Christmas Booty

This is what I decided to get for my brother... he, the big Simpsons fan. It's rather amusing really... where the Train Stations were are now "Interesting Tombstone Signs" (something like that). I particularly love the one that says "I'm with Stupid -->" where it points to the neighboring block with Homer Simpson in it. Click here if you'd like to get a peek at the game board.

Now on to what I have in my pile. Besides a T-shirt, a little bear in a paperbag, and a nice coffee pot & cups set... is this cheerful looking flower. We are having some evil fun in the office now that one of my colleagues have decided to use it as a whacking device (it has an 18" stalk).

Lastly, if I remember correctly, I'm supposed to get something from my brother too... except he forgot to send it down with my dad last week so... I'll wait and see what that is

Edit: Essentially mum and I were supposed to get a book each but I realised that, "Hey! They are by the same author and they should be read in the correct order"

The books were "Something Borrowed" and "Something Blue" by Emily Giffin. Although they fall into the chick flick corner, do not be surprised why they are excellent pageturners. Giffin is a good writer who engages the reader into empathizing with the characters no matter what good or bad have they been up to.

Before and After Christmas Day

Something I forgot to mention earlier: Sounds of Joy was a really wonderful performance by our local celebrities Jaclyn Victor and Juwita Suwito. I give credit also to my old friend Daniel for being an excellent pianist although he was given a last minute notice on the afternoon of D-day that he was needed.

Before Christmas: Twas the week before Christmas... I joined my colleagues for a karaoke session in Redbox where we went crazy singing ourselves hoarse.

On Gluttony: Just a few words... "Lots of FOOD!"

Time of Reunions: Besides the previous ones mentioned

• I managed to meet up with the duo Kotak and Kalamari on Christmas Day at one of the busiest places... Gurney Plaza.

• And met up with a childhood friend when following dad for one of his reunions with his best buddies from school

Le *Gasp!*.... it's an UpDatE

I am obviously once again GUILTY for not updating my blog frequently.

So in a nutshell, this is what happened in the past month:

• Been to E&O hotel ballroom twice in December. Once for my cousin's wedding and a week later my schoolmate's wedding. No more E&O wedding dinners for now... time to change scenery although it's like one of the swankiest old hotels.

• I learnt that after having not exerted myself for a long time in any sporting event... I should do stretches before actually playing a good game of badminton *ouch... stiff muscles for 2 days*

• Haven't gone to the Cinema except to watch Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire which I thought had thrown away just about too much and perhaps they should have gone ahead and done it as a double-movie instead of one... the book had more essence.

• Had a sort of mini reunion with my classmates in Beguardo's, E-Gate (near Tesco). Haven't seen Chween since our last day in highschool... and all the others who I've met up with over varying degrees of time (yes... these ppl at least I saw... but Chween... see above)

• Another mini-reunion with schoolmates at Fiona's wedding. 'Nuf said.

• There's yet another reunion... this time with my fellow college student councillors. As you can see... tis the season for reunions. *sparkle!*

• I'm getting very hooked on the Korean soaps they are showing on national telly. Not good... this is adding to time I spend with idiot box #2. (p/s: #1 is the computer... yes, I'm kinda nerdy that way.)

Anyhow... last but not least... I start on my new job next week. >:)

A change is all I want

As of 15-Nov-2005, I have accepted the offer to take up a role in Corporate Communications... after 6 months since I clicked on that "Apply" button at the internal postings website.

Happily counting down the days I have left with the Order Management team. Abso-poso-lutely looking forward to this change. *does yet another lil' jig of joy*

By the way (going back some weeks ago) by some stroke of coincidence - my good ol'buddy Infinitium and yours truly told one another that we applied for Internal Transfer to Comms Dept. and chances are we'd probably get the job. What were you thinking I was going to say? Geesh...

Anyway, looks like the both of us have been successful in our quest to be behind the wheels for the brainwashing of corporate employees... but then of course - that's the myth of comms role... I'd say it's half-truth.

Movies watched recently: (1) Zorro2; and (2) Tim Burton's Corpse Bride. Loved the part in Zorro2 where Joaquin De La Vega "spars" with his teacher in the class; as for TBCB - I don't like the songs they wrote for it much but I must say the flow of the story was pretty good (and they made the clay doll of Johnny Depp spot on... the butterfly thing at the end was pretty too).

Sneaking into KL for STOMP!!

I know I didn't really mention this before but I had been in KL on the night of 22-Sep until the morning of 26-Sep.

Key reason for being there being for some seriously needed:

• R&R (and away from ANY nagging voices)
• to catch the matinee of STOMP at Istana Budaya on 24-Sep
• to get some retail therapy (2 pairs of shoes, 2 pieces of clothing, 3 CDs, 1 book)

Ok... CDs and books I can also get in Penang - but then again... I don't really know how to find the time to take myself to the shopping complexes on this blessed island when I'm on it. Sad but true.

I've also learnt something new for myself... TAXI FARE IN PENANG IS RIDICULOUSLY HIGH.

Yep. That's right. It was RM16 to get from Agilent to the Sungai Nibong (Pesta) Bus Exchange. That's roughly a distance of 5KM.

To further emphasize this point... my taxi fare from USJ2 to 1Utama (definitely at least 4-to-5 times a WAY longer distance than my trip to the Pesta ground)... was only RM14.80.

Point: Do not take a taxi in Penang unless you have no other choice at hand or you can claim it against expenses on a business trip.

Belgium F1 GP

Been a long time since I've said anything about racing... so here goes.

Belgium F1 GP race (Spa-Francochamps)

At this point, although mathematimatically possible for Kimi Raikkonen to steal the Drivers Championship from Fernando Alonso, I strongly believe that Alonso will be the victor of the 2005 championship.

That will also mean one thing: This year we will quite likely be seeing the youngest F1 World Champion being crowned. And if that's anything to go by, Flavio Briatore (Renault's teamo supremo) seems to most definitely have a nose to sniff out World Champions...

p/s: Flavio is also the dude that 'discovered' Michael Schumacher.

Anyway, it was a pity that Montoya spun out this race when he was looking comfortable to score 2nd placing. The Belgian race was just ultimately full of drama and the order of the finish was hardly something you were confident to predict.

As Forrest Gump said (spot on), "...You never know what you're gonna get".

Edit (28-Sep): The Question from Kancil Killer: Is F1 interesting?

Answer: It depends on what you look for. Each sport has it's pros and cons; It's fans and also non-fans. How about checking out the A1 race? If you are looking for higher probability of incidents for car-racing... A1 looks like a good prospect too.

On a separate note:

Hey! Whaddya know? Alonso is World Champion after finishing the Brazilian F1 GP.

Happy Birthday to Malaysia

SELAMAT HARI MERDEKA (Happy Independence Day) to all Malaysians - for on the strike on midnight tonight, our nation will be 48 years old.

p/s: I'll find some energy to put some updates here

pp/s: Oh... I'm so looking forward towards STOMP! 25 days more to go...

My Movie Mania - part 2

Moving on... I have "War of the Worlds" on the cards - watched this one in the cinema. Firstly, the video and audio effects are nothing short of expectation but what I find absolutely fascinating from this one is definitely the narrative and the ability for H.G.Wells to come up with such a story. I have never read any of his work before but I have to conclude that he has an excellent creative mind... the other movie based on his work that was released in 2002, "The Time Machine", was just as fascinating in the way the story was told.

However, I do feel like there is one side-effect from watching WotW. Let me admit to the entire Earth that I get the creeps each time I hear a big truck horn going off ever since I've watched this movie. Icky... Icky... feeling... I tell you. It just sends a cold chill down my spine.

"Sepet" - a movie by Yasmin Ahmad of the endearing Petronas ads - which I found rather a bit too slow and draggy. Not quite my cup of tea. Btw, what was with the ending? Was Orked (the heroine) hearing a ghost speak... or some time warp was implied there?

Besides that... I finally watched Paradise Road... the one I missed countless times when it was showing on TV3. It's amazing what some people can do to alleviate from stressful times.

Lastly... I admit to having watched Star Wars: Return of the Sith and not finding it to be more than a link between the prequels and the original ep.4, ep.5, and ep.6. And one thing that irks me... terribly corny dialogue between Anakin and Padme. Bleh!

My Movie Mania

Another long hiatus from the blogging world I have taken, yes!

This time, I'd just like to talk about movies I've seen in the past few months... either on DVD, VCD, or at the cinema (I miss going to the theatres... have barely the chance to go there lately).

Ok, let's start it off with "Les Choristes" (The Chorus) - watched this one on DVD. I find this French movie to be a really moving story with equally beautiful music throughout this wonderful movie. You can read more about this in detail from IMDB. My verdict: Music lovers shouldn't ever give this a miss. Trust me on this.

Ooh... the next one I'm going to write about I absolutely love to bits. OKAY! So I'm a sucker for animations... but "Madagascar" cracked everyone in the theater up every few minutes or so. What more can I ask for after a stressful time at work?! Yeah... something to keep you laughing is pretty good therapy. Besides - I loved the way the animators made the skeleton hand move into gestures that King Julien intended to make. And the penguins? They are nuts... absolutely bonkers!

On that evil thing called Work

I've said this on countless times... I need a job change - no end. I feel like I'm growing fungus, stagnating, and just not growing anymore in what I do. My brain is already feeling like mush and I do have the tendency to want to BITE people's head off if I feel they have asked me a stupid question.

Oh yes... I've become quite a grouch and sceptic in certain things in the office. Quite possibly like a Jekyll & Hyde. Just don't catch me on a bad day. *GRRRrrrr* *extends sharp claws* *evil glint in bloodshot eyes*

Hazy Lazy Days

1-word to describe today's air quality:
SMOKY

2-words to describe today's air quality:
HORRIBLY HAZY *wheeze* *cough,cough*

Some words regarding my absence from the blogosphere:
I've suddenly lost the want or need to update my blog as frequently as I used to. Maybe it's because WORK has swallowed me whole into this hither-to unknown and scary vortex of emptiness. It's EVIL.

Many things have happened

I'll start with a few comments on the recent development of F1.

WHAT WAS THAT FARCE that happened at INDIANAPOLIS (USA) F1 Grand Prix? 6-cars running a race and no PR move from Bernie Ecclestone? That old man must be losing his marbles. He could have opened his mouth to say he would reschedule the race to another date & those who have tickets can come back FOC for the re-match immediately after it was known that the the Michelin-tyre running teams had to pull out on grounds of safety for the drivers.

F1 makes millions in returns and to give a race back to the Americans FOC on PR grounds for the race-loving folks could have saved F1 in USA. There may be a chance that F1 could be boycotted by the Americans in the coming years. Who knows?

Other than that, it looks to be a fantastic battle between Renault's wonder boy Fernando Alonso & McLaren's Iceman Kimi Raikkonen. I won't put the legendary Michael Schumacher out of the picture yet - he seems to have some tricks up his sleeves now that Ferrari's package seems to be coming along together. Looks like Ferrari's slow reaction to the new rules have cost them more than the could imagine.

Rants on American Idol

Shucks. I would have preferred it if Bo Bice had won the Season 4: American Idol competition on Wednesday. As with most other people that I know - I felt that he had way more presence, confidence and flair on stage than Carrie Underwood.

Yet all the same, we know that a number of the contestants who were featured in each season of American Idol will be offered recording contracts.

Watch out. Bo Bice has entered the music arena (big time!)

Anyway, I think the most interesting theory about Carrie's win had to be what I heard on the Mix.FM Breakfast Show. A caller mentioned something like, "America is a cowboy country. It's just a natural tendency that the cowboys voted for the country girl with all her sweetness and blondeness. We don't need another LeAnn Rimes"

I had a good laugh at that one lar. What can I say? I mean that sounds like the stereotype we all know has been given to the US of A... more so with GW Bush on the helm as their Prez.

Club Med Cherating - Part 2

When the sun goes down and after dinner is done, the staff will pull from their sleeves an entertainment session that will begin with getting everyone to dance before moving on to the night's main entertainment.

On my first night there - it was a circus act featuring the kids of some of the guest. Part of the act included the taming of wild animals. But then of course, the wild animals were really little kiddos in tiger/lion costumes.

On the 2nd night themed "Mexican Night" - we had station games where you and your team go about different booths and take turns to earn points for the team by having pillow fights, beer drinking, singing, memory game, dart game, smell & guess the liquid, hitting the pinata, fist fight, 12 stones... and most of all... my team won and received extra tickets for the night's lucky draw. (p/s: besides my colleague Cindy and 2 of the CM staff... the rest of the team was made out of kids)

Anyway... for the first time, I managed to get something decent from a lucky draw. A cap + 20% discount off (one time use) on total purchases made at the Club Med Boutique... simply a nice name for their gift shop cum convenient store.

Edit (16-Dec): After leaving this for so long... I forgot what I wanted to add in but I just know I had loads of fun... and forget the blow-by-blow account. I think I've mentioned a bit about everything I've managed to do earlier anyway.... love the cap ;)

Club Med Cherating - Part 1

I finally had a much needed break. Huwahahaha!!!

The trip started with a flight from Penang to Kuantan via KL. It's so blah having to waste 1hr checking in and waiting to board each of the 2 flights since there isn't a direct flight from Pg-Kuantan

Hmm... I haven't mentioned where I had disappeared to. I had gone off for a 4D3N stay at Club Med Cherating - where blue skies, smooth sandy beaches, and blue seas seam perfectly with one another.

What's amazing about Club Med is the all-friendly staff that comprise of an international team who in total - are able to converse to guests in either English, French, Korean, Japanese, Mandarin, and Malay.

Not to forget are the meals: breakfast, lunch & dinner are international buffet meals. Breakfast essentially offers you the same thing day in and day out but lunch and dinner offerings differ from day to day. You can really eat til you drop... ho-boy!

Apart from being able to indulge in some gluttony - there are plenty of activities running throughout the day. Just take your pick and join in on anything you like.

How does doing the trapeze sound? Wall/Rock-climbing? Hip-Hop/Jazz Dance Lessons? Power walk in the morning? Some archery maybe? Rollerblading? Bungee bounce? These were the daytime activities that I managed to actually participate in.

There are other stuff to do like sailing, kayakking, yoga, batik craft painting, body sculpting, combat fighting (aerobic thing), soccer, tennis, badminton, table tennis, swimming, and getting a massage at the spa. Totally spoilt for choice for what you can do in a day.

Weekend with the Reel-world

"Robots" (Fri)... loved the Nokia ad that played before the movie. The striking colours used on the robots and their environment in general can really appeal to the kids. BRIGHT!

Anyhow - I think someone could be inspired to build some kind of ride based on the absolutely thrilling mode of "public transport" that they have in the big city.

but if anyone ask mw waht is the underlying message of the story... it has to be (1) when opression hits you - fight back with all you've got (2) don't ever get into hysteria... put your mind together and go for the greater good.

"Hitch" (Sat)... another absolutely hilarious movie starring Will Smith where he's just well... Will Smith. Kevin James was equally charming in his role of the clumsy oddball who decided he needed Hitch (Smith) to help him find the love of his life. Pretty enjoyable fare.

Australia F1 GP

Melbourne, Albert Park: Fresh new start to the 2005 F1 GP Race season. New rules, plenty of surprises, & less predictability (until maybe a few races later when everyone stabilises into a groove of their own).

For now - it's great to see Fisichella finally on the top podium. It's his 2nd first place win but only the first time acknowledging his top placing on the podium. Now how is that possible?

Simple. The F1 governing body didn't declare him as the rightful winner of the Brazil 2003 GP until days later. That was one eventful race alright.

Besides, Renault seems set for a great season. They kept Fernando Alonso - the guy who started in 13th but finished 3rd in the race. The talent scouts had noticed him since he first drove for Minardi in 2001... but everyone started watching out for this young fellow from the time he started menacing the tracks in a Renault in 2003.

I must say that Rubens Barricello must be giddily happy that for once - he is way ahead on the podium while his legendary partner, the great Michael Schumacher, was forced to retire from the race due to a racing incident.

Meanwhile, about David Coulthard - I must say for a guy who had a rough time trying to get a seat in the 2005 season... he's really proving all the disbelievers wrong. It's like saying, "I'll show you that I still have it in me!!". Yes, DC... you sure do. You did manage 4th under a "new" team.

Reel-time: Constantine

Watched Constantine at 9:50pm today.... where Keanu Reeves still looks very much in Matrix-mode and carrying that same brooding expression on his handsome face. What else I love about the comicbook adaptation is Glenn Close as the angel-gone-bad. She's such a gem!

A little prayer

Tonight, on the 8th night of Chinese New Year, when the Hokkien community awaits to pray to "Th'i Kong" (literally translated >> God of the Heavens) at midnight - Chicken Little would have little doubt that the sky is falling. Right here in Penang.

The fireworks have been going on non-stop since about 11:30pm. You can hear them going off at every turn... and we are not talking small fry firecrackers here...

It's those industrial grade ones where the fireworks burst out into great big blooms of light up in the sky... they are EVERYWHERE!!!

So much for enforcement against illegal fireworks. A heck lot of people doesn't seem to be getting fined for playing with them... but what is Chinese New Year without a little fireworks?

Heck!! But I think having those big fireworks go off everywhere is just a bit too much... too much thundering going on... you wouldn't know real thunder from the one coming from the explosives.

p/s: The fireworks show is still going on 1 hr later... it sure is the noisiest night so far.

Project Baking-storm

Started my CNY baking today. To do List: - Coffee Chocolate Chip Shortcake > Done - Jam Tarts - Rum & Raisin Cheesecake

Reel-time: Bridget Jones II

Watched "Bridget Jones II: The Edge of Reason" - is typically good for a laugh with plenty of jokes to go around. Bridget and Mr. Darcy... ahh... how sweet

Reel-time: Aviator

Watched "The Aviator" last night. Leo DiCaprio flick. Thought he looked too cute to be convincing as an eccentric guy who build his own empire of planes.

Reel-time: Phantom of the Opera

"Phantom of the Opera" - has much to offer with the beautiful cinematography. However, I'll only go as far as that. I believe that The Phantom in this version hardly strikes me as a tortured and sadistic freak. The broadway Phantom was way better.

As for Emma Rossum as the young Christine Daae... I think she was pretty good... the only problem is how many times they shot her with the same sad puppy-eyed looks... perhaps there could be a possibility that they thought it should fit in? I don't know...

Did anyone notice that Minnie Driver was really good as the primadonna...?? I find her very convincing as Carlotta the diva on and offstage and such great comic timing!

Oh and Raoul! I liked the bloke that played him too... at least he was OK