In Memory of Someone or Rather...

Picture Only

2011-06-15T10:58:00.002+08:00

Appreciation

2011-03-17T16:16:00.002+08:00

Appreciation.

I find this a most strange word - so often the cause of much resentment, animosity and uncertainty, even though the word itself connotes a positive reaction towards a positive action.

In my personal experience, I’ve so often felt under-appreciated. Whether by a loved one, a lover, a friend or a boss. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been in severe arguments as a result of this issue. The frequency of this matter arising has also led me to question my own disposition. I can safely surmise that the feeling of lack of appreciation may be the result of:-

a) My own incompetence or inability to do anything worth appreciation; OR

b) My consistent contact with individuals who lack appreciation for anything in general.

Sometimes I wish to believe that I am right. Moreso when engaged in heated argument. I tend to get defensive, as virtually all of us do, and that does not help me at all.

Sometimes, I stop to think – maybe the other person has some point in all this, and I am in fact, merely blowing my own horn (so to speak), and unjustifiably so at that.

Answers? I wish I had them. Res ipsa loquitor then. Let the facts speak for themselves.

The Green Green Grass Of Home

2011-03-07T10:40:00.000+08:00

Dear Diary,

The state of my employment is relatively shite. However, more than just the issue of job security and salary, another obstacle obstructs my path to a different future: I am very, very aware that I have many freedoms in this job. More so that it has made me terribly lazy. Nevertheless, I stay on because this freedom has allowed me to pursue my dreams of dancing, photography and traveling, among others.

The million-dollar question now is: Do I continue staying? No, I’m not talking about staying here for the next 20 years. I’m talking about resigning almost immediately, as opposed to resigning at the end of the year.

Quoting the legendary (at the time, but now more than slightly coockoo) Axel Rose of Guns 'N Roses in their iconic hard-rock tune - "Where do we go? Where do we go now?"

I'm still trying to figure out where this is all going, with not too much success I admit. Is this a sign that I can't handle things of this manner?

Should I stay on when my boss has agreed to grant me that promotion WITHOUT any increase in salary (not even a 2-figure increase)?

I think I'm going to have to start praying again.

Amen.

More Proof that Proton is Evil

2011-02-09T10:00:00.001+08:00

This is further proof that our National Car Maker is secretly an evil entity bent on natiowide domination and exploitation.

WTF is wrong with my background?

2011-01-18T15:42:00.000+08:00

On a totally different note, I just reailsed that the background of this blog happens to look like a cross between tie-dyed sheets and blood and semen (Metallica anyone?).

On another different note, posted in this blog which no one reads, I just completed shooting Ruben & Yvonne's Wedding Day, both Morning and Night session. Holy crap, you wouldn't believe how much work is involved here. Worse thing is (not really 'worse', just tiring I guess) that I REALLY REALLY need to sort all this shit out before WEDNESDAY - meaning tomorrow. Cos tomorrow night will be another adventure - Thaipusam! More on that soon!

Note: I'm totally done with all the morning's pictures and now I only need to edit the night ones. If my technique is up to scratch, the night pics should not take so long to edit, since dinner photos don't require much drama, only that everyone (especially the hens... eh, I meant women) appears clear and pretty (regardless...). I hope to complete all that BY TONIGHT. Jesus. But I'm pretty happy with how it all turned out anyways. Great photos - one of my better sets definitely.

Next up: Thaipusam delights! Another all nighter, another crazy day. Oh, and lets not forget that a dear friend, Raj Stevens hired me to shoot his event on Saturday, 22nd January 2011 at the Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Club. I'd promote his event through my blog but unfortunately, no one reads my blog :-(

Last but not least, the cherry on top, Havana Estudio's legendary monthly studio party for January 2011, the very first one of YEAR 2011. For those of you who do not know it, do support us you losers!

PS: Serious shit - the Thaipusam set is going to be awesome. As awesome as me, probably more awesome. Try not to miss it when it comes out!

Happy New Year 2011: Out with the old, in with the new...

2011-01-12T11:17:00.000+08:00

Cheers to all and goodwill to men (and women).

Another year dawns and this blog is still under-maintained. It's no problem really because no one actually reads it. It is however, a great outlet for me to VENT and RANT, something which I have become very very adept at doing. I focus more on my photoblog these day (of which is particularly well maintained must say).

That being said, this (first) blog of mine has a more personal feel to it. I has so far allowed me to speak my mind without being worried that it may give others a nasty opinion of Yours Truly.

So what's new in 2011?

I'm not sure about the rest of the months, but January appears to have a fairly exciting schedule.

1. There was a book launching by the Peranakan Association on the 8th (which I missed due to work committments). I was actually supposed to sing 2 traditional peranakan songs with a singing troupe but I missed that as well. :-( I was also told that there was some Kebaya modeling going on that afternoon, which my camera ultimately missed;

2. Ruben and Yvonne's wedding on the 15th. I've been asked by Ruben to shoot the games and the ceremony in the morning. No news yet if 'll be shooting the dinner itself. Some people feel paiseh to ask a guest to shoot their wedding. Or they might already have a pro on-site. We'll see how this cookie crumbles.

3. A Thaipusam special (by me!) on the 19th/20th. I'll be going with Calvin (hereinafter referred to as "Fatty") and Malini. Mals will be participating with her brothers and Fatty and I just want to experience the whole thingamajig. I'm going for the Pulitzer with this one... stay tuned to my photoblog for more!;

4. A good buddy of mine, Raj Steven hired me to shoot his fitness event on the 22nd, titled UNLEASHED 2011. Its a whole day event to be held at Stadium Bukit Jalil whereby numerous well-known fitness and health instructors are invited to give workshops and talks on our geenral well-being. If you're reading this, come on over that morning to give us support!; and

5. Of course we can't forget the Havana Estudio Monthly Social for January. Traditionally held on the last Saturday of the month, this one is effectively on the 29th.

And this is just for January 2011. As mentioned in my photoblog as well, this looks like its going to be a good year.

October Madness - Will It Ever End? I Hope Not...

2010-10-26T16:12:00.003+08:00

This is simply madness in its purest form. The weekend of 23rd and 24th October 2010 drained me like no other weekend. As fun as it appeared to be, I sincerely hope I will not be repeating anything similar anytime soon.

22nd October 2010: After work, I rush back home to fetch my luggage, of which I half-packed the night before. By 8.00 p.m. I am ready to leave for the island state of PENANG. After some complications, I finally leave at about 10.00 bloody p.m. On the way, due to extreme tiredness, I end up making 2 stops in quick succession - to sleep. I finally reach Penang at about 3 a.m., waking my uncle (with whom I was staying with) in the process. Thank you so much Uncle Joo Chye. Salut.

23rd October 2010: First thing in the morning, it's off to B&F's (more like F's parent's house in Penang) for the Persian version of the Chinese tea ceremony. This remarkable ceremony invoved a symbolic tree planting as well as individual blessings from various family members. Was absolutely glad to be there to shoot the whole thing. Lovely people, lovely family, and lovely pictures. Lovely food too although I did not eat much. Can you believe that at 11 a.m. by Godma calls me and asks me where I am? Apparently my Godsis (not the Catholic version) was getting married (tea ceremony Saturday morning and dinner at night) and I was only told about it by me mum a few days earlier. And I did not know that they did not have an OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER. Thus they were relying on me. Sucks.

At night, we confirmed the absence of a photographer. They had a videographer but IMHO, If I had to choose between the 2, I'd go for a photog. So I took the opportunity to pull out my Weapon of Choice and went trigger happy. Oh, and I wish you could check out the Boney M sung by a leggy chinese singer. Nice legs indeed, but you can keep the rest.

24th October 2010: The craziness truly begins NOW. I'm at Parkroyal Hotel by about 5.30 p.m. to prepare my equipment. They're were going to have a Parsi Zoroastrian blessing ceremony (sorry if got that one wrong) before the actual dinner. Amazing stuff! They even handed down little flyers explaining the whole process and what it means. I hope my pictures can tell the story adequately.

I'm not a fan of hotel food by any measure, but dinner was very good, Excellent service and delicious food. Both the relatives of B and F clans were absolutely lovely that evening, the small hall filled with laughter and other joyous sounds.

I left dinner early, just before the wedded couple had their first dance together as husband & wife. Mind you, 'early' happened to be about 11.30 p.m. I went back to my uncle's house to quickly pick up my things, and hastily bid him goodbye.

25th October 2010: I hit the highway at about past 12 a.m. Instant nightmare! I quickly realised that I was getting drowsy fast. Worse still, there was no Rest Stop in sight. I finally found a stop and took me a 1 hour nap. When I started driving again, in about half and hour, I stopped yet again for a one half hour nap. Only then did I feel fit enough to continue driving. The problem is, it was already past 4 a.m. I finally got back at about 6 a.m. Took a clarinase pill and slept for exactly 1 hour before I got up to change and head to work.

Dear Lord...

Holy Cow! What A Weekend!

2010-10-10T13:57:00.000+08:00

Gotta catch my breath.

Started with a Raya Open House shoot on Friday night in Cyberjaya for these 2 charming sisters.

Then on Saturday night, I was hired to shoot a classy birthday celebration for one heck of a great dude.

On Sunday morning, woke up bright and early to shoot Ruben & Yvonne / K.C. & Anna's wedding registration.

Back to work. I have to edit about 1,500 photos in the next few days.

More on these shoots later.

... A Few Surprises On The Way

2010-10-08T10:15:00.000+08:00

Photoshoot Assignments

I took leave yesterday (Thursday, 7th October 2010) so I could sort out the registration / name changing of my 3-month old Sentra. I was initially informed that the queue was not long in the afternoon so the whole process may take only about 3 hours. I was finished in 20 MINUTES. I was in at 12 pm and out by 12.20 pm. Outstanding, PUPAKOM Wangsa Maju.

Having too much time on my hands (Par finished work at 4.00 pm @ MATIC), I didn't want to go home, so I stopped by Batu Caves to take photos. Fancy that. I quite like how the shots turned out and will be posting them in http://dominiquekeephotography.blogspot.com soon.

In the midst of all that driving up and down the MRR2, I got 2 separate phone calls in response to an internet advertisment I put up in Mudah.com.my, offering my services as a budget photographer. I accepted both although it was on rather short notice.

One is this evening - a regular Raya Open House in Cyberjaya. Garden, open-air concept, with awnings and artificial light. From about 8 pm to 11 pm. This will be slightly challenging and I am grateful for the china-made softbox.

The other is a private function at KL Hilton. This dude has a family dinner there, followed by over-nighter with friends at the Lifestyle Suite. Should be interesting, this one...

Whats New This Week?

2010-10-06T10:08:00.000+08:00

Hatem Horror!

Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. Manchester City F.C. has got Robert Mancini as manager, Saudi aristocrat money behind them, but shite for brains. Kudos to the well-taken stunner by Newcastle homeboy, Adam Johnson for the win, but we have got to take some time to crucify that barmy cunt Nigel de Jong. As of 3rd October 2010 the score is de Jong 3 - The Civilized Footie World 0. Just ask Stuart Holden, Xabi Alonso and Hatem Ben Arfa. The only person appearing to do anything about this thuggery is Dutch National Coach Bert van Marwijk who apparently dropped that karate-kicking monkey for an unspecified period. Good on you Bert!

Latest: NUFC apparently sent out a 'strongly-worded letter' to the FA regarding de Jong's barbarism and Martin Atkinson's confusing display of what appears to be referee duties. More to come on this.

Oh, and we lost 1-2 away to City. A bloody disappointing loss which leaves us in 15th place after 7 games played. Felt worse after Blackpool won 2-1. Felt slightly better again after finding out the Kop lost to Blackpool 1-2 (and are now 17th in the EPL after 7 games). No disrespect, but if I were a Red, I'd be shitting bricks now. The Toon are more used to this treatment anyways.

Next up: Wigan Athletic at St. James' Park on 16th October 2010.

October Nuptials

The end of 2010 seems to ring to the tune of wedding bells.

1. Leonard & Nicole's Wedding in August
2. Kiranjit's Wedding (in Seremban, which I missed, regretfully)
3. Ingo & YY's Wedding
4. Anna & K.C.'s registration on 10th October and Ceremony/Dinner on 26th & 27th October
5. Ruben & Yvonne's registration on 10th October and Dinner in January 2011
6. My Godsister, Cherylene's wedding dinner on 23rd October
7. Ben & Farina's registration on 20th October and Dinner on 24th October
8. Puan & Xiao Sun's Dinner on 18th December
9. Bee Teng's Dinner on 30th December
10. K.C's (AEON) registration is sometime towards the end of the year but Dinner is booked for March 2011

I'm grateful that Ruben has asked me to take some photo's for him. An absolute pleasure on my part!

What's New in the Life of Dom?

2010-09-27T09:59:00.001+08:00

Sometime last year I decided that I needed writing therapy. And why not? Life was generally crappy, I was up to my neck in personal nonsense, I managed to drag myself away from a 3+ year relationship which didn’t work out, etc...

But somewhere in all that mess, I started writing stuff. First it was this Blog. Which of course was a bit of a joke since I didn’t really have any blogger connections and I’d probably be the only person reading this. After that it was more random stuff: articles, stories, reviews, anything at all. I sorta discovered myself in all that mess and realized that life has been good to me lately. No, I did not strike the lottery, but perhaps in many ways it has been... better than that?

Let’s see what’s new in my life recently. I can’t recall everything just this moment, but I’m sure it will come back to me soon enough:-

1) Salsa!

Where do I even begin on this one? You might know the story. Boy meets friend at Jazz Festival. Boy gets bored of crappy acts that night. Boy agrees to join friend at Salsa Havana on a Saturday night (what could possibly go wrong, eh?) for a bit of a look-see. Boy spend the next 3 hours watching people dance. Boy gets curious and drops by what he thinks is a dance studio above a regular mamak haunt. The rest, as they say, is history.

2) Holidays!

I’m actually going for holidays now. Which goes pretty much hand-in-hand with the next one...

3) Photography

This is a pretty big one for me. Almost as big as salsa, and perhaps may be bigger in the long term. It’s been crazy ever since I started taking pictures. I think I may have an eye for photos but I’ve researched enough to know that my particular style of photographs are not conventional. Love it or hate it, have a look first, won’t you?

4) Texas Hold ‘Em Poker

I was really, really crazy about poker at one time. I lived, breathed, ate, drank and shat poker. Then guess what happened? I started dancing. I intend to resume my poker career (for the 2^nd time?) pretty soon...

5) A Theory of Change?

The bullshit of stunts pulled by the Singer and Rhythm Guitarist of a band I was involved in (since the last post a year ago) meant that a musical dream died. Anyways, I always thought it was HIS band and not OURS. But what’s done is done. I’m happier without the childish nonsense.

One of my closest mates, Calvin ‘Fatty’ Symons actually told me about an excellent comment he made to Mals, his better half – I incorporate photography into everything I do, be it salsa, poker or whatever. I like that comment.

Anyways – for the record, I’m not in any emotional turmoil. I just realized I have not updated this blog in a looooonnngggg time. I’ve got some time in the office, so, there.

Singapore is a fine, a fine, fine country. Kena pay all the time, bankrupt all my money

2009-11-30T09:57:00.000+08:00

This is the second time I’ve used the above line. Love it. Although the iconic Kopy Kat Klan song was playing in my head the whole while. Almost drove me krazy.

I’ve been back in Kay El for the past couple of weeks and I still kinda feel the post-SISF blues. I’ve stopped dancing in the office though. Now I have to learn to stop spot-turning when someone calls me.

From 13th to 15th November 2009, I was part of a sizeable Malaysian / Havana Estudio contingent headed out to Singapore for the Singapore International Salsa Festival 2009 (“SISF”). Since I use this Blog space not so much for blogging (because it’s just not that kind of party), but rather for keeping tabs on events or anecdotes in my life (which apparently, is few and far in between), I took the liberty of taking a walk down memory lane by reading the piece I posted AFTER the Malaysia Salsa Congress in May this year. For the sake of perspective, Congress 2009 was my first salsa event since I started dancing.

Visibly, I was more relaxed this time round, treating the whole thing like a glorious salsa holiday. I was sharing an adorable little room with Florence, Jaime and Raj, the 3 of which I’ve grown rather fond of (in no particular order, hoho) over the long weekend. Some points of note:

1) I’ve improved somewhat over the past couple of months. I recall with nostalgic fondness, Imagen Latina’s workshop in Congress, of which I struggled to follow. However, during Imagen Latina’s workshop in SISF, it became easier to follow them just by watching. Everything somehow became more obvious.

2) I revived my enthusiasm for dancing. It’s been waning for a while now. Of late, I’ve been feeling like I’ve reached a ‘plateau’ in my dancing ‘career’. You know, like “I don’t know any new moves” or “My dancing isn’t going anywhere”. Even the rueda which I’ve grown to love has taken a backseat (which is depressing to say the least). Good news is, just like Congress, SISF brought me back to life. God’s knows for how long though but I’ll enjoy it while it lasts.

3) I took part in a Guinness Book of records attempt for the WORLD’S LARGEST RUEDA WHEEL! Woo hoo! With reference to No. 2 above, this was my Rueda ‘revival’ of sorts. Although there may be some complications there… but you won’t hear it from me.

4) I actually picked up some brilliant moves over the weekend. Now, the execution of the same is another story entirely…

5) I love my iPhone. So much. So, so much. Never been technologically enhanced before. I’m such a caveman.

Candid Confessions of a Dangerous Dominique

2009-11-26T12:10:00.004+08:00

The bitter irony of all this, is that my last post (which is btw more than a year ago) mentions “there hasn’t been a post in quite a while now…”

I’ve been reading the early postings of Yours Truly, and I’ve noted certain points of interest and development since March 2008:-

1) I still think that occasional writing is therapeutic. The only difference is lately I’ve been wanting to be heard at least once in a while;

2) I’ve since virtually stopped playing poker. Although I’ve been trying on and off (and losing ungodly sums of money in the learning process – how much ‘fees’ must I pay again!?). Instead, I’ve been dancing. That’s right. You heard me. Dancing. Dominique dances salsa. Get over it. The best part? I’m still dancing as much as ever. In fact, 2 weeks ago, I concluded my 2nd salsa event, the Singapore International Salsa Festival 2009, and before that, the Malaysian Salsa Congress in May 2009;

3) I’ve been into photography for a while now. While I like some of my photos, my inexperience clearly shows in bigger events… :( You can check out my album on my mukasurat Mukabuku;

4) I ended things with my long-time (ex) pompuan at the end of 2008. Enough said.

5) I’ve been travelling. Not a whole lot, but more than I have been for the past couple of years. Granted it was for salsa (mostly) and to nearby places such as Singapore and Krabi, but it’s a step in the right direction;

6) Calvin and I re-joined Aaron Ponniah and his existing band member Dixon, and a newbie, Daniel, to form the band what is known today as the Theory of Change. We’ve had a couple of minor gigs so far, and an upcoming attempted recording. Here’s to more good things for us;

7) I just realized that I never did complete the 3-part “Project” to build from scratch a poker mat out of everyday affordable household items. I’m updated Parts 1 and 2 but not the last one. I think I still have the photos for Part 3. Anyways, the mat was made long ago and is still being used whenever we got to Kheong’s house for a poker session. Although I must say, since then, I’ve made a much bigger, better, and cooler looking one, with real felt! I’ll post it up soon (for the sake of closure). I’ve also since then, amassed a nice mini-collection of poker stuff including pro-grade cards and semi-clay chips;

8) I’ve changed my number back to the same number from the old days;

9) I’ve made some new friends. Something I didn’t really do for a long time;

10) I've since become somewhat a Mukabuku addict.

It kinda made me think of my life so far, up to the past couple of years, up to recently. I suddenly had a “wish-I-could-go-back-and-do-things-differently” moment. I’ll post any more random thought whenever I get them. Better than spamming my Mukabuku Status Update space innit?

Why Am I Here?

2008-04-12T12:38:00.006+08:00

I was just thinking, who in the world is going to read my blog? It's not interesting, and neither am I popular. I'm not political, funny, controversial nor even good looking. All I do all day is dislike things and be annoyed.

Either way, there hasn't been a post in quite a while now, largely contributed by the fact that i'm currently doing the work of 3 people. That's pretty sad actually. Mainly because my salary is still the same.

More work, same pay, same shit different day.

But on the lighter side of things, for those few (probably like 1-2) who have been reading this blog, then you can finally see the finished work of my poker project. :D

Just gimme a while and i'll be posting it later today.

Oh, and another thing, for anyone reading this post, i'm currently trying to recruit poker players, Texas Hold-'Em in particular. Check out my FaceBook profile (can search my e-mail: dominiquekee@gmail.com) and you'll be able to find under "GROUPS" our NEW 'club' of sorts. Its known as the "PLAY UNTIL BLIND: Poker Association of Malaysia".

We don't play for $$ (theres actually SOME money involved but its negligible, tightwad) but more for the fellowship and healthy gaming. When we first began, i thought it would probably die out, just like other 'activities' but until today, its still going on. Pretty soon i'll be posting pics of the player and more!

Any interested, please let me know! We are definately glad to have you any and everyone. Girls, poker isn' exclusively a man's game (check out "Annie Duke, Pro Poker Player") and Guys, the stats do not lie: macho-ness stems from card games (Re: Casino Royale, you thought it was cool, don't lie to yourself!).

Don't matter whether you're a beginner (who wants to learn, we're glad to show you how), an intermediate playa (plays on and off but wants to play more, we'll oblige!) and even an expert/pro playa (us mortals need to learn from someone!). Contact us soon and we can discuss this further!

The Project – Part Two (of Three)

2008-03-29T10:02:00.007+08:00

According to the ‘instructions’, I’ll be needing to draw a combination of circles and straight lines in order to construct on the carpet, the perfect octagon. What was meant to be a simple exercise turned out to a fair bit of a headache, moreso because I didn’t have a protractor BIG enough. Wtf mate? Anyways, ingenious as I am, I decided to tie some raffia string to a plastic peg I found somewhere (no idea what it was meant for, but there were plenty of ‘em) on the other end, I tied the string to a piece of chalk. There you go. Instant circle.

STEP 4: The Draw
Although there were some initial problems with actually getting the chalk lines to show on MyCarpet, scrappy nevertheless, I managed to draw what was required, as per the picture provided. Funny thing was, not only did I not have a protractor, I also did not have a long enough ruler so virtually most of the lines (including all the straight lines) were drawn free hand. But I though it looked good enough. Judge for yourself.

I thought from a bird’s eye view it sorta looked like Leo Da Vinci’s Naked Dude drawing of proportions (I think its called “the Vitruvian Man or somethin’”).

STEP 5: Snip Snip
From then on, it wasn’t so difficult I guess. I got a huge pair of scissors and started cutting. Of course the edges weren’t even. So I simply folded it in ½ and started snipping the excess away. Things are shaping pretty nicely I guess.

Next: Then came the fun part, the inlay of the poker mat. I’ve previously experimented with the white spray paint (as seen in earlier pics) and I think I can pull it off now.

M.S.O.P – Province Level: Official Report

2008-03-28T18:43:00.000+08:00

Another interesting nite the other nite was. Some $$ lost but plenty of experience gained.

Local Heroes present: Mr. Lee, Mr. Kien, Mr. Symons, and Mr. Kee. Mr. Lee Senior dropped by for 2 shakes but didn’t participate. 2 games played in total.

The first game I totally washed-out. 2 bad calls, including the second where Mr. Fats called me all in, and I saw him, with the SECOND SMALLEST PAIR ON THE TABLE, and I was out. Dumb right?

But I didn’t really mind losing early. I kept calling the hands of aggressive playas with totally shite hole cards of my own, PURELY by reading the game. And I was virtually correct all the time. I won my first big call by beating out Mr. Kien who, although consistently raised every round, I put to have nothing on him. I was right and I hit the high card for that one. But I lost the 2nd and 3rd rounds, both to Mrs. Read.

Even in my losses, I called him correctly but was beaten both times on the river & kicker respectively. The first loss was where he hit a flush draw on the river (dagnabit!) and beat my pocket K’s (which otherwise I would have won) and the other was where I went all in with a hole of 3 & 4 suited, cos I read him as havin nothing, even at the river. The Community Cards opened up to a random set of cards except for another 4. There. I had one of lowest pairs in the game, and the smallest on the table. But I still thought he had nothing. Mr. B.B.B was holding another 3 (dagnabit damnations!) but he had 4 for a kicker. So there. I was shuffling for the next hour or so. Hararharharhar!

The 2nd game was more dynamic and dramatic. Mr. Lee was the first to leave and I wasn’t far behind. Mr. B.I.G was notorious as the chip leader. But I clawed my way back and gave the Calvinator a run for his $$.

I got impatient and eventually lost anyways. So there.

The Project – Part One (of Three)

2008-03-27T15:36:00.007+08:00

O.k guys, here is the first installment of the 3-part Poker Night Chronicles: The Project.

As some of you may already know, I’m making my own poker table cover, and its gonna be brilliant! BRILLIANT! My first problem was the shape. If you glance at the previous posts you can see the picture that was my inspiration, so I eventually decided that it should be an octagon, an 8-sided polygon. I think it looks more professional that way.

Second problem: How can I cut out a perfect octagonal shape, or at least something passable? Once again, Wikipedia provided the solution for my problems. Check this site out:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octogon

Its pretty cool. It even has a GIF picture with moving illustrations that show how to draw out the plans for a perfect octagon. You’ll see what I mean for yourselves later…

STEP 1: What is it that you want?
You’ll need a clear idea of what you’re looking to make. Forget the creative juices (unless you’re some architect or similar) and instead, go on-line (as I have) and look for some inspiration in sites that sell poker/cards merchandise.

STEP 2: Buy what you need
Once you know what you’re looking for, pay a visit to your nearby D.I.Y shops and get the stuff you need. Try to picture the whole project in fast forward so you can buy everything at one go (it would save you the hassle).

Practicing what I preach, I took a trip down to Ikano with Calvin and got myself some green carpet (in the absence of felt) and some other miscellaneous stuff, like spray paint and crispy popiah.

STEP 3: Organize your work space
I found a place in my house, upstairs with a wide enough space to lay out my ‘carpet’ and at the same time, found a great workspace. I also set up all the ‘equipment’ that I needed, such as the make-shift protractor…which was actually a piece of chalk on a string tied to some peg (or peg-like apparatus). Check it out.

NEXT: According to the instructions, I need to draw some shapes and some lines. Simple? Well, not if you don’t have a protractor or even a ruler which is that big!

M.S.O.P – The TTDI Leg: Official Report

2008-03-26T15:13:00.003+08:00

Local Heroes present:
Mr. Kee, Mr. Lee, Mr. Ken Li (sorry man, maybe I spelt it wrong!), Mr. Tan & Mr. Symons.

And the winner is…. ME! It seems that Lady Luck has come round for a bit of a tease. Hahahahaha!

But seriously, not to gloat, it was another monumental battle by our local poker heroes. Last night we started a bit late but because of the intensity of the game, the one game took 2 hours+!!
Mr. Symons, who has been having decent games for the past couple of days (Symons in Real Life & on FB!) was the first casualty of the night as several successive lost pots took its toll on the B.F.G. Mr. Tan was as cool as ever, going over-redline early but later clawing his was back up with a big pot win. That wasn’t enough though to stop Mr. Ken, Mr. Lee’s macha, from bulldozing through Mr. Tan.

Mr. Ken’s aggressive, loose play and constant raising using an ancient multiplication system (Janjang of Death) instilled fear in all those around him. Mr. Lee of course, was as cool as ever, which made him a force to be reckoned with as well. Mr. Lee’s calm & composure is virtually unmatched.

Mr. Kee on the other hand, appeared intimidated by the aggressive plays from the other players and decided to keep things tights (that’s the way he likes it you see), folding often and winning only certain and strong pots.

Eventually, Mr. Symons and Mr. Tan were eliminated with the remaining 3 playas having equal stack standing. Things were tense, and Mr. Symons was restless having already been eliminated (“Get off the floor Big C, and leave the trolley alone!”).

Suffice to say, it eventually down to just Mr. Lee and Myself, but admittedly, I was lucky enough to go head-to-head with superior chips (Mr. Lee had a number of great hands which would have wiped me out if we had even stacks). I won, but it was scrappy (High cards & low pairs).

Oh well, you know what they say: A Win is A Win. At least I’ve got something in common with Newcastle United last night!

Thanks to Mr. Lee for his house. We always look forward to playing there. See you guys soon.

How to feed an obsession (or “How to Build a Poker Table Cover”)

2008-03-25T11:50:00.002+08:00

Mr. Lee, one of our local heroes has a poker set which we use regularly, and which also includes a plain green felt poker table cover, with 5 (empty) boxes for the Community Cards.

In the meantime, we have kept true to our word and have continued to play on a weekly basis, sometimes even twice a week.

Lately, I have also been feeding this obsession by doing tons of research on the Game: jargon, calculations, strategies, etc. In my journey, I’ve seen quite a bit of poker paraphernalia in various websites. I’ve currently trying to contact several website for details on how the deliver the stuff to Malaysia. Can you believe, a particular website with the most amazing looking Bicycle cards (WHICH I NEED VERY MUCH!) delivers to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, but not Malaysia or even Singapore. When I e-mailed ‘em, I was happy for a prompt reply which explained that the Courier Service FedEx kept returning packages bound for Malaysia, so it caused them some embarrassment in terms of providing good service. I’m still waiting on several more websites to reply to me.

So, anyways, I’ve come across really beautiful looking Poker Table Covers (with chip and cup holders) but they’re a bit pricey. I can afford them, but you’ve got to consider the shipping (not only the charges, but also the transport). Its all a bit of a hassle. Take a look at the picture on the left.

But then I came across a website of this dude, BUILDING his own poker TABLE. That’s right. A poker TABLE. The picture showed an unfinished table but it had the hexagonal (or was it octagonal? For those of you who flunked geometry, hex means 6-sided and oct means 8-sided) shape and it looked pretty sharp. Then it hit me: why not just build one? A table cover I mean, not a table. So that’s when I hit the D.I.Y. shops with Mr. Symons (yet another local hero) for supplies (“Supplies!!”, exclaims Ah Beng).

So far, I’ve bought:-

1) A green carpet-y like thingy. It’s huge. You gotta buy a minimum of 1 metre for RM 25. I think I can lay a snooker table with that;

2) A can of white spray paint (for the ‘boxes’ or any other decals;

3) A box of blackboard chalk (white); and

4) A cheap blade.

Additionally, I got a roll of musking tape, scissors, a ‘peg’ (don’t ask), string and cello tape from home.

More updates to follow with step-by-step pictorial coverage of the whole process.

M.S.O.P. (Malaysia World Series of Poker)

2008-03-25T11:46:00.002+08:00

It seems that I’m arse out of luck.

Welcome to the Malaysian World Series of Poker!

One or twice a week, several local heroes will get together for an evening of cards, games, (soft) drinks, Cheezels™ and stomping good time with Lady Luck.

However, for the past couple of days, the revered patron Saint of Gambling has hopped out on me. She has been teasing me ever since we started playing, with me breaking even or recouping losses at the 11th hour. But for the past three days, I think she has found another.

Time will tell if She will have me back…

In the meantime, Poker Night anyone?

Howay lads!

2008-03-24T10:14:00.002+08:00

Kudos to King Kev and his Toon Army. The Toon have long been waiting for a win ever since the King’s installment in January earlier this year.

Kudos also to our pint-sized and not-so-pint-sized hitmen for grabbing a goal each, although it still cracks me up whenever Owen scores with his head. I guess there is some real skill involved there.

Did anyone notice the 4-3-3 formation? King Kev played the same formation against Birmingham and did pretty well in the 2nd half. I must say, I quite fancy the idea of an Oba, Mark and Michael frontline and it appears that this tactic paid-off. Probably a bigger pay-off than most (except the Toon Army) would imagine.

Anyways, a win is a win. Cheers to the Black and White and a round of drinks for everyone!

We’ll take what we can from this season. Howay lads!

STOP the abuse.

2007-11-27T16:55:00.000+08:00

Terror, sadness, fears, and tears. STOP the abuse of children.

I'm not talking about physical abuse. I'm talking about something much more inconspicuous but equally sinister. I'm talking about psychological abuse. The unholy massacre of childhood. To take away something so pure and innocent in my opinion is an unforgivable sin (BURN! BABY, BURN!).

I was trudging my way through the day (as i always do) when i came across a randomly selected article off the 'Net. It was written (seemingly) anonymously, signed of as "A Concerned Parent" and was entitled "Don't Rob Kids of Their Childhood". Appalling stuff.

How developed a society do we consider ourselves when our children (not the 25-year old buffaloes still staying at home, but the younger ones) start doing the Singaporean thing and begin to practice ritual suicide to atone for their 'sins' ('sins' being falling 0.00017% short of a 101%). Let me explain how this absurdity began...

UPSR results came out not too long ago. UPSR. Ujian Peperiksaan Sekolah Rendah. 12 years old? Is that about right? A little girl who had collected her results and fell short of 5As had hung herself. That took a while to sink in. My condolences, sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with her soul and her family. This is the sort of shite that can make a grown man cry. Another innocent life snuffed out. Why? Because they were jaded with their situation, to the point where they felt that there was no other way out, no salvation, no options? At 12 years of age? What i want to know is, who the hell is responsible for this?

Take a look around. Its the parent themselves. In this post-modern meritocratic world we live in, we are becoming more and more result oriented. Parents think that they are doing the best for their kids, but in fact, they're actually doing whats best for THEMSELVES.

"My son got straight A's. Oh, yours didn't? Nevermind-lah, can always try again next time what?"

We're all so entangled in this huge web of illusions that many of us are stuck. Even if the light is a step away, we can't seem to bring ourselves to go towards it. We just stay in the dark and feel embittered that we were not in the Light in the first place. But while this complex becomes increasingly complex with age, children today are suffering from the same complexes with equal intensity, but not the maturity to handle it adequately. So they resort to something...else.

When i was 12, i wanted to go out for a run-about, get new toys, make new friends (Ok, the last one was a lie. I had no friends when was i was small, and Christmas trees were tall. And i still don't). What i didnt want at the time was, shitting myself silly, worrying about some dumb results from a defective education system. Our education system is like, a blind man telling you how good you look. Anyways, many children out there, spend so much time doing something they don't like, i.e. studying, but they do it anyway! These children want to try their best, to achieve the best and to make their parents proud of them.

What do they get in return? Angry parents who refuse to go to their graduation ceremonies. Angry parents who shout at their children in front of everyone else telling them how stupid or useless they are. Parents who punish their children by confiscating their games or toys. Anger, anger, anger. This isn't the World Cup for Pete's sake (who's Pete anyway? I never figured that one out..). Its only children. Why can't we just let children BE children.

For the love of freedom and innocence, lets just think about the kids, man, THINK ABOUT THE KIDS!

....and crucify the parents.

As a future parent, i don't quite fancy taking a bath in the B L O O D of my young 'uns. Anyways, i'm not Singaporean. Whatever that means. Probably means a "whale's vagina". Probably not. But maybe, just maybe...

The Monday Night Jam Sessions: Volume 1

2007-11-26T09:11:00.000+08:00

9:00 a.m. (annoyed & moody) - I am not a morning person.

The Monday Night Jam Sessions are on.

As you can read from the title of this blog, In Memory of Someone of Rather happens to be the name of our little project consisting of Aaron Ponniah, Calvin J. Symons, and of course myself. I happen to be the guy carrying the equipment for the Band.

If anyone related is reading this: WHERE ARE YOU JEFF / IMI !!! We can't do this by ourselves!

By the by, is it just me or is Monday blues today extra bluesy? I'm so blue today, B.B. King is inviting me over to his place to ask me for advice. It probably has something to do with the fact that i am sick as a puppy (only not as cute, more disgusting in fact, with the mucus, oddly coloured phlegm, constipation, etc.). I can't seem to shake it. No, i'm not talking about Mrs. Palm and her 5 kids. Perve.

10:00 a.m.(almost melancholic) - Working hard, or hardly working.

Goddamned EDS department. It appears that the hardworking IT department in my office has taken the extra mile to earn their Bogus Link points by blocking more and more websites. The problem is, they take the easy way out by blocking Key Words. That way, ALL the flash game sites are blocked, ALL the friendster, etc. sites are blocked, even ALL the blog sites are blocked. I can't even play Sudoku on-line. Twats. If Marx was alive today, he'd be foaming at the mouth with all this Big Brother shite. This is martial law. AEON is on Emergency. I can't breath in this potpourri of iron fisted bureaucracy and totalitarian rule. Viva la Proletariat!

12.33 p.m. - Lets do lunch

My Boss is out for my blood. On a Monday morning. Even though he is not at work. Cliche? Surely. I'm still sick but apparently, thats no excuse. I can't take Medical Leave, and i can't under-perform. A lose-lose situation for sure.

As for the rest of the day,we'll just have to see how it goes. I do not think it will fare well. Hopefully, we can get some good jamming time in tonight, and the Blues will take away the blues.

Out of this world (literally)!

2007-11-24T14:42:00.001+08:00

An absolute nutter.

Can you believe it? A guitar that tunes ITSELF. Cool. Listen to this:-

Keeps itself IN TUNE, even after you change the strings;
Select from six (6) non-standard tunings. At the push of a button. (Creed, Goo Goo Dolls anyone?)

Handy? Definitely. Must-have? Probably. Practical? Without a doubt. But yet...

This guitar must have purist foaming at the mouth. What happened a good ear for tone? Don't you need one of those for this 'music' thingamajig? Another talent now obsolete thanks to Robot Guitar from Gibson.

"Back in my days, we used Electronic Tuning Devices. It builds character". "Thats' so '20th Century' Grampa". Dumb kids.

Can you imagine how much that baby's gonna cost here on our shores? 15? 16? 20? Would it be worth it? Consider the artiste who became famous playing on non-standard tuning all these years. do you think they would really break between songs in a concert just because every two songs use different set-ups/tuning? Did GNR decide to play every alternate song in standard tuning and the others dropped 1/2? Didn't think so. So what more the average Johan/Jothi/Jinjang Joe?

Personally, i still think the vintage designs are the bee knees. Think 1957 Les Paul Standard. In Tabacco Sunburst. Hmm... orgasmic. Better still, think of the Slash Signature Les Paul (the one with the Fishman Piezo's). Hmm...hmmmm... ooer....... Now where did i keep the tissues?

What am i doing here?

2007-11-24T11:46:00.001+08:00

I have arrived. I guess. And it happens to be long overdue. I just do not know what to put in a blog. Everyone is doing it these days, but i have no idea what they put in, or how they come up with stuff like that. Thats something i would like to know.

But nevermind about them. Now its about Me. Ok, i doubt anyone will read my postings (because i'm actually kind of embarrassed that i'm starting this blogging business so late so i am reluctant to tell anyone) but for anyone who cares, this is what i am going to be all about, including but not limited to:-

1) Random Ranting;
2) Pre-planned Ranting;
3) Invoked Ranting;
4) Football;
5) Music; and last but not least
6) Ranting.

Did i cover everything? Ok, ok... let me explain myself here. I have what medical science may refer to as "acute Eccentro-Cynicism". In short, I'm a little weird and a little cranky. But don't worry, i won't bite (unless it is mutually agreed upon by all the parties concerned). Its just a result of years of repressed anger, eventually channeled out as passion. Passion for music and passion for football (not soccer you twit), among others.

By the way, i tried to put up a picture of Oscar the Grouch (for those who know not the Grouch, kill your parents now for depriving you of a childhood. KILL THEM NOW!), supposedly for comedic-graphic effect of my inaugural post, but somehow its not coming out right. Hmm.... can anyone help me out with this? Damn technology. Back in my day, we used paper. And colouring pencils. Staedtler ones, with loads of colours too.

I'm still trying to upload the damn picture. WTF mate? Alright, alright. I just got it.

Where was i again?

Sorry. I lost it. I'll come back when i have more to rant about. Be well, my non-existent friends.