Brighten Someone's Day, 1 Apology at a Time

I am pissed and do not understand why there is this BIG gap between the post title and my 1st sentence line.  Tried everything in my IT illiterate mind to solve this but still it wanted to remain as such.  Aesthetically, I do not like it.  DON'T CARE LIAO LA.  The more important content is in the following video:



Digi Telecommunications launched this video campaign recently with a message to urge Malaysians to be apologetic and seek forgiveness among each other.  This campaign was launched just this past Tuesday and it has recorded clicks of more than 43,000 likes to date.  It could not have launch at a better time than this as Malaysians prepare to celebrate 3 significant events:

Hari Raya Aidilfitri on 30 & 31 August 2011
Independence Day on 31 August 2011
Malaysia Day on 16 September 2011

Remember the phrase "Maaf Zahir dan Batin"? (I seek forgiveness (from you) physically and spiritually)

Now, the best part of this campaign is, YOU CAN TAKE PART and make this a much much much more meaningful drive.  You just need to share your 'sorry' story, clip, lines, design, pictures etc etc by following this link and start spreading your forgiveness.

The last time I check, there are less than 800 submissions.  Make yours known as selected submissions will be compiled into a video and featured during Malaysia Day.  So why wait, GO NAO!!!

Speaking of the coming events...... those listed are public holidays.  YES!!

Air Tenang Jangan Disangka Tiada Buaya

Yesterday marked a very historic event for my country.  It is an event that nobody would have wanted, but to continue bearing the mockery of a menace lot, the patience of many have been tested.

A country which boasts itself of racial unity and harmony, a melting pot of cultural mix living hand in hand with respect to each individuals differences.  A country which practices moderation in the name of unity.  Our tourism board has been repeating to the entire world this famous phrase "This is Malaysia, Truly Asia". How appropriate this phrase once was, as it truly reflected the unity of this country.

However, to gain peace and unity, you have to earn it.  Fairness needs to be practiced.  What was once the vision of a great leader, who brought independence to this country, known as the father of Malaysia, is long gone.  Tunku Abdul Rahman and the rest of our fore fathers did not fight for independence only to later to see it being condemned.

Where is the respect?
Where is the fairness?
Where is the moderation?

I must say to witness such commotion is not an overnight conclusion.  Some parties must have inflicted disappointment and dissatisfaction.  To further enhance by playing the racial card, trouble is called for.  Obviously, the greater population knows better.  Its the denials of the the niche lot that had brought laughter for the world to spectate.

Air Tenang Jangan Disangka Tiada Buaya.  

Cincau chose this metaphor as it appropriately describes the situation now and act as a warning to the leaders in not heeding the rakyat's needs.  Living in denial is a timid act.  Aiyop, stand tall and bring back the glorious Malaysia it once was.

Malaysians are a loving lot and will very much want to re-glorify the nation.  The damage has been done.  Give back the rakyat what once were their proud dignity.  Malaysia is for Malaysians.  Who are the Malaysians?  Refer to the tourism board please.

Childless World

Duh...... this news does not surprise me at all.

The No Baby-Boom

Its a no brainer to see that prices of baby stuff just kept rising and rising.  Take for example, formula milk.  When  brother Cheeky was at the age of 3, I bought his milk at RM60.  3 years later, the same formula milk for little Manja, the price has risen to RM90 per tin.  Of course, it mentioned the improved formula with its infinity and infinity and did I mention infinity?...... numbers of DHAs.  The problem here is, income does not rise exponentially at this side of the world.  It's lame, and shameful.  I bet someone out there is going to say, "you think u are the only one who's facing this?"..... you bet it right, its sarcastic 'him'.  Shesh!

It's not only just baby products, but also essentials, like food.  Again, a no brainer to see a RM1 basic hotdog from a local bakery now costs RM1.60.  All within a very short span of time, all things just suddenly stripped you off from heaven to hell.  I was caught off guard.  At that time, with controllable inflation, financially, things were manageable.  My well planned plan is now spoilt thanks to the non-brainers acting brain-ful.

Recently I just found out the price of delivering a baby in a private hospital.  Some comparison here:

Normal Delivery:
brother Cheeky (2005): RM1,000
little Manja (2008): RM1,300
current price(2011): RM2,000
KL price (2011): RM5,000!!! But most major corporations cover this as employee benefits.  WTF!  Doesn't happen here in Sabah.

Confinement Lady:
brother Cheeky (2005): RM1,800
little Manja (2008): RM2,200
current price (2011): RM3,000
KL price (2011): ???

And guess what?? DPM: Prepare for price increases
Thank you Malaysia for your warning.  IT DOESN'T HELP!!!

So, the childless has less headache and can selfishly care for themselves.

But comparing myself with their position, against my frustration, agony and pain, I would not change a single thing.  Cheeky and Manja had been my best companions and their affectionate, true, pure and unconditional love is priceless.  I bet my children say 'I LOVE U' more than daddy Beary......

Holidays in pics

It was famously being said that, pictures paint a thousand words.  

And indeed, these pics taken by Cincau reflected my holidays on the beach.  

Luving them.

The 5.50pm scenery

Sun setting at the horizon

The cincau brood

sand sculpting

crab-krabby season

The homey crab hole

crabby returning home

lesson : crabby season 101

white sandy beach

last captured pic of the day, at 6.30pm

Leave nothing but foot steps, 

Take nothing but pictures.

This is our beach, @ Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Kotobian Tadau Tagazo Do Kaamatan

What foreign language is this and what does it mean?

You remember about the holidays that I have mentioned earlier?  That the coming 2 days holiday is only applicable to my state in Malaysia?  Well, let the truth be told that as of 12.01am today, we are celebrating the Harvest Festival.  As so, that's exactly what the title means.

"Happy/Greetings Festival/Celebrating Elaborated Harvest".  That's the elongated meaning.  Usually the locals will just greet as :  Kotobian Tadau Kaamatan = Greetings Festival Harvest.  Hmm??..... Doesn't sound right, but that's what it meant when you do the direct translation.  Heck, let's just say "Happy Harvest Festival".

How I wish I can explain what's the meaning behind this thanksgiving celebration, but Cincau only plays a tiny part in this celebration, which is, a Sabahan.  The real meaning, you can refer to here.

During this utmost important celebration among the indigenious people of of my land, there are the singing, dancing, wine tasting, beauty contests, rituals giving and many more.  Here are some pics:

Children adorning in traditional costumes

The warrior and his...... "bride" of his time

Children dancing the sumazau

The traditional musical instruments

Blowing out music notes from a sumputon

The sacred crop, paddy

The Unduk Ngadau of year 2003.  Guess who's the champion?

Daphne Iking : 2003 Unduk Ngadau.
This pic taken just after giving birth to her first child

Unduk Ngadau is the local beauty contest.  This annual competition can be fierce. Afterall, its a recognition of beauty from a local perspective.

As a Sabahan, I'm proud of her career achievement.  But as a human, I wouldn't encourage you to her acts.  As of current status, Daphne is now married, after a high-profile divorce (ugly), converted to muslim, with an unidentified father to her first daughter, and is now pregnant with her second child.  Sooooooooo ____________. (please fill in the blank).

Whoa, out of the topic!!  Well cincau-cliques, wishing you all a : 

Yipee..... Holidays Abound

This is the period of holidays...... woohoo!!

Tomorrow Malaysia will be celebrating the Buddha's birthday....... locally, its more well known as Wesak day.  It encompases more than just birthday, it includes enlightment and solemnization.  Confuse?  That's because I've describe it in my simplest cincau way.  Do some search, you'll be able to find more about this celebration.

But what I'm going to mention here is, there are seasons of drought and seasons of fun.  Just like this particular one, allow me to list the coming holidays during this "fun" season:

Wesak day - tomorrow, 17 May 2011.  Immediate gratification, woohoo!!
Harvest Festival - 30 & 31 May 2011.  Only in Sabah.
His Royal Highness' Birthday - 4 June 2011
oh, and and and before those dates, Cincau had enjoyed the Good Friday (22 April) and Labour Day (1 May) holidays.

Now, that is definitely a period of fun.   

Holidays are the best.  Besides its a time of celebration, its FREEDOM!!! Relax, slow mood, minimum stress, and a degree more of genuine smileys around us.  Yes, sometimes business smiles and laughs can be so fake. 

I'm going to bring my entire Cincau family for a trip of exhaustion.  The sun, the beach, the heat, the tan, the flies, and the sun-burn.  Kah kah kah. 

Brother Cheeky had somehow reignited his memory of his swimming fun time.  So, his reminders are now lingering non-stop again.  Kah kah kah

daddy Beary is cultivating an artificial bald spot soon thanks to Cheeky....... kah kah kah

Reality will set in again after early June 2011.  Then the drought season shall takes its place and will kick the fun out.  Back to the long long period behind my workstation. 

Ugh.... soooooooo thiirrrrrssssssteeeeeeeee for freeeeeeeeedooooooooommmm....

It ticks me off......

What ticks me???........ What would make Cincau feels frustrate?

I am frustrated for I have made mistakes.

I made the mistake to have a person representing me.

I made the mistake to have this group as my trustees to administer my future.

I made the mistake in trusting this group to secure a future for my children.

I made the mistake in allowing myself to believe in empty promises.

I made the mistake in allowing this group to now condemn my dignity.

I made the mistake in seeing lousy planning to this land I'm at.

I made the mistake of now doubting the legal system of this land.

I made the mistake in allowing the erosion of what little cash remains in my hand.

I made the mistake in allowing more PTIs than ever before in this land.

I made the mistake that have caused me in so much misery today.

I made the mistake since 10 years ago.

I do not blame anyone except myself.  Nevertheless, should I continue to make more mistakes?

What is causing me to this sudden grunge? RON97 petrol up 20 sen to record high of RM2.90

In case you do not see holistically,  who are the ones who drive using RON97?

And what do these people do when their margins are eroded with higher costs?

Do you want to see your already stagnant and value-deteriorating income forcing you to buy RM100 economy rice to realise something is not right?  WTF!!

Joking with a "P"

A week has passed.  The dust has yet to settle.  The recent Sarawak state election has opened the ruling coalition parties eyes, seeing the large portion of the communities frustration to their way of governance. Eyes are definitely open, but unfortunately denials abound.

Cincau could have say more but hey, who wants to be caught in a defamation law suit?  As Malaysia's rakyat, we should be "prihatin" = sensitive towards our country's progress and work on what's best for the benefit of everyone.  Everyone wants a better life, why fiddle with the race cards?

The law of Keynesian theory only tells that where there is large supply of $$$, this will only create greater demand for convenience.  Or put it the other way, where there are oversupply of goods but no demand due to lack of $$$, it only means dead end to the economy.  Which would you prefer?  Flourish or stuck?

Cincau mentioned too much.  How about a political joke?:

A man died and arrived at the Pearly Gates, where St. Peter was there to greet him. He was given a tour of heaven when suddenly, the man saw a huge wall with many clocks. He then asked " what are those clocks for?"

St. Peter explains that everyone has a clock that counts down the seconds of their life, and when someone dies, their clock will stop too.  The man was fascinated with the mechanism behind the clocks.  A further examination also revealed that some clocks second hands are moving faster than others.

St. Peter explains that everytime when someone tells a lie, they lose part of their life, so their clock's second hand ends up moving faster.  The man was going through all the names attached to the clocks and asked why Bill Clinton's clock is no where to be found.
"Oh!" answered St. Peter.  "It's in Jesus' room, being used as a fan".

Dear Rakyat Sarawak

Courtesy from thestar.com.my 

Cincau would have lied if it was said that I wasn't interested in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia's political affair.  In fact, in recent years, the entire Malaysia's political scenario had been heated up with lots of sensitive and surprising news in local media.  Not only were they of intense interests, some were even saucy too.  I would not elaborate further than this as today is the decisive day for my fellow Sarawakians.  Today is polling day.  One very important time for our fellow rakyat = (citizens) to decide which path they would choose for their future.  

I'm nervous.  Heart racing. Palms sweating. Polling stations are closed.  Results soon.  Ai ya ya! 

Bank Negara sets new rules for credit cards

Have you read the news yet?

Bank Negara sets new rules for credit cards
That's our Central Bank.

What signal has this implied?  That Malaysians do not know how to spend prudently and wisely?  Hence the high level of household debts?

Gee, I can't say more, but somehow it implies to me that the value of my bring home income is being cut 1/3 of its value.  No doubt inflation is high.  A bread which used to cost RM0.60 is now RM1.80.  Somehow, during my lucky years with pay increments, these were immediately eroded by bad boy inflation. It is only the early year of 2011, why am i feeling like a pauper instead of lavishing on items which i have eyed upon last year?  Where is the value that's suppose to enhance my standard of living?

How many credit cards do you have?  Frankly speaking, I have more than 2.
Are credit cards your friend or foe?

When the moon kisses the earth

Just yesterday i read the article on the "Supermoon" phemonemon where when the moon is at its nearest distance to the earth.  The article even mentioned of the catastrophe theories that will affect the earth on March 19.  One of them is none other than earthquakes.

So, what happened today?  Japan was hit by an 8.9 magnitude earthquake.... and a 13 feet tsunami hit their island shores.  Can it be?  The moon being the mischievious culprit to this devastating event?  As the date of the Supermoon effect (also known as the lunar perigree) gets closer, are we to expect more disasters?

Though Cincau lives in Malaysia, the Malaysians are not immune to natural disasters.  The most memorable in Cincau's mind is the December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.  How it hit hard the coastal lines of the upper peninsular of this land.  I can't even describe how I felt during that time as I was celebrating Christmas!!  And that was believed being caused by the shining one above us too.

So March 19, I guess everyone should be on the tip of their toes.  I wonder whether Malaysia's sleeping volcano will wake up?

TOUCH WOOD!!  TOUCH WOOD!!  TOUCH WOOD!!

OMG, tsunami warning to all within the Pacific Basin.  That's me!

The Banned Light

As I watched Disney's "Tangled" animated movie, I couldn't resist a part of the film which showed the entire kingdom releasing the enchanted sky lanterns.  How beautiful this was projected and the magical touch that Disney has always been able to express in all their works.

As enchanting and magical as it successfully featured, the sad truth is, due to modernization, these sky lanterns are now posing hazards to aircrafts. Take a look at the imposed fines by Malaysia's Transport Ministry.  Transport Ministry warns against releasing sky lanterns (Updated) .  In the recent Chinese New Year celebration, Cincau noticed a few sky lanterns floating across the sky and got worried.  Who would have thought something seemingly so "gentle" could have such massive destructive effect??

Nevertheless, hope prevails.  For the sky lanterners (can i call you that way?), the spirit of releasing sky lanterns is still very much alive in Taiwan. The island celebrates their lantern festival as an annual event.  The event travels around the island and this year's celebration was in Pingxi.  Check out the video below.  So when and where will the next celebration be?