::: Chief Chapree :::

Music Friday: Foo Fighters' Rope by Kyoto Protocol

2012-03-02T20:00:00.000+08:00

Today, right at this time, I'm supposed to be at The Padang, Singapore to rock out with Foo Fighters. Unfortunately, Dave Grohl was advised to rest his vocals by doctors, so the show was canceled a week ago which left many of us devastated. D: Nevertheless, I'm still wishing Dave a speedy recovery and looking forward to check them out next time.

So, as a substitute, here's a cover of Foo Fighters' Rope by our own homeboy Kyoto Protocol at the recent Hitz.FM Birthday Invasion Party. I once tweeted that if Foo Fighters going to have a show in Kuala Lumpur and looking for an opening band, these guys should be the top candidate. Seriously.

Source: Kyoto Protocol

BRASILception: Brasil Players Meet Themselves In New Nike Football Advert

2012-03-01T02:40:00.000+08:00

Sometimes, you are your own foe. Featuring the new home and away kit for Brasil, this latest ads by Nike - who always churn out great ads; still remember Write The Future campaign? - captured that message very well. Well, I'm sure these top-level football players think of that sometimes especially for Brazilian players who have glorious heritage in the game.

These days I think myself as my own enemy too at times. Not because I'm a winner but instead, it's the other way around. I need to defeat my bad self to become better. For the greatness. To make it count.

A friend told me there is a hidden message on the 26 seconds mark of the advert but till now I still couldn't decipher it. Let me know if you are able to; check out the video through the read more link below.

Source: Nike Futebol via Average Joe

Music Sunday MWC Edition: Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé's Barcelona

2012-02-26T04:44:00.001+08:00

I has always admired this song ever since I first heard of it around the time of 1992 Summer Olympics which of course, was held at Barcelona, Spain. Believe it or not, I only discovered the actual singers TWO DECADES (yup, it was earlier this year) later. Imagine my disbelief when I found out one of the duo was the legendary Freddie Mercury of The Queen. :o

While that it is too bad that me or any of our team members will not be at Barcelona ourselves for this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC) next week, you can still bet your butt that Lowyat.NET are still going to bring all the juicy bits as swiftly and as much as possible from there. It's a running joke among us in the opis that we might be operating on Barcelona's time zone but who knows...xD

So, put www.lowyat.net on your bookmark, RSS reader and stuff as well as follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Can't wait to kick off our Mobile World Congress coverage!

Don't Sleep On This: CLOT x Nike Tennis Classic AC TZ Museum Edition @ Juice KL 26/02

2012-02-25T23:37:00.000+08:00

Remember the CLOT x Nike Tennis Classic AC release in Juice KL last month? Looks like another round of release coming up tomorrow but this time around, CLOT upped the ante a little bit even though they are still using the Nike Tennis Classic AC as the feature model.

The CLOT x Nike Tennis Classic AC TZ Museum Edition is built on the concept of "retro throwback of now", which goes along the vision of how a shoe that is released in 2012 might look like after decades down the road - hence the "Museum Edition".

Featuring metallic silver upper and CLOT's signature red colorway on the Nike's swoosh as well as its heel tab, selective pairs - one out of five, according to CLOT's co-founder Edison Chen - are given extra treatment which involved further hand-buffing by CLOT personnel that in hand made each of these special pairs unique to each other.

Look for pairs with serial number 12, that's the hand work of Mr. Edison Chen apparently.

Each of these pairs also come with the signature CLOT patch on it as well as a serial number that refers to the actual CLOT's staff that is responsible in executing the process on that particular pair, which can be crosschecked at CLOT's website.

While it is obvious that not all pairs will receive extra treatment by CLOT people, the distressed look already comes standard right from Nike's factory with each pair. Each CLOT x Nike Tennis Classic AC TZ Museum Edition - both CLOT-treated and standard factory-treated - is also accompanied by specially-designed traditional Chinese treasure box which intended to further highlight its museum look.

Being a Tier-Zero release, expect it to cost even higher in resellers market - so if you think the RM 799 price tag is a bit high, do consider what I've said earlier. After all, it is a CLOT release and if you not already aware, anything that EDC touch usually turns to gold. No pun intended. *snickers*

So yup, once again, if you planning to cop the new CLOT x Nike Tennis Classic AC TZ Museum Edition, make sure you already queue up at Juice KL in Bangsar before the sale starts at 12pm tomorrow - Sunday, 26 February 2012. DON'T SLEEP ON THIS!

Product shots: Juice KL and CLOT.

Just Another Day In Chap's Life: Isn't It A Pity.

2012-02-25T18:51:00.000+08:00

"How we break each other's hearts and cause each other pain
How we take each other's love without thinking anymore
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity..." - Isn't It A Pity, George Harrison.

I always believe that if it's sincere, it will be backed up by efforts. As much as I want to give you the benefit of doubt but I'm already tired of putting efforts any longer especially when at the end of the day, I'm feeling anxious and thinking "whether I convey the msg correctly" or "what did I do wrong".

All I want to do is be good friends like we used to be but what I can see and sense now, it seems like I'm the only one who want that to happened or putting efforts on it.

It is really a pity because what we had was indeed very special...but I'm out of energy to try making it happen once again. So, it's time to finally bury the hatchet once and for all. For as long as time stands...with much sadness.

Music Thursday Grammy Edition: Foo Fighters and Deadmau5

2012-02-23T23:57:00.002+08:00

It was not a surprise performance since it was already announced before hand that Foo Fighters and deadmau5 are going to performed together at the recent 54th Grammy Awards but still, this performance blew my freakin head away. I mean, live vocal to a live mix? Outta sight!

My precious Foo Fighters: Live in Singapore ticket! xD

Meanwhile, congrats to Foo Fighters for winning FIVE out of six Grammy Awards that they were nominated at the event. Can't wait to catch them live in Singapore next week. That's right, I'm going to be there myself at The Padang on Fri, 2nd March; so does thousands of people from across the region since it's Foo's only show here. It is going to epic. :D

Video sauce: Grammy Awards via YouTube. Ticket captured by Huawei Honor.

Music Monday: In Memory of Whitney Houston.

2012-02-20T22:30:00.000+08:00

Tribute to Whitney Houston at 54th Grammy Awards: I Will Always Love You by Jennifer Hudson.

While many might be more familiar with "I Will Always Love You" thanks to its everlasting love message and the popularity of The Bodyguard - which she was also the lead actress - but my favorite Whitney Houston's song somehow has always been Heartbreak Hotel. It is a bit hard to explain why I like it since I first heard it back during my high school years but yup, I just simply like it.

Of course, I've always enjoyed many other ballads that featured Whitney's beautiful and powerful voice - whether by her own or collaboration with other artists. Thank you for all the music, Whitney. You might not be here but your music will continue to be enjoyed, loved and celebrated for eternity. :)

Music Monday: Queen's Medley - In Freaking Japanese

2012-02-06T22:57:00.000+08:00

I've no freaking idea who made this but GOD DAMN THIS IS JUST TOO DAMN AWESOME.

Apparently, this is the list of Queen's songs that were used in the medley above:

Bohemian Rhapsody : Samayoeru tamashii no tame no kyoushi-kyoku
Bicycle Race : Jitensha kyousou
Killer Queen : Koroshiya Joou
FLASH : Hirameki
We Will Rock You : Itsuka omae wo yusaburu
Another One Bites The Dust : Mou hitori shinu
Crazy Little Thing Called Love : Ai to yobareru iwayuru hitotsu no chinchikurin na koto
We Are The Champions : Warera Yokozuna

Wonder if anybody can pull this off in Bahasa Malaysia...it would be damn epic. xD

Thanks to moona who passed this to me on Twitter so long ago.

The Avengers Super Bowl Spot: Perfect Example of How To Talk Smack Right On The Face of Your Enemy

2012-02-06T14:19:00.001+08:00

"I have an army. - Loki
We have a Hulk. - Tony Stark "

Tony oh Tony...there is simply nothing that can scare you, is it? Responding to Loki, just LIKE A SIR.

Did anyone realized that Tony Stark is wearing Black Sabbath t-shirt as well? As you might know, one of Black Sabbath's most well-known song is Iron Man; so I guess that is a fitting tribute. Even though the Marvel's Iron Man is not exactly Sabbath's Iron Man but heck, it's awesome to see Marvel paid props to Sabbath.

Can't wait for May to catch The Avengers!

Source: Marvel

Skyrim Sing-A-Long: You Doing It...Close Enough.

2012-02-04T23:54:00.001+08:00

MUSTARD JAR!

A Dovahkinn named Martin? Need more manlier name, sir...awww heck, there goes the arrow to my knee again. Kau ni tak chill la Martin...

Meanwhile, if you curious what are the actual lyric for the theme from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim's trailer above, here it is in both Dragon language (Skyrim's language) and English:

Dragon Language

Nuz aan sul, fent alok,
fod fin vul dovah nok,
fen kos nahlot mahfaeraak ahrk ruz!
Paaz Keizaal fen kos stin nol bein Alduin jot!

Dovahkiin, Dovahkiin
naal ok zin los vahriin
wah dein vokul mahfaeraak ahst vaal!
Ahrk fin norok paal graan
fod nust hon zindro zaan
Dovahkiin, fah hin kogaan mu draal!

Translated

But a day, shall arise,
when the dark dragon's lies,
will be silenced forever and then!
Fair Skyrim will be free from foul Alduin's maw!

Dragonborn, Dragonborn
by his honor is sworn
To keep evil forever at bay!
And the fiercest foes rout
when they hear triumph's shout,
Dragonborn, for your blessing we pray!

In before FUS RO DAH! xD

Source: YouTube and The Elder Scrolls Wiki @ Wikia.

I Seriously Think Samsung Is Becoming Like Apple...

2012-02-03T22:25:00.001+08:00

This was pretty much what I was thinking about when I was working on the Samsung Galaxy S II Plus piece on Lowyat.NET earlier today. No offense to Samsung but with the emergence of these "Plus" devices, I just can't help it. xD

Well, let's see what other stuff that Samsung got under their sleeves at Mobile World Congress this year even though Samsung Galaxy S III will not be there.

Reviewed @ Lowyat.NET: Zowie Gear EC1 Gaming Mouse

2012-02-02T23:00:00.000+08:00

If you played Counter-Strike before and look around for gameplay or tournament videos, then you might have heard of this name: Emil "HeatoN" Christensen. Rated as one of the best Counter-Strike players around, the former Ninja in Pyjamas and SK Gaming player joined the gaming peripherals industry by helping the folks at Zowie Gear, right after leaving the competitive scene.

With the help of HeatoN's top-level competitive gaming experience, Zowie Gear has come out with a number of products with HeatoN's name to them such as the Zowie Gear EC1 Gaming Mouse that I've reviewed recently. When it comes to designing the mouse, Zowie Gear took a no-nonsense approach on EC1 and made it very straight forward to operate.

Of course, there are more to the story; so why not head on to the full review over at Lowyat.NET to learn more about the gaming mouse. :D

Music Thursday Depressed Edition: Air Supply's All Out of Love

2012-02-02T21:20:00.000+08:00

"There's no easy way, it gets harder each day..."

Depressed but not stressed. But then, shit has really hit the roof when I starts to hear this song in my head. Until when this going to last...sigh.

A Visit to 21 Mercer, New York: The First Ever Nike Sportswear Flagship Store

2012-02-02T03:25:00.000+08:00

Opened in 2008, the famed 21 Mercer is the first stand-alone Nike Sportswear (NSW) flagship store in the world and I managed to squeeze some time between my uber busy schedule at Microsoft's Imagine Cup 2011 World Finals last July to check out the store which is located at the world famous SoHo neighborhood of New York City.

Mercer Street!

The 21 Mercer is pretty special in the sense that it is not only the first NSW outlet but it is also the home of NikeiD Bespoke Studio. If you not familiar with the NikeiD name, it is customization service* offered by Nike for a number of their products including footwear, clothing and equipment.

Just a small preview of what NikeiD Bespoke is all about.

However, the Bespoke program at 21 Mercer which revolves around the iconic Air Force 1 goes beyond the standard NikeID service where at the outlet, it involved 1-on-1 consultation session with Nike designers who would guide the customer on designing his or her custom AF1 from A-Z using huge selection of materials. In short, the Bespoke program is about making a pair of one-off shoes that is designed by you and made for you. Of course, it is not cheap though at USD 800.

By appointment only: 21 Mercer's NikeiD studio.

But unfortunately, I was not able to check out the Bespoke studio myself because one, I didn't make any appointment - it's not an official trip or anything and I obviously can't afford one xD - and second, the studio is only open at certain days according to one of the staff.

Oh la la...

The 21 Mercer also houses some NSW collection that are exclusive to them which were a little bit pricey for me to cop. That being said, I was actually damn tempted to purchase a pair of Nike SB Koston 1 signature model and Nike 6.0 Zoom Primo because they were so damn cheap but in the end, I went home with just a Nike 6.0 t-shirt which was still superbly cheap at USD 12 even though the price tag was USD 20.

Yup, still kept my 21 Mercer receipt!

Why I just didn't empty my wallet right there? Because there were also a number of other streetwear stores at SoHo that I visited such as The Hundreds and Supreme. Not to forget, there was also Flight Club and Niketown NYC - more on them later on, if time permits me to do long blog post again.

I would give more thumbs up if I've more hands...

Nevertheless, I was obviously more than happy - manly tears, man...manly tears - to be able to check out the world famous 21 Mercer myself even though it was just a short visit. I do hope that one fine day, I'll be able to return to 21 Mercer once again and that time...to design and build my own pair of Bespoke Air Force 1! xD

*This service is not available in Malaysia though - the nearest is in Singapore for t-shirt and Hong Kong for footwear.

Many thanks for my old buddy (now a New Yorker) - YZ - who was willing enough to bring me around SoHo and also, patient enough to see me went crazy at 21 Mercer as well as other store at SoHo.

All images taken with Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc except for the receipt which was with Sony Ericsson Xperia Active.

Music Wednesday Fresh Edition: Yuna's Live Your Life, Produced By Pharrell

2012-01-25T01:51:00.000+08:00

While Yuna might has just launched her latest album - Terukir Di Bintang - but truth to be told, I'm more interested (or rather curious) on the work that she did in United States recently especially with the renowned Grammy-winning producer, Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes/N.E.R.D fame. Live Your Life happens to be one of them which was just released on iTunes yesterday.

Click play to listen to Yuna's Live Your Life.

I really love the song's infectious hip-hop/RnB-infused drum beats which works in hand with the song's groovy basslines and laid back piano tunes. It's very fresh - something that is very different from Yuna's usual melodic acoustic-based pieces - but make not mistake, it is still Yuna's there and there due to her signature voice.

Apparently, this is just one of five tracks that she and Pharrell worked on together. Can't wait to check the rest of them as well as Yuna's new release this spring.

Source: Yuna Music, Fader, eCentral, and Budiey.com.

Chap Run Chap: 2012 Is The Year to #MakeItCount

2012-01-24T23:47:00.000+08:00

Towards the finish line at Nike We Run KL 2011. (Photo courtesy of Cheem Photography)

Just like what I've mentioned in previous post, it has been almost one month since I last ran. Hence, it is now time to get my butt off the chair (as well as the non-stop food munching) and kick start the program for 2012.

For the time being, I've yet to decide which event I'm going to participate in 2012 but standard events such as Standard Chartered KL Marathon, Penang Bridge International Marathon, Malakoff 12K KL and Nike We Run KL are already shortlisted by default in my calendar. I also plan to participate in Nike We Run series in other countries such as Singapore and South Korea (yes, blame Running Man for this! xD ) but of course, that depends on available time and financial resources.

In terms of distance, I want to keep it within 15km once again but this year, the target is to DESTROY and ANNIHILATE my Personal Best (PB) for 10K which currently stands at 1h 10m 15s. I want to make sure that I set a good benchmark before I move on to longer distance.

So in summary, my objectives in 2012 are very simple: go faster and finish stronger. Not to forget, it is also the year to make it count. Let's do this! :D

Don't forget to add me on Nike+ through this profile: my.nike.com/chapree. See you on the road! :D

Chap Run Chap: 2011 vs 2010 - Statistically Speaking

2012-01-24T23:13:00.000+08:00

2010 (left) vs 2011 (right) in numbers according to my Nike+ stats.

I always knew that I ran less in 2011 but I never knew that the difference between 2011 and 2010 was really significant until I took a look at my Nike+ stats earlier today. It was 100km shorter! Bad Chap, bad! >.<

On another hand, it seems that my pace was slightly faster than 2010. Not by much though but I take whatever I can. :D

Meanwhile, it has been one month since I last ran in 2011. With February looming around, it is time to get back on the road to clock the mileage. The first stride after a long break is always the hardest, urgh.

Don't forget to add me on Nike+ through this profile: my.nike.com/chapree. See you on the road! :D

Music Monday: Foo Fighters' The Pretender

2012-01-23T23:58:00.000+08:00

"Keep you in the dark,
You know they all pretend..."

Truth to be told, all of us are just a pretender. It's just a matter how good is one at pretending as well as the purpose.

Scary thoughts aside, if you haven't heard of it yet...Foo Fighters is coming to our region this coming March! Even though they are going to perform in Singapore instead of Kuala Lumpur, I already secured my ticket with the help of a friend. The ticket is pretty expensive after currency conversion but come on...it's the Foos, man!.

Looking forward to catch the show this March! \m/

Video-sauce: Foo Fighters.

FFFUUU Tales: Not Sure If She's...

2012-01-22T22:06:00.000+08:00

...and just like that I think I just heard my saham among girls went down the drain. So totally worth it though. xD

Created with: Memebase.com

Annoying Mandarin Orange: The Long Lost Cousin of Annoying Orange

2012-01-21T08:43:00.000+08:00

If there is a fruit that is closely associated with Chinese New Year, that would be mandarin orange - thanks to its status as the symbol for abundance and good fortune. Somehow, there is a troll among many mandarin oranges in this world...its the Annoying Mandarin Orange! *gasp*

Truth to be told, this is one of the better spoof of the world famous Annoying Orange. One might ask what's with all those product placements? Well, Naga DDB is an advertising agency - one of the largest in the country too - and those are all their clients. Still, this is one awesome CNY message or commercial if you want to call it that way.

Meanwhile, Happy Chinese New Year to all who visited my joint. Yeah, you. All seven of you. xD Have a great break and catch up with you very soon. :D

Video-sauce: YouTiup.

True Story Bro: Sh*t Gamers Say

2012-01-20T22:43:00.000+08:00

Its funny but heck, I believe I've said every single sentence that were portrayed on the video above (minus the IGN promo at the end of the video, of course). True story there, bro.

Source: IGN.

Don't Sleep On This: CLOT x Nike Tennis Classic AC Launch At Juice KL Tomorrow

2012-01-19T22:53:00.001+08:00

Oh hey, more kicks for Chinese New Year! This time around, it is a product of collaboration between Hong Kong streetwear powerhouse CLOT and Nike Sportswear. Using the evergreen Tennis Classic as base model, CLOT draped it with suede upper together with red inner, heel tab and Swoosh.

Apparently it will be released in a very limited quantity throughout the world and Juice KL in Bangsar happens to be one of the drop venue. Priced at RM 359, the CLOT x Nike Tennis Classic AC will be released at the store from 12 noon onwards. If you plan to cop one, make sure that you...DON'T SLEEP ON THIS!

Product shots: Juice KL and Nike Malaysia

#MakeItCount Teaser: What Is Nike Cooking for 19 Jan 2012?

2012-01-19T02:26:00.000+08:00

Today, Nike will be unveiling a new product that is said to be "designed for all kinds of playmakers" and judging for this trailer, it belongs to Nike+ family. Here is where it get interesting: Nike+ technology and products currently revolved around running (and to some extent, football) but the teaser trailer also showed quite a number of sports outside of running such skateboarding, basketball and aerobic.

I really eager to see what is this all about because as you can see, I'm a Nike+ user as well as a big fan of the technology. After all, it was one of the reason why I started running again. It will be awesome to see the technology being applied to other sports.

Well, let's see how it goes. Only few hours left before it is revealed anyway.

Source: Nike

Don't Sleep On This: Nike Air Force 1 Year of The Dragon Hits Malaysia Tomorrow

2012-01-18T22:32:00.000+08:00

2012 - it's the year of the dragon, baby! So, in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, the Swoosh fam has come up with a four shoe collection to celebrate the arrival of the Year of The Dragon and one of them is coming exclusively to Sole What 1 Utama tomorrow.

The Nike Air Force 1 Low Supreme "Year of The Dragon" is essentially made of a black upper with a white sole that are enhanced with lots of reference to the legendary being such as dragon and clouds embroidery around its upper as well as the word "Dragon" in Chinese character on the heel panel. Not to forget, the dragon-themed motives on its tongue and insole.

On top of all that, you just got to love the XXX deubré on the shoe and AF1-XXX shoe box which signifies the 30th anniversary of the legendary Air Force 1 series this year.

Do visit Sole What 1 Utama as soon as possible tomorrow if you planning to cop them to hype up your Chinese New Year celebration. So...DON'T SLEEP ON THIS!

The Nike Air Force 1 "Year of the Dragon" is priced at RM 579, exclusively at Sole What 1 Utama.

Apart from Air Force 1 Supreme, the collection is also made of Air Jordan 2012, Nike Kobe VII System Supreme and Nike Zoom KD IV. It is not known whether these three are coming to Malaysia or not but if you are a sneaker head, I'm sure you have a way to get them anyway.

Actual product image shot: Sole What. Ad: Nike Taiwan via Sneaker Freaker.

Music Monday: LeeSsang's The Girl Who Can't Break Up, The Boy Who Can't Leave

2012-01-16T22:23:00.000+08:00

Oh hey, first post of 2012.

Some of you that followed me on Twitter might have heard my recent obsession with a Korean variety show called Running Man. As weird as it might sound, I actually discovered some new music through the show.

Apart from SNSD (DON'T JUDGE ME! :p ), I also started to listen to a rap/R&B duo called LeeSsang - thanks to the fact that one of its members, Kang Gary is part of Running Man's cast. I didn't pay attention at first - was busy laughing at all the hilarious stuff happening in Running Man - until one day, I was curious enough to browse around YouTube for LeeSsang's songs and was hooked up immediately.

Furthermore, many of their lyrics mean something to me which made their music pretty enjoyable to say the least. Am currently still going through its latest album Asura Balbalta and some of their older well-known hits like the one above. So, really looking forward to dive deeper into their discography very soon. :D