Slash is my favourite rockstar contest

Get to watch Slash live in action for FREE!

Slash will be coming to Kuala Lumpur this August 5 and will be performing live at Surf Beach @ Sunway Lagoon. Plus, Malaysia’ legendary rockstar, Amy Search will be performing as the opening act.

Just tell us why Slash is your favourite rockstar and win prizes!

Prizes

Winner

1 x PS 1 ticket and Slash T-shirt in total worth RM 350!

1^st runner up

1 x PS 2 ticket and Slash T-shirt in total worth RM 280!

We have also decided to reward each participant with 1 x PS 2 ticket worth RM 189.

It’s really that simple! Just write and submit your story to us at contactus@fireflyz.com.my now! Please note to also include your article to your personal blog and send us the link.

Hurry up! Contest ends 28^th July 2010.

Rock on with SLASH!

Slash is coming to Kuala Lumpur on August 5, 2010. The multi-talented guitarist will be performing live at Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach.

Slash is one of the most distinctive and in-demand guitarists of the last 30 years, equally confident working in hard rock and pop. As the lead guitarist for Guns N’ Roses, Slash cemented his reputation as a fluid, articulate player, but once he left that band during the ‘90s, he continued to build on his legacy by delivering high-profile guest spots on other people’s albums, not to mention signing on to be a part of the supergroup Velvet Revolver. Born July 23, 1965, Slash released his first solo album, Slash, in 2010. 50,000 unit his album was sold.

Some may also know Slash through his appearance as the playable character in the video game – Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.

Tickets for concert will be available on 15 June 2010 with prices for early birds starting at RM93. So, hurry up and get your tickets at all FATDEAL authorized outlets – Victoria Music Centre at Sungai Wang Plaza, The Bangsar Shopping Center and Tropicana City Mall. You can also buy your tickets now through FATDEAL website: www.fatdeal.com.my or simply contact FATDEAL Hotline at 03 78622000.

This concert is brought to you by Firefly.

So, come and be prepare to be rocked!

What is Ash Wednesday?

I forgot that it was Ash Wednesday yesterday and thus, i forgot that i wasn’t supposed to eat meat and went to McDonald for lunch instead. Hmm..is that a sin since i totally forgot about it.

It’s alright, i didn’t do that on purpose and i’m replacing it today.

Some of you may wonder. Hmm..what is Ash Wednesday?

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and occurs every 40 days (excluding Sundays) until Easter. Now, Lent is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter.

Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the foreheads of adherents as a sign of repentance. The ashes used are typically gathered after the Palm Crosses from the previous year’s Palm Sunday are burned.

The ashes are blessed and are mixed with the sacred oil, though some churches uses ordinary oil. The ashes are then placed (sign of the cross) on the forehead.

I got this from the web from and this explains why we use ashes instead of other stuffs.

“The ashes remind us of our mortality. As they are being “imposed” on our foreheads we hear the bad news from Ecclesiastes 3: “You’ve come from dust, and to dust you will return.” Yet, because the ashes are imposed in the shape of the cross, they also suggest the good news that is yet to come, that which will deliver us from eternal death.”

For Roman Catholic, Ash Wednesday is observed by abstinence and fasting from meat. During the 40 days of Lent, christians are refrain from eating meat (abstinence) every Friday.

Anyways, that’s about the tiny bits of information you need to know to understand Ash Wednesday. To know more, please go to church. Hehe..just kidding.

Enjoy the weekend.

Thousands throng churches to mark Ash Wednesday

Thursday February 18, 2010

PETALING JAYA: Thousands of Christians thronged churches throughout the country to commemorate Ash Wednesday, which signifies the start of the traditional 40-day period of fasting, prayer and penitence before Easter.

Most churches conducted three services for the day, starting from as early as 6.30am.

Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Tan Sri Murphy Pakiam celebrated mass in his chapel within the grounds of his residence in Jalan Bukit Nanas in Kuala Lumpur.

Rev Father Simon Yong, parish priest of the Church of St Francis Xavier, presided over mass for thousands of parishioners attending services at the church yesterday.

He said the fasting period of Lent should be a season of prayer, fasting and alms-giving.

Over at the St Ignatius Church in Kelana Jaya, there was a near full house for the first mass at 6.30am.

Ash Wednesday got its name from the practice of placing ash on the foreheads of the faithful as a sign of repentance.

Your most horrible Valentine’s Day!

Have you ever had any bad experience on your date with your other half on Valentine’s Day? Care to share with us that interesting and perhaps hilarious date of yours?

Write your story as simple as you like and send it over to travel@fireflyz.com.my now and get a chance to win tickets to International destinations with FIREFLY AIRLINES!

First sailing experience on F36!

I went sailing last weekend at Terengganu with the pros of course (i can’t and never will be able to handle a boat on my own). So, i was there for work and we got to experience sailing on another level.

We had briefing from the Monsoon Cup champion, Peter Gilmour and of course, we were taught the basic rule of safety (the thought of falling into the water came into my mind). But anyways, it was pouring, the water was high,cold and muddy (as we were near the coast), the wind was blowing madly and I thought we were not ready to go out in this weather.

We waited for a mere 15 minutes for the rain to slow down, the wind was blowing and we were wet before we can sit on the boat.

After that, we went sailing on a F36 sail boat made from New Zealand in the pouring rain. I was on the white team in which another professional, Dave Mills act as our guide. He assigned me to pull the rope, in which im steering based on the ‘sail’. It was really challenging, having to pull (have to be strong),having to look at the wind direction and mind you, it’s all water on your feet and it was raining (which was kind of hard to open my eyes).

Hence, i really felt like i was in the Monsoon Cup race (thanks to the wind). It was an experience that i will never forget. It was tiring as i used all my body parts but definitely something in which i thought i can and will never do but i did it!

We were so proud of ourselves when we beat Gilmour to the finish line.

To get an experience similar to mine, i have a solution for you.

Just join the Firefly “Sail your way to Monsoon Cup” 2009 on http://blog.fireflyz.com.my

Answer 2 simple questions and give them your best slogan on why you love Firefly and win the chance to be on the ‘HOT SEAT’. The HOT SEAT allows you to be on the same boat when the professionals race. You have first-hand experience on what goes on during the race and plus, you can witness how they manage the boat, well, it wasn’t easy at all, as you need to look out for the wind, the tide change, etc. It’s like engineering to me!

So, grab that chance and sit on the boat when they race. Plus, Firefly will also sponsor your flight to Terengganu for FREE! all you need to pay for is your accommodation in which it will definitely be cheap in TGG.

I’ve went sailing, how about you?

Join now! It’s FREE anyways.

http://blog.fireflyz.com.my

The pink month

I have been supportive of breast cancer awareness month-OCTOBER every year. But this year, i have taken the initiative to spread this awareness to people that are closest to me. I found flyers about self examination from MPH. I took a few many of it, thinking that i will then pass it on to my friends so that they can be aware and get themselves check. However, not many responded positively, they even refused to wear the pink ribbon thinking that it’s cliche and embarassing. Well, i would really like to know what’s so embarrasing about your body. I believe that it’s my body and if i want a healthy body, i need to take care of it and i need information about my body to do so.

I understand that some of them are just scared, scared of facing the fact that they may have it. Well, i think that they are just stupid for running away from the problem when they don’t even know whether they have it. Enough said, prevention is better than too late.

I wanted to support the cause too when i saw the exhibition at KLCC. Purchase RM80 and you get a lipstick, lipgloss and t-shirt (all in pink of course) from Estee Lauder and the best part is, all proceeds will go to the research for breast cancer.

“The Malaysian Health Ministry’s National Cancer Registry indicates that the incidence of breast cancer in 2003 was 46.2 for every 100,000 women – which is 1 IN EVERY 19 women is at risk of getting breast cancer in her lifetime.”

So,

please do get yourself checked whether it is self examination or clinical check up.

“Survey findings by the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) for 2004 indicates only 53.2% of women in Malaysia ever having done a clinical breast examination.”

It shows how much in denial Malaysian women are, even so i would like to emphasize here before i forget that not only women, but men are also at risk of getting breast cancer.

Besides, the lifestyle that you are adopting at the moment, it is healthy enough? Research shows that a healthy lifestyle can also prevent you from getting cancer. “a poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol, and smoking DO affect breast cancer risk, among numerous other health problems.”

However, the cause for breast cancer till today is still unknown. There are few factors that can increase a women’s risk include heredity, early puberty, late childbearing, obesity, and lifestyle factors such as heavy alcohol consumption and smoking.

“The biggest risk factor for breast cancer is age — just growing older. Most breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50, and women over 60 are at the highest risk. The risk for developing breast cancer increases if her mother, sister, daughter, or two or more other close relatives, such as cousins, have a history of breast cancer, especially at a young age. However, 85% of women who develop breast cancer have NO known family history of the disease.”

So, the factors may be a lot but it’s never too late to get yourself examine and making sure that you are healthy right?Start having a healthy diet, exercise and be happy with your life.

Thus, take the initiative, take that one small step in which you can practise straight at home- self examination, get the correct information from the correct sources and do get help or support if you need to. Face it, if you don’t have the strength always ask help from your loved ones.

For more information on Breast Cancer, I urge you to go over to http://www.breastcancer.org. The site has breaking news on the latest breast cancer research, information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options, support discussion boards, online conferences, and much more.

Thank you!

Just a song..

Since i have not much time to blog nowadays, i just want to share a song with you.

Since it’s his favourite, i would like to dedicate this song to all of you.

Enjoy this inspirational song. Download with your player if you can.

Here’s the song.

Gladiator theme song by Hans Zimmer and Liza Gerrard.

I am sure many of you have heard of this song before. So, enjoy!

“Keep fit!”

I know i’m getting fat because am working and working and no time to do my exercise anymore. Actually, the fact is not that i don’t have the time but i don’t have the determination to go out even for a walk after work because i feel so tired and just want to sleep. Well, i’m going to change otherwise ill be a big fat pig soon. I’m currently controlling what i eat but still a bit of an exercise regularly is good for the health right? So, must keep that determination high up so that…hmm…so that…i can fit into beautiful clothes.

Here are some tips i got on the web. Check it out so that you will stay fit!

Can’t seem to shake off those excess flabs? Check out these diet facts and research findings on weight loss:

1. Read food labels
Low-fat labels don’t always mean a healthy choice, so check out the food labels on the back of food products before making a purchase.
Singapore Health Promotion Board recommends reducing your total fat intake to no more than 30% of total calories, while your saturated fat intake should not exceed more than 10%.

2. Eat your carbs
In order to slim down, some people cut out all carbs. But it’s not healthy to avoid an entire food group altogether – studies show that a high-protein, high-fat diet may be harmful for the kidneys. Complex carbs, like vegetables and wholegrains actually help you feel full faster, so you eat less overall.

3. Have a healthy breakfast
Several research findings have established that skipping breakfast is a risk factor for being overweight. Eating a hearty low-fat, high-fiber breakfast can actually help one lose weight. Breakfast is important for peak work performance in the mornings too.

4. Add gym-free cardio workouts to your exercise regime
You don’t have to go to a gym for your cardio workout — housework, walking, using the overhead bridge instead of jay-walking — all these count as moderate cardio activities and help burn fat.

5. Forget about strange, fad diets
Fad diets almost always overemphasize on a particular type of food, and include an impossible list of “good food” and “bad food” you must rigidly adhere to for rapid weight loss. But this sort of selective eating is nutritionally imbalanced and unhealthy. If you can’t imagine yourself eating that way for the rest of your life, don’t even waste your time or health on it.

6. Say no to empty calories
Avoid junk food such as candy bars, chips, alcohol and fizzy sodas. These are high in calories but zero in nutritional value. If you are hungry, eat a proper but smaller-portion meal like sandwiches or salads instead.

7. Get a body-shaping product
Buy a body-shaping cream and slather on, especially during PMS, to beat water retention – a carefully maintained figure helps make you stay motivated psychologically so slipping is less likely.

8. Build your muscles
Start to strength train twice a week. Muscle requires a lot of energy to maintain itself and burns more calories than fat tissues.
In fact, every kilogram of new muscle you build will burn off around 130 kcals per day. This ups your basal metabolic rate in order to supply the extra energy every hour, every minute. Building muscle also forces the body to use fat, not muscle, when you’re on a diet.

9. Cook using more spices and less dressings
Go easy on fatty dressings like mayonnaise and thousand island sauces. Instead, flavor up your salads and dishes with low-fat seasonings and local spices such as blachan chilli, black pepper sauce, garlic etc.

10. Keep a food journal
Keep a record of your food choices, indicating how hungry you are each time you eat. Pay particular attention to your level of hunger when you snack. Studies have shown that even keeping track of what you eat for one day can help you make changes in your diet.

Well, for me some of them i can do like having breakfast,avoid eating junk foods, and forget about some strange fad diets. Take some that you can do, you don’t need to do everything concerning that you are not Wonder woman after all.

Learn your subject

Hello all, got this from another source and think this is relevant to those who want to venture into the fashion industry whether it is design, writing, marketing, buyer, wedding or photography. You should definitely learn your subject before you start looking for a job.

The fashion industry is glamorous, exciting, and extremely difficult to break into. If you plan on making it in this super competitive field, you’ll need more than an interest in shopping! Before you even start looking for a job in design, marketing, buying, magazine writing or photography, you’ll need to have an arsenal of resources and knowledge to back you up. One of the most important things you can do for yourself is to know your field inside and out. Employers won’t waste their time on you if you aren’t familiar with industry names and terms. So before you start planning your future resort lines, take some time to familiarize yourself with these big names.

Clothing

Haute Couture

The French term for high fashion (or more specifically, high sewing or high dressmaking) that refers to high quality pieces made from expensive fabrics. In France, the term is well-guarded, and only certain design houses can use the term to describe their clothing. However, the term is often used simply to describe fashion houses that create exclusive, expensive, and trend setting fashions.

Ready-To-Wear

Derived from the French term “prêt-a-porter,” ready-to-wear pieces are sewn from high-quality fabrics and made with an eye for detail and fit.

Ready-to-wear lines are show in Fashion Weeks around the world, and are sold in high-end stores.

Avant Garde

Not necessarily a fashion-specific term, avant-garde works are experimental and innovative. Avant-garde designers push the limits of what is acceptable and “normal,” often creative over-the-top pieces you’d have a difficult time wearing in public. Think of it as the “abstract” branch of fashion design.

Mass Market

Mass market items fall under the category of the day-to-day clothing we buy from the mall or online. These pieces often mimic designer looks for a more affordable price, and some designers even offer a mass market version of their ready-to-wear lines.

Designers

Charles Frederick Worth

This designer is known as the “father of modern fashion design” because he was one of the first clothing makers to sew his label into his clothing! He was also one of the first designers to make inexpensive versions of this couture clothing for the general public.

Coco Chanel

Now one of the most well-known names in fashion, Chanel was built by a woman who wanted comfortable clothing in an age of corsets. Coco Chanel built an empire with her power suits, black dresses, and quilted bags. She is often considered one of the most glamorous women in the history of modern fashion design.

Yves Saint Laurent

Popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Laurent is famous for his safari jackets and tight pants.

Other Designers You Should Know Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Tom Ford, John Galliano, Valentino Garavani, Jean Paul Gaultier, Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Karl Lagerfeld, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, Anna Sui, Gianni and Donatella Versace, Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Vivienne Westwood, Matthew Williamson.

Try to pick five to seven designers, then study their runways shows and advertising campaigns. It’s better to know some designers extremely well than all of them just a little bit.

Photographers

Anna-Lou “Annie” Leibovitz

This American photographer is responsible from some of the most dramatic portraits shots created. She shot the infamous “Alice in Wonderland” spread for Vogue, and her subjects have included the Queen mother, John Lennon, and Cyndi Lauper.

Richard Avedon

A regular fashion photographer for Harpers Bazaar, Vogue, and Life, Avedon used a minimalist style that became his trademark.

Other Photographers You Should Know Nigel Barker, Patrick Demarchelier, Steven Meisel, Helmut Newton, Mario Testino, Albert Watson, Bruce Weber.

Learn these important names and terms, study the work of these designers and photographers, and immerse yourself in fashion every chance you get. You should subscribe to major fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle, as well as watch runway shows on your computer. It may feel like a part-time job, but you won’t regret the time you invested when your interview rolls around.