I am pleased to announce the launch of From the Store.

Last year, I felt the need to create some From the Bar Stool (FTBS) stuff for my daily use and share with my family and friends. The thinking went: Why not make and use stuff I want to wear and use instead of being a billboard for industrialized and commercial brands? And while I am at it, why not make ’em nice and put some positive and thoughtful messages on ’em that make us smile or think? Spread the good vibes kind of thing. There’s enough negativity out there. So this stuff is also my pushback against that in the pervasive negativity hyper-capitalistic environment: Profoundly and Positively Vibe Goods.

It’s my first-ever online store. I have no grand ambitions to be an online retailer and rival Amazon. From the Store is an experiment, as is everything in my life. I’ve set it up to put out the limited quantities of FTBS stuff I want to use, wear (eventually) and share. These three goods on offer were created for that purpose.

I drink often, hence the mug. I like bamboo, hence the mug cover. I smoke, too, hence the ashtray. I love tote bags and wanted one with an FTBS logo, hence the tote. I’ve gotten some favourable feedback about them and thought I would share the few I made with the interested fewer who may be interested. These are all one-offs for fun. I don’t intend to make them again. I have also made available a few copies of my Malaysian Guide to Advocacy available. Each copy purchased From the Store comes autographed with a personal message.

I am launching it today because it coincides with my and Shan’s call to the bar 25 years ago. Happy anniversary Shan!

In celebration of this launch, I have made my first e-book, The Book of Call Speeches, available free for 30 days from today.

It’s my first e-book ever, so it’s a day of double firsts for me. First e-store and e-book. My friend Wan Zafran Pawancheek edited, beautified, and created it for me, and he wrote the Preface. Thank you very much, Zafran! In it, I collected all my call speeches and reflections about the occasion in one volume, which I hope will be entertaining and edifying and inspire those preparing call speeches.

This book is a collection of my love letters to the profession and those entering the profession. As far as I know, it is the only book of its kind. I hope it will, in time, prove to be a welcome addition and contribution to the Malaysian legal profession.