Amusing

I found this website has a bit sense of humour: http://www.worldsgreatestbusinessmind.com/20081215-Vincent-@NothingMuch-create.html&WT.mc_id=WGBM%7CCreate. Funny... :)

I can't believe I will watch movie like Cloverfield again.. I had a bad headache after watching it, which shows jerky motion, as if it was taken by handycam. This new one is called Quarantine. It's about group of people trapped in the apartment that has been quarantined because of zombie virus. The movie itself is good, but it also made me feel headache and bad stomach..

It's already christmas season again. And it's time for me to go back to my home town again. So for all of you, MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR.. :)

Preview: Circus

Britney Spears new album "Circus" will be launched in several days (Dec 2), the review so far seems to be on positive, and it sets to be another big hit. In the meantime, if you cannot wait to listen to the songs, imee provides a nice preview, which suprisingly provides a reasonably quality audio. Check it here: http://www.imeem.com/britneyspears. Not really sure if this is legitimate site. Let me know if it is not.

Below is 30 seconds preview of song titled "Circus":

Green?

Nowadays, "being green" has been a good marketing topic for some companies. I think it's good that big company starts to show some level of awareness and try to educate people the importance of saving mother earth. However, I have been bothered by marketing ploy to use this sacred "green" thing, but at the end the main concern is just cutting cost, rather than care for environment.

The place that I work now is located quite far from anywhere, so the management of the office buildings provide number of bus services to reach MRT or any nearby public places. Recently, they just announced that they will totally cut off all of this bus service, except peak hour in the morning and afternoon. And the reason for this annoyance is "being green". Although it's true that cutting bus transport can save environment, but there is no other "green" effort shown, rather than clearly cutting cost. The same thing happens now at California Fitness, which they don't allow member to get or exchange more than the complimentary one big and sport towel, and all for the sake of "being green". It's very disgusting that they use this reason, but there's no other effort shown to save environment, rather than cutting cost. Ugh..

Recession, job cut, and economic downturn have become main topic everywhere, the situation seems to get worse from day to day. Saturday Strait Times newspaper, that usually contains thick part of Recruitment, only have several pages of recruitment, and mainly, it's the government's agencies that still do recruitment. I hope that we can sail through this without so much destruction recorded.

Welcome Back

It's very interesting to see a bizarre years that Britney had in these recent years, from the bald depression and irresponsible act as mother. But, I cannot wipe off the pity feeling for Britney Spears. Now, she is preparing a come back album, titled 'Circus'. Her first single 'Womanizer' is just her material, same excitement as one the during her good year, like 'Toxic'. This song break another record in Billboard Hot 100, from 80+ position in first week to number 1 in the second weak. I cannot help but to repeat this song numerously in my walkman, along with her other recent songs, Piece of Me and Gimme More. And, she is just so sexy in the video clip, far from her 'pui pui' appearance last year. Attached in this post is her new album cover, hmm.. not bad, but can be better.

Back to the gym, I have been fans of Step Class for 4-5 months, but sadly, it's been difficult to conquer level 3 class by Colin or Jeremy. But jia you, I'll keep trying :).

Re: Hard-Sell

As mentioned in my previous post, I am quite happy with my current gym membership, although it's a result of hard sell too, which I am growing to hate the practice. Since my gym membership contract almost comes to an end, I am always offered with new contract which is longer and cheaper. Although I am interested, I always decline to it, as I am not sure I can commit to such period and it's a one time off payment. But, I think I will just sign one day to the contract.

When I read one post in one discussion forum offering cali membership, I just asked how much he would charge for the same contract offered to me before. The reply asks me to PM him for more detail, so I PM him with the detail, and his reply was to ask me to give him my phone number(wtf). I declined to do so, and I asked him if he can provide cheaper rate. Since I was quite busy, I only checked my PM 2-3 days later, I saw two replies in inbox that span between 1 day. One to answer me that the rate is about the same + useless bonus, and the other reply:

"Urgent Request: For those that i've shared with you the rates and promotions, pls reply either by PM or SMS if ur interested or NOT. As if u don't i will take it as ur only wasting my time and in future of any awesome promo package, i will not inform or shared it with you. If ur not interested i will really appreciate if u cld TELL ME SO... so that i'll know that it's not within your budget and.. i will inform u of any new promo package in the coming future.. I'm really hope that u'll understand wher i'm coming from as i've saved u the trouble to come to the club and enquire. least u cld do is to let me know if ur keen or not.

Thank you for your kind understanding.

Have a good day to all."

I found that reply was kind of rude ("wasting my time, etc"). Come on, you're the sales people, and you already lose your patient by no reply to your message in 1 day??. Since I believe that he only took about 3-4 minutes to reply my message and he already lost his patience by wasting his 3-4 minutes, I don't know how he handled real people in the gym that just want to use free visit which can waste the sales people time for hours for hard sale.

I am very happy that this weekend will be a long one, but I don't have anything on plan. So, I planned to chiong all the way in gym by attending multiple classed this Saturday (step, zumba, step again, and pump), but the night before, I found a bit pain in my back, not sure if it's result of the thursday's jacelyn pump. So, I think it's better not to do so many classes, and in the end, I only did Daniel's step and Colin's combat in orchard. There's long time in between, we go shopping with gym buddies, and eat so much sinful food. So, in spite of we plan to pump out all the calories, we pump in more. Haha..

Hard-Sell

It's been a regular tactic that is used by sales "professional" to push their product to the customer. Just use whatever words or actions that can motivate people to buy their products. And, nowadays, this hard-sell tactic can be seen anywhere from MRT to bus stop, office lobby, and even changing room (omit last one). Although customers has the last say to accept or reject the offer, but sometimes they are already pushed to far to say no, and after the "cooling-down" period passed, mostly they will feel they have purchased or signed something that they don't really need. I myself have been the victim of several forms of "hard-sell", from should-bargained-more gym membership to the overpriced personal trainer, not-that-useful facial, too-expensive laptop, overcharged-premium insurance, etc. Most of this hard-sell involved considerable amount of money to spend or certain time frame of commitment, and the most I have spent and the most I regret is personal trainer, although I like the gym membership. This article should highlight some of us felt.

There is one way to fight back this hard sell is to accept that you are weak to sale tactic. I don't realize this before, and when I tell myself that I am very weak, I will be more careful when I face another hard sell tactic. And, another one is thick face, just don't care whatever pity face or how attentive the sales person is. I just went to one of the massage center to have a quick back and shoulder massage, and after the session, I was offered a package that was started from 20 session to 10 to 5, and the price keeps dropping with more free stuff throw in like foot massage. But I successfully walk away, although I already felt a bit tempted. Lucky..

Greed,,

It's been clear that the whole global financial market is in crisis now and everything is so messy, that some journalist has stated that "capitalism has collapsed". Financial market has been running with full of greed this past years. CEO and the so called "executive" have been paid with such a fat green check for the amount of money can be generated into the market, not matter it's a real or fake money. The collapse of Lehman Brothers had been at least cost some retirees to lose most of their life savings, and it's quite shocking to read the news that just several months before it's collapsed, the company had paid 20 millions to several executives that quit the company. AIG has been spared, but ugly news reported that the executives had celebrated this bailout with $44,000 spa. Well, mess has been created, we can just hope that small people like us will not be impacted so much by this crisis/recession, and not much damage will be created in the history.

After tiring but good step class at novena last Sunday, there's a fire problem near the male changing room that caused bad smell smoke (like burning wood) and the electricity was cut off. I rush to changing room to take all my thing and leave. But, surprisingly, all people in the changing room still moved in slow motion in the very dimmed light. Even there's one fat guy still slowly walk around naked, not sure what happens if there's immediate evacuation.

Well, in the middle of bad things going around, we just need a song to relax ourselves. I like this version of "Over the Rainbow", which according to the description in YouTube, is sang by Israel Kamakawiwo.

Run For Hope

I happen to have the chance to go for Singapore Run For Hope, a charity event for cancer research, this morning. The marathon was started at 730AM, so I had to wake up very early to be there on time, which is very difficult thing for me to do. I am a late-sleeper, so I also wake up very late in the weekend. This is also my first time joining this kind of event, and being first time, it's better to start with 4 KM, rather than 10 KM. Taking cab from Bedok, the traffic to east cost was quite bad, so I decided to alight outside of east coast. The event was started with warming up, by a fat ang-moh with big tummy, which is quite un-motivating. Mr Teo Ser Luck flag off the race. After passing 3KM, I felt like running out of breath and my leg feel a bit burning. But I managed to arrive at finish line around 30mins, not a very good time, as a lot of other people had been standing there enjoying apple or banana that was provided by the organizer. The cooling down was instructed by the fat ang moh again. There were also quite a number of hot uncles there doing cool down, with half-naked body :). Overall, it's quite fun and look forward to another event like this.

Bangkok Dangerous

Bangkok Dangerous is a typical movie about bad guy turns good when he meets beautiful and innocent girl. With a little twist here and there, the view of Bangkok and some special effect (as Pang Brother's style), this movie is quite good and watchable, although it's quite boring here and there. Nicholas Cage acted well in this movie, although nothing so special, Charlie Yeung is very sweet and lovable, and the thai guy play "ah kong" is hot :). It also offers several view spot of Bangkok like the night club, with all the sexy pretty ladies dance on the table (although not sure they are really what they look).

I just attended Daniel's Partner Step this afternoon. Partner Step or usually called Shared Board is when two people use one step board to do the routine. It's very exciting and quite confusing for the first time, and I keep making mistake here and there. Overall, it's a good class and look forward for his next Partner Step again :D.

Nokia N96 and Google Chrome

Well, there are a lot of buzz nowadays in mobile phone industry with the just released Apple iPhone in Singapore several weeks ago. Nokia, as one of the leader in the worldwide mobile phone industry, also come with the new high-end devices with N96, N85 and N79 (Isn't it N78 just released into market?). Well, I have been targeting for N96 since the news breakout that it will support live TV on the phone, which Mediacorp is also in the testing period for this technology. Hope it won't die before getting popular. The release date of these phones hasn't been announced yet. However, after this major release, I hope that Nokia can really come out with the real new model like they started N or E Series several years ago. All of the current release is just like a refreshment to their current model. I expect that their next phone will be touched-enable phone, which is aligned with the next Symbian technology. I heard that Nokia has patented the technology that the screen will go down a few milimeter when pressing to give the button-touch feeling. Cool. And, HTC will be expected to release new phone with Google Android Operating System soon.

Google has also recently released a beta version of their own browser, called Google Chrome. First impression, it's loaded much faster than IE or Firefox, the UI is minimalist (it's Google!!), the rendering and web applications that are heavily based on Javascript (like Gmail) run faster, and..... that's all about it. It's still beta anyway, hope more things to come. It seems that Google emphasizes a lot on their Tab browsing, which is said run on their own process, so one tab crash will not impact other tabs. It also comes with features to monitor the memory and bandwith taken by each tab. If you want to experience it, download it here. There's a good comic book to explain what Google Chrome is, quite interesting and easy to understand. In the meanwhile, I will stick to my IE7 and Firefox 3.

Well, this is one of the first advertisement for N96:



Well, I need to sign out of Nerd mode now.

Mistakes

I read with amusement an article in the newspaper that Bloomberg has mistakenly published obituary of Apple CEO Steve Jobs. Bloomberg, with such a big well known news company for its accuracy and transparency, has acknowledged the mistake. This news has been exaggerated (same as iPhone?) because Jobs had appeared in thin shape at the last conference, which trigger some worries about his health. Apple still needs his figure so badly. It seems that someone in the Bloomberg's obits department might be in deep trouble over this mistake.

Flipping through the other pages, it's quite amazing to read how high people expectation can be. Government has decided to increase maternity period to 4 months, which cause some worry to SME company. There's a comment in the newspaper that suggests maternity period should increase to 1 year, not 4 months. She even put some threatening remark that she won't give birth anymore if the maternity is not increased to what she expected. Wow..

At last, I manage to attend Tim's bodypump again on Monday. As usual, his class is quite full. Tim is a very motivating and(/with) good looking. It seems that there's always energy in the air to pump more during his class. I saw one of the blogger in the class but too shy to even say hi. Tuesday, I went for both Daniel and Collin level 2 step classes. Being motivated by other stepper to try again Collin's level 3 on wednesday after the disastrous class last week till I need to stand on the board during finale, I gave another shot at his level 3 class again, and I am still not sure how to do his class, too complicated. Redeem this embarassment, I went to Harry's class on Thursday, and decided it's a good time to rest on Friday. Tomorrow, I will do one more exercise: squeezing all butt muscle to get into Comex 2008.

Money Not Enough 2

After reading its mixed reviews, I have set my expectation low for this movie and hope it's not as disappointed as "Ah Long Pte Ltd", which I think it's a very messy movie. At least, there's dialect (hokkien/tio ciu) jokes to be laughed at. Surprisingly, Money Not Enough is much much better and enjoyable, although the starting of the movie is a bit out of the place. The movie tries to use the story of 3 brothers/families to reflect most issues with Singaporean family, especially with the financial problem. The story itself is quite real, sensitive and touch your heart, especially if you have experienced the same problem. One of the issue that closed the movie with a sad ending, is about how to handle issue with the old parent. I think the mother character delivers a great performance. This movie will be great to people that understands hokkien or at least from chinese family that speaks hokkien/tio ciu. If you are kind of ang moh life style, this movie might not be good enough.

I attended David's step class in Orchard California yesterday. The class itself is quite empty than usual, maybe it's caused by the rain or it's not the regular instructor. I have a bit difficulty understanding what he try to say, but overall, it is a good step class, not that tricky/difficult, but quite cardio as he only gave 1 break during the whole class, my shirt is all wet at the end. David is a very dancy type and fun, although not as laughable as James. I look forward to his next class, and maybe try to attend his zumba class :). Followed by Christina's Body Pump after that, my whole body felt like jelly, and I feel like eating a horse.

Contradicting Picture?

I have been amused by the picture posted at Today newspaper (19/08) for the article about government effort to get people married in hope that more babies can be produced. I believe the couple here is expected to be man and woman. The picture, as I have copied from Today Online, shows a couple sitting in the Clark Quay. However, it seems that they are two women sitting there. Not really sure, though. What do you think?

At the front of the newspaper, there's an interesting advertisement "Phillips LivingColors" light, that claims able to produce 16 million colors. The colors can be controlled using remote control, along with the dim and white balance. There's mini version with only 256 colors and no remote control. However, it seems that they will be quite pricey for light, which Harvey Norman gives 25$ and 15$ for LivingColors and LivingColors mini, so the product itself should cost in range of 100-300$ (assume the voucher is 10$ from the regular price). Has anyone tried this product before?

Enemy of the Machines

I recently had a series of unfortunate events with some financial machines. It started with the ATM machine, that not sure why after inserting the card, I was neither able to enter any pin number nor press any key to cancel, which made me worry that my card might be swollen by the machine. Luckily, after 1-2 minutes waiting, I could get the card back. Then, I proceed to the next ATM, and needed to join the queue that was suddenly just created.

The next machine was AXS which I needed to pay my bills. As it's troublesome to enter the credit card number, I usually scan credit card number by inserting the credit card. But, not sure, the machine was unable to read the card that night, so I proceed to enter the credit card number manually and scanned all the bills. After confirming all detail was correct, I proceed to pay with NETS, and to my big disappointment, the stupid machine couldn't read my ATM card either. I walk to SAMS machine nearby, but there's no option to pay Citibank credit card there. As I needed to pay the bills soon, I walk to the other AXS machine, and all procedure was working fine, till the processing of NETS, all the transaction failed after several attempts. Arrghh.. I felt so frustrated untill feel like banging stupid machine, but it would just hurt my hand.

After China (which I consider) succesfully delivered one of the (which I consider again) the biggest show ever, in the opening of Olympic game, it has been responded with two disgrace news about the fake CGI fireworks and lip-synching singer, which the later turns out to be more serious that I originally thought. It's true that lip-synching might be ungraceful thing to do, but I think most news have been overly-hyped about it. Even some consider that it reflected: China sent out message that whoever had a less "cute" face would be denied even though qualified, and whoever had a "cuter" look had permission to lie. Rubbish, stupid politic message again.. And the more media publicized this news, I can't imagine how those two children will feel, wish the best for their future. I hope the best for her confidence in the future. This unfortunate event will be a scar to the olympic's Beijing history. It's true that all the good things that we have done for years will be spoilt by one little mistake.

I Am Rich

Apple iPhone offer its users to purchase applications through AppStore, which happens to be the only "official" way to add more application to iPhone. Developers can post the application to AppStore to sell with profit sharing 70-30 between Apple and the developers. I don't really agree with such arrangement that Apple has to earn everything from iTunes Songs to phone bills, and now with AppStore, however it's an interest business idea, and everyone seems so excited about it. So excited until one developer try to sell a literally featureless application that displays "I am Rich" text (is that considered one feature?) for an eye-popping $999.99, and the other surprise here that there're already 8 transactions to the application, before Apple decided to remove the application from offer. Well, there're many type of people in the world that so dying to be known as rich, and since iPhone is god's phone to them, why not ask the god to tell them that "I am Rich".

At the other side, I have been using Windows Mobile touch-screen phone for several months. Having been a loyal nokia user before, I have mix feeling with this phone. I am not sure if other "touch screen" phones have this problem. I almost always accidentally answer the phone while try to get the phone out of my pocket. My friends has told me several times, that their calls are answered but no sound, and it turns out that their phone calls have been accidentally picked up while it's still in my pocket. There's one time that I was in private conversation, and there's a phone call and suddenly the phone stopped ringing which I thought it's just a missed call, so I kept on talking while taking out the phone to see who had miscalled me, and to my horror, my boss was already on the line. I was not sure how much he had heard. I think I might skip this kind of touch screen phone in the future.

I have just watched Beijing olympics, and it's such a spectacular opening ceremony. Although I was just able to catch the second-half of the show, it's such a stunning display of China. As part of Asia, i am proud to watch the final torch-bearer fly to light the Olympic flame, followed by extravaganza fireworks all around the city. Well done, Beijing! Now, the game has begun..

(Well, if you think I have won Toto 8 mil and put "I am rich" in my blog title, you're wrong. I do not even hit 20$ to return my investment :p).

NDP 08

I was lucky enough to get 1 ticket for NDP 08 preview at Aug 2 last week. This is my first time to watch NDP live and I was quite excited to be there, although I would be there alone.

I was rushed from Daniel class at Orchard. Being warned that it would be extremely crowded in Citilink, the traffic was actually quite smooth, somewhat better than the terrible jam during PC/IT Show. After checked for the ticket, my bag was screened and checked. The officer asks me to drink the water, and almost lost my sunblock and hair cream (for ones go to next NDP, try not to bring gel or cream). The funpack contains snack, much-needed water, cap, flag, hand-shaped ballon, stack of vouchers, etc (picture below). The sky was fully clear without even single cloud, so it's super super hot, luckily I already brought my sunblock with me. Overall, the show was great, I particularly like the flight show (with clear sky) and the extravaganza fireworks. The fireworks was shot much closer from the river, so you can feel that the whole sky was full with fire. After the show finished, I thought that there would be another massive jam, and it's actually quite smooth as well. Well done to all the officer there controlling the crowd. And, Happy Birthday, Singapore!

Flu..

Recently, I have been hit by a bad flu, feel very lousy with runny nose, headache and sore throat, very uncomfortable. I decided to go to the doctor after start to have a bit fever, and was given 1 day much needed medical leave. As usual, the medicine given caused drowsiness, i was almost sleeping in the bed all day (although i think to cheat by going to gym :p), not sure if the doctor give me a flu medicine or sleeping pill. The next day, I went to back to office, felt better, but still could feel the medicine effect. As usual, I had my cup of morning coffee, and thanks to the medicine effect, I accidentally spill the coffee all around me. The good thing is I was fully awake since then, and of course, more bad thing, all my shirt and pants is full of coffee (luckily the coffee was not that hot anymore). Although I can soak it with water to look clean, but I smelt like a walking coffee machine all day (which the good thing keep me awake :) ).

The X-Files: I Want to Believe

The X-Files has been one of my favorite TV Shows in the 199x. Back in my hometown, it was used to show almost in the midnight hour, and I try to stay late to watch the series, although most of the time I fell asleep in the middle :(. However, I don't really follow the series till the end, I found the story become kind of non-sense. I don't really remember the first movie of the X-Files, but I thought it's not bad.

The X-Files: I Want to Believe is the second big screen movie and the first one since the series ended in 2002. Although the overall performance of the main casts, Duchovny and Anderson, are still strong, the overall mystery sense of x-files is still there, but the plot is weak to X-Files standard. I think the movie is more to tell the story about Mulder and Scully, rather than the mystery itself. I actually kind of decided to watch this movie in DVD because X-Files usually involves some complicated mystery, controversy, and supernatural, but since the one, I go out with, mentions that X-Files is his favorite TV Series, so why not go to watch this movie together. Overall, I have a mix feeling walking out from the cinema. It's somewhat a good opening season in TV Series, but not too good as a one whole movie. And, David Duchovny is still as hot as he was, although his first appearance with the beard is a bit off, but don't worry, he'll shave :).

Without any attention to offend any people that works in the sales insurance sales people, but recently, I am kind of irritated by some of the insurance sales from big insurance company here in MRT station. Most of the times, I am usually approached politely to be involved in some "survey", and if the people is nice and I am not in hurry, I will answer them properly, and if the people is nice enough, I even give them one of my phone numbers (bad consequences though). But, recently, I have several incidents, when I was in hurry, and this sales lady just jumped in front of me (it's literally "jump"), and ask if I could answer some "survey", as I was already late to meet client, I answered politely that I am in hurry, but she keeps insisting that it's only several minutes, blabla, and left some remarks that if I don't do it, I am a bad person. And, when I try to go ahead, she jumps again, waaa.. start to get mad already. So, I strengthen my voice, and at last she "released" me. And, after that, I felt bad to behave like that. Well, I believe there are good sales insurance out there, but I believe some need to behave more professionally to offer people such a long term commitment, which in my opinion, place like MRT is not really a good place to start with.

The Dark Knight

Batman series has made a fortunate make over since Batman Begins. The movie just turned into much darker, serious and of course with quality. With such a good re-introduction to Batman series, of course, there will be high expectation to the sequel "The Dark Knight".

The Dark Knight has been heavily marketed as highly anticipated summer blockbuster. Well, it certainly surpasses the previous Batman movies, and live up to the expectation. All the story, action, acting, music is great.

The story just grows darker than previous one. The Gotham city is hammered again with deathly crime by psychotic bank robber, Joker, force Batman, James Gordon and new attorney, Harvey Dent, to take serious action. Christian Bale is still the best Batman so far and Aaron Eckhart has a very good transition from Harvey Dent to Two-Face, although his later character felt too short and rush, and the one that truly shines throughout the movie is Joker, played by the late, Heath Ledger. Not sure if it is caused by his misfortune death, every scene that involves his appearance felt very strong. One of the best villain that is just simply wicked, evil with disturbed mind. According to wikipedia, Ledger really prepare well the character until he was eventually able to generate another voice for Joker. Well, how serious actor in hollywood to prepare one movie. It's very very sad that this will be his last completed movie. Well done, Mr. Heath Ledger. There's also one good-looking Asian man, that turns out to be Chin Han, a Singaporean actor.

Highly recommended. 4.5 of 5.

Keane: Bedshaped

I happen to listen to this song from Class 95 before lunch time. Well, it's Friday, and work usually gets a bit slower, so I decide to plug my walkman and enjoy whatever the music that is played. I like the strong sentimental feeling of the song, but somewhat failed to catch the song title/artist, so by using the lyrics I try to google whose song this is. So it's actually a song by Keane, with title Bedshaped. It's actually an old song that is already posted in Youtube since 2006. First time listen their song in Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock movie "The Lake House", this band has already become my favorite. Under the Iron Sea is simply a great album. One of my favorite song from that album is "A Bad Dream", there's period of time I keep listening to this song again and again.

Horray, it's Friday (well now it's already Saturday morning), plan to join several step class in Orchard tomorrow, James at 11AM and Daniel at 230PM. Harry's class is canceled tomorrow :(.

Bedshaped:


A Bad Dream:


Many's the time I ran with you down
The rainy roads of our old town
Many the lives we lived in each day
And buried all together
Don't laugh at me
Don't look away

You'll follow me back (YOU ARE FOLLOWING ME BACK)
With the sun in your eyes
And on your own
Bedshaped and legs of stone
You'll knock on my door
And up we'll go
In white light
I don't think so
But what do I know?
What do I know?
I know

I know you think I'm holding you down
And I've fallen by the wayside now
And I don't understand the same things as you
But I do

Don't laugh at me
Don't look away

You'll follow me back
With the sun in your eyes
And on your own
Bedshaped, two legs of stone
You'll knock on my door
And up we'll go
In white light
I don't think so
But what do I know?
What do I know?
I know

ahahaa ahahaa ahahaa ahahaa(Choir)

ooooohhhhhhhh
And up we'll go
In white light
I don't think so
But what do I know?
What do I know?
I know

Helboy II: The Golden Army

I am not really impressed of Hellboy I, just find it as regular superhero movie with good special effect. But after watching the superb "Pan's Labyrinth", I look forward to another movie by Guillermo Del Toro. I just realized that I like the movie so much, that if people ask me recommended fantasy movie, I will say LOTR and Pan's Labyrinth. It shows the Pale Man (the one that put his eyes in his hand) as one of the most scary monster without much action. I am not really sure what his role in Orphanage, but it's actually a good movie too. So the next movie to look forward is Hellboy II.

So, I have a great expectation of Hellboy II. The tagline of the movie even put "From the visionary director of Pan's Labyrinth". But, after watching the movie, I have quite the same flat feeling as Hellboy I. The story line is good, the effect is superb, the monsters/villains look good (bit of similarity to Pan's Labyrinth's), but I just cannot find something essential with the movie. It's just another forgetable summer movie. The whole romance thing about Hellboy and Liz just feels flat and not that convincing. It's another OK movie only for me.

During the train trip several days ago, there's a big title at the front of New Paper "Beware .. SexTexting" thing. I read Today at that time, so not really sure what it's all about, but I felt a bit amused, because I somewhat exchange some flirting messages at the same time. Do you feel a bit insecure to type some flirting sms in the crowded train? Haha, there might be some kaypo that try to read the message and what you type over your back. LOL.

Red Cliff

It's been a while since "Curse of Golden Flower" and "Lust, Caution" that I really like Chinese-based movie, this will be my next favorite one. Red Cliff is the most expensive movie made in chinese so far, so, of course people will expect a lot of spectacular scenes. With the complexity and depth of the story, this movie is split into two parts. The first part is mainly to introduce the background story and characters of the story and might set for more great things to come in the second part. As overall, the cinematography is simply great, a lot of breath-taking scenes, and the acting from the actors/actresses is good, although Zhu Ge Liang by Takeshi Kaneshiro felt a bit wierd, but actually quite refreshing character, wise with a bit of naughty tone. Although I don't read the novel or watch previous shows or TV Series, I know a bit of the characters through playing the games ROTK (which was still DOS version one). The only thing is the battle scene is dragged too long, until I felt a bit bored of it, and some unnecessary scene like horse giving birth thing, etc.

Although it's too much to put this to LOTR, but I can't help to compare these two movies. Both are based on well-written complex story, epic battle, and with breath-taking scene. So is this asia's answer to LOTR? Well, it's still too soon to tell. I really look forward to the second part of the movie.

Update: Reading through discussion forum, it seems that many are disappointed of the movie because its not that accurate to the history. However, I think if the movie follows too closed to the history, it might become too boring. So, if you somehow follow the story like Romance of Three Kingdoms, my suggestion is to ignore the inaccuracy of the story and just enjoy the movie. I just remember there's one more favorite chinese movie recently, which is "Lust, Caution"

Unnecessary Guilt?

I have been in several quite stress projects for quite some times, so I am quite get used to the working for long hour with the stress demand from customer, management, etc. Then, suddenly after completing my last project, and boom, there's no future project on hand, rather than supporting existing projects. So, here I am in office without so many things to do, and somehow, I feel guilty of not contributing anything to the company. Although it's true that I need time to improve myself with the latest skill, given the industry I work with need consistent knowledge refresh, which I was used to do after office hour. I am thinking to check with my manager, with the "risk" of assigning unnecessary task. Do I need to?

And, several days ago, after completing short meeting with customer, it's still about 2-3 hours before official hours finish, and I was given choice to go back home, but I just felt guilt again, although at the end, I went home because it's quite far to go back office. During the project, when I need to consistently went back home only after 9-10PM, I told myself when I would have chance to relax a bit, and now I can take the time, but I just can't. Hmm.. As Galen said in his blog, I am completely a RAT.

Atonement

I was just recently able to watch this wonderful movie "Atonement", with James McAvoy and Keira Knightley. As usual, Keira looks pretty, and I just realize that James McAvoy is the same actor in Wanted. He looks so different in this movie. This movie tells the story about 13-year-old Briony that made a false accusation that caused terrible consequences and drastically changed to live of several people. Hunted by her terrible mistake, decades later when the world was already torn by war, Briony tried to redeem herself (well, it seems a bit quite similar to Kite Runner, doesn't it?). The movie itself is very well directed, briliant storyline, and beautiful. I totally agree that this movie should win the Academy Award's Best Picture. I am not sure some of my friends find this movie boring, rubbish, and the ending is nothing good. I think the movie (include movie poster, etc) seems to put weight too much on James and Keira character, so people tends to fail to pay attention to Briony's character, and what she tries to do to redeem for her mistake. Anyway, that's why the movie is called "Atonement", not Beautiful Love Story, or any romantic theme, although the letters, that were sent during the war, very touching.

I actually plan to catch this movie in cinema, but being quite difficult to understand english in british accent and unable to read subtitle in mandarin, I decide to skip this movie until the DVD is out. With a poor listening to English, all I can watch in cinema is action movie, less talk, or mandarin movie (with English subtitle). Haha..

Talking about Atonement, it's actually very good if we're able to redeem mistake that we have done that hurt someone in the past. But, most of the times, it's either we don't realize it or it's too late to ask for forgiveness or at least do something about it or simple stupid pride, which actually cause a lot of pain in our own heart too.

Last night, I tried to join Collin's step up class again in Bugis (after failed for two times), and I somehow managed to finish the class this time. His step class is very energetic and the movement is quite tricky compare to other level 2 class. There are a lot of regulars in his class, so if u feel that u need to learn his movement, it's better to stand in front. I also try James W step class, which is actually very fun, it's just that his upper body movement (especially hand) is difficult to follow.

George Michael: Praying for Time

I heard this song first time performed by George Michael during American Idol Season 7 finale. What a beautiful and touching song with a powerful lyric, which caused Paula Abdul with teary eyes (as always). But, not sure, he appears like very sick during the performance. The very first time I heard this song was sung by Carrie Underwood. It's a good performance as well, but it's different class.

This morning, I got deep sleep again in train. I don't like to really sleep in the train, as I am afraid I might get myself irritate other people sit next to me, and being confused after wake up (Have I got molested?). I have a very long journey from the super east to the extreme west for work every day. Sigh, I still wonder why I want this kind of hassle. If I sleep like this in other countries, I might lose all my laptop and other stuffs already.



These are the days of the open hand
They will not be the last
Look around now
These are the days of the beggars
And the choosers

This is the year of the hungry man
Whose place is in the past
Hand in hand with ignorance
And legitimate excuses

The rich declare themselves poor
And most of us are not sure
If we have too much
But well take our chances
Because God stopped keeping score
I guess somewhere along the way
He must have let us all out to play
Turned his back and all gods children
Crept out the back door

Chorus
And its hard to love,
Theres so much to hate
Hanging on to hope
When there is no hope to speak of
And the wounded skies above
Say its much too late
Well maybe we should all be
Praying for time

These are the days of the empty hand
Oh you hold on to what you can
And charity is a coat you wear
Twice a year

This is the year of the guilty man
Your television takes a stand
And you find that what was over there
Is over here

So you scream from behind your door
Say whats mine is mine and not yours
I may have too much
But Ill take my chances
Because God stopped keeping score
And you cling to the things
They sold you
Did you cover your eyes when
They told you
That he cant come back
Because he has no children
To come back for

Duffy vs Amy Winehouse

I almost hear these two songs played at any gym club: Rehab and Mercy. I thought both songs were sung by same singer, which is Amy Winehouse, because of the low, yet strong voice. Well, it turns out Mercy is sung by Duffy, which I even never heard the name before. Amy Winehouse is now so popular because of drug problem. But, after listening both songs at youtube, I realize their voices are quite different. Do I get confused because of "yeah yeah yeah" vs "no no no"?


After doing step for 1+ months, I grow to get addicted with the class. Everytime I go to gym, I will try to suit with the step schedule. Last night, I try to go to Daniel's class at Raffles although it's quite early, and I need to rush from office early, with the "you-are-not-busy" look from colleagues. There're a lot of regulars, that can modify the movement until unrecognizable movement. As beginner to level 2 class, I get a bit confused of this expert's variation and some memory issue, but I enjoy :).

Diablo 3

It's official: Diablo 3 by Blizzard has been confirmed during the WorldWide Invitational event today. Diablo 2 is my top favorite game, along with other blizzard game: Starcraft and Warcraft. I still remember, when I live with my group of friends at dormitory with LAN facility during college time, we almost spend every possible free time to play this game together in network, over and over again. That was actually a very time wasted, but it's also the time that I remember I could really enjoy. I doubt that I will ever have that kind of time anymore. How sad..

The official website has also been launched, contains (as usual) a superb cinematic teaser, several screenshots, wallpaper, gameplay trailer, etc. There are at least two characters confirmed: "Barbarian" and "Witch Doctor", which their abilities are previewed in the gameplay trailer. By just looking at the website, I will know that this will be another mouth-watering, addictive playgame with detailed graphics and wonderful storyline, which is a very trademark of Blizzard's game. At the other hand, for Starcraft 2, several retailers' website has been given pending release date, which is .. tada.. December 3rd 2008, but it's still a very unreliable source. Although, I might not have privilege to full-time play these games, but I will certainly at least complete the campaign of these 2 favorite games, and enjoy the storyline.

The Kite Runner

I really love the book "Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. It's one of the books that can really move me and felt very closed to the characters. I was simply unable to put it down. The author really knows how to tell story, put it together piece and puzzle, and represent it in a very comprehensive writing, using first-person narratives.

It's a story about friendship and redemption. Two boys (Amir and Hassan) grown up in Afghanistan, when the land is is still peaceful. They're bonded together as friends, although one is a wealthy family son, and other is the family servant son. Before the war torn apart the country, the two of them are already separated by horrible incident and betrayal, and might not be able to see each other anymore.

After reading the book, I look forward to watching the movie. However, since it's not released island wide here, I somehow failed to catch the movie in cinema, until recently I am able to get the DVD. It's actually a very good movie with a superb cinematography. I love the scene with the kites flying in the sky, beautiful. The movie itself follows closely what happens in the book. Although it's quite difficult to put it together all detail in the book, the movie can somehow capture the emotion of the book, especially in the first part of the movie. But, through the second part of the movie till the end, the movie seems a bit too rush and some main story near the conclusion of the story is cut. (Spoiler ahead, stop reading if you intend to read the book or watch the movie). In the book, Amir was hurt badly by Assef, and hospitalized in Afghanistan/Pakistan. It's told how Sohrab (son of Hassan) has a transition phase of accepting Amir to his life. Being traumatized of his parents' murder and being raped, Sohrab slowly accepts Amir to his life. However, as there's problem of Amir bringing small child to US, Amir plans to go back first to settle all the procedure. Accidentally, Sohrab heard that Amir will leave him, which causes Sohrab to get scared and unable to accept Amir anymore.

There is one phrase that sets me chilled while reading the book or watching the movie, "For you, a thousand times over". This might be better tagline than "There's way to be good again", however, it might be meaningless and less marketable for the ones that haven't read the book. If you like this book, I recommend to read the next book by the same author , "A Thousand of Splendid Sun", which tells the story of Mariam and Laila, two girls from different generation, brought together by a sad incident. The novel is split into four parts of the story. It's very well written with a very sad and convincing story, although the story felt a bit depressing.

Commitment: So Easy, but..

I have made a truly simple commitment since some times, and it is "to sleep early". Well, I have been very little success to fulfill that commitment. Internet and TV Series really do well to kill time in the evening. I am not sure, nowadays, I feel more energetic during evening, and, as the result, waking up in the morning is like hell. The alarm that wakes me up every morning become like evil's laugh. I remember I hear the same ringtone in the MRT, that surprisingly gave me some light shock. Bad.. Every day, I wish that I can have a job with flexible hours, but, in contrast, I just recently move to a job that needs more traveling which result less time to sleep in the morning. Sigh.. Has anyone had same experience?

Well, it's time to sleep, but wait, there's one pending TV series episode need to finish.. Hmm..

The Incredible Hulk

Well, I definitely like this version better than Ang Lee's 2003 version. I love most of the movie by Ang Lee (esp Lust, Caution), but i just don't get his Hulk version. The Hulk in his version seems too desperate and for movie that is adapted from comic book, it's just too dramatical, and quite boring. As usual, Edward Norton looks great, although he seems quite old in this movie (he showed a bit of skin in this PG movie, not as much as Red Dragon, and of course, the ultimate skin in American History X :p), and Liv Taylor looks lovely. The story starts with Bruce is on the run and try to seek for the cure of his gamma radiation to someone called "Mr. Blue". 4 of 5.

Before watching Hulk at Cathay Orchard, I joined 2 classes at California afternoon, 1 Step Up and Body Pump. Well, I already suspect that Daniel's Step Up class might be too complicated for step's beginner like me (because he's SgBoy's favorite :)), well it's true that I am kinda of lost in the half of second block and third block. I think I have problem remembering the series of step, especially if the step is quite tricky and requires a lot of turn/twisting, and when I forget the first movement, it's difficult to catch up till the next block. But, at least, I can still do first and fourth block, so I am not look like stone in the class :). In the class, I saw my ex-client's manager, which I am quite admire during project, quite surprising to see him there, but I think he didn't recognize me, so I don't dare to call him too :(. I usually join Harry's Step 101, but as the class is canceled, I joined Don's Body Pump. Well, what a good class there although it's very packed. He will be definitely my favorite after Tim's Body Pump.

David Cook: Always be My Baby

I love this version of "Always by My Baby". It's originally sung by Mariah Carey, and it's a good song too. I had a good dinner with my friend at Cafe Cartel, where they usually play radio channel 95. We had a good talk, and suddenly this song is played, we become silent and enjoy the song. Maybe it's just the situation there, and now this has been my favorite song. Since the end of American Idol Season 4, I am not really a big fan of the show anymore, although this year finale is a bit more interesting than previous season.



We were as one babe
For a moment in time
And it seemed everlasting
That you would always be mine

Now you want to be free
So I'm letting you fly
Cause I know in my heart babe
Our love will never die
No!

You'll always be a part of me
I'm a part of you indefinitely
Girl don't you know you can't escape me
Ooh darling cause you'll always be my baby
And we'll linger on
Time can't erase a feeling this strong
No way you're never gonna shake me
Ooh darling cause you'll always be my baby

I ain't gonna cry no
And I won't beg you to stay
If you're determined to leave girl
I will not stand in your way
But inevitably you'll be back again
Cause ya know in your heart babe
Our love will never end no

You'll always be a part of me
I'm part of you indefinitely
Girl don't you know you can't escape me
Ooh darling cause you'll always be my baby
And we'll linger on
Time can't erase a feeling this strong
No way you're never gonna shake me
Ooh darling cause you'll always be my baby

I know that you'll be back girl
When your days and your nights get a little bit colder oooohhh
I know that, you'll be right back, babe
Ooooh! baby believe me it's only a matter of time

You'll always be apart of me
I'm part of you indefinitely
Girl don't you know you can't escape me
Ooh darling cause you'll always be my baby
And we'll linger on
Time can't erase a feeling this strong
No way you're never gonna shake me
Ooh darling cause you'll always be my my baby....

You'll always be apart of me (you will always be)
I'm part of you indefinitely
Girl don't you know you can't escape me
Ooh darling cause you'll always be my baby
And we'll linger on (we will linger on....)
Time can't erase a feeling this strong
No way you're never gonna shake me
Ooh darling cause you'll always be my baby

Always be my baby

Get Firefox 3

At last, Firefox 3 is launched. I have waited for the launch last night, but not sure it's still not available until past midnight. It turns out that there were technical difficulties during the planned launch time. Mozilla plans to get the launch as the record of the most downloaded software in 24 hours. So, get your firefox here.

With Firefox 3, there's new skin and appearance of Firefox, which IMO, is more pretty and able to compete with the default skin of IE7. There's a feature called "Smart Location Bar", while you are typing some keyword in the URL address, Firefox will show all URL (with title) for you to choose (based on your browsing history). There is an easy way to bookmark by pressing star button in the URL, but I still prefer IE7 way of handling bookmark.

And, IE7 team congratulates Firefox for its release by baking cake. :D

About Depression

After reading Leon Koh entry in his blog about depression, I just think to share one story from my big family as well. I feel very grateful that I never really felt into real depression mode (or maybe I haven't realized it), hmm, but when we feel ok, I think it's better we just enjoy it.

Well, one of the stories that happened when I was young, was my uncle, that diagnosed with serious cancer or tumour (not really sure which one). Their family live in a very small village, that there's no proper medical to even detect early phase of disease. They need to travel using traditional small boat to another city (where I live and which is small too) for about 6-7 hours, and the journey is very unpleasant. So, after several times of treatment, at one day, I saw him sitting alone outside of my house, looking at the traffic. I was not sure what he was thinking at that time, is he thinking how his wife can survive without him with 6 small kids (oldest is only 12-14 years old)? I was too young to figure it out at that time, but I was sure that he was kind of feeling helpless. Well, several months later, he passed away. And it's a very hard time for his family to cope, they're certainly not a wealthy family, my aunt is just a typical stay home housewife. Luckily, all of the families came to help. Some takes the kids to bigger city to get better education or to help the business. Now, about 10 years passed, they are so much in better shape, the eldest son and second son have setup their own business, and I heard it's quite successful. I believe if my uncle is able to see this, he will smile from heaven.

Well, when we look back to our past, we can only take it as a lesson for us to journey to the better shape of future.

The Happening: Will Mr. Shyamalan Get Back to His "Sense"?

Well, for me, the answer is definitely NO. I am huge fan of The Sixth Sense, it's one of the top movie that I will mention if someone ask me movie to recommend. I also like Unbreakable and The Signs. The Village is still ok for me, because I set my expectation low before watching it. For Lady in The Water, I totally hate the movie. But, I think his next movie is still worthed to wait, and the trailer is quite interesting.

So, here is the next movie from MNS: The Happening, which actually not much happening there. It's about apocalyptic event: kind of "toxic" has been released to lead people to get confused, repeating word, and then commit suicide. As usual, you can feel the suspense and horror of the movie, how people fear with the happening around them, scared, uncertainty, etc, which is still very Shyamalan's style. It starts with the strong note as already shown in the trailer, but as the movie goes, the story just went wild and uncontrolled. The characters are weird and unrelated, and this "toxic" is just simply ridiculous. Well, I might set my expectation too high that the movie just totally failed me. So, if you decide to go to watch, my 2c advice: it's still watchable and a little better than Lady in the Water, but set expectation low, buy popcorn, and just enjoy your time there. Oh ya, don't expect any surprising twist at the end. 2 of 5.

Blog List

Blogger has just released "Blog List" that enables you to display other blog with snippet and latest update (utilizing RSS). Cool, I have added this new feature to my left navigation. Click here for more information.

Oil Price

Stock markets worldwide are hit badly again this week. After the last sell down because of subprime mortgage in US mid 2007 , financial market is somewhat recovered a bit. Nowaday, because of oil price, the whole financial markets are dragged down again. Well, I am not really sure what happens to the oil price. Some experts said that it's caused by China and India powerhouse that results higher consumption, not enough exploration, etc.

I am not a financial expert here, so my opinion should worth 2 cents only. Price should be controlled by demand, so, higher demand results higher price, well how beauty this concept that we learn from school. Well, combine with human greed, demand can be a true and fake demand. Let's see this Friday, when oil price was increased by 10$ in one night, is there really so high demand for oil overnight? My bet, this must be another bubble price again, created by some big player to gain more money, similar to dotcom bubble. Whatever this big player is called, speculators, capitalist, etc. And, who will be the real victim? Of course, big corporate will get hit by this, but they can have a strategy to offset it, like passing it to consumer. Countries with heavy subsidies on oil, like Malaysia and Indonesia, have just recently increased the oil price to not overblown their budget, and it's really necessary. If there's no such action, well, we'll see another 1998 crisis. It's such a pain to make such decision, as poor people will suffer. Well, we as just ordinary folk can only try to help by reducing power consumption. Be green and save money and mother earth as well.

Update 17 June: Oil touch new high 139.89. Scary..

Talk about green, incredible hulk is released this week. I think i will like this one more than the previous Ang Lee's version.

Ludacris ft Mary J Blige: Runaway Love

I like this song very much, it's a very sad and dark song. It tells the story about child abusive, dysfunctional family, teen pregnancy/abortion, in three different stories of teenage girls, and they decide to runaway from their life. At first, I got this song from my friend and only listen it on my walkman, wow, what a powerful lyric, and kept repeat the song several times. The video clip just added more sentiment to the song. Although, Mary J Blige only sang several sentences, mostly "runaway love", but she really put the whole feeling of the song together. When we know that there are so much problems in this world, our own problem seems so small.

Well, for the one with traumatic experience in the younger age, and wonder why the world is so cold: "close your eyes, And picture us running away together, when we come back everything is gonna be okay, Open your eyes......."



Runaway love

[Verse 1 - Ludacris]
Now little Lisa is only 9 years old
She's trying to figure out why the world is so cold
Why she's all alone and ain't never met her family
Mama's always gone and she never met her daddy
Part of her is missing and nobody will listen
Mama is on drugs getting high up in the kitchen
Bringing home men at different hours of the night
Starting with some laughs -- usually ending in a fight
Sneaking in her room while her mama's knocked out
Trying to have his way and little Lisa says 'ouch'
She tries to resist but then all he does is beat her
Tries to tell her mom but her mama don't believe her
Lisa is stuck up in the world on her own
Forced to think that hell is a place called home
Nothing else to do but get some clothes and pack
She says she's 'bout to run away and never come back.

[Hook - Mary J. Blige]
Runaway love [x8]

[Verse 2 - Ludacris]
Little Nicole is only 10 years old
She's steady trying to figure why the world is so cold
Why she's not pretty and nobody seems to like her
Alcoholic step-dad always wanna strike her
Yells and abuses, leaves her with some bruises
Teachers ask questions she making up excuses
Bleeding on the inside, crying on the out
It's only one girl really knows what she about
Her name is little Stacy and they become friends
Promise that they always be tight 'til the end
Until one day little Stacy gets shot
A drive by bullet went stray up on her block
Now Nicole stuck up in the world on her own
Forced to think that hell is a place called home
Nothing else to do but get her clothes and pack
She says she's 'bout to run away and never come back.

[Hook - Mary J. Blige]
Runaway love [x8]

[Verse 3 - Ludacris]
Little Erica is eleven years old
She's steady trying to figure why the world is so cold
So she pops pills to get rid of all the pain
Plus she's having sex with a boy who's sixteen
Emotions run deep and she thinks she's in love
So there's no protection he's using no glove
Never thinking 'bout the consequences of her actions
Living for today and not tomorrow's satisfaction
The days go by and her belly gets big
The father bails out he ain't ready for a kid
Knowing her mama will blow it all outta proportion
Plus she lives poor so no money for abortion
Erica is stuck up in the world on her own
Forced to think that hell is a place called home
Nothing else to do but get her clothes and pack
She say she's about to run away and never come back.

[Hook - Mary J. Blige]
Runaway love
Don't keep on runnin'
Runnin' [4x]
Don't keep on running [x]
I know how you feel, I've been there
I was runnin' away too

I will run away with you [2x]

Runaway Runaway Love
Don't keep running away
I'll run away with you, if you want me too

[Outro - Ludacris:]
Yea, I can only image what you're going through ladies,
Sometimes I feel like running away myself,
So do me a favor right now and close your eyes,
And picture us running away together,
when we come back everything is gonna be okay,
Open your eyes.......