Saturday, December 31, 2005

This is Malaysia

Listening To: Franz Ferdinand "Walk Away"

Ugh. I am so damn tired.

Just finish the OOSAD assignment this morning. Rushed it all night and only managed 2 hours of sleep....I think I stayed up for more than 30 hours liao......now my eyes are closing and can't take it anymore, gotta sleep already......Kanasai, some group members are just so relaxing and with excuses of staying far away, cannot do this cannot do that, dunno how to do......all bullshits......


My feeling now is like the title of the song I'm listening...just wanna walk away, walk out...not from a relationship but from the assignment group......It's not good being a responsible person...you'll be the one suffering the most during assignment times......really don't understand how some people can ignore the assignments and the responsibilities of ACTUALLY doing it......

The Flash assignment is still hanging halfway...no, not halfway. I haven't even start doing it yet, been busy with other assignments, and haven't the faintest idea how to start......and we have to submit on Tuesday with the Grad Nite on Monday evening......

Yet I'm still here blogging. Talk about lazy to the max.



In the last post I mentioned I wanna talk something about the Education System. Actually, it's more like critisizing it. Now I'm seriously thinking about whether or not I should do this, coz, u know, our country being "democratic" and all, I'd probably get arrested and charged in court for allegedly "spreading rumours" and all. It's just like a few years back when a woman posted a message on the web warning people about curfews and riots in the Anwar incident, but was charged with "causing panic to the public".

Normally, I don't talk politics. But fuck it. I'm going to talk about it anyway. It's too big an issue to keep it to myself.

You guys probably know this, or probably not. Remember the PMR examination results released a few weeks back? The headlines were reading almost all students did great in the exam. Everyone was happy coz' the students passed with flying colours, especially considering the fact that this is the first year (or the second? i forgot) that some of the subjects are taught and examined in English.

Well guess what. A chat with my relative who's working as a teacher revealed some crazy stuff. Apparently the PMR students did so bad in the exams, both trial and actual, that the education ministry had to call an emergency meeting involving all teachers and tutors. In the end, the higher authorities ordered all teachers to review the marks and change the standards.

Mind you, this isn't the usual drawing graph tactic used in our exams system. I'm talking about going from grade D to grade A.

WTF? it's common la in Malaysia that we have these so called 'standard graphs' to "help" students to pass. (Even TAR college also do this la...) But jumping from D to A is just plain ridiculous.

I'm not bullshitting here. It's a fact. The system is seriously flawed. They even allow usage of both English and Bahasa Melayu in the same sentence for the answers. Where the hell is the standard? How are we gonna compete with other country if the higher powers keep doing this?!
This is sure gonna be a laughing stock......

I'm not sure how many people know about this case, but this is surely a scandal that the government is trying to hide. You gotta have insiders working as government servants to get this kind of info. Personally I think it doesn't help students at all, how can they improve with a system that allows poor to become excellent?

Fuck it. I'm going to England next year.


Some other observations that make me sick:
  1. the passing of the Family Law that diminishes Muslim women's rights in marriage and actually make husbands marrying a second wife an easier process. The ministers even dare to say that this benefits the first wife. Dispicable.
  2. the lawsuit of a bribed police officer suing a girl for libel after she felt guilty about her actions and reported to BPR......like this also can...where is justice?
  3. the ear squat incident. They make it a fuss when they thought the victim was a Chinese national; and just simply look into the case after discovering she was just a local Malay. Stupid......placing importance on foreign affairs over basic human rights.
  4. This one make me damn pai seh. When Pak Lah was giving a speech during an official event attended by hundreds of government servants and officials, a high ranking police chief was sleeping on the chair behind Pak Lah, legs open and mouth open. My mom attended the event, she witnessed this. Damn memalukan the country.
Only in Malaysia can something like this happen. Truly Malaysia Boleh.

Now let's hope that no government official bumps into my blog......

** This post talk politics, damn boring one.........thanks for your time if you're still reading.......

Monday, December 26, 2005

Chistmas eve gathering

Went back to my relative's house for makan last Saturday......had some catching up with them nieces, haven't seen them in a long time......also unexpectedly got a present (Padini Authentic shirt, ha)......

Jia Yin completed her SPM, and is now gonna take up a foundation course in science before going to Russia to study medicine next October...lucky girl...I used to dream of becoming a doctor, now all hope's on her, haha.......

Anyway, took some pics......I seldom take pics with them girls......

being caught off guard...

niece no.9, she's an angel ain't she?

Dad with niece no.1

Alex & I a.k.a "Lan Xi" face & "Guai Lan" face

My mom and aunt

Niece no.10's obligatory reaction upon hearing the phrase "POWER!"

21 years old already still playing with 12 year olds......macam paedophile :P

Niece no.10 damn cute lah!!!

I'm still a small kid at heart...still playing with all my nieces, so damn childish lah!!!

On my next post I'm gonna reveal some insider stuff about the Education System in Malaysia. Stay tuned.

Saturday, December 24, 2005

I'm going back home!

I spent the whole damn night staying awake searching for the open source fault management tools, but still no result......anyone can help me???

Anyway, I'm going back to Nilai for Christmas dinner at one of my cousin's house. It's been nearly a month since I last went back home...gonna be back to KL on Monday......

So to everyone out there, MERRY CHRISTMAS to ya'll!!!

Thursday, December 22, 2005

Drama blues

Spent all night rushing the drama report nearly all by myself...luckily Clarine helped.....slept for 3 hours only...damn sleepy......

Accidentally fucked up the drama performance today...fumbled a few lines myself, and also have to improvise coz Blanche kept making up her own lines...damn it......but I think I made a good Stanley :P

But nothing prepared me for the "travesty" that was Darrent's group presentation (haha, I meant that as a compliment)......the guy dressed up as Blanche and his, uh, balls...kept wanting to fall off......damn, that was entertaining, I'll give ya that man! Made me laugh my ass off, made me laugh so hard...

And Arthur's expression as Stanley, haha, that was priceless......

Went back to the hostel when Kirk came telling me about his class's performance, another funny one by Steven and Ching Lian....damn, I can only imagine......

Left 3 assignments for next week, then I'll be free after the 3rd when we submit the Flash assignment.......

Let's hope that we make it in one piece......

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Review: King Kong

Actually, before this, I have never seen the movie version of King Kong. Not the 1933 or 1976 one. But everyone knows how it's gonna turn out. Kong grabs the girl atop the Empire State Building and falls to its death. (That is not a spoiler. Everyone knows the ending already) So I didn't have much expectation other than the fact that it's directed by Peter Jackson.

Now that has gotta be good.

As it turns out, it is good. No, it's great. It's magnificent! This is the best 3 hours spent in the cinema for 2005. No other movie in 2005 is this rewarding. The FX are very very very realistic. In fact, I'd say that Kong is more realistic than some of the real actors.


Nah, I'm just kidding.

Seriously, the visuals are at times better than those in Return of The King. Kong is so damn real you'd think it's a real ape they captured on film. Great acting again by Andy Serkis.

The story starts really slow, only getting to Skull Island after an hour into the film. But after that it's one helluva roller coaster ride after another. My favourite is the Brontosaurus stampede and the T-Rex battle. Awesome.

Actually, some of the quieter scenes are quite poetic and beautiful, such as when Kong and the girl watches sunset and sunrise. Or that ice scene on Central Park. Pure magic.

Of all the actors, Naomi Watts is the best. She's gotta act opposite this CG ape, and you can see that she does a fine job. (Plus, she is sooooooo beautiful......) Adrien Brody doesn't have much to do, really. Watch him in The Pianist instead. I almost thought Jack Black was gonna be the comic relief, but luckily he isn't.

All in all a great film not to be missed.

I'm thinking whether should I go for the IMAX version. But that would mean shelling out another RM15. God I'm broke......

Saturday, December 17, 2005

Review: Perhaps, Love

Passed through my floormate Jim's room after dinner and caught a glimpse on his monitor. Watched the movie about 15 minutes into it. Never thought I'd get hooked.

It's the latest movie by Peter Chan, Perhaps, Love. It's a musical starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhou Xun and Jacky Cheung. A Chinese musical, and a damn good one. Now that's a rare.

Anyway, it's just a simple love story, although a bit sad at times, but the ending hints at something positive. The story is a bit confusing sometimes, with the flying timeline spanning across real life and reel life in the movie. It's play out like a movie-within-a-movie. The dance and singing parts are all presented in the 'movie-within-a-movie', instead of traditional musicals where they sing and dance in real life and whenever they like. But the plot will get you hooked, definitely.

The production value is high, with lots of different beautiful locations and sets. It's got an Oliver Twist feel to it. Some of the buildings look classical and old, yet elegant. The costumes are great and original, watch out for them.

The acting is also top notch. I particularly liked Kaneshiro and Cheung's characters, (Takeshi is so damn handsome, god......) , and when Jacky Cheung starts to sing, WOW!!! That soprano voice could bring down the house!!! The title theme song is quite nice IMO.

Watch out, this movie deserves to win some award in the next HK Film Awards, particularly Cinematography and Costume Design. I also hope that Jacky Cheung will get a Best Supporting Actor award, coz' he's so good here.

Go watch it in the cinemas if you like musicals. It's worth it.

Friday, December 16, 2005

Irritations of being a class rep

OK, I wanted to rant about this since 100 years ago. I got so fucking fed up with people already. Particularly people from my course.

Except for a few attentive souls who actually CARES what happen and what is going on, the rest of them is just plain IGNORANT. Yes, ignorant and egoistical (one could argue about the ego part since everyone has one, but we're talking about class organization here).

Let's start from notes distribution. Everytime there's notes these people are not even cool enough to come get the notes. Fine, so a few set is still OK with me, but when you have 8 sets of notes stacked higher than KL Tower at any one time with the lecturer waiting for you down there to finish your business, boy, I sure could use some help. Goddammit, come fucking take your notes ok ?! I'm not supposed to go round the lecture hall with u people sitting so far in between, they should come get from me lah!!! Somemore everytime sure got 5 or more people absent one, then I HAVE TO CARRY YOUR FUCKING NOTES HOME!!! Sometimes heavy text books even!! God, can't you just come to lecture and ease my pain ?! Why the fuck don't you come to lecture ?!

I also have a question: Is everyone in my class deaf or blind or something like that? Because I'm pretty sure that Steven made the same announcement like 3 times or so in the lecture hall, and after that I still have to inform you guys ONE BY ONE. Why not make the whole announcement at one go? Well, I could, IF YOU WOULD FUCKING ATTEND CLASS IN THE FIRST PLACE!!!

OK. Fine. Make announcement. The next day you still have the guts to come and ask me about the same thing. FUCK YOU. Don't you have ears? What, they used for hiding your tahi telinga? Is that why you didn't listen? Oh, I'm sorry. Should I borrow a shovel and shovel real hard into your ears so that you can listen clearer? I'll goddamn shovel your ass then you know......

Come on people, please don't make me suffer anymore lah, already promised to go to the Graduation Nite ball then don't screw me and the organizing commitee lah. You want 5 star hotel treatment but paying a mere RM70 also wanna complaint? Then I ask you this : 5 star hotel ask you to pay RM130 you want or not, coz' that's the real price, the market price. You pay what you get. What, you think your grandfather's hotel ah?

Then come the money issues. I give you one week time, making announcements, persuade you to go to the ball, told you the deadline, even have to beg you to pay......and yet you still had the audacity to tell me on the last day you got no money??? FUCK YOU, YOU IGNORAMUS!!! FUCK! FUCK! FUUCCKK!!!

It's not about the money I care, it's the promise and the failure to make up for it. I really don't understand. It's just RM70. How hard can it be? At least pay lah on the last day, I don't mind. But don't come last day still give me a "Dunno la, dunno wanna go or not la" or "no money la, next week la" kind of shitty and irresponsible reply. FUCKING MAKE UP YOUR MIND WOULD YA ?!

YOU MAKE ME WANNA CHOKE YOU TO DEATH !!!!!

Please lah people, the committee is working hard to get this ball to work. It's just 5-6 hours of gathering, makan and having some fun. After all, we study for what, like, 4 years together? It's time to relax and spend some time with our course mates. I know that some of you guys will argue that we are not that close to other people in the course, so there's no point attending the ball. Frankly, I feel the same. But just give them a chance, OK? Appreciate the efforts, and don't gimme that whole balik kampung or assignment bullshit. You know you're not gonna do anything substantial that day.

If you are my class mate or course mate who unfortunately is the victim of my bashings, AND you're still reading up to this point, I say thank you and congratulations. Please go back home and think about it.

Seriously, mates, don't piss me off.

Thursday, December 15, 2005

another post on mundane stuffs

Listening To: The Eagles "Hotel California"

Went to the doctors again yesterday, coz i caught a fever and cold. This is the second time in the span of 3 weeks. I practically spent the whole of Wednesday lying on bed sleeping. Damn, my health is really deteriorating......

What's funny is that during the times when I'm asleep, I have the most vivid dream in a long time. I dreamed that I was some kind of fugitive warrior belonging to some rebels in the medieval times, playing hide and seek with the authority and avoiding capture. Like Wong Fei Hung and Fong Sai Yuk. LOL !!!

Dragged myself to college today despite still feeling a bit spinning in my head. Didn't talk much coz still suffering from sorethroat. Skipped the latter half of the OOSAD lecture coz the lecturer was repeating things. Again.

Although it was a surprise to hear her acknowledging the fact that she "talks too much". Quite a funny moment that will strike a chord with a lot of us.

Still wondering whether I wanna follow Teik Teng to Low Yat or not tomorrow to get those DVD-Rs. Hope that I can also get my long awaited 24 Season 1 DVD. (ciplak one lah of course, what u think?)

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

Recipe for Wantans

What's it like having a flu? I'll tell u what's it like...I'm the expert on this subject ya know, the self proclaimed "King of Flu", no less because every month the flu will attack me at least once. Usually the condition will last for 2 to 3 days, depending on my health, during which at least 2 boxes of tissues will be gone.

It's like having women's period, only with tissues instead of tampons.

Sorry, I'm being extremely vulgar right now. Sometimes parodying can go too far......

I woke up this morning only with some slight headache and sneezing...thought it was nothing, u know, like everytime wake up sure got sneezing one mah, normal la, must be because I'm naked the night before (upper body only, what u think?)......but then in the tutorial class the flu came again.

So I started doing what I do best during these suffocating moments: making wantans.

It's really easy. Just fold the tissues into two and start sneezing out your nasal mucus. Sometimes digging the nose also helps. Repeat with remaining parts of tissue until the whole piece is almost full of those fluids. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT sneeze once and change tissue. It will not contain enough "fillings" and the desired shape will not form. Plus, it's a waste of rainforests. Lastly, just wrap into whatever shape desired, it's your wantan anyway.

If you're in the class, proudly display all your wantans on your desk, like I do whenever I have the urge to show off my recipe...this will be followed by some form of facial emotions from your fellow classmates ranging from awe-inspiring "Wows" to pure disgust.

I usually prefer to see the latter.

Monday, December 12, 2005

2 in 1

Attended the drama workshop held by the famed Pearly "Emily of Emerald Hill" Chua and Mr. Chin San Sooi......witnessed a 2 hour monologue performance of Pearly and damn, was she good!
Didn't get her autograph or a picture though, the DC is still with my bro......

Then in the evening went to DK A for the "Unplugged Song Competition 2005" coz' Lysha and Chrystal got an extra ticket. Bought it for RM8.50 and I can say that it is indeed money well spent. Thanks guys!

Call "unplugged" but the whole place is wired, even the musical equipment. 2 complaints: how come the drums are so loud that the guitar solos are almost muted? and how come superb bands all have mediocre vocalists? damn, ruined the whole experience....

Some of the songs were quite the crowd puller...the bands do know how to pick their songs......There were some surprises as some of my all time favs were played, namely "Sweet Child O'Mine", "Desperado", "Nuo Wei De Sen Lin", "Belaian Jiwa", "What's Up". Damn syiok, like James Blunt puts it, "I was fucking high".............

That was yesterday. Today, went to KLCC to catch "The Chronicles of Narnia". I had high expectations for it, but it didn't thrilled me as much. Still, it was a good movie. Go watch it people!!!

Pardon me as I engage in my self-indulging movie review session again.

The first few scenes in Narnia were quite detailed in explanation and getting the fascination factor out. But then the middle of the movie tends to drag a bit. You know, all those mandatory exposition stuff, but not handled as careful and delicate as LOTR. Still, you can't compare these two. It's like comparing Terminator 2 with some Jackie Chan movie.

The CG boleh tahan lah, but there's still some minor glitches during the battle scene. People, if you are only looking for grand scale battles, go buy the LOTR DVDs, this you have to endure 100 minutes of story telling before getting to the climax. The story feels rushed, and some scenes are just simply carried without exploring much.

The children are cute, but inconsistent in acting. Good, but not excellent. The only interesting character happens to be Mr. Tumnus the faun (James McAvoy), creating a memorable, sympathetic and multifaceted character in a brief time. No surprise that I like him so much.

After the movie, went to have lunch at Burger King with Frankie and Melvin......and then went back to the hostel to continue slacking...finished my part of the network assignment and sent to Lysha fo combining.

Then began blog. then finish blog. Now wanna sleep. How boring......

Saturday, December 10, 2005

i hate myself

Listening To: Foo Fighters "Everlong"

I would like to congratulate myself for Wikisurfing for the past 7 hours.

Yes, you read it right. 7 goddamn hours. Did nothing substantial or rewarding but clicking on links here and there on Wikipedia before typing what I'm typing now. I have this thirst to know everything even if it is useless stuff. Instead of researching for network companies and products, or trying the in and outs of Flash MX, or drawing crazy colla-fucking-boration diagrams, or even just reading Pygmalion and a Streetcar Named Desire, I have spent 7 (8 if you count the next hour blogging) hours on "reading" my 3 banes: movies, music and pop culture.

Right now, my eyes are damn tired, fingers strained, and getting sleepy. It's like getting addicted to drugs, only with hyperlinks. Another day spent fruitlessly.

For this I blame myself. No one else. I should be aware. I am, 21, after all.

Still I have to say: Damn you, Wikipedia.


Assignments pending:
  1. OOSAD assignment 2. The tutorials are not looking good. Everyone in class is reluctant to try out the questions, save for a few people. At this rate, we're sure to fail the subject.
  2. Java assignment. Until now still have no idea about server-client bullshits.
  3. Drama presentation. 3 out of 5 group members seldom attend lecture. Hope they understand the story. Some reluctant to act. Damn.
  4. Network assignments 1 and 2. Same siao subject.
  5. Flash assignment. Kanasai, langsung dunno how to do......

I'm goin' straight to hell.

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

back!

it's been a week since my last update, so i'll be quick. Some interesting tidbits:

--> I just realized i may develop RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) in my thirties if the rate of surfing and typing on keyboard continues.

--> Finished playing Indigo Prophecy. A damn good game with a damn great story. It's been a while since i played a game with a plot this good. Adventure gamers should give it a try.

--> Bought The Matrix: Path of Neo. Beat it in 3 days. The ending sequence was bizarre. Slow-mo action had never been this good. But the graphics were horri-fucking-ble.

--> Finally watched Total Recall. I've been wanting to watch that movie, but everytime was intefered by other factors.

--> Finished the design document for Multimedia assignment. Now the REAL nightmare begins.

--> Some people really don't like sharing their assignments, and some people still like "borrowing" other peoples' assignments even if they barely know the person. Gotta be careful about that......

--> Found out that Ms. Simone can speak Cockney. So far, she also demonstrated perfect imitations of Southern accent and Manglish accent. Talented linguist indeed. (although the Manglish is natural born i think LOL)

--> Some people still pronounce Julius Caesar as "Ju-lies Kay-ser". Funny.


And speaking of Julius Caesar, went to KLPac again to watch the play. The tickets were free, courtesy of KLPac, or TARC, or Ms. Simone, or whoever also can as long as I get free tix. went there with Chuan Yik, Frankie and Alvin. I doubt they will go if the tix weren't FOC.

Official poster

Damn like this pic. So classy and cool. Image courtesy of KLPac


on the way to KLPac and nothing better to do...


Got a call from mom when I reached the center. Apparently my bro got a letter from hostel management for something indecent. I'm quite worried whether he can continue his stay in the hostel after this. Will address this matter to him soon.

Anyway, the set was real mimimalist, compared to the stage design for Pygmalion. It's just a simple stage with some steps, that's all. Have a look.


Then they keep playing these haunting music before the show starts. Feels like watching a horror movie more than a political-themed play. The good thing is the sound system is REALLY REALLY good, almost on par with the THX in cinemas.

Then the show starts. All these supposedly Roman people come out talking something real important but I don't know what the hell they are talking about coz' the English is damn high class one. 30 minutes into the play and I'm still blur like sotong. But I reckon it's something to do with political scandals, assassination plots and the likes. Guys, if you don't like long talky affairs, skip this one.

and why the bloody hell didn't they wear those traditional Roman long robes with the flowery headbands? Instead, everyone -- except for the female characters -- dresses like a cross between a Jedi and Mr.Spock with pasar malam sandals......

Well, at least the cast are solid in the acting department. Not a weak performance to be found in the 90 minute play. Samantha Schubert (a former Miss Malaysia i think) is memorable as Brutus' wife. Kennie Dowle as Caesar is intense. Ari Ratos as Brutus and Patrick Teoh as Cassius are both damn perfect. Ari who is "spitting out" the dialogues, literally.

and Gavin Yap as Marc Antony. Wow.

"Friends, Romans, countrymen; lend me your ears..." That 15 minute monologue after Caesar's death is just BRILLIANT. god damn......

Overall, good actings and great sound effect, but a bit dull and boring during the lengthy dialogue exchange. I'll pick Pygmalion for the simplicity in story, but Julius Caesar for the acting.

Another day spent without touching the assignments. Damn. It's 3 am now, gotta sleep. Chiow.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

what i want

Seeing that we are still in college pursuing our studies, albeit for only a few more months, what we are doing can be boiled down to only these few things:

1. assignments
2. tests
3. study (hardly)
4. sleep
5. eat
6. repeat 1-5.

Damn it...this is basically my life in college...with only the occassional jalan-jalan in sg wang, KLCC, those sort of place......well at least for me...basically my life is full of mundane-ness......

Is it just me, or that just almost everyone i know can just splash their money and go on a shopping spree? How come i can't do that? Is it because that I'm too kiam siap to spend? Or too jimat? Even when I want something so badly I'd think twice, maybe thrice before buying it coz spending your parents' hard earned cash, especially if you come from a family who's not from a rich background, really makes me feel bad. No offense people, I'm not saying that u guys are splurging...just having a thought on the subject......

But the money issue aside, all I really want from the daily mundane lifestyle is just a break from it and doing something that I really enjoy, and not thinking about assignments and all that. Just once, I'd like to:

1. be able to read something, graphic novel, or novel maybe, and get something inspirational out of it. I tried The Lord of the Rings a few years back, but no time and the book was just too damn detailed. Maybe sometime later when I don't have anything to worry about, then can fully enjoy it.

The books, comic and novels, that I've been wanting to read: the LOTR trilogy, Fight Club, The Da Vinci Code, The Republic of Trees, Sin City, Y: The Last Man, Identity Crisis, just to name a few......

2. play video games!!! it's part of my lifestyle before the 6th generation video game boom in 2003-05 when all games are suddenly becoming high-end graphics showcases which suck all the powers from your PC. My dad promised a FREE PlayStation 2 early this year coz' his friend was giving one away, but until today still no news. Guess I have to upgrade my PC or get a console. But damn, the PS3 and XBox 360 and Revolution are coming out...

The games I wanted to play: Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Devil May Cry, Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones, Killer 7, Resident Evil 4, 24: The Game.

Note that I am only interested in story based action adventures, never interested in strategy games or MMORPGs......

3. watch lots and lots of movies. Not those Hollywood bullshits (not all, just some mindless mediocre movies that I hate), but those that people consider boring art house stuff. I don't claim to understand all those art movies, but they do provide a stimulation to the mind. And the occasssional oddball films that has far more memorable moments in one film than 10 Hollywood blockbusters put together. (case in mind: Pulp Fiction, Fight Club).

Movies to watch: Dead Man Walking, The Hours, Braveheart, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Traffic, Buai Laju-Laju, Rain Man, Being John Malkovich, etc (and definitely waiting for Gubra)

4. watch all seasons of 24! Everyone who knows me knows I'm a 24 freak...either I'm gonna splash RM600 for all seasons in original material, or RM250 in pirated goods......either way I'm gonna get it after the exams. Or just Season 1 before the end of December...

5. get together with all the primary and secondary friends that I lost in touch with, but then found them in Friendster (the wonders Internet can do for you :P). Nothing like good ol' pals getting together talking cocks......

That's all I can think of for now...I blog too much...I should start doing the design documents already, or else the group leader's not gonna be happy.

can I play Stanley?

Finally! I submitted the final year project to Ms. Ngoi coz there was an error in Friday's printout, now that the FYP is no longer an issue, can start concentrating on this semester's assignments....it's gonna be my last semester in the college...hopefully I can end it with a bang......

Today's Drama class was special : instead of reading out text by text from the play like usual, Ms. Simone played the latter half of the 1951 version of "A Streetcat Named Desire" in the lecture hall, much to the surprise and enthusiasm from the students. It was good, coz' I wanted to finish it a few weeks back but couldn't. Even outsiders not from AIA2 snuck into the lecture hall to watch it. Never thought people would be interested in watching 50s movie. Anyone interested should check out "Rashomon" by Akira Kurosawa, which has a great story and lasting impact.


But back to the topic. One thing annoyed me: everytime there's an intimate or kissing scene some bozos will go "Ooh!" or "Ahh!" as if they haven't watch these kinda things before. Fuckin' annoying...

Watching the movie, I kept thinking how I can channel Marlon Brando when I play Stanley on week 11. The dude's so cool!!! That primitive anger, that raw energy, that brute physique...how I wish I could play Stanley as effective as he is......Teik Teng, like the other group members, wanted a small role, but seeing that he is the only other guy in the group, that effectively leaves him for the character of Mitch......

And I'm quite worried about the drama presentation, coz' 3 members were not present for the lectures since week 2...and the 3 are all girls, how can they pick up and analyse the story and understand the characters like that? Who's gonnna play Blanche (obviously the most difficult role) and Stella? we have only 3 weeks left goddammit! Other assignments are meeting the deadline!!! AARRGHHHHH!!!!!

Tried to borrow the VCD from Ms. Simone, but she insists on not borrowing for fear of losing it, instead wrote a permission letter to the library for a video viewing session......damn it......

******

Celebrated Kien Jean's birthday at the hostel canteen, nothing much, just a simple celebration for a friend's "coming of age"......shared the present with Gilbert, it's a belt and wallet combo...


Birthday boy's on my right. I really like this pic, dunno why, it's got a casual feel to it.

Me and my roomie, the most handsome-est guy there. Pics don't do justice.

Chris, Gilbert and Sang "how-come-I'm-so-fuckin-fair" What.

Wanted to do the OOSAD assignment after that, but ended up blogging.

til next time.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

big pour out

Been having diarrhea since last Wednesday, as a result my asshole is cracked up and my legs are numb ** weird and gross stuff to blog about LOL ** ...anyway, missed about 2 day's lecture and tutorial...nothing exceptional, just scared that I can't catch up on the Flash tutorials......

Speaking of Flash, Mr.Stephen Tang took over the lecture for Multimedia on Friday to show us some software that can aid in our edutainment software development......he then demonstrated what I can only say as technical superiority...the dude just draws an image, added a few ActionScript on the fly, and there you go, rain drops with splashing effect......maybe it's not so big a deal for you guys who are experts in Flash, but for this Flash idiot it's damn impressive lah...really respect the guy, salute!

******

College is having this Unplugged Pop Song competition, so they have a teaser performance in Canteen 2...haven't heard all of the bands, but seriously some of them can't sing. If have a live band might as well do a band competition, then we can listen to real music lah...really don't understand why those talented band members grouped with a subpar lead singer singing crappy pop songs, and the audience goes wild whenever a high note gone off-key...crazy...WE WANT ROCK!!!

******

Had dinner with Gil, Chris and Kien Jean in TBR, and Gil was in his usual dreamy-cum-in-love-with-himself state, plus he's also pokai already, somemore got the guts to ajak us makan, and expecting Chris to pay for him like everytime, dunno how he spend his cash one......so the guy was broke, and after makan we wait for him to go withdraw money from the ATM which is just 2 shops beside the diner.

He said "dowan, waste RM1."

WHAT THE FUCK?! spend so much money making outstation calls and buying beauty products and clothing, but don't wanna withdraw money because MEPS is gonna charge you a measly RM1 ??? You call that saving money? I will never understand his logic of saving a little and spending a lot, I thought it was the other way around...

So to teach him a lesson we decided not to pay for him. It took us 35 minutes to convince him to withdraw. But ATM left RM51, and the machine only dispense RM50 notes, in the end, let's just say that we deeply humiliated his pride.

Bear in mind, WE ARE TRYING TO HELP HIM. Some people just needs to be kicked in the butt to realize their wrongs.

******

Everybody is so outraged about the Chinese naked woman incident, "disgrace to the country" lah, "disgusting" lah, etc. dunno about you guys, but I'm pretty much immune to these kind of shits......I mean, with everything going on in this country, this is just something waiting to happen sooner or later.

Don't get me wrong, I still think the incident is disturbing and amoral, it's distasteful as women's pride is humiliated, the police is gonna have a hard time cleaning up this shit. I'm just saying that it doesn't shock me as hard as other people. Strip naked and doing ear-squats? I'm pretty sure other coutry has such issues to sort too...I guess this is the effect of information overload: you surf too much, played one too many GTAs, you pretty much seen it all. Know what's the scariest part is? After getting used to see shocked images, you kinda expect these sort of things to happen.

Demented mind? Maybe. Blame the Net.

******

Yesterday, invited by Chih Kok to attend the Universal Peace Federation's inaugural convocation at the KL Convention Center. Was thinking to see something different la, and hear what the founder of the UPF had to say on world peace......mana tau got a 3 hour lecture on God, Abel & Cain and the likes, sien lah......

Maybe this is the first time for the event, everything was not very well done...the performers' English was horrible when reciting a poem, and the translator in the radio frequency (the founder only speaked Korean) was terrible......you know you're in big trouble when the only good thing was the emcee......

******

Lots and lots of assignments and tests coming......damn busy......I think I'm the only one haven't submit the FYP......

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

miserable

My day has not gone well.

Yesterday's DCS mid-term test was a failure. I didn't manage to study much and turns out that I can only answer question 1......which means i have already failed my DCS mid-term test.....

Yesterday already damn jia-lat, today lagi suey. Dunno what the hell is wrong, since i came back from college i had stomach-ache the WHOLE GOD DAMN DAY. Slept in the noon after class, but the pain still haven't go away. Went and lao-sai for about 6,7 times, i dunno, didn't keep track...and after that vomit out my lunch...took me 3 attempts to get the shits outta my throat, YUCKS......dont' even know what's the cause...bought some stomach-ache pills and some Eno to tahan for a while, if tomorrow still like this then gonna go c doctor liao...

I am now in agonizing pain......fuck.

Sunday, November 20, 2005

shock

Eddie Guerrero passed away on November 13th as a result of heart failure...i'm pretty much sure wrestling fans are shocked by his sudden death, just as i did when i first read at Kok Leng's blog...it was so sudden that i went "WHAT!!!" before checking it out on the net......

Well i was always a wrestling fan...and this kind of news about wrestlers passing away don't have that much impact on me. I mean, those wrestlers were from the 60's, 70's. i don't even know some of them...but Eddie, i watched him since the day i watch wrestling man...he's got the moves and the charisma to go......and we as wrestling fans will miss him......

Thursday, November 17, 2005

50s' vs 90s'

went to the library on Monday for a video session, supposedly for a better understanding of the play, but i doubt it since the accent in the movie is hard to decipher, even for an accent junkie like me (*bleh*)...the movie in question was 'A Streetcar Named Desire'......the one that my class watched was the 1951 version starring Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando... it was quite funny watching the acting in the 50s' as it's a bit stage like, meaning the performances are geared more towards theater and stage drama, although it could be because of the nature of the script......i quite enjoyed it though......

but then the video session was cut short due to some tech glitches...so only watched like 30 minutes of video before went to see the project supervisor......

so today joined other class's session, hoping to at least watch the later portions of the movie...instead, ms. Simone played the 1995 version, with Jessica Lange, Alec Baldwin and Diane Lane....i was like, "sien lah...show the 50's version la, with Brando one, he's more cool la..."

personally, i liked the 50s' version better than that of the 90s' coz of the acting and stage design, it's got more of a theater feel to it....to be fair, both actresses playing Blanche was perfect la, what with all those dramatic Southern-accent speeches and those dame-like mannerisms (all perfectly captured by Ms. Simone in her lecture)......but my problem lies in Baldwin's portrayal of Stanley. Don't get me wrong, i like Alec Baldwin, some of his acting are quite enjoyable (check out The Cooler and his cameo in Friends season 8), but his Stanley just dun cut it, not when compared to Brando's suave portrayal. (during my class viewing, the laughs came when he lights the match by scratching it on his pants...COOL) Baldwin's obvious Bronx accent sticks out like a sore thumb. The only good thing is when he gets all angry and violent.

and Ms. Simone just fast forward to "get to the important parts", but the parts i enjoyed watching most is fast forwarded, and boring exposition scenes are played instead, phooey.......i'd rather spend 2+ hours watching the movie than sitting through important parts like that......dunno whether can book a time with the library and watch or not...jz me all alone...and maybe a few souls who are vaguely interested......

in the end, i still dun get the ending, but that's becoz i haven't read the book. anyone care to enlighten me?

click here
for Roger Ebert's review and his observation on Marlon Brando's method acting.

Wednesday, November 16, 2005

weights

Listening To: The Eagles "Desperado"

woke up at 9.30 in the AM...dragged my heavy fat ass body to wash some clothes that was soaked with sweat from yesterday's badminton session......then was thinking to do some amendments on the FYP before heading for Mr.Beh's practical class...was also pondering on the idea to donate blood as planned...alas, ended up playing NBA Live '03 (my PC's too rusty and wrecked to handle '06) instead......lazy again...donate blood tomorrow.....

sat in the lab for 1 hr...tried listening as hard as i could to Ah Beh's explanation...in the end still could not understand what he said..what sockets, packets, serverSockets, serverPackets, 2 way communication...WTF, langsung tak faham, like that assignment how to do......and it's raining outside, fuck, my clothes just sidai la, stupid weather......

don't have the slightest idea why i'm so pissed off right now...not angry at someone or anything...just hating myself for becoming more and more stupid...ever since i've installed the wireless Internet my grades have been slipping like a mud slide.....internet addiction sux.......the grades are not looking good, if i wanna graduate with a DISTINCTION i'll have to get a 4.0 or something like that for this semester's exam, which for me is damn near impossible......not that grades are important (i know i'm contradicting myself with this statement, but fuck it...), but it does lend some credibility at the end of the day......

the decision to continue studies for the top-up programme at LJMU is what's causing my headaches right now...travelling overseas aside, it's the financial problem that's bugging me...see, even if i work part time, 20 hours full per week AND eliminating any form of entertainments whatsoever, save for the ocassional happy hours, the COL is still pretty much high and way out of my budget...it's kinda shameful that i'm solely relying on mom and dad's savings for the education...really really have to start working after the exams for income......come to think of it, Stephen Tang's intimidating lecture on life is beginning to stick in my head: hunger, desperation, depression, surviving......

the conclusion ? WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD.

just a quick recap

nothing much happened in the past few days......went to the Philharmonic Orchestra Hall at KLCC on Saturday to watch a performance by some piano sisters duo...jz teman my fren who's studying the Music Appreciation sub this sem......

then submitted the final year project documentation draft yesterday...the supervisor said to come back on Thursday..what the fuck la...like that if got changes how to amend it on time...i know i late submission la...but still......

went to play badminton with Sye Mun, Wee Keong and Chuan Yik at the badminton complex in Setapak Indah during the evening......so long never play liao...my reflexes gone slow...accuracy hit an all time low...and my arm's still slightly sprained......

note to self: remember to make an appointment for another game of badminton next week.

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Nothing better to do......

Your Birthdate: October 1

You are a natural born leader, even if those leadership talents haven't been developed yet.
You have the power and self confidence to succeed in life, and your power grows daily.
Besides power, you also have a great deal of creativity that enables you to innovate instead of fail.
You are a visionary, seeing the big picture instead of all of the trivial little details.

Your strength: Your supreme genius

Your weakness: Your inappropriate sensitivity

Your power color: Gold

Your power symbol: Star

Your power month: January

That sorta explains me being a class rep...although IMO i'm not a very good one......

Your Brain's Pattern

You're a simple thinker, and this is actually a very good thing.
You don't complicate matters when you don't have to.
You look for the simplest explanation or solution, and you go with that.
As a result, your mind is uncluttered and free of stress.

this is VERY TRUE...but lately I am a bit stressed out......

Your World View

You are a happy, well-balanced person who likes people and is liked by others.
You question whether many conventional views on morality are valid under all circumstances.
You are essentially a content person.

Sometimes, you consider yourself a little superior.
You are moral by your own standards.
You believe that morality is what best suits the occasion.

Superior? i dun dare say i am...i dun qualify to say that...certainly not with my limited skills and interllect......
How You Life Your Life

You seem to be straight forward, but you keep a lot inside.
You are always tactful and diplomatic. You let people down gently.
You prefer a variety of friends and tend to change friends quickly.
You tend to dream big, but you worry that your dreams aren't attainable.

i dun change friends quickly...it's the external factors that caused it......and i do dream up a lot of unrealistic stuff and expectations......
You Are 50% Weird

Normal enough to know that you're weird...
But too damn weird to do anything about it!

i'm weird. so what...cannot do anything about it then dun do la......


Your Summer Anthem is Best Of You by the Foo Fighters

I've got another confession my friend
I'm no fool
I'm getting tired of starting again
Somewhere new


While you may seem bright on the outside, your insides have a distinct angst flavor.

Web 2.0 ?

"The usage of the Internet as a social community platform is dubbed Web 2.0."

found this interesting article some time ago but forgot to blog about it......it's something called the Web 2.0 and concerns the changing landscape of the Internet and the trends that follow......there seems to be some bruhaha and major debate on the topic by industry experts......

now i dun claim to know a lot about the Net, but what i see here is a very interesting and exciting change in concepts developed on the Net, eg: web content distribution, the emergence of blogging as a force to be reckoned in journalism, open-source development, wikis......anyway, enough of my insignificant craps.......wikipedia-ed the topic, enjoy the read......

bloggers rejoice! a new browser by the name of Flock is out.....the browser is design with bloggers in mind, or more specifically it is meant to integrate and interact with 'web social services' (the likes of Flickr, blogs, social bookmarking) for easier blogging......looking forward to it......

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

I am so goddamn sleepy

been stayin late all night working on the documentation for the final year project (yes, for the past 3 weeks i've been slacking off......)

this is about the fifth or sixth time this year that i been awake for 24 hours...i think my obsession for 24 is going too far...this is not a good way to emulate Jack Bauer......

am now typing this entry in college's CIT while waiting for Frankie to submit the draft to the supervisor......and so damn sleepy, can't keep my eyes open...and for some strange reasons my left eye has been developing this red eye syndrome...maybe it's the late night monitor radiation? damn, i dun wanna wear glasses......

til then, signing off......

Saturday, November 05, 2005

Of friends and neighbours

The last coupla days was quite fun, relaxing at home without having to worry about the projects (although in reality i should be), meeting old school mates, having big open house with the neighbours......

on first day of Raya, went to 3 of Dad's colleagues' house for free food, haha......the ayam curry and kurma are so damn delicious...also got to know from Uncle Suhaimi's wife about the life in UK, how the stuff were so cheap back in the mid 80s (of course, this was the time when the foreign exchange rate was only 3 to 4, and u can easily get an exercise machine for only 4 Pounds...believe it)......it's still good to hear u can get some serious bargain during sales......

again, I'm the most unphotogenic......

2nd day Raya, the gang from secondary school came to my place to 'Raya', LOL......wow, haven't seen them since CNY, and Lee Foong, since Form 5...it's been that long......and i'm somewhat surprised that she and JZ have hit it off since dunno when...diam diam starting pak-tor......hmmm, it's kinda weird seeing your good frens known each other for so long then getting together......

cute couple they make, no?

with Raj and JZ...Raj keeps making those "I'm so sexy" faces

after spending a few hours crapping and remeniscing about old times, went to have lunch at Salak. After that have to send Sze Ooi back coz she needs to work at KLIA (double pay on hols). Then decided that we go for bowling at Nilai Spring. As usual, I have the lowest score.

after getting back home, saw Dad and Mom busy preparing curry and only then I know that Uncle Ee Chuan and Uncle Somchit (they are Siamese) are coming for dinner. The whole place was so noisy I had trouble listening the dialogue watching 'Gangster' on ASTRO Ria...and The kids are nosy and obnoxious as hell, my cell also kena --- I was asleep, and the keypads are full of pen inks when I woke up this morning, damn......

FYP documentation draft have to submit on Monday, still not done yet......I didn't know I could be this lazy......

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

A Review of Pygmalion

Sorry for the late post...haven't got the time...been busy doing dunno what...even I'm confused...

Last Friday was a totally eye-opening experience for me. As mentioned in previous post, I went to the musical Pygmalion at the KLPac in Sentul West. Didn't take too many pics, coz me too pai seh to have the attention all around me when the flash goes off, so the pics are quite blurred.

Anyway, the area around the Performing Arts Center was spacious with a few funny looking building resembling the Angkor-Wat monuments :P We got into the stage 10 minutes before the show starts.


The actresses playing the Chorus Girls came out greeting us and chatting up with the audiences, already in character with their Ah Lian mannerisms. There's two who are quite beautiful I must say. They kept asking us where we're from and we said TAR college lah, of course. By the third enquiry I was already quite sien, so the obnoxious side of me emerged and thought I would play the fool with them...

Chorus Girl A: "where u all from hah ?"
me: "MMU, we traveled so far u know..."

Chorus Girl B: "where u all from hah ?"
me: "Sunway College lor..."
Chorus Girl B: "u dun play play with me ah!"
me: "u know already still ask ah? "
Chorus Girl B: (walking away) "I remember u ah!" (everyone looking at me. Me and my big mouth...but it was fun.)


Back to the show. The stage was elegant and simple, not too many objects obstructing the view, with a balcony for the musicians and their equipments built on the left. the music was great thoughout, credits to the musical director Llewellyn Marsh, who also did a cameo as Freddy. The progress of the story was quite OK, the first half was light hearted with the comedic elements more on the Ah Lian jokes and slapsticks to get the audience attracted I reckon. The second half was more dramatic as the story finds Lisa confronting Higgins about his role in 'creating' her.

As a lot of people already know, the dialogue is presented in a mixture of Brit and Manglish accents. It's to reflect the multiracial surroundings in Malaysia, so says the production, but sometimes it seems just out of place when the Ah Lians go over the top screaming the lungs out, as though Malaysians have trouble understanding Brit and Euro accents. I understand it's for more appeal to the average viewer, but to a certain degree it's dumbed down. The dialogue is also sprinkled with light political and social commentary, making for good satire. (The best: after Higgins said goodbye to an offscreen character complimenting her brand new car "I just spoke to Lady Rafidah, mom" ) Unsurprisingly, it's these subtle humour that sticks in my mind, not the slapsticks.

The character developments are fleshed out alright, but I have the feeling that some parts are hanging and especially during the transition from Act 3 to Act 4. The portrayal of Higgin's feeling for Lisa is too brief. I haven't read the original play and don't know much about the characters, so you can ignore my critical abilities.

There are some fun and memorable songs thrown in between dialogues (this is a musical afterall), some with a Malaysian twist judging from the titles ("Muddy Bunga", "We Talk Like That One", "What To Do Lah", "My England No Good" - obvious poke at the Ah Beng English). But the best has got to be Michelle Quah's stunning solo "Who Am I" in Act 4. It's such an emotional scene with her haunting voice, contrary to what others say. Only after finished mesmerizing by her soprano that me and Frankie realized we forgot to capture that scene in my camera and his MP3 player. Shit.

Now let's talk about the cast. Harith Iskander, as usual, is good as Professor Higgins, with shades of gray in his character. His mix of low key humour and intensity (during the aforementioned argument scene) is great, and he's the main reason I watched this play. Indi Nadarajah's character is cool, calmed and controlled, never flashy, obviously a veteran. And there's Michelle Quah, as Lisa Doolittle. Man, her transformation from street Ah Lian to classy Datin is great, and her singing, WOW! My only gripe is that she should've tone down the Ah Lian mannerisms. The fact that this is her first time doing a musical on stage reminds us that she will be a force to watch out for in the future. But the real scene stealer is Sarah Shahrum as Mrs.Pearce the housemaid. Her appearance is brief but memorable thanks to her sexual innuendos and watching her walking in high heels is quite funny.


All in all, it was a good experience. I can't compare it with other dramas or plays coz' this is only my first time watching a play and I'm no critic as good as Soe Chin, thus this sucky review, thank you for reading......but it's a good show nonetheless. Support Malaysian theater people!

Friday, October 28, 2005

Beat it!

Listening To: Damien Rice "The Blower's Daughter"

no, not the Michael Jackson song...

no, not asking u to 'siam' or go away...

after countless hours sitting in front of the monitor until my eyes are all pain and teary, and after countless nites with only less than 5 hours of sleep, with dunno-how-many-times of trials and error, and throw in some serious walkthrough searching.......I FINALLY BEAT PRINCE OF PERSIA : WARRIOR WITHIN !!! yes!!! finished both endings hahahaa!!!

what this means is that now i dun have use my roomie's PC anymore to play game......finally can concentrate on doing projects and stuff.

it also means that i haven't start on my documentation for the FYP...and the draft is due Monday......crap......

now u know that I AM THAT LAZY.

Monday, October 24, 2005

Changes

added a board in the blog coz too bored, jz trying it out...gimme some comments......

Friday, October 21, 2005

Gloomy

Caught the news quite late (at about 3.30pm compared to my frens who knew it early in the morning) at the college canteen when these group of people started distributing free copies of Tong Fang Ri Pao (Eastern Daily, literally translating)...

The PM's wife Datin Seri Endon Mahmood has passed away in the morning after years of battle with breast cancer. Today was a quiet and gloomy day for Malaysia. Our condolences to the PM and the family members. May she Rest In Peace...

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Let's hope it doesn't disappoint

The other day Ms.Simone suggested that we form a trip and go watch the play Pygmalion at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Center at Sentul to better understand the story seeing that we are studying the drama of the same name for this sem......

I was highly anticipating it, as I missed Stomp last September because of exam...and also because this is the first time I WILL watch a play (WILL, if the trip jadi-lah)...but after visiting the Pygmalion page at Kakiseni.com, most of the comments there were negative, saying it's boring la, rubbish la, singing off-key la......so I was wondering whether I should watch the play or not......

I think I go-lah, Harith Iskander wei......

Wednesday, October 19, 2005

PASSED!

Listening To: Jet "R U Gonna Be My Girl"

YEESSSSSSSS!!!!!

Passed all the exam papers for last semester!!! I was soooooo afraid that the F word will pop up and my Comp Comm exam will fail......HAHA! screw you Comp Comm!!!

Whoo Hoo!!!

I made a promise to myself that if I passed the Comp Comm paper I will go vegan for 1 whole week......well, I wonder if I can keep that promise, seeing that today is supposed to be the second day after results out......

Hmm...vege......

Monday, October 17, 2005

Sunday morning

it's been a week since my last update, coz i was busy with the FYP...now that the initial testing's over, all's left is some improvement on the system and preparation for the documentation draft. My estimate is that it's gonna take me at least 1 week working non stop. But anybody who knows me knows that I won't start til the last minute......

Went to the newly opened Jaya Jusco in Seremban 2 with my family and neighbours just to check out the place. All 16 of us packed into 2 Toyota Avanza...talk about cramming. Anyway, the place was still new, and quite small compared with the one in Wangsa Maju which I'm used to go to, but at least it has a cineplex. (TGV, with only 5 cinemas...but the seats were surprisingly comfy)

Me and Alex went to catch a moive, only because dad and mom and the auntie uncles are busy in the feng shui shop and showhouses and I'll be bored to death there. And I also haven't went to the cinemas since Revenge of the Sith. Watched The Transporter 2, nice movie, ridiculously impossible but great action scenes, minimum to almost non-existent plot, a villain who has great Brylcreem hair with a sidekick lover assassin who walks around only in lingerie (woo hoo!!! me the pervert...) while double wielding Uzis...and best of all, the mere presence of Jason Statham, who's so uber cool he could beat Bond hands down when it comes to suaveness.

One more thing: I haven't had a good night's sleep since 3 weeks ago because of the project, getting in bed at 3-4am and waking up at 11-12pm the next day. I'm sick of this kind of life, yet no noticeable flu or sickness. Now after 1 day in hometown, my usual once-in-every-two-month flu attack strikes again. Talk about coincidence......

Tuesday, October 11, 2005

FYP Testing

It's the start of the new semester. Today's first lecture was in the new ABA lecture hall opposite UTAR. and to my horror we're studying Distributed Computer System and OOSAD. damn, not one subject that I'm familiar with. And there's a Liberal Art subject we're taking which is Drama, also taught by Ms. Simone who previously taught the Short Story subject. Maybe this time she won't bore us by reading stories again. Nonetheless, I hope it turns out right. At least I don't have to study that dreaded World Religion as rumoured by dunno-who. Again, the Liberal Arts is a breath of fresh air, well for me at least, coz I'm damn sick of programming.

I can't begin to imagine facing the computer screen 12 hours non-stop later when I work.

Anyway, after the lecture me and Frankie were going to book the comp lab for our FYP testing on Wednesday. Just as I was about to fill in the booking form Ms.Ngoi, my supervisor, called me on the cell. Surprise! She postponed our testing period by one day to Thursday 1pm! Damn it's good to know we got xtra 1 day to complete the parts that we thought otherwise couldn't finish. The downside is that there's another supervisor on the spot to test our system. Just hope everything runs well, or else I'll be vomitting blood again.

Still pending and working on:
* VB data reports (the SQLs still doesn't work, goddammit someone help me)
* ASP main page
* generate test data for testing


here's something I got from soe chin. It gets better towards the end. :)


You know you are living in 2005 when...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses.
6. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.
7. Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen.
8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
10. You get up in the morning and go on line before getting your coffee.
11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. : )
12. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
13. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.
14. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list.

AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself. Go on, forward this to your friends ...you know you want to!

Saturday, October 08, 2005

2 More Days

Thats the number of days left until the new semester starts on Monday. For me it's gonna be my last semester in TARC...after that it's graduation. damn.

The FYP is also due shortly. I really hope that me and my partner's testing period is in the latter stage so that we can buy more time to finish what we have not completed yet. It's very unlikely though. I wonder if they have an extending period...

I still have the reporting and help files to do. The reports sucks. How come the SQL can't work when combining 2 tables? goddamn......and I'm also quite worried about my partner coz he's got all the ASP part to do......I'm such a failure, can't help him much......

well, gotta go, work work work......

---------------------------------------------

Franz Ferdinand's latest album "You Could Have It So Much Better" is out. Get the album, highly recommended. Link courtesy of Soe Chin.

Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Movie Madness

I've been quite busy these few weeks and with the added pressure from completing the FYP on time...and there's nothing much to blog about recently......so here's another blog meme. (lazy to write something original...not that I'm original in the first place :P)

=====================================

Take this list of the top 100 movies from the IMDB and bold the movies you have seen. (not sure where this is originally from). This list is from September 2005.

1. The Godfather (1972)
2. The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
3. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
4. The Godfather: Part II (1974)
5. Shichinin no samurai (1954)
6. Schindler's List (1993)
7. Casablanca (1942)
8. Star Wars (1977)
9. Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
10. Buono, il brutto, il cattivo, Il (1966)
11. Pulp Fiction (1994)
12. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
13. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
14. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
15. Rear Window (1954)
16. Dr.Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
17. Citizen Kane (1941)
18. Cidade de Deus (2002)
19. The Usual Suspects (1995)
20. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
21. 12 Angry Men (1957)
22. C'era una volta il West (1968)
23. Memento (2000)
24. North by Northwest (1959)
25. Psycho (1960)
26. Goodfellas (1990)
27. Fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain, Le (2001)
28. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
29. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
30. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
31. Sunset Blvd. (1950)
32. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
33. American Beauty (1999)
34. The Matrix (1999)
35. Fight Club (1999)
36. Apocalypse Now (1979)
37. Vertigo (1958)
38. The Pianist (2002)
39. Paths of Glory (1957)
40. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
41. Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)
42. Taxi Driver (1976)
43. The Third Man (1949)
44. Se7en (1995)
45. Hotel Rwanda (2004)
46. Boot, Das (1981)
47. Léon (1994)
48. Crash (2004)
49. M (1931)
50. Requiem for a Dream (2000)
51. Double Indemnity (1944)
52. Singin' in the Rain (1952)
53. Chinatown (1974)
54. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
55. Some Like It Hot (1959)
56. Rashômon (1950)
57. L.A. Confidential (1997)
58. All About Eve (1950)
59. The Maltese Falcon (1941)
60. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
61. American History X (1998)
62. Untergang, Der (2004)
63. Modern Times (1936)
64. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
65. Alien (1979)
66. Raging Bull (1980)
67. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
68. The Incredibles (2004)
69. A Clockwork Orange (1971)
70. Vita è bella, La (1997)
71. The Sting (1973)
72. Reservoir Dogs (1992)
73. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)
74. Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003)
75. Amadeus (1984)
76. Mr.Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
77. The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
78. City Lights (1931)
79. The Shining (1980)
80. The Great Escape (1963)
81. On the Waterfront (1954)
82. The Apartment (1960)
83. Ran (1985)
84. Aliens (1986)
85. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
86. Metropolis (1927)
87. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
88. Touch of Evil (1958)
89. Sin City (2005)
90. Sjunde inseglet, Det (1957)
91. The Great Dictator (1940)
92. Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004)
93. Braveheart (1995)
94. Donnie Darko (2001)
95. Jaws (1975)
96. Nuovo cinema Paradiso (1989)
97. Strangers on a Train (1951)
98. High Noon (1952)
99. Finding Nemo (2003)
100. Annie Hall (1977)

=====================================

28 out of 100...hmmm...one-third is not bad lah......btw, from the list above I have the DVDs for these movies, but haven't found the time to watch yet:

1. The Godfather (1972)
4. The Godfather: Part II (1974)
13. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)
20. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
30. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
36. Apocalypse Now (1979)
42. Taxi Driver (1976)
48. Crash (2004)
57. L.A. Confidential (1997)
64. Million Dollar Baby (2004)
67. Saving Private Ryan (1998)
75. Amadeus (1984)
83. Ran (1985)
93. Braveheart (1995)

It's strange that some of my favourite films which are really good didn't make it to the top 100, like Dances With Wolves, Forrest Gump, or Terminator 2......It seems that these movies are almost indie flicks or not the typical Hollywood blockbusters, but I like them...I have come to realize that the normal Hollywood productions are getting boring each day and the Hong Kong film industry is no better...which is why I steer clear on the normal cinema going pleasure (except only the rare occasional gems) and have since scoured for indie productions on DVDs.

Anyways, hopefully the completion of the FYP will grant me more time for these movie-watching sessions.

Saturday, October 01, 2005

October 1st

Listening To: Foo Fighters "Big Me"

It's my birthday!!! WHOO-HOO !!!

I am now officially 21 years old, it's the time of entering adulthood, which means:

1. I can't act like a kid anymore, but i will anyway......

2. I can drive...but my dad won't let me......

3. I should already have a girlfren, but I dun......

4. I can vote, and I should vote...for the right government.....but I'm too lazy to register......

5. I should graduate in about 5 months and enter the working force...

6. I STILL HAVE 10 DAYS LEFT TO FINISH MY BLOODY FINAL YEAR PROJECT!!!

P/S:
Thanks to everyone who wished me happy birthday (thru e-mails, friendster testimonials, SMS). KJ, WL, and VV, thanks for the lovely sweat shirt and pants, loved it!

Friday, September 30, 2005

Sense of Hopelessness

I been doing a lot of thinking for the past few days. i thought a lot about myself. i thought a lot about my friends and family. i thought about my future, the possibilities in job employment, getting a girlfriend, getting laid marriage, a lot of other shits too.

And I came to the conclusion that i might be hopeless after all.

Call me pessimistic or whatever, but i do think that i am way, way behind a lot of my peers in terms of life achievement and excellence. You may say something along the lines of "don't compare yourself with others" or "you are who you are" or those kinda shits. I get those all the time. You can't possibly say that to yourself no matter how open-minded you are. Everyone will have some degree of jealousy towards others.

Compare with these people whom i know of:

*** A primary mate of mine who's now on 8TV's Coca-Cola Thirst for Passion: Music Executive reality show, and a really good entrepreuner

*** A friend who's already making near 5 figure salary via MLM

*** Some friends who's already making it big in overseas Uni

*** 2 mutual friends armed with super programming skills freelancing for companies

*** A mate in Singapore who's working as a network techician while simultaneously getting laid hanging out at night clubs with clients and colleagues


And I'm still here blogging, complaining and living in my own la-la land.

My VB 6 skills sucks, my ASP skill is non-existent, and I have only one more week to finish the final year project.

oh bloody.

Thursday, September 29, 2005

Who the fuck is she???

Lately, there's been a commotion on the blog scene about this girl by the name of FireAngel who's absolutely hot.......the thing is, i dun get it...why is she so hot? who the fuck is she?

ok, i'm new to blogging, so i may not know. But ya gotta be kidding me when this many people worships her. Minishorts says she's hot, many guys drool after her, and even more guys wank to her. Christ, they even fucking set up a fansite......

From what i know, she's the Malaysian Blog Idol 2005, cusses like nobody's business, and apparently still single.......it took me a while before i found her own blog.

CAN SOMEBODY PLEASE TELL ME WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT ??!! ARRRGGHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Am I?

Congratulations Alan Pang, you are...


Joyce the Fairy of xanga.com/kinkybluefairy

If you are a car, your fuel of choice would be unleaded alcohol. You are a major party animal with an unnatural obsession with art, toys and all things fantasy. You think the world is too complicated and you wished it could be as simple as it was when you were 7 years old. You live with it. You work hard, but you don't take for granted the simple things in life that make you happy. Sweet candy, cartoon music, crazy friends, all these and more make you a happy person living in your own little world.

Which Malaysian Blogger Are You?

Friday, September 23, 2005

Final round CLEAR!!!

The exams are finally over!!! WHOO-HOO!!!

yesterday's E-Commerce exam quite OK la, can manage la...although the morning paper is a bit tricky la i think......but compared to other subjects (like that dreaded @#$#^%& Comp. Comm.) considered easy lo......

it also helps that I didn't sleep for the whole nite studying E-Commerce......I ain't hardworking or something...this is last-freakin-minute job......DO NOT IMITATE ME......

Finish exam of course have to go "basah" la...went to Sungai Wang Plaza......again......for the umpteenth time......had a nice meal there in Hot Mama restaurant, the dish was called Saigon Shrimp Bee Hun or something like that lar, can't recall. After that went browsing in Low Yat and have a little chat with Alan who was working there. Bumped into Jenifer, and apparently she was looking for a new PC.

oh yeah, the whole Low Yat Plaza was showing Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children in almost every shoplot...personally I dun think the facial features are THAT reallistic, it's too smooth without any wrinkles or dimples. But the background....fuckin photorealistic man! Any FF fan should check out the movie, it's out on DVD anyway......

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

SEVEN

Listening To: Dick Brave & The Backbeats "Complicated" [cover of Avril Lavigne's song with 60s Elvis twang, from the artist known as Sasha (If You Believe)]

got tagged by Jen Nih Surf pulak, watever that means......

Seven things you plan to do before you die:

1. get an Oscar...really!
2. Bungie jumping
3. travel around the world
4. get an MD or PhD in medicine (maybe after i retire?)
5. publish a novel
6. develop a video game at Konami or Capcom
7. leave behind a legacy when i die...

Seven things I could do:

1. watch movies all day long
2. write better blog entries
3. spend more time with my family
4. be not so damn lazy...
5. finish The Lord of The Rings novels
6. get a girlfriend
7. get a secured and high salary job

Seven celebrity crushes:

1. Scarlett Johansson
2. Kate Beckinsale
3. Michelle Branch
4. Charlize Theron
5. Maria Bello
6. Julianne Moore
7. Kiefer Sutherland (cannot admire a guy ah? he's damn cool as Jack Bauer)

Seven often repeated words:

1. Wa Lau Eh......
2. What the hell...?
3. FUCK LAH !!! (when in frustration)
4. where got like that one ?!
5. celaka punya *whatever it is that I tak syok of*
6. dude...
7. What?! (of course la, my name what :P)

Seven physical traits I look for in the opposite sex:

1. great legs...
2. hot body...
3. short hair...
4. long hair...
5. healthy skin
6.
tall
7. anything but big cute eyes

Seven tags go to:

1. Jo Wen
2. Soe Chin
3. Jarod
4. Kok Leng
5. Manfred
6. Kien Jean
7. whoever also can la......

damn i should be studying for tmr's E-Commerce exam...lazy again......

Round 3 CLEAR!!!

Today's SPM (software and project management, not sijil pelajaran malaysia...) was a breeze, dunno why, but i can answer almost all the questions (about 20+ points were thrown though...) even studying for only about 8 hours starting THE DAY BEFORE EXAM......that's like about 9 hours only...talk about lazy......

Anyway, 1 more subject to go and then it's freedom!!!

Well not actually, there's still the dreaded final year project...ugh...... :P

I crazy liao! Watched 2 movies back to back with Kien Jean and Eugene !!!


First was "Girl with a Pearl Earring". This is a period piece starring my current fav actress Scarlett Johansson and super cool guy Colin Firth. It's about a girl who was forced to work as a maid in an upper class household to support her own life, who along the way unwillingly, but eventually posed for her master to paint a portrait of her, to the utter dismay of the painter's wife. This was supposedly based on a true story in Holland during 1665, and apparently the painting is also real.

The best thing about this film is the undeniable chemistry between Johansson and Firth. Although the dialogue is quite little and is far and between, the actors' expressions do all the acting. Tom Wilkinson is delightfully enjoyable as the sinister patron who buys Firth's paintings, and Cillian Murphy is also good as usual.

The set design and art direction is damn impressive. You can see all the details quite clearly. The production design team has gone to great lengths to recreate 17th century Holland. A film with solid acting and great artistic set designs.

Overall Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 stars


Next up is "Leon" (aka "The Professional"), a 1994 feature from Luc Besson. French actor Jean Reno is a super cool and efficient assassin in the title role. He bumps into Mathilda -- played by then 13 year old Natalie Portman with alarming sexual innuendo and a tendency for violence -- and takes care of her when her family are shot dead by corrupt DEA agents, led by a suave but nasty Gary Oldman (always a pleasure to watch playing near-psychotic villains).

*Warning, SPOILERS ahead*

What the film lacks in action sequences, it makes up by giving us intimate and rather touching scenes between the two leads. The interaction between them is very interesting and sometimes funny to watch, especially when involving Leon teaching Mathilda the art of professional "cleaning" (the lingo for assassination). A lot of the humour in the film are in the black comedy area, so there's some sort of obscenity and violence involved.

Watch out for one very sad and touching scene where Leon confessess to Mathilda about his early relationship with a girl and how it ended up making Leon who he is now. Brilliant moment by Reno. Near the end, I was so deeply rooted in the characters that I can't help but feel sad when Leon took out himself and the Oldman character.

It's rare to find good movie theses days, but Leon is definitely a nice and engaging film with a few interesting characters to hook you in.

Overall Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

haha, my first two movie reviews, i think i did pretty good. waddaya think? Maybe in the future when i have the time i will do more reviews on more obscure but cool and hip films. (note: only applicable to those who find dramas and quirky films appealing, as my DVD collection consists of mostly indie materials)