Monday 30 July 2007

EPF's Kiosk Pintar

Since last Friday was my last day at work before starting a new career in KL on Wednesday, I must make full use Monday and Tuesday to settle some of my stuff such as medical check-up, getting a haircut and paid a visit to the EPF Petaling Jaya Office.

EPF stands for Employee Provident Fund. If you are still studying in school or college, heck the EPF, you don't need to know about it. People like me who are already working must contribute 11% of our monthly salary into the EPF account. It's like the Government is your mom and you give ur mom 11% every month so that she can save some money for you. Anyway, for more information on EPF, click here.

Do you know that you can check your EPF account online? Just like how you check your bank account every month to see if your employer has fulfill his duty in paying you salary or perform some online transactions. With the facilities which enable you to check your EPF account online, it really makes life easier for everyone. I am one person who hates lining up in government offices and sometimes, even banks. So being a savvy person, I choose to do everything from home. Today, I went to the EPF Petaling Jaya office at Jalan Gasing to get my activation code.

In order to log in for your very first time, you have to go to the nearest EPF branch and get your activation code from their KIOSK PINTAR (Smart kiosk). It's something like the bank's ATM machine. When I reached the office, first thing that caught my eye was the long queue and yes, everyone is lining up at the KIOSK PINTAR (KP). This KP machines only have 2 functions, quite smart for a machine, don't you think so?

The 2 functions are :
1) get your activation code so that you can log into your account in the website
2) print out your EPF statement of account

Things that you need to bring along :
1) MyKad and
2) your right thumb. Muahahaha..

Here are the steps :
1) Touch the screen.
2) Choose the language that you prefer, English or BM.
3) Slot in your MyKad and pray that your card is not faulty. (I saw 4 person's MyKad not being detected by the KP machine)
4) Place your right thumb on the scanner.
5) After these 2 identifications, you can now choose either to get your activation code or print the statement of account.
6) Key in a 6 digit activation code and please don't forget the 6 digit.
7) Before you leave, print out the statement of account also whether you need it or not. Why? Because you have queued for so long and just print only-lar, it's free anyway.
8) Go home, go to the website, key in your EPF member number and your
activation code and from there, you can set your own username and password.

I would suggest it's better make a visit there and get your activation code so that you can check your account online and do whatever you want without going there everytime. For example, print the statement of account, some withdrawal crap, "calculators" function and etc etc. The KP is mainly for those who has no computer or internet connection at home. I am sure you prefer checking all these details at home from your computer rather than lining up, squeezing yourself in the line with the uncles and aunties, rite???

On my way home, I was wondering why the Government can spend a big sum of money on the
High Performance Training Centre and on our national football team but why can't they install a few more Kiosk Pintar?

Stupid queue is damn freaking long!!!

Friday 27 July 2007

My last day in OilCorp.

Finally, today is my last day at work at OILCORP BHD. It has been a wonderful 6 months filled with little exposures into the Oil&Gas Industry. Little?? Of course-lah, what do you expect to learn in such a short period of time?

I was working in the accounts department on the 2nd floor. And guess what! There are around 15 ladies and 4 gentlemen on that floor. Yes, hot for grabs rite? No..I am the youngest there so there's nothing for the ladies there to grab.

Thank you everyone for being patient with me. I know sometimes I made silly mistakes and being forgetful or blur but I am sure everyone will experience that in their early stages of working life. Thanks for teaching me how to use the complicated and high-tech photostate machine, fax machine, courier services, certain bank documentations etc etc etc. And also sorry for the minor havoc and small explosion that I have caused on one of the computer speakers. It was funny though because of the smoke coming out from the speakers.



My workstation. Find the small monkey in the above picture.



Chee San made this paper "monkey" for me. You place this "monkey" on top of one of they keys in your keyboard which you don't like. For example, the "INSERT" or "NUM LOCK" key. Eversince I befriended her, she has been offering me the "Rabbit" sweets everyday which contributes to my weight gain ideal weight. Nah...she only offered me once and from then on, once I felt sleepy or bored, I'll automatically walk up to 4th floor and take her sweets.

Oh well, goodbye everyone and thanks alot for the farewell present.


I am prepared for my new challenge in KL on 1st Aug. I want more $$$$$$$$.

*The picture above is for illustration only. I don't have the rights to the money. I was only allowed to touch and take photo only. Don't rob me or come after me. I repeat, the money is not mine.

Thursday 26 July 2007

Dark in here.

A woman takes a lover during the day, while her husband is at work. Her nine-year-old son comes home unexpectedly, so she puts him in the closet and shuts the door. Her husband also comes home, so she puts her lover in the closet, with the little boy.

The little boy : Dark in here.
The man : Yes, it is.
The little boy : I have a baseball.
The man : That's nice.
The little boy : Want to buy it.
The man : No, thanks.
The little boy : My dad's outside.
The man : OK, how much?
The little boy : $25.00

The next few weeks find the boy and her mother's lover in the closet together.

The little boy : Dark in here.
The man : Yes, it is.
The little boy : I have a baseball mitt.
The man : How much?
The little boy : $75.00
The man : Fine.

A few days later..

Father : Grab your glove. Let's go outside and toss the baseball back and forth.
The little boy : I can't, I sold them.
Father : How much did you sell them for ?
The little boy : $100.00
Father : That's terrible to overcharge your friends like that, that is way more than those two things cost. I'm taking you to church and making you confess.

They go to church and the father makes the little boy sit in the confession booth, then closes the door.

The little boy : Dark in here.
The priest : Don't start that shit again.

Sunday 22 July 2007

Korea vs Iran

Guess what? I went to watch the Asia Cup football match between Korea and Iran. This time Rachel went with me because she has never watched a live football match before in a stadium. Kien Yit wasn't around this time because he is still upset about Korea beating the likes of Spain and Italy when they hosted the 2002 World Cup.



Rachel was having class in KL until 5pm and by the time, she reach the Sri Petaling STAR LRT Station, it was kick off time. We rushed and ran in the rain and thank God, we found 2 nice seats with an excellent view.



From the moment we sat down which was about 15 minutes into the match, she ate non stop until halftime. Can't blame her because she is still in growing stage and had a long day in class. During the match, I noticed something funny. All the guys were basically watching the match while the girls are busy with their food. Obviously, Rachel was one of them.



During the break, I was too tempted with her snacks so I decided to buy some food as the match looks like it's going into extra time and penalty shootout because both team very well balanced and tight in defence.

Ultimately, I managed to get "FREE" drinks, hotdogs and fishballs. Don't ask me how I get them!! I can just tell you that the auntie was too busy. Waited quite long to pay her but I don't want to miss then start of the 2nd half. So...thanks auntie!! Rachel posting with the FREE food.



Enough of her. Now back to the match. This time, the atmosphere was better and more lively as the approximately few thousand Korean supporters showed up. The Korean lady behind us was very friendly and taught us some Korean chants so that we can join in the fun and shout together.

Video 1, the crowd was singing the famous Korean chant which you all heard during the World Cup



Video 2, the chant sounded something like this , " Teh ah ming gu" which means Korea, I think. Haha



Video 3, Penalty shootout moment. Once the Korean scored the penalty, everyone was jumping around and watch this if you want to see Rachel jumping around.



Video 4, Korean goalkeeper, Lee Woon Jae. Everyone was chanting his name when it's his turn. Anyway, he was the Man of the Match.



Conclusion: The match ended 0-0 and it went into extra time of 30 mins. Same 0-0 again. Went into penalty shoot-out which the Koreans won 4-2.

I am planning to support the Koreans again this Wednesday.

Match: Korea vs Iraq
Time : 620pm
Venue: Bukit Jalil National Stadium

Anyone interested?

Saturday 21 July 2007

My Harry Potter adventure

Cherrie, my new friend told me about how crazy Harry Potter (HP) fans were for the past 2 years when J.K Rowling launched the sales of her books worldwide at the same time. She said that some are crazy enough to camp outside the major bookstores just to get the book early next morning. I don't really quite believe what she said so I went to "conduct a research" during my trip to KLCC the week before the launch.

True enough, the employee at
Kinokuniya Bookstore told me how extreme these people were. He also encouraged me to come early on that day itself to get the free books. First 3 people gets a special edition HP book with the author's signature and it's PRINTED one..hello!! Then the next 10 people gets a free normal edition. That means, I must be in the top 13! What are the chances rite? Hmm, I thought of hiding in toilets or those corridors near the toilets etc but better not, let's be fair. I don't want to embarrass myself if I get caught.

So I decided to give it a try and be adventurous with these Harry Potter freaks. Btw, I have yet to read any HP books and I only watched the first movie. I got mixed up with the titles of subsequent HP movies and so I stopped watching them. Unless Cherrie lends me all her HP DVD movies.



I reached KLCC around 4pm and had my late lunch at the foodcourt. Was reading a book till 6pm then went to watch DIE HARD 4.0





After the movie, went surveyed around the ground floor if I can spot any HP fans. Guess what, you can really spot those HP fans. They are teenagers who carry bags as if they are going to camp outside KLCC for 3 nights. Bring such a big bag for what?? Throw at people when you start running?



Still long way to go before the books are on sale(700am) or the queue up session (530am) so I went to watch Transformers at 1155pm. Yes, at this point of time, it's pathetic that I haven't watch, shut up!

Before the movie starts, I was standing outside TGV watching the workers setting up the booth or whatever you call it. You are supposed to whisper the Gillyweed and Violet answer to the Fat Lady in order to get into the bookstore.



HP fans being shoo-ed away by the guards as the time was already 1130pm and they were gathering outside the bookstore.



Transformers were great!! Kick ASS movie althought I nearly fell asleep. Was too tired. Luckily someone was being nice. She slept whole afternoon and woke up at 11pm and accompany me throughout the night through SMS. After the movie, whole KLCC was empty and I was so tempted to cheat and hide in the one of the toilets.





Imagine I get caught and appear in newspaper for hiding in KLCC toilet? Bad...so I went out to the KLCC park entrance and rot with these HP fans.



Sorry for the lousy image, if you see properly, these 2 girls actually brought along their sleeping bags.



This group brought their laptop. For nuts meh??



This group of guys were playing Magic Cards, I think. Since young and until now, I don't understand the game and what's so nice about Magic Cards. I prefer BlackJack or CHO TAI DI!!!



This girl forgot to bring her sleeping bag so she just sleep on the floor.



Guess what? Alot of people were caught hiding in KLCC. I am not sure where they hide but most of the people who got caught were females. Those heavyweight contenders. I am sure you know why they decided to hide instead of queuing up. One of them who got caught was an uncle. I think that's sweet and horrible. Sweet in the sense that, he might be getting it for his children. Horrible in the sense that, he was trying to cheat while other teenagers were queuing up. For goodness sake, I am sure he can buy the book, rite?

Everytime someone get caught, the crowd will clap hands and shout,"Pergi belakang la..go line up behind..boo boo....!!!"



I was standing whole night so that I can get a nice position when guards open the doors. Throughout the night, I heard funny conversations among these crazy people. One of it was

Teenager 1: Hey, what would you do if you have magic like Harry Potter?
Teenager 2: Wah...good question. Never thought of that. I will make myself invisible and then walk past the guards and be the first to be in the line to get the signed book.

What a jabroni!! If I have the magic like HP, I would make myself invisible, go into Kinokuniya, steal the book and fly back to my bed with my broomstick. What for still want to line up? I got nothing to say about these fella. Damn stupid.

Another one was trying to strategise his plans on how to get in first. For example, using which staircase and which door etc. Come on la...it's purely depends on luck and what is there to strategise?

Around 5am, everyone was pushing each other and was standing behind the line. Once it's 530am, the guard stepped aside and said, "GO!"

Everyone dashed towards the door. The guy who was infront of me was reaching the door when someone pushed him to the side. He banged into the mirror. Hahaha..oops! It was very chaotic and you can hear all the guards shouting," Don't run. Don't run!"

Unfortunately, my way was blocked because a girl fell down and it caused a few fellas to fall as well. So there goes my hope of getting into top 13. I gave her a hand and then we ran again towards the escalator. Again, it was blocked. Know why? Some bastard dragged the dustbin and left it at the escalator so that those who were behind can't catch up with him/her.

What an idiot!! Malaysian Boleh or Harry Potter fan boleh!! Made my way up to 3rd floor and there you go. Look at the queue.









I looked very terrible so I think Panda is the best to replace my face. That's the Fat Lady. Tell her the answers then she will let you in.



After today's adventure, I will not do such thing anymore. Anyway, there you go.



Happy reading, Cherrie and thanks for staying up whole night and accompany me through SMS!


Some of you might think I am crazy for doing this when I am not a HP fan. Or even stupid. Ssshhh!!

Wednesday 18 July 2007

Malaysia 0 - 2 Iran

Ole Ole... Malaysia vs Iran, a match which everyone predicts that the Iranians will thrash the Malaysians. Kien Yit and I went to catch the match at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Wednesday.



We bought the cheapest ticket which is RM 10. Our seats were behind the goal post area so in a way, it's not very near as you cant see the other side of the goal post and the actions clearly. We decided to climb over to the middle section as the atmosphere there are more lively, as the supporters brought drums and kompangs. During the 1st half, we didn't climb over because the Malaysian goal post is just right infront of us, so we expect more actions later on.

Malaysia's coach played a very defensive team that night with a 4-5-1 formation and it worked well until the 29th minute. The Iranians took the lead with a well struck penalty.

.

During the break, both of us climed over the barrier.




One day, I really wish I can take such photo at Old Trafford but sigh..





Around 79th minute, the Iranians scored their 2nd goal.



Throughout the match, I was quite excited and got carried away with the crowd as they stood and sat down when the Malaysians attack or clear the ball away from their half. I dropped my handphone and I didn't realise it also. Luckily a nice Japanese lady told me about it and both she and her husband were supporting Malaysia. Foreigners actually support Malaysia and I really wonder why other Malaysians were not in the stadium to support our local players?



Another funny thing was, the Malays behind me kept me entertaining me with their conversation. They just can't stop commentating on the game. For example,

-Thambi..bawak bola naik atas la..buat apa simpan bola...thambi..tendang la thambi!!!
-Woi...main macam ni..balik main masak-masak la...bodoh punya
-Belasah mereka sikit la..tak apa punya...jangan main lembik...
-Main kasar sikit la....

Well, so smart and talk so much, you go play~la. I've played for my school before and it's really tough even if you are playing with amateurs and what more, good opponents.

Anyway, Malaysia played a good game. Final score was 2-0. They knew they were not be able to win or draw with the Iranians but at least, they managed to keep the score low. After the match, the die-hard Malaysian fans started singing by hitting their kompangs and drums. Obviously, we joined in the party. Surprising enough..the Iranians supporters climb over and party with us as well.















Sometimes, I am proud to be a Malaysian..hahaha.. Malaysia Boleh!


Tuesday 17 July 2007

Asian Cup 2007

For those who knows me long enough, I am a Manchester United fan since I was in primary school. I was very excited when the Red Devils announced that Malaysia is one of the Asian countries that are included in their Asia Tour for a football friendly match. The last time they were in Malaysia was way back to year 2001, when the likes of Beckham, Veron, Roy Keane, Barthez and Nistelrooy. I was enjoying myself seeing our national team being embarrassed around at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium. The score was Manchester United 6-0 Poor Malaysia.



The Red Devils are scheduled to play the national team on July 27th but the AFC felt that United's presence would divert attention away from the Asian Cup so it was cancelled off. I was quite disappointed and voiced out my frustration to The Star newspaper on 10th May 2007. Guess what? My frustrated comments were chosen and published in the newspaper. Visit this link.

In my comments, I said,"Even if United are not coming to Malaysia, I don’t think I would be interested in watching the Asian Cup. Come on, this is ridiculous."

Well, I going to eat my words now. Yum yum yum yum. I will tell you why I changed my mind later.

The Asian Cup 2007 tournament is finally here and it started few weeks back. This tournament is only participated by Asian countries and these countries have to play qualifying matches in order to play in the finals, it's just like how the World Cup and European tournament works.

This Asian Cup is organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and you can check out the website for more information on the qualifying rounds etc.


Weird enough, this tournament is co-hosted by 4 countries (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and of course, Malaysia).


Wait a moment, you must know one important fact. The last time Malaysia played in the Asia Cup was donkey years ago. They can't even qualify for the tournament in recent years. The reason why Malaysia is in the tournament this time around is because they are one of the hosts.

When the tournament started, I followed only Australia, Japan, Korea and Malaysia's results. Being the weakest team in the tournament, the national team were branded as the whipping boys. At this moment, they were thrashed by China 5-1 and the coach's reason was wrong tactics etc.

2nd match was against Uzbekistan. They were outplayed by the Uzbekistanians 5-0. Coach said that, their opponents were more physically well built and admitted that Malaysia do not have the quality to compete in the Asian Cup Finals. After the second match, Malaysia is the first team to be eliminated from the tournament and also the first co-hosts to bow out shamefully.

Now, I decided that I will go to Bukit Jalil National Stadium on Wednesday to watch the match between Malaysia vs Iran. You might think that I am wasting money but hell no... I am going there to watch the number of goals being scored by the Iranians and the number of goals being conceded by the Malaysians.

Who likes to watch a football matches with scores like 0-0, 1-0, 2-0 and 1-1? For me, RM 10 being the cheapest ticket can at least entertain me with a satisfying scorelines like 3-0 or 4-0 and above.



Yes, I sound nasty but I am also hoping that the national team can put up a fight since it's their last game in the tournament. Even if they lose 0-1, I will be happy for them but sad because of the number of "live" goals I can watch.
Anyway, anyone up to the challenge and tag along with me to the stadium? Let's make friends with the Iranians. Wear Yellow to support Malaysia, wear white to support Iran and wear red to support MANCHESTER UNITED.
I will wear red.



Sunday 15 July 2007

Eggs on windscreen

Whenever I have free time at home, I will flip open the Astro Magazine and look out for Mythbusters under the Discovery Channel column. I really enjoy watching Adam, Jamie and co busting those myths with their knowledge in science etc.



Recently my mom told me about something and I decided to carry out my own experiment to proof if her theory is correct or wrong. Readers, don't try this at home unless the car belongs to you and don't try on your neighbour's car (unless you have their car keys).

The ingredients that you will need:

1) 2 eggs or more
2) 2 cars (oversea or local production)
3) camera
4) a pair of quick hands
5) water

Theory:
If you are driving along the road and suddenly the car beside you throws eggs onto your windscreen, don't use your wiper to wipe off the eggs. It will eventually smear the whole windscreen and you can't see anything. Then the attackers will come after you once you slow down your car.

Let's carry out the test. First car, Honda Accord ( To both my sisters, don't tell dad and mom that I used their car for this experiment ) and this was carried out during daytime.



I GENTLY smashed one egg onto Honda's windscreen. This is the proof.





Then I turned on the wiper function and within few strokes and with water. It's as clear as normal, at least. Well, they don't say THE POWER OF DREAMS for nothing. Power wipers!!

Now, Proton Saga's turn being tested in the evening.


Very ROUGHLY, I smashed the egg onto the windscreen.



After a few strokes, the screen looked abit blur. Probably because of the lousy wipers.

After carrying out this experiment, I noticed a few things. The conclusions are:
1) Without me telling, I am sure you know which car's wipers are better.
2) Eggs from the fridge and eggs from the "shelf" are different. Colder eggs smell damn bad.
3) I felt that my experiment outcome wasn't that good so I guess it's better not to wipe your windscreen if suddenly eggs start dropping onto your windscreen while driving along the road.
4) Daytime vision are always clearer than night vision, obviously.
5) I only used one egg on each car. Imagine the attackers throwing a tray of eggs onto your windescreen.
6) Whatever it is, don't SMEAR the eggs by wiping.

Thank you class for your attention.