Priceless Moments Part 1

A classic to start off the series...

Thanks Hoe for the pic!

Jessica Dimsum

LOVE IT! lol

4 Days Good, 2 Days Bad

Wednesday 16/08/06:: Company's HR Dept announces that Sunday 20/08 wld be a public holiday, the Leilat al-Meiraj (Ascension of the Prophet Day). I decided to claim an off day owed me on Sat so i could have a 4-day weekend.

A quick snapshot of my unplanned holiday...

Finally starting graphic design projects on After Effects, with guidance from my graphic designer roommate Slam (Steven Lam = Slam... can't have 2 steves in the house :p)

Mastering 2 dishes: Curry Fish and Sweet Sour Chicken (not my pics)


Lazy afternoon spent at the beach (not my picture, and not me! but it was this quiet)


And finally, playing Texas Holdem Poker till 3 in the morning!

UNjust

I believe in the goodness of people, until they prove me wrong.
I believe that of instituitions as well.


The United Nations was formed in 1945, and these are their stated Preamble:

WE THE PEOPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS DETERMINED

1. to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and

2. to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and

3. to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and

4. to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

The UN has failed on ALL counts in this latest Mid East crisis. Their response has been appalling, as a world body entrusted with the moral duty of protecting its citizens, financed by the world to impartially distribute its resources.

Finally, a ceasefire has been brokered. But after 34 days of fighting? It is mind boogling. Are they that ineffective? This is what 34 days brought:

(sources in brackets)
Lebanon deaths: About 1,000 - mostly civilians, women and children.
Israeli deaths: Soldiers: 114 (IDF) Civilians: 43 (IDF)
Lebanon displaced: 700,000 - 900,000 (UNHCR; Lebanese govt)
Israeli displaced: 500,000 (Human Rights Watch)
Lebanon damage: $2.5bn (Lebanese govt)
Israel damage: $1.1bn (Israeli govt)

What was the agenda behind these 34 days? In silent support of Israelie attacks? Because the US says give Israel more time? Red is the colour that bleeds and that's all the UN should care about.

UN, where were you when the world needed you?

Please see this...

Decide for yourself...

New Home

Moved into our new home... a 5 bedroom villa at the end of the marina. here are some pics...

Stop the Killing

"Our society is run by insane people for insane objectives. I think we're being run by maniacs for maniacal ends..." (John Lennon)

Almost 30 years later, John's still right.

As the war in Lebanon enters it's 13th day, we are witnessing a man-made humanitarian tragedy with mounting civilian casualities, many of them children.

A few days before, in a report in "The Guardian", their sources in the UK and Israel say Bush "gave green light" for limited attack, and is giving Israel a window of a week to inflict maximum damange of Hezhollah before calling for a ceasefire. The Bush administration, backed by Britian, has blocked efforts for an immediate ceasefire initiated at the UN Security Council. Hundreds of civilian deaths later, UN's Emergency Relief Chief Jan Egeland described the destuction of Lebanon as "horrific" and "the disproportionate response" by Israel was a "violation of international law".

Israel is obviously trying to maximize it's political objectives while limiting international fallout by fighting 2 fronts with Lebanon and Gaza. The fact is that the history of the region is too complex, too deeply bitter for me to make an educated analysis, since I have only been in the Middle-east for 8 months. But I know that killing, whatever the motivation, whatever political aspirations, whatever colour your skin, by whatever name you call God, is WRONG.

It was relieving to see on Al Jeezera TV that in Israel, Israelities and Arabs have united to protest the war. All over the world, people are taking the streets to protest the aggression on innocent civilians. Perhaps something good might come out of this madness? People might be enlightened enough to see through the/their hatred, anger and try to mend rather than destroy.

The kidnapping of the Israeli soldiers was wrong. The indiscrimate killing of Lebanese and Israeli civilians is wrong. 2 wrongs don't make it right. When is the human race going to learn from it's past mistakes?

My thoughts, tears and prayers go out to all my brothers and sisters in Lebanon, Gaza and Israel caught in this man-made tragedy. STOP THE KILLING NOW.

http://fromisraeltolebanon.info (WARNING: graphic pictures)

SM-Mess

"Message from the dark side there is... "
Yoda says on my SMS ringtone.

While I appreciate the non-intrusive qualities of SMSes, and the obvious cost savings compared to making calls (especially overseas calls), many times I find myself getting frustrated with people who rather a engage in a full conversation via SMS, and I find it a little rude.

In my opinion, SMSes should not ping-pong more than 2 times. Pick up the phone and talk to me. So many SM-Messes can be avoided.

With technologies like IMs, SMSes, emails, it's easier than ever to let them invade our communication patterns. Don't lose the human touch. Subtle nuances of the human voice cannot be replicated on a digital screen.

Don't hide behind your keypad.
I'm here, call me.

"Pick up, pick up, pick up the telephone..."
That's the call ringtone i'd like to hear.

Dollars and Sense

An accurate analysis on Dubai that appeared in the local daily on May 30, 2006. Condensed for readability.

COUNTING THE COST
By Andrew Shouler, Editor, Business Commentary – Gulf News

For many people, especially from afar, the UAE still has a magical appeal as a land of wealth and opportunity. Dubai's glittering skyline provides the cutting edge for that emotion.

On the ground, however, especially among the expat population, another story may be developing. Growth very often produces inflation, and it is beginning to take its toll.

Inflation as experienced at street level seems to be running at three or four times the rate at which pay packets are swelling.

In the past 12 months, average price increases were reported, across key areas of expenditure, in the range of 20-30 per cent namely in accommodation (27 per cent), foodstuffs (20 per cent), healthcare (18 per cent), education (20 per cent) and transportation (25 per cent).

Tightening

Meanwhile, pay growth lags a long way behind. ...a rough calculation of the weighted average puts income growing by around seven per cent. Remarkably, by their own testimonies, 39 per cent received no pay increase over the last year, and three per cent even a decrease.

Dwelling arrangements have come under considerable pressure, with 44 per cent of the total surveyed reporting that living costs have already contributed to a decision to move. It is worth noting that 69 per cent live in rented accommodation.

Obviously, savings patterns also take a severe knock. On average, roughly nine per cent of income is saved. Yet, in the case of 41 per cent of respondents, apparently, no part of income is saved, seriously undermining the motivation to stay for those who consider their ultimate home is elsewhere.

Meanwhile, not mentioned in the survey's analysis is the impact of the UAE dirham declining internationally (in conjunction with the US dollar), which, if it continues, weakens the value of repatriated earnings.

Perhaps the pending supply of new property will reverse the rising cost tendency. Moreover, if some people are leaving, and others are not so tempted to come, the demand side of that equation may also kick in.

Separating fact from fiction

Peter Riddoch, Chief Executive, Damac Properties

"...it would seem that some landlords of older buildings in Dubai, for example, have in recent months substantially increased rents, reportedly by over 50 per cent this year....

"Employers, whilst conscious of the strain on employees, cannot just chase up salaries, since this would set off an even greater inflationary spiral, which could then make Dubai uncompetitive. Increases in salaries will have to be matched by increases in productivity to allow 'Dubai Inc.' to remain competitive."

Full article available on http://archive.gulfnews.com/articles/06/05/30/10043395.html

Back in the Desert

Back to Dubai for 3 days now... a little homesick and the weather's punishing (high of 43 celcius... and it gets hotter till August).

As I try to get back into some kind of normalcy, I also have to plan for the move to my new place in 2 weeks time, which kinda screws things up, but I gotta do what I gotta do.

That's all for now, will be back with more details of my trip to Singapore and pictures...

Radio Wisdom

9:30pm
It was after my workout and I was eager to get back to make myself a hot plate of dinner.

As I parked the car, I sat memerized by the tune and words that were coming from the radio....

Ladies and gentlemen of the class of '99:

Wear sunscreen.

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra problem by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing everyday that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll do the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your own living room. Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines they will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40, it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than its worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen.

Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen (Baz Lurman)

Homecoming

It is confirmed.

Collected my flight tickets today for a trip back home for the first time since coming to Dubai.
I'll be back in Singapore from I June to 15 June.

Anger Management

They say that Dubai traffic makes you a different driver, a very different driver. I now can see why.

Horrendous drivers who zoom down the expressway at 160kmh AND snaking lanes as they step on the gas, drivers who snail at 20kmh because they are talking on their mobile phones, drivers who cut lanes and queues without a blink of an eye. I hate bad drivers. "Bad" - for lack of a better word.

Last week I succumbed to road rage, for the second time in my life. The first time was in Singapore. This time it happened because it occured right in front of me. Without incriminating myself online, I'd go as far as to say speed, speech and certain searing noises were involved. I hate inconsiderate people who think their time is more important than anyone else's.

Traffic accidents happen EVERYDAY along the main expressway. People die in these accidents. In a newspaper report last month, statistics indicated that at least 1 person dies on that highway everyday.

God really has a sense of humor. In a twisted jibe at my rather uncomposed behavior, the marketing department were giving out cream-coloured carnation-like flowers for a PR campaign at the building entrance as I was walking in. The Big Guy was either trying to calm me down, or saying "fella, watch your temper before these are used for your funeral". I mean, HELLO!! I promise to be careful.

On another "traffic" note, last week I went go-karting with some collegues. The cars were awesom, the grip on the road was amazing. I really felt like I was an F1 driver that night. But thank God/Allah/Budhha/Zeus that i am not a professional driver, I suck at it.

Hatta - Whata Advencha!

(click on pics for larger images)

Travelling 1.5 hours east of Dubai, we arrived at Hatta, a town famed for its natural pools and mountains. It was a welcomed retreat from the madness of urban living. That night, we barbequed food and smoked shishas, thanks to Ameet my roomate, he's like the entertainment agent, always know how to have a good time. Take a bow Ameet!

This is me and new-arrival-Wilson enjoying the hedonistic chair and a good puff.

On the way to Hatta, some stopped to quad bike. I got a little adventurous and decided to take my jeep to drive around the desert. A novice at desert driving, I got myself entrenched 45 degrees into the sand. WHAT A RUSH! Some wonderful Arab brothers helped pull the car out. I learnt alot from that gut-wrenching hour of driving.


I WILL BE BACK!

Cranking it up

That would be my mantra for the year.

Yesterday I stepped out of the viewing-window-peroid on level 30 years, and into the land of the third decade. I turned 31. That's 3 Big candles, and 1 small one..

I tell people I'm 20 turning 19.
The babe of the department said i don't look a day over 25.
I believe her.

But seriously, I've already felt a change in me. I want to live, and not have the brakes on all the time. So this year, I'm cranking it up a notch, or 3.

My birthday party is going to be one big festival. (I'll just think that it was made to be that way...)

On 12th April, the department had a little spontaneous celebration in the office with song and cake, and then we had dinner in Old Dubai and ate Pakistani food. I love Pakistani food.

On 13th April, the guys bought me tickets for the Jamiroquai concert.

On 14th-15th April, I'll be going for a camping trip in Hatta.
(http://community.webshots.com/album/7217028nuwvVdYpJs)

By the way, I added a new blog called Talk Trailer. As you might or might not know, I am a trailer producer, and I love watching trailers. I go to the movies early just to see them. Anyway, it is an art and a science, and I would like you to tell me what you think as well. Check out talktrailer.blogspot.com or click on the link to the right.

Yasumoto Kobayashi

My first post was supposed to be about my best friend. He passed away 25th October 2003 in a train accident in Japan. It was so difficult to write. And with the Dubai move, it made things more difficult in the physical sense.

Today is Yasu's birthday. He would have been 28.

For those who didn't know him, he was beautiful, both in character and person, and was loved by many.

When he died, I was at a party in KL. I never got a chance to say good bye.
We had spoken on the phone jus a week before that fateful day. He sounded tired, upset.

Then I got that email from his friend with the news on my return. I sat on the floor, stunned and unable to feel, my mom cried for me.

I still have no tears to cry.

I touched your cold hard corspe.
I carried your coffin into the inferno.
And I picked up your bones with those exquisite chopsticks.

You'll never come back.

Yasumoto Kobayashi
Born - 1978
Died - 2003

Colours

Weekend's here...
and the weather's beautiful...
decided to take a drive to a nursery to buy some flower to spruce up the yard...

never imagined Dubai to have such colours
bought a varied bunch of flowers, my favorite has to be the pink carnations.
(cue Louis Armstrong "What a wonderful World")

spent the afternoon working in the garden
gorgeous sun, tried to get some colour on myself too...

this is how the garden looks like now....

In Remembrance

I learnt recently that 2 people who have been a part of my life have passed on.

Raju Patel was my boss and friend since 2000. He is one of the pioneer producers/directors of Indian descent in Hollywood. He was an extremely courageous man, brave in putting his plans into action, and also a caring husband and father. Although we have not been in touch for a long time, he and his family has always been close to my heart.

He took a chance on me in 2000 when, as a fresh grad, I went to LA to hunt for a job, and he engaged me to be his personal assistant. He appreciated me alot and offered me a work visa for 5 years in the US, and he even said "You will be a Hollywood producer some day". Every cell in my body wanted to take the offer but unfortunately, I decided to cut short my dream of Hollywood and move back to Singapore because of my mom's health. During my time with him, he taught me the business of Hollywood filmmaking, and took care of me.

He was a father figure to me when I was in LA. I will miss him dearly. He was 45, and is survived by his wife Dimple and 2 kids. I still have no contact with his family, and I heard they are back in India. I wish them all the best.

Read more about Raju at http://www.rediff.com/movies/2005/oct/13raju.htm and http://www.filmbuffonline.com/InRemembrance/RajuPatel.htm

I also learned, with great regret, that Pat Morita has passed away in Las Vegas in November at the age of 73. Although I did not know him personally, i grew up watching him in The Karate Kid.

I remember Pat from my teenage days of watching him as the wise and patient Mr Miyagi.

"Wax on, wax off" he would say to Daniel-san. I had a VHS copy of the movie that I would come back home after school and watch the movie everyday for 2 months.

"Fighting not good... but if must fight, win" he would philosophically say with a hint of childish defiance.

The last scene when he takes Daniel-san to the karate competition and Daniel-san executing the crane technique with one busted leg still brings back goose bumps for me.

They taught me that with hard work, the little guy can win too.

Goodbye Raju.
Goodbye Pat.

Weekend Blast

WOW
What a weekend I've had.
Nurza, Marjorie and Retna are here visiting, and so I decided to take them to Abu Dhabi for a little roadtrip to see the Romeo and Juliet ballet at the Emirates Palace.

On the morning we left, the skies opened and blasted Dubai and Abu Dhabi. I've never seen so much rain in Dubai before (then again, I've been here only 3 months). It rained so hard in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that by the time I came back, Dubai was flooded, which showed not only how hard it rained but also questioned the quality of construction in Dubai.


Abu Dhabi is about 1.5 hours away. We arrived to a very wet Abu Dhabi on Thursday and stayed the day at the magnificent 7-star Emirates Palace. It is the most majestic place I have ever been to. Everything is in gold, it's probably the most glittery-eyed I've ever been. 2000 staff, 1002 Swarovski chandeliers, 7000 doors, 140 elevators, 2.5km to walk round the Palace. Las Vegas, move over!


(These pictures are taken from the website of Emirates Palace)

I knew the organizer of the ballet, and after the performance, we went to a private after-show party. Vodka is made in Russia + Dancers are Russians = I leave the rest to your imagination...

Desert Rain

It rained in Dubai today, which is very rare. This is the first time it's rained since I got here.. the after-rain wind that blows on your face is so comforting...

Archilles Broke My Heart

On Friday night while I was leaving the house, a baby's cry drew me towards an unused door by our garage. There I found a cat, and 2 boys comforting it. Retna, who's visiting from Singapore, also came to greet our surprise visitor...

It is lost, they said.

So we took it into the house, and in clearer conditions, noticed that it was a Persian, and it also meowed like a baby's cries. It also had an injured left hind leg. So I decided to name the cat Archilles, Archy for short.

That night, we were already getting quite attached to Archy, and the next day, we got cat food and litter to make Archy more comfortable. After getting Archy settled in, we decided with a heavy heart to look for it's owner around the compound.

Later that day, Retna informs me that she found the owner 5 villas from our's. I was hoping that Archy could stay with us. We returned Archy, and now we are all a little depressed.

Home Springs Home

After 2 months of crashing on couches, I finally call this MY HOME... the Springs Villas opposite Dubai Media City. The first 2 months has been hell, but I'm gonna leave that detail for another time.

This road leads to my villa. You may notice right about now that you're a little sandy, that's ok, you're in desert country.


This is the front of the house. So proud of my 4 wheeler... took it to the beach last Thursday and drove along the sand of Jumeira, a popular stretch of beach in Dubai. It's where the Burj al Arab is located.




This is the back of the house. I have a yard with grass and flowers, and I eat out here most of the time. The night sky is amazing, light pollution is minimal and the stars come out to play. Beautiful. Come summer, everything turns brown in Dubai and it's impossible to stay outdoors. I'm gonna enjoy it while I can.



The kitchen... I love cooking up a storm, I just hate washing up..


The communal pool.. Dubai weather is lovely now, low 20s C/70s F. Perfect time to dip and laze by the pool.. cocktail anyone?


This is my bed-with-a-vengence. It's HUGE. I fell in love with the Japanese-influenced style. It is probably too big for my room, but my practical side gave in to my vanity, and since I am on it at least 7 hours a day, I thought I'd pamper myself.

My workstation, I need a chair..



My new friends in Dubai started calling me "Cheeky Steve" cuz they pronounce "Cheak" as "Cheek", hence Cheeky, hence the blog name... I like it, it's got a ring to it. I'd be putting in lots more stuff on the blog, like videos, in the near future. So bookmark this page and keep checking back...