The Random Ramblings of a Random Mind

It's A Wrap!

2008-12-29T05:46:00.000-08:00

As curtains fall on yet another year, I figured it'd be most appropriate to blog again to sort of wrap things up and count down some of my favourite things of the year. So much has happen in the space between now and my last blog entry...work has been really hectic, many steps in the right direction have been taken, attended a total of 4 weddings this month alone! The red bombs have been flying literally, the Yam Seng's coming non-stop (of which my colleague Jocelyn's was literally the most comical and ear-shattering), people have gotten drunk, bridesmaids have been shagged (oh come on, I'm sure someone out of FOUR weddings must have gotten lucky), and sights are now placed at another 2 more in January!

Every year I usually fancy my chances of entering the local radio stations' annual top 10 hits of the year prediction list, confident my musical know-how will finally translate into those 100 CD's being delivered to me, only to end up cursing the choice of the stations' so-called hit list annually. I've thus decided to buck my own traditions and am now gonna instead give MY own lists of favourites and turkeys of the year, as well as recap some pretty fine moments of 2008 for yours truly. Let's get the ball rolling, shall we?

The HS Award for Flicks that You Should NOT Have Missed
(be forewarned that the following list will definitely stir controversy and stimulate intellectual (I hope) argument, and I agree while they may not have been everyone's cup of tea and neither will their actors likely be rehearsing acceptance speeches come awards season, but they are awarded simply for doing what movies are supposed to do: entertain and make you forget how shit your life is)

1) Tropic Thunder
The poster screamed "Stiller, Downey, Black". Ah yes, with all the comic powerhouse, it would have been a letdown of gigantic proportions had this movie end up being not funny. While I found some of the scenes to be too in-your-face and slapstick to be funny, the overall movie had me guffawing (yes you read that right, HS HARDLY guffaws), and man, those Downey one-liners were so spot-on, you'd be left still repeating them in your mind and smiling like an idiot to yourself after the credits have rolled.

2) Forgetting Sarah Marshall
This movie really came to my attention in the most unlikely of circumstances. While at Hariz's watching my laptop being fixed (yes I was watching it being fixed, and yes I felt like I had numerous blonde moments when my laptop decided to not wake up, stop laughing!), I think he sensed the tension rising in me and decided to play this movie to sort of reverse my no-hope thoughts, or maybe he just thought I might be bored. Anyhow, this little movie turned out to be a delight! I admit I couldn't pay full attention to it seeing that my laptop was looking like it did not want to be resurrected, but there were enough interesting scenes that compelled me to buy the DVD. I loved the CSI parodies, the Russell Brand rock star character, the 2 very cute female leads, and the hilarious wailing scenes after he got dumped. Truly a movie that entertains and makes up for the producers' previous boring effort Knocked Up (man that was one seriously overrated movie).

3) Sex and the City The Movie
I know the critics literally tore this movie apart, but as a long-time fan of the series, it was such a joy watching the 4 best friends reuniting again. And no, I'm not listing this movie here because I was biased, but simply because I found it a heartwarming story (sigh I know this isn't gonna score me masculine points). The bottom line is, I realised it really isn't as funny as the series halfway through the film, but watching the relationships flourish and seeing the show end with the 4 female leads having a cosy dinner in a restaurant together, man THAT really got me. Ok ok, enough said already, next...

4) Mamma Mia!
Somehow I don't think listing this movie right after SATC is doing me any favours. Well it's not my intention to be all pro-chick flicks, but unfortunately the big blockbusters and the big guns all didn't cut it this year (like Quantum of Solace - loved the bang-bang's but where's the kiss-kiss?). I think everyone knows this movie and sang along with it (shame on you if you didn't), so no need to elaborate further (no, I didn't go to watch the musical).

5) Cloverfield
Dizzying moments aside, I simply loved this movie for being a brilliant take on the events of a monster invading the city witnessed by an innocent civilian like you and me. Together with a little touch of love story nestled in-between, it truly was something different to watch on the big screen, not to mention the lengths at which the director went to make the monster scenes seem so life-like, and that bold move of having the Statue of Liberty's head fly into the city streets (you see, Americans love seeing things like this in their movies. Imagine something like our Tugu Negara's arm/leg flying across the streets in a Malaysian movie. Would be like begging for the movie to be banned. If they don't arrest you first).

6) Bolt
Yes Wall-E was the critic's favourite for animated movie of the year. But throwing aside my own favouritism towards Pixar flicks, I've got to hand it to Bolt for the most entertaining one for the year. Thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end with nought a boring moment in between, this movie really delivered on the genuinely funny moments. The pussy with the egomaniacal laugh, the Mafia-like pigeons, the schizophrenic hamster in a ball, all such memorable characters. Too bad I missed the movie in 3D. Also, some token of acknowledment to Madagascar 2 for some truly funny scenes as well (in particular King Julian's constantly 'high' persona, and yes that Moto Moto line, "Name's so good, you gotta say it twice". Classic).

7) Get Smart
Another underrated gem that really rocked the house down with it's comedic moments. The "Are you with CONTROL?" line was really good, as was the ballroom dancing scene. I think the main reason the above few movies really knocked my socks off were that they were really unexpected, in contrast to be huge movies that delivered zero to the table.

8) The Orphanage
Best horror movie in a very long while. The less revealed about this one, the better. Just buy the DVD and watch it.

Most Overrated Movies of 2008
1) The Dark Knight
A lot of people are gonna give me flack for this, but I really did not think this movie belonged to the "OMG, what do you mean you haven't watched this movie? Are you out of your f*****g mind? Go watch it now. Forget TV, ditch your girlfriend, start worshipping the ground treaded by Nolan and all the actors and start crying buckets for the awesomeness of the movie" category, like the reviews and people in general would have you think. I'm not saying the movie wasn't good. It was, and Ledger did well as the Joker, but no, it's not one to go ga-ga over.

2) Wall-E
As much as I had wanted to be bowled over by this movie as it was Pixar's, sadly I really wasn't. Ok, the first half of the movie where there was no dialogue whatsoever was creative, but they tried way too hard to make it cutesy to appeal to the audience's heart. Throughout the movie, I was waiting for the scene to tug at our heartstrings (damn those chick flicks!), and while the chasing each other in outer space scene with the fire extinguisher somewhat accomplished that, I still felt there was a lot left to be desired.

3) Iron Man
Another over-indulgent movie that didn't do it for me. Loved the Downey lines again. Bored by the lack of a truely seat-gripping moment. And Gwyneth? Yawn...

The LaiJing Award
(this award is handed out to movies in honour of my good friend who once told me, "the movie was such a waste of my 2 hours, I might as well have smoked, think how many sticks before it cuts my life by 2 hours? Haha miss you and your one-liners babe...)

1) The Mummy 3 & Babylon AD
What did the 2 biggest duds of the year have in common? Michelle Yeoh. No wonder they both stunk. In what is the biggest mystery to me, I fail to comprehend how Hollywood continues to hire her to feature as the stereotypical Asian-and-therefore-wise-and-intelligent female role when she has never been any good. Can anyone name one movie with her in it that didn't suck? I don't think so. And no, nobody outside America thought Crouching Tiger was any good really. The biggest insult was when in The Mummy 3, she decided to call upon her Chinese ancestors to help by summoning them....in ENGLISH! Like yeah, I'm sure they understood you loud and clear, honey. Still, for continually staring in turkeys, she's amassed herself a fortune, married the top dog in Ferrari, snagged a Datuk title while at it, and STILL is hired by Hollywood for the Asian-and-therefore-wise-and-intelligent female roles. I guess the rest of us common people have gotten it all wrong, huh?

2) X-Files: I Want To Believe
Yeah, sure we want to believe Duchovny and Anderson didn't make this pathetic comeback for the sake of the money. The least they could have done was act like they didn't. But no, they decided to make a movie that made you wished they had just put 2 old episodes back-to-back and made the fans nostalgic all over again.

3) The Happening
Oh come on, can the stories get anymore sillier than this? As much as I'm sure they wanted to send an environmental message to the world, having the protagonists run from the trees and the invisible infectious spores do not do the message justice.

4) Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
The whiny and wuss of a prince just didn't do it for me. Too much time spent on haircare, I tell you.

5) Twilight
I know this movie sent a hormonal frenzy throughout the Meyer-reading world, but was this not the most boring vampire flick made, like ever? The movie was so caught up in telling us how the two leads were pining for each other but restricted by the their differences, it forgot how to entertain the rest of the non-female-and-above-20 years old audience. The most comical scene for me was when Edward the vampire decided to step into the light and show Bella his true colours. And I mean colours literally. Not having read the book, I thought he was gonna turn into some ghastly being that would send Bella screaming away, but noooo, instead he looked exactly the same, and Bella had to utter the most corny line in the movie, "You're beautiful!". And just when I was thinking what was so different (or beautiful) about Edward, his skin starts to sparkle in the sunlight!!! Oh come on...And to make matters worse, the villain really sucked, the African-American vampire who looked like he could give a good ass-kicking chickened out and became the good guy, and the female vampire villain decided to save her fangs for the next sequel. Talk about a really lame movie...

Most Ear-Pleasing Tunes of 2008
1) Viva La Vida & Lost - Coldplay
I have to admit I have always been a casual Coldplay listener until their latest album really made me sit up and listen. Yes, I'm well aware the die-hard fans will tell me it is nowhere as good as their first 2 defining albums, but I never said I was a die-hard fan, did I? I think the reason this album and, in particular the 2 songs above, appealed to me so much was that the mood of the songs really spoke to me. Starts being melancholic, and then slowly rising to an uplifting and inspiring mood. I was mightily pleased they were nominated for a bunch of Grammy's and of course got the nod for Best Album as well. Oh well, no surprise if they don't win. As usual, the Best Album winners are always the legendary and least-commercial nominees. Or if you're U2. And not Kanye West.

2) Mrs Officer & Lollipop - Lil' Wayne
Everyone has been raving about Weezie this year. While I'm still adamant that I can't listen to a pure hip hop album in full (except Eminem's), I simply loved these 2 singles released from The Carter III. It took me a while to really get into the groove of Lollipop, but oh my, after hearing the remix with T-Pain, it has really grown on me! And then there was this song called Mrs Officer, which to me, was such a perfect R&B/hip hop collabo that was such a smooth tune to swing to (yup, the video of course has the obligatory policewoman fantasy).

3) Touch My Body - Mariah Carey
Say all you want about Mariah, but without doubt she's the only female artiste with true staying power who can stay relevant enough to compete with the current crop of wannabes. Whitney? There's been a rumour of a comeback for years, and we're still waiting. Celine? Well let's say her Vegas shows earned her enough dough to release silly albums like Taking Chances to stage a mock comeback. Don't we just adore the way Mariah is able to release teaser songs such as Touch My Body, and then follow that up with an equally teasing video that had all the perfect fantasy sequences for the nerds? Check out the lasergun fights, the now-you-see-me-now-you-don't peek at her underwear when she stands up from her picnic seat while wearing the short skirt. So so good!

4) Need U Bad (Remix) - Jazmine Sullivan feat Missy Elliott & T.I.
A truly interesting song released this year. The best part is the music in the beginning, where as Asha aptly describes, "makes you feel like you're in a drug-pushing joint somewhere in Amsterdam". Fantastico.

5) I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry
The award for naughtiest song of the year undoubtedly goes to Ms Perry. To be honest, when I first heard this song I pictured the singer to look something like Kelly Osbourne, and not the hot chick she ended up to be! Definitely a summer anthem of 2008, though I question why local radio stations still want to play it when they need to blip out the "a girl" lyrics. Quite pointless, really.

6) Lucky - Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
I have no doubt everyone will vouch for I'm Yours to be their preferred choice of Jason Mraz song for the year, but this one I like much much more! What a really sweet combination of voices, and I can just imagine the guy sitting on a rock by the beach strumming the guitar and singing with the girl to this song. Also THE theme for my good buddy when he wants to get lucky ;) (you know who you are).

7) There For Me - Sarah Brightman & Josh Groban
Ok I know this song was probably released before 2008, but I make an exception simply because I only came to discover it this year, plus it's really such a grand song I needed to share it with everyone. If you've not heard it, please play and listen to it, it's surely one of those songs that make you feel lifted and in awe of the wonderful combination of vocals. This live version may not be as good, so if you like what you hear, go and get the studio version ok?

8) Here In My Home - Malaysian Artistes For Unity
With so much political arguments ongoing this year, it was really timely for the local artistes to band together and make their voices heard. Truly a song every Malaysian should listen to and appreciate the meaning behind the words. Be sure to catch the video from one of my previous posts!

The Reflex Motion Award
(dedicated to the handful of songs that commit the most cardinal of sins in songwriting, the ability to induce a reflex movement to switch the radio channel upon listening to the first few notes being played, and which may be followed by a reflex show of distaste on the face of the poor victim)

1) Anything released by Miley Cyrus/Jonas Brothers/High School Musical
Maybe it's a sign of aging, but are the current crop of teeny boppers who masquerade as pop stars really incapable of making catchy, if not listenable, music? At least during my teenage years, the Britney's & Christina's, the BSB's and Westlife's, released songs that you could not deny was at the very least, catchy. Or did the 20 somethings during my teen years also thought so lowly of the pop idols during my time? I find the current crop of teen stars to be highly unlikeable, and I truly do not understand how people can be buying their CD's and truly enjoying the rubbish (it's ok, Ryan, you're still my buddy). Which therefore leads me to the original queen...

2) Womanizer - Britney Spears
Another year, another soap opera in the tabloids for Britney. In what was supposed to be a comeback single for her, I really felt it was just another Toxic rehash and people are getting tired of the S&M persona she shows in the video. The general public is thus divided into 2: those who preferred the Britney when she first became famous out of nowhere:
Or those who prefer the reimaged Britney after 10 years:

Which do I prefer? Can I say Christina? Ok ok, if I had to choose (musically I mean), it would have to be the lesser of 2 evils. So maybe the former then (ok stop booing me already).

3) In The Ayer - Flo Rida feat Will.I.Am
Such a totally annoying and waste of airtime of a song. Will.I.Am seems to have totally lost all ability to make a good tune, as evident by the awfully shameful I Got It From My Mama last year.

4) Pocketful of Sunshine - Natasha Bedingfield
Is it just me, or does the whole sunniness of this song really annoy you too? Just brings out the dark side in me even more (the stomping-on-cute-bunnies type, not that I've reached that stage YET).

5) If I Were A Boy - Beyonce
Oh how the mighty have fallen. Yes I was a big Beyonce fan, but the recent album has truly shown that the marketing has taken over the substance. Too many silly songs? Well no problem, let's package them into 2 separate discs and give them themes, and wala, the fans are gonna lap it up. Well, not this one! This song was downright annoying, I was glad my hommie R.Kelly decided to throw in his own remixed version with the male lyrics. You da man!

6) All Summer Long - Kid Rock
This song belongs here because Kid Rock decided to rip off the famous Lynyrd Skynard classic Sweet Home Alabama and made it his own comeback, with the corny excuse that this was his tribute to the classic band. Excuse me, you could do a sample, heck you could even do a remix version, but to really take the song, change the lyrics and call it your own and then say it is a tribute really rubs salt into the wound. It's like, I could also be creative and release my own song and be famous what. Yes, everyone, let me introduce you to my new song called Mozarella:

(sang to the tune of the chorus of Umbrella)
When you want to eat, we'll eat together,
We can go to (insert famous pizza chain / Italian restaurant here) together,
Sure you can call all your pretty friends,
Order a pasta, a pizza, a lasagne,

Now that we're more hungry than ever,
Know that we want our food sooner,
But don't forget the most essential ingredient, dear waiter,
Oh you must not forget the mozarella, ella ella eh,
eh eh, don't you dare forget the mozarella, ella ella eh,
eh eh don't you dare forget the mozarella, ella ella eh,
eh eh don't you dare forget the mozarella, ella ella eh,
eh eh eh eh eh.

What do you think? Rihanna would be proud right? Any big pizza chain out there wants to sign me for an endorsement??

Memorable Moments of 2008
I thought I'd cap off the post with some moments in 2008 that really made my day(s) and made getting through the year so much more fun with things to look forward to:

1) Attending Lee Leng's wedding, which for me, was a truly happy moment as she is the first of my close friends to get married. From a rather tomboy-looking girl when I first met her, she looked simply beautiful on her wedding day and it was a really happy day for me to witness her first step into wedded bliss. Lee Leng, may you have many years of happiness ahead, enjoy each other's company, and please learn how to cook up a storm ok?
2) Having celebrated my birthday several times with different groups of people. Haha really had a feast at Shogun (twice!) and seafood (twice again!). Of course the fab trio of Asha, Zeb, and myself had really enjoyable dinners consecutively for all 3 of our birthdays at the Damansara seafood place (Zeb, I still can't believe how you managed to get those Myanmar waiters to sing the birthday song!), Jake's followed by Waikiki (What a night! Still savouring the thought of the porterhouse and the French wine, then the really cheesy but fun music at Waikiki's), and at Dave's 1U (I still remember the discussion on the OCs, the debate on walking as an Olympic sport, the really nice cake courtesy of yours truly). Ah the memories...

3) Joining Zeb and Keith for the road trip to Ipoh and Cameron's. Totally enjoyed the conversations, the makan sessions, the going to 7 Eleven after the movie that ended up with us eating chicken wings and drinking, the driving about the hilly slopes of Cameron in an unfamiliar car(!), sneaking onto a golf course, then coming back with a massively sunburnt skin and an allergic skin reaction that turned ugly.

4) Having the chance to revisit the GamarJobat show again! Although the story mode this time round was not as funny as last year's, it still was a show worth the ticket admission price. I highly recommend those who missed this show to catch it the next time these Jap duos decide to visit our shores again.

5) Going for my first ever durian buffet. I've heard of such buffets like it was a long hidden rumour. Although the desire was to go for one, this was the first time I actually found kawan game enough to join me, and oh my, how many durians did we devour again? I literally lost count! And all for just RM10! Looking forward eagerly to the next season again...

6) Going to Jake's for the 2nd time this year to mark our year-end celebratory feast. Another deliciously-sinful meal. Check these out:

And these people at Jake's were so kind. After such a meal, instead of making you feel guilty for the rising cholesterol levels, they instead frame this up to make you feel good about yourselves:

Ah such thoughtful people, no?

Alright it's been a real whammy of an entry this time around. Thought it would be an atonement for not having written for so long. To everyone reading this, have a great new year ahead and may we all have more memorable moments to reflect back on come end of 2009.

And allow me to give a parting gift to all of you. Was introduced to this stand-up comedian by my buddy, and I've managed to find a snippet of a funny segment on YouTube, which I hope you guys will enjoy as much as we did, as well as give you a new creative way of 'expressing' your frustrations in future. First watch this video and pay attention to the hand signal:

Hmm what does it mean?? All will be revealed by our good friend below:

Happy New Year!

Of Jap Duos, Road Trips & Chick Flicks

2008-10-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

I've been suffering from severe mental block lately hence the very wide gap from my last entry (wow almost a whopping 2 months!). That's not to say the block has been removed. Oh no, far from it. In fact I was attempting to write this in the afternoon today but stopped short after 2 sentences. Here's goes with Attempt No.2...

It's not that there hasn't been much happening lately. On the contrary, had quite a lot building up to say but could not find the right way to express it. Erm, right way meaning the witty way. Oh well, screw it! Decided will just go with the flow anyway.

So yesterday I was more than glad to catch the Gamarjobat show again, and even more so that I was able to go with me good mates (including first-timers Hariz and his wifey). Man this Jap duo certainly knows how to entertain an audience! For those in the dark, they are a comedic duo currently staging a show at the Bangsar Actors' Studio, and this isn't just any show...oh no, it's a mime show minus the white faces and dodgy black outfits. Instead what you get are 2 guys with mohawk heads and zany clothes with perfect comedic timing. For whomever is reading this, I seriously urge you to go watch this show while they're still here (think for 1 more week) despite the slightly pricey tickets. In fact this is my 2nd time watching (first was last year) and just to showcase how good they were, I was in a rather terrible mood BOTH times pre-show, but once they start, you can't help but be instantly relieved just by the amount of laughs you didn't know you had in you. As Zeb said, you literally "park your brains at the door" and go along for an uninterrupted 90 mins show that will remove all your stresses for the day. I was actually very glad they had new material for this year's show, but somehow felt the story part was much much better last year. Haha but this year's story really had some priceless moments that are still on rewind in my brain! Can't remember any movie that was able to hold my attention for that long much less stimulate that much guffawing. I guess people who know me well know that I do not laugh at jokes that easily, so that's really saying a lot I guess!

Hmm other happenings worth mentioning:

1) In a follow-up to my last post, my laptop has been finally upgraded and at least for the moment the urge to do a lot of things unmentionable in this post to it has subsided. I believe special mention is due to Hariz for the amount of sweat and time (yes I remember it was a lot) he gave to my stubborn asset. Owe you one bro! Yes the repair had its fair share of gripping drama (the transporting your barang to me place, the operation on the laptop that was later found to be unnecessary, the laptop that breathed and died and breathed then died again, the dude at Pyramid who said, "No, we don't have such spare part", right down to the edge-of-your-seat saga in our IT dept and the emergence of a new hero). What a ride huh?

2) During the Raya hols, managed to go for a guys' road trip with Zeb and Keith (haha it just struck me what a good name combo this is ala Tom and Jerry) to Ipoh and Cameron! Lots happened but the following highlights are fondly remembered:
- Jamming along to Smashing Pumpkins in the car and finding out about the existence of a weird 'twang' sound in 1979 (to which Keith funnily suggested may be Billy Corgan's voice)
- Eating the Lau Sah Pau in the shop itself when we were supposed to tapau, leaving the girl waiting in the car!
- Keith's incident with the tap in the hotel toilet that was repeated several times!
- Boozing with Zeb again after a long while late into the night (in which we were supposed to just have gone for 20 mins to 7-Eleven to buy some cans and milk) and the lovely chicken wings which we had to order second helpings :)
- Spending time alone up at Camerons driving in a totally different car than mine, finding the tea plantation after a slight panic of going in the wrong direction, plenty of walking to strawberry farms, schools(!), government buildings(!!), parks, MARDI, teh tarik with roti canai...plus the circling around the golf course to find myself the 'perfect' entry point to join them.
Let's do the road trip thing again some time soon yea?

3) I've finally watched a succession of chick flicks, of which I've totally totally enjoyed: Sex and the City the Movie, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Mamma Mia and P.S. I Love You. Yes I know this sounds very demasculating, but they were all really enjoyable in their own ways (Forgetting Sarah Marshall comes highly recommended by yours truly) and even more so than the many summer blockbusters (don't even get me started on the truly stupid ones like X-Files: I Want To Believe and Babylon A.D.). Well to balance things out, am lining up some 'guy' movies to watch next, and not forgetting some TV series DVDs which I have yet to watch til now. Sigh have been rather outdated but am hoping to watch the following when time permits (in no particular order):
- No Country For Old Men
- Gone Baby Gone
- Chuck Season 1 (finished Disc 1)
- Damages Season 1
- Bones Season 2
- House Seasons 3 & 4

Well til the next post, gotta get some sleep stat for work tomorrow...

When Patience Wears Thin...

2008-08-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

Lately my laptop has decided to kick up a big whining fuss after 5 years of loyal service to tell me it wants to revolt by annoying me as much as it can. And it's working. It is now operating so slowly I literally need to switch it on in advance before I watch my tv show, so that by the time I finish the show my laptop would be ready to use. And don't even let me begin on the time it takes me to shut it down. Imagine this, in the mornings as I wake up from my slumber, I would click to shut it down if I had left it overnight running, and then I can go on with my morning rituals of visiting the bathroom, changing into my work clothes, saying my morning prayers, AND then if I'm lucky the laptop should just shut down in time. No, I'm not kidding.

As if everyday life has not produced sufficent frustrations lately, my laptop decides to join in the fray as well. This reminded me of a broadband ad I saw in UK a few years back of a guy thrashing his whole office due to the unbearable snail pace of his PC. Unfortunately, I could not locate it on YouTube but found this instead. Well it's NOT exactly what I was looking for, but this will do. If a new laptop didn't cost that much, I think I would be heavily influenced to follow suit.

This video is dedicated to anybody who just for once wants to let loose and let all the rage out onto an inanimate object. I feel for you guys too. Enjoy...

Cat fight anyone?

2008-07-23T09:01:00.000-07:00

It came to my attention today of the existence of this video on the internet of a bitch fight occurring between 2 of our own local females. Upon further searching on YouTube, my eyes were opened to a whole new world of videos of local Malaysian girls duking it out! Well if watching cat fights like this sample below is your thing (it's ok Ryan, there's perfectly nothing wrong with that), feel free to go view more (from the title of one, apparently there are even girls who fight to join UMNO).

From the few I've watched so far, this one is still by far the most brutal showdown. Be forewarned that this is NOT a pretty sight. Watch at your own risk!

Haha pity the guy who was trying to separate the girls!

Here In My Home

2008-06-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

The inspiration for this entry came along when I suddenly realised today that I've NEVER seen the video for Innuendo's Belaian Jiwa despite it being one of my all time favourite songs. Almost like a chemical reaction with an added catalyst, it triggered me to realise that in fact there are a lot of local videos which I've not had the chance to see before. Whereas in the old days, the only way you could hope to catch them was determined by whether the TV stations wanna play them (and even if they did you might not be watching at that time), nowadays we have the saviour in the form of YouTube!

I have to admit 95% (or more) songs I listen to are not local music, as I believe is so with many other people who grew up in the cities in Malaysia. So in hopes to boost the confidence and belief in our local music industry, I've decided to post up some videos of songs made wonderfully by our very own Malaysians, and will also give other kids who grew up in the Klang Valley like myself a chance to watch these videos and relive the songs, maybe for the first time even:

1) Belaian Jiwa - Innuendo

Come on, everyone knows this song (or so they should). Who would have thought Innuendo could come out of nowhere with such a HUGE and beautiful ballad that had everyone, and I do mean everyone, in school singing and swooning along? To date, I have not encountered a single Malaysian who can say they don't love this song. Of course, in today's time, it would be very weird seeing a bunch of guys with long floppy hair singing a love ballad. That's sooo yesterday. But the quality of the song definitely survives the test of time. Until today, I have yet to come across a local Malay song which was as big as this was back in its heyday. Of course, everyone waited with bated breath then for Innuendo's next follow-up hit, and we waited... and waited...

2) Kau Ilhamku - Man Bai

Another HUGEEE song that I grew up listening to. This was THE acoustic song to play back then if you wanted to inject some local flavour into your performance. Back in my school days, Talentime contests were held all the time (not sure if the tradition still continues now), and you can bet at least 1 person will perform this song for sure! Yes the video looks low budget (and probably is, I mean it's basically a few guys sitting together with guitars, and some standing fan placed in front of Mr Man Bai to provide the shirt-being-blown effect), but once again it's the song quality that takes centrestage.

3) Istimewa - Indigo

I'm ashamed to admit I have never heard this fine Malay song until I accidentally discovered it from one of Hariz's song collections. And I was hooked ever since. Once again though, the video leaves much to be desired. I mean does it not remind you of the Salem Cool Planet videos of yore? I actually rolled my eyes when I saw the guy riding into the forest on a white horse. Eee damn cheesy man...

4) Seindah Biasa - Siti Nurhaliza

No list of local songs would be complete without mentioning Siti, now would it? Without doubt the undisputed pop goddess in the local music scene. I admit I do not listen to her regularly, but I have to admit she's got fantastic vocals with a pretty and marketable face to boot. I still remember vividly she first burst onto the music scene with her Jerat Percintaan winning performance on Anugerah Juara Lagu, and well she has never looked back since. There was even a time when she NEVER walked away from award shows empty-handed for YEARS! Certainly one of, if not the biggest, singer Malaysia has ever produced.

5) Gemilang - Jaclyn Victor

Admit it. Jac was definitely the saviour of Malaysian Idol. It's no secret the quality of contestants on the show was sorely lacking, and if not for Jac, the show may not even have returned for a 2nd season (and it showed when no one in the 2nd season could even hold a candle to Jac's brilliance). Jac literally swept the floor with Dina during that finale night. I still remember watching her perform Gemilang and it still gives me goosebumps watching her build the momentum up, and the next morning, EVERYONE at work was raving about the performance and how good she was. Everything was perfect: the vocals, the rapport with the back-up singers and audience, all building up to 1 final big note. And I mean BIG. Now this is what all big vocal singers should regard as the Holy Grail performance. So good was she that night, she was never able to repeat it again in subsequent performances of the same song (as evident on last year's Asian Idol).

6) Estranged - Itu Kamu

This is definitely one of the newer songs on the block. Very refreshing and definitely one of the better local rock songs to hit the airwaves.

7) Operator, The Line Is Dead - Lo

If I thought listening to local Malay songs was rare, it was even rarer to listen to local English songs! During my schooling years, local English songs were really few and far in between, and it was only in the recent years when Hitz heavily promoted local English artistes did we start to notice them. Of course Lo was also one of the main guys involved too. He debuted his Evening News hit with such great response that he was an instant hit. I personally think his songwriting skills have improved tremendously as is evident with this Operator song. Haha I also think he's one cool local celeb, definitely someone I wanna photograph with given the opportunity (well Lo, if you are somehow reading this please take note!).

8) Tong Hua - Michael Wong

We can't forget the fact that our local Chinese artistes are actually VERY huge in the international Chinese market, and one fine example is Michael Wong. This is really a huge favourite song of mine. Simple, touching, with the perfect sing along chorus. Think you will enjoy this even if you are not Chinese.

9) Superwoman - Gary Cao Ge

Another local Chinese lad who has gained a big reputation overseas. I think he did really wonderful with this Superwoman remake. So NOT cheesy, and he has somehow managed to add such a cool vibe to a classic song.

10) Here In My Home - Malaysian Artistes For Unity

Well this is the last one and also the latest! I love the fact that all these local celebs are joining hands to make such a recording. It's reminiscent of the US artistes who often come together for the big charity songs eg We Are The World, and the more current What's Goin' On a few years back. This song is definitely timely to celebrate the diversities of our cultures. Yes we may not be perfect yet, but if I myself can have a Malay bro and an Indian buddy, what isn't possible?

So I hope I can dance

2008-06-27T08:59:00.000-07:00

This may come as a surprise to many, but I have always, ALWAYS, harboured hopes that I'm actually able to dance. Really.

I can conclude this is a surprise because I know typically most people expect me to fall into a certain stereotype, which may include all or some of the following:
1) goody 2 shoes stay-at-home and watch TVB series and CSI and their reruns all the time, except when I'm reading and sleeping
2) think it's silly going to a club and paying to be among lots of smoky and sweaty people
3) will only order soft drinks, and not alcohol, when given the choice
4) listen to adult contemporary songs only and believe Celine Dion as the saviour of music
5) scowl at the idea of paying money for someone to conteng your skin as a tattoo
6) read lots of educational material eg National Geographic magazines, play intellectual games eg Sudoku
7) will sleep early at 11pm (latest 12pm) and wake up fresh at 8-9am on a non-work day

At least the above are the ones which quickly spring into my mind when it comes to the stereotype I should belong in, or maybe look like I belong in. Haha I can only have the following corresponding comments to the above:
1) I admit I watch lots of TV, but rarely reruns, and I love LOST, but given the choice let's go out man (after all can watch on dvd later :)
2) the only thing preventing me from going is forking out the cover charge!
3) bring on the booze!
4) I'm not saying I don't listen to adult contemporary (especially since I'm not getting any younger), but please play some booty-shaking, hip-grinding material instead :)
5) will not comment about this because no one is gonna believe me anyway
6) does reading FHM monthly count?
7) well I'm not really typing this at 'normal' hours. And don't call me before 11am on a non-work day, unless we're going out of course!

So anyway, yes I have to confess, I would love to go for a good dance, if only I wasn't so damn clumsy and end up totally embarrassing myself. Which is why it's difficult to dance in the clubs in Malaysia. Especially in KL, you have too many places where people mostly drink and stare at the minor few who CAN dance, and thus you know you're not going to be the eyesore idiot spoiling the scene. I love the rare occasions when you find a club where everyone dances, and they don't care even if they evidently can't, and nobody cares to notice either. Everyone just wants to let loose and have a good time. Someone please bring me there, and promise not to laugh at me! According to Asha, a club in Melaka she went to called Pure Bar, was this exact sort of place, AND there was no silly cover charge!! I'm so tempted to go now, but of course it's too far to just go for no apparent reason. Dammit, these Melaka people really have it good...(anyone wants to bring me there during my birthday??).

So yes I can't dance. But at least I can watch. And just in case anyone thinks I'm into the contemporary, technical sort of dances, erm sorry to not fit the stereotype again, but I'm definitely hip hop/R&B all the way! In fact, thanks to Hariz, I discovered this fantastic show in the US called America's Best Dance Crew, and basically it's a dance contest with the 'crews' performing fantastic, jaw-dropping street moves. Think Step Up 2: The Streets, but in a REAL competition. Season 1 is over, and currently season 2 is screening. To give my loyal fans a taste, here's the videos of my 2 favourite groups from season 1 (thanks to the kind soul out there who made the effort to compile ALL their dances in season 1 together):

Kaba Modern

I loved this group so much but unfortunately they missed out on the finals, and could not face off directly with the eventual champions. I think they were VERY good in the beginning, but began to dip towards the end of the competition. Favourite dance routines were definitely the Sensual Seduction and Thriller sequences!

JabbaWockeeZ

Genius, pure genius! This group SO deserved the title. Just watch the videos above. The act of wearing the masks makes them even more interesting and lends an incredible oomph to their performances. Can't even begin to describe how creative these guys are, just wait for the All That Jazz performance (especially the killer ending part of it where they each pretend to be a member of a band playing an instrument).

Now season 2 is underway and I'm following it very eagerly! To be honest, I've always wished I could do the Thriller dance, I mean come on, isn't it just so cool? I was especially inspired after watching the movie 13 Going On 30, and they had this scene below, and enlightened me on how even geeks can look cool doing it (kudos to Jen Garner for making it look so believable):

So there, I've confessed. Anyone out there with a secret desire others would never thought you would have? Do feel free to leave some comments!

And yes I have indeed saved the best for last! If you have skipped all the above, do yourself a favour, and just watch this one below. Guaranteed to make you laugh and will brighten up a lousy day for sure!

The Comeback Post

2008-06-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

So I know I've been AWOL for like a good half a year. Well it's difficult when you're juggling work and commitments and the like. Ok fine I just got lazy. And an unfunny brain. I guess part of the reason I don't blog as often as I would like to is because my brain doesn't want to be funny when I most want it too. I've known a few people in my life who are superb with the one-liners, and they spit them out spontaneously like they have time travelled to the future, heard what you said, THEN have time to think of a good back-at-ya statement and proceed to say it. Ok I'm rambling again...

Back to this post, I was motivated to make a comeback chiefly due to the unwavering support and encouragement from my dedicated fans (yes I love you all too). Fine, it was ONE person only, but hey I'm not gonna leave my one fan feeling lost without guidance from my words of wisdom right? ;) Can't say no when my writing's gold (OMG I can actually rhyme for the first time in my life).

So then I thought what the heck should I post this time round? Fighting unfunny brain and all, I figured let's share my two cents worth on the movies I've watched at the cinemas this year (well at least those that I remember watching, yes my brain is now unfunny AND forgetful). For the uninitiated, I am a self-professed movie whore, and am lovin' it! Problem is, I watched so many of them I can't really remember them all. So I'm gonna type them here as I can recall them. Let's get the ball rolling, shall we?

Oh almost forgot the obligatory PSA (that's Public Service Announcement for the uncool): WARNING! WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD! DO NOT PROCEED IF KNOWLEDGE OF A MOVIE'S CONTENT WILL AFFECT YOUR ENJOYMENT OF THE MOVIE IN A NEGATIVE MANNER! (Except for you, Ryan, this is after all your fault for egging me on for a comeback and in the process deprive me of an hour worth of sleep):

Cloverfield So Cloverfield was this big secret hush hush movie that no one had any idea what is was about until a few weeks prior to its release. The marketing gimmick for this movie was genius, to say the least: release a short teaser one year ago about some terrified person speaking into a camcorder about some attack, causing a lot of internet buzz, showing a picture of a decapitated Statue Of Liberty (don't we just love watching flicks where real life landmarks are reduced to smithereens?), and of course talk of a monster nobody knows looked like what.

So what did I think of it? LOVED it to bits! The creative juices were certainly flowing when they planned the whole filming. Loved the part when the head of the Liberty came flying onto the streets, and all the supposedly-shocked onlookers were snapping photos of it instead of running for their lives! Well, Asha did tell me I would have done the same...Yes I admit the whole camera-shaking bit can be dizzying, but really doing it otherwise would have reduced the movie's authenticity. The best part is, amidst all the chaos and running around, it really is a love story underneath it all, but done subtly and not shoved-down-your-throat type. I felt really irritated when I overheard some people comment about how the movie does not offer any explanations, or a proper ending. These people don't seem to realise it really isn't the point of the movie to give any explanations. The point was just to document, from a victim's point of view, what happens if you were in a city attacked by a monster. And that itself lies its beauty.

Vantage Point This was really a so-so movie for me. It's about a terrorist plot to assassinate the US president (of course, every movie that's politically-inclined must depict the US president), but told from the views of 8 different people. I would say the story-telling mode was really creative, and goes something like this:

Scene 1:
A cow is eating grass. It dies. Other cows run. A farmer is aghast.

Scene 2:
The farmer is eating breakfast with his wife. His son is playing with some Lego. Farmer and wife is seen arguing. Farmer complains he is sick of milking cows. Farmer wants to audition for American Idol. A cow is eating grass. It dies. Other cows run. Farmer is aghast.

Scene 3:
Farmer's wife wakes up grumpy from a night of bad sex. She makes breakfast while thinking if she should buy that new limited edition lingerie from Victoria's Secret to spice up her sex life. Farmer comes to breakfast commenting it was his best sex ever. Farmer and wife argue. Farmer's son is playing with Lego. A cow is eating grass. It dies. Other cows run. Farmer is aghast.

Scene 4:
Farmer's son is carried by farmer's wife and placed in front of the TV and given some Lego to play with. He starts to cry when his parents argue. A cow is eating grass. It dies. Other cows run. Farmer is aghast.

Scene 5:
The cow is grazing in the fields. It is depressed to hear the farmer is sick of milking it. Thinking it has no more reason to live, it chokes on a big bite of grass and drops dead. Other cows run. Farmer is aghast. The family mourns its death.
So yea it goes something like that lah. The funny thing is everytime they did such rewinds, I hear the cinema audience sniggering like it was so funny. These people obviously strolled into the cinema not knowing what the movie was about. I guess the only funny thing I found about the movie was that, for all the fantastic plotting the terrorists did, their plans were eventually foiled by a little girl standing in the middle of a road, of all people!

Step Up 2: The Streets Of course all dance movie are the same plot-wise. It's always about a bunch of losers who aren't so well-off, but can dance so well we wonder why they didn't think of making it big by dancing in a Britney video and then getting laid by her ala Kevin Federline.

I have to say the Step Up series really ignited my love for dance movies. And OMG, that final dance scene was like THE best dance scene in a movie to date. Sufficiently long enough to not make you feel short-changed, it had everything: the ultra-slick choreography, jaw-dropping moves, the perfect clubbing tunes, hot women with sick bodies, and of course the rain had to come at the right timing to provide the scenario of wet people looking cool while dancing. Even the obligatory best friend cum nerd was a sick dancer! Man if only my nerdy friends (and myself) could move like that. Oh and do not be misled by the movie poster, the female lead is not really as hot as it suggests.

Forbidden Kingdom

I was disturbed by the fact that this movie will further convince Americans with regards to the stereotype that ALL Chinese people know kungfu. This movie could have been so much more tasteful and epic-like, but unfortunately it ended up being a cheap thrill. Nevertheless, I have to admit it was a fun movie to watch (quite rare nowadays) and a good family fare. The lengthy Jet and Jackie fight was also great, if only it did not end with Jet speaking in yet more embarrassing English. But the best scene? Definitely the part where Jet pee'd on Jackie when tricking him into believing the heavens were opening. This scene will forever remain as one of the most memorable moments in Chinese filmmaking since Ang Lee tricked all the Americans into believing that Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was a great Chinese kungfu movie and to shower it with Oscars, a move that befuddled most of the Chinese community.

Iron Man While it has garnered widely positive reviews, I really have to state here that this movie was wayyyy overrated. Don't get me wrong, it was not a bad movie, and Robert Downey was great in the role, and it had some really funny lines, and the Iron Man suit looked damn cool. But that was about it. Let me tell you what was wrong with it. When I watch movies of such nature, I expect to be held at the edge of my seat for at least 1 scene (if not more). Sadly, the most promising scenes failed to set my fireworks off because right when I thought it was gonna take my breath away, it ends abruptly (example: the part where Iron Man is pursued by the jets). The king of comic movies, for me, is still Spider-Man 2. It had all the right ingredients: gripping thrills, smart content, actors that spoke and touched the audience, the tears-in-your-eyes scenes (not mine of course). Iron Man? Not quite there yet. AND the final fight scene was not enticing either, there was no recognisable bad-ass villain, Gwyneth Paltrow was as lacklustre but overrated as usual. I rest my case.

Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian This was another bore-fest for me. The first one was nothing to shout about, but this one, though slightly more entertaining, failed because the main character it was trying to push was a wuss. I mean is it just me, or did Prince Caspian appear more like a spoilt immature brat who wanted to be a wannabe hero and leader? It doesn't help that in such turbulent times, the exiled Prince seemed to had a lot of spare time grooming his hair to perfection (not shown to the audience of course), and apparently Vidal Sassoon already existed back then to provide him with the perfect shampooed and blowdried locks. Such movies are also often gauged by how elaborate and mind-blowing their final battle sequence is, but LOTR this is not. AND that final part where the girl succumbs to her lust and kisses the Prince? Was I the only one who was left with a sour taste in the mouth?

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull I would have to say this movie was the complete opposite of Iron Man. While the script was not as sharp and witty and the plot was really incredulous-bordering-on-ridiculous, it did have that ONE scene that kept me glued to the screen and lapping it all up. The said scene was of course the jungle scene where Indiana and his groupies were running away from the Russians while trying to grab the skull. The action was spot-on! Loved loved the swordfight between Shia and Cate Blanchett while balancing on the jeeps. Cate obviously had fun playing the Russian woman, and why wouldn't she? I love these Russian people. They speak in a cool accent, they look cool, and don't you just love the Russian female tongue-twisting names? With alumni like Anna Kournikova, Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kusnetsova, Karolina Kourkova, Anastasia Myskina, it's like the moment you have a Russian female name, superstardom beckons. Quick, it's not too late to change your name (sadly, male Russian names are instead rather dull. Need examples? Nikolai, Mikhail, zzz...).

The Orphanage This was the latest flick I caught and think it sure beats the hell out of all the summer blockbusters to date. Yes it is a Spanish movie and directed by that Pan's Labyrinth director. It's seriously one of the best horror movies I've watched in a while. Still have chills when I recall some of the scenes from the movie. It will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat, and some of the best moments include the part where they employ a medium to seek the spirits in the house. And unlike the run-of-the-mill Asian horror flicks, it does not rely on fake shocks, there are no long-haired females, and has a thought-provoking plot as a bonus. Please catch this while it is still showing!

So what else will I be looking forward to this summer?
1) The Dark Knight (the first one was just great, and the Joker this time seems really disturbing) 2) Wall-E (trust Pixar to save the summer once again. Still thought Ratatouille was the best movie of 2007) 3) The Happening (latest M Night Shyamalan movie which hopefully will finally rival Sixth Sense) 4) Sex and the City the Movie (yes I know this is a chick flick, but I adored the series. Keeping fingers crossed it has the brilliant lines from the series)

5) The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (better be good. Hope Jet Li doesn't try to speak English again though)
While this may not be a new movie, I recently watched White Chicks on AXN, and this was the first time I watched it. I have to say I have very limited interests in such so-called comedies, because they are usually filled with slapstick shmuck and toilet humour which I find totally unfunny. Surprisingly, I found White Chicks to be hilarious and the pop culture references were just classic. Favourite line from the movie?
While one of the White Chicks was squeezing into a tiny outfit in the dressing room with his girlfriend (girlfriend as in girlfriend when you are a girl, not when you are a guy):
White Chick: I think I need a bigger size.
Girlfriend: Honey, you never need a bigger size.

Ultimate Guilty Pleasures!

2007-12-05T07:10:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I was supposed to blog about Melaka in this post, but this inspiration came to me so I had no choice but to postpone Melaka to another day. Was caught in another traffic jam today, and I popped in my Ultimate Sing-Alongs compilation (yea I actually have one, and so do some of my close friends - haha you know who you are) and had a jolly good time singing along. Yes no matter how much you deny it, everyone has a song they secretly sing along to when nobody is watching. Songs you feel if revealed will tarnish your image you have so sacredly built up. So for the benefit of everyone who is hiding in the closet, I have unashamedly decided to put together 10 of the following videos of ultimate guilty pleasures. Sigh the sacrifices I make to my reputation for you guys. Go ahead and click to watch (over and over again), you know you want to...

1) Wannabe - Spice Girls. Come on now, everyone loved them back in secondary school. Everyone I know owned the Spice album, just like everyone owned the cassette of Alanis Morisette's Jagged Little Pill (which I can't seem to find the CD in stores now). Just when you thought girlll power has finally died off, here they are on their comeback tour. Man if they came to Malaysia I would have definitely gone to watch. Comeback single Headline (Friendship Never Ends) is mediocre though. Where has all the fun and zest gone? Of course they're denying they're coming back because of the money. And we believe them, don't we? Anyways a UK celebrity remarked about the Headline video, "If they really are singing about friendship, why do they need to be dressed in bras and panties?". Finally someone has asked the burning question.

2) Mmmbop - Hanson. Kudos, I say, to anyone who can make a hit out of a non-word. When I first saw the video, I honestly thought the lead singer was a girl! Of course they eventually grew up, voices cracked, started singing more 'serious' stuff. Zzzzz...

3) YMCA - Village People. I cannot imagine anyone being a spoiled sport enough to not like this song. Everyone knows the dance, everyone knows the words to the chorus (well it is, after all, just Y...M...C...A...). If you've not watched the video before, here's your chance. Be warned though, it IS very gay. Would you expect anything less?

4) Like A Virgin - Madonna. Yes, back when Madonna was still young and naive and not going all Kabbalah on us, she used to sing about being like a virgin, wearing cone-shaped bras, and sang in that whiny voice like in this song. Ah, who would have thought this teeny bopper back then would become the icon that she is today? Wonder if 20 years down the line, would Britney wake up and go all Kabbalah on us as well (and still make crap movies)?

5) Baby One More Time - Britney Spears. Which of course leads me to this classic debut video by Britney. Yes this was the video that caused the uproar about school uniforms. She's practically in the news everyday at the moment, making the rumours of her having a boob job back then seem so small in comparison. My, who would have thought Miss-I'm-Still-A-Virgin would have ended up being in the rut she's in now.

6) Barbie Girl - Aqua. Haha I don't think this video needs any introduction. Even Lai Jing used to own their album (yes, Lai Jing, I'm bringing you down with me).

7) Nothing In This World - Paris Hilton. Everyone hates Paris. And why shouldn't we? She is the epitome of all things wrong. She can't act, she can't sing, she's not funny, she breaks the law. But she's got the moolah. So she gets the movie roles, the TV scripts, the debut album, the red carpet invites, the press coverage. So the album sucked, like it should, but this song? Wellll, it is hummable. Now, that's hot, right?

8) Dancing Queen - Abba. 100% karaoke favourite among the Ah Lians.

9) Locomotion - Kylie Minogue. Haha I remember when I was small someone made me dance to this song. Thank gosh there was no YouTube back then!

10) I Want It That Way - Backstreet Boys. Ok I confess, I used to be a BSB fan. Ok a big one. And I owned all their albums. But now I look back, I don't think I'm too embarrassed by it. Well they're still hanging around now, but they seem so much more serious ie boring now. Well this is another classic guilty pleasure song. Everyone knows the lyrics, everyone sings along, everyone knows it's cheesy. Well, it ain't the most parodied song and video for nothing.

A Good Day Out

2007-11-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

An invitation from Lee Leng recently to go to Sungkai Hot Springs brought about the inspiration for this post. I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling this way (well I sure hope I'm not), but there ARE people like me who unfortunately do not get much opportunities to travel. Be it due to financial or time constraints or inability to get leave (or all), we therefore need to resort to quick 1 day getaways to literally GET AWAY from it all. I guess the importance of such retreats has never really occurred to me until I've started working, and therefore I'm dedicating this post to everyone out there who feels they are in similar shoes.

I have to stress the importance of it being a FEASIBLE 1 day trip, where you can actually have sufficient time to do actual walking about, and not merely spend 80% of the time in the car. Mind you, when you're working on Saturdays, and the occassional public holiday, and your friends often have conflicting schedules with yours, having that ONE day where everyone can all go is really oh-so-preciousss...So if you don't want such a life, then to all aspiring college-goers, there are some courses (*cough* pharmacy *cough*) you should avoid like the plague.

I guess I've really been on 2 destinations for a day trip. The first being to Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. If you haven't been here before, I highly recommend a day trip here, just enough to see everything and not ask why-am-I-staying-the-night-here-there's-nothing-to-do-but-stare-at-odd-houses. PLUS it's something different than the usual Genting or Cameron or Fraser. Only 45 minutes drive from KL, it's really just a place to chill and to bring your significant other, and to snap really nice photos! They've mainly got 3 areas you should check out, the Japanese tea house, some trail that allows you to walk through some botanical garden thingy, and the French village. Literally it feels like you're not in Malaysia for that very short moment. I guess pictures speak louder than words (I don't know why I can't get the captions to be aligned in the centre):

Jap House

Oh you'll go trigger happy upon seeing the koi

Colmar French Village

My we-can-only-afford-one-day-trip kaki's

Be forewarned though, if your idea of a good trip consists of eating out til you burst, trekking through some wilderness like the nature lover you are, conquering some mountain or other, or is a sucker for all things historical, then THIS IS NOT THE PLACE FOR YOU. If however, you fulfill the following criteria, then by all means go:

1) You just want to go somewhere other than Genting,
2) You are a sucker for taking photos in un-typical places,
3) The idea of stomping through mud in a jungle or scaling mountains sounds like you must be out of your mind,
4) You live and breathe koi, and/or
5) You just want to go somewhere other than Genting.

Coming in the next post: Of Melaka and Glorious Food and Funny Signs...

New Keys Video

2007-11-14T07:49:00.000-08:00

This is the new video release from Alicia Keys, Like You'll Never See Me Again. I've heard this song a few days back and it's really grown a lot on me after a few listens. As much as I dislike using cliches, I guess there is a reason they're often used: because there is some degree of truth in them. It's common for us to hear about treasuring every moment, and I guess this video simply epitomises that. Anything can happen today or tomorrow, so don't put til tomorrow what you want to say or do today.

Man, am I getting soppy...OK let's watch Beyonce (below) again (yes Zeb, you too).

A Classic

2007-11-09T06:30:00.000-08:00

I was watching Channel E! on TV just now and they were screening this feature on Beyonce and when the snippets of the Crazy in Love video was played, it instantly opened a floodgate of memories. The song was HUGE in 2004 (and still is widely favoured now, just listen to the cheers of approval whenever it's played in the clubs), and coincidentally was the time when I started living in Glasgow in the summer. The song was EVERYWHERE then, and I fondly remember how I downloaded the video and watched it EVERY night before calling it a day (ok somehow that didn't come out right). Anyways...I LOVE this video, it had all the makings of a hot one, and I'm sure Beyonce and the video director must have kindly thought of the needs of the global male population when producing it. From the walk-in intro, to the frolicking on the ground, the kicking of the fire hydrant releasing a gush of water to rain on her dance sequence, the blowing of the bubblegum, to the gravity-defying piece of cloth she calls a top in the final scene...everything was perfectly engineered with utmost precision to cater to the mass audience. She knows what the public wants and she duly delivers, now that's what I call a professional :)

I crashed a party recently with a friend (yes you read that right), and they had this guy dressed in drag who gamely got on stage when this song was played. Man, was he funny! Obviously a purist of the video, he literally replicated the dance moves to the T, complete with the signature shake-the-booty-while-raising-your-arms-against-your-chest move, and the licking of the thumbs too! Damn happening party, that was.

I would call it an understatement that I was devastated upon realising her anticipated concert here was cancelled, only for Jakarta to rub it into our faces by declaring that there will no dress code restrictions on her visit there. Heck, I don't blame them. Sigh when am I ever gonna meet Beyonce in person...

To the many Malaysians who still can't get over the cancelled tour, let us revisit this classic video once again and maybe, our self-imposed moral guardians will one day realise what they have been depriving us of (yea keep dreaming...).

Battle of the Grunts

2007-11-07T21:14:00.000-08:00

OMG YouYube is simply amazing. I was searching for video evidence of the Sharapova vs Venus grunt battles as mentioned in my previous post, and (of course) they have it! Enjoy!

Having a ball

2007-11-07T10:23:00.000-08:00

Whatever I post on this blog I suppose comes from inspirations, and sometimes they can come flowing non-stop, or they can be so dry you might as well call me kayu. Today's inspiration came about when I joined Zeb for his regular golf practice at the range (no, I wasn't there to play, just to be the proverbial fly on the wall) and the moment he asked me to swing a try, as expected I appeared like a total klutz. No, wait, I WAS a total klutz at it. Just one of those times I was thankful there was practically no one watching me, and of course I basically wasted one of Zeb's balls.

I think the word 'klutz' is just the perfect word to describe my experiences in sports. It pretty much summarises my whole sporting life, or the lack of it. I'm not sure if there is such a thing as someone being born with sports genes (ie even if it's not a sport of their choice, they can still friggin' play reasonably well, damn these people), but I can guarantee I definitely have no genes of such sorts. Of course like how the evolutionary theory will tell you (this is an unsubstantiated claim), people are products of their genes and the environment. I guess since my parents are not the sporting type, I never grew up with that sort of culture embedded in me. So no genes + no environment = BIG klutz. It's not that I've never even tried any games, I've just never been good in any of them. In fact, my only fond sporting memory was the time in primary school, when me and another 'well-fed' classmate were often the pick of the crop as defenders in football. Yes size does matter back then I guess, so the rare feeling of being wanted on a team back in those days was often a proud moment haha.

I vividly remember absolutely hating the annual Sports Days practices where they wanted to choose the potential participants in the various events. As if it's not morale-sapping enough doing the jog around the field as warm-up and lagging behind everyone else while wearing a tight school sports T-shirt (as usual their sizes don't cater for the plus-sized), they have to further degrade people like me by forcing us to do the 100m sprints and high jumps. I mean is that even necessary? Do I LOOK like I'm gonna sprint pass everyone in the 100m and/or perform a miraculous record-breaking jump over the pole?

I think psychologically the build-up of such embarrasing and often intimidating (well at least back then) moments have sort of contributed to my low self-esteem sports-wise. In fact, the only sport I can play and agree to join an invitation to play that I would not be worried about embarrasing myself is bowling. Well not that it means that I'm super-good in it, but at least I know I CAN play reasonably ok, and chances of me putting up a fight are there. So yea, when it comes to bowling, I don't really have to shy away from an invitation to play, except if you're talking about playing with players who score consistently higher than 140. In fact, if I had the time and extra spending money (which is obviously unlikely), I would really like to take up proper bowling lessons, and maybe, just maybe, one day I can experience the glorious moment of thrashing someone in a sports event muahaha :)

Now, while I don't play sports often, people are often taken by surprise when they realise I DO know what's happening in the world of sports. So yes, I do know who's winning the Super Series tournaments in badminton, what teams are leading the various football leagues, the teams in the Champions League, the F1 controversies, and one of my favouries, the latest in tennis updates!

Tennis has always had a place in me, and at some age I just started to really enjoy watching the game. Of course, it would be great if I could actually play it, but refer to story above. So it was indeed a pleasant surprise when I found out about the Federer vs Sampras match on our local shores. I'm ecstatic to say that I AM GOING!!! I really have very few friends who are remotely interested in tennis, so when Yan Seen couldn't make it because she's landed in KK, it was really a bitter disappointment. So Zeb, a BIG THANK YOU for coming with me! Oh this is gonna rock, though I'm not too sure if Sampras is still able to play a competitive match.

While I really enjoy the intensity of the men's matches, I am also very fond of watching the women's. And it would have been awesome if there could have been an additional Sharapova vs Venus/Serena/Henin match. While Sharapova isn't really up there with the best yet in my opinion, I enjoy watching her play, and the grunts that she makes are always comical to watch. For someone who grunts loud enough for decibel measurements to be revealed in the press and official complaints lodged by her opponents as distractful, isn't it un-befitting of the glamour queen? And nothing beats the matches between Sharapova and Venus, when it comes to the battle of the grunts I mean. Damn entertaining...

While we're on the topic of tennis, has anyone seen this video before? It's the impressions Novak Djokovic have made of his fellow tennis superstars and they're hilarious! The Roddick, Sharapova, Nadal impressions are spot-on, I say.

Start the countdown to Nov 22!

OO

2007-11-05T07:17:00.000-08:00

Talk about creative thinking. All hail the marketing geniuses at Google. (BTW didn't Pamela have her boob size reduced a few years back?)

Blog Debut

2007-11-04T05:54:00.000-08:00

I've finally succumbed to the world of blogging and have decided it's about time yet another person decides to air his thoughts on the WWW for public scrutiny. I'm not exactly sure how long I can keep it up, or how often I would be able to post interesting reads, but I guess everyone has to start somewhere.

Had to really think of what I should blog about in my debut post, and after giving much thought (I have to admit most thoughts come to me while I'm sitting on the 'throne') I decided to blog about what I do enjoy a lot - music! Seeing that it's the year-end again, it's only a matter of time before the radio stations run contests for sending in your choice of the top 10 songs of the year. I've been entering these contests for the past 3 years and I've NEVER come close to winning (the nearest was when I got the top 3 absolutely right back in 2005). I've come to learn a few of the following rules when entering such contests:

1) It's really NOT about what YOU think are the best 10 songs of the year, but what are the most played-to-death-but-let's-still-play-them-because-they-should-be-played-to-death songs. So the key to winning this contest is really to think what were the most overplayed 'hits' of the past 12 months, and somehow be able to arrange them into the ranking. Remember: the position in the top 10 is directly proportional to how much the song is played.

2) Do NOT let your personal judgment cloud your decisions when listing the 10. Even if you like that song sooo much don't let your bias allow you to rank it higher than it should. Example: I ranked Justin Timberlake's Sexyback #1 last year (yes it was overplayed, but I admit my bias allowed it to go higher than it should) when it was obvious Hips Don't Lie would take the crown (come on, who could have not heard that song last year, Hips Shaking + World Cup = #1 and Ka-Ching!).

Now why am I dedicating my time to post such irrelevant and non-globally-important issues on my blog? Because I can, and because I've always wondered what it would feel like to win the grand she-bang, that 100 CDs. Well I just hope they don't end up giving aways crap like High School Musical, Hilary Duff, and random Ultimate Dance/Techno/Pasar Malam Hits compilations.

So let me share what are the top songs I have listed so far for 2007. I've decided let's share the knowledge, and anyone who reads this can contribute/debate/fly kites, and tell me what I may have missed out, and maybe, just maybe, I (or you) can just win that damn 100 CDs this year! So without further ado, here's my top 10 (no, I don't like all of them, but I believe they were overplayed enough to qualify):

10) Rehab- Amy Winehouse. I absolutely hate this song. I think what's worse than the radios playing a song you like repeatedly is when they play a song you HATE repeatedly. Thinking of the many times I had to switch stations when this song came on edged it into my top 10. No, not even Jay-Z can work wonders all the time. But I have to admit I like the line "They tried to make me go to rehab, I said No,No,No". Imagine that in a real-life scenario.

9) I Got It From My Mama - will.i.am. Oh come on, you knew this had to be here. Call him a genius or a talentless fluff, but who else but will.i.am can come up with such songs about girls that anyone in their right mind will deny they like but secretly sings along to (think My Humps). I can't say I really love the song, but I have to say the lyrics are so tongue-in-cheek and shameful that it's a wonder they play it on local stations.

8) Smack That - Akon feat. Eminem. Another song that signals the need to switch the station. Akon has finally arrived, so to speak, since his 'Lonely' days. I don't think we could have gone anywhere this year without hearing a song of his. Frankly, I don't care much for his songs, but is it just me or is he only good when he features on songs (eg Sweet Escape with Gwen Stefani, Bartender with T-Pain, Baby I'm Back with Baby Bash, Sweetest Girl with Wyclef, I Try with Bone, Thugs and Harmony) rather than those where he is on his own? Definitely most featured artist of the year, followed closely by T-Pain.

7) Glamorous - Fergie feat. Ludacris. Who would have thought Fergie would have such a HUGE year and would be able to release 5 (!) singles from an album that I all love? This is probably my fave from her, followed by Big Girls Don't Cry (yes I sing along to Big Girls Don't Cry, don't ask). This song is just way cool man. Love the slow-mo walk to the private jet with the bodyguards and posh clothes and cool shades (ah everything I've wanted).

6) Last Night - Diddy feat. Keyshia Cole. This is one of those songs where when you first hear it, you go 'What rubbish', but it just grows on you so much that you later ask yourself how could you not have liked it before. Potentially one of the best songs Diddy's released and is an instant club classic (along with Come To Me with Nicole Scherzinger). Good stuff this.

5) Beautiful Girls - Sean Kingston. Every year somebody releases a summer anthem where everyone including the auntie on the road sings along to and your mother asks you who sang this song and you will inevitably hear it set as a ringtone. The honour goes to Sean, who came out of nowhere to claim the honour this year. Personally, I much much prefer Me Love, but this song definitely is bigger. Another reason for me to switch stations. Did you know Channel V censors the word 'suicidal' when they play this video? Come on, it's not like we haven't heard it on other avenues.

4) Beautiful Liar - Beyonce feat. Shakira. What puzzles me the most is how can 2 of the biggest booty-shaking stars on planet Earth at the moment release such a letdown of a song? This was certainly a dream pairing every male was salivating for, but really it was a tame affair, wasn't it? I expected huge club beats, big booty-shaking potential, hot video with lots of skin, but what we got was a big lame-o. Why, Beyonce? Why, Shakira? WHY??

3) Girlfriend - Avril Lavigne. If this song doesn't at least make the top 5 in the real list, I will retire from this contest. I can't stand this song. The irony is that at one point when the song was played so frequently, it was actually in my head ALL the time, when I was driving, shopping, walking from carpark to office, on the 'throne', filing my income tax, and it was oh-so-embarrassing only my close friends knew. I only like Avril when she releases all the angst-ridden songs like My Happy Ending, When You're Gone, but I suppose when stars become happy ie ridiculously rich, the angst/edge dissipates. Think Alanis Morrisette, J-Lo.

2) I Wanna Love You - Akon feat. Snoop Dogg. I have no idea why this song was as huge as it was. Even worse than Smack That (at least that was still hummable), I don't see any value in it. In the year when Beyonce's concert was cancelled in Malaysia (boo...), and Gwen Stefani gave a so-so concert, Akon not only came once, he came to our shores TWICE. Ugh, the agony, the injustice of it all.

1) Umbrella - Rihanna feat. Jay-Z. Rihanna has finally arrived. Well I guess anyone who can make a hit song out of an inanimate object like an umbrella deserves the crown. What would they think of next? A broom? Camera? A mop?? And not only does she sing of an umbrella, she injects a whole 'maksud tersirat' into it (You can stand under my umbrella - however you wanna interpret it :) AND she has now made it impossible for us not to think of ela-ela-eh-eh-eh when the term umbrella crops up. If that is not genius in marketing, I don't know what is. Plus she finally releases an album of consistent materials unlike her previous filler-filled albums. Hats of to you, Rihanna!

The nearly-made-its:

Big Girls Don't Cry - Fergie
Irreplaceable - Beyonce
Gimme More - Britney Spears
Don't Matter - Akon
The Way I Are - Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson
Give It To Me - Timbaland feat. Justin Timberlake & Nelly Furtado
The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani feat. Akon