Happy new year from my friend Cherry!

[Photo by Cherry]

2008 is finally over!

I'm sure all the bloggers are now writing their personal resume of 2008. Well, I won't. You can browse through my previous posts to see how it was in 08 for me. I never expected I would still be writing this blog now, becasue I started blogging 2006 and I lost my interest after few posts.. This time is different. I've changed. Sometimes I have something on my mind, I just love to bring it 'on digital paper'. Anyway, I know this blog is not very famous or has many followers. But hey, the title is 'nino talking to himself'. So I don't really care who reads it. Not even my friends read it or my girlfriend. Ok, because I keep it 'under the radar', I haven't really posted many links to my blog on other websites. But..., I prefer it that way. I think there's so many blogs that are yet to be discovered. I hope mine will be something like that, too. Especially if one day I have children of my own. Let's say my children become teenagers somewhere between 2020 and 2030 (I persume) and one day they browse through their father's blog and say: Wow, dad, you started to write this blog so long ago, in 2008? Wow… That's like… ancient.

Because I'm someone who loves to look to the future and imagine how will life be in 2020 or 2050. I even wonder if I'm going to make it to 2060s. Will I still have this blog? Will it remain online? Will we actually still have internet the way we know it now? I mean, when I was a teenager, there was no 'ringtones', 'text messages', 'digital cameras' or 'laptops'… The most advanced thing was the TV. So sometimes I wonder how will we, as grandparents, somewhere in the 2050s, explain to our children, that we grew up without all these gadgets? I guess they won't be able to imagine an 'analog life'. Beacause frankly, I can't imagine it myself anymore… Sometimes I look back in the year 1997, when some people got their first cell phones. I thought they were just trying to impress others, trying to appear as very important. We used to make fun of them… One year later, more than half of the people had their cell phones already. I was resistant until the late year 2001. I don't regret it… Because frankly, I didn't need it at that time. But who knows, if I really need it these days…

So, we can't know, what will be in 50 years, but I'm happy I was there at the beggining of the digital era. I will have many stories to tell my grandchildren... Hmmm... But if I think, I guess they may check Wikipedia instead :-)

Western guy living in a Chinese family

Let me share my experience

Let me share a unique experience with you. I happened to live in a Chinese family for three months and I wanna share my observations with you. This may be useful for those Westerners, who don't know a lot about Chinese culture and wants to know more. First, the facts:

How big is the family?

Ok, first I must say, I live in a quite big family for these modern times. It's a middle class family, consisting of parents, grandma, 1 grandchild and 5 daughters, of which the youngest is 17 and the oldest 25. Three daughters are already married and live on their own, but visit every day. So all together there is 8 daughters (between 17 and 30 years old). Two of which have already children, so sometimes there's 4 grandchildren at the house.

What did I notice?

A Chinese family of this size and consisting of so many women can be very noisy. But that's only at the first glance. Soon I realized that they are very friendly and hospitable towards me. Food is the central part of the family. For Chinese in general, the food is the most important thing. I saw them spend a lot of money on all kinds of food. They would even travel more than 100km just to go eat into a restaurant that has some unique and delicious food. Chinese are very genorous. They treat me so much, I stopped counting and I accepted it as normal. In my country, you always remember who treated you and you seek to treat him back. I can't keep up with my new friends here. They are too genorous. Even when I tried to treat them back, they refused by saying: When I'm in your country, you treat me. It's very unlikely that this will be the case. But I accept it and if really that was to happen, I would gladly return the hospitality at home.
Besides food, Chinese are very traditional. When it comes to family values and friendships, Chinese tend to have very good relations and they respect the elderly more than the Westerners. They also respect their ancestors by lighting sticks every day at the domestic temple and by praying every day and following all other traditional celabrations, of which the most important is Chinese New Year.
Chinese here (Johor, Malaysia) don't have many encounters with Westerners, probably because it's a small town and a rural area. That's why they are curious to see me. Most of them are not fluent in english. The few who are, have many questions. The first one is usually 'Where are you from?' followed by 'Have you eaten already'? As mentioned before, food is very important in the daily life of Chinese. That's why when they have 'small talk', usual question would be: Have you eaten already? ( 你吃了?)
If you consider all the facts, Chinese people can be seen as conservative, but in some cases very progressive and modern. Especially the young people copy the fashion styles of the West or Japan. Older people are naturally more conservative, but most of them allow the young people their way of life and they are non-judgmental. Somehow all generations can find a common ground and stick together as a family. Chinese don't like to talk about their family problems to outsiders. It stays in the family.

In conclusion.

I'm glad to see a culture as complex as Chinese from so close and learn so many new things about it and correct my perception or stereotypical thinking. I hope I will learn more and get to see many more aspects of Chinese culture in the weeks ahead. I especially look forward to Chinese new year 2009.

[My MALAYSIA page][All photos by MKL, 2008]

Eliza Dushku Topless in Latest Role

Eliza Dushku appears topless in her latest film, The Alphabet Killer.

I've never thought Eliza was that hot anyway, but in the new film, topless or not, she looks pretty plain..

From Wikipedia:

Dushku was born in Watertown, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, the daughter of Philip R. Dushku, an administrator and teacher in the Boston Public Schools, and ex-wife Judith "Judy" (née Rasmussen), a professor. Dushku's father is Albanian American and her mother is Danish American through both of her grandfathers and English American through both of her grandmothers.

Dushku attended Beaver Country Day School in Chestnut Hill, Mass and graduated from Watertown High School (Massachusetts) as a teenager. She was raised a Mormon, the faith of her mother (though she is not actively practicing).

She has three older brothers: Aaron, Benjamin (Ben) (born February 5, 1976), and Nathaniel (Nate) (born June 8, 1977, in Boston, Massachusetts), the last of whom is a model and actor. Her parents divorced when she was still an infant.

In 2005 she visited her father's family in Albania after being personally invited by the president. While there she also visited the Albanian Community in Kosovo and got an Albanian Eagle tattooed on the back of her neck.

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Barack Obama Shirtless, Nice Body!

Wow! Barack Obama sure looks nice without a shirt on..

Meooooooooooowwwwwwwww!

Check him out in Hawaii showing off that great bod - AND check out the police presence!

[TMZ]

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Kim Kardashian 2009 Calendar [Photos]

Thank goodness Kim Kardashian is pretty, because she is dumb and boring as all get out.

Here are some shots from her 2009 calendar.

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Amy Winehouse Topless

Amy Winehouse was snapped enjoying the beaches of St. Lucia topless this weekend.

The singer, who is supposedly clean these days, had no fear of taking her top off and enjoying the sun's rays.

Amy looks to have gained some weight recently as well.

Let's hope Amy is on the path to recovery!



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Britney Spears and Benji Madden are dating

Benji Madden and Britney Spears are reportedly dating despite Benji having recently broke up with Paris Hilton.

Spears’ manager, Larry Rudolph, introduced them. Rudolph has been seeking a new man out for Britney.

Other men he contacted include Michael Phelps and Chace Crawford as potential new mates, but it was Madden who was the most interested in meeting the pop princess.

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Paris Hilton's home robbed, $2 million in jewelry taken

The L.A. Times has reported that Paris Hilton's home was broken into this morning.

The robber wore a hooded sweatshirt and gloves. He forced entry into her home through the front door and ransacked her bedroom. He got away with $2 million dollars in jewelry and other belongings.

Paris was not home at the time, but reportedly has surveillance equipment installed.

Paris recently boasted of her elaborate home saying, “The best thing I’ve ever bought with money is my house. Having a nightclub in your house really helps for having a party.”


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Singapore: City of my memories

So... I've been to Singapore, again. Only a 2 days 'adventure' this time. It was ok. What to say... Since I've been in Singapore twice before, what's more I can say I lived there for nearly 3 months, so I know this place in and out. I have to say, I felt a bit uptight, partly because I had to face my past, partly because I went there to return back to Malaysia and extend my stay.
Well, Singapore is a great city! If it's a great state, that's up for discussion. But as a city it's really unique. Always sunny weather, always clean, stuffed with delicious food, friendly people, it's very easy to get around... If you stay for a short period, Singapore will leave a great impression. If you stay longer, if you mix up with locals, you will see, it's not all so great. But tell me any country, where things are enirely great? So, Singapore is a great mixture of foods and races and modern and historic architecture. I recommend to anyone who is a passionate traveller to see Singapore at least once in your life.
I enjoyed my short stay in that vibrant city, even if I had my own issues, I think I will gladly come back to Singapore in the future.
Btw, it was again a pleasure to enjoy myself at Sentosa island. Much has changed, which made me a bit sad. I don't like that they are building so much, it will destroy the peaceful green island it used to be and transform in into a mass tourism destination. Let's just hope it won't turn out too bad.

[Photo by MKL, 2008]

Carmen Electra Nude in Playboy

Carmen Electra is naked in Playboy's 55th Anniversary issue which is on newsstands now!

Electra has been featured on the cover and in the magazine numerous times throughout her career. This time the sexy star has an exclusive eight page pictorial!

Take a peek for yourself. Here's just a sampling of what you can expect!


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Naked Khloe Kardashian says she is no hypocrite

After Khloe Kardashian posed naked for PETA many people called her out saying she was a hypocrite because she did, in fact, wear fur.

Khloe is hitting back at her critics, saying since joining up with the animal rights group she has changed her ways.

"As some of you might have seen today, there are several people who have taken to the web calling me a hypocrite and posting photos of me wearing fur.

The reason PETA approached me initially is because in my past I did wear fur and they wanted to educate me on the brutal ways in which animals are skinned for their pelts. After watching their video once, I was so horrified that I immediately swore off fur. The cruel treatment I saw had a great impact on me and I am deeply hurt that people are trying to criticize me for uneducated choices I made in my past that I now regret terribly.

I do know there are tons of photos where I am wearing fur pieces so this is to be expected, but I just wanted to let you know the real story behind my conscious decision and compassionate change of heart.

I have changed my ways and I hope that many other people will as well."

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Halle Berry Nipple Slip

While shooting 'Frankie and Alice' in Vancouver Canada, Halle Berry was running around topless!

Who knew she would be getting nearly naked for her next role?

Nice nipple slip, Halle!

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Mark Ruffalo's brother's death ruled a homicide

Scott Ruffalo died at the hands of a murderer.

The LA County Coroner's Office says Ruffalo's death was not caused by Russian Roulette but was instead a homicide.

Shaha Mishaal Adham, a person of interest, was arrested but later released by police.

Police have not revealed a motive at this time.

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Eddie Murphy is The Riddler

The Sun is reporting that Eddie Murphy will play The Riddler in the upcoming Batman movie.

A source said, “[Director Christopher Nolan] wasn’t sure if he wanted to do another movie but as soon as he decided to, he got the wheels in motion. Eddie’s a fantastic addition. Everyone’s excited to see what he does as the Riddler.”

Shia LaBeouf will play Robin, Christian Bale will return as Bruce Wayne, Michael Caine also returning as his assistant Alfred, and Rachel Weisz is Catwoman.

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Justin Levens, UFC fighter, dead in murder suicide

UFC fighter Justin Levens, 28, and his wife, Sarah McLean-Levens, 25, were found dead yesterday in what seems to be a murder suicide.

Both had been shot.

Levens fought with UFC, Fight League and MMA organizations.

All the latest SMACK at CelebritySmackBlog.com!

Mindy McCready Suicide Attempt

Country singer Mindy has been hospitalized after a botched suicide attempt.

The troubled singer attempted suicide back in 2005 by taking a large dose of pills and alcohol, leaving behind a 4-page suicide note.

She also suffered a breakdown last summer after her 1991 affair with Roger Clemens was discovered.

McCready, 33, was hospitalized this morning after another attempt to take her own life.

Paramedics were called by McCready’s roommate’s mother who said the star had called her and had caused her some concern.

She was taken to a Nashville hospital. She had reportedly slashed her wrists.

A Nashville police spokesperson stated,

“We responded to a ‘10-63,’ that’s a suicidal person call. Mindy McCready was at the house…We responded with paramedics, who took her to a local hospital.”


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Kuala Lumpur: City in motion

After 4 years, I've been again to Kuala Lumpur. To the ones who don't know KL, it's is the capital city of Malaysia, located in southeast Asia. It's one of the fastest growing cities in the area. It's a mix of a modern clean asian city and a messy old fashioned asian province town. The latter is slowly disappearing, especially in the city centre. Since 4 years ago, when I was last time in KL, so many new buildings rose from the ground: It's amazing! Around the famous Petronas twin towers, there's so many new highrise condos, I wonder who will live there and how will the higher densitiy affect the already highly congested traffic.
I hope to return there next year, because KL is always worth to visit. You see so many different people from all over the world. The cab is cheap, the food is delicious and affordable, shopping is great in this period before the New year and Chinese new year. I recomment to everybody who's in this part of the world: Visit Kuala Lumpur! You won't regret it. Photo: KL at night. Hint: December and January are very rainy, so don't forget your umbrella.

[My MALAYSIA page][My KUALA LUMPUR page][All photos by MKL, 2008]

We cannot change...

[Photo by MKL taken in Kukup, Malaysia, 2008]

Comparing two climates

Sometimes I really consider myself lucky. I saw some pictures coming from Slovenia around this time, showing the huge amounts of snow. Well, at the same time I was looking at that photos, I was in slippers and shorts, sipping beer in the tropical heat of over 30 degrees. What a difference, don't you think?

[My MALAYSIA page][Photos by MKL, 2008]

Village comparison: Slovenia and Malaysia

The countryside is same everywhere!

[Photos by MKL (2003-2008]

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Singapore's little bad brother

I've been to Johor Bahru today (in Chinese New Mountain or 新山), or JB as the Malaysians like to say. One would never expect how big JB is. It's the second biggest Malaysian city, with it's suburbs, stretched around the border with Singapore, the JB metro area has a population of 1.8 million. Compare that with 4.5 million inhabitants of Singapore, and you'll see JB, his small brother, is getting fatter and fatter. Sure, you can't compare these two cities in some other aspects, such as prosperity, safety and importance in the world. While Singapore is known for being a very safe and clean world-known economic hub, full of interesting things to see, JB is just crowded, not very well-known, has not plenty sights to offer. In addition to that, it has one of the highest crime rates in Malaysia (so I've been told by my Malaysian friends). Ok, I felt pretty safe, although I heard so many scary stories how people got mugged or even stabbed. So be cautious when you're heading there. Some parts look quite nice, remind me of Singapore, especially the architecture of some high-rise buildings and the way they pave the streets. Many say JB is very good for shopping. So enjoy it, while being cautious. Despite what I said, JB is worth to visit. At least once.

See my photos of Johor Bahru:

This is a suburb of JB. The suburbs are huge and long.

Inside JB the traffic is congested.

Looks a bit like Singapore.

One of the main roads is paved.

Malaysian styled high-rise building, a mix of Muslim elements with post-modern touches.

One of the taller buildings in JB. I don't know the name.

Another high-rise nearby.

This is a shopping mall, where my da jie and I went to have a drink.

High-rise buildings again.

A closeup.

A church, probably a remain of the British colonialization.

[My MALAYSIA page][Info: Source][All photos by MKL, 2007]

Kluang, Malaysia

A small town in Johor

I've been to Kluang (Chinese 居銮) today, a small town in Malaysia. It really seemed small, but comparing to Slovenian towns, it would be considered a big town. It has 140.000 inhabitants, seems as if it had more than my native town of Maribor (110.000). But you walk around the place, it's really smaller than Maribor. So it made me think, how come it's so small in size, yet it has more inhabitants. The answer is simple: While in Slovenia we have a big house, yet only 2 or 3 people live in it, in Malaysia, houses are small and full of people, families can easily exceed 10 members (usually mum, dad, 3-5 children, grandma, maybe even some grand children). Then it's no wonder you don't see huge blocks, because there's no demand from the people. Sure, Kluang is less developed than Maribor and even less important. In fact, who ever heard of 'Kluang'? Only people in Malaysia and Singapore maybe. And some travellers who happened to travel around there.

Kluang is just a typical Malaysian small town: Crowded, dirty, but partly clean and neat, full of cars, hot, many shops, many shopping malls and with very friendly people. But you won't find anything special there, so if you go to Kluang, don't expect too much.

My photos of Kluang:

Taken in early morning from a top of a shopping mall garage.

Another view.

This is a new central shopping area.

Very colorful.

The lanes are wide here.

Typical Malaysian small town.

Hotel Anika.

The road out of town.

The old Kluang.

Interesting old house.

A backstreet, seen many of these in Malaysia.

A public park, not in the best condition.

Another road.

Another hotel.

Tropical rain in Kluang. It started pouring in the evening.

[My MALAYSIA page][All photos by MKL, 2008]