Monday, August 30, 2010

An intimate conversation between two planners.

X: You know, I don't really agree on how it was done. Come to think of it, it was such a demeaning thing to do if you ask me.

X-1: Well, I don't agree either but I can understand why. You seem like one with a lot of high values, aren't you?

X: Of course! We have to stand on certain moral grounds.

X-1: But who appointed you the moral guardian of others?

X: So you're telling me you have none?

X-1: I do have my own values. It's just that sometimes, this job takes you to certain corners of your belief system and jolts it hard. And sometimes in order to really gain some kind of illumination, you've just got to be brave enough to explore the unknown.

X: And what? And lose your values?

X-1: No, you just have to always remember the way home. Or risk losing yourself forever. This job is sometimes a moral dilemma. You have too many rules, they become stumbling blocks. You just need to know how to bend it when the situation calls for it.

X: I believe that there is right and there is wrong to things. And values help us differentiate that.

X-1: Only for you. Not everyone has the same values as you. Remember? Like perfection, absolute value doesn't exist either...

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Everyone has a voice. Even those who have none.

This morning while driving to work, I saw a bunch of kindergarteners being ushered by their teachers to stand (safely) by the roadside. And they started shouting excitedly, waving their precious Malaysian flags enthusiastically at groggy drivers off to start another day of work. It was such a refreshing sight! Kudos to whomever (teacher, I presume) who came up with that brilliant idea. It certainly made my day. It made me smile ;)

And just now, a good friend of mine shared a video he made in conjunction with the upcoming Independence Day celebration and I was really touched.


Listen to Malaysia.

We have a new voice. We're searching for an identity which was long buried and forgotten, but had always been there. Our attention was diverted to every other concern, except for the most pressing one - coming together, being united, standing as one. We should be standing for those who don't have a voice. Providing to those who don't have anything to eat. Caring for those who don't have a home. Regardless of ethnicity, religious beliefs, language and skin color.

There is something special this year. On the 31st of August, we will have a new voice. And we will fully embrace being 1Malaysia. Selamat Hari Merdeka ;) If you're Malaysian, I just want to tell you that no matter how f*cked up the government is, she loves you all the same. Just doesn't understand why you couldn't reciprocate.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Slipknot is hiring.

Digital agency hiring Account Manager and Account Executive. Applicants with CRM experience will gain brownie points.

Only those who are interested and interesting need to apply ;)

Send your sterling resume to this address.

The 'jilting' theory.

Research says that people who were denied something, will want it more. But are also more likely to give it up when they finally get it.

Hmm. Relevant in marketing? Relevant in courting? Games or not, you decide ;)

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Asterix and the Normans by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo.

This brings back so much childhood memories. Yeah, while growing up with tales of damsels in distress, I also buried myself into Asterix. And it's so fun to read, even till today. Although I must admit, I only discovered my ability to read in between some lines and laugh at the pun now! Honestly, I never knew why they had funny names or what they meant when I was five. But now I do :)

And I'm determined to collect the entire series.

Available at Times bookstore.

Sparks Open Library Project

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Tourism Malaysia.

It's here again. Every local agency in Malaysia; established ones, I've-heard-of ones, I've-never-heard-of ones are getting into a frenzy of pitching for Malaysia's lucrative tourism account.

Contrary to Nike's belief, I am torn by the 3-way dilemma of just doing it, doing it right and doing the right thing.

What would you do?

When the power of the mind becomes an obsession.

The mind is a matter without form, no beginning but with an ability to stretch infinitely. Its limitation and power till today remains a debatable theory, a maze which as much as Christopher Nolan tries to solve, his efforts for an answer is futile though they are much appreciated. Inception should be hailed as the next best twist after Matrix, the complexities of what goes behind reality is not for the faint-minded. And that, we have Nolan to thank for.



When the credits started rolling, I turned to the person next to me and said, "I think my mind's screwed".

A single idea from the human mind can build cities. An idea (so powerful), it can transform the world and rewrite all the rules. Our job is to find it. And plant it.