What has roots as nobody sees,
Is taller than trees,
Up, up it goes
And yet never grows?
Answer: Mountain
Voiceless it cries,
Wingless flutters,
Toothless bites,
Mouthless mutters.
Answer: Wind
It cannot be seen, cannot be felt,
Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt.
It lies behind stars and under hills,
And empty holes it fills.
It comes first and follows after,
Ends life, kills laughter.
Answer: Darkness
Alive without breath,
As cold as death;
Never thirsty, ever drinking,
All in mail never clinking.
Answer: Fish
This thing all things devours:
Birds, beasts, trees, flowers;
Gnaws iron, bites steel;
Grinds hard stones to meal;
Slays king, ruins town
And beats high mountain down.
Answer: Time
A box without hinges, key, or lid,
Yet golden treasure inside is hid.
Answer: Egg
No legs lay on one-leg, two-legs sat near on three-legs, four legs got some.
Answer: Fish on a little table, a man at table sitting on a stool while the cat has the bones.
Thirty white horses on a red hill,
First they champ,
Then they stamp,
Then they stand still.
Answer: Teeth
An eye in a blue face
Saw an eye in a green face.
"That eye is like to this eye"
Said the first eye,
"But in low place
Not in high place."
Answer: Sun on the daisies
The beginning of eternity
The end of time and space
The beginning of every end,
And the end of every place.
Answer: The letter E
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Quotation.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Nebuchadnezzar.
For the past three days, I've watched the entire Matrix Trilogy - consisting of The Matrix, The Matrix: Reloaded & The Matrix: Revolutions.
I watched all these films a long time ago, yet there wasn't a single moment where I wasn't hanging off the edge of my seat. No lie. If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend that you do so - though your brain might take some time to process the complex story-line; I know mine did!
Heck, I even learnt a few new words along the way. Quintessential, concordantly, pertinent, inexorable, vagaries and insipid are the least of them. Let's just say they speak grammatically perfect, with only slight uses of slang.
Ergo, I have come to a conclusion:
I need to get myself a suit and shades.
Mr. Anderson.
About the Melbourne Holiday Post, it's a work in-progress and it should be up pretty soon.
I watched all these films a long time ago, yet there wasn't a single moment where I wasn't hanging off the edge of my seat. No lie. If you haven't watched it, I highly recommend that you do so - though your brain might take some time to process the complex story-line; I know mine did!
Heck, I even learnt a few new words along the way. Quintessential, concordantly, pertinent, inexorable, vagaries and insipid are the least of them. Let's just say they speak grammatically perfect, with only slight uses of slang.
Ergo, I have come to a conclusion:
I need to get myself a suit and shades.
Mr. Anderson.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Hohoho.
Thursday, 25 December 2008 - It's that time of year again. It's Christmas!
First off, a Merry Christmas to all my readers!
I know technically it's Boxing Day but really, it's the gesture that counts - am I right? A Happy Boxing Day to everyone as well.
I didn't actually get anything for Christmas this year. Guess Santa put me on the Naughty List this year. Thanks, Santa.
Though I did get a few things this holiday season.
This year, I had turkey for the first time in my entire fifteen years and nine months. Yeah, I know. Wow, right? Seeing as it was my first time, I took the liberty of savoring it long enough to make a comparison to the other bird I've been eating all my life: chicken.
Turkey is obviously a lot less fattier than chicken, thus is more lean and the healthier alternative. The texture is pretty much the same, but most of it isn't as soft as chicken flesh (it's it not having a lot of fat). Plus turkey's a whole lot bigger, which means the servings are far more larger. And apparently, there's a technique to carve the turkey - as said by the lady at the restaurant carving the turkey.
I basically spent Christmas day and Boxing day with my uncle, aunt and cousins from Beijing. They've finally come back to visit, and it's good to see them again.
About the Melbourne Holiday Post, I'm still working on it - it's long; really long.
First off, a Merry Christmas to all my readers!
I know technically it's Boxing Day but really, it's the gesture that counts - am I right? A Happy Boxing Day to everyone as well.
I didn't actually get anything for Christmas this year. Guess Santa put me on the Naughty List this year. Thanks, Santa.
Though I did get a few things this holiday season.
This year, I had turkey for the first time in my entire fifteen years and nine months. Yeah, I know. Wow, right? Seeing as it was my first time, I took the liberty of savoring it long enough to make a comparison to the other bird I've been eating all my life: chicken.
Turkey is obviously a lot less fattier than chicken, thus is more lean and the healthier alternative. The texture is pretty much the same, but most of it isn't as soft as chicken flesh (it's it not having a lot of fat). Plus turkey's a whole lot bigger, which means the servings are far more larger. And apparently, there's a technique to carve the turkey - as said by the lady at the restaurant carving the turkey.
I basically spent Christmas day and Boxing day with my uncle, aunt and cousins from Beijing. They've finally come back to visit, and it's good to see them again.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Listen.
I just had to say it.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
17.12.2008
Wednesday, 17 December 2008 - The small gathering of acquaintances. Well, more of a reunion actually and the meeting of a new friend.
The pictures are courtesy of Joanne Lim, of course.
Click: here
So anyway, the outing was at Sunway - to be exact, Sunway Pyramid.
Ellya and I reached there at around 10:35, I think? No one was here yet; well no one involved in our outing. Figures.
It was quite crowded for a weekday morning, come to think of it. Ellya and I went around leaning on railings, seating on chairs, walking into shops waiting. Soon, Xin You arrived.
Ellya really wanted to watch Twilight (don't tell me you haven't heard of it), but the only shows were at 11:00 and the next one at 3:30. She wasn't going to wait for the 3:30 show. So Ellya and Xin You went off to the movies. I was supposed to follow but nah, I decided to them some alone time.
I began wandering about the mall for about half an hour or so.
Then, I got a call from Joanne. She just arrived and was still in the carpark! We agreed to meet at Starbucks Coffee. So went over the the one underneath the Pyramid, you know at the large entrance drop-off place? After not seeing anyone who looked like a "Joanne" for about five minutes, I got another call from her.
Apparently, there are two Starbucks Coffee in Sunway Pyramid - I never knew.
I told her to stay where she was and I'd go look for the other coffee outlet. Then I had to traverse across three floors (going both up and down), look at three directories (they only show outlets on their respective floors) just to get there.
As I was approaching the place, I wanted to try something really cool that I've never actually done before. I wanted to sneak up behind her (well, not right behind her but within sight) and sms her, "Turn around." It's so Eagle Eye, I know.
I already had the phone in my hand. Now, all I had to do was find her.
Then suddenly out of nowhere, a high-pitched voice that screams innocence cried, "BERNARD SAM!"
I turned around and there I saw Joanne running towards me. I chuckled and said her name back. She hugged me and I hugged back. It was great meeting her again - and we had the whole day to catch up!
We both really needed something to eat. We didn't breakfast and it was turning twelve soon. Hana and Chris would be coming later at 1:30. I called Johnathan and he said he would be there by 11:35. I looked at my watch and it read 11:39. I informed him, then he said 11:55.
Terribly sorry Johnathan, but we had no time to lose - and we were starving.
Joanne chose, Subway. I've never eaten there before and I was willing to try. Joanne says they're really good! So off we went to look for a Subway restaurant.
We found one eventually on the Lower Ground2 floor. I've never exactly stepped inside a Subway before, so I wasn't exactly sure of what or how to order the meals. Joanne let me go first 'cause I think she already had something in mind for herself.
First, you choose the type of bread. I really couldn't decide, so the guy recommended the Parmesan Oregano. Next up, the meats. I went for the Tuna Sandwich. They put some cheese over it before melting the cheese. Then, the vegie bits - loads of lettuce and onions for me. Finally, the guy asked for which sauces I would like. I never thought tuna and sauces could go together, but oh what the heck. I chose the mayonnaise and barbecue sauces. I went for the Value Meal, which included a regular drink and chips!
Joanne was right behind me. Strangely, there weren't many people in here. When I was waiting for my order to be done, Joanne had just reached Step 2 - Meats. She told me she would usually go for the Chicken Teriyaki, but she wanted something different this time. So she asked for the Turkey. Apparently, they provide two types of turkey: Turkey Breast and Turkey Ham. Joanne almost instantly ordered the Turkey Breast, and she kept elaborating it!
Before Joanne could reach the counter, I ordered her a drink and told the man manning the cashier I'd be paying for the lot.
I took our orders and Joanne went to to drink counter to get our drinks filled. We sat over at one of those side-tables where the seats were stuck to the wall and obviously look more comfortable than the regular seats which were not stuck to the walls.
When I ordered the chips, I thought they were french fries-chips. They weren't. They were in fact potato chips-chips. Weird.
We used this time to catch up - before this, we haven't seen each other for months. Then suddenly Joanne took out her SLR. Woa, where'd that monster of a camera come from; lenses and all?! From her handbag. How'd that fit in there? Anyway, she started taking pictures of me eating; I never knew I looked that eating.
As were finishing our meals, I got a call from Johnathan. He was already here but he was with his friends, so he wouldn't be able to meet us at Subway. It was 12:15.
A few moments later, he called again. He said his friends ditched him and he was free to come to subway. Joanne and I cheered! Soon after, he found his way here and he bought himself lunch. We all had a couple of laughs and catching up all around.
Right after, we decided to walk around and find out what we could do while waiting for the movie (or Hana and Chris). We had ice-skating and bowling in mind. Then we went to MPH to read a little to help burn the time.
We found the most amazing book ever. Lose Weight! Get Laid! Find God!: The All-In-One Life Planner.
Buy this book.
Sure it's a little too mature, but man you have to admit it's funny. I assure you, you will laugh your pants off.
Johnathan and I were considering on buying it, but we had other matters to attend to.
It was going to be 1:15 soon, so we went to the movies to buy the tickets first. The line for the ticketing counter was massively long.
So in the line, we had a huge discussion (which you could say at the loudness we were at, that everyone there was involved in) about what movie to watch. We were still very far from the counter. Joanne wanted to call Hana and/or Chris to find out what they would like to watch and where they were. Apparently only one of us had signal - only Joanne had signal.
Then Joanne went out of the line to make the call. Johnathan assured her that she'll be able to make it back in. After the call, she just walked in. He was right! I guess the world isn't as mean as you think it might be.
Very soon, Hana and Chris walked up to us in line. We exchanged greetings and they hopped in line. Before this I have never met Chris. He's from Joanne's new school, see. From the moment we shook hands, I could tell we'd be friends for a long time.
So anyway, we all agreed on watching Transporter 3. Then I saw the screen - it was rated 18SG. Dang.
Johnathan just told all of us to keep quiet. We could make it. We walked up to the counter and no one spoke. I broke the silence by asking for five tickets for the movie (Ellya said she wouldn't be watching with us). The unfriendly man said, "Eighteen." I was like, "Oh, then could we have five tickets for The Day the Earth Stood Still, please?" He was very unclear on where we would be seating and which seats were available or unavailable. So anyway, I saw the only five yellow coloured squares and thanked him. He smiled - I was probably the first friendly guy he'd met for the day.
Johnathan said we would've made it if I had jut kept my mouth shut. I have a pretty kiddy voice, strangely. Haha! So begins the sarcastic remarks from both Johnathan and I throughout the outing.
The movie would be starting at 3:00 and we had time to spare. Everyone was here, and we met up with Ellya & Xin You. Johnathan really wanted to skate, so the ice-skating rink was our first stop. We lost Ellya and Xin You on the way there - they must've wanted some alone time. *wink wink.
Johnathan desperately wanted to ice-skate, really bad. All of us, weren't really feeling it. After trying to decide whether or not we should skate, eventually we went off to the bowling alleys. There was a competition going on over there - we could see players wearing shirts with MALAYSIA and SINGAPORE on them. Even so, there were still empty alleys here and there.
We went to the counter (gosh, I've typed counter a number of times already, haven't I?) and the lady told us that the alleys were all full. Pft, yeah right.
Then, archery popped up in my mind. I remembered seeing an archery range somewhere around, so I brought it up. We all agreed and went out of the place. Then, right outside to the left was the archery range. Didn't notice it on the way in.
We bought this package giving all of us 30 arrows each. I think during this time we had accumulated the most photos for the outing - the link is at the very beginning of this blog post.
Not shown in the photos, was Johnathan's screen. One of his shots had impaled the camera. The screen went black partially and lost colour. I shot an arrow right above the camera blocking the view on my C rings - and that's were all my shots were! In the end, I had five bullseyes, five instances where two or more arrows were shot in the same bit of the board and four arrows shot out of the board. Interesting, no?
Right after, Ellya and Xin You dropped by and bought arrows of their own. Just as they were about to start, we ended and were ready to go off for the movies. Sorry, Ellie. *snicker.
We realised we still had time when we were at the cinema, so we went into the arcade. We ended up just seeing all the consoles.
Then off we went to the cinema to buy our snacks before entering Hall 4. The trailers and adverts. had already started rolling and there were loads of people inside. We quickly got to our seats which consisted of two rows with two on one and three on one. Johnathan and Hana took the bottom row while the rest of us took the three seats above.
Then The Day the Earth Stood Still began.
Here are my thoughts:
While it's a remake of a classic film, it's not for that reason that The Day the Earth Stood Still is so familiar. It's because it's simply not different enough from all the other global cataclysm/alien epics that have been produced these last 10 years, from Independence Day to The Day After Tomorrow to Transformers. It's a grand, visual effects heavy retread chock full of stock characters that have appeared in all of those aforementioned movies (the military brass, the government official, the frazzled scientists, the kid, etc.).
Reeves may not be the Klaatu that generations have known and loved, but he does a more than serviceable job playing a character who slowly but surely finds compassion. It's one of his better performances in awhile - though I really did love his performance in The Matrix Trilogy. Connelly is the glue that keeps this film together; she grounds this fantastical movie in reality and makes Helen both extraordinary yet relatable. Smith, who starred opposite his dad Will in The Pursuit of Happyness, proves that not all cases of showbiz nepotism are bad. He's a charming kid on-screen, and generates plenty of laughs and much pathos as Helen's troubled stepson. Jon Hamm is fine in the thankless role of the expository scientist, John Cleese makes a notable cameo as the scientist who finds himself defending the human race, but Kathy Bates seems uneasy in the role of the Secretary of Defense, as if she can't quite believe she took such a paycheck gig.
The special effects are fine, but is there really any reason why a major genre film nowadays wouldn't look good? Most of the big "money shots" were used in the trailer and the filmmakers don't get nearly as much mileage out of Gort as they could have (he is also the film's least convincing visual element). The smaller moments of Klaatu's displays of power are far more effective than the film's huge sequences of spectacle. Seeing Klaatu bring a dead man back to life or escape from a prison cell gets a bigger rise out of a viewer than seeing a wave of destruction hit a city.
While the film's environmental message is undeniably important, it is also hammered over the viewer's head to the point of inducing numbness. The film works better when it focuses on the three main characters; these are the scenes where the viewer feels most engaged. Unfortunately, Klaatu's turnabout is so abrupt that it makes the aliens look like they simply didn't do their homework before deciding to eliminate the human race. While the film makes for a decent time-passer, it's simply not out of this world enough to merit a more enthusiastic response. Of course, that doesn't mean you shouldn't watch it.
As the movie was ending, I was already running late. I had already received numerous calls and smses from my sister. My mum was already at the drop-off point. So right after: I said my goodbyes, gave a few hugs here and there, promised we'll be going together very soon again and ran off to the drop-off point.
Oh, and no. No, I didn't buy the book. I simply didn't have the time. Maybe the next time I'm around.
Patapon is extremely addictive - and pretty.
The pictures are courtesy of Joanne Lim, of course.
Click: here
So anyway, the outing was at Sunway - to be exact, Sunway Pyramid.
Ellya and I reached there at around 10:35, I think? No one was here yet; well no one involved in our outing. Figures.
It was quite crowded for a weekday morning, come to think of it. Ellya and I went around leaning on railings, seating on chairs, walking into shops waiting. Soon, Xin You arrived.
Ellya really wanted to watch Twilight (don't tell me you haven't heard of it), but the only shows were at 11:00 and the next one at 3:30. She wasn't going to wait for the 3:30 show. So Ellya and Xin You went off to the movies. I was supposed to follow but nah, I decided to them some alone time.
I began wandering about the mall for about half an hour or so.
Then, I got a call from Joanne. She just arrived and was still in the carpark! We agreed to meet at Starbucks Coffee. So went over the the one underneath the Pyramid, you know at the large entrance drop-off place? After not seeing anyone who looked like a "Joanne" for about five minutes, I got another call from her.
Apparently, there are two Starbucks Coffee in Sunway Pyramid - I never knew.
I told her to stay where she was and I'd go look for the other coffee outlet. Then I had to traverse across three floors (going both up and down), look at three directories (they only show outlets on their respective floors) just to get there.
As I was approaching the place, I wanted to try something really cool that I've never actually done before. I wanted to sneak up behind her (well, not right behind her but within sight) and sms her, "Turn around." It's so Eagle Eye, I know.
I already had the phone in my hand. Now, all I had to do was find her.
Then suddenly out of nowhere, a high-pitched voice that screams innocence cried, "BERNARD SAM!"
I turned around and there I saw Joanne running towards me. I chuckled and said her name back. She hugged me and I hugged back. It was great meeting her again - and we had the whole day to catch up!
We both really needed something to eat. We didn't breakfast and it was turning twelve soon. Hana and Chris would be coming later at 1:30. I called Johnathan and he said he would be there by 11:35. I looked at my watch and it read 11:39. I informed him, then he said 11:55.
Terribly sorry Johnathan, but we had no time to lose - and we were starving.
Joanne chose, Subway. I've never eaten there before and I was willing to try. Joanne says they're really good! So off we went to look for a Subway restaurant.
We found one eventually on the Lower Ground2 floor. I've never exactly stepped inside a Subway before, so I wasn't exactly sure of what or how to order the meals. Joanne let me go first 'cause I think she already had something in mind for herself.
First, you choose the type of bread. I really couldn't decide, so the guy recommended the Parmesan Oregano. Next up, the meats. I went for the Tuna Sandwich. They put some cheese over it before melting the cheese. Then, the vegie bits - loads of lettuce and onions for me. Finally, the guy asked for which sauces I would like. I never thought tuna and sauces could go together, but oh what the heck. I chose the mayonnaise and barbecue sauces. I went for the Value Meal, which included a regular drink and chips!
Joanne was right behind me. Strangely, there weren't many people in here. When I was waiting for my order to be done, Joanne had just reached Step 2 - Meats. She told me she would usually go for the Chicken Teriyaki, but she wanted something different this time. So she asked for the Turkey. Apparently, they provide two types of turkey: Turkey Breast and Turkey Ham. Joanne almost instantly ordered the Turkey Breast, and she kept elaborating it!
Before Joanne could reach the counter, I ordered her a drink and told the man manning the cashier I'd be paying for the lot.
I took our orders and Joanne went to to drink counter to get our drinks filled. We sat over at one of those side-tables where the seats were stuck to the wall and obviously look more comfortable than the regular seats which were not stuck to the walls.
When I ordered the chips, I thought they were french fries-chips. They weren't. They were in fact potato chips-chips. Weird.
We used this time to catch up - before this, we haven't seen each other for months. Then suddenly Joanne took out her SLR. Woa, where'd that monster of a camera come from; lenses and all?! From her handbag. How'd that fit in there? Anyway, she started taking pictures of me eating; I never knew I looked that eating.
As were finishing our meals, I got a call from Johnathan. He was already here but he was with his friends, so he wouldn't be able to meet us at Subway. It was 12:15.
A few moments later, he called again. He said his friends ditched him and he was free to come to subway. Joanne and I cheered! Soon after, he found his way here and he bought himself lunch. We all had a couple of laughs and catching up all around.
Right after, we decided to walk around and find out what we could do while waiting for the movie (or Hana and Chris). We had ice-skating and bowling in mind. Then we went to MPH to read a little to help burn the time.
We found the most amazing book ever. Lose Weight! Get Laid! Find God!: The All-In-One Life Planner.
Sure it's a little too mature, but man you have to admit it's funny. I assure you, you will laugh your pants off.
Johnathan and I were considering on buying it, but we had other matters to attend to.
It was going to be 1:15 soon, so we went to the movies to buy the tickets first. The line for the ticketing counter was massively long.
So in the line, we had a huge discussion (which you could say at the loudness we were at, that everyone there was involved in) about what movie to watch. We were still very far from the counter. Joanne wanted to call Hana and/or Chris to find out what they would like to watch and where they were. Apparently only one of us had signal - only Joanne had signal.
Then Joanne went out of the line to make the call. Johnathan assured her that she'll be able to make it back in. After the call, she just walked in. He was right! I guess the world isn't as mean as you think it might be.
Very soon, Hana and Chris walked up to us in line. We exchanged greetings and they hopped in line. Before this I have never met Chris. He's from Joanne's new school, see. From the moment we shook hands, I could tell we'd be friends for a long time.
So anyway, we all agreed on watching Transporter 3. Then I saw the screen - it was rated 18SG. Dang.
Johnathan just told all of us to keep quiet. We could make it. We walked up to the counter and no one spoke. I broke the silence by asking for five tickets for the movie (Ellya said she wouldn't be watching with us). The unfriendly man said, "Eighteen." I was like, "Oh, then could we have five tickets for The Day the Earth Stood Still, please?" He was very unclear on where we would be seating and which seats were available or unavailable. So anyway, I saw the only five yellow coloured squares and thanked him. He smiled - I was probably the first friendly guy he'd met for the day.
Johnathan said we would've made it if I had jut kept my mouth shut. I have a pretty kiddy voice, strangely. Haha! So begins the sarcastic remarks from both Johnathan and I throughout the outing.
The movie would be starting at 3:00 and we had time to spare. Everyone was here, and we met up with Ellya & Xin You. Johnathan really wanted to skate, so the ice-skating rink was our first stop. We lost Ellya and Xin You on the way there - they must've wanted some alone time. *wink wink.
Johnathan desperately wanted to ice-skate, really bad. All of us, weren't really feeling it. After trying to decide whether or not we should skate, eventually we went off to the bowling alleys. There was a competition going on over there - we could see players wearing shirts with MALAYSIA and SINGAPORE on them. Even so, there were still empty alleys here and there.
We went to the counter (gosh, I've typed counter a number of times already, haven't I?) and the lady told us that the alleys were all full. Pft, yeah right.
Then, archery popped up in my mind. I remembered seeing an archery range somewhere around, so I brought it up. We all agreed and went out of the place. Then, right outside to the left was the archery range. Didn't notice it on the way in.
We bought this package giving all of us 30 arrows each. I think during this time we had accumulated the most photos for the outing - the link is at the very beginning of this blog post.
Not shown in the photos, was Johnathan's screen. One of his shots had impaled the camera. The screen went black partially and lost colour. I shot an arrow right above the camera blocking the view on my C rings - and that's were all my shots were! In the end, I had five bullseyes, five instances where two or more arrows were shot in the same bit of the board and four arrows shot out of the board. Interesting, no?
Right after, Ellya and Xin You dropped by and bought arrows of their own. Just as they were about to start, we ended and were ready to go off for the movies. Sorry, Ellie. *snicker.
We realised we still had time when we were at the cinema, so we went into the arcade. We ended up just seeing all the consoles.
Then off we went to the cinema to buy our snacks before entering Hall 4. The trailers and adverts. had already started rolling and there were loads of people inside. We quickly got to our seats which consisted of two rows with two on one and three on one. Johnathan and Hana took the bottom row while the rest of us took the three seats above.
Then The Day the Earth Stood Still began.
Here are my thoughts:
While it's a remake of a classic film, it's not for that reason that The Day the Earth Stood Still is so familiar. It's because it's simply not different enough from all the other global cataclysm/alien epics that have been produced these last 10 years, from Independence Day to The Day After Tomorrow to Transformers. It's a grand, visual effects heavy retread chock full of stock characters that have appeared in all of those aforementioned movies (the military brass, the government official, the frazzled scientists, the kid, etc.).
Reeves may not be the Klaatu that generations have known and loved, but he does a more than serviceable job playing a character who slowly but surely finds compassion. It's one of his better performances in awhile - though I really did love his performance in The Matrix Trilogy. Connelly is the glue that keeps this film together; she grounds this fantastical movie in reality and makes Helen both extraordinary yet relatable. Smith, who starred opposite his dad Will in The Pursuit of Happyness, proves that not all cases of showbiz nepotism are bad. He's a charming kid on-screen, and generates plenty of laughs and much pathos as Helen's troubled stepson. Jon Hamm is fine in the thankless role of the expository scientist, John Cleese makes a notable cameo as the scientist who finds himself defending the human race, but Kathy Bates seems uneasy in the role of the Secretary of Defense, as if she can't quite believe she took such a paycheck gig.
The special effects are fine, but is there really any reason why a major genre film nowadays wouldn't look good? Most of the big "money shots" were used in the trailer and the filmmakers don't get nearly as much mileage out of Gort as they could have (he is also the film's least convincing visual element). The smaller moments of Klaatu's displays of power are far more effective than the film's huge sequences of spectacle. Seeing Klaatu bring a dead man back to life or escape from a prison cell gets a bigger rise out of a viewer than seeing a wave of destruction hit a city.
While the film's environmental message is undeniably important, it is also hammered over the viewer's head to the point of inducing numbness. The film works better when it focuses on the three main characters; these are the scenes where the viewer feels most engaged. Unfortunately, Klaatu's turnabout is so abrupt that it makes the aliens look like they simply didn't do their homework before deciding to eliminate the human race. While the film makes for a decent time-passer, it's simply not out of this world enough to merit a more enthusiastic response. Of course, that doesn't mean you shouldn't watch it.
As the movie was ending, I was already running late. I had already received numerous calls and smses from my sister. My mum was already at the drop-off point. So right after: I said my goodbyes, gave a few hugs here and there, promised we'll be going together very soon again and ran off to the drop-off point.
Oh, and no. No, I didn't buy the book. I simply didn't have the time. Maybe the next time I'm around.
Patapon is extremely addictive - and pretty.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Take It In
It's great to be back for two weeks - it's starting to feel a bit too long actually.
I'm retracing my steps.
The post right after, which will be published either after I get back or when I manage to get more than an hour on my godparents' connection, will be about the main interesting points in the trip.
So far, I've got three days in. Everything typical most likely won't be in - I'm sure most of you have been to Melbourne and had your fair share of adventures.
Still can't stop thinking about WSS - some really wicked memories there.
Wishing you were here.
Monday, December 1, 2008
For Far Too Long
My flight leaves tomorrow at midnight - 0005, to be exact. And I haven't even started packing yet.
I would just like to wish everyone a super Happy Holidays! and safe travels to wherever you may be swept to this season.
Don't worry, I'll be back for Christmas. I should touch-down back in Malaysia on the 14th. So prepare for Christmas wishes from me!
And expect photos from me when I get back. Hopefully, I'll have enough time to take a picture or two.
Also, a massive Good Luck! to Cempaka's Choir team for Wednesday's Christmas Carol Singing event!
Wow, I haven't been home in years. Melbourne, here I come.
UPDATE: I've finally gotten my bags packed and right now, I'm really just waiting for the cab to arrive at 9:30 p.m - it's 3:57 right now, if you're wondering.
Almost no one's online at the moment; well, at least the people I usually talk to. Quite odd to think that I have 44 contacts online and yet I'm not talking to a single one of them. I'll be starting a conversation definitely right after this.
I just finished Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and the new teaser trailer for Uncharted 2: Among Thieves pops up. To think I bought the game just four days ago.
Don't get me wrong though - Uncharted is one helluva game: it won't let you down.
So this is me finishing up the last blog post you'll see on this blog for the next eleven days. Three in one day though, that's got to be a new record.
Well another five & a half hours until the cab arrives. Maybe I'll go start up Gears of War on the PC or something - a movie probably?
The Production Post is right below this one.
I would just like to wish everyone a super Happy Holidays! and safe travels to wherever you may be swept to this season.
Don't worry, I'll be back for Christmas. I should touch-down back in Malaysia on the 14th. So prepare for Christmas wishes from me!
And expect photos from me when I get back. Hopefully, I'll have enough time to take a picture or two.
Also, a massive Good Luck! to Cempaka's Choir team for Wednesday's Christmas Carol Singing event!
Wow, I haven't been home in years. Melbourne, here I come.
UPDATE: I've finally gotten my bags packed and right now, I'm really just waiting for the cab to arrive at 9:30 p.m - it's 3:57 right now, if you're wondering.
Almost no one's online at the moment; well, at least the people I usually talk to. Quite odd to think that I have 44 contacts online and yet I'm not talking to a single one of them. I'll be starting a conversation definitely right after this.
I just finished Uncharted: Drake's Fortune and the new teaser trailer for Uncharted 2: Among Thieves pops up. To think I bought the game just four days ago.
Don't get me wrong though - Uncharted is one helluva game: it won't let you down.
So this is me finishing up the last blog post you'll see on this blog for the next eleven days. Three in one day though, that's got to be a new record.
Well another five & a half hours until the cab arrives. Maybe I'll go start up Gears of War on the PC or something - a movie probably?
Just Give It Some Thought.
Sunday, November 23 2008 - I really didn't expect it. I didn't even see it coming.
I cried my eyes out.
Thing is, almost everyone did. I wouldn't blame them though. Seeing as how we've been together through those long months, how could you? With the production now over we'll barely see any of the cast, orchestra members or crew anymore. It was inevitable.
The Cast Party can't come any sooner.
This production itself has left many scars upon us, both good and bad - both literally and metaphorically. I was actually surprised I myself didn't get cramps throughout the event. I'm super susceptible to cramps, just so you know.
Through it all, all of us became closer and formed bonds with one another. Heck, I even got to know a few people I've never even met before.
I simply feel grateful to work with such an amazing bunch of cast, crew, orchestra members and teachers. Thanks to everyone who made this production possible.
We've been through many up's and down's through these months - who'll forget the performance where we started dropping like flies. We've all caught the same bug that's been going around, but that really shows how much determination we really have to drive this production to the top - and more importantly how close we truly are.
When one of us falls ill, the others will come to aid. You'd see someone massaging someone's head, or or someone having like therapy. You'd notice some lucky sick person being pampered like he was at some sort of spa even. Guess we could double-up as a spa facility after the production. Go figure.
We even have massage trains (it's these long lines of people who massage the person in front)! Word of advice: In front rules, behind smules.
One cool thing was the nicknames we had.
I'm Uncle Eight (or Uncle Bernard/UB) to the little numbers - dang, they're adorable. We have this little family of ours, each with their own parents and relatives and such [if you haven't guessed already, I'm the fun uncle].
On the first public show I was just standing backstage waiting for the overture to play, then suddenly out of nowhere the little numbers shouted, "Good Luck, UB!" and had a group hug - with me in the middle. Gosh, it warmed my heart. I didn't expect it at all and it was just so nice, you know?
I've gotten really close to some of the people I barely knew, even. Look at Tyen and I: at first we were barely talking, then right now everyday back stage we would walk up to any random girl and start bombarding the corniest, cheesiest pick-up lines you could ever think of. For obvious reasons, I will not post them here. I repeat, "I will not post them here." Apparently, we're both very cheesy and corny.
Other than the people, I think I'm really going to miss the music - yes, the music.
I think I've already mentioned the orchestra is amazing:
"There's that whole factor when you get goosebumps - that you can't force, you can't fake it.
Once I was sitting down with the orchestra, they were playing the theme from The Pirates of the Caribbean. Then the music started building to a crescendo. I looked down at my arm and actually caught myself getting goosebumps. And that says a lot."
But really, the music this time has so many different feels to them - and they're catchy too. You've got songs that instill a sense of hatred, songs that are just plain whacko, and some that make you just wanna smile. They're a plenty, I'll give you that.
I mean, don't you just want to shout MAMBO, again?
And who'd forget:
- The unofficical B.M. dub of Cool.
There were these instances where the whole company would get together, and just sit down for a discussion/or scolding. And then suddenly, the teachers would say we've done a miraculous job on the rehearsal or the show. You'd really feel the sense of excitement and joy surrounding us - the sense of brotherhood that we all share together. The sense you can't force, you can't fake. It's the sense we'll keep in our hearts forever.
Dang, I'm really going to miss all this.
Just give it some thought.
This Looks Promising
Tagged by: Momoko Uchimura
For every alphabet, there is a name. Fill in that name.
For every name, there are three questions that need answering. Fill in those answers.
A for Amanda Choong
1. Do you love this person?
Pft. Hellyeah.
2. Is this person your enemy?
Note: Read above.
3. Would you kiss this person?
Unless it's CPR, no. No, I don't think so.
B for Bernard Sam
1. What do you really think of this person?
Well, for starters: I just think he's amazing - simply amazing.
2. What's his favourite color?
I'd say black - for black is awesome.
3. Ever danced with him?
I hope not! Gosh, that'd be insane.
C for Cherise Tan
1. Do you have a crush on this person?
Nope.
2. Have you had a crush on this person?
Probably - who's asking?
3. How old is he/she?
She's thirteen.
D for Daniel Lim
1. How long have you know him/her?
For about four months.
2. Biggest regret?
I have none.
3. Do you hate this person?
I obviously do not!
E for Ellya
1. Have you met her parents?
I'll let you in on a secret: We share the same parents! *Gasp*
2. Worst thing about this person?
She doesn't knock.
3. Best thing about this person?
I'll let you in on another secret: We're twins! *Gasp*
F for --
1. Have you ever dated this person?
--
2.When is the last time you saw him/her?
--
3.Do you go to school with him/her?
--
G for Gao Jye Teh
1. Is he a good listener?
Well he's a good singer, I'll give you that.
2. Have you ever lied to make this person feel better?
Heck, no.
3. Is this person good-looking?
I'm sorry. I don't find men attractive, if that's what your intending.
H for Hana Najeeb
1. What grade is he/she in?
Year 10.
2. Is she your friend?
No, duh. She's been in my class ever since I joined Cempaka International!
3. Ever done something illegal with this person?
Well, there was this one time we sang hip-hop songs really loudly and off-key in class. Is that a crime?
I for Izzy Ng
1. What is this person's favourite food?
Hopefully something edible.
2. How did you know her?
She's one Year my senior, but we're the same age.
3. Do you trust her/him?
I do.
J for Joshua Lee
1. Does he have any siblings?
Yes, he has a sister.
2. Do you know his favourite song?
Most likely Six Feet Under The Stars (Acoustic) by All Time Low. He's been stuck on that song for quite a while.
3. What would you do if he confess he had feelings for you?
Gosh, I wouldn't know what to say - other than: "I totally expected that, betch. :P"
K for Kah Yan Lee
1. When did you two first meet?
In the spring of 2007.
2. How did you meet?
We bump into each other occasional in school, one day we just got to know each other.
3. Ever danced with this person?
Ohyeah.
L for Laura Oh
1. What would you do if you had a crush on this person?
The unexplainable.
2. Do you like her as a friend?
Pft, of course!
3. Would you go to Disneyland with this person?
Ohhellyeah.
M for Momoko Uchimura
1. Is this person older than you?
Yup, by a year.
2. Is this person single?
Er, do I answer this?
3. How many times do you talk to her in a week?
It varies, really - I don't keep tabs on the amount of times I talk to a person.
N for Natalie Wong
1. Is this person your girlfriend?
Not at all.
2. Have you seen this person cry?
On the last show, of the last production. We both cried.
3. Do you know this person's middle name?
It should be Yi Lin, unless the West Side Story book lies! *Gasp*
O for Oh Emma
1. Are you related?
Not by blood, if that's what you mean.
2. Could you live with this person?
I'm not too sure, actually.
3. What school does he/she go to?
Cempaka Damansara.
P for Philip Ooi
1. Have you ever gone to mall with this person?
Not that I recall, no.
2. How about a sleepover with him?
Well, we've slept in school together more than a couple of times.
3. Does this person have a job?
That I'm not too sure of.
Q for Qayyum
1. Does he have crush on you?
No, that would be freaky.
2. Would you hug this person?
Definitely.
3. Is this person your friend?
He's one of my closer friends.
R for Ridzwan
1. Have you ever heard this person sing?
Haha, not at all.
2. Do you think this person will repost this?
Not sure if he blogs or not.
3. When does this person look best?
Everyday.
S for Siew May Chin
1. Is this person taller than you?
I don't think so - she's growing rather fast.
2. Do you enjoy spending time with her?
Every single second.
3. Do she live close to you?
Not exactly.
T for Tyen Woon
1. Would you do anything for him?
Anything, you name it.
2. Have you been to his house?
Never sat foot in it.
3. Where does she live?
Why don't you ask him? I don't know myself.
U for --
V for Vikramjit Lahiri
1. Does he have crush on you?
Haha, I don't think so.
2. Would you hug this person?
Any chance I'd get.
3. Is this person your friend?
He's one of my best friends.
W for William Sin
1. Is this person noisy or quiet?
Slightly noisy.
2. Describe this person.
You'll know him, when you know him.
3. What colour eyes does this person have?
Probably a dark shade of brown.
X for Xin You Tang
1. Why are you friends with him?
Because I'm not enemies with him.
2. Have you ever gone anywhere with him?
Prom - well, technically not with him; that was my sister.
3. What is one thing you will change about her?
His sense of keeping to himself. I shall open him up.
Y for Yap Brandon
1. Does this person wear make-up?
During the production, every show.
2. Does this person play instruments?
I'm very sure he does.
3. What is his/her favourite sport?
Soccer, possibly?
Z for Zayne Carrick
1. Does this person have MSN?
He's not even from this universe.
2. Have you gone out with him?
I certainly hope so! :D
3. When will you see this person next?
Soon, I wish.
For every alphabet, there is a name. Fill in that name.
For every name, there are three questions that need answering. Fill in those answers.
A for Amanda Choong
1. Do you love this person?
Pft. Hellyeah.
2. Is this person your enemy?
Note: Read above.
3. Would you kiss this person?
Unless it's CPR, no. No, I don't think so.
B for Bernard Sam
1. What do you really think of this person?
Well, for starters: I just think he's amazing - simply amazing.
2. What's his favourite color?
I'd say black - for black is awesome.
3. Ever danced with him?
I hope not! Gosh, that'd be insane.
C for Cherise Tan
1. Do you have a crush on this person?
Nope.
2. Have you had a crush on this person?
Probably - who's asking?
3. How old is he/she?
She's thirteen.
D for Daniel Lim
1. How long have you know him/her?
For about four months.
2. Biggest regret?
I have none.
3. Do you hate this person?
I obviously do not!
E for Ellya
1. Have you met her parents?
I'll let you in on a secret: We share the same parents! *Gasp*
2. Worst thing about this person?
She doesn't knock.
3. Best thing about this person?
I'll let you in on another secret: We're twins! *Gasp*
F for --
1. Have you ever dated this person?
--
2.When is the last time you saw him/her?
--
3.Do you go to school with him/her?
--
G for Gao Jye Teh
1. Is he a good listener?
Well he's a good singer, I'll give you that.
2. Have you ever lied to make this person feel better?
Heck, no.
3. Is this person good-looking?
I'm sorry. I don't find men attractive, if that's what your intending.
H for Hana Najeeb
1. What grade is he/she in?
Year 10.
2. Is she your friend?
No, duh. She's been in my class ever since I joined Cempaka International!
3. Ever done something illegal with this person?
Well, there was this one time we sang hip-hop songs really loudly and off-key in class. Is that a crime?
I for Izzy Ng
1. What is this person's favourite food?
Hopefully something edible.
2. How did you know her?
She's one Year my senior, but we're the same age.
3. Do you trust her/him?
I do.
J for Joshua Lee
1. Does he have any siblings?
Yes, he has a sister.
2. Do you know his favourite song?
Most likely Six Feet Under The Stars (Acoustic) by All Time Low. He's been stuck on that song for quite a while.
3. What would you do if he confess he had feelings for you?
Gosh, I wouldn't know what to say - other than: "I totally expected that, betch. :P"
K for Kah Yan Lee
1. When did you two first meet?
In the spring of 2007.
2. How did you meet?
We bump into each other occasional in school, one day we just got to know each other.
3. Ever danced with this person?
Ohyeah.
L for Laura Oh
1. What would you do if you had a crush on this person?
The unexplainable.
2. Do you like her as a friend?
Pft, of course!
3. Would you go to Disneyland with this person?
Ohhellyeah.
M for Momoko Uchimura
1. Is this person older than you?
Yup, by a year.
2. Is this person single?
Er, do I answer this?
3. How many times do you talk to her in a week?
It varies, really - I don't keep tabs on the amount of times I talk to a person.
N for Natalie Wong
1. Is this person your girlfriend?
Not at all.
2. Have you seen this person cry?
On the last show, of the last production. We both cried.
3. Do you know this person's middle name?
It should be Yi Lin, unless the West Side Story book lies! *Gasp*
O for Oh Emma
1. Are you related?
Not by blood, if that's what you mean.
2. Could you live with this person?
I'm not too sure, actually.
3. What school does he/she go to?
Cempaka Damansara.
P for Philip Ooi
1. Have you ever gone to mall with this person?
Not that I recall, no.
2. How about a sleepover with him?
Well, we've slept in school together more than a couple of times.
3. Does this person have a job?
That I'm not too sure of.
Q for Qayyum
1. Does he have crush on you?
No, that would be freaky.
2. Would you hug this person?
Definitely.
3. Is this person your friend?
He's one of my closer friends.
R for Ridzwan
1. Have you ever heard this person sing?
Haha, not at all.
2. Do you think this person will repost this?
Not sure if he blogs or not.
3. When does this person look best?
Everyday.
S for Siew May Chin
1. Is this person taller than you?
I don't think so - she's growing rather fast.
2. Do you enjoy spending time with her?
Every single second.
3. Do she live close to you?
Not exactly.
T for Tyen Woon
1. Would you do anything for him?
Anything, you name it.
2. Have you been to his house?
Never sat foot in it.
3. Where does she live?
Why don't you ask him? I don't know myself.
U for --
V for Vikramjit Lahiri
1. Does he have crush on you?
Haha, I don't think so.
2. Would you hug this person?
Any chance I'd get.
3. Is this person your friend?
He's one of my best friends.
W for William Sin
1. Is this person noisy or quiet?
Slightly noisy.
2. Describe this person.
You'll know him, when you know him.
3. What colour eyes does this person have?
Probably a dark shade of brown.
X for Xin You Tang
1. Why are you friends with him?
Because I'm not enemies with him.
2. Have you ever gone anywhere with him?
Prom - well, technically not with him; that was my sister.
3. What is one thing you will change about her?
His sense of keeping to himself. I shall open him up.
Y for Yap Brandon
1. Does this person wear make-up?
During the production, every show.
2. Does this person play instruments?
I'm very sure he does.
3. What is his/her favourite sport?
Soccer, possibly?
Z for Zayne Carrick
1. Does this person have MSN?
He's not even from this universe.
2. Have you gone out with him?
I certainly hope so! :D
3. When will you see this person next?
Soon, I wish.
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