What A Week.

It's been one assignment after another. I feel like I've been shoved through a meat grinder. The jobs are pouring in. But damn, do I feel exhausted. I haven't been writing much too. Can't seem to find the time. My book is still in little pieces. When will I ever find the energy to sit down and do some serious writing?

On the tech side of things...I've however got my Google Wave account sorted out. Now, all that's left is for them to create an iPhone app for it. It's pretty interesting. Let's see how it works.

And yes, I am still loving my iPhone.

On the home front, Megan got 2nd position in her class. Bravo! And here's a picture of her during her school open day.

And yes, I must find the time to post up the pictures of her performing during her school year end concert.

And this is a pic of my boy in my hat. I don't know why, but he seems to hate hats. Although he is so bloody adorable in it.

Justin (shitmydadsays) on Twitter

Justin (shitmydadsays) on Twitter

This is some of the funniest stuff I have read recently.

Note: Before reading, please make sure you have a place to roll around and drinking anything is not a good idea.

Enjoy.

Hello Chloe

Say hi to Chloe Chong Kee Ren born this arvo. Mum's doing well and recovering.




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Six of the best scary ads.

Six of the best… Scary ads

When o' when will I ever get to produce work like this.

Th!nk.

http://www.campaignbrief.com/2009/10/craig-davis-backwater-to-the-f.html

The compelling truth. But do we have a chance of making it happen?

In Mr. Davis's words...

“WE WRITE OUR OWN DESTINY, WE BECOME WHAT WE DO”

Do good.

What A Prize.

Megan's done it. 2nd in class. With top scores in Computer Studies and Science to boot. Well done girl. Keep it up.

Elevators

To all elevator users...please learn that it is courteous and a all round good moral practice to press the door open button if you are the first into an elevator. Don't just stand there sucking up air.

This evening the elevator door closed on us when we were trying to get in cos some bozo or were there two bozos who went in first happily pressed their floors and stood back. Idiots of the first degree. My little girl was nearly squashed. Which leads me to the conclusion that Asians have very little civic values.

I also love the fact that people rush an elevator struggling to get in when the car hasn't even emptied its occupants yet. Let people out first. If people don't get out, you can't get in. No matter how hard you push. And that's not just elevators. It's subway cars too.

I just wish I had some fart left in my a-hole to blast you idiots before I get off. Maybe I will the next time.

Lousy Food

Of late, I seem to be having a lot of under average food. And I live in Penang, a so-called food paradise. Or is it a 'hawker' food paradise. In any case, most of the meals I've had these past few days is either over priced or tastes a little like a bad dream you want to forget.

The most current encounter was at Mr. Teriyaki. These so called fast food joints need to get their act together. The flavors were quite blend. The presentation was crap. And the chef is a foreign worker. And it was not cheap either. The meal for myself, the missus and the kid costs RM52.00. Someone's making money. Oh well, once bitten, forever shy, eh! Don't see myself going back there again.

There was also this little episode last night at a (of all places) private hospital. I'm not going to name names here, but honestly, the food at this establishment is quite over-priced.

To my knowledge, it's probably the only hospital cafeteria in the world that tries to serve 'gourmet' food. Or maybe it's confused itself as a five-star restaurant. Hello! You're in a hospital. Most people just want a quick simple wholesome/healthy meal and they're happy to be on their way. No need for the thrills and spills. No one walks in here expecting a hearty 'sit down'. I think ambiance is the key word here. At any rate RM8.90 for fried rice is a little bit too much. From the weather and the smog outside, I gather that this is not downtown London, so the food price should not be that 'imported'. By principle, I decided not to have anything and let the hungrier people in my party do the eating. Oh yeah, the portions were not that big either. Looks like the private hospital has found a new way of 'cutting' people before they actually 'cut' them. Goodness me! Who's hairbrain idea was that?

Well that's my beef tonight. Hopefully, there'll be some gravy this coming week.

One Super Horrible Experience

Never ever ever ever trust the people at the Lido Boulevard project in Johor Baru!

The experience of working with these (sub) human people have left a very bad taste in my mouth. The lack of professionalism and their ability to break promises without even breaking a sweat should be applauded.

Through my 12 odd years working in various industries, I have never had the misfortune to meet or work with people who can look you in the eye, smile, make promises and at the same time gut you with the passion of a butcher who's just come back from an extended safari holiday in Kenya. Bloodthirsty, to say the least.

We started proposing some work which led to more work and by the time we realized how deeply involved we were in their development project, they pulled the plug on us. Left us standing there, flaccid and irritated. With not even an apology.

Maybe we should not have been so trusting. We have learned. I have learned.

And hopefully one day, the people at Central Malaysian Properties Sdn Bhd or CMP will also learn.

God is great and fair. Justice will prevail. And honestly, if you idiots from CMP have the good fortune to chance on this blog, this is what I have to say to you...

"It doesn't take these many fucking years to get off your asses and design and build your shithole development of Lido Boulevard. Unless you are purposely wasting time and 'other' people's money or you are just plain lazy. Maybe your fat good for nothing head down south should not be on so many holidays/trips. It has not been educational for him. And you are not painting the Mona Lisa. Someone already did that years ago. It ain't a masterpiece you are creating. Don't kid yourself. It's just another (IMHO) ugly looking cluster of concrete and glass. Truth be told, you should stop. Just stop. And safe Mother Nature and the world some precious resources. Think of the trees that will be weeping when they look at the fucked up monstrosity you call Lido Boulevard. Goodness. And you think people will actually buy your property for the many millions of Ringgit you plan to sell it for. And what's with the switch by the bed shit? It's been done. It's not new. It's not innovative. Get with the times. You are a joke."

...By the way, no one likes to be taken advantaged of. And for Pete's sake, please don't waste people's time. It is one of our most precious assets.

Remember: What comes around goes around, eh, mate! Now fuck off.

R.O.AD (or my Rules Of Advertising)

(R.O.AD #1a) Clients are the worst adulterers. They just can't resist 'sleeping' around. But at least have the decency to tell us.

(R.O.AD #1b) Just tell us you're planning to leave. We don't mind. There are more idiots like you to serve in this world.

(R.O.AD #2) Even hookers get paid. So after you have 'done' us, please leave the money and some 'self-esteem' behind before you leave.

(R.O.AD #3) Don't tell us what we can and can't do. You obviously do not know us.

(R.O.AD #4) Doctors don't go to court and lawyers don't perform operations. Please respect us for what we do. We are not all imbeciles.

(R.O.AD #5) We know our stuff. You know yours. So get the '@#%&' out of our way. You shouldn't do our work. We're not planning to do yours.

(R.O.AD #6a) When it comes to issues that are subjective like photo selection and colors, please trust our Art Directors.

(R.O.AD #6b) They know their stuff. They have that 'talent'. That's why they were hired in the first place.

(R.O.AD #6c) And that's why they are probably paid more than you.

(R.O.AD #7) We're good. That's why we're expensive. So please don't haggle. It makes you look desperate.

(R.O.AD #8) "Sleeping" around could get you the clap or a list of nasty shit. And if we find out, our fees are gonna increase.

(R.O.AD #9) Good advertising is not meant to be 'pretty'. It's just meant to 'work'.

(R.O.AD #10) Do you tell your Dr. what to do?

(R.O.AD #11) Please think of us as human beings with a life before you force that deadline on us.

(R.O.AD #12) Yes, we can help you sort out your problems. But we ain't God. Please don't expect miracles.

(R.O.AD #13) The road to recovery takes time. Meaning, please give your ad campaign time to work. And be reasonable with the budget.

(R.O.AD #14) It is better to shut up and let us think of you as merely an idiot than to open your big gab and proof us right.

(R.O.AD #15) Never bring a knife to a gun fight.

                 

Long

The days are crazy long.

When will SP Setia Learn? Never short change your buyers lest you are willing to loose customer loyalty.

Penang Property: Bad service from developer sales personnel | apartment-penang.com

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Charge!!!

I love this game. It is so bloody addictive.

Anyone with an iPhone should get this.

Crime

I'm officially done with Irvine Welsh's "If You Liked School, You'll Love Work."

It's a brilliant read by (in my opinion) one of the most prolific authors of our time. So far every Irvine Welsh book I have read has not disappointed. This fascination with Mr. Welsh started around 1996 when I first picked up Trainspotting.

To be honest, in between reading his books, I've really not been engrossed in many other books.

And today, I am embarking on Crime.

(This current 'revived' interest started when I went mad a few weeks ago at Borders and came home with 4 of his books.)

Brilliant stuff. Ya hoor sur.

Week Done

It's the end of a very strenuous week. Nathaneal's back with us and Mish is getting him ready for bed. Her bout with the flu is done and she's back in the pink of health. Megan is also nearly fully recovered. What a week.

Workwise, we were ready to give up Flamingo. After a round of negotiations, they apologized for their actions and I hope that's the end of that. I hate it when clients sneak around behind our backs.

DNP is also back in the fold. After a one and a half year hiatus. Good thing too, cos we definitely need the business. And it seems like an interesting enough project too. I hope they stick to their promise and if we win the pitch, appoint us as their sole agency. Here's keeping my fingers crossed. Actually what I'd really love is for them to keep the interference level down to a bare minimum. And trust us to do our job. Of course there's a fine line between a meddling client and a helpful client I must say. This line can tend to be sometimes quite blurry. Hope we can define this though the coming weeks. Anyway for now, I still think it's going to be interesting. I am quite excited just thinking about the possibilities.

This week, I also learned that sometimes I can be a hindrance when I am the go-between a client and my creative team. Things can get lost in translation. Note to self: where necessary, allow the art team full access to the client. And stay the hell out of the way. Must remind the rest of the servicing guys to do the same. Bottom line, I think I should slowly relinquish my hold of everything and eventually just strengthen my role as chief creative. And I really don't think I can cope much longer with running everything. I just hope all my guys can have a bit of a growth spurt right about now.

For now, I'll just sleep on it. And maybe dream of the beef pie I'll be having tomorrow. I just remebered I have yet to marinate the meat. And it's almost 12.30 am. Time to pack it up and call if a week. A long and strenuous week. Good night.




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Missing Nathaneal

It's been almost four days since I last saw Nathaneal. We have not been over to see him this week cos Michelle is down with the flu and we're worried she could be contagious. I miss him. The boy is such a character.

Bloody thing is Megan's also been hit. I'm just about the only one that's still fever free.

May run over tonight for a quick look see just to make sure the boy is all fine and dandy.

Anyway this is a picture of my boopy a week ago.

Deadly Warning (reposted from The Writer's Blog)

I came across this warning whilst I was in Medan, Indonesia. Subtly spray painted on a wall are these words which means "You can be stabbed if you pee here." Gotta love the Medanese with their sense of humour.

Directions

Apparently going to the loo now comes with subtle instructions.





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Midnight Snack...a really short story (reposted from The Writer's Blog)

The anger shows on her face, yet Michael seems oblivious of Connie's presence, let alone her wrath.

"You selfish bastard." she wants to scream out loud. But the vocal cords are passive and the only indication of this thought is a wisping sound that escapes her lips.

In his own world, Michael blinks and twitches. The crunchy lettuce dripping with tartare sauce makes the only sound in the kitchen as the poor unknowing sod takes another bite. The sour sweet fragrant flavour causing rapturous reactions from his taste buds, rapidly sending sparks of enthusiastic electric intensity to his brain, which in return bounces it onto his extremities.

Reaching for the sandwich knife, a grudging slim hand that used to be as gentle as dandelions in spring, is filled with sinister intent.

A swift stroke later, agony fills the tiny kitchen.

It's been too long

Fast forward till right now. It's been a pretty miserable blog effort so far. Wish I could use the landscape keyboard on the iPhone. Typing would be much easier then. But here goes... The first official entry from the iPhone. Hope the effort comtinues.


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