The Inner Eye

How many see the heavens above and fail to see God?

This week, over at Poets United, poets all over were prompted to wax lyrical over the subject of eyes. For my take on the prompt, come over . Somehow, I went a bit off tangent and did a tribute to one of my favourite authors growing up, Agatha Christie.

However, it came to my notice that many of the bloggers wrote about the fear of losing our eye sight. Poets are almost always avid readers and as such, this is a very real fear indeed. Imagine a world without words running over the unblemished of white expense. A true tragedy.

This fear and the inexcapable terror that comes with blindness sparked off this rather philosophical post of mine. For if you really think about it, what is sight without insight?

How many see the forest and hear dams instead of tigers roaring in the distance?

How many walk past a broken down playground and miss the sound of children's laughter?

How many start great wars and yet do not see the fallen, just the outcome?

How many face an old relic and see a new shopping mall?

How many appreciate the art on the wall but fail to recognise nature's true beauty?

How many see and yet do not see what matters the most.

MY RAMADHAN

Do you remember the first day you fasted?

I do.

I was seven years old in Standard One in Kuantan. It was the last day of Ramadhan. I remember my uncles teasing me that if I did not fast, I won't be able to celebrate Raya. Raya meant balik Chenor, main mercun, hugging my grandfather, being spoilt silly by my grandmother. It meant playing in the garden in the moonlight while the lemang was cooking.

So I fasted on the last day without anyone knowing. When I got back from school in the afternoon, I was dead tired. I wanted desperately for someone to know, but I was too shy to say it. Finally, I heard my Auntie Yah say,"Budak Na ni puasa ke? Pucat je...Tik! I think Nina is still fasting!" Tik is my mother. She came to ask, " Are you fasting, Nina?" I just nodded.

Ooohhh...everyone made a fuss. I felt very good inside. I can't remember what we had for breaking fast, but I remember the pride I felt. Thereafter, I fasted more and more days each year.

When I was in secondary school, I was in the band and gymnastics. Somehow, it was important to me that I still train during the fasting months. After band practice in the afternoon, I would walk up three flight of stairs to my dormitory. I felt invigorated.

In Canada, we fasted from 4.30am to 8.45pm in the summer. But I did not tire. I was spurred to do more as the days were longer.

Today, I find, during the fasting month, my mind is the clearest. My prayers are focused. I do not worry about lunch. I do not worry about petty office squabbles. I work, work and work. Incidentally, I noticed that for the last few years, I also write the most during the days approaching Raya. I used to think this was because the Hari Raya reminds me of the traditional music, my kampung and the food. Now I believe it is because Ramadhan releases me from petty concerns. And what I love the most comes forth , pouring from a chalice of inspiration.

Thank you Ramadhan.

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During sahur today, my daughter Irani was telling me about her fasting experience. Her friends told her that all the devils are locked away during Ramadhan. Her Uztazah told her that you should not be quarreling too much with each other...you should think of good thoughts and deeds. I liked that.

Then she also told me that one of her teachers had asked all students to watch TV during bulan puasa as she pitied the young students. I immediately went into my famous small talks with my daughters which they half feared, half hated but remembered well so much so I hear them repeating the exact same words to their younger sisters.

I told Irani sternly, when you fast, you are strongest. Why? she asked. Because you are healthier, closer to God and all the devils are locked away. How can you not be stronger?

She nodded.

Well, this is my way of teaching my children.

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Another favorite memory from my past Ramadhans was my late grandfather reading the Al-Quran in the middle of the night, his voice booming into the silence was one of the most serene moments in my life.

ADI PUTRA

The first time I heard Adi Putra recite this sajak, I cried.


Aku lah Adi Putra
Melayu tidak pernah lupa

Aku berfikir rasional
Aku berfikir internasional

Hujan biarlah bertempat
Marah biar bersopan
Kurang ajar biarlah berbudi bahasa

Tersirat mereka tak nampak
Tersurat saja mereka lihat
Di mana silapnya

Ayuh bangsaku! Bangunlah...
Kita jadikan Melayu hebat dipersada dunia
Akulah model insan anak Melayu jati Wawasan 2020

Takkan Melayu hilang di dunia
Pantang Melayu menderhaka pada Sultannya

Mengapa bersembunyi diri di sebalik ibu pertiwi
sejengkalpun tanahair ku di jajah
Biar puteh tulang jangan puteh mata

Best Classic Rock

My collection of greatest classic rock songs ever - very much part of days long gone by, kept in the back pocket of my LEVI 501 I don't wear anymore...

The greatest classic rock song must be Stairway to Heaven

And Pink Floyd was out of this world

Rainbow, the underated classic rock band. Thank you Mr Ritchie Blackmore

And Queen gave us songs that could make us weep and rock at the same time

And here Ritchie Blackmore fascinates us with his rendition of 16th century Greensleeves

I was a great fan of Led Zeppelin, Rainbow and Queen. And listened to Scorpions while cramming for exams. The great bands of the 80s will be revered by Classic Rock fans for a long time because it seems that no other will pass this way again.

Extraordinary Life

Blogger Ilakya Spandhanaa posted this inspirational youtube video on her site. And I found it to be so true to ourselves that I would like to share it with those who drop by as well as a reminder to myself.

Birds of a feather flock together. Therefore, many writers, poets in particular seek fellow writers for a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Generally, writers are also quite 'shy' in nature - even when they appear most sociable - I always sense a reticence from the maddening crowd. That is why blogging sites or memes for writers like Magpie Tales, Stony River , and the new Poets United and many more appeal to so many. It is unobstrusive and yet communal at the same time.

The immediate acceptance across the globe is phenomenal and like a drug, draws us within. The out-pouring encouragement and feedback is like an adrenalin rush for the budding writers and the most seasoned scribes. Age, sex, occupation, race/religion and other barriers disappear. Generally, comments are positive as those who do not like any particular post would hold their peace instead of leaving negative remarks. Spammers are, as one blogger puts it, removed mercilessly and swiftly.

For those unfamilliar with memes, each week a topic, image or inspirational quote is sent out by the host of the site. The hosts of these sites do not really influence the trend of writing, encouraging a wide and ranging response to the topics of the week. Through the Mr Linky's magical widgets, writers from all over post their interpretation of the topic for all to share.

This next youtube video drives home how writers help each other every week through the various memes. It says at the ending - when you make another person smile, be it family, or a stranger - you make a difference.

Let's make a difference to the world. And let poetry be a soothing balm to the banes of the world.

It's all over...

See you in Brazil 2014...

It was an exhausting four weeks of drama, disbelief and drag-me-out-of-bed mornings. On TV, radio and the internet, it finally came down to what Paul the Octopus would say.

Goodbye Vuvuzelas, the Jabulani and the old system of refereeing, if FIFA is to be trusted. We look to Brazil 2014 when the madness all starts again. In the land that eat, breath and live football, I can't imagine the chaos if Brazil does not become champions...

Will I still support England then...I have no idea, but after eight World Cups, it's time to part ways I think! Goodbye Kevin Keegan (so many unfulfilled dreams), Gary Lineker(thank you for the beautiful goals), Beckham, Rooney and Lampard. Yes, goodbye Crouch too!
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It is sad that while the World Cup brought together people from all over the world to celebrate and disregard barriers of all forms, it ended in tragedy in Uganda.

And yet, we must presevere and believe - that good will outweigh evil. And justice prevail.

The final countdown

So it is Spain after all, against Holland!

Should be a fiery final with red and orange shirts all over.

And a first time champion at the end. What a World Cup treat!

The beautiful game returns...

Malaysian Food On The Rise

http://local.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=24644643&gt1=24000

I was greeted by this lovely view of a New York roof-top alfresco restaurant when I logged on this morning and was delighted to see it featured Malaysian cuisine for a change. Perhaps Chef Wan, Minister Ng Yen Yen and the likes are doing something right. Read the full review here.
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Is there a greater culinary pleasure than eating good food outdoors on a beautiful day? Whether you want to dine overlooking the beach, among vineyards, under the desert sun, even on a ship, we've got your table. Feast alfresco at one of the U.S.'s top outdoor dining destinations to learn firsthand what a little fresh air can do for your appetite.

Wow. That’s usually what’s uttered by visitors to this rooftop space. And it’s not just the great view of the skyline. The massive indoor area, the penthouse lounge, is bedecked with floor-to-ceiling windows. The outdoor space is open year round---heat lamps plus thick robes keep diners and imbibers warm during the winter. And while the view and design may compete for your attention, the food should be the star of the show. The well-executed menu, designed by Zak Pelaccio, late of 5 Ninth and the owner of Fatty Crab, focuses on Malaysian small plates. Crispy shrimp, refreshingly not greasy, are matched with a tangy pineapple curry sauce; fragile veal and pork meatballs burst with flavor; and thick noodles in a spicy coconut-soy sauce are comforting. Larger plates range from an oyster omelet to short rib beef rendang. There are several fruity house cocktails that go nicely with the menu.

Other famous Malasian restaurants are :

Restaurant
Rating
230 Fifth
Malaysian/Small Plates
14/20
230 Fifth Ave.New York, NY 10001212-725-4300
Snack on Malaysian treats twenty floors above Manhattan.
Read GAYOT's 230 Fifth Restaurant Review

Café Asean
Pan-Asian/Vietnamese/Malaysian
13/20
117 W. Tenth St.New York, NY 10011212-633-0348
A West Village mélange of Vietnamese and Malaysian cuisines.
Read GAYOT's Café Asean Restaurant Review

Fatty Crab
Malaysian
14/20
643 Hudson St.New York, NY 10014212-352-3590
Zak Pelaccio brushes off globally-influenced dishes for straight up---and tasty---Malaysian cuisine on the border of the West Village and the Meatpacking District.
Read GAYOT's Fatty Crab Restaurant Review

Fatty Crab
Malaysian
14/20
2170 BroadwayNew York, NY 10024212-496-2722
RESERVE NOW!
Don’t be shy about asking for translations at Fatty Crab’s uptown Malaysian hotspot. Read GAYOT's Fatty Crab Restaurant Review

Franklin Station Café
Café/Malaysian/French
Quick Bite
222 W. BroadwayNew York, NY 10013212-274-8525
Funky fusion food in funky TriBeCa.


Read GAYOT's Franklin Station Café Restaurant Review

Malaysia Grill
Malaysian
12/20
224 W. 104th St.New York, NY 10025212-579-1333
Comforting Malaysian cuisine on the Upper West Side.
Read GAYOT's Malaysia Grill Restaurant Review

Malaysia Restaurant
Malaysian
Quick Bite
46-48 BoweryNew York, NY 10013212-964-0284
A hidden treasure of satisfying Malaysian fare. Read GAYOT's Malaysia Restaurant Review

Nyonya
Malaysian
Quick Bite
194 Grand St.New York, NY 10013212-334-3669
The exotic flavors of Malaysia draw Lower East Siders to this trendy eatery.
Read GAYOT's Nyonya Restaurant Review

Daddy's World Cup

Abdul Aziz Salehuddin, Kamariah Jaafar and baby, Nina 1966

I have made it no secret that World Cup season is always extra special because with every game, I find myself thinking what my Dad would have said.

Dad was the serious kind of World Cup spectator. Looking deep into the television set with sudden burst of exclamation...or jubilation, he was the expert on football trivia.

My favourite team is out of the picture but Dad's favourite team, Argentina looks straight ahead to the final.

I always remember that Uruguay was the first ever World Cup champion [just how Malaya was the first ever Thomas Cup holders] because Dad told me so. So today, with every step the Uruguayan team forges ahead, I am sure Dad would have been cheering them on... That's another thing, he just loved underdogs.

Goodnight Dad. Al-fatihah.

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Dad was an avid sports fan. He watched and played tennis, football and rugby. Mom played hockey, netball and swam . They played badminton together. Something to be said about the lifestyle then and now.

Oh God! Save England from this miserable World Cup

The entire world watched as the “human factor” cost a major European nation a goal this afternoon in Bloemfontein— and arguably that team a legitimate shot at a place in the next round. The only people in the world who didn’t know that Frank Lampard scored for England against Germany to tie the game up before the half at 2-2, were the referee and his assistant in the German half of the field.

It was a missmatched World Cup for England in 2010 from the start so much so England fans themselves felt disillussioned at times. But even the hardest of critics could not fail to be upset and indignant whan Frank Lampard's equaliser was not awarded to England at the second round game against Germany last night. A cheeky goalkeeper who could not have failed to see the bouncing Jabulani go in succumbed to the moment and quickly continued play before anyone realised what had happened.

England was on a roll after a shaky start. The England team found the German net twice within 2 minutes and definitely would have pressed on afresh had the right call been made by the linesman in question. But no, England was denied their momentum and they never recovered. With opponents like the Germans, you never get a second chance.

The World Cup hopefuls would shudder at such injustice I am sure. It is time, football turns high tech because it is simply excrutiating to be a mere spectator when you - and the whole world - know better than the referee on the field.

Worlds and billions apart

And the sun sets over BP

NEW DELHI - The contrast between the disasters, more than a quarter-century and half a world apart, could not be starker.

In 1984, a leak of toxic gas at an American company’s Indian subsidiary killed thousands, injured tens of thousands more and left a major city with a toxic waste dump at its heart. The company walked away after paying a $470 million settlement. The company’s American chief executive, arrested while in India, skipped bail, never to return. This month eight former senior officials from the company, including one who has since died, were convicted of negligence, but the sentence — two years in jail — seems paltry to many here compared to the impact of their crime.

No matter how halting the Obama administration's response to the gushing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico might look to Americans, Indians cannot help but marvel — and envy — the alacrity with which the United States government has acted.

BP’s $20 billion cleanup fund, as vast a sum as it seems from here, is in all likelihood merely a down payment on what the company will probably pay for the damage caused by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. A criminal investigation has begun. And while the environmental toll is huge, the cost in human lives, compared with Bhopal, has been minimal.

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Analysts and historians say that the entire episode reeks of the humiliation of a poor and powerless country at the hands of a rich and resourceful Western corporation. India sought $3.3 billion in damages from the American company Union Carbide, but in 1989 settled for less than half a billion dollars.

“The victims will get hardly 10 percent of the money and rest will go to the pockets of ministers and bureaucrats,” said Satinath Sarangi of Bhopal Group for Information and Action, an advocacy group. “Indian people have to pay for the crimes committed by the U.S. corporations.” Hari Kumar contributed reporting.

This article, "Indians, Envious of U.S. Spill Response, Seethe Over Bhopal," originally appeared in The New York Times.

My thoughts exactly - I need not add anything to this stark reality.

Good night Michael. Wherever you are.

Thank you for ABC when I was 8, on the way to school

ABC, it's easy

Easy as123
It's like counting up to 3
Or simple as Do re mi
Sing a simple melody
That's how easy love can be

Thank you for Ben when I was 13,
singing in the dark in my dormitary

Ben, the two of us need look no more
We both found what we were looking for
With a friend to call my own
I'll never be alone
And you, my friend, will see
You've got a friend in me
(you've got a friend in me)

Thank you for Human Nature, Thriller and Billy Jean
Far away from home, I was eighteen

Reaching Out
To Touch A Stranger
Electric Eyes Are Ev’rywhere
See That Girl
She Knows I’m Watching
She Likes The Way I Stare

Thank you for the Moonwalk moment at the greatest Grammy

Thank you for the Jackson 5 TRIUMPH Concert
In Toronto when I was nineteen that December

Thank you for Liberian Girl, Bad and Smooth Criminal
when I was twenty, enjoying MTV

Liberian girl

You know that you came
And you changed my world,
Just like in the movies,
With two lovers in a scene
And she says...
"Do you love me"
And he says so endlessly...
"I love you, Liberian girl"

Thank you for We Are The World when I was 22,

rallying for camaraderie at university

There comes a time
When we head a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it's time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

For Remember The Time and In The Closet,I was 26 - a busy wife

And later for Dangerous, when my kids were my joy, my life

Do you remember
When we fell in love
We were young and innocent then
Do you remember how it all began
It just
Seemed like heaven
So why
Did it end

Thank you for They Don't care About Us when I was in so much pain...

Thank you for Charlie Chaplin's Smile when I was stronger and wiser

It has made me so much more contented, happier - braver

Thank you for This Is It at the movies

Where we cried in the theatre, danced and cheered

At the memory of you, our dearest, our Michael forever...

Thank you Thank you Thank you

One Night at Lake Club

I mentioned sometime ago that I haven't been to the Lake Club for a while...

So when I received an invitation from En Jon [the stern and very much loved Uncle Jon to all 5 daughters] to attend the Tai Chi fellowship night, incidently in memory of the late Mr Nyam to join his widow and my good friend Michelle, his eldest daughter, I said yes without hesitation. Earlier during the day at work, everyone asked why I had this beautiful golden sam foo jacket hanging in my office, I just smiled. At the golf club, generally everyone went straight home after work. Or dressed down, not up after work on a Wednesday night - special priced movie night at the Pavilion by the way. But then, I was going to The Orchid and wanted to be prim and proper [in my mind, still the Orchid Room...]

At 6.00pm, I arrived in a taxi through the familiar guard-house. Stopped and met Michelle who dutifully registered me as her guest while we waited for En Jon to appear. We dropped by the beauty salon's corner and Ayin, the beautician gave me a big and warm hug. Quickly added me to her facebook page. We then walked over to the Clubhouse and from all corners, the warm and cheery greetings from the staff enveloped me. Intan, Kak Ham, Kokdiang...oooo too many to mention. Mokhtar, Puchong and Anuar. It was like a home-coming.

Orchid Room looked splendid and I was glad to see the fresh orchids back in bloom - compliments to Bonnie, the Club florist, I am sure - a tradition started by Puan Sri Aida Nik Daud in the days of Tun Razak - another trusted Lake Club comrade and advisor. The chairs were beautifully re-upholstered and side tables displayed beautiful bottles and decorations. There was not one single light-bulb out. The band was one of my favorites - Centrepage with Azimah taking centrestage who waved from the stage when I walked past.

Old friends made my day. Julie Ong-Yeoh came over with heart-felt wishes and news of her son Damien, another old friend. Ms Amu sat beside me fascinating all with her animated stories and philosophy. Kakanda Yap Yok Foo and C T Lau - with his inevitable question, how many kids, Zalina?

The 5-course dinner was delightful in such pleasant company.

After dinner, we proceeded for a night of karaoke. First, we dropped by the Batik Bar and I was happy to see Carol and many many others whom I will not mention for fear they would like to stay anonymous. The Verandah reminded me of the Birdpark down the road, sturdier in looks and just as relaxing. By the time we reached the Theatre [which I dubbed as 'my theatre' as it was built to screen all the blockbusters I used to personally select many years ago every month] , Ms Amu sang Bila Larut Malam and Irene sang a lovely Mandarin number. En Jon was gearing for his own mandarin number...alas, it was time to end Karaoke for the night.

Aha! England was battling a do-a-die World Cup match. So we sauntered over to the Sports Bar [Zinnia just doesn't sit well with me] and guess what, I finally found a place which features 80s music like Under Pressure, Just an Illusion and Berlinda Carlisle's songs. No Sweet Dreams by Annie Lennox though. No matter.

England won! What better way to end the night.

Magpie Tales

Dear friends,

In school, I was a member of the school's brass band, a state gymnast and a very hard-working student who took her Math, Geography and Physics seriously. But above all and long before, I was the poet. Words just flowed whenI was happy, melancholy or charged with adrenalin.

Since then, in various stages in my life, I had spurts of creative genius...and the rest of the time, I continue to write diligently forI know that being a writer is 90% hard work and 10% talent. Many of you have known me for a very long time, so I wish to share a new discovery with you.

Some of you are writers, some teachers, some parents who have kids who want to explore the world of writing. I found a blog - Magpie Tales created by willow which "is dedicated to the enjoyment of writers, for the purpose of honingtheir craft, sharing it with like minded bloggers, and keeping their muses alive and well. "

I haven't written poetry for years and was inspired to create my own poem blog : poems by ninotaziz. I dug up old crates and folders for my old poems and uploaded some of my favorites. I spent the whole night doing this and no doubt for the next few days, will be happily fine-tuning this new baby of mine.

It is truly amazing. I hope this is of help or of use to you.

Regards,
ninotaziz

Warisan Sudirman

Disini lahirnya sebuah cinta
Yang murni, abadi, sejati
Disini tersemai cita-cita
Bercambah menjadi warisan

Inevitably, when I think of the word warisan, Sudirman Hj Arshad comes to mind. What is Hari Raya without his song Balik Kampung, Merdeka without Tanggal 31 and once in a while when you see an old basikal tua, we are lulled into a sense of nostalgia so poignant and unmistakably Malaysian, it often brings a tear to the eyes.

Eighteen years ago, we lost Sudirman, one of our country's most magical sons. He was only 37 years old. No matter what race, his fans were deeply griefed by the sudden demise of Sudirman Hj Arshad, beloved entertainer and brightest star for many years, touching the lives of many with his music and showmanship.

Now, more than ever before, I begin to understand what we lost. If P Ramlee was our legendary icon on the screen, Sudirman surely was the true voice of Malaya. For though he came into prominence in the 70s, he was a throwback of a more innocent time. Sudirman captured the longing we had for our own roots like no one else.

The truth is , the moment Sudirman stepped onto stage to perform Seruling Bambu and Hey! Big Spender at the Bintang RTM 1976 finals, a star was born. And the whole of Malaysia knew they were witnessing someone special take his place in history. Sudirman had a presence, confidence and a sense of style.

And so much more. Sometimes, we forget just how much more.

Very quickly then, Sudirman endeared himself to the public. He looked to the countryside and streets of the city for inspiration with fiery patriotism. When civil servants were urged to enhance productivity in the early 80s, Sudirman took to the air with his catchy song Punch Card! For one so young, his caring attitude was almost fatherly. He sang of the ordinary man in Hidup Sederhana (Basikal Tua), and of social issues in Aku Penganggur and Mat Disko. Songs like Anak Gembala, Balik Kampung, Apa khabar Orang Kampung and Ayah Dan Ibu bring to mind the very essense of the kampung life and everything that was wholesome and good about it.

Read these lyrics carefully...

Ayah dan ibu
Itulah permulaan kami
Dapatlah melihat bulan dan matahari
Ahai...Yang dikurniakan dari Ilahi
Ahai...Ayah dan ibu lah mesti dihormati

He sang songs in every rhythm be it joget, all asli tunes, the ever popular disco, ballads and even dangdut, which in return appealed to a wide range of fans. He could appear melancholy, playful, patriotic – quite a chameleon in that respect. Which was of course useful in his mini videoclips in a time when MTV was still in its infancy. It was a natural progression then for Sudirman to try his hand at acting in ‘Kami’ directed by Patrick Teoh.

Sudirman reached out to the masses, regardless of age, race or stature. It is not surprising that he was an epitome of unity by making special efforts to sing in all the country’s major languages.

Sudirman made us believe that as Malaysians, we can achieve the highest of accolades – that is if we work hard enough, possess rare talent and drive to succeed. He achieved a first for himself and the country when he was named Asia’s Number One performer ahead of Anita Sarawak, who was a close friend and Leslie Cheung at the AMM awards at the famed Royal Albert Hall of London 1n 1989. It was a joyous moment for the nation and brought Sudirman international acclaim. Forever the true Malaysian, he chose to sing One Thousand Million Smiles, in itself an invitation to the world to experience Malaysian hospitality and courtesy.

The Man in a Flag
No post-80s artiste in Malaysia can truly claim to be as patriotic as Sudirman. Even before the days of revering the Jalur Gemilang, before it was even called Jalur Gemilang, Sudirman draped himself in the national flag from head to toe much to the delight of everyone. Sudirman made it fashionable in the way that only he could, with his usual aplomb and style. Today, every year on August 31, the upbeat Tanggal 31 evokes national pride and esteem more than any other song and continues to inspire younger generations who sometimes do not even know of the legendary all round entertainer, composer and prolific songwriter.

Salam Terakhir
Let us find it in our hearts to say a prayer for you, Sudir… and thank you for all the joy, the hope, the pride you gave us. We miss you – our legend, our voice, our sweet sorrow that one so young left us, that we are no longer privileged to share his sheer genius at articulating all the good in being a Malaysian.

PUDU JAIL, 1895

KUALA LUMPUR, June 17 (Bernama) -- The 300m stretch of the Pudu Prison wall along Jalan Pudu will be demolished on June 20-23 to make way for road widening and the construction of an underpass.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Ahmad Fuad Ismail said the construction of the underpass gave priority to road users although it involved a national treasure.

"Every day we face problems because of this wall, getting to the office late, so this is just a matter of which one is a priority to DBKL (Kuala Lumpur City Hall) and the government," he told reporters after visiting the site and Taman Shamelin Perkasa.

The underpass will be an alternative route linking Jalan Pudu to Cheras and will reduce congestion at Jalan Hang Tuah.

Construction will be carried out in stages and the project is expected to be completed in December 2012.

Meanwhile, the construction of the RM59.5 million flyover directly connecting Taman Maluri with Taman Shamelin, which started in March last year, is expected to be completed in March 2012.

-- BERNAMA

Nobody knew what to do with Pudu Jail. It was unsightly, it was haunted, it was a reminder that there were criminals long before anything else in KL.

Same thing with the smelly, dark and dank Central Market way back in the 80s. Only the late Tunku Abdullah had the vision to turn it into a cultural spot and voila! the new Central Market was born.

KL desperately needs new places to visit, new things to do, new attractions to experience. KL Fest is coming up fast and what do we have to show? The same old same same.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Philharmonic, KLCC, Kampung Baru, the new Changkat, the museums etc etc. I can take you to KL for the best nasi lemak bungkus and yong tau foo cucuk, durian, you name it.

But please tell me why we need new office buildings, roads, flyovers, underpasses where there are heritage buildings? We are bringing down a century old structure of KL because people are getting late to work?

Or really, no one thinks about how this building can be put to good use? Why can't we convert Pudu Jail to a magnificent open theatre for makyung, dikir barat, wayang kulit and more. The haunted atmosphere would turn into a haunting attraction you can't stay away from - wouldn't that be perfect?

Dear all of you who profess to love the arts especially Makyung, dear Ramli Ibrahim, John Gomez, Dato YTL, lover of the arts, JKKN - take this on!

Al-fatihah untuk Primadonna Makyung, Mak Jah yang dikasihi...we will find a permanent theater for the makyung one day...

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FB Message to YAB Prime Minister

Zalina Abdul Aziz
YAB Dato Seri,
I know my voice is one in 26 odd million. But I would like to bring your attention to PUDU JAIL 1895. Remember the successful conversion of Central Market. Wouldn't PJ1895 better serve KL as a daily Open Theatre for the arts like Makyung, Wayang Kulit and more?
http://ninotazizpurplemusings.blogspot.com/2010/06/pudu-jail-1895.html

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Email sent to Minister of Information, Communications and Culture:

Assalamualaikum YB Dato Seri,

Saya yakin YB Dato Seri sedia maklum bahawa Pudu Jail yang terbina pada tahun 1895,bangunan khazanah, akan bakal dirobohkan pada tanggal 20hb Jun 2010 ini.

Ingin saya mengambil iktibar daripada kejayaan Central Market yang berjaya diolah menjadi daya tarikan yang begitu hebat di Kuala Lumpur pada sekitar tahun lapan puluhan. Tidak mungkinkah kita dapat mengubah Pudu Jail kepada 'Open Theatre' mempersembahkan Makyung, Wayang Kulit, Menora, Rodat, Kuda Kepang dan sebagainya setiap malam? Para kraf teater yang membuat set, kostum, patung patung wayang kulit, juga dapat dikumpulkan disini. Tidak ketinggalan, kita juga dapat menjemput kumpulan teater serantau Nusantara untuk membuat persembahan di sini. Bukankah ini dapat menambah nilai astetik dan aktiviti kebudayaan di Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur tersergam indah, YB Dato Seri?

Ini sekadar cadangan membina dari penulis berjiwa warisan.

Blog saya meluahkan cadangan dalam hal ini di sini:
http://ninotazizpurplemusings.blogspot.com/2010/06/pudu-jail-1895.html


Dengan segala hormat,


Zalina Abdul Aziz @ ninotaziz
Penulis

WORLD CUP 2010 SO FAR

World Cup fans soldier on. Night after night. Many have their own technics to stay awake the next day.

Today, someone told me he watches the game at 7.30pm, 10.30pm and then goes to sleep. Wakes up at 5.30am in time to catch the highlights of the 2.30am game. Smart guy. But no, I can't do that coz I watch World Cup the Facebook way. Frustrations and jubilations are immediately shared with my kaki Facebook ! Yes, that's you, Trevor!

At the office, it is increasingly difficult to stay awake at 3.30pm. I have scheduled all appointments to lunchtime. Between the refreshing apple and celery juice and grilled cod fish, I manage to be convincing and entertaining to the other party. Especially since I stay on top of all the latest World Cup juicy details. And can rattle on about the best goal keepers. But it is still early days.

As for the football itself, I must say, it's the usual unpredictable game which allows for upbeat debate the next day. Wow, what happened to the much hyped up Spain game! Why did Ivory Coast decide to give away the corner? With Cristiano and diver-icon-turned-African-football-icon Didier Drogba [albeit for only 15 minutes] on the field, how come there were so few attempts at the net? Why didn't Germany do this in Germany 2006? What happened in the last 15 minutes of the South Africa-Uruguay game? Italy - so old but not so slow. Spot on footwork. Obviously money talks as Olympic goal medallist and ex-Euro Cup champs Greece fazes out. Well, at least Netherlands was predictable. The Dutch play football like the beautiful game it is.

Aahhh...the bouncing Jabulani[which Rooney attested is good for strikers : we'll agree when he scores tomorrow night] and the vuvuzelas have us all even more stressed out than the usual World Cup season. I blame the vuvuzelas for the buzzing in my head at the moment.

And the biggest of them all so far, will Robert Green get to live down his school boy fumble - ever?

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Can you just believe the brilliant goal after goal and relentless attacking game by Messi and gang? Now that's world class football!

A few days ago, it was announced that the most common footballer name is Gonzales. Well, certainly Gonzalo Hoguain is no common footballer - what a debut to the World Cup!

Way to go Diego Maradona!

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And Greece regains some respect. At least the Greeks will have something to cheer about.

NELSON MANDELA : THE SPIRIT OF SOUTH AFRICA

Dear Mr Nelson Mandela,
I am sorry for your loss. However, thank you for sharing your beautiful country.

AND THE LADIES WATCH 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP

Sorry, I could not resist.

I genuinely love football. I keep up with EPL, EURO CUP and stay up late for World Cup. I admire Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho and yes, Kevin Keegan for their passion and understand why Thaksin and now, Tony Fernandez want to own a football club in England.

But I must admit, it is so easy to love football even just to watch footballers in top physic letting themselves go, displaying all that virile strength and a full range of emotions you don't normally get to see otherwise.

For MSN's list of hot World Cup stars, check out this link.

No, I can't be bothered to check up images. Well, maybe Cristiano Ronaldo. And Socceroo Tim Cahill - red card or no red card. And that hot midfielder and potential playmaker in Zidane's footsteps from France- Yoann Gourcuff.

Calling all cougars!

THE WORLD WATCHES ENGLAND

In 2004, I remember how Rooney exploded into the Euro Cup scene and had everyone including tennis champions and movie stars alike talking football. So naturally, Rooney mania in 2006 built up to a frenzy until he was terribly injured and the headlines turned from his goals to his oxygen chamber aided recovery. By the time World cup 2006 came around, Cristiano Ronaldo had overshadowed Rooney's fast and furious play.

I am secretly hoping that Rooney gets to shine at this World Cup. Tonight though, US marks him as their most tightly kept prisoner. And a fumbled keeper save almost ruined the World Cup for me.

We'll see what happens next.