Thursday, April 22, 2010

Friday Escapade (23rd April 2010)

Dear Fellow Colleagues,

Hey, it’s Friday again……….time for a short break……

Quote-of-the-Week

"Sometimes the road less traveled by, is less traveled for some reason" -
Jerry Seinfeld

Joke-of-the-Week

"Well, just four days after Goldman Sachs cost investors $12 billion by failing to tell them that they're being investigated for fraud, they gave out another $5.4 billion in bonuses. Huh? Even Somali pirates are going, "Come On!" - Jay Leno

Poem-of-the-Week

The hot topic this week must be the volcano with the unpronounceable name in Iceland

Eyes on CNN, looking for updates on that errant volcano
If it erupts again, your first reaction would be "Oh No"
Your holiday has been paid, need to decide to stay or to go
Check if you could get any refunds or this could be the start of your financial woe

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Friday Escapade (16th April 2010)

Dear Fellow Colleagues,

It’s already mid-April but it’s still a long way off before I become another year older……………

QUOTES-OF-THE-WEEK


1) "Bad experiences make you realize and appreciate good experiences otherwise forgotten."
2) "The trouble with being punctual is that nobody's there to appreciate it."

POEM – OF – THE –WEEK

The hot topic this week (Some unsavoury activities have disturbed the tranquility at Taman Negara)

A peep into the jungle they look like a group of smugglers
Doing things that are no different from mating elephants and tigers
The authorities have found out, they are now filled with anger
No doubt they have been watching from afar, filled with envy and wonder

RECOMMENDED LISTENING

The best songs in the charts right now :

1) B.O.B. featuring Bruno Mars : NOTHING ON YOU

2) TAIO CRUZ (featuring Ludacris) - BREAK YOUR HEART

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Friday Escapade (31st Dec 2009)

Dear Colleagues,

Can you believe it? 364 days have sailed by and in a few hours’ time, we will be waving goodbye to another decade and welcoming 2010............

QUOTE-OF-THE-WEEK

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot”

SONGS-TO-LISTEN-TO-DURING-CHRISTMAS

In view of the long holiday break, the following movies are highly recommended :

1) Avatar – breathtaking special effects and a “feel good” ending as well.

2) Sherlock Holmes – you have to listen attentively to all the witty dialogue between Sherlock & Dr Watson. Their repartee is already worth the admission price alone.
3) Fantastic Mr Fox – what a wonderful surprise………..a great stop-motion movie with the main characters voiced fantastically by George Clooney and Meryl Streep.


POEM-OF-THE-WEEK

So, that’s the end of another year, let’s sign-off with a “sentimental” poem :

Reminisce the days gone by, almost ready to shed a tear
Memories that are still fresh in my mind, still crystal clear
Chimes of “Auld Lang Syne”, do you manage to hear?
Time to leave the past behind, let’s welcome the brand New Year!

Friday Escapade (8th Jan 2010)

Dear Fellow Colleagues,

Friday’s here and we have a big “makan” today…………can’t wait…

QUOTE-OF-THE-WEEK

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.”

POEMS-OF-THE-WEEK

1) This is inspired again by our friends in Terengganu :

A place you can easily find a story for a disaster flick
A place where almost everything does not click
A visit to any hospital, you can take your pick
A visit to the operating theatre, pray you emerge with your health in good nick


2) Here’s a special poem for our “big makan” today :

Into a new year, time to shift to a higher gear
Work hard, work smart and success will be near
No challenges are too difficult, no need to fear
We will succeed together with our colleagues we hold dear

Friday Escapade (15th Jan 2010)

Dear Fellow Colleagues,

Friday’s here again and the weekend is naturally also here again…………

QUOTE-OF-THE-WEEK

If you have been following the current Jay Leno – Conan O’Brien saga, you would have come across this extremely modest statement from Conan O’Brien :

“In the last few days, I’ve been getting a lot of sympathy calls, and I want to start by making it clear that no one should waste a second feeling sorry for me. For 17 years, I’ve been getting paid to do what I love most and, in a world with real problems, I’ve been absurdly lucky.”

STORY-OF-THE-WEEK

After Tiger, a Lion gets amorous
In a tale that has shades of the Tiger Woods saga, the wife of a Singaporean soccer star has come out in the open to reveal that her husband has many girlfriends.
Sin Chew Daily reported that the woman, known only as Sophia, had claimed that the list of her husband’s girlfriends was big enough to form a fan club.
Sophia, who is in her 20s, said she was naive to think that her husband would remain loyal to her when they married several years ago.
She was quoted by the newspaper as saying that the player brought a girlfriend home about a year after their marriage. He also dated a lounge guest relations officer (GRO) for about nine months.
The daily reported Sophia as saying that the GRO even posted intimate photos of her with her husband and claimed that he would soon divorce his wife. Sophia said her husband would receive SMSes throughout the night.
She said it was embarrassing for her and their children when people gossiped about the Lions star’s amorous activities.


POEMS-OF-THE-WEEK

1) This is inspired by the story above :

Tiger must be happy he’s not the only one that’s gone astray
Even a member of Obama’s team has gone out and play
In Singapore a man has a fan club of girlfriends he can’t keep at bay
Someone will suggest Polygamy is the way forward to save the day
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------


2) It’s winter in Europe and our friend Cheah is going to Spain tomorrow :
Tour is paid, bags are packed, everything is a breeze
Wait a minute, did you hear in Europe there is a freeze?
Weather is so cold, can’t even smile, can’t even say “cheese”
Cheah will look up to the sky and plead, “Give me some sunshine, please!”


Friday Escapade (22nd Jan 2010)

Dear Fellow Colleagues,

Again, we are 7 days older………….here’s something to cheer you up…….

QUOTE-OF-THE-WEEK

This is dedicated to Erich Segal, the author of “The Love Story” who came up with the immortal phrase, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry”

STORY-OF-THE-WEEK

This story certainly caught my eye this week :
A NIGHTCLUB in Singapore is offering free drinks to women according to the cup size of their bra.
The OverEasy nightclub came out with the idea to attract customers by organizing the event themed 'Fill My Cups'.
It is said that those with A cup would get one free drink while those with B cup would get two glasses. Those who wore C cup would receive three drinks. Women with D cup would be given a bottle of alcoholic drink worth S$168.


POEM-OF-THE-WEEK

How can we let another week go by without referring to our favorite philanderer :

Sitting quietly at night, busy sending illicit text
Only for his wife to find out he was enjoying himself to the max
If only he was well-behaved like his friend, “Fed Ex”*
He would not have to spend the next 18 weeks without sex


Friday Escapade (29th Jan 2010)

Dear Fellow Colleagues,

Another long weekend is ahead of us………….even the thought of it brings a smile to my face…..(hmmm)

QUOTE-OF-THE-WEEK

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle

STORY-OF-THE-WEEK

CHIPPENDALES, a show featuring erotic male dancing, is set to make its debut in Asia this March.
The performances will be held at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore over six days from March 5.
The information page states: “Whether you’re 25, 35 or 45, single, married, divorced, haven’t we always wondered: does the perfect man exist?
“I dare say our prayers have been answered. Not just once, but 10 times. Chippendales are here!”
Regular seats, with a free alcohol drink each, are sold at S$138 (RM336) and S$150 (RM365.20). VIP seatings are priced at S$200 (RM486.95) with free flow of drinks.
It was also reported that Chippendales’ performances in other countries had been “very daring” with the performers going naked and only covering their crotch with their hands, a piece of cloth or a hat.


POEM-OF-THE-WEEK

Posted to Kuala Ibai, you wished you could say "Tak Nak"

This is not a story made up to scare "kanak-kanak"

When you go to sleep, knock yourself out by drinking a big dose of "arak"

On second thoughts, you’d better don’t, you might wake up at night to answer nature's call and bump into a "pontianak"



Friday Escapade (5th Feb 2010)

Hi Fellow Colleagues,

Some very interesting stories this week, home and abroad…………

QUOTE-OF-THE-WEEK

“Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen” – Conan O’Brien on his final “Tonight Show”

STORY-OF-THE-WEEK

This is an obvious choice :
A student in New Zealand has auctioned her virginity to a stranger to help fund her university tuition fees.
The 19-year-old offered her virginity to the highest bidder in an online auction on the www.ineed.co.nz Web site after she found herself desperate for money.
The student, who called herself "Unigirl," said that she was delighted with the outcome and thanked auction participants who had bid more than she expected.
"Thank you to the more than 30,000 people who viewed my ad and to the more than 1,200 offers made," she said on the auction site yesterday. "I have accepted an offer in excess of $NZ45,000, which is way beyond what I dreamt."
The woman said that she had never been in a sexual relationship. She described herself as attractive, fit and healthy but desperate for money to pay university fees. She offered her virginity to the highest bidder “as long as all personal safety aspects are observed” and with full awareness of "possible consequences."


POEMS-OF-THE-WEEK

1) More scandals are discovered in our Armed Forces……..
The number of scandals in this country can be compiled into a booklet
Army personnel are now found selling defence secrets to expand their wallets
If this happens in China, they will be facing the bullet
But this is Malaysia, a country that seems to be going down the toilet

2) If you are celebrating Valentine’s Day, here an “advisory note” on the do & don’ts…….
Don’t be a “chepo” by going to a budget hotel for your Valentine’s dinner
The religious officers are on the loose and will hunt down any would-be sinner
If they knock on your door, be prepared to sprint like a world-class runner
With a pantyless partner, just go to a 5-star hotel instead and you will emerge the next morning a big and happy winner!

Friday Escapade (12th Feb 2010)

Hi Fellow Colleagues,

By now, you can almost hear the tiger’s roar……………… the waiting is almost over. Oh, there’s also the small matter of Valentine’s Day on the 14th to take care of……….

LOVE-QUOTES-OF-THE-WEEK

Since Valentine’s Day is also celebrated on the same day, here are 3 of the best quotes :
1) Valentine’s Day is when a lot of married men are reminded what a poor shot Cupid really is. 2) If you ever think of me out of the blue, just remember it's all the kisses I've blown in the air finally catching up with you.3) The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.


POEM-OF-THE-WEEK

An occasion which does not happen very often
A truly joyous occasion when it finally happens
A time when Good Wishes and Love Messages are both written
Celebrate Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day together, it really feels like heaven

Friday Escapade (19th Feb 2010)

Hi Fellow Colleagues,

We are into the 6th day of CNY. There are some celebrations to look forward to this weekend, i.e. the 7th Day (Sat) – The Human Race Day + 9th Day (Mon) – Hokkien New Year.

JOKE-OF-THE-WEEK
Here’s a joke from my favorite comedian, Conan O’ Brien :
“The Canadian government continues to say they will not help us if we go to war with Iraq. However, the prime minister of Canada said he`d like to help, but he`s pretty sure that last time he checked, Canada had no army.”


STORY-OF-THE-WEEK
In case you had missed this, here’s a story which appeared in the Star on Wed :
An Austrian tycoon is giving away every penny of his £3M fortune after realizing that his riches were making him unhappy.
Karl Rabeder, 47, a businessman from Telfs near Innsbruck, is in the process of selling his 3,455 sq ft villa with lake, sauna and spectacular mountain views over the Alps, valued at £1.4M.
He said, “My idea is to have nothing left. Absolutely nothing. Money is counter-productive – it prevents happiness. I had a feeling I was working as a slave for things that I did not wish for or need.”


POEM-OF-THE-WEEK

All have graduated with flying colors, time for high fives

It’s time to leave home, it’s time to blow kisses to the wives

Excitement abound, as they await impatiently for their vehicle to arrive

Only to discover to their utter dismay, their submarine can't even dive

Friday Escapade (26th Feb 2010)

As tomorrow is a holiday, we have an early edition this week :

QUOTE-OF-THE-WEEK

“There are two things you must forget - the good you do to others and the wrong others do to you.”

STORY-OF-THE-WEEK

Called “The Love Joint”, a double-storey house in Johor Baru is being used by couples to satisfy their lust during the lunch hour.
Seven rooms are available and can be rented for RM20 an hour.
Normally couples come for half an hour to 40 minutes for a “quickie” before returning to work.


POEM-OF-THE-WEEK

This Sunday is “Chap Goh Meh” which is also known as the “Chinese Valentine’s Day”……

At other times, this is something you would have said “NEVER”

However, desperate times call for desperate action that can only make you shiver

No one to give flowers to, no one to call for a candlelight dinner

Just write down your name and contact number and throw that damn orange into the river…..

Friday Escapade (5th March 2010)

Dear Fellow Colleagues,

It’s time to take a “Time-Out” for 60 seconds………. & enjoy this little “interlude”

QUOTE-OF-THE-WEEK

Got this in an article in the Star yesterday :

“As far as giving and receiving go, we basically get back what we give out in this world. Sometimes we receive from unexpected sources and don't receive from the "expected" ones. The only way to maintain peace of mind as a giver is to give without conditions."
- Andrew Matthews

STORY-OF-THE-WEEK

An interesting article from CNN.com………….

Nice guys may finish last at work

Courteous. Trusting. Good-natured. Cooperative. Tolerant.

These are the traits your mother told you -- repeatedly -- to embrace. "They'll make people like you." "You'll always have friends." "You'll go far."

Mom was wrong, at least as far as business success is concerned.

My colleagues and I studied the careers of more than 1,500 people over a 20-year period. Sorry, Mom, we found that being too nice won't boost you up the corporate ladder.

Our findings didn't just hint at it, either. The evidence was overwhelming: Being too nice can deter your career progress and muddle your effectiveness as a leader. The degree to which a person is trusting of others as well as likable (good-natured, cheerful, gentle) hurt his or her salary level and number of promotions.

It's not all bad news. Being affable relates to job and life satisfaction, and people with that quality tend to engage in less counterproductive behavior -- vital in jobs requiring cooperation.

POEM-OF-THE-WEEK

Short on budget, Proton was the only car you can buy

It comes with the kind of quality that can only make you cry

Had to buy a Toyota or Nissan, your wallet almost turned bone dry

Now you wish you had not as your friend drops by in his trusty old Proton to say “Hi”

Friday Escapade (12th March 2010)

Dear Fellow Colleagues,

Before you know it, Friday is here again……………..

QUOTE-OF-THE-WEEK

“A man doesn't know what happiness is until he's married. By then it's too late.” – Frank Sinatra

STORY-OF-THE-WEEK

Looks like the spirits have migrated from Terengganu to Perlis………………

MYSTERY surrounds the case of a Form Five schoolgirl in Kangar, who said she jumped from the third floor of her school building after a “voice” told her her to do so.
Noor Izzatie Nasir was badly injured in the 7.05am fall on Tuesday, suffering a broken hip, hands and legs.
Noor Izzatie had told doctors at the Tuanku Fauziah Hospital, where she is being treated, that she heard “whispers” instructing her to jump from the building.
District police chief Supt Abdul Rahman Mohd Noordin said based on the statement of another student who had met Noor Izzatie on her way to the third floor toilet minutes before she jumped, the girl had looked normal.

POEMS-OF-THE-WEEK

Well, bonus has come and gone……………As the result, there are 2 waves of emotions………happy and not-so-happy…..

For the Happy Ones…………

The letter came and quickly opened
Searched anxiously for the amount, my heart almost weakened
Lost in the sea of words, your fears quickly heightened
Finally found the numbers, the threatening skies quickly brightened


For the “not-so-happy”Ones

High expectations after working hard for the whole year
Amidst the forest of words, the reality soon became clear

Do not lose sight of your goals despite all the things that you hear
Persevere and the success you crave for will soon appear

Friday Escapade (19th March 2010)

Dear Fellow Colleagues,

This week’s edition is actually “inspired” by the forthcoming “H-T-H” sessions with our HOD.

POEM – OF – THE -WEEK

The countdown has begun, where do I to start?

Should i be careful with my words or try to be smart?

Don't know what my colleagues will do, i will just say my part

I will be spontaneous because i know, everything i say will then come straight from the heart


FACT – OF –THE - WEEK

In 1982, Kenny Loggins had a US Top 20 hit with a song called, “Heart to Heart”. (a really wonderful song – you can watch it on Youtube)

QUOTE – OF – THE - WEEK

“Have you ever wondered which hurts the most: saying something and wishing you had not, or saying nothing, and wishing you had?”

STORY – OF – THE - WEEK

Here’s an excerpt from an article written by The Star’s Deputy Executive Editor, Soo Ewe Jin, on Monday who notes that while money can buy some happiness, it has no bearing on lasting joy.
“For most of us, however, being a millionaire is really out of the question unless we strike the lottery or take part in Who Wants to Be A Millionaire? and win the top prize.
Still, we all have our dreams. The thing is not to let the dream turn into a nightmare.
It would be a shame if after much toil, we succeed in joining the millionaires’ club only to realise that wealth gives little satisfaction or, worse, comes with a web of intrigues.
In contrast, I have a friend who recently confided that he has finally bought a piece of property, his only asset, in Malaysia. It was a burial plot.
This man is a picture of contentment and through his involvement in various community services, has touched countless other lives.
He is one of the richest men I have the privilege of calling a friend.”

Friday Escapade (26th March 2010)

Dear Fellow Colleagues,

This week’s edition is “inspired” by the Earth Hour tomorrow and the MCA elections on Sunday.

POEMS – OF – THE -WEEK

On Saturday

Mother earth is crying, it's time to hear her plight
The earth is being destroyed, it is now such an ugly sight
If we do something now, our future might still be bright
For starters, remember at 8.30pm on Saturday, please turn off all your lights

On Sunday

Another election, another president to elect
Three choices, same old faces for them to select
All these personal wars, it is the Chinese who they neglect
Sex tape or not, Ka Ting & Tee Keat might still lose to macho man, Chua Soi Lek.

QUOTE – OF – THE - WEEK

“A positive attitude may not solve all of your problems but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort”

SONGS – OF – THE - WEEK

For Saturday

1) Earth Song – Michael Jackson

2) I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me – Nik Kershaw

For Sunday

Chua Soi Lek will be singing this chorus, taken from a song called “I’d Do It All Again” by Sam Harris (1985) :

“I’d Do It All Again if the same thing happens with the same sad end.”

Friday Escapade (2nd April 2010)

Dear Fellow Colleagues,

It’s Good Friday with Easter just around the corner. That means more football on TV this weekend!!

POEMS – OF – THE -WEEK

The hot topic right now

Whoever voted him in are now seeking advice from their physician
Fishing for support, this statement must be his own creation
But hey, this came from no ordinary person but a big time politician
Him apart, everybody else knows they are first and foremost a proud Malaysian.

For the discerning…….

Dark skies ahead, these are clear signs of stormy weather
Nary a sound, floating unnoticed amidst the cold silence is this big white feather
The wheels of time will keep on turning, this is not the moment for you to falter
Time will soon take you by the hand and lead you to appreciate all the things that really matter


QUOTE – OF – THE - WEEK

1) "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to end; it's about learning how to dance in the rain."

2) “The past is only the future with the lights on...”

RECOMMENDED LISTENING

If you want to de-stress this weekend, you may want to listen to :

RYUICHI SAKAMOTO – MERRY CHRISTMAS MR LAWRENCE
(you can watch this on Youtube – haunting melancholic music at its best!)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!

Friday Escapade (9th April 2010)

For those who are new to this, this is my weekly "time-out" for some of my colleagues which has become one of their most annoying and irritating distractions every Friday. This is what I call "My Favorite Waste of Time"

=================================================================
Dear Fellow Colleagues,

It’s Friday again and we have a big MAKAN tonight!

QUOTES-OF-THE-WEEK
1) Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm
- Winston Churchill
2) “I'm so fast that last night I turned off the light switch in my hotel room and was in bed before the room was dark.” – Mohammad Ali

POEMS – OF – THE -WEEK

The hot topic this week

Too good an offer for two rich women to dangle
If you are not chosen, you can only admire and ogle
Leave behind all your girlfriends you used to mingle
This is the time when you feel wonderful you are still single


Tiger Woods is back!!

Our opinion of him, let’s save it for the morning after
This week, the history books might be writing another chapter
He is the one to look out for when he is holding his putter
He is on his way as he has just started with his best ever round at the Masters

RECOMMENDED LISTENING

For a change, let’s listen to some contemporary pop/rock music :

ONE REPUBLIC : ALL THE RIGHT MOVES + SECRETS
(Two of the best songs in the US charts currently)