Dance to Life

AVP - Requiem

2007-11-17T04:59:00.000-08:00

They are hailed as the universe's most deadly species....and they are set for battle again. This Christmas, the Aliens and Predators wage WAR!!

Diwali @ the Moots's

2007-11-09T04:53:00.000-08:00

Well, it was the festival of lights again and it was truly a pleasant time at my home!

Black Tie and Diamonds - It was NOT just an Affair!

2007-11-05T05:29:00.000-08:00

The HELP Matriculation Centre Student Council recently organised its annual ball themed Black Tie and Diamonds and WoW! What a rocking night it was!!

HALO 3 - Gameplay

2007-10-11T18:16:00.000-07:00

Fallen Son - A tribute

2007-10-10T00:31:00.000-07:00

I created this video as a tribute to Captain America....a true American hero!

Please provide your comments. Tq

Iron Man rules!

2007-10-02T00:14:00.000-07:00

In the Marvel Civil War storyline, A Superhero Registration Act has been passed, requiring all individuals possessing paranormal abilities to register their powers and identities with the government. Disagreement over the Act split the super hero community in two, with Tony Stark, Iron Man, as the figurehead of the pro-registration, and Steve Rogers, Captain America, leading the anti-registration rebellion.

Amidst all the super charged Civil War violence, the perception of Iron Man has been put to test. However, with the release of the Iron Man movie in summer 2008, it promises a new start for this iron-clad superhero!

The Cherating tale

2007-09-30T03:53:00.000-07:00

Fun, Sand and Sun.

That's how I can describe my weekend during the HELP Matriculation Centre (HMC) retreat at Impiana in Cherating, Pahang.

Well, we all left on Friday morning at 8.00 a.m in Gobi's car in anticipation of a long drive. But, personally, the ride was fun with a varying sceneary along the way. There was also Vincent and Husnizar to provide loads of laughter during the trip.

Upon arrival, unable to resist the temptation, myself, Gobi and Vincent plunged into the swimming pool. GOSH, what a lovely feeling it was...the sun and the warmth of the pool water was really soothing for our bodies.

After lunch, we got on to the first session of the day conducted by Mr Gerard Louis from HELP's Careersense. We started with introductions of ourselves and our stint at HELP.

Following that was buka puasa dinner....and my god, was there a variety of food. Char koey teow, roti canai, nasi briyani, spiced chicken, fried fish, lamb, ais kacang.....what a mouth watering time.

Then, it was light and easy time. We all adjourned to the pub where we had karaoke, pool, and a fun time at darts. Pool was an eye opener for me and so was darts. And, gosh......what a hustler Husnizar was at the table.

A stroll by the beech began my day the next morning. The sounds of the lapping waves sang tunes to my ears. After a sumptuous breakfast, it was back to sessions of us relating to the team on our personal drawbacks which was followed by input from the team on the individual's strengths.

That evening, we had a furious game of beach soccer, beach ball and water polo in the pool. Man, it was revitalising!

Saturday night's dinner was a feast at restaurant Duyung. Buttered prawns, fried squid, kangkung, venison, rice, mixed vegetables....(my god, my mouth is starting to water again.)

Sunday ended with the HMC staff relating their personal goals in the morning session. And, after lunch, we all left with a heavy heart. What a joy it had been.

Cherating was a timely and well-deserved get-away; I truly enjoyed every moment with my colleagues!

p.s. I can still hear the sound of those waves!

Delving in to the depths of Spawn

2007-09-23T04:24:00.000-07:00

Watching HBO's Spawn: The Animated Series certaily took me down memory lane.

It was as if reliving the days when I used to read Spawn comics. The series captures all the elements of brutality, corruption, powerplay, sex and drugs as narrated by Todd Mcfarlane in his comics.

Well, it's one of the best cartoons I’ve ever watched and Spawn the series still holds up after nearly 15 years. Definately the best thing the Spawn franchise has to offer, improving on practically everything that made the comic book enjoyable. If you’ve never had the pleasure of watching it, then give it a shot.

p.s: Watch The Clown in action....he is erotically demented and sadistic as ever!!

Watchmen - Super-powers and the superpowers

2007-09-19T17:32:00.000-07:00

"The release of atom power has changed everything except our way of thinking...the solution of this problem lies in the heart of mankind...If only I had known, I should have become a watchmaker." - Albert Einstein

You know, I should slap myself stupid for not having read The Watchmen when it was released. It is not your typical superhero graphic novel but more of an anti-hero piece.

Watchmen is set in 1985, in an alternative histroy United States where costumed adventurers are real and the country is edging closer to a nuclear war with the Soviet Union (the Doomsday Clock is at five minutes to midnight). It tells the story of a group of past and present superheroes and the events surrounding the mysterious murder of one of their own. Watchmen depicts superheroes as real people who must confront ethical and personal issues, who struggle with neuroses and failings, and who - with one notable exception - lack anything recognizable as super powers. Watchmen's deconstruction of the conventional superhero archetype, combined with its innovative adaptation of cinematic techniques and heavy use of symbolism, multi-layered dialogue and metafiction is really a deep reflection of our daily lives.

Ploughing through the pages of the Watchmen, we are taken into the past (time of Nixon, John. F Kennedy) and through present times where life itself is seen from varying perspectives.

I quote here Dr Manhattan, one of the characters from the book:

"It is the oldest ironies that are still the most satisfying: man, when preparing for bloody war, will orate loudly and most eloquently in the name of peace. The dichotomy is not an invention of the twentieth century, yet it is in this century that the most striking examples of the phenomena have appeared. Never before has man pursued global harmony more vocally while amassing stockpiles of weapons so devastating in their effects. The second world war-we were told- was The War To End Wars. The development of the atomic bomb is the Weapon To End Wars. And yet, wars continue"

Another beutiful quote is from Rorschach:

"This rudderless world is not shaped by vague metaphysical forces. It is not god who kills the children. Not fate that butchers them or destiny that feeds them to the dogs. It is us. Only us."

Watchmen is truly a graphic novel that has revolutionised the comic industy. With its thought provoking story line, you may just wonder how far we would go to sustain the balance in the human race.

By the way, Watchmen won the Hugo Award and is one of Time Magazine's 100 Best Novels. It is writen by aclaimed and controversial writer, Alan Moore (V for Vendetta, From Hell and Swamp Thing). Need I say more?

The Evil that Men Do

2007-09-19T05:23:00.000-07:00

An 8-10-year-old girl...sexually and physically abused, brutally murdered and dumped in a gym bag.

Is this one of life's sick and erotic jokes?

I don't understand how it is humanly possible to perform such a brutal killing on a child. There are just too many sick bastards out there who have gone beyond boundries.

How can we feel secure again to walk the streets with our children? Why prey on the innocent children? Why?

This has got to end. For the sake of the children, THIS HAS GOT TO END!

"The world I'd tried to save was lost beyond recall. I was a horror; amongst horrors must I dwell"

The Prisoner Is In!!!

2007-09-19T04:32:00.000-07:00

"Darwin wins inside these walls, not Einstein"

Well people, buckle up cause Prison Break: Season 3 has begun a roller-coaster ride full of thrills that will keep you at the edge of your seats.

Michael Scofield engaes in a deadly cat and mouse game once again; but, this time, there seems to be a better twist in the tale.

Incarcerated in Sona (a prison where one walks in and never walks out), Scofield is left delirious over his present situation. As usual, there are the prison mobs who run the priosn with an iron fist. There are also characters (or scoundrels) from the previous seasons to mess things up here. So, Scofield deffinately has his hands full.

The plot this time around seems intriguing enough but, then again, what is Prison Break without intrigue?

I am not going to let the cat out of the bag at this point. Just watch it. No regrets!

New Straits Times's Hulla-Hulla!!

2007-09-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

Well, this Saturday was interesting as I accompanied my wife to her company's family day celebration titled Circulation Hulla Night 2007!

Ha Ha....what a celebration it was. Held at the Mines Golden Spa and Resort, it was an entertaining night with loads of laugh too.

The food was appetising with overflowing dishes of sea food....Prawns, crab, oysters and there were the usual BBQ chicken and sausages. Of cause, not forgetting Satay, fried rice, mee hoon, apple pies, chocholate fudge cakes etc....etc.

to add to that ambience, there were loads of games and tonnes of prizes to win. There was the "Guess the number of Peanuts in a jar" game, bursting of balloons and Karaoke sessions that depicted many talents (and the not so talented...like those who can break glasses with their voices).

For me, I thought the highlight was the Limbo Rock. Gosh, watching the young and old bend over like that drew so many laughs from the audience.

It was an enjoyable night with food to satisfy my tummy. And my wife won the grand bonanza prize of Ikea shopping vouchers during the lucky draw. So, I am not complaining! Ha Ha.

When the children speak!

2007-09-08T00:32:00.000-07:00

"Children show me in their playful smiles the divine in everyone. This simple goodness shines straight from their hearts and only asks to be lived." - Michael Jackson

My recent visit to the Shelter 1 home with my students was truly an eye opener. I seem to have forgotten what it takes to be a kid and how it is to be loved.

The 15 odd kids in the home were all smiles when they saw us there. Jumping and screaming, they seemed to have walked into a Disneyland of sorts. Never letting my students any time to breathe, they danced, sang, ran and mingled with them making it a blissful moment to witness.

The sad part ot all this is that these children are neglected, sexually and physically abused.....by thir own parents!

I sometimes wonder what defines us as human beings. How is it we walk through life by setting moral examples and in the very next instant, we can resort to unthinkable violence! I mean....CHILDREN.....what do they ask of us but love and care? Did they ask to be brought in to this world to be the brunt of our sick and erotic jokes of life?

Take Madeleine McCann for instance......missing for 128 days (to date). Her own parents have become suspects in her sudden disappearance.

I have a younger brother who is 25 and he is a slow learner. He never asked to be put in such a situation in life....but he strives to make the best of what he can. Innocent as he is, he is my kid brother. And, as my parents always say, he is God's child.

And believe it people....All children are God's children.

Today's visit to the home was part of a community service project that me and my students are working on. It's called Pack the Floor for 24; A 24-hour dance marathon cum fund raising event for the children out there. Log on to http://www.p24dancerathon.blogspot.com/ for more information.

So, let us all wake up. Let us all stand up and dance for the kids. Why? because we can! And, because children are God's blessings to each and everyone of us.

The Gundam tale

2007-09-07T03:02:00.000-07:00

G.U.N.D.A.M - General Purpose Utility Non-Discontinuity Augmentation Maneuvering Weapon System (Gundam SEED Anime)

G.U.N.D.A.M - General Unilateral Neuro-Link Dispersive Autonomic Maneuver System

G.U.N.D.A.M - Generation Unsubdued Nuclear Drive Assault Module (anime)

G.U.N.D.A.M - Gigantic Unilateral Numerous Dominating Ammunition (Anime)

G.U.N.D.A.M - Gunnery United Nuclear Duetrion Advanced Maneuver System (Gundam Seed Destiny Anime)

Mobile Suit Gundam was developed principally by Yoshiyuki Tomino, along with a changing group of Sunrise creators who went under the collective pseudonym "Hajime Yatate".
During its conceptual phase, the series was originally titled Freedom Fighter Gunboy or simply Gunboy, because the title robot was armed with a gun and the target demographic was young boys. In the early stages of production, there were numerous references to the word freedom, such as the White Base being originally named Freedom's Fortress, the Core Fighter as the Freedom Wing, and the Gunperry named the Freedom Cruiser. The collective Yatate team combined the English word Gun with last syllable of the word Freedom, Dom, to form the word Gundom. Tomino then changed the name to the current title Gundam, suggesting that the name Gundam signifies a power wielding a gun that is strong enough to hold back enemies like a dam holds back floods.

Gundams are usually not sentient robots, but rather large, bipedal vehicles controlled by their human pilots in cockpits. Like many of the "mobile suits" appearing in the series, a Mobile Suit (the name for these vehicles, including the Gundam) is usually piloted from the torso area with a camera built into the head, transmitting the image to viewscreens in the cockpit, allowing the pilot to perceive the outside world. Some exceptions have been known to mount cockpits on other areas (Like the mobile suit's head, which is the case in the Guntank model). There are sentient ones, however. In the plot of Gundam Sentinel, the computer called A.L.I.C.E. was specified to have developed its own emotion, wanting to become human at its destruction in the very end of the story. In the Story Blue Destiny, four suits (in which one of them is not a Gundam and one got a GM head but have an RX-79[G] body) mounted with the EXAM system all shared a Newtype human soul inside them and can act on their own and will go berserk when meeting each other since it will be like asking a human to attack him/herself. These are, however, the only canon and specified plot that contains sentient Gundams.

The Master Chief Returns

2007-09-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

Anyone who has played Halo will agree that this game's redefined combat entirely. It's no wonder they call it Combat Evolved.

Well, I am keeping my adrenalin under check just anticipating the arrival of this third rag-tag gun battle game!

To hell with Rambo! The Master Chief rocks!!

All "Wired Up"

2007-09-02T03:06:00.000-07:00

Sex, drugs, traffickers, homosexuality, gang land murders, corruption....these are the essence of the hit T.V. series, The Wire.

It takes a look at the harsh realities of life in West Baltimore where cops live a thin line trying to penetrate the over run high rises of the drug stronghold.

Bit by bit, The Wire delves into the horro of the drug menace, corrupt politicians and the judiciary that the local cops face day by day in trying to nail the drug kingpins and wrapping up their cases.

I have to admit it....The Wire stirs up terribly disturbing scenes, sexual situations and is pumped up with loads of profanity. But, it is the reality of life, and The Wire spells it out loud and clear.....No holds barred.....on screen.

Take a break....Have a....Homer?

2007-09-01T00:04:00.000-07:00

Dumbass Homer

Bed of Roses @ Floria 2007

2007-08-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

Well, it was another public holiday and so, what did I do? Me and my wife jumped into the car and took a trip down to Putrajaya for the Putrajaya Flower & Garden Festival 2007.

What a sight of exceeding beauties and I believe it was creativity at its best. The exhibition was overflowing with an array of flowers that looked like a riveting sea of colors.

There was the Meadow, The Floral Pavilion, The Ceremonial Stage, The Floral Demo stage and one can just spend hours marveling at the spectacles of landscaping and creativity. I mean, there were floral sculptures as well....and, a floral sculpture of Chicken Little was there. I kid you not.

I really can't describe the feeling of serenity and the smell of the Jasmines, Orchids and Roses. You will have to catch the exhibition to enjoy the splendour of the moment!

It's just being Malaysianlah!

2007-08-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

50 years of freedom

50 years of harmony

50 years of unity

50 years of history

50 years of roti canai

50 years of kuey teow

50 years of cendol

50 years of briyani

50 years of bannana leaf rice

50 years of holding hands

50 years of understanding

50 years of love

50 years of fighting spirit

50 years of keping it together

50 years of laughter

50 years of sorrow

50 years of arrogant driving

50 years of freindship

50 years of education

50 years of spitting in public

50 years of sound economy

50 years of financial ease

50 years of of neighbours

50 years of rainforests

50 years of success

50 years of pride

All more the reasons for being a Malaysian lah!

Happy 50th Birthday Malaysia!!

Bourne to Thrill

2007-08-27T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have got three words for Jason Bourne......Slick, Sly and Smooth.

The movie The Bourne Ultimatum is truly engrossing and it moves at a fast pace. It makes you wonder how such a character as Bourne was created through the eyes of writer Robert Ludlum.

I remember reading his books on the famed assassin....The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum. The story of how Bourne hunts down Carlos the Jackal is well crafted in a deadly cat and mouse game that involves so much cloak and dagger it would give one an adrenalin rush.

The books were truly a roller coaster ride; a true Ludlum thriller (as all his other books). The movies are not dissapointing either with its equal share of suspense that will keep you at the edge of your seats.

So, brace yourself for a natural Bourne killer!

Old vs New

2007-08-25T07:08:00.001-07:00

I woke up this morning...dazed as usual....went downstairs to grab hold of the newspapers (as I do every morning). And wham! Man....it was a different paper entirely.

No.....what I mean is it was the New Straits Times....just an older version......LOL. It was 50 years old. I shit you not. A very retro looking newspaper!

Puzzled? Well, the date on the paper read Sunday, August 25, 1957.....No, I didn't go back in time.....it's just that the NST has started publishing its newspapers as it was before independence (along with the its daily copies), for the next one week in lieu of the 50 years independence celebrations.

Gosh, newspapers in those days were horrifying....the fonts were so small you'd have to use a magnifying glass. And the entire paper is black....like it has been photocopied! My mum was all smiles while browsing through the old copy. She kept saying "It's beautiful! It's beautiful!" What can I say...Veterans!

Well, quite honestly, the old NST has character....and well....NEWS! So much you could spend the entire day dwelling into it.

So, grab a copy...and get a blast from the past!

Malaysia Boleh! "Foolosophy"

2007-08-21T02:59:00.000-07:00

You know, there's one thing that Malaysians can never give up.....understanding the virtue of patience.

Just yesterday I was at the Bukit Bintang monorail station waiting my turn during rush hour traffic. There were hoardes of people waiting. Every train that pulled up was full to the brim and the moment the doors opened,......well.....need I say more? It was like "Shop Till You drop" and "Every man for himself!!"

The line lost its order and everyone was ramming their way into the entrance and I was thrown all around like a rag doll. The next thing I knew, I was shit out of luck and right behind the line. I mean....go figure?

Gosh! What has happened to civic mindedness? Have we lost it all? I mean, there were tourists and I can bet you that when they saw the crowd storming the trains, it must have been like a refugee camp in disarray!!

Now I know why my students complain when they have to commute using the rail links. It's like a war zone out there!

To Sir with Love?

2007-08-19T04:22:00.000-07:00

One of the most satisfying aspects of lecturing at the college or university level may be found in the mentoring relationship that academics can develop with their students. A good mentoring relationship can be what is sometimes called a "peak experience" for both lecturer and student -- a sharing of something unique that no one else may experience in quite the same way. The student experiences an acceptance of ideas and contributions that may be unequalled in previous life experience.

The lecturer may experience, through the student, the closest one may feel to a professional immortality -- a feeling that the baton is being passed to someone worthy and that one's work will live on, not only on the yellowing pages of a journal somewhere in the stacks of a library, but in the mind and work of someone younger, more energetic, and equally committed to the task to which one's professional life has been so fully devoted.

A unique aspect of the mentoring relationship among professional relationships is that the student is, at the same time, a student and, well.... a friend. In a healthy mentoring relationship, the student is encouraged and expected to be candid in responding to the lecturer's ideas, methods, or words. Part of a mentor's role is to acquaint the student, not only with the specialized field that is shared, but also with the other leaders in the field and with the ways of professional and academic life. And yet, despite this closeness and sharing, the lecturer does remain a lecturer and the student, a student. The lecturer maintains certain evaluative responsibilities and the student continues to be dependent on the mentor's guidance and approval.

I have met many students during my stint as a lecturer...and I would like to say a very big THANK YOU to all of you .......Leonard, Luc, Izabelle, Jonathan, Keith, Lynnete, Sarah Liyana, Sarah Yung, Kit Mun, Nana, Sam, Ridzuan, Karen.... AND THE LIST GOES ON AND ON (Do not be offended if you are not on the list...you are in my heart). You guys and gals have redefined the student-lecturer relationship in many ways possible and best of all, you have made this job of mine truly meaningful.

Spaghetti Saturday!

2007-08-19T04:11:00.001-07:00

One of my wife's specialties is ....well....making Spaghetti. And, yes.....it was another satisfying Meatball Spaghetti Saturday!

She can really cook up a sumptuous spaghetti dinner for the whole family....and the best part is, we can have different levels of "spicyness". Just ask....hot....very hot....or even...."Peri-Peri"......LOL!!

It all started on a trial and error basis...and now, she's good at it.....real good!

Well, I'm blessed am I not. :)

P.S. If you are wondering what the green bits are.....They are beans. :)

Comics - Fantasy or Reality?

2007-08-12T23:26:00.000-07:00

There was an article a couple of months' back in the New Sunday Times where a columnist wrote on Spider-man and “What a wondrous web he weaves”. This columnist also went on further to talk about the issue of reading comics.

And so, the question arises. Are comics good or bad? Let's start with specific questions. Is there violence in comics? Definitely, yes! Is there any sexuality in comics? Well, this would be based on your definition of sexuality, but yes.

I believe it is best to understand that COMICS are NOT FOR KIDS ONLY! In terms of American superhero comics, things are no longer the same. Probably being influenced by the manga (Japanese comics) and for the market selling, most superheroes are not perfect like Superman. These new heroes have emotions, like everyone of us. They make mistakes, they regret and they probably do something bad. Even Superman does. And the beauty of it is, we can actually learn from such issues.

Take for instance the ever popular quote from Spiderman “With great power comes great responsibility”. Oh, how true it is. You do not need to be a superhero to realize this. It’s a quote that applies to almost all of us.

I believe the most important thing is to reflect good values from these heroes. Since the heroes are more human than ever and more like you and me, it's a good method to emulate them as idols who in many ways, are human and, make mistakes.

I personally have adored Batman since my teenage years. He is not simply called “The World’s Greatest Detective” for the fun of it but simply because unlike other superheroes, he makes use of intellect, detective skills, science and technology, wealth, physical prowess and intimidation in his war on crime. He comes to prove that violence is not the only resolution for crime.

Over the years, I am indeed glad to have come across great talents like Frank Miller, Stan Lee, Alex Ross, Chris Claremont, Joe Quesada and Alan Moore. Titles like V for Vendetta, Watchmen, The Sandman, Batman: The Killing Joke are truly thought provoking and have certainly left a mark on me. I actually use the movie V for Vendetta in teaching the subject Introduction to Human Communication.

To sum it all up, there are many lessons and ideas that one can get from comics and one of the most valuable lessons I have learnt is that the most upstanding of citizens is capable of going mad or tarnishing his or her image after having "just one bad day or event". How true this can be. Think about it.

Marriage quandries

2007-08-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

What does marraige really mean? A contract? An encounter? Beats me....I am still looking for answers.

One thing's for sure....Marriage is about discovery.

I guess the first thing is that I discovered as a husband is I am inherently a selfish person. We can probably all say that about ourselves but the mere fact that I'm a lecturer with a full-time job defines the extent of my affliction. In the first years of my married life, I never saw myself as selfish. Not that I thought I was unselfish, mind you . . . I just never really thought about it at all.

I've learned that being a selfish person can really harm a relationship--especially because I never thought about it.

I've found, to my utter astonishment, that we are not all alike. You know what I mean? Ever hear anyone say, "Hey, we're all human." Well, at one level, that's certainly correct. But to make that statement apply everywhere is just flat-out dangerous.

Being a husband is the simplest job in the world. It is also the most empowering. Most rewarding. Most satisfying. Most stabilizing. Most . . . . . . frightening in some ways.

And trust me......marriage is a learning game. To become a master of it takes time and lots of self reflection.

Sunday Round-up

2007-08-12T03:57:00.000-07:00

Well, well......another weekend and its gone.

I didn't really do much this Sunday. Spent most of the time bumming around. In the afternoon however, I accompanied my wife to the Berita Harian 50th anniversay bash at the NST head office.

Well, it was certainly loud with kids running around and trying their luck at the various game stalls. There was loads of food too....from mouth watering Satay sticks to thosais. Even A & W didn't miss out on the opportunity to set up a booth there.

Next stop was the KLCC park. The both of us decided to Kill Time at the park by enjoying a little peace and quiet. That all came to an abrupt end with the change of the weather in the evening.

Let's see if next weekend is a little more promising.

Perfect Plot with a Perfect cast

2007-08-08T19:27:00.001-07:00

All a perfect murder needs is the perfect ingredients.

The movie Perfect Stranger dwells along these lines.

It has a perfect plot supported by actress Helle Berry and actor Bruce Willis. Berry is as sultry as ever and Willis has deffinately not lost his charm. The dude still maintains his suave and machoism since his days in Moonlighting.

Following the unsolved murder of one of her childhood friends, New York City newspaper reporter Rowena Price (Berry) decides to go undercover to investigate the case herself. Her search leads her on a chase through the darkest corners of the Internet as she observes her primary suspect, multi-millionaire Harrison Hill (Willis).

While watching Perfect Stranger, you might be overwhelmed by the feeling that "Hey, this plot sounds very similar to like a gazillion movies I have watched." My advice, wait till the end. The twist is something beyond expectation!

I haven't watched a movie with such a twist since Don't Say a Word and A Perfect Murder. Watch it for a Perfect thrill!

50 Years' of Independence

2007-08-08T01:58:00.000-07:00

It has been 50 years since we attained independence.

But, what does it all mean? I suppose it is the independence we all share as Malaysians. The independence to walk the streets, the independece to shop at our free will, the independence to choose friends, the independence to socialise etc, etc.

I suppose these are the perks we enjoy of being Malaysians. And, I suppose the one thing that I cherish and relish so much about being in this country is the peace and harmony that we enjoy; Not just today, not just yesterday, not just tomorrow but everyday. And, 50 years have spelt this out all through.

We are Malaysians who are of different nationalities, race, beliefs, creed and even, skin color. But, we all share the same blood...the blood of unity! And, that is why the Malaysian flag carries the red stripe of unity.

So, continue to enjoy this independence for 50 more years and many more years to come.

Proud to be Malaysian!

Toy Review - Sandtrooper

2007-08-08T01:22:00.000-07:00

This piece is the latest in my collection. Standing a whopping 14'' tall, this Sergeant ranking Sandtrooper takes the cake.

Sandtroopers or Desert Troopers are specially trained divisions of Imperial Stormtroopers equipped with modified armor and equipment to withstand the harsh climates of desert planets like Tatooine. Though their armor is similar to that of a regular Stormtrooper, their suits contain advanced cooling systems, which offers better protection from the relentless heat than standard Stormtrooper armor. Their helmets contain lenses that automatically polarize to protect the trooper's eyes, as well as breathing filters.

The artists and sculpturers at Kotobukiya ARTFX have done a great job on this piece.....great battle weathered effect has been applied to this figure giving its armor a dirty and worn out look . The Sergeant's equipment and weaponry are also nicely detailed, especially the gun barrel.

A must have for all Star Wars fans!

How far does a mother's love need to go?

2007-08-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

When does a mother's love stop? When one is 10? When one graduates from college? When one gets married? When one has kids?

Well, the movie "because I said so" sort of explores this "motherly love" It's about an over eccentric mother who believes that she knows best about her daughter's life, needs and even, finding a right life partner. The mother (Daphne) goes all out by placing an advert and intervieiwing candidates that would be suitable for her daughter (Milly). After a harrowing time, she settles on smart looking Jason. However, in the midst of the interview comes along on looker Johnny who feels he has "the cuts" for the daughter. The story then proceeds from there on with hillarious consequences where Milly "tests waters" with Jason and Johnny, much to her mothers approval and disapproval.

The movie actually gets you thinking as to where do mothers really draw a line. But, then again, that line can be so fine it is hard to distinguish.

I was actually thinking aobut my mother from time to time while viewing the movie. I was trying to fit certain pieces to the way she acts towards me....and, like I said.... a very thin line.

All in all, I am glad I can still return home to a mother.... a person who I know for sure will go the certain mile to meet my needs; a person who I can love and cherish.

Motherly love or not, they are still our mothers.

Soul to Soul at Souled Out

2007-08-06T00:44:00.000-07:00

Souled Out....it's a restaurant cum pub and it has just the right ambience you are looking for to have a wonderful class party.

I joined my students (about 15 of my Introduction to Human Communication students) recently for dinner and boy, did we have fun. It's good for lecturers and students to "break the ice" once in a way where they don't have to call you "Sir! Sir!" and just go with your name.

We all met at 8 p.m. and did out usual rituals of teasing each other (that's the usual ritual in class too) before settling down for food. Ordering was not so much of a fiasco as I expected. I suppose everyone had their meals planned for the day so they did not have to undergo a nerve wrecking time choosing out of a menu the size of a dictionary.

Food took awhile to reach our tables so we did the next best thing.....jokes and puns! Haha....some situations were just LOL. I must say, these group of students are the best Human Communication students I have taught in my one year stint. I had so many characters I could have written a novel on this class. There was much I learnt as well....I mean, just because one is a lecturer, that does not mean he/she is a god. We learn too, and I think, that's the beauty of the teaching profession.

Anyways, within minutes, we were indulging in various delicasies and everyone treated themselves to a haughty meal. Even "Si Kuning", an outstanding pal of Shalini and Maple "The Prawn", enjoyed himself (or herself)....You see, "Si Kuning" is a balloon with a smiley face...LOL!

After dinner, it was a round of games....we all gathered comfortably for "Truth or Dare". Unfortunately for one of the customers who was celebrating her birthday, she ended up being the target for all those who chose to be "Dared". I actually "Double Dared" my colleague, Ms Chris (lecturer at HELP) to ask one of the male customers his contact number, and by god, she did it. Cudos to her!

All in all, we enjoyed ourselves that night. Everyone went home contended and with smiles plastered across their faces.

Boy, am I looking forward to another session!
And, if you are keen on delicious food on a fine evening, treat your soul to Souled Out.

Bots hold the box office

2007-08-05T21:45:00.000-07:00

"The movie Transformers has officially become the No. 1 all-time biggest film in Malaysian cinematic history, acording to the distributors, Universal International Pictures" - NST, 6/8/07

Well, quite frankly speaking, the Bots deserve it. Just watching the Transformers: The Movie took me down memory lane to the Saturday's where I used to be glued to the tube watching the Decepticons and Autobots slugging it out (Transformers was such a talk about amongst me and my friends when we went cycling around the neighbourhood). It was like a dream come true cause I have been waiting for aeons for Hollywood to produce a big screen movie.

Transformers: The movie might lack the glory of the various characters portrayed in the original cartoon series (that ran from 1986 - 1989 for four seasons), but it surely kicks some major butt. And, Peter Cullen still sounds as suave and macho as the voice of Optimus Prime.

It's a well deserving tribute for The Transformers who are currently celebrating their 20th anniversary.

The Transformers Rock, O.K.!!

The Need for Speed - Redline!

2007-08-05T05:03:00.000-07:00

"A car can get you from point A to point B. A fast car can get you in trouble"

Well, that's the opening for the movie Redline which I just viewed. There's nothing reeally new here....fast cars, loads of women....more fast cars and more women. (Do you notice how women are always associated with cars?)

Anyway, the plot runs so thin that you can predict what will turn out in the end. There's no new formula in this movie compared to The Fast and the Furious. There is the usual adrenalin rushing speed scenes but nothing to really shout about.

For car enthusiaists, you might get a kick watching The Carrera GT taking on The Enzo during a shootout. Of cause, the "Bull" Lamborghini is not left out together with the Ford GT.

Watch it over a cup of coffee and enjoy the rides.

Remember...SPEED KILLS!

Bon Appetite with Ratatouille

2007-08-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

RATS..... Can't live with them.....and just maybe...can't live without them.

I suppose this is what the producers were trying to prove in Ratatouille....a rodent magnifique if you ask me. Well, what can I say, Pixar has done it again!

The relationship of a wannabe chef with a rodent is wonderfully captured in this tale (tail??? go figure) of rat meets man.

Remy is unlike other rodents as he despises scavenging like his ancestors and prefers to dwell in uptown delicasies. Reminiscing his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau and due to unforeseen circumstances, little Remy ends up in Paris (Yes, the city of love) and meets Linguini, the garbage boy, who inadvertently discovers Remy's amazing talents. The two strike a deal, ultimately setting into motion a chain of events that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.

I must say the animation is superb especially where the dishes and servings are concerned....it all looks so real it will make your mouth water.

Some point in the movie, I actually started to feel remorseful for the rodent community. Besides the humor, the movie does get one pondering if there are possibilities of humans forging a better understanding with the sewer dwelling rodents. Better still, is there a possibility that rodents would be cooking our meals in the future! (Ironic? Maybe....but then again, nothing's impossible).

The movie also takes the perspective of a rat who learns the truth about friendship, family and having no choice but to be who he really is, a rat who wants to be a chef.

My advice, keep your minds open when you watch this latest animation from Disney. You might go home with a mind full of thoughts or better still, a stomach full of.....Ratatouille?

Hey, the movie had such an impact on my wife and myself that everytime we see a rat in Bangsar, we go "Ratatouille! Ratatouille!"

So, the next time you go to a restaurant, order yourself a Ratatouille....hopefully, it's finger lickin good.

Brace yourself for a BLACKOUT!

2007-08-04T06:50:00.000-07:00

TRANSFORMERS - MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE...ROBOTS IN DISGUISE

Avid Transformers toys fans.....The Hasbro Voyager class Blackout is a must buy....I believe its the best in the range when it comes to details and accuracy.

It articulates well enough and transformation from the Pav Low chopper mode to robot and vice versa can be easlily pulled of by a 5-year-old. Not to mention, there's Scropnok together with it

So, for those who have not got it yet, well GET IT. No regrets.

"Freedom is the right of all sentient beings" - Optimus Prime

Going Potty over Potter

2007-08-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

Yup....that's what it is. Potty!

Quite sincerely, I don't see what ithe hype is all about the 7th Potter....to be quite frank, it's quite a drag. I am still half way through and draging my way througha plot that seemingly just dilutes as the pages grow.

Harry is still uncertain about recent revelations and with the death of dumbledore (the sixth book) , the poor kid seems to have fallen further into the rabbit hole (to bluntly put it).

I mean, the 7th Potter is an ok read.....but it doesn't stand up to the all time best, the fourth Potter..... I wouldn't mind drenching myself with a Goblet of Fire once again.