I'm sucking and I love it. Nom Nom Nom...

We've heard (or at least, I assumed we've heard) many types of so-called alternative medical treatments mushrooming among us these days. Some are really somewhat convincing,while a few, meh I have serious doubts. I have to be judgmental 'cause when you're dealing with health treatment, there's no space to play around.

So guys, I've told you before that I was with a leech therapy company before. I enjoyed my time there and of course, picking up new skills and knowledge are the benefits I managed to accumulate along the way. 

And when you've been involved with something for quite awhile, people around you still associate you with what you did. In my case, I still am the spoke person for leech therapy. I've studied it seriously, I did. Well, furthermore I don't have any formal education with medicine, so I should take the learning seriously if I were to explain to the people what's leech therapy, how it helps and what are the side effects - things like that. 

Obviously, the simplest answer you can give someone if they ask, what the hell is leech therapy?: 

The hell is this, it's a form of treatment that uses leeches as your main medium to treat somebody. 

I think that by itself, is very simple to understand. Then the 1st answer would lead to the 2nd question, why uses leeches though?

Now, for the second question, I'd have to come up with a statement beforehand, which is - I do not believe a being or an invention of men can heal all diseases that exist in life. If there's one thing I've learned, it's the fact that no single medicine can cure/ heal everything. So, be careful. 

Well, I believe leech therapy can best be used for diseases/illness that is related to blood circulation only.I can quote a few lines from published journals, but I think it's best if you guys go search up yourself to better equip yourself with the background on leech therapy. 

Why blood circulation-related diseases only? Well, that's largely due to the properties that exist in the leech's saliva. Here, let me put it this way - if you are drinking a glass of cold chocolate, if there's not enough water, it can be quite hard to drink it, isn't it? Now, what do you do when this happens? You add water to dilute it. 

The same goes with leeches. What you guys have to understand, bloods are source of foods for them. They don't suck for fun. So, when they are having their "meal", they would want to "eat" it easily, not having to suck until their eyes popped out (note: leeches do not have eyes).

Make sense now? I'm not going to boring you with the long list of facts about the properties in the leeches' saliva. My intention in sharing this post with you guys is to help you understand what exactly is leech therapy. Besides blood dilution, they too help with other areas as well - for example, one that involves inflammation. That's why when you are suffering from sinusitis, for instance, I'd recommend leech therapy. 

But is it safe though?

The practice of leech therapy is somewhat vague in my country (Malaysia). But I do know that there are a few selected countries in Europe are doing leech therapy, and they are doing them professionally and follow the standards practiced in the clinics. Hygienic practices are important when we are doing something related to health.

So, before you are considering leech therapy, make sure you have your top priority is hygiene. And avoid road-side demonstrations. I see a lot of that in Malaysia and that is not healthy. 

However, if you managed to locate service centre that offers leech therapy with good practices, do try because it's quite fun and a unique experience. You'd feel squeamish, but you get over it after awhile once you get the hang of it. 

When I was actively involved in this field, to convince my clients that it was safe for them to undergo the treatment, one of the main focus areas was to convince them that the leeches are actually friendly, and with well-trained professionals besides them to look after the leeches, you're safe.nah,no biggie.

So rest assured, leech therapy is safe and helpful. Now, I'm not promoting any company or organization, I'm saying this out of my willingness to share with the people why leech therapy is good.

But after all of these having been said, are you still willing to try though? If you have, tell me about it. I'd love to hear your experience!

the 10 Inspirations

As we are growing up, we'll come across people who just cannot fail to inspire us. Whether they are your favourite singer, teacher or even your own father, there are two things clear here: 

A. you want to be like them

B. you model your life after them. 

So, I'm going to share the 10 people who have been my source of inspiration in life. And at the end of this, won't you share yours as well?

10.  POLITICS -  ANWAR IBRAHIM

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 We  come across all kinds of politicians these days. Some are very good at taking advantage of their situations while some seem unable to cope against the pressure. But I have been following Anwar's political career since 2008, when he struck the blow against the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr. Mahathir. 

Even in the midst of all the scandals, slanders, loses and victories, he stood firm on the ground and continue his fight for justice for the people of Malaysia. 

9.  CAPITALISM - DONALD TRUMP

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His no-filter statements and very egoistic nature have attracted me to follow Trump's business journey and even forked out a few hundred bucks to get books, either written by him or for him or about him. From success to bankruptcy and back again to success, he braved against the odds and championed capitalism over and over again.

As a true believer in Capitalism myself, I couldn't find anyone better to follow the footsteps other than Trump.


8.  WRITING - Joanne Kathleen Rowling

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Ever since I watched the first Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, back in 2001, I have been the hardcore follower of the Potter World. Ask me anything and I'll be able to answer them right away, which book to refer to and what page. Now, that's how seriously in love I am with her works.

And I am learning my English by reading her books too. For each book in the collection, put it roughly, I've read an average a 100 times over. Talk about obsession.

7.  SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR - Muhammad Yunus

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6.  PUBLIC SPEAKING - PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

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To speak in front of an audience with authority, humor and with your own style are three things I am learning at the moment. It's very hard. I faltered at times but I tried different ways to cope with it. 

But everytime I watch this man speaks, you've got to admit - he might not be the greatest President of the United States but he sure is the greatest speaker of all the presidents and prime ministers today. 

5.  MUSIC - MICHAEL BUBLE

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"Home" "Everything" "Fly Me to the Moon" "Hollywood", all of his songs are my favourite!

The way he sings them, says them and if we are watching him live, the way he dominates the stage - he is the best in the business! 

And weird enough, I can relate my life to each song in Michael Buble's tracklist. 

4.  ACTING - Tom Hanks

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I have given this particular spot to Tom Hanks. I've thought long and hard, who who deserves it? I have many others in my mind, such as Leonardo diCaprio and Ian McKellen, to name a few, but in the end, I settled for Hanks for his witty acting. 

The way he presents himself in his movies, you cannot help but able to put yourself in his shoes in those movies perfectly. His works - the Terminal, Catch me if you can, cast away - ladies and gents there are no better actor to be made as the role model, I suppose. 

3.  ENTREPRENEURIAL -WARREN BUFFETT

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2.  FOOTBALL - Wayne Rooney

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The British Footballer has been my main reason for supporting Manchester United after the departure of David Beckham, what in 2003?2004?

The way he plays his games and how he push himself in his plays, you cannot miss the burning desire he has in himself when he plays. 

At times when I am down, watching Wayne Rooney playing for Manchester United has always been a great source of inspiration! And I'm not saying that just because I love Manchester United. 

and 

1.   PARENTHOOD - SIR ALEX FERGUSON

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When I'm referring to parenthood, it's not really that literal. I'm just calling it parenthood because of the way he has successfully developed and nurtured young players in his club for more than 20 years. Most players, if not all, who have been interviewed why they love playing for the club is because of this man. He arrive very early in the morning before training and get back home in time for family time. The examples he set for his players are excellent and his work rate, any young player who's growing is very fortunate to be playing under him. 

That's why, he is main source of inspiration.

Well, why don't you share with me what's yours instead?

I would love to hear your side of the story! 

Share them in the comment section below. 

Be well.

10 things you must try before you reach 60

WHAT ARE THEY, YOU ASK?

Why 60 ? Well, because I'm trying to suggest you things that are best enjoyed before you turn 60. You need a strong heart and move around a lot, you know? I'm not saying you can't enjoy if you're in your 70, but I'm just suggesting.

For example, one of them is kissing a celebrity. Who knows what would happen after that? The bodyguards punch you on the face - so, it's best to get the punch when you're still young, see? #LOL

1. Swimming with the sharks

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At the mention of sharks, the image of these sharks having us for dinner just couldn't escape us, right? Well, according to "experts", sharks are often misunderstood. Actually there are not violent, you know? But hey, the experts said that - not me.

2. Paragliding

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To feel the air going past your face, ahh man, you'll never feel old again!
I've always wanted to try this out - but still unable to due to lack of financial means. But before 60, must give it a go! And I want to do it among the mountains like the picture above.

Have you guys ever tried this stunt? Tell me about it, please!

3. Spend a night in the Amazon forest

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Amazon forest - where leopards, anaconda and many other legendary animals, insects live - yeah, so why don't we spend a night in the amazon forest? I'm not really a forest-type of man, but heck, if I have enough experienced people to accompany me with, I might give it a go, you know?

And a shotgun is my must-bring item. Sorry for being so pessimistic.

4. Underwater museum in Mexico

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This underwater museum is so freakin' cool! I was thinking this would be a very cool place for honeymoon, you know? You'll see all these awesome statues and beautiful fishes swimming around you.

Must go!


5. North Korea!

Image via Washington Post

We've heard of North Korea a lot of times on the news, don't we? And the way the tabloids tell 'em makes the place so scary and to avoid it at all times. But is it though?

So, before 60, we should at least visit the country once. At least, once.

6. Space tourist

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Well, when I was small, I have always wanted to be an astronaut. But I know it's too late for me now, realistically speaking.

But fret not, there's still one opportunity for me to do that - through Virgin Atlantic!
The only problem is, it is going to be freakin' expensive! But matters not, when there's a will, there's a way!
Come on guys, let's go to the space!

7. Kiss a celebrity on the lips

I know this one is a little bit weird, but life will be more exciting if we list stupid but fun things on our to-do-list!

Take your pick and plan well - how do we do it? Good luck!

Think about it, by the time you're 60, the celebrity you are planning to kiss is already an old woman! So, they should feel lucky instead that someone is still willing to kiss them. #LOL

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I wonder how Scarlett would look like 40 years from now...hmm...


8. Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef

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ahhh...the Great Barrier Reef. It's so awesome. The pictures that I've seen across the internet are amazingly beautiful! It is the world's largest coral reef system!

You guys should put this on the list before you hit 60! I know I am. Cannot miss this opportunity to be with mother nature. :)


9. Spend a week with you and your wife on an island

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I always like to imagine I'm stuck on an island with a woman. I know, weird, huh? Well, to make it legit, so that's why I put there with your wife, people! 

Just for a week. A week! It would be awesome. Have to make our own shelters, find our own foods and with the blue ocean surrounding the two of you, that would be so cool!

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And this little idea is inspired by the movie Cast Away where Tom Hanks was struggling to survive on the island, but after many years surviving alone, became expert. Totally love that movie! A+!

and

10. sing in front of thousands of people

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It would be fun to wrap up your awesome years just before you turn 60. It doesn't matter whether you have sexy voice like Michael Buble' or high-pitch like Mariah Carey or so bad no one can stand them - just sing!

The embarrassment only last for a few hours, but it stays in your head until the day you die. :)


Anyway, that's all for me this time. I hope you enjoy reading the 10 things you must try before you reach 60!

What else can I say, but good luck and be well, ladies and gents!

Beer & Wine served at Starbucks

And no, not all Starbucks outlets, rest assured on that, ladies and gents.
They are doing it over there at Starbucks's home country:


such as Atlanta, Chicago, Southern California and a few other places.

So, they are planning to bring in the beers and wines at the year end.
Actually they are already testing putting the menu at their outlets in Seattle.
They are offering $5 for beers and $7 for wine.

But not everyone is happy with them doing that though. One customer said she's not coming to Starbucks for beers. If she had wanted to, she'd go to the bars.

Another one said, when he thought of Starbucks, he definitely would have never thought of beers.

But Starbucks is doing this to aim at the happy hour audience, as they want to expand the crowd. Well, can see that angle - to expand the crowd, expand profits.

They are already in the market for the morning hours - and then, afternoon hours, so it's now happy hours.

Well, we'll see how it goes.
But of course, I'd have to buy an airplane ticket to go there. 



Be well, ladies and gents.

Image & News source via Los Angeles Times.

A real Hobbit home!

So do you think the houses at the Shire (where the Hobbits stay in the Lord of the Ring's world of JRR Tolkien?)  You know - where Bilbo and his nephew, Frodo stays? Where Samwise Gamgee is the garderner? Or - wait, have you guys watched Lord of the ring? 

Anyway, if you haven't, well, I'm speechless. I can't bring myself to say anything but GO ON AND WATCH IT!

And I mean, seriously, why would you not even consider watching the movie? Let alone read the book? 

Besides the point, I'm not here to lecture - on the other hand, I'm here to share something really cool and interesting. So apparently, we have somebody building a hobbit-like house over there in Wales! Look at the pictures below!

 They are so cool and I can just start to picture how his house will look totally awesome during Christmas! And it looks so comfy and oh!I dunno - I just feel like staying there!

 So apparently, he built this house with only $4,700 bucks only! That's roughly 3000 pounds! If I were to value this house, I'd say the price is priceless. Will you look at that -

 

And the man who built this house is called Simon Dale, and he built his house, this house out of his interest in self-sustainability and an ecological awareness led him to dig out and build his own home.

 

Freakin' awesome dude!   Don't you think so? And of course, making the place more special, it's Wales. The air is fresh and so green all around you - purrr,

Simon Dale, his wife Jasmine Saville, and their two children in front of their completed home just 4 months after starting it! This and all photos on this page are by Simon Dale (http://simondale.net).

Simon is now involved in building another home for the Lammas Project, an organization dedicted to low-impact building. Focus is not only on the homes themselves, but also on planting trees and gardens, and on low impact living in general.

So, if any of you wants to check out about Simon Dale, click here!
A
Until then, happy christmas & new year!

Source:  Click!

Mother of God, this is Bratislava!

Did you guys watch Euro Trip? It's a very fun and entertaining movie, I'd highly recommend you guys to go get yourself a copy of the DVD for this christmas holiday! If you want to laugh, laugh and laugh, it's definitely a very good movie to watch with your friends and families (but make sure your audience are above 18, because there are some scenes which are not suitable for kids).

Anyway, earlier today I was updating my blog and I checked the visitors section, I saw one of my readers came from a place called Bratislava! For a second, I thought about it and I remember knowing the name of the place from the Euro Trip movie!

And my first though, the people in Bratislava have internet?

You might think I'm being offensive but check out what Euro Trip made me think about the place.

See? My very short-sighted judgment of the place is justified, right? I dunno about you but the freaking movie gave a very everlasting impression, so forgive me for being ignorant.

And then, I googled the place - of course, today we have google, I don't see any point going all the way to the national library to get your information anymore.

And these are the pictures I can show you. I was stunned.

The place looks absolutely romantic! And after done with the search, I dunno how EuroTrip can give such an impression. All I can say is...


Till next time guys!
Happy Christmas!

Review: Dirty Picture

Verdict: Good
"K" Rating: 3.2 [in its genre]

Watch: DVD

If the boorish,in-your-face trailers of this movie left you astounded, then the movie will leave you gasping for air. Known for her raunchy movies, Ekta Kapoor's latest outing The Dirty Picture has it all - plunging necklines, dumpy hemlines, crassness aglore. However the intentional indecency is supported by a decent, touching storyline so the skin-show doesn't come across as sheer shameless sleaze. Infact the story and the subject kind of justify the rest.

The Dirty Picture is the biographical account of southern siren Silk Smitha. Her rise to stardom and her ultimate tragic downfall.A trend setter in the movie making business who turned even flop films into cash cows but faced the wrath of the so called keepers of moral police. She was condemed and denigrated by the very people who gave her the very work. The flick falters in the ending - the "downfall" seemed to be a bit hurried, also the sequence of Silk seeing her reflection and "waking" up to reality reminds one of the flick Fashion. Rajat Arora's dramatic dialogues and witty one-liners are impactful and also sprinkle plenty of humor. Dirty Picture spoofs heavily on the southern film industry. 

Hats of to director Milan Lutharia for setting his film in an era [the 80's] in an environment [South Film Industry] completely foreign to today's audience. Everything from the fashion to the flab - alien in today's times, has been dished out for the audience.Music by Vishal Shekhar is apt for the film as it recreates era beautifully.Bappi Lahari's "Oh lala" complements the item numbers and is well contrasted with the soft soulful "Ishq Sufiana".

Vidya Balan's sheer audacity in portraying a sex-symbol with an unapologetic attitude is commendable. Its a risk which her contemporaries would think thrice before undertaking as it could backfire tarnishing her image. She stuns the audience and critics as she dawns the avatar of "Silk" to the hilt.  The male ensemble caste stands firm on its own ground. Naseeruddin Shah is convincing as the aging, south superstar. Tushar Kapoor is comic. Emran Hashmi as the archetypal serious director brings class and morality to the movie. 

This movie is not for the faint hearted nor the family audience[A certificate] but definitely for those who go for shock value. We would categorize it right up there with Dev D. Look beyond the packaging and you'll find a thought provoking story.

Review: Rockstar

Verdict: eh..OK
"K" Rating: 2.8

Watch: Theater/DVD*

Imtiaz Ali's fourth outing as a filmmaker is the modern visual interpretation of Rumi's poem "Out beyond ideas of wrong doing and right doing, there is a field. I’ll meet you there."  It could be also called the heavy metal Devdas film.


Rockstar is a story of a middle class man Janardhan, who in order to be a "Rockstar" searches for a heartbreak but ends up with a smouldering soul.A confused upper middle class girl -Heer, who has to choose between what is right and what her heart desires.A Story of money hungry, ruthless entertainment business sharks, news crazed journalists.It is a love story - about pain and anguish, of ultimately of finding peace within. 

The screenplay is very loose and scattered - thouought the first half the audience has to piece together the sequence of events. The story itself has nothing "new" to offer, it isn't something we have not seen/heard of before however the treatment is novel and interesting. The movie could have been shorter and wears off the audience with its length. Rockstar has a stunning canvas with cinematography of the majestic snow capped Himalayas, Prague and world stages like the 02 arena in London. 

Music by the maestro A R Rehan is good. The album has some heavy metal, rock numbers like "Sadda Haq" to Sufi number "Kun Faaa Kun" to heart warming soft romantic songs like "Tum Ko" and "Aur Ho". 

Rockstar marks the debut of American-Czech model Nargis Fakri - her acting is decent and she looks her part of a Kashmiri girl perfectly, however her accented Hindi doesn't go unnoticed. The film has the last screen presence of Shammi Kapoor. It is a treat to see him onscreen as a Shanai Maestro along with Ranbir Kapoor. Ranbir's ode to Shammi Kapoor's Kashmir Ki Kali is beautiful. Rockstar showcases the metamorphoses of Ranbir Kapoor as a brilliant actor and performer. He definitely proves that acting is in his blood.

Overall, the movie did not live up to the hype it created. However worth a watch if you have the time. Theater - if you enjoy heavy metal otherwise wait for it to come on DVD.

Ra.One: The Review

Verdict: Phenomenon
"K" Rating: 4.5
"SRK" Rating: 5/5
Watch: Theater 

Ladies and Gentleman, more importantly boys and girls - get ready for the neo-age Ra.One to lightup the theater near you and do a dhamaka at the box office this Diwali. An apt story of restoring the reign of good over evil in a world where we fight mythical demons mostly in video games on our PS3 & Wiis.

Ra.One has set a new standard for Hindi Cinema. It is a visual treat for the audience in terms of the VFX and action sequences which are of International standards. Ra.One is a sci-fi movie which creates a new Indian superhero - G.ONE [ the Good One or Jeevan]. What works for the film is that camouflaged in the western look it is a very Indian film. The  core emotions and feel is very Bollywood minus the so called "dancing around trees". 

Ensemble cast of the film befits the characters very well - Kareena Kapoor looks stunning as the Chammak challo and portrays a gamut of emotions exceptionally well. Arjun Rampal as Ra.One [Raavan] looks the part with his shaven head, cape and ripped body adorned with tattoos. Armaan as the geek school boy obsessed with video games is great.Shahrukh Khan has never looked better than in the G.One Superhero avatar. It is not the run of the mill SRK romantic movie one might expect, after MNIK [My Name Is Khan]  this is yet another feather in his cap. 

Storyline is essentially a father-son story with a tight screenplay. The plot revolves around a stereotypical south Indian geek dad who wants to make friends and be a hero for his Brit-Indian adolescent gamer son. Trying to achieve this, he designs a video game which is when all hell brakes loose.

First 10 minutes of the movie might bewilder the movie goers as one is inside a video game [ likes of Lord of the Rings & World of War Craft] but fortunately for the audience the characters come out in our world. The first hour of the movie builds the base but tends to be slow, satirical but picks up pace soon enough.The movie spoofs on all - Bruce Lee, Michael Jackson, Kalnayak, Robot, SRK's own dialogues and ofcourse the stereotypical South Indians.

Music by Vishal-Shekhar is fantastic - collaboration with International singer like Akon has add a distinct flavour to Chammak Challo [ 5 versions in the album] and Criminal - which are a hit already. Soulful numbers like Dildara prove to be savory. There are couple of instrumental numbers which form the theme of  Ra.One - one which stands out is composed/conducted by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. 

All in all, Ra.One is sci-fi family adventure flick which will entertain the younger audience to the hilt. Kudos to Red Chillies and SRK for bringing a Hollywood like Superhero to Indian screen with the right amount of desi tadka.