I rarely get very irritated by things, and often something has to be REALLY bad to piss me off. In this case, local banking. This is gonna be a name-and-shame man.
Case1:
So I dropped in to RHB last Friday to give them some money coz I thought I'd be so nice to help them earn some dough from me. That was about 11:20 am. Mom and sis went off to their own little banking adventure while I got a bit lost as I stepped in the door. Why? Because there was no customer service officer to assist me. The only person was the security guard who asked me to budge in on one of the counters while they were in between customers.
So much for first impressions.
So I got a form for opening current accounts from the lady at the counter, hastily put together by stapling some pieces of paper. And when I started filling it, I could feel the stress level rising. 5 pages of forms just to open an account?? And at the end was another piece asking me to tell them more about myself! No thank you. I just want to open an account, not have my bank be my best friend.
So I decided not to open a new account and just deposit some money. I took a number and waited like a good customer. After waiting for quite some time, I noticed the reason why - out of maybe 9-10 counters, only one was servicing customers like me. One!
But of course the best comes last. At precisely 11:50am on a Friday, the security guard started making rounds around the queue telling everyone "System down". What???
Ok firstly, why should we, the customers, be told by the security guard of such things? Shouldn't it be at least a bank officer? Or are we not worthy enough of such respect? I would have expected at least such a courtesy. Secondly, aren't banks supposed to have backup IT systems so that they will NOT have "system down"?? Or are our local banks that poor to not have backup solutions. I find that really appaling if its true. Does the whole banking mechanism just grind to a halt whenever there is a "system down"?
There wasn't even any apologies or explanation as to how long the situation would remain like that. I couldn't accept why customers should suffer such inconveniences due to the bank's shortcomings, and how the bank never did anything to take care of the people who gives them business. So, I just walked out.
I've said before that maybe I just needed a few days to get used to things back home. But I've realized that some things should not be tolerated, because you get only what you tolerate. If you accept complacency and the mediocre, you'll get it. But you'll be stuck just where you are.
Which is where I think where our local banks are.
Case 2 coming soon...
Monday, April 23, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
Sea Angels
I was down in Singapore last week for a few days to catch up with friends and also meet my sister. It has been such a long time since I've seen Ray and Nard so it was a really good trip. But that's another story.
What I want to talk about here are these cute little critters I saw at the Underwater World in Sentosa island. I've never seen anything like them.
What I want to talk about here are these cute little critters I saw at the Underwater World in Sentosa island. I've never seen anything like them.
They're called sea angels, a type of sea snail that lives in the cold water of the Arctic. Translucent except for the red areas of its head and internal organs in the middle, these creatures are very tiny. The largest ones grow only up to about 5cm long. Most are smaller than that. Probably only as long as the nail on your last finger.
They're born with shells, but lose them when they're born. They use their 'wings' to zip around the with an undulating flapping motion, and it's quite fun to see them moping about in the water. They're just so darn cute. :)
These graceful marine fliers are also hemaphrodites and they help to mutually fertilize each other during mating.
Looking at them, I can see why they're called sea angels. Except for the two little horns on the head. Fallen sea angels? Hehehe. They also remind me of those fantasy creatures usually dreamed up in Japanese anime because they look kinda other-worldly. Something you wouldn't expect to see on earth.
Cool huh?
Saturday, March 31, 2007
What's your VisualDNA?
Stumbled upon this on EG's blog and I thought why not? Heck, it's a Sunday afternoon and getting my own VisualDNA sounded like a Sunday afternoon-ny thing to do. :)
Try it for yourself. The pictures above are what I chose for my answers, and they revealed that:
1. I'm a Dreamer
Always drifting off, their imagination takes control. They have big ideas, and a cool calm manner.
2. I'm an Escape Artist
They are forever slipping off, getting away from the rat race, and recharging those batteries. Independent, and thoughtful - they know themselves well.
3. I'm a New Wave Puritan
They are strict, organized, and ever so neat - they practice the art of self-discipline. They like things done simply but with an eye for detail.
4. I'm a Love Bug
They are the type to fall in love a thousand times a day. Their feelings snowball quickly, and they are full of passion.
Oh, and apparently I also have a high sex drive, love people with tight bods and an appetite for lurve.
Man, who doesn't? =p
Friday, March 30, 2007
Homecoming
I'm having jet lag right now. I'm very awake, but no one else is so there's nobody for me to disturb. Except maybe the cats.
The flight was pretty uneventful, but it sure was more comfortable than previous journeys. I found out after many, many years that you can actually move the headrest to support both sides of your head. Now I don't look like a drooling fool lolling my head left and right whenever I sleep on the plane. Thanks Chuan for the enlightenment! I'm a bit wiser now :)
I had a sudden feeling of heaviness and reluctance a couple of days before coming home. I always feel this way when I have to say goodbye to things. I am so lousy at parting ways. It has been two years (and how fast it has gone by!), and London/Reading has been like a second home to me. I've grown to enjoy and love the UK and will really miss it. The different characters of the cities, the parks, the walks, the culture, the conveniences of living in a developed country, the many many things to do in London, and of course the cheap beer and good food. When you're used to paying 2.20 GBP for a pint of good beer, RM18 for a small bottle of Heineken suddenly seems like a lot!
I've been weighing the options of staying on in the UK or return to Malaysia for a long time now, and it hasn't been easy. Staying on in the UK, I would have a comfortable if unfulfiling job and be earning good income. Coming home meant starting anew again and picking up the pieces. It it also meant going back to a place I was trying to break away from not so long ago. I was also scared of falling into the same old routines and outlook that made me frustrated and unhappy previously. Back then, I was so comfortable in my own little world that at a point I didn't care what else was going on outside my cosy sphere. And because of that my world got smaller and smaller and my view on things became narrow-minded. Familiarity breeds tolerance, and left unchecked leads to ignorance. I didn't want to be like that again. I couldn't.
But in the end, the answer was simple. Home, after all, is home. Throughout all the debating that knocked the wheels and cogs off balance in my brain, there was always a deep, underlying gut feeling about the right thing to do. That was to return home. I'm a rational guy and always like to reason things out, but every once in a while I tend to rely on my gut feelings to guide me especially when difficult decisions are involved. Over the years it has served me well and I've learned to listen to it when I need to. I believe that deep down inside we can all feel and know the right thing to do, thought it isn't always easy to agree with it when the logical brain tries to interfere. And sometimes we are afraid to accept that advice from within us because we're not strong enough. I've learned to seek counsel with Mr. Gutso and consider its words.
Words which have brought me back. The place I grew up and have so many memories. A place so familiar.
But the thing is, I don't feel familiar.
A lot of things have changed within the neighbourhood; new buildings, new roads, new places to eat. I didn't even dare drive the car when my mom suggested it. Going out for drinks with Tjun Tjun and Chee Hoe tonight, I couldn't help but feel a bit like a village boy going to the city for the first time. Looking at the roads and new stuff outside when I was in the car, looking around at people and the environment while having drinks - it felt like I was sizing up a new place where I've just arrived. I know it hasn't been that long, but somehow it has felt longer tonight. I don't know why.
Maybe I just need a few days to settle down. But one thing is for sure, I'm quite nervous but yet excited about what the future holds. It's another round of big change for me and I'm stepping into unknown grounds again, even though it seems a familiar landscape. I've lived and grown through a very important phase of my life, but now I'm starting a new chapter. One that will hopefully a more exciting and nourishing than before. I'm quite positive about it and hopefully it will be good. I know the small bouts of anxiety and fear will go away with time.
So home, but a new beginning. Same same, but different.
Here's to Mr. Gutso and days of merriment to come!
Now let me find some cats to talk to.
The flight was pretty uneventful, but it sure was more comfortable than previous journeys. I found out after many, many years that you can actually move the headrest to support both sides of your head. Now I don't look like a drooling fool lolling my head left and right whenever I sleep on the plane. Thanks Chuan for the enlightenment! I'm a bit wiser now :)
I had a sudden feeling of heaviness and reluctance a couple of days before coming home. I always feel this way when I have to say goodbye to things. I am so lousy at parting ways. It has been two years (and how fast it has gone by!), and London/Reading has been like a second home to me. I've grown to enjoy and love the UK and will really miss it. The different characters of the cities, the parks, the walks, the culture, the conveniences of living in a developed country, the many many things to do in London, and of course the cheap beer and good food. When you're used to paying 2.20 GBP for a pint of good beer, RM18 for a small bottle of Heineken suddenly seems like a lot!
I've been weighing the options of staying on in the UK or return to Malaysia for a long time now, and it hasn't been easy. Staying on in the UK, I would have a comfortable if unfulfiling job and be earning good income. Coming home meant starting anew again and picking up the pieces. It it also meant going back to a place I was trying to break away from not so long ago. I was also scared of falling into the same old routines and outlook that made me frustrated and unhappy previously. Back then, I was so comfortable in my own little world that at a point I didn't care what else was going on outside my cosy sphere. And because of that my world got smaller and smaller and my view on things became narrow-minded. Familiarity breeds tolerance, and left unchecked leads to ignorance. I didn't want to be like that again. I couldn't.
But in the end, the answer was simple. Home, after all, is home. Throughout all the debating that knocked the wheels and cogs off balance in my brain, there was always a deep, underlying gut feeling about the right thing to do. That was to return home. I'm a rational guy and always like to reason things out, but every once in a while I tend to rely on my gut feelings to guide me especially when difficult decisions are involved. Over the years it has served me well and I've learned to listen to it when I need to. I believe that deep down inside we can all feel and know the right thing to do, thought it isn't always easy to agree with it when the logical brain tries to interfere. And sometimes we are afraid to accept that advice from within us because we're not strong enough. I've learned to seek counsel with Mr. Gutso and consider its words.
Words which have brought me back. The place I grew up and have so many memories. A place so familiar.
But the thing is, I don't feel familiar.
A lot of things have changed within the neighbourhood; new buildings, new roads, new places to eat. I didn't even dare drive the car when my mom suggested it. Going out for drinks with Tjun Tjun and Chee Hoe tonight, I couldn't help but feel a bit like a village boy going to the city for the first time. Looking at the roads and new stuff outside when I was in the car, looking around at people and the environment while having drinks - it felt like I was sizing up a new place where I've just arrived. I know it hasn't been that long, but somehow it has felt longer tonight. I don't know why.
Maybe I just need a few days to settle down. But one thing is for sure, I'm quite nervous but yet excited about what the future holds. It's another round of big change for me and I'm stepping into unknown grounds again, even though it seems a familiar landscape. I've lived and grown through a very important phase of my life, but now I'm starting a new chapter. One that will hopefully a more exciting and nourishing than before. I'm quite positive about it and hopefully it will be good. I know the small bouts of anxiety and fear will go away with time.
So home, but a new beginning. Same same, but different.
Here's to Mr. Gutso and days of merriment to come!
Now let me find some cats to talk to.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Kebab Komfort
There are few things as comforting and satisfying than a warm, packed to the brim doner kebab. Especially when you're hungry at 12.30am in the UK and there are no machas bringing you that teh tarik and mee goreng telur mata kerbau to your plastic table. You'd have a better chance bumping into Jennifer Aniston on the streets.
I'd just watched The Lion King with Chia Hui and was on my way back to Reading. By the way, it was an awesome show. But that's another story. The train was unusually slow tonight and so I had some time to think. And what I thought was...I haven't had dinner. The thing was, I wasn't actually that hungry. But the body is a funny temple and it sometimes affirms and reinforces automatically what you think. Well, at least mine does and if yours doesn't then there's sometime wrong with you. And the YY temple of good eats ALWAYS reaafirms thoughts about food. The temple told me I was hungry.
So, that's why I got a chicken and lamb kebab la. With extra chilli sauce. :)
The kebabs here are big. Really big. HUGE. A small one can feed two girls. A large one can feed two guys, unless one is a real fat-ass glutton. Not only are they packed to the brim with meat, the matey boy at the counter will then stuff the bejesus out of that limited pita bread estate with loads of lettuce, cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes and pickled chillies into any available space he can find. And then still manage to stick a wedge of lemon in there somewhere. It's really an amazing meal.
Plus, it costs less than a Mcds meal AND is in my opinion a much healthier option.
Tucking into that on a cold night is damn satisfying and really hits the spot. It's like having that first bite into your favourite Ramly's burger when you've got a craving. Great comfort food.
When you're in the UK and without much choice, a kebab's the best late night snack you can get.
I'd just watched The Lion King with Chia Hui and was on my way back to Reading. By the way, it was an awesome show. But that's another story. The train was unusually slow tonight and so I had some time to think. And what I thought was...I haven't had dinner. The thing was, I wasn't actually that hungry. But the body is a funny temple and it sometimes affirms and reinforces automatically what you think. Well, at least mine does and if yours doesn't then there's sometime wrong with you. And the YY temple of good eats ALWAYS reaafirms thoughts about food. The temple told me I was hungry.
So, that's why I got a chicken and lamb kebab la. With extra chilli sauce. :)
The kebabs here are big. Really big. HUGE. A small one can feed two girls. A large one can feed two guys, unless one is a real fat-ass glutton. Not only are they packed to the brim with meat, the matey boy at the counter will then stuff the bejesus out of that limited pita bread estate with loads of lettuce, cabbage, cucumber, tomatoes and pickled chillies into any available space he can find. And then still manage to stick a wedge of lemon in there somewhere. It's really an amazing meal.
Plus, it costs less than a Mcds meal AND is in my opinion a much healthier option.
Tucking into that on a cold night is damn satisfying and really hits the spot. It's like having that first bite into your favourite Ramly's burger when you've got a craving. Great comfort food.
When you're in the UK and without much choice, a kebab's the best late night snack you can get.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Muar Rapper
Got this link from my friend Bahoo over on Yahoo. Bahoo...Yahoo...hehe...get it? ......nevermind.
I say good example of homegrown Malaysian Chinese rapping talent :) The context is appropriately local and the language is...well, let's just call it colourful shall we? The 'Wira' and 'Ah Kua' sections made me laugh so hard! Hehe.
Warning: If you're very easily offended then don't bother. Contains rude bits.
I couldn't understand the Hokkien bits though, can anyone explain to me?
Go Muar rappers, hehehe. Ta ma de. Malaysia boleh.
I say good example of homegrown Malaysian Chinese rapping talent :) The context is appropriately local and the language is...well, let's just call it colourful shall we? The 'Wira' and 'Ah Kua' sections made me laugh so hard! Hehe.
Warning: If you're very easily offended then don't bother. Contains rude bits.
I couldn't understand the Hokkien bits though, can anyone explain to me?
Go Muar rappers, hehehe. Ta ma de. Malaysia boleh.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Riverside Twilight
Fee Chin was in town during the weekend and wanted to to see Big Ben again. I thought it would be a good idea to bring her along the Thames river and South Bank for an enjoyable evening stroll too. I've always enjoyed the night view there and its such a nice place to hang about.
It proved to a good opportunity to take some beautiful shots of London as the sun was setting.
The Big Ben and Houses Of Parliament looked really resplendent when illuminated in its golden lights. Taken from almost below the London Eye, the pinkish glow of the pier and water reflections made a colourful contrast and a good picture.
Panning my viewfinder to the right towards South Bank, I caught another nice view along the river. The lighting along the bridge and of the building was very aesthetically pleasing to the eye and there was a sense of calm when looking this way across the river.
She didn't turn out well in this one, but I thought the background gave a very good feel of the feel and atmosphere of the place and the evening. The London Eye is really quite a big structure and is impressive. The capsules rotate as the big wheel turns so they stay horizontal. Made largely of glass, it gives you beautiful, unobstructed views London on a clear day or night.
It proved to a good opportunity to take some beautiful shots of London as the sun was setting.
The Big Ben and Houses Of Parliament looked really resplendent when illuminated in its golden lights. Taken from almost below the London Eye, the pinkish glow of the pier and water reflections made a colourful contrast and a good picture.
Panning my viewfinder to the right towards South Bank, I caught another nice view along the river. The lighting along the bridge and of the building was very aesthetically pleasing to the eye and there was a sense of calm when looking this way across the river.
She didn't turn out well in this one, but I thought the background gave a very good feel of the feel and atmosphere of the place and the evening. The London Eye is really quite a big structure and is impressive. The capsules rotate as the big wheel turns so they stay horizontal. Made largely of glass, it gives you beautiful, unobstructed views London on a clear day or night.
This is what happens when you cannot stay still when the camera takes a snap. :-) It was also difficult to frame the shot nicely as I didn't have a tripod and had to balance my camera on the edge of the lamp post. I got hungry after that so we left to have a good Chap Goh Meh dinner!
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