confession of a couch potato

Movie Preview: G.I. Joe

2009-08-29T08:39:00.005+08:00

Went to watch it for 2 reasons; Stephen Sommers and of course for the action... C'mon, admit it... most of you did have the action figures, it's time to see the live version!

I am a fan for most of Sommer's movie, particularly the Mummy franchise, and he redeemed himself here after the lacklustre of Mummy 3. This movie is fun all the way, albeit the weak plot lines or story depth, what do you expect from a movie based on a cartoon. Yes, it is not Batman, that character is dark in the comic books to begin with. Here it is all action from the word go.

Most of the actors are not so well-known, so it is easy to identify them with their respective characters. Brendan Fraser has a cameo but I think he deserves more screen time.

Yes, I am bias for liking this movie and lashing on Transformers 2. I never did like any of Bruckheimer's movie before, so that's it.

The background story was changed a bit, I never knew that Cobra Commander has some kind of relation with one of the Joe's , I think they just want to create more conflict into the story, and it kinda works. Anyway, see it for yourself and have fun.

Ooh, I just added Sienna Miller in my favourite actor list heh heh

Playing with lights...

2009-08-29T06:59:00.004+08:00

Some photos taken some times ago of these beautiful lanterns

FAREWELL TO THE KING - MICHAEL JACKSON

2009-06-26T08:15:00.005+08:00

A sad day indeed.

Forget all the controversies
Forget all the allegations
Forget all the eccentricities
Remember the genius
Remember the moves
Remember the words
REMEMBER MICHEAL JACKSON

Movie Reviews #2: Night at the Museum 2

2009-05-23T16:32:00.007+08:00

I watched the movie not because I want to see it but more of responsibilities to my staffs.

So what do I think of the new movie where most of the team from the original are back. The story goes like this, Talk talk talk, yap yap yap blah blah blah... until half time of the movie. then more talk talk yap yap yap, yawnnnn (sorry that was me!) then oohhh the 2 monkeys taking turns slapping and kicking the enemy hahahaha...... blah blah blah then THE END!

Yes, it was that boring. I did like the first version but this one begs me to think, why they even bother with a sequel?

My grade: 1 out of 10....

Movie Reviews #1: Wolverine

2009-05-23T16:00:00.004+08:00

Finally, the movie that will explain the beginning of my beloved mutant, Wolverine... or so I thought.

To tell the truth, I was disappointed with the movie. Yes, it got spiffy action, things explodes here and there, enjoy that but in terms of character development, it's going to the opposite direction. Furthermore, it does not match the history line set from the first X-Men trilogy. For instance, Cyclop actually met Logan but it was not mentioned in the 1st X-Men movie. Prof. X knew about the Lake but that was not portrayed in the previous movies. They should take a lesson from JJ Abrams and the Star Trek teams.

All the movie did is to explain how Logan lost his memory. That is the only importance I can pick from the movie. Gambit was not prominently featured. Deadpool was short lived. To sum it up, I left the movie knowing as much as when I entered the hall. Hope Bryan Singer come to his senses and re-direct the franchise, despite what everybody is saying.

I give it a 7 out of 10.

Happy birthday to ME!!!

2009-05-22T06:27:00.002+08:00

Yesterday was my birthday and I am 17 (for the 10th time :))

it was a nice day indeed... thanks to Facebook, most of my friends and my family sent their wishes, and some SMS me... It's incredible what few mere words can do to uplift your mood and feeling!

And through my years, I found people who is having the same birthday as me... when I was in standard 6, my neighbour and classmate also born on the same date and year! Then it was my correspondence in one of my clients, yesterday I got to know my old college mate's eldest child is in the same club and his sister's child too... so that makes 5 people.

What I want for my birthday? Would you believe WORLD PEACE!!! haha... I wish for all the things that I am working on will go smoothly as planned and hoping for a better and brighter future ahead.

For the first time in my life, I got 2 cakes! one in the office and the next one at home... my mom is here, so she arranged for one with my sister. My nieces and nephews were there, so my day is complete!

To those who sent me their wishes, my heart goes to you guys... thank you for delivering some happiness.

Space, The Final Frontier......

2009-05-10T15:12:00.020+08:00

Space, the final frontier….

These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise

It’s continuing mission:

To explore strange new worlds....
To seek out new life, new civilisations...
To boldly go where no one has gone before

Aah... what an impact those words were..... full of hope and adventure, and to hear Spock utter them again makes me feel there is hope in the future... just asa it was intended by Gene Roddenberry.

In the hands of JJ Abrams, produce by Damon Lindelof (for those who don't know, they are the force behind LOST), the adventure of Kirk and Spock, together with the crew of Starship NCC1701 USS Enterprise is being reborn. I felt like a kid again watching the movie!

Before continuing, yes, I planned to watch Wolverine but then I totally forgot that Star Trek is also coming out. So which one is shown first and ST won the toss, sort of. I used the Gold Class voucher given by the company, at the Signature GSC. the cinema is nice, the seats is better (well, it's electronic anyway, as oppose to the old version in other gold class cinema!! and best of all, there are only 2 people in the hall, including moi!! I think it's due to the price of the ticket for gold class, not the movie.

Back to the movie. (SPOILER ALERT)

The story is believable, though scientifically questionable, I mean black holes can be induce by the red matter? come on... But I think what JJ is trying to do here is to establish the new player for the series and reboot the storyline. It make sense that way, and it was very well thought of with the Romulans changing the history, so now the universe is running in a different time path. Basically, they can move on with a new storyline, so there may be no Khan, Picard, Galloway or even Borg anymore! (how I miss Seven of Nine! haha)

Speaking of the new cast, the relatively unknown crop of actors really did a commendable job filling in the shoes of the legendary crew. Doc and Scotty are a delight, much as it were with the old version. Pine did managed to capture the personality of Captain Kirk but it was Quinto (aka Sylar/Gabriel) who did a swell job taking over Nimoy's roll. He is Spock, hands down!! The chemistry between the young Kirk and Spock is very evidence, kudos to both of them. And I didn't know that Eric Bana is also involved in the movie until I saw the credit! Try to figure out which part he played, I bet you'll be surprised.

The Special Effect is really good. The score is superb. The action is well paced. Questions - would it be a paradox that now there are 2 Spock in the same timeline! How will they explain that??!!

In short, I enjoyed the movie tremendously. Can't wait for the sequel, I hope they will go back to the basic elements of Star Trek, that is to discuss the real world issue in another dimension, as what Gene has envisioned, which is what Star Trek is about, apart from giving hope for a better future where harmony is the key, well at least within the Federation. Oh and if you are not a Trekkie, no sweat, you still can enjoy the movie.

Go watch it!!

MAY is my favourite month.... hehehe

2009-05-05T08:12:00.007+08:00

May is here!!!!

This year, the month start in a very happy mood... GSC gave 1 free movie ticket and the my boss gave all staff, including yours truly 2 GSC movie ticket GOLD CLASS beb for the labour day!! woohoo!!!

So that's 3 movies that I gonna see. Hmmm let see... that would be Wolverine (of course!),

Half Blood Prince (definitely!),

the third one haven't decided.. either Terminator (because of Christian Bale)

or Public Enemies (because of Johnny Depp & Christian Bale)

... hmmm, it does looks so obvious huh?!

Big Question! Do I have the TIME?!!!

Happy 1st year Anniversary

2009-05-04T05:25:00.002+08:00

Yesterday marked 1 year that I started this blog. Time flies....

Did I accomplish what I set to do with this blog? I can say not yet... maybe just 40% of the goals has been achieved. Hopefully this coming year, I can do more in terms of my blog objectives.

Well anyway.. cheers for my blog. hope I can continue blogging with better content and consistency...

Pride & Joy - new addition to our family

2009-03-30T07:28:00.004+08:00

I got another nephew.. so that means I have 4 nieces and 2 nephews... at last, Luqman has a partner in crime.... My sister gave birth to a baby boy last Friday, his weight is 2.93kg, his so tiny compared to the rest of my nieces and nephew.

As you can see from the photos, the clan is soo happy. All the kids want to hold him, well except Fitrah.... Fatin a bit reluctant and when I asked her why, she afraid that she might break the baby. How sweet is that! Yesterday brought him back to hometown... he slept all the way.

Now I have another muse.

Oh, and his name is AISY HAFIY, how unique!! how to say it? trust me it is a bit of a tounge twister.

My dad said "Won't it be easier if it is just Ali!!!" LOL. the correct way to say his name is 'A-ish Ha-fi', we calling him Hafiy for short and it is easier!

And this what happened to Fitrah!!! :)

Experiment: Week 3

2009-03-16T05:26:00.003+08:00

I have to say that for week 3, the progress is slow. I think that is because of the stress level for me last week is very high.We lost another staff due to circumstances with her premature baby who has been discharged from the hospital and need constance care. Now we are down 2 people, with 1 replacement who has not start a proper training. not to mention my anxiety over the house purchase, waiting the result of my loan from the bank.

So, this week, I taking action on my own. I will oversee the basic training for the new girl as based on her work on the database, I can see that here fundamental is zilch! Tuesday, I will know the result from the bank.

I guess this week, my can lower the stress level and this experiment will be back on track.

Experiment: Week 2

2009-03-10T06:54:00.002+08:00

Hou Yeh! Hou Yeh!

It has been 2 weeks already since I started this and I have LOST 3 KG!!!!! woohoo

and I have to pull up my pants every hour...... ;)

MOM'S BIRTHDAY

2009-03-09T10:22:00.006+08:00

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. My parent's came on Saturday for a relative's kenduri, the plan was that it was a day trip but managed to coax my dad to stay till Sunday.

Yesterday was a proud day for me as a brother. I told my siblings to join in on the plan and everyones contribute. So the food and the cake were taken care of. For presents, we gave individually, I didn't give her mine yet as it is still haven't reach me. Will give her on a later date.

She was 'banned' from the kitchen, it was my sisters who cooked under the supervision of my dad. The guys, ok la, we didn't do as much but we kinda took care of the children while the ladies are busy. I got my niece to do her own birthday card for Uwan and she did for herself, for her brother and for lil ol' me....

It was a happy day indeed. See for yourself.....

American Idol 2009

2009-03-05T12:54:00.002+08:00

IT'S BAAACK.....

American Idol 2009 has started and these 2 are my pick to win this time around.... Both have tremendous voice, charisma ang both gave me goose bumps.

Danny did that with Kiss From A Rose and Lil Rounds with the song from Mary J Blige, Be Without You. I think right now, Rounds has a slight edge against Danny but it's American Idol, so anything can happen.

Love to see these two singers belt it out in the Finals, here's hoping!!

Someone's birthday and I got the present.. I LIKE!!

2009-03-04T05:49:00.002+08:00

Yesterday was my GM's birthday and she making a change from the norm. Instead of us giving her present (we just don't have the time nowadays!), it was she who gave presents.

For me, being with the company for 5 years this year, I was presented with a wrist watch. Not any watch, it was TISSOT!! yeap, my jaw dropped too. and the face was in blue, my favourite colour. very nice indeed.

So here is me being thankful for the gift for my loyalty(?).

As for my diet, yesterday we had lunch with her and then a small party in the afternoon with KFC. So, I think all of last week effort is down the drain. We'll see this Sunday what is my 'penalty' is.

Experiment - Week 1 - going strong

2009-03-02T05:54:00.002+08:00

It has been 1 week and the progress, let say, promising. Don't want to push myself too hard, just to keep healthy. That's the beauty of this program. It's not medication, so I don't have to eat pills before or after meals. it's all up to me, I decide on how fast I wanna go.

Lost another 2cm of my waist.. by this rate, hmmm.... maybe by end of 1 month, I have to shop for new pants!! people start saying I look thinner now... Don't know if they just want to be nice or if it's the truth. I take it as the truth... he he he...

So let this guinea pig continues.....

Experiment - day 3 - I'M SHRINKIIING!!

2009-02-26T06:04:00.003+08:00

In a good way, at least.... I am supposed to take measurement of my body after 3 days. The result?... I couldn't believe it myself, I actually take the measurement again and again just to be sure. And on top of that, I took the data right after taking my dinner, and it shows I am losing, not inches, but cm but who's complaining??

I lost about 2 cm of my waistline in just 3 days... well I don't want to be overjoyed or anything but it kinda motivate me more. Just that I don't have the scale to check my weight, hopefully it is going down from 91kg now (yes.... I am obese, I admit)

As it is, I don't have to take breakfast or lunch. The food replacement really takes care of that. I don't feel hungry or tired. I just feel as normal.

hmm... a good start. I have to do the measurement again on Sunday and then on weekly basis. here goes

EXPERIMENT-day 1

2009-02-24T07:39:00.003+08:00

First, sorry for not updating the blog since New Year.... busy busy busy..... now, it's more or less under control....

Speaking of control, I am starting to take more control on myself... Starting from yesterday, I am determine to be a healthier person... so I am going to experiment something on myself. Not to worry, it does not involves any kind of drugs but I am consuming something hehe..

Don't want to tell a lot about it. If I can see the result, I'll share it with you guys here, okay? So wish me good luck!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!!!

2009-01-02T05:43:00.009+08:00

Happy New Year To ALL!!!

How was your new year celebration? Mine is just at home, too tired to go out, with all the traffic jam, would be hooligans and all.... might as well stays home.

I did capture some photos of the fireworks taken from my new home's balcony. As it is with taking photo in low light, it is a bit shakey as I always had problems with shaky hands.
What in store for me for 2009? For one, I am starting the process to buy the house I am renting right now, then do some renovation. Hope to finish that by mid year.

Resolutions? Naah... I don't have one as I don't think I need to have new year to set a resolution. It is still the same as before, venturing on my future project/s. So hopefully, it will materialise this year depending on the economic situation.

'Sabatical Leave'

2008-12-15T06:13:00.003+08:00

Halo.... Just to let you guys know that this blog will be in dormant mode until Jan 09... just to much in my hands right now... buying house and workload... not to mentioned my addiction to Scrabble. ha ha ha... until then k.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DARLING

2008-11-16T06:28:00.002+08:00

This is Fitrah and yesterday she turns 2!! How I miss her, haven't seen her for 3 weeks already. Every time her photos are up on my wallpaper, I can't help but smile and missing her terribly ... please don't grow up and stay this cute, can aaa???
It's a pity that I can't go back and present her with a cake, so busy with work these days... it never ends... but I am going back next week, so will smother her with my love, so she just wait!!! Can there ever be too much love??

Can't post a lot more photos of her as my external hardisk where I stored all the recent photos is spoilt, haven't got around to getting it fixed. so, this are old stacks actually.To my dear - HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAYANG!! Always be a good girl, okay?

there's a lot of my friends celebrating birthdays this week... Weng Hong, Adrian Raj while Anne, my office mate will celebrates hers on 19.. and I got a new cousin last Monday. To top it off, Tini another one of my office mate just gave birth at 12 a.m. today to a healthy baby boy

Movie Review: Quantum of Solace

2008-11-10T12:53:00.005+08:00

Word of advice, watch Casino Royale back before you watch this movie to refresh your memory. If not, you might get lost on the details as the movie start right away from where Casino Royale ends… if you remember, some guy got shot somewhere for killing Bond’s girlfriend..

So the guy is someone from the secret society called QUANTUM and Bond is on a vengeance path. The action sequence not just brutal on the screen, it is too on your eyes as it was at breakneck speed. If you watched Bourne II and III, this time it seems, the camera works are up another notch. You might get a whiplash!!

The story is a bit confusing, when the subplot became the main plot. Few things that bothers me, among others MI6 found out that there is a QUANTUM mole in the organization but I don’t see any precaution taken by them. If I am in a secret society bend to rule the world, surely I won’t put only 1 mole in any one place. Well, maybe it just me …

There is one moment that got me laughing, watch out the last fight between Bond and the baddie, Green. Green squealed like a girl, hahaha.. what a bad guy….!!!

On the whole, I am on the middle for this one. The action is superb, Craig acting as a tormented soul is believable , kinda made me understand why James Bond become a soulless person in the end, unable to love anyone. Truth be told, I almost dozed off in the middle of the story, that rarely happen!

Would I recommend it? For James Bond aficionado, why not. Just enjoy the action, never mind the plot and loopholes… Oh I so miss Q!

Luqman's annual concert

2008-11-08T12:02:00.008+08:00

Last week my only nephew had his annual concert. This is his first year, just like his sister, Laila, he is picked for the modern dance performance, The Ketchup Song a.k.a. Asareje…

See how handsome he is… funny part is that when he comes on stage, his face looks so worried…… I just afraid that he might have stage fright... me as usual, was close by with my camera.

However, once the music, I don’t have to worry anymore. It’s like his switch was so totally on… and just like the sister, he did his job with gusto! just that, he didn't smile... too concentrating to get the step right I think... just like the mom.. so perfectionistHe never seemed to miss a beat, even when the teacher asked him to move to the right as he and his partner are slowly inching to the left.

Doesn’t he looks suave!!!!

And next week, it will be Laila's annual concert...

Nail- biting finish!!

2008-11-06T06:13:00.007+08:00

Waking up in the wee hours of last Monday morning is so worth it. Not so much of the crowning on the new World Champion but on how he managed to steal the title from under Massa’s feet in 38 second…..!!!

What a clincher! What a drama! It all started with 8 more laps to go and rain is coming down again. Everyone dash in to the pits stop, well except for Timo Glock. He actually went up to 5^th place because of that.

Then, the well in-formed Torro, Vettel managed to do the unthinkable with just 2 laps to go… a Torro overtaking McLaren! That pushed Lewis to 6^th, which means he can kiss the title goodbye…

Massa crossed the finish line as the World Champion … for a mere 38 seconds… then Luis and Lewis got the better of Timo who is still on dry tyres, passed him a few meters away from the finish line, giving Luis the fourth place and Lewis, the all so important 5^th place… grabbing the title that eluded him a year ago at the same venue by 1 point, and he got it back by 1 point!!! Hollywod cannot make a better movie than this!

IMHO, I rather like it if Hamilton didn’t win it this year because it seems to soon for him to peak. But then, I don’t think Massa has the making of a world Champion, while My favourite, Kimi is again haunted by reliability issues, again…

Let see what next season will bring: - Kimi wants to redeem himself, Massa will be back with a vengeance, Lewis wants to proof this year is not a fluke, Alonso has improved in leaps and bounds, BMW is having better performance, top with new regulations… hope that next year will be a blast!!!

Takziah untuk Joey - Al-Fatihah untuk Kak Chik

2008-11-03T04:01:00.003+08:00

Last Saturday, about 10.00 p.m. a great woman passed away due to after-birth complication.

Untuk Kak Chik, hanya Al-Fatihah yang mampu saya sedekahkan... Untuk Joey dan keluarga, takziah dihulurkan, semoga tabah menghadapi semua ini. Saya berdoa agar rohnya bersama mereka yang beriman

- As a token of respect to Kak Chik, I will postpone my review for the last F1 race and Luqman annual concert to tomorrow.

My New Ride!!!

2008-10-11T05:26:00.005+08:00

It's here folks!!!! My new baby.... Haven't got time to really take her photo, so for the time being, here is all I have of her or him (looks too masculine to be a she!!! hehe). Got it 2 weeks before Raya, so melaram le for me Raya time.

How is the performance? For starters, this review is from someone who only drove Waja and Kancil before, so the comparison will be based on my experience then and now. It is totally different from the proton and perodua, definitely. The driving is smooth, accelerations is fast. Most of the time on the highway, I have to constantly check my speedometer coz it can go up to 160 kmh without you realising it. With my Waja last time, the fastest I went was 190 kmh and I can feel the vibration way before that. Not for this one, though. 160 kmh is the fastest I drove the car.........for now......hehehe.

Other features that I found very convenient, one of them is the cornering. My GOD!! I took some considerably tight corners at 120 kmh without breaking and it was soooo damn smooth! Then it has the features on the key that can remotely lower all 4 windows, very convenient during a hot day, huh? When I switch off the alarm on the key and when I take out the key from the ignition, the cabin light (don't know if that is the correct name) will be switched on automatically and will be switched off when I activate the alarm or slot in the key in the ignition. The dashboard iluminates itself even without me turning on the headlights, so convenient coming into tunnels.

Space is just that. lots and lots of space even in the trunk boot. Another awesome feature for me is the CD changer (6 CDs), where I burned my MP3s and since I have more than 2000 songs in my collection, now I have a juke box in my car, don't need to listen to the radio anymore, hehehe. Combine with the best speaker I heard so far in a car, just imagine putting Linkin Park's song full blast going for 190 kmh!!! That will definitely happen!

So if you want to change your car, go for this one, ok. and since my sales agent has been very very good with me, I promote that you get his service. His name is Tom Liew at Sri Utama, Wangsa Maju (03-40242266), text me if you want his mobile number.

And about my beloved Waja. Got a letter from Kastam Ipoh that they have confiscated the car. I called the officer and according to him, they hold the car because it was involved in smuggling of Gudang Garam. The culprits got away (hmmmm...). The 'best' part is, it was stolen on 14th April, Kastam Ipoh got hold of it on 28th April, 2 weeks after it got stolen but they sent me the letter dated 29 Sept!!!! Wow, it took them 6 months to write 1 letter!!!! Since I have settled everything with the insurance, so it up to them to settle this with the Kastam.

So for those assholes who stole my car, consider yourself cursed with voodoo, santau, gypsies curse and all the expletives in the world for making my life difficult the last 6 months!!!!

My Hari Raya part 2

2008-10-05T06:29:00.004+08:00

I am calling this collection - lift me higher!

Not so much for Fitrah, hehehe... give her 3 more years and she will be jumping like a grasshopper!!

My Hari Raya part 1

2008-10-05T05:23:00.020+08:00

what a great time to celebrate!

It was tiring but fun. As I mentioned, we organised the open-house ala BBQ with a slight change of date. instead of the 2nd day, we did it on the 1st day because one of my sisters has to go to the in-laws kampung the day after.

The turn-out was double from the last one and we did not anticipate that. Though the chicken is enough, the rest finished in a blink of an eye!!!

Apart from that, I'll remember this year's raya because of 2 things:

1. During the salam bermaafan thingy, I saw Tasha was whispering something to her dad and then she starts crying. Later I asked my brother-in-law what she said, the dad said she said, "Tasha minta maaf dengan ayah sebab Tasha ada buat dosa dengan ayah..." and this comes from a 7 year old!

2. After that, we heard Laila sobbing in her room. Of course we are concern but then everybody kinda laugh but not without feeling a bit touched because she said that she is not happy that her brother never minta maaf with her when he always picked on her.

I kinda proud to have such attentive nieces, wouldn't you. and with my camera and their love to be photographed, I had a blast clicking away with them in various poses. Fatin as always comes on top. she just so photogenic... don't believe me, just check out her photo below, I titled her photo, perempuan melayu terakhir for obvious reason.... hehehe

My whole family minus 3 as my brother had to go back to the wife's kampung

My precioussss....

anddd...

Perempuan Melayu Terakhir

2008-09-30T03:56:00.002+08:00

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI

MAAF ZAHIR & BATIN

To My Blog Reader,

I wish you all Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Hopes the past Ramadhan has been a good one for you. I am heading back to my hometown in Bahau today, hope there's no jam, yeah right! This year should be a great one as all of Hassan-Zainab clan will be together.

We are making it a tradition when all of us is together to have the open house and serving BBQ, that will be every 2 years. So anyone who will be around Bahau, you can drop by on the 2^nd Raya.

As always, Raya is about the kids. My nieces has been very good this year. Fatin again fast for full month. Tasha missed 2 days and Laila missed 3 days. Luqman? Oh, he said he puasa but jus drinks milk only, no eating! Fitrah still only 2 yeas.

I taking this opportunity to seek your forgiveness if I offended you in any way. We are just human anyway.

And a shout out to Lua, Congrats on your marriage and yes, I will be coming to your reception.

Alive Again!!

2008-09-28T15:10:00.003+08:00

It was sooo long since I last blogged. my uncle has discharged from the hospital, though his wound still not healing fully. and YES, I finally got my car. I gained my freedom back, not that I was shackled or anything, just that it was difficult for me to move around when borrowing someone else's car.

And how's my new ride? Awesome!!! I tried taking turn under the speed of 120kmh and it was so SMOOTH... on the highway, 160kmh feels like nothing! really have to be careful on that, cannot afford to pay the summon!!

So this is my first step towards independents redux! after this, I am to thread my way carefully - planning, meetings and even budgeting. it is a major step to take that will define my life in the future. Not just my life, my parents and brothers and sisters too will depend on my next decisions.

Yes, the pressure is immense. I am taking a day at a time starting with a meeting after Raya. So keeping my finger cross!

Accidents!!!!

2008-08-02T22:07:00.003+08:00

Something bad happened a few days ago. My uncle, Pak Ngah met an accident when he want to start work at his felda settlement. Some schoolboy ran over his left feet and then left him in pain!! Such irresponsible JERK!! Obviously he don't have a license ! My uncle was left there for quite some time until the newspaper guy passed by and helped him.

The Kuala Pilah Hospital couldn't take him so he was brought to Seremban Hospital. According to the doctor, the bones before the toes are beyond repair and the toes are to be amputated!!!

What irks me is that the doctor told my Mak Ngah, the surgery was to be at 6 p.m. but until 6.30 nothing happened. So I check with the nurses and you know what they told me? Since my uncle case is under emergency status, so he have to wait for any vacancy of the OR which is full with scheduled surgery. How ironic is that? here we have an emergency case but actually is not that emergency since he has to wait for an empty operation room!!

Well I had to go back by 7 but when I checked with Pak Uda, my Pak Ngah finally got the room at 10.30 p.m. and was out by 1.30 a.m. My Pak Uda has taken the severed toes and buried it properly. Right now my Pak Ngah is still in the hospital and we don't know how long he will be in there.

Hope both my Pak Ngah and Mak Ngah will be strong to handle the situation. Now, I am not that close to him but heck, family is still family

2008-07-28T05:35:00.008+08:00

Movie Review: The Dark Knight

GREAT!GREAT!GREAT! What a movie... this is how a superhero movie should be like... more human, ironic isn't it? But that what Christopher did and WOW! he hits all the right notes!

For starters, this is an intelligent movie. I sorely missed this type of moviemaking. The last time I saw an intelligent movie was The Inside Man. The script is tight, the issues are almost real, the action sequence are spectacular. And yes, as always in Batman movies, it's the villain who stole the show. And Heath Ledger did not just steal it, he owns this movie. I tell you this, every time his face appears on the screen, it sends chills down my spine. He is that scary!

Never has there been a villain that can scare me that way since Hannibal Lecter. This is the stuff that nightmare are made off! All the hype about his performance are all true. You don't see Patrick (10 Things I Hate About You) or Gabriel (The Patriots) or Sir William Thatcher (A Knight's Tale) or Casanova or even Ennis!

What made him scary is that this Joker is not your run-of-the-mill villain. He is a manipulative, brilliant, scheming, psycho SOB. You can tell on his state of mind from the way he told us how he got the 'smile', it changes from time to time. And yet, he can plan elaborate schemes to achieve his goal. What really made his so scary is that he leaves the victim to choose, his way or death! He uses his victims to carry out his plan, it is very visible in the ferry scene where he put bombs in two ferries but gave the detonator switch to the other ferry telling them if they didn't blow the other one, both will be blown by midnight. How DO YOU choose in a situation like that?? What will be your criteria to make your choice when the life of others are practically in your hands! I don't ever, ever want to be in that position.

That's is why Heath's Joker is more sinister than any other villain in moviedom. He plays with your mind to release your inner evil and yes, everyone has this inner evil to some degree. Conscious mind will always suppress the feeling but he will put you in a situation where you think being evil is the wright way. For me, please don't me meet this kind of people (yes, there are people similar to the Joker in real life!)

To me, the theme to this movie is about choices you made in your life. All the characters at some point have to made the most difficult choice: Bruce, Gordon, Harvey, Lucius, Rachel even Alfred... all of them had to make the choices that involves other peoples life.

Kudos to Chris Nolan for a solid direction, Chris and his brother Jonathan for the superb script and to Heath Ledger's Joker, don't come into my dreams!!! Oh, all this talk about Heath's nomination for an Oscar, remember this, Jack Sparrow is also from a blockbuster movie (read as non-oscar materials) and did get a nomination. So, the nominees are......

My Idol: Nelson Mandela

2008-07-21T06:17:00.004+08:00

Photo taken from: www.musicsnews.com

My Idol, Nelson Mandela recently celebrated his 90^th birthday! Wow that’s old, man. To me, he is the epitome of a civilized and genuine leader which I always compared to Mahatma Gandhi. He also kinda proves my theory that “True leaders does not need a title to be a leader” and “Mere titles does not make you a leader”…….Just see his history, he is a leader when he is a prisoner, he is a leader when he is the President and even now, people still regard him as a leader even though he already retired!

Times Magazine did a spread on him and I would like to take some excerpt from that article entitled: “Mandela: His 8 lessons of leadership”

Courage is not the absence of fear, it’s inspiring others to move beyond it.
Lead from the front – but don’t leave your base behind
Lead from the back – and let others believe they are in front
Know your enemy – and learn about his favourite sport
Keep your friends close – and your rivals even closer
Appearance matter – and remember to smile
Nothing is black and white
Quitting is leading too

To find out what the above means, read all about it in the Times, July 21 issue. In case you don't know, 46664 is Mandela prisoner's number. Happy 90th Birthday, Mr. Mandela

more photos

2008-07-21T06:06:00.004+08:00

more photos on the anniversary

2008-07-21T05:46:00.005+08:00

some photos of the kids

makan-makan with my parent

2008-07-20T08:53:00.007+08:00

Last Sunday, our company had the 10th year anniversary lunch. We are to bring our parents too (for singles) and of course I brought mine, with a little coaxing on my dad's part. You see, he don't like to leave the house back home, he will create a lot of excuses not to come unless it was really really important. It just that if he comes over, he will just be sitting around doing nothing and for my dad, that was a waste of time. He will be mati kutu!!!

Well I am happy that he came and more over, he enjoyed the food. He used to be a chef in the army so when it comes to food, he is very particular. If he goes to a kenduri or something and the food is no to his liking, he eats a litlle and once back home, he eats again. So kudos to Le Meridien for the great food.His favourite - the lamb soup!

The company prepared hampers for the guests - parents and family alike. For us staff, the new staff got the MP3 player. While for older staff, yours truly included, 2 of us got new handphones. Sham got the N95 8GB and moi?..... see below!!!

It's a bit bulky to what I am used too and very complex to what I used to have, Nokia 3210 and Nokia 3110, so it will take time for me to get use to it.

Apart for that, see some of the photo I took but I am not too happy with the result. still got a lot to learn it seems.

Busy! Busy! Busy!

2008-07-13T06:26:00.007+08:00

Wahhh! what a busy couple of weeks for me! First there was the installation of the server in our office and also the new database system. Then there was the registration of my brother to UM, he's taking Comp. Science. One thing I don't understand, they gave him his fourth choice, he actually wanted Chem. Engine. So when I check with UM admin, they said that he has to study the first sem, then apply to change course, if successful then they have to go back to first sem. That is the merit system for you, and my brother got 3.69 CGPA!!!

and then I spent time looking around the area for book store. My first niece, Fatin, got number 1 in her exam, so I remembered that when came back from Langkawi previously, she said she want to read about Mahsuri. That got me really excited!! but alas, no book store have any book on Mahsuri, would you believe that. There are more books on western icon compared to our own! This is really really sad! I even called MPH and check if they any stock, they don't but promised to check with the supplier. They called a few days later to inform that even the publisher do not have the stock. Hmm.... what going to happen to our children. They will know more about Disney characters, about Spongebob, about Barney than about Hang Tuah, about Sang Kancil or about Mahsuri!!! Anyway, if any of you found any children book about Mahsuri, please let me know where so I can go and buy it. Thanks.

The best part of this last 2 weeks? Well, since I lost my car, I only seen her more than 2 months ago. My mom brought her to KL and I miss her SOOOOOO MUCH!!! She is at that time where she start learning how to talk, it was so cute!! Her best antics is when she kisses you, she will do it vocally, I mean she will say it outloud Ummmmmmaaah! hahaha! See her latest photo. Unlike her uncle, she loves football!

Book Review: The Children of Hurin (JRR Tolkien)

2008-06-22T07:33:00.003+08:00

I actually finished 2 books. First one if the Afghan and this one, my first attempt to read a fantasy book. Not really my favourite genre as it involves a lot, and I mean a lot of imagination and then there is the style of story telling. Remember how difficult it was to learn the Sejarah Melayu text book? Well even more so here as the author uses the old English literature.

The first few chapters are a chore, actually but then once you have tune in to that mode, it made the reading more enjoyable. JRR Tolkien is most famous for his Lord Of The Ring trilogy. This is posthumous work as he died in 1973. This book was done by his son, Christopher from the unpublished manuscript.

It still dwells in the kingdom of Middle Earth and the storyline still has reminiscence to the LOTR tales. But again, I am disappointed with the ending, not so about the demise of the major protagonist but it just a total turnaround from the norm of this genre where it supposed to be the good triumph over evil like so many fantasy stories ends.Here, it kinda hanging there without a definite ending.

My verdict, since this is the first time I am reading this type of story, it is interesting and I won't say this will be the last. Maybe I will go for the modern style fantasy books and not so much the old literature kinda style. But not to discredit Tolkien, he is a genius! to come up with such elaborate world with their own language really takes a high level of imagination and I don't see any authors (the one that I already read) can come close to his stature.

Why I choose this book in the first place? Well, it was on sale during the MPH cheap sale ;)

Book Review: The Afghan (Frederick Forsyth)

2008-06-22T07:16:00.004+08:00

I finished the book some time ago but haven't got time to write about it and also haven't decided on how should I present it as such material can be 'sensitive' to some quarters.

Well, since this is my blog, so I can tell it any way I please. What disturbed me about this book is the subject matter. It is about terrorist and since it is about terrorist, of course it is the Islamic terrorist. Another part of the book is when Malaysia is also featured here but not in a very good image. So that is why the Muslim and Malaysian in me tends to be biased.

What is the book about? it is about paranoia, counter-intelligence, terrorist attack, infiltration. The West got to know of a terrorist attack but they do not have any details on when, how or even what is threat about. So they decided to send a spy into the Al-Qaeda's group.

The book itself is very good. the tension is almost real. Forsyth is a master in political thriller and you can the tremendous amount of research done here. However, the ending part is a dud. it is ind of the author has ran out of steam and just want to finished the book immediately. To me, there are some questions left unanswered and too much coincidence to make it believable.

If you want to read this book, keep an open mind first and then after finishing it, you decide whether the depiction is accurate or just ignorance of the truth!

TV review: Eli Stone

2008-06-22T06:47:00.004+08:00

Here is another TV show which has become my favourite. The title is Eli Stone. don't know when it will be shown here but I already saw the whole season 1.

It's about lawyers, which is one of my favourite genre. Don't you notice that the lawyer shows now tends to be on the funny side compares to LA Law and The Practice from yesteryear?

Anyway this one has a twist. it is about a lawyers who see things, not just anything, so far it was George Michael, a crop seeding plane, George Michael, a dragon, George Michael, an earthquake and guess what, George Michael! If you want to know why, then you need to wait till the powers that be brings it to our screen. The lead actor is Jonny Lee Miller, who is actually a former husband to Angelina Jolie back when they acted in the Tech-nerd movie - The Hackers. He doesn't look aged at all! His fiance' is actually Natasha Henstridge, last seen trying to seduce mortal men to procrastinate with her to spread her offspring into the world for invasion. Do you remember now? It's Species lah!

It is a funny show and where else that you can see Victor Garber (you know, Mr. Jack Bristow himself!) sing and dance!!!! to a George Michael number, nevertheless!!

Let's hope the show will be here soon and don't miss it

Laila's sport day

2008-06-15T18:02:00.008+08:00

Today's is Laila's sport's day. she also involved in the cultural dance and took part in 3 events. Her team, green house or they gave the name Harry Potter house manage to take back 1 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze. The school gave the medals to 1, 2 and 3 placing but for number 4, the kids got normal gifts. Laila not happy that she didn't get the gifts, just the medals...hahaha... ah to be a kid again.

But I am more proud of her for her dancing! she was awesome, so determine, so in the zone, so much grace. Yes, I am biased, that's my niece, ok!!! I can tell she really enjoyed herself because she never counted her step, as if it is second nature to her...

Enjoy the photos. Looks like I still need more practice!!

Flora Volume 2

2008-06-14T17:25:00.001+08:00

Kids photo volume 1

2008-06-14T17:09:00.004+08:00

Kids are one of my favourite subject, simply because that you can always get their most honest expression. Yet the challenge is to get the photo at the very precise moment. So I normally just continue snapping and then choose the best one.

Thank goodness for Digital Camera, huh!!! Imagine if to use the old film negative!

Petrol price hike!! how to cope?

2008-06-14T17:03:00.005+08:00

With the petrol price getting higher and higher, maybe these tips can help keeping some money in our pockets. Trust me, it does work. I always make a practice to fill up my petrol when it is a quarter full and try to pump in during wee hours of the morning.

I got to compare how this practice actually works. Since my car is stolen, i borrowed my brother-in-law's car which is also a Waja. I don't know why but I think the newer batch of Waja has smaller tank. For my old Waja, when I fill it up full from quarter, I can get RM84 but the other Waja, same condition, only filled up to RM76.

When I asked my brother-in-law how much normally he pumped in, it is about close to RM90!!!! So try these tips which I got from an e-mail, you won't be sorry.

TESTED AND APPROVED!

TIPS ON FILLING UR CAR

I don't know what you guys are paying for petrol....

But here in Durban

We are also paying higher, up to R7.35 per litre.

But my line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some tricks to get more of your money's worth for every litre.

Here at the Marian Hill Pipeline where I work in Durban, we deliver about 4 million litres in a 24-hour period thru the pipeline. One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and petrol, LRP and Unleaded. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total capacity of 16,800,000 litres.

EARLY MORNING

Only buy or fill up your car or bike in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the fuel, when it gets warmer petrol expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your litre is not exactly a litre.

In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the petrol, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role. A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

SQUEEZING

When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode. If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high.

In slow mode you should be pumping on low speed, thereby minimizing the vapours that are created while you are pumping.

All hoses at the pump have a vapour return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapour. Those vapours are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

BALANCE TO PUMP

One of the most important tips is to fill up when your tank is HALF FULL. The reason for this is, the more fuel you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. petrol evaporates faster than you can imagine.

Petroleum storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the petrol and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every litre is actually the exact amount.

FUEL TRUCK

Another reminder, if there is a fuel truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy, DO NOT fill up--most likely the petrol/diesel is being stirred up as the fuel is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.

Hope this will help you get the most value for your money.

DO SHARE THESE TIPS WITH OTHERS!

Steve Caines

Flora volume 1

2008-06-14T13:17:00.001+08:00

TV Show: Pushing Daisies

2008-06-08T06:16:00.010+08:00

Are you familiar with the work of Tim Burton's? Do you like his style? Then you definitely will like this show. Word is, it is coming over to our shore, thanks to 8TV. Give this sow a shot.

As I said, if you like Edward Scissorhand, The Big Fish, Sleepy Hollow and Charlie & the Chocolate Factor, you will see there are some similarity in here. It's quirky, sweet in a morbid kinda way, has that kind of fairy tale quality, playing with contrasting colours and moreover, season 1 and it has already won some awards!

The main plot is about Ned, who has a gift. He can bring back dead things - flowers, fruits, animals, bugs and of course, human. The catch is that if he touches the things the second time, it will be return to it's corpse mode and he can never revive it again. Another twist is that after he touches the dead things and it lives for more than a minute, another living thing who is close by will die as a replacement. Ned found this out the hard way involving his mom and his childhood sweetheart's father.

His gift was discovered by a PI, Emerson who uses his 'talent' in his investigation to reap the rewards. How? Watch the show.

Another side of the story is that Ned can't touch the 2 most important person-thing in his life - his dog, Digby and his girlfriend, Chuck, Why? Watch the show.

So the story goes on about how Ned helps Emerson, how Ned and Chuck adapt to their weird relationship - cannot touch, hug, kiss et all and also there's Olive, who has a crush on Ned

Catch it on 8TV soon.........

My new .......

2008-06-01T08:53:00.002+08:00

Wow… it has been more than 2 weeks not updating this blog. Sorry about that, a LOT have happened to me this couple of weeks. First of all, I finally decided on the car to buy. That took me almost a month to make up my mind… there a few models that caught my fancy, so I read reviews, made comparison, meet up with sales agents, talk to friends and now, I have finally decided.

Also, I am coming to the final chapter on my old car. I called the sergeant who was in charge of my case asking on how much longer do I have to wait for them to complete their investigation. He said that he is waiting for the insurance company letter which I then call them and according to them, they already sent the letter. Well, at that point, I took charge. I told the insurance company to give me a copy of the letter and then with that letter, I give to the sergeant. Guess what? The sergeant issues the letter to close the case for insurance purposes. I guess, now I can close the file on my beloved Waja.

Oh… now for her replacement. Well, nothing can replace the memories I had with my Waja, this one is for new memories to be made. I paid the booking fee on Saturday and the delivery is set by September, so I will have my wheels before the Raya holidays. And ladies & gentlemen, I present to you, my future new car….. TADAAAA!!!!!!

Movie Review: Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

2008-06-01T08:40:00.007+08:00

Take out your Fedora and crack the whip as INDY IS BACK!!!

Got to see the latest installment for the team of Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas where they try to resurrect this franchise after 20 years. The last one, The Last Crusade by far is my favourite. The chemistry between Ford and Connery was a delight to watch.

Last Friday, still recovering from my flu and a slightly subsided swollen eyes due to allergy to my antibiotics, I still went to see Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The ticket was already paid for and I don't know when I can have free time after this, with the work and no car, so I braved the night cold air to Pavilion GSC. Missed a few minutes of the opening scene due to the wretched traffic jams but still I had fun watching the movie.

George Lucas did warned us that a lot of people will disagree with IJATKOTCS and sadly, I am one of them. It all has to do with the ending. Avoiding to spill out any spoilers, all I can say, in the past, Indy always dwelt in hunting in relics with historical background and there is no difference here but with a 'big' twist. The twist is what got me reeling with disappointment.

And the chemistry between LeBeouf and Ford? Let just say that Henry Sr. and Henry Jr. had a more colourful relationship. No complain for Marion cause I liked her in Lost Ark. She is Indy’s equal, definitely.

Don’t get me wrong. I do enjoy the movie, with the action, the wit and banter, the one-liner. All are there, in that aspect it is the same old Indy. Just that if they took 10 years re-writing the script, they could at least come up with a better background story for Indy.

Whatever it is, see the movie for the fun of it and you will enjoy it. If you go wanting to see the same as the previous instalments, you will be sorely disappointed. My verdict, Last Crusade is still my favourite, Lost Ark is close second and Crystal Skull is third.

Well now that we have this type of resurrection... Terminator, Rambo, John McClane, Indy ..... dare we hope for Jack Ryan (ford's potrayal not baldwin's or affleck's), Han Solo, The Bride, Captain Jack Sparrow, Marty McFly, Martin Riggs...????

Book Review: The Fourth Estate (Jeffrey Archer)

2008-06-01T08:26:00.006+08:00

For my second book review, it will be Jeffrey Archer’s The Fourth Estate. Well, after finished reading a James Rollins book, this one is really like a breeze. Jeffrey’s style is soo totally the opposite of James. For Fourth Estate, not unlike Kane & Abel, there are 2 protagonists from different society and background who are in their prime, find themselves competing with each other.

One thing Jeffrey is good at is portraying characters that are so 'normal' human being, with all the flaws intact. Not a superhuman nice guy who can only do good things. In this book, the major players, Richard Armstrong and Keith Townsend are so believable that you might think that this is a biography of sort. And both are not the goody two shoes type, as best describe by one of the character in the book – “lesser of the 2 evils”.

The pace of the story is leisurely, the plot is interesting. I learnt a bit about the media industry, particularly the newspaper world. Anyway, even though this book is an ‘old’ book (published in 1996) but since I missed it before, I still find the story fresh and exciting. Jeffrey Archer is still one of the best storyteller around. BTW - the fourth estate in the title actually mean 'the press'.

Currently, I am finishing The Afghan by Frederick Forsyth.

Here In My Home

2008-05-16T08:15:00.003+08:00

GUYS... IT'S HERE!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.malaysianartistesforunity.info/?page_id=20

This is a project by Malaysian Artist and personalities who love this country. Have a look on their website.

Enjoy the inspring song - Here In My Home

The apples my my eyes

2008-05-12T13:39:00.006+08:00

Let me introduce you the apples of my eyes. First, Nurul Fatin Shahira or Fatin, my eldest niece. She’s 8 years old and a very photogenic girl. See the photo if you don’t believe me. Most of the time, she seems more mature than her age but thankfully, the little girl in her is still intact.

Here is her sister, Nur Ilya Natasya or Tasya. 7 years old. The jester of the bunch. She can say something in that deadpan expression of hers and a simple statement can make everyone laugh their pants off!

My 3^rd niece is Nur Laila Husna or Laila or she rather be called Princess Laila, 6 years old. She got this model syndrome. It is very difficult to make her eat and normally, if I find something that she likes (and that is only a handful of items), I make sure to buy it whenever I found the food. But don’t you agree that she looks like a princess?

The one and only boy (so far) is my nephew, Mohammad Luqman Hadhari or Luqman, 4 years old. Holding back anything to write about him fearing repercussions from my mum, the grandmother! But one thing I can say, this guy is reminiscent of my dad, like coffee, daging salai masak lemak cili api, the way he sits… saling tak tumpah!

Last but definitely not the least, the youngest, Nurul Fitrah, 1+ . She has this power over me, making me melt when she smiles. Don’t get me wrong, I do love all of them to bits, yet this girl manage to wrap me in her little tiny fingers! Every single freaking time!

Well now you know to who have stolen my heart…. :)

Book Review: Map of Bones, James Rollins

2008-05-11T16:44:00.008+08:00

Just finished this book. It is a good one and no, this won’t be in Oprah’s book club! Ever since I read Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, I realized something. I tend to like this type of story from beginning. Unconventional problem solving, mystery, historical and full of thriller.

In my early years, my favourite books are The 3 Investigator by Alfred Hitchcock, Biggles (forgot the author), of course Hardy Boys, Enid Blyton’s Famous Five. Then in my teens, I got caught up in studying, being in a full boarding school, it just so much pressure to make sure you are at the same level as everyone else. So reading does not fill my time, anymore.

While in Uni, I was introduced to the works of John Grisham, Jeffrey Archer and Sydney Sheldon. While Grisham and Archer works cannot be described as a problem solving or the other description but their books are still intriguing, to say the least.

Then my friends in Grey introduced me back to that genre with Dan Brown. I finished that book in 2 days flat! Then I re-took reading as a serious hobby.

Now, I am including James Rollins as one of my favourite authors. This book is his first one I bought, from the MPH stock sales. About the story, taken from his own site www.jamesrollins.com.:

"This novel about an ancient secret society and the race to find priceless antiquities is sure to be compared to Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, but, in every way, it’s a much better book. Where Brown’s best-seller was predictable despite its compelling premise, this tale is clever and suspenseful."

You may need to take your time reading his books as the science part is very technical. To me, it works in making me more curious about levitation, amalgam and sonic wave. It is great when you learn new things from what you read. For that, I give this book 2 thumbs up!!

Trivia: Nicholas Flamel was mentioned in this book with connection with the Philosophers Stone. Guess in what other books (and movies) can you find the same name?

However, this is not his first book, though it was published in 2005. He got 6 more before that and 2 new ones, The Judas Strain being the latest. That means I got a lot of catching up to do.

AF6: Who Should Win?

2008-05-11T15:46:00.007+08:00

Who should win and who will win are entirely 2 different things! Based on consistency, talent and charisma, Stacy got my vote. Week by week by week, she just mesmerize me with her performance. The top spot I would give her ‘Makhluk Tuhan Paling Seksi’, she was a WOW! Sharp dance moves, that cheeky attitude, that energy. We need a female singer with that caliber since Farah (Bagaikan Puteri) retired from singing.

Her rendition of Don’t Speak just solidified her status as THE contestant to beat. Rela came close third. So far she has done nothing wrong. As I said, she deserve to win but knowing how ‘genius’ Malaysian viewers are, I am not surprised someone else undeserving will stole the trophy from her. Toi and Stanly are still in the show, I rest my case.....

This week, she turn a non-hit song to something memorable and I seriously think the song suit her style more than the original singer!!

Close on her heels is Nadia. The little Belle has that husky voice that is her X factor. Her best performance….. Total Eclipse of The Heart. On my list, she will be second. Girl Power rule this season, huh!

The rest are just ‘also run’, they can give the 2nd runner up and the other placing to anybody, I don’t really bother. What about Riz you say? Though he has a good voice and gave some good performance, I don’t really see anything different between him and other singers in the market which already too condensed with mediocre performer.

I really hope all the Malaysian SMS voter will get this one right. So far, all my favourites turned up winning the show. Well, except for that onelah…. You now, the senyum sokmo guy…. That show should be won by Farhan.

Ooh, got something to tell, I thought of the flower bouquet for the moms few years ago which I suggested to one of the producers. Nice to see some of the suggestion was used… not all but I am happy with that… hehehe

David vs David

2008-05-11T15:29:00.008+08:00

That will be my choice for the Idol finale. David Cook vs. David Archuleta, for those who are living at the south pole this past 2 months.

Who I want to win the Idol title? Tough choice actually but I choose DC, of course. He has the better charisma, stage present, he knows what he wants, he was brilliant re-arranging the songs, never mind that some of it was already done by other singers, it takes a genius to recognize a true gem.

His outstanding performance that stuck in my mind is his rendition of ‘Always Be My Baby’ (MC). It was simply jaw drooping awesome. I am putting it in my list of memorable performance in Idol, together with 'Summertime' by Fantasia and 'I Who Had Nothing' by Jordan Sparks.

However, DA is not that far behind. He is that damn good. ‘Imagine’ which he sang was very poignant and good, yet not good enough for me to include in that same list. That’s the problem, he sings very good but that just it, not one of his performance stands out for me.

Both have the same chances of winning, both have their own legion of fans. It all up to the voters in 2 weeks time. Don’t wanna miss that!!!

Good Luck DC!!!!!!!!!

Dexter

2008-05-11T14:55:00.008+08:00

I named my blog ‘couch potato’ but so far I have not written anything about any TV show. Well, I AM a couch potato, so much so I opt not to go for a date with my ex-girlfriend because of X-files! Hahaha!

So, what is my current favorite show? It’s Dexter. Not shown here in Malaysia but that doesn't stop me. Thanks to my sifu who now residing in Dubai who taught me about torrents, now I don’t need to wait for shows to be shown in our TV stations, that sometime takes ages.

Back to Dexter. What is it about? It is a story about a serial killer! Not your average one, though. This one actually work in the police department! Courius? Let me start from beginning. Dexter is an adopted son of a police officer. Now, his dad saw the ‘monster’ in him and rather than trying to cure him into a normal child, he actually taught him how to best channel his ‘urges’. So now all grown up, he only kills the guilty ones who escape the law and in the same time, trying very hard to appear normal.

The show is on Showtime, a cable network in US and kinda 18SX/SG with expletive and partial nudity. Like that will stop me, huh? Hahaha! still I like the show. Dexter claims that he has no soul nor feeling but I say for somene you don't have a soul, he got abundance of it. It has Drama, Humour, Mystery, Gore and 18SX, hahaha.

If you know how to download torrents, then give this show a try. The actors are relatively unknown but their acting are okay, except for the actor who plays Sergeant Doakes, he’s a bit over the roof! Not so convincing. Dexter is played by Michael C Hall from Six Feet Under fame, didn't watch that show, so I can't say i know of his acting skill before this.

I let you in on more shows later……

Movie Review: Iron Man

2008-05-06T08:25:00.011+08:00

SUMMER'S COMING!!!! well in the west actually but you know what it means, BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES... Yoohoo!!!

Managed to check out Iron Man the other day. Normally I will see first, who is the director, then actors, the story and last but not least the trailer. Truthfully speaking, I have my reservation with Iron Man director, Jon Favreau. I knew him before as Monica’s millionare boyfriend from FRIENDS and he directed Zathura. Also directed Elf but that Ferrel guy really put me off.

Then there’s Robert Downey Jr. (RDJ), one of my favourite actors. Love him in that movie about the 4 ghosts haunting him since childhood and then recently Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.

The Iron Man comic is not one of my favourite, unlike Spidey or X-Men. But then I saw the trailer, with the heavy metal music in the background, added to RDJ charm, I was hooked. From the early review, it looks like a hit.

My verdict? The movie is better than the comic book pages! I believe by giving it the 3-D perspective, it does show how complex and hi-tech the suit is, it was simply awesome. And DJ delivers, he made Tony Stark a likeable person with some human emotion. Didn’t feel that from the pages. Though the human element is not truly explored here unlike Spider-Man or to some extend Ang Lee’s Hulk (yes, though a lot of critics dissed it, I actually like it because of the Ang Lee factor) but maybe they will in the sequel(?!). Of course there will be a sequel, even Tony’s friend, Jim Rhodes hinting when he saw the second suit… War Machine anyone?! hint! Hint!

Gwyneth Paltrow? Well, sorry to say, I am biased against her since she stole the Oscar from Cate Blanchett!! Not her fault (I know the Weinteins has a hand in it) but still….

Graphic wise, it is really good. The story is acceptable but still room for improvement mostly from the human factor. RDJ does his job well here. Just go and see it.

I am actually waiting for The Dark Knight. From the trailer, Heath Ledger has already stole the movie from Bale. Christopher Nolan made all the right choice here. Mind you, Batman or even any of DC’s superheroes are not in my favourite list, Marvel’s man all the way!!! But cmon, Christ Nolan, Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman and Heath Ledger…. Should I say more?

Other movie in my list - Indy4 Prince Caspian, Wall-E, The Happening, Get Smart (Anna Hathaway, woof woof), Wanted (Angelina Jolie, Awuuuuuuuuu!!!), Hellboy 2, Mummy 3

my first entry

2008-05-03T07:06:00.006+08:00

Hi there,

so, I am entering a new realm here, blogging. Some of my friends told me it is a good thing. not so sure about that as I am an avid reader of otehr people's blog. I've seen how some readers do not comprehend the concept of personal blog and goes rambling about right and wrong.

after considerable thoughts, what the heck. as one Malay saying says:"kalau takut dipukul ombak, jangan membina rumah di tepi pantai" (i think that how it sounds!) or don't jump if you are afraid of heigths.

So here I am, opening up my thoughts, feelings, passions, PERSONAL views of my life and people around me. Hope you enjoy reading them...

Oh... I am also a novice photo-taker (can't say I am a photographer yet, ok) so, I will publish my photo here and hope anyone out there can give me some pointers to improve my skills

Here is my favorite photo of my friend's son. Cute huh?! I like taking children's photo as they are more expresive. Of course, the hard part is that you can never know when you can get the best look.

some more of my collection......