HAVE YOU HUGGED A FAMILY MEMBER TODAY?



Its one of those nights where I can't put my head down, instead, everything else come to mind. While pondering about the day's on-goings, I remembered about a conversation with a friend. We were discussing about the importance of work and family. Which should come first......?

For most of us in Singapore, the answer is quite simple...... of course it's WORK. With the high cost of living, a demanding social paradigm and low family values, without hesitation, work is the main priority in our Singapore-life.

Wait!!! Before you disagree and shake your head, please stop and look at yourself in the mirror. Its just normal for us human to say something and react the other way. Its just how we are socially taught to behave, talk and act. Just like any profile-filler in any of the social networks. Whenever they tell you to say something about yourself, most will say.... "humble, down-to-earth. Funny, adventurous, likes taking long walk at the beach, bla....bla........bla......" But the truth is...... well, you decide.

Back to the topic.........

Most of us would say that work is more important as it helps to put food on the table, roof over the head and money for the family to do things together. Without enough money or any of the luxuries, family life would be hard and most misunderstandings would be the cause of 'money'. Frankly, I kinda agree with this theory. What we mostly forgot is....... not about THE 'money', but , how MUCH money do we need to work for.

If a person has to work extra jobs just to put food on the table and pay for a roof, well, it's just obvious that work has to come first in order to survive. What about those who already has everything? Those extra work and hours are just to feed the human hunger for other luxuries such as branded clothing, amenities, expensive holidays and the ability to tell others your affordability. Would you still put family second? Be reminded that our son or daughter will only be young once. They will only be the '2-yr old-lil-devil' once in our lifetime. As much headache as it can cause, would you really want to miss that??

There are some out there who lost their family due to work. Parents went separate ways to pursue success or happiness at work. However, there are also the lucky ones where they lost their family, then, got a second chance with a new family. To those people, are you willing to risk it again? Do you still blame others? Or are you willing to look in the mirror and admit that you were part of the problem?

Like they say...... DIFFERENT STROKES FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS. However, one thing is still the same...... there's nothing like the love of a family.

So....... have you hugged a family member today??

THE POINT IS ................

DJ good..... or, mixer good?

DJ good or mixer good?

DJ good or mixer good.....??

DJ good or mixer good....??

DJ good or mixer good.........???

Fwah!!!!! Long time never come here........ nearly forgot about it. Nah!! Actually, I was told that blogging is as lame as having a Tagged.com account. It isn't cool anymore, just like DJ-ing. Everyone seem to one to have one, do the same thing. Furthermore, it has taken the art of journalism to a very degrading level. So, I haven't blog for awhile ever since.

Looking back, the same people who told me that are the same people who spend most of their breathing time on Facebook. Isn't Facebook is as lame as anything else in the world?? Of course it's useful as a marketing tool, but, these are the people who make use of the FB to tell the world where they are, what they eat for breakfast, lunch, dinner and sharing their dirty secrets. Does this mean that anything I do is uncool, but anything you have, do and believe is the coolest SHIT?????

Dang!! What have the world become?

SHAME ON YOU!!

You farkers who complained too much, getting annoyed at the slightest comment and think too highly of yourself....... shame on you!! especially, if you're secretly going thru the pages of Dict.com to encompass the true meanings of my wall postings....... hahhahaahahh!! shame on YOU!!

You expressed hatred and jealousy but you just can't stop reading me......... be advised, YOU'VE JUST BEEN OWNED by the very soul you hate.

hahahahahhahahhahhhhaa!!!! ignoranus mofos!!

Recently, I was approached by operators of some prominent entertainment outlets to provide talents such as, acoustic bands, show-bands, DJs and dancers. Initially, I was quite flattered that my experience and services got their attention. However, after a couple of meetings and understanding their concept, preferences and ideas........ I kinda lost some respect and interest in project. Unfortunately, part of me is telling me to accept the project as it will elevate my accolades. Seriously......... I'm not sure.

Here's why.......

These so-called big players of the entertainment/hospitality industry are either racists or have a shallow understanding of themselves. I would love to explain my claims but I'd rather let you, the readers decide for yourself.

One of the reasons why I said that was, in one of the meetings, they bluntly told me that they only want talents who are non-Malays...... only local non-Malays. Specifically the bands, DJs and dancers...... NO MALAY PLEASE. And the reason is........ Malay bands and Malay DJs will attract Malay customers.

Seriously, I beg to differ.

Shaggies is a local band who has been around for 20yrs. More than 50% of their fans/followers are non-Malays. How about ENERGY? CatzIntheCradle...?? Apart from that, there are also many Malay acoustic bands who entertains at places that frequent by only non-Malays (by choice). In fact, just look at Timbre. Widely known as a 'live' venue, attended by majority of non-Malays. All because of the quality of music, service, sound and friendly staff. Half of their talents are actually Malays.

The things is...... not that I can't find any non-Malay talents. I do have some contacts. But the main problem is, the establishments that I'm servicing would only provide minimal budget. Locally, most of the roving bands, who are Malay or some members who are Malay, willingly accepts low fees. However, the non-Malay talents demand higher fees. The explanation to this theory is based on the following equation......

high demand x less choice = high price
lesser demand x choices = nominal fee

Truthfully, this is not about Malay or non-Malay talents. This is more of these operators asking for all the top grade talents but wanna pay only cents. Where is the respect for these talents. Apart from that, these operators are quick to forget the services of these talents who have helped in their business. Once the outlets or establishment gain success, they'll jump to the next partner who is willing to share some bucks.

Sad but true...... and because I'm standing in between, all I can do is move on and breathe in the next air that passes by.

Fwahhh!! I have been so busy lately that I ain't got time to blog ma shizzle in da wizzle....... how?? Got sound like nigga?? I think that's the 'in-thing'.... how some boys talk. Met some friends recently, heard them speak like that. Fwahhh!! 1 year never see, suddenly speak different. Nowadays, I get confused very easily. Half of my Malay friends speak like Niggas, the other half speaks in another language which only the Mat Reps know. Unfortunately, when I speak in Malay (like how they taught us in school)..... I get laughed at. How like that??

So, recently I was busy with the F1 festivities. Same shit, but this time we're very experienced and finish our preps 1 day in advance. Having done this for the 3rd-year, we should know the drill. As past years, the only incidents worth mentioning are the part-time security officers who were task to maintain the entrance to work sites. I guess they were not well-informed by their superiors or they're there just to add numbers.

One of the incident was after the whole F1 fiasco was over. It was 3am Monday morning, we were leaving the site. Our van got stopped at the gate, Security guy told us to open the van for them to check. Then he asked, "GOT ANYTHING TO DECLARE?" Muthafarkers........ declare what?? Cigarettes? Liquor? Drugs? KNNBCCB!! When we came in nobody checked, now asking if we want to declare anything??

I asked the officer, "err..... declare??" - without answering, he closed the van and told us to proceed. Frankly, I wasn't angry, I was actually gonna burst out laughing. We were very sure they don't know what they were checking for. Imagine this, I was stopped at the staff entrance 2 times for trying to 'smuggle' in a multi-tool set and a Macbook Pro, and once at the exit, coz I bought a Red-Bull tee. If you asked these officers any questions at all, their answer will be, "We're just doing our job." Do you really know what was your job??

A few days ago, the mother of the PM and wife of the MM passed away. My condolences to the family, friends and those within the compound. They say, she was the strength behind Singapore's growth and peacefulness. I don't know. They say MM loves her wife very much and that she was the pillar of his strength. If that is real, soon we gonna have an unplanned PH? Nothing to laugh about, but you can start planning about where to go or what to do when that PH come around. I think, it's gonna be at least 2 days.

Next up...... we need to address the issue of smartphones. Just for the record, a smart phone isn't called a 'smart-phone' for nothing. Apart from allowing the user to FACEBOOK, a smart-phone also allows the user to make calls, SMSes, prompter, reminder, calendar, GPS, tells time, appointments and many other capabilities. Therefore, there is no reason for a smartphone user to excuse themselves by saying that they 'forgot', 'missed' or 'late'....... Worst is..... how can a smartphone user forget about the existence of their other-half, family members or significant other. What's the point of having photos as the wallpaper and yet forget. What's the point calling yourself a partner when you forgot about the other's existence? If Tonto forgot about Lone Ranger, he would have jumped over the Grand Canyon.

Recently, I saw an influx of new DJs taking over the decks in some clubs and events. Not sure if it's a trend but, these DJs provides 'technical rider' for the club to provide....???? Who's that again??! I came across a situation where we were providing a better set equipments and they asked for a mid-range equipments citing it as the 'industry-standards'. Do you event know what is the 'industry-standard' nowadays??

Heard a DJ talked about his preference of sound and wanting the club to suit his 'sound'. Then I realized all his music was at 192kb or 128kb. Apart from that, he complained that the outlet sound lack of warmth....... KNNBCCB!! You want warm sound, bring blanket cover speakers la, asshole!!

Next topic.....

I've heard too many times the girls, ladies, wives..... say,

"We need away time from husbands, kids, work, family..... etc"

And what do we - the male of the species?? We keep quiet and agree. Take our spot and continue watching TV, which eventually ending with eating cold food, waiting for a call or response or simply just left alone. On a different note, imagine what happens when a man says the same thing.... "We need time......." Do you know what kind of catastrophe you're getting into?? Did you know that you can die of hunger after 'getting your time'. Did you know that you may have to sleep on the floor after 'getting your time'. Those lucky ones don't even get the time, instead they will be accused of trying vindication, adultery and irresponsibility. If that's not enuff, all her friends will come and throw accusations, adding 'salt to the wound' and god-knows-what-else. So, what do you do....??

I know somewhere out there, someone is having a worst day than I am. Nevertheless, I'm just gonna pen it down just to get it off me chest. It hasn't been like this for so long..... but it did. Maybe it's just a day, maybe it's gonna last the whole week. I don't know, and I don't care........

Most of the things happen were just petty things, but maybe it's just me who's getting unreasonable and impatient. Is it the age catching up......?? For starters, interesting things happen in the morning. Started bright and cheerie, turned to sourness just because I don't have a 'proper' or 'serious' job just like anyone else. Then, had to decide where to go to work, even when I've decide where I wanted to go. Then, had to walk 5km to another place to 'work' ......... Then, skipped lunch and did a 'Yellow Ribbon Project' till 5.30pm. In the evening, went to 888 in Woodlands to buy food...... the farking aunty busy talking and forgot about my curry puff!! Bodoh punya makcik!!! Melayu kalau dah kaya, dah pandai, jadi sombong, macam CHAMPION!! Then went home, eat bread. ALHAMDULILLAH!! Reached home safely.

Now, gonna sleep. Fark you all!!

p.s. - don't worry..... it's just me. Menses lah!!

HARI RAYA MEMORIES

Many years back, when I had the time to do some visiting to friend's house during the festive season. We would go out in big groups, taking turns to visit each other's house. I remembered clearly about an incident in one of our friend's house, who's a girl. She was a mutual friend who was dating one of my mates. I remembered she had a very strict father and when we visited her house, her father was literally interrogating all the guys.

Well, I actually remembered clearly her father's conversation with me.

Father : You with the 'mop' hair!! (that time, I had dreadlocks) : What do you do? Are you even working?

Me : Yes, I am a DJ ( I said proudly) I work in Bangkok, and I'm back for Hari Raya.

Father : DJ??...... hahahahaah (the kind of laughter that you'd get from The Count in Sesame Street)

(We all looked surprised and puzzled at his response.... then he continued)

Father : Please la, boy. That's not a job. That's like "kerja main-main" (playful work). : Better go find a proper job. How are you gonna marry someone and feed someone's daughter??

Anyway, that was long ago. In fact, there have been many people who has the impression of my work as "main-main" (playful). Maybe, due to the nature of the job scope, the environment and the people around us. I've never given much thought about it. However, this 'kerja main-main' has helped me put a roof over my family, help feed my family and many others, brought me halfway across the world and experience things that many could only dream of.

Looking back at 'that' friend..... she actually married a teacher. Unfortunately, their marriage didn't last long, and last I heard, the marriage failed due to each other's high expectations and living above their means. As for me, I'm fortunate enough to still be able to roam freely without any restrictions, commitment nor bind-ed by any contract, without involving other parties. That's how things is for me, a Sagittarius. Like the book of Astrologers said - let the stallion gallop freely, for it will return home when he is not saddled.

The moral of the story is .................. don't eat too much rendang and ketupat during hari raya, coz your mind will wander to places you don't want to be.

Here's something to wonder and ponder, if you get the answer, try and Holla! Maybe I'll get a burger to buka puasa......... Anyway......

What if the YOG didn't cost as much as it was reported?

What if the public outcry is to show the world and Singaporeans, how prosperous the ruling government is, and their capabilities of managing the people.......?

What if the amount reported is $400 million of the taxpayers money, but actually it was only $40 mil?

What if the rest of the money is to be channelled to to cover the losses from unsuccessful investments by the ruling party??

What if the money is to be used for the coming elections, government payouts and renumeration to the world's most highest paid ministers?

Too many 'what ifs'.......

On the different note, when elections come, I'm still voting for 'them'........ I don't want 'them' to come after me and ask payments to things that I don't remember exists. THe best thing is...... only them have the paper proofs. It happened once, it can happen again.

Maybe the new voting slip should have just the barcodes instead of the serial numbers. In that case, people won't realise that their votes are being monitored.

Ok, I know it's 1 week to go before hari raya....... maybe next week I'll post something else. In the meantime...... SELAMAT HARI RAYA, to one and all.

Something just triggered my mood and spoilt it. Had to take a break from work coz I can't think anymore. Maybe the course of my work and what I do, it looks like a 'playful' thing. It's not a serious job. Serious means being corporate and dealing with multi-million dollars, whereas, DJ equipments, entertainment, talents..... are just 'toys' and playful things. Its true that I don't make millions but I'm grateful that I could give my family a decent living. I don't owe people money or favours, nor have hatred in anyone.

Sometimes it is easier to blame others for any problems that come onto you. It's kinda natural that we prefer not to look at ourselves first. Being said that, let me take the responsibility and absorb the faults of others. It's not gonna make me any more or lesser rich, nor I give a shit! If mis-communication is the base of all separations, how about communication - which mostly taken out of context, just to aggravate sourness.

Through time, I've learned to keep my mouth shut and just observe. Through time, I've learned to speak the truth even if it hurts, especially to love ones. Through time, I've learned that it won't hurt as much if it was taken in an open mind and not specifically targeted at a particular being. Through time, I've learn to forgive and learn........ for the sake of love. Through time also I learned that one speaks of something but feel and meant the opposite. If you're not confused yet, you're definitely a better person than I am. That means, I'm just like the rest....... imperfect.

Many a times, I heard a conversations between couples that goes like .....

women : you're not single anymore. whatever you do will affect us as a couple. there are some things you should change........
man : for the sake our our future, I'll make do my part.......

months later......... after some changes and a different level of commitment.

women : you're not the man I knew.........
man : the man you knew were single, free and uncommitted........

bear in mind that these conversation is not directed or has got nothing to do with anyone, any situations at any time. It's just something that passed my mind few years back.

In conclusion, best friends should be able to take criticism and talk about finding solutions together instead of leaving it to follow where the wind blows. In time, it will fly far away that it'll get lost and never find its way back. Shit happens too many times.

So....... it's finally here, in Singapore, en-route to Australia for another trade show. It came directly from Ibiza after being tested by all the DJs in Pacha, Space and Amnesia. All gave very positive feedback. Currently, I have it in my studio. Decided not to open it nor test it. This time, I'm gonna let the others do it........... Not that I'm lazy or so, but, there's too much whining from 'some' people that they don't get to get a feel of the new stuffs. So, there you go.

Somehow I find it very funny...... irritatingly funny. Few weeks back, they claim that the product is 'nonsense', can't sell, bla, bla, bla......... then, when they heard it's here, all want to have the privilege to showcase it to the community. I bet you they gonna bitch about it when other products come in........ that's how it works here in Singapore.

In the meantime, don't ask me how it works or how good this is......... I don't know. When I'm ready, I'll post the video. Kapisch?!

It is seldom that I post about my favorite Malay singers in this blog. However, this post is something I wanna share, that not many have notice. Some may even don't believe if this is true. No matter what he does, he is still No.1 in my books. This is JAMAL ABDILLAH.

Video 1 - Together with M.Nasir, Jamal delivered one of the best performance ever during the Malaysia's music award show. After this award-winning performance, nobody came close to match their standards...... till today. This is when he is SOBER.



Video 2 - Jamal is all alone at the Istana Budaya where he sang in front of dignitaries. Backed by the full orchestra and top-notch technical crew, he let loose his emotions to a blistering performance........ of coz, with the help of .......... In short, he's 'flying.......'. I say, if he need substances to perform like this, let him take whatever he wants!!!



While we're in Malaysia..... here's another favorite, Malaysia's version of SADE...... SHEILA MAJID.



Not forgetting one of Malaysia's sweetheart, 'live' in Royal Albert Hall in London. This is the encore performance.

Here's something for you to ponder......



I THINK OF YOU WHEN I'M STRESS...........




YOU, STRESS THINKING OF ME..............





and, the glass is always half full. Never half empty.

Frankly, I'm bored at doing product reviews. Not that I hate the product, but it's because most of the information needed are already available in the product's website. If that's not enuff....... there's always a smart-ass out there (or somewhere here) who seems to know more than the engineers and the developers. The best is, they are the ones who don't get to see, touch nor taste the equipments first-hand. Today, I met such person........ in one of the forums....... here.

Anyway, here's some latest toys for the big boys........

DN-MC 6000

DN-SC 2000

DN-X600

Before anyone tries to be smart and think they know better....... remember that the equipment is a non-living thing. What matters most is the person operating the system. Like YUKUN said, "Can means, CAN!"

To that 'guy' who still think that his Pioneer 1000MK3 and DJM800 is the most innovative DJ equipment...... I reckon you walk around Orchard Road with a Technics tee-shirt from Queensway SC, and have AFrojack and Sidney Samson on repeat mode in ur iPod Shuffle??

Saw a video of the Miss Singapore Universe 2010........



Then, it brought memories of the shamed Miss Universe Singapore 2009



I was just thinking......... why the heck did the local organizers go thru all the trouble to organise unnecessary rounds of selections, which in the end up with representatives of 'such' standards??? Why in the hell didn't they just send Otelli Edwards to the pageant..... for the past 3 yrs, or maybe, for the next 2 yrs......??!! No need to waste time, money and effort from all the different parties. Just get her the ticket, and let her choose her own outfits. I reckon we'll fair better. PWND!!!

Long ago, while in school, my Engrish teacher said to me, "If you wanna improve your Engrish, read more books and start speaking Engrish. Better if you mix with Engrish-speaking fwens." So, I did. Even though I didn't excel in my Engrish but I have since manage to write a few postings in my blog, wrote articles published in some magazines and hosted a few shows for the mass public.

Recently, I felt like I have been neglecting my own mother-tongue, the Malay language. Even though I managed to exhume a few praises from the former ministers like Sidek Saniff, Ahmad Mattar and Cikgu Suratman Markasan at a recent event which I hosted, in Malay!! I think I could do better with an improved vocabulary of the Malay language.

So, with that in mind I decided to improve myself, and that was when I remembered the former teacher's saying. I took the first Malay language peripheral I found at home and read it. It was a Malay magazine - Media Hiburan. To my disappointment, not only the words are still the same as it was 20 years ago, I thought I found spelling mistakes in all the articles. No improvement there, I decided to take the second advice. Start mixing with Malay-speaking fwens. Here is where I encounter more problems.

After a week with my Malay-speaking fwens..... I came home more confused than before as I didn't understand many parts of the conversation, In fact, I tried looking up some words in the Kamus (Malay Dictionary), but to no avail. Not sure if it's just me or the Malay language has gotten too sophisticated. Here's a list of words and phrases that I was still trying to figure out.

sachok, sachek - ??

wancheng - ???

berg - ???

step yek - ??

kajon - ??

"fuh, dek ni duk sek ah!" (referring to a girl?)

"mesti potong angin" - (I dunno what they were referring to....)

"ada budak kena kicap!" (I think it refers to a fight?)

"gua tak bohong ah, depan lampu gua cakap....." (got this from a fwen....)

Today, as I was breaking fast, I had my mind on the YOG volunteers. Not all, but the local volunteers....... especially those who had to 'volunteer' out of their own free will. Yeah, we know that many of the volunteers had to do it or risk having their grades, testimonial or course results being compromised.

I was wondering how they were today. Whether they have eaten, how much has the food improved, etc. It is no secret that some of the international delegates behave in unacceptable manner and treat our volunteers like slaves. They know as host nations, our volunteers are held hostage to any of their request, in return of just a simple smile and an appreciative gesture. I was told, only a handful of these athletes are like that.... and those are the ones from the smaller African countries.

I wonder if they know who Kunta Kinte is ..........??

Was watching the news on TV and saw how excited my fellow Singaporeans about the opening of the YOG. The never-ending praises and 'proudness' of being a Singaporean after the gutsy display of 'Youth' performance and technology........... Really?! A wise-old man use to tell me, "for every 10 person who says you're ugly, there'll be 10 more who will say the opposite". As we already know that it is just another propaganda, we, the normal Singaporeans, will only see what we're required to see....... on TV. Didn't I say before that our TV has something in common with the North Korean TV...???

First up....... congrats to Ivan - Creative Director and the whole technical team for the opening show. I know some people involve in the production team, and they've done some commendable things. Above it all....... how much difference is this from the NDP segments?? Same idea different concept? The showcase of how Singapore, from a fishing village turned into a metropolitan country. I heard someone whispered to me....... "If you think you know better, do lor......!" Seriously, with a budget of even a 10%th of $389 million, come try me (us). With partners like AIMS, and many others, I'm sure we can come out with something 'interesting'. Speaking of which...... how come the organizers couldn't reach an agreement with Sean Kingston's performance fees, which resulted in his MIA during the opening show. My question is, why didn't this issue sorted out way before the programme is confirmed?? Ok, enough of the opening event. We'll let you ponder about the show, as it will be on repeated telecast for the rest of the year.

One of the things that really made me cringe (apart from the 'Oh Yeah' song), is how they made (or force) Primary school students to stand in the rain to welcome the YOG torch. Were there any consent forms from the parents? Did any of the kids feel sick? Were there any safety measures taken as it was raining and there were some lighting flash?? This is similar to how we see the kindergarten students having to come out on a hot Sunday morning, waving the 'flags', because some MP in white is coming to the neighbourhood. Do you think they want to? Especially without the reward of a MacDonald's Happy meal. Talking about meals, I think our YOG volunteers would be extremely grateful if their meals are of MacDee's Happy meal. I wonder how're they doing today?? I wonder what are they eating today........? I was glad that I pulled out from being a volunteer.

As I was watching the repeat telecast of the repeated reports on the YOG network channel, I notice there are only 6 teams in the Soccer tournament? If the Youth Olympics is just second to the Olympics, why didn't the big countries participate?? Don't even ask about the young teams from Argentina, England, Holland or even Spain....... where are our neighbours Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia?? Long ago, they taught us in school, 'it's not only about winning or losing, participation already makes you a winner....' so what happen ah...??!

Well, maybe it's not fair to only point out the setbacks, faults and disgruntles of the YOG. I'm sure there a some good things that come out of these such as .......... err.......... mmmmm........ I'll get back to you on that. Anyway, there are many other stories out there to add to this post. It's up to each and their own to decide, choose and ponder of these writes.

On a different note, to the young state representatives, I know how excited it is to have the nation's flag on your uniform. I've been in that situation before, so, I know. Be proud and enjoy the moment. Btw, I'm sorry that I will not pay $30 to watch any of the games. You want us to come support, you give privilege to Singaporeans. We are already paying for the all these.

My VESTAX tee signed by DJ QBert. Btw, I realized that quite a number of new generation DJs who doesn't know QBert, Grand Wizard Theodore or even Jam Master Jay. Some commented that it is not important to know these names coz it's associated with Turntablism. Most newbies get into the fray with dreams of being another Armin, Guetta or Sinclair, as these jocks are widely known in the Electronic Dance Music scene. Even in EDM, does anyone even know who Larry Levan is.....??