...et imprévisible
SELAMAT HARI MERDEKA (Happy Independence Day) to all Malaysians - for on the strike on midnight tonight, our nation will be 48 years old.
p/s: I'll find some energy to put some updates here
pp/s: Oh... I'm so looking forward towards STOMP! 25 days more to go...
Moving on... I have "War of the Worlds" on the cards - watched this one in the cinema. Firstly, the video and audio effects are nothing short of expectation but what I find absolutely fascinating from this one is definitely the narrative and the ability for H.G.Wells to come up with such a story. I have never read any of his work before but I have to conclude that he has an excellent creative mind... the other movie based on his work that was released in 2002, "The Time Machine", was just as fascinating in the way the story was told.
However, I do feel like there is one side-effect from watching WotW. Let me admit to the entire Earth that I get the creeps each time I hear a big truck horn going off ever since I've watched this movie. Icky... Icky... feeling... I tell you. It just sends a cold chill down my spine.
"Sepet" - a movie by Yasmin Ahmad of the endearing Petronas ads - which I found rather a bit too slow and draggy. Not quite my cup of tea. Btw, what was with the ending? Was Orked (the heroine) hearing a ghost speak... or some time warp was implied there?
Besides that... I finally watched Paradise Road... the one I missed countless times when it was showing on TV3. It's amazing what some people can do to alleviate from stressful times.
Lastly... I admit to having watched Star Wars: Return of the Sith and not finding it to be more than a link between the prequels and the original ep.4, ep.5, and ep.6. And one thing that irks me... terribly corny dialogue between Anakin and Padme. Bleh!
Another long hiatus from the blogging world I have taken, yes!
This time, I'd just like to talk about movies I've seen in the past few months... either on DVD, VCD, or at the cinema (I miss going to the theatres... have barely the chance to go there lately).
Ok, let's start it off with "Les Choristes" (The Chorus) - watched this one on DVD. I find this French movie to be a really moving story with equally beautiful music throughout this wonderful movie. You can read more about this in detail from IMDB. My verdict: Music lovers shouldn't ever give this a miss. Trust me on this.
Ooh... the next one I'm going to write about I absolutely love to bits. OKAY! So I'm a sucker for animations... but "Madagascar" cracked everyone in the theater up every few minutes or so. What more can I ask for after a stressful time at work?! Yeah... something to keep you laughing is pretty good therapy. Besides - I loved the way the animators made the skeleton hand move into gestures that King Julien intended to make. And the penguins? They are nuts... absolutely bonkers!
I've said this on countless times... I need a job change - no end. I feel like I'm growing fungus, stagnating, and just not growing anymore in what I do. My brain is already feeling like mush and I do have the tendency to want to BITE people's head off if I feel they have asked me a stupid question.
Oh yes... I've become quite a grouch and sceptic in certain things in the office. Quite possibly like a Jekyll & Hyde. Just don't catch me on a bad day. *GRRRrrrr* *extends sharp claws* *evil glint in bloodshot eyes*
1-word to describe today's air quality:
SMOKY
2-words to describe today's air quality:
HORRIBLY HAZY *wheeze* *cough,cough*
Some words regarding my absence from the blogosphere:
I've suddenly lost the want or need to update my blog as frequently as I used to. Maybe it's because WORK has swallowed me whole into this hither-to unknown and scary vortex of emptiness. It's EVIL.
Many things have happened
I'll start with a few comments on the recent development of F1.
WHAT WAS THAT FARCE that happened at INDIANAPOLIS (USA) F1 Grand Prix? 6-cars running a race and no PR move from Bernie Ecclestone? That old man must be losing his marbles. He could have opened his mouth to say he would reschedule the race to another date & those who have tickets can come back FOC for the re-match immediately after it was known that the the Michelin-tyre running teams had to pull out on grounds of safety for the drivers.
F1 makes millions in returns and to give a race back to the Americans FOC on PR grounds for the race-loving folks could have saved F1 in USA. There may be a chance that F1 could be boycotted by the Americans in the coming years. Who knows?
Other than that, it looks to be a fantastic battle between Renault's wonder boy Fernando Alonso & McLaren's Iceman Kimi Raikkonen. I won't put the legendary Michael Schumacher out of the picture yet - he seems to have some tricks up his sleeves now that Ferrari's package seems to be coming along together. Looks like Ferrari's slow reaction to the new rules have cost them more than the could imagine.
Shucks. I would have preferred it if Bo Bice had won the Season 4: American Idol competition on Wednesday. As with most other people that I know - I felt that he had way more presence, confidence and flair on stage than Carrie Underwood.
Yet all the same, we know that a number of the contestants who were featured in each season of American Idol will be offered recording contracts.
Watch out. Bo Bice has entered the music arena (big time!)
Anyway, I think the most interesting theory about Carrie's win had to be what I heard on the Mix.FM Breakfast Show. A caller mentioned something like, "America is a cowboy country. It's just a natural tendency that the cowboys voted for the country girl with all her sweetness and blondeness. We don't need another LeAnn Rimes"
I had a good laugh at that one lar. What can I say? I mean that sounds like the stereotype we all know has been given to the US of A... more so with GW Bush on the helm as their Prez.
When the sun goes down and after dinner is done, the staff will pull from their sleeves an entertainment session that will begin with getting everyone to dance before moving on to the night's main entertainment.
On my first night there - it was a circus act featuring the kids of some of the guest. Part of the act included the taming of wild animals. But then of course, the wild animals were really little kiddos in tiger/lion costumes.
On the 2nd night themed "Mexican Night" - we had station games where you and your team go about different booths and take turns to earn points for the team by having pillow fights, beer drinking, singing, memory game, dart game, smell & guess the liquid, hitting the pinata, fist fight, 12 stones... and most of all... my team won and received extra tickets for the night's lucky draw. (p/s: besides my colleague Cindy and 2 of the CM staff... the rest of the team was made out of kids)
Anyway... for the first time, I managed to get something decent from a lucky draw. A cap + 20% discount off (one time use) on total purchases made at the Club Med Boutique... simply a nice name for their gift shop cum convenient store.
Edit (16-Dec): After leaving this for so long... I forgot what I wanted to add in but I just know I had loads of fun... and forget the blow-by-blow account. I think I've mentioned a bit about everything I've managed to do earlier anyway.... love the cap ;)
I finally had a much needed break. Huwahahaha!!!
The trip started with a flight from Penang to Kuantan via KL. It's so blah having to waste 1hr checking in and waiting to board each of the 2 flights since there isn't a direct flight from Pg-Kuantan
Hmm... I haven't mentioned where I had disappeared to. I had gone off for a 4D3N stay at Club Med Cherating - where blue skies, smooth sandy beaches, and blue seas seam perfectly with one another.
What's amazing about Club Med is the all-friendly staff that comprise of an international team who in total - are able to converse to guests in either English, French, Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, and Malay.
Not to forget are the meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner are international buffet meals. Breakfast essentially offers you the same thing day in and day out but lunch and dinner offerings differ from day to day. You can really eat til you drop... ho-boy!
Apart from being able to indulge in some gluttony - there are plenty of activities running throughout the day. Just take your pick and join in on anything you like.
How does doing the trapeze sound? Wall/Rock-climbing? Hip-Hop/Jazz Dance Lessons? Power walk in the morning? Some archery maybe? Rollerblading? Bungee bounce? These were the daytime activities that I managed to actually participate in.
There are other stuff to do like sailing, kayakking, yoga, batik craft painting, body sculpting, combat fighting (aerobic thing), soccer, tennis, badminton, table tennis, swimming, and getting a massage at the spa. Totally spoilt for choice for what you can do in a day.
"Robots" (Fri)... loved the Nokia ad that played before the movie. The striking colours used on the robots and their environment in general can really appeal to the kids. BRIGHT!
Anyhow - I think someone could be inspired to build some kind of ride based on the absolutely thrilling mode of "public transport" that they have in the big city.
but if anyone ask mw waht is the underlying message of the story... it has to be (1) when opression hits you - fight back with all you've got (2) don't ever get into hysteria... put your mind together and go for the greater good.
"Hitch" (Sat)... another absolutely hilarious movie starring Will Smith where he's just well... Will Smith. Kevin James was equally charming in his role of the clumsy oddball who decided he needed Hitch (Smith) to help him find the love of his life. Pretty enjoyable fare.
Melbourne, Albert Park: Fresh new start to the 2005 F1 GP Race season. New rules, plenty of surprises, & less predictability (until maybe a few races later when everyone stabilises into a groove of their own).
For now - it's great to see Fisichella finally on the top podium. It's his 2nd first place win but only the first time acknowledging his top placing on the podium. Now how is that possible?
Simple. The F1 governing body didn't declare him as the rightful winner of the Brazil 2003 GP until days later. That was one eventful race alright.
Besides, Renault seems set for a great season. They kept Fernando Alonso - the guy who started in 13th but finished 3rd in the race. The talent scouts had noticed him since he first drove for Minardi in 2001... but everyone started watching out for this young fellow from the time he started menacing the tracks in a Renault in 2003.
I must say that Rubens Barricello must be giddily happy that for once - he is way ahead on the podium while his legendary partner, the great Michael Schumacher, was forced to retire from the race due to a racing incident.
Meanwhile, about David Coulthard - I must say for a guy who had a rough time trying to get a seat in the 2005 season... he's really proving all the disbelievers wrong. It's like saying, "I'll show you that I still have it in me!!". Yes, DC... you sure do. You did manage 4th under a "new" team.
Watched Constantine at 9:50pm today.... where Keanu Reeves still looks very much in Matrix-mode and carrying that same brooding expression on his handsome face. What else I love about the comicbook adaptation is Glenn Close as the angel-gone-bad. She's such a gem!
Tonight, on the 8th night of Chinese New Year, when the Hokkien community awaits to pray to "Th'i Kong" (literally translated >> God of the Heavens) at midnight - Chicken Little would have little doubt that the sky is falling. Right here in Penang.
The fireworks have been going on non-stop since about 11:30pm. You can hear them going off at every turn... and we are not talking small fry firecrackers here...
It's those industrial grade ones where the fireworks burst out into great big blooms of light up in the sky... they are EVERYWHERE!!!
So much for enforcement against illegal fireworks. A heck lot of people doesn't seem to be getting fined for playing with them... but what is Chinese New Year without a little fireworks?
Heck!! But I think having those big fireworks go off everywhere is just a bit too much... too much thundering going on... you wouldn't know real thunder from the one coming from the explosives.
p/s: The fireworks show is still going on 1 hr later... it sure is the noisiest night so far.
Started my CNY baking today. To do List: - Coffee Chocolate Chip Shortcake > Done - Jam Tarts - Rum & Raisin Cheesecake
Watched "Bridget Jones II: The Edge of Reason" - is typically good for a laugh with plenty of jokes to go around. Bridget and Mr. Darcy... ahh... how sweet
Watched "The Aviator" last night. Leo DiCaprio flick. Thought he looked too cute to be convincing as an eccentric guy who build his own empire of planes.
"Phantom of the Opera" - has much to offer with the beautiful cinematography. However, I'll only go as far as that. I believe that The Phantom in this version hardly strikes me as a tortured and sadistic freak. The broadway Phantom was way better.
As for Emma Rossum as the young Christine Daae... I think she was pretty good... the only problem is how many times they shot her with the same sad puppy-eyed looks... perhaps there could be a possibility that they thought it should fit in? I don't know...
Did anyone notice that Minnie Driver was really good as the primadonna...?? I find her very convincing as Carlotta the diva on and offstage and such great comic timing!
Oh and Raoul! I liked the bloke that played him too... at least he was OK
Today I laughed and cried til I was good and numb. I was sad at the reality of how my team will always have a much lesser probability of moving up the ranks in the department.
But at the same time, my colleagues were cracking jokes about resigning en bloc and together we open a shop. Maybe a nasi kandar shop or a cake house. We started assigning roles like "Jaga api", "person who take orders", washing dishes would be a rotation thing... and on and on.
My face just turned numb. I think my facial muscles were just confused on which way it should contort to. Ahhh... numb...
In spite of all this, I'm so glad that at a time when I am down - the whole team had been supportive (specifically I need to thank Christabel the most). I also had colleagues in Singapore who are willing listeners - Jeff who read my yahoo status & TW whom I think I have a terrible tendency to automatically dial up but never pushes me away even when I become neurotic... Thank you!!.
Not to forget the ever wonderful Lyne and Angela... my ex-colleague and ex-boss respectively. Angela's involvement was purely coincidental... while lepak-king at my old dept, Lyne had just brought her name up and speak of the devil... she called Lyne about a minute after that.
It was a nice surprise and I couldn't be more thankful for her advice and support on the fact that I wanted to jump ship. Honestly, I didn't want to get Angela to help me but it seems that somehow someone up there decided that it would be better to put her there as my guide of sorts.
Life happens sometimes... and things have a way of coming to you whether you ask for it or not. In a sense I think I'm a pretty lucky sod. Better things are coming my way now that my time at where I currently am is drawing to a close.
Happy New Year to all and may it bring to you a greater promise of a brighter future.
p/s: Kalamari-buddy, sorry I didn't feel like yahoo-ing stuff in detail when u pinged me. I'll elaborate this to you sometime soon
23-Dec (Thu): Am on half-day today. Woo hoo! Going to KL on the 5:30pm bus from Garden Inn... except... it didn't get there until 6. What's more - it's a temporary ride (with no aircon) until we reach the bus' workshop in Butterworth. Stuffy like *bleh*. SMS-ed woeful news to Michelle who's waiting at the Kampungku (Gelugor) pickup point.
After all the drama with the no aircon thing... we found out we were being put on a non-tiptop condition bus... oh it was a SLOWWWW ride... didn't reach KL until like 1am in the morning. *YAWNz*
24-Dec (Fri): Mich's friend Koon Hee was kind enough to pick us up so late into the night. He and his family were excellent host... making sure that their guest are comfortable. In the morning (after having some rest) - everyone in the house got moving to help prepare for the Christmas party.
Ooh! Btw... they have a really cute Australian Silky Terrier too. That darling ball of fur goes by the name Happy. Must remember to post up a photo of that doggy.
25-Dec (Sat): Woke up early and joined my host for their Christmas morning mass. They had a choir and a dance ensemble perform - it was really good. Besides - it was fun to hear their senior pastor speak coz he's a really entertaining speaker. Sleep-inducer? Definitely not.
In the afternoon, Koon Hee had kindly dropped me off at my dad's place in USJ 2. Ahh... it's been great so far but I could use some lunch. Hah! Since my bro had yet to have his lunch... hee hee... we can go eat... my treat lar!
Later in the evening, I went to ronda-ronda in KLCC on my own while waiting for Sze Lin and Freddie to meet up with. I must say I had a pretty fruitful shopping spree then. Anyhow, after meeting up with the happy couple - we took a train to Subang Jaya then a cab to Taipan for a mighty late dinner. From there on, I had my bro pick us back to the house for a nightcap. *yawn*
26-Dec (Sun): We met up with Ai Luen at about 1PM at KL Sentral. From there on, we had intended to take the monorail to Bkt. Bintang but heck - we found out that the long queue at the ticket counter was because they are stopping the service for 30mins. So we took a cab there instead.
Note: At about this time - people were calling up to tell us that there had been a Tsunami hitting the beachfronts along batu Ferringhi down to the Gurney area in Penang
First things first, lunch!! We went to a place called 18th Street. They have a really quite a lot of things on their menu... it took us ages to decide what to eat. All sounds quite tempting. :p''
Well eventually we did get our lunch over and done with while at the same time, we gals caught up with each others life's and all that jazz. Freddie? Well... he just listened mostly and chipped in rarely.
27-Dec (Mon): Sze Lin and Freddie got a cab to go to Sunway Pyramid after having a late breakfast (Dad had bought us all some nasi lemak before he went off to work) at my house since I didn't want to go for anymore shopping or window shopping for that matter. Just felt that it was better to rest before going to catch my 3:30 bus back to Penang.
Anyhow, prior to lunch time, I dragged my bags into the car since my brother had to pick up some of his friends. From there on, they decided that having chicken rice at Jalan Gasing would be a great idea since my brother had to drop me off at the KL KTM Station. No complains here... the food there is nice although definitely a bit more pricey.
When it was time to board my bus, I had to ask one of the attendants which bus was to Penang. To my surprise... I was pointed to the double-decker!!! Whoa-ho-ho!!! And I thought that was going to Singapore.
Anyway, luckily I did ask first. If not I'll be like that lady who boarded the double-decker thinking it was going to Singapore. Fortunately she realised that she was on the wrong bus before either of the two buses had departed from KTM.
And, oh!!! I couldn't be more delighted to be sitting right in front at the top deck. It really feels like I'm on a sight-seeing nature tour... on a VIP seat. I feel like a kid in awe really... hehehe...
Woke up without much of a voice today but dragged myself to work anyway. Talking was a chore but I somehow managed to mutter out what's necessary when it mattered.
That idiot TW didn't even notice that I was struggling to complete a conversation in the morning until at an afternoon telcon + netmeeting... the coordinator CT made a mention of it since I had warned her that I may not be able to talk much while carrying out the demo they had requested be done.
It was interesting that for once, my answer to "Are you OK?" was a flat out "NoOOoo... I'm not *cough, cough*"
You see... I just have this bad tendency to answer in the positive even if I'm feeling a wee-bit off-kilter.
Not particularly a very wise thing to do at times. :P
I realized that the last time I actually went to see the doctor was more than a year ago. No kidding!
I just happened to look at the last date stamped onto my personal copy of the company medical booklet... all because I know this time... the coughing must stop.
Had nearly coughed my throat out while driving home from work today.