Friday, January 30, 2009

American Idol Season 8

The auditions in the various cities are over. They even went to Puerto Rico. duh....didn't know that PR is an American colony. whatever.

Starting next week is the Hollywood Rounds.....let the serious singing begins. No more freak shows, funny moments, wannabes singers who have delusions they are going to be the next Idol. hubbah. hubbah.

There are good singers and there are good singers with personalities plastered. Like the judges said ~ the contestants need to project themselves to be remembered.

Lil Rounds ~ the mother who has 3 kids and house was torn down during the hurricane. She sang good but she reminded me of LaToya London. And who can forget Melinda Doolittle. They can sing but personalities eliminated them.

Scott MacIntyre ~ will be watching this almost-blind guy closely. I will be disappointed if he doesn't make it to the top 24. Googling him brought news that he already has 5 albums, done concerts, featured in the news. not forgetting a full scholarship at Cambridge U. Question ~ should he qualify to enter Idol? Why not....who ever hears about Scott before his Idol's audition. Idol gives him the exposure. And everybody loves a contestant with a STORY. Hope he goes far in this season.......fingers crossed.

Anoop Desai ~ the Indian geeky look. Coming from his physical appearance, he has a wonderful voice. Will be interesting to see him in the top 36, even more in the top 24. I want to see him transformed. Remember Sanjaya, the mohawk hair guy with the crying forever teen girl fan.

Stevie Wright ~ the girl whose name was given by her parents after Stevie Nicks? who? She has a lovely voice.

Go to Youtube and check out these potentials sing.

Looking forward to Hollywood weeks.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Bless me

The Senility Prayer

God grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked, the good fortune to run into the people I do, and the eyesight to tell the difference.

=========================
Chestnut

A man comes home from work and finds his wife admiring her breasts in themirror. He asks, "What are you doing?"She replies, "I went to the doctor today, and he told me I have the breastsof a 25 year old."The husband retorts, "Well, what did he say about your 50 year old ass?"She replies, "Frankly dear, your name never came up."

==============================

And I woke up early, saw a nice four figure cheque given to me by darling hubby, switched on my pc....checked my account balance and saw a fat bonus credited. Sweet. What a birthday today. *grins*

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Jotting down and Obama again

Been hopping and reading the news all over, particularly on what President Obama has done so far since he sat in the Oval office over a week now.

Chatting with hubby:

me: what is it about the American people. everywhere I am reading, 8 years of
insufferable administration done by Bush? Now, they said need to clean his shit
of 8 years. why reelect him to 2nd term...would had been cleaner to deny him
another 4 years. then, 4 years shit to clean only.

hubby: you guys gave Pak Lah another 5 years? Even longer.......

me: not me!! I did the donkey vote to deny Pak Lah. And I have not seen the female
donkey's face since election and never seen nor read what she has done so far.

Enough said.
======================
In the meantime, this news is worthy to document in this blog and keeping tracks of what follows after.

Sourced from: The New York Times.
=======================
Obama Signals New Tone in Relations With Islamic World
By ALAN COWELL
Published: January 27, 2009

PARIS — In an interview with one of the Middle East’s major broadcasters, President Barack Obama struck a conciliatory tone toward the Islamic world, saying he wanted to persuade Muslims that “the Americans are not your enemy.” He also said “the moment is ripe” for negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians.

The interview with Al Arabiya, an Arabic-language news channel based in Dubai, signaled a shift — in style and manner at least — from the Bush administration, offering what he depicted as a new readiness to listen rather than dictate.

It was Mr. Obama’s first televised interview from the White House and the first with any foreign news outlet.

In a transcript published on Al Arabiya’s English language Web site, Mr. Obama said it is his job “to communicate to the Muslim world that the Americans are not your enemy.”

He added that “we sometimes make mistakes,” but said that America was not born as a colonial power and that he hoped for a restoration of “the same respect and partnership that America had with the Muslim world as recently as 20 or 30 years ago.”

Mr. Obama spoke as his special Middle East envoy, George J. Mitchell, arrived in Egypt to begin an eight-day tour that will include stops in Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, France and Britain. In Egypt, Mr. Mitchell planned to meet President Hosni Mubarak.

In discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Mr. Obama told Al Arabiya that “the most important thing is for the United States to get engaged right away.” He said that he told Mr. Mitchell to “start by listening, because all too often the United States starts by dictating.”
“Ultimately, we cannot tell either the Israelis or the Palestinians what’s best for them. They’re going to have to make some decisions,” Mr. Obama said. “But I do believe that the moment is ripe for both sides to realize that the path that they are on is not going to result in prosperity and security for their people. And that, instead, it’s time to return to the negotiating table.”

Several hours after he spoke on Monday night, an explosion on the Israel-Gaza border killed an Israeli soldier and threatened new violence. The war in Gaza, which lasted three weeks, had stopped 10 days ago when both sides declared unilateral cease fires. Mr. Obama said Israel “will not stop being a strong ally of the United States and I will continue to believe that Israel’s security is paramount. But I also believe that there are Israelis who recognize that it is important to achieve peace. They will be willing to make sacrifices if the time is appropriate and if there is serious partnership on the other side.”

He also said that although he would not put a time frame on it, he believed it was “possible for us to see a Palestinian state.” He described the state as one “that allows freedom of movement for its people, that allows for trade with other countries, that allows the creation of businesses and commerce so that people have a better life.”

But he also said the Israel-Palestine conflict should not be seen in isolation. “I do think it is impossible for us to think only in terms of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and not think in terms of what’s happening with Syria or Iran or Lebanon or Afghanistan and Pakistan,” Mr. Obama said.
He spoke at length about America’s future relationship with the Muslim world, saying his “job is to communicate to the American people that the Muslim world is filled with extraordinary people who simply want to live their lives and see their children live better lives.”
He drew a distinction between “extremist organizations” committed to violence and “people who may disagree with my administration and certain actions, or may have a particular viewpoint in terms of how their countries should develop.”

“We can have legitimate disagreements but still be respectful. I cannot respect terrorist organizations that would kill innocent civilians and we will hunt them down,” he said. “But to the broader Muslim world what we are going to be offering is a hand of friendship.”

He also said it was “important for us to be willing to talk to Iran, to express very clearly where our differences are, but where there are potential avenues for progress.”

“As I said during my inauguration speech, if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fist, they will find an extended hand from us,” he said.

He was not asked whether he would continue the policy of former President George Bush in refusing to exclude military action in the dispute over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

================================

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Movie Review:Frost/Nixon


Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the USA....embroiled in the scandals of the Watergate and causing his downfall to continue sitting in the Oval office. In history, he was the only American President who ever resigned from his post.

A pretty much predictable movie for those who know history, although I could not understand why this movie got nominated for Best Picture Oscar 2009. Nothing spectacular about the acting, the storyline, the directing. It's just scenes put forward for audiences to be reminded again of Richard Nixon. A matter of personal opinion if I may say. Much has been known that Nixon was paid $1 Million for this interview, took it lightly, thought this interview would launch him into the public life but instead was put in history records as the political pariah.

I like history. I like historical figures who made their impacts and footprints in defining history. Nixon is not new to the political world and the powers that come along with it. As ex-President of the most superpower house on this planet, his off-guard statement in regard to the Watergate scandal to David Frost:


"when the President does it, that means that it is not illegal"


Such profound statement. Such arrogance. Which is actually not surprising at all if we assess the local political scenes in Malaysia's own backyards. Every other day, we will be reading the behaviours, antics by our own politicians who think that just because they hold the powers in their hands, forgetting those who voted and gave them those keys, they are behaving exactly like Nixon. What they do, it seemingly does not appear illegal to their minds. You know who they are. 2 months from now, we are going to have the biggest tainted question-mark credibility man to head this government's administration.

Monday, January 26, 2009

This and that



Bathmat Mat Walks.
Isn't this a neat creative idea?
Would be great if I can buy one of them, but so expensive!! 29,95 € !!!!! That's 140 frigging ringgit!!! You can order from this site: http://www.design-3000.de/index.php?cl=details&ref=226152&affmt=2&affmn=10&anid=60f4978770dcfd743.88442516

It was designed and created as part of the project "Droog Hotel" in 2002. Droog Design asked designers for ideas how to upgrade a One-Star-Hotel. Mat Walk was a design for the hotelrooms' bathrooms. Won't it be nice to use one of these to wipe the floors after you mop them. Slippery wet floors will be a thing in the past!!.

This is good business idea.......I think I will experiment to sew one. have lots of those old towels which I can use. will update once i make them.
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

The Oscars 2009 nominates these movies:

Slumdog Millionaire
The Reader
Milk
Frost/Nixon
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Be it as it may, I personally think Milk deserves the oscar. But the little publicity movie, Slumdog Millonaire might win hands down.

And Sean Penn deserves to bring home the Best Actor's trophy. He missed his calling in "I am Sam". Although, it is possible the Oscar might go to Brad Pitt.

=============================================
Chestnut:
Rodney Dangerfield said: "My cousins gay, he went to London only to find out that Big Ben was a clock."

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Moooooo...moooo..

It's the Ox year come tomorrow, Monday. the 26th January.



===========================


I am a dog. An earth dog. woof. woof.

"People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people¡¦s confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit. "


True, true, true and true. I can be the most despicable bitch at times.



so what does the Ox offer me this year........let's keep tracks.

========================================

from The Sun's newspaper cutting:

It's not a good year for the dog.Your emotions may be largely instable. Career and wealth will improve but only after initial bad starts.

It will be best for you to stay put in your current job, as changing jobs this year brings with it its own set of obstacles. This outlook is better if you own your own business.

Pay attention to the domestic front this year. Problems may crop up at home that will require your attention. Try to stay away from arguments with your partner.

You may suffer from stress brought on by gossips. Try to manage your worries and find a good way to relax.

=======================================

Extracted partly from Raymond Lo's site

source: http://www.raymond-lo.com/ver2/aboutmasterlo/articles.asp

"The Ox also forms a three penalty relationship with the Goat and the Dog. Such penalty is hidden danger and may cause disharmony, worries and irritations, or hidden sickness. Therefore people born in the year of the Goat or Dog is also recommended to carry the pendant of the Rat to minimize such penalty influence in the year of the Ox..
The Five basic elements represent different parts of our body, earth in general relates to stomach, pancreas, muscle and cells. As such, the health problems related to earth could be stomach problem, food poisoning, and diarrhea. Disorder of earth elements can mean problems of muscle and cells, this can bring obesity, diabetes, and cancer …these are all sicknesses caused by imbalance of earth elements. Diabetes is a sickness caused by disorder of insulin which is produced by the pancreas which is also symbolized by earth element in Chinese medicine.. So diabetes problem is also caused by imbalance of earth element. As such, these kinds of health problems will also come in focus in the Earth year of 2009. However, the most serious health threat in the year of the Ox could be cancer as the Ox will create serious earth penalty with the Goat and the Dog and this will create hidden disorder of cells and becomes cancer. There are numerous examples of the serious influence of such earth penalty triggers cancer and other degenerative diseases. it is important to take more anti –oxidant as a preventive measure."
"However, the most serious and dangerous aspect of the Ox is it forms Three Earth Penalty with the Goat and the Dog and bring misfortune and worries, even serious sickness such as cancer."

========================================
Others say:

"Positive: Intelligent, loyal, fair, and constant. Dogs are always willing to listen to others’ problems, and to fight for a good cause.Negative: Cynical and tactless. These people don’t always forgive easily, especially those who cross them.Chinese Astrology Horoscope 2009 for the Dog: Expect many changes in 2009. In the year of the Ox, Dogs will succeed best if they keep their expectations realistic and expect only minor improvements. This is not to say that improvements cannot be made. If Dogs work hard and take care of others' feelings, they can overcome obstacles and challenges that they may face."
===========================================
Summary, okay........low profile, take anti-oxidants, don't quit job, don't argue with husband. don't be a bitch. that bloody nephew of his better stay clear from me and stop irritating me and not to bring up my blood pressure. whatever.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Frustrated

Am I supposed to be nice and hospitable to someone who irritates the hell out of me
in this house?
Of his bad habits, hygiene and all. I mean, come on, at 28 years old but still doesnt know how to flush the damn toilet after using it. 5 times I had to flush it and the scenes were not something that can be written here. You have to imagine it. At 28 years old but acting like an 8 year old kid.

Alot of other habits which are just irritating to me. To me!!!!!!!!! This is my house and I want to have peace in this house.

Why do I have to put up with this????

I can understand how nice and kindly the mother is. Sister to MrA, my hubby. But why do I have to put with the son's behaviours. It is the Asian culture thingy.....memendam rasa walaupun hati sakit. Biar diri merana asal tetamu tak kecil hati. The Asian hospitality way.

This is so, so, so contributing to my blood pressure level. I have been checking my blood pressures regularly at the clinic........still high. Yesterday's reading was 150/94.

I can't stand this anymore. I am already not happy at workplace, now at home too.

Please help me, someone.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

American citizen of the world

with maternal grandparents

with mom


with siblings from Kenya



with step-father, mom and sister



with father, Mr Barack Obama Sr




with his paternal grandmother, Sarah Hussein Obama






His colourful heritage
His hopes for change, his journeys
His American dreams, even the world 's dreams and hopes
Can he heal, can he rebuild the broken bridges
Can he deliver what he promises
Let us keep tracks on him
We citizens of the world wish him
all the luck in these tough times
I personally envy him
I personally am inspired by him
A dream once a dream can become a reality

For what he stands for
a popular catch phrase sums it up
"Rosa sat so Martin could walk.
Martin walked so Obama can run.
Obama is running so our children can fly."

A new history, new hopes rekindled.
The 20th day in January 2009.
He carries the planet's hopes on his shoulders.
In this little blog space corner, I salute you.
All the best of luck, Mr President
Barack Hussein Obama.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

A Lazy Sunday morning


Meet Spoty, the Alpha male in the house...picture taken this morning on a lazy Sunday morning.


................"how ya doing?"



Born on March 18, 2007.


He is 1 year 10 months.


In human years, he is 23 years 4 months.


Lots of antics, lots of funny moments.


He eats anything...biscuits, donuts, nuts, spaghetti.


His favourite is chicken, only the breast parts.


Saturday, January 3, 2009

What's age got to do with it.....??

She is Anna Mae Bullock, born on November 26, 1939. She is famously known as Tina Turner.

This year, she will be 70 years old. Appearing in Oprah's show, she said..."you don't mind being 68. Number doesn't mean a thing".

And she is right. The number is all in the head, written down in age column, and more so, how people are led to perceive (based on society's norms) how a particular age should behave. Even more so, when we are in this part of the world.

When you read about Tina's life storybook, she is a survivor. Somebody you want to look up to....a mentor. An inspiration when you are feeling down. Abusive marriage life, unsuccessful music career paths, picking up the pieces and move on. And as age progresses on, things just get better and better. That's what life should be.

If you can, get a copy of one of her concerts, especially her concerts in her prime age years. I picked up "One Last Time Live in Concert in Wembley in 2000". She was at 61 year. The show was electric and her performance was mind blowing. I know I was breathless seeing her throughout the 2 hours plus show. Simply the best.

=================================================

Every now and then
kinda like to do things nice and easy

but somehow we never ever seem to do nothing
completely nice and easy.......

you know why...
because we like to do it nice and.......rock!!!!!!

Diva Queens Tina and Cher in Vegas with Oprah in April 2008.

....Love those legs.

"Proud Mary"

Thursday, January 1, 2009

World Peace Day



Dear earthlings,

How appropriate. Today, the 1st day of the year 2009 is World Day of Peace.
I guess the meaning of Peace doesn't bear any significance meaning at all. Humans are still set on destroying themselves.
How depressing. Browsing the news updates, Israel and Palestine are still fighting the never ending war. In Bangkok, the usher of new year brought deaths....dozens of party revelers died when fire broke out at a nightclub. Deaths of military men became statistical figures for USA to compare....the report stated deaths of military men are lower in Iraq while there is an increase of deaths in Aghanistan. What's up with that........what about civilian deaths. Is human life so cheap that they need to do comparisons.
<sigh>....same old shit, just different year. Everyone is hopeful and wanting 2009 to be a better year than the previous years. I seriously doubt it. Humans are still greedy, selfish and stupid. Period.

Two O O Eight

Arggghhh......so fast!! The year has ended. So cruel....

And this post from my last post just proves it all.....I am a lazy, lazy bum. Another milestone of 2009 to live through. I anticipate major changes to my rat race life....we will see.

And as usual, forget resolutions. These are old plans that don't work. Procrastinate should be the WORD, the ACTIONS plan to start the year. That way, if things are not done or achieved by end of 2009, blame the whole world, the planet, the universe, even God, but never blame yourself.

Oh...oh...oh....50 is the new 25. Yep.....I am going to be 50 years old. Exactly how does 50 suppose to feel like? I still feel like I was 20, 30 years ago. Let me ponder on this for awhile. Maybe, just maybe a little, this piece of my ass is too heavy to move. Okay, I lie.....too lazy to move.

But dearest hubby is good. He is goooddd. Bought me a nice gold bracelet, expensive wor! Told him right in front of the sales girl while she was fixing the bracelet on my wrist: "honey, after I die, you will not give this bracelet to your new girlfriend. This will be cashed out and the money donated to charity!" .........wonder what he was thinking then. Didn't listen his response. I was just too happy admiring my new bracelet. Free!! Sweet.