14 January 2011
I am not too sure why I suggested Egypt when my parents asked me to suggest an alternative holiday destination. We were planning a trip to New Zealand, but the flights were all fully booked. I really wanted to visit New Zealand: Middle Earth, land of sheep, and southern most landmass before Antarctica.
Perhaps the image of Egypt was stuck on my mind. I remember Dr Woods showing off his photos just 3 months ago. Or could it be the image of Devastator climbing the pyramids in Revenge of the Fallen. Or could it be the adventures of Jack in Matthew Reily’s books I have just read last month. Or is it the references of Egyptian culture and art in the Uldum zone in Cataclysm.
Whatever it was, it is becoming a reality.
After booking the tickets, the preparation started. It was also the end of my internship, which is another emotional rollercoaster for me, which I shall not dwell upon this time. It was a 2-week period of tightening things up at work, cleaning up my house, getting my life organised and packing up. I was also part of the Valete Dinner, which is another story to tell.
Before I knew it, I was already on my way to the Adelaide Airport. It was very strange to find out that the driver was the same driver who picked me up from the airport after my Canberra trip. I was surprised he remembered me and even remembered what I wore at that time. Unfortunately, I have no recollection of him, but I recalled what I wore; my blue UWA jumper. Small world.
I arrived at the airport, checked in, had breakfast, boarded the plane, occupied 2 seats, stretched out thinking that this flight is like the most expensive movie theatre with good service. I browsed through the inflight entertainment catalogue and found movies that I wanted to watch surprisingly. I managed to catch 2 and 2 halves of a movie. Megamind was hilarious, Christmas Carol was scary, and both of them would have been nice in 3D. Megamind was straightforward, nothing much to say about it. Christmas Carol’s dialogue was hard to understand but I caught the gist of it. But it was not as exciting as the story is well known.
The other two movies were Eat, Pray Love and Life As We Know It. Julia Robert’s film was dry and I eventually dozed off, mostly because I was dread tired after the 2 weeks of sleep deprivation. I didn’t know what direction the movie was headed and it wasn’t comedic, so I decided not to continue watching the movie. Life As We Know It was better, AND THE BABY WAS SO CUTE!!! Sadly, I could not watch the ending as by that time, I was fast approaching Singapore.
Received a few messages on my phone, one of them regarding me leaving my car in the parking lot. To think that I have been parking in the streets all this time, subjected to vandals before, in the harsh weather, and they had to make a complaint that I parked inside the compound. Such is life.
I wasn’t going to let that tie me down and headed to my sister’s place. It was a MRT ride of memories, thinking of my time in Singapore. I can’t believe it has been 10 years now since I have left the country. This was where I first learnt my independence, where I started growing a conscience and character and personality. This was where I became the person I am now. It was a long tiring ride from Changi to Clementi.
Then, the moment I have been waiting for, for a year, I finally get to play with my niece. She is as cute as I remembered her, grown bigger and has more personality, defiant little princess, loud piercing lallation. She proudly parades around with her 3 favourite toys, her bolster, doggie and platypus. She had stranger anxiety at first, so she was wary of me. It took her a few hours to warm up, but by that time, we were already heading off to the airport for our next league.
Showing posts with label Movie Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movie Review. Show all posts
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Monday, January 03, 2011
The Greatest
"I knew this boy... who was really wonderful to me. The first time I saw him was in freshman English. He wore a baseball hat on the first day of school, and our teacher made him take it off and his hair was all pasted on top of his head, and he smiled at me while he tried to fix it. We watched each other after that. And I started to feel like I knew him. I looked at his yearbook picture so often I knew his face by heart. Our senior year I took piano, and he had soccer, so we would pass each other every day after school in the exact same spot. And it became something I looked forward to. So much so that I could tell you all the days that he was absent because those were the days I was disappointed. And sometimes he would look at me, sometimes he would turn away, and sometimes it would be so intense that we would start looking at each other from the very beginning of the steps. And then on the last day... he talked to me. And everything he said was exactly how I pictured it would be. And he felt the way he felt in my dreams and I thought everything was happening exactly the way it was supposed to. And I was the happiest I've ever been. Happy and scared all at the same time.And if he had signed my belly he would have written something comforting. I was in love with him. That's why I'm keeping this baby. I was in love with him for four years. I barely knew him, but everything was exactly how I imagined it, everything was just how I pictured it. I had to keep this baby. I think he was the love of my life." -Rose
A beautiful sad tale, about a family dealing with grief after the loss of the son... Made me shed a tear...
A beautiful sad tale, about a family dealing with grief after the loss of the son... Made me shed a tear...
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Gulliver's Travels
I have to say, I didn't enjoy the movie. I only remember 2 things that were funny enough to laugh out loud. Rest of it was painful, and a complete waste of 3D effects. Even the introduction short film, Scrat's Adventures, was a pathetic waste of 3D resources. You would not know the difference if it was in 2D. Really. Wasteful. Painful.
I also this remake of a classic. Jack Black's character just reminds me of Ben Stiller's movies, which is really annoying. It's just about a guy who tries so hard to be someone he is not, trying to act cool or macho without the desired effect, and just digs his own grave even deeper.
Yes, it spawned from insecurity and cowardice, something I am very familiar with. But this is just an extreme of what is capable. I guess that is my take home message from the movie, be honest even though it hurts your ego.
So the two funny parts:
Gulliver putting out the fire
Re-invention of brand names and slogans. G-pod.
I also this remake of a classic. Jack Black's character just reminds me of Ben Stiller's movies, which is really annoying. It's just about a guy who tries so hard to be someone he is not, trying to act cool or macho without the desired effect, and just digs his own grave even deeper.
Yes, it spawned from insecurity and cowardice, something I am very familiar with. But this is just an extreme of what is capable. I guess that is my take home message from the movie, be honest even though it hurts your ego.
So the two funny parts:
Gulliver putting out the fire
Re-invention of brand names and slogans. G-pod.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Skyline
What do you get if you cross the protagonists of District 9 and War of the Worlds?
Skyline.
What do you get when you combine brain hunting zombies with alien technology?
Skyline.
What do you get if Independence Day and War of the Worlds had no glimmer of hope?
Skyline.
The ideas behind Skyline isn't new. Aliens attack. Humans die. Humans fight back. What made it interesting was that:
1. Aliens had a purpose. Brains.
2. Humans die. But becomes fuel for aliens.
3. Humans fight back. And lose.
Similarities between zombies and Skyline aliens:
Both want brains.
Both don't want to stay dead.
Both have brains as weak points.
Both can't be stopped by the army.
Things I don't like about the movie:
Meaningless introduction. Kinda like bad scary movies, all about sex crazed teens.
Slow progression. Really a bunch of "No, we wait here where it's safe," vs "We have to get out of here."
Stupid characters who think they have it all figured out. I-am-cool-because-I-have-a-weapon attitude. Well, you died, they didn't. Nyeh.
Things I like about the movie:
Dog fights
|
Skyline.
What do you get when you combine brain hunting zombies with alien technology?
Skyline.
What do you get if Independence Day and War of the Worlds had no glimmer of hope?
Skyline.
The ideas behind Skyline isn't new. Aliens attack. Humans die. Humans fight back. What made it interesting was that:
1. Aliens had a purpose. Brains.
2. Humans die. But becomes fuel for aliens.
3. Humans fight back. And lose.
Similarities between zombies and Skyline aliens:
Both want brains.
Both don't want to stay dead.
Both have brains as weak points.
Both can't be stopped by the army.
Things I don't like about the movie:
Meaningless introduction. Kinda like bad scary movies, all about sex crazed teens.
Slow progression. Really a bunch of "No, we wait here where it's safe," vs "We have to get out of here."
Stupid characters who think they have it all figured out. I-am-cool-because-I-have-a-weapon attitude. Well, you died, they didn't. Nyeh.
Things I like about the movie:
Dog fights
|
Friday, January 01, 2010
The Curved Horizon and The Invention of Lying
For the first time, I noticed that the horizon was curved. Maybe it was the refraction caused by the multiple layers of the airplane window, or the effect of the sun setting right in the middle of my view, or maybe it was the fact that I was flying 5000m in the air. Whatever the case, the view was magnificent.
Only a thin redish glow across the horizon served as a reminder where the sun laid down to rest, the sky darkening above it as the night creeps in. There was a clear demarkation between the dark blue of the Indian Ocean and the diminishing warmph of the now orange sky, highlighting the curved horizon.
With some srange reason unknown to me, I was captivated by the scene as we flew further south.
We have always been taught that the Earth was spherical. Early astronomers and physicists were rediculed and condemned for postulating such theories. The world, then, was flat, and was at the centre of the universe. I can only imagine the ramifications will be if the scriptures of the holy books mentions that the Earth was indead the centre of the universe. Perhaps religion would fail back there and then.
The curved horison reminded me that Science prevailed that round, in the never ending debate between the delusions of evangelists and the dreams of scientists. I do not claim that science and religion are exclusive, but there are real grey areas which are stil being debated today, like evolution and creation of the universe.
I guess that is the human's need to seek the truth in all things...
Which brings me to a movie we just watched, "The Invention of Lying." What will happen if lying and falsehood and deceit never existed? The movie potrayed a really good example of what the world would be like.
What really got me thinking was, at the same time, the movie can also be called, "The Invention of Religion." The movie mocks the 10 commandments on two pizza boxes, describes the beauty of the afterlife which no one knew, potrays the evolution of procreation beyond genetics, starts the story of making a story, and even shows the delevoping of a conscience... All created from lying.
When did the human race start lying? Would religion come into play if not for lying? How can they believe that an afterlife exists when no one can truly tell us what lies beyond? What would the world really be like if not for lying? Would we even bother about seeking the truth about all things or would be just take everything for granted as it is?
It was a really good movie for my mind to watch right before the new year.
Happy New Year, everyone.
Only a thin redish glow across the horizon served as a reminder where the sun laid down to rest, the sky darkening above it as the night creeps in. There was a clear demarkation between the dark blue of the Indian Ocean and the diminishing warmph of the now orange sky, highlighting the curved horizon.
With some srange reason unknown to me, I was captivated by the scene as we flew further south.
We have always been taught that the Earth was spherical. Early astronomers and physicists were rediculed and condemned for postulating such theories. The world, then, was flat, and was at the centre of the universe. I can only imagine the ramifications will be if the scriptures of the holy books mentions that the Earth was indead the centre of the universe. Perhaps religion would fail back there and then.
The curved horison reminded me that Science prevailed that round, in the never ending debate between the delusions of evangelists and the dreams of scientists. I do not claim that science and religion are exclusive, but there are real grey areas which are stil being debated today, like evolution and creation of the universe.
I guess that is the human's need to seek the truth in all things...
Which brings me to a movie we just watched, "The Invention of Lying." What will happen if lying and falsehood and deceit never existed? The movie potrayed a really good example of what the world would be like.
What really got me thinking was, at the same time, the movie can also be called, "The Invention of Religion." The movie mocks the 10 commandments on two pizza boxes, describes the beauty of the afterlife which no one knew, potrays the evolution of procreation beyond genetics, starts the story of making a story, and even shows the delevoping of a conscience... All created from lying.
When did the human race start lying? Would religion come into play if not for lying? How can they believe that an afterlife exists when no one can truly tell us what lies beyond? What would the world really be like if not for lying? Would we even bother about seeking the truth about all things or would be just take everything for granted as it is?
It was a really good movie for my mind to watch right before the new year.
Happy New Year, everyone.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Vivendi ratio, Moriendi ratio, Amandi ratio, Pugnandi ratio
I feel that most apocalyptic movies try to potray different aspects of the end of times, mostly the good human qualities such as honour, justice, heroism, self-sacrifice... But 2012 showed many other real human reactions. Despite the cheesey storyline and exagerated graphics (which were still cool), I acually kind of like it.
How would you handle the end of days? Living life as there is no tomorrow? Drowning yourself in indulgence? Taking your own life to prove that you are stil in control? Doing what is good and right until the end? Congregate en mass in prayer? Make amends with long lost relationsships? Spending every last seconds with someone you love and care about?
What are you willing to do before the end? What are you willing to give in order to survive?
In 2012, they could only save a selected few. Who would you choose? This was like selecting the 23 people for the next Zion in the Matrix. You would want the brightest scientists, best leaders... I would also think they will select workers and fit and healthy people. But in reality, to undertake such a project, they needed so much funding that they have to sell seats to the rich and famous as well. And some of the rich and famous are not nice people... I felt that it became more of a political, business-like situation, which tickles me a lot.
It was so also hilariously iconic to see cameos of famous figures. Imagine a moderately obese lady with in a blue English schoolgirl outfit and matching blue bowler hat, carrying a big typically old lady handbag dragging her 2 Welsh Corgie dogs. Imagine an Autrian sounding blond in front of a podium annoucing to the people of LA that everything is alright.
Anyway, there were also many miniscule plots which at first I thought just wasted time, but actually potrayed these human reactions and added to my experience of the show. They could have done more destruction and less of the adventure stuff in the movie.
There were also many interpretations of the movie which I found interesting. Like how the 3 major developed continents (save Australia); North America, Europe, and Asia were the ones that made it... just like Christopher Columbus and his 3 ships found America... and how they ended up going to Africa, where human life first begin...
Concurrently, this movie just reminds me of my last two weeks here. It was all about goodbyes. I would probably never see any of my friends here in Perth anymore, not for a very long time. I hate to say goodbye to the people I care about. I said too many goodbyes these last two weeks. I am exhausted with all emotions that I have been feeling. I wish that we all can be in same ark, to start our new working lives together... I don't know what I would give to have that.
I will miss all of you...
How would you handle the end of days? Living life as there is no tomorrow? Drowning yourself in indulgence? Taking your own life to prove that you are stil in control? Doing what is good and right until the end? Congregate en mass in prayer? Make amends with long lost relationsships? Spending every last seconds with someone you love and care about?
What are you willing to do before the end? What are you willing to give in order to survive?
In 2012, they could only save a selected few. Who would you choose? This was like selecting the 23 people for the next Zion in the Matrix. You would want the brightest scientists, best leaders... I would also think they will select workers and fit and healthy people. But in reality, to undertake such a project, they needed so much funding that they have to sell seats to the rich and famous as well. And some of the rich and famous are not nice people... I felt that it became more of a political, business-like situation, which tickles me a lot.
It was so also hilariously iconic to see cameos of famous figures. Imagine a moderately obese lady with in a blue English schoolgirl outfit and matching blue bowler hat, carrying a big typically old lady handbag dragging her 2 Welsh Corgie dogs. Imagine an Autrian sounding blond in front of a podium annoucing to the people of LA that everything is alright.
Anyway, there were also many miniscule plots which at first I thought just wasted time, but actually potrayed these human reactions and added to my experience of the show. They could have done more destruction and less of the adventure stuff in the movie.
There were also many interpretations of the movie which I found interesting. Like how the 3 major developed continents (save Australia); North America, Europe, and Asia were the ones that made it... just like Christopher Columbus and his 3 ships found America... and how they ended up going to Africa, where human life first begin...
Concurrently, this movie just reminds me of my last two weeks here. It was all about goodbyes. I would probably never see any of my friends here in Perth anymore, not for a very long time. I hate to say goodbye to the people I care about. I said too many goodbyes these last two weeks. I am exhausted with all emotions that I have been feeling. I wish that we all can be in same ark, to start our new working lives together... I don't know what I would give to have that.
I will miss all of you...
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Adventures in Albany - Day 18
07.08.09 Happy birthday, Evonne Toh. ^_^
I finally managed to rent a car for the weekend. My driving skills are a bit rusty, but I got used to the car after a while. I remembered that I was a bit more scared at driving back when I helped Evelyn rent the ute. I don’t know why I was ok this time round. Maybe because it is an automatic? But I had fun driving around today.
I have the weekend planned out. Tomorrow I will be starting with a whaling tour in a slight shower. Hopefully the whales come out to play like they have been doing lately. I remembered that I love Humpback whales. I hope to catch a glimpse of them at least. I hope I hope I hope.
I also watched a Ben Aflek movie on TV, Man About Town. The movie was the journal of Jack, a successful man in the script writing industry. At the beginning, they show him in a journal writing class, which intrigued me. Lesson two, write about your secrets. It really felt wrong, to write about things like that. Journals are meant to be personal, but in the event that it gets stolen, these secrets will be exposed, like in the movie. However, the more I think about it, these secrets are the essence of any good story. Jack tells us his secrets, and in the process, we learnt why his wife cheated on him, and why she still loves him. I really like the movie.
It told me how to write journals.
It told me about taking that leap and going for what you dream and not sit there waiting for someone to take it away from you.
It told me about forgiving and forgetting.
I like the scene where the two of them stood across each other, with a salt water fish tank in the middle. Although they were face to face talking, they really were an ocean apart. The ending though, showed them IN the very same tank, together at last. I dunno if the writers purposely put that in, but I was intrigued with what I found. Maybe I read too much into the movie, but I took many lessons from it.
I was annoyed though, because my father called me halfway to tell me about my niece, just as they showed the climax of the movie. I missed out on the revelation between the two of them. I missed out on the play of words used during their telephone conversation, as his responses were applied to multiple listeners. Now I have to get a copy of the movie so that I can watch it again.
At the end of the day, I commend on the script writers and the creators of the movie, for such an interesting movie. I hope that I can improve my journal writing skills. I feel like creating another blog, and make it an anonymous blog with really deep personal journal entries. Who knows…
I finally managed to rent a car for the weekend. My driving skills are a bit rusty, but I got used to the car after a while. I remembered that I was a bit more scared at driving back when I helped Evelyn rent the ute. I don’t know why I was ok this time round. Maybe because it is an automatic? But I had fun driving around today.
I have the weekend planned out. Tomorrow I will be starting with a whaling tour in a slight shower. Hopefully the whales come out to play like they have been doing lately. I remembered that I love Humpback whales. I hope to catch a glimpse of them at least. I hope I hope I hope.
I also watched a Ben Aflek movie on TV, Man About Town. The movie was the journal of Jack, a successful man in the script writing industry. At the beginning, they show him in a journal writing class, which intrigued me. Lesson two, write about your secrets. It really felt wrong, to write about things like that. Journals are meant to be personal, but in the event that it gets stolen, these secrets will be exposed, like in the movie. However, the more I think about it, these secrets are the essence of any good story. Jack tells us his secrets, and in the process, we learnt why his wife cheated on him, and why she still loves him. I really like the movie.
It told me how to write journals.
It told me about taking that leap and going for what you dream and not sit there waiting for someone to take it away from you.
It told me about forgiving and forgetting.
I like the scene where the two of them stood across each other, with a salt water fish tank in the middle. Although they were face to face talking, they really were an ocean apart. The ending though, showed them IN the very same tank, together at last. I dunno if the writers purposely put that in, but I was intrigued with what I found. Maybe I read too much into the movie, but I took many lessons from it.
I was annoyed though, because my father called me halfway to tell me about my niece, just as they showed the climax of the movie. I missed out on the revelation between the two of them. I missed out on the play of words used during their telephone conversation, as his responses were applied to multiple listeners. Now I have to get a copy of the movie so that I can watch it again.
At the end of the day, I commend on the script writers and the creators of the movie, for such an interesting movie. I hope that I can improve my journal writing skills. I feel like creating another blog, and make it an anonymous blog with really deep personal journal entries. Who knows…
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Adventures in Albany - Day 12
I automatically woke up at 0730 today, despite sleeping relatively late last night. This would be my first weekend here in Albany, and the skies were clear and sunny. It was really great weather to be out there exploring, visiting the various touring sites and getting great pictures. I was really looking forward to a weekend of fun.
However, laziness set in and I ended up watching a Jap drama called “Puzzle”. It is about a manipulative English teacher in an elite boys’ school, where she, and 3 of the students take part in various riddle/puzzle competitions or mysteries mostly dealing with a play of words and Japanese characters. I guess it would be more captivating if I am versed in Japanese. I do like these puzzles/riddles and play of words, no matter what language.
That’s why I like watching Minami-ke and How I Met Your Mother and the like. Their puns and play of language really amuses me and amazes me of how brilliant and creative the human brain is capable of.
Also, I am also amused by the teacher’s acting, changing from a sweet innocent cheerful teacher, to a stuck up manipulative know-it-all. I am amused by how men especially, are easily fooled by a nice well mannered, innocent looking girl, giving in to the girl’s demands and requests. Personally I hate girls who are like that, giving me puppy dog eyes or a seductive pout to get what they want. Of course it is my fault for easily giving in to anyone’s demands; I just want to point out the wrongness in it. In the series, she managed to wiggle out of every tight spot, blaming the mishap to the 3 students and in the process, making her look good. Everyone else was oblivious to it, but she was pretty.
Anyway, that was my Saturday gone. All my plans to walk to the city to explore were taken over by this series.
In the evening, Finding Nemo was showing on TV and I was hooked onto it. Again, it is one of those Disney movies which I don’t mind watching again, more so since it was about animals. I wasn’t too sure about the truth about what is shown, but a lot of it mimics what happens in the animal world. Watching Dory and her forgetfulness also makes me wonder about memory loss and the inability to make new memories. In Memento, it was really distinct inability, but in the case of Dory, something stuck. I guess the same with 50 First Dates, that feelings will grow, but not the factual memory. Watching Dory was fun, but watching Marlin ignorant antics makes me angry at times. He doesn’t trust anyone but himself and his perception of the world. He doesn’t give anyone else the benefit of doubt, not even his own son. Of course it ended with Nemo being kidnapped, him embarking on an epic adventure, and him realizing his mistakes, etc. I guess it is another tip on parenting, to allow children to learn and grow on their own. Protecting is one thing, but overprotecting would be too much.
However, laziness set in and I ended up watching a Jap drama called “Puzzle”. It is about a manipulative English teacher in an elite boys’ school, where she, and 3 of the students take part in various riddle/puzzle competitions or mysteries mostly dealing with a play of words and Japanese characters. I guess it would be more captivating if I am versed in Japanese. I do like these puzzles/riddles and play of words, no matter what language.
That’s why I like watching Minami-ke and How I Met Your Mother and the like. Their puns and play of language really amuses me and amazes me of how brilliant and creative the human brain is capable of.
Also, I am also amused by the teacher’s acting, changing from a sweet innocent cheerful teacher, to a stuck up manipulative know-it-all. I am amused by how men especially, are easily fooled by a nice well mannered, innocent looking girl, giving in to the girl’s demands and requests. Personally I hate girls who are like that, giving me puppy dog eyes or a seductive pout to get what they want. Of course it is my fault for easily giving in to anyone’s demands; I just want to point out the wrongness in it. In the series, she managed to wiggle out of every tight spot, blaming the mishap to the 3 students and in the process, making her look good. Everyone else was oblivious to it, but she was pretty.
Anyway, that was my Saturday gone. All my plans to walk to the city to explore were taken over by this series.
In the evening, Finding Nemo was showing on TV and I was hooked onto it. Again, it is one of those Disney movies which I don’t mind watching again, more so since it was about animals. I wasn’t too sure about the truth about what is shown, but a lot of it mimics what happens in the animal world. Watching Dory and her forgetfulness also makes me wonder about memory loss and the inability to make new memories. In Memento, it was really distinct inability, but in the case of Dory, something stuck. I guess the same with 50 First Dates, that feelings will grow, but not the factual memory. Watching Dory was fun, but watching Marlin ignorant antics makes me angry at times. He doesn’t trust anyone but himself and his perception of the world. He doesn’t give anyone else the benefit of doubt, not even his own son. Of course it ended with Nemo being kidnapped, him embarking on an epic adventure, and him realizing his mistakes, etc. I guess it is another tip on parenting, to allow children to learn and grow on their own. Protecting is one thing, but overprotecting would be too much.
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Adventures in Albany - Day 11
I had a whole day in the hospital today. I started out in surgery, with laporascopic sterilizations and a vasectomy. The GP didn’t let me scrub in, but I guess I see his point of not being able to do anything nor get any closer. And yes, I don’t learn anything from it. I guess I just felt like I would feel more useful if I did. I guess that is how I feel nowadays. I don’t know whether my presence in this world actually makes a difference. I’m not suicidal, but I don’t think anything will change if I just disappear for a while…
Even for ED, I didn’t feel like I did anything. I still had to check with more senior staff about any diagnosis or treatment. I still lack the confidence in saying what I thought the actual diagnosis is, with a fear of getting the wrong diagnosis and getting a law suit on me. Probably one day I would be able to confidently say what I thought the diagnosis was like I do to simulated patients. For now, I struggle with the lawsuit at the back of my head. Am I ready for such responsibility?
I also called friends back in Perth just to see what they were up to. I am definitely the jealous type, seeing how the grass is always greener on the other side. I wished to be back there, so that I can have fun. But I guess I will have the weekend to enjoy my ‘holiday’ here in Albany. Like yesterday, I just wish that I can share this adventure with someone.
Tonight, I was able to catch the 4th Harry Potter movie on TV. I like the hair styles and costumes of the characters better than any other of the Harry Potter movies. Of course their acting was just as atrocious. I recognize the actor who played Cedric to the one that played the guy in Twilight. After having not read the book for so long, I had to watch the movie to understand it. However, I didn’t agree with most of the elements in the movie. Some things could have been done better, portrayed better, acted better. However, they sort of did a good job with the romance between Ron and Hermione. They first started it back in the third movie and in the forth book. Looking back, I did wonder why she was more in contact with Ron, staying over and writing more than with Harry. Perhaps that’s what happened.
I also managed to waste my time playing simple games, free from PC Powerplay. They are so simple, but yet addictive. These games were the “build-your-own-game” competitions which takes away most of the steep learning curve needed for games like Civilization, Ceasar, Final Fantasy, Mass Effect and the like. Those games take more time to develop, trying their best to impress their fans, and somehow made it not as original. However, I do like the stories they have in the RPG’s that I have played, something that isn’t there in the simple games.
Even for ED, I didn’t feel like I did anything. I still had to check with more senior staff about any diagnosis or treatment. I still lack the confidence in saying what I thought the actual diagnosis is, with a fear of getting the wrong diagnosis and getting a law suit on me. Probably one day I would be able to confidently say what I thought the diagnosis was like I do to simulated patients. For now, I struggle with the lawsuit at the back of my head. Am I ready for such responsibility?
I also called friends back in Perth just to see what they were up to. I am definitely the jealous type, seeing how the grass is always greener on the other side. I wished to be back there, so that I can have fun. But I guess I will have the weekend to enjoy my ‘holiday’ here in Albany. Like yesterday, I just wish that I can share this adventure with someone.
Tonight, I was able to catch the 4th Harry Potter movie on TV. I like the hair styles and costumes of the characters better than any other of the Harry Potter movies. Of course their acting was just as atrocious. I recognize the actor who played Cedric to the one that played the guy in Twilight. After having not read the book for so long, I had to watch the movie to understand it. However, I didn’t agree with most of the elements in the movie. Some things could have been done better, portrayed better, acted better. However, they sort of did a good job with the romance between Ron and Hermione. They first started it back in the third movie and in the forth book. Looking back, I did wonder why she was more in contact with Ron, staying over and writing more than with Harry. Perhaps that’s what happened.
I also managed to waste my time playing simple games, free from PC Powerplay. They are so simple, but yet addictive. These games were the “build-your-own-game” competitions which takes away most of the steep learning curve needed for games like Civilization, Ceasar, Final Fantasy, Mass Effect and the like. Those games take more time to develop, trying their best to impress their fans, and somehow made it not as original. However, I do like the stories they have in the RPG’s that I have played, something that isn’t there in the simple games.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Adventures in Albany - Day 04
I managed to wake up earlier than my alarm today, with terminal insomnia. I reluctantly took a shower and got ready, with too much time to spare. The weather was bright with clear skies, but I was still filled with dread. I gave myself 45mins for the walk, and I managed to get to the practice on time, with loads of time to spare. It was also a very normal day at the practice. I managed to do a bit of cryotherapy, but that was it.
I had the afternoon to get access to facebook access. I managed to obtain access to the Albany UWA campus, but in the process, I think I disabled my access to the main campus in Perth. Even though I now had access to it, I still wasn’t able to use my account on the computers. I could only use the local password, but I guess I cannot complain because of the lousy feeling that I have been feeling throughout the day.
I was able to catch the bus back to the hospital for my afternoon of ED. Again, the bus had a different number then the one scheduled, but the guy waiting with me at the stop reassured me that it was the right one. I was not happy with the schedule that I picked up at the visitors centre, which was dated 2004. I am not sure if they have changed the schedule since then, but having no fixed guides as to when each bus comes by was really irritating. When I got back to the hospital and checked the net, I got a reply from the bus company, but they also gave me the 2004 one. I guess I cannot say anything for them to be the only company in Albany.
I introduced myself to the ED, but there was nothing for me to do. There were stuff happening, but I wasn’t really in the mood to do anything. I tried to access blogger from the Shed’s computers, but just like facebook, blogger was banned as well. So I had nothing to do at all that evening, so I went back to my room to take a nap.
Aleisha called just as I woke up from my nap, giving me time to get packed and ready to head back to Perth. We made a quick pit stop at Woolies after picking me up and we headed back to Mt. Barker, where she was stationed. The weather was almost perfect, making the journey safe. Her allocated accommodation was a home meant for visiting locums and their families, so the room was really homely. It even had a computer, albeit a Pentium 2. There was a TV with a DVD player as well. I managed to watch a movie titled Secondhand Lions, starring the kid from Six Sense. The movie had so many elements of everything, adventure, reality, romance, family, deception. Because of the undetermined theme, the starting was a bit weird and hard to follow. But if you endured, the first 1 hour or so, the story made a lot of sense and was actually touching.
Although it wasn’t captured in the movie, the ending also showed a series of comics from the boy’s adventures with his pet lion. It is the things like that which adds to the movie, giving it more depth. These things are not needed in the movie, but it really tells us what he does at the farm despite not having anything around and that he actually had a life. In contrast, I am not doing anything and just lazing around in that same situation.
I had the afternoon to get access to facebook access. I managed to obtain access to the Albany UWA campus, but in the process, I think I disabled my access to the main campus in Perth. Even though I now had access to it, I still wasn’t able to use my account on the computers. I could only use the local password, but I guess I cannot complain because of the lousy feeling that I have been feeling throughout the day.
I was able to catch the bus back to the hospital for my afternoon of ED. Again, the bus had a different number then the one scheduled, but the guy waiting with me at the stop reassured me that it was the right one. I was not happy with the schedule that I picked up at the visitors centre, which was dated 2004. I am not sure if they have changed the schedule since then, but having no fixed guides as to when each bus comes by was really irritating. When I got back to the hospital and checked the net, I got a reply from the bus company, but they also gave me the 2004 one. I guess I cannot say anything for them to be the only company in Albany.
I introduced myself to the ED, but there was nothing for me to do. There were stuff happening, but I wasn’t really in the mood to do anything. I tried to access blogger from the Shed’s computers, but just like facebook, blogger was banned as well. So I had nothing to do at all that evening, so I went back to my room to take a nap.
Aleisha called just as I woke up from my nap, giving me time to get packed and ready to head back to Perth. We made a quick pit stop at Woolies after picking me up and we headed back to Mt. Barker, where she was stationed. The weather was almost perfect, making the journey safe. Her allocated accommodation was a home meant for visiting locums and their families, so the room was really homely. It even had a computer, albeit a Pentium 2. There was a TV with a DVD player as well. I managed to watch a movie titled Secondhand Lions, starring the kid from Six Sense. The movie had so many elements of everything, adventure, reality, romance, family, deception. Because of the undetermined theme, the starting was a bit weird and hard to follow. But if you endured, the first 1 hour or so, the story made a lot of sense and was actually touching.
Although it wasn’t captured in the movie, the ending also showed a series of comics from the boy’s adventures with his pet lion. It is the things like that which adds to the movie, giving it more depth. These things are not needed in the movie, but it really tells us what he does at the farm despite not having anything around and that he actually had a life. In contrast, I am not doing anything and just lazing around in that same situation.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Adventures in Albany - Day 02
I realized today that I have a so much to learn and remember to become a doctor. Today, I saw a whole range of patients, which spanned throughout my entire medical studies. It started with a suicidal depressed patient with a personality disorder, one of Dr. Knight’s patients in the hospital. We briefly talked to her to see how she is coping, and interestingly she wrote a letter to her parents telling them her feelings. I was brought back to my own experience with depression, suicidal ideation and family matters. I hope that I don’t have to go through all those feelings again.
Dr. Knight then finished giving me a tour of the hospital and took me to the practice, where I was given instructions and schedule for my attachment. That morning, I was attached to the only female doctor in the practice, Dr. Tompkins. She saw lots of Obs & Gynae patients, and I struggled to recall all that I have learnt last two years. There were a couple of Pap smears and antenatal checks, but there were also the medical cases and geriatrics and polypharmacy as well. Later that day, I was attached to another GP, Dr.Wasiun, who specialized in Anaesthetics. He had a few pre-admission patients, which reminded me that I need to study that for my exams as well. Both of the GP’s also had a few paediatric cases as well. It was clear that I have lost touch with most of what I have learnt throughout the years, but at least I know where I stand right now.
My tally, I covered psych, O&G, paeds, anaesthetics, gen med, and geriatrics, all in one day.
However, the highlight of my day was when one of the mothers who came in handed me her baby to hold while she assisted in the examination of her other child. My heart melted and the paternal emotions start building up. I completely ignored the rest of the consult as I tried to talk to the baby. The baby was anxious and was reluctant to suck on the dummy, but he occasionally smiled. It wasn’t the “Aww, so cute,” feelings, but more of the “I want to protect you,” feelings. I can only guess how a father would feel towards his child, and I think what I feel is close to it. I was reminded of the lines from 17 Again, starring Matthew Perry and Zac Efron. It was the scene when they were handing out condoms and Zac Efron stood up and gave a wonder speech of what it was like to hold your first baby girl in your arms. I would quote it here if I can remember the exact words.
There used to be a saying that the first daughter is the reincarnation of the father’s lover in a previous life. I find some truth in that statement. It does explain why the feelings fathers have towards their first born daughters are greater. It is really the feeling that you have to protect her from all harm, giving her all you can give. It is really the same type of feeling I would share towards my lover first. I do hope I am a good father.
That evening, I tried exploring Albany, but as with Perth, everything closes at 1700hrs. I managed to find the UWA campus and the RCS campus were, but I didn’t really find much else. By then, it was getting dark. Luckily, I was to have dinner at Dr. Knight’s place, so he called me and I managed to get a lift to his place. It turned out that he was a father of 3 hyperactive girls. I learnt about Australian culture about meals and bed time, and also got several tips on parenting. I found out that children will become more hyper as it gets closer to bed time and it is usually because they are tired. It sounds contradictory, but true enough, they fell asleep the moment they were sent to bed. I have a lot to learn about parenting...
I left shortly after they went to bed, and Dr Knight took me to the RCS campus, where I managed to borrow several books to make up for my lack of internet. It made me realise how much I relied on internet before, and how easy it is to have the internet to replace all the books that I took home that day. With these books, my room looked more like a study area. Now all I need is the motivation.
Dr. Knight then finished giving me a tour of the hospital and took me to the practice, where I was given instructions and schedule for my attachment. That morning, I was attached to the only female doctor in the practice, Dr. Tompkins. She saw lots of Obs & Gynae patients, and I struggled to recall all that I have learnt last two years. There were a couple of Pap smears and antenatal checks, but there were also the medical cases and geriatrics and polypharmacy as well. Later that day, I was attached to another GP, Dr.Wasiun, who specialized in Anaesthetics. He had a few pre-admission patients, which reminded me that I need to study that for my exams as well. Both of the GP’s also had a few paediatric cases as well. It was clear that I have lost touch with most of what I have learnt throughout the years, but at least I know where I stand right now.
My tally, I covered psych, O&G, paeds, anaesthetics, gen med, and geriatrics, all in one day.
However, the highlight of my day was when one of the mothers who came in handed me her baby to hold while she assisted in the examination of her other child. My heart melted and the paternal emotions start building up. I completely ignored the rest of the consult as I tried to talk to the baby. The baby was anxious and was reluctant to suck on the dummy, but he occasionally smiled. It wasn’t the “Aww, so cute,” feelings, but more of the “I want to protect you,” feelings. I can only guess how a father would feel towards his child, and I think what I feel is close to it. I was reminded of the lines from 17 Again, starring Matthew Perry and Zac Efron. It was the scene when they were handing out condoms and Zac Efron stood up and gave a wonder speech of what it was like to hold your first baby girl in your arms. I would quote it here if I can remember the exact words.
There used to be a saying that the first daughter is the reincarnation of the father’s lover in a previous life. I find some truth in that statement. It does explain why the feelings fathers have towards their first born daughters are greater. It is really the feeling that you have to protect her from all harm, giving her all you can give. It is really the same type of feeling I would share towards my lover first. I do hope I am a good father.
That evening, I tried exploring Albany, but as with Perth, everything closes at 1700hrs. I managed to find the UWA campus and the RCS campus were, but I didn’t really find much else. By then, it was getting dark. Luckily, I was to have dinner at Dr. Knight’s place, so he called me and I managed to get a lift to his place. It turned out that he was a father of 3 hyperactive girls. I learnt about Australian culture about meals and bed time, and also got several tips on parenting. I found out that children will become more hyper as it gets closer to bed time and it is usually because they are tired. It sounds contradictory, but true enough, they fell asleep the moment they were sent to bed. I have a lot to learn about parenting...
I left shortly after they went to bed, and Dr Knight took me to the RCS campus, where I managed to borrow several books to make up for my lack of internet. It made me realise how much I relied on internet before, and how easy it is to have the internet to replace all the books that I took home that day. With these books, my room looked more like a study area. Now all I need is the motivation.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Adventures in Albany - Day 01
At the end of any day, especially since when the weather is so gloomy, all I want to do is to see that certain rainbow, to tell you about my day, about all the good and bad, all my thoughts and feelings, and to hear yours. But like a rainbow, you are not always there, and sometimes you will not appear when I really want to see you.
But when I least expect it, I managed to see three rainbows on the way down to Albany today. The weather was so gloomy when I woke up today, with extra dread, sadness and anxiety that I have been experiencing over the past few weeks. I really didn’t want to leave Perth at this moment. Although I would only be 6 hours drive away, it is still a long way and I already promised myself not to make any trips back though.
My housemate was kind enough to drive me to the busport. The ride there was the usual ‘business’ conversation, me telling him about why I was going down there, him telling me about his new uni timetable, me reminding him about paying the rent, him reminding me to transfer money into his account, etc. Otherwise, it was a smooth ride and I was at the terminal at 0830. And right outside, there was the first beautiful rainbow. It had both ends of the arc touching the horizon. Just as with you, the mere sight of it made me feel happy.
The sight of the rainbow eased the fears I had and I managed to catch up with some sleep. Of course, being extra tired from not getting enough sleep the previous night made it easy. I never knew how to handle good-byes, except from what I have seen on TV. Like, “Don’t look back,” or “Can I write to you?” or “You’re the only one he said good-bye to.” I don’t think that I can pull it off, saying something original or meaningful when I say good-bye. I have changed locations so many times in the past, and I would think that I would have gotten used to it by now. But I haven’t. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”, I hope, but there is also the opposite, “Out of sight, out of mind.” At least for now, I am already missing my friends, but I know I am still just a phone call away.
The journey was all so familiar to my days in Singapore, having also showed a movie. I could have read the book I brought but I occupied my time solving the 5x5x5 cube and watching Toy Story 2, a movie that I have seen it many times. The message that I got out of the movie was, “I would rather see him grow up than to not be loved at all.” I do not know what to make of the quote. Could I live to love someone and watch them grow up and in the end be cast away? Do I have the capacity of unrequited love and not to expect anything in return? It got me thinking about my feelings and how ideal I want my future to be with a family, but am I really capable of doing such things? It really sounds like a quote that is said by a parental figure of some sort. As it is, I am already not giving anything back to my parents. With such atrocious grades, I feel like I am a failure to them.
This is my goal here in Albany – to NOT be a failure to them. The room I was given when I got here was very conducive for studying. I could not get any internet, there was ample light, and it was quite cosy. There were facilities for everything. It doesn’t look too bad for a start, and I definitely have a good feeling about this rotation.
But when I least expect it, I managed to see three rainbows on the way down to Albany today. The weather was so gloomy when I woke up today, with extra dread, sadness and anxiety that I have been experiencing over the past few weeks. I really didn’t want to leave Perth at this moment. Although I would only be 6 hours drive away, it is still a long way and I already promised myself not to make any trips back though.
My housemate was kind enough to drive me to the busport. The ride there was the usual ‘business’ conversation, me telling him about why I was going down there, him telling me about his new uni timetable, me reminding him about paying the rent, him reminding me to transfer money into his account, etc. Otherwise, it was a smooth ride and I was at the terminal at 0830. And right outside, there was the first beautiful rainbow. It had both ends of the arc touching the horizon. Just as with you, the mere sight of it made me feel happy.
The sight of the rainbow eased the fears I had and I managed to catch up with some sleep. Of course, being extra tired from not getting enough sleep the previous night made it easy. I never knew how to handle good-byes, except from what I have seen on TV. Like, “Don’t look back,” or “Can I write to you?” or “You’re the only one he said good-bye to.” I don’t think that I can pull it off, saying something original or meaningful when I say good-bye. I have changed locations so many times in the past, and I would think that I would have gotten used to it by now. But I haven’t. “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”, I hope, but there is also the opposite, “Out of sight, out of mind.” At least for now, I am already missing my friends, but I know I am still just a phone call away.
The journey was all so familiar to my days in Singapore, having also showed a movie. I could have read the book I brought but I occupied my time solving the 5x5x5 cube and watching Toy Story 2, a movie that I have seen it many times. The message that I got out of the movie was, “I would rather see him grow up than to not be loved at all.” I do not know what to make of the quote. Could I live to love someone and watch them grow up and in the end be cast away? Do I have the capacity of unrequited love and not to expect anything in return? It got me thinking about my feelings and how ideal I want my future to be with a family, but am I really capable of doing such things? It really sounds like a quote that is said by a parental figure of some sort. As it is, I am already not giving anything back to my parents. With such atrocious grades, I feel like I am a failure to them.
This is my goal here in Albany – to NOT be a failure to them. The room I was given when I got here was very conducive for studying. I could not get any internet, there was ample light, and it was quite cosy. There were facilities for everything. It doesn’t look too bad for a start, and I definitely have a good feeling about this rotation.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Letter to my Friend VI
Dear J
Sorry for the late reply. I just started a new term and we're just getting down to doing the intern work. I am glad to be in my team, because I get to see all the fresh patients from the Emergency Department, with all their untreated medical illnesses. They really have great signs, like pulmonary edema, heart murmurs, etc. Well, some better than others. I had a demented old lady who came in, was quite aware of where she was, but while I was talking to her, she started becoming drowsy and well... long story short, the next day, she didn't remember me, couldn't tell me correctly where she was, or why she is in hospital. And I have to write a report on her to be marked.
Apart from that, I went on a movie spree. Well, not much of a back to back or day after day, but I watched half a dozen movies since I wrote to you last. Lets see if I can list them down:
X-Men Origins: Wolverine - awesome movie, but elements of which did not follow the original comics, but was still a good watch.
Star Trek - The awesome beginning to a whole fandom that is Star Trek. I enjoy the pewpew war in Star Wars, but Star Trek is about how space adventure is meant to be. I converted to a trekkie fan after the movie too.
Angels & Demons - the title has not much reference to angels or demons, though it can be potrayed by the struggle between science and religion, the revalation of the antagonist's good and bad side, or just by the sheer number of angel statues in the movie. The puzzles stuck with the book, mostly, and left out the contraversial ending of the novel. But it was still a good watch.
The Notebook - it was different from what I thought it would be. Touching and sad... but a fairytale.
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants II - it was like watching a familiar story, of childhood dreams and promises falling apart, growing older and travelling down your own path in life. Friends will be friends, but we will have to leave the nest one day.
Thats all I can think of, movies that struck and stuck.
Apart from that, I was meant to tell you my adventures in gambling. I guess everyone will be enticed by it at some point in life. It is such an easy way to win. The thrill of winning releases hormones that make you high, so you want more. That's if you win. If you lose, you fill with regret and makes you strive to 'win back' that money. The only thing that can save you is to know when to quit. Preferably before you actually put money down, but anytime down the road is always good.
Not only in Burswood Casino, my friend also started me on buying Lotto every week. The jackpot has rose to 20million and we still dream of having that much money. Sadly, even being educated, math-inclined individuals, we still want to try our luck with it. It's only $3.70 a week, but having $15 a month is equal to me playing WoW. Just that I have no chance of earning anything from WoW.
There is also a syndrome or condition or something about gambling. It applies to relationships and it was what I experienced in my past. My ex would throw tantrums about things that she is not happy about, expecting me to make things better. Sometimes, yes I feel guilty and do something about it, but other times, it became annoying or helpless that I didn't or couldn't do anything. It's like gambling. Sometimes she wins and gets what she wants, but she also loses. Eventhough losing hurts, but she would still went on with her behaviour hoping that things get done. And she kept doing it. and doing it. and doing it. and eventually I lost it. That's gambling for you.
And so what is this 'inspiration' doing to you? What does it add to your life? You have to tell me more than that...
Until next time.
Ken Rhee
Sorry for the late reply. I just started a new term and we're just getting down to doing the intern work. I am glad to be in my team, because I get to see all the fresh patients from the Emergency Department, with all their untreated medical illnesses. They really have great signs, like pulmonary edema, heart murmurs, etc. Well, some better than others. I had a demented old lady who came in, was quite aware of where she was, but while I was talking to her, she started becoming drowsy and well... long story short, the next day, she didn't remember me, couldn't tell me correctly where she was, or why she is in hospital. And I have to write a report on her to be marked.
Apart from that, I went on a movie spree. Well, not much of a back to back or day after day, but I watched half a dozen movies since I wrote to you last. Lets see if I can list them down:
X-Men Origins: Wolverine - awesome movie, but elements of which did not follow the original comics, but was still a good watch.
Star Trek - The awesome beginning to a whole fandom that is Star Trek. I enjoy the pewpew war in Star Wars, but Star Trek is about how space adventure is meant to be. I converted to a trekkie fan after the movie too.
Angels & Demons - the title has not much reference to angels or demons, though it can be potrayed by the struggle between science and religion, the revalation of the antagonist's good and bad side, or just by the sheer number of angel statues in the movie. The puzzles stuck with the book, mostly, and left out the contraversial ending of the novel. But it was still a good watch.
The Notebook - it was different from what I thought it would be. Touching and sad... but a fairytale.
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants II - it was like watching a familiar story, of childhood dreams and promises falling apart, growing older and travelling down your own path in life. Friends will be friends, but we will have to leave the nest one day.
Thats all I can think of, movies that struck and stuck.
Apart from that, I was meant to tell you my adventures in gambling. I guess everyone will be enticed by it at some point in life. It is such an easy way to win. The thrill of winning releases hormones that make you high, so you want more. That's if you win. If you lose, you fill with regret and makes you strive to 'win back' that money. The only thing that can save you is to know when to quit. Preferably before you actually put money down, but anytime down the road is always good.
Not only in Burswood Casino, my friend also started me on buying Lotto every week. The jackpot has rose to 20million and we still dream of having that much money. Sadly, even being educated, math-inclined individuals, we still want to try our luck with it. It's only $3.70 a week, but having $15 a month is equal to me playing WoW. Just that I have no chance of earning anything from WoW.
There is also a syndrome or condition or something about gambling. It applies to relationships and it was what I experienced in my past. My ex would throw tantrums about things that she is not happy about, expecting me to make things better. Sometimes, yes I feel guilty and do something about it, but other times, it became annoying or helpless that I didn't or couldn't do anything. It's like gambling. Sometimes she wins and gets what she wants, but she also loses. Eventhough losing hurts, but she would still went on with her behaviour hoping that things get done. And she kept doing it. and doing it. and doing it. and eventually I lost it. That's gambling for you.
And so what is this 'inspiration' doing to you? What does it add to your life? You have to tell me more than that...
Until next time.
Ken Rhee
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter 09
Some people go to church and become Christians only on Sundays. Me, I go once a year. It's Easter once again, and I make my annual trip to church in Curtin.
The Easter service held by the Zion Praise Harvest was better this year. They called in a guest speaker who was also an ex convict, 3 time world kungfu title holder, ex hired thug, ex body guard, who basically told his life story and how he became a christian. To me, it is not one of those typical 'everything was going bad, but Jesus showed me the way' story. Although it did boil down to that, but I find his story interesting. Due to copy right issues I don't think I should provoke an ex-murderer and tell this story here...
He ended his talk with a nice presentation, about heaven and hell, and how we all have impure souls coz we all are lying thiefs who thinks of murder. So we are all going to hell.
Then he says how we can save ourselves. Instead of the 'become a christian, baptise, etc' talk, he gave it in two steps. Turn away from all the things that are wrong. And to surrender yourself to Jesus.
I have told many people that the only thing that is stopping me from becoming a Christian is today, the part of where Jesus is ressurected. The believing in Jesus. The surrendering of my soul to this... being...
I do not know what surrendering to Jesus entails that is different from what I have already been thinking and doing. And how different will I be if I do that. It's just mind boggling...
Also today, I met a new friend, an intern graduated from Adelaide. She really made my day today, and I do want to thank her for that. And it being Easter at Curtin Uni, I get to listen once again to the girl with the beautiful voice. And again, I did not have the courage to go up to her to say, "You have such a beautiful voice, and after one year, I am still in love with your voice." I really wish that I can get to know you and listen to it again...
On a side note, I went to see Dragonball: Evolution later that night. Graphics were good, but the acting was mediocre and the story was lacking. Only Goku had his character development laid out, and the others were poorly done. Master Roshi's pervertness was only shown at the beginning and no where else. Yamcha was super calefare, with a sudden love sparks with Bulma, of all people. Chi Chi's plot was disjointed and when Mai assumes her identity for a scene, continuity confusion!!!
Revelations at the end was so random, yet predictable. Suddenly confusing advice from the start of the show miraculously fall into place and suppose to make sense.
Reviews were right. 3/10.
Happy Easter everyone...
The Easter service held by the Zion Praise Harvest was better this year. They called in a guest speaker who was also an ex convict, 3 time world kungfu title holder, ex hired thug, ex body guard, who basically told his life story and how he became a christian. To me, it is not one of those typical 'everything was going bad, but Jesus showed me the way' story. Although it did boil down to that, but I find his story interesting. Due to copy right issues I don't think I should provoke an ex-murderer and tell this story here...
He ended his talk with a nice presentation, about heaven and hell, and how we all have impure souls coz we all are lying thiefs who thinks of murder. So we are all going to hell.
Then he says how we can save ourselves. Instead of the 'become a christian, baptise, etc' talk, he gave it in two steps. Turn away from all the things that are wrong. And to surrender yourself to Jesus.
I have told many people that the only thing that is stopping me from becoming a Christian is today, the part of where Jesus is ressurected. The believing in Jesus. The surrendering of my soul to this... being...
I do not know what surrendering to Jesus entails that is different from what I have already been thinking and doing. And how different will I be if I do that. It's just mind boggling...
Also today, I met a new friend, an intern graduated from Adelaide. She really made my day today, and I do want to thank her for that. And it being Easter at Curtin Uni, I get to listen once again to the girl with the beautiful voice. And again, I did not have the courage to go up to her to say, "You have such a beautiful voice, and after one year, I am still in love with your voice." I really wish that I can get to know you and listen to it again...
On a side note, I went to see Dragonball: Evolution later that night. Graphics were good, but the acting was mediocre and the story was lacking. Only Goku had his character development laid out, and the others were poorly done. Master Roshi's pervertness was only shown at the beginning and no where else. Yamcha was super calefare, with a sudden love sparks with Bulma, of all people. Chi Chi's plot was disjointed and when Mai assumes her identity for a scene, continuity confusion!!!
Revelations at the end was so random, yet predictable. Suddenly confusing advice from the start of the show miraculously fall into place and suppose to make sense.
Reviews were right. 3/10.
Happy Easter everyone...
Monday, February 09, 2009
The Spirit, Inkheart
These are the two movies which I managed to catch during this holiday break. I cannot believe how cheap the movie tickets here are. RM6 for students. I'm paying 2 times that in Australia... which makes it 5times more once converted. Anyway...
The Spirit.
In the spirit of comic-to-big-screen movies, The Spirit manages to retain its comic-like angles and colours to bring out the story of a guy who cannot die against a villian who cannot die. Both without any super powers except that they regen so fast that they cannot die. As for the name, it was so-so, The Spirit of the City. But I like to be the hero. He is suave, and every sentence he says to a girl, instantly melts her and catches her heart. And he was 'just being nice'. I wonder what will happen if he TRIES to get a girl.
What about the villian? The octopus. No meaning behind it until the end, where he shows that he has eight of everything, and explodes into 8 parts flying away with a trail of smoke, making him look like an octopus. His henchmen were funny... but no added value to the movie.
Oh, and the highlight, the girls... All of them beautiful, Eva Mendes being the most. Almost nude scene. Or not almost. I wouldn't know. Because they censored the part in Malaysia. Thats the only thing I don't like about Malaysia. They censored those scenes. And intense kissing scenes. I don't see a reason why they should. But they could, the would, and they did.
Overall, I like those comic to screen adaptations coz of the new camera angles and colouring which is usually unheard of in movies, making new angles in cinematography.
Inkheart
I also like to watch book-to-big-screen movies like City of Ember, Narnia, LotR, etc. even though it spoils the book. One thing it takes away is the imagination, and it plants fixed images, like that it did to the Harry Potter books. Some things, cannot be put to screen, like thoughts and the beauty of descriptions and best left in the book.
What I like about this movie is that it is a book about books. I manage browse through the book, to find acknowledgements at the end, with references to all the books that the author uses in Inkheart. It was more than what I've seen in the movie, and I know that they left out chapters from the book. It isn't just about the number of books used, but they use the original text, and not some 'modernized text' version. It makes me want to read those books. I know the story, but I would probably never recognise the original version when I see one.
Basically what this movie did was rekindle my love for books and story writing.
What I miss the most about watching movies in Malaysian cinemas are the caramel coated popcorn... I dunno why I prefer diabetes over hypertension...
The Spirit.
In the spirit of comic-to-big-screen movies, The Spirit manages to retain its comic-like angles and colours to bring out the story of a guy who cannot die against a villian who cannot die. Both without any super powers except that they regen so fast that they cannot die. As for the name, it was so-so, The Spirit of the City. But I like to be the hero. He is suave, and every sentence he says to a girl, instantly melts her and catches her heart. And he was 'just being nice'. I wonder what will happen if he TRIES to get a girl.
What about the villian? The octopus. No meaning behind it until the end, where he shows that he has eight of everything, and explodes into 8 parts flying away with a trail of smoke, making him look like an octopus. His henchmen were funny... but no added value to the movie.
Oh, and the highlight, the girls... All of them beautiful, Eva Mendes being the most. Almost nude scene. Or not almost. I wouldn't know. Because they censored the part in Malaysia. Thats the only thing I don't like about Malaysia. They censored those scenes. And intense kissing scenes. I don't see a reason why they should. But they could, the would, and they did.
Overall, I like those comic to screen adaptations coz of the new camera angles and colouring which is usually unheard of in movies, making new angles in cinematography.
Inkheart
I also like to watch book-to-big-screen movies like City of Ember, Narnia, LotR, etc. even though it spoils the book. One thing it takes away is the imagination, and it plants fixed images, like that it did to the Harry Potter books. Some things, cannot be put to screen, like thoughts and the beauty of descriptions and best left in the book.
What I like about this movie is that it is a book about books. I manage browse through the book, to find acknowledgements at the end, with references to all the books that the author uses in Inkheart. It was more than what I've seen in the movie, and I know that they left out chapters from the book. It isn't just about the number of books used, but they use the original text, and not some 'modernized text' version. It makes me want to read those books. I know the story, but I would probably never recognise the original version when I see one.
Basically what this movie did was rekindle my love for books and story writing.
What I miss the most about watching movies in Malaysian cinemas are the caramel coated popcorn... I dunno why I prefer diabetes over hypertension...
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Earth
To be screened again as a US version, narrated by James Earl Jones is the 2006 release of Earth, previously narrated by Patrick Steward. I am not sure why this trailer captivated me more than the first one. Maybe it was because I didn't have the facilities for watching it, or it wasn't hyped enough... I mean I enjoyed March of the Penguins. This should be my thing. But somehow it escaped me the first time. Not going to miss it again this time. Yes, I am marking Earth Day as a day to watch this documentary.
What captivated me this time round was the trailer music:
Love & Loss by TSFH
Sigur Ros by Hoppipolla
I've embedded the second song onto this blog for you to listen. The first song is more captivating, but a short 1 minute song. Both of them are nice, at least to me.
2009 hosts a very good range of movies which I would like to watch. Here is a small list of what I want to see:
Curious Case of Benjamin Button - A baby with features of an old man grows into a young man. I must know the ending.
Push - Another movie about people with special powers.
Gran Torimo - War veteran in multiracial neighbourhood
9 - post apocalypic animation about stuffed toys. Released on 09.09.09. ^_^
Transformers 2
Star Trek
Caroline - Stop motion capture movie brought to you by the same people behind Nightmare Before Christmas. Oh yeah, in 3D.
Inkheart - Children adventure book.
Watchmen - Superheroes.
The Spirit - Another comic to screen movie. Plus girls.
Angels and Demons - Prequel to The Da Vinci Code. I love Dan Brown's novels.
X-men Origins: Wolverine - People with powers. Again.
Dragonball Evolution
Terminator: Salvation
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince - 3rd last movie...
G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra - Based on the cartoon of the 80's. Reliving your childhood.
AstroBoy - Another CGI animation.
Sherlock Holmes - All time favourite mystery solver.
Underworld 3: Rise of the Lycans - Prequel to the Underworld series. More background story of Vampires and Werewolves.
There's more... I just can't remember them all.
What captivated me this time round was the trailer music:
Love & Loss by TSFH
Sigur Ros by Hoppipolla
I've embedded the second song onto this blog for you to listen. The first song is more captivating, but a short 1 minute song. Both of them are nice, at least to me.
2009 hosts a very good range of movies which I would like to watch. Here is a small list of what I want to see:
Curious Case of Benjamin Button - A baby with features of an old man grows into a young man. I must know the ending.
Push - Another movie about people with special powers.
Gran Torimo - War veteran in multiracial neighbourhood
9 - post apocalypic animation about stuffed toys. Released on 09.09.09. ^_^
Transformers 2
Star Trek
Caroline - Stop motion capture movie brought to you by the same people behind Nightmare Before Christmas. Oh yeah, in 3D.
Inkheart - Children adventure book.
Watchmen - Superheroes.
The Spirit - Another comic to screen movie. Plus girls.
Angels and Demons - Prequel to The Da Vinci Code. I love Dan Brown's novels.
X-men Origins: Wolverine - People with powers. Again.
Dragonball Evolution
Terminator: Salvation
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince - 3rd last movie...
G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra - Based on the cartoon of the 80's. Reliving your childhood.
AstroBoy - Another CGI animation.
Sherlock Holmes - All time favourite mystery solver.
Underworld 3: Rise of the Lycans - Prequel to the Underworld series. More background story of Vampires and Werewolves.
There's more... I just can't remember them all.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Peter, Penn and Sandler
I happened to come across Russel Peter's latest show. He is a stand up comedian who focuses on racial jokes. He predominantly makes fun of his own race, the Indians, to minimize the hate and makes it all the more funny. He does not take everyday things and add racial elements, but more of taking racial everyday things, like school, food, shopping, etc.
Loads of laughs. Adding to his repertoire of his Chinese and Indian jokes, are jokes about Arabic, Jews and deaf people. Most of his jokes are hilarious still, some pretty obvious. However, he broke out of his racist jokes and made jokes about deaf people. Still true and funny, but I foresee that this path will take him away from race as a source of jokes.
Harold & Kumar 2
My other review today is Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. Another hilarious movie focusing on drugs as the hip thing to do. They get into trouble because they both are of a different race and some racist agent decides that all other races are terrorists. Hence they get thrown into a prison in Guantanamo Bay. This agent goes all out attacking all other races which just pisses me off. He is like the epitome of what is wrong nowadays, with racism. I mean racism is one thing, but he is outright ignorant about other cultures in the world.
Don't Mess With the Zohan
Adam Sandler's latest movie about an Israeli super agent who was tired of the war and escapes to America to become a hair stylist. It shows a community of immigrants trying to survive in America being cab drivers, electronic salespersle and other similar jobs. Although it quite stereotypes the immigrants, I still like the movie because it also shows that once they are out of their war-ridden countries they are able to openly accept others into the community.
Anyway, the theme I seem to have today is about racism. I never liked it.
Loads of laughs. Adding to his repertoire of his Chinese and Indian jokes, are jokes about Arabic, Jews and deaf people. Most of his jokes are hilarious still, some pretty obvious. However, he broke out of his racist jokes and made jokes about deaf people. Still true and funny, but I foresee that this path will take him away from race as a source of jokes.
Harold & Kumar 2
My other review today is Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay. Another hilarious movie focusing on drugs as the hip thing to do. They get into trouble because they both are of a different race and some racist agent decides that all other races are terrorists. Hence they get thrown into a prison in Guantanamo Bay. This agent goes all out attacking all other races which just pisses me off. He is like the epitome of what is wrong nowadays, with racism. I mean racism is one thing, but he is outright ignorant about other cultures in the world.
Don't Mess With the Zohan
Adam Sandler's latest movie about an Israeli super agent who was tired of the war and escapes to America to become a hair stylist. It shows a community of immigrants trying to survive in America being cab drivers, electronic salespersle and other similar jobs. Although it quite stereotypes the immigrants, I still like the movie because it also shows that once they are out of their war-ridden countries they are able to openly accept others into the community.
Anyway, the theme I seem to have today is about racism. I never liked it.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wall-E
I recalled watching this animal documentary, trying to identify which breed of dog is the smartest. One of the test I recalled was a test to see how a dog would retrieve a snack from under a low lying table. Most dogs would be using their snouts to push and shove the table to get to the snack, but they identified the smarter dog would be using his paws to reach for it and pulling it out. Conclusion, using another appendage that suit the situation better to achieve result with least hassle.
I guess that is the gist of what my definition of intelligence is. To achieve a result with the least possible hassle. If you are smart enough, you would be able to bypass the drudging slower methods to accomplish something. For example, you would be using icecubes to cool down a drink rather than waiting for it to naturally cool down or blowing on it till it is bearable. But to make icecubes... Some intelligent person decides to make icecubes for that purpose, and intelligently does it, so that he can enjoy cool drinks without having to wait a long time.
So, what it seems to me is that laziness, and the strife to have a more relaxing lifestyle, has made us intelligent.
Or intelligence has made us lazy...
Which brings me to today's review, Wall-E. The humans potrayed in the movie are blobs, who are slowly losing the function of their bodies. They travel around in hovercraft thingies, with a computer screen in front of thier eyes 24/7. Everything they need is given to them. They also start to lose their identities. Well, that is what I saw anyway...
This comes with all that technology that make our lives easier.
Laziness: the cause and effect of Intelligence.
I guess that is the gist of what my definition of intelligence is. To achieve a result with the least possible hassle. If you are smart enough, you would be able to bypass the drudging slower methods to accomplish something. For example, you would be using icecubes to cool down a drink rather than waiting for it to naturally cool down or blowing on it till it is bearable. But to make icecubes... Some intelligent person decides to make icecubes for that purpose, and intelligently does it, so that he can enjoy cool drinks without having to wait a long time.
So, what it seems to me is that laziness, and the strife to have a more relaxing lifestyle, has made us intelligent.
Or intelligence has made us lazy...
Which brings me to today's review, Wall-E. The humans potrayed in the movie are blobs, who are slowly losing the function of their bodies. They travel around in hovercraft thingies, with a computer screen in front of thier eyes 24/7. Everything they need is given to them. They also start to lose their identities. Well, that is what I saw anyway...
This comes with all that technology that make our lives easier.
Laziness: the cause and effect of Intelligence.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
The Mist
The Mist is a film adaptation of Stephen King's novella with the same name. Yes, a novella is shorter than a novel... but longer than a novelette.
Anyway, the most striking feature about this story is how different people react in FEAR. I just find it interesting to find out how you would see yourself as one of the characters in the movie. After you've decided, 'Yeah, that's who I want to be,' the ironic thing is at the end of the movie...
In fear and panic situation there would almost always be:
1. The Unlikely Hero - This is the person who just does the right things at the right place at the right time. Just like Die Hard. There are other people in the same situation, but his/her actions would make people listen and follow him/her.
2. The Biblical Preacher - This would be the person who starts preaching that whatever is happening is an act of God. He/she believes that they are being punished for all the sins that they have committed and begs everyone to repent and seek salvation. Depending on how psychotic the person is, the situation may blow out of proportion.
3. The Unbeliever - This is the person who is denial and still believes that it is just a prank. He/she believes that nothing is wrong and everything will be ok. He/she argues ardently and may turn violent until he/she: A. dies or B. believes.
4. The Wannabe Hero - This is the person who wants to be of use and tries desperately to help. He/she would be thinking of various plans or gadgets to annoy people and usually does not help the situation. It is usually potrayed as a young teenager who ultimately gets in the way and die.
5. The I-Told-You-So - This is a very annoying character. All he/she does is to spew out comments stating the obvious. He/she would bad mouth anyone and will dampen any spirit. In a movie, you would wish that the character would died early and usually would get cheers from the audience whence he/she dies.
6. The Lovers - This is the couple in the situation. The female counterpart would usually be protected by her male counterpart, or find out that he's a selfish prick. If the situation allows, they would be making out or having sex somewhere. In the movies, they would die during, or after sex.
7. The Scardy Cat - This is probably where most of us sit. He/she would be terrified of the situation and resort to hiding in a corner in fetal position. He/she would not want to move from the spot and would not listen to anyone, no matter how logic it is. In hopeless situations and if the person is depressed enough, he/she would commit suicide.
Every panic movie would potray these 7 roles or a mix of them. There can even be more than one person in a particular role.
In The Mist, there was a scene discussing the reactions that were happening and how it will lead to people killing one another. Like in The Lord Of The Flies. One guy pointed out that it was in their nature to react that way... bringing in religion and politics as examples. If it happens at times out of crisis, then what more when IN crisis? Even with a common enemy, people will still have different view points and sides will be taken.
Anyway, a good psych watch for me. And if you do plan to watch it, take note of the ironic scene at the end. It is so ironic that it is not funny at all.
Anyway, the most striking feature about this story is how different people react in FEAR. I just find it interesting to find out how you would see yourself as one of the characters in the movie. After you've decided, 'Yeah, that's who I want to be,' the ironic thing is at the end of the movie...
In fear and panic situation there would almost always be:
1. The Unlikely Hero - This is the person who just does the right things at the right place at the right time. Just like Die Hard. There are other people in the same situation, but his/her actions would make people listen and follow him/her.
2. The Biblical Preacher - This would be the person who starts preaching that whatever is happening is an act of God. He/she believes that they are being punished for all the sins that they have committed and begs everyone to repent and seek salvation. Depending on how psychotic the person is, the situation may blow out of proportion.
3. The Unbeliever - This is the person who is denial and still believes that it is just a prank. He/she believes that nothing is wrong and everything will be ok. He/she argues ardently and may turn violent until he/she: A. dies or B. believes.
4. The Wannabe Hero - This is the person who wants to be of use and tries desperately to help. He/she would be thinking of various plans or gadgets to annoy people and usually does not help the situation. It is usually potrayed as a young teenager who ultimately gets in the way and die.
5. The I-Told-You-So - This is a very annoying character. All he/she does is to spew out comments stating the obvious. He/she would bad mouth anyone and will dampen any spirit. In a movie, you would wish that the character would died early and usually would get cheers from the audience whence he/she dies.
6. The Lovers - This is the couple in the situation. The female counterpart would usually be protected by her male counterpart, or find out that he's a selfish prick. If the situation allows, they would be making out or having sex somewhere. In the movies, they would die during, or after sex.
7. The Scardy Cat - This is probably where most of us sit. He/she would be terrified of the situation and resort to hiding in a corner in fetal position. He/she would not want to move from the spot and would not listen to anyone, no matter how logic it is. In hopeless situations and if the person is depressed enough, he/she would commit suicide.
Every panic movie would potray these 7 roles or a mix of them. There can even be more than one person in a particular role.
In The Mist, there was a scene discussing the reactions that were happening and how it will lead to people killing one another. Like in The Lord Of The Flies. One guy pointed out that it was in their nature to react that way... bringing in religion and politics as examples. If it happens at times out of crisis, then what more when IN crisis? Even with a common enemy, people will still have different view points and sides will be taken.
Anyway, a good psych watch for me. And if you do plan to watch it, take note of the ironic scene at the end. It is so ironic that it is not funny at all.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
I just can't wait until my exams are over. This is the list of movies that I want to watch:
The Mist Stephen King thriller with plot from Half-life. Should be interesting, no?
Beowolf Mythology... another movie with dragons and monsters. Yum...
Golden Compass Quests, adventures and animal spirits... I wonder what animal would I have?
Enchanted I am just curious. Really intrigued by Disney and their ideas
Grace is Gone Another movie to satisfy my achieving Fatherhood curiosity
Juno Well... motherhood is also important right?
When did you last see your father It just sounds touching... I miss home already.
The Bucket List Death surrounds me all the time, its never too late to start.
Southland Tales I am just curious how entertainment stars act together in the movie industry. And I think there is some sci fi in it too...
August Rush Music, it is the core of my soul...
Slipstream A movie about making a movie, then characters from each get mixed up. How confusing. NICE...
Music Within Just sparked from my Paediatric term with disabled kids
27 Dresses I hated the character in Greys Anatomy, but my personality test says i should consider the 'Maid of Honor'
Jumper I bend time-o and space. Yatta!
Bee Movie Just to fulfil my cartoon needs.
The Seeker I only seen the posters...
Hairspray Dance, hell, why not?
Rush Hour 3 Naked girls. why not?
The Mist Stephen King thriller with plot from Half-life. Should be interesting, no?
Beowolf Mythology... another movie with dragons and monsters. Yum...
Golden Compass Quests, adventures and animal spirits... I wonder what animal would I have?
Enchanted I am just curious. Really intrigued by Disney and their ideas
Grace is Gone Another movie to satisfy my achieving Fatherhood curiosity
Juno Well... motherhood is also important right?
When did you last see your father It just sounds touching... I miss home already.
The Bucket List Death surrounds me all the time, its never too late to start.
Southland Tales I am just curious how entertainment stars act together in the movie industry. And I think there is some sci fi in it too...
August Rush Music, it is the core of my soul...
Slipstream A movie about making a movie, then characters from each get mixed up. How confusing. NICE...
Music Within Just sparked from my Paediatric term with disabled kids
27 Dresses I hated the character in Greys Anatomy, but my personality test says i should consider the 'Maid of Honor'
Jumper I bend time-o and space. Yatta!
Bee Movie Just to fulfil my cartoon needs.
The Seeker I only seen the posters...
Hairspray Dance, hell, why not?
Rush Hour 3 Naked girls. why not?
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