Fearless

On CNY eve, I got back to office for a while and invited my kids to join me. all of them willingly joined me since my wife still have to wrap up some last minutes matters at her office. Furthermore, the kids have not been to my office for some time. But I know they wanted the opportunity to go for last minute shopping at Suria KLCC.

Once I have finish my stuff at my office, off we go to Suria KLCC. As usual, my son was consistently pestering me to bring him to watch "Fearless" which premier on 26 January 2006. That time was about 10.30 am. and the next show was at 11.00 a.m., We bought the tickets. The theatre was rather empty with only the top three rolls being taken. It was obvious that all the city folks especially the Chinese has "balik kampong" for the CNY eve's reunion dinner.

Being such an empty theatre, it was rather cold. But the movie kept us warm.

The movie is about the biography of Hua Yuanjia one of the great martial arts experts of the early 20th century in China. A brief history of Hua is at the end of this posting.

This movie is great. Jet Li really make sure that his last martial arts movie is one that you should not forget. Great fight sequence, lovely scenery and a dash of a touching moment with blind girl which Hua meet when he in the dumps. There was a scene where his real daughter acted with him as the daughter of Hua.

I would recommend not to miss this good movie (in fact I am gearing up to buy the DVD when it comes out), with great fight scenes and also a good story line. To add on, the soundtrack is sang by my current favorite Chinese hip hop singer Jay Chou (I have even bought the DVD collection of his songs from his latest album November Chopin where the soundtrack and video of Fearless was included).

So if you have nothing to do, head on down to the cineplex to watch Fearless, money back guaranteed (not from me but from the producers of the movies).

A short biography of Hua Yuanjia
Foreign audiences might recall having seen Bruce Lee play Huo's apprentice in the 1972 production of Jing Wu Men. Huo hailed from the Tianjin countryside. He founded the Jing Wu Men Marital Arts School. He died on September 14, 1910 at the age of 42, just after he defeated 10 Japanese judokas. Rumor has it that Huo was poisoned in a conspiracy by the Japanese, a tale that was confirmed by Huo Zizheng, his great-grandson, in an interview with International Herald Leader on January 23. The only piece of written documentation on Huo is Biography of Modern Heroes, a novel by Ping Jiang Bu Xiao Sheng written in 1923. Later stories, TV and movie scripts were all based on that novel. The Chin Woo Athletic Association in Shanghai is the only proof of Huo's existence and story. The organization, which now covers many continents with branches in many parts of China, Malaysia, Hong Kong, England, Australia, the United States and Russia and organizes major kungfu and sports events, is nearly 100 years old. It remains faithful to the practice and instruction of my jhong boxing.

Some background information on Fearless
Fearless is a story about Chinese martial arts guru Huo Yuanjia (1869-1910), who founded the Jing Wu Men (Chin Woo) martial arts school in Shanghai. He practiced and taught "mi zong quan," also known as "my jhong," a Shaolin style kungfu based on deception.

To the Chinese, Huo is a national hero because he competed and won many judo and kungfu competitions. His victories were particularly important because they occurred at a time when China was under the heavy influence of foreign powers.

Li explained that the movie is less a story of Huo Yuanjia the man than it is an expression of his spiritual path.

Preparations for the movie started in 2003. It was also incidentally the time that Li discovered that 280,000 people in China commit suicide every year. He hopes the movie encourages those who have lost faith in life to be strong again.
As big a national hero as Huo might be, there are few written records of him or his life. Li admitted that much of the movie's plot is fiction, although settings and time periods are based on fact. "We just want to tell a convincing story in which Huo is portrayed as a human, not a god," Li said.

Li can relate to Huo's story because he, too, has been through his fair share of ups and downs, having worked hard to make his mark in Hollywood and Hong Kong.

"Huo's attitudes towards life, the world and martial arts depicted in the movie are similar to mine," Li said. "He died at the age of 42, and I am 42 now. I've tried to reflect the philosophies of people my age in the movie. And the main message that I hope to convey through the movie is: live your life positively," Li said.

Fearless will be his last movie that has martial arts as its core subject matter. Li said he no longer wants to make movies in this genre because he has said all he has to about martial arts through movies. But he will continue doing action and kungfu movies because, to him, the three are of different genres.

"Action and martial arts stories only use the form of martial arts. Kungfu represents a concept of time. You spend time practicing it, and you learn new skills. Martial arts are an overall concept, which also includes nurturing the soul.

Shot in Shanghai, Fearless was directed by Ronny Yu Yan-Tai, a much sought-after Hong Kong director in Hollywood. Collin Chou, who gained Western popularity for his performance in The Matrix Reloaded, plays Huo's father. Sun Li, a rising Chinese starlet, plays Yue Ci, a fictional blind character who supports Huo when he is down.

Other members of the cast include Japanese actor Nakamura Shidou and mainland actor Dong Yong. The movie's stunt director is the respected Yuen Woo Ping, who has many of Hong Kong's great kungfu epics under his belt.

Unfortunately, fans won't see any of Li in the movie. For the sake of keeping the action-packed pace of the movie, the movie was cut from its original 143 minutes to just 103 minutes, leaving a fight scene with Li and a Thai fighter, and another with Malaysian former Bond Girl, Michelle Yeoh, on the cutting room floor.

Source: China Through a Lens

The 12 Zodiac Characters

Auspicious characters

It's the year of the DOG

Yes, with the new lunar year around the corner, I would like to wish every visitor to my blog a happy, prosperous, and healthy year of the dog.



May you stay healthy and prosperous through the year and take care of yourself and your love ones too!!

Zodiac Sign readings for an Oxen

Here are some facts (or myth) on my zodiac sign which is gathered from the following site:


http://www.usbridalguide.com/special/chinesehoroscopes/Ox.htm

Some of it are true while most of the content were general description of me. I have

The Ox Those born under the influence of the Ox are fortunate to be stable and persevering. The typical Ox is a tolerant person with strong character. Not many people could equal the resolution and fearlessness the Ox exhibits when deciding to accomplish a task or an objective. As we used this great creature long ago to plow the soil day after day, so do Ox people labor through their daily responsibilities either at work or at home without complaint or gripe. Oxen know they will succeed through hard work and sustained effort and find no truth or benefit in concocting get-rich-quick schemes. Years of the Ox Ox years are second in sequence and recur every twelve years. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Ox year actually begins. THE SIGN OF THE OX Pragmatic and down-to-earth, Ox people are motivated to work hard and have no respect for lazy or careless people. Although they can be easily trusted and find it easy to put trust in others, they are not dependent on friends and family and would rather find an answer or a solution themselves than to ask these people for help or guidance. However, others can, without a doubt rely on Oxen, who are always honest and meticulous about their responsibilities. While they do not feel the need for many distant or acquaintance-oriented friendships, they value the strong bonds they share with their partners and families, and make close friends that last a lifetime. Though they are quite open-minded, once Ox people have made a decision about something, they rarely change it. This is a defining characteristic that can be seen as obstinacy, but it is actually the way an Ox learns to be strong, brave and straightforward. It is the way the Ox learned to take on tasks and responsibilities and how he learns to be reliable for others. Oxen are more comfortable with the well-known as opposed to the unfamiliar. Yet, beneath their unpretentious, tranquil exterior lies a heart of gold and a motivation to prosper. OXEN FACTS: People born in the Year of the Ox share certain characteristics. The Ox sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual’s personality. Following are features associated with the sign of the Ox. Second in order, Chinese name—NIU, sign of industry Hour—1am-2:59am Month—January Western Counterpart—Capricorn CHARACTERISTICS Obstinate, Pouty, Truthful, Motivated, Friendly, Apathetic, Genuine, Quick-tempered IN YOUR ELEMENT The characteristics of the Ox sign are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle. THE METAL OX 1901 AND 1961 Metal Ox people work harder and more scrupulously than most people, including other Oxen. They always show a boldness and drive and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Like all Oxen, they are completely trustworthy and dependable, but they are not ones to display their emotions freely or openly. These Oxen have the strength of steel, with a will to match. Often, this strength and ruthless will make it difficult for them to identify with the feelings of others around them. However, an Ox is always willing to defend what he knows to be true and won’t give up until he has proven what he knows to be true. HEALTH AND HOME HEALTH People born under the sign of the Ox usually have strong codes and work ethics. This can lead to a tendency to be a workaholic, and they should make an effort to relax more. Many Oxen work in relatively stationary occupations, and would benefit from squeezing a little exercise into their routines. They are prone to bone and joint problems - especially the knees - and must pay special attention to these areas. However, Ox people are usually strong and robust, and, according to ancient wisdom, should be blessed with long lives. AT HOME WITH THE OX The Ox’s home is his castle, a place where he finds relaxation and peace from the everyday hustle and bustle of his career or responsibilities. This is where he spends time with his friends and loved ones. The Ox person doesn’t put a lot of effort into making his house stylish, for he would much rather be comfortable while reading the newspaper or watching television. He doesn’t spend much time indoors anyway—he wants to be outside, smelling the air, planting gardens and trees, which will usually be evidenced by the botanical literature you will find on his bookshelf or on his coffee table. Ox people prefer to live in the country. The Ox generally prefers to decorate his home with nature’s colors, i.e. golds, greens and oranges. However, since the Ox is associated with January, winter colors might be more appealing. CAREER AND FINANCE THE OX ON THE JOB Able, ethical and aware, colleagues of the Ox will marvel at their methodical approach and will depend on their eyes for detail. Oxen are not phased by routines, probably because they are so well-organized. They are better-suited for specialized positions and prefer to work in large companies. They do, however, work best when they work alone since they can be unhappy when participating in a large group. MONEY AND THE OX Oxen believe in security, and thus don’t usually take wild risks or financial gambles. They are meticulous about spending money and work hard to ensure they will be able to retire comfortably. OX CAREERS Those born in the Year of the Ox share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. The occupations best suited for the Ox are listed below: OX MAKE EXCELLENT: Painters Interior designers Carpenters Mechanics Horticulturists Engineers Draftsmen Architects Army Officers Managers Quarry Workers Academics Archeologists Osteopaths Physioherapists Bankers Investment brokers Real estate agents CONGENIAL BUSINESS PARTNERS Whether Oxen are compatible with their business partners depends on whether their signs are harmonious or antagonistic to those of their business partners. Considering the congruity of their own characters and the characters of their business partners can also be very useful. Leisurely activities and pleasures LIKES AND DISLIKES The Ox is a lover of stability, a great traditionalist and a homemaker. Rarely would you expect an Ox person to be an extrovert pleasure-seeker. They are happiest in the peace of their own home territory. Oxen Like: Color Preference: Violet Gems and Stones: Jade, Emerald, Moss-Agate, Lapis-Lazuli Suitable Gifts: Kitchen accessories, gardening and planting books, cookbooks, bonsai trees Hobbies and Pastimes: Body-Building, Baking, Gardening, Listening to music, Sewing Oxen Dislike: Making small talk, foolish games, feeling insecure THE OX VACATION Actually, Oxen are homebodies, preferring the lure of the sofa or the garden to extravagant vacations far away from home. They are very happy just staying at home, spending their summer vacations catching up with the hobbies and pastimes that their workloads have prevented them from taking on previously. Whether they are planting flower beds, or enjoying a sunset on their newly-built front porch, it is all quite satisfying to them. If they do decide to take a trip, you can bet they’ll head for the hills to do some hiking or rock climbing. FRIENDS AND ENEMIES Oxen are not the most sociable people and tend not to mix easily in social gatherings. Instead, they would rather be at home, enjoying their privacy and anonymity. Unlike the Rat, the Monkey, or the Rooster, the Oxen tend not to have a little black book, preferring a few very loyal friends to a large network of acquaintances. Oxen do know how to shine at social occasions, but more often than not they dislike small talk. These are wary people, unlikely to ignite friendships on the spur of the moment. They like to take their time and get to know people before disclosing themselves fully. A happy, solid relationship with their partner and children is the most satisfying goal they could accomplish. OX PARENTS AND CHILDREN Oxen make very protective parents. People born under this sign will unselfishly work their fingers to the bone to provide a thriving, happy and secure home where their children feel safe. In return, however, the Ox mother and father demand that their youngsters be courteous, respectful and polite. In comparison to other parents, Oxen can seem a bit authoritarian but they are conventional and believe in instilling within their children a belief system. A good education is especially important and by utilizing their educational opportunities, Oxen children can make their lives and relationships with their parents a lot easier. Ox parents expect their children to listen, behave and be attentive while they are at school. Showing rebellion is the fastest way to be punished in the Oxen household. Oxen, especially female Oxen, tend to start their families early on and completely immerse themselves in caring for and parenting their children. This can lead to dependent children and can pose a problem for parents who are trying to teach their children to become self-reliant. OXEN PARENT/CHILD KINSHIPS Some parents click immediately with their children and some find they will never have a close relationship no matter how hard they try to make it happen. Following are the compatibility ratings between Oxen parents and their children. THE OX LOVER Oxen dislike chit-chat. They don't have fun at parties and as aforementioned, don’t have a ton of friends. They are not very sociable and would rather be spending their time at home with their families. When the Ox is in love, he does not confirm his feelings verbally, preferring to show you how he feels rather than tell you. An Ox will take a long time to decide if you are the right match for him because Oxen hate change, and want to find someone who is ready to embark upon a stable marriage. Oxen never rush into anything and are not flirtatious people. Once they have committed to you they will usually be faithful and expect reciprocation of their honorable actions. MARRIAGE Unfortunately, many Ox marriages do fall apart after a couple of years, possibly because the Ox is too dominant or inflexible. Perhaps it's because, Oxen tend to place blame on everyone but themselves. But if an Ox fortunate, and has chosen wisely, the couple can build and maintain a close-knit family to which the Ox will completely devote himself. EAST MEETS WEST LIBRAN OX These Oxen are good employers and employees because they are easy to get along with and listen to what you have to say. They like to keep the peace and don’t like to rock the boat. They are always trying to achieve perfection personally and romantically.

Eat, Eat ,Eat and worry later!!!

This is an anecdote pinned on the noticeboard of the dietetics department at Monash University, Melbourne:

NUTRITION FACTS

Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attack than the
Aussies, British or Americans.

Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attack than the
Aussies, British or Americans.

African drinks very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attack than
the Aussies, British or Americans.

Italian drink large amount of red wine and suffer fewer heart attack
than the Aussies, British or Americans.

Germans drink a lot of beer and eat lots of sausages and fats and
suffer fewer heart attack than the Aussies, British or Americans.

CONCLUSION

Eat and drink what you like. Speaking English is apparently what kills you.

I think about Malaysian is that eat lots of nasi lemak and drink alot of teh tarik and suffer more heart attacks!!!

Another "cute" SMS that received from my good friend En AJF:

A 75 year old man got married to a 15 year old girl.
On their first night, both were crying.
Why??
She didn't know anything and he forgot everything!!

Volkswagen to end partnership with Proton

Extract from BusinessWeek Online:

AN. 12 7:57 A.M. ET Automaker Volkswagen AG said Thursday it was ending its strategic partnership with Proton Holdings BHD, abandoning their plan to build cars in Malaysia.

The companies set up the strategic partnership in September 2004 with the aim of setting up an assembly line for VW cars in Malaysia.

But the arrangement ran into a roadblock last year amid Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen's efforts to obtain a majority stake and management control of the national automaker.

Proton, controlled by the government's investment arm, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, had said it was open to selling an equity stake to Volkswagen but ruled out ceding control to Europe's biggest carmaker.

VW Chief Executive Bernd Pischetsrieder told analysts at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit that the company had specific ideas about how to go forward with Proton. He did not elaborate.

"Unfortunately, the Malaysian government and Proton had other ideas," he said.

Shares of Volkswagen were up more than half a percent to euro47.90 (US$57.90) in Frankfurt trading.

Is it a blessing or a blow to Proton that Volkswagen to end the partnership with them? Even Proton themselves were thrown off guard with the annoucement was made in Detriot. Volkswagen did not even have the guts to announce it in front of Proton.

The previous big news on Proton was the disposal of Agusta for only Euro1. That created another controversy, an investment of more than RM700 million just went down the drain. Writing off RM700 million man.... how can any sensible business entity just pour out hard earned money just like that!!!

Well, we will have to wait for more announcement from Proton and the Government soon.

Blogging 用中文

這是我的第一次嘗試寫在漢語在我的blog 。 我得到了翻譯從站點WorldLingo 。

嘿這是樂趣, 必須寫中文在我不能甚而讀的我的blog 什麼我書寫!!
(Translated in English : Hey this is fun, having to write Chinese on my blog where I could not even read what I am writing!!)

Jack Bauer - 24

I got hooked watching the show "24" sesson 3 last year which was shown on TV8. From then, the shown was again sown on AXN. Then AXN started the re-run of the 2nd season of 24. I was also hooked on to it. I came to know that the DVD shops in town are selling the whole in DVD box. The 4th season which has completed in the USA is also available in DVD box set. I could not help myself but to get a set myself since I was addicted to the show.

The box set came in 7 DVDs, each DVD consist of 4 episodes while the 7th DVD was a feature DVD of the making and deleted scenes of the the show. Each DVD cost RM10-00 (support the pirates) where the whole box set which comes with DVD and outer box casing cost me RM70-00.

I was glued to the TV watching episodes as the story build up.. heart pounding all the way covering each hour of the 24 hours the story evolved on. If you don't know about the story, you may log on to Wikipedia to have description of the show.

Season 5 of the show will start in the US this week end with a 4 hours season premiere.
I will have to wait for the show to end before the DVD box set is available.

Hi there!

For regular visitors to my blog, I apologies for not posting anything for a long time. You may be wondering what's have happen to me.

Well it has been quiet, since the new year, nothing much happened so not much to write on. Most of the time I have been wondering into other people's blog especially my daughter's blog where she post in her day to day experiences after completing her SPM. She getting hang of it ( just like his old man) in expressing herself. I would read her posting, some times I would post my comments in her chatterbox (ahh.. that's where I got my chatter box from!!)

The daily routine of getting up in the morning at 6.00 a.m. and getting ready to send my children to school still carry on. Work wise, nothing much happen because January is a slow month gearing up to the Chinese New Year holidays. The only the swing begins. But the normal agony and frustration of work is still happening.

Many of my seniors are retiring this year, so speculations of whose service is getting extended is a guessing game. Getting retired a 55 years old is too young in my opinion. The brains of a person is still active and strong at that age. What frustrates me is that many people are getting ready for the announcement of a five-days week. To me having a five days working week isn't too welcome because I will be lazing at home on Saturday or the kids will have to taken out where I need to spend more money for traveling and food. I was joking with my colleagues that I will need to look for a new hobby when the five days week sets in. I have in mind to sign up to a fitness gym to work out... I knew that there are too many people getting sickly nowadays... breast cancer and stroke cases are very common now especially for people of whose age are in the early 40's.

The Chinese New Year is coming... bad news for me because I would need a whole bunch of money to buy this and that but most of all the money to be ready for the packing of hong pows. Bills to pay, hong pows to pay... ahhh where got so much money hah??? Guess what? I have not bought myself any new cloths for the new year.. I figured what to buy and why need to buy. The kids would need to buy and I have spent almost RM500-00 for their clothing.. me old man what to be so fashion hype about?

Update to blog template - Chatterbox

I have created a Chatterbox section at my side navigation to facilitate those who wants to leave some "graffiti" at my blog instead of posting in your comments.

December 31 2005

Today marks the end of 2005. What a year, filled with events and the biggest one would be that I started this blog. Started this blog in July this year and I have clocked in over 117 postings (inlcuding this one) and also a photo blog. No a bad achievement.

2005 also saw my two daughters taking their big examinations PMR and SPM. The result for PMR was out but the results for her isn't too satisfactory but that's the best she can do (that's what she claimed). Let's just see how it goes for the next two years before she encounter her next big examination the SPM.

For me, the normal challenges of work prevails, when I mentioned "challenges" it meant obstacles that I faced from people "poking" my back and "playing" with me. I don't give a damm what other people said or what ever their intentions are. What I care is that I have done my best and for the benefit for my organisation (the one who pays my salary).

Looking forward to 2006... well... to me another year is just another continuance of days from the previous year. The only resolution I make year after year is to stay healthy and to see the days (and years) as it goes by.

Getting emotional already... but what the heck I only do this once a year... oops .

Happy New Year 2006 to everyone.

Before I end, I would like to leave this SMS message that I have received and which I have also forwarded to all the people who are only phone contact:

I'm going away from your life
I won't be coming to your life anymore
As I am going to die within a few days time
I don't know whether you are happy or sad

Yours loving 2005

What's your Japanese name?

My Japanese Name Is...

Keiji Saionji

What's your Japanese Name?

The New Honda Civic is already launched in Bangkok

I have been writing on the new Civic twice in September and November.
Today I received and e-mail on some images of the new Civic and decided to forward to some of my friend. To my surprise, SooHK replied that he has already sat in the new Civic in Bangkok. The 1.8L version cost about RM78K for a manual and RM83K for an Auto(894K Baht and 934K Baht) while the 2.0L version cost over 100K. I replied to him that it was not fair that Bangkok gets the new Civic so early and Malaysia will only get it probably by year end 2006. But what to do, Honda made so much investment (well not only Honda) in Thailand, they sure gets it first. I still think it a good looking car that's why I wrote about it so mcuh and now I want to put more photos of it here.

For those interested, you may visit the Honda Civic Thailand site to have a better feel of the car.
To add on, the tuning specialist for Honda, Mugen, already has the Civic Dominator, a super version of the Civic which will be featured in January 2006 at the Tokyo Motor Show.

To Thiagarajan R, start your booking and replace the old Peugeot of yours!!!

Merry Christmas

Well today's Christmas Eve, I would like to wish all my visitors a Merry Christmas.

Especially for visitors outside Malaysia (especially the one from Aberdeen), Merry Christmas and get ready for the new year!

Christmas gathering at USJ

Christmas around the corner, I got a call from my friend Mr Dewitt Chai. Well, Dewitt is my senior, a senior and successfully man. He has his own insurance agency for Great Eastern Life and at the same time he is also an agent for Lonpac Insurance. It has been a long time since we have met and the call from him was a real surprise. He invited my family over to his office for a Christmas gathering and at the same time he had invited the carol group from his church to add to the Christmas joy.

We reached his office in USJ and was greeted my his family. Food was served which was mainly steamboat but the usual Christmas turkey was also available. An other of my colleague from IT, Jonathan Tan and his family was there too. Another surprise, he introduced me to his son-in-law, Liew , who is also a staff of the Bank. Liew is from Finance Division and working in the same building but I have not have the chance to meet up with him since our scope of work does not involved each other.

The carol group arrived. It was a Chinese carol group consisting mainly of girls and 3 guys. They sang a few Christian and Christmas songs in Mandarin. The group really made the feeling of Christmas felt.

The family was restless after that and wanted to go home.

Thanks Dewitt for inviting us to your Christmas gathering. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

How's Your Maths?

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint it goes like this:

What Makes 100%? What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%? We have all been to those meetings where someone wants you to give over 100%.

How about achieving 103%? What makes up 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
is represented as:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.
Then:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R-K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

and

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But,

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

And,

B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T
2+21+12+12+19+8+9+20 = 103%

AND, look how far ass kissing will take you.

A-S-S-K-I-S-S-I-N-G
1+19+19+11+9+19+19+9+14+7 = 118%

So, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that...

While Hardwork and Knowledge will get you close, and Attitude will get you there, it's the BullShiT and Ass kissing that will put you over the top.

You would know that Christmas is around the corner!!

I have been on annual leave (to clear the year's entitlement) since last Wednesday. For yesterday and today, well I got the feel that Christmas is just around the corner. Why?

Yesterday (Sunday 18 December 2005), I got to send my daughter to Mid Valley Megamall to attend a luncheon at Cititel. Well driving down the highway from Taman Connaught just before reaching the turn off to Old Klang Road, the long queue of cars occurred. I though it was the routine queue just before 12.00 p.m. where the crowd will start flogging to the Mall. I joined the queue but the annoying thing is that people cut me from my right side. Feeling frustrated, I decided to make a U turn at Old Klang Road to go to the Mall. To my surprise, the queue was much longer. The queue started at the U turn right up to the mall. I then thought that there might have been an accident. Well, no... the jam was caused by the many many cars that were going into the Mall. Pulling my car my the inches, I was still caught in the in famous "vicious" roundabout jam of the Midway Megamall. My daughter was late for the lunch date so I asked her to left the car and walk to the meeting (read about how she felt when I asked her to take the walk) place just to be there in time. I told here I will meet up with her in the Mall after getting a parking place inside the Mall. Fat hopes, the long queue did not budged at all. So much so I told my son who was in the car with me that we should go to 1 Utama instead.

Another surprise was installed for me at 1 Utama. I spent 45 minutes rounding here and there in the car park (it was raining) and could not find a place to park. I was really fed up of these, first it was Megamall now 1 Utama. Got out of car and paid the parking fee and left the parking lot. In the end, I parked my car by the road side at Bandar Utama and walked all the way to 1 Utama.

People and people walking everywhere. Everyone was shopping and shopping. That's the feeling I sense... Christmas is just around the corner and everyone was rushing off to get their stuff before the eve of Christmas arrive this Saturday.

Today, my wife suggested to go somewhere to get cloths for the kids for the Chinese New Year. It's only the priority that the children gets new cloths for CNY. I suggested Sunway Pyramid since there are ample clothing stalls there and to get there and back home would be much easier.

Reached there at about 3.45 p.m., same old story, tons and tons of people walking around (mind you it's a Monday, many people are already on leave) with shopping bags. Many of them were youngster (compared to me lah!).

The whole shopping spree ripped me off almost RM500-00 plus the "dinner" at Genki Sushi.

Well tomorrow, it;s back to office and no more annual leave till next year. Heh.. next year is just around the corner too.

Well Merry Christmas to all who are reading this posting.

World Debut of Ferrari FXX

The Bologna Motor Show features the first public showing of the Ferrari FXX, the Ferrari Enzo track car.

Performance? How about 800 hp, custom Bridgestone racing slicks, a full telemetry and data acquisition system, and 40 percent more downforce than the stock Enzo.

For this extreme performance edition of the Ferrari supercar, the company has defined an entirely new type of customer - the Client Test Driver. This lucky individual (And wealthy. Goes without saying, really.) gets more than just a car, he gets to particpate in a Ferrari-sponsored series of track events in Europe, North America and Japan, a personalized driving course at Ferrari’s Fiorano Circuit, and custom fitting of the seat and pedals by Ferrari technicians. The price? A mind-boggling $1,720,000. Plus tax.

The first of 29 limited edition cars was delivered in mid-November. Full press release and more pics after the jump.
Bologna, December 1st 2005 - The Bologna Motor Show provided the venue for Ferrari’s world unveiling of the FXX, a car aimed exclusively at a selected group of its most dedicated and passionate Clients, and around which a truly innovative technical client constructor collaboration programme has been developed.

This prototype, of which just 29 have been built, is the most technologically advanced GT car ever to emerge from Maranello. It will be used exclusively on track as part of a specific ongoing research and development programme featuring the first ever group of Client Test Drivers. The FXX has not been homologated for road use or racing.

The FXX is the culmination of Ferrari’s expertise in building special limited-series sports cars combined with its unparalleled racing experience. The FXX will provide the basic framework on which the specifics of future extreme models will be developed. The exceptionally powerful FXX delivers absolutely blistering performance: it is powered by an imposing 6262 cm3 V12 engine which develops over 800 hp at 8500 rpm. The gearbox is the result of the transfer of F1 technology and delivers gear change times of less than 100 ms. This is almost as fast as the F1 cars, themselves the absolute pinnacle of current technological achievement. The FXX has a dry weight of 1155 kg with a power-weight ratio of 1.44 kg/hp, and completed a lap of Fiorano in under 1’18’’00 - a time which gives an indication of the sheer power and performance of this magnificent car.

The FXX’s aerodynamic design is also particularly innovative - with a 40% increase in downforce compared to the already impressive Enzo. Ferrari’s F1 tyre partner, Bridgestone, developed a specific 19” slick tyre for the FXX., and Brembo created a special brake pad and cooling system for the 398 x 36 mm Composite Ceramic Material discs.

Another unique feature of the FXX is its sophisticated telemetry system which monitors and provides feedback in real time. The instrument panel, supplied by Magneti Marelli, is specifically designed for the FXX and incorporates a new data acquisition system. A video camera is also installed on the roof of each of the cars, pointing towards the rear, with a special TFT display on the dash removing the need for rear view mirrors.

The FXX package also includes participation in a series of 14 track events organised by Ferrari on various international-level circuits over the coming two years in Europe, North America and Japan (meetings at Spa and the Nürburgring have already been confirmed for 2006). On these occasions, an official team of technicians will be on hand to provide any assistance and support required by the Client Test Drivers. In addition to these unique official events, Clients will also be able to take their cars out on the track independently during private sessions. If Clients wish to leave their car at Maranello while not in use, they will be transported directly by Ferrari to the various European circuits for the scheduled events.

Given the car’s exceptional performance and the unique nature of the package, delivery of each FXX also includes an advanced driving course with tuition provided by the best professional drivers. Courses take place at the Fiorano Circuit where Ferrari conducts its F1 single-seater testing. After the seat and the pedals have been individually moulded for each driver, there will be a traditional “shakedown” followed by a training session to introduce the Client Test Drivers to test driving methodologies. The first FXXs were delivered in mid-November and the last will be with their owners by the end of April next year. The FXX and the relative package cost a total of 1.5 million euro (excluding taxes). Applications to join the programme were evaluated by a special inhouse committee.

Extracted from http://autoblog.com

KL Bird Park

After the brief stop over at the Royal Palace, we reached the Bird Park. This is our first time there (same of us being KLites and not going to such a good place). Stop by the booth to buy the entrance ticket. Adults ticket cost RM12-00 while the child ticket was RM6-00. So RM30-00 gone (2 adults, myself and my daughter and 1 child, my son's).

Lots of birds to see and the brochure provided stated that the Bird Park is the "World's Largest Walk-in Free-Flight Aviary". I was at Jurong bird park way back in the seventies and that place was hugh, so now I got to see whether what they claimed is true.

An illustrated guide of the KL Bird Park

The park is divided into 4 zones and really, it's big and I was impressed by the layout of the park. Navigation around the park was easily and you would ot get lost at all. The plants and landscaping is matured and very well kept. Most of all the range of species of birds to see at the park is worth the RM12-00 ticket. The park has a special aviary where they featured a few different species of Hornbills. We managed to see a Hornbill flying freely around blowing off his(or her) trumpet loudly. We even saw one where the beak was placed through the fencing of the aviary where it was caged. At first we wondered why did the Hornbill placed it large beak at the fencing. We figured out later that since the Hornbill has a large beak, it might have been too heavy for its head to carry and resting it on the fencing would ease it burden and stress on its neck.

A pair of Mandarin and Wooden duck. They are always seen together in a pair

The loud Hornbill that I mentioned above

The proud but lovely peacock

We spent about 2 hours there walking and snapping photos. Some samples of the photos are here while there are more at my photoblog.