Pop-parazzi!

Nippon

2009-02-09T12:51:00.000+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!

2009-01-27T13:35:00.000+08:00

Once a week deodorant

2009-01-18T18:27:00.000+08:00

Happy CNY

2009-01-08T15:50:00.000+08:00

Red green.

2008-12-17T15:28:00.001+08:00

Red green., originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Cheers,
Kenny T

photo.jpg

2008-12-17T15:27:00.001+08:00

photo.jpg, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Red and green

Cheers,
Kenny T

Self portrait

2008-12-16T15:36:00.001+08:00

Self portrait, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Post it art

2008-12-11T22:55:00.001+08:00

Post it art, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

One of my favorite post it doodles.

photo.jpg

2008-12-06T16:43:00.001+08:00

photo.jpg, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

My Christmas present to myself? A nice hair color for the festive
season. Ok, you may say what's so special about that? Well, this is my
first time coloring my hair in a salon. I've always done it at home
with one of those Garnier or Loreal diy coloring kits.

The end result is... critique by my hairstylist, on how unevenly
colored it is. Or how I missed a spot.

Today, this salon colored virgin is going for a proper hair color.
Yes, the kind you pay at the fancy salon cachier, not Watson Pharmacy.

Bad service from uob

2008-11-29T16:00:00.001+08:00

Bad service from uob, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Agnes Chong from United Overseas Bank in Parkway Parade. Terrible
service, rude, sarcastic. Probably hates her job more than the way she
looks in the mirror.

Kylie concert

2008-11-27T14:31:00.001+08:00

Kylie concert, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Yes. It started at about 9:20pm. But when Kylie took the stage, the
stadium erupted into this wild frenzy. It was an amazingly
entertaining show compared to the typical watered down, basic and
cheap production excuse of a stopover concert most artistes have in
Singapore.

The backdrop was amazing. A digitally choreographed symphone of hi def
graphic wizardry. Kylie had multiple wardrobe changes and the whole
show was filled with dance along songs.

I had a great time at the concert. If not the best time I've ever had
at a concert for a long long time.

Post it art

2008-11-17T18:27:00.001+08:00

Post it art, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

To all the motherfuckers who are trying their best to bad mouth
another, in hopes of getting ahead with someone's girlfriend/
boyfriend. All at the same time asking to do lunch while the other is
away...

Die, Mofo. Die!!!

Hope your genitalia gets syphilis amd gangrene. Hanging by a slight
tread of meat and falls off after getting chewed by maggots.

Riddle of the Day!

2008-11-14T09:28:00.001+08:00

Riddle of the Day!, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

What happens when you mix burit and butoh?...

Burrito!

(Malaysian profanity joke)

Post-It Art

2008-11-13T11:17:00.001+08:00

Post-It Art, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Eye am watching you"

The latest addition to my wall.

Pandanus utillis

2008-11-11T17:36:00.001+08:00

Pandanus utillis, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"I feel sorry for the panda"

Halloween at Harajuku

2008-11-11T15:12:00.001+08:00

Halloween at Harajuku, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Boo!!

Halloween at Harajuku.

Graffiti

2008-11-07T10:01:00.001+08:00

Graffiti, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

When I am feel happy, sad, angry or bored... in the office, I will
start doing doodles and post-it art. I have them on my wall just to
remind me of better times are around the corner, when I am feeling
shit at work.

At times, when I am feeling a little tinge of happiness at work, I
will look at the wall and be reminded of all the hard work and crazy
times that got me there.

It's my sanity wall, as I call it. And I will show you some of my post-
it art, from time to time.

Feel like shit warmed over at work? Feel like satan's minion? Tired
like Annabel Chong from the daily stresses of being enslaved to money?
How about doing a sanity wall of your own?

Leaving Tokyo

2008-10-30T18:41:00.001+08:00

Leaving Tokyo, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

After a 4-day relaxing trip in Tokyo, just eating and shopping, it's
so sad to leave.

Long queue.

2008-10-24T23:10:00.001+08:00

Long queue., originally uploaded by write2inbox.

The horrendous long queue to get the luggage scanned before boarding.

This is the airbus a380 for you...

Did I forget something?

2008-10-24T22:56:00.001+08:00

Did I forget something?, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Hmm. Did I forget something???

Nope.

Arigato!

2008-10-24T20:14:00.001+08:00

Arigato!, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Tokyo here I come!!!

WTF.

2008-10-19T22:53:00.001+08:00

WTF., originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Where is "crash". "eau de bernie ecclestone" or "sweaty underpants".

F1 cologne? What next?! Federer condoms and NBA tampons?

The anal face I had the "pleasure" working with

2008-10-19T13:19:00.001+08:00

The anal face I had the "pleasure" working with, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

I hate her. First 2 hours I met this person who is helping out at the
fair, she's successfully told me off... That I allegedly...look old,
odd and spastic, on different occasions. I hope she gets dumped by her
boyfriend or gets killed by the Spin N Win wheel next to her.

Don't Ask Me Where My Fingers Have Been

2008-10-12T04:09:00.001+08:00

Don't Ask Me Where My Fingers Have Been, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"My Love Don't Cost A Thing"

My Ride

2008-10-06T21:12:00.001+08:00

My Ride, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

This is my bike, for real. It takes me to work on most mornings to
beat the jam.

It's a Gilera DNA 180, Italian made.

Gimme Your Cash!

2008-10-03T19:06:00.001+08:00

Gimme Your Cash!, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

This festive season, think of the have nots.

Selamat Hari Raya

2008-09-30T23:49:00.001+08:00

Selamat Hari Raya, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Selamat Hari Raya to all my Muslim friends.

Shattered Dreams

2008-09-29T10:05:00.001+08:00

Shattered Dreams, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

It sums up what I felt after the Singapore F1 race last
night...ironically, this shot was taken earlier this year at Suntec
Centre where the race was also held.

I heart motor racing!

2008-09-27T21:35:00.001+08:00

I heart motor racing!, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

I don't really adding more street races is a good idea. The two
fundamental issues with F1 today is safety and lack of overtaking.
Both of which only gets worse, with street races. It's all about
making money, marketing and bragging rights. It's no longer about
racing.

Singapore F1 Grand Prix

2008-09-26T19:16:00.001+08:00

Singapore F1 Grand Prix, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

I am at the Singapore F1 GP. The worlds first formula one night race.
Theres an F1 car thundering past behind me. If you're going, please
don't forget the quintessential earplugs.

Dog Tired

2008-09-25T09:16:00.001+08:00

Dog Tired, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

""I'm feeling... down boy"

Faith = Trust - Logic

2008-09-24T11:45:00.001+08:00

Faith = Trust - Logic, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Trust By Hand"

A Need For Speed

2008-09-23T16:20:00.001+08:00

A Need For Speed, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Cab-rio late"

You better watch out!

2008-09-23T16:16:00.001+08:00

You better watch out!, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

You'd better not pout. You'd better not cry. I'm telling you why...

You don't want to end up a brat.

Batam

2008-09-21T17:15:00.001+08:00

Batam, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Self portrait at Batam"

This is me working it... literally. Last week, my work brought me to
the Indonesian island of Batam. Behind me is the famous Barelang Bridge.

Good News For Parents with Spoilt Kids

2008-09-16T16:32:00.001+08:00

Good News For Parents with Spoilt Kids, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Bad news for naughty boys and girls around the world. You could end up
a sausage.

The Latest Mask

2008-09-15T21:23:00.001+08:00

The Latest Mask, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Think you're dragging your titties on the floor as you walk? Tired of
gravity telling your boobs how to hang it? Is your jog beginning to
feel like a juggle, umm, I mean struggle? Is your bikini top looking
udderly stretched? Then sag no more!!!

Use the Breast Mask, to firm and moisturize your bosom for a perkier,
youthful you.

Shower Me With Your Love

2008-09-14T18:12:00.001+08:00

Shower Me With Your Love, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Love Makes Me Wet"

Nothing turns me on, more than love.

Happy mid autumn festival

2008-09-14T18:10:00.002+08:00

Happy mid autumn festival, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Celebrated the mid autumn festival, aka mooncake festival, aka lantern
festival in batam. My company organized this $128 (Singapore dollar)
package for those who are keen to get away for the celebrations.

The mid autumn festival used to be something fun for me as a kid. When
I would have the best looking dragon lantern. Or sometimes if my
parents feel like it, I think just because they think it's cute, will
buy me a chicken or fish shaped lantern. That and the donald duck
lanterns really embarass the sh*t out of me. Because they're not the
one who has to walk around the town mingling with friends with some a
candle lit chicken hanging from a stick.

But that's not as bad as one year, when my dad decided to ask us to
make our own lanterns. I haven't got a clue how. ( I was 10). So we
got the wires and the colored paper, and I made a cylindrical shaped
face with cotton white beard. A Santa Claus, in other words. So there
you have it, you may think you've seen it all, but you haven't seen a
Santa Claus Chinese lantern.

Back to my trip over the weekend to batam. You know what? After
spending a weekend there, if I have anyone coming up to me, asking me
if they should go to batam for a short getaway, my answer will be
simple..."don't".

I almost died of boredom. The food was terrible. The hotels are dodgy.
The scenery is , well, what scenery??? But it is indeed cheap. And if
that's the only criteria you are looking for on your holiday, you
should book your ferry ticket to Batam right now!!!...

Batam

2008-09-14T11:28:00.001+08:00

Batam, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Just got back from a working trip to batam, indonesia. Wow, that place
was BORING! Will tell more later. I'm just getting off the ferry.

My Airbus A380 Video

2008-09-08T21:34:00.003+08:00

The Singapore Airlines A380 has 471 seats in three classes: the New Economy Class, the New Business Class and the New Singapore Airlines Suites, "a class beyond first" exclusively available on this aircraft.

The Airbus A380 is designed to carry up to 800 passengers, but Singapore Airlines has configured seats for a comfortable 471 passengers on board the world's largest commercial airplane.

I took this video while on the Airbus A380's first flight (ever, in history). I was on the second leg of the world's first A380 flight, which is on its way back from Sydney to Singapore. This is an exclusive flight not available for purchase on their ticketing system. You have to bid with contributions to charities to be part of this historical experience. And when you do, you get to sip on $700 bottle 1997 Dom Perignon Rose, be served by onboard celebrity chefs from Australia & Singapore who will personally make sure your airline food is as good as it is on land, and get up close and personal with the CEO of SQ (Mr Chew Choon Seng), who will thank you in person.

I have found that the Business Class service and product offered on the A380 to be exactly if not very similar to the one already launched on the airline's Boeing 777-ER's business class. The seats are said to be exactly the same. So if you've traveled on the new Business Class on these aircrafts, there is nothing new or surprising about the services here. Bummer... so if you're expecting to be wow-ed upon entering the aircraft, you'll be disappointed.

While the first class offers cabin suites... and double beds if you combine two together, it's rather claustrophobic, as each compartment resembles a cable car compartment, equipped with an ottoman. It offers privacy... and if you're ready to pay for it, it's worth the money. Especially since the Business Class consists of 60 seats, separated into two cabins. Making Business Class cabins a little bit noisier, busier and less private than you'd expect. My point is that, if you make the plane bigger, I expect privacy and comfort a big concern.

People who pay this kind of money do not expect to wait 10 minutes for the service to serve the front to the back of the Business Class cabin. They don't expect too many people chit chatting away, clanking on cutlery, walking to the toilet or worse, a symphony of snores from snoozers on the flatbeds. So, the A380 is actually no improvement in those terms over the Boeing 777 offerings.

The economy class... well, there's the new USB port offered on every seat. Plus, upgraded entertainment services (which I experienced to be slow and unreliable, even on its first flight... as it froze and needed a reset).

The pitch is good, and the seat is decent in Economy class... the LCD screen is huge and very un-economy class like.

Sorry, the is no grand staircase, no bar, no gym, no shower, no Starbucks inside the A380 like the promo videos and early artist impressions of the interior. It may be arresting to look at from the outside, but it's business as usual in the inside. Don't expect to be wow-ed by the Airbus A380 beyond its mammoth size from the outside.

To be honest, I'm more excited about the Boeing Dreamliner. It will run quieter, more fuel efficient, more comfortable, built mainly of state-of-the-art composite materials and decked with features that is centered on improving the flying experience, instead of chasing pure passenger numbers like Airbus did.

Make up

2008-09-06T23:29:00.001+08:00

Make up, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous"

Chinese Opera actress/singer preparing for work, in Penang.

Gucci iPhone Case

2008-09-06T19:11:00.003+08:00

Gucci iPhone Case, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

I bought this way back in July in anticipation if the iPhone 3g. I love the way it looks with my iPhone 3G and how it makes my phone stand out from the thousands, if not millions of other iPhone users out there.

To be frank, it is not designed to be an iPhone case. It is a gucci cigarette case, but it fits perfectly, especially with the silicone case on the iPhone 3G. Without the silicone case, it is slightly loose.

But stillpretty good fit, I would say. It's not like there's any other alternative. It's either this or some highly priced dodgy faux leather unknown brand case or those horrible plastic / vinyl cases. Either way, they're just way too fugly for this beautifully crafted phone.

I'm extremely happy with this Gucci case.

I have bought the Louis Vuitton iPhone case in Taiga leather before (as a gift) and while it is indeed more GLAM, will not fit the iPhone 3g. The new generation iPhone is slightly thicker (by 0.7mm to be exact). And due to the exacting construction of the 1st gen Louis Vuitton cases, that small difference can be too tight. Actually, I have heard of users damaging their LV cases because of the extremely snug fit.

So there you go. If you want a gorgeous posh case for your iphone 3G, you can look at the Gucci cigarette cases, like mine. I know for a fact that Fendi, Louis Vuitton and Dunhill makes them. And they should fit just as well.

Here's hoping that the designer brands will start making iPhone covers, now that the much coveted Apple phone has gone global. In the meantime, check out the cigarette cases.

Happy shopping!

Basilico at Regent Hotel

2008-09-05T23:40:00.003+08:00

Basilico at Regent Hotel, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Had a wonderful dinner at Basilico in Regent Hotel. The tortellini
with parmesan, in mushroom and truffle sauce ($30) was an absolute
delight. The dish that everyone seems to talk about, but with much
dissatisfaction, is the risotto alla pugliese ($31). It is a pretty
good risotto. Perhaps after some bad online reviews and such ,
basilico has buckled up their signature dish.

I was not told what risotto it was until I tried a small spoonful of
it. I could immediately taste the scallops and seafood. However, the
chunks of seafood were a little lacking in taste. The sauce is magnificent, the taste of the ingredient, unfortunately is not.

So, basilico at regent hotel in Singapore gets an above average rating
from me. I would say "recommended" if only the menu was more
comprehensive. There are only six pasta choices. For an Italian
restaurant, that's unforgivable. And I am a big fan of Italian food...

My Work Desk

2008-09-01T21:25:00.001+08:00

My Work Desk, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

My work desk. Messy. Monochromatic. Lifeless. Hate the mouse. Must
have the 1.5 l water. Hate the grey rack, the ugliest I've ever seen.
Love the keyboard. The mouse is very dirty. Bad feng shui. Next to the
photocopier. The LCD monitor is nothing to complain about.

iPhone 3G

2008-09-01T10:23:00.003+08:00

iPhone 3G, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Ah, well... I didn't want to blog this for fear I'd sound like a prick. But
it's been 2 weeks now since I got my iPhone 3G so I suppose if it's no
longer NEW news... it's ok to blog about it. Besides, I can't give a proper
review of the iphone after just 48 hours, can I?

But, it's been a fantastic two weeks for me. The phone is serving me great.
Actually, I bought 2 first-gen iPhones last year, but never used them
because I changed my mind after I got them (I sold them away). There are
just so many iPhone users around already! So I soldiered on with my old
phones (Nokia 8800, Motorola KRZR K1 and the Sony Ericsson K850i).

Until two months ago, when Singtel quietly opened their iPhone reservation
site and me (and my friend) registered for one piece of mobile
telecommunication history. To cut the story short, the phone is now in my
hands. I am loving every second of using it.

Although I think making calls with the other phones can be a fraction faster
compared to the iPhone, but the Apple phone blows the others away when it
comes to the Internet, photos viewing, software speed, smooth graphics,
video performance, music experience and functions. Ok, I know some of you
will jump on the haters bandwagon and say "where's the video call? where's
the MMS?". Then I'll just have to answer that question with another
question... "how often have you ACTUALLY used these functions, if at all?" I
think the MMS is one of the biggest failures of modern mobile technology. It simply
did not catch on, although there has been an insane amount of hype
and marketing by the telcos to promote its usage (and earn your money). I've received a total of possibly less than 5 MMSes ever, if you discount those from the telco telling me offers.

I have used the video call function a total of 3 times in my life and I've
had much experience with 3G phones. The first time was when I just got the Sony Ericsson
K800i to test if the video call function works. And twice, I made video
calls to my brother in a grand total of two years, just for the heck of it.
So to be honest, I don't miss these functions at all. However, if you think
you do, please go buy your N96, Motorola RAZR whatever special snakeskin
edition and NOT the iPhone. And quit bitching.

These are just some of the things I do with my sexy white iPhone 3G.

1. 1. Updating my facebook status, reply to wall messages and chat with
friends with the Facebook application. One click and it connects to my
account instantly.
2. Chat on MSN with the Palringo application
3. Update my blog (i've done it while in the cab, on the way to work)
4. Check out restaurants in the vicinity
5. Pin my own photo + review of a restaurant, on the GPS application -
"Nearby". So others can see what is good to eat around the area.
6. Watch YouTube videos
7. Check my company email and view the attachments
8. Get Hot Gossip anywhere, anytime... especially fun to read in the
toilet. The application is called Celeb Gossip
9. Play games
10. Have a dictionary and wikipedia in my hands at all times
11. Learn Mandarin with the Lonely Planet Talking Phrasebook (I also have
french and italian)
12. Unit converter software that converts currency, length, energy,
weight, speed, pressure, power and etc etc
13. Browse the web (any other mobile phone that tells you to browse the web with a toothpick stylus or for non-touch screen Nokia style nav key style should be sent to the guillotine. It should be made a sin. Trust me, there's nothing out there than can rival the internet experience on this.
14. Update my blog. All I have to do is tap on the photo from my camera
gallery or the photo album i have inside (sync-ed from iPhoto) and select
email photo... to send it straight to my blog.
15. Make phone calls and reply SMSes on-the-go, of course!

It's be best invention for the toilet, since 4-ply toilet paper. And it sure
damn is good looking. All I can say I am extremely happy with this phone.

Another update from f*cking Microsoft

2008-08-31T22:48:00.003+08:00

Another update, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Oh look, what do we have here?
Another critical update? 159.6 MB worth of coding and software engineering
to probably prevent my word processor from stealing my credit card info or
delete important files by itself while I sleep at night.

Again, all I can say is, why the hell do I need to update my Office
applications with hundred of megabytes of critical patches? I think overall,
I've downloaded 1 gigabyte worth of updates into my computer, just for the
Microsoft Office suite alone. What the hell is that?!! Didn't I just updatemy Office over a month ago?
All I want to do is to write my documents on the word processor in peace. Is
that so hard to ask? Why is it even possible for it to have security and
privacy issues, isn't the MS Office suite for making slideshows, flow
charts, graphs and spell checks? What the hell did Microsoft put into thisthing? A time bomb?

Microsoft, clean up your act!!

F*cking imbeciles.

The 159 MB update expands to 449MB. So we're looking at at least 1.5 GB of EXTRA SPACE (if i remember correctly) from the past 3 or 4 updates just for the Office Suite alone. Tell me that's not stupid. @#$%#^&%*.

Trishaw, Singapore Style!

2008-08-31T17:17:00.001+08:00

Trishaw, Singapore Style!, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Please mtv, Pimp my ride!

Toilet Training

2008-08-31T03:46:00.003+08:00

Toilet Training, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

There's something that's been bugging me all these years. As you may know, I am a bit of a hypochondriac. I can't touch the escalator hand rails without thinking of where it's been. I can't touch the rim of a public toilet seat and surely can't go to sleep without a shower.

So here's the thing, when I get to a urinal, which is like 6 times a day, considering how much water I take, I am often greeted with the sight of piss on the floor. That to me is an utter disgrace and an insult to our male pee hose.

I mean what's wrong? Has the man serpent got a mind of it's own? Is it distracted at work? Is your urethra springing a leak?

The penis has two functions. One of them is making babies, the other is so that you don't explode from containing too much piss. It's that simple, god didn't even make a manual for it.

For Christ sake, do you need rocket science or a bachelors degree to take a piss?

People should learn to pee properly. But if they think that proper and hygienic usage of the urinal is not possible,please consider pee-ing
sitting down.

Simple.

Every time I see a patch of piss on the floor in front of the urinal, I am angered by the shame. Angered by the knowledge that unlike women, we have a hose to aim with, and some people still drip it all over the floor like animals do.

Come on. Take one step closer to the urinal. Watch that aim and pay a little more attention.

...like I said, it's not f*cking rocket science!

Moped

2008-08-28T18:49:00.001+08:00

Moped, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

I don't think I've shown anyone my red hot Italian scooter to anyone
yet. So here it is.

photo.jpg

2008-08-28T17:46:00.001+08:00

photo.jpg, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Rain. No, not the Korean singer.

2008-08-28T08:59:00.001+08:00

In the cab today on the way to work. Decided not to take my bike today because I was already all dressed up nicely for the day, before the rain started to fall. So, of course, a fashionista does what a fashionista does, I decided to take a cab to work so that I don't waste all that good hair product, the perfume, new lancome moisturizer and crisp ironed shirt.

The meter is ticking away... Oh, the price we pay for...

Happy Birthday, Malaysia

2008-08-26T06:11:00.001+08:00

Happy Birthday, Malaysia, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Here's wishing my Malaysian friends a wonderful day off... full of
unproductive activities and fun, like sleeping, karaoke, eating (isn't that
our favorite pastime?), shopping, watching tv or clubbing. Take a pick.
Whatever you do, stay away from work. Because the next public holiday you're
going to get is way down in October - Deepavali.

elated elaine

2008-08-25T01:11:00.001+08:00

oh my god. that's elaine.that sweet girl from convent green lane I knew as a teenager. haven't seen her in 1¹years and it was such a surprise to see how much she's changed and matured.

7th Month

2008-08-10T00:40:00.001+08:00

7th Month, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"7th Month"
It's the time of the year... but are you doing anything differently? Is your
mum telling you to come home before midnight? Are you less likely to travel?
Do you shower with one eye open... trying to curb that eerie feeling that
someone is watching you as you clean yourself? I don't think this is
related, but earlier today something did happen. But it happened it broad
daylight. On my way to Hong Kong, in the United Airlines aircraft... before
the aircraft doors are closed the pilot announces, "ladies and gentlemen,
we're sorry to announce that the flight will be delayed due to a damage to
the cargo door".

Delayed it was, for 3 hours. We were not allowed to leave the aircraft...
and we were stuck there from 6:30am (it was an early flight out, we were
hoping to start our day early in HK) till 9:30am. It was an arduous 6+ hours
flight to Hong Kong. The airline would have to call their engineering
counterpart in Europe to assess the damage, repair it... and have it
certified before we could fly. All this was done while we were baking like
macaroni and cheese in the cabin... as the sun rises and cooks us alive.

Well, I don't think this is related to the timing on the chinese calendar...
you bet shit can happen any month.

Keyboard

2008-07-08T00:35:00.004+08:00

This is what I got.... the new Apple keyboard. Me likey.

Dis-gusss-ting

2008-07-08T00:31:00.001+08:00

Dis-gusss-ting, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"How The Cookie Crumbles"
So I'm at my new job. Busy as hell... but I still had time to get grossed
out by the keyboard. You know I took over this marketing exec position from
a lady. A sulky fierce bitchy one in fact. I see her sometimes, staring at
me like I stole her job, oh wait I did! Ha. That lady (let's call her Miss
D) didn't exactly part the company on very good terms... and you want to
know what's the worse news.... she's dating the guy who sits in the cubicle
behind me. So it's hard for me to receive praises or give my comments on the
past work (no matter how constructive) without looking like an ass to some
of the other workers who know Miss D.

The exact thing happened today... I just received my 10,000 copies of flyers
which I oversaw the production from start to the end. So for just 50
dollars, I received better looking flyers with 105 gsm paper instead of very
frail and cheap looking 85gsm art paper.... I was approached by a colleague
who wanted to see the flyer. I showed it to her and explained how much nicer
the flyer looks with thicker paper at very marginal price.

She said "Be careful of what you say. The old brochure was done by my
friend..."

Wow...

On the subject of Miss D. Not only have I inherited her friends as my foes,
I've also become heir to her desktop computer. Oh yes... and you know which
part of the computer are you most in contact with?...
The keyboard, of course. And this one is so nasty... every time I type a
key, I gag a little with my own vomit.

Looking at the cracks in between QWERTY, I can see crumbs of 7 different
kinds of cookies, dried skin, stapler, nails, hair, dust and what looks like
dandruff. I'm not talking like one or two pieces of debris. This is like as
if the keyboard had its own sewage system. It is GROTESQUE.

I can't stand that bitch or her revolting leftovers in the keyboard. I've
got to give my desk a total makeover. I decided to change the keyboard...

One more day using that keyboard, god knows what I'll contract from that
cookie monster aka dirty whore.... Over the weekend I went shopping for a
keyboard.. and of course... what comes naturally to mind....

Microsoft = Idiots

2008-06-29T13:11:00.001+08:00

Microsoft = Idiots, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Size Does Matter"

How many of you use Microsoft Office to do work? Oh, I think if I got a show
of hands, it would be plenty. Unless you're a janitor or a despatch boy,
there's no escaping Microsoft's ubiquitous office productivity suite. But
here's my problem with it, as I do with most Microsoft's products... it's
just not very well designed. It's not well made. It's not very well thought
out. Just look at the picture above... 153.3MB update. Wow. I mean if this
was an operating system update, I could still understand... but this is a
program I do spellcheck, word count and type my articles in. Ok, I edit a
few monthly charts on Excel too... and WHICH OF THESE PROGRAMS NEED 150+
MEGABYTES of stability and performance update?!!!

This is the Microsoft Office 2008 update dated 24 June 2008. And if I
recall, the last update was done only last month. As usual, when I fired up
Ms Word, I was asked by the Office AutoUpdate agent to perform this
"critical" update (dated Wednesday, May 14, 2008) that's about 180MB large.

And the end result, you know what? That's more then 330MB of updating in a
little more than 40 days. That's a third of a gigabyte... for a program that
I use to type and do spellcheck for.

So I am guessing if I don't perform this "critical" update, my Macbook will:

1. Spontaneously combust, spewing it's innards like thousands of
little shrapnels penetrating my eyeballs, piercing my lungs and into my
throat, so eventually leaving me in a CRITICAL condition, I can't scream for
help or see the telephone to dial 999.
2. Will stop doing spellcheck.
3. Give inaccurate word count.
4. Give hackers access to modify my Word document, edit them with
profanities and save it over the original file. So when I sent it to my
editor, I will be CRITICALLY embarassed.
5. Excel will no longer show the rows and columns (or numbers)
6. When you try to open the Ms Word program, it sends your credit card
information to a penis enlarging company and automatically puts you on an
appointment for next week
7. Install a "Start" button on the left bottom corner of the Mac OS X
desktop.
8. Have 330MB more space, than before I decided to update the f***ing
Microsoft Office crappy suite of programs.

I think no.8 hits the point I'm trying to say like a bullseye. I can't
believe a non-operating system software can need so much updating to do the
simple task of just preparing documents, spreadsheets and presentations for
work or student assignments.

I long for the times gone by when Word was simply a powerful word
processor... not a gateway to security vulnerabilities. It's supposed to an
offline program, a word processor/spreadsheet, why is it vulnerable to
attacks? It's meant to be used offline. It's not an email client or a web
browser!

You know what, I think Microsoft Office... does do something really well....
they really suck well.

Caractor

2008-06-23T23:40:00.001+08:00

Caractor, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Caractor"
I had to lie through my nose today. My boss showed me something really
hideous. It was my first day. I didn't want to piss him off. I said the
artwork was "really good". I'm going to burn in hell.

WTF?

2008-06-21T00:01:00.001+08:00

WTF?, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"WTF"
So I went to my (future) office today to pick up some employment pass forms
this morning. As I was leaving, I was stopped by a lady, who introduced
herself as C*****. She knew my name is Kenny and proceeded to ask me...

Miss C: Hey, are you Kenny?
Kenny T: Yea, that's me.
Miss C: Hi, I'm C******
Kenny T: Hi, Miss C******
Miss C: Our company is having its annual company trip this thursday.
Kenny T: Wow. That's nice.
Miss C: Yea. I am just wondering if you are keen to join us?
Kenny T: Umm..Yea sure...
Miss C: Great. The company will shorten its business hours on Thursday...
and the pick up will take us from the office to the Superstar Aquarius (Star
Cruise). And we will come back the next day at 8am. The transport will drop
us all back in the office and work resumes as usual. Nobody is allowed to
take leave or call in sick on the Friday we arrive...
Kenny T: Oh ok. (Thinking that this will be a good time to bond with my new
colleagues)...
Miss C: That's great. But to be fair to the other employees and since you're
new... you will have to sign a 6 month contract with us.
Kenny T: Umm.... (thinking... "WTF?").... ok.

A quick check in the net turned out that... that One Night International
Waters Cruise on Superstar Aquarius (aka cruise to nowhere)... costs SG $
140/pax at most (for 4 to go in an ocean view stateroom with window).
Considering now the entire company is going and there are like 40 people
going on this trip... well, it could be well below that price. And they want
to freaking make me sign a 6 month-contract just to cover SG $ 140? WTF?...

I don't think this is fair, as my agreement during the acceptance of
employment was for 3 months probation and it will be reviewed after that. I
sincerely do not intend to leave the company within 6 months, but I think
this is simply company paranoia... and it's putting me in a difficult
position... where

- If I Decline
It will look bad on my commitment to the company. I will look like I am not
a team player and don't care much for my rapport with the other employees
(and future colleagues)... I don't want to piss off the upper management
people either and start my new job on the wrong foot with them. They could
be making my life hell, you know?

- If I Accept
It's unfair for them to throw me into a 6-month contract, where the company
is seemingly doing out of pettiness and so-called just treatment to all
other employees. That is not what I agreed to orally during my earlier
conversation with the employer. Out of the blue, they put this on the table
- damn if you do, damn if you don't situation. Secondly, it's super
tiring... Have you heard of such a company trip? Oh my god. What have I
gotten myself into...

House Chores

2008-06-19T02:09:00.001+08:00

House Chores, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Chores"
Helping mum do the most mundane of things at home is fun. The part I love
most is watering the plants. The one I hate most is doing the dishes. This
is my last night of my week long holiday back in Penang before my new job,
which should make it really difficult to come back to Penang as often as I'd
like. Can't help but feel a little sad to leave. My bro asked me when I'll
be back again... I said, "I don't know... probably Chinese New Year".

Sex With Bob

2008-06-16T15:21:00.001+08:00

Sex With Bob, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Absorbent"
Spongebob must really stink.

Mannequin

2008-06-14T15:06:00.002+08:00

"Mannequin"

Always reminds me of the fun-fun-fun 80's movie starring our favorite
sexaholic Sex And The City star, Kim Cattrall (aka Samantha Jones). Back in
the days when she wasn't sex starved in New York, this vixen was already
getting used to being undressed... (as a mannequin of course). The movie got
nominated for an Oscar for best song and it won... Remember the song
"Nothing's Gonna Stop Us"? Yea... chances are you'll hear it playing in Mix
FM every now and then...

Check the movie out if you haven't. The storyline is about a mannequin who
comes to life and falls in love, with this window display designer...
Awww....

From Andrew McCarthy in Mannequin to Absolut Hunk in SATC... to her book
(check it out at Borders now) "Satisfaction: The Art of Female Orgasm"...
this girl has come a long way, baby...

Back In Penang...

2008-06-13T10:49:00.001+08:00

Back In Penang..., originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Komtar"
I am back in Penang for a week. Spend time with mum and dad before I start
my new job. I get only 10 days of leave with this job so I'm going to
treasure this opportunity to spend a week at home.

10 Songs You Should Never Dedicate...

2008-06-07T22:37:00.008+08:00

"Prepare the earplugs and barf bag. You’ve been warned."

#1 : I Wanna Have Your Babies – Natasha Bedingfield

"Freaks men out, just a little less than castration"

No song guarantees to make men run in the opposite direction like this one. Indeed, if you plan to have a love life, first your mission would be not to scare away boyfriends who are not ready for marriage (yet). Girls, take it out of your playlist now! Censor it like a plague in your Friendster, MySpace or personal weblog.

Sample lyrics:
I wanna have your babies / Get serious like crazy / I wanna have your babies / I see ''em springin up like daisies!

#2 : I Would Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That) – Meatloaf
"Ok, I give up. What is it that you won’t do?"

Help her cheat on her exams? Buy her a Louis Vuitton handbag? Walk her dog? What? What?!

Sample Lyrics:
But I''ll never forgive myself if we don''t go all the way, tonight / I would do anything for love / I would do anything for love / But I won''t do that!

#3 : Every Breath You Take – Police
I’m calling the cops."

Funny they are called Police, because that’s whom you’d call if you heard it being dedicated to you on MixFM’s Love Songs & Dedications. Even the first few words of the song, “Every breath you take / Every move you make / Every step you take / I’ll be watching you” are enough to make any girl reach for the pepper spray. This voyeuristic anthem has ‘stalker’ written all over it. It’s a classic tune, but stay away from this song during a date, at all costs.

Sample lyrics:
Every smile you fake / Every claim you stake / I’ll be watching you / Oh, cant you see / You belong to me

#4 : Two Steps Behind – Def Leppard
"I’m calling the cops… again."

And if you were stupid enough to play ‘Every Breath You Take’ on your date in the first place, continuing with this song back to back would… well, don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Sample lyrics:
Whatever you do / I’ll be two steps behind you / Wherever you go / I’ll be there to remind you / That it only takes a minute of your precious time / To turn around / And I’ll be two steps behind.

#5 : Can I Touch You There – Michael Bolton
"The answer is NO"

Michael Bolton has so many offences to his name, some of them include– the worst hair of the 90’s, corniest lyrics award and songs that work faster than tranquilizers darts. But this song tops them all with OTT sleaze and grossly inappropriate songwriting that puts it firmly in the “to be enjoyed in private” section. The moment it plays in the car, you’re bang on cue for sexual harassment lawsuit or a slap on the face.

Sample lyrics:
Can I touch you there, touch you deep within, oh / Can I touch you there, can I touch you oh...(there) / Need to reach the very deepest part of you / Let me be the one to show you just what love can do

#6 : Said I Love You But I Lied – Michael Bolton
"Any vacancy at Tanjung Rambutan?"
They say women are complex beings often not understood by men. Well, Michael Bolton has single-handedly reversed the age-old axiom. Now even men can be indecisive, schizophrenics. Never has a song tried to be sweet, but turned out so absurd.

Said I loved you but I lied
''Cause this is more than love I feel inside
Said I loved you but I was wrong
''Cause love could never ever feel so strong
Said I loved you but I lied…

#7 : God Must Have Spent a Little More Time on You – N’Sync
"Oh my god, that’s like so sweet or something"

Boy band’s inherent powers work like a charm on teenagers and pre-pubescent children – when their vocabulary isn’t quite as complete. Thus these cheesier than cheese pick-up-line lyrics are useless after high school.

Sample Lyrics:
Your love is like a river / Peaceful and deep (peaceful and deep) / When I look into your eyes / I know that it''s true / God must have spent / A little more time (on you, on you…)

#8 : I Go Blind – Hootie & the Blowfish
"A song that’s almost as bad as the band’s name"

We’ve heard a lot of bad band names like My Chemical Romance, Fat Boy Slim, The Artist Formerly Known As Prince, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Sex Pistols, but Hootie and The Blowfish comes close to being in the top 10 most idiotic names. Speaking of bad, now on to the lyrics…

Sample Lyrics:
Every time I look at you / I go blind. (Repeat twice. Oh my god. Do you really want to know what the rest of the song is like?)

#9 : Glory of Love – Peter Cetera
"So cheesy, it’ll make a mouse vomit!"

You know you’re trying too hard when. You know you’re not getting any call back when. You know you are going to end up a 40-year old virgin when you make a mix-tape (or disc) filled with love songs and one of them include Peter Cetera’s Glory Of Love. His impossible falsetto and goose-bump lyrics will make even the most romantic women cringe. You’ll have better luck with Hanson’s Mmmbop.

Sample Lyrics:
I am a man who will fight for your honour / I’ll be the hero you’re dreaming of / We’ll live forever / Knowing together that we / Did it all for the glory of love / Just like a knight in shining armor / From a long time ago / Just in time I will save the day
Take you to my castle far away. (Vomit).

#10 : I Love You More – Eminem

“This guy needs potty training”

No matter how much you love the skinny white dude from Detroit with a potty mouth (aka Eminem), there’s little reason to share your passion with your date or girlfriend. ‘Em’ has a wide repertoire of topics in his songs, ranging from mother hating, critic dissing, intolerance for sexual diversity, celebrity bashing but the worst would be girlfriend killing. “Put anthrax on a tampax, and slap you till you can't stand” from Superman and “Sl*t, you think I won't choke no wh*r*” quoted from Kill You, a song dedicated to his mum, is a surefire way of not wanting to hear from your date again. Throw that Eminem CD out of the car right now.

Sample Lyrics:

Yeah I would cuz the sex is too damn good,
If I ran who would I run to,
That would be this soft and warm,
So it's off and on, usually more off than on,
But at least we know that we
share this common bond,
You're the only one I can fuck
without a condom on,
I hope, the only reason that I cope,
Is cuz of that fact,
And plus I can bust in that,
And that's why...

Sanjaya's Back, B*tches!

2008-06-06T17:49:00.005+08:00

"Sanjaya-esque"

Who cares if he couldn't hold a note to save his dear balls? Who cares if his hair-raising er... hairstyles would give Vidal Sassoon a heart attack. Who cares if our dearly beloved (at least according to the American Idol votes & staying power) Sangina, could kill a mockingbird to a bloody death just by singing. This famous has-been is making a comeback. Just look at these pictures and judge for yourself...

It's so tranny trash. It's fabulous.

You're an animal. Grrrr!!!..

Trust Marc Jacobs to bring "sexy" back, y'all...

That's FIERCE.

Friggin' meow! You're a tiger, baby!

Ok, what is a site called pop-parazzi without the occasional celebrity gag right? I wish we had found what exactly Sangina is talented at... and I'm sorry to say modelling ain't it either. These photos aren't Sanjaya, pulling a To Wong Foo. It's just me pulling a Milli Vanilli. It's fake... But it was good fun. When I first saw the ad I was like "take that Sangina outta ma face!"...

Career TakeOff!

2008-06-06T02:17:00.001+08:00

Career TakeOff!, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"A Different Flight Path"
Today I confirmed with a travel agency on the starting date for my new
career in Marketing. After months of applying for jobs and interviews (some
nasty, some nice), I've finally decided to take the bold step of moving from
journalism to marketing. Actually, this is what I see myself doing in the
next 10 years... marketing. Using the knowledge of current events, trends,
the marketplace, products and business instincts into a job that pays the
bills. Yea, I see myself looking at selling people's wants and needs... as a
long term career! I will miss writing, the social connection I have with the
people I have come across in my years as a writer in KL. I do miss the
people, the press functions, the freebies (goody bags!), the work and the
amazing friends.

It's time to open a new chapter in my life... Hopefully, it will bring in
new faces, new experiences and good moments... and hopefully some of my
closest, dearest friends that I've made along the way so far, will be there
to enjoy them with me. To share the joy, even if they're not here in body
but in their thoughts and blessings.

Actually, speaking of the job...There has been other much much much more
lucrative offers, but I feel this job, although in a less glam environment
and less than stellar pay (trust me... the figures ain't pretty), will put
me a small step in the right direction for my long term career goal. I want
to be a MARKETING WHORE.

Sex And The City!

2008-06-02T23:35:00.001+08:00

Sex And The City!, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"... And The City"
I just watched Sex And The City movie on Sunday night... and the movie was
fanta-bulous! It might have been 3 years in the making, but it sure was
worth the wait. Funny, light-hearted, uber fashionable and so full of love
is this movie, it reminded me of what I actually fell in love with in the
original series. It was also so good to finally see the rest of the gang
again...

One word of advice though, don't watch it in Malaysia. Or if you can, get a
DVD *wink* *wink*. There's going to be plenty of cut scenes in SATC movie at
your local TGV or GSC that it might not even be worth watching in the
cinema, trust me. Even watching it in Singapore, I was baffled (in a good
way) at how much tits and genitalia was shown... and yet I felt that I am
robbed of important scenes that establish the humor that comes afterwards.
So if you're going to pay to watch a chopped up version of Sex And The
City... I'd say give this "sex" a miss. Give me the full-on SEX (and the
city) or NOTHING at all..

Sex and the city, the movie... is a MUST WATCH. More fashionable than Devil
Wears Prada and sexier than a one night stand, you'd be a fool to miss it.
Two fabulously manicured thumbs up for this movie.

S

2008-05-30T14:42:00.001+08:00

S, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Doodle Doodie"

JKT

2008-05-28T22:26:00.001+08:00

JKT, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Jakarta"
The famous Bundaran HI (pronounced ha-ee) in Central Jakarta. One of the
most famous landmarks in Jakarta and plenty of TV shows/movies establish the
Jakarta scene with a shot of this roundabout. By the way, "bundaran" is the
bahasa Indonesia word for roundabout. Situated right in front of Plaza
Indonesia mall and the very grand Grand Hyatt hotel, the monument in the
middle of the roundabout is surrounded by a fountain. If you're tired of
visiting the tough slums and "hoods" in Jakarta... it's nice to come back to
a facet of Jakarta that is clean, safe and convenient. The surrounding area
has plenty of food, shopping (ranging from high fashion to cheap
streetwear), hotels and cafes.

Chinatown

2008-05-27T02:40:00.004+08:00

"The Cleanest Chinatown In The Whole Wide World"

And that's a bad thing. I've never been fond of satay burgers, kung pow chicken pizza, chinese food without pork, hawker food without MSG, New York without yellow cabs and surely nota big fan of Chinatown without its rustic flavor and slightly filthy environment. Look at Hong Kong's Mongkok, Temple Street and Ladies Market... proof that you can move these traditional areas into the 21st century without diluting its personality and authenticity. Singapore's Chinatown is the sanitized, repackaged tourist trap that's quite unlike any other in the world. Perhaps that's their bid to be "Uniquely Singapore".

Iron Man

2008-05-25T19:05:00.001+08:00

Iron Man, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Tony Spark Was Here"
This is my homage to the best movie of 2008 so far.

Stay In School, Kids

2008-05-23T11:41:00.001+08:00

Stay In School, Kids, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"The Job Your Parents Warned You About"
But then again, if there are no SPM failures... there wouldn't be any good
trishaw peddlers.

My Hump

2008-05-21T22:10:00.003+08:00

"Everybody Humping Around"

Technorati Profile

Chill

2008-05-21T12:55:00.001+08:00

Chill, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Take A Chill Pill"
After the previous post. I just need to calm down and... relax a little. Get
focused on the job search again.

GEOX SINGAPORE SUCKS

2008-05-21T04:43:00.006+08:00

"Geoxy-moronic"

So I went for my second interview with Geox in Singapore today. The first interview was with a lady called "Miss C". Nice lady, it was pretty much a regular interview with her. No drama. It went well for both parties, from my point of view.

The person who interviewed me the second time was a pompous prick, a person who seems to have sentiments that Malaysians are lesser beings. This 'director', let's give him the name "Mr G" (is a fool by any other name btw). Conducts the interview in a brash, partisan tone. I am a mature, I would say pretty intelligible person. I know how the world works. I know that the world isn't always nice. I understand it's not your duty to make interviews pleasant, but you didn't have to be condescending and disrespectful. As an interview is a perfect opportunity for a person to know your company better, and for the interviewer to find out more about the candidate - a mutual discovery of each other, it never pays to play the "superiority" card. And what I've gathered here is that Geox Singapore or Opticsflair (the holding company) is led by a closed minded, prejudiced and shameful bunch of bigots in shirts and ties.

I would hate to transcribe the exact 40-mins interview into a long, long post. But here are some of the abridged examples of what went on...

Pompous Director: So do you have any retail experience?

Kenny T: As I have explained to Miss C before. I had some retail experience on an ad hoc basis in the past. I've worked in *** and *** and *** company during the holidays when I was studying...

Pompous Director: *raised eyebrow* *laugh* *shaking his head* That must have been like what 10 years ago?!!

Kenny T: ... in college. Yea, I suppose you can say about 8 years ago.

(he laughed in my face, discounting the fact that I have a bachelor's degree and other skills to offer)

Pompous Director: *shakes his head* *looks at me in a patronizing manner* We don't consider that experience.

Kenny T: Mmm. Ok.

Pompous Director: So what kind of articles do you write for the magazine?

Kenny T: I write mainly articles relating to technology, driving and sometimes lifestyle articles that touch on fashion, travel, food or entertainment.

Pompous Director: ...and this is all in Malaysia? *smirk*

Kenny T: Yes.

Pompous Director: Why don't you write for Singaporean publications?

Kenny T: Because I am currently looking to start a career in marketing instead of publishing. I think it's time for me to make the next step and move away from writing because my true passion is in marketing and fashion.

Pompous Director: *looking disinterested*

Kenny T: ???

All this is hard to explain in a dialogue because not everything happens in a turn-to-turn basis. But his expression was really awkward throughout the interview. He spoke in a condescending tone. Showed facial expressions that borders on disbelief and disinterested. At some point during the interview, I had to explain why I couldn't write as much articles when I am in Singapore. Duh, I am not physically in KL. So I gave the example of the Accor group contacting me recently about the possibility of a hospitality review. He asked me "Accor who?". I was thinking like you know Accor Hotels? Hello?! Mercure? Sofitel? Ibis? Novotel? Club Med? After I explained that it was a hotel chain... he still didn't know what Accor was. What a complete...

He then went on to ask question that seemed to verify the authenticity of my history. Peppering the interview with questions that backtrack to information I've said before and asking "I thought you said...such and such?" "I thought you have close family friends here?"... "Who are they?"... "I thought you had family friends here, why are you staying with a friend?" It's like I came from my mum womb, do you think I should climb back in there? Can't a man live anywhere he wants? I don't react adversely to these questions, I am quite indifferent with any of the personal questions in an interview... but if you think I am a Malaysian, therefore I am a liar... then you must really have serious issues.

Kenny T: If I may ask, what are my career advancement opportunities within the company, should I accept this job?

Pompous Director: We are not the civil service. We don't offer a clear hierarchy. Firstly you must be willing to do bla bla bla... We do not offer job advancements but you must first prove your worth before we can further add responsibilities to your job scope.

(FYI, Mr G, added responsibilities is not a career advancement)

Kenny T: Ok. I see. I do belief that every job or every task needs to have somewhat of a destination. In case I was driving, I would also need to know roughly where the destination is, so I can put down the speed of which to drive and what to expect from the journey. I think it's important for a person to have goals and ambitions within a company. The reason I asked is because I was wondering what is the outline of a brand executive's potential achievements, within the company?

Pompous Director: We can't just simply promote you. And the speed of promotion depends on how well you contribute to the company... bla bla bla.

Kenny T: Oh, the speed I mentioned was metaphorically speaking. But what I meant to ask was, what exactly will I be looking at potentially achieving, optimistically, in say 10 years time.

Pompous Director: Perhaps, if you do your job well... assistant brand manager. And consequently brand manager.

Kenny T: (this information I could only obtain after her went rhetoric for 10 mins) Ok...

At a different point of the interview, I asked Mr G what was the common problem related to the retail side of the business because he said that I will be handling the problems at the stores... I asked him "is one of the problems - store theft?" He looked at me puzzled and laughed like I was asking an idiotic question. He later answered the question but not without making me feel like a fool. Was that necessary? Really.

Kenny T: I believe this job requires a fair bit of traveling between stores and etc. Will there be any transportation allowance provided by the company?

Pompous Director: Nope. Basically the package is it. That's all you get.

Kenny T: ???

Ok, so this is a job with very little career advancement opportunity. I get it, it's a dead end job. I had a problem with this interview at various points because :

1. The pay is going to be peanuts.

2. No transportation allowance at all? Even if I were to be extra super duper frugal, I would still need to take the MRT to get to the stores everyday?

3. No career advancement opportunities

4. The director whom the Brand Executive reports to is a dick

5. Misleading advertising

The other problem I have with this company is that it advertised that it was looking for Brand Executives. You see, from his explanation during the interview, they are actually looking for someone who can work at the Geox stores nationwide in Singapore after 4:30pm and the peak hours during weekends. Mr G said "you can't just visit the stores for 30 minutes. You have to be at the floor selling the product with the sales assistants. And help out during the crucial hours of closing time. You need to be at the shops selling the shoes too". That plus, doing stock count at the warehouse and the stores. Inventory checks, sales projections, making sure the products arrive on time and handling complaints.

I have no problem with stress, tight deadlines and crazy hours ( I did work as an account executive at an ad agency before) but GEOX is looking for a store supervisor, not a Brand Executive. They have knowingly and with intent to mislead, embellished the job title! Even Miss C admitted that they are looking for someone to fulfill the responsibilities of a store supervisor. Then why the hell glam it up to Brand Executive? This falls under MISLEADING (recruitment) advertising!

The other question is... Do you think nobody would notice when they come for the interview?

The 5 GEOX boutiques in Singapore do not have store supervisors. They do however ask the current 2 "Brand Executives" to go around the stores to manage them on a day-to-day basis. They are looking to add one more, which is where my interview comes in. Yea, if I knew you were looking for a retail supervisor, I wouldn't have applied, you dum-dum! Geez, I hate misleading ads. Not only have you wasted my time... I gave you my time so you can ridicule me. WTF! And to add salt to the injury, he seems to have undermined all my "Malaysian" work experience and achievements as frivolous and unworthy of his Singaporean presence.

I am not an egomaniac or arrogant prick, I always enter an interview room with a smile, humility, honesty and positive attitude. I don't think interviews are fun, nor are they meant to be... but I understand that we must both get comfortable quickly and have a healthy discourse if we are to truly uncover whether the potential employer and employee are a good fit for each other.

It's unfortunate that this interviewer does not understand the concept.

Note: I can't believe I rushed back from my Jakarta trip for this.

Kite Runner

2008-05-19T22:54:00.001+08:00

Kite Runner, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Kite Runner"
Just back from a trip. It was tiring...

OMG!

2008-05-14T17:16:00.001+08:00

OMG!, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Doodle"
I got bored. Decided to doodle. It was decent at first.. and then... Well,
men think about sex every 7 seconds, right?

Rubbish

2008-05-13T16:04:00.007+08:00

Rubbish, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Rubbish"

Ever since I've been dabbling with Lomo cameras, I've read so much in the
forums about how lomographers think that their photos are much better than
digital pictures. That digital cameras are boring and worthless in the face
of their LC-A or whatever nots. I'm just wondering how much do these happy
snappy lomographers actually know about photography in the first place for
them to pass judgements about both technologies, new and old.

Let's get this clear first, Lomographic photographs are interesting and
generates lots of quirky moody photos. They give the average person a slice
of the happiness one would find when he/she wins a lottery. In fact, lomo
photos are lotteries. You'll never know what you are going to get because of
the extremely low-tech camera system (almost toy-like even) flawed optics
that causes vignetting, fixed focus elements... and in some lomo cameras,
light leaks that creates photos in professional photography circle would
have been deemed damaged or unusable. There are patches of red or accidental
exposure on the film that is not within the control of the photographer.

In the spirit of lomography, one shoots without thinking (too much) and then
crosses his or her fingers that the cross-processing of slide films will
result in an explosion of wacky colors that captures an artistic "mood".
Before I get flaming comments from Lomo-fans, I must say that the results
could possibly be beautiful and imaginative. But it qualifies as art as much as a toddler's
doodle is a masterpiece. There is so much of an element of luck involved
that one cannot actually give the photographer more credit than to say "oh,
you pressed the shutter button well". Ok, you get a few credits for
composition and finding a remotely interesting subject... but the rest of
the art is actually in the qualities of the slide film, cross processing
wonders and plenty of luck. Don't agree? C'mon, any form of photography that
doesn't involve looking through a viewfinder is a result of a big dose of
chance.

If I'm a pilot and without much input on the controls, miraculously landed a
plane... don't you think I don't deserve all the credit for saving all the
lives? If I am a musician and I happen to slam the piano, and it made an
interesting "artistic" sound which I sample into my hit single.. am I a
talented singer? Maybe more of a one hit wonder... but talented or gifted?
No.

The real experts are those pilots who land the planes and actually know what
they are doing. Those musicians who know what tune turns people on and
resonates well in people's minds and ears. Artists who know painting
techniques and possess an original style they can replicate again and again
in different artworks. A fashion designer who makes collections of clothes
based on dressmaking skills, vision of beauty and understanding of textile.
Same to photographers... it is nice to chance upon artistic and queer
results from a "point-and-shoot" Lomo camera but please don't consider this
more artistic than people who shoot digital or film SLR.

Since young, my dad's interest in photography has cultivated a sense of
curiosity in me. I've since inherited his old cameras and have done some
pretty wacky film SLR photography of my own in college. I used the Nikon
FE2, Nikon FA and Canon EOS 1000. I have shown an exhibition
in the presence of the National Unity and Social Development Minister
during the 2001 Celebrate Life campaign it in aid of the Malaysian
Humanitarian Foundation (MHf).

I have some understanding of the concept of aperture, shutter speed, film
ASA, depth of field, rule of thirds and lighting. I don't claim to be an
expert and besides, I haven't touched the manual SLR in some time, so I am
pretty rusty at it.

But I seriously do not see why digital photography and lomography (or other
types of film photography) can't co-exist together and be considered
superior in their own ways. Lomography is best considered a hobby/happy
snappy activity. You really can't take it beyond shooting pavements, pets,
old junk and the occasional portraits. Digital photography (those that are
beyond the IXUS and Cybershot point-and-shoots) require skill to harness its
true capability. Those prosumer or more advanced digital cameras give the
photographer the chance to tweak white balances, color warmth, noise levels
and ASA levels on the fly. Heck you can even focus properly... unlike the
Lomo LC-A. Where I am left taking only 4 types of photos... 0.8m, 1.5m, 3m
or scenery shots (infinity focus).

Haven't lomographers seen incredible photos taken on digital cameras? Or
35mm SLR cameras, where the photographers actually understand the lighting
so well that they adjusted to the desired aperture, shutter speed and lens
properties that they caught an award winning photo, based on skill. Yes, of
course, Mike Yamashita would still need luck to get that photo of Vietnamese
warzone and survive it. As does Steven Meisel would need luck to capture a
portrait of Madonna in a priceless expression. But all these photographers
have the knowledge, skill, talent, experience and artful eye that enables
them to control every possible element of photography while waiting for the
"picture perfect moment" to arrive.

Even if a photo is digitally tweaked, it is still art. Because the artist
behind the computer would still need the eye for aesthetics and talent
beyond cognitive linearity to perfect a "bad photo". You don't just press
one button and the computer takes care of the cropping, composition,
contrast and etc etc... It's no luck. It's still a skill, an art. There is
no "lucky" filter in photoshop... or one button to surprise yourself with
unexpected colors and claims of pseudo-art... your passport to instant
artistic echelon. A great example would be the legendary David LaChapelle. The maestro whose works have brought pop art and tastes for commercial photography to a different galaxy. Nay. a different dimension.

Think Pierre and Gilles, the two world renowned contemporary French artists with their ethereal surrealism and play on flamboyant style. You might have seen their recent work for Piaget watches commercial. The ad features an enchanted luminous floral décor, amidst a kaleidoscope of form and colour, sylph-like young ladies, ethereally backlit, emerge from the décor in a Klimt-like manner modelling a watch and jewellery. Artists like Pierre and Gilles have the precedence over their work and show that good art is not accidental.

Digital cameras are great in a way that it is cheaper to shoot with... with
endless possibilities, provides instant review and can be as artistic as you
want it to be. You just have to study the manual, buy the right camera/lens
and know a bit of photoshop.

Hey and you know what, everyone can still do lomography... as you can see
that I'm hooked on it too... but please, respect other forms of photography.
We can all co-exist. Just because your photos come out wacky... doesn't mean
you're more artistic than everyone else. If anything, I would give a lot of
credit to the film and the person cross processing your film. Shooting with
Lomo is fun... but I wouldn't consider myself a good photographer, if Lomo
is all I do. It's too much of a hobbyist culture. It's the very essence of
convenience, accessibility to the so-called art, shooting without thinking
and fluke factor... that goes against the essence of photography. Lomo
photos are still photography... and appreciated for its eccentricities, but
it's hardly serious art.

And if I ever again hear someone say... "Lomography is better than digital
photography"... I might just whip out my 4R photo album and start
paper-cutting the person's flesh... and then flash his eyes with a Canon
Speedlite flash. It's the most predictably self-absorbed and obtuse thing
that a photographic celebutard can say.

One last thing... think of the biggest day of your life. Then imagine if you
had one device to capture that beautiful memory for ever... so that one day
your grandson or 80 year old spouse can reminisce of the once-in-a-lifetime
moment.... what would it be? A lomo or a digital camera?

As much as you shouldn't take lomography seriously (since there are no rules
to lomography). Those who claim that digital photography "sucks", can't be
serious.

Note: I found this profound article to shed similar light on the "Lomography
vs Art" topic. http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/lomography/

Deity

2008-05-12T13:17:00.001+08:00

Deity, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Deity"
What are they but mere decorations today. Photo taken in Asia Grand
restaurant, next to Bras Basah Complex. Probably my second favorite chinese
food place. My most favorite is Imperial Treasure Nan Bei restaurant in Ngee
Ann city (Takashimaya) building. The absolute best roast pork, dumplings,
roast duck, fatty pork belly and xiao long bao in Singapore.

NY See

2008-05-11T19:51:00.002+08:00

NY See, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"A Dream Built Of Streets & Avenues"

I Heart Pussy

2008-05-09T16:39:00.001+08:00

I Heart Pussy, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"I Heart Pussy"
Meow. Dogs are retarded.

i Tunes

2008-05-09T16:12:00.001+08:00

i Tunes, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"My Current Playlist"
They say you can tell how a person is feeling by the music they play. So...
based on this playlist, I must be feeling... SHA LA LA?
POP-explosion? Pop-tart?

Note: Favorite song of the moment - Mercy by Duffy. Weird name, nice song.

Rice Terrace

2008-05-07T16:06:00.001+08:00

Rice Terrace, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"What Are We To Do With The Rice Prices?"
Just sit on it.

Bali Hai

2008-05-06T14:03:00.002+08:00

Bali Hai, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Bali Hai"
The mysterious yet beautiful beaches of Bali. Beaches in the south of Bali tend to have white sand while those in the north and west, black sand . The photo, taken in Kuta beach seems to amalgamate both.

Reflection

2008-05-04T22:22:00.001+08:00

Reflection, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Reflections"
This wasn't taken on the Lomo LC-A. Photo taken in Bali with Panasonic LX 1.

Happy Labor Day!

2008-05-02T10:47:00.001+08:00

Happy Labor Day!, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Happy Labor Day..."

Sad Toy Story

2008-04-30T01:51:00.001+08:00

Sad Toy Story, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Umm, Do You Have Any Lead Coated Toys?"
That's insensitive. I do hope these traditional businesses survive against
the tides of Toys R' Us and departmental stores. But can't help but think
the cheaper the toys, the more lax the quality control is... and the more
likely....

Dumb Bitch, Dumb Review

2008-04-28T21:23:00.006+08:00

Xiaxue attempted to review the iPhone recently. And her video on YouTube caught the fancy of nearly 230,000 viewers. And she went on to blast Apple fanboys and said "people who use Apple products are too cool for nails." This is some of the kind of response to the video...

"I think she said it right. The attitude of Mac fanatics can be sickening at times, almost as bad as those scientologists."

Really? Product reviews from someone who speaks about plastic surgery for the vagina and looks like a Japanese Shibuya whore? Trustworthy? She is the queen of sensationalism. Please, she's a comedian and an uneducated SPG lian... Seriously, if she could be looked up to, Paris Hilton is Mother Theresa. This is the blogger girl who once pulled a "do you know who I am?" to enter Mambo Jambo night at Zouk! A girl whom through a post on her blog in 2005, furiously criticized a disabled person for telling off a perfectly abled walking healthy man, when he hogged the handicap toilet. She's a certified media slut. An attention-craving Internet hits hooker.

Ok, now that I got that out of the system.

I think Apple fanatics are misunderstood here. Yes, as with any subculture, there will always be the "fanatics" so to speak. As much as there are Hello Kitty fanatics in Harajuku and gym addicts in the wilderness of Singapore's concrete jungle.

But for most part, it's just that Apple users like myself find it hard to grasp that there is something so wrong with our iPods and Macbooks. And I think a lot of users out there just find it unfair when people expect the products to come with a kitchen sink and hot showers.

Just think about it. How many people would receive hits from reviewing a Dell Latitude M1530 laptop or a Samsung smartphone? Why does Xiaxue review the iPhone? It has sensationalism written all over it.

When Apple releases a product, everyone expects it to be infallibly perfect. And there's no such things as perfect. The iPhone, being the first phone from the computer maker is definitely not perfect, and I know, I have one. But compare that with the buzz from the first Microsoft Windows smartphone? Who knew what it was called? What does it look like? Nobody knows.

I think as much as people find using Apple products cool, there are those who find it cool to critique.

I personally use Apple products because it's a better designed operating system. I don't fumble and go hunting for the tiny icons and press YES/OK ineccessantly just to detach a USB device. Or get confused over the messy Control Panel each time I want to uninstall programs or change the screen setting. Everything works and some people like to pay for that kind of peace-of-mind. Some people, obviously don't.

But we don't go all Jehovah's Witness on people who don't use Apple. Not knocking on doors and such. Users like us, just don't want the things we enjoy using to be nitpicked. When there are more things that's awfully wrong with the 1,000,001 products out there in the market today.

I think Xiaxue should go review a Creative Zen or a HTC Touch. And tell me if those products are NOT TOO COOL FOR NAILS too.

But where's the review?

Curry... Poof!

2008-04-28T14:32:00.003+08:00

Curry... poof!, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Is Your Son Going To Make It As Well As You Do? (If at all)"
Appreciate the street culture and enjoy what our rich heritage has left
behind, before it's all gone. And I don't mean to global warming. I'm
talking about good food extinction!

Dying Breed of Wheels

2008-04-27T03:36:00.002+08:00

Dying Breed of Wheels, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

"Will you still be around come 2020?"
Who's going to want to make a living on a trishaw in the future? Hauling 240
lbs ang mohs + his wife + their shopping bags.

Angel

2008-04-27T01:11:00.003+08:00

Angel, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Lomography can be painful. Especially the part where you have to relinquish
control over your outcome (well, at least most of it).
I haven't been able to achieve results like those you see on Lomography
forums. Those deep and mysterious tones in the pictures are probably cross
processed from 35mm slide films. At this point, I can summarize lomography
as 20% skill 80% guesswork, and a huge dose of luck.

Leilomo, why ngolomo?

2008-04-26T11:24:00.004+08:00

Funny name for a blog address. No?

It's because I have since been inspired by the world of Lomography.

Why lomography? And why now? Well, I knew of Lomo's existence long ago, while I was in college in 2000 or something. But it never struck me as interesting because I was already doing "lomography" of my own on a 35mm camera... in the form of an old Nikon FA SLR camera. I was high on photography (and in many ways still am). I was shooting everything from cemeteries to orphanage... to flowers. So doing my own take on "shooting from the hip" so to speak. But of course every process of that required thinking. Photography no matter how lax has to have some basic composition elements. Lomographers still have to think about the angle. The colors. The exposure. The ASA settings... The lightings...

So, it's not like it's exactly like the Lomographic Society says "don't think, just shoot".

But I understand the thrill of releasing yourself from rules and just shooting without thinking (too much). I've been trying it in the past weeks and found a nice break from digital photography. Lomography on the russian made LC-A (aka Lomo Compakt Automat) will never replace digital photography but it's nice to finally remember what it's like prior to mega pixels and LCD screens.

So, back to the question. Why Lomo? Because I want to create a blog loosely inspired on the axiom of "don't think, just shoot". May it be photography, or just my usual lambasting, putting an object within a critical eye... I want to try not to think of what the prospect reader thinks of me or judge me. I'll give honest, sometimes constructive and sometimes downright destructive thoughts out loud - going to give it as it is... "don't think, just shoot".

And why now? Because of my recent liberating experience with the Lomo camera. I find it's important to reminiscent, reflect and document one's experiences because... we forget things far too often, too fast. Because the camera has thought me not to take things for granted. To enjoy the most mundane things in life... That thinking with your heart, is just as important as thinking with your brain. So thanks to the Lomo, I've found the catalyst to start blogging again.

To discover more about Lomo cameras and Lomography. Go to www.lomography.com

Wrreoooww!

2008-04-25T03:05:00.003+08:00

Wrreoooww!, originally uploaded by write2inbox.

Well, that's the way life is. Evil is always lurking in a corner nearby,
looking for an opportunity to pounce on you and rob you of your modesty,
money, handbag, sneakers or sometimes... blogs.

Ever since my previous blog "HearMeBitch" (read-my.blogspot) got hijacked,
I've pretty much lost interest and motivation to document my life. I felt
disheartened. Like a kid who bought his first Ding Dang, only to find there's NO toy inside. I was confused, angry, disappointed, despondent, melancholic and ended up in a withdrawal state.

Then recently, I began to realize some people have nothing better to do with their
life than to find pathetic joy in trivial pursuits like hijacking someone's
blog. Maybe it was some enraged Tyra Banks worshipper or... some Asiaworks fanatic.
The point is... who cares.

I finally realized that I won't let some petty blog thief come in the way of
my endeavor to document my life, however I see fit. I am trying to
rediscover the joy I once had in blogging. I think it'll come back,
slowly....

PS: HearMeBitch! (read-my.blogspot.com) still works. Although I can't log in or get the password because it's no longer associated with my Google account. Someone else owns it now. So, who knows how long my 4 years worth of blogs will be around. If you know of a way to archive blogs (that no longer belong to you), please let me know.

--

Cheers,

Kenny T

Premier!

2008-04-24T12:48:00.007+08:00

Here it is, my inaugural post on pop-parazzi.

Of course it starts with a photo of me, silly.

I'm the BIG BANG, y'all.