Tom, just for the record, Malcolm broke the picture glass. But you didn't hear that from me, because I'm not one to snitch.

Chad 85

The ego of some highly paid athletes has risen to the point of self-absorbed insanity. The amount of verbal garbage and disrespect towards coaches, fans and fellow players throughout the major sports in the US has sunken the integrity of baseball, football, basketball and hockey to an all-time low.

No doubt that the ESPN highlights showcasing professionals' superhuman talents are a spectacle to behold. However, less than exemplary behavior and comments on and off the playing field leave little to to be desired.



The latest exploit involves the NFL vs. Chad Ochocinco (formerly known as Chad Johnson and by many fans and media considered to be a world-class jackass) over the right to twitter on the sidelines during the game. The NFL says no, which in my opinion is the right decision. I'm quite sure the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals would appreciate if Chad spent more time thinking about helping his team win the game, as oppose to him worrying about creative ways to taunt the opposition.



Chad has been a problem child since his rookie season. His brash comments and unsportsman like conduct on the field have cost Chad thousands of dollars in fines levied by the NFL sports commissioner. But Chad is making millions, so he doesn't care. You may think the solution is simple; just drop him from the league. But that is not likely to happen, because Chad's on field performances win games and puts the butts of paying fans in the stands. Chad is undeniably one of the best wide-outs in the NFL. Hall of Famer Jerry Rice would have probably caught a hundred more passes during his career, if he had Chad's skills.



Chad has been left unchecked far too long to stop his showboating completely. The only hope for the NFL at this point is to manage Chad's behavior, and try to prevent others from following in his footsteps. That task should keep the commissioner up late at night.

Why can't you walk/run like everyone else?

One would think that people working out in KLCC Park would be more than welcomed, especially since the area was designed for outdoor activity. Apparently the security guards patrolling the park think differently. My client and I have been harassed 3 times inside of 6 workouts by security personnel while training. The thought that anyone would like to do more than just walk or run around the track seems to be a bizarre notion boarding on indecent public behavior. It is as though the sight of a bouncing medicine ball could single-handily upset the serene order of the park and threaten public safety.

Hopefully after today the matter has been resolved, after speaking to the head security officer, Omar, for yet the third time. I have assured him that no plants, animals or children were harmed or exploited during any of the exercises.

Lucky Face

Yesterday I was told by an unknown Indian chap, "you sir, have a lucky face". But this came as no surprise, because I was previously enlightened by two other members of the Indian Luck Brigade. So I am well aware of the lucky engraved lines on my face outlining the good fortune that lies ahead me.

Before the 'Good Samaritan' could finish asking me for my vital statics (marriage status, place of birth, name, favorite flower, a number between 1 and 10, so on and so forth) I politely interrupted him, thanked him for his time and stepped off. When I looked back, I noticed the expression on his face looked less than lucky. I guess it was because he didn't get that RM donation he was fishing for.

A truly pious act should be committed without expectations, therefore you will never be disappointed.

Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

You will know how you lived your life by the events that follow your death. Few people will be given a memorial service so large that it has to be held at the Los Angeles Staple Center only attended by those bearing a ticket to enter the arena.

In fact most people's death will go largely unnoticed. The simple reason being that the common man's/woman's existence is barely recognized, except by one's immediate family and a few close friends.

In a day a million births coincides with a million deaths. That's the cycle of life. What one does in between determines their fate thereafter and how you will be remembered; or not.

Whether you loved Michael Jackson or hated him. One thing for certain is that you know who he was, what he did and when he was no longer. For that to have happened speaks volumes about the man.

Obviously no will know whether Michael Jackson would have approved of his memorial services that toke center stage around the world today. But in my opinion the way the events unfolded were very reflective of his life...funny, sad, touching, happy, pop-iconic and sometimes bizarre.

Personally, I am a big fan of Michael Jackson's music and stage shows. Despite some of the strange stories and events that surrounded his life, he touched the world in a positive way through song and dance. That's what I will choose to remember. Judgement lies elsewhere.

Doing it in the park

In the last month before Gold's Gym shut its doors there was a lot of chatter amongst the members about what fitness center they would join next. I was solicited for suggestions on several occasions by numerous people. But funny, I didn't give much thought to where I would workout. The gym in my condo is a joke, and I can't bear the thought of joining a former competitor's gym. So I think KLCC park will have to be my stumping grounds.

The playground is actually a great place to workout, minus any screaming kids. The surface surrounding the area is non-skid and cushioned. There are plenty of bars to hang the TRX (suspension trainer) and bands on. The track is close by for warm-up and sprints. I certainly can't complain about the aesthetics or lack of space. Best of all, I can get a white chocolate latte from Coffee Bean when I'm done.

All That Remains...

The aerobic room tends to be at the center of the action in most fitness centers. Gold's Gym Kuala Lumpur was no exception to this rule. But now only the shadows dance in the dark. All that remains are memories written in the dust and few loosely scattered items left behind in the exodus. It's hard to believe that less than two weeks ago, I taught a boxing class in this very room.

In the end it's not the room that I will miss, but the good times I had teaching, laughing and playing in it. I look forward to the next opportunity to hop, skip and jump on another aerobic floor; like I did on this one.