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Berpindah Lokasi

2009-01-21T16:20:00.001-05:00

I've moved here

Hello 2009...

2008-12-31T13:31:00.009-05:00

Apart from the US Presidential Election, terror attacks in Mumbai and the escalating tension in the Arab-Israeli conflict, I'm sure the year 2008 will mostly be remembered as the worst year in the financial market history. I think everyone would agree that the most defining moment for 2008 financial turmoil was the collapse of investmant bank Lehman Brothers which created a domino effect that put a the entire global financial system at risk. In fact, right after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, other major financial institutions in the US such as the AIG, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, and many others admitted failure. At the stock markets, almost every asset class lost significant value. Many people from all walks of life have had a punishing year financially in 2008. Billionaires like Rupert Murdoch, Laskmi Mittal, the Ambani brothers, Warren Buffet were among others who've lost billions of dollars during the turmoil. Small fish like me, losing some $$$ in my portfolio can also be very painful. Let's just hope for better prospects in 2009, or will there be??

Happy New Year!

Random Pics - KL

2008-11-14T11:43:00.004-05:00

Photos below taken during our trip to KL last month. I planned to do a lot of street photography, but the heat, sudden heavy rain and loaded tummy really discouraged me to do so.

My view of the Petronas Towers. I actually wanted to take night shots of these towers with its glorious lights, but our evenings were pretty occupied till late.

The LRT over Jln Sultan Ismail and Bukit Bintang. The development in KL has been rapid and impressive. Traffic congestion is quite major in this city, therefore the LRT was built as a way for travellers to avoid heavy traffic in KL especially during peak hours. Other forms of public transport like buses are medicore, and taxi drivers can be notorious for haggling over fares.

Part of the Pavillion Mall (view from our hotel room). Exactly 2 years ago, at an almost similar room location, I can only see construction labourers working on the pilings, concretes etc.

Local jazz band performing at the Starhill lobby & lounge

What's up??

2008-11-05T11:31:00.005-05:00

Little cousin and nephew being so excited with the lens.

To all my relatives, friends and colleagues, it was such a pleasure catching with some of you last month. Especially to all the relatives, click here for more pics..will upload more soon.

To my "Night at the Grudge" buddies, that night was such a blast..we should do that on a weekly basis next time.

Love Your Fruits...

2008-09-13T22:00:00.005-05:00

Pictures taken at Sao Paulo's Municipal Market (Central Market)during my working trip summer last year.

This fruit stall is one of the many that could be found in the market. However, this particular stall is quite popular and frequented by trourists at all times - he seems to be the only vendor who understands and speaks English fairly well.

Hello Angels

2008-09-08T12:42:00.007-05:00

Definitely not Charlie's Angels..

LPGA Canadian Women's Open Pt. II

2008-08-14T14:53:00.008-05:00

On Wednesday afternoon, I managed to take few photos during the CN Open practice round. Hoping to bump into Natalie Gulbis and Annika Sorenstam, but I came a bit late. Luckily Lorena Ochoa was still playing and all I can say is that definitely there's a huge difference between us the amateurs and the pros...

Click to enlarge photos...

Lorena Ochoa

Not sure who's bag..

Another thing that I noticed is that there's an increasing number of LPGA pros from Asia, the Koreans in particular. And of course not to forget Yani Tseng from Taiwan who recently won the 2008 LPGA Championship. Unlike Michelle Wie, Yani Tseng is quite humble and is more disciplined.

Me and the misus will be watching the second round later this afternoon. Unfortunately, no cameras are allowed..I should have asked for media accreditation earlier...haha. More pics of the practice round here

LPGA Canadian Women's Open

2008-08-13T08:05:00.008-05:00

Our annual golf tournament held last weekend was a success. The weather was good and my game was not that bad at all, although I didn't win anything! But, I'm still very happy because the misus is the champ in the women's category, in fact she scored 2 strokes lower than me!

Anyway, this week will be an exciting one! The Canadian Women's Open has just started and is taking place at Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club... just 2 blocks away from our house! Yesterday, the misus and our good friend watched the practice round and below are some pictures that she took with Sony T10. She regretted for not taking my camera along as apparently most spectators were with their "Lokomotif Camera" (DSLR Camera). I thought cameras were not allowed even during practice rounds. I was wrong..so PGA ladies, I shall see you all later!

Annika Sorenstam

The new number one..Lorena Ochoa. Apparently, Annika is more approachable according to the misus.

This must be Paula Creamer's bag

The Dream Bag

2008-08-04T18:21:00.003-05:00

Meet my new Nike SasQuatch bag in all its glory. Thanks again to my dearest misus for this unexpected gift...what a surprise! Will post more pics of our recent activities soon...

The Cottage Experience

2008-07-21T13:01:00.012-05:00

I've heard colleagues and came across some brochures talking about "the cottage" experience in Canada. After 3 years in Canada, me and the misus finally had the opportunity to enjoy this very Canadian getaway. Thanks to our good friends, the Lauzon Family for inviting us to their cottage last Saturday, it was indeed truly very relaxing and enjoyable experience. Work related stress was completely forgotten, although not much to think about when it comes to "the work" itself. But for some people, severe pressure is more on trying to cope with their superior who has no sense of professionalism, which could potentially be mind damaging...hmmm...something to write about soon...

Anyway, back to our cottage experience, we spent the whole Saturday just hanging around, eating, chit-chatting, boat riding, swimming and canoeing. I didn't swim and canoe, but enjoyed my lazing around moment at the deck by the lake - the moment when Montecristo was my best friend. The misus enjoyed swimming in the lake, although she was just literally dipping at one corner - her paranoia on big pikes might bite....

Overall, we had great fun and planning to do it again but, this time to spend the whole weekend at a different cottage, some place where there are golf courses nearby...

Front bit of the cottage

The side patio

One of the host, Andre Lauzon aligning the canoe. Fyi, Andre and his wife Josie lived in Brunei for almost 11 years. Andre used to teach at the 6th Form Centre in Gadong (my college back then), while Josie was with the CfBT

Click here for more pics

The thing about golf

2008-07-02T12:08:00.011-05:00

Pic taken during fall last year at the 1st tee-box (central course), Meadows Golf & Country Club, Ottawa, Canada

Nowadays, golf is no longer the game for the high-powered people or for the upper-class. The way I see it, it’s an addictive game that is now affordable to many. The addictive bit is quite hard to explain, perhaps it is an individual thing. To me, it’s the joy and fun of “whacking” or “cracking” the ball (common terms used by me and one of my best golfing buddy). Another thing is about the courses itself i.e. appreciating the beauty of the sceneries and the fun of overcoming obstacles normally water hazards, bunkers, and sometimes ball surrounded by geese.

However, I think every golfer would agree if I say that the game is not as easy as it seems. In order to have a good swing, ideally there are quite a number of fundamentals that one needs to learn and know well. Among others are correct grip, stance, body-turn and tempo are all very important. The mind also significantly affects the swing. If one were not in a good mind shape, I’m pretty sure the balls will fly haywire. Just like having coffee or tea. To me, no matter how expensive or high quality the coffee or tea is, it will still taste normal or perhaps badly if he or she is not in a good mood..

Anyway, I don’t take golf seriously, but I love to play it a lot. Once my misus told me that I spent too much money on golf stuffs, constantly asking me the difference between a cheap, average and above average price clubs. After taking up few golf lessons and played on course several times, the golf town is now her favourite shopping store! She just recently bought the Cobra 4 Hybrid, ordered a Nike Hybrid, now awaiting the Callaway X20 demo clubs for 5 days trial, and will soon decide either to buy the X20 or the Ping Rhapsody set. Hahahaha one needs to do it and “get the feel” in order to better understand golfers' mindset. Welcome to the club hon..you’re now officially my golfing mate.

The beauty of golf is that no matter how good or bad you played, you will keep on playing more and more and more. To me, apart from leisure or “bad golfing” it helps expand my network at all levels, strengthening bonds with friends, colleagues, and of course now my better-half.

To those who wishes to start golfing...good luck and all the best!!

To all golfers...life is short..play another 18...

Lovely

2008-06-27T12:10:00.003-05:00

Another lovely couple after me and da misus...hehehe

Innocent...

2008-06-16T11:02:00.003-05:00

This girl is usually shy when one were to take a picture of her. But, not when she speaks! She can be very outspoken and loves to outsmart the daddy at most times. She's still in pursuit of getting a book on physchology...hmmm very deep for a 13-year old girl!

Flashing Harry

2008-05-27T12:46:00.001-05:00

Harry is the exact same breed as Kimo, but with totally different character. The misus and I finds him very playful and adventurous. Unlike Kimo, Harry loves jumping from one place to another esp. to higher places and..... now his latest fascination is the speedlight...

???

2008-05-21T21:11:00.003-05:00

Saw this guy during our outing to Mount Tremblant last February. Not sure what's he suppose to be...strange but quite an entertainer.

Karipap

2008-05-20T14:36:00.005-05:00

Karipap (Curry Puff) is the name of this cat (colleague's cat), not sure why...

No Title

2008-05-19T18:06:00.004-05:00

Shots taken at Omega Park, Montebello

Nike One

2008-05-05T21:00:00.005-05:00

"...Keep your head down and eyes on the ball..."

My favourite - Nike One

Looking forward for tomorrow's game. Tee-Off 8:06 am at Pineview

Mothernature at its worst

2008-05-03T00:04:00.006-05:00

Snowstorm February this year

It took almost 2 hours clearing up my driveway.

Untitled

2008-05-02T11:54:00.004-05:00

Golfing season is back! Started playing 2 weeks ago, with some patches of snow still visible alongside the fairway. Played again yesterday at the Canadian and could not even score a par. Balls flew left right here and there....my Sumo was totally off, but Carolyne ....I LIKE! Nevertheless, I enjoyed the company of my buddies and we shall play again next week.

Will post pics soon...

Blessing a newly born...

2008-03-20T01:18:00.006-05:00

Last weekend, the missus and I attended a colleague's "Mandi Berlawat /Bezikir" event for their newly born child. I consider "Mandi Berlawat" like some sort of a baby showering ceremony, Muslim Malay style. Usually, the ceremony is held after 40 days of giving first birth. I'm not sure about the rational of such ceremony, but the way I see it is like thanking the Almighty for blessing the parent for a healthy newly born child....

I'm not sure if its related to Islamic teaching or merely a tradition, but cutting the baby's hair was part of it...

Something that the ladies below enjoy doing especially after cooking, eating and cleaning......group massage???

Depressed

2008-03-15T20:39:00.004-05:00

A depressed young Brazilian boy...

Took this shot at Portao area in Brasilia, Brazil

Trial Shots

2008-02-15T12:09:00.005-05:00

Currently in the learning process of shooting people, faces or anything related to human..... Shots taken with the recently bought D300 and Nikon 17-55mm F2.8 IF ED...there're a lot of exciting features of the D300 that I'm going to explore....

For the moment, need to forget about golf stuffs, but I guess there's no harm getting the new Nike Sumo Hybrid and I still need to get the Nike 3 wood plus the tour bag...KJ Choi really inspire me a lot..hehe

The Mind Game

2008-02-11T19:57:00.001-05:00

Old Gas Cylinders

2008-02-11T19:48:00.000-05:00

The Parliament

2008-01-19T21:42:00.000-05:00

Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Canada

Belated Happy New Year 2008...

2008-01-15T21:39:00.000-05:00

Since the boss left in October 2007, there were few incidents and issues came up in the office that really tested me on every angles - from management skills to leadership, while maintaning lots of patience at the same time. Lets just hope 2008 will give me more opportunities to secure more fortunes from other sources, and give me more confidence to start working independently in this very near future. I love challenges when it comes to making outside income, but seriously hates it when it comes to work, because challenges in my line of work at most times, does not make any sense at all - needs some serious A** kissing.

For the moment, since its already winter (meaning no golf), I think I need to upgrade my photography related stuffs including skills.

I have no idea what the above pic is all about, perhaps you might want to call it "Lost in Photography??"

Par Aide

2007-10-07T22:42:00.000-05:00

Most golf courses will be closed for winter soon..I think in a month's time. Time really flies and there're still hundreds of golf courses in Ontario that I haven't played. But, it is also a good thing as I won't be spending much on golf related stuffs. However, I'm planning to shop for photography related stuffs this winter. I made a rough calculations on my golf related expenses (including golf clubs) since begining of summer this year and total cost comparable to the Nikon D2Xs, including Nikon AF-S 12-24mm F4 G DX IF-ED (my dream lens).
Another good thing..most golf sets will be on sale during winter. Nike clubs has been very forviging to me, however, I wouldn't mind to get either the Callaway or Taylormade sets this winter. I wonder what would my dearest misus say when she found out another new set standing next to the rest soon..hmmm...

The Dome

2007-09-19T21:34:00.000-05:00

The Modern Art Museum

Brasilia, Brazil

I'm back

2007-08-07T18:52:00.001-05:00

Had our annual golf tournament this morning. I'm quite happy with my game...didn't bother to check my total scores..let the organiser do it.

Most importantly, I'm very happy with my new Niko Sumo Driver...it sounded ugly when hitting the ball..but good enough to distract other players in my group..hehe..need to play more games before summer ends..

Below are some pictures that I took prior to tee-off..

Occupied..

2007-06-12T13:45:00.000-05:00

To my blog visitors,

There're actually lots of pictures that I wish to share, however, I'm kind of occupied with other matters at the moment. Hopefully, I would be able to update this blog after this weekend...

Will be back shortly...

Threading D Eyebrow

2007-05-22T21:37:00.000-05:00

...My Thai colleague enjoying the threading of the eyebrow thingy...

Roots

2007-05-21T16:45:00.000-05:00

Serbian Beauties

2007-05-19T10:32:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken during the Watercan night held recently in Ottawa, and these women were participants from Serbia promoting their national wine and liqours.

The Tulip Festival

2007-05-15T13:31:00.000-05:00

The Canadian Tulip Festival, the world’s largest tulip festival, is a major cultural event held annually (during spring time) in Ottawa. The international pavilion although crowded, but was very lively with different countries showcasing their cultural and food display. This year selected activities will benefit the international work of War Child Canada in recognition of the Festival's wartime origins. Canada provided safe haven in Ottawa for members of the Dutch royal family who began a tradition of gifting thousands of tulip bulbs each year to the people of Canada to symbolize international friendship.

Below are some pictures that I took last weekend at Major Hills Park, Ottawa:

Lamp post

2007-05-12T22:57:00.000-05:00

..Sussex Drive at 8:30pm...

..Ottawa..

Ana Miura

2007-05-01T21:00:00.000-05:00

Accompanied my boss to the Asian Heritage Gala Concert last weekend. Honestly, most of the performances were quite dull but thumbs up to the participants from the Philippines for their lively and colourful performance...

...the star performer (to me) that night was Ana Miura.. My boss did mention about her earlier that she and her other friends believes that Ana Miura will be the next rising star in Canada... at first I was a bit skeptical and my mind was saying that "yea right what does she (my boss) knows about music...

...but I was totally wrong and was indeed stunned by her vocal talent...

...Ana Miura..half Canadian and half Japanese is currently one of the most notable singer and Songwriter in Canada..her songs captivate with folk-inflected jazz, pop and rock...She also won a songwriter award in Canada last year for her popular song "He Swallows Whiskey".. she is definitely a rising star in Canada...

...Power to the People! (quoted from Afdlin Shauki)...

Niagara Falls

2007-04-21T23:39:00.000-05:00

...Niagara Falls...

...Ontario, Canada...

....The Skydome...

The Godfather of all meals

2007-04-11T21:03:00.000-05:00

After reading my dear friend'srecent blog post, I decided to cook pasta with meatballs. As a side dish, I made a mixed salad which consists of smoked salmon, roman lettuce, fresh tomatoes, sun dried tomatoes and small pieces of fromage cream cheese.

The misus enjoyed the dishes and so did I.. the smoked salmon, sun dried tomatoes and fromage cream cheese blends really well...

...I'm very satisfied with my homemade meatballs and pasta sauce. Tonight's ingredients were inspired by the fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables that I just bought at the market area....

...eat fresh...!!!

110

2007-04-06T17:57:00.000-05:00

...110 Clarence St. Ottawa...

(Byward market area)

Maine Coon

2007-03-29T20:24:00.000-05:00

According to wikipedia the Maine Coon is one of the largest breeds of domestic cat, known for its intelligence and playfulness as well as its distinctive physical appearance. The Maine Coon Cat is known as "the gentle giant."

...The misus bought one early this year and yes this cat is very active and playful, but can be very clumpsy at certain times. ..

...meet Spencer originally from Spencerville, Ontario...now 6 months old and I wonder how much bigger will he grow in the next couple of years...

Buddies

2007-03-27T22:42:00.000-05:00

...future male models??...

Sunday bowling

2007-03-25T18:50:00.000-05:00

This year's tournament was more fun than the previous years. Although I didn't score well, but it was the bonding experience amongst us (colleagues) that really counts. Thanks to colleagues from Thailand for being such a great organizer!

...the wall...

...some of the participants...

...meet the champion...

...and the runner-up...

Yellow & Orange

2007-03-23T11:40:00.000-05:00

...took this shot in my bathroom sink, flash fired...did a bit of photoshopping..might not be a good photo to some photographers but I'm quite happy with the result....

George R. Pearkes Building

2007-03-16T13:40:00.000-05:00

...The Department of National Defence, and a bridge at Laurier Avenue, Ottawa, Canada...

Bass

2007-03-15T11:38:00.000-05:00

...Bass at Upper Canada Village...

CEO who blog

2007-03-13T20:19:00.000-05:00

I came across to this site by Jim Estill, CEO, Synnex Canada Limited and would never have thought a CEO of a billion dollar company would have the time to share his thoughts and wisdom through blogging. I just realised how ignorant can I be, and apparently there are quite a number of high level business executives who opines through blogging. For the moment, I'm quite attached to reading Mr Estill's blog. He writes not about the company but on matters related to personal development issues such as time management and leadership, and also share some thoughts about books he reads....very inspirational! For those (my fellow countrymen) who are involved in high-level management and leadership, which I think some of you seems lost, perhaps confused with leadership issue, Mr. Estill's blog might be a good read.......just a thought...

Our Sunday

2007-03-12T21:40:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday, me and the Mrs. hosted a brunch at our place. It was supposed to be a welcoming brunch for a friend who just came back after having delivered her baby (Ariel) in Philadelphia a couple of months ago. But, the hubby (who works in Philly) was not feeling well and needed to rest before driving back to Philly later that afternoon...

The pasta was just nice, I think my roasted chicken tasted a bit bland, the salad was great and our Thai friend made Tom Yum Goong..therefore, the brunch theme was not entirely Italian hehe..

After the meal, we packed some food for Ariel's mum and dad and went to meet them...

Congrats to you guys (Feb and Fido) on your newborn baby! Her name is Ariel something..something, very interesting long name...

After meeting Ariel, Sam (our Thai friend) was very eager to mess around with the untouched snow at our backyard, so she and the rest ended up making Dennis the Snowman...

Meet Dennis with lemon grass lips (extras from Sam's Tom Yum)...

What's in your fridge?

2007-03-08T23:07:00.000-05:00

The Mrs. was cleaning the fridge the other day, and I think she was about to fill in some food stuffs at the lower shelf and found this....

Meet Kimosabi.....

Salute to M.R

2007-03-02T09:40:00.000-05:00

Salute to a dear friend Anakbrunei.org for his successful charity project and for choosing S.M.A.R.T.E.R Brunei as the recipient of the collected funds. It seems that SMARTER Brunei needs more attention and high publicity in order to capture a large-scale public awareness on autism related issue. Most importantly, active involvement and support from other "concerned agencies / authorities" is crucial in order to help our autism centre to be more effective in providing quality care and services for our autistic children.

Pic taken from the Borneo Bulletin

Again, salute to you chief and I wish you all the best for your upcoming charitable projects!

Connecting ASEAN Part 1.

2007-02-27T14:31:00.000-05:00

To my colleagues and friends,

Our "special informal try at your own risk dinner" gathering at my place is still in the agenda and I'm still trying to come up with a theme. Will let you know soon...

Our 23rd National Day Celebration

2007-02-23T19:10:00.000-05:00

Everything went well last night. We had quite a number of high-powered guests attending the event compared to last year. I'm sure most of the guests went home with a smiling tummy and a high cholesterol level! hehehe... the roasted lamb, sauteed scallops and prawns were great!

The Wii

2007-02-21T19:53:00.000-05:00

Last month, we celebrated my Mrs birthday with a Wii night sponsored by our Indonesian friends. Actually, they brought this Wii just to get the feeling of playing it on a 60" TV. It was really a fun night and gave me the temptation of getting one. I know I won't be buying it probably never, but the thought of me wanting one.... made me feel that I'm still very very young! hehe...

My bro-in-law bowling on Wii. Ajul..it was fun having you around for a couple of months here... the Subway sandwiches has your name printed on it already and the Red Lobster misses you!

The National Art Gallery of Canada

2007-02-18T19:04:00.000-05:00

The gallery is housed in a glass and granite building with a notable view of the Canadian Parliament buildings on Parliament Hill.

The Gallery has a large and varied collection of paintings, drawings, sculpture and photographs. Although its focus is on Canadian art, it holds works by many noted European artists. It has a strong contemporary art collection with some of Andy Warhol's most famous works. Recently, the Gallery acquired a painting by Italian Renaissance painter Francesco Salviati for $4.5 million.

The Canadian collection holds works by Tom Thompson and the Group of Seven as well as Emily Carr and Alex Colville.

Old Fashion

2007-02-16T14:22:00.000-05:00

Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting out ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul...

Johnny the Munchkin

2007-02-15T11:45:00.000-05:00

According to Wikipedia, the Munchkin cat is a relatively new breed created by a random mutation that produced a cat with extremely short legs. Munchkins have short or long coats in a wide variety of colors. The breed was begun in 1983 when Sandra Hochenedel found an extremely short-legged black cat living under a trailer in Louisiana. The cat, Blackberry, was pregnant and half of her kittens were born short-legged. One of Blackberry's kittens, a tomcat named Tolouse, became the father of a breeding program and helped establish the breed in North America. The Munchkin breed is not recognised by all registering associations and is specifically banned by the Fédération Internationale Féline FIFe and other European registries, but it is accepted by The International Cat Association (TICA).

The Mrs. bought this muchkin in early 2006 and told her not to neuter this little guy and suggested her to open up some sort of munchkin breeding place when we go back home in the next coming years. Months after, this munhckin loves splashing his "p" all over the places and apparently had a very high sexual desire....

.....meet Johnny the Munchkin..now neutered...

Ottawa Winterlude 2007

2007-02-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

Ottawa hosts Winterlude each year, featuring snow sculptures by local teams, ice sculptures, concerts, and ice-skating along the Rideua canal. The canal, well frozen by this time, is packed with people skating along the 9 kilometer skating lane between the Hartwell Locks and the Downtown area. Along the way there are snow sculptures, huts selling "beavertails" and hot-chocolate, and special performances.

The Mrs. and I decided to walk along the canal during the opening weekend of the winterlude...it was fun, slippery and cold!

Below are some pics that I took during the first weekend of winterlude...

The Rideau Canal

Purple & Red

2007-02-13T12:13:00.000-05:00

"Silliness is the comedy relief of life...." (Red Hat Society)

This picture was taken in spring 2006 at Clifton Hills, Niagara Falls, Canada. It was supposed to be a candid shot, but somehow, one of the ladies spotted me and gave me this sweet pose. They are members of the Red Hat Society, a social organisation for women above 50.

First post...

2007-02-12T12:12:00.000-05:00

The main reason why I decided to create my own blog is my revived interest in photography. The interest started 16 years ago when DSLR cameras were probably still in the making. But, I think Kodak released the first commercially available digital SLR in the early 90s - the DCS 100, modified Nikon F3 SLR body, US$15-20K or perhaps more!

Anyway, currently I'm using Nikon D50 (perfect for beginners!) and will get the D200 sometimes this year after purchasing:

NIKON DX NIKKOR AF-S 18-200F3.5-5.6 VRED

either SIGMA 10-20MM 4-5.6 EX DC SIGMA MT HSM

or NIKON AF-S 12-24MM F4 G DX IF-ED NIKKOR

and all other accessories related to it.

By the way, pics of my endeavors with this basic nikon DSLR will be up soon. For now, give me time to play around and get used to this web blogging thing.