Navigate me to...

I was watching this Nokia 6110 ad the other day and thought that was another persuasion for me to get a new phone. Check out the ad by Nokia if you haven’t. It’s worth a third watch. Finally, a phone that tells you where to go, it says in the end.

When it comes to mobile phones, especially mine, I would be the most technologically challenged. Apart from expensive, those all-bundled-up-in-one phones seem too complicated and somewhat fragile. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind being given one, but to spend way more than a grand... it better be damn good.

Most people handling them for the first time will always treat them like newborn babies; with utmost care; delicate touch and gentle strokes only please. Thank you.

Is it necessary? Not really. They’re just expensively brand new. Drop them once and you could get a heart attack.

Mine? Heck I’ve dropped mine so many times that my friends say I do it on purpose just so I have an excuse to get a new phone.

The only navigational guide I have on my phone is the LED light. When I ask for direction, where to go, it gives me this…

Finally, a phone that tells me where to go.

Thanks phone, but I prefer you to stick to telling me the time.

Full moon

Reading the morning paper today I was rather surprised to stumble upon this article. “From love song to anthem” reads the title. It describes how Malaysia’s National anthem was born, in all its regality; rightfully the brainchild of a royal.


Funny how the politicians and powers that be, saw red over this when it was highlighted by a radio station in 2005 as posted in this link, http://www.malaysia-today.net/blog/2005/10/rais-minta-radio-era-henti-spekulasi.htm

They were issuing directives, warnings and measures in order to confine the facts within their imaginary boundaries. As I recall it was debated by the ministers and policy makers and some smart ass said it should not be discussed further for fear of confusion and disrespect.

And now that the record is set straight yet again, I can only guess how the ‘silencers’ would react. Or am I just so backwards? As in absolutely clueless about the fact that it's okay to discuss and highlight the origin of the anthem. Have they lifted the ban on playing both 'Mamula Moon' and 'Terang Bulan'? When?

Here's an interesting article by Shanon Shah about the controversies shrouding Negaraku, pre-Namawee of course.

This is not the moon. It's one of the lighting props used at the Rainforest World Music Festival 2007.

Heritage derailed

Old buildings and architectures demand attention and admiration. The curiosity and desire to experience the lifestyle of old never fail to linger a while, especially when it used to be a place called home to some, eventhough for just a few days. Such is the lure of old Kuala Lumpur Railway Station’s Heritage Hotel. (Another site here)

A friend checked in with his family a long time ago and he said it was ok for a two star rated hotel. It is listed as a budget hotel after all, and they are proud to be ‘Low Budget but High Quality’.

I have always wondered how it would be like to stay there for a night or two. So when the opportunity came I couldn’t resist finding out.

My elder sister was in town two weeks ago and somehow most of the economy class rooms in the vicinity of her assignment area, Bangsar, were fully occupied (It was summer holiday in the middle east, go figure). The health ministry only allowed her RM 160 for accommodation, see.

On our way to look for other options we passed by Heritage Hotel KL. The location was strategic; a straight forward route against the morning traffic rush. My sister checked in a twin room so I can accompany her for the night and send her to work in the morning.

I finally have the chance to experience and explore this piece of historical item.

Unfortunately, the reception was less than welcoming. The Chinese lady behind the counter gave an impression of a ‘mama san’ too proud to care. Short of chewing gum, her lazy eyes kinda said ‘...yeah, what do you want? Sure we got rooms. Take it or leave it, just make it quick…’ And the assisting migrant worker understood few English and Malay words. He could be Nepalese. The place almost felt like a crackpot whorehouse. It could be due to our late arrival, 11pm I guess. Perhaps they should put up an additional note saying, "Pleasant Smiles and Hospitality Rate applies after 11pm. Charged separately"

Nevertheless, my sister was too tired to give it a second thought and decided to just get a good night sleep. I told her we’ll check out first thing in the morning.

“I’m going out to have a look around this place” I told her. With my trusty Olympus I gingerly walked the timber corridors. The floor squeaks and squeals in most places. The old carpeting helped muffle the sound a little.

Outside it was drizzling and there were few wandering souls around. A red bucket sits shamelessly on a mouldy (how else would you describe it, when red turns green?) carpet floor, trying hard to keep the surrounding areas as dry as possible. Up above, the white paint on the ceiling peels off steadily with every drop of rain seeping from the roof, but not before changing color and getting heavily stained.

I examined the old school elevator; one with manually closed doors and exposed frames. It’s seen better days.

Then I went to the railway station. Empty and sad. The new Kuala Lumpur Sentral transportation hub buried this old hag for good it seems.

Pity, for all the charms, emotions, grandeur and romance Heritage Hotel projects in photographs and assumed status, it is in dying need of restoration proper. A complete makeover is in order, from the shady front desk to the mouldy floor space.

Bring it back. Back on track.







The staircase surrounding the elevator shaft. Pesky fingers of the living sure left an impression on the railings and poles. I hope they're still in the 'living zone'.

The station's corridor leading to the hotel.

A corner of the heritage.

The view from across. This building houses the headquarters of the Malaysian Railway Company, KTM Berhad.

An indication of the entrance.

The lounge, for reading, chit chatting or just wandering.

Another view from the third floor.

There's a hole in the ceiling, dear Eliza...

Don't kick the bucket, yet.

Charlie's Cafe.

Fixed!

It was a sad day when I found out that my Olympus mju (read: mew) 300 of 4 years failed on me last Sunday. It happened just when there was a perfect photo opportunity; I brought my camera but it just won’t activate. The sliding cap wouldn’t open all the way for the camera operation. I applied some force but nothing happened. There goes another great companion, I reflected. And with it, burns a grand and a little more.

I had to endure hours of anxiety and heartbreak before I could get home to my tools and do a simple diagnosis. And to rub it all in, the tool that I thought I had was no where to be found. I had to wait till Monday to buy a set of precision screwdrivers.

Here’s what I saw on Monday.

The activation mechanism was jammed. The switch holder’s latch/stopper had broken under pressure (maybe due to repeated depression in my pocket and/or travel luggage) and the whole setup was pushed back into the camera. After tinkering with it for several minutes, I learned that it could still operate if the holder was pulled up to its correct position. I figured if I could come up with a latch, preferably a thin metal to be fixed with the available screw, it could stop the holder from 'sinking' into the camera, and I could still save my private Ryan.

The solution came from an obsolete item; the sliding cover of a 3.5” diskette.

Like a miniature blacksmith I carved the desired shape; all the while beaming with confidence and knowledge that I could fix it.

(Cue Bob the builder's theme song: “Bob the builder, can he fix it? YES HE CAN!”)

After all was said and done, my mju was whole again. It slides and latches like new; that'll do, mju.

At times like these, the mastercard moment flashes on.

Price of a new camera, 1.5 grand, max, SAVED!

The satisfaction of revival, PRICELESS.

Next stop will be Olympus service center to get the switch holder replaced. That shouldn’t cost much since it is made of just plastic and metal parts and no electronic components.

Sex and the sun

Post bloom sunflowers look rather sad. The seeds each flower bears make it too heavy to stand up straight. It seems like there is no beauty and pride left after the petals have dried up and all that’s left are dried seeds waiting to break free from the head. Another cycle of life will soon take place. That is if all the seeds are not eaten as tid bits of course.

Very productive don't you think?

And speaking of new life, look what I caught trying to breed just a few inches away. It may not look like much but this couple is having mad hopping sex! His competitors must be green with envy.

For all we know, they are blushing.

Erm... GO GREEN ! ! !

I guess...