bird of passage

Queen Bandit - February 14 2006 - February 3 2010

2010-02-04T13:53:00.025+08:00

Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation. ~ Khalil Gibran

In loving memory of our Bandit who we love so much. Bandit will be greatly missed and be in our hearts forever.

You came to us that night and you have changed our lives ever since. You brought joy and happiness and lifted the gloom out of our household. You were the majestic queen that roamed our home and now you have left us with emptiness in our heart. A hole that cannot be filled by anyone else.

You greet me in the morning before I leave for work and you greet me again when I come back home. Now I will miss all the meetings we have. I was amazed by your intelligence, I was inspired by your bravery but now I am in the depths of despair by your loss.

Fuzzy is still looking for you. He has not realized that you are gone. He keeps looking at the last place he saw you covered with blood. We all cannot forget that night. The night when He decided you bring you back.

You have left us too soon. From Him you came, to Him you’ve returned. We hope one day we will all be united in His garden.

Words

2007-10-12T22:53:00.000+08:00

In her words

You are probably the better person,
but he is probably my best friend and soulmate

I can't fight that!

Elvis has left the building

2007-10-10T16:05:00.000+08:00

I think I am losing a friend
It's my fault, I've been an idiot
I guess we'll never talk after this
We're probably never even friends

But I want you to know I'll be there
Through the thick and thin
I wish things did not go this way
I like the way things used to be

Even though we'll never talk again
Or just hang around
I just want you to know
I'll always be here to pick you up when you're down
Even though we're no longer friends

You can always come to me
I have a shoulder you can cry on,
A soul on which you can lean on
Remember me next time you cry
I'm here
To be with you

Tea for two

2007-10-10T02:39:00.000+08:00

It hurts me now endlessly just to see you
I didn't realize just how much you made me burn
But it hurts me even more to see you with someone else

It hurts me endlessly too just the thought of not seeing you
I didn't realize just how much my heart aches within from missing you
But it hurts me even more to see you with someone else

Why do I worry so much about this one?
She made me feel again, something I lost long time ago

I'm with you in the shadows
Delighted to share tea for two

Sweet Vitriol

2007-10-07T18:21:00.000+08:00

Life is funny sometimes

Boy meets Girl

Boy likes Girl

Girl maybe likes Boy too

But Girl is already in a relationship

And Girl wants to see Boy too

Boy is like "what the hell?"

One song in Boys mind, Ben Harper's Walk Away

She

2007-09-30T23:07:00.000+08:00

She
Doesn’t always know
How much I see it’s in her eyes

She
Doesn’t always realize
How much it means to muse on her face

She
Doesn’t always know
How much she makes me crazy, in ways I never thought possible

Every little thing

2007-09-24T14:06:00.001+08:00

I have this stupid crush for this girl. She is the infatuation of my life now, dazed or not. She makes me go wild by her slightest gestures. I am in this excruciating agony just because of her. It's so disruptive. I know it's a disaster to even think of following this path.

Three songs keep playing in my mind; The Police's Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic, George Harrison's Got My Mind Set on You and Elton John's I Want Love.

I seriously need to get her out of my system.

Apparantly

2007-09-13T12:29:00.000+08:00

Apparantly this is who I am:

INTPs are logical, individualistic, reserved, and very curious individuals. They focus on ideas, theories and the explanation of how things work. They are especially adept at discussions and debate. They have the ability to focus intently on a subject. They appreciate and respect intelligence in others.

"INTPs are relatively easy-going and amenable to most anything until their principles are violated, about which they may become outspoken and inflexible. They prefer to return, however, to a reserved albeit benign ambiance, not wishing to make spectacles of themselves."
- INTP Profile (TypeLogic)

"The INTP is above all a thinker and his inner (private) world is a place governed by a strong sense of logical structure. Every experience is to be rigorously analysed, the task of the INTP's mind is to fit each encountered idea or experience into a larger structure defined by logic."
- An INTP Profile (intp.org)

"INTPs live in the world of theoretical possibilities. They see everything in terms of how it could be improved, or what it could be turned into. They live primarily inside their own minds, having the ability to analyze difficult problems, identify patterns, and come up with logical explanations. They seek clarity in everything, and are therefore driven to build knowledge. They are the "absent-minded professors", who highly value intelligence and the ability to apply logic to theories to find solutions."
- Portrait of an INTP (The Personality Page)

"likes solitude, not revealing, unemotional, rule breaker, avoidant, familiar with the darkside, skeptical, acts without consulting others"
- Jung Type Descriptions (INTP) (similarminds.com)

OK, that's scary!

Who’s Zoomin’ Who?

2007-09-11T09:55:00.001+08:00

I have been having Grey's Anatomy kinda incidents for the past few days. Doctors have always been an off-limit area for me for no apparent reason. I never knew cute doctors existed especially in Malaysia.

Incident #1

My uncle fell off the stairs and started to have seizures. This is definitely not the best opening for such a post. So I had to become the hero and bring him to the hospital in an ambulance. It's my first time in a freaking ambulance and it's definitely not as dramatic as pictured in the idiot box. Anyway, as soon as we arrived, we headed straight to the trauma/resuscitation room. The nurses prepared everything and bang came this cute intern. I was speechless for like few seconds as whatever she said just went out the other way. She noticed that and started to blush a bit. Then I snapped out of it when the doctor came and asked bunch of things which I have no clue. I was thinking of my strategy, how to appear concerned at the same time maintaining some contact with her. I know, this is definitely not my proudest moment but what the heck, you never know when opportunity knocks. Anyway, nothing really happened because she had to attend other patients and the nurses kicked me out from the room. Maybe it was too obvious.

Incident #2

My bunnies have been infected with ear mites for some time and it was about time I bring in to my vet. Usually it's my gay Dr. Ismail who attends most of the time. But this time Dr. Ismail decided to take a long leave and left two cute doctors to be in charge. I hope that becomes permanent. As she was checking, she asked some questions of the bunnies' sex life. I don't know the relevance of the sex life and the ear mites but hey, I'm not the doctor. I made some remarks which I presume to be funny as she blushed and even gave me a gentle slap on the wrist. The bad news is the bunnies are badly infected. So I need to bring in for treatment every week. Wait a minute, that's good news! I hope Dr. Ismail extends his vacation, at least until the one month treatment is over. Having a pet has its reward.

Where Have I Been - Part 3d - Viva La Italia

2007-09-08T15:29:00.000+08:00

The flight to Milan was a breathtaking one even though it was freaking 6am. The flight plan was to fly above the Alps. Man, at that time I felt like jumping off the plane.

We arrived at Bergamo not Milan since we were cheapskates. The good thing to be only few Non-European in the Immigration control was a bliss. We were out on a jiffy. We had to take a bus to Milan which took about another hour and a half. Our tour starts with discovering Milan from Piazza Duomo, where you can admire the Duomo, that is one of Milan’s most important symbols. I actually wanted to go to the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The only problem was they are closed on Mondays. Not only that, almost all tourist sites are closed on Monday. Great planning from my side again. Haha.

After the Duomo, we headed to the splendid Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. The Galleria and its luxury Liberty-style furnishings in wrought iron, mahogany and mosaics hosts coffee-shops, high-end boutiques and McDonalds. Imagine this, Prada and McDonalds next to each other.

We continue walking past Piazza della Scala until Castello Sforzesco. There isn't much going on there though. The main thing about Milan was people watching. We just sat in all the piazzas and admiring the Italian beauties. Very stylish, it better be since it's the fashion capital. I heard even the police uniforms are supplied by Armani. I didn't have the guts to go and verify it.

After that I was contemplating to go to either Armani cafe or 10 Corso Como. At the end we decided to check out 10 Corso Como since its supposed to be more upper-class and chic. The path leading to it was definitely not chich but that place is way beyong reach. A freaking white t-shirt with their logo costs E$200. That is definitely upper-class. We then chilled at the cafe sipping grappa.

I really wanted to go Armani's and Prada's factory outlet and they too are freaking closed on Mondays. Damn!

The day in Milan photo album

Where Have I Been - Part 3b - Sunday Bloody Sunday

2007-09-03T21:11:00.000+08:00

After a good nights sleep, we woke up all fresh and dandy. Yeah right! The pub right next to the hotel kind of kept me awake for some times plus the jet lag.

After another morning of dreadful English breakfast, we headed down to Albert Docks to check out the Beatles Museum. The weather decided not to kind on us. It was a cold breeze day, and everytime the wind blows, we would just froze up for few seconds. The bright idea of walking to Albert Docks was not a great one. But we did get to see the depressing side of Liverpool, the abandoned buildings and stuff. On the other side, there were works going around since Liverpool was awarded to be the Cultural Capital of Europe for Year 2008. With this award, then town gets some money to built some stuff. I don't really understand what it actually means.

After finally arriving at the musuem, I was relieved at the touch of warm air. Bought our tickets and went through the whole place. The whole thing took almost an hour and a half with audio tour provided as part of the ticket charge. On the way out, grabbed some stuff from the gift shops. I went sort of crazy but we are not discussing this.

After that, we continued our walk to Mathew Street where it all started. The cold kinda numbed my senses and I was able to fully soak in the magnitude of the area into my brain. Then we headed back to the hotel and checked out to drive to Manchester(belch). My friend decided to drive us there even though we already had tickets to Liverpool and he came all the way from London. It was relatively a short ride like an hour or so. First stop was the wretched Old Trafford. My travelling mate and friend are both Man U fans and I had to force myself into the stadium. Its definitely bigger and better than Anfield but wait till Stanley Park is ready. We took the last guided tour,and my friend managed to slip in to the guide that we went to the match and I was a Liverpudlian. No frenzy mob attack happened. Only some banters! Then we headed to our hotel, went to have dinner at some place we remotely have clue as we just walked randomly towards some lights. We had to take the cab back as we had no idea where we were. But that whole surrounding area was cool and we had good pub food.

Then we headed back to the hotel. Time to sleep as we had to wake up at 3:30AM so that we can make it to our flight 6:00AM to Milan, Italy. Well Bergamo actually, we were cheapskates so had to take the budget airlines which landed in Bergamo which is like an hour and a half from Milan.

I pitied my friend who had to drive back to London all by himself and go to work the next morning.

Where Have I Been - Part 3a - The Pilgrimage

2007-06-27T11:15:00.000+08:00

After a long flight to Heathrow, my only paranoia is that the Big Brother in UK decides to put me back on the same flight back home just because my name has Khan in it. I have read enough horror stories. Lucky enough, the lady in the immigration only response was, “You came all the way to watch a football game? You guys are crazy!” Phew, that was seriously a relief.

UK as usual was grim and raining. But I was brightened up by meeting up an old friend I have not seen in ages. He was nice enough to pick us up from the airport and drop me off at the Euston station. With a currency exchange of 1 to 7, I will have to take any free stuff that I can get especially when travelling in UK is so damn expensive. Imagine 4.5 quid for a one way tube ride. That’s almost thirty ringgit man!

Anyway, reached Liverpool in the middle of the night where almost everything was close. Since it was still raining (surprise, surprise), we decided to hail a cab. As we hop on the cab, the driver was nice enough to tell us that the hotel is just one block away across the other side of the station. We were already on the cab and too damn tired to drag ourselves and our bags to the other side. We just told him, just go on.

The hotel was like a cross between Transylvania and some Goth-inspired 1600s building with goblin statues around it. It was pretty creepy but what the heck. At these times, one can’t be choosy.

Breakfast at the hotel was not exactly the greatest. They serve authentic British cuisine so you can imagine how it was. We also met some Malaysians who also came all the way for the game. It was a group of Man U wankers and were daring enough to wear Man Utd jerseys around the streets of Liverpool.

First day, we were still full of energy plus anticipation for the match. I told my friend, let’s get to the stadium early, less crowd, check out the surroundings and stuff like that. Damn, I was wrong. It was 9:30 AM and it was already packed with people. Match does not kick off till 12:45 PM. People were already on the bars around the stadium hitting the drinks. Beer for breakfast?

So there I was, right in front of Anfield. I felt like I just made my pilgrimage to the holy land of Football. I could die at that time and still be happy. That was actually striking off item no 1 of my list. It was so surreal I was getting goose bumps. So decided to check out the stadium museum and the official store. My friend was not too enthusiastic. Well what do you expect? He is a Red Devil. The joke was he had to buy a snow cap with LFC emblem right on top of the forehead because he refused to buy a normal when he had the chance. I made sure I had a good shot of that. That picture will come in handy one of these days.

Next step was to get into the stadium. As we were walking towards our gate, we saw bunch of people just waiting for something and the cops were holding line. We knew, this has to be where the players come in. So we blindly waited there for like thirty minutes with the hopes something actually happening. And a bus came and it was hoarding the damn Man Utd players! Well at least I managed to give them a scoucers welcome to them.

So finally we reach to our seats, the stadium inside was still empty. People were just too busy drinking outside and you can’t bring them into the seating area. It figures.

It was a perfect weather day for a football match and I could not be happier. The Kop as usual started singing the club anthem “You’ll never walk alone” and the giant banner being unwrapped. Being there at that moment gave me the goose bumps. Well then the game started and Liverpool can count themselves unfortunate to come away from the game with nothing after being more than a match for their opponents. Damn Man Utd, carried out a smash and grab job at the 90th minute. Frankly, we did not know who scored till the next day when we read the papers. The scoucers did not take it well especially a loss at home to Man Utd. Anyway, enough about fottie, after the match, we decided to hit the streets of Liverpool. But at that time, I felt inner peace that I am ready to die.

Liverpool is not exactly the most exciting or happening city. During its heyday, it was one busy port. Nowadays, after hit by the recession in the 80s, it’s still trying to rebuild itself. Most of Liverpool’s offering lies within one street, starting from St John’s Complex then along Victoria Street all the way to the Anglican Cathedral. After some shopping, decided to check out the movie scene. The theatre was a bit different from what I had expected. It was an art gallery/movie theatre which got me confused for a while. On top of that, all was playing was British movies which you typically do not see the promos back here which convinced me it was some art house screening. Then there was a movie called “Hot Fuzz” which I was pretty sure would be an art movie. So we took the risk and it actually paid off. It was actually a movie which pretty much makes a parody out of supercop movies such as Bad Boys and some other. But we fell asleep halfway through the movie. Not that it was bad, but it was the jet-lag kicking in. we did manage to get the end and from there straight back to the hotel.

The day in Liverpool photo album

Where Have I Been - Part 3 - Whirlwind Tour of Europe

2007-06-17T20:40:00.000+08:00

The next leg of journey took me to Europe, particularly England, Italy & France. This whole thing started as a chat between two footie fanatics; me the fanatic Liverpool fan and my friend the die-hard Red Devil’s worshipper. I coyly suggested that we should go catch the Liverpool - Man Utd game at least once in a lifetime. While I was telling this, I opened up the browser, showed the schedule and even managed to get the travel package and stuff related.
Then he asked, why not? That struck my head! Yeah, why not! Called the travel agent, made arrangements and boom we are on the way there. I decided that we should extend the opportunity and check out Italy and France too. It was a hell of schedule. Pretty much like 10 cities in 10 days. The list goes like this:

Day 1 – London, Liverpool
Day 2 – Liverpool
Day 3 – Manchester
Day 4 – Milan
Day 5 – Pisa, Florence
Day 6 – Rome
Day 7 – Paris
Day 8 – Paris, London
Day 9 – London

Frankly, I would NOT suggest taking this path ever again. I am Not in freaking college anymore. I am supposed to take more time to dwelve around and absorb the atmotsphere more. No, did I do that? I decided to have my own amazing race. Waking up like 4am to catch the first train or plane to my next destination. If it’s not for the Italian Espresso that wakes you up till your spine and the eye candies, I would have been dead.

Where Have I Been - Part 2 - From Here the Ball Rolls

2007-05-20T19:58:00.000+08:00

The week before the New Year I was going out of my mind. Bored to death and the blues kicked in too. So I decided to visit my mates in Jakarta. Haven't seen them in ages. I decided to travel in style for once. So be it KLM had a nice business class package to jakarta with Mulia hotel part of the deal. Supposedly the most luxurious hotel in Jakarta.

My mother wasn't too thrilled about me going to Jakarta at that point of time as it was Hari Raya Haji. Not that we have a huge celebration at home and I'll be missing all the action. Usually I will be falling asleep by 11 morning of boredom.

Usually I stay in my friend's place in when I visit them but I think nowadays I have grown out from crashing into other people's place unless you are visiting places like London or Paris where ringgit is just like small chump. Hahaha. Third world countries is the place for you to live like royalty.

I reach Jakarta and my friend decided to crash in with me in my room. The reason being, he is just plain unpredictable and no one can actually understand why he does things. My explanation to all is that too much dope during his younger days fried his brain cells.

The best part of the trip was there was no itinerary. I just wanted to chill. So we called a couple people in for drinks and spur of the moment, a roadtrip to Bandung was on sight. Suddenly it was like college all over again. Random meetings, random outcomes.

Four days of randomness was the best. Something I really needed even though I had to leave to the comforts of Mulia to an almost-brothel like motel in Bandung. Don't ask why.

Where Have I Been - Part 1

2007-05-20T19:43:00.000+08:00

I have been relatively at large since end of last year. Well, I have always been relatively large and at large at the same time. Hahaha! Anyway, my excuse, always the same lame one. But this time I actually was not around for most of the time. I started my New Year in Jakarta. Then a business/leisure trip to many parts of Sarawak & Sabah. Right after that, a gruelling trip to Europe. 10 days 10 cities! After that was a family vacation trip to Langkawi thanks for Air Asia free tickets. Well, sort of free. Then another business/leisure trip to Perhentian Island. On top of it all I'm going to Bali next week.

I will try to post each of my escapades. So keep your fingers crossed that this post will keep on rolling.

Doosh

2007-05-17T18:02:00.000+08:00

Everytime Aznil Hj Nawawi pops up on the idiot box, I feel like punching him in the face. Seriously how lame can they go?

Seriously

2007-03-27T16:32:00.000+08:00

If you are not Elvis, Cantona (Wanker!), Dracula or a member of the Italian mob, please tuck your damn collars down.

Bangkok in my mind

2006-12-10T21:51:00.000+08:00

Just came back from Bangkok and really fell in love with it

I love the fact, that shopping there is heaven

I love the fact, that there are many aspiring artists in all sorts of form just operating from dingy market space true to their art form. I love the furniture and household collections there.

I love the fact, their hospitality is way beyond what anyone can offer

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I also found out that, most of the furniture and accessories sold in Mont Kiara and Bangsar are sold at 1/3 of their price here and they come from here.

I am already planning for my next trip there. This time I will have a shopping list

Uncle Grumpy

2006-11-15T09:41:00.000+08:00

Just celebrated my birthday a couple of days ago and this year, all the message was "To Uncle BJ, Dearest Uncle Beej". What's with the uncle lah? Are you people hinting me something?

Sliding Doors

2006-10-10T15:39:00.000+08:00

My flight to Beijing was an interesting one well minus the fact it was at 12:55 AM. Instead of being stuck with my feeble colleagues, God decided to put with me with some unknown girl. Wasn't a bad one either! After I was all settled in, I decided to say hello to her since she was looking darn depressed and groggy. I reckon it was because of the time of the flight but my mates supposed that it was because she was sitting next to me. Their jealousy was so transparent.

The introduction wasn't the best actually. She introduced herself and distinguishing her reason of departure was to meet her husband whom she has not met for the past two months. OK it was a serious turn-off for a while, but what the heck, the flight is 7 hours long and I need some entertainment. Plus, I wanted to make sure those green-eyed monsters were all burning inside. After some ice-breaker questions, everything seem to take off pretty well from there.

What broke my heart was, indeed her husband was there at the airport to greet her. Damn!

I wasn't so lucky on my way back. Actually I can't remember what sat next to me. I am pretty sure it was some form of Homo sapiens.

Beijing, Beijing

2006-10-03T10:34:00.000+08:00

I just came back from Beijing. OK that's a lie. I came back like a month ago. Anyway, these are some pics(220) from the trip. I didn't have the patience to upload all of them. They were just too many of them. This slide is the lazy version. If I have time(dream about it!), I will probably do a day-by-day travelogue.

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Beijing was city I would love to explore more. Just did not have the time to do it. Unlike KL, Beijing has its own soul. Something I want to get into more.

One thing about Beijing though, Beijingites have perfected the art of two-step spitting. The first step is to take a deep breath and collect as much sputum as they can. This is basically the time for you to run. Step two is to fire the collected sputum with as much force as possible, usually more to the left of the person. Don't get pissed if you are hit with one.

Slow down

2006-09-15T14:50:00.000+08:00

The other day I just found out that one of the books I was reading, Mistress of Spices, is already been adapted into a movie. First of all, I cannot imagine a book like that can be made into a movie. How the hell do you screenplay her island training part without too much fake settings. There is too much imagination involved. Secondly, please bloody wait till I finish reading the damn book! Well, the book itself is not exactly helping me.

Frankly the book is like a roller coaster ride. The best parts of the book were the chapters dealing with how the different spices could help the different customers. But I think Raven (her american love interest) is a dumb ass. The things he say, my gosh. It started out good and then slide into I don't know what.

Way Too Long

2006-09-01T00:50:00.000+08:00

I have abandoned this blog way too long. I conveniently blame busy work schedule and malaise but the truth is my ever expanding arse is to be blamed. I'm just too darned demotivated to do anything. Even complaint! This is some serious shit. I need to get laid soon!

이것은 한국 이다

2005-11-18T08:22:00.000+08:00

This is Korea, the land where people are proud to be Korean. I have never seen such patriotism anywhere in the world. They are self sufficient, they eat what they produce and pretty much manufacture whatever they use. No piece of land is put to waste; if ain't used, just plant something useful.

I'm usually not so found to pre-arranged tours, but since it was something that involves a lot of people, free and easy didn't seem like a feasible choice. But I am glad we took the tour mainly for one reason; language. Nobody freaking speaks English. If you still want to be a bit adventurous, hire those translators that can help you along.

Annyeong Haseyo

2005-11-16T16:05:00.000+08:00

One of the things I did during my hiatus was bring down Korea.

It was trully an amazing place. To sum up:

The Good: Fabulous Girls. Everywhere you look, you will see them

The Bad: None of them speaks a word of English

The Ugly: Being served kimchi for every single meal.

Go cry somewhere else

2005-11-16T11:59:00.000+08:00

Contrary to popular belief, I am still alive after my last post. I did seem a bit deplorable hearing the news of Ibrahim Ferrer and people started wondering if I had done something really crazy and hurt myself. OK, one friend asked me about it.

The reason I haven't been blogging is nothing more than pure laziness. What can I say, its my blog. I'll freakin write whenever I feel like.

Goodbye, Goodbye

2005-08-17T14:23:00.000+08:00

Resto en paz mi amigo
Ibrahim Ferrer, 1927 - 2005

Split Seconds

2005-08-16T16:46:00.000+08:00

Having a seat in a music fest is like having tit-bits right after you smoked weed. It's priceless. In fact I had two and I was destined to put it to good use. I was scowering for worthy beings to be invited over. Finally, I saw two girls, pretty much without seats nor expecting anyone else. So the coast is clear for me to make my move. Plus, they were constantly checking me out; OK, the empty chairs. So that's even a clearer signal, time to move on. So after hoarding enough guts, I finally stood up, walked over to them. While I was walking, I made a last glance at the seats that will bring me to glory. Damn, my idiot friend gave it to some guy sitting in front of him. What an idiot! He gave it to another guy. I can see the disappointment in the girls' face swhen the seat was given away. I, to cover my face, pretended to make a phone call instead of talking to them. And I was talking to the air for at least a minute.

I am definitely surrounded by morons!

It never was

2005-08-12T08:30:00.000+08:00

I among millions of KLites were praying that State of Emergency will be declared last night and I would not have to come to work today. I would take anything for a three day weekend.

Damn! I need some serious R&R. I have been working like a mad dog and the boss keep piling tons of stuff on me. And everytime he does that, he will say, "Let's struggle together". Struggle together my ass. I have been struggling together for the past 5 years. Not that my boss doesn't do any work. He is a super freak who works everyday from 6am to 10pm. Sometimes he does not even go back home. And this includes weekend.

I am pretty much screwed!

I'm in Cloud Nine

2005-08-07T04:04:00.000+08:00

If I could have just one wish,
I would wish to wake up everyday
to the sound of your breath on my neck,
the warmth of your lips on my cheek,
the touch of your fingers on my skin,
and the feel of your heart beating with mine...
Knowing that I could never find that feeling
with anyone other than you.

- Courtney Kuchta -

That's how I felt when I saw her. It's strange how things happen. You are trudging through insanity of the fest when suddenly, out of nowhere, love walks in and touches your life in a way that you know that nothing could ever be the same again.

She has a very powerful & beautiful voice and sings with a big passion. If you don't fall in love with her voice, then you have to fall for her looks. If not that either, then her energetic, beautiful personality.

OK, OK I lied about the last part. She is everything else except a powerful voice. I felt that her voice was lacking the husky jazz tone. Don't get me wrong, she is awesome and so is her CD. But I think she should stick to folk rock, more like Natalie Merchant. Hey, I'm still going after her!

I just got back from the Jazz Fest I know its 4am. I decided to hang out with the bands after the show. I'm such a groupie! I could give you track by track review, but nah. Who told you not to go?

Off the beaten path

2005-08-01T14:29:00.000+08:00

A perfect Sunday morning
Waking up at dawn while the sun is rising on the eastern sea board

Driving windows down with perfectly clean air breezing in
Sipping on freshly brewed java while cruising
Took an unknown path to nowhere and stumbled across this:

Explored further and found the perfect spot for a read

Wish every Sunday was like this

They’ve done it

2005-07-15T11:04:00.000+08:00

They have decided to find a replacement for Michael Hutchence. And they are going through a reality tv show; the search for an rock star. Damn, that was the last thing they kept away from and now they have invaded. I must admit that I am going to watch it. To explain why, it is because I like just about any show with people playing music. However, I do think that the idea is ludicrous and disrespectful.

Duke Levine, guitarist, recording artist: "If U2 lost Bono, would they try this? Maybe this gets INXS back in the public eye, and maybe they find someone really good. Still, the whole reality-show premise is completely bogus -- which sounds pretty much like the music business, come to think of it."

Michael Creamer, artist manager: "Truly morbid. I don't understand why the guys in the band would want to do it. Maybe to bring more attention to the group, but the concept is just bizarre. Nirvana went nowhere after Kurt Cobain died, and these guys aren't exactly Nirvana."

Seriously, does anyonw knows anybody other than Michael Hutchence from INXS. I admit they were it back then. Well, not exactly it.

Updated: I did watch the show and the outcome:

INXS could be more enthusiastic. Heck, they are looking for a replacement.
Dave Navarro sold out; lost whatever respect I had for him. Brooke Burke, one word; HOT
Contestants were talented but they were mere pop singers with distortion (read: posers)
One guy actually sang a Nirvana song. Two things, you don't sing Nirvana to broadcast voice talent and why you would sing a song by a guy who killed himself to audition for replacing a guy who killed himself? Ironic isn't it? And what's up with the Mohawk getup? The only 'bruther' had to do that!

I'll probably watch this crap anyway

Break

2005-07-14T10:09:00.000+08:00

I needed this

Instead I got five days trapped with two ah bengs who don't understand why wearing extremely short yellow pants in public is wrong.

can't make it

2005-07-02T17:19:00.000+08:00

This man is not god, but he does his work.

Sir Bob Geldolf, gifted musician, founder of Live Aid. His message came across and he gathered $200 million for fighthing poverty in Africa. He ain't the most handsome person around. Never was and never will. In fact, he looks worse and I did not dare to post his new pictures. I don't want to scare the kids away. But it did not matter, and after 20 years he is coming back with a bigger bang.

This is what musicians are supposed to be. Get the message through! On top of that get 25 million people to rally behind you. Beat that. That's what its all about.

People like Bob Geldolf don't come around that much. It's a sad world we live in.

Ageing Rocker

2005-06-25T13:46:00.000+08:00

The other day my friend took my iPod and went browsing through. Then, he looked at me and asked "Who are these people? Other than The Beatles, Eric Clapton, BB King and some other fellows, I have no idea who you are listening to". The amused me looked at him and asked "You never heard of Jimmy Page, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd and The Who? What planet are you from?". From there on, I went berserk but at the same time struck to me. I’m probably one of those ageing rockers. I am not that old, heck; I was not even born during the era. I am supposedly a generation-Xer.

I have said before that I don't impose my music on others, but I still know the existence of others out there. I just don't appreciate them.

Then I traced back my decisions in life (in regard to music). When everyone went crazy for new modeling amplifier, I was scouring for a stage lead that does not do any fancy sound and it was made in 1984. Mind you, that time was year 2002. And when everyone awestruck with Paul Reed Smith (PRS) guitars, I was still salivating to Lucille. I even custom ordered Paul McCartney’s Hohner’s bass from Epiphone while Hohner themselves stopped producing it in the 70s. My fellow rocker (ageing also) found the original Hohner manufactured in 1964 in a pawn shop, my heart just stopped. I seriously considered poisoning him so that I can take ownership of the bass guitar.

Relating to this year’s Super Bowl half-time show, I refer to my friend, TulisJe’s post

"Everyone's calling last night's Super Bowl Halftime show boring. I didn't find it boring at all. Man, I'd give anything to be able to sing along that "Na, na, na, nanana, hey Jude" part with Paul McCartney. And if he sang "Here, There and Everywhere" I would jump up for joy, it would so make my day. Maybe this is the biggest sign I'm way way past the MTV demographic. Shut up, MTV."

Exactly my thoughts.

About

2005-06-19T00:00:00.000+08:00

My friends call me BJ but I was born named as Ajmal Khan. It’s supposed to mean the beautiful king, something really to ponder. I am not related to Shah Rukh Khan or any other Khans you see in Bollywood films. I am also not a descendent of Gengkhis Khan or Kublai Khan. Heck, no one in my family even has the word Khan in their name.

I started bird of passage hoping it will serve as a métier of self reflection for me and something for me to look back later in life.

I am working towards getting to do whatever I want in life. I am a software consultant (con + insult). I never studied anything related to IT or computer science, hence testifying my gypping skills. Nevertheless, I get the pleasure telling people that they are screwed up. I hope retiring to education & research by the age of 35 and to have my very own restaurant.

I am obsessed with music but I don’t put it on all the time. I don’t believe in imposing my music to others. It’s like religion; you respect mine, I respect yours. I am, however, very selective as to what music I am so passionate about. Am I a musical snob, like those listen to classical music and think everyone else is a twat. No, I don’t think so; I just appreciate good music. I listen to Hendrix, Dylan, Morrison, Queen, Beatles, The Who, Zeppelin and the list goes on. But I do appreciate new music but not those mainstream artistes like Britney or Backstreet Boys. I am also an avid fan of Jazz. The likes of Chet Baker, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker always brings the mood on. I am also interested in Cuban Jazz where the likes of Ibrahim Ferrer and Tito Puente always bring in the swing.

On top of listening, I actually do play some music. Not at a professional level but enough to amuse myself. I can play the guitar, the bass and the trumpet. Nowadays, I am venturing into percussions. Due to the demanding nature of my work, now I am reduced into a mere audience. Apart from that I am heavily indulged into performing arts, mainly theater and music. Forget dance, it’s a form of art that I will never get it. It’s just not in me.

Cooking serves as life’s little pleasure for me. I love cooking a feast for my friends and they love it too. Usually I will never serve anything less than a five course meal! I am quite an eccentric cook. I fret anyone who requests for Chili Sauce or Ketchup. I don’t believe in condiments that are not meant for the food. Cooking for me is also a form of art. I don’t usually remake what others have done. I prefer to create my masterpiece and I hate it when people ask me to redo what I did before. How would Michelangelo feel if you ask him to recreate David? And never ask for recipe from me; not that I don’t want to share, I just don’t have one. I cook by instinct. I think I am blowing my own trumpet, but hey, sometimes narcissism is necessary.

I try to make time for some reading usually fiction that involves character conflicts. Nowadays I am really interested in Asian authors as their story is closer to me personally. I’m also a big fan of Nick Hornby who I think sounds like me. I do like other authors but I’m more focused on the work rather than the author itself. Nick Hornby is an exception.

I love to travel and experience the foreign culture first hand but lately work has been killing and did not manage to get out. I really need to reconsider my priorities. I hate traveling on those fix packages. I’m more of a free and easy traveler. No specific plan, just go where the wind brings me. Planning a backpacking trip to Cambodia, but yet to materialize.

Finally, I am also a sports freak, both as a spectator and participator. Up for any game except sepak takraw. I just could not handle that game. I am also a fanatic Liverpool fan. Other than that I don’t exactly support anyone or any other teams.