I'm back #2

Hoo boy! Just realised it has been almost 1 year to the day I last posted here. Still, better late...

I'm back! I'm back! I'm back!

Hello blog! it has been a looooooong while... missed me?

Thanks for dropping in

Oh wow. This is unbelievable and very pleasant. I come back to my blog after so long and I find a singer, Alexandre Désilets and a captain of industry, Datuk Tony Fernandes, have dropped in here! Wow, blogging is a great way to meet not just people but luminaries! Very honoured. Also just as equally honoured to all who "sudi lawat" (deemed it worthwhile to visit) my blog. Thank you all for coming by!

Family incidents

Heights can hurt and at times, kill. This fact hit home recently.

Aunt CY just broke her leg when she fell from the ladder whilst painting the Ipoh house. How I always feared something like this happening to her. Always thinks she can do anything anybody else can and more. Always the first to volunteer for anything. Relatives who need help or are ill no matter how many times removed, she is there in a hurry. But when she suffers, she tells not Mom, not me. Crazy stubborn woman. Only when we call do we find out after the fact. Good thing we called when we did. Sigh...

Cousin S died. After a fall from a ladder on the 1st floor of a building. He was working as an air con serviceman when it happened. He suffered massive brain damage. He was only conscious enough to tell people around him to call our mutual Cousin YL. Soon after he lapsed into a coma that lasted a few months before mercifully passing on. He was several years younger than I and I have memories of playing with him during school hols during his visits. At least he feels no pain wherever he is now... I'd like to think. May you rest in peace, S. Sorry I did not visit you in hospital.

Phoenix landed on Mars

Just a minute ago the Phoenix probe landed safely (or rather as planned) on the north region of Mars. Something to follow over the next few weeks. Ironic that I just re-watched 'Mars Attack'. And here we are, Earthlings once again crashing Mars' party uninvited. Congratulations to us! We are now officially an UFO on Mars. To all Martians: "Sorry guys for the intrusion. We're just curious, y'know. We just want to look around, take some pictures for the guys back home. That sort of thing."

Monaco F1... result

Aaargh! Poor Sutil lost his position thanks to Kimi's lost of control from behind... We would have loved to see Sutil on the podium... Don't despair, Adrian. Look at it this way. The world is not yet ready for you...

Reply to mynameisnotAK (hi!)

I want to thank everyone who's taken the time to leave comments in my blog and I'd like to reply to one here especially (thanks for your comment here!)...

mynameisnotAK says: "AA is smart. crying in public like that more for sympathy. but i tell you, this AA boss is a smart guy. he must hv plenty of goodies in his sleeves. wait lah. more suprises from AA. good for travellers ."

I so agree that Tony Fernandes is brilliant. No denying. His AirAsia airline is what made us the Malaysian public embrace, applaud and admire him. One cannot build such a successful business as he did on sheer luck or just by throwing $ at it. I will not be surprised at all if he does come around with surprises. So far he's introduced a few promotions - Sub Zero, Even Lower than 0, Champion of Low fares. Many more to come for sure. But I have to say his trend is all about 'cheap'.

Let's take a look at the current 'debacle'. One, he reacted bitterly in public over the MAS promotion decrying 'not fair' and calling for the government for aid just because there's now a little bit of competition has all but made me rethink my opinion. Some may sympathise with him but I for one have gone the other way I am afraid. And hearing the discussions amongst my colleagues, many more or less think he made a huge mistake doing so. To challenge MAS boss to a debate? I mean really!

Two, he made it into a 'Who is the CHEAPEST' war which to me is downright off-based (is that the right phrase?). Sure MAS has dramatically lowered fares for SOME of their seats but on the whole, their fares are not lower than AirAsia. I doubt that that was their goal to begin with. I'd be surprised if it was. Anyway the way I look at it, things are still status quo for us the public. Nothing has changed. By that I mean, we still have the same choices as we had all these years. MAS offers what MAS offers best - frills (except now cheaper than usual) and AirAsia gives what it gives best on the other hand - no frills & dirt cheap. So when AirAsia goes about banging the "cheapest" gong and insisting that "cheapest" is the only smarter choice to make, I have to regard it as insulting and offensive. I mentioned in an earlier post that there are people like me who value "value for money". To suggest we are sub-intelligent for choosing "value for money" over "cheapest" is NOT a good marketing move. There are many types of travelers with different needs, limitations, preferences etc.

Thirdly, take a look at this analysis of the two airline CEOs. Very apt what the writer says about bosses being the faces of the brands they work for. That brand and man are but one. But for both brand and man to be respected, the man must behave with dignity and courage. Something I personally did not see Mr. Fernandes display over the MAS promotion. I refer to my earlier opinion on business competition here. BTW pleased to see Mr. Jala is keeping MAS on course and steering away from any invitation by AirAsia to "meet after school behind the bicycle shed" so to speak.

Here's something to ponder. Given the news of AirAsia's debts (indication of financial trouble?) how long do you think they can sustain their current 'cheapest' strategy? Then there's the oil price hikes which surely must be hurting them given their current lower fuel surcharge promotions? The question is will there be even be an AirAsia airline in the near future? It actually can be a very real possibility, don't you think? I don't wish them ill but I merely wonder what the road ahead looks like for AirAsia.

Monaco F1... interim 2

Raikkonen banged Sutil in the back and spoils his chances at the podium! Even Mom is upset at Kimi!

Monaco F1... interim 1

Omigod! Adrian Sutil for Force India is currently in 4th place with 20 more laps to chequered flag! The Indian continent must be on its feet right now!!!! Woo hoo! Fingers crossed for a dramatic upset at Monaco at race end!!!!!

Sunday tea

Streamyx has been uncooperative all day, hampering all progress I had planned today. So I threw myself into housework. I even did some laptop housekeeping and sorted out the image library folders. Going through the Food images I was so seduced by the lovely images - breakfasts, lunches, dinner, tea. Even an image of just toast, juice and some fruit by the side charms me no end. It then occurred to me that I deserve a little pampering. So I put the kettle on and fixed myself a simple tea spread (Mom was not interested). Well, it was nothing by anyone's standards. But having being swamped by relentless work for the last 6 months and existing in auto-mode, the act of just making a pot of tea (Earl Grey, one of my favourite) and breaking out some ginger biscuits was the height of excitement. I have become so pathetic!

Keith Sutton, King of F1 photography!

I just got such a kick watching the Monaco Formula One pre-race programme cos it featured my favourite autosports photographer - Ketih Sutton! The Man! Anyone who likes autosports, please go check out this guy's work. Keith if you ever read this I LOVE your work. Your work has made F1 all the more amazing, inspiring. And yes I am a frequent visitor to your website. Let's just say, if I had the luxury of space and resources I'd dedicate a hall to F1 in which only your best images are super enlarged and fill walls from edge to edge. Keep doing the good work, Keith!

AirAsia, Champ of Low Fares

I smiled wryly when I saw the AirAsia advertisement 'CHAMPION OF LOW FARES' in the papers this morning. Nothing compared to the junior staff who were falling over themselves in stitches. It's quite significant to think just months ago I overheard them planning hols and talking of booking AirAsia... blah blah blah. One would not dare disrespect haloed AirAsia in their presence... good travel memories transported courtesy of AirAsia - that sort of thing. Mention any other airline and they'd go: "What?" Today, they are literally ripping the airline apart and tossing cheesy joke after cheesy joke.

As for me, I sighed internally. Yet another episode in this soap opera that AirAsia insists it becomes. Yet another attempt to focus the public on CHEAPEST, insisting that we the public BE CHEAP. Personally I am insulted by AA's suggestion that the "smarter choice" is "cheapest". Even if I am indeed cheap, I hardly think I'd like to declare so proudly that "cheapest" is the only smart choice on this green earth. I would think 'value for money' is what drives us consumers whatever the society we live and operate in - be it capitalist, socialist, communist, existentialist, minimalist, catapultist whatever.

So Hail to the King of CHEAP. Don't worry AirAsia. I hardly think Malaysia Airlines is out to challenge you on that. It would surprise me for sure if that is the end goal. You can go right ahead and sell "cheap" and charge passengers for everything that ought not be charged. Good for you...

Therapy for Post-Thomas Cup blues

This morning I was treated to a series of loud noises from the kitchen. On checking out, I found Mom sitting at her kitchen chair and vigorously hammering cloves of unpeeled garlic with the flat of her chopping knife to dislodge the skin. I hazzarded a query, "What's up? You okay?". Without turning, she replied, "No more badminton (to watch on tv) that's all." I was gobsmacked!

A moment later she added: "I should give Rexy (Mainaky) a bag of garlic, chopper and chopping board next time there is a match. When he gets stressed out watching (his players from the sidelines) he can bang some garlic for me." Double gob-smacky!

UFOs in the news

My UFO experience... perhaps

Unc WL recently brought back some of my DVD/VCD collections. As a result I re-watched Mars Attack. And it made think about the subject of UFOs. At this juncture there is no denying their existence - UFOs, USOs etc. But I do think back to the time when I was about 4 or 5 years old then living in Kedah where Dad and Mom were stationed. I had an odd experience then that till today I am not sure whether or not to believe myself. For one thing, I was so young. The other being the fact that my memory is at best sometimes leaky...

I brought this up a couple of times in the past with Mom and even brother. But it was always inconclusive simply because I myself couldn't be certain beyond a doubt. Well here's what I remember...

It was late afternoon on the plantation. Late enough to term evening cos the sun was going down. To top it off, the sky was ovecast. Like just before a downpour. I was alone out in the garden running around as usual. There were lots of trees in and around the garden compound. Everyone else was indoors - Mom, Dad and Bro.

Suddenly I felt like the wind had picked up cos it was extra windy. Leaves were being whipped up. Even my little dress was whipping around. I loved it! Well I generally like the feel of strong wind. Then as I looked up I noticed the trees were swaying more than usual. Then I saw it.

It was just above the tree line. Now I was young so I probably had lousy spatial sense. So as an adult now I would have to estimate it about 300-400 feet above ground (even then I can still be wrong). It was grey in colour, not metallic. Overall it was a dull grey. There were some bits of red details along the sides. It was longish, no wings that I remember so it was no plane. Certainly not disc shaped. I suppose I can roughly describe it to be cigar shaped except that it was not perfectly tubular. It being so close up, I could see ridges, panels etc on the exterior.

It glided very slowly and silently above the tree line, this massive craft. But beneath it the trees were swaying like uncoordinated hula girls. I called out to Mom to come out to the garden but the whipping trees and branches were too noisy for anyone to hear me from inside the house. I finally tore myself away to run indoors and pull Mom out to see what I saw. When she finally stepped outside, the craft was gone. So no other person saw what I saw.

It was so long ago. And I sometimes doubt childhood residual memories. So I really cannot be certain if it even happened or was it the product of an overactive childish imagination.

But wouldn't it be cool if it was an UFO that I saw?

Pixar - Mike's New Car

I'd love to see a second installment of Monsters inc. Pixar, you hearing me? :-)

Earthquake in Indonesia

Did anyone feel the tremor at about 10.30pm? I sure did. I was seated on my sofa tapping on my laptop and TV going in the corner. When suddenly I went a little dizzy and noticed very quickly I was swaying from side to side with the sofa. Yes, literally! When it subsided I woke and grabbed Mom and in pyjamas we trotted down to ground floor. We passed neighbours standing about talking about it. Mom and I spent more than half an hour sitting out in the car. Then a friend sms-ed me back to confirm a 5.9 quake hit Northwest of Sumatra. Poor Mom got dragged up and down!

Belated I LOVE YOU MOM...

You always tell me that every day is Mother's Day but I want to make a Mother's Day greeting here. Mom I know you know this since I say it on a daily basis. And that is... You are unequivocally the cutest, cutest, cutest person on this side of the galaxy. Yes I am sooooooooooooo bragging here. But I dare anyone to come within 8 feet of you for 15 minutes and not fall head over heels in love, in like, in charm and in awe of you. Over the years I have watched every single friend that either bro or I introduce fall like pins in a bowling alley. No, you're not just the cutest person but you are the cutest anything. I really ought to record ayour every antic and one liner. Mom, as if you don't know already you're my best bud, my queen, my mentor, my guru, my joke box, my jukebox too, my sinseh, my sifu, my partner in crime, my funny bone, my priceless-one-liners-central, my force, my shield, my antibiotic, my whoopee pillow, my conscience, my light, my honour, my sanity, my insanity, my justice, my wonder, my coach, my university, my temple, my star, my dignity, my jelly bean, my teddy bear, my gravity, my joy, my power, my frailty, my rhythm, my time, my timelessness, my religion, my radio punjab, my pet, my memory, my past, my present, my future, my cherry blossom, my peanut butter, my Comedy Central, my tummy tickle, my M&Ms, my purr, my Coke burp... in short, I LOVE YOU MOM!

L'éphémère - Alexandre Désilets

Lovely

Thomas Cup 08... result

Sigh... China wins the Thomas Cup again. They win 3-1 over Korea. Too bad Korea. Too bad Mom. Mom understandably is a little disappointed... Ouch, she just gave me a dirty look? That Sarsi she drank has not really soothed her disappointment... Will the Olympics have a different outcome?

Thomas Cup 08 finals... interim

Hmm things not looking good for Korea at this very point in time. They're down 1-2 to China. Mom's doing a lot of couch-coaching and tensed body language... Come on Korea... win and make my Mom a happy little bunny!

PIXAR - Lifted

Luxo Jr.(Pixar's first movie 1986)

Tony Fernandes: "Be a man Idris and debate!"

This is priceless! Tony Fernandes goes on prime time news on television to challenge MAS CEO to a debate! DEBATE!!!? Over a ticket promotion? What does he think this whole affair is? And what in the world would a debate accomplish? For anyone not just the protagonists? I know what it will do. Make a complete mockery of the entire Malaysian business fraternity and be the butt of jokes globally. Utter rubbish. I don't know about the rest of the Malaysian public but I have seen enough of his brash shenanigans to shatter any last vestige of admiration. Yes I used to respect him. Used to. Been in conferences where I was amongst a handful of Malaysians in a sea of awe-struck international audiences asTony delivered his ever-engaging and witty recount of how he built his airline. Oh yes I felt Malaysian pride looking at the rapt faces. That was then. Today, lain cerita lah (it's a different story). Thx Cous S for sending me the video link.

Thomas Cup 08 finals

Mom has declared "I want to see Korea demolish the Great Wall of China tonight!"... ooh okay Mom. Let's see if that will happen. I hope so too...

Thomas Cup 08 Semis - Malaysia

Disappointment for Mom... her beloved Malaysian Thomas Cup team had to bow out 2-3 to China in the semi-finals. But she is overwhelmed by the fight put up by our 'boys'. In her account, one great highlight is Lee Chong Wei's resounding win over Lin Dan. She said that Misbun Sidek held Chong Wei back from the opening ceremonial team line-up publicity circus so he could focus on warm-up. She said that very likely aided in Chong Wei's focus. She can't be prouder of our coaches - Rexy and Misbun. Mom can't stand Lin Dan. Says Lin Dan like the other Chinese players are bad sportspeople because they always resort to unsporting distractions like asking to tie their shoe laces, or delaying opponents' serves with raised hands... I have to agree with her. I don't follow badminton as much as she does but I have seen enough of their nonsense.... yawn! Is that what the Chinese coaches teach at camp? When losing points, try to irritate your opponents? China, we see through your petty tactics and tricks. Sure you beat Malaysia. But you've got whole nations wishing Korea will beat the crap out of you!!! So beware in the finals!

The other big highlight from the semis was of course the win of our Mohammed Zakry Abdul Latif and Mohammed Fairuzizuan Tazari doubles over China's pair (won't even do them the honour of naming the Chinese pair in this blog!). Again Mom tells me the Chinese pair did 'funny' tricks with raised hands during the match. That aside, Mom is beaming with great praises for our pair Zakry and Tazari. I watched a little of the repeat matches and I have to say our boys "looked" superior. It's not just their skills which at this level, all players are quite matched. It comes down to the mental attitude and I have to say our pair exuded superiority.

She felt very bad for Tan Boon Heong for not winning his doubles match with Ku Kien Keat. She is fearful he will be badly affected by this loss at such a young age. So if you should be reading this at any point Boon Heong, you've a got staunch Malaysian Mama (mine) who is willing you to overcome this setback and move on to greater achievements in the future. There are many Thomas Cup tournaments ahead in your career is what she wants to say to you.

The other highlight in the Thomas Cup tournie so far is the surprise pairing of Choong Tan Fook and Ku Kien Keat against Japan. She couldn't stop talking about it and how comfortable they play as a pair that completely unnerved the opponents. Good call, Rexy! And thanks Rexy, KKK and CTF for bringing that win for Malaysia.

The finals between China and Korea looms... like I said, China, step wisely. The world is pretty tired of your antics. We want sports. Not cheap silly tricks that you use to disrespect the players you play against.

Air Asia Sub Zero: Not as cheap as you would think

Aha! Here's a nice little morsel to share. WIth all this price war between MAS and Air Asia swirling all about, one can't help but take Air Asia's invitation to look at the dollars and cents. So cous A whipped out the calculator (he's the math brain) and went through a pretty thorough scrutiny. Click on the picture to view details.

He even called up the Customer Care lines of both Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia to verify details. Which unto itself was very revealing. When we called AA to ask about the Sub Zero promo we were told Sub Zero is NOT a promo BUT an "online seat selector tool"!!!! A asked the CC personnel to repeat and she said it again slightly huffily, "No sir, it's not a promo. It's a seat selector. You choose your seat online on a table"... WHAT?? Their own staff don't know their promotions? And AirAsia wants to go global? They seriously MUST clean house and focus on staff training if they want to ace the global customer. We finally called another 2 times to verify the promotion. With MAS it was straight forward. The person knew the Everyday Low Fares and Zero Fares promotion and had all details covered right off the top of the head - no doubt, no having to "Wait, let me check first". Very pro. Oh by the way, MAS Customer Service is I believe 24 hours cos we called real late like 10.30pm. Air Asia's Customer Service on the other hand operates only 8am - 9pm.

Anyway take a good look at the hidden costs of Air Asia. Sure calculators don't lie but it is a question of what numbers you feed the machine...

Cous A added that there other things that should be considered as customers in Klang Valley. Such as, taxi. Taxi to LCCT is generally RM5 more expensive than going to KLIA. Then there's the use of wheelchairs for the physically challenged, it's free with MAS but it's a whopping RM12 with AA. Hmm indeed...

AirAsia's FREE SEATS ads in retaliation to MAS ZERO FARES

FREE SEATS?

What do you think?

Myself, I think they learnt from their mistake (or con job?) of claiming "FREE TICKETS" of past promotions. I still hear complaints from friends to be mindful to build in clauses when reading AirAsia's promotional messages. That is to say not to take itat face value, when they say "FREE" it may not strictly so.

"FREE SEATS" as they now tout is also misleading. Or I would say imperfect English. Though used before by other marketers "FREE SEATS" really mean that the physical seat item is free. Why is it that Air Asia repeatedly does not get to the point?

Again I'd say Malaysia Airlines' "ZERO FARES" tickets was the transparent and therefore smarter move. It is hard to challenge it however you look at it.

Mom and 2008 Thomas Cup

Okay time to brace myself for NO HOME-COOKED DINNER THIS WEEK. Why? Thanks for Astro, all Thomas Cup and Uber Cup badminton matches from preliminary to finals are to be shown on Channel 816. This effectively means Mom's 'job' all week is to monitor the badminton courts! Hmm... How fanatical is she? Let's see.

I recall years ago when watching a crucial Thomas match on which Malaysia played the electricity power suddenly was cut. The entire neighbourhood went black. Discontented to wait till the electricity returned, she called her brothers and sisters in town to see who had electricity. She even telephoned TNB to report the outage and hollered at them to quick send a repair team over to her neighbourhood!! Oh my! Poor TNB!

Earlier when I was in England. I was finally able to report my recovery from a car accident to her. There was only an out-going phone in my rented digs. So I hobbled to the nearest phone booth. I got her on the phone and was just about to launch into my sob story when she cut me short: "Call back later! I am watching Thomas Cup now!" Click! Phone went dead. I stood in the cold night air staring at the handset in my hand for a whole minute in disbelief!!! :-) I love you too, Mom...

So there. Nothing must ever come between my Mom and her Thomas Cup or any badminton match! Ever! Geddit?

With that Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

AirAsia vs Malaysia Airlines: Let the real war begin! (The Borneo Post)

Click on the picture to read.

Top Gear: Hammond hypnotised???

Too bizarre! Did this happen for real? Thanks cous-A for sending this to me

MAS and Air Asia: Every Day Low Fares

MAS and Air Asia: Mom says...

Mom too is getting into this MAS-Air Asia price war. Must say there aren't many things that gets her worked up... Missing a Formula 1 race (you must let her brood for 2 weeks), seeing her beloved Malaysian badminton national team lose any match (I rather eat bread cos her cooking will jatuh standard), the Palestine-Israel conflict (PLEASE don't go there!), Bush and the Iraq war (PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't go there! You mad, ah?)

Now this MAS-Air Asia 'match' over MAS Everyday Low Fares. She insists that AA's Tony F's reaction in the papers was "...like a spoilt brat! Like a child throwing a tantrum!"... (cool it, Mom)... "Where got people talk like that one?!"... (Mom, breathe, think of your blood pressure)... "Wah, he talk like a school bully I tell you! Absolutely no dignity!"... (chill, Mom, chill... here, sit near the air con... think to self: must remember to hide from her all newspapers with Tony F inside if I want a decent home-cooked meal)

MAS and Air Asia: Value versus Cheap

Firstly I am actually breaking my own convention by posting about a topical subject - the airline ticket price war between Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia. Something I am following quite closely just like the rest of the nation! Some things tickle me, some irritate me. All in all, it's turning into the best saga since the Star Wars trilogy.

MAS introduced what they call "EveryDay Low Fares" and gave out 1,000,000 Zero Fares tickets to domestic destinations to promote it. The whole announcement on TV got lots of people sitting up. That ticked off AirAsia's boss Mr. Tony Fernandes and he blasted his top off the very next day in all the newspapers etc. Pages of aggressive reaction to what I would term as healthy competition which included accusing MAS for copying AA for the "10th time". Did MAS really copy AA? Nonetheless tto me he whole copycat name calling frankly smacked of childish petulance. A bit of a misstep I'd say... 0 to AA, 1 to MAS

Not forgetting Air Asia claiming that MAS is enjoying government subsidies. Is it true? Somebody help me here but I thought I read some time back that MAS is basically on its own? Ah well, whatever the case may be it is worth noting some people like this and this are saying the govt is subsidising AA. More here.


Surely AA cannot expect to enjoy sole right to offer cheap flight fares in Malaysia nor anywhere for that matter? MAS like AA are subject to the same laws of survival - Innovate or die. It is only a question of when MAS will slash prices to stay competitive. For AA to react like so was the big surprise to me. Take the competition within our mobile telecommunications industry. Maxis, Celcom and Digi frequently introduce similar offers and products. Yet they don't go to the papers all the time to call each other out.

He then announced that AA will refund anyone who can produce any MAS ticket that is lower than AA's. This to me is probably the most interesting turn that he took because it led to this price battle saga that is waging like wildfire - "Even Lower than 0 Fare", "Sub Zero". Why? Well unless I missed something but nowhere does MAS or Mr. Jala say that their Zero Fares tickets are the lowest. On top of that their argument is not about the fares but the usual things you still get despite paying lower fares... For missing the point 0 to AA

Then out came Mr. Fernandes' announcement of a new "Sub Zero" challenger in the works. How exciting! But what exactly is it? Had so many of us wondering for days. Is it so cheap that AA will PAY us to fly with them? Or is it the lack of creature comforts on board that would give anyone the chills? Or will AA finally serve free cold water board? The jokes were cheesy but the anticipation was anything but. Let's wait and see...

Staying with words I'd say MAS is actually more transparent in stating "Zero Fares" which suggests fares only are waived but passengers must expect to pay for miscellaneous like fuel surcharge. This in comparison with AA's fondness for advertising "Free" tickets in the past when in actual fact they were NOT free in the true sense of the word because the ticket comes with taxes, surcharges etc. (So on semantics, 1 to MAS, 0 to AA).

Now getting down to the nuts and bolts of what we get from each company, well it does not take much to see the value that comes with MAS 0 fares - food, drinks, boarding bridge, extra baggage allowance, no baggage handling fee etc. AA helpfully pointed out that MAS Zero Fares are still more expensive than AA. True. But I put more stock in "value for money" versus "cost of savings". Think about it. They're giving exactly what they say "5 Star Service at low prices". So my customer vote is 1 to MAS, 0 to AA.

Who knows who will come out the victor in the days ahead. But as things stand, in my opinion one of the most interesting things to come out of this new MAS product is inadvertently revealing the true nature of Air Asia - an airline still in its infancy and not quite matured enough to face business competition.

Cat sleeps on train turnstyle in Hiroshima, and no one cares

I adore this unlimitedly!!!!

Resident cats

Staying on the topic of cats... Another neighbour's cat - a black beauty, elegant and aloof. I think I have only seen it once or twice ever so briefly outside its apartment. Most times it perches on the ledge of its balcony watching the world beneath. Or perhaps looking out for prey!

There is another little grey tabby who carries itself like a PR man. He works the floor! Not a trace of discomfort amongst strangers. He made a bee line for Mom twice. Considering Mom is seldom outdoors, that is is high hit rate! The first bee line he made was interrupted by me. He was successful the second time when he managed to corner Mom and made himself acquainted right away. Mom told me he even did a little dance for her benefit!

New grey & white friend

As I walking to the lift just now, I came across this neighbour's cat that I have been seeing for some weeks now. Pretty grey and white, mid length haired beauty. Has a very distinctive walk where its legs are never bent. So it gives the impression of a ballerina. During all this time, it has kept its distance though I would gently call out to it (still can't tell if it's a he or she). But it would hardly acknowledge and be on its way like it is just too busy to stop. A cat with on a busy schedule.

Well I guess it managed to clear its schedule last night because it made a bee line for me. Came right up for a few hearty rubs to boot. Looked up so sweetly as if to ask "So what's up with you lately?" I wanted to say, "Not much really. Just waiting for you to finally come around..."

Wall.E Super Bowl trailer

ABSOLUTELY cannot wait for this to come to the screens!! Love the bit where he tries to cover up his tracks!

Chocolate Creme Suicide!...please make more!

Cookies singers from Shrek

So adorable - hats off to Pixar!