Switching camps.....

Yes, I've switched camps and I'm back to being a Nokia supporter. I switched over to Samsung once and I've regretted it. Come to think of it, I've never been a Samsung supporter. I thought my old phone was crap. Managed to get the T-100 (True-I) traded in (Got RM 450 for it) for the 6610. Or was it a 6100? Shit, I get confused with all these code names. Was never really good with numbers anyway.

Had a chance to use it when Deidere traded phones with me some months back. Nice feel, good button sizes and layout. I was impressed with the phone. I wanted it for myself and I finally got it. Well, it is the 6610 - I guess its a decent phone. No, its not just decent, it does what its supposed to do and I think this phone does it well. You can't go wrong with a Nokia! =D


The 6610, only mine is white. Got a couple of Xpress covers free so I guess I can change it anytime I want. Got some additional freebies like new ringtones and wallpapers as well. But I'm not really concerned with those anyway. Just some freebies that came with the phone.

Deidere kept asking me if I was sure I wanted to trade in my phone. After all, I did pay AUS $50 for the past 12 months. And when I finally paid off my phone, I decided to go trade it in. I guess its will be better in the long run. At least I got a pretty decent offer. It was worth RM 500 a few months back.

I think I've taken a long break from bitching about my boss and company - so I think its time to start again!

THE FOOL told us to survey (read: get the cheapest) companies for web-hosting services. Now, I thought I'd get KL to do it but now that I think about what THE FOOL is like, don't want to trouble any of my friends and get them involved in any kind of business transactions with him. We managed to find a decent one and he decided to go for it. Then he fell sick and was away for 2 days. We finally found out he told his wife to call the company and told them to cancel it, saying that they were not interested - AFTER they faxed an invoice to him. I don't know if he's going for his wife's friend's recommendation or not having this all together.

The company is really a piece of architecture. We actually have leaks in the office at the moment. First it wasn't serious, just leaking pipes from the air-con unit. On Friday during the storm, the roof started leaking. The day before that, there was a storm as well. Lightning struck and there was a power trip. Good thing we have circuit breakers. Now I know how the extension got fried.

He expects us to get a replacement fuse and get a receipt for it "if we're free". It's now sitting in one of the drawers. He's the boss, he should be responsible for his own office plus its not really in our job scope to do his shopping for him. Especially if we can't claim for petrol. That cheap fuck can go get his own goddamn fuse.

I think its enough bashing for the time being. The weekend's almost over. Met WY and LK yesterday. Had a brief gaming session over at WY's house. LK had to go home for dinner and we met up with Amelyn after that for supper over at Maccas (like I've mentioned before, its fate) in BU. First time I've been there and the parking is crap. Didn't know they used the same lane for entry and exit. But I guess its alright, thought it was a 24-hour store but it closes late, or early in the morning rather. 2.00 am on normal days and 3.00 am on one of the other days - a weekend I reckon.

Now, its 11:33 am. Where's our breakfast?

Weird.....but its still the weekend?

This hardly happens but time seems to be passing really slow this weekend. Still, its not a bad thing. I'll still have tomorrow off! I deserve it I say. Backing up data and re-installing OS, drivers and applications is not a very fun thing to do.

Sarah Tan is on Channel[V] right now. I saw her in a magazine once, minus the make up. She looks different. Didn't know she had freckles. Maybe because we don't see her close up on when she hosts a show.

Spoke to Jane last night. She's got a really cute voice. And that's all I have to say about that ;)

Was busy backing up files last night. Finally decided to downgrade the OS from WindowsXP to Windows 2000. I guess we don't have much of a choice because we have shit RAM modules and this shitty RAM modules cost a bomb so upgrading the PC is the last resort. It's all for the best.

Been installing the OS, drivers and software ever since I was up this morning. So much easier when you have the installer around. Now that cost me RM 90 the last time I sent the PC to the shop. Then again, we thought we could save a 40GB hard disk then.

Honestly, using it now, Windows 2000 looks completely shit compared to XP. Maybe there's some settings I haven't finished. Maybe I have to look for the motherboards driver to see if there' s any drivers for the display. I seem to be looking at shitty low-resolution icons on the desktop and taskbar. Can't really say if this is normal because I never really used Windows 2000 before.

Other than the graphical inferiority of the interface, there's nothing much I can complain about Windows 2000 so far. Speed is so much better. Sure as hell doesn't take about 5 seconds to open a MS-Word document. I'll have to see when I install more applications before I can be sure.

It just goes to show that when we get used to something better, we have a hard time adjusting to something that lacks a little. Case in point, going from Broadband back to dial-up Internet access. Driving a Civic then driving a Wira for example. Is this what they call "no turning back"? We ease ourselves into our comfort zones and we don't want to leave. It's hard adjusting back to the way things were.

Uncle Pat was here yesterday. Talking about investment potentials and job opportunities. It seems we can make between AUS $ 100 - 300/day picking apples at an Ochard about 1 hour's drive from Melbourne. His friend owns the ochard and he's paying good money.

AUS $ 2400 - $ 7200 sounds like a freaking good deal to be picking apples! I'll probably be packing my bags and flying off to Melbourne when I'm done with my Industrial training. It's all about the money these days isn't it? Can you imagine earning RM 7,200 - RM 21,600 a month picking apples? Shit, its almost unbelievable. I'll probably subject myself as a guinea pig and you can hear all about my experiences back here in the future.

The other choice would be to work for Uncle Pat at his office. I guess any job is better than nothing? And so much more if it pays a hell lot better than what I can get here in Malaysia!

So I guess its just a matter of time before I say "Melbourne, here I come!". And this time when I go, I might probably have to get myself a digital camera.

Yay.....it's the weekend!

When the cats go away
The mice come out to play

Work when THE FOOL is around, play when he leaves. That's our normal routine at the office now. Since its the weekend, I'll leave him out of today's update. He's been in the spotlight for far too long! :D

Done something I haven't done for a long time last night. One phone call, a quick change of clothes and I was out the door. TS called to tell me that WL was at his place. Haven't seen those guys for ages - the last time I met them was about 3 years ago, before I left for Melbourne.

How time flies, people change. WL is doing well, working for Intel. Drives a flash car now (Mitsubishi FTO, 2.0) Seems that he's going to sell it and flying off to USA again soon for relocation. He suggested that I try sending in applications to Intel. That would mean I'd have to go to Penang (if I get the job). I'll probably consider as a last resort.

TS on the other hand, a sales engineer now. Nature hasn't been to kind on him. It's all because of genetics - he's starting to have male pattern baldness now. His scalp is easily visible. He's been commenting about his hair the whole night. Honestly haven't seen him for years. He's mentioned it before but never seen the extent of it.

We caught up, discussed the past, present and future. We got to meet again some other time.

Fear is the path to the Dark Side.....

THE FOOL would have been pissing in his pants. Worse still, he might probably have crapped his pants if we scared him even more.

He went for a software demo at Sunway Hotel yesterday morning. I'll bet my last dollar that he asked some questions at the Q&A session after the demo was over. SH and I discussed it and thought that from a developer's standpoint he'd probably asked:

a) How long it took for the system to be completed
b) How many people it took to develop the system
c) How much the system cost

He commented to us that the software seemed simple, while ours had a lot more features. He even said that he thought our software can't be done in 3 months. Isn't that what we have been trying to tell him all the while? We could see it in his actions, he was pacing around with a worried look on his face. Checking with us on the project status. He was even trying to help even though he was doing more harm than good.

Maybe he'll finally listen. I guess it all comes down to him not trusting us. Perhaps he thought we were trying to con our way out of not doing the job for him.

Almost fell asleep in front of the computer at work today. I didn't realise looking through database fields could be so mentally draining. The worse thing is that the database wasn't properly designed by the people who did our previous demo. In fact, I don't even think the previous people even bothered to attempt designing it. Right now, it's like sifting through piles and piles of shit. Everything is a complete mess. There's no documentation for reference, the field names are shit. Gary will be pissed if he found out we designed databases like this.

Hopefully SH and I can do a better job. At least we're off to a good start by doing documentation. That should help the next batch of people who'll be taking over or continuing our jobs in the future.

I guess its off to bed early tonight. Don't want to be falling asleep in front of the PC again tomorrow.

p/s: Kok PS, I know you'll probably be reading this. Welcome! Hope you like the special acknowledgement I did specially for you :D

Cock & Bull story....

The story continues about the workplace. More new developments. From our conversations with THE FOOL, it seems like we're not going to get Internet access after all. We put down a list of potential problems we might face developing his system and Internet was highlighted. He gave some bullshit about not being able to apply for the access because there isn't any available phone lines.

He then tells us not to place too much hope on the Internet saying we might not be able to find what we need. This was after we told him we don't have any resources. Which we still don't. Still no books, no Internet, no stationary. THE FOOL is the kind that wants to "save face" and he tells people that he's been busy and hasn't been able to buy anything for the office yet. Yeah right.

SH and I brought our own extensions the other day. THE FOOL said it was good that we brought our own. The table was getting messy with the wiring all over and we thought that we'd show him how unequipped his "office" is. The following day, he bought a new extension, but for his wife. It's confirmed that the fucker is taking advantage of us. Like I told the rest, I'm sure he'd have put off getting the computers if I continued to bring Deidere's laptop to work.

We suspect that he's starting to be suspicious of us now. He seriously needs to work on his communication skills. One day, he told us "Next time ah, our office hours will change to 9 - 6,ok ah?". I thought that would be fine so I said "OK" because I'd have to pick my sister from college after that anyway. SH thought that meant "NO" because he thought I had to pick my sister up early. At the end, Both SH and I were confused about our working hours and we only found out at the end of the following day when it was time to go home.

On Thursday, we left at 5:30 pm as usual. On the way home, I got a missed call from THE FOOL. To be honest, I couldn't hear my phone ringing because my CD player was on too loud and my phone's vibration is no longer functioning. The 2nd time I answered the call, there was nothing from the other end. I finally managed to talk to him when he called for the 3rd time, and it went like this:

THE FOOL (TF): Hello, Roy ah? Where are you now?

ME: I'm on the LDP (not wanting to say I'm almost home)

TF: Where's Chan? Is he at the office?

ME: No, he went home also.

TF:*almost shouting* Har? Everyone went home? That means no one in the office la? No wonder la, I called the office and no one answered the call. I thought something happened.

ME: *thinking he's asking the obvious when he's already left with his wife earlier and he's not worried about us, but checking on us* Yeah, we left at 5:30 pm.

TF: Why you all left so early?

ME: I thought working hours was 8:30 - 5:30? (the confusion I mentioned earlier)

TF: *almost shouting* Nolah! It's 9 - 6 mah!

ME: Oh, I thought we said we can't make it because its jam at that time.

TF: It's ok, but next time please be punctual ah?

The reason for this is because we normally go into the office at 9 am even though we're supposed to start at 8:30 am. THE FOOL normally comes in after 9 am anyway. He should be setting an example no? :D

So fast forward to Friday evening, THE FOOL leaves at about 3:30 pm with his wife. SH and I are left alone at the office. We receive a call and it went like this:

ME: Hello

Caller: Mike please.

ME: *suspicious because it sounds like THE FOOL* Sorry, wrong number....

Caller: Wrong number. Sorry ah.... *hangs up*

I tell SH its sounds like THE FOOL and I expect him to call at intervals. I told SH to answer the next time the phone rings to see if THE FOOL is checking on us. True enough about 45 minutes - 1 hour later, the phone rings again and SH picks up. The person on the other end does not say a thing. This confirms our suspicion that he's checking on us because we normally don't get that many calls in the evenings.

Also, its one of his character flaws. He's doesn't seem to trust what anyone tells him, including SH and myself, even the people at the shops who were selling the the computers. Now, he's changed the seating arrangements so he can see everything that SH is doing as his monitor is in THE FOOL's line of sight.

So.....SH and I have already decided. We're pretty sure we're not getting Internet at work. So if we're stuck, we just plan to sit there and do absolutely nothing. If THE FOOL asks us what the problem is, we'll tell him what he told us, we'll say we're trying to be creative and innovative and trying to think of the solution. I think it'd be good payback for screwing around with us.

We talked to our trainers from Motorola for advice. They said to stay on and complete the 3 months. At least we'll have some experience to back up our resume. They advised us assuming we're not intending to stay even if THE FOOL offers us permanent employment.

To be continued.....

Old letters, old cards.....

I went through my bedside table the other day and browsed through all my old FHM magainzes. Most of them are still in pretty good condition. I wonder what of my Australian versions. They're all still in Melbourne. Sending them back would cost a bomb because they weigh a tonne. Thought I could sell them off at the bookstores here. I'm sure lots of people would like a glimpse of the uncensored versions of FHM.

I couldn't help but take a look at the stack old letters and birthday cards. I looked at the date of some of them. They were from way back in 1997. I've still got that friendship band that Chooi Ee gave me. Wonder what happened to her. I wrote out a letter at the office today. I guess I'll email her one time and wait for a reply. If I don't get one, I guess I'll just have to post the letter to Seremban. She didn't even inform me that she changed her handphone number. And I don't see her online anymore.

I've also got all of Alison's letters here with me.

I wonder why I'm keeping them after all these years. OK, so I am the sentimental type. Some of you might already know that.

When I saw Ronald during the weekend, I told him all about the problems we've had at work. We had a good laugh, everyone did. Good thing Motorola is concerned about us. I told him we'll have another comedy script for him this weekend. Guess I was right.

THE BOSS is the type that wants "face". Can you imagine where he's going to hide if when people find out he runs a SOFTWARE COMPANY THAT DOESN'T HAVE INTERNET ACCESS!!!!! The contractors just came to setup the phone lines today and we found out that there are only a maximum of 2 lines allowed at the premises. Of course both are already being used by THE BOSS'S brother. Now we have to share the phone lines, along with the chairs amongst other things. Starting a new business on a budget is one thing but not getting stationary, a proper wastepaper basket or even a clock? And he keeps telling us we have to look professional. He doesn't even have a proper office for fuck's sake!

It's a fucking joke. I don't know whether to laugh (which I do all the time! I wonder why I'm taking it so easy) or to feel sorry for myself for being stuck in a dump like that.

I've decided to change the reference for THE BOSS to THE FOOL, just because I can. I used to feel sorry for THE FOOL previously, I thought he was being ignored at the old office. Like an onion, the layers are being peeled off and we see him for who he really is. I don't think I can deny that he does have some attitude problems. We suspected it before, its now confirmed. Like what is said in my quote on the title above, I've seen it, I've heard it. He's a complete JACKASS!

Countdown: 3 months and counting (give or take)

We'll start discussions on our project tomorrow. Let's see what else this joker tries to suggest. We saw that he plans to attend a seminar on a Production Control System on the 17th of this month. I wonder if he'll take us along. If he does, I'm going to make sure I ask how many people it took to build that system, and how long it took during the Q&A session.

I think I mentioned that he's been telling people he's developing an ERP system. Ronald had a look of shock on his face when I told him that THE FOOL expects us to complete it in 3 months.

Like I told Ronald, we'll be submitting a new comedy script in every weekend for them to have a laugh. I'm evil for talking bad about my boss and company, aren't I? >:)

20th August 1973.....

Imagine you're running in a field, white sheets hanging on clotheslines flapping in the wind. You hear the sound of a motor behind you. Then the sound comes from the front, the sides. You're running from the sound. You're being chased so you continue running.

All of a sudden, you feel a pain ripping through your knee. You lose balance and fall to the ground. You frantically look around and see the white sheets now soaked in blood. You look down and find that you're leg has been cut off. You scream in pain. You're picked up by a freaky looking monster and carried into the basement of a house. You're in pain and you're still conscious. He carries you up and and hooks you to a meat hook. The hook pierces the flesh on your back and you're suspended in mid-air. You feel the pain shooting up your spine. Then, the freaky looking monster grabs a handful of salt and rubs it against the bleeding stump where your left leg once was.

Imagine the pain. Imagine that it was real.

Yes, I've just watched "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and I'm posting another update for the 2nd time in a day. I've got too much time on my hands.

The movie is based on true events that took place in August 1973. Not one for the kids, neither is it for those with a weak stomach. Dismembered body parts, fingers, ears, eyeballs in glass jars. The works.

I wouldn't say it was an excellent movie, I wouldn't say it was bad either. However I must say I agree with the guys at IGN.com. Jessica Biel is hot. Yes, she's in this movie and she survives. She's the heroine of the story I suppose. Yes, go check out her pictures. I'm sure they're all over the Net. And she's only 22 years old.

Here's a sample:



Now, I hope I don't turn out to be like that person who wrote to the papers saying he's in love with Jessica Alba, another actress. He's saying he's in love with her, he's got to meet her, he wants to marry her etc. Seriously, I think that guy has some major issues. Either that or he's high on something while he was writing that letter. Get a life man.

Shit, what am I saying? Of course I'm not like that. I just appreciate beauty when I see it. Beautiful women.....beautiful cars. What's not to like?

While on the subject of movie stars, I watched a Chinese movie last week which starred Tony Leung and Shu Qi called "Love Me,Love My Money". It was a romantic comedy with a happy ending. Shu Qi looked nice in there.

Funny thing happened while I was watching because I don't really remember that many movies that Tony Leung starred in recently. At least not before his Award-winning role in "Infernal Affairs". The only other movies I remember with him in was "Tokyo Raiders". Then I happened to come across an article which mentioned "Hero" which was a movie I didn't watch. Guess I haven't been watching Chinese movies for a very, very long time.

My eyes are teary .....

No, I'm not crying but its the smoke from the joss-sticks. Mum's been praying this morning and the whole house is smoky. It irritates the eyes. Maybe its time to go back into my room. Mum's not in a good mood today. Been firing away all morning. Guess I better go wash my car later. It'll still get dirty when it gets wet in the rain.

Once again, I'm like a moving target on the streets. I was going for class last weekend - taking the road leading to the old Subang airport when I spot a Toyota Corolla flying all the way. As I turn in the bend leading to Glenmarie, I keep on the left lane knowing its 2 lanes leading up to one lane at the end of the bend. I managed to catch a glimpse of the fucker in the mirror, it was a Malay chap. Try as he might, he couldn't keep up with me because I was hard on the accelarator as well :D

I guess you could say I was racing him on that windy road going past Proton until I stopped at the traffic lights. He pulled up beside me on the left at the lights but I didn't even want to glance at him. Any guy would floor it at the green light (I know, the male ego) and I let him speed off while I just took my own sweet time. I think its fun! Making them think I'd race them but letting them speed off on their own. I'm sure his ego took a beating. VTEC power all the way! :p

Other than that, I've also had a Kelisa try to race me on the way to work yesterday morning. Stupid fucker wasn't happy when I overtook him after the Sunway toll so he decided to tail me all the way up pass IOI mall. He had to take a left turn so he couldn't continue. Too bad, you piece of shit. Further down the road, a monster of a Ford Ranger comes dangerously close to me. Again, he leaves me no choice but to step on it. And once again, he doesn't continue as he takes a left turn towards his exit on the highway.

There you have it, its like driving an F1 race for me almost every other morning. Just because I have a freaking body kit on my car. Maybe when the time comes, its time to put in an Integra Type-R B18C/K20A engine into the hood. Now anyone has between RM 15,000 - RM 20,000 to spare? :D The male ego is expensive to maintain. Maybe I'll settle for a RM 3,800 EG-9 half-cut. That should be enough, 170 bhp, shouldn't it?

SH brought an old copy of the local FHM magazine to work the other day. There was a shocking article about a "Pigzilla" in the UK. What the hell is it? Very simple. It was definitely the biggest pig I've seen in my life. It weighs 3/4 of a freaking ton! That's about 750kg. That's also a lot of pork chops to go around. There was also a photo of it in its sty/pen with a baby at the side. It looks more like a freaking cow in size!

Apologies to any Muslims reading this, though. No offence meant, just thought I'd like to share.

We finally got the computers delivered to the office yesterday. Yay! Then THE BOSS comes back to the office and tells us about his "big plans". He was already telling prospective clients in the morning that he was doing an ERP system. I bet he's no idea what he's even saying. ERP system my ass! ERP systems are done in teams of professionals. Not to say I'm not a professional but just me and SH in the team? I don't think so. I've learnt the experience from the Smart Card project that its not possible especially with the lack on manpower on this Production Control System. He can take his plans and stick it up his .....

Anyway, he came back and tells us he wants a full system in 3 months. I was thinking that he's got his head stuck up his ..... I told him its too rushed. Straight to the point. How does he expect 2 people to do the work of teams of experienced people in 3 months? SH already discussed this with me and I agree with him, no way we can finish it in 3 months. THE BOSS also mentioned alot of time was wasted, a little over 2 months to be exact. Like it matters to us - he was the one who doesn't have the office set up. I've been telling SH over and over again, THE BOSS does things without proper planning. We don't even have our own chairs and stationary just yet. And he wants to impress people by being professional.

He still owes us 1/2 month allowance. He didn't even mention it. I guess its time to remind him? It's a public holiday for Selangor today. He wanted us to go back to discuss the project with him. SH lied and said we had to go back to the Center to complete our project. It's something we should do, but I think our team's doing pretty good so far. I think Saturday is the final day, where we can wipe our hands clean off this project.

I sms-ed Rachel the other day but no reply. Is she avoiding the topic? She was definitely teasing when she asked me to treat her to dinner but I wouldn't mind. Now that I think about it, she looks like one of the supporting actresses from the serial playing at 8:30 pm on ASTRO at night. The one about the spirit of the cabbie who posseses the body of another person. She looks like the younger sister of the cabbie - but personally, I think RK looks alot prettier.

It's funny but no one seems to reply my SMS. Weird. Is it because of my Service provider or the phone? Maybe its time to get a new phone. Maybe I better save up for a phone instead of getting the sneakers. Damn. It's shitty to be poor! :(

It gets me thinking, people always say money doesn't buy happiness. Maybe its cynical but I think its just a positive thought for them. Maybe they don't want to be discouraged so they make the most of what they have.

Sure, money doesn't gurantee happiness but money buys alot of other things. Nice cars, nice clothes, not having to think twice when shopping. It buys a lot of tickets and opportunities. Tickets for overseas holidays, opportunities for business ventures or investments. Who doesn't want to be rich? I think its time I start planning on investments. Unit trusts - now that I'm a licensed agent, I should put it to good use. Start investing myself even though if I'm not able get my own clients. Now, if you want to make your money work for you, get in touch and I'll share some information with you :) Just a few minutes is all you have to spare. A few minutes in exchange for more money. Now isn't that a good deal?

I think its time to go wash my car soon. Water is cold and I'm feeling hot. Time to get wet.