Farewell 2014, Hello 2015: Thoughts For The New Year

2014 has been an interesting year. There were many great things happened in 2014 but those are now in the past and no longer on my mind apart from them being happy memories and motivations for the future.

What's actually on my mind as we transition from 2014 to 2015 are the many promises that I broke throughout the year. I truly apologize for all that and I'm striving from now, on the first week of the new year, to make things better in 2015.

Again, please accept my sincerest apology. Let's work to make things more awesome in 2015... together. It is going to be heck of year, hopefully. :)

*bows*

- Yours sincerely, Syefri "Chapree" Zulkefli, Content Editor of Lowyat.NET and Sole Boss Kuli at ChiefChapree.NET -

[Music Monday] The Day I Tried To Live by Soundgarden

"One more time around,
Might do it,
One more time around,
Might make it," - The Day I Tried To Live, Soundgarden.

My life is ok, my work is ok (I think). But I do feel quite tired right now. Too many things, too little time.

But then again, at the same time, I think I didn't try hard enough. I believe I didn't hit the benchmark that I want and can be proud of. Hence: "one more time around, might make it".

The AF1 Theory by Hundred%: Malaysian Streetwear Movers and Shakers Take On Nike Air Force 1

Those who in the know most probably have been aware of Hundred% for the longest time but for those who doesn’t, well…it’s one of the most prominent streetwear retailer in Kuala Lumpur, to say the least.

Last week, the store has launched a rather interesting project called the AF1 Theory which revolves around sneaker customization and as the name implies, the focus of the project is the iconic Nike Air Force 1. However, it is not just any AF1 model.

[Music Monday] Something From Nothing by Foo Fighters

"Fuck it all, I came from nothing." - Something From Nothing, Foo Fighters.

So, the first song from the first episode of Dave Grohl's documentary on HBO a.ka. the making of Foo Fighters new album a.k.a love letter to American music, Sonic Highways is finally here. The song is apparently inspired by Chicago (the very city that was featured in the episode) and also featured the legendary guitarist from Cheap Trick, Rick Nielsen.

IMHO, Something From Nothing is yet another standard serving of Foo-flavoured rock song. Some hint of heaviness but at a level where most mainstream listeners should still be able to tolerate.

While it might not be as memorable or universal as per Best of You, I do love the lyrics though...especially the particular verse above. I bet plenty of listeners out there are able to relate themselves to this song as well, which is one of the factor that what made Foo Fighters so successful.

Meanwhile, yes, I already watched the first episode of Sonic Highways myself...but let me save that for another day. :)

Jordan x Slam Dunk Collection: When The Icon Meets Sakuragi Hanamichi, Available Now In Malaysia

I couldn't imagine how many folks got inspired to play basketball after reading Takehiko Inoue’s Slam Dunk. I’m one of them myself (played quite a bit during my school days) even though my first love is still football.

One of the aspects of Slam Dunk that I really love is that Inoue actually drew real life basketball shoes into the comic. Naturally, plenty of Jordans made an appearance in Slam Dunk. In fact, the main character of Slam Dunk - Sakuragi Hanamichi - actually wore Jordan VI and later, Jordan I (in the famed “Banned” Black/Red colorway, nevertheless which is also the color of Sakuragi’s team, Shohoku) in the comic.

That’s why it is not a surprise that Jordan has collaborated with Inoue to come out with the new Jordan x Slam Dunk collection.

[Music Monday, Merdeka Edition] Warisan By Sudirman

This Sunday marked the 57th anniversary of the independence day for Malaysia. Persekutuan Tanah Melayu or Federation of Malaya, if you really want to be detailed like that.

Just like previous years, Merdeka celebration is always tied together with a theme. Interestingly, this year's theme - Malaysia, Disini Lahirnya Sebuah Cinta - is taken from a song called Warisan by the one and only Allahyarham Sudirman.

Now, I haven't listen to this song for a very long time but Amin (one half of SoyaCincau.com, one of the most renowned local tech blog that focused on mobile segment; in case you want to know) pointed me to the song when I posted the theme song for this year's Merdeka celebration on my Facebook page.

Man, it hit me in the feels immediately. I myself can't really explain why but as soon as I listen to the song and pay attention to the words that the Sudirman sang, my eyes starting to feel watery...

[Music Monday] Kalau Aku Kaya by Altimet featuring Awi Rafael

Kalau aku kaya...aku dah on the way ke New York untuk event Microsoft Surface esok dah. Too bad then. =/

Tapi apa-apa pun, aku tak perlu kaya untuk letak side mirror kat motor aku...tak macam motor Awi Rafael naik dalam video kat atas ni har. Safety first, beb! Tee hee hee. :3

[Video: Warner Music Malaysia Official YouTube Channel]