I Have A Coke...

7 Colors of Truth...

2009-09-25T02:04:00.000-07:00

“The colors of a rainbow.....so pretty ..in the sky ... Are also on the faces.....of people ..going by..I see friends shaking hands.....sayin.. how do you do... They’re really sayin......i love you”.

The lyric of Louis Armstrong comes to mind this afternoon as I sit in front of the computer.

Rainbow has 7 colors, which we have always been told. McDonalds in collaboration with Coca Cola came out with a ‘7 colors’ promotion recently. Well how have these 7 colors affected my life. Let’s try and find out.

Perky Pink
Mr PM wore a pink baju melayu for his Hari Raya Open House, which the 1Malaysia motion was widely spread. Let’s not have 1Malaysia be just a lip serving, feel good vision, which previous visions of Wawasan 2020, and Islam Hadhari have not seen any substantial impact to everyday Malaysians. 1Malaysia does not need glamour of the F1 circus, or a ‘20% discount for toll users, who uses Touch N Go more than 80 times a month collected at the end of the month, by going to the Plus office and feeling up a form’ to make Malaysians feel proud of the vision. We need real actions. Mr PM, eradicate poverty, improve transportation, create jobs, provide safety and stimulate the economy. I don’t think it’s difficult. If it is, ask any Malaysians for advice, or even, play SIMCITY

Cool Blue
When we were in school, ‘Blue’ Tape is like the coolest thing in the world. 15 years on, it’s still the coolest thing, but now it’s DVD instead of VCR Tapes. More interestingly, it no longer involves professional porn stars from Japan or America, it could be a hit, even if it’s by a local politician. In fact, it not only attracts curiosity of the birds and the bees to its viewers, it’s also a recipe of political tsunami and now possibily a change of leadership in Malaysia’s ‘Leading’ Chinese Political Party.

Fortune Green
Green will no longer be the colors of PAS, as Zainal Abidin , a famous Malaysia singer has plans to setup a political party which concentrates on environmental and humanitarian issues. Hahaha. I wonder who will sit in the Cabinet then. Jason Lo , Minister of Defense ; Siti Nurhaliza, Ministry of Women Affairs ; Jaclyn Victor, Minister of Tourism ; Reshmonu, Minister of Home Affairs. I bet you the first thing they will ban is pirated DVD and CD.

Royal Purple
Purple is the color of Barney, the dinosaur. I like Barney.

Fresh Lime
Malaysia loves Lime. They make it a drink, they mix it in their Maggi Goreng, they blend it with their sambal, they mix it with ‘hand wash’ water. Malaysian loves to mix things. But a wrong mixture is disastrous. For example, mixing Pakatan Rakyat and PAS in Selangor, mixing Proton with Lotus, mixing Proton with F1 and mixing raw oyster with dairy product. All will create a mess to our society, one way or another.

Iconic Grey
Most Malaysian politician, once they take office, they tend to have more grey hair. Act of late nights trying to counter corruption allegations, how to create more scandals for the opposition, how to spend more Rakyat’s money, how to build the biggest/longest/largest etc, and what colors should the 1Malaysia F1 car going to be. Everything but important matters to the average Malaysian.

Sparkly Clear
This is really not a color. It’s actually colorless. In society, Malaysia, we are educated to be ‘color blind’ . When I was in kindergarten, all my friends were the same color, they were Malaysian colors. But as we grew older, it was adults who created the color distinction and ironically, it’s adult right now who are calling for Unity, without colors. I think all politicians should go back to their kids, who are in kindergarten or Standard 1, to learn one lesson in Malaysian Unity. Malaysians ought to be Color Blind .

Camnilah....Pray for Yasmin Ahmad Well Being...

2009-07-23T05:49:00.000-07:00

Camni-lah is loosely transalated as ‘like that la”. Coca cola Malaysia recently used this tagline in one of its campaigns.

Interestingly, many Malaysians could related to this, and don’t jump to conclusion that my comments are targeted to a specific race. I am not ethnocentric.

Camni-lah is often used in many of our languages

1. Used to ‘stop’ explaining'
Girl : How can you forget my birthday?
Boy : Busy la.
Girl : Busy with what.
Boy : Work la
Girl : So work is more important
Boy : Ya la....“Like that la”

2. Used to ‘tell you that I am not happy with your decision/choice'
Bob : Eh , you want to go Man U Game?
Mat : Don’t want la. Man U sucks
Bob : Go la, I pay
Mat : You give me money also I don’t want to go
Bob :ooohh.. “Like that la” (camni-la)

3. Used to ‘concede’ in a situation
Kim : Joe, you going to let your boss scold you like that ah?
Joe : She boss ma, let her la.
Kim : But you must stand up, if you don’t, that means you damm loser la
Joe : What to do, “like that la” (camni-la)

4. Used to ‘start’ a master plan
Sotong : Eh, how are we going to win the match?
Cicak : I don’t know la, you got any idea ah?
Sotong : Okay, ”like that la”, we first bribe the officials, then we bribe the other team. (camni-la)

There is one person whom I can think of, can make the above dialogues into a great commercial or short film, illustrating the beautiful country we leave in, and the many funny facets of life, language and lifestyle. She has touched all of us, by her masterpieces in advertising, commercial and short film.

Yasmin Ahmad is currently warded in Damansara Specialist Centre after a cardiac arrest. According to local media, she is in stable but critical condition. Please, make time after reading this blog, to pray for this great and inspirational lady.

I have many at times wrote in this blog, motivated by her ways and teachings of life, shown in her great works in Petronas commercial and my favourite all time local movie, Sepet

Get Well Soon Yasmin.

Goodbye......

2009-07-07T02:44:00.001-07:00

In many ways, today is a sad day. For all those ways, let the path be towards a recovery of faith and love, for which we live for.

I listened to a song which I dearly cherished. It was sung by Lea Salonga , called On My Own , during the Les Miserables. Going beyond the lyrics, the song, reminds us that, we do seek the beauty of life, in dreams. But try and remind ourself that whatever way life is treating us, just remember that you could make an effort to live your dreams in life. Cause a dream is a reflection of your wishes, which will come true when you have the heart and passion to realise it into reality.

Michael Jackson , we bade you goodbye, Rest In Peace, and thank you for making reality the many dreams of music.

Today I also asked whether I will say goodbye to my dear Coke. The answer is NO.

Pay It Forward....Started with a Coke for a boy

2009-06-24T01:11:00.000-07:00

There was once I was at a convinience store, where a boy was in front of me, paying for a can of Coke and a bag of crackers. He only had RM 2.00 for a bill of RM 3.20. He looked sad and asked to cancel the Coke.

I stopped the cashier and offered to pay. The boy was a picture of happiness. He of course thanked me and I told him " Don't thank me, return this kindness to another person. I told him to go back and say something nice to his parents". He looked confused, but I feel that he understood.

I remembered that time, because I am now watching "Pay It Forward", a movie backed in 2000 by Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment.

I believe in our life today, we are too indulged in fulfilling what we want. Even when we give something, we always want a return, that will benefit ourself. When we loan someone money, we want the returns with interest to be paid back to us. When we love someone, we expect the person returned the love than you. When we buy a RM 1 4d number, we expect to win 3500 times more. When we worked for 8 hours, we expect our company to pay for 10 hours. And when we pray, we always asked more than what we actually deserve.

I asked that all who reads this, for all that are supposed to be returned to you, asked that the debtor pay it forward. There are many people out there who needs the 'extra' , receiving something that they didn't ask for, and when they do get it, it very much change their life.

How many time have you heard of a life was saved because some stranger stopped and talk to the person. How about the time when your young child asked that his pocket money be given to the beggar on the street. And how many times we heard that an activist dying for a cause that is not even part of him.

There are many stories of heroes and angels. But we dont need to hear or read them. Cause by paying it forward, you are your very own hero and angels.

Pay it forward, and you can always start it with a Coke..... cause MyCokeRewards...

Celebrating Humanity : The Story of Amin..

2009-04-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Amin came from a poor family and he was embarrassed about his parents. His friends would tease him “ Ayah Amin pengotor, selalu kutip botol dari tong sampah.” Although his dad earned a meagre income from collecting used bottles and sent the bottles back to the factory, it was enough to put food to the table for his family.

As Amin grew older, Amin got a scholarship to pursue his degree to the United States. He was very proud of himself as he didn’t need to rely on his parents. In fact he didn’t want to be acknowledged as son of his parents. Amin did very well in his study and went on to join a famous soft drink manufacturer.

After 20 years of working with the company, he was made the company’s VP for Asia Marketing. The first Asean to be given such a responsibility. For that he was interviewed by a famous business magazine. During his interview, he was asked”What was your success factor which led you to where you are?”. Amin answered “I was poor when I was young, and often my friend teased me, because I often wore torn shirts and carried an old school bag”. He said, he wanted to prove to himself that being poor doesn’t mean you can’t be successful.
For 30 years, Amin has not stayed in touch with his parents. He assumed that they died, and he didn’t care as he was living in denial, due to his successful career and lifestyle. But one day, when he was 48, he was ‘reminded’ by his young daughter, when she asked, “ Abah, ayah abah siapa? Ayah abah datuk mimi ke?”. Amin took the next flight home from the US and went straight to his parent’s house.

When he reached home, he saw an old lady sweeping the front porch. It was his mother. She turned and asked “ Amin ke? Awak Amin ke? Anak mama.....”. They hugged and they cried.Amin then asked about his dad. His mother then brought him to his dad’s room and told him that his dad has passed away a couple of years back. He became very sick ever since he read the article of Amin’s interview when he became the VP of Marketing. Amin’s cousin, Trisha read the article to Amin’s dad.

Amin’s mum then passed Amin a letter written by his dad, and one other letter. He opened that one other letter, and it was from Coca Cola Company.

It read “ Dear Enchik Abdullah, It gives me great pleasure to honour you, as one of our many stakeholders in our company, who over the years has given their dedication to helping Coca Cola Company in their everyday business, consistently making sure that the Coca Cola remains the choice of the people, while helping in environment conservation. Thank you for helping Coca Cola giving back to Mother Earth”

Coca Cola had during honoured people like Amin’s dad who collected coca cola bottles and sending back to the factory for recycling. Amin looked to his mum and said with tears in his eyes, “Mama, Amin sekarang kerja kat Coca Cola..”. His mother then asked him to read his dad’s letter.

Anakanda abah,
Abah tahu, Amin benci dan malu kat abah. Abah tau Amin marah kat abah, sebab abah miskin, abah pengotor, abah kutip botol, abah tak beli baju dan beg baru bagi Amin. Maafkan abah.
Sebenarnya, abah pun tak suka kutip botol. Tapi itu saje yang abah boleh buat. Semasa Amin bayi lagi, Amin demam panas. Tapi rumah takde ubat. Malam itu abah berbasikal ke pekan untuk beli ubat. Malangnye, abah kurang cermat, dilanggar lori. Tulang belakang abah retak and sejak hari itu, abah tak boleh buat kerja berat. Sebab itu, abah hanya terlarat kutip botol Coke dan jual balik bagi kilang, setiap botol 0.5 sen.
Abah syukur kepada Tuhan yang Amin dapat geran untuk belajar. Abah tak pernah marah Amin tak telefon balik. Abah tak marah Amin lupa kami, tapi Abah harap, Amin akan berikan yang terbaik bagi cucu abah, sebab abah tak pernah bagi yang terbaik kepada Amin.
Ayahanda Amin

(Note : This story is fictional, with intentions of highlighting the struggle of humanity)

In celebration of Humanity.

2009-04-06T05:03:00.000-07:00

Coca Cola REFRESHES many ordinary people in the world and this got me thinking, how Coca Cola can truly be a celebration of Humanity. In today’s world, where the economy has demanded the best in people during the trying times, it will be great to sit back, and think of how little things in life, we had gone through in the past, has touched us or impacted our lives. I referenced the little thing to Coca Cola. Here are 3 stories.

1. Although fictional, in the movie “God Must be Crazy” we laughed how Xi, a bushman, thought the Coca Cola bottle was “evil” and seek to throw it off the edge of the world. But along the journey, Xi discovers civilization and more interestingly, how we have “complicated” our everyday life. Xi has thought us that humanity is indeed simple

2. Once, a friend of mine spoke of this couple who stayed in this old house. They were poor and have aged. One festivity, their elder son came home with his family to the delight of the couple. During dinner, the old mother, went to the kitchen and came out walking slowly with the aid of a cane, holding a cup of iced Coca Cola. As she was approaching the son, she tripped and the cup fell on the son’s lap. The son, burst out in ‘madness’ and scolded his mother for being clumsy (he had spend hundreds on his new pants) and remarked that, he doesn’t want Coca Cola, cause he has slight diabetes. The old mother said in tears “I am sorry son, I thought Coca Cola was your favourite every festive season. Your dad would save up 1 cent every day for one month, just before the festive season, so that he could buy you and your sisters a few bottles of Coca Cola to celebrate. I thought you liked it....”

3. I witnessed, in India, a homeless person, used an empty Coca Cola in many ways for his survival. First, he fills up the empty bottle with left-over drinks at restaurant. He also used the empty bottle to make music by blowing through the top. He hoped the music he made, was enough to get strangers to hand him a couple of Rupees. I didn’t observe long enough, but I am sure, he used the bottle in many other ways, to continue living.

There are many of such stories, compiled by Coca Cola. Enjoy reading them at Heritage : Coca Cola Stories

Many of my friends believed that Coca Cola is a significant icon in my life. They are right, but not in the ways of how it quenches my thirst, or a conversation starter, when I speak of my Coca Cola collection. In actual, Coca Cola has inspired me to write and blog about everything that relates or ‘given birth’ by the ideology of Coca Cola. Be it politics, love, humanity, hatred, colleagues, sex; only one thing matters. We must celebrate HUMANITY. Live on the Coke Side of Life

With this post, I will embark on a project which I hope will bring the Love of Humanity to everyone that enjoys Coca Cola. Please support me, and perhaps, you could drop a comment on how Coca Cola brought out the humanity in you.

Seconds of Fame...The 5 Seconds Story

2009-03-29T19:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some interesting facts:

1. A post in You Tube shows a dude drank a bottle of 1.5 liter Coke in 11 seconds
2. A camel drank a 1 liter Coke in 5 seconds
3. Freeze a bottle of Coke in 2 seconds
4. My favorite Coke Christmas add is 30 seconds

These facts got me thinking how much you could do in a couple of seconds. More interestingly, I received a ‘forwarded’ email recently, about a particular manager in a company in “Molenesia” who asked his supervisors to introduce their ‘talents’ in 5 seconds.

What has the world of management turned into? The fate of a young talent lies within the speech of his supervisor, in 5 seconds!! Being Malaysian, 2 seconds is spent ‘ahhhhiiinnng’ and the remaining 3 seconds will just be a common praise, i.e. He is good.

“ Boss, this is Bob, ahhhhhhhhhhh…….He is Good” ;
“Ahhhhh…….boss, please meet Mickey, ahhhhh He is Good” ;
“ Let me introduce ahhhhhhhhhhh Joe, he is ahhhhhhhh Good”

How would the talent stand out? And more importantly, who would think of such a stupid method of introducing talent, in 5 seconds? To describe something good, time is irrelevant because talents speak of itself, from action, from participation and from observation. Perhaps the manager doesn’t have eyes and ears to look and see. Maybe he is ‘disabled’

It’s sad these days, how we pay so little attention to people’s feelings. There are many hardworking souls out there who work tirelessly, waiting for their boss to take note, and most often then never, their real effort goes un-noticed. The state of economy is giving a lot of anxieties to people, and we shouldn’t be creating more uncertainties amongst people regarding their work. Such action like above, would show how people are appreciated.

Remember, Human are not resources, they are capital. Capital appreciates. When you drink Coke, don’t gulp it in 5 seconds, because you will end up puking. Take all the time you want, cause Coke Refreshes.

Vote Earth : 60 Earth Hour

2009-03-26T04:58:00.000-07:00

The Coca-Cola Company is supporting Earth Hour in the following ways:

1. Our worldwide headquarters in Atlanta will go dark* for Earth Hour (including our most prominent building’s red Coca-Cola® logo). Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) headquarters also will go dark for Earth Hour.

2.The New World of Coca-Cola will go "dim" for Earth Hour, with the giant outdoor Coke bottle and sign going dark and the exterior lights coming down. The attraction also will hand out Earth Hour messaging and gifts, such as flashlights, to visitors on March 29 (while supplies last).

3.Coca-Cola signs throughout Atlanta will go dark for Earth Hour, and we have partnered with other local sponsors to place more than 20 Earth Hour billboards throughout the metro area.

4.The Coke sign in Times Square in New York will display Earth Hour messaging before going dark at 8:00 p.m., and several morning news shows will promote Earth Hour on March 28 and 29.

5.We are using our existing media buys to run Earth Hour messaging on digital elevator screens in more than 1,500 health clubs and malls in several cities.

6.We are handing out free beverages at Earth Hour VIP viewing parties in four U.S. cities – Atlanta, Chicago, Phoenix and San Francisco – each located in a different time zone.

7.In the Philippines, Coca-Cola digital billboards in Manila and other major cities will go dark for Earth Hour.

8.In Australia, the iconic Coca-Cola sign at Sydney's Kings Cross will go dark during Earth Hour.

I Have A Coke and myself full support this effort. My house will remain dark on 28th March 2009, between 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

Earth Rocks , Coca Cola Refreshes, I Have A Coke Supports, WaiKit's House Goes Dark

Why I don't drink Coke during lunch??

2009-03-05T05:22:00.000-08:00

My colleague recently wrote on my Facebook wall “You are everything about Coca-Cola... but you never had a can of Coke at lunch?? What happen la?? Coke is nice... a can of Coke a day, smile & happy everyday!!"

Well, here are my top 10 reasons, why I don’t have a can of Coke during lunch, despite me being a fanatic.
No 10 : Coke is high on sugar and sugar causes diabetes. I don’t want to get diabetes.
No 9 : I am in protest. I have blogged about Coca Cola for an active 1 year, and Coca Cola Company still has yet to acknowledged me despite all the free publicity!!
No 8 : Most of the place I go for lunch, doesn’t sell Coca Cola!!
No 7 : I can’t blog on something that is routine to me. You don’t see me blogging about sleep or rice or going to the toilet?
No 6 : It’s a conspiracy theory!!
No 5 : The more I don’t drink it, the more I yearn for it, the more I yearn for it, then the more I will like it.
No 4 : I am adhering to Dr Mahathir’s call to boycott American Brands! (NOT!!!)
No 4(a) due to the forfeit of No 4 : I am trying to keep my lunch cost to RM 4.50. If I were to have a can of Coke , it will cause me an additional of RM 0.80. I am on a tight budget.
No 3 : I found a new ‘love’ in Dutch Lady dairy products? (NOT!!!)
No 3(a) due to the forfeit of No 3 : If I drink Coke every day, will appear that I love Coke more than Coke loves me.
No 2 : My gf and mummy are against me drinking too much Coke.

And the No 1 reason why I don’t have a can of Coke during lunch is because.... I have a can of Coke every night during dinner!! I love Coca Cola!!

Addiction

2009-02-27T18:41:00.001-08:00

A man ones promised his mother that he will quit alcohol. He substituted it with Coca Cola and now, he's an addict, for more than 40 years. Pero Ajtman, from Croation says " "She made me promise never to drink again and Coca-Cola was the only thing that tasted as good as wine so I started drinking that. Now I have a glass in the morning, before and after lunch, with my dinner and then before I go to bed. I never drink anything else."

What are you addicted too? Here are some of the top Malaysian Addictions.

1. Addiction to Lawsuits : In Malaysia, the only law that Malaysian MPs make is lawsuit. Touch a bit, I will sue you for assault. Say a bit, I will sue you for defamation. Write a bit, I will sue you for malicious claims. I don't like you, I sue you. No wonder our courts could not clear all their cases.

2. Addiction to Facebook : Everybody in Malaysia(those who have access to Internet) is in Facebook. Malaysia has 800k active members in Facebook. No wonder MCA wants to recruit through Facebook.

3. Addiction to Conspiracy Theory : Everyday you hear different theories of who killed the late Altantuya, or theories of how Eli's picture ended up with the press. The best theory I have heard so far is PR and BN will emerged post March and become one BPRN or "Best Politician Re-Elected by Najib.

4. Addiction to Being Nosy : We always like to know what the neighbour is cooking for dinner, what does our colleague's partner work as, or how we search high and low for 'voyeuristic pictures of others in private, and also wanting to know where the Gwailo tourist we see on the street is going or where are they from. Because of this addiction, we are coined as "Friendly and Caring".

5. Addiction to I Have A Coke... : Well actually not really. There are only a handful of active readers. But this blog started of with the inspiring words of Martin Lurther King , I Have A Dream...

Valentines.. The After Story

2009-02-17T03:26:00.000-08:00

I trust that all of you had a great Valentines, one way or another. I promised that I would do 7 things in my last post. I am happy to say, I accomplished all those.

1. Cook a Valentine meal for my gf : The menu consists of 'champagne' , Coconut Water , Tuna Cracker Salad as appetizer, 'home cooked' spiced up, meat-up, vegeed-up Indomie as main meal and Strawberry with Nata De-Coco Jelly with Cornetto for dessert. A satisfying meal, cooked 100 % by myself from my heart.

2.Wish Happy Valentines to my family : I sent out an sms to my family, with returned messages from them. My sister said that for Valentines, don't need to wish, benefit Maxis only.

3.Buy a gift for my furkid : Ginger got a RM 4.50 soft toy in the shape of a pink eye ball.

4. Send a special valentine note to a fellow blogger, who is having a tough time in her life : I did post a note to her and hopefully she had and will continue to have love in her life.

5.Make a donation to church, for their onwards contribution to the needy (although I am tying this to another reason) : I went to another church on Sunday. But I have already put a side RM 400 for the Church of Holy Redeemer, Klang.

6.Buy new plants for my garden : Well I cheated in a way. It's plants but more of indoor.

7.And lastly, smile to everyone and try and wish them Happy Valentine’s Day : To everybody that I have met, and even strangers

Happy Valentines Day , Hope you 'Had a Refreshing Time', the Coca Cola way.

Let there be love...

2009-02-13T04:14:00.000-08:00

It has been 44 days into the year, and I looked back in these days, I see lesser of love in our world today. From the conflict in Gaza and Sri Lanka, to the weird politics of Malaysia; the inhumanity of people towards animals to the ill-treatment of migrants and suspects. Has love reached a stage of extinction?

Many would argue, there is love amongst them. You see lovers exchanging gifts during Valentines and millions of forwarded SMSes to family and friends, but really, is love only for these group of people? Have we express our love , in various form and ways , to our colleagues, the public servants , our maids, the foreign workers , your neighbors, GOD, your office pantry lady, your pets, to Mother Nature , to the orphans, less fortunate, homeless and most importantly also, to YOURSELF

Many say, why do we express love only during Valentines? Shouldn’t love be an everyday affair? Yes, I agree, but to those who said that, ask yourself again, do you practice love to the above every day? If not, why not start on Valentines 2009. Express your love, in any way, to at least one of the above.

For me, I will do the following :
1. Cook a Valentine meal for my gf.
2.Wish Happy Valentines to my family.
3.Buy a gift for my furkid.
4. Send a special valentine note to a fellow blogger, who is having a tough time in her life.
5.Make a donation to church, for their onwards contribution to the needy (although I am tying this to another reason)
6.Buy new plants for my garden
7.And lastly, smile to everyone and try and wish them Happy Valentine’s Day

Let there be more love….. Love that Coke

Curiosity of Beginning.

2009-02-11T05:40:00.000-08:00

I started my new job in one of the largest dairy company in the world. To me every beginning is end of one. In other words, without the previous beginning we will not have this new one. We must learn from history and excel from it. I bring with me much greatness and I left buried many, trials and failures.

Like Coca Cola, it has a colorful beginning and ends. Here are some highlights

May 1886 : Beginning of Coca Cola. Average daily sales was 6
1917 – Average daily sales 3 million
1985 – Coca Cola changed formula and lost market share. They did a re-called of the old formula to meet drinkers demand.
1993 – 10 billion cases sold worldwide
Today – Largest Brand Name with USD 50 billion turnover.

I was like a curious cat as I joined the new company, although the curiosity has not killed me yet. I found the company to be exciting, with many platforms for learning. My colleagues were great, ones who cherish in many ways life, and yet committed to the company. The industry is a healthy as it claims.

All is good and will be good. Wish me luck as I help the company take the RM 9.00 for a pack of cigarette and make the consumer drink more milk

Jubilation of Leaving

2009-02-11T05:28:00.000-08:00

From my previous post, Frustration of Happenings, you would have known I left my previous company , a tobacco manufacturer. Resigning is not a bad word or thing. Although your ex-bosses will make it seem as though it’s a cardinal sin, its actually not.

I won’t say there was huge celebration when I left. I guess in many ways, its good that I have left. I opened up opportunity to other to sit at my high level job, the company is determined to grow faster without my pessimism, my (ex) colleagues (those who are frustrated with me) can progress better through their inefficiencies and in-competencies, my dog is happier cause I go home earlier to play with her. My banker is happier cause I have more deposits, I contributed to the economy by buying another made-in-malaysia car. I get to learn more work experience and contribute more to society.

Don’t get me wrong, I left the company in good terms. It was a jubilant leaving. I am glad (as I discovered) that I have touched many people’s heart during my 5 ½ years there. I have learned much from the company too. My ex-company gave me many opportunities to grow. But like I told my Sales Director, I left not because of the company, I left because I have lost faith in the organization. Its hard to continue without faith, its like life without religion.

Coca Cola ex-CEO, Dauglas Ivester, left the company with a farewell package of USD 17.8 mil , I left with a cake on my last day, and thousand of memories. But memories will be testament to how , if one is hardworking, the future will be a great beginning for more memories.

Frustration of Happenings

2009-02-11T05:17:00.000-08:00

For many of you who have read my postings, I have been ranting a lot on my previous company, our politic(ian) and my beloved country. I guess like all normal human beings, I have been exposed to frustration, either being frustrated, an object of frustration or being the person, people are frustrated with.

Coca Cola company, being a global company, has its many shares of being frustrated or a frustee. From frustrated coca cola drinker, who complains about rewards points to Malaysia Politician calling for people to ban Coca Cola in their fridges during the recent frustration of the war in Gaza.

Well over the last 3-4 months, I had my share of frustration. Being frustrated with the way my (ex) company is operating, my more ambitious (ex) colleagues being frustrated with me cause I am always right , all my (ex) colleagues, venting their frustration to me over lunch and me being frustrated with my (ex) bosses.

I then discovered that, being a subject of frustration is not healthy at all. I have then learned to channel my colleagues and my energy else where. For instance, a group of us bought PSPs and have a few games everyday after work. I have also advised another colleague to start blogging to take her frustration away. I ask another to take yoga. Another colleague nearly committed ‘suicide’. He did not die, but he’s ‘brain’ dead. These are people who I can help. For myself. I RESIGNED.

First Coke of The Year

2009-01-27T19:54:00.000-08:00

As how Coca Cola is truly a global brand, here are many ways of wishing you a Happy New Year !

Chinese (Xin Nian Kuai Le) Dutch (GELUKKIG NIEUWJAAR!) French (Bonne Annee), Cantonese (Sun Leen Fai Lok) Japanese (Akimashite Omedetto Gozaimasu) Russian (S Novim Godom) Vietnamese (Chuc Mung Tan Nien) Italian (Felice anno nuovo) Swedish (GOTT NYTT ÅR! /Gott nytt år!)

Yes, I have been missing, but not without a reason. Here are the many things that happened in the last couple of months "Frustration of Happenings" ; "Jubilation of Leaving" ; "Celebration of Festivity" ; "Curiosity of Beginning" ; "Wondering of Excellence"

I will write individually of the above in the next couple of days. Rest assured I will be posting more from today onwards.

Chinese New Year has been a celebration of renewed meaning as a time of human connection between family and friends. Coca Cola launched campaign which invites the public to participate, sharing their own personal stories about who they chose to share their first Coke of the year with and give their First Coke of the Year to the person of their choice, both on-line and in-store.

Who will you share your first Coke with?

Coca Cola's Basics...

2008-10-13T05:27:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there was Coca Cola. It was doing very well, with potentials of becoming a leader. Behind it was a sturdy aluminium can, bright colors, good brand name and a solid distribution. But Coca Cola’s bosses feels that it’s not good enough. Coca Cola should and can do more. One boss says, automate the way a consumer can drink Coca Cola, another boss says, no that’s stupid, change the aluminium team, the next boss argues that they should change the color to purple and the final boss says, stop selling Coca Cola in shop, but through vending machine.
But does anybody asked Coca Cola, or its content? The content knows best as it’s the one that serves the consumers. Although they ask the content, the content gave its views, it goes down the drain literally, because the bosses came out with Coca Cola Light and Coca Cola Blak.
Very well then, slowly, the sturdy can left, the bright colors turn ‘blak’ , the brand name becomes fake and the distribution became One ‘Forced’. Coca Cola may become No 1, but it will still need its basics. Please.... dont't Kill Coca Cola

Best of the Best

2008-09-26T22:40:00.000-07:00

Coca-Cola retained its Most Valuable Global Brand title in the latest Interbrand Best Global Brand report and some of the success must be down to the marketing strategies of the past couple of years that are beginning to bear fruit.

Here is my tribute to the BEST of THE BEST.

1. BEST “Prime Time Entertainment” – Buletin Utama, for its 1 hour of great entertainment, focusing on the comical snippets of Malaysian politicians.

2. BEST “On Time Guarantee“ - Air Asia, where being on time is 3 hour late!!

3. BEST “Misinterpreted Law” – ISA, the Internal Security Act, which provides detention without trial to provide "protection" to citizens.

4. BEST “Malaysian Sales” – PDRM Online Discount, where you commit an offence and get an early bird discount.

5. BEST “Police Report” – Seputeh Umno Youth , for lodging a police report today against Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, claiming she had insulted the Royal Malaysian Police and the egg, which is an essential food of the underprivileged.

6. BEST “Value for Money Restaurant” – Malaysia Detention Centres, where you can get a 5 meals for RM 4.50

7. BEST “Say No to a Gift” – Perak State Councillor, for not refusing a gift of China woman.

8. BEST “Architecture Marvel” – Smart Tunnel, for creating history with Discovery Channel and yet doesn’t solve flooding.

9. BEST “ Valued Garbage” – Vegetables savaged at Selayang Market is safe for eating, according to Health Ministry.

10. Best “Original Screenplay” - Jumper, written by Anwar Ibrahim, wins this year's award. Although the film suffers from a cast of unknowns, whose number seems to fluctuate from scene to scene (though always at least 31), the script is undeniably original and exciting. It also has the potential for numerous sequels, which will prove profitable for the actors.(Source : Huzir Sulaiman)

Note from Editor...

2008-09-15T04:56:00.000-07:00

My Esteemed and Learned Readers :

Please be informed that my latest postings regarding Malaysia's political and social issues are merely entries of personal opinions and do not carry any intentions of hatred and condemnation.

In recent calls by several parties to NOT participate in any forms of protest, in street and in the cyber world, in spirit of unity, I will NOT post any entries with regards to National Interest.

Thank You

Author
I Have A Coke...

Where Are My Rights???

2008-09-13T22:41:00.000-07:00

Coca Cola ‘Zero Zero 7’, a re-branded Coke Zero, recently signed to a multi million campaign with James Bond latest installment , Quantum of Solace. The Bond campaign is designed to reinforce the drink’s masculine positioning. “By incorporating the traditional visual elements of a Bond film — the trademark silhouettes, the sophisticated Bond girls and the high-energy action — we are able to engage with our core target audience in a way that resonates with them,” said Derk Hendriksen, global brand director for Coca-Cola Zero. More interestingly, we all known James Bond for his RIGHTS to kill.

In Malaysia, many people ‘feel’ they have RIGHTS to. Here are some ways of practicing those rights and its consequences.

* Rights to Freedom of Reporting – You will get ISAed (Ed : For my foreign country readers, ISA is when you detain a person without trial)

* Rights to Freedom of Blogging – You will also get ISAed

* Rights to Unity – No such rights. But some Northern Guy has the Rights to create dis-unity and get away jack-free. You may be ISAed

* Rights to Protest – You may get ISAed

* Human Rights – What??? What is that ? The only relations to those words is in Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, which still remains as words.

* Rights to a GREAT Government – Only hope is PK (Ed : For my foreign country readers, PK is our Opposition Coalition)

Also in my company, many people ‘feel’ they have RIGHTS to. Here are some ways of practicing those rights and its consequences.

* Rights to Take Leave – You will only be rumored that you are going for a job interview

* Rights to Flexible Hours – You only have the rights of either coming between 7.00 am – 9.30 am. But when you go back, its must be late evening. Otherwise you are not hardworking.

* Rights to Lunch Hour – Only one hour, if you go beyond, you are not hardworking. Hours spend in smoking room and pantry during working hours its okay.

It's a Sad Day...

2008-09-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Today is a sad day for bloggers, information world and freedom of speech.

"Raja Petra, Teresa Kok and Sin Chew reporter arrested under ISA" - thestar.com.my

As a sign of protest, solidarity and support, I will not post for 36 hours.

Hard To Say I’m Sorry…

2008-09-05T22:09:00.000-07:00

June 1999 : The World; Coca-Cola Hopes Things Go Better With 'Sorry' .
A ban of Coca Cola in Belgium (after reports of people being sick), which spread to France, Luxembourg and the Netherlands a day later in varying degrees, turned into the largest recall of Coke products in history and created a public-relations mess for the company. M. Douglas Ivester, Chairman of Coca Cola Company said ''I'm sorry'' or ''we regret'' or 'I apologize'' five times. ''We let down the people of Belgium,'' he said, ''and we're sorry for that.''

After-Sorry Effect : Ban lifted, and Coca Cola spent millions to re-build the peoples' confidence

September 2008 : Why Should I Apologise .

A local politician has refused to apologise over his racist remark calling the Chinese community “immigrants who do not deserve equal rights”. “Why should I apologise? I didn’t do anything wrong. Those who do wrong should apologise but I haven’t done anything.”
After-Sorry Effect : Not Applicable. He didn’t say sorry .

August 2007 : I'm sorry, says Negarakuku rapper
A Malaysian who controversially popularized our national anthem where he was faulted for his rough language, irreverent expression and lack of sensitivity when touching on religious matters. The controversial video author issued an open apology to those who were offended by his work. “I’m sorry if my works offended Malaysian Citizens. Please accept my sincerity”.
After-Sorry Effect : Public accepts, but government doesn’t. He even got death threats.

August 2008 : Failed System Upgrade ; The Company’s Not Forgiving
A failed upgrade over a weekend caused hundreds of salesmen selling using manual method. Managers in-directly condemned the Person-in-Charge ‘PIC’ despite the ‘PIC’ assuming responsibility. “ There is always risk in upgrade. Yes we failed this time, but do the company acknowledge the dozens of times the upgrade WORKED, and brought many enhancements to the company?” said the ‘PIC’
After-Sorry Effect : Performance Rating fall flat, ‘PIC’ continued to be labeled in-competent.

What I Noticed When My Colleagues Resigned...

2008-08-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

Five CEOs in a decade, a high employee turnover of 30%, Coca-Cola India was in a chaos as constant churn at the top took its toll. “Every time a new CEO took over, he drew out a new strategy and a fresh gameplan to win the market,” recalls a Delhi-based ex-employee. Lack of confidence and patience from the headquarters only made matters worse. “The short-term approach to show quick results was taking its toll,” recalls a Bangalore-based ex-employee who was involved in operations. " (The Economic Time, Indiatimes ; 27 Jun, 2007)

I can't help but relate with confidence, the scenario Coca Cola India had. Every words of the above statement reflect what I am living, in my daily work. As a result, I have lost dozens of colleagues, and I will be losing another in a couple of weeks.

The posting is not meant to comment on my management's strategy, merely its to draw to attention what are the fundamentals of keeping an employee loyal to an organization. I will take a different twist in approaching this. Thanks to a source , called Andy, company's HR or Line Managers should take note of "The Signs that Your Employee Is Losing Interest in Work"

1. Your employee cannot remember the last time s/he got a promotion, above average raise or a special achievement award, and s/he has stopped caring that s/he hasn't got one of these in a while.

2. All s/he care about is her/his paycheck and not about professional growth, future projects or where the company is headed.

3. S/he can't be bothered participating in any after work related social or sporting activities. These are some of the best networking opportunities and committed employees make the time to go to these.

4.S/he only does enough work to get by and to avoid detection of her/his lack of interest.

5. S/he tunes out in a majority of meetings s/he attend and can't remember the last meeting where made a constructive contribution.

Note : I am running a survey. Please post a comment as annonymous and tell me how many items out of the 5, that you are currently facing. Thanks

Marketing Gimmick

2008-08-15T21:45:00.000-07:00

Coca Cola Marketing Gimmick

With dwindling Cola sales in America, largely due to the increase of health conscious consumers, Coca Cola launched Diet Coke Plus. It has begun advertising for Diet Coke Plus in the US with the slogan “Great Taste Has Its Benefits.” The company wants the emphasis that this Diet Coke product has several essential vitamins and minerals while giving people the familiar taste of Diet Coke they have grown accustomed to. If consumer were to think that there is a healthy cola, well this goes down as a great Marketing Gimmick.

Hell’s Marketing Gimmick

Satan, acting on the recent statistics of low entry of people to HELL, launched a marketing drive by sending a group of people down to Earth. Their job is to do all it takes for people to hate, criticise and condemn them. Those who do that, will most likely go to Hell. So beware of this Marketing Gimmick to avoid Hell (if you must hate, criticise and condemn, pray for forgiveness more often)

Pro-Gay Community Marketing Gimmick

The community sent a ‘sweet’ looking young man into the working team of the leading opposition party’s adviser of my country and months later, lodge a police report alleging sodomy. Being a conservative country and where sex is a taboo topic (more so homosexuality) the Pro-Gay Community needs to take drastic measures to raise awareness. What better way then to use the most popular platform, Politics.

Proton Malaysia Marketing Gimmick

Due to the recent down trend of car sales, Proton has ‘bought’ weeks of front page ‘free advertising’ with the recent debacle of “Expensive Proton Perdana’s Maintenance’ in an East Coast state. The amount of coverage, plus a mentioned by Prime Minister, surely goes down as a great Marketing Gimmick. Who needs great PR agency, just elect some corrupt politician.

Say No to Racism...

2008-08-11T07:25:00.000-07:00

My company organised a movie treat tonight. We watched “Remember the Titans”. A Denzel Washington movie known for its forceful coaxing and team building, which led to two racially-motivated, black and white teams, coming together in unity and achieving success.

Today we lived in racially stained society. Everyday our words, actions, writing and thoughts are infected one way or another with racial discrimination. Such action leads to hatred, lost of friendship and money through legal lawsuit. Most recently it caused at teacher in Klang her job due to racial slur.

In November 2000, the Coca-Cola Company, one of the most global company, settled largest settlement ever in a corporate racial discrimination case, the Coca-Cola Company agreed to pay more than US$156 million to resolve a federal lawsuit brought by black employees.

But racism does have ‘positive’ notes. We all laughed at the occasional racist joke. Racism has also pushed revolution such as the Apartheid. In the movie “Remember the Titans, racism led to unity and success. What is more important is our interpretation of racism. To me, being an anti-racism believer, racism is an instrument of thoughts, in which the thoughts will lead to actionable answers, either for good or for bad.

On a separate but related note, I love Malaysia because of our multi-racial composition and artificial “racialfication” . My college friends said that I am a Tamilan in a Chinese body. My close Malay friend is as Chinese as what Chinese eats. My colleague is as Indian as its skin, but claimed half Chineseness.

I love Coca Cola, I love Malaysia. Happy Merdeka Malaysia!!!

Cost Cutting $$$$$$

2008-08-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

From large corporation to individuals, everyone is facing challenges in ensuring survival in the struggling global economy. Let’s see some examples and my comments.

Coca-Cola Company
Newly minted Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent said that as the company undergoes an aggressive review of spending, marketing will be a primary area of focus. Coca-Cola looks to save between USD 400 million to USD 500 million yearly till 2011. As an example, Mr. Kent said Coca-Cola recently completed a global marketing research agreement that will replace a number of local agreements.

My Country’s Government
The government recently disallow usages of Mercedes Benz by state government, but allow them to keep it for foreign dignitaries. Only Proton Perdana’s are allowed. (Ed : I don’t see the logic of allowing even both the cars. Pakatan Rakyat MP drives a Perodua!!)

My Country’s Information Ministry
The ministry announced a 10 pc cut of its budget. However the cut will not affect RTM's (Radio dan Televisyen Malaysia) operations. Its minister Dato' Ahmad Shabery Cheek gave the assurance that RTM, the pulse of the ministry, would continue to move forward without compromising the quality of its programmes. (Ed : I think they should just shut down RTM , buy over ASTRO. Two birds kill with one stone. RTM’s near ‘no-watchable’ programs and ASTRO’s shitty Customer Services.)

My Country’s Government Again
On 9th of July, the PM announced a 10 % cut of entertainment for all minister. (Ed : I am shocked. I don’t know why they still need the 90 %. Rakyat can’t even have 10 % of basic entertainment! Besides, how can RM 1800 per month supposed to ease Malaysian's cost of living??)

“I Have A Coke…” Editor
He has recently stopped giving so much to the ‘usual’ beggars cause he can't feed himself (Ed : Your action will make life tougher for the beggars). Mr Editor also recently downgraded from Four Seasons for holidays to Hyatt, as per his MD’s request, due to higher cost of living. (Ed : Stop taking holidays!!!!!)

Facts, Facts, Facts.

2008-07-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

How To Lose....

2008-07-24T07:36:00.000-07:00

Don Keogh’s (Board of Director, Coca-Cola Company) 11 Rules on "HOW TO LOSE":

1. Stop taking risks

2. Be content

3. Never deviate from what the founder did

4. Be inflexible

5. Rely totally on research and experts

6. Concentrate on competitors instead of your customers

7. Put yourself - not the customer - first

8. Solve administrative concerns first

9. Let others do your thinking for example, headquarters

10. Rely on T-G-E: "That's Good Enough" and T-N-M-J: "That's Not My Job!"

11. Rationalize slow growth

WaiKit (Author of I Have A Coke...) 11 Rules on “HOW TO LOSE”:
1.Sell out your colleagues
2.Only discuss plans for a major launch 2 days before
3.Do not adhere to other departments timeline
4.Ask to fuck up because we have always been fucking up
5.Openly criticized people in office public
6.Ask other people to do YOUR work
7.Blame other people for your fuck up
8.Don’t stand behind/back up your team when required
9.Recognise the wrong talent
10.Let your emotion to think, not your brain
11.Not having COCA COLA in meetings or dispenser

Coca Cola Getting Naughty(18 SX)

2008-07-11T19:37:00.000-07:00

Rated PG-18 for sexual references. The management of I Have A Coke... does not approve references made within the following posting, but is doing it to drive traffic, at the advise of Hotchick.

Reference No 1 : Coca Cola Sex Video

Reference No 2 : Coca Cola Oral Sex

Reference No 3 : Coca Cola Condom

Reference No 4 : Coca Cola Girls

Reference No 5 : Coca Cola Dildo

Reference No 6 : Coca Cola Man

The Battles....

2008-07-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

Battle 1 : Coke vs Pepsi

Battle 2: I Have A Coke vs Kannysieh.com (pronounced kennysia.com , original name changed to protect the privacy of the owner)

I Have A Coke has 5 visitors per day, kannysieh.com has 20,000!.
Kannysieh gets invited to cool launch parties, I get to read about it in his blog.
People chat at his website, I chat with people in Facebook.
I Have Coke is about a geeky Coca Cola collector, kannysieh.com is about an IT dude who writes about everything.
Kanny maybe ISAed, I may write about it later.
I know all my readers, he should I think.
Kannysieh.com has multiple awards, I Have A Coke has multiple comments.
Kannysieh.com has hot chicks picture, I Have A Coke has pictures of sexy Coca Cola.
Kanny writes about National Politics, I write about Office Politics.
Kannysieh.com earns him revenue, I Have A Coke, hopes for sponsorship and donation.
9/10 bloggers know's Kannysieh.com, the other 1/10 is Me, who pretends to not know.
Kanny posts everyday, I post 2 times a week.

Statistics or statements, Kannysieh tops it all.

How to be a Successful Blogger?

2008-07-01T06:54:00.000-07:00

Think PASSION, not numbers

My passion is Coca-Cola. For sure many of you thinks that I am a geek, who not only collects Coca-Cola, but blogs about it. Now if you really read "I Have A Coke..." , you will notice that I not only write about Coca-Cola. My blogging methodology centred around the idealism of Symbolic Interactions. I create the linkage between a matter of Coca-Cola, with the reality of my life.

Join the CONVERSATION

I love reading other people's blog, although I refuse to be reading those of celebrity bloggers. I find interest in blogs which challenges its readers and allow readers to comment. "I Have A Coke..." is for you and your reading. Challenge my writings and blast my thoughts, because I believe in being a good listener.

Exhibit THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

"I Have A Coke..." is I think unique and provoking. Postings contained within, speaks of volume, and yet educational. I avoid controversy, but interpretations by readers creates curiosity. A reader ones told me, "... when I read your blog, I started reflecting my own life, and I think I will break up with my BF.."

Enable Comments

"I Have A Coke..." advocates freedom of speech. Everybody is invited to comment. No restriction, no 'admins' to censor. But being Asian, my readers hardly comments, for fear of publicity. My Sales Director said, speak now, or don't complain later.

Become the Starting and Ending Point for All Conversations

I believe that "I Have A Coke..." is as latest in news as CNN.com. I was told that my readers read my blog to keep abreast of 'rumours', or get the most honest opinion about latest happenings, or just listen to me 'crap'. I think conversation starts and ends with my blog.

Have more Friends

When you have more friends, you have a big social network. So when they hear you blog, out of courtesy , they read "I Have A Coke...". And when they like it, they tell their friends. Slowly, like multi level marketing, your blog becomes big.

Have Coca-Cola Sponsor your Blog

I hope this comes true....

My (Coca-Cola) Fan Base

2008-06-23T05:38:00.000-07:00

I have discovered recently, I have a big fan base, larger than I thought, who religiously follow postings in my blog. Now, I may have exaggerateda bit with the words 'big', 'fan' and 'religiously'. But Coca-Cola in the other hand, have a large fan base. A Google search on 'Coca-Cola Fan Club' , gives 1640 results (in 0.03 seconds). When I searched " Wai Kit Fan Club", no results.

I asked one of my 'fan' today, what he liked most about my blog. He said the rumours. For the sixth time, I am not a rumour monger!! I guess people who reads my blog finds education and amusement the same time. The fact that my blogging style may be uniquely Coca Cola, my 'fan' feels that they know the Coca Cola much better now ; and the fact that my blog informs them of the latest, my 'fan' now have more 'rumours' to talk about during lunch.

I thought of starting a Facebook Group, but then I am afraid that I may not have time to entertain all my FAN. So, I think I will just stick to this blog . Coca-Cola in Facebook, has over 500 groups! Interestingly, Coca Cola Company does not have an official fan club. I once wrote to them before, through F&N Malaysia, they never did reply me.

Having brought up F&N Malaysia, let me explain my sadness how Coca Cola sole distributor in Malaysia are doing such a lousy job in marketing this brand. Allow me to show you one example. go to myCOKE Promo and you can only find the VERY OLD Vanilla Coke promo and the Beijing Olympics promo. Have they forgotten about Euro 2008 (although they have 'below the line' promos.)

You all know why I like Coca Cola from my recent posting Top 5 Reasons , but if F&N or Coca Cola Asia Pacific continue to ignore us fan, I think I may post 'reasons' why I, a true Coca Cola Fan, hates........

Top 5 Reasons...

2008-06-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Why I Love Coca Cola

Makes McDonald Value Meal tastes so much better.
Value adds ICE CUBES.
Because its RED, and I hate blue. (HINT : PEPSI)
It has cool short name, COKE.
It's a type of carbonated soft drink sold in stores, restaurants and vending machines in more than 200 countries

Why People Gossips

To feel like they are part of a group (Not in my group : RWAC)
Because they Lack of Attention (Attention is given, not seeked)
Out of Jealousy (Because I am handsome, or 'influential' or I can blog)
Because they are BORED (For F@&CKS la)
To feel superior (hahah, good luck)

Why People Thinks I am A Rumour Monger

Because Senior People in my company said I am.
I am good conversationalist, just like how I blog.
I wrote a blog posting on Rumours.
The real rumour monger spread rumours that I am a rumour monger.
Because I have good and reliable sources.

Why I Hate PEPSI

To Sweet and not carbonated enough.
Because I Love RED (HINT : COCA COLA).
They claim to be GLOBAL (PEPSI Ice Cucumber in Japan!!!)
Because it sounds like 'pile of shit" in Cantonese.
It disrespect Coca Cola in their advertising campaign.

Rumours.....

2008-06-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

Past Coca-Cola Rumours (Source : http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/)

Child dies after drinking Coca-Cola light® followed by chewing menthol-flavored chewy candy.
Coca-Cola can be used by farmers as pesticides for their crops.
Coke + MSG = Aphrodisiac.
Coca-Cola can be used as a household cleaner.
Delhi University student dies chugging Coke.

Present 'My Company' Rumours (Source : Various)

The company will take away all car benefit because of the recent petrol increase.
A 'semi-major' restructuring is in the plans.
I am extremely good looking and I am blogging during office hours.
We got an extra month of bonus.
Cake cutting are forbidden because managers are claiming it as entertainment.

How to Deal with Rumours

Don't attempt to explain the rumours (if you are part of it). My colleague said (in Cantonese) "Kai Sek Chit See Yim Sek, Yim Sek Chit See Mow Chut Sek". Meaning " If you explain, meaning you are covering up, If you are covering up, meaning you are 'useless'.
Don't spread them and don't probe more.
Read between the lines, the fact may lie between the rumours. Example : I am extremely good looking and I am blogging during office hours. The fact is people can't accept that I can post this much, in such short period and that I am always walking around in office. The good looking part is another fact.
Report it to Human Resources.
If you can't beat them, join them. But only limit it to lunch time chats and when you want to blog.

Coca-Cola Detergent?

Coca Cola Brand Portfolio Definition...(Part 2)

2008-06-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

I have in the last few days, received stares and cynical remarks from my colleagues asking me to classify them, amongst the choices stated in the Part 1. Well, for most of them, I can't, cause they all belong two the choices in Part 2.

Coca-Cola Blak - A coffee flavoured Coca-Cola in 2006 but discontinued in January 2008. He's unique and a strong team player, he's mature and learned. However, he finds it hard in the corporate world as he fights for his survival. His boss and colleagues gets the recognition but he's really the contributor. Though short-term, he adds values, but his environment and superiors, forced him to 'dis-continue'. We will remember him as a great ex-colleague.

Coca-Cola ZERO - Sugar free variations but taste exactly like the original Coca-Cola. Compared to the company's high potential, he is as capable, he is as hardworking, he is as smart, he is as creative and he is as valuable. But his bosses just can't see that. Whatever he does, or present or say, its still not as good as Coca-Cola. At times he's de-moralised and often asked whether is it because he's can't speak as fluent or because he's just not 'good looking'. To me, he's amongst the driving force, but in a different way.

Coca-Cola Vanilla - A Coca-Cola variation made to a recipe of extra vanilla. A radical, and people may not appreciate him. He's word are crude, but he's giving good feedback, his action's are de-meaning, but he's teaching, and his email is blunt, but he's stating fact. Bosses who are 'lesser' are afraid of him. He's vocal, constantly challenging, and slowly the organization can accept this 'flavour' and contribution.

Root Beer - Its neither a Coca-Cola or a beer!! Admittedly, not everyone can be classified. They may not be Coca-Cola, but they are unique to their own ways. The have their own identity, their own style, their own behaviours. But for sure they are not Coca-Cola. Will they be, maybe , maybe not. Only time will tell. But bottom line is, be yourself and don't let others define you, cause you own your identity.

Entry, Exit, Entry..

2008-06-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

According to Business Today. (November 7-21, 1993) , in its article "The Real Story - An Exclusive Account of How Coca-Cola India President Jayadev Raja Plans to Challenge Pepsi", it stated that Coca-Cola, reentered India in 1993, after having withdrawn from the country in the late 1970s, in the wake of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) of 1973. Coca-Cola's reentry was driven both by competitive factors and the company's own global plans. Global rival Pepsi had entered India in 1990 and by 1993 had captured a 25% market share. Coca-Cola could not stay behind.

My organization is in a way like India. So inviting and tempting, so forgiving and generous, so great and mighty, that many have returned after leaving my esteemed organization. Don't get me wrong, I am not condemning the returns, but I am highlighting that , how green the pasture is the other side, this side although lesser green, its still nourished and fresh.

My policy is always to grow with the company. There will always be a lousy boss, there will always be as$%^le colleagues, there surely will be stupid work that you do, and the ever popular, the 'selling-outs', but remember, there has always been the great gatherings, the time when your boss pats you on the back, or the time when your colleagues stay up late together with you to finish up your reports. For all the bads, it should have started from a couple of goods.

I counted at least 1/2 dozen time I was tempted to resign. But somehow, in God's will, there is a someone who managed to talked me out. There was once a senior manager, who has resigned, there were a few colleagues and there was one 'kakak', who did not speak to me, but her actions made me realise, how great this company is.

It's easy to write a resignation letter, and easier to do the exit interview but its as much harder to stay with a job, and live up to the expectation. Take that as a challenge and never give up. Remember Coca-Cola Company's "Exist to benefit and refresh everyone it touches".

Always Coca-Cola, Always One Force.

A litre of Coca Cola or A Litre of Petrol

2008-06-05T07:26:00.001-07:00

Malaysian Government announced the price increase of Petrol to RM2.70 (previously RM1.92). As Malaysians are fuming over this drastic increase, I wonder, in places around the world, which is more expensive. A litre of Coca Cola or a litre of Petrol. The more expensive one in BOLD. (Note : Currency Conversion from on http://coinmill.com/ ; Price of Coca Cola from http://www.howmuchatyourplace.com ; Price of Petrol from http://google.com/)

India : Coca Cola (RM 4.63) ; Petrol (RM 4.00)
Malaysia : Coca Cola (RM 2.13 ) ; Petrol (RM 2.70)
Singapore : Coca Cola (RM 7.18) ; Petrol (RM 5.20)
Nigeria : Coca Cola (RM 3.12) ; Petrol (RM 2.21)
Thailand : Coca Cola (RM 2.08) ; Petrol (RM 3.45)
London : Coca Cola (RM 9.05) ; Petrol (RM 7.33)

Another record by Malaysia. The only two countries, amongst the many I surveyed, that has a litre of Petrol more expensive than a litre of Coca Cola. Did our government ever studied this? Petrol is a necessities, whilst Coca Cola is a luxury. How can necessities be more expensive than luxury. Perhaps, to Malaysian policy makers, luxury items is so cheap for them, that they forget that 75 % of Malaysia's household earns less than RM 3,000!! Or have they forget that an average graduate in Malaysia earns only RM 1,800. Oh, I forgot, of course they know. They know how hard it is to be poor, cause they are voted 'Wakil Rakyat'.

Coca Cola Brand Portfolio Definition...(Part 1)

2008-06-03T07:10:00.001-07:00

For those who knows me, I often comes out with many analogies to describe a social phenomena or an individual. In the office, both me and my 'best' colleague have tried and define different facets of people in our company, based on their un-normal behaviours. He has used the animal kingdom, and I shall use, the Coca Cola Brand Portfolio. Here's my attempt.

Coca Cola Classic - The all-original classic. Liked by many, conventional, true to himself. Often many may get bored with him, but at then end of the day, he's the man. In the company, he's happy with what he does, delivers what he's being asked, never complains, never bitch, occasionally gives an extra mile, and once in a while, a pat by his boss. He's your average joe.

Coca Cola Diet - The sugar free Coca Cola. Artificially sweetened originally by aspartame. Although he may appear to be your average joe, but there's a lot of fakes in him. He could appear smart, but really, he's just plagiarising his presentation. He could appear to be strong analytically, but really, he copied the analysis from economist.com. Everyone seems to like him, as he is 'in and happening'. His bosses admires him for his exterior personality, but once tasted, although sweet, he's just not original

Coca-Cola Black Cherry Vanilla - A by product of phased out Vanilla Coke and re-christening of Chery Coke. He's true values and contributions remain an enigma. No body knows why he was hired, no body knows what he does, and yet, he's still praised by his boss. Perhaps the saying goes, once you go black, you never turn back. He's also a lady's choice. Getting all the attention because he's 'different' or perhaps he's a minority.

Coca Cola C2 - Marketed as having half the carbohydrates, sugars and calories. He's at best half the value of anybody. Trying to steal the limelight not knowing who he really is. Although he wants to be on top, he never wants to learn the other half which lacks, and often cites, no experience and no time. He takes more than half of other's credit but always less than half of his mistake.

Sold Out or Sell Out..

2008-06-02T07:10:00.000-07:00

I was at my office’s drinks vending machine, hoping to buy an iced cold Coca Cola, only to find a SOLD OUT sign. Bitterly disappointed, I salvage around the office for a helplessly lying ‘un-owned’ Coca Cola can. Alas, I was to be disappointed again. Perhaps it was a sign that I wasn’t to have any Coca Cola today. I was upset, bitter, annoyed, slight anger and jilted.

I am sure many of you have faced such emotions before. Being denied of your intentions and hopes, having your dreams demolished, having others claim credits for your good doings or being blamed for something you did not do, even though our intentions were noble and of goodwill.

Many of times, the Coca Cola Company’s good intentions were questioned. On 20th October 2003, the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry Foundation (AAPDF) accepted a $1 million in "research" money from Coca-Cola at a time of growing concerns about the role of soft drinks in causing dental and other health problems for young people (Source : Education Policy Studies Laboratory Website). The Academy President Dr. Paul Reggiardo and Executive Director Dr. John Rutkauskas were accused of ‘selling out’ to Coca Cola.

According to Wikipedia (http://www.wikipedia.com/) Selling out refers to the compromising of one's integrity, morality and principles in exchange for money 'success' or other personal gain. It is commonly associated with attempts to increase mass appeal or acceptability to mainstream society. A person who does this, as opposed to following the original path s/he laid (or claimed to lay) out for him/herself, is labeled a sellout and regarded with disgust and immediate loss of respect. Selling out is seen as gaining success at the cost of credibility.

Selling out is a big word. I have in many encounters used this word, in fact way to many. In my company, there are many of such characters. One my ‘best’ colleague today was F#$%&ingly upset over an incident today, caused by acts fittingly suiting the definition of Selling Out. I understand where he came from as I have been victimized by such people. For me, whether a relationship falls within the boundary of friendship, colleagues, lovers, siblings or enemies, once should act within the line of engagements. You do not have lunch with a ‘hot’ colleague and sell out your usual lunch buddy. You do not claim credit for a job that your other colleague did and selling him out by further demeaning his involvement. You do not say ‘bad’ things about your ex-boss or ex-colleague, just because you are not in the same department anymore. You do not promise what you don’t intend to deliver. You just don’t Sell Out.

Respect is earned not given. Success is gained not robbed. Money buys you things but will never buy you friends. You may be ‘great’, but you will be despised. I will never label you a Sell Out, but only you will earn the label.

For Coca Cola, it has always gone with the conventional way of gaining success. Believing in itself , having the right attitude, accustomed to people’s feeling and most importantly , maintaining integrity are amongst Coca Cola’s recipe of success. I live by them, why not you!!!! You may be the usual 'bottle' amongst the many, but one day, others will notice, how unique you are. You dont't need to go out of the conventional. Don't Sell Out, otherwise you will be a forgotten Sold Out item.

Coke , England & Malaysia ??

2008-05-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

One of my greatest single Coca Cola Collection is the commemorative bottle for the wedding of Prince Charles & Lady Diana Spencer. The bottle dated back to 1981. Like all weddings, the wedding was a joyous occasion in England.

BBC News, in its 29th July broadcast, reported “Crowds of 600,000 people filled the streets of London to catch a glimpse of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer on their wedding day. The couple were married at St Paul's Cathedral before an invited congregation of 3,500 and an estimated global TV audience of 750 million - making it the most popular programme ever broadcast. Britons enjoyed a national holiday to mark the occasion."

The wedding is not the only event, Coca Cola has presence in. Amongst other events are in the EPL, British Music, Christmas and many more. I've never wondered why Coca Cola has constantly invested in England, and not Malaysia. Perhaps in comparison, English people are mightier and seen as a conqueror. Or perhaps Coca Cola in Malaysia is under an 'I-don't-know-what-is-marketing' Chinaman company. Or perhaps British simply drink more than Malaysia. According to Coca Cola 2005 Annual Report, British drinks 199 ounce servings of Coke beverages per capita annually.

But these statistics will remain statistics as what is more important is the future. Let me tell you why. Malaysians, multi ethnicity community will soon be somewhat richer. Here is why. Firstly, the majorities will continue to benefit from the government’s feeding hand (if that is the B#$%^ N$%^* government can survive the emergence of the Pakat$^& Rak^%). Secondly, the smallest of the main 3 races is starting to get more attention thanks to Makkal Sakthi, and perhaps they could become millionaires. Thirdly, the other main race will, well they will continue to find ways to remain at the top.

So perhaps with more disposal income, Malaysian's will surely drink more Coca Cola? Will then our local Coca Cola franchise start coming out with something interesting in its packaging? If not for sure, Coca Cola will lose out to local cola franchise, such as TESCO Cola, which many say it’s not bad. "Now Everyone Can Produce Cola"

A home for Coke.....

2008-05-12T02:22:00.000-07:00

In 1886, Coca Cola was born in Atlanta, Georgia, of the USA. From there , it went from one continent to another, trying to settle down and find a HOME. Today, apart from being in almost 200 over countries, I have a home for my Coke...

I moved in to my own place, for nearly 5 months now. Amongst the many room of my humble double store abode, I've dedicated a special room, for which my Coca Cola collections' call HOME

One will not missed it, as the door which separates the mystery of my collection with the ordinary world, bears the signage synonym to many.

Visitors my new place, after seeing the content of this room , will usually end up auditioning to become my 'designated' collector-on-behalf. Others will surely sms or call me when they find a shop/stall that sells Coca Cola collectibles , when they walked in Bangsar Grocer or through the Curve's Street Market.

One could never imagine how big or famous Coca Cola. Being a truly global brand, Coca Cola is the most widely known brand in the world. According to Business Week, in 2006 , Coca Cola ranks the No.1 brand in the world, with a value of USD 67.5 billion!

My house in the other hand, is valued at RM 350 thousand! That is inclusive of the furniture and appliances. Perhaps I should add the value of its occupants , their pet Ginger and Rodney and their priceless collections of clothing, DVDs, old newspapers, liquors and of course the Coca Cola collectibles.

One of my biggest challenge prior to moving into this house was the interior designing. Of course it helped that my gf had great taste. All I had was.... a great gf. I must say, the finishing was great. Nice paint job, perfect furnitures, high tech AV appliances, beautiful paintings (coming soon) , a contemporary bar and of course my Coke room.

The room currently holds a fridge, stocked up with all the soft drinks (of course pre-dominantly Coke) , Heineken and loads of chocolate bars. Also within is one large cabinet with multi columns (bought from Giant), one multi tier cabinets (buatan AYAH) and several smaller shelves. All of these furnitures house my collections of 400 + articles. There are still many more rooms for expansion, namely the walls, which I hope in years to come, it will be filled, either by my own or by house's visitors or anyone who which to donate their collection after reading this blog.

Bangkok Land of Traditions, Cuisine & Coke..

2007-01-01T03:58:00.000-08:00

I love Bangkok! For the past 2 years, I have made an effort to visit Bangkok, for its cultural wonders, great food, and Coca-Cola collections. I find Thai’s really hospitable, friendly, accommodating and they love Coke! Bangkok is really a place where Coca-Cola Collectors find joy in. Here’s my story…

In 2005, during my 5 days trip to Bangkok, I visited this restaurant called “Café Classique”, at Sukhumvit. Far from being your ordinary café, the owner of this place showcased his admirable collection of Coca-Cola. This café have easily thousands of Coca-Cola cans, bottles, posters, signage and merchandises.

I also visited a shop at MBK called About Coke (http://www.collectmyall.com/). There, I spend close to 2 hours talking to the owner, who is a collector himself. I ended up buying 3 sets of Coca-Cola cans.

From my trip in 2005, I started researching about Coca-Cola collectors in Bangkok. I came across http://www.cokethai.com/ . It was Thailand’s Coca-Cola Collectors Club’s forum. I became a member, although most of the posting were in Thai. I corresponded with a couple of people there (Oly from China, Keith from Australia), and learned more about their passion for Coca-Cola collections. One of them was Sam, a moderator for the website.

From that trip also, my Thai friend, Jess, learned of my passion for Coca-Cola, and he started collecting for me. When I was there recently in 2006, he had collected the complete World Cup 2006 collection (10 cans) and a couple of China World Cup collection. Thanks Jess!!

Apart from that, during my 2006 trip, I managed to buy a 1 litre Coca-Cola bottle from a provision store, a plastic Coca-Cola cup from a food court and a prototype Coca-Cola Christmas edition, due to be released at 7-11 in Bangkok (Thanks Non!)

I really love Bangkok! Great. My Bangkok Coca-Cola collections will remind me what a great country Thailand is and how great my friends are.

All I Want For Christmas...A Coke Blog

2006-12-22T00:09:00.000-08:00

Its Christmas time, and I thought to myself, " What should I get myself this year?" I started thinking.....Every year, 1/2 my Christmas presents were Coca-Cola related, 3/4 of things in my room is Coca-Cola related, 2/3 of what I bought from my recent trip to Bangkok was Coca-Cola related, 1/2 the things I surf the net, was Coca -Cola related and I drink 1 can of Coca-Cola a day. So I conclude, what would be a greater gift than to start blogging about Coca-Cola.

I had a humble beginning with my Coca-Cola collection. It was a Coke Tumbler I bought from Burger King 4 years ago. Now, my collection is more than 260 individual items. I shall dedicate this full time passion of mine, in this blog called... I Have A Coke