Monday, October 23, 2006

How far does brand-guide affect us, the designers?

Brand guide was created to give a solid composure in design creation, to allow a strict system in design. In programmer’s case, they had build Content Management System (CMS) to ensure smooth content management, where clients or user would not have to worry about how the content will look like, as they already program to appear in right places. However, for a designer, CMS had made us become less creative.



Now back to branding, some branding guide helps us, designer to work at ease, get more efficient and decidable on what content we are going to design and align. For instance, Hewlett Packard (HP) branding. As far as I experience working with HP few years back, I found HP had one of the most impressive brand guide that I can easily understand and follow. Although in terms of designing on the web, like product updates and web page maintenance, there’s always limitation. However, being a designer doesn’t mean that we have to follow exactly 100% what brand guide had set for us. We can always explore, to make a product sell and inspiring.



I had been observing HP’s campaign and I rather say HP knows what they are doing. Their product, promotion and campaigns extensively lead to success in sales. In terms of advertisement, there had been major force of design and ad houses who had achieve a great quality of design to help promote HP campaign. In my opinion, I like the 2004-05 campaign, where they had commission my all-time favorite design guru’s, Mike Young and Mike Cina of WeWorkForThem. Their design for HP had been an outstanding inspiration to reflect not only the freedom of brand identity, but to create a perspective of visual and understanding of the product that they had promoted.



But how far does that adoption would be able reflect in Malaysia creative scene?
Why do we have to keep on following what the clients want rather than we ourselves decide what is best for the clients?
Why can we give solution without expecting client to be creative?
Why we don’t want to take the risk to inspire them?
Why designers intend to hold-back and wait for their Art Directors or client to comment on their work, rather giving something extraordinary?

We definitely need to step forward. A good designer not only knows how to see, compare, and analyze, yet knows how to be smart, consistent and will be able to take the risk rather than just to play safe the entire time. Playing safe is not recommended if you doing it for your entire career. You need to grow, increase as much skill set, become more versatile, and believe that your creativity can set a benchmark and guide to others, to inspire and appreciate creativity. Besides empowering the creative awareness, there’s always a way we can make simple things looks brilliant, and amazing.

I kindly welcome your POV (Point of View) regarding this article.

Note: I might use the wrong terms of the word branding so do correct me if you found me using false terms.

Seasons Greetings!

I would still like to express my belated greetings to all my Muslim a happy Eid Mubarak and to my Hindi friends, a happy Deepavali celebration. May all fulfill with the best of love, wealth, passion and success in life. I know that today, Monday is a great start for fasting. I will start fasting this week.

What’s with Raya? It’s always good to see family gathering in large groups, helping each other out, preparing food and decorating houses. It’s always been nice. To me, when it comes to Raya, I’m always glad to spend most of my times with my family and relatives. It’s the only time I can see and talk together. Surprisingly, a guy at the age of 26, it's embarrassing to still receive ang paws although I am also giving angpau's to the kids (“,). I remember when we went Raya to Istana Raja Di-Hilir, we got a very nice amount of ang pau's there.



We went in Ipoh, Batu Gajah and my kampung Seluboh, Parit on 25th - 27th October. I like Ipoh very much. I’ve been really closed with my father's relative compared to my Kelantan relatives. I mean I really love Ipoh because it's the only place I can remember growing up. I've been to Cator Avenue in my primaries and Anderson during my junior high. Ipoh, gives such a great memories. A place where I first started scouting (scout boys), playing cricket, a place where I start my X-Men comics collections and start wearing bell bottom pants with sizes up to 22" inch and hang out at Yik Foong Plaza. Oh my, those days! Talk about X-Men, unexpectedly, I was so happy that my cousin brought us to two (2) Novelhut store in Ipoh. What I manage to find off the back-dated comic was the #1 issue of WILDC.A.T.S, #1 issue of Cyber Force, and 15 copies of X-Factor, X-Force & X-Men comics that features X-Cutioner's Song Saga. I even manage to get Generation X 97's annual. Have anyone got the chance to watch the upcoming NBC's HEROES? This show is freaking cool, it's almost like X-Men & Mutant X, only the plot is very dramatic, very great scriptwriting and of course, great cinematography. Now that I’m a big fan of Oldtown Kopitiam, when me, Abby and my cousin Ijan passed by some shops next to Ipoh Garden, there’s no way that we don’t want to miss that great white coffee. It’s nice. In fact, recently, in Cyberjaya, Oldtown also open up their cafĂ© at the new food court opposite Dell building. You might want to see me regularly over there (“,)

Being Pisces

I found an interesting zodiac reading / astrology / sign for Pisces, which was given by a nice new friend who studied on product design, yesterday. Some of the reads are true, otherwise not. I will select what most fits my personality and character ;-)

He is very emotional and always allows himself to be very emotional. He can have a good night sleep and be in a good mood, and less than few hours at work he can be very moody. He does not understand things or try to understand things easily. If you notice him carefully, you will notice what kind of moods he is in.

He is a thinker and able to do well at work and always succeed. His normal gestures mean he always looks at other people faults, but he will not talk about it. He has the ability to know your thought and able to tell you what you are thinking about.

He can mostly memorize all his anger, his loves. They are his important secrets and he will keep them to himself and will never let you know.

He is kind and slightly lazy, but it is his cute character. He hates rules and regulations. He will never look down on people. He is a polite guy and can be very aggressive when he is mad. He loves to think that he lives in a beautiful world and surround by nice people, so if he finds his world is cruel and not what he expects, he will live in his world instead.

His other charm is that he is a funny guy, and it is his real weapon. He can tease you and yet make it looks like one of his joke. Even when he is sad, he still has that funny face, so you could hardly tell if he is mad or depress. He likes to hide his feeling and help other people especially those who need friend or lonely.

He will be everything that you want and everything you do not want. He has a chance to make it as much as a chance to fail. He can determine to make it work and can do it well, except he tends to lost his energy with other important things, that's how he miss many of his good opportunity.

He can be happy and content by himself. What he think is important is not "Love”, but firm status and stability. He has plenty of love for you.

He is a good speaker, as much as he is a good listener. When he is with you, he wants to be happy. He understands his partner's emotional. He likes to take a long rest and sometimes being alone. If he needs to be alone, try not to disturb him.

He is a sensitive, quiet, shy and easily hurt. He wants to feel worthy. He can be mad and noisy, but once he calm down, he will be that happy person again.

When he is lonely or feeling sad, be close to comfort him. He does not like to take advice, so if you want him to listen or to follow your advice; you have to act as a good sample for him first. If you treat him like he is your special person, then he will be that special person for you. He will trust you if he is in love but try not to over doing it and spoil him too much. You have to know yourself worth all the time too.

Postmortem: Lunch Date

I finally get to watch Open Season with my love. Although B watched it before, it would be more interesting to watch with the one u love. I think Open Season quite interesting, looking at the storyline, It’s not really too typical for an animation film. I like the scene in the jungle where the the bear start screw things up, but at the end, he decided to stay in the valley to learn about friendship and love. This movie, however, can’t beat Disney 3D animation, Monster House nor Shrek. I can give C+ for the cute bear. I can't wait to watch three other movies; The Fountain starring Hugh Jackman, long awaited 'Step Up', a cool dance inspirational movie like Center Stage and Honey, and last but not least, Happy Feet. With amazing voice overs by top Hollywood celebrities, I’m sure this movie is worth seeing. Of course, along others like Michael Bay’s Transformers, Spider man 3 & 300! Have anyone watched Science of Sleep? I couldn’t see any promo here in Malaysia.

Jane Doe asked me 'Muid, how do you want to achieve a good relationship?

I said; 'Like marriage, relationship helps to create a board of motivation in life. It will keep on showing how well we progress in life, and see how we can contribute to both positively. There will always be the ups and down. People will find happiness through analysis, comparing from past, learning the mistakes we did and give the best commitment as possible. Most important, in our heart, we must do anything we can to ensure our love, and give the best of secure in our relationship.

For the past two months, I learn a lot about relationship. I understand that as a person, we must clarify and know exactly what we want in a relationship, do whats best for both, try to acknowledge both sacrifices, try to take control of myself, my anger and my affection. I want to be loved and to love someone as much as I can, despite that, I forget about some of the things I do, that leave a heart hurt. I realized that I turn into a selfish person that wanted my lover to dedicate the love and relationship just for me, but I was wrong, so bloody wrong. I lead jealousy, fear and doubt clouded over my affection and wasn't able to think straight and I had realized I was wrong all the way. It's like both of us saw the light but I was stuck in a huge wave and fighting myself hard. It's so black and white that I couldn't see any colors reside with me. I want to paint it as beautiful as possible, so I can find ways to fix it, to repair it, although I know the cost will be dry and impossible. But I already know what must be done, because I can't afraid to of loosing my lover. I love my lover dearly and I still need to to learn and do a lot of things in this relationship. It's a long way ahead and I just started. As I can close my eyes and recall, I never found someone who can stood up for me, for a ten dollar note that had been rejected or times where my love lies on my shoulder. It was so purify, so genuine. The love I had experience right now, had definitely affected my life in general. It had made me realize what kind of person I am. I can see the most uglies side of person, and I have the privilege to learn what brings the best of my personality, trough my lovers eye. I have to deal not only problems that I encounter, but also my alter-ego. I must learn how to love myself in order for me to see my mistakes, and from there, I will start building my confident and positivity up. We can't get away with argument. There are no such things as perfect relationship because there will always be obstacle and it's up to us to choose to surrender, or fight to our death to push away to wave, rather than running away from problems and try to think we can move on cruelly. This far, I want to learn how to be strong, and control of my own feelings and emotions. I know now I don't need to run away from my problem, and face like a man to bring the best solution as possible. Some people said in relationship, it takes two to tango, therefore in a relationship, both must give the best of their affection, and try to be psychically together, hold each other, try to stay close, learn to know each other, forgive and forget and both treat with fair and respect
.

I just want to tell the people here it's not easy, and its not perfect to build a good and strong relationship. Everyone makes mistake and both must forgive each other and forget in order to survive and work it out. I let all my hatred aside, to my ex who had hurt my heart over and over again, and forgive them and welcome them as friends, not enemies.

If both of us will continue to stay on, to fight shoulder to shoulder, stay strong with to one another, I know that in my heart and mind, it will work. Most important, we must not allow others to spoiled what we belief, because those people will always get in your way, to break a happy home, a happy relationship. If I am to become more wiser, I know that I must allow myself, my lover and others to give chances, commit and to try to understand each other, takes things not too personal and be steady to achieve a long-lasting relationship so to both of us lead into a happier, healthier positivity in our lives.

_
Yamyum, can't stop thinking about you. I’m too silly and naive that I let my emotions clouded my affection towards you, but that is because I felt hurt seeing you abandon me. Sometimes, there are things we do we never know we hurt each other both. I am sorry for the cause, and I'm sorry that I can't be perfect and intelligent as u expected, I can't change as fast as u want me to be. I make mistakes we all do and I learn to change for the better, for me, and for you. If u think I don't love you, it's not true. I do anything for u. I will continue to learn and fix where ever and whenever I can and you know that I do.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Red Kebaya,: Creative Cinematography

Red Kebaya has a wonderful cinematography set in local various location and line of high-profile actor and actress. Each dedicate to deliver their role, I have no fear to say the potential and expectation for this film, because it’s going to be a great film after I few local movies I had watched (Hint: Yasmin Ahmad or any other creative filmmakers). After the short pre-screening of Red Kebaya, I hope local indie film industry will help us to inspire and motivate, to create more versatility in our work, plus, to gain recognition by the world’s eyes and mind.

Red Kebaya

Red Kebaya is something unique to watch because not like any other plot we’ve seen in typical local film; the storyline will bring the audience back through time. What more impress me is how this movie helps to promote local attractions and culture. Meeting the cast and crew was remarkable, because we talk a lot of things which not most typical producers, or actors and film-maker wanted. But for those who love to predict and judge a book by it's cover, I’m sure they will hate as hell because the fact that Red Kebaya really have ‘different’ 'team'. Well, just wait till this 23rd of November and see for yourself. My special credit goes out to Samantha Schubert for excellent role in that film, Ramli Hassan for the coolest facial expression and his style of acting, and Elaine Dally, for an unexpected role. I never thought she’s so talented. Pandai berlakon jadi watak irritating.

I would like to thank Isma Yusoof and Kate, for inviting me to the pre-screening. It has been a great pleasure to meet you guys again. Now, feel free to check out our photo gallery of the event below!


Click on the picture to visit the photo gallery

Above pic was shot by Muid, and the film reviews are prepared and written by local noted bloggers:
  1. Nizam Zakaria
  2. Sultan Muzaffar
  3. Budiey
  4. Kash ED
  5. Mukeh
  6. Wan Zul (Photographer)

I got a secret, and here in my heart:

You made my soul running so carefree,
You made me to know and understand how beautiful relationship

Even if our relationship is in the world’s suicidal cliff,

You and I take this chance to learn and let the love flows in us.

I never find the one that is true as much as you do,

Because all of my life, I’ve been waiting to long for this,

For you to come and bring me sunshine,

And a person who makes me happy,


I never felt so happy and joyful,

Because to be with you, was the best thing I had ever enjoyed,

And to hear you say I love you each moment when I look into your eyes,

There’s nothing more to say rather to feel blessed and thankful.


My love, would it be nice if I can make you breakfast? Would it be nice if we both buy our clothes and bed sheet together? Would it be nice if we carry our furniture and re-arrange the house? You know, all I want is to make things last as long as forever. You are all that matters to me and let me tell you this; I can't explain more that to tell you I want you more than any other things in my life (Not even in my wish list :P). You had encourage me to be a special person, to gain more how to love myself and to work as hard and smart as I can. I am not tangled anymore when I'm with you. I never love this way before, with every touch and with all my heart. Nothing is going to stop me from loving you. I want to make complicated things as simple it is. I will impress you everytime, and I want to miss you everyday, I want to travel with you and I want to see as much possibility to explore your mind and heart.


_
i-love-you-and-i-can't-hide-the-feeling-inside-to-tell-u-i-love-u-and-so-the-world-will-know...

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Malaysia: Technology Versus Civilization

When we care too much about technology, we care less about our civilization.

Most of the typical Malay
is still strong at their stubborn mindset about the things around them. They never allow themselves to accept critism, they hate noted people revealing their mistake, and they even want to stay as far as they can when it comes to religion.

So what do the parents do on a Sunday evening? Dad would probably check on his car or hang out with their friends on how to modify parts and stuff, while mummy would sit with other housewives to back mouth their neighbors. Or both of them probably watch TV shows but neglect their responsibility to look after their kids. Or maybe some dad is too busy playing golf and let their sons and daughters went to clubs until late nights. What ever it is, today’s bumi culture had changed forever. We no longer see humble Malay in ourselves. They become more rude and full of attitude.

Case One:
One of the recent discussions I had with my father is when he came back from New York, is that he told us about how things work (culture) in United States compared to our Malay culture. In New York, people, especially youngsters wouldn’t hang out at malls starring at people. It’s even spotless to see teens with punk outfits on the streets. People move forward and people have no absolute time to hang-out (lepak) because all of them work for a living. They work to pay their rental and food. Otherwise, in Malaysia, teens and young adults would have no jobs, act like they have a job, hang out in front of shopping malls or coffee house, mocking and bad-mouth people passing by them, wasting time and ask money from their parents. They even fancy expensive gadget for the sake of brag and boast, showing off as much as they can, and to compare each other’s wealth. Why Malays like to waste so much time??!? Why can’t they be educated and at least have the courtesy to respect their religion or as a Muslim…As I mentioned earlier in my previous post, it was that obvious that the Malay had been so drift away with entertainment. All of them are chasing for popularity, glam life. So they would come to open-public restaurant, wearing such extravaganza outfit and sang out loud, songs that were inspired by the uneducated Mawi perhaps at 10 p.m. in Ramadan! God, how much education in Malaysia had ruin our civilization because we care so much for technology and such, but neglected our akli and nakli, our rohani and our morality as a human.

Case Two:
A friend of mine who drop by our place for Sahur, Elyna Shukri, had a discussion (last week) about how our society accepted things in a very negative way. The Malays would never have the big-heart to appreciate other people’s success or achievement. They were being too skeptical and obnoxious because they can’t allow others to be more educated and intellegent then they are because they felt threaten by competition. So they will start the hating game because they facts is that they were so envy of a person with full of life, motivation and success. The best part is that, they want to see more failure than to support, their OWN RACE. Even worst, they will spread rumors which aren’t true about that person because due to their envy and hatred towards a person’s success. It's sad to see such thing happen. Sebab itu Melayu suka hidup berpuak-puak, berkelompok. Bangsa lain ingin bersatu, bangsa bumi ingin berpecah-belah kerana masing-masing tamak pengaruh dan kuasa, maka ego, iri hati dan perasaan benci berjaya mengawal jiwa mereka.

Dialogue 1:Muid, aku suka tengok work kau, best’. Keikhlasan ada disini.
Dialogue 2: Your work okla’, which symbolized their silent ego.
Dialogue 3: 'Sapa dia? Lantak la, I don’t care who he is, as if he’s good'. Reflection of a very native mind.

'Oleh kerana mereka yang tidak mahu menghijrahkan pemikiran mereka, jiwa, rohani mereka, maka mereka hanyut, dan turut menghasut yang lain untuk membuat lebih banyak kejahatan berbanding kebaikan'- ML.

So how on God’s name can the Malay improve themselves if they keep hating each other?

Embrace Technology in a harmonious way

Solution One:
How often you buy a prepaid top-up to vote for your favorite contestant in Akademi Fantasia or Malaysian Idol? It’s impressive how technology such as mobile industry especially the entertainment line had taken the opportunity to gross many income and some even in their own pockets. We are looking at millions of Ringgit. And we are not helping poverty. We are helping them (broadcasting) to gain more wealth so they can spoil our civilazation and culture. Look on how TV station allows Wrestling, a show that is so violence that will create human attention to become more agressive and to promote 'gangsterism'. So we can have more mat rempit on the road, more young teens wearing tube to Sri Hartamas almost popping out their tits in front of everyone.

Question: who are the voters? They are students (who supposed to be educated), adult (who should have more brain) among others. Why not instead of sending tons of SMS, wasting money and channel your effort to charity and safe some money at least for your Raya or saving account? How about donating your money to Rising Above foundation? How about use online forum to gain people attention on how we can build a community to help each other and contribute more charity? Help us gain more of human civilization and increase moral value to do good things. You can do it now.

Act Now!
To donate by SMS, type RA3 or 7 or 10 and send it to 32728. The numbers 3,7,10 are value of your donation, for example 3 means RM3 Ringgit. For more info, you can visit www.risingabove.org.my

Solution Two:
Stop wasting time on online forums, shoutbox, MSN and Yahoo! Messenger chit chats. Try to ‘Google’ or ‘Wiki’ yourself with rich-content education and knowledge of history, geography, science and technology, arts and architecture, medicine and others. Try open CNN website, or at least bernama.com to gain the latest happening around the world.

Find more ways to rich our culture by understanding our culture. Search for 'Ukiran Kayu' (Malay Woodcarving), Wau bulan or Islamic geometrical patterns and designs for your upcoming Raya Greeting Cards design. Visit tourism website to gain info about your own place, the history of the country you’re born. Believe me, you will be inspired and you will understand and treasure, the beauty of culture of Malaysia, or other preferred countries.

Why not read articles about what is Asian civilization. Do some research and analysis on why our national monument looks the same like the one they have in United States. Study on why our flag is as close and similar to American flag. Do healthy arguments and debates as far as you can go. Don’t waste time surfing porn websites, forums, chit-chats, email forwarding, and many others to name. Use technology in a more prosperous way. Enlighten your heart, your mind and your soul.

p/s: try call your mum today and just say hi and how's her work.. she will feel much better, even more, you will feel good.

Disclaimer: This article post is not to bring down self-esteem of my own race, but to give the fact that most of our people in our race is sailing far apart in wonderland. It’s time for them to stick into the reality, to accept the fact that they, us, need to work harder and stronger, not stand in front of the monitor or television, become passive and not productive. We need to change our attitude, our culture-behavior and our sociology.

Work Updates:



I will write a review about Red Kebaya film soon, as I’m attending it’s premier tomorrow night. I can’t also wait to see our DMP showcase at Berlin, Germany. I am so lucky to team up with Perez because our work got picked as ‘Official Selection’ for Webcuts 2006, Berlin, Germany for it’s conjunction of the Short Film Festival. Perez had recently release our long-awaited UBU Graffiti Showcase, available on DVD. Those who are interested to purchase, may contact directly to Perez. The price for the DVD is RM15 including posting and handling.


I just recently shot my little sister, Afiqah. I think she looks lovely in the photos.

Heart (Part 1):
Sayang @ My Beloved 'B',

My heart had been smashed and broken by mindless and heartless so-called-lovers before. The day I felt there’s nothing else to do but to hate any relationship that came in my way. They always try to destroy my happiness because of what they fail to give me (truly commitment, understanding and passion without having a suspicious mind), but then, came you.

I never thought you clear the possibility I have towards affection. You know how I hate it because the fact that I’ve been in so much pain. But today, marked my love even more deep for me to cherish you entirely, because you love me for the way I am, how I express myself, how I love my job, and how much you understand. I’m proud to be by your side, walking next to you. I felt 10 feet tall with you, because you never compare me with anyone else. I never know loving you have completely change my confusion, and yet you guide me in a better person. The day we hug and love each other, were the best moment, and more, when you kissed me, I know you’re the one who I shall belong to and I will keep on loving you no matter what will happen.

Honey, the shirt you gave me fits well with the docker pants my dad bought me ;-). Now, how bout some fried chicken? Yum yum.


_
I never felt regret, but i rather felt so proud you came to me, such a miracle.

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Revealed!

DMP MekarMara
Digital Malaya Project (DMP) MekarMara, Vol.1. Cover by Yazid, Organic leaves by Muid.

The journey of 15 Malaysian most outstanding talents starts with MekarMara! It has been way too long as I kept on delaying this magazine. The potential of this magazine is to expose the unknown creative to the most establish talents made in Malaysia.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the magazine and God knows the effort to call upon the talents, compiled all their works, and publish the magazine. It had been such a sleepless night and I do hope all the artist who had contributed can send me their reply ;-)

How far this magazine can go? We will have a paypal donation to help and support in some ways including my own pocket money to produce a A5 print out version. This magazine will be on retail of RM20-40 Ringgit (suggested price) and 40% of the collection will be donated to non-profit organization such as MERCY and AIDS Council, Malaysia.

Travelling without Moving



After Raya, I’m planning to go to Penang to shoot the Cheong Fatt Tze mansion as well to go shoot at Teluk Bahang, at sunset. I might be going to Kuching to visit the cultural village and might be hanging out at the Riverside and plus, I get the chance to visit my old school, St. Joseph. I hope I can go to Macau or Cambodia after February 2007 right after my birthday. It might not be easy because I will be traveling alone, and I know that my mission of traveling is to explore new culture in the South East Asia region plus, to enhance my photography skills.

Some might not know, Ramadan has been one of the most challenging months. I had to be a maid, besides my sister Abby. Since our maid is gone (why do they always lari one??), more task we have to do. Not complaining, but rather telling what I do. We have to wash dishes, do our own laundry, wake up for sahur, plus, since Abah went to New York, I have to put more eyes on the family and more security in the house. Financially, I have to prepare a K or two for open house. I’m excited for Raya because I really want to make it happen. I want to cook my own food and prepare to my friends, and want to see lots of friends come in my house. Raya lepas pun sikit je orang datang. Perhaps they also busy attending other open-houses. I know that mum will cook us nice lontong with nasi impit and sweet rendang. Plus, with the work and all, I’m in full 360 degree bogged. But that’s what it takes to work hard. I know in the future, I will find a way to redeem it.

My UiTM Days


Nony & Zamri can be located in the second picture, the one wearing kurung (yellow-purple) with short straight hair and Zamri, with all-white khakis pants. He now teach at IKIP, Pahang.

I just recently called up two of my best friends back in my study days, Nony and Abang Zamri. Both of them are most influencial students and was the most close friends I had. They know in and out about me and we keep in touch regularly. I miss them and just earlier, I had mentioned I'm going to Penang after Raya, so I'm so excited to see her and her Husband. I want them to take me to the my fav. Nasi Kandar near that Hotel, i think it's Price or Region Hotel. They had always been for me whenever I needed advices and when I'm feeling down. I love them dearly.

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To my dearest YumYum. I love u always and forever. You are my gravity when i'm drifting away, you're here to keep me safe. You are the reason that I grow strong and learn from my mistake, you help me see a better path. Please don't go away and punish me, because i will loose my soul. I will loose everything because you're the most important person in my life right now. I will wait no matter time passes by.