February Champions League Matchup to see

David Beckham vs Manchester United

Just days before the UEFA Champions League draw in Nyon, Golden Balls stated his dream of facing Manchester United as he returns to AC Milan for a second loan spell.

Your wish is my command Sir!

Becks will face Sir Alex Ferguson and his mighty Red Devils in the Round of 16. After some 265 games in a United jersey, England's finest dead-ball specialist will now take aim at the man who famously caught him with a flying boot in the dressing room.

Can Beckham rally an ageing Milan side who seem to be having trouble regaining their status as one of Europe's biggest clubs or will Ferguson be shaking hands with the England midfielder after the game with a smirk on his face?

The last time Beckham represented Milan, he became an instant hero for the Rossenneri.

This will be one of Beckham's biggest games in an illustrious career. Can he boot the Red Devils out of Europe? Pun intended!

Jose Mourinho vs Chelsea

As the media eagerly anticipated the Round of 16 Draw in Nyon, the main talking point was whether ‘The Special One' will be presented with a tie against his former side.

Just like Beckham vs United, fate had it that Mourinho should be given a chance to face Carlo Ancelotti's Blues.

Ironic as it may be, Mourinho could be the same man hired by Roman Abramovich to win the Champions League trophy could be the one to thwart the Russian mogul's longtime dream.

The Portuguese shaped and groomed his current side into a similar style he imprinted on Chelsea so this tie will most likely come down to individual brilliance.

Will Samuel Eto'o give Mourinho bragging rights at least till the next time the two sides meet or can Didier Drogba come back to haunt his favourite manager?

Old Momentos

Came across this old momentos...

Dreams are my reality....

Read the clock

"Teach a kid to read the clock and forever that one your good deed of yours will be rewarded."
That sentence from an old friend, although sounded simple but kept me thinking all week. I never thought or looked at the small deeds we made to other people that way before. Teaching how to use Facebook, or turning on the paragraph marks when typing in Words, or what the acronym KIV means etc. Now each day, I look forward to teaching/showing someone new things. My own kids, other kids, my colleagues, total strangers, girlfriends, wives and heck even my bosses. How different I am looking at the world and life now - giving, giving and giving.

All too familiar sight

Banchau

This is a drink (non-alcoholic cocktail sort of) consisting thick red syrup, fresh milk, black seaweed gelatin and sprinkle of cream soda. Its an acronym of two original drinks; BANdung - all the above mix except the black seaweed, and chin-CHAU - sugary black seaweed served with cold ice.
Back to the real story - which I would regard as an enigma.
My friends and I were finishing up on our discussion that night, as we descend someone suggested for a cuppa downstairs, which four of us obliged. We reached down and saying goodbyes to those who decided to leave, we scanned and scouted a spruced up resto few doors away. As we made our way, I noticed the old style round wood stools al-fresco style setting were all on the table, as if the business is closed for the day. Some black uniformed waiters were happily eating nearby. We waved at them and asked whether they were already closed this early, but few of the them waved back and said go ahead and have the seat.
We duly helped ourselves with the stools and as one of the waitresses made her way, we began ordering drinks - mostly for us above forty - hot drinks. A newly minted menu was shown but I didn't take notice (at first) as I ordered myself a 'real' black coffee.
Shortly, to our surprises, we began receiving a big plate of cold mixed fruits and 3 full glass of this local cocktail mix. None among us ordered those and in perplexing voice we inquired. Much to our relief and also a sudden eureka, the fruits and cold drinks were on the house. Reasons:
We are their official first customers although they are not officially open that night. The resto will only be officially opened for business next morning!!!

Non Appearances

As news of my possible 'non-appearance' for our high-school reunion dinner this Saturday, I began to receive calls and text messages form the usual suspects. One even asked me to check the growing thread on the organiser's chair person's FB where he casually but specifically mentioned about my non-attendance.
Dang, I was silently anticipating this reaction actually, admittedly more of like an ego boosting trip. Checking on the FB later that night showed even those that I hardly knew or unexpected made pleas for me to reconsider. Thanks guys, and I appreciated the acknowledgements.
The real official cause is clash of schedule due to another event of a rather personal family friend at the same time but few hundred kilometers away. That and also more personal dilemma that I would consider a necessary sacrifice for the sake of the beloved ones.
Nevertheless, among the calls was the MC of the night's request for me to attend the reunion committee final prep in the evening. I had to oblige, especially to preview the presentation materials that includes my contri - my poem.
I arrived just as the committee began to setup the slide projector, and the committee members began to inquire my predicament and made suggestions, some ludicrously possible but I could only smile politely.
As the night went by, few more bright ideas from me were accepted - engage video-man for the event (diligently achieved by making few calls to few well connected and successful ex-high school mates for sponsorship), the presentation will be stretched longer by delaying the timing since it will be during buffet meal, and a more passionate rendition voice over of the poem at the end. The committee made one last attempt to persuade me to attend by requiring my live rendition of the poem instead. Good attempt but tough luck though.
I am sure the event will be a successful one. Last count the numbers confirmed has reached 110 ex-students.
I wished I am courageous enough to make an appearance - who knows, maybe I would.

Abang

Came across this article by Zaidel in Malaysian Insider
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Someone in Lowyat started this thread called "Why do Malays call their husbands Abang?" He was just wondering why Malay women called their sweethearts "big brother". It sounded weird to him and quite incestous in a way.

Definition

"Abang" means older brother in Malay. It is often used in Malay families when one addresses their older male siblings. Malay families (mostly) find it rather disrespectful to address their older sibling by their first name alone. So as a sign of respect the word “abang” is usually placed before the person's name or nickname e.g. "Abang Zali” or “Abang Long"; for older female siblings the word "kakak" is used. Abang is also used in daily conversation, be it with strangers or acquaintances. People prefer to use the word abang to refer to their slightly older male counterparts or seniors as a sign of respect, a culture that one naturally carries from the family to office, university or school.

From asking for directions of a stranger to ordering drinks, abang is often used. This is because people like to introduce a feeling of respect, cordial and pleasantness into the conversation; it’s like every conversation is with a family member. Indeed this is something truly Malaysian that breaks through the racial boundary. There’s the saying that everyone in Malaysia is someone related to you, they're either an abang, kakak, uncle, auntie, macha or boss.

This is perhaps the first step into understanding why Malay women call their sweethearts “abang”. It's because it is a nickname that has a feeling of respect, adoration, closeness and, most importantly, love. She calls him “Abang” and he calls her “Sayang”. See it even rhymes nicely.

Psychology 101

When you watch “Young and Dangerous”, a Cantonese gangster movie starring Ekin Cheng, you notice that the gang bosses are called “Tai Lo” or big brother in Cantonese. Their Tai Lo, apart from being their boss, is at the same time their guide, protector and also someone the rest of the gang members look up to. Chan Ho Nam is the Tai Lo in “Hung-Hing”, meaning whenever there is trouble and people want to settle things they would call him to have a “slow talk”.

Now the same reasoning can be applied in the abang factor. It’s not saying that Malay families are run like gangsters, it’s just that women (no matter how modern) would always want their man to be their protector, the one who they can count on when there’s trouble. It’s like when girls are being bullied by the naughty neighbourhood kid, their big brothers would come and beat him up. So now their sweethearts will take the role of their older siblings. He’d come and beat up the jerk and whom she can depend on when things get rough. This is why he is called “abang” — he’s the new big brother, the new Tai Lo or in a more romantic sense, her knight in shining armour.

Pronunciation

When a cute female anime character calls a male character “Oni Chan” in an annoyingly cute high-pitched voice, their male fans would get all giddy and excite. When it comes to “abang” in Malay it’s all about how you pronounce it. There a difference between an “abang” the big brother, “abang teh o ais satu” and “abang sayang”.

When it comes to ordering “teh o ais” it’s fairly easy to do as no one says “abang teh o ais satu”. Since this is a rather mundane and short social interaction, usually people would use the more casual form which is “bang”. The same rule can be applied to other forms of “abang” usage in daily conversation.

But it gets tricky when it comes to husbands/boyfriends and the pronunciation depends on the situation. Remember this maxim it’s not what you say but how you say it. Generally there are three ways of saying “abang” to your loved ones

Abaang — The “A” slightly longer then the sibling “abang” and generally used in daily conversation. People can tell that you mean your husband by just listening to the way you pronounce it e.g. “Abaang, jom makan kat luar hari ni.” Or “Abaang jangan lupa beli beras.”

Abang! — The way you pronounce, it is “A”, slight pause, “Bang” and to be used when one is angry or annoyed e.g. “Abang! Siapa perempuan ni? Cakap!”

Abaaaaanngg — To be pronounced with a very long “A” and a fading effect on the “NG” sort of like purring. This is what one call as the “manja” (affectionate) “abang”. To be used during intimate moments or asking for a favour. Generally straight Malay men will melt when hearing this form of “abang” and this works all the time. Culturally this form is usually used on Friday nights, Islamic calendar of course.

Then there’s the naughty “abang” but since I have a word limit here so we’re going to skip that one. In case you’re wondering how to pronounce it, let’s just say it’s about the same as when one says “Papa Jahat!”

So to ‘/k @ lowyat.net’ (and my fellow readers) I hope you are enlightened on why the word abang is used. I started off with the definition, to the reasons and finally on how to say it and by now you should be a fine “abang” connoisseur.

Like I said before I’m not much of a social activist or an academician, I’m not into long-winded articles in explaining the definition of being Malaysian. I prefer to go into the fundamentals, the basic, to me if we want to be more united we ought to be closer and to be closer we got to know each other better. I hope my explanation today, which comes from no reference whatsoever except from my personal view, makes you understand a little bit more about why some people in Malaysia do certain things they do. Feel free to email me if you have any little questions and let’s get to know each other better.

So folks keep your ears open and try to guess which “abang” that “tudung” girl in office means when she’s talking on the phone.

Nothing else

I stood naked as darkness embrace,
the last drop of light, flickers into a dimming distant.
Nothing to fight for, nothing to look forward to
nothing to die for, nothing else
Fading into the background of life
brick by brick, the wall getting higher
no more laughter, nor smile
no more dawn just dusk
as the borders closing in,
the veil being requested
as sign of capitulation
dissing friendships indeed
all unforgiven, unknown, unloved
not breathing but not dying,
under the tent on the moonlit twilight
gone with hopelessness to the rolling dunes

May it be

Once in the lifetime there would be someone
who will be truly loved and forever worshipped
unique and distinct from the anyone you'd ever known
whom will be faithfully too

Yet in an unexpected circumstance
as if fate played a trick on you
you chance to meet someone else too
where at first sight you'll feel another true love

Why didn't I have met you when I wasn't with anyone
Not now when my heart already has been divided
Why didn't I meet you when I was still alone
Who will I love?
May it be you

You hardly realized
that every moment spend with
you are into her, as one soul
Each and every moment
is full of happiness and laughter
the feeling is unique and mutual

and yet in an unexpected circumstance
as if fate played a trick on us
We suddenly find ourselves hugging each other
lips came a closer
questios in the eyes are answered
with hope

Time and Fate

Who is coming?
Who is going?
Let time tells
Let fate decides

From moment like this, as time and fate defers
trails of those places, coming and going
odd and strange but understandable
accepting fate as time beckons

waiting is the curse for being
but promises only ones to keep
as end nears
glimpses of memories lingers
being there among the sand dunes
witnessed by the wind and stars
for the tears that was shed

Faithfully

Highway run
Into the midnight sun
Wheels go 'round and 'round
You're on my mind
Restless hearts
Sleep alone tonight
Sendin' all my love
Along the wire

They say that the road
Ain't no place to start a family
Right down the line
It's been you and me
Lovin' a music man
Ain't all it's supposed to be
Oh girl, you stand by me
I'm forever yours
Faithfully

Circus life
Under the big top world
We all need the clowns
To make us smile
Through space and time
Always another show
Wondering where I am
Lost without you

And being apart ain't easy
On this love affair
Two strangers learn
To fall in love again
I get the joy
Of rediscovering you
Oh girl, you stand by me
I'm forever yours
Faithfully

Have I Told You Lately

Have I told you lately that I love you
Have I told you there's no one else above you
You fill my heart with gladness
Take away all my sadness
Ease my troubles, that's what you do

For the morning sun and all it's glory
Greets the day with hope and comfort, too
You fill my heart with laughter
Somehow, you make it better
Ease my troubles, that's what you do

There's a love that's divine
And it's yours and it's mine
Like the sun
And at the end of the day
We should give thanks and pray
To the one, to the one

Have I told you lately that I love you
Have I told you there's no one else above you
You fill my heart with gladness
Take away all my sadness
Ease my troubles, that's what you do

There's a love that's divine
And it's yours and it's mine
Like the sun
And at the end of the day
We should give thanks and pray
To the one, to the one

Have I told you lately that I love you
Have I told you there's no one else above you
You fill my heart with gladness
Take away all my sadness
Ease my troubles, that's what you do

Take away my sadness, fill my life with gladness
Ease my troubles, that's what you do

Take away my sadness, fill my life with gladness
Ease my troubles, that's what you do

Baby, I Love Your Way

Shadows grow so long before my eyes
And they're moving across the page
Suddenly the day turns into night
Far away from the city
Well, don't hesitate, 'cause your love won't wait...

Ooo, baby, I love your way, everyday
Gonna tell you I love your way, everyday
Wanna be with you night and day
Moon appears to shine and light the skies
With the help of some firefly
Wonder how they have the power to shine
I can see them under the pine
But don't hesitate, 'cause your love won't wait...

Ooo, baby, I love your way, everyday
Gonna tell you I love your way, everyday
Wanna be with you night and day

But don't hesitate, 'cause your love won't wait...
I can see the sunset in your eyes
Brown and grey, blue besides
Clouds are stalking islands in the sun
Wish I could buy one out of season
But don't hesitate, 'cause your love won't wait...

Ooo, baby, I love your way, everyday
Gonna tell you I love your way, everyday
Wanna be with you night and day