天堂 龔柯允 Tian Tang - Karen Kong

I found this while checking out on Namewee's blog

The voice and song were superbly blended with Malaysian flavour in chinese.. fresh combination!

Return "Milk" to Sabah

I found this picture really amusing and true and hence thought of posting it here. The author said that there's no copyright attached and it is free for use.

Sadly I have to remind my friends that all riches in Sabah has gone to KL (manpower, natural resources and monehhhhh), and part of it is the Petronas Twin Towers and/or KL Tower and more. It should instead be re-named to Borneo Towers (sharing it with S'wakians since we're on the same island).

Facial treament

Today in response to an advertisement in newspaper offering free first-trial for facial, I went to the said beauty salon in Midvalley. At the start, the beautician (hereinafter referred to as "she") brought me to a small blue room where consultation with regard to my skin was given. So she did this computer scan on my face...where my skin look like tree bark! Of course...i knew and know my skin is a problematic skin. I don't need an upclose view to see that.

So after this brief consultation about my face, I was brought into the treatment room and have to change to a shoulder baring clad. I was expecting the exfoliation to be real rubbing and scrubbing. Instead, she just applied and wipe off. Wow..Overall treatment was not too bad, they used mint product on me which made me think of chocolate-mint ice-cream.

After treatment............

I was brought back to the consultation room for further consultation. Voila!..My skin looks clean and yes, I can see my collagen. But then I thought to myself - If she scanned my skin every morning after my daily wash, wouldn't it be as clean? Surely it wouldn't be as oily as the initial scan.

After comparing the before and after effect..the real marketing strategy comes in. She drew up packages prices for 20 sessions which cost RM 5600! RM5600!!!!!! I was thinking about new laptops and college tuition fees in the event I fail my CLP. It was a battle between beauty and knowledge. And because the effect of 1st time treatment was good, I tried to enquire if they have cheaper packages.

Yes, they do. 10 session would cost RM2800. Still for that price, I can get another cheaper range laptop or a PDA. Even a HP mini! Or iPhone.

The she suggested 5 session. RM1400. The I was thinking about the facial package my sister signed up with another salon also in Boulevard which cost her RM 1200 for 20 sessions. The difference between 5 and 20 is too great.

So I told her I can't take the package lah...so expensive. Equivalent to RM280 per session. RM280! I could put the money into better use and get good facial treatments.


The problem is this. When people sign up for facial package or any package, they expect prices to be lower because you are serious about it. But in this case, no..20 sessions also RM280, 5 sessions also RM280.

After much difficulty in persuading me, she went to get her collegue who has student voucher. So it'll be 3 sessions also RM280 each plus free 1 set of full sized product. RM 740 is still a lot for 3 sessions. Well, after giving up trying to get them reduce their price, I said nevermind then. Next time when I can afford then I'll come back. Then I told them I have to go back home and think. She even asked whether I'm serious about doing facial or not. Whoa! Does she think I enjoy walking around with a pimply face?

Then the trick come. She said, "You have to sign up today or else our offer will lapse". Meaning, it wouldn't be Rm280 per sessions anymore but it'll be around RM615 per session! She listed down all the items as to why it would cost RM615, and even use a calculator.

Girl ar..your one bottle of product is cheaper than you using it there and then to treat my face? One small ampoule treatment in the salon cost RM90. All she needs to do is to peel it off and apply on my face. A single mask treatment cost RM160.

Further, they don't have a brochure (seems like price quoting according to whims and fancies). I even asked them why they never give proper information in the newspaper advertisement.

I admit that I was really tempted to sign up for the student package but on the otherhand the word "BUDGET!!!" keep on staring back at me. They persuaded me by all means asking how I prefer to make payments etc. and even gave me choice to use ATM. Wuah! Sounds so flexible right? I was to tempted to pay deposit at that time but in the end when I reach the reception, I chickened out and I can see the dissapointment boiling from her stomach all the way up. She didn't even give me the 3 free samples as promised in the advertisement. But I didn't bother to ask anyway.

I'm glad that I 'chickened out' in the end and I guess it is just the right place to do so. At the reception where the exit door is behind. It's because they couldn't stop you from leaving or persuading you futher.

Why am I glad? Just now i read a blog post about the beauty salon and readers comments. Turn out to be more negative comments than positive. Sorry lah...bad business practices shouldn't be the way.

I kept reminding myself that the economy is not good, hike of food prices, petrol and now stationery.....I can't indulge in a Rm280 per session facial treatment without being allowed to make an informed choice. I'm sure there are many more capable and good beauty salons elsewhere which doesnt ask me how I prefer to pay before me agreeing to sign-up for any packages. And I've made the right choice by rejecting the offer.

Some days..part 2

see part 1 here

Meme

Few days ago, Deborah tagged me to do a meme. I have no idea how to define "meme", but to me it's sort of being interviewed....Now Deborah is interviewing me and I'm just typing out the transcript:-

1. WERE YOU NAMED FOR ANYONE?
I hope not...coz i dowan to be expected to carry that person's legacy.


2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Days ago when I was reading my notes halfway. I had to burst into tears for no apparent reason.


3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Of course..it's so cute..but once a Doctor told me that it doesnt reflect me.


4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT?
Marmite chicken!


5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
NOoooooooooOOoooo.....but it's good to have some, someday.


6. WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
First, I'm weird. So it's difficult to find someone like me. Of course if I'm my own best friend, why not. But it'll be so boring replying to myself in every conversation.


7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Oh yes..and I don't mean my sarcasm.


8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yeah.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Nah...Hang-gliding would be better..or parachuting.


10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Cornflakes and Pristine Oats.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No..i'll tie it in a knot nicely so that i would not have to tie and untie everytime i wear my shoes.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
When I'm pretentious.


13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
No particular brand, but I like sorbets, chocolate mint, blueberry, strawberry, cappucino...


14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
The face. To know what kind of person they are.


15. RED OR PINK?
Pink...but i'm not a big fan. I can't use red because my temper will go wild, it's proven!

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF?
Indulging in negative thoughts. It's the hardest thing to get rid of..but i know I have to.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
Who....hmhmh....parents?


18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Jeans is dark blue, i wear pumps.


19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
Yoshinoya.


20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Cars zooming pass...

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Purple!

22. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Fruity, flowery, naughty


23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Dom...he said he'd be sleeping soon.


24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Swimming, artistic gymnastic



25. HAIR COLOR?
Black with many strands of grey.

26. EYE COLOR?
dark brown


27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No...i can't

28. FAVORITE FOOD?
Shandong style "wo tie" which can only be found in Sabah, dim sum, sushi, cheese baked mussels, buttered corn with salt, BBQ chicken wings, tiramisu, sweet and sour type of food.


29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Sweet sweet happy endings...which can make you smile in your sleep.


30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Beauty and the breast - which was few days ago through online streaming. Half perverted show, but because Daniel Wu and Michelle Reis is acting..so ..yeah

The last movie I watched in cinema was Indiana Jones.


31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Yellow mellow

32. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter!!!!

33. HUGS OR KISSES?
Both..But i'm not usually huggable unless you want to be really physical..then I wouldn't be able to stop.


34. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Depends on my cravings. some days i would like cendol, yoghurt, pudding..


35. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Exam-related books. Statute books. And I have to memorise what i read.


36. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Hey..do we still need a mousepad?


37. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
Ah....i don't watch tv...but if it's youtube, i watched "Rolling Love" and some documentary about China's last emperor - Pu Yi


38. FAVORITE SOUNDS?
Birds chirping and raindrops. If it's from an instrument, it's piano or guitar.


39. BEATLES OR ROLLING STONES?
Hm...beatles..


40. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Beijing, I hope to visit it again! I haven't got enough of Forbidden City and the Summer Palace.

41. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
My talent to online, play games, chit chat, listening to music and study at the same time.

I also acquired a new talent of smiling when I'm stress - thanks to CLP.

A glimpse of how stress has taken toll on us...

"Yummy dinner"

Looks yummy isn't it? It's chicken cooked with ginger.

Upclose and personal..are you drooling?

Not me.

The dread

Well, I supposed it happens...yesterday night, I dreamt that I would fail CLP. I dreamt that I will be collecting my results tomorrow. So my juniors wrote me cards consoling me about the exam...about not passing and it's ok.

Today at this point of time, I'm so depressed knowing that the nightmare is drawing near and it's very near now. It's already less than 40 days to 'death sentence'. At the same time, I'm struggling at Land Law. Evidence is not too bad already.

Ok I'm not going to indulge in saying which college is better because at the end of the day, all we want is to pass our exams and the college just want to make money. BUT, having lecturers who don't prepare their class is BAD. Purely wasting our already limited time.

Breaking news....(it will break) Fuel hike RM0.78 less than 24 hours notice

So petrol price will increase to RM2.70 per littre with effect from 12am today. RM2.70!!! Crazy meh...

After this, not only petrol price will increase but everything else except salary.

Just now, I bought one packet of nasi lemak near college with a price of RM2.30. Last month (barely few days ago) was RM2 per packet.

Today's double boil soup at the shop cost RM4 per bowl while last month was RM3.80. I heard a bag of 10kg rice now cost about RM58! Hey....I think i'll have to reduce portion of my meal (my current portion is small enough), and probably 2 meals a day. Nevermind going hungry.

Just when I thought of switching to induction cooker and other electrical appliance, another jolt came when Tenaga Nasional will increase price of electricity by 18%. So brace up people! Start eating raw food people.....at least salad is not too bad, add some mayo for carbs!

It's good to start your own mini farm at home by planting vege and fruits. I wonder if a small plot at home to plant paddy will work. But rearing chickens at home is no-no:-

(1) the chicken shit smells

(2) Tedious for working adults

(3) Can you eat your own 'pet'?

Perhaps the government should spend more to invest on solar power. Afterall, Malaysia is blessed with ample sunlight throughout the year (except when it thunderstorms). So, I plead for government to put aside the astronout programme for a while.

Encourage citizens to cycle is not too bad. But Prime Minister and his Deputy should take the lead. But THANKS LAH PRIME MINISTER TO ANNOUNCE THE PETROL HIKE AT THE 11th HOUR! It was so much fun being stuck at the jam.

At around 8.30pm, petrol is sold out in most KL stations.

When to speak and when to be silent

Yesterday I came accross this passage in the bible which I'd like to share with you all.

Book of Sirach 8:5-17

One who revels in pleasure will be condemned,
hating gossip save one from evil.

Never repeat what you are told and you will come to no harm.

Report nothing to friend or foe and, unless silence is sinful,
reveal it to no one.
They will listen, distrust you and you will end up being hated.

Have you heard something? Let it die with you,
remain calm; you will not burst with it.

A fool suffers like a woman in childbirth over something he is told.

Like an arrow stuck in his thigh, such is a secret inside a fool.

Speak with your friend: perhaps he has done nothing and,
if he has, he will not do it again.

Speak with your friend: perhaps he has not said anything and,
if he has, he will not say it again.

Speak with your friend for there is much slander;
do not believe all that you hear.

Often, unintentional slips are made;
for who has never sinned by evil tongues?

Speak with your neighbour before you heap accusations
on him; then leave room for the Law of the Almighty.

Have you shown compassion?

In Malaysia, we always said that we're so blessed because our country is situated out of the disaster zone, be it volcanoes, typhoon, eathquake etc., although sometimes we get to feel tremors, haze from volcanic regions and the 'tail' of the typhoon. And that is enough to scare us - and cause havoc. What more a real disaster.

As we know, the Asian region was struck with cyclone in Myanmar and earthquake in Sichuan, China recently. Apart from lending a hand with what you have to help, many of us failed to even realise how lucky we are to be alive and grateful that disasters spared us.

I stumbled upon this video in Youtube..

If we can be compasionate with disaster victims, surely we can be compasionate with those next to us.

Note: The Book of Sirach 8:7 said, "Do not rejoice at the death of any man, remember that we shall all die".