Star versus Sun.

On the Malaysian single mother who abused her Indonesian maid.

Read in The Star, 10/07/09:
'She escaped from the employer's residence in Lanai Kiara Condominium in Mont Kiara with the help of a neighbour at 7.30am on Monday. "I used a steel rod to prise open the front grille and with the help of a neighbour, I took a taxi to the Indonesian Embassy."'

Read in The Sun, same day:
'She had escaped at 1am and hid in bushes until sunrise before seeking the help of a passing taxi driver who sent her to the embassy.'

So was it 1am or 7.30am? Was it the bushes or the neighbour? Was it prying or hiding? But we can definitely be sure of one thing. It was a taxi.

If the media is flawed, then who is responsible for the public actions taken based on inaccurate information? If something so 'seemingly' insignificant is overlooked, then what about bigger stories? What about political news? What about the actual state of our economy? Who do we listen to? So we no longer depend on one source of information but multiple ones. Because the MEDIA in this country is FLAWED. Who would police that? Who will rectify that?

How to be a (great) planner 101 #1.

Don't ever. EVER. Think you have something which is above the rest. If you resist the driver, BE a driver. If you resist the promoter girls, BE a promoter girl. If you resist the Mat Rempits, BE one of them (just make sure you don't get caught and you did not. I repeat, DID NOT read this from my blog). If you resist the client, run a mile in their shoes. If you hate your supplier, move in with them for a month (which I did, not a month because my 'own house' was on fire... but thanks Slipknot ;) I don't hate you guys so much anymore).

The tip is to be able to relate to almost everything and anything in the world. Because these things give you perspectives. Perspectives give you understanding. And it is this 'understanding' which gives you insights.

New Mazda 3 Sport.

I've not seen it, nor test driven it. Only read it in Paul Tan. But judging from the looks, if given all specs and features are competitive with other models of the same 1.6 and 2.0 range, I'm a little perplexed with it's smiley, 'roundish', button-logo-nosed face. It reminds me of Vios (in a very small way). Which comes as a surprise because I've always associated Mazda with dramatic and fluid designs born from haikus (think Taiki).

But yea, side profile looks better.

Personally, it's still got to be the hatchback (which will only be available later). For some strange reason, the hatch version is more expensive than the sedan (according to previous Mazda 3's pricing). But still. Definitely the hatch ;) I just hate to think about the gapping front this sexy back is attached to.

There's just something about using indie tracks in commercials that is so... original. And trendy. I'm not sure who did the above commercials, but great visual script. You know, it's something like that that makes you wonder how it was sold. I can only imagine the conversation:

Creative: You know? It's like you're seeing something, but you're not really seeing something.

Mr. Client: (raises eyebrow)

Creative: Or you thought you saw something but it's really something else.

Mr. Client: Are you... on dope?

Original tracks: Honey Tree by The Mostar Diving Club, Together by Rabbit and See You On the Moon by Great Lake Swimmers.

Sometimes we forget. It's the detail that gets people talking. Google the titles and you'll see hundreds of conversations sparked by simple sheer curiosity. What song? Who sings it? Where can I find it? Where are the lyrics?

Every little thing can grow big online, yet how much are we leveraging on that?

What were the Koreans thinking?

New Hyundai Verna. :/ + deep breath... I don't know. I really don't know. Too many folds? Trying to be muscular but gets all flabby everywhere? I really don't know...

Can your Subaru do this?

Wiki's definition: Gymkhana events are time/speed events (for our purposes here) in an automobile. There can be obstacles such as cones, tires, and barrels. The driver is expected to maneuver through the predetermined "track" performing many different driving techniques. What separates gymkhana from your traditional autocross event is that in gymkhana drivers are required to perform reversals, 180 degree spins, 360 degree spins, parking boxes, figure 8s and other advanced skills. Also drifting is encouraged where helpful/necessary. Really though, you can consider any event a Gymkhana which has a starting point, a finish line and some sort of "obstacle" to get through, around, or by, and is timed.

I must admit, this 2-million-over-viewed video is. Inspiring. Makes you wanna do your car right now. I'm wondering how many times they took to retake certain scenes (i.e 2:14 and 3:14) which really, really, really stop your pulse momentarily because 1cm makes all the difference. However, having said that. As cool as the video gets, I think they can do away with certain 'Bollywood-ish' scenes. I mean, the skirmish thing and the explosion... didn't quite do it for me. Guess they imported a little bit too much drama from the 'yo-yo-yo-oversized-pants' community. But yea, don't get me wrong. Ken Block is cool, the stunts are stunning, but the drama? ... Let's keep it real yo.

Honda Keep Doing.

Awesome video. Used in dealerships and trade shows to support Honda's environmental efforts. The 'challenging spirit' in a different interpretation. Initially, I didn't know who were the producers but there are some strange similarities to the award-winning Honda Accord Cog TVC and the design elements are pretty distinctive and I immediately knew, it must be the guys in W+K ;)