perfect vision

Last night, while I was asleep, the rain fell. I mean it collapsed. I wake up this morning to cool, clean, clear air. No sun though, the sky is white. For the first time in weeks, I can see the Twin Towers clearly from my garden. Thanks to the rain, the haze that has been cloaking the city has disappeared.

Here is a picture of a man. Like any other man, like you and me. So, what's the big deal? He gladly posed for this picture and I have 6 to choose from. A man who works in an alley in a tiny back-alley stall. Doesn't look like he has any trivial worries and opinions, does he? He was curious as to how my camera worked. He smiled. That's all I really care about.

Today is Remembrance Day in Malaysia. Today we remember the people who have lost their lives for the country. As the human race, we're very good at remembering dead people. How about the living? We can be very unforgiving to each other sometimes. Anything can spark a war. The racial slurring, the missiles and grenades explode and leaders attack. Only when it's all over, with thousands dead, we decide to remember. Like a bicycle wheel, it keeps turning and it'll all happen again. Someone will lose a life. The world is getting smaller and claustrophobia does funny things to your head.

My hope for future generations is simple. Tolerance and a smile for the odd stranger. Like this man in my picture. He smiled. That's all we should care about. Have a great week ahead everyone.

for kris...

This is Chow Kuey Teow, a fried noodle you must have when you visit Malaysia. Penang is said to have the best but I beg to differ. This was bought in a dirty lane off Changkat Raja Chulan. You can't see the crispy pork lard (yummy) but you can see how it's topped with Chinese sausage. Somewhere under that are prawns, juicy succulent prawns.

Well, here's a story. A couple of weeks ago, I teased Kris about it. Following my comment, she and Lisi started talking to each other about it. Last week, Lisi shot me an email and asked whether I'd like to post a picture of said noodles for Kris because she missed 'home' cooked food (or something like that.) Lisi will be posting the noodles today too!

There are many variations of this Chow Kuey Teow, each one attempting to be the one closest to the original recipe. Who knows anymore? But there can only be two people who'd like to send this take-away over to one of our finest DP members. Kris, tengoklah puas-puas. Satu hari nanti, akan dirasai lagi. Jangan lupa pulang melawat sekali-sekala ya?

I wonder...

It's Saturday and Condoleeza Rice leaves today after attending the Asean Regional Forum. I wonder what she thought of our little city.

Anyway, the sun and the rain have been playing tag with each other. The weather changes every 5-10 minutes. So, when the sun comes out, my camera clicks in full force. And it's only recently I realised how my circular polarizer worked. Idiot! Here we have the Westin hotel and JW Marriott on it's right. The sun, of course, pays no attention to my amateur skills and completely shadows the buildings. But there is something ominous about this shot. Like War of the Worlds. I half expected an alien craft to appear.

Nowhere seems to be the operative word today. Für Dich.

the sign says...

okay then! I won't.

Dont' ask me why I posted this shot. I just like the way the colours pop off the screen.

this is for Chris and his pigeon

twilight lights

Another day ends and you think about what you've done for the day. Some accomplishments, some left for tomorrow and then the things you wished you'd done if it wasn't for a sloth-like friend called procrastination. Night falls and I run home to sit in front of my computer. First thing, as always, is click on DP links, give my 2 cents worth and finally return home to see who said what. Then when all that is done, emails and work stuff. By then, night would've taken over and the scent of morning dew begins to fragrance the air.

I'm so glad I don't have a 'normal' job. I get to sleep in whenever I like. Just like today.

Oh, please join me in welcoming Helen Chen and Gail's Man to the DP community.

obligation

Completely uninspired by the day and not having found anything interesting, I thought I'd stop forcing something to happen and walked towards Borders bookstore. As always, when you stop waiting, it happens. The evening sun, the reflection, the buildings, the shot came.

I guess what really got my goat yesterday was the inability of 'travelling' the world and saying farewell to Bob and Carmen. I understand how you feel. I feel the same way. It gets harder and harder with every post. And I will post what I want. These are my views of the city I live in. Hopefully we share these experiences.

Moving right along...Next!

night stalk

I was readying for sleep last night and thinking where to go for my camera excursion when I realised I had nothing to post for today! I jumped out of bed, very calmly of course, and went commando in my garden. It had just drizzled and the air was cool. After 20 minutes, I came up with nothing. Then, when I was ready to go back in to the waiting comfort of my bed, I saw these. Being dark, I had to use the flash. Not knowing what the result would look like, I left it till this morning. I really like it. My mother said it's part pf the Frangipani/Plumeria family. I searched the web and I still don't know if she's right. Anyone?

are we rude and unfriendly?

There was an international poll conducted recently and Malaysians were voted as one of the rudest and most impolite peoples of the world. The local papers put it on the front pages. The Prime Minister released his thoughts and I'm afraid I have to agree. We are quite badly behaved especially to each other. I've mentioned before that customer service is a foreign concept and racial harmony is something we only talk about. Tough love? I don't know.

However, I was out today and spent a couple of hours with a good friend I hadn't seen in ages. This, of course, took precious time away from my camera pleasures but who cares really? I had a wonderful time. On my way home, I was stuck in the rush-hour traffic. Sitting in my car, listening to Dinah Washington telling me about makin' whoopee, I fished out my camera and just started clicking (practice purposes). Then I noticed the guy in the car next to mine was waving and posing for me. I wound down my window as did he and here is the result.


So, we may be one of the worst people to deal with but sometimes we like breaking the mold and thus showing the warmth that is associated with the people of my country, Malaysia. Home never meant so much till now.

sontag

Just when I thought I had nothing to post, I find these orchids blooming in my guest bathroom window sill. And it's Sunday, day of rest. And they look quite restful, don't they?

I'm off to rehearsal now. Tomorrow, I get to go walkabouts again.

the end of peace

This is the last picture of my revisit of the memorial. I did one of my 'specials': lying on my front and dipping my head as far as I could to get a 'in the water' perspective. Many of us around the world have been experiencing hot days and this is for you. Hopefully you'll feel cooler when you look at it.

Have a great weekend everyone. Love always.

I do apologize for not posting anything new. I'm sure you've enjoyed this series as much as I have. Rehearsals has taken all my time and I haven't any opportunities to go walkabouts. Some of you have also asked what I'm rehearsing for. Have a look here. I'm in 'The Second Link'.

nation/pride/self

Under a blazing sun, covered in sweat and blood, like a second skin. Bullets whizz past, makes contact and the men continue to fall.

Up close, the statue of the 7 soldiers is impressive but not intimidating. There are very few statues in KL (if any) and that makes me savour and appreciate it more. Click on the image on the left for a larger look. I didn't take many pictures when I stood at it's feet. I just looked at the faces. That was enough.

Enough is enough.

monu-mental

As I walked up the steps and approached the monument, my ears were greeted by the sounds of sprouting water. That was what was different. When I was last here, it was just a plain tarmac. Now, the monument was on an island surrounded by fountains. On both sides, curved corridors that led to the monument itself but in front of me was this. No tourists in sight. I was alone and it was all mine to enjoy. Immediately, the clicking began.

tomorrow: the faces of sacrifice

enter the memories

The calmness caught me completely by surprise. The sky was clear as the sun beat down relentlessly. In my giddiness, I sucked in the surroundings and wished the world was this calm. As I walked past yesterday's pillar, the actual entrance of the memorial stood before me. Behind it is where the Tugu itself stands. The statue of the 7 soldiers. I haven't been here since I took some friends on the usual touristy thing (seems a lifetime ago.) And something's changed. I didn't know what it was. I knew I would find out with every step I made. With my camera resting on my hip, I walked towards this entrance I now show you...


~ to be continued

a raw deal

Today, my internet service provider has been giving me the shits. I wasn't able to get onto any sites, no emails, no KLDP. That is, till now. I'm on a break between rehearsals and rushed to the nearest Wi-Fi spot. Ta-Da!

I started taking pictures in RAW format yesterday and I think this is the way to go for me. Despite the larger image size, it's easier and more detailed when I need to work with Photoshop. I also bought a polarizing filter for the lens to accentuate the colours and contrast.

Let me take you on a tour of Tugu Peringatan Negara (National Memorial Monument). The memorial stands for the people and soldiers who lost their lives during the wars and riots that we've had. You can see by the dates, it wasn't just the one time. This huge pillar is what greets you as you walk into the memorial. Tomorrow we continue. For now, let's just take it easy and have a cup of coffee.

for the people of the Java Island. Godbless

tilted purpose(ly)

Even with a tripod, I managed to tilt the shot! However, the details and colour amazed me. Three cheers for Manfrotto! Maybe the fountain was built on a slant =)

As you can see, it's an old fountain and it stands on a corner of Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square.) I'm not entirely sure of it's history but there's nothing like it's design anywhere else in the city. Behind it is the Supreme Courthouse, and behind that is a bank. Money stands behind justice as life continues to sprout out the mouths of history aka the fountain. The symbolism that I come up with... It's late and it's been a long, wonderful weekend. Forgive me. I myself wonder what goes on in this head of mine sometimes.

to us, for us

"What is a man If his chief good and market of his time Be but to sleep and feed?"
Hamlet, act iv. sc. iv

Mumbai, Jerusalem, Politicians, Victims, Survivors, War Crimes, an exiled Dalai Lama... the children that one day will only have video games to show them the beauty of a world we had the foolish luxury of living in. I don't mean to get all sad and melancholic and neither is this a dedication to the people of the world. I just wanted to remind myself of a little something my father taught me. Patience.

Have a memorable weekend everyone.

ps. this is not a picture of my father, just a man on the street who, to me, looks like a calm person.

holy water

Whaddaya think? I had another picture to post but as I was very inspired (and envious) by Raymond's wonderful night shots, I bought myself a fancy new tripod and spent a couple of hours last night enjoying the scenery and people of KL. Had a conversation with a mad man who said he was a police warden and a dancer. I gave him some money to get a decent meal. Later on I bumped into some people who recognized me and we spoke for half an hour about the inner workings of the entertainment industry.

This is the fountain at Masjid Negara (National Mosque). Am I becoming pious? Maybe. I find mosques fascinating. Might be the first step that leads me back to prayer. Hallelujah!

holy change

I thought I'd better post something not too abstract and actually show what KL has to offer. This is Putrajaya Mosque. This caught my eye because of it's pink dome. I've never seen a mosque with such effete pastels. Pink is usually the colour associated with those of us who lead an alternative lifestyle (Pink Dollar, Pink Pound, Pink Triangle etc.) and when I saw this mosque, it led me to wonder if times are really changing. Does that mean we won't get stoned for a limp wrist and pashmina scarves? You go girlfriend!

being on top

The evening comes and the twilight colours of the sky , however brief, play until night. I'm still looking up. There's something about being on top. The lines and angles alters our perspective of things.

This is part of the roof of one of the oldest theatres in town, Panggung Bandaraya (City Theatre). About 20 or so years ago, it was struck down by fire and was only reopened about 3 years ago. It is part of the building that houses the adminstration offices of the Supreme Court. Though the theatre has some strange rental policies, it is fast becoming a popular venue for most theatre companies.

ant's view

Continuing my study of the basics, I took a different point of view. I lay on the ground. What I like about this are the two buidlings that face each other, one old and colonial looking, the other modern (well, 70s erected.) Says a lot about the world we live in, about how the past and present coexist to create some form of unity.

This was taken during evening rush-hour yet there were no cars on the road. My lucky day. Otherwise, I would've been run over being so close to the ground.

a love supreme

Today it's back to basics: lines and inanimate objects. I went for an evening stroll with the intention of coming home with at least 5 pictures. I chose Merdeka (Independence) Square. And got some nice ones. I hope you like them.

This is the the top of the Supreme Court. The sun sets on the building as the night sky begins its descent. I was also approached by the guard and asked if I was a Japanese tourist. That just cracked me up!

Please head over to Rudy's DP because he may be starting his food series today. And we all love to eat, don't we?

innocence found

This is Shawn, my cousin's 7 year-old son. He's actually a very cheeky little boy, running around and behaving like the king of the world. Sometimes though, albeit for a few minutes, he's quiet and reflective, and that's when he's an angel of a child.

After 2 somber pictures, I thought I'd lift the mood by a couple of notches. Looking at this picture reminds of the little things I should've never forgotten.

Oh, please take a gander at what Chris and Ame have posted on their DPs. Thank you both for lifting my spirits. Sunday: Day of Rest.

a woman reflected

I don't know what possessed me to post this one. I think it's the colour more than anything that attracted me. However, despite her not looking at the camera, there's something alluring about her. I want to know what's going on in her mind.

Please bear with me. I'm going through a portrait/people phase. There'll be another one tomorrow which I'm extremely proud of. Do tell me what you think of this one. Maybe you can give me an inkling as to how a woman's mind works (all my closest friends are women and I still don't know where I'm heading!)

the age of innocence...

...is compromised when a little child is made to follow in the steps of her parents piety. I believe the head-scarf is the choice of an individual. A child should be left to be a child. I know religion, especially with the Muslims here in KL, is a sticky subject. Being Muslim myself, it saddens me how such a theoretically beautiful faith, can be manipulated. I'll just leave it at that. This is a photoblog, not a soapbox of my beliefs. I'm sure all this little girl wanted to do was run and play with the other children but being hindered by the constraints of the cloth, she stood by her parents.

This is my first attempt at black and white.

all strung-up

Taken at a costume rental store and seeing them made me feel like a puppet myself. You know, how certain times in your life you feel manipulated? Or like a figure-head leader? A little wooden boy who dreams to be real one day?

gooooooooaaaaaallllll!

Football fever, everyone's got it. But unlike the 'I'm-so-focused' look on the faces of professional players, this boy is beaming as he maneuvers the ball to the nearest goal post.

as time goes by

As developed as a city tries to be, there will always be pockets where the decay of time wins hands down. I was walking to meet a friend and decided to take one of the smaller, less-used lanes to get to him. I came across this.

in bloom

I've resisted posting this picture for days. It's the first lotus to bloom in my garden for over a year. For me, the flower signifies a new beginning as well as a representation of the love that surrounds me in times of crisis. Today is one such day. My friend Candice went to court this morning and officially, her divorce, leads her into a new chapter of her life. This Lotus I post is dedicated to her new beginning and to Lisi for all the Lotus pictures she's posted. Happy days.

...in the storm of life, a flower blooms...

the second link

I'm back! Singapore was wonderful. A bag full of CDs and a lazy-susan add-on for my iMac. It swivels wherever I need it to. So, I'm posting a picture of the view from the room I was put up in at Raffles The Plaza. I was given a suite and the 5-Star treatment. The shower was amazing! It was a car-wash! It had 2 doors into the stall. Walk in one, walk out the other. Reality, however common it may be, still is the place to be. The moment I saw my bed, I fell asleep.


Here we are: the meeting of the Asian DPs. Raymond was kind enough to take time off to have a cuppa (yes, I'm the bald one!) We spoke about cameras, of course, and the things that brought us both to Singapore. He's in Data Management with IBM. The evening we met, he had to rush off for a 8pm-7am shift. And if most of you are wondering why he doesn't post on a daily basis, excuse the guy. Look at his work times! Thanks again Raymond. Hope to see you soon. Selamat Po.

It's Theme Day: Supermarkets of the World

It's the first of the month and some of us in the Daily Photo family have decided to show you what supermarkets look like around the World.

If you look at this picture, you'll notice there aren't any trolleys or food. That's because it's a supermarket for computer accessories and all things that tickle your PC mind. A supermarket filled with thumb-drives, bags, speaker systems, cables...A geeks wet-dream come true! Look at the cashier-geek who's looking at the camera. This place can solve all your IT woes.

Click a number to see a supermarket in another city:
1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8 -9 -10 -11 -12 -13 -14 -15 -16 -17 -18 -19 -20 -21 -22 -23 -24 -25 -