New Highway Rates Set to Take a Toll on Citizen Malaysia

Apparently the Government is not able to subsidize our use of Malaysian highways...

If I were to comment further, the term Draconic censorship laws come to mind...

Introducing the New Camry 2007

The new Camry is finally out in the market! Well, not quite - as last weekend was only the press launch, but orders are already streaming in and it looks like Toyota has unveiled another winner!

There are basically 3 variants for the Malaysian market - the 2.0E, 2.0G and 2.4. The 2.0E is the basic version, while the 2.0G comes with leather seats, electric seats, HID lights etc. The only differences compared to the 2.4 litre variant (apart from the larger engine) is the vehicle stability control (VSC), wood finishing and 17 inch rims.

What is missing is the push button ignition, which would have been classy.

Style wise, it is elegant and a worthy replacement for the previous model, incidentally America's favorite family sedan. Also, it is worthy to note that we are getting the Asian version, which has a less sportier profile compared to its American counterpart. While beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, it is said, this blogger prefers the distinguished lines available in our market - and I probably fit the targeted market profile too!

Kiss and Tell?

Footballers and tell-'em-all biographies don't really belong together. I mean imagine an honest scribe putting together a week in the life of a pro soccer player.

Monday morning 6am - wake up aching from Sunday night's gyrations on the dance floor - swears! Really ought to quit drinking quite so much... (healthy) breakfast of muffins and marmalade - ok, why not throw in a couple of Vienna Sausages and bacon, and maybe just a small beer...

8.13am - damn! The gaffer's standing by the doorway looking at his wriswatch - hope it's one of those cheap Taiwanese made ones - damn! One weeks wages fine for being late....

I think the point is evident to see. In order to sell copies, it's all about SENSATIONALIZATION! And that is an ugly word that means reality doesn't matter.

But the truth is, reality does matter. And despite the "honest" protestations of soccer agents worldwide, the damage can be widespread.

Enter Sir Alex's poorly timed book. In it, the old manager questions the intentions of supporters and the role they play. Ill-advised it may be, but I suspect that the gaffer knew little about it in the first place. If indeed those were his words, it would be less colorful and we all know that he is not one to mince his words when it comes to criticism. Trouble is, the damage has already been done. And for all he has done for the club, I wonder whether this is the beginning of the end for Sir Alex.

Security Flaw in RFID? Or just Plain Foolish?

This was posted in some papers about the vulnerability of German passports using RFID. It surprises me to think that such experts allow themselves to be quoted so ridiculously. Either they are not the expert they claim to be, or the opportunity to be featured on papers proved too much for their professional decencies.

Why shouldn't the passport be easily readable. For it to eventually work worldwide and end the constant wait at immigration lines at the airports, access to "read" needs to be universal. What the article also pointed out was that no information was actually tampered with and that the so-called expert made it a point to ensure that his passport was wrapped in an aluminum foil...

It is such alarmist attitudes that make news I suppose.

Time to Think Ronaldo, Rooney

A lot has been said, written and drawn about Christiano Ronaldo, culminating today with Manchester United's official statement that the player in not for sale. Reading the British press' self-fulfilling prophecy, it is no wonder that this boy wonder is wondering if there is no place for him in next season's United first team.

Make no mistake. The boy is no angel. But in an age where seasoned professionals, and even FIFA president Sepp Blatter, freely admit that too much is at stake not to do so, should the blame be on his shoulders? For general consumption, let it be known that he was wearing the colours of Portugal and not England nor Manchester United during that fateful encounter. If indeed Ronaldo were decked in Her Majesty's colours, and Portugal were at the wrong end of a result, I wonder if the uproar (especially that of the British press) would be quite as loud.

Both Ronaldo and Rooney are young, undoubtedly talented and not in the least perfect. Both have been selected to carry the burden of United's future. It is therefore time, I think, for these two talents to sit in a room, devoid of agents and collumnists, and think about the future ahead of them. Football is a sport for eleven, not one. And when they are on the pitch, they are the only ones doing the talking. Not the pundits and certainly not the Sun...

So much for World Cup Blogging

My recent experience with Blogger has been anything but satisfying. Test postings using my new E61 via email failed because somehow they ended up as drafts and my efforts to post using the Blogger plugin on my browser yielded nothing. I am thinking of moving back to MSN places...

Ing...ger...lund Bore

... Still waiting for an Englishman to score... (English) football must have left for home ... :(

The heat it was claimed, was the cause for the English to fade so much in the second half. So much for advance planning... I think the only notable achievement that can be attached to Sven Goran Eriksson is the 5-1 demolition of Germany. Well, there is also the debasement of dignified standards within the FA if Mr Eriksson's exploits are anything to go by and of course his believe that Theo Walcott will light up this World Cup the way Pele was introduced to the world...

Enough snipping at SGE.

At this juncture, Argentina and Ivory Coast stand up as real contenders on the basis of their play. Urgent yet innovative and with a hint of flair in passing, I can see these two teams, especially Argentina, going quite a fair way in the competition. As for Brazil, guess we will know soon enough if Cafu has enough miles in his engine to lift the trophy one last time!

Waste Rooney?

I am afraid that outgoing England coach, Sven Goran Eriksson is going to risk Wayne Rooney in his last gasp at glory... which is a shame really...

I find it hard to believe that Manchester United would be willing to risk the wrath of English fans (many of whom would also be United fans) if he was fit in the first place. This fuels my worry that Rooney could get more seriously injured and jeoperdize next season all for Eriksson's and the English FA's vanity.

Gibson Gunning for Dein

Sky Sports carries a report of Boro boss, Steve Gibson that I find timely and very appropriate. In the light of Stev McLaren's deserved appointment as England manager, Gibson chides David Dein's involvement in the whole process. David Dein is of course Arsenal vice-Chairman - whose manager Arsene Wenger was mentioned after the fact as having turned down the England job.

Dein is seen as protecting the interest of the Gunners rather than that of the English FA. This is not the first time criticism has been thrown at Dein's way and one wonders how he can continue to operate in the FA and Arsenal at the same time.

Of Roy and Rooney

There is a cup on my table, one with the photo of Roy Keane on it. Among my many United prized possesions, this tops the list. Therefore, it gave me pleasure to read in The Herald about Roy Keane's impending testimonial farewell, and the chance for closure in what has been one of Manchester United's greatest footballing legends of all time.

It would have been more fitting however, had Wayne Rooney not broken his metatarsal bone in the match at Stamford Bridge. The passing of batton from Keane to Rooney would have been significant to say the least and (hopefully) symbolic of the club's future intentions.

Just as Roy Keane's absence was felt during the World Cup in Korea, Rooney's probably no show may ensure that 66 will remain in July as England's only triumph at these haloed levels.

Bridge Shows Signs of Disrepair

If the words of Chelsea CEO Peter Kenyon are anything to go by, trouble's a brewing in London. The insinuation that Jose Mourinho was merely emotional and that the Special One would remain at Stamford Bridge continues to fan speculation that things are not well at the top management of the club. If this is indeed true, the English FA bosses would have an easier task replacing Sven.

Jose for England Hot Seat?

The Insider provides a very insightful case for Jose Mourinho's future away from Chelsea. Despite being a loyal Red Devil, I can't help but admire the audacity of this man. In many ways, it is true that he will never be recognized for the genius that he is as long as Peter Kenyon continues to wield Roman Abomovich's rubles like a blank cheque. If Mr Kenyon continues to pursue this course of action - and I only welcome this fact - the club will soon reach a threshold where breakeven is the state of the pitch and nothing to do with a cavernous P&L.

As for the Special One, rumor has it that the English FA is still looking for Sven's replacement. Won't that be a thrill? Remember, you read it first here :)

Get Well Soon Malcolm

We are not all bad, and we all love the club!

Red Devils Forever

Muck-elele Bias

Chelsea midfielder, Claude Makalele has gone on record to call Sir Alex Ferguson a loser! In a world of mind games, it goes to show that something's working for the Frenchman to rant in such a fashion. Having lost a pulsating semi-final clash against Steven Gerard's Liverpool, it's easy to make the comparison with the Special One. He goes on to say that while Fergie took seven years to win the league, Mourinho only took 8 months... oh, and not to forget a whole lot of Roman millions along the way...

In the history of British football, no team has had the open cheque policy to but players like this present Chelsea regime. In fact, the Blues have spent more money in the last few years (aggregated of course) than Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool put together. And what do they have to show for all this?

Pardon my French, but I won't pardon Chelsea's Frenchman. Winners win and win again. Where is your champions' league medal?

(Coming Soon - probably...) Ballack's Biggest Mistake

Arguably most complete midfielder in world, Michael Ballack is now on the verge of helping Abromovich build the most complete footballing team in the world - albeit the boring type...

The trouble with this decision lies with the Chelsea midfield line-up; Lampard, Makele, Essien, Maniche, Duff, Robben, SWP... is this getting conspicuously crowded? That is some pool of talent on a finite pitch! While there is no doubting his quality, will this transfer be akin to making a very bad pass? In the EPL, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United look to be up and coming teams where Ballack can surely shine and be appreciated. With no shortage of talent and far better entertainment value compared to the dull Blues, I openly wonder if Ballack is better off being the star of a good team rather than one of many in a boring team...

Premier League Race

The coffee had already lost its effect on me and yet I felt all numb and unable to sleep. Staying up all night on what was to be a busy weekend didn't seem like a good idea - except the thought of missing what was going to be Manchester United's largest win in the English Premier League. It was a night of anticipation, one in which we would close the gap on Chelsea to a more manageable 4 points... and wipe the smirk of Dave's face...

The smirk remains... check, it has gotten bigger. How on earth did bottom club Sunderland not lose confounds me! To make matters worse, this was a team who needed to win to have any chance of avoiding relegation, yet at times were playing for a draw, employing time wasting tactics... No wonder they got relegated. Talk about losing the plot.

And yes, our guys did lose the plot. We got complacent, over-confident even... and paid the price. The title race is not over yet, but just barely alive to be sure. Perhaps next season...

No Way Jose...

Jose Mourinho has reportedly attempted to deflect mounting pressure on his team by suggesting that it is Manchester United who should be concerned what with a 7-point disadvantage and a tougher run in on the final straight. While I readily agree that 7-points is a lot at this stage of the game, and what with Arsenal in top form, we do have our work cut out for us, the fact is that the Blues have never been more vulnerable under this Chelsea boss.

No disrespect but from the look of things, it is Jose and not Sir Alex that is having second thoughts about his position. Afterall, Sir Alex is the undisputable team boss whereas the man from Portugal has a wily Brit (Kenyon), a calculated Dutchman (Arnessen) and most notably a powerful Russian to contend with before having his way with the team.

Nice try, but as I headlined, "No way, Jose..."

A Victim of Our Own Success

According to news reports the AIG sponsor deal won't boost Fergie's transfer fund. With the team firing an improbable challenge for the Premiership crown, I find the timing of such news inexplicable. I wonder how this will play in the minds of Rooney and Ronaldo who seem to be more ambitious that the club. While I am all for good financial stewardship, the fact is we are short of at least 2 world class players in the centre of the field and have yet to map the lines of succession for Giggs. Unless we are out there bidding for some of the Torres, Joachims and Diarra's, I am afraid it will be another 26 years before we reclaim the premiership crown.

Nicol drops to second spot, Vanessa is back as No 1

The Star reports that squash star Nicol David has dropped to second spotin the world rankings. A disappointment to be sure, but I back this spunky lass to bounce back with vengeance! Carry on with the good work girl, I know you belong up there!

Casting Swine at Pearls...

Yes, you read that right! Nor did I misquote a fairly common phrase... This was how I felt when I read the article in the star that the proclaimed young Genius finds school boring. Exactly how bad our education system is anybody's guess, but it is common knowledge that rock bottom is not far of. Worse, there is no way for this broken down system to accomodate the geniuses in our midst who require real nurturing to launch themselves from an already heady pedestal. Be that as it may, the issuing of show cause letters with the threat of expulsion only goes to magnify how all this may seem incomprehensible to those entrusted to educate Malaysia's future leaders. Casting swine at pearls indeed!!!

Opening Pandora's Music Box

Thanks to Tim O'Reilly, I have stumbled onto arguably the best website for me since Google. The founder explains this best:

The Music Genome Project

On January 6, 2000 a group of musicians and music-loving technologists came together with the idea of creating the most comprehensive analysis of music ever.
Together we set out to capture the essence of music at the most fundamental level. We ended up assembling literally hundreds of musical attributes or "genes" into a very large Music Genome. Taken together these genes capture the unique and magical musical identity of a song - everything from melody, harmony and rhythm, to instrumentation, orchestration, arrangement, lyrics, and of course the rich world of singing and vocal harmony. It's not about what a band looks like, or what genre they supposedly belong to, or about who buys their records - it's about what each individual song sounds like.

Over the past 5 years, we've carefully listened to the songs of over 10,000 different artists - ranging from popular to obscure - and analyzed the musical qualities of each song one attribute at a time. This work continues each and every day as we endeavor to include all the great new stuff coming out of studios, clubs and garages around the world.
It has been quite an adventure, you could say a little crazy - but now that we've created this extraordinary collection of music analysis, we think we can help be your guide as you explore your favorite parts of the music universe.

We hope you enjoy the journey.

Tim Westergren
Founder - The Music Genome Project

Restaurant in hot water for charging 10 sen more

The Star reports that a restaurant operator will be prosecuted for charging a Perak Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs enforcement officer 10 sen extra for roti canai. I suppose this is the state government's way of taking care of the rakyat's pockets from the effects of the 30 sen increase in petrol... But let's get a few things straight. Prices have been going up everywhere since the announcement and all the state department has to show is this?

Furthermore, I am not sure what rules enforcement officers will use, but unless the terms of engagement are made clear, the likelihood of abuse is real and very unfortunate for local business.

Ageing Ipoh

Old town looks the same, perhaps a little more run down than before... I found it funny when the thought crossed my mind. You see, driving around in Ipoh last weekend, one could not help but notice the number of cars and new developments, especially in more popular suburbs like Ipoh Garden East. Even the roads leading along DR Park into the city centre branched into a myriad of lanes that had me confused somewhat.

The drive around town jogged some memories from my youth. St Michael's Institution never looked so good in my mind, my alma mater standing proudly over the Ipoh Padang. And there was Kong Heng, the House of Mirrors complete with the insistent satay man, still pushing sticks in my face. But yes, "uncle" looked a lot older under closer scrutiny...

Despite the development around town, and obvious efforts to spruce up its image, the cracks remain subtle but real. The people seem older and the air of a more familiar past lingers as if to remind me of my younger days. Yes, Ipoh does feel a lot older...

MCMC Should Be MMCC...

Today's 3G farce only reinforces my opinion that the so-called Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission is not only ignorant, it has crossed the lines of logic.

In what MCMC described as a "beauty contest" the criteria was not the highest bidder, but rather the complete package.

But a look at TTDotcom Sdn Bhd whose past association with the mobile industry is its shareholders' loss and Maxis' gain. MiTV Corporation Sdn Bhd on the other hand whose very existence is threatened by the Almighty Astro. Put the 2 side by side with Digi Telecommunications, a leading player in the mobile market with some decent ARPUs to show.

Now, how on earth did MCMC come to this "logical" conclusion? Somehow I am assuredly confident that Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson could make a better decision in comparison...

There is no basis for this result, and only fuels bad news for corporate Malaysia...

The Uglier Malaysia

The Star headlines reads "Lorryman killed, rush for squids in multiple crash" and my first thought was that it was journalistic sensationalism. It was neither sensational nor in good taste as far as I am concerned. To think that in a fatal accident such as this, Malaysians were more interested in getting a free meal... wonder if the squid is still as tasty now?

Petrol Takes a Hike

Been reading with amusement the spin doctors and the thought that keeps returning to my mind is this:

Why are we not bringing in the Prius or any other hybrid cars?

Maintenance Guideline Long Overdue

Maintenance guidelines out soon reports the Star and I can't help thinking this is long overdue. The question is whether it's just a matter of public buildings or should it also involve facilities, systems and everything else that tax payers monies are used for...

New Style of Leadership?

Hold on... there's not going to be a real Cabinet reshuffle...

The Star writes "Cabinet okays new styles for official functions" and I wonder, "why not?" Quickest way to project a difference in leadership style...

The Price to Pay...

In memory of Darren Kang, Chee Gaik Yap, Canny Ong... and the many young people who have had their lifes snuffed out brutally.

The idea that the perpetrators of Darren Kang's muder would only serve 5 years' prison for manslaughter only renews my conviction that Malaysia is not nearly as safe today as many believe. The argument for the plaintiffs was that Darren had contributed to the situation by actively pursing the matter while being under the influence of alcohol, apparently 3 times the legal limit for drivers. If indeed this was so, how could 5 men not overpower one drunk youth as opposed to beating him to death? Perhaps, as the defence put it, the 5 were from underpriviledged homes with little education (between form 2-6) and therefore it is justification for the obvious leniency... and while I read all this, ask myself if this was really manslaughter or murder...?

Experience Triumphs Over the Need for Fresh Blood

The press has been featuring articles in support of the recent cabinet reshuffle. Truth be told however, many people are privately dismayed that in spite of so many contentious issues cropping up in recent months, the reshuffle, if indeed it even qualified to be know as such, was an anti-climax of perplexing proportions.

Someone even labeled it Kabinet Dapor... which ventures the question why?

For a country celebrating 49 years of independence this year, are we so lacking the necessary new blood that the country yearns for to rejuvenate the country? Search, but not too hard, and you cannot help but realise debate is alive, if only a bit muddy from being kept underground for most times.

We have rising new leaders who are not afraid to be right and I would prefer these any days to those who dare you to prove them so obviously wrong...

SUSOM - Still Utterly Special Old Mates

It's hard to imagine that it's been more than a decade since all 7 of us got together. Scripture Union Students' On Mission or SUSOM - more often just friends in spite of it all.

Where once we spent days on end together, the opportunity for reunion of old and very dear friends is becoming increasingly difficult. I remember lying under the moonlit skies, sharing what little food we could afford to buy and laughing as if we were made for laughter... Today, that sky is a roof we call home, food is purchased in excess, but I wonder where the laughter really went?

I still see some of the guys on the rare ocassion - Mike had the heart to buy me a cup of coffe one day after my birthday; and realise that we aren't the same seven young people who came together then... whatever it is I guess change is inevitable.

But the good thing is, we're still friends. There's no conditions attached to the joy I get from seeing each one of them. Perhaps when we meet this time, I will attest that the laughter never really went away, I just forgot where to look... Michael, Teng, Mei Yee, Ricky, Peter, Aaron and Jeffrey - somehow there's a special ring to it that makes it so special, at least for me.

Blue Paints Others Green...

John Terry claims that recent criticisms directed at the Blues are a result of jealousy rather than reality. Terry or Dickhead as some have come to call him, refers to the last 5 or 6 years in which no other English team has done better. Well, unless he is referring to Venus-years, perhaps he should compare the trophy cabinets of Chelsea versus that of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in the last 5 years before stroking his ... er... ego...

But the fool am I. With Abromovic's rubbles, history can be refurbished and the likes of United's 1999 treble, Liverpool's cup treble and Arsenal's season unbeaten are best left in the forgotten gutters of football.

MU & What IF?

Manchester United and...

... what IF... the draw with Burton Albion was a deliberate decision to ensure another match and thus more takings at the gate to make up for the Champions League short fall?

... what IF... the current results are a ploy to force the Glazers to put in the money for team rebuilding?

... what IF... I finally run out of ways to defend this club that I love... sigh...

A Sudden Darkness to Greet the New Year

I started the year by going to a funeral of someone whom I'd never known until today. He was the brother of a friend.

Although in this case, it was a horrific accident, the sight of his flower covered coffin was a stark, and perhaps timely reminder to me to make good my pledge to make a change in my lifestyle.

I think of my lovely wife, my precious Evelyn and the excitement of expecting Josiah into our arms... and realise that it would be selfish of me to not try and secure a future with them.

Somewhere, sometime, I am sure we have heard the expression that our lives are like candles in the wind, easily snuffed by the blinded wind. Yet for some, more than others, the darkness thereafter is felt a lot more.