KLUE - Blog

New Episode: The Fairly Current Show

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:47:05 +0800

The Fairly Current Show's new episode is up and it features award-winning film maker, Yasmin Ahmad. Do you think the sign with fall down again? Maybe, the masking tape looks pretty sturdy to me.

Another one for the bookmarks.

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:23:46 +0800

Where will we be without alternative news sites, we wonder? Especially with all that is happening in the political sphere these days. Which is why we're excited for more - say hello to The Nut Graph.

Though I daresay The Nut Graph will be quite different. I don't know much yet as there's not a lot of info on the site, but it seems like the site will put news items within the cultural (pop, or otherwise) context of the world we're living in now, rather than just single report style news items. In their own words, they're connecting the dots between politics and pop culture. Proving that we don't live in a vacuum and that everything and anything is in one way related to another.

But that's just my speculation. Rest assured, I'll be finding out more about the site. Currently the team boasts ex-The Sun and The Edge journalists Cindy Tham and Jacqueline Ann Surin, as well as playwright and singer-songwriter Shanon Shah, amongst others. Click on over, yes?

El Pollo Loco: Results 5!

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:54:48 +0800

No suprise here, J.Co took the crown with 55% of the votes, while 'gerai tepi jalan' won over Dunkin Donuts (who came in last). So, even though the line over a J.Co's Pavilion has dwindled down; there are still plenty of people that go GA-GA over a box of their magical soft yet crunchy glazed doughnuts. But it might all change once Krispy Kremes opens. We have it on good authority that Malaysia's first Krispy Kremes outlet will reportedly open over at 1 Utama.

On to the next poll. We wanna know what radio station you guys listen to these days.

Updated: Want tickets to the MTV Asia Awards?

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:59:42 +0800

If you've been itching to get your hands on some tickets to the MTV Asia Awards happening August 2 at Genting Highlands then drop by the official MAA Voting Party!!

Here's a few things to look forward to at the party...

HOT MTV VJ's hosting the party
You can also audition to be part of the Mosh Pit!! (trust me this is the best seat in the house)
Goodies and Prizes to be won like a pair of all expense paid trip to the MTV Asia Awards 2008

AND

Early birds will enjoy MTV Asia Awards premiums and free drinks!!

UPDATES: There seems to be a bit of confusion over the MTV Asia Awards Moshpit Audition and the MTV Asia Awards Voting Party. To be clear, both are on the same day : Saturday, 19 July. The Moshpit Auditions will start at 6pm, followed by the Voting Party at 9pm. Also don't forget their roadshows on 19 & 20 July at Cineleisure, Damansara at 12pm. You want tickets? Attend these events and you might just win some. Good luck.

bands under fire. again.

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:21:51 +0800

I understand things happen in cycles, but it's no less depressing to see how public backlash over perceived negative elements in our music scene peaks over and over again every few years. It's like things are coming to a head after the PROTES rally in Kelana Jaya where Carburetor Dung made the headlines for indiscriminate moonery (check it here) and now two more band-related incidents are making the news.

First off, ska/punk band Plague of Happiness got into it with local Kota Bharu law enforcement last Saturday. Authorities were tipped off to an alleged "wild party" happening in the city and moved to shut down the KB leg of Plague's Kawan Tour, held in support of their new album. Check this out: there were 103 men on the premises. One woman. Who was fully clothed. It was a gig, not an orgy. The raid happened at 5.30 in the evening. Who is about to tell me that shenanigans were going on in a punk gig in the middle of the day with a hundred and three sweat-soaked male music fans and one 23-year old female designated driver who was more likely than not trying to best cover her mouth and nose to best guard against the overpowering funk of a cramped sweltering gig populated by a hundred and three sweat-soaked male music fans? Come on, now. We have foreign supermodels getting blown up for bonking the wrong *insert who you think did it*; don't the police have better things to do? My sympathies go out to Plague of Happiness, and I hope all their upcoming shows go off without a hitch.

Okay now I have to scale the vitriol all the way back, because what went down last night is all the way wrong. Big ups to our AD Irman Hilmi for letting us know about this:

Lan, bassist for reggae/punk band Kuchalana, was pronounced dead at 1.30pm yesterday, from injuries he had received from being abducted in KLCC by an unidentified group of assailants who presumably proceeded to beat him to death. I'd like to extend my most heartfelt condolences to Lan's family and friends and of course to Kuchalana and their fans, and wish them strength and patience.

Let's just hope no one uses this as yet another reason to dump on local indie musicians. I wouldn't be surprised, but I'd like to think people out here still have a smidgen of decendy and respect in them.

Yesterday was eventful

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:00:57 +0800

Here's what happened..

1.15pm: Anwar got arrested for questioning for charges of alleged "carnal intercourse against the order of nature." Today, he was released on bail.

1.30pm: Lan, the ex-bassist of reggae/punk band, Kuchalana passed away. He was violently beaten-up somewhere around KLCC the night before by a bunch unidentified assailants (we hear it was a case of a jealous ex-bf that got really stupid). Lan arrived at Tawakal Hospital but was later transferred to KL General Hospital where he received treatment. Unfortunately, doctors were unable to do anything. His remains were sent back to his hometown, Kemaman, Tererengganu for burial. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lan's family and friends. Read more here.

Dark Knight tickets up for grabs!

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:50:42 +0800

You've read how our writer Claudia gushed all about how The Dark Knight is the greatest thing since, uhmm, Batman Begins. You've also been driven half mad by all the hype surrounding this movie. Is it all that it is cracked up to be? Well, you'll get to find out yourself. We have ten pairs of tickets to give away. Find out how tomorrow through our Pacmee group (join lah!). In the meantime, in case you haven't seen it yet, here's the trailer.

And for the heck of it, here's the trailer to 1989's Batman, which was the last time The Joker made an appearance on the silver screen.

Animals and doughnuts?

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:05:52 +0800

We're a generation that likes to give and show some lovin' to all God's creatures (especially those of the furry nature, pardon me if you are hairy and terasa). I'm referring to animals lah. Well the time for giving has come.

Non-profit organization, Raleigh International KL (yes, the one Prince William went with to Chile for his "humbling" toilet scrubbing, wood chopping days) is holding a fundraiser for PAWS so they have enough essentials to continue their work in animal welfare. The event is supported by J.Co....mmm doughnuts, they'll be selling J.Co at the event too!

They're looking for:

Old newspapers
Aluminium tin cans
Pledges for animal food - RM3.00 will feed an animal for 1 day
Donations

THE DEETS:

Date: 24 July 2008 (Thursday)
Time: 11 am - 5 pm
Location: Help College University, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara, Jalan Dungun, Bukit Damansara.
Contact: William Tan - 012 473 9189/ Has - 012 388 1574

ALSO CHECK OUT

Anything Goes, Anything Shows featuring Earthlings over at Palate Pallette, where they'll be screening the documentary, Earthlings narrated by Joaquin Phoenix with music by Moby. It's a documentary about humanity's absolute dependence on animals. Despite our reliance on animals, the documentary also showcases how we often abuse and exploit animals for profit.

KLANG, represent!

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:51:29 +0800

If you're a bit of a reality TV slut then you've probably seen at least a tiny snippet of Making the Band 4 that's been on MTV lately. That guy in the photo is the "white boy" that can sing and maybe, dance too (let's not get too crazy though). Anyway, during the show, Donnie didn't make Diddy's boyband Day 26. Instead, the guy was offered a solo recording contract. We found his CD single cover on the net and check out his name, Donnie KLANG!!! If he ever comes over here for a promo tour, you know for sure the KLG peeps are gonna represent!

Jam-nation on Federal

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:51:48 +0800

I was driving to work today and peeked out onto the Federal Highway and *gasp* it was bumper-to-bumper madness. I was already devising alternate routes to KL trying to bypass what I thought was going to be hours excruciating spent cursing at cars cutting in and out infront of me. Lo and behold the sesak-ness of the jalan raya was due to Police roadblock right before the Kerinchi-link turn off. I noticed the same roadlblock on Saturday night on my way out to Shitdisco at Zouk at 11pm and the epilectic-like flash lights being waved by the abang-abang polis scared the begeezus out of me!

What's going on? Well, if you don't really pay attention to the news apparently there's going to be an illegal rally at Parliament today, as reported in The Star. Read more on this story over here.

Monday Blues: Something of the day

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:36:56 +0800

Today's inspirational "something of the day" is courtesy of our resident guitar toting-woman serenading-tech/web guy, Paolo Delfino (yes, that's he's real name, not a nama glamor).

"More gold has been mined from the thoughts of men than has been taken from the earth." Napoleon Hill

So deep, and ladies...... he's single!!! (I think)

Steals & Deals: MEET DAVE

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:24:08 +0800

IN CINEMAS 7 AUGUST 2008
http://www.meetdavemovie.com/

Eddie Murphy …. in Eddie Murphy! Confused, much? Don't be. Meet Dave is a slapstick comedy starring the one and only Eddie Murphy and joined by a supporting cast consisting of Gabrielle Union, Elizabeth Banks, Scoot Caan and Marc Blucas. In this flick, we see Murphy doing what he's known best for: playing dual roles. Here, Murphy is both Captain Dave and Dave Spaceship. Allow us to explain: Captain Dave and his crew of 100 aliens are on-board Dave Spaceship, a human-looking spaceship that was sent to Earth to look for away to save their planet. As Dave Starship adjusts to human living with the help of the captain and crew, all goes swimmingly (and hilariously) until Dave Starship falls in love. Awww! You can find exclusive Meet Dave merchandise by answering 2 simple questions and e-mail them to contest@klue.com.my with the subject MEET DAVE before 11 August 2008. Please include your full name, IC no. and contact.

1. Who plays Dave/Starship Dave's Captain in Meet Dave?

2. What would you do if you were little for a day? Why?

And you stand a chance to win:

Grand Prize x 1
1 x Meet Dave Baseball Cap
1 x Meet Dave T-shirt
1 x Meet Dave Soft Pencil Case
1 x Meet Dave Hotdog Stress Toy
5 x Complimentary Single Passes

Second Prize x 1
1 x Meet Dave Lunch Pack
1 x Meet Dave Drinks Bottle
1 x Meet Dave Hotdog Stress Toy
5 x Complimentary Single Passes

Third Prize x 1
1 x Meet Dave White Suit Keychain
1 x Meet Dave Soft Pencil Case
5 x Complimentary Single Passes

Consolation Prize x 1
5 x Complimentary Single Passes

complete and utter Kiosk

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:43:21 +0800

So I was out on assignment, right? Walking around KL on a smoggy afternoon gets a man thirsty for real, so I thought I'd pop into a friendly neighbourhood Kiosk right quick for a cold 100 Plus Lime and replace some fondly-missed electrolytes. You know Kiosk - it's that 7-11esque chain of 24-hour convenience stores that has better magazines, better candy bars, and a better choice of prophelactics for your post-midnight acts of tomfoolery.

Or at least, Kiosk used to be all that. What greeted me when I walked into the Kiosk that hot afternoon was ... pretty much an empty store. The magazine rack was bare, the only snacks I found in the aisles were generic brand prawn crackers, and there was only one kind of rubbers! How is anyone supposed to survive on only Snug Fits? And getting back to my original purpose, I couldn't even find a bottle of 100 Plus!

But seriously, what's been going on with Kiosk? They're not even operating 24 hours a day anymore, right? Is their business winding down? Are they under new management? Drop a comment and let me know.

Guess who's opening the MTV Asia Awards?

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:55:04 +0800

That's right, it's our fave all-girl cabaret troupe turned pop stars group! We got a call today telling us that Pussycat Dolls are opening the MTV Asia Awards show. This will be their second time opening the awards, their first was in the 2004 MAA's in Singapore. And you thought we saw the last of them after the whole raunchy clothes brou-haha, but you thought wrong!! Oooo I hope they're gonna sing "When I Grow Up", that's such a quality song. Top notch I tell you!

Anyway, we hear the girls are looking to make some appearances at a few KL events on Aug 1st. If you guys have any cool events/suggestion on where they can hang drop us a comment. We've got the hook up!!

another 24 hours, kl.

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:49:01 +0800

Oh you thought it was over, didn't you. Our very own 24HourKL project did gangbuster numbers when resident photo guru Shermen Mukhtar started making open calls for photo submissions of life in Kuala Lumpur. We've decided to keep it running.

Starting with Issue #118 (coming out next month), we'll choose one photo submitted to 24hrkl@klue.com.my and feature it on our pages. You lucky dogs you. Don't forget to join the 24HourKL Flickr Group while you're at it!

Here's what you need to know about 24HourKL and the how what why on submitting photos:

Photo taken at any specific hour of the day, depicting the other side of life and scenes in the Klang Valley that don't usually get exposure.
Submission must be in any digital format and must be more than 1mb in size.
Submission must include: name of photo piece, name of photographer and information stating time taken & location
Participants provide the right for KLue to publish and feature their photos online and in print.

Alright, then. Snap to it!

Good samaritans

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:27:30 +0800

Today, a colleague of mine found someone's wallet on the street. And being the honest and trustworthy human being that she is; said colleague decided to return the wallet to its owner. Not before going through the wallet first though (she was looking for a phone number, fair enough)! Upon opening the wallet, she discovered a photo of a half-naked man complete with washboard abs, tanned skin and dreamy romance novel-type hair. Oooh interesting! Assuming that was the owner and thinking we'd have the chance to meet him in person; we were willing to overlook the fact that he was self-involved enough to have a picture of himself in his wallet. She then flipped over the flap and found a picture I.D.....except the photo wasn't our dreamboat guy but a rather scrawny looking young boy/man! Zomg, scandalous! My colleague brought "muscle" with her to meet the boy/man for the drop off even though we both knew he couldn't harm a fly. A couple of hours later, my colleague received a bouquet of tastefully arranged flowers from the mysterious wallet owner, thanking her for her kindness.

And here's what my colleague had to say about the wallet episode: "I better be getting good karma for this s**t!"

We want to know any interesting (good or bad) stories or experiences you've had with losing and finding stuff.

Where's Wall-E?

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:45:58 +0800

Pixar's latest animated flick Wall-E is making waves with critics and the proof is in the box office numbers. According Time, Wall-E has received a 97% fresh rating over at the infamous Rotten Tomatoes movie review website. So far, Wall-E has grossed over USD$127,196,028 within 2 weeks of its release. And critics are so impressed with Pixar's latest release that rumblings of it winning Best Picture at the Oscars is quite plausible. Read more about it here.

Wall-E opens in theatres nationwide on August 14, so get your robo on!

Cyber Cafe crack down

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:29:38 +0800

Bad boys, bad boys, what you gonna do, what you gonna do when they come for you?

Seems like the government has set its sights on cyber cafe operators. As reported by The Star, cyber cafe operators are expected to abide by a new set of guidelines that have just been drawn up. Some of the things highlighted in the new list of rules include:

All cyber cafes must shut by midnight daily!
Cyber cafes may only operate on the ground floor of buildings
Operators are not allowed to use tinted glass windows and the cafe must be able to seen from the outside.
Kids below the age of 12 need to be accompanied by parents/guardian and are only allowed to stay till 10pm.
They're banned from other co-business activities eg games, music, publications with negative elements
Cigarettes and alcohol cannot be sold or consumed at cafe.
Operators must keep a register to record the entry and departure time of patrons. (Apparently, students have been skipping school opting for the cyber cafe instead)

Big Brother much?! This will just create a black market for underground cyber cafes. It's just the way Malaysia works.

El Pollo Loco: Results 4!

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:22:46 +0800

We wanted to know how our readers' Urbanscapes experience panned out and let me just say..."PHEWFF" cause the majority of voters (77.3%) said it was "Off the chainz". Of course, we can't please everyone under the sun; a couple of people chose the "Bad! You guys suck!" option. Haters to the left!!

Ok, so we've got a new poll and it's food-related, joy!! The KLue team is pretty much divided when it comes to donuts. That's why we want to know, out of all the donuts in the Klang Valley what's your favorite store?

Steals & Deals: THE DARK KNIGHT

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:23:21 +0800

IN CINEMAS 17 JULY 2008
www.darkknight-asia.com

A year after Batman Begins sees lots of change for our favourite caped crusader. With the help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman has effectively dismantled the remaining iniquitous organizations that seemed to have perpetually plagued Gotham City. Everything seems peachy keen until Gotham's trail of corruption leads Batman to the Joker, a rising psychopathic criminal mastermind. However, the Joker possesses the unique ability to get under Batman's skin. Their struggle quickly becomes deeply personal, confronting and deconstructing everything they believe in for a powerhouse showdown. Will Batman be able to put an end to this madness? Will Joker manage to put a smile on Batman's incredibly stern face? Will Rachel Dawes be more useful in this movie? Will the good in Gotham City ever prevail? Hey, calm down, why so serious? Smile, we've got goodies to grudgingly give away! Just answer these three easy questions and e-mail them to contest@klue.com.my with the subject title THE DARK KNIGHT. Please include your full name and IC number. Deadline is 31 July!

1. Bruce Wayne drives a Lamborghini Murciélago. What does Murciélago mean in English?

2. What are Batman's bat-shaped boomerangs called?

3. If you were the Joker, what would you do to put a smile on Batman's face?

And you stand a chance to win:

Grand Prize x 1
1 x THE DARK KNIGHT Black Metal Pen worth RM189
1 x THE DARK KNIGHT Ladies Bella Tank Top worth RM182
1 x THE DARK KNIGHT Moleskin Journal with Joker Card worth RM133
1 x THE DARK KNIGHT Soundtrack worth RM46 from Warner Music
1 x THE DARK KNIGHT Movie Poster
5 x Complementary Single Passes

Second Prize x 1
1 x THE DARK KNIGHT Ladies Bella Tank Top worth RM182
1 x THE DARK KNIGHT Moleskin Journal with Joker Card worth RM133
1 x THE DARK KNIGHT Soundtrack worth RM46 from Warner Music
1 x THE DARK KNIGHT Movie Poster
5 x Complementary Single Passes

Third Prize x 1
1 x THE DARK KNIGHT Joker Card Tee worth RM166
1 x THE DARK KNIGHT Mobile Grip worth RM105
1 x THE DARK KNIGHT Soundtrack worth RM46 from Warner Music
1 x THE DARK KNIGHT Movie Poster
5 x Complementary Single Passes

Consolation Prize x 5
5 x Complementary Single Passes

And, don't forget to check out the trailer! 17 July people, we can't wait!