese movies. Now, an UMNO building. All I can remember is I Use to go there during my teen age to watch tear jerker movies staring Lin Fon Chiao, Lin Chin Sia, Chin Han, and even kung fu movies like star Bruce Lee and sword fighting movie star David Chiang and Ti Lung.

Lido Theatre – Located next to Grand River View Hotel. The building was torn down a few years ago giving way to Square Point Building by the side of Kelantan River. Use to show Indian and English movies. Still remember watching "Hathi Mere Sathi", "Bobby", Grease, Saturday Night Fever, S.W.A.L.K. staring Mark Lester, The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, Dracula Movies and some James Bond series over there.Tickets used to sell at about 0.65 sen for the front seat. And the back section is at RM1.00 . The upstairs tickets was sold at RM1.65 . But since I use to go there for free, I will sit at the box, where they reserve the place for the royal family. And sometimes on Thursday night, they’ll test run the movie. So, I will go there for free too. This Theatre was run by the Dass family. Recently, I met the ticket collector now working as a cook at Meena Curry House.

Taman Sekebun Bunga – Used to have play ground and a concrete stage for kids. I followed dad and mom at night. Lots of kids there playing slides and swings. Then the place was reconstructed and called it Taman Sekebun Bunga with food stalls ( selling satay) and shops at the front. The old China Town was next to the area in front of Lee Rubber Building.. This is during the late 60's and 70's.

Clock Tower at the Roundabout –Located near the present museum and old post office. The roundabout still exist. Used to go there with parents at night for the play ground, slides and swings. Lots of children goes there to play. Unfortunately, the place was facing Prince Hotel with a night club on the open air roof top. Use to have lots of waitress watching down. Not a very good sight for kids at my age. Haha.. This is during the late 60's.

Cold Storage- Located at the corner shop opposite the old market. Place where they sells cold food. Frequently visit by expatriates and Mat Salleh. Now we only use the term “cold storage” implying a person working long enough in a company without progress, growth or stagnant because the management does not like him or her. What a pity. This is during the late 60's.

Kelantan Emporium and Ching Seng Emporium– The first one is at Jalan Tok Hakim…, and the later is opposite the old market near to the taxi stand., and still exist. They are the first few emporiums in Kelantan.

Hollywood Record Store- The hottest music shop located at the junction near a Bata shop at Jalan Tok Hakim, selling cassette tape, EP and LP records. Use to go there for recording songs into cassette tape. It was owned by my uncle’s mistress. And this is during the late '70's. Haha…

Lim Store – Located along Jalan Tengku Petra Semarak. Selling men and women’s clothing, shoes and bags. I bet non of you ever remember this one because when I was small, you are even smaller or not even born yet especially those who are PC literate ones. And my father owned that shop until late '80's ! wooo…

The Old airport at Pengkalan Chepa – Which turns into a dancing night club during the night time, during the '70's.

Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank a.k.a. Bank Kerapu - Opposite Padang Merdeka.

Shops along Jalan Tengku Petra Semarak. Those are my neighbours during the 70’s and '80's - Lee & Co ( News paper & magazine shop), D.Y.Brohers (Book Shop), Chan Trading (Clothing), New York Tailor, Black Cat Toy Shop, Foh Cheong Restauraunt, Satay Razak (Night only) and Nasi Sumatera Othman Larin.

Nostalgic.. Sun Too Restauraunt

The old decoration still there. Cooling as it use to be..the lighting and the smell. Nothing has changed. I have been longing to go there for quite sometime. I was so speechless as I enter, I felt the great nostalgia during my childhood time.
Sun Too Restauraunt at Jalan Temenggong was already there way back since I was about six years old. I was staying at the opposite row of shop, the second last shop. The Bata shop. We stayed at the upper floor. My dad was the shop operator during that time, reporting to some "mat salleh". So, the retailing business was strictly managed. Every end of the month, they have to prepare stock inventory report. So, after each stock take, my dad will order drinks and some snacks from Sun Too Rest as refreshment for all the staffs. My favourite was the "ais batu kacang, with two scoop of ice cream" and some "curry puff". I wasn't the staff of course, but I am the one waiting for the stock take to complete every end of the month.
As I grow older, during the 70's, Sun Too is also a place for young teens to gather. It's not a cheap normal restaurant as you use to see nowadays. Sun Too was a bit exclusive and air-conditioned. So, only during Chinese New Year we can afford to go to such place, with our "ang-pow" money of course. During that time, we don't have any fast food chain yet in Kota Baharu.
The food hasn't changed much. They still serve their all time popular menu such as "ais batu kacang", ice cream, curry puffs and "popiah".
Than during my mid teens, disco was getting popular. I think their business was some sort got affected. Hotel Temenggong and Hotel Perdana have their own discotheque. Sun Too extent it's business over to next door on the upper floor. It transform into some thing like a night club, with dimmer and colourful lights. I wasn't sure what it was as it was mend more for adults and people who have the $$ budget for spending. I think it's a bar.
On our very last day of our HSC examination, my friends and I decided to celebrate it at Sun Too. We ordered their specialty, the chicken chop. Than, months by months, each of us disappeared to further studies elsewhere. And that was almost my last to Sun Too.
Today, I brought along my fourteen year old daughter to my long forgotten restaurant. Nothing has changed. The owner is still the same. He doesn't seems to aged very much. Well at least he still looks the same.
We ordered two "ais kacang special with one scoop of ice cream", one "nasi goreng belacang", and a glass of STR ice cream. All for the price of Rm20.20 .
For all of you to know, Sun Too also used to produced their own ice cream for distribution called Suntolia Ice Cream (STR Ice Cream), just like those marketed by Walls or Magnolia.

1st Week End at Home since 22nd June..

Today is my first week end at home since 22ND June. For the last 3 weekends, I was travelling to and fro KB-KL-KB. Over here, Friday is our weekend, PAS rule. So, today morning as I woke up, was trying to figure out what I did last Friday that needs to catch up by today. Usually, I will do some gardening and continue over again on the next Friday. But last Friday, what did I do ??
Thought I have my poor memory reoccur again. Sometimes it's hard trying to remember something I last did. Many occasion I met someone not so familiar, someone I am sure I knew or met before, but just can't recall where or when. No, I won't just let it off my mind. I will try hard recollecting that something I am sure I know off but it's just not in my mind at that very right moment of time. Than again, the more I think, the less I recall. Somehow later, the memory will just came gathering again. I think it works just the same as our hard disk (pc), the larger the file or old the hard disk is (I guess "old" is not so suitable word to use), the slower it takes to read. So until one day it become absolute or senile as for human being. Eeeeei... so scarry.
O.., yes. I was taking the train to KL and return the same day. So, I see..,, this weekend is going to be different. So much free time and the house is so quiet and in a mess ! Used to be five persons in the house, and now three ! And who is going to help up with the house chores ? The grass is already long ! Luckily I have cut down all the fruit trees just before the boys left. All together six of them. So no more dry leaves to be swept. But that "lalang" at the corner is really an eye sore. I lost the phone number of the gardener, who works on phone calls. Why doesn't he turn up by himself instead of phone call ?
I know I must occupy myself today. But how ? Probably I'll go back to sleep again, and think about it later.

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5.11 pm
Just woke up. Went shopping earlier at the Mall. Bought 2 sports bag and a cap which were on Sale. Came back, than sleep. Soon will have lunch at 5.13 pm ???? No wonder , so hungry now.

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7.15 pm
Watching the 7 O'clock NTV7 news. After the 5 pm lunch, did nothing except on and off checking on the emails and blog commenting on some buddies blogs. Had "budu" an anchovy sauce, with "kerpok ikan", fried "ikan kerisi" and some "pucuk paku". The "budu" I bought at Tesco promotion yesterday night, is very tasty and thick, selling at RM3.50 a bottle with all other ingredients included such as lime and chillies, marketed by Produk DiRaja Kelantan (PDRK). I think it's from Thailand. Suitable and convenient for students living on their own, bachelors and those staying overseas who find hard to look for chillies and lime.
Still not in the mood for any other things. Daughter in her own room doing home work and on you tube I guess. Heard those musics from her room. Wife in the kitchen. Still a dull and quiet day at home, except the TV is still on but nobody watching.

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9.05 pm
Finished watching the 8 O'clock news. Still no plans for anything for the day. Getting tired and sleepy now. Very quiet and a dull day. I think I am taking a rest now, and be prepare for a better tomorrow. Good Night.

9.07 pm
Logging off. Week Ended.

The Stupid Boss with his "Main Belakang"..

No doubt it's a public listed company. "Tapi", when they meet for discussion, they say they expect a friendly dialogue. They hope to get feed back and new ideas, and so called it brain storming. The Chairman is always the General Manager. He claims himself to be very open minded and transparent is his policy making. He is down to earth type and any one can communicate directly with him. And so he mentioned some examples. And his "kaki bodek" will quickly agrees and says yes, yes, correct, correct.
All the way, the meeting was in silence. Only the GM will be briefing and talking. He says this, he says that. He says everything as if, he's the best. Some idiot will just agrees, cos they are the closest to him. Closest in a way that, they don't work much but "bodek" most. They are the crook in the organization. They are also the back-stabbing one, behind their own friends and colleagues.
The others will just keep quiet. They know what ever they say, if the boss is not in the mood, they'll get picked for the rest of the day. Try objecting what the GM says, and you'll remember for the rest of your life. Disagree with him ? You better watch out ! He'll pick on you for the rest of the day (if you are lucky) or else it'll be the rest of the year.
So where is the dialogue ? It's a monologue, sir !
You will be allow to talk when it's your turn to talk. You are given 20 minutes with your most perfect presentation. Don't try to over speak or too out spoken. He and his only yes man will "hentam" you left and right. If you are too smart with your presentation, they'll say you talk cock. Talk only ! If you don't prepare your work, they'll say you know nothing. Still, what ever he(GM) says, the second man who is the worst idiot crook in the whole company will follow with his ..yes, yes. This "kaki jilat" is a disgrace. No dignity ! Their pride is hidden behind their ass.
But they benefit the most ! They get good return. Good increment and good bonuses. They are the boss's ear while the boss is busy golfing. The big boss sleeping, while the second boss is "hantuing". They report about every gossips they hear. Be it true or just "fitnah".
Shit ! I hate this type of people. Whatever it is, they do exist in an organization !

New Outlet In Town !

Yes, there is a new food outlet in town. It's located at the Ground Floor of Tesco. It's called London Fish Tales. They served tasty fish nuggets and fillet. The price is reasonable too for a chain food store considering it's location as well. I wonder is this a franchise store as well ? Never seen it before else where before this.

I love the interior design. That's why I took the photos using my Nokia 3110, and am keeping all the photos too.



Have a nice day !!!

The Unforgetable Train Ride..

Aloha ! and hello ! yes, I'm back from the train ride ! Firstly, I have to admit, it was a joy ride and also some tough ride. I did anticipated some slight inconvenience, but with some readjustment... like taking leave in advance to accommodate for arrival delay and to occupy my free time and etc.., it turn out to be an unforgettable journey. And indeed it was a great experience, especially when you are travelling 3 day 2 nights by train !

Before I proceed, I would like to share some tips with my fellow readers especially people like Akmal or Sri Pekan. To Tuan Zaki, I got no idea weather you qualify or not, unless you are a senior citizen (60 years old and above) . Well if you are above 60, you qualify for a 50% discount on each train tickets. But I think you'll rather travel by MAS, cos they also offer discounted fares to senior citizens. Ok, to those who are above 12 and below 18, and those who are above 18 and is a student of higher institution, you can join the Kelab Remaja and qualify for a 40% discount on each and every ride within Malaysia, and also to and from Singapore and Hadyai, provided you travel by KTM. The only condition is that you can only purchase your ticket within 7 days from the date of departure. In contrast with Airasia or MAS, the earlier you purchase, the cheaper it is. So, I suggest if you fellas finally decides to go home on the very last minute... try KTM. It's cheap. I enter my sons and daughter for the membership immediately. Those who are below 17 have to pay RM10.00, and those above 18 years old have to pay RM30.00 per annum as membersip fee.
Our train arrived sharp at 6.45 pm at the Wakaf Baharu station. I travel light, and bring along some of the things for my sons in KL. It was just my wife, daughter and me. We took the Superior Sitting Seat which cost us RM38.00 per person. Of course my daughter got her 40% discount. Our destination is the Sentral Kuala Lumpur. However, at the station, I spoke to one man who was sending his son off to UPM, Serdang. He told me we could stop at Kajang if we want as his son will be doing so too. This is something new to me, as it will be nearer for me to meet up my sons whose Uni is also at Kajang. That means I don't have to travel from KL Sentral by KTM commuter again to Serdang or Kajang,... save time and save cost.
I can't wait to snap a few photos as we immediately got on board. I am glad, the interior do looks nice and clean, and spacious too compared to the Economy Sitting Coach. Of course you get what you pay for, at only RM28.00 per seat.
Thanks goodness, the toilet does looks clean too. That's the most important part for me. Anyway, I brought along 3 bottles of mineral water for washing my teeth and cleaning which I bought from Tesco. And mind you, the air cond is working. Yes, Tuan Zawi, if you are concern about the air conditioned, it's really working and is very cold during the night. I suggest any of you traveling by train, please bring along a jacket or a blanket. Trust me.

It was raining before our journey started. But as soon as the train was about to arrive, it stopped, just in time for us to go aboard. Before reaching Pasir Mas, I saw the rainbow outside from the window. I knew it was a blessing for our journey.
Yes, I was busy clicking and playing around with my camera at the beginning. I brought along my Sony Compact as it is durable.
This photo is taken right in front of the road block at Tanah Merah, and of course with me inside the train, moving on.

And this (above photo) is the Tanah Merah Station, if I am not mistaken, which is still under construction. As it got dark outside, after passed 8pm, I concentrate on what's going on inside the train. I am surprised the train is full, as informed by the conductor because it is a week end. A middle aged man sitting behind me irritates me abit. I can hear his conversation so clearly. He has a rough voice. He was sort of interviewing a young lady who was sitting next to him. The lady wanted to go to Kuala Lipis, her home town. Since, the ticket was sold out, she bought the ticket from Wakaf Baharu to Gua Musang. And she pay for the fine from Gua Musang to Kuala Lipis for RM9.00 for going on board without a ticket. She agrees to stand up if there is no seat available. What a pity. But, she was lucky to find herself a seat after Gua Musang. Alright, back to the conversation I overheard, she told the man that she is a college student studding preschool education in KB. She is going back to Kuala Lipis, her home town to meet up with her just married hubby.

When the next passenger took over the lady's seat at Gua Musang, it was a middle aged man than. The interview begins again, even though, this guy (the interviewee) looks tired and sleepy. It was almost mid night. From the conversation, I overheard that he is a Maybank staff working in Gua Musang and wanted to go back home in Kuala Lipis for the weekend. He does that during every weekend. Now I know why the train still plays an important role, especially to those in the interior part of the country. The train does have it's role.

Minutes later after the guy dropped down at Kuala Lipis,... all I know is I already fall asleep. Later, the train conductor came calling the guy (interviewer) to wake up. He was asleep. He informed him that the next stop is Mentakap, where he got down. Then I fall asleep again !

I woke up just before sun rise. It was so fast. Just see see, look look, washed my teeth and face and we finished up the 3 bottles of mineral water to avoid carrying it around when we arrived at our destination. All biscuits and food have to be finished. I don't want to carry them ! Within short while, the announcement was made, we are approaching Kajang. So we got prepared to get down.

At the Kajang Station, we walk to the nearest hotel for refreshment. We pay RM50.00 for a small room without any window. We went for satay for breakfast, than straight to meet up with the boys at Maybank to open up account, as required in their study loan agreement. Later, after our mission completed, we went window shopping and had food again. Nothing much in Kajang. We waited at the hotel room again for the next train to Wakaf Baharu. At 7.30 pm, we walked to the Kajang Station again. The boys took the KTM commuter train to Serdang, than taxi back to Uni. Our train arrived at 9pm.

Our first stopped is at Seremban town. It was already dark by then. So, I started taking out my book "Hendak Susah ataupun Senang" by Razzi Armansur. Quite a simple to read book with big font. Well, I am not going to review the book here. What I am trying to say here is that, I really have time for my ownself, instead of thinking about work, work and more work.

Suddenly someone behind me tapped at my shoulder. The lady aorund her sixties, asked.. kamu Cina Kelantan ke ? Saya lihat bini kamu guna kain sarong batik. Kamu mesti Cina Kelantan. Cina KL tak guna sarong batik. I just give her a smile in return. I asked her where she is from ? She says humblely, kami dari KL, nak pergi kelantan jalan-jalan. Cuti hujung minggu sahaja. Balik hari Ahad. I gave her some advice about visiting Kelantan.

Somewhere along the journey, I fall asleep. Just before sun rise, I woke up. I had no idea at all where we were. Than, at the next stopped, we arrived Kuala Lipis. It was almost 8 am. I realize something must be wrong. We should have arrived Gua Musang at that time. I quickly asked the cleaning lady why we are late. She says the train got delayed at Gemas station waiting for the next train to exchange track.

I knew it's going to be a very long journey. So I started to take out my gadgets ie. traveling buddies. First, I use my PDA to play my favourite songs. The oldies collection includes Francisca Peter's, Subaru a japanese hits, Chinese oldies (even though I don't understand the songs but songs are universal to me), collections from Alleycat.. and others.
Akmal, it's really terapeutic to relax and listen to those slow oldies, watching out from the window, and starts "khayaling" or day dreaming. Never did that for so long. Infact no time to day dream either. Listening to all those sentimental oldies and watching at those scenic view of Malaysian forest, recollecting back the good old times that I onced missed so much and recalling back the time where things I could have done, but never do it. I don't think there is anything wrong with day dreaming, because every achievement begins with a dream. No, no.. I am not into that jiwa-jiwang type of dreaming, may be I would just say having my time to think about myself for myself. Things that I always wanted to do, and how much I missed in life. Something ispirational. You know, something of that sort...

Well, soon after, I started to jot down my dreams into my PDA. And some notes about what I plan to blog about. That's all.
Yes, by the time my battery almost ran out, we were already reaching Gua Musang. Than, later I brought the family to the canteen to have fried rice and tea. That will be our brunch (breakfast + lunch).
At almost 1pm, we were already at the Wakaf Baharu Station. Time fly so fast. And I am already planing for the next trip soon too. This time we'll take the sleeping berth and return by private room cabin.

And here is one of the irritating moment. This Mat Salleh infront of me really "tak beradab". He hang his shoe on the luggage compartment right on top of the young couple's head. Lucky for him it wasn't me sitting infront, or else, I would have told him off !!!

p/s: This write up is not edited yet. Sorry for the english and spelling.

I"m Back Home !

Hi ! I'm back home from the train ride since yesterday. Now, I'm busy with work load ! You know, working with "cinabeng" company. They pay you ok lah, for Kota Bharu standard, but they expect high performance from you as well. They let you by yourself with some sales target, and at the end of the day, they expect results.

Anyway, back to my train ride.. this is the photo I got from the journey, in the middle of our Malaysian jungle... hehe...
Ha ! ha ! ha ! just kidding. Where got such tribe one in Malaysian jungle.. kah! kah! kah! May be Papua New Guinea got lah !

Anyway, I will blog about my ride soon... the unforgettable KTM ride....bye and hope to see you buddies again soon. Have fun, and remember... our life in on loan ! so live to the fullest !

Train Ride to KL soon !

Am planing to take a train ride to KL soon. Since petrol price is so high now a days, and last minute booking with airasia or MAS is sooo unaffordable for me, I decided to take the KTM train. I am looking forward to the ride. I guess it's gonna be fun. Can't decide weather to bring my camera along or not cos I will be there for only a day. I think I will just bring along a soft cover novel which I just bought from KLIA 2 weeks ago, a t-shirt, sweater, my PDA and a camera. Still can't decide which camera, the DSLR Canon or Sony compact. Still worry about the pick pocket incident that happened to me recently in KL.

Planing to have my dinner in the train too. I hope they do serve good food or at least tolerable to eat. They better do cos I will be blogging about it..haha.

Well, if this train ride is an enjoying one, I will be traveling by the same mode more often since my home is just a few kilometres away from the Wakaf Baharu station. I find out that they do have a room for 2 too. That must be interesting. Never tried that. My last train ride was during my Hanoi trip, with a room for 4. It was wonderful ! Well, look out for my next blog.. about my train ride to KL!!! see you guys again..

Recession Is Coming !

Got a forward mail from someone today. I think it's true, and I already feel it. Read it and share your comment what you think about it.....

Recession is coming....make your own judgment, don't panic!! Do what is wise.The recession looks very eminent. It is really time to take pro active steps to avoid a painful time in the next two years which is how long the recession is expected to last.

Suggestions:

1. Don't take any loans, buy homes, properties with loans, or even cash. Keep as much cash as possible.
2. Pay off as much of personal loans, private loans, as debt collection will be hastened.
3. Sell any stocks you can even at lower prices.
4. Take money off from Trust Funds.
5. Don't believe in huge sales forecast from customers, be extremely prudent, lowest inventories, reduce liabilities.
6. Don't invest in new capital.
7. If you are selling homes/ properties/ cars , do it now, while you can get good prices, they are going to fall.
8. Don't invest in new business proposals.
9. Cancel holiday plans using credit cards.
10. Don't change jobs, as companies will retrench based on 'last in first out'.

Stay cool, wait, and if you took all of the above actions and more, you probably will be better off then many.

Kelantan Blogger

Join Kelantan Blogger now to meet with other Kelantan bloggers from other parts of the world. Kelantan Blogger is a place where all Proud Kelantanese meet.
Lets share your information and stories to the globe and show others that we Kelantanese boleh ! Just visit the site and leave your blog name and URL.
I am proud to be a Kelantan Blogger !

Why I Blog ?

There are many reasons why people blog. There are political blogger, social blogger and business blogger. But for me, I blog because I just feel like blogging and sharing. Probably the interest to stay connected on the net, sharing my digital photos and the passion for writing are some of the reasons I blog.

Nevertheless, I am sort of a person who doesn't really fancy outing and meeting up with friends and hang out at the coffee shop or pubs all the time. But sometimes on occasion I do as well. When I blog, I prefer to be alone. That's where I got the idea of what to share with the rest of the world. To certain extent, I do agreed with some people who says blogger are lonely people.

Blogging helps me to avoid distress and stress. In my nature of work especially dealing with very demanding clients and bosses, I find it very distress and stress full especially to fulfil those people's need.

Blogging allow me to think and express them in words. I don't really know how many people do actually read my blog, but I am sure I will still keep on blogging while I can...

If any of you people or fellow blogger out there are reading my blog now, please do not hesitate to share your point of view on why you blog.

Kbguy goes Kajang !

Never would I imagine myself putting up a night in Kajang. But now that I have my kids in Bangi, and near to Kajang too, I decided to try staying there. It was hard trying to find hotels in Kajang as it is just a small town. Not many people stayed in Kajang before, or at least not from people that I know off. Even people from KL doesn't know any hotel in Kajang. But somehow I managed to find one on my own from the Internet, The Prescott Metro Inn. The hotel looks a bit old but I would say that's the best located hotel in the city and at affordable price too.... RM140.00 nett per night for a Standard Deluxe room. For RM170.00 nett, you get free breakfast for 2.
Talking about Kajang, the name "satay" would come along in my mind. Yes, satay Kajang. After I checked in the hotel, later in the evening, I decided to explore Kajang town. Kajang is quite a small town. You can walk to most of the places within the town. My first target is the Kajang Satay Haji Sanuri which is just a stone throw from my hotel. Ask any Kajang people on the street and they can show you the direction. Yes, we had satay for dinner. A stick of chicken or beef satay cost us RM0.60 . I think this it's quite reasonable priced as the meat is bigger compared to the satay in KB. Frankly speaking, I still prefer our satay in KB as they are not as sweet as the one in Kajang. Back to Restaurant Satay Haji Sanuri, the restaurant is quite spacious with 3 storeys high. This is my first time seeing such a large place selling satay, and surprisingly it is fully packed. Of course they also offer others in their menu too, but then everyone is eating satay, their popularity. For supper, we had hokkien mee at Restaurant Malaysia. The next day, we had dim sum for breakfast. We had satay for lunch too before we left Kajang. This time we had at Restaurant Malaysia. Funny, the restaurant is full too, and everyone is having satay there for lunch, dinner and supper.
Kajang is not as crowded as KL city. I think Kajang is a nice place itself as you can try a lot of good food just walking around and safer too. I think they only have one shopping complex, with Parkson as the anchor tenant.
If you are sending your children to UPM, KLIUC, UKM or Uniten, don't hesitate to stop by Kajang to explore. I am sure you'll love the place, at least the food.

The Pavilion

One of the latest shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur city is The Pavilion. Located at Jalan Bukit Bintang, the golden triangle of Kuala Lumpur, The Pavilion offer lots of designer and branded goods. But sorry to say, the prices are also very classy. The shopping complex itself is very posh and high class with the latest design concept. Their anchor tenant is the Parkson, if I am not mistaken.

To go over there from KL Sentral, all you need is take the monorail to Bukit Bintang. As you drop down from BB station, you will see the huge building of The Pavilion. You will never miss the building as lots and lots of people will be walking towards that direction. Just a little reminder to those of you taking the monorail, beware of pick pockets. That's where I lost my hand phone !

Just for those of you who would like to know, I was there just to look look, see see. Nothing much interest me at all as everything there is so expensive, especially for people like me from the kampung. My friend said, I must be behaving like a real kampung guy, no wonder those pick pocket pick on me. Haha.. But, back at my kampung town, those kampung friends says I must be dressing like a towkay, that is why they pick on me !! wah ! kah ! kah !... What a big joke !!!
For people like me, 20 minutes is all I need at the Pavilion. You see one, you see all. Yes, no need to go else where such as Bukit Bintang Plaza, Sungei Wang Plaza, Mid Valley or The Pyramid. They are all the same to me. People say, if you go to KL, you must go to all these places. To me, what's the big deal ? The pavilion is enough to represent it all. No need to waste time and money travelling to all those places. Yes, I am just a kbguy who just love to go to places which are more adventurous and natural instead of this modern jungle make up of steel and concrete, and so crowded.
Yes, you really can't put a fresh water fish into the sea. It's me. I've stayed in KL before. But I have given up KL life. I can't survive in KL anymore. Life there is too fast. People are really rushing. Rushing for what ? I myself don't even know. They are chasing for the public transport. Chasing for the bus, taxi, lrt, monorail and ktm commuter. They don't even realise they got pick pocket ! They even rush for food as if it's free of charge. They pay for expensive food and they call it high class. They compete among themselves. They work in the office politicking and back stabbing at each other. They compete every where.

Both husband and wife working. They left their kids unattended. And yet they tell their kampung friends that their kids are more exposed and independent. They think kampung kids are not independent ? They tell the kaumpung folks that their kids are very choosy with their clothing. They say their kids wear designer stuffs. They complaint and at the same time they praise as if trying to show off. I pity their kids having to wake up so early to take a bus and than transits another again to get to their school.
And every school holiday they go holiday overseas just because their friends, office colleagues and neighbours came back telling about their holiday trips, so they go to the trade fair booked for a cheap flight and cheap tour, to find out that they finally got cheated by the tour and ticketing agents. They rush and Que as everyone does the same too, but they have forgotten to check the clause, term and condition. And worst of all, they buy on credit !
I really pity all those people who originally from the kampung as well, but live in KL life style. Their life is like living in the Pavilion as well... always compete.

p/s: I would rather be a simple kbguy..

University Tenaga Nasional

During my 1 night stay at the Residence Hotel, Uniten, I managed to take a few photos around the campus.
One of my favourite spot is around the lake just behind Residence Hotel. From there, you can have pictorial view of Residence Hotel, the mosque, the hostel, part of the colleges and of course the lake itself.

If you intent to visit Uniten,you can take the KTM commuter from KL Sentral to Serdang. From Serdang, you have to take a taxi which charged a standard rate of RM10.00 per taxi. They will sent you straight to Uniten.
And if you intent to sleep in the campus, you can put up at Residence Hotel. They are charging RM195.00 nett for a deluxe room. I find it very expensive as they don't offer much facilities nor any nice interior decoration at all. Surprisingly, they are always fully booked.
Uniten is a very peaceful place. You don't see much traffic near and around the campus. You see a lot of green and ideally for students as they are not very congested or polluted. My only dislike is that, there is no public transport to the nearest township except only by taxi.

To those who come from a far places like Kelantan, Uniten is like a home near the city.

Berita Distributors Sdn Bhd.... old staffs get together !

I left Berita Distributors (BDS) during my late twenties. I think it was around 1989. Well I join them somewhere in 1983. It was Dr. Munir Majid as the MD at that time. He was then also the Chief Editor for NST as well. During that time, our office was located at Taman Megah. Other MD includes the late Mr. C.C. Lo and Dato' Zahari Omar, a Kelantanese.

You must be wondering what BDS deals with. The company is a subsidiary company of The New Strait Times, dealing in books distribution and it's holding company was Fleet Group, at that time. The publishing house was Berita Publishing. Well, they published lots of popular books such as Lat's series and collection, Khatijah Hashim's Ranjau Sepanjang Jalan and others and Dr Mahathir's Malay Dilemma among others. Beside that, they are also holding agency rights for many foreign publishing house such as Grafton Books for hard cover and paperback books, which published novels, fictions and non-fictions books with well known authors such as Robert Lublum (espionage), Issac Asimov (science fiction), Barbara Taylor Bradford and etc. In addition to that, they also distribute Lady Bird books which we all enjoy reading and buying of course from Uk, and also books from India which are in cheaper paper quality. The company also acquired Merican and Sons, the company which published kindergarten books and agency right for games you played such as Scrabble and Monopoly. This company was formerly owned by Dr Merican.

Who are our clients ? They include it's own sister company Berita Book Centre, Anthonian Book Store, Bookazine Sdn Bhd... to name a few. I am naming these few popular one, if you can still recall as they are almost everywhere at the malls or every shopping centres including MPH Book Shops and Popular Book Stores.

Back to BDS......, after a few years at Taman Megah, the company grows and moved to it's own premises at Jalan Liku sharing offices with Berita Publishing, just behind the New Straits Times's office at Jalan Riong. But we weren't there for long as Fleet Group secured the licence for broadcasting.. TV3. We have to give space to TV3 and thus moving out to Brickfields.

To cut it short, we had a reunion gathering last Saturday at the very nostalgic restaurant behind our former office in Brickfields, at Restaurant Puteri owned by former actress Rabiah Suparman. Kak Rabiah no longer handle the shop and instead was managed by the former young waiter, who is now the shop manager. When we last met, it was almost 20 years ago. Most of the staffs then were around their 20s, but now at 40 something..... and hehe..every one looks so different now. Those in the photo, only make up of about 1/5 of it's former staffs. 2 already passed away, and the company has been dissolved almost 5 or 6 years later after I left.

Last but not least, I would like to greet everyone good luck in their future undertaking, and it's nice meeting you guys and hope to meet you up again somewhere in....???????

Deadlock situation...!!

Boss said to secretary: For a week we will go abroad,
so make arrangement.

Secretary make call to Husband: For a week my boss and
I will be going abroad, you look after yourself.

Husband make call to secret lover: My wife is going
abroad for a week, so lets spend the week together.

Secret lover make call to small boy whom she is giving
private tuition: I have work for a week, so you need
not come for class.

Small boy make call to his grandfather: Grandpa, for a
week I don't have class 'coz my teacher is busy. Lets
spend the week together.

Grandpa(the 1st boss ;) ) make call to his secretary: This week I am
spending my time with my grandson. We cannot attend
that meeting.

Secretary make call to her husband: This week my boss
has some work, we cancelled our trip.

Husband make call to secret lover: We cannot spend
this week together, my wife has cancelled her trip.

Secret lover make call to small boy whom she is giving
private tuition: This week we will have class as usual.

Small boy make call to his grandfather: Grandpa, my
teacher said this week I have to attend class. Sorry I
can't give you company.

Grandpa make call to his secretary: Don't worry this
week we will attend that meeting, so make arrangement

Management Talk..

Economic Outlook:
Facts:
Fuel Price Increase.
Raw Material Price Increase.
Basics goods or Necessity goods price increase.
Stock Market and Unit Trust prices drop.
Interest on Loans Increase, and Fixed Deposit Increase.
Income remain Unchanged.
= Are we into Recession period ???
If we are into recession, sales will drop !

Top management's point of View:
If price increase, Sales will definitely Increase.
Even if Quantity on sales remain, sales volume for $$$ will increase.

This is funny. At this period of time, the Top Management has decided to increase my Sales Target by 55% for the new Financial Year beginning July '08 to June '09. Are they out of their mind ?

What are they trying to proof ? Get rid of all the old staffs and recruit new juniors. And this is what most corporate companies are trying to do. Most did it. Those who are protected by Unions and associations might be lucky enough to get VSS offer. But people like us Managers without union, who will protect us ?

I would rather suggest to go for cut-cost. Cut off all top management's yearly incentive trips, reduce top management's entertainment expenses and down grade from flying first class to economy class. No drivers required and no housing and house phone allowances. As for us, what else to cut ? The cut they did to us as temporary measures 6 or 7 years ago, never been replaced !

They say they look upon us as calibre and capable. As such they gave us such a fantastic figure ! Thanks but no thanks. Anyway, like it or not, we have to accept it or forced to accept it. Nobody dares to refute. The boss say it all. The budget has been approved. Like it or not, just do it and see how thing goes. Can't really complaint much at such an economic outlook. This company really squeeze out every drop of our sweat and energy. Ok, fine, it's the employer's market now. They have all the say. So I presume the year ahead gonna be a very challenging and a really interesting one !!!! Thanks to the top management, and thanks to our PM too .... for the excellent economy ! ya, super excellent. Fuel hike, share prices drops, raw material prices up and everything is out of control. It sucks !!!!!!

What say you ???