Nancy, Clarice & Richmond
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Melaka...
Monday, May 21, 2007
And yet some more pics....
Myself, Ming Yan & Jam (please don't ask why my eyes were shut)
Friday, May 18, 2007
More Pics From Miri....
Wembley Here We Come....
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Greetings...
The past week has been a very interesting. Lots of eating and drinking, meeting a lot of new people (or rather characters!), exploring new lands, hehehe, etc. Anyway, it has been fun. Sad that it all had to end. Now it is back to work and getting ready for a whole new year. It is strange, but I just feel that the year has begun for me. I know that it has been almost half a year, but for me, 2007 has only begun. I've got a lot more to do this year. I'll have to achieve something more than just a Law degree.
As always, I have a new story to post. This article was written by an anonymous writer. The story below should always remind us that whenever we see someone in need, never ever do you walk away from them. For they may not only return the favour to you one day, but someone more important or precious in your life may reap the benefits of your earlier done good deed - if you did not understand it, just read it again. So the message this week is, HELP! Help whenever you can help. Do not expect anything in return. For when you do, and when it does not come, you will be hurt and you will be hurt for a long time. So, just help.
Sowing A Good Example
His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog (slimy river bed). He dropped his tools and ran to the bog. There, mired to his waist in black muck (quick sand), was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the boy from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.
The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotman’s sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved. “I want to repay you,” said the nobleman. “You saved my son’s life.”
“No, I can’t accept payment for what I did,” the Farmer Fleming replied, waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family shack.
“Is this your son?” the nobleman asked. “Yes,” the farmer replied proudly. “I’ll make you a deal. Let me take him and give him a good education. If the boy is anything like his father, he’ll grow up to be a man you can be proud of.”
And that he did. Fleming’s son graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin. Years afterward, the nobleman’s son was stricken with pneumonia. What saved him? Yes, you guessed it, Penicillin. The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son’s name? Sir Winston Churchill.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Miri International Jazz Festival....
11th May 2007 (Friday) - We (Jam & I) arrived in Miri@ 10am. Took a cab to our hotel - Park Hotel. We were rather sceptical about the hotel as it seemed rather old. But when we got in, it was everything we hoped for. It had all the basic amenities, all shops were nearby (within walking distances), banks were around the corner and even our pick-up point for the Shuttle Service to the Jazz Festival was nearby. So, upon arrival and checking in, we took a walk around town. Bought some Coke and bites, got back to the hotel for a drink. Oh yeah, by the way, CHIVAS followed us as well. So, we kept 'her' company. Hehehe!
Anyway, as the Jazz Festival started, we had to move between the Pavilion (Indoor Arena) and the 2nd Stage (On the beach). We had the priviledge to meet some of the best jazz musicians in the world. We managed to get their autographs and even take a few pictures with them. It was absolutely amazing. Right from the David Gomez Jazz Sextet, the KCP4 (now, this was unique and very good - imagine a combination of Classical Indian music with a flav of Contemporary Jazz). So very good, that's all I have to say. I was waiting for my favourite of it all, Lluis Coloma - the Boogie Woogie genius from Spain. I was in awe. As I play the piano, this was my main attraction. He was burning the keys on the piano. And when I say burning, he was literally doing that. People were dancing and enjoying the boogie woogie that he was giving. While it was going on, I had to run out of the Pavilion to the souvenir booth to get his CD. Thankfully, it was the last copy. I ran back in to get it signed by the maestro. Such an amazing musician, but so very humble. He obliged for autographs from anyone who went up to him. Now, after Lluis Coloma, came the Dirty Dozen Brass Band from New Orleans. They were fantastic. They played songs like 'When The Saints Go Marching In'. So everyone was singing, dancing and clapping their hearts out.
We thought the night would end young - as we were on our way out of the hotel, I saw my old time friend from Ipoh, Jay. What a suprise it was. I had been trying to get in touch with him for so long. Anyway, we met up and the rest was history. He took us to so many places in Miri. Started our at Cheerie Berries a local Miri pub located in the heart of Miri, where all the famous pubs and bars are located. Then for some food and we headed back to our hotel.
12th May 2007 (Sat) - Had a good nights' rest and upon waking up at about 12 noon, Jay called me. He wanted to take me to his house and to drive around the coastal roads of Miri. So, we went to his house. It was beautiful. The guys (Capt. Harry and First Officer Charlie - both pilots with Air FAX, the local airline in Borneo and Jay) stay together in this huge bungalow, located at Luak Bay. This bungalow is situated about 300m from the sea. So as we open the balcony doors, you can see the views of the sunrise and the sunsets. Amazing sight. Anyway, we left early as we had to get ready for the 2nd night of the Jazz Festival. Headed back to the hotel, got ready, charged a bit of the CHIVAS and left for Parkcity Hotel. Upon arriving, this time, we had all the guys over. They had a certain connection at the hotel so, they brought in about 4 bottles of Jack Daniels. So, the night was a night of bourbon.
Just before we got the bourbon started, we had a round of beers. On the picture, from left to right: Eugene (from Lithuania), Charlie, Harry, Jam and Jay
The 2nd night was even better. We had lots to eat and drink. But I was not missing out on the JAZZ. Music was awesome. As I said earlier, the bands that came were very very good. Their performances were flawless. On the 2nd night we had the oppurtunity to watch the George WashingMachine Quartet, Habana Sax and again the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Their performances were absolutely amazing - and yet, very humble - hanged out with us and with everyone at the Festival. This was a tiring night as we were singing and dancing 'like mad'. So, after the night had ended at the Parkcity, we headed to the 'Mini-Bangsar' of Miri. Chilled there for a few hours, drank some more, played a lot of pool and headed back to the hotel to rest.
13th May 2007 (Sun) - After 2 nights of good music, we thought today we would give it a rest. So, we rested for a while longer at our hotel. But not for too long, Jay called us for a drink. So, we headed out for a while. Ate one of the best satays I have ever eaten. Drank at the beach. Now, picture this - sitting by the beach, beautiful sunset, sea breeze blowing, with a glass of Jack Daniels. If that is not good enough, I don't know what is, hehehehe!
After that, we headed back to the house, chilled with the other guys, drank a bit more and headed for some food. But we had to come back early as Harry and Charlie were flying the next morning. They had an early flight. So, we came back and slept.
14th May 2007 (Mon) - I've never felt this pissed off ever. I was about to leave Miri. Miri was absolutely awesome. Met a lot of good friends, enjoyed the music thoroughly, good and cheap food, cheap beers - oh yeah, I almost missed it - On the 1st day, Jam and I went to this chinese shop for some food. So, I thought of having a beer. I asked the waiter, how much is a can of Tiger, she said, "We don't sell by singular cans, if you want, we have 3 cans for RM11". Now, for a guy from KL, 3 cans for RM11 is 'freakin' cheap. So, for those of you beer drinkers, you will enjoy Miri, hehehe! And by the way, it is the same price for any beer - Heineken, Tiger, Carlsberg, Stella Artois, etc. So, if you're going to Miri - Chinese shop la, apa lagi!
Anyway, we woke up early on Mon, got ready, Jay picked us up for lunch. Then, we went back to the hotel, packed our bags and checked out. Upon doing so, we went to his house. Chilled there. Till about 4.30pm, then we left for the airport. @ the airport we met Harry and Charlie who were just back from their flights - we had a drink with them and they left, poor guys were so tired from their hours and hours of flying. Anyway, our flight was scheduled to depart early. We were in the plane by 6.45pm (supposed to be 7.00pm) and we reached KL by 8.50pm. It was a smooth flight. We took the SkyBus from the LCCT to KL Sentral and then our PUTRA back home.
Upon reaching home, we were still missing Miri. But we have decided to go again. So, Miri, till then, take care and WE WILL BE BACK!
Here are some of the pictures taken :
Jam and myself - picture taken from the beach of Parkcity Everly Hotel
David Gomes and the Jazz Sextet mesmirising the crowd
David Gomes, myself and Junji Delphino
The sunset on the 2nd day @ Parkcity
Jay and myself at the Tanjung beach
A sight to be reckoned with. Taken at the Tanjung Beach.
Well, that is all for now. I will be posting more pictures soon, so please be patient. Cheers!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Miri....Here We Come!
Jam being Jam, is so fussy that everything is done properly. He has printed out all the details, travel schedules and everything to its very detail - to ensure that nothing goes wrong. I hope and pray everything goes according to plan. We will be leaving KL on the 11th of May and returning on the 14th. In fact the festival is only for the first 2 days. We thought, since we are going so far, might as well, go around a bit and explore the town. I'll be posting after the trip with pictures. So, do look forward to posting next week.
For those of you who want to know about this event, kindly click the URL below. Cheers!
http://www.mirijazzfestival.com/2007/en/about_miri_jazz_festival.htm
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Happy Mother's Day...
It is such a pity that I can't spend this year's Mother's Day with Amma. I'll be off to Miri for the International Jazz Festival (will post about the event once I get back - 11th & 12th of May 2007). But I have promised her to be back the week after that. Can't wait for that.
Mums have always been the strength of a successful individual. I know my mum has not only been my strength, but also the only one who has been able to put up with all the nonsense that I have been up to. Now, when I say all the nonsense - I mean ALL the nonsense. I can proudly say that no other mum in the world would have been able to put up with me. But Amma, not only put up with me, she changed me through her prayers and her ever so abounding love. Thank you Amma.
Amma & Appa
During one of my reading sessions, I came across this story. A display of a mother's love for her child. Enjoy the read...
Love, Paid In Full…..A little girl came up to her mum in the kitchen one evening whilst she was preparing dinner. She handed her mum a piece of paper she had been writing on. After drying her hands on the towel, her mum read it, and this is what it said :
For washing the car - RM8.00
For making my own bed this week - RM2.00
Going to the provision shop - RM2.50
Playing with little sister - RM1.50
Taking out the rubbish - RM2.00
Getting a good report card - RM20.00
And sweeping the corridor - RM5.00
TOTAL - RM41.00
Her mum looked at her standing there expecting payment. A thousand memories flashed through her mind. So she picked up a pen and turning the paper over, this is what she wrote :
For 9 months I carried you, growing inside me - No Charge
For the nights I sat up with you, doctored you - No Charge
For the toys, food and clothes and wiping your nose - No Charge
When you add it all up, the full cost of my love - No Charge
Well, when the little girl finished reading what her mum had written, she had great big tears in her eyes. She looked at her mum and said, “Mummy, I love you.” Then she took a pen and in great big letters, she wrote……..”PAID IN FULL”
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY AMMA!
Monday, May 07, 2007
Glory Glory Man Utd....
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Man Utd....
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Love Your Parents...
Once there was a feeble woman whose husband had died and left her all alone, so she went to live with her son and his wife and their own little daughter. Every day the old woman’s sight dimmed and her hearing grew worse, and sometimes at dinner, her hands trembled so badly that the peas rolled off her spoon or the soup ran from her cup. The son and his wife could not help but be annoyed at the way she spilled her meal all over the table. And one day, after she knocked over a glass of milk, they told each other that enough was enough. They set up a small table for her in the corner next to the broom closet and made the old woman eat her meals there.
She sat all alone, looking with tear-filled eyes across the room at the others. Sometimes they spoke to her while they ate, but usually it was to scold her for dropping a bowl or a fork.
One evening just before dinner, the little girl was busy playing on the floor with her building blocks, and her father asked her what she was making. “I’m making a little table for you and mum,” she smiled, “so you can eat by yourselves in the corner someday when I get big”.
Her parents sat staring at her for some time and then suddenly both began to cry. That night they led the old woman back to her place at the big table. From then on she ate with the rest of the family, and her son and his wife never seemed to mind a bit when she spilled something every now and then.
Think about it …. BIRTH, OLD AGE, SICKNESS & DEATH COMES TO ALL … Until you know what old people are suffering…fearing…Until the time when your age is catching up…you will know that old people do not actually wish to go through what they may be going through… Try to understand them and splash them some happiness to break their suffering… Know that older people get more lonely…and just how many days will they be with you??? Take care of them like the way they did…love them like they have always loved you…before they are gone forever.
Appa & Amma (Dr. S. Batumalai & Mrs Elizabeth Batumalai) - Am I blessed to be born to the both of you. You are both God's greatest gifts to me.
Nut-Cracker
I am rather happy with the overall performance of Man Utd. They have been steadily overcoming all games. For those of you who watched the last away game at Goodison Park - you know what I mean. If we can carry on with the same performances throughout the entire season, with only approximately 3-5 games left (I am assuming we qualify to the Finals). We will win the treble. Lets just hope and pray.
Glory Glory Man Utd!
Melaka.....
Was in Melaka last weekend. It was fun, fun, fun. We left KL in the morning. Shobs, met us @ the Asiajaya LRT station and we convoyed. Tasha hopped in with her, the boys drove with Caesar. Oh yeah, by the way, Jam came as well. We left KL at about 8am and reached Melaka just before 10am. It was a slow drive, stopped a couple of times.
Upon arriving, we headed to TESCO to buy all the stuff we needed for the BBQ later that night. Upon buying everything, headed home, cos mum had to marinate all the meats. After that we headed to the Stadium Tun Fatimah, Tasha's cousin Natasha was running. She is an athlete in the making. She is currently representing Melaka in 4x100. Her favourite events are the 100m, 200m and 4x100m. She reminds me of myself. How I used to be so active in the athletics team in my school. She did well, this being her first state outing and she was way younger than the rest of the runners. Jam took quite a few pics. They are posted below.
Anyway, got home to rest for a while and it was time to prepare for the BBQ. I got the fire started and we started cooking @ exactly 7.30pm. We had chicken drumsticks, lamb steaks and fish marinated with assam pedas. Tasha also made some lovely potato salad. Well, I started warming up for the night with a 6 pack of Tigers, Jam joined me later. The night ended @ home @ about 11, then we were off to Ringo's. Ringo wasnt around, so we drank till about 12.30am and left back home to rest - church the next day @ 8.30am, and I'm playing the piano for P&W.
Sunday:
After service, we went for bfast at Selvams - the best 'uth-appam' in the country. It was delicious. For those of you'll who don't know what 'uth-appam' is - well, it is a very thick thosai, but small, garnished with onions and chillies - nice. Goes very well with fish curry and a special chutney only found in Selvams. So, if you want to try it, come to Melaka, hehehehe! Moving on, after bfast, we went back to the stadium again to watch Natasha. It was over by the time we got there, but nevermind. Spent some time with Uncle John & Auntie Rani. Hans was @ church so we couldnt see him this time around. Anyway, after that we headed back home for a well deserved sleep, had a late lunch and headed back to KL.
So I can say that Melaka was absolutely awesome!!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Melaka II
My mum and my sister (Shobie Shobs) giving me a group hug
Tasha, Uncle John, Natasha & Auntie Rani @ the Tun Fatimah Stadium