Monkey See, Monkey Do, Monkey Lose An Hour

I noticed that Kudo has tried it too and I'm sure many people have.  So, why not jump on the bandwagon and have a go as well?  I've been wanting to try out this "eggy in a basket" recipe ever since I saw Natalie Portman violently munching through hers in the recent film release of V for Vendetta.  I can tell you now, that in my 14 years of living in the UK, never have I seen or heard of an English recipe for "eggy in a basket"; it is definitely not British.  However, it did look absolutely delicious at the time, most probably due to the fact that I haven't had my meal yet and this ridiculously cold weather.  Ridiculous, because despite the imminent start of British Summer Time (BST) today, summer-like weather seems like a forgotten fairy-tale.

Which reminds me, I have to push all my clocks and watches an hour forward today. My microwave oven, my gas cooker, my wall-mounted clocks in my kitchen and hallway, my VCR, my bedside alarm clock, my wristwatch, the time on my mobile phone, etc. all have to be adjusted.  Gila malas.

Why can't they be more like my laptop? It auto-sychonises itself with a central time server on the Internet every fifteen minutes. Is that too much to ask?

Where was I? Oh yes, the eggy in a basket.  It's yummy, it's easy to make and it's quick.

Monkey like.

Technorati Tags: culture, food, seasonal

Bulu Oh Bulu

Bulu oh bulu
Kenapa takde pun dulu?
Tiba-tiba keluar seribu
Terkejut dibuatnya aku

Bulu oh bulu
Kenapa serabut macam tu?
Nak sikat pun tak lalu
Agaknya sebab tak syampu

Bulu oh bulu
Sakit tak kalau cabut bulu?
Kalau takde bulu boleh ke laku?
Perempuan kan suka lelaki berbulu?

Bulu oh bulu
Jakun betul tengok bawah lampu
Macam tak pernah tengok bulu
Nasib baiklah takde kutu

Hehe.

Technorati Tags: humour, malay

Remember, remember...

"...the fifth of November, the gunpowder treason and plot.
I know of no reason why gunpowder treason, should ever be forgot."

Those were the opening lines by Natalie Portman who played the female lead role in the recent graphic novel adaptation, V for Vendetta.

It has been a while since I've been to the cinema and I thought I'd treat myself to a good movie for my 31st birthday at the Odeon Cinema down in Leicester Square. Believe me, paying £12.50 for a movie is definitely bloody expensive.  It better be worth it.  Surprisingly, it was.

Anyway, back to the movie.  I will be honest with you.  The first time I heard of V for Vendetta late last year, I thought it was going to be a remake of the popular 80s series, V (for Victory) starring Marc Singer, Jane Badler, Michael Ironside and Robert Englund (a.k.a. Freddy Krueger).  I was even more pleased when I found out Natalie Portman was involved; I thought she was going to play "Diana", leader of the race of carnivorous lizard-like aliens.

Instead, she plays Evey Hammond, a young lass (with an inconsistent British accent) who almost got fingered was assaulted by a group of "fingermen" (undercover police) while breaking curfew.  Her knight in shining armour came in the form of a man dressed completely in black and wore a hat and a mask.  Although the mask strongly resembled a very pale and cheerful Antonio Banderas, it wasn't Zorro, but it was V, played by Hugo "Agent Smith" Weaving.

If you think that sounds a bit looney, you just have to listen how V introduces himself to Evey:

"This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is it vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished, as the once vital voice of the verisimilitude now venerates what they once vilified. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified, and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin van-guarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition. The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose vis-à-vis an introduction, and so it is my very good honor to meet you...

...and you may call me V."

Now I'm sure Evey must have a lot of gratitude for her saviour, but after an introduction like that, I'm surprised she didn't even try to run away from the madman.  Oops, I think I've already given away too much here.

I must admit, I haven't heard of Alan Moore nor David Lloyd; the former wrote the novel and the latter created the illustrations.  So I'm afraid I can't comment much on their work.  But the movie itself was very entertaining.  I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and would certainly need to see it again (possibly even a third time) to get all the jokes.  The action sequences were well choreographed and the storyline was well-written, but you would already expect that since it was written by the Wachowski Brothers (the guys who wrote and directed The Matrix).

I came out from the cinema thinking where this country is headed for when our Government wants to invade every aspect of our private lives for the sake of safety. I mean, if you're a fan of The X-Files series, you would know how it depicted the U.S. Government as concealers of the truth; the conspiracy behind everything that is abnormal and unknown.  Perhaps the same political message is embedded within the movie.  Like I said, I will need to watch it again to catch what I possibly missed.

Portman's acting was very good throughout the movie, although I seem to be fixated on her accent; was it Cockney?  Also, her head seemed a bit out of proportion after being shaved.  It's a good thing that she's cute.

Weaving was excellent too, although it was very difficult to appreciate him with that mask on all the time.  Yes, the camera never reveals his face.  So it was much of a "voice work" for Weaving, with the occasional nods and head-turns.

A few things to look out for:

• V's two-minute introduction of V-dialogue to Evey.
• Portman's head being shaved.
• Really cool slow-mo fight scenes.
• The fantastic destruction of a very famous landmark in London.

Significant info - V wears a Guy Fawkes mask, the English soldier who tried to blow up the Parliament back in 1605.  He was captured and executed.  He is remembered with Guy Fawkes Night on November 5, usually with massive fireworks display all over the country.

What can I say? I really enjoyed this movie. I'm inclined to get a copy of the graphic novel from Amazon. And with that, I give it 8 out of 10.

Technorati Tags: entertainment, movies, reviews

Saya Budak Sekolah

I got tagged by Idlan (and Suanie!) and seeing that I haven't entertained any memes in a while, I'm giving this a go.

The School Meme:

How many schools did I go to?

Err.. not many hehe.  Let's see what I can dig up in this thickening cranium of mine.  I remember Tadika Raihan in PJ very fondly.  I seem to recall the schoolbus driver since his name was similar to a very well known celebrity back then; Aman Shah (cue lagu Adik Ku Pandai Menari hehe).  I then went on to Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan Sultan Alam Shah (2), near the University Hospital in PJ (the school was split into morning and afternoon sessions, like most public schools, hence the '(2)').

Common activities while I was there include taichi (galah panjang), polis and thief (polis sentry), rounders and a game which I can't remember the name; it involved trying to step on your opponent's shoes.  If he flinches or moves his feet before you make your move, he's out of the game.  He can only move when you make your move.  If you misses his feet, then you risk your shoes being stepped on when it's his turn.  The last person remaining wins the game.  Also a lot of fun when played in teams.

Anyway, where was I?  Oh yes, I then went on to Bukit Bintang Boys Secondary School (Nisi Dominus Frustra) before going abroad to do my A-Levels.  I studied Pure Maths, Physics and Cambridge Information Technology at Bellerbys College in Hove, Brighton.  Upon completing that, I then went on to DeMontfort University in Leicester (home of Gary Lineker) to study Information Technology. That's it I think.  How many was there ? Five if you count universities as schools, four otherwise.


Was I the studious nerd, or the last minute hero?

Neither hehe. I used to think school was more of a daily "social gathering" where I can play with my friends.  Although I got more serious about studying when I did my A-Levels and degree.  Oh, that was the time I kept my hair really long and wore glasses.  I still didn't do that much studying, but I was definitely a geek back then.  To be honest, I was never the "study type", so I guess I qualify for the "last minute hero" title.


Was I the class ‘taiko’ or the teacher’s pet?

Both perhaps. Most of the time, I have been picked to be the class monitor due to my.. ermm.. generous stature, hehe.  I actually hated being the class monitor since it immediately labeled me as the teacher's pet.  But hey, it does has its perks too.  I mean, when did you have Malaysia Olympical swimmer Wan Azlan Abdullah coming up to you asking if he could go to the little boy's room?

Obviously that all changed when I went abroad.  Although being the only international student in my course made me somewhat popular with the lads and lecturers.


What was the biggest rule I broke in school?

Filling up the holes on the wooden desks with liquid paper fluid.  And once there were no holes left, I made some new ones using my metallic ruler.

Oh, and back in secondary school, I remember hiding pornographic videos for a friend for safe-keeping.  He came from a poor background didn't come from a well-off background and wanted to make some pocket money selling them in school.  Sometimes he let me keep them for a number couple of days of course hehe.  I guess that would be the biggest sin of all.


Three subjects I enjoyed

English - I don't know why I enjoyed it.  I just do.  My grammar is still not perfect but I discover a new word almost every single day. Today's word is: circadian.

Arts (Seni Lukis) - I used to love to draw and paint.  I'm pretty sure I wasn't that good, but I just love the smell of Buncho watercolour hehe.  Over the years in the UK, I learned how to appreciate paintings and photographs.

Data Communications - My favourite class while at uni. Never a dull moment. Huffman encoding anyone?


Three teachers that inspired me

Mr Agis - He was our P.E. teacher (and also wore shades all day to hide his crossed-eyes) back in secondary school.  Although he didn't really teach us formally, he did spend a lot of time talking to us on a personal level, making sure that we stay focused on our studies and taking the time to explain to us the importance of staying fit and healthy.  Although he was the most feared Disciplinary Officer in the school, everybody liked him. Lesson learned: Be scary but friendly (or is it the other way round?)

Raymond Griffin - He wasn't really my teacher, but he was our warden back when I was doing A-Levels and living with ten other MARA students in this huge three-storey ex-nursery centre. I still remember the name of the road; Wilbury Villas.  Anyway, we were not fond of having a non-Malaysian for our warden, but we grew to like him a lot after a while.  In any case, Raymond (as he prefers to be called), thought me a lot about food nutrition (he made me watch what I eat).  But most importantly, Raymond is a professional photographer during the day and looking at all his wonderful work inspired me to take up photography.

Sharad Raniga - He was the Finance Director and also my boss for two years at work.  He taught me a lot about carrying myself like a true professional and also handling office politics.  More importantly, he taught me a lot about the importance of family values and friendships.  I was very sad when he left the company.


Right. So that's me sorted.  Who's next? Let's see if these guys would want to participate:

• May - coz I know she loves doing this kinda thing
• Jimbo - coz he's a Londoner too
• Daftsavant - coz he's on a hiatus
• Mangolisa - coz she's the Goddess
• PinkishFrog - coz her pet cat Samantha farts

Technorati Tags: meme, personal

When is it a lousy time to be a plumber?

When you receive a call from the Assistant Director of Stony Brook University about a blockage.

Technorati Tags: behaviour, health, humour, nonsense

When Somebody Rubs You The Wrong Way

Wow, what a way to start on a Monday morning.  Let me get straight down to details.  Somebody really got on my nerves today, somebody online.  Yes, its amazing how someone can be extremely annoying via the wonders of the internet.  Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy the regular chat online, but good God, she was so irritating!

Like most bloggers (or blog readers even), I enjoy chatting online, text-based chat that is.  Chatting evolved from plain email to real-time responses; i.e. instant messaging, and that's what made it extremely popular.  You're basically chatting in real-time to people all over the world on the internet.  I have been chatting since I994 (IRC used to be hip back then) and I must admit, I do enjoy it.  Have I mentioned that I enjoy chatting online?

My two favourite instant messaging programs are Yahoo Messenger (YM) and MSN Messenger (MM), although I'm mainly on the former most of the time (file transfers in YM sucks).

Anyway, back to Miss Irritating.  She first invited me to chat a few weeks back, which I'm sorry to say now that it was a huge mistake!  I'm not in the habit of moving people into my ignore list, but I think I have been patient enough with her.  She complains when I don't respond to her quickly enough, and then she takes her time to actually respond to mine. What's that all about? Oh, and she's extremely generous with that buzzer button.

I'm sure that everybody would find it a lot better when you could put a face to a name, wouldn't you?  I politely asked a picture from her and she didn't mind, or so I thought.  But after breaking her promise three times, I begin to wonder if I will ever get to see her picture, and to be honest, now I don't think I ever want to.

Most of the time, we don't have proper conversations and I'm beginning to think she doesn't want me to know anything about her and that she's using me just to pass the time until she has to leave the office.  Yes I'm aware of the 8-hour time difference between UK and KL.  When we get into work first thing in the morning, most are ready to go home back in KL.  I have tried reasoning with her and from the looks of it, she just didn't care.

Perhaps, I'm just being silly about all this.  Perhaps I just take things a bit too seriously.  Perhaps I'm just plain moody.  But perhaps, it's just that I have been lied to so many times in the past, that it upsets me when I feel that the person is not being truthful towards me.

I'm sorry to say this, Miss Irritating, but you have rubbed me the wrong way.

You've completely spoiled my mood today..

..but I know you couldn't even care less.

Technorati Tags: behaviour, communicate, encounters, internet, nonsense, personal

I Want To Be Fred The Bedhead

click on the picture to play the video

But there's no way I'm eating Whiskas everyday. I still need my weekly nasi lemak fix.

Technorati Tags: ads, entertainment, food

When Multi-Tasking Is NOT A Good Thing

I couldn't believe my ears when I heard it over the 9 o'clock news on Channel 5 tonight.  I was reading some articles on the internet when I heard the words; "woman", "fined", "£200", "make-up" and "driving" being uttered by the newsreader.

I had to look it up of course, as I knew that ladies tend to multi-task, but I never thought it would get them into trouble.

Honestly ladies, it's your life and everybody else's around you!  Maybe you could do a lot less worse by smoking?

Technorati Tags: accidents, cosmetics, multi-tasking

Eh?

Quite some time ago, I poised The Great Wise One this question,

"Pok Ku, kenapa perempuan kuat merajuk?"
"Pok Ku, why do girls like to sulk?"

It didn't take him long to come back with an answer,

"Kalau takde orang nak pujuk, takde lah nak merajuk."
"If there's nobody to coax them, they wouldn't sulk to begin with."

Now that's what I call a man of great understanding and experience.


__________________

p/s: i suck at translation. if anyone can tell me better words for "merajuk" and "pujuk", please let me know.

Technorati Tags: life, puzzles

Natalie Portman Raps

Yes, that's right. Natalie Portman raps... gangsta-style!

And to tell you the truth, I think she looks even cuter when she tries to be bad!  Have a look for yourself in the video below that was shown on Saturday Night Live last night.

Technorati Tags: entertainment, humour

Sarapan Pemalas

a.k.a The Lazy Bum's Breakfast



Do you know what it is?

Technorati Tags: food, nonsense

Making Your Mind Up: Eurovision 2006

I'm not a big fan of Eurovision, but for some reason I decided to watch tonight's show of Making Your Mind Up, where six contenders compete with each other to represent the UK this year.

Firstly let's meet the hosts; Terry Wogan was his usual dashing self and extremely sarcastic. I found myself almost laughing at his every comment.  Natasha Kaplinsky.. well she's absolutely stunning and elegant in that cherry red dress, but what's that sellotape-like thingy on her cleavage? Bah! Such a spoil sport.

Anyway, here're my views on the contenders:

1. Goran Kay - He was first to perform tonight. I have no idea who he is and was beginning to feel very frightened if everyone else was going to be very similar to him. Definitely a NO!
2. Kym Marsh - Ex-Hear'Say member was wore a very elegant black dress tonight. She's also very very hot.  She sang a quite powerful ballad.  However, I think she's just too hot to be Eurovision material. Sorry Kym.
3. Daz Sampson - I also have no idea who he is but his rap performance was extremely catchy and using schoolgirls as backing dancers certainly did the trick! I like him!
4. City Chix - These two girls reminded me of 90's duo M2M although the blonde looked very much like Hillary Duff. In my opinion, they should go back to school and look elsewhere for future careers.
5. Four Story - BoyzIIMen meets Back Street Boys? Not even close.  Strong vocals but their performance was very dull and boring.  Sorry guys.
6. Antony Costa - Ex-Blue member performed very well tonight in 60s gear backed by a live band and backup singers in similar attire. However, I think he's much too classy to appear in Eurovision.

The panels consisted of Kelly Osbourne, Jonathan Ross, Ferne Cotton and Bruno Tonioli. I had to look up the latter panel because I have never heard of him before.  For a top choreographer and worked on countless films (all of which I haven't seen), he sure had a lot of opinion, much to Jonathan Ross' annoyance. Hehe.

I don't know about everyone else, but I really enjoyed Daz Sampson's performance and I think he has a strong chance of being picked tonight.  He's definitely "Eurovision" material.

Second might be Kym, but again, she's just too hot.  Third might be Antony, because I think his performance was the best of all the lot.

The chosen one will be announced at 8:00pm tonight!


*************************

Update 8:30pm
----------------

Daz Sampson won! Haha! Yeah!!!

Antony came in a very close second.  Kym got knocked off the third spot by City Chix at the last minute.  Poor Kym.  Not to worry Kym, you're still extremely hot!  Anyway, I'm not going to bother with the rest.

On a sidenote, did anyone see what Natasha Kaplinsky wore this time round? It was a black sleeveless top which was semi-transparent in the chest area with a lot of folds.  I can't help but to look at it each time the camera points at her, trying to make out what was underneath.  She was also wearing a matching semi-transparent skirt with knee-high boots as well. What can I say? Well done Natasha, well done.

Anyway, the actual contest is held on May 20 in Athens this year.  All the best to Daz!!! Yeah!!!

Pictures of the contestants and more information about the show can be found on the BBC Radio 2's website.

Technorati Tags: culture, entertainment, seasonal

How Bizzare - Part 2

I woke up this morning and went straight to the kitchen downstairs to put the kettle on, when I realised that I was standing there naked from the waist down.  I went back upstairs into my bedroom to find my track bottoms on my bed, neatly folded.  Now I live all by myself. So...?

Technorati Tags: nonsense, personal