Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Allow me the priviledge to pen my post in Bahasa Melayu.

Tibalah masa di mana muslimin dan muslimat mengakhiri sebulan puasa dan bersama menyambut hari yang dinantikan iaitu, Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Rumah dihiasi dengan pelbagai perhiasan, langsir ditukar dan lantai dibersih untuk menyambuat kedatangan saudara mara dan kawan yang datang untuk bertegur sapa serta menjamu selera dengan juadah yang hanya dapat dirasai pada masa ini. Keinginan untuk menjamu rasa daging rendang, roti jala, ketupat, lemang, dodol dan lain lain membuat lidah aku berair.

Ramai diantara rakan kerja saya telah mengambil cuti panjang untuk balik ke kampung untuk meraikan hari yang muhibbah ini. Jalan-jalan di Kuala Lumpur yang biasa sesak dengan kereta nampak lapang. Masa untuk ke bandar yang biasanya mengambil 1 hingga 2 jam untuk sampai dikurangkan kepada setengah jam atau lebih baik lagi 15 minit. Apabila saya ke pejabat hari ini, kereta yang biasa membanjiri jalan raya tidak kenampakan. Saya boleh mengambil masa sendiri serta meletak kereta saya di bawah basement yang biasanya penuh apabila saya tiba to tempat kerja. Suasana di pejabat sunyi serta kelihatan agak kosong. Hanya segelintir orang kelihatan yang terdiri daripada ahli kumpulan saya yang terpaksa datang untuk memberi 'support' kepada negara yang tidak cuti seperti Australia, Hong Kong, Phillipines dan China. Ini memberi kesan kepada permintaan yang biasa diterima dari e-mel atau panggilan menampakkan kekurangan. Ini memboleh saya sedikit masa untuk menulis di blog saya serta membuat latihan yang biasanya tidak dapat dilakukan pada hari yang normal.

Dengan itu, saya ingin mengucapkan...

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Maaf Zahir & Batin.

kepada semua muslimin dan musliman di Malaysia serta di serata dunia yang menyambut hari ini. Harap anda semua dapat menyanbut hari yang mulia ini dengan penuh kegembiraan. Bagi mereka yang ingin melawat dan menikmati suasana rumah terbuka, senarai rumah terbuka di seluruh negara boleh didapati di sini.

Untuk mengakhiri 'post' saya, nikmatilah iklan Petronas yang selalu meninggalkan kesan nostalgia di hati kita.

Iklan Petronas 2005

Iklan Petronas 2006

Iklan TV3 2006 (Star Wars Parody)

Beautiful

The match between Arsenal and Reading was simply indescribable. Speechless. Classic. Beautiful football was indeed witness in this game as Arsenal trash Reading 4-0 with some exquisite team work and passes that exposes Reading defences. If you had missed the match, here is a snippet of some beautiful play.



I could still remember the year when I began to be interested in football. It was the year 1998 after the World Cup in France. My attention was drawn to a particular midfielder who caught my attention and drove me to want to know more about the club he plays for, Arsenal. Emmanuel Petit. The combination of Petit and Viera who marshalled the midfield to such excellance that it brought about the treble for Arsenal.

It was a starting point in my life when I began to be interested in football. Many of my friends were knowledgable in the football scene. Most of the conversation that I had with them seem to align with the football scene. I was indeed lost. The calculation of points in the table. The different position involve in football. The players in a team. The transfer saga that goes about during the open window. These topics were all but jargons to me. It was then I started to learnt about football by reading papers. When Internet came into my life during university, my source of news was to be Soccernet. It was during this time I had undergone a daily informative training of what football is all about which in turn enhances my admiration for the club I adore so much, Arsenal Football Club.

<

Arsene Wenger can be by far the best manager I have seen so far. My admiration goes to a point of his ability to spot raw talent and turn them into superstars. There are many real life stories in Arsenal in which young talents come in and develop into extraordinary players. Its like jagged stone being polish into a gem. I can say no one in the Premier League or even at any club in the world is able to have this gift of spotting talents.

Its hard to state my preferences on my best player in the team considering Arsenal is a team orientated team whereby no one stands out individually but they stand out as a team. By far, my favourite would be Thierry Henry for his exquisite class and ability to create and score beautiful goals and Cesc Fabregas for his ability to fill the void that had been left from the departure of Viera and the ability to fill in any part of the midfield whether it be attacking or defensive. I also admire...

Toure for his all out defensive stature that at times can be a towering effort for most team,
Eboue for his perfect pin point crosses in the deep end that had created many beautiful goals,
Hleb for his intricate move and trickery to go against defence,
Van Persie for his pace and grit to shoot at any chances available,
Rosicky for his lapping runs and shooting ability from afar,
The strong and ever brave Lehmann who have proven his worth as a difficult keeper to beat, minus the antics that he displays that catches people of guard.

The players that I mention are all in their twenties expect for Cesc for is 19 and Lehmann who is 37. A young but matured squad. Players that I hope to see more of is the towering Adebayor in getting the ball in the box, Gallas shift into the middle from leftback of defence partnering Toure for a formidable pair, the rising of Clichy in leftback after the departed Ashley Cole, the emergence of Flamini who had done well as a cover in both midfield and defence, the recovery of Abou Diaby and the rising start we all see in Theo walcott who resemble King Henry.

The more I go on about speaking about the talents that Arsenal have I would not stop. It is evident each time you watch an Arsenal game and irrespective of the outcome of the game, one will always be entertain by team Arsenal. I can't wait for their next game that Arsenal will play whether it be in Carling Cup, Premiership or Champions League. Thanks to Youtube I wouldn't miss any match despite not having Astro.

Star Wars Shortened

Jedi Master Terry sent me a very interesting video link from Youtube. Star Wars Shortened. A must see for all who are interested in watching a condensed theatrical version of the Star Wars movie. Enjoy!

Star Wars Shortened Part 1

Star Wars Shortened Part 2

Star Wars Condensed on Sky News

Disclaimer: Video are highly recommended by the Jedi Master himself, Terry. Thanks dude!

Love Conquers All

Malaysian conquers at film fest. Director's quiet and elegant love story wins major award in South Korea.

This was the headlines read on page 47 in the World section. Wow! US$30,000 was the prize money. A local film maker Tan Chi Mui have set the stage again for another accomplishment in Malaysian movie. I must say we are being recognise globally for our work. Unfortunately, this is not the case in our own back yard. Though I know that art films may at times be rather slow in nature, I hope to catch a glimpse of it when it reaches our local cinemas. But before that, would be catching Rain Dogs when it opens in GSC on 26 October 2006.

Trailer 1

Trailer 2

Pop Up

As I waited for my 'char kuay teow' to be 'tapau', I headed to the nearest shop to get the day papers. It is not often I buy newspapers since my company provides Sun for my daily dosage of the news coverage. Just wanted to grab a piece of the news considering that it was the weekend and I believe there would be some interesting news or stories to read.

Paper engineering. Paper artist. It caught my attention. An interesting article written by "The Star" resident author on books, Daphne Lee who apparently have an intesting blog on books as well. The article can be read in Lifestyle column of the Star page 20 under Reads column.

It was pretty interesting to the elements of art and presentation of stories in a rather fun and interesting manner where pictures can be displayed in a 3-dimentional fashion which would help rouse creativity. In my mind, I feel like getting hold of these books, not as book collection but an art piece considering that it is made by hand. I love the intrinsic details being put in bringing to life stories such as "Alice in Wonderland", "Jungle Book" or "Wizard of Oz". What was more interesting is the book on Star Wars which this dynamic duo would be releasing come fall 2007 which I believe Terry would simply get his hands at it. Maybe I might be the first to.

Here are some interesting links that I manage to search that may get you interested in pop-up books.

Robert Sabuda
Matthew Reinhart
Mark Hiner
Kami-Kobo
Ron van der Meer
Keith Mosley
Nick Bantock
David Hawcock
Jonathan Emmett
John Patience
Joan Irvine
Wonderful World of Pop-Up And Animated Books

A Journey Through The Scriptures

Time 9.30pm. I was late. My initial plan to wake up at 8am for church went down the drain when I saw the time. It was already too late for me to go to church considering that I intend to visit Acts Church, the church I attend when I'm working weekends. By the time I get out from bed and have a quick shower, it would be already 10am and by then, the service would be mid way. So, I decided to get my Daily Bread and do my devotion with it before I headed out to the nearest shop for lunch and I'm on my way to work. Its rather rare that I do my devotion. I do admit this and hope to be able to do it consistently which I fail most of the time. Sigh!

Well, today devotional material was about, "It is finished" which spoke about Christ death on the Cross and His purpose on Earth. It is true that we have dreams and most of the time these dreams are hard to realised. We have plans, dreams and resolution penned out yet its so hard to accomplish all we have set out to do. Distraction come into the picture and find ourselves deviating from what we have set out to do. At times, I do find it frustrating but I guess it takes alot of perseverance and faith to have our dreams realised.

The passage of the day was taken from John 19:25-30. I decided to read the entire chapter just to know what it is all about. There were many thoughts that went through my mind at the point of reading it.

The law was mentioned. It seems that the law had been used by the people to fulfill His destiny on the Cross.

Pilate believed that Jesus was indeed the King of the Jews. It explains why he procrastinated with the public on Jesus cruxifition to a point that he could even make a decision of not letting Jesus to be crucified. Pressure from the public drove him to make a decision of crucifition yet he made it a point to uphold Jesus among the people who were against Him.

What is significance of Gabbatha (Stone Pavement) and Golgotha (place of the Skull). What is the relation between these two places?

The details of the prophecy to a point it describe the action being played out.

"Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it."
"They divided my garments among them and cast lots for my clothing."

Jesus said, "I am thirsty."
A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips.

"Not one of his bones will be broken,"and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."
But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water

The preparation of Jesus burial was arranged by two man named Joseph of Arimathea (disciple who feared the Jews) and Nicodemus (a member of the Jewish ruling council, Pharisees). What is the significance of these two men with Jesus's burial?

Alot of revelation can be expounded from this passage. Its funny how I have begun to appreciate each verse the Bible have. Never have I appreciated it that much. I wonder why at the time have I begun to display an interest in the words that is spoken. Its not that I don't before but appreciating it which makes me wonder what it means.

Happy Deepavali

The festival of lights. The indian community in Malaysia will celebrate their most auspicious celebration of the year. Friends and family will throng the many open houses available where glorious food will be serve. Mutton curry, Chicken Curry, Putu Mayam, Tosei (my favourtie), Capati, Dhal and not forgetting the Muruku. In my deepest thought, I can think of the sweet coconut candy. Yummy!

As our nation goes on a long holiday considering that Hari Raya Aidilfitri will take place in a few days times, office if empty. Highways are jam. Small towns and kampungs will be flooded with people. On the other hand, its the same for me as I am required to work through this festive season so that I can get my break in Christmas and Chinese New Year. Yes, working in IT support does not allow one the luxury of enjoying your festive seasons but I am still able to live with it. Everytime I think of how nice it is to be like the rest to be able to enjoy holidays, I sit and think of those who do not have such luxuries for example security guards, police, soldiers, and promoter at supermarket. It just a holiday. I guess Malaysians are spoilt for choice considering the number of holidays we have. If you stay in states like Selangor, Negeri Sembilan or other states, these holidays amount the most. Some are holidays you don't really need a holiday. That is why I got use to working during holidays. At least I get a parking space in the basement and have the freedom of space and time to do what I cannot do during normal weekdays.

For those celebrating Deepavali, Happy Deepavali! As a token of greeting, checked out Petronas advert. There is also one on Hari Raya. Thanks to Youtube, I was able to scour the site for other Petronas Deepavali ad. Brings back good memories and how these advertisement have developed, thanks to Yasmin Admad flair in telling a story on diversity. Sit back and relax. The Hari Raya ads will preview in the coming post.

Petronas Deepavali Advert 1998 -2001
Petronas Deepavali Advert 2000
Petronas Deepavali Advert 2002



My favourite until this year's advert,

A Trip Down Kajang

What to do on Friday? A good question. Guess Fridays is the day in the week where most working individuals like myself look forward to.

The end of the hectic weekday, the beginning of restless weekend.

I decided to take a trip down Kajang. It has been quite some time since I had ventured to this rustic down known by many as the haven for Satay. I did miss eating Satay Kajang in K-town. The famous Haji Samuri Satay Kajang could now be found even other states as well. Though I wish I could got myself a few sticks of the succulent satay, it would be for another day. Join the Kajang lads, Don and Sanny for dinner at one of the local Chinese Restaurant. It was beginning to rain. The town was packed with people wanting to do their last minute shopping prior to Deepavali, the festival of light the following day.

Don then brought me around Kajang town to sight see. Though it was dark and there were hardly much one can see especially when it was raining, it open my eyes to another side of Kajang which I have not seen. Cluttered would be the word to describe. It used to be not as cluttered. Development had caused the town to shrink as building are errated all over the place. We stop at one of the supposedly famous "Sup Daging" stall. A good weather to be stopping for a bowl of soup. The cold trickling raindrops coupled with a steaming hot bowl of 'sup daging'. I've drank better soup before. Maybe it was due to the starchyness that is not up to my liking. All in all it was a good bowl of soup and an interesting conversation with Don. One of those moments when you can have a decent talk. A conversation that is not all the time about lame jokes and crap. A sharing of life, faith and deepest thoughts.

I truly enjoy one-to-one conversation. An oppurtunity to know someone better. Its quite a rare occasion to even have one considering our busy schedules. More to come, I hope.

Open Season

The machas were out again for another weekly meeting, this time with a movie. It was just the three of us; Don, Kelvin and myself as we made our way to Kota Damansara for a night with "Open Season", the new animated movie which we happened to catch on the date of the premierre as well. Both Kel and myself were left scavenging for food as we awaited the Don to arrive. My initial attempt to try Ikea Buka Puasa feast was unfortunately unsuccesful as it was full house and there was a long line eager to wait in queue for a taste of Swedish buka puasa. Come to think of it, RM15.90 for buffet dinner is quite a bargain which explain the crowd who were there. I had a sneak peak at people's plate, not all were licked clean giving me an impression that it was either they were full or the food was not up to satisfaction. Hard to say but I knew the cakes look extremely appertising. Well, maybe it could be that I was very hungry.

Both of us then ended up at one of the cafe between Ikea and Ikano named "Big Ben". The food was so-so considering I was pretty disappointed by the presentation of my half roast chicken which looks pathetic. Fortunately, it did not suck as it cost the same as the Ikea dinner. Kel had a mixed platter which look good. The ice kacang was quite worth the money considering of its size and could easily accomodate two people. Overall, not a recommended place to go to if there are other options available.

This would be my third animation of the year after "Over the Hedge" and "Cars". The three machas headed to Cinema 7 (which was sponsored by Nokia) to catch the movie. Trailers started to be show. Not easy to get us to be in the cinema hall early for trailer. We usually stroll into the cinema 10-15 minutes from entrance time. As we entered, we managed to catch a very interesting Japanese movie. Can't remember the name of the movie but it had to do with some superhero. Seems quite cool let alone I've not seen a Japanese movie in a cinema before. Have always wanted to watch one of those Jap or Korean movies which coincidently are mostly love stories. It would be weird to be calling the machas to watch Asian love stories where the ideal person to watch with would be a girl.

Anyway, Open season begun. The summary from IMDB,

"A grizzly bear named Boog (Martin Lawrence), domesticated by a park ranger, Beth, helps deer friend Elliot (Ashton Kutcher) escape from the mullet-sporting hunter, Shaw. When the animals escape to the forest the pair become lost just as hunting season begins, made worse by the fact Boog doesn't know how to survive outside of his beloved ranch. Elliott and Boog develop a strong bond not only between themselves but also with the wild animals and attempt to drive the hunters out of the forest."

It was quite a hilarious show considering that I laugh most of it. I soon began to compare the show with "Over the Hedge" considering that animals were involved. I still prefered "Over the Hedge". By far, its the best animation I've seen this year mainly because of the jokes that were involved which got me in stitches from the very beginning until the end of the show. Not many shows can do that to you but it did. As I was discussiing with Kelvin, it was indeed the character that was involve in the movie. Much better developed as compared to "Open Season" which saw many characters but some seem to be there but not stand out. I was histerical everytime when the porcupine decided to do his impromptu appearance in the movie.

"Buddy!" That line really caught me unaware and got my bursting into laughter. Simple yet its presence was felt. Its what one would call, "Keh Leh Feh" character. There were some scenes that reminded me of Narnia especially the attack of the forest animal and the hunter. Graphically it was quite good, quite relistic fur and water elements. Well, can't compare to "Mr Incredible" graphics which was outstanding. A good movie to watch just for the fun of it. Enjoy the trailer!

A Revelation in The Feeding of the Five Thousand

Dad mentioned about New Creation church as he came back from work. One of his collegue actually listen to the messages online. I remember attending this church when I was in Singapore. It was a culture shock for me. One is to see a pastor who was like a celebrity while another was see lines of people queueing up for church, something which is very uncommon in Malaysia. As we sat over the table for dinner while opening the online sermon messages which was available via video steaming. Technology nowadays allow us to spread the message in whatever form possible. If you are free, have a listen and I know that you be blessed as much as I have.

It was interesting to see a young and vibrant deliver a message, a message that we commonly hear and know of. The story about the five loaves and two fishes (Luke 6:1-13).

1Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias),
2and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the miraculous signs he had performed on the sick.
3Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples.
4The Jewish Passover Feast was near.
5When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?"
6He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
7Philip answered him, "Eight months' wages[a] would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!"
8Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 9"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"
10Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them.
11Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
12When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted."
13So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

It was rather interesting as he expounded on each of the verses. Hearing these verses in depth brought a revelation that each statement made had a meaning, a powerful meaning when it is cross reference with other verses or the historical details of the Bible. One of the powerful teachings that caught my attention was verse 11, "Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish." As much as they wanted.

God blessing is continuous and every flowing. When He gives, there is no stopping. The stopping comes when we say that it is enough. God limit the flow of blessings when we say it is enough. Do we limit God? Yes, all the time because God never limits. That is why when when he blessed, they couldn't even stop it. In the end there was left with 12 busket. Why 12? Initially, I never realise the significance of the number. It could be that each busket was for the disciples who had helped during the feeding of the five thousands. Or it could be that could purposely left 12 busket as an indication that He always remember the Jews, the chosen people despite him leaving to minister to the Gentiles (verse 1). God's favour upon His chosen generation.

As much as the revelation I had received from listening to this one and half sermon messages, there were a couple of things that bothered me. The idea of commercialisation in the church especially those that have a huge amount of congregration. The likes of New Creation, City Harvest, Hillsongs. All spell out mega churches. Its amazing to see the growth they have gone through. However, its another side to see how commercial it has became. I sit and wonder sometimes is this all necessary. Pastors are put on pedestals where their name are publicise. Joseph Prince. Kong Hee. Brian Houston. Jesus?

I choose to believe that each church whether it be big or small are made for a purpose, to reach out to the various types of people group with different type of preferences on what church is like. However, at times I find it hard to comprehend the irony of living a humble life as compared to a life of popularity and fame. Is this the result of success? Are we able to project ourselves in a way that we had done this on our own strength. If not, shouldn't the glory or appreciation be extended to God himself and not our individual self. Pride may soon set in unnoticely. Its debatable. But debates are neverending unless we choose to stand on our grounds on certain aspects of church, a principle that would keep us on par with his teaching and not caused us to fall away into darkness.

Time

Time. 24 hours a day.

Each second, each minute, each hour.

It bounds our everyday life whether we like it or not.

Eight hours of sleep, Eight hours of work,
An hour for lunch, an hour for dinner, half hour each for either breakfast or tea.
Five hours left for either a trip to the cinema, hanging out with friends at the local mamak stall, surfing the Net, blogging, indulging in a hobby, lazying around or spending it all at work.

A day has gone by. A month seem to pass by. A quarter emerges. A year vanishes.

Time. We are all bound by it.

I try to find a time in life where our life are not bounded by time. It doesn't exist. Even being in God's house is bounded by time.

Punctuality. Being on time. Starting on time. Ending on time.
1/2 hour for praise and worship
45 minute for sermon.
People come, people leave.
The whole cycle repeats week in week out.
A ritual, a religious activity

I stop and think. Is time that important in life? It is. No doubt about it.

Without time, we will not be able to finish our work that we had plan for.
Without time, we will be late for our appointment or even an important interview.
Without time, we will just be wasted lazying around and thinking we have all the time in the world.

Though time is important, I do wish at times time should not be a measure for everything. Time can at times be a boundary for many of us. I for one do not like boundaries.

Boundaries is something I find a struggle with. Mainly a struggle to express myself. Maybe because a huge part of my life was bounded by boundaries.

Couldn't do this. Couldn't do that.

Without boundaries, I am myself.

I am comfortable doings things. I am comfortable giving ideas, strategising and planning. I am comfortable being me.

However, I must admit at times I need boundaries. Boundaries that would keep me from straying from being me. A balance in boundaries set upon ourselves in order to develop to become who we are, what we are meant to be.

Well, I guess I do wish that time does not exist. Not for time to stop but the absence of time. What would it be? I don't know. Just imagining how chaotic it maybe without time.

Wow! How they do that?

How to start a company without much modal?

I have always thought that starting a company requires a huge modal. The need to save a lump some of cash or get a loan from the bank to start a business. I believe that the conventional way of starting a business. However, I was surprised when I was told how one person manage to start up a production company with just a rented office, two PC and a couple of tables and chairs. This production manage to break even within the year and have not grown to become the only private production company that is capable of producing a life show. These show are not your normal shows but shows that is seen by the thousands of Malaysians. One would imagine the workforce behind this production company that is able to produce series and shows on TV. However, you be shock to know that it only takes 11 people to produce all of these show. The dirty dozen as some may call them.

How do they do that?

One leg kick, as the Chinese describe. Able to do almost everything in production. Filming, Conty, Editing, Scripting, Producing. Everything you can think of in production anyone of the eleven is able to fill in. It seems like huge task. No specialisation. But I understand what they means. Its not only in production only. Its even in IT as well. The ability to know everything.

It was a rather amazing conversation to know that it takes more than money to start a business. What is needed is ideas and passion for the industry in order to build a succesful business. It does give encouragement to aspiring entrepreneur. Interesting!

The Devil Wears Prada

This is no chick flick. Yes, not a chick flick.

Looks can be deceiving. Heard of good reviews from this show and when the call came to watch it, I gladly took the oppurtunity. It was from a group of friends I knew but were not that close with. An oppurtunity to watched with a different group of people namely Esther, Joshua, Kae Ee, Michelle and Jason. Off we met at Summit, a place I used to go for my movies which I had now progress to either GSC 1U or Cathay Cineplex.

Fashion was the outer clothing for this show. A fresh grad looking to start her career as a reporter ends up in a famous fashion magazine company. To be the assistant of the self absorb, demanding and fashion sensitive editor. Without any sense of fashion or knowledge of what the fashion world is all about, she was roped in mainly to prove if a smart fat girl could peform in the ever demanding fashion world. It was rather challenging to adapt to the demands of the editor but her perseverance soon paid out as she was able to not only perform but also transform herself into a fashion accentric girl. As demands increases, her personal life soon faded away. Life was more about work than about being herself. The change was so fast that she did not even realise who she had become. Her relationship with her boyfriend and friends began to be affected. It was difficult. But the temptation were great. Meeting with various editor of various magazine and publishing was something hard to say no to. It would be a pathway to accomplishing her dream job.

Realisation soon set in that life is more than achieving one's dream or goal in life. Was it worth giving up who she really was? Not if it was going to affect everything that had come to love and cherish; family and friends.

I could still recall watching Princess Diaries when I saw one of the most beautiful actress I have seen in ages. The purity that personifies through her acting caught my attention. Not forgetting her great features whereby the width of her mouth could be liken to Julia Roberts. It was sad to hear that she had gone to reveal more than she should in her recent movies which distorted her purity which everyone had come to appreciate. I saw that purity and innocence once again in this movie. Anne Hathaway did a great job portraying a naive and ignorant fresh grad who soon became a fashion icon herself. Merryl Streep who played the boss was outstanding. Her grey hair reminded me abit of Glenn Close in 101 Dalmation. Besides these actresses, it was the clothes from famous designers like James Holt, Dolce & Gabbana, Lagerfield and the whole lot of designers that adorn Anne Hathaway that was simply the Wow factor of the show. Boy, she was HAWT!

Choices was inner message that the movie tried to portray. In every circumstance that we are in, choices are needed to be made. Even at times when you think that we do not have a choice, we actually do. It is up to us to stand up and make those choices. At times, it is hard. Temptation is great especially when it comes to achieving our personal goal. A measure that can be taken to see if our decision are rightly made is the effect it has with people around us. At times, it is better to forget about our dreams because people are more important.

"What good is it if a man gain the whole world, yet looses his soul." Do not loose yourself. Enjoy the trailer.

Home Alone

Alone. No one around. Parents and sis were in KL. I had return home because I was scheduled to play. It was quiet. I didn't feel like going out. Lazy. Just wanted to be a slob. Sat in front of the TV and channel surf.

In my idleness............................................................

Some were good, some were not.
Felt a sense of loneliness.
Wish I had someone to talk to.
To share my thoughts, to be heard.
I began to recall a friend whom I used to talk to. We could talk about anything under sun.
It felt good.
I lost that friend as time past.
It was difficult at first. I soon began to get used to it.
I missed those times.
Now, much of my thought are kept within. At times, some may hear of it. Much is still within.
I am still waiting for such a friend.
A friend I could talk to.
A simple request, a difficult respond.

Career have started.
A year or so have passed.
I enjoy working.
No exams. No studying.
Perfect for someone like me.
At times it gets hectic, at times it just plain sailiing.
Love to contribute. Love to initiate.
Despite the tight deadlines and the urgency of certain issues, I like it.
Something different instead of the mundane routine of work.
Answering calls, Attending to emails, Logging tickets.
Working with various people.
A challenge.
Where do I go from here? Do I stay? Do I move on?
Alot to think about. I wonder if this is neccessary.
Constantly reminded to live by the day.
How can I if I do not plan?

One of the fear that human have is inability to control a situation.
Unable to plan. Unable to see where the future is heading. Unable to do anything.
Handicapped.
Trust God?
Hard to follow especially when you would need to leave everything and Let God.
No control.
Uncertainty.
What do the future holds?
Where are we going?
Outsourcing?
SAP? Leadership? Management? Business? Passion?

Am I falling way?
Serve in church but not active.
Do not attend CG, Do not attend Young Adult
Undecided over Drama Ministry
Commitment. Can I?
Feeling neglected. Feeling out of place.
Am I not comfortable? Am I just avoiding because of pride?
Who can I be accountable to?
Distant.

Feeling dejected.
No respond. Silence.
Is there something wrong with me?
I feel. I think. I'm scared to tell.
Scared of rejection
I don't want to regret.
Trying to care. Trying to be a friend. Trying to give encouragement.
I see potential.
I don't know why but I know.
I struggle. Tried to erase it yet the thought still looms.
I dreamt.
Is it the coming of age? Is it time? When is the right time?
Shall I pray? Shall I fast?
I want to share the joy. To share.
To learn to be a better person. To complement. To support. To grow up.

Family.
Love them.
Yet I struggle.
A hedge of protection. Protective.
Still treated as a kid.
When can I be treated seriously despite the playful side of me?
Should I change to being serious to be taken seriously?
Am I a joke or just a good boy?
I want to take control of my life. To do things I would like to do.
Life is short. My dreams are big. How can I fulfill it?
Am I selfish to think of doing my own things?
Independance.
Can I be trusted? Can you let me go?
Am I mixing with a bad company?
Have I change?
I just need some encouragement.
I cry. The sensitive part of me.

TV. Media. Advertisement. Entertainment. Popularity.
Being in the spotlight.
Shooting a film. Getting involve in theatre. Having my own event company.
How do I get there? When is the right time?
Should I follow my heart? Should I remain where I am?
I wanna be creative. It is through creativity that I find myself.
To be able to innovate. To exchange ideas. To visualise.
Pictures is what I see. Words I hope to read.

Open. Transparent. Good.
Lost at times.
I need You. Can I overcome it? How? When?
Purity. Holiness. Habit.
I think too much. Life is simple with direction.

.............................A rambling of my thoughts.Blah!

Shake & Bake

Excellant reviews. I had to see it.

It was a night out with the machas. Mat was back and we were off to our favourite hangout venue, 1 Utama. Dinner was planned prior to the movie. In the end, it was myself, Terry and Kelvin who were game for dinner. After much consideration, we decided to head to TGI Fridays for some spoilings. Rm39.90. A set dinner of a main course, starters and dessert. Quite a decent price for a meal. We decided to go with our main course but choose a different starters and dessert from the menu so that we could have a taste of everything. Food was alright. Nothing really that outstanding that would caused me to come back for more. Service on the other hand was horrible. It took some time for a waiter to get our orders, have our dessert arrived considering we were catching time and calling for the bill that took ages to come. Not a pleasant experience but couldn't care less as we were rushing for our movie, as usual.

Taladega Nights? I finally manage to say it out after having some problem just pronouncing that name. Talalageda lah, Talalaladegala lah. Aiyo! Even Mat's uncle thought it was a Tamil movie.

It was quite an interesting movie. There were a couple of good laughter while there were some they didn't really tickle me that much. Being an American movie, the jokes at times missed the mark. It was hard to laugh and enjoy the movie thoroughly, thanks to the not so enthusiastic crowd that created a not so condusive enviroment of laughter. For me, it was an alright movie but the other machas really enjoyed themselves. We were like the only group of people laughing our heads off while there were a few giggles going around in the hall. It did felt strange and stupid but we that didn't deter us from laughing.

Will Farrel can really be a joke with a straight face. Its rather confusing, whether to laugh or to be serious. I didn't recognise Ali G. Though that he was the guy with ski cap, dark glasses and a moustache. He apparently was thin, clean shaven and could see he had hair on his head. His supposedly French accent was simply a laughing stock.

Comedies a great fun to watch especially when you be watching serious movies for quite some time. I do like comedies, if the jokes is funny. However, I still prefer dramas and movies that have a story behind it. Feels its worth the money I pay for a ticket. Maybe I'm the type that prefer movie with substance, a message that can be conveyed that can either encourage the audience or spur a thought or two. Well, thats my preference but don't let my comments deter you because like they say "A good movie is in the eye of the audience that watches it". Forget about reviews, a movie is good if you like it.

Here's a a sneak preview of the movie. Enjoy!