Best Olympic Opening Ceremony ever....... NOT!

Two years ago when the missus and I were in Guilin China, we attended a stage performance called "Dreamlike Lijiang" which is a ballet-circus performance. I was very impressed by the way they used the effects of light, sound and LCD projections in the show which gave us all a very big Wow-effect. I remember telling MrsW that multiply this by a thousand times and we can imagine what is in store at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremony.

Fast forward to 8-8-2008... Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony.

The 2008 drummers doing the countdown in the dark was really cool and spectacular. So is the subsequent performances and the fireworks display. The use of huge number of performers and the high tech tools used in the cinematic projections and sound achieved the desired wow-effect.

The lighting of the Olympic cauldron is not bad. Note that I say not bad. There is no uncertainty to rival the Flaming Arrow of Barcelona '92 thus it can never be the best flame lighting ever. It was all done with wires ala Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon style. I was quite impressed, probably due to the emotional effect of the music during Li Ning's final "run" around the stadium's rim while suspended on wires. 

Second best of all time, I rated it. Sydney 2000's flame lighting could have won second place outright if not for the 10 minute glitch when the "flying saucer" cauldron refused to travel upwards after Cathy Freemen lighted it.

Overall a very good opening ceremony, I told myself that night.

Until yesterday.

Read on the 'Net that the 29 Foot Prints fireworks we all saw on live TV during the opening ceremony is not really live after all. What we all saw was a 55 second long animated fireworks video inserted into the live TV feed showing the 29 foot prints walking from Tiananmen Square to the Bird nest stadium. The reason given was that it is not possible to film all the 29 fireworks explosions from the air in a helicopter due to safety reasons, thus they spent a year creating this animation of the same. The fireworks did happen that night. It is just that what we saw on TV was not the real thing. Hell, they could have filmed it from the ground. You are telling me China cannot afford 29 TV transmission trucks?

Ok, maybe, just maybe I can live with that. I was real impressed by what I saw on TV and when the news came out I was disappointed but I can live with it because it did happen. It is just a technicality.

Until this morning.

My good friend Rkaru text me that the little girl in the red dress who sang on stage when China's flag was brought in did not really sing the song. She lip-synced. Fine, I said. Maybe her voice is too weak to be heard in such a big stadium. Then he told me she did a Milli Vanili on us. Even the voice that we heard that night was not hers. Another girl sang it but she was not allowed to appear that night because she has crooked teeth!

What the hell?

Worse still, the opening ceremony music director actually said this : "It was for the national interest. The child on camera should be flawless in image, internal feelings and expression."

Hello? I remember a certain country in Europe used to think like that too in the late 30s and early 40s. Does Nazi Germany ring any bells?

It is wrong! Absolutely morally wrong to do it that way. But then the organizers don't see it the way I did. They probably felt it is nothing wrong to fake a bit in their search for a perfect opening ceremony. To them I say they still have a lot to learn.

This Milli Vanili thingy left a bad taste. So what else is faked? Maybe there were no 2008 drummers? Maybe there was only 208, the rest were animations? Maybe their president who opened the Games is faked too? Athens 2004 was not really spectacular but at least there's no scams like these.

I don't know. I will still watch the Games, if only for the sporting performances. As for the closing ceremony, maybe I will watch it, maybe I won't. But if I do, a doubt will always exist in my mind : okay, is this part faked?

China, you have ruined my Olympic experience.

Welcome to Zimlaysia

Coincidence?

The moment they announce today the nomination/polling day for a certain area whose representative has vacated recently, immediate someone was told to appear in court to be charged for a certain matter tomorrow.

Is it because it has now become a Do-also-die-but don't-do-also-die situation, so might as well all die together? 

Coincidence? If it is a coincidence, I am still a 45 year old virgin.

Mugabe, you seem to have a lot of fans in high places over here.

Best Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony Ever!

Last night on satellite TV's "Reflections of Summer", Barcelona Olympics 1992...

Wombat : "Gather round kids, I want you to watch this."

Little Wombat (17 yrs) : "Watch what Daddy?"

Wombat : "How the Olympic Flame at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics was lit. You were only 1 year old then."

microWombie (7 yrs) : "What's an Olympic Flame Daddy?"

Wombat : "It is a huge cauldron at the stadium where the flame will burn throughout the whole Olympic festival. It will only be extinguished during the closing ceremony."

Little Wombat : "I have seen some of those. I remember the Sydney 2000 Olympics where Cathy Freeman lighted the flame around a pool of water and then the cauldron rose up to the top like a flying saucer. I also remember the Athens 2004 one where the cauldron is like a bowing giant cigar."

Wombat : "Those two, my children, are nothing compared to this one you are going to see."

microWombie : "What else can top the flying saucer and the bowing cigar?"

Wombat : "Aiya just watch lah. And don't blink. You will miss the magic moment."

As the last torch bearer, basketball player Juan Antonio San Epifanio lighted the arrow tip of Paralympic games archer Antonio Rebollo, who then turned and aimed the flaming arrow at the olympic cauldron located 100 meters high, the Wombats held their breath---

*Twang* 

The flaming arrow shot upwards in a parabolic arc, pass over the cauldron and the Olympic flame is lighted.

Little Wombat/microWombie : "WOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!! THAT WAS COOL!!"

Wombat : "What is so great about your flying saucer and bowing cigar now eh?"

microWombie : "Unbelievable!"

Little Wombat : "Mein gott! Woooooowee!"

Wombat (a tear well up in left eye) : "Listen up kids. Someday when Daddy is no longer around, and you two have kids of your own, you must promise me you will always show them this moment. Okay?"

LW/mW : "Yes Daddy. We will make it a tradition."

You think this is your father's country ah???

The subject of illegal immigrants (PTIs) in Sabah has been a hot topic in the media lately. Everyone had their say so now it is my turn.

I believe if one is in this country illegally, one should either leave or get deported when caught. Logic tells you that it is true. If I enter your house and you do not know me, you will chase me off or even call the cops. If I were to squat on your land without your permission, you will charge me for trespassing. So why is it okay if PTIs come in to Sabah and refuse to leave?

The situation in our state is reaching a very serious situation right now. All that has been done to encourage the influx of PTIs in the 80s and 90s are now chickens coming home to roost. Whatever agenda some people had that resulted in this has been talked to death, but now it is time to decide what we are going to do about it.

Of course the obvious solution is deportation.  Flush them out and deport. But this easier said than done. The political will is simply not there. All the promises are designed to buy time, hoping we will cool down if this is dragged long enough.

The other reason probably is this : The powers that be finally realize that this problem has grown into a Godzila-size monster. How do you catch and deport a million PTIs without any problems? How can they ensure that nothing untoward will happen?

But it has to be done, like it or not. Bite the bullet, as they say.

My wife is a foreigner. Her stay here is sponsored by me on a spouse visa, renewable yearly. When she first arrived, the number of hoops we were made to jump through by the immigration authorities were depressing. This form, that form, wedding photos, more forms, monetary deposits (which I can get back the day I divorce her. Hah!) etc.  Worse, the danger of forgetting to renew her visa yearly. In 2001 when my son was born, I forgot to renew her visa by just 3 days and I was compounded RM3000 (US$900). No appeal allowed. She is in this country for at least 10 years legally and yet she still hasn't got her PR.

Yet, some people from a neighboring country can sneak in, get a job, earn a salary, maybe even buy a fake or given genuine identity card, utilize hospital and educational facilities that my tax money is paying for and now some of the powers that be expect me to pity them?

There were statements from some NGOs that we should not deport those PTIs who are in this state for a long time because it is inhumane. When my wife got compounded RM3000 when I could not afford it just because she missed her visa renewal by 3 days did anyone say it is inhumane? When we were kicked from one corner of the immigration department to another corner did anyone say it is inhumane? When these PTIs came to my house and stole our stuffs did anyone say it is inhumane to us?

Nowadays I often shudder to think when I die and go to that big burrow in the sky, what kind of future my children has in this state? If things do not change I doubt they have much of a future. That's the scary part.

So to all those do-gooders I have this to tell you all :

If you think catching and deporting PTIs is inhumane, perhaps we should send them to live with you in your part of Malaysia. Especially those who are jobless, has no sense of hygiene, commit crimes and yell in your face that they own this country. Then you tell me how it feels.

If you think those stateless children left behind by their deported parents are pitiful and deserved to be made Malaysian citizens, then why don't you adopt a few? Wait until the day they steal everything from your house or they slit your throat in your sleep then you tell me if they are pitiful.

If you think those who have stayed here illegally long enough should be made permanent residents, then perhaps they should move into your neighborhood. You are telling us that as long as they hide long enough and don't get caught, it is okay? In developed countries even if you hide for 30 years and got caught, you still get deported.

One day, one of them, especially those who allegedly given genuine identity cards for whatever reasons best known to the powers that be, will ascend to political circles of this country. They may become town councilors, state assemblymen, member of parliament, ministers, chief minister, maybe even prime minister. Far fetched? What's so far fetched about that? He has a genuine identity card thus a citizen despite being a foreigner. This identity card is his license to go anywhere, do anything legal, buy property, spend your tax money, run for political office and maybe even marry your daughter. Now suddenly that's not so far fetched now is it?

I have news for you. Since genuine identity cards were allegedly given out to these PTIs in the 80s and 90s, I bet many of them are already in West Malaysia, doing perfectly legal things. It is now 2008. Where are they? Who are they? Nobody knows. No one will ever know as long as the powers that be refuse to deal with this problem. You still think it is a Sabah problem, when in fact they are already amongst you all. 

Think about it. Before it is too late.

What a week for Sports

It was a great week for sports, almost.

Spain won Euro 2008, as predicted by me earlier.

Louis Hamilton won the British Grand Prix in the rain with some very good precision driving.

Rafa Nadal won Wimbledon by playing one of the best match Wimbledon has ever seen. He has to win it sooner or later, next year if not this year.

Unfortunately, one of the Williams sisters won the Wimbledon Ladies Final. Urgh.

So, no other significant sporting event in the near future I can see. How to survive until 16th August 2008?

Ouch my eyes!!!!

Today I am going to rant about drivers who use HID car headlights.

Yes, you know who you are. You who think that having white light instead of yellowish light coming out from your car's headlights are cool. I have a bone to pick with you. In fact, I feel like breaking your car headlights with a baseball bat.

Okay, some pre-mumbles. Normal car headlights give out a yellowish light. However, some premium brands such as Mercedes Benz and BMW offers HID (High intensity discharge) or Xenon headlights in certain models. The colour of the light is white instead of yellow.

Then, there are a bunch of wankers who obviously cannot afford a Mercedes or a BMW, who went and replace the halogen bulbs in their headlights with HID light bulbs. This way they also can get a white light and feel real cool.

So what's my problem? 

Well, if I drive at night and meet a Mercedes with original factory fitted HID lights coming towards me, this is what I will see :

However, if an Ah Beng drive towards me with after-market fitted HID lights on his crap Proton, this is what I will see :

Why the difference? Well, original factory fitted HID lights come with properly designed reflectors so that the white light gets projected in a straight line, lighting up only what is important ahead. However, the after-market HID light only involve changing the light bulb, and the reflector is never changed thus resulting in white light being scattered and reflected all over the place, blinding every driver they meet.

Of course these cheapskate drivers do not realize this problem, or couldn't care less as long as they think they look cool and it is just too bad if everyone else runs the risk of getting into accidents just because they cannot see the road in front for 5 seconds.

I really hope that the relevant authorities will ban all these after-market HID lights that's not properly installed. 

So if you have after-market HID light bulbs installed n your car, and wonder why everyone is flashing their headlights at you, it is not because they think your white light is cool looking. They are trying to tell you that you are an inconsiderate twit.

Torres 1 - Germany 0

Euro 2008 Final : Spain 1 - Germany 0.

I kept the faith. Months ago before Euro 2008 started, I said since England is out, I will go for Spain to win it. And they did, with tons of class too.

Who scored the winning goal? Fernando Torres, striker extraordinaire. It wasn't some kind of el-cheapo goal. It was sheer class, power and skill. He literally out-muscled and out-ran Philipp Lahm on his way to goal before putting it in the net. I have seen this type of goals from Torres a lot during the recent EPL season, and it is always a joy to watch. When he starts his run you always have a feeling that it is going to be a goal. It is the kind of feeling you don't get to feel much nowadays in soccer matches.

I simply could not resist this dig : To a certain footballer wearing the No. 7 MU jersey I ask - Who's the greatest footballer in the world now eh?

Highway To Hell

Finally I am going to rant about the miserable condition of Jeroco Road, Lahad Datu.

I have been traveling on this unsurfaced road since 1987 in the course of my work every week. Jeroco Road is a 45 km long road located near Lahad Datu and basically connects an area that has about 10 palm oil mills and countless oil palm estates. The road belongs to the government and maintenance is supposed to be done by the relevant government department which I believe is JKR (Public Works Department.)

As an unsurfaced road, it is natural to expect muddy conditions from time to time especially during the monsoon season at year end. Each time it gets repaired and the most one will suffer bad road conditions is a month or two.

However this year something about the maintenance program has changed. The road is allowed to deteriorate such that it is unusable in many stretches and no maintenance is being done to repair the road structures. Some patches are so bad you can drive a pick-up truck into it and you won't be able to see the truck from the road side. It is that deep.

Tankers, trucks, lorries, pick-ups often are jammed up at a bad patch for days on end. All that's being done is a few JCB back hoes around to pull the vehicles through and if it rains, the situation gets worse. In fact nobody will even think of driving there if they see black clouds in the sky. 

The photo below shows only the mild patch, not the bad:

Yesterday I had to travel on this road to attend to an appointment. It took me 4 hours to travel 40 km. It was so bad that on my way back I took a detour via another road which took me 5 hours to reach Lahad Datu. Well, at least the ferry ride along the detour was refreshing:

It is incomprehensible that such an important access road is not been given the attention it deserves. Numerous complaints have been made to the local authorities, newspapers, even TV3. Numerous promises have been made by blood sucking parasites--- oops I mean politicians that the whole road will be surfaced with asphalt before every general election for the past 21 years and so far only 10 km was surfaced and that's the area that hardly deteriorates.

The best thing is, it's been alleged that the local MP for the area, when asked why the Jeroco Road is not being repaired since it is such an important access road, he allegedly asked "Is that road under the jurisdiction of the government?" 

Clueless. TOTALLY CLUELESS!!!

Of this and that.

David Cook won American Idol Season 7 by 12 million votes. I was sure he will lose because there's simply no defense against 50 million screaming hormones who will vote for David Archuleta. I guess finally American made the right choice after so many seasons of big mistakes. (Anyone remember Taylor Hicks? See?)

So M*n U*d won the Champions League. No hair off my back. At least I have the pleasure of seeing Ronaldo's extremely embarrassed face when he missed his penalty. Likewise the joy of seeing Drogba sent off and John "We are supposed to win" Terry slipped and landed on his ass during his penalty. Proved that Liverpool's win against AC Milan is still the better lottery draw, and they even threw in six minutes of madness as a bonus.

The school holiday starts tomorrow and the missus is dreading having a 17 year old teenager and a 7 year old kid in the house all day long. Luckily I have to work.

Is it just me or Star World on Astro has canned Bionic Woman for the past month and I didn't even realize it?

The football season is now ended. No EPL and ChLg for two months, and Euro 2008 will be telecast live at insane time of the morning. Maybe it is time to root for Nadal to beat Federer again.

American Idol : And then there are two...

So it is down to the last two contestants on American Idol : David Cook and David Archuleta. 

Yes, Syesha was sent home today. I didn't expect her to to be able to make the cut because David Cook simply is better than her and David Archuleta has 30 million moist panties cheering for him.

My vote is for David Cook to win the Finale because I just realized last night during the Top-3 that Archuleta can only sing ballads very well. He's turning into a new version of Air Supply! His choice of songs are no longer a breath of fresh air. They are becoming stale. But the 30 million wet dreams will vote for him anyway. I just hope Syesha's voters will swing to Cook for the Finale.

As for Cook himself, he is almost as good as Bo Bice (Note I say almost as good, not just as good). Give him any song and he will work something out with it. Witness Roberta Flack's "The first time I ever saw your face". I was telling the missus no way Cook can bring that off cos it is such a foofoo song. Cook did and I am still picking up my jaw from the floor.

Likewise Aerosmith's "I don't wanna miss a thing". I think even the asteroid will change course after hearing Cook giving it his own treatment. It was that good.

So, it is David Cook to win American Idol this season.

New Toy

I finally got tired of carrying two cellphones everyday.

Two phones? Yes, one for business calls (an SE-S500i) and one for personal calls/SMSs (SE-K800i). I do a lot of personal SMSs, close to about 1000 a month and I don't think my boss will appreciate that if I do it on company account. Morever, I finally has finished with my phase of playing with the latest cell phones.

So I went and bought a Samsung SGH-D880 DuoS. It is the only cellphone currently available that can hold two SIM cards. Yes I know you can buy such dual SIM phones in China but I just couldn't see myself using a phone with a brand name like "Bird" or "Red Flower".

Basically the D880 can hold two SIM cards thus enabling me to make/receive calls and SMSs on either of the two phone numbers, without having to swap SIM cards manually. Switching SIM cards involves pressing a button on the side of the phone and there is no need to reboot the phone to the sim card you wanted. I discovered this undocumented feature tonight after reading some reviews of the D880 on the 'Net. You only need to reboot if you want to specify which sim card to be the primary line. I am not surprised about this undocumented feature because the Samsung phone manual that came with the phone is hopelessly small and thin. 

The phone is a slider and has a large screen which is very handy for browsing the 'Net. It is not a 3G phone (up to 2.5G) but has most of the features commonly found in phones today except for wifi and infrared.

The menu system is almost the same as Sony-Ericsson's but require a bit of retraining. Sound is okay but will never be able to beat SE's. The only beef I have is that the four preset midi SMS alert tones cannot be replaced at all.

The T9 predictive text input is not as good as SE's but miles better as Motorola's crap T9 system. 

I have been using this phone for the past two weeks and so far I would say I am happy with it. I just need a phone to make calls and do SMSs. I don't need it to play music, make a epic movie, tell me where I am on planet Earth or cook me fish and chips.

I think the D880 will suit me just fine. For now.

Until Apple releases the next new model of the iPhone.

Astro Gold-coloured Stupid Card

Tonight, 7.45pm...

Okay, Astro sent me this new gold-coloured smart card to replace the old one in my living room decoder. Says here in the printed instruction that it is going to be an easy four steps.

Right. Remove old smart card. Insert new smart card. Decoder auto updated itself within a minute. Switch on decoder again. TV shows "Please insert smart card" message. No channels can be viewed. All displayed same message. 

Ok. Repeat above steps again. Same result. The time is now 8.00pm. Liverpool is scheduled to kick-off at Anfield in 25 minutes time. Picks up phone and called Astro hot line.

Me : (Yada yada yada explained problem)

Astro lady : Okay sir, now you try this : Switch off your main plug for the TV and Astro and wait for 3 minutes. Then switch it back on, and press 880 and you will see a screen containing "Please insert your new smart card yada yada yada and then press OK". Do not press OK, just let the screen alone for 10 to 15 minutes. The decoder will then reboot and display the time. You then turn it on and you should be able to view the channels.

Me : Are you absolutely sure? I have a football match kicking off in 20 minutes and no self respecting Liverpool fan will ever miss a match except for funerals. We are not Chelsea fans.

Astro lady : It will be ok.

Me : Fine. (and proceed to wait 20 minutes and still nothing happened).

At 8.25pm...

Me : Stuff this. I am watching the match up stairs on the second decoder and the 14" TV. 

At half time....

TV downstairs still showing the stupid screen and nothing happened. Proceed to call Astro again.

Astro : Good evening sir. How can I assist you?

Me : I want to speak to someone about your Astro gold-coloured STUPID card!

Astro : Err... you mean the new smart card sir?

Me : No. I mean the new STUPID card.

Astro : Ok ok, I get the message. What's the problem?

Me : *sigh* (Explains problem again while vomiting batteries)

Astro : Ok sir, now listen to me please. Follow these instructions.

Me : *sigh* Yes, I know. Off the power to TV and the Astro decoder.

Astro : Yes. Then please hold until I get back to you.

Me : Make it fast. Liverpool is kicking off second half in 10 minutes. I miss a goal and you will die.

Astro : Now switch on the power. On the Astro with your remote. Insert the old smart card back. What do you see?

Me : I see Steve McMahon trying to be a football expert and failing miserably at it.

Astro : *Laughs* Ok. Now remove the old card and insert the new card. Then press 880.

Me : Ok.

Astro : Now press OK. What do you see?

Me : The screen says the new smart card will update my decoder yada yada yada and got another OK button at the bottom.

Astro : Ok. Press OK again. What do you see now?

Me : The TV goes blank and the decoder is showing AUTO UPDATE in its display.

Astro : Yes. That will go on for the next 15 minutes or so and you should be able to view your channels when it is over.

Me : Really? Looks like the lady earlier gave me the wrong instructions totally. You guys did not train them properly meh?

Astro : Well, sometimes we can get it wrong. Anything else I can help you with?

Me : Err... no. Look, you have been a great help. Sorry for being rough just now.

Astro : No problem sir. And I hope Liverpool will beat Blackburn too.

Me : You a Reds fan too?

Astro : Dyed in the wool Anfield Red all the way sir. Good night.

Me : Good night. *click*

What a nice morning at Anfield

Before the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final between Arsenal - Liverpool at Emirates Stadium a week ago...

Pundits : Arsenal will win this one. They have too much talent and playing so well not to win it.

Arsenal 1 - Liverpool 1

--------------------------------------

Before last Saturday's EPL match between Arsenal - Liverpool at Emirates Stadium...

Pundits : Arsenal will win this one. They have to win it if they want to have the slimmest hope left to win the EPL tile. Liverpool will obviously field a weakened side in order to rest their main players for the UEFA Champions League quater-final return leg.

Arsenal 1 - Liverpool Reserve Team 1

--------------------------------------

Before last night's second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final between Arsenal - Liverpool at Anfield Stadium...

Pundits : Arsenal will win this one for sure. After the disappointing results of the last 2 matches, they will be very motivated and fired up to win this match in order to salvage their season.

Liverpool 4 - Arsenal 2. (Liverpool won on 5-3 aggregate and progress to Semi Final against Chelsea)

Wombie : Okay pundits, who wants the crow with tomato sauce first?

Arsenal 1 - Liverpool Reserve Team 1

EPL on Saturday 5-4-2008.

It was a match that Liverpool can afford to lose but Arsenal can't.

The second match in the so called Arsenal-Liverpool Trilogy/Trinity, this match is a distraction from the other two UEFA Champions League quarter final matches involving both teams within a week.

If Liverpool loses this one, no big deal. If Arsenal loses or even draw, they can kiss their EPL title hopes or whatever's left of it goodbye.

So what did Rafa Benetez do in a situation like this? Rotation! He fielded eight non-regular players such as Crouch, Pennant, Benayoun, Riise, Lucas, Plessi (who?), and even Voronin the Potato had a go as a sub.

Arsene Wenger rested some of his regulars too, for what reason I do not know. I thought he still wanted to win the EPL title. 

Liverpool totally dominated the first half and had a goal by Crouch to show as well. Suddenly the prospect of this back-up team actually winning the match became very real. Unfortunately Arsenal got one goal back to equalize in the second half.

Later on in the second half Wenger started to field his regulars when he realized his dream of an EPL title is fading by the minute, but it is already too late even though Arsenal threw everything including the kitchen sink at the Liverpool goal.

To further aggravate Wenger's pain, Rafa threw on Torres and Gerrard with 15 minutes to go, trying to steal a win from under Wenger's nose, and would have done so had Voronin did not miss a big chance at goal. Now you know why I call him The Potato. He's that clumsy!

The match ended a 1-1 draw, but it might as well has been a defeat in Arsenal's eyes. Their prospect of winning the second leg of the Champions League match at Liverpool's Anfield this Tuesday may be in doubt, since they could not even beat a Liverpool Reserve team in their own backyard.

Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917 - 2008)

Sir Arthur C. Clarke died in Sri Lanka on 19th March 2008.

Sir Arthur C. Clarke (1917 - 2008)

I first started reading science fiction (Sci-Fi) when I was fifteen, and my first sci-fi author was the late Isaac Asimov and his first book I read was the "Foundation" series. It introduced me to the amazing world of sci-fi. I then moved on to the "Robots" series and his other works.

The second sci-fi author I read was Arthur C. Clarke and his book "2001 - A Space Odyssey". I even saw the movie version directed by the late Stanley Kubrick. I found the book and the movie real deep stuff and it took me quite some time to understand its real significance. Clarke then wrote three more sequels to "2001" and I read them all, along with his other works.

During the late '80s, my friend B.C. Yap further broadened my sci-fi horizons by introducing me to other sci-fi authors such as Fred Saberhagen and Larry Niven/Jerry Pournell, and also the Fantasy genre with authors like Anne McCaffrey and Piers Anthony and I bought Sci-Fi/Fantasy books by the truck loads.

I haven't bought a sci-fi novel for a while now as I am getting on in age and my taste in reading has moved on to other things such as "Ten ways to discipline your children effectively".

However, Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov will remain in my heart as the two greatest sci-fi writer ever lived, IMHO.

Asimov's works tend to be easier reading compared to Clarke's, and Asimov's effort in tying up the last chapter of the Foundation series to the Robots series is nothing short of genius. No spoilers here, you will have to read both series yourself if you don't already know the story but the ending is worth the wait. There are probably 10 to 12 books involved.

Clarke's works are deeper, in my view. The "2001" series was one, and then the "Rama" series plus many others.

Clarke also predicted the synchronously positioned satellite and worked out the mathematics for it. However he did not take out a patent for it, and the satellite industry is a multi billion dollar business today. All he got was a 15 dollars payment for writing the paper.

So now both my fave sci-fi authors are gone. There will never be writers like these two, me thinks. I thank them for filling me with awe and wonder during my growing-up phase and they still do whenever I re-read their books in my library.

Rest in peace, Arthur C. Clarke. You are approaching Star Gate. A new journey begins.

45 not out.

I am 45 years old today.

Even though I am now 45 :

1) I have not retired yet. When I was 24 I told myself I will retire at 40 and go fish for trout in Australia.

2) I am still not yet a politician so that I can plunder the state's money.

3) I still do not own a Porsche 911, which I once swore I will before I die.

4) I do not have an Istana Wombat, with 25 bedrooms and 30 bathrooms.

5) I still work for other people.

But :

1) I am happy I am still in good health.

2) I have a wonderful wife and kids.

3) I am happy at work.

4) I am glad that I have a lot of friends both near and afar.

Life, is how you want it to be.

Now onto that half-century.

Wind Of Change

I am sure a lot of members of a certain political coalition woke up this morning saying "Did a freight train just ran over us?".

Yes, it was a freight train long time coming, it is just that these people were too blind to see it due to lots of reasons.

To the opposing forces I say congratulations, and I hope they can show the people how things can be done differently without resorting to immature concepts of the past. They have 5 years to do it, and if they screw up, they have only themselves to blame.

To the ruling forces I say it is time to wake up, take stock of your defeats and do what that needs to be done to make things right. You know what the people want. Politics of punishment will not work anymore, because if you try, in 5 years time the freight train will be even larger and you will be out of a job.

We are no longer lambs to the slaughter. Wake up now.

Good on yer', Malaysia.

Tagged again *sigh*

Haven't been tagged by anyone for a while and what did I get when I visit The Dude's blog? I have been tagged! Aaaaaaarrgh!

Well, here goes.

1. Name one person who made you laugh last night?
Ryan Seacrest with his "Dresses" jokes during American Idol Ladies Top-10 night.

2. What were you doing at 0800?
Having noodles and Nescafe black with two Equal tablets for breakfast.

3. What were you doing 30 minutes ago?
Looking through American Express' reward points redemption catalogue. I will be able to redeem that 42" LCD TV in the year 3008.

4. What happened to you in 2006?
I am getting old. I could not recall a darn thing from 2006. I couldn't even remember what I ate last Friday.

5. What was the last thing you said out loud?
"What the fark you call this? You call this work? My son can work better than you!"

6. How many beverages did you have today?
Nescafe black and a Pepsi at KFC. A Mr. Brown Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee at home.

7. What color is your hairbrush?
For obvious reason, I don't have one.

8. What was the last thing you paid for?
RM 14.75 for my KFC lunch.

9. Where were you last night?
At home.

10. What color is your front door?
Mistral blue.

11. Where do you keep your change?
My coin pocket in my pants.

12. What’s the weather like today?
Warm and humid. I was hoping for a meteorite to hit.

13. What’s the best ice-cream flavor?
Chocolate rum.

14. What excites you?
Anything Mac/Apple. Lingerie. Liverpool matches.

15. Do you want to cut your hair?
In about a week.

16. Are you over the age of 25?
Yes, I am 44. I will be 45 in 16 days' time.

17. Do you talk a lot?
I used to, but then I got cynical so nowadays I listen more.

18. Do you watch the O.C.?
WTF's that?

No?

Like I said, WTF--- oh never mind.

19. Do you know anyone named Steven?
Steven.... oh yes. In 1981 in Bangsar. Weird guy. I wonder where he is now.

20. Do you make up your own words?
Nope.

21. Are you a jealous person?
Once, when a guy tried to hit on MrsW before we got married. I could have tore out his heart and ate it raw.

22. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘A’.
The first thing that came to mind is Rkaru cos his last name starts with 'A'.

23. Name a friend whose name starts with the letter ‘K’
Again, Rkaru, cos his middle name starts with 'K'.

24. Who’s the first person on your received call list?
My daughter. She called from camp today.

25. What does the last text message you received say?
"Chuck Yaeger I know. The rest have to see face, then I know. Pity about Chuck though. He can sing but lacks charisma." from Rkaru.

26. Do you chew on your straw?
Nope.

27. Do you have curly hair?
My hair migrated south a longgggg time ago.

28. Where’s the next place you’re going to?
A coffee shop to listen to my informer about news of an impending Ewok rebellion.

29.Who’s the rudest person in your life?
Every single god damned driver that drive on the emergency lane while I am stuck in the morning traffic jam. I hope they all die soon.

30. What was the last thing you ate?
Two Colonel burgers. One Cheesy Wedges. One regular coleslaw.

31. Will you get married in the future?
Mrs Wombat : You just try.

32. What’s the best movie you’ve seen in the past 2 weeks?
Happy Feet. Honest!

33. Is there anyone you like right now?
Yes.

34. When was the last time you did the dishes?
I don't do dishes. I got married and also have a daughter for a reason.

35. Are you currently depressed?
Yes, because my candidate for the state assembly seat of Gum Gum withdrew from the general election at the last minute. He claimed he does not have his father's blessings to run. I say check his lifestyle for drastic changes over the next 6 months. Now I don't even have a chance to vote. Traitor!

36. Did you cry today?
No. I haven't cry since that day in October 1996.

37. Why did you answer and post this?
I haven't done a tagged posting for a long time.

38. Tag 5 people who would do this survey
1- dSaint
2- Doc
3- OrangUtan
4- Kay Kastum
5- Rkaru

American Idol : Ladies Top-10

Last night was the turn of the ladies to show their stuff on American Idol Top-10.

Honestly the last 12 of this season's female singers did not impress me much but after last night, I have found two or three to cheer for.

First up is the Irish rock chick, Carly Smithson. From the day she auditioned for A-Idol, I knew she can sing. Rumour has it that Carly has actually signed for a major label before and recorded an album which bombed. She's very good with songs by Heart, and last night's "Crazy For You" was very good. Problem is she cannot go on relying on Heart to pull her through. I wonder how she will do when the theme is disco.

Next is Brooke White. Earlier I said she looked like a Julia Roberts wannabe but last night she chose the perfect song to sing : Carly Simon's "You're So Vain". It suited her voice and Simon probably think the song is about him too.


Finally there's Ramiele Malubay. MrsW perked up her ears when she heard Ramiele said something in Tagalog. She asked me if Ramiele is Filipino. I said well she looks like one, sounds like one, so must be one. Ramiele sang Thelma Houston "Don't Leave Me This Way". Not bad, but she could have bettered it with more movement and more oomph in her voice. It is a song that deserves to be sing out loud. I heard Anita Sarawak sang it in the 1970s, and man, did she make it funky. I would like to believe she sang it better than Thelma Houston.


As with a lot of Filipina ladies, Ramiele has a very good voice. The only thing she needs now is to make sure she choose the right song week after week.

There you have it, my three ladies to cheer for this season plus Michael Johns and David Archuleta for the guys.


Now who screwed up big time last night? Amanda Overmyer. If there's one song you don't ever sing on A-Idol, it's Kansas' "Carry On Wayward Son". Yes it is a 70s rock song but it has too much instrumental breaks. Not a song to win votes. Kansas' "Play The Game Tonight" or "Crossfire" would have suited Amanda better, but too bad they were 80s songs.

American Idol - Season 7

Yes, American Idol is back, and is in its seventh season.

This season's finalists appear to be the most talented bunch by far, and there're no jokes like Shanjaya et. al. of seasons' past.

Last night was the men's Top-10 (70s Night) and already I have found my pet hates and potential talents to root for.

For talent, first up is Michael Johns. When this guy sang Bohemian Rhapsody during Hollywood week, my ears perked up and I said "I think I have found Constantin Murales No.2". Michael has a good voice, and his performance of "Light My Fire" last week showed he has the right stuff. However he can be weak in song selection as in last night's "Go your own way", a Fleetwood Mac classic. The vocal did not suit him. He later commented that he has always wanted to sing a Fleetwood Mac song on live TV, that's why he sang that.


Hasn't everyone learnt by now that at this stage of the competition you don't go and sing songs that you've always wanted to sing or your grandmother wanted you to sing, because you can get voted out if you end up screwing the song. You don't hear me sing Unchained Melody in karaokes, even though I have always wanted to sing it in public. If Michael is more careful with his song choices, he will go far.

Next, my Shanjaya for this season : Danny Noriega. I have developed a dislike for him because of what he did last week when he sang Elvis' "Jail House Rock" and Simon Cowell panned him as grotesque. He talked back like a smart-alec which is a no-no on this show, no matter how wrong one may think Simon's comments may be. Anyway, his Elvis performance is badddd and last night's "Superstar" was no better. He killed himself by trying too hard with all the vibrato effects and forgot to sing naturally.


And Danny has a very irritating obnoxious expression, which can turn a lot of people off. His talent is so so, so I expect him to last maybe a week more. My buddy Rkaru said it best in an sms : "Danny will be real popular in any prison." Go figure.

A rocker, David Cook, who played the guitar last night, sang Free's "All right now" and was quite good really, until he cut Simon off during Simon's comments by saying something that it is not Simon's vote that he needed but the viewers'. When I heard this I told the missus "This guy is dead. He should not have said that, and especially not by cutting the judge off mid sentence."


Yes, David Cook may not need Simon's vote, but Simon can weaken one's prospects by a few well placed scathing remarks. For David's information, no A-Idol contestant has ever went to the Finale by pissing Simon Cowell off and by being extremely smart-alec and obnoxious. Not a single one.

Which brings us to David Archuleta.

My bro Rkaru saw his performance during the live show earlier and sms-ed me to say that this is not to be missed. When David came on, and sang John Lennon's "Imagine", my jaw dropped onto the floor. This kid is only 17, man, and his voice defies belief! HE IS GOOD.


The judges went gaga, including Simon. David Archuleta will go very very far this season, and I dare even predict the Finale.

Best of all, David is neither smart-alec nor obnoxious, and has humility by the truck loads.