You don’t get many major experiences in life that shakes you up but when you do it can leave you on the brink of re-looking at your life’s priorities. The lost of my pet dog Gummi recently has spurred me to make some changes to this website, to reduce my posts, be less commercially focused around new music so I can have some part of my life back.

I didn’t realize how much time it has taken away, especially from my loved ones and with this recent tragedy I intend to regain the lost time. Better late than never I suppose.

I have deleted almost 1000 posts today, and will continue to remove the ones that I think my future generation will not benefit from.

PS : I just terminated my foursquare account too.

I think movies that rely in animal-human relationships are bound to do well, especially when you have Spielberg helming the concept. He ropes in John Williams for the score, the man so famous for top movie scores like Superman, E.T., Indiana Jones, Star Wars etc. The beginning is quite slow and half way through I looked at my watch. I think it could’ve been better, story-wise, but they want they got the horse to do what it did, was a good enough reason to watch it.

VERDICT: 7/10

It’s definitely original in terms of delivery, but the first hour where the character development were concentrated on had one too many random scenes lacking in cohesion. I like how the main character in the film shows how he turns, which was a nice touch. The effects were very believable and delivers the adrenaline rush lacking in flying hero movies. Despite that, I hope there isn’t a sequel in the making.

VERDICT: 6/10

I have called you by many names, “Gummi to the Tummy”, “Gum Gum to the Tum Tum”, and my favorite, “Satu Mata”, which you have affectionately answered without fail.

I may be hard on you at times, but I’m sure you know how much you were loved at home by both Mel and I. It’s been a while since I last cried, and my tears flowed today with my wife in my arms when the doctor said it’s best we put her down.

She hasn’t eaten for over a week, lost lots of weight, only 2kg in the end, had mouth ulcer, rotten tooth, bleeding gums and an ulcer towards the back of her mouth, in addition to her failing health due to her kidney giving way.

Gummi in December 2011

I had this experience twice before and you think you’d be stronger for future tough decisions like this. Nope. I tried keeping composed in front of my wife who was in my arms crying, while tears streamed down my cheeks, seeing Gummi on the doctor’s table, pale and weak.

R.I.P. my dearest Gummi. You are free from suffering now.

Rest in Peace Dearest Gummi

I’m sure most of it is obvious, but for obvious reasons, some employers obviously do not see the obvious signs.

Bureaucracy
Employees are OK with rules, but rules like “in a bid to reduce cost, company will give an employee only 2 toilet rolls” will make top talents feel disenchanted. When you implement rules, always crucial to get the employees feedback before you do. Remember, without employees, a company is nothing.

Failure to Match Talent with their Passion
Most companies fail to understand that top talent isn’t driven by money and power, but the opportunity to be a part of something big that can change the world for the good so to speak. HR, department heads and seniors do not really converse with their employees regularly, especially top talent to help them find a match.

Sped Up Annual Reviews
Some companies do not put a lot of thought in this process, so they rush the review with the employee in a bid to get this out of the way. When that happens, an employee will feel that this company isn’t interested in my future and development growth here, so why should he/she stay?

No Career Development Talk
Do you know that you will be doing in 5 years’ time? No one does, a few can tell you but majority do not put thought into it. However, all employees want to have discussions with employers about their future, their opportunity to grow – career development. If an employer thinks that there’s a career path for the employee and tells them, it is highly likely they will hang around.

Telling Them How to Do Their Job
Some employers tend to jerk top talent around by telling them how to do their job. Good employees demand accountability from other employees and doesn’t mind being held accountable for their work. Instead of giving insights or suggestions, some employers preach to their top talent.

No Adding New Talent
Talent are attracted to other talent. So if an employer does not filter top talent from the rest, would you think a talent would stay? Many companies keep employees on the payroll that rationally shouldn’t be working for them. Sounds familiar? If an employer want to keep their best talent, they need to make sure that the employee is surrounded by other top talent.

Closed-Minded Management
Some employers do not take feedback well, and if some talent disagree with their strategy, instead of querying them to understand, they brush the talent off by accusing him/her of not being a team player. If all the best people leave because of this, the employer is then left with a bunch of “yes” people without backbone.

The Boss
If a few top talent who quit the company, reports to the same boss, it’s not likely a coincidence. Employers should dig deeper to find out. If the boss is the issue that threatens some of the top talents, then re-look at the organization structure, find a workaround.

Obviously top talent has to assume some responsibility as the company. Apparently, talent will decrease in the next couple of years due to a variety of reasons, companies who are proactive to tackle the issues above rather than wait for bad news to happen, will thrive.

I never liked locally produced Malaysian movies simply for the fact that they’re rubbish of the highest order without any substance, except for the late Yasmin Ahmad though I think some of her movies were overrated.

Khairil Bahar who wrote and directed it made the flow understandable in running a couple of intertwined stories together – Hollywood should take note, this is how you produce a movie with several characters and not a whack job like “New Year’s Eve”.

The story revolves around relationships and how social networking influences relationships in the 21st century. I met my wife on Friendster before Facebook existed so social media has impacted me and I’m sure that would be the “how you met” answer for most couples in the future, even now.

My only gripe is that TGV only screens this flick twice daily and it’s usually after 6:30pm. Come on TGV you can do better, take out those thumbs from your arses and give this movie the promotion it truly deserves!

Nice one Malaysia for finally showing me that there’s actually some talent in the country.

VERDICT: 7/10

I cannot remember how long has it been since I wrote a personal entry. Between music, movies and life, I kinda neglected that side of my blog, though I did it on purpose.

I started exercising at the end of 2010 towards a fitter me and managed to lose 6kg by May before pushing my fitness up a few notches when I conquered Mount K in June. I even played futsal the following day after climbing down from the mountain – yes, I was that fit!

Then, it all went downhill after that, I started to focus less on cardio and more on muscle from July to October, but only worked out once a week or so. Who was I kidding? Myself of course. Come November, I weighed 72kg.

All hell broke lose in December when I went on a Christmas binge – gobbling up pineapple tarts, chocolates, ice cream, cendol, fruit cakes, Christmas cookies, savories and boozing as well, the craziest binge I have ever done in my life – and just like that, I gained 3 kg in the month of December itself! WTFOMG OH NO YABBA DABBA DOINK!

I then realized that I need a reason for me to get fit, like the Mount Kinabalu climb. 6 days into January, and I’ve been to the gym 3 times – a sort of accomplishment considering the lack of exercise in the final 6 months of 2011.

Yes, you can also say that I’m panicking! I don’t want to look like those typical old men with beer belly protruding so badly that they haven’t seen their penises for years now, or probably it died of being choked by the fat of their stomach. How on earth can it get a hardon with all the fat just above it? No, I’m not gonna torture my penis like that. Oops, sidetracked! Haha!

Knowing that there’s always a chance of me slacking off, I made a plan of conquering the toughest part of the Great Wall of China later this year, Jinshanling. I have 9 months to get fit again and hopefully this time, no Christmas binge repeat in 2012!

Bring on Great Wall of China and a fitter me!

1. Why did Eve eat the forbidden fruit despite God’s warning not to do so? Well, women want what’s off limits, in fact, all of us human do to some extent. The more it is out of reach, the more we want it.

2. Taken men are a safe bet, because women can discuss their love life with them knowing that there’s no strings attached, but before they know it, just like in the movies, they would’ve probably fallen for him in a state of puppy love.

3. Men who are in a relationship, his name would probably be mentioned numerous times by his other half to her girlfriends, so much so that as the woman hears all the good things about him and come to an agreement, she will then attempt to steal him.

4. There’s a lot of insincerity out there, especially from single man who doesn’t realize that he sounds like a broken record to her with his compliments and gestures. A woman will always read between the lines as it is their nature, having been living in the world of men. With men who are in relationship, a woman tends to lower her guard because she knows there isn’t any sexual intentions involved.

5. Taken men apparently have desirable qualities. I read a great example of describing this scenario, imagine men as the parking spaces surrounding a popular joint on a weekend, the closest ones to the restaurant is either booked or full occupied. As you get further from the restaurant, parking spots become available. Women believe that men who are single, are single for a reason.

It didn’t take long for me to be glued to this underrated series, which is seemed to be making airwaves among critics more than the public. I’m no fan of Claire Danes but she’s acting out of her skin in this thriller of a show.

Homeland is a drama/thriller series developed for American television by Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa. The series stars Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison, a Central Intelligence Agency officer who has come to believe that an American Marine, who was held captive by Al-Qaeda as a prisoner of war, was turned by the enemy and now poses a significant risk to national security.

Season 1 only has 12 episodes and I’m looking forward to Season 2 already. TV series should follow this format of having only 12 episodes instead of a thin 20+ per season – clearly an attempt to exploit commercialism.

While towards the latter part, the series hits a plateau for 2 episodes before delivering a bang. I look forward to Season 2. If you a political thriller which is based on a terrorist theme, then this one’s for you.

VERDICT: 7.5/10

Apparently Rosie Huntingdon Whiteley won in 2011, which I wonder why. Something is surely wrong in the universe for her to win it. WTF?

Looking at the list of celebrities and their odds, here are my picks for FHM Sexiest Women for its 2012 edition. P.S. I never liked blondes, I always think brunettes are way hotter and with more elegance.

I caught a glimpse of the contestants of the Miss Tourism International 2011 in Sunway Pyramid a few weeks ago. I definitely have a height disadvantage! Humbug! I understand that the competition climaxes tonight on New Year’s Eve in Malaysia.

With some time to spare before our annual dance party, with me as a DJ, begins, I decided to look at the contestants to come up with my picks. After just looking at their sole glamor shots on the official website, I realized that there’s not a lot to choose from but I’m sure a few aren’t photogenic either. However, if based solely on their glamour shots, I reckon Asia has a decent chance of success. See for yourself.

What a beauty! I currently own a Kia Forte for over 1.5 years now and I am still very much in love with the car! I used to be like most Malaysians when it comes to Korean makes, as they are known to be unworthy. However, of late, with Kia roping in Peter Schreyer from Audi in 2006, Kia went from old men designs to sleek elegance.

I first caught a glimpse of the Kia Optima 5 in the newspaper and my mouth has been salivating since then. Kia do have some of the best looking cars on the planet, from the Forte, to Sportage, to Optima 5. Love them!

Retails at RM143,888 in Malaysia, the car is a bargain vs its competition in the form of Toyota Camry or Honda Civic. This car slaps the daylights out of its competition.

Currently the models are all imported, CBU and I hope Naza takes it under its wing to rebadge as a Naza Kia Optima, so the price will drop substantially for people like me to be able to get my hands on it.

The Kia Forte currently retails at RM85K as a CKD, if it was a CBU, it would’ve been just over RM115K. Imagine the savings if the Kia Optima 5 was a CKD – I would be the first in line!

The car comes in 3 colours – Silver, White and Platinum – I would certainly go for the Platinum! While White is certainly better, it’s not easy to maintain – so what’s the point in pleasing others on the road when they look at your car, but you’re suffering trying to maintain it? Stupid, no?

Auto-leveling headlamps, daytime running lights, 8-way power seat with auto-memory settings for 2 drivers, auto cruise control button, driver lumbar support, foot parking brake, panoramic sunroof, fully auto aircond, rearview camera display, bluetooth, start/stop ignition, 2.0 engine, 18 inch wheels. Mouth-watering features!

If Kia continues with cars like these, I will continue to support them should I opt for an upgrade of my current Kia Forte down the line – Kia Sportage and Kia Optima 5 would be my top 2 choices!

I always had a very soft spot for movies that touches on the theme of the death of a loved one. However, I was skeptical about it as I disliked Matt Damon. However, he kind of proved himself to me with this flick, at some point I was thinking to myself that even Jon Bon Jovi could’ve played the role, although I’m not sure his acting is as polished as Damon in this flick.

It’s about a family of father, son and daughter trying to rebuild and move on with their lives after losing their mother 6 months ago. The movie is filled with touching and funny moments and excellently takes us through some of the struggles each of the character has.

I did a quick status update like I always do on Facebook, to which I got a reply saying that “it’s cliche but not too cliche.”. I wonder if that saying alone is cliche itself. Our lives around us are nothing but cliches and this movie encapsulates the better cliches of love, life, death.

While some of you will enjoy it, some of you, especially the ones who have lost a loved one, will love it more. I know I did.

VERDICT: 8/10

90 - Barbara Eden

87 - Christina Hendricks

78 - Jane Seymour

65 - Nicole Scherzinger

64 - Kylie Minogue

60 - Jennifer Lopez

59 - Diane Lane

38 - Teri Hatcher

33 - Beyonce

21 - Monica Bellucci

14 - Megan Fox

10 - Angelina Jolie

Oi, where’s Katy Perry, Kate Beckinsale, Roselyn Sanchez? WTF?

I think this movie could arguably be the best of the Mission Impossible movies. Personally, I prefer the 3rd installment with Philip Seymour Hoffman played a starring role as the baddie. There’s some humor in the form of Simon Pegg and lots of over the top action sequences, with the one at Burj being a standout!

The IMF is shut down when it’s implicated in the bombing of the Kremlin, causing Ethan Hunt and his new team to go rogue to clear their organization’s name.

I never liked Tom Cruise in his “longish” hairdo, looks messy. However, I think with his declining popularity this is the only series he can fully own, and can continue releasing installments every 4 years or so.

Go watch it, good fun.

VERDICT: 7/10

The movie lack substance simply because they assembled one too many stars with one too many vignettes. Just how many celebrities can you cram in a movie?

How about - James Belushi, Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Ludacris, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Carla Gugino, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Meyers, Lea Michele, Alyssa Milano, Sarah Jessica Parker, Russell Peters, Michelle Pfeiffer, Ryan Seacrest, Hilary Swank and Sofía Vergara?

There isn’t time for each of the story to develop into its own, for you to warm up to the stars. For me, I find it a meh. The useless plots were played by Ashton Kutcher and Lea Michelle who didn’t have ANY chemistry, Sarah Jessica Parker and her daughter, Josh Duhamel and his escapade, Jessica Biel and the birth of her baby.

They should have just focused on Hilary Swank, Jon Bon Jovi, Michelle Pfeiffer with Russell Peters and Sofia Vergara delivering the lighthearted moments.

VERDICT: 5/10

It took me a while to warm up to and when I did I quickly got hooked to it. The series’ premise is similar to “The Count of Monte Cristo”. I loved that novel and that’s how I got hooked. The casting of Madeleine Stowe was brilliant and she has surely matured as an actress. This is a modern version of Dallas, Knots Landing, Falcon Crest rolled into one except the inspiration is based on revenge.

The first Season has 10 episodes and I look forward to Season 2. A recommended watch if you like plots of revenge and downfall. This TV series has consistently beaten CSI and Law and Order in the USA and I’m not surprised.

VERDICT: 8/10

I rarely review movies, only if it’s really good. Like this one, “The Help”. I never thought highly of Emma Stone like Jim Carrey does but that all changed a little when I saw her in “Easy A”, which was a good movie. This movie, set in the 1960s when racism is still alive in America, on the brink of a civil right movement.

Bryce Dallas Howard was fantastic in her role, and overall, everyone did really well – kudos to the casting director I was glued from the beginning to the end and I hope that it gets nominated for the Oscar in 2012 because it deserves recognition. Go watch it.

VERDICT: 8/10

I’m not sure if I would want to attend, as she only has very few hits to begin with. I think artists with less than 10 decent hits should not tour at all. Or, if they do want to tour, then offer the tickets at very cheap, perhaps in the case of Jessie J, RM50, RM80 and RM120. The venue will be at the Surf Beach in Sunway Lagoon.

Depending on the ticket prices, I might attend to hear her sing “Price Tag” and “Nobody’s Perfect”. Tickets shall be made available on Ticketpro in due course.

I think the concert organizer must look at bringing in Rihanna, David Guetta and Bon Jovi. I strongly believe that all 3 would do really well in pulling in the crowd.