MAMA MIA! THE MOVIE - ANOTHER PREMIERE SCREENING BY NUFFNANG

Wow! Finally I will get to watch Mamma Mia! The Movie which will be screened this coming September 2008 in Malaysia. I have been waiting patiently for its release ever since I caught a glimpse of the trailer during one of my movie outings. The good news is that I can win a pair of tickets to the movie, courtesy of Nuffnang on the 22nd September 2008. Thanks again Nuffnang! For more information, check out Nuffnang's website.

This is the movie version of the blockbuster stage musical shown in Stockholm since 2005 and was seen by more than 30 million people in 170 cities and in eight different languages. Finally the movie version was released this July 2008. The storyline was about a bride, her mum and three possible dads on the enchanting Greek island of Kalokairi. Here’s the trailer of the movie.

Although ABBA’s music was between 1972 and 1982, it never got out of style and remained as one of the all time favorites in major radio playlists. I was even hooked further with their music after being in the liaison committee to get their tribute band, Voulez Vouz in for one of the charity projects based in USM, Penang, Malaysia in the early 90’s. You know what’s so great about their music? The beat and rhythm of all their songs were catchy and their romantic songs will make any hearts melt.

Another great actress in Mamma Mia! The Movie would be Meryl Streep. She started her acting career as early as 1975 on stage and eventually moved into televisions and films. She holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations of any actor (11 for Best Actress and 3 for Best Supporting Actress). Moreover, she also holds the record for actress with the most Golden Globe Awards, with six wins. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her next movie would be based on Julie Powell's memoir Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen, scheduled to be released in mid 2009.

Who won’t remember the charismatic face of former James Bond, Pierce Brosnan? He’s the lead actor in Mama Mia! The Movie. His cool but serious look and comical humor always brought out the best in his performance in any of his acting careers. From a stage acting career, he rose to popularity in the TV series, Remington Steele. Pierce is currently working on a new movie, The Ghost, a contemporary political thriller scheduled to be released some time in 2009.

NUFFNANG GIFT IDEAS CONTEST– ENSURING THE BEST FOR THEIR CHILDREN

Building up a family filled with harmony, happiness and togetherness has not been easy for many married couple, especially when their children are growing up real fast. Through sheer luck or fate as I would always put it, I managed to know a wonderful couple, PapaJoneh and JPPMom who had struggled through the ups and downs of their ever hectic life to ensure that each and every single one of their children will get the best in their growing up years.

In line with Nuffnang Gift Ideas Contest, I do hope PapaJoneh and JPPMom will win a 12.1 megapixel, 3.7x optical zoom and beautifully crafted in pure space age titanium Canon Digital Ixus 960 IS to record some of the happiest growing up years of their children Josh, Presley and Preston. Moreover, it would be a great gift for his twins’ first birthday which will fall on the 10th August 2008. Happy 1st Birthday Presley and Preston!

The contest will end on 12th August 2008 and if you are a Nuffnanger, post up what you would like to give your fellow Nuffnanger. Who knows, your fellow Nuffnanger may stand a chance to win RealMart e-vouchers to experience online shopping. Entry form can be obtained from Realmart site.

TROUBLESHOOTING INTERNET LAGGINESS

Do you believe that troubles come in three? Firstly, my computer downloading was so slow until I almost fell asleep while opening my websites. Then, both my hotmail and yahoo mails were down and I could not even check my mails for days. Needless to say, I could not even receive or send any emails to my clients. There goes my income and it is not a small sum at the rate I have to reject many MNC projects. Even while you are reading this, I am still waiting for the Internet Service Provider (Maxis Broadband) to set their network problems right. Can you imagine majority of the subscribers could not even browse an international website or any websites with an international link?

What is the use of detecting fast access and yet I could not do anything online? I wondered why a big company like Maxis is reputable to provide good coverage but still have network problems most of the time. It is getting to be too ridiculous to pay for the monthly subscription for unlimited access and yet getting only a few hours of quality connection time daily. I guessed I might be thinking of other options soon but I have no ideas at all as all the local ISPs have many problems too. Even one of the best around does not provide facilities to residential or commercial areas. Anyone has any good suggestion?

The real reason of this post is to share some knowledge on my first connection problem. Even the best anti-virus and anti-spyware did not alert me on the silent intrusion. I had problems in getting advertisements by Nuffnang displayed properly in my websites or even log into their website. Even checking with the Nuffnang or Maxis technical teams did not solve the problem. They have 100% view of all advertisements in both my websites at their end. Installing and uninstalling the browsers and some programs did not help either. Without the help of my technical expert Azmeen, I did not know that there is such a thing as TROJAN DNS. This Trojan virus, spyware, malware or whatever you call it will not only slow down the system, it also redirects your IP requests all over to Timbuktu before coming back to your IP requests. In the end, I would rather sleep than to be online.

There are actually a few things I have found out that can help in speeding up the internet access as well as your computer. Firstly, get your anti-virus updated in real time. Secondly, you can read more in this forum on the Trojan DNS hijack. They will ask you to download a file named Fixwareout to run on your computer to solve the Trojan issue. It did help me and a few of my friends out in getting Nuffnang advertisements being displayed properly. Thirdly, over the months and years of computer usages, it will accumulate unnecessary junks and corrupted registry. This is another reason why your computer processing is performing like a snail. I have tried using CCleaner and it helps speed up things. You can try download the latest free cleaner at FileHippo website.

I do hope that my sharing here can help those people with slow access and processing problems. Do have a nice weekend ahead with your troubleshooting and faster browsing.

A LIFELONG COMPANION

If you have noticed it, my whole blog theme has been changed to go in line with the advertisement shown in the Nuffnang Ads. It is an advertisement by SPCA Selangor. I am an animal lover by nature and I am going to share with you the advantages of owning a pet. Pet plays an important role in our lives as they can help us physically, emotionally socially and security.

How does owning a pet or some pets help in a family? First and foremost, it helps us to have some healthy values such as lowering high blood pressure, preventing heart disease and combating depression. Pets do help us to live more energetic lives. Walking a dog or even watching those fishes swimming in your aquarium indeed does help. By taking your dog out for a run, you will get more exercise too. It has been proven that those who own pets at home have less arthritis or backbone problems. What about fishes? In Japan, it is believed that all offices have at least one aquarium. By watching the greeneries of the aqua landscaping and the care free movements of the fishes, one tends to have a more relaxing and calm mind. Thus, it is a mode of anti depression and stress.

Have you ever thought of improving your child to be a more responsible citizen in the future? If you are eager to see that happen, get a pet to be part of your family. Children absorb life values quickly at a tender age. They can learn the importance of responsibility by tendering to the needs of pets. It also fosters a closer relationship between the child and the parents while caring for the pet together. It also develops a sense of discipline as the child will have the duties to be in charge of the pet daily. Taking a pet to the veterinarian for sickness or vaccination will get them exposed to the world of medical issues. They will learn to see the life situations of being sick, old age or even death. This will prepare them to face the real world out there with a stronger stand emotionally.

Pets do provide emotional benefits as they shower us with unconditional love and attention. They help to reduce our loneliness and anxiety. They provide us relaxation and at times giving our lives some touches of humour. They do not care if we are unattractive, old, incompetent or mentally ill. People look to them for solace, especially in the case of the loss of loved ones. Pets acts as a stress buffer in these life situations. The best thing is that they never complain.

Having a dog at home makes us feel more secure. We feel safer to have them around the house. They warn us of the approach of strangers and protect our homes from intruders. Even if they are small sized toy dogs, their bark is enough to scare the wits out of any burglar. Dogs are wonderful cheerleaders. They boost up our spirits and eliminate our depression. Dog owners are never at a loss for laughter with the energetic pets’ daily dose of fun. Laughter has been shown to be therapeutic. It can fight off illness and even promotes healing.

So if you intend to live a healthier lifestyle or having a more united family, why don’t you adopt a pet or even purchase one today? Mr. Spot, Ms Polly, Mr. Whiskers, Ms Mousey, Mr. Gold Fish or even Mr. Conan Cat will surely be happy to see you… Haha!

AN INSIGHT ON THE I-FACTOR

First of all, let me brief you on the meaning of “I”. “I” is the 9th alphabet of the English alphabets A-Z. Scientifically, “I” symbolizes Iodine, which is used in pharmaceuticals, antiseptics, medicine, food supplements, dyes, catalysts, halogen lights, photography and water purifying. In a layman’s language, it means you and me. “I” usually has two different faces – the Angel and the Devil, meaning the True Self and the False Self. Let us discuss the I-Factor in a humorous way.

Ah Beng: Hey! This Criz’s Sanctuary is a good blog. I think I should give the author some good comments in here. ***trying to type in something but his head is blank with confusions whether to write or not to write***

Angel: Yea…you should give him what you have in your mind. Say how good he is to come out with such a good post. Give him some good compliments and support. That’s the best way to get a blogger motivated.

Devil: Want or not? All I see is some crap talk here. You think he’s so good meh? I’m better lar. In fact, I’m the best in this blogosphere.

Angel: How can you say you’re the best when I’m the “God” here? “God” rules! You go sit on your hot stove and stop confusing my poor Ah Beng here!

Devil: Why not? I have been in the blogosphere for so long. Old bird liao. Who don’t know who I’m leh? What I say is definitely the truth even though I’m such a devil all the time.

Angel: Hey, why are you so self centered? Have you ever thought of how I have helped Ah Beng to become so successful today? He won’t be who he is without me around.

Devil: WTF! Do you think you are the only one who has helped him? If I did not stop him from commenting in so many posts, do you think he has the time and concentration to come up with good posts?

Angel: Gosh! Is that all you have in your thick skull? If I did not get him to work so hard in commenting in others’ blogs, do you think he will get such good traffics now? You think getting traffics into his blog is so easy without exploring other’s blog and give a nice and meaningful comment?

Devil: That is what you say nia. As if people will appreciate his comments. It is just a waste of time. I do not know how you can be qualified to be an Angel with such low mentality. Not like me at all. I believed in what I say is always the best solution. I rocks! You go sit in your nest and stop mumbling like an old grandmother!

Angel: OMG! With that superiority complex and pride of yours, you will get yourself into deep trouble one of these days. Your throne will be too hot for you to sit on too! Humph!

Ah Beng: Wow…look at that cool feature in his blog – ShoutOut. Can shout until you drop leh. I want to add that in my blog.

Angel: Hey Ah Beng. You got time to shout meh? I thought you wanted to blog blog blog until you drop? Like this how to earn money wor? The more you write the more you earn mar. Set your priority right lar.

Devil: Relax Mr. Ring Head! Let me check it out first. ***keying into the shout box*** ”Hi Lasker, Elise, Criz Lai, Angeline, Adelene, Angelina, GummyBoy, Chee Hsien. aL, vingie, Stephanie, BenjiPapa, Papajoneh, JJ, Minny, ChristinaYY, Dragon Head, michie, Kah Peng, PC, Sukidayo, Baby D, Baby Fiona, Conan Cat, Ree Nee, Cedric, Kucing Mafia, Gillian, Princess Wendy, Nicholas Chan, Satkuru, ChefKhuen, LogicYuan. Calvyn, HaoHao, Eddy, Jaecy Wong, SC Bone, G-Devil, K.Kim, RYU, Colleen, Michelle, Jared, Sumilo, Wai Chee, Des, Daniel, Jeff, Shea Speare, Erlynda, Emily, Saewei, Dex……etc.” Wah…so big ShoutOut family. Very syiok leh. Angel…do not disturb me. You go sleep now! Haha. ***continue to chat nonstop***

Angel: @_@... selfish Devil!

Ah Beng: Whoa…the Malaysian bloggers are having a grand gathering organized by Nuffnang at ABC Restaurant this month end! Blogblog Taiko will be making a guest appearance.

Angel: Let’s go and get acquainted with those experienced blogger. We can also rub shoulders with Blogblog Taiko and mingle with lots of “leng zai”s and ‘leng lui”s there. Who knows? Ah Beng will not be so lonely after all.

Devil: Ceh…go there do what? That place’s food sucks. The air-conditioning is like hot-conditioning. Ah Beng sure suffocate with so many people there. Blogblog Taiko “tai sai” meh? Who cares who he is? I also Taiko mar!

Angel: ***fainted*** No comment!

Disclaimer: This is just the author’s humorous write-up and no characters or locations mentioned above are related to anyone or any place, except for the author’s personal website, ShoutOut and Nuffnang’s link.

SOME OF THE TERMS THAT CAN BE APPLIED TO THE CONVERSATION:

Egotism: An exaggerated or excessive sense of self importance.

Suitheism: The belief of oneself as a Deity, Angel or God

Solipsism: The belief of one’s existence and experience is the truth

Egocentrism: The belief of one’s self, opinions, interests as the ultimate selections. Having the misconception that everyone sees or thinks as what he sees or thinks.

Narcissism: The over limit of loving oneself. Psychologically, it is a severe personality dysfunction where it involved the characteristic of a person.

Machiavellianism: Having the tendency to deceive and manipulate others for own gain

Superiority Complex: An exaggerated sense of being better than other people.

SELF CENTERED: Concerned solely with one's own interests, welfare, etc.; engrossed in self; selfish; egotistical.

SELF Pride: One of the seven holy sins of mankind, which also consist of lust, gluttony, envy, greed, sloth and wrath. Excessiveness will cause the downfall of oneself.

Boastful: To speak with exaggeration and excessive pride.

Arrogant: Offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride.

Brag: The act of using boastful language(s). Sometimes it is defined as talking big.

SELF Conceit: An excessively favorable opinion of oneself or one's abilities. Sometimes it is known as big headed.

Selfish: It is characterized by or manifesting concern or care only for oneself.

SELF SEEKER: A person who seeks his or her own interest or selfish ends.

SMALL MINDED: Selfish, petty, or narrow-minded.

Anti Social: Unwillingness or inability to associate in a normal or friendly way with other people.

Nobody, not even Ah Beng, the Angel or the Devil is ever perfect in dealing with daily or life issues. So who do you think you are? Are you the Angel or the Devil? Or are you just Ah Beng who is forever under the influences of his two alter egos?

NUFFNANG’S COMMUNITY EVENT: THE ORIENT’S VOICE

(updated 24th June 2007 with Kenny Sia's Interviews)

Nuffnang held a community event named The Orient’s Voice this afternoon at the Food Loft Restaurant, Level 4, Gurney Plaza, Penang. It was the first official bloggers’ gathering held in the Northern region with the help of a panel of Nuffnangers like Cedric Ang and Dragon Head. This event was even more memorable with Kenny Sia, the featured blogger of the month June, who flew all the way from Kuching just to meet up with the Nuffnangers.

Food Loft Restaurant did a good job by sponsoring their place as the venue for the gathering as well as food for 100 bloggers. This trendy and chic restaurant is really a cool place to dine in as it also oversees the famous beach front of Gurney Drive.

There are a few Nuffnangers outside Penang, Nuffnang advertisers and some of the Nuffnang team members who joined in the fun too. There were lots of mingling sessions, photo sessions and even contests with prizes sponsored by Nuffnang, Exabytes, and Oomph.

The event started with the arrival of guest around 12 noon. All registered bloggers were given a RM15 food voucher sponsored by the Food Loft Restaurant, a button pin and a car sticker. I ordered Fricassed Chicken as my main course. It consists of a pie pastry topped with milky chicken garlic gravy. It was delicious. Here is how it looks like.

The event started off with Timothy Tiah of Nuffnang giving a short speech, followed by Cedric. Dragon Head continued with a quiz contest where lots of food vouchers has been given out as prizes. Next in the list was an interview with Kenny Sia. As usual Kenny was in his ever joking mood when he was interviewed by Cedric. For those who are interested to know more, you can view the interview as below. The loading can be quite long as each file is about 5 minutes.

KENNY SIA INTERVIEW PART 1

KENNY SIA INTERVIEW PART 2

KENNY SIA INTERVIEW PART 3

After the interview, Kenny had a shock of his life when he was asked to donate part of his body hair for charity. He hesitated for awhile before he agreed to go on with the idea. I just wondered whose idea was that too…Haha. Finally, Kenny donated his leg hair, nose hair, chest hair and even his hand hair for the Cancer Society. The auction for his hand hair started from as low as 30sen. It ended up in the hands of Timothy for a price of RM20. Watch the photos below and you can see how comical Kenny Sia can be while donating his body hair.

There was also a food eating contest, with BenjiPapa, Chee Hsien and Dragon Head participating. The 3 participants were required to finish up a big bowl of Ice Kacang within the stipulated time of 5 minutes. Chee Hsien emerged as the winner.

The event ended around 3.15pm after a group photo was taken. Here is the bloggers’ group photo.

Click HERE for the original size group photo

ANNOUNCEMENT:
KOTA KINABALU BLOGGERS’ MEET
Friday 6th July @ 7:30pm
Venue: Toscani’s @ Waterfront (To Be Confirmed)

Click HERE for more information