9 by Tim Burton

Was completing my Trailer Tracks for the magazine when I stumbled across this little baby. I think it's gonna be another Tim Burton wonder when it hits the big screen on the 9/9/09.

Take a look.

Cate Blanchett Vanity Fair February 2009

Walau, she's hot in the latest issue of Vanity Fair. So gonna get the issue.

Sad

So, my five-day break is over. Such a sad, sad thing.

Unlike some others, I never missed being a student. I love working and my job, at the moment. However, I sorely miss the long breaks that come with being a student.

Term breaks, mid-term breaks, festive breaks. I don't have them anymore. Such a sad, sad thing indeed.


On a different matter, I hate driving in Malacca. Oh, of course KL has the worst traffic jams but Malacca has something even more annoying - slow drivers.

Yea, of course slow drivers are careful drivers but then again, they're a pain in the butt. Driving at 60km/h on a three lane freeway in the right lane? Annoying.

Maybe I have been driving too much in KL. Sad.

I have seen

I attended The Seven Deadly Scenes at KLPAC yesterday to watch a friend perform for the first time on stage. Didn't really expected much (the play not the friend, mind you) but I was surprised that it was actually very good. It was thought provoking and I felt utilizing the whole floor rather than a set stage for the skits was an excellent idea. It was like being a silent participant of scene itself, sitting and watching but yet personable in alot of ways.

My friend of course did a fantastic job :)

So I had a good time watching the unfolding scenes of various sins. A sin I can identify with in life? Definitely pride - but on that day itself, I think it was greed.

Does wanting something you know it isn't yours and you know you can't have, count as being greedy? Even when you want it so badly it hurts?

Jobless for a reason

I read this today with disgust.

It is a waste of RM70 million which ultimately comes from tax payers and hence, me - no matter how little I'm paying in taxes at the moment.

To be frank, the only way to make them marketable is if they only could just grow up. It isn't so much the language, but more of their immature mentality that is preventing them from getting jobs. From what I have seen and experienced being around these people, I think they are just sad people who lack the ability to think for themselves.

If they would have used the years in university to develop some personality instead of organizing clubs to further perpetuate their 'herd mentality' or 'race-preservation', they would be job-ready already. Aren't social skills something a student inherently acquires over the years while studying without the need for special retraining?

Now don't go blaming the universities or lecturers. It isn't their fault if these jobless graduates fail to acquire at least a modicum of common sense to allow them to speak in public without embarrassing themselves. They have only themselves to blame.

Why must we, the others pay the price of their incompetency?

Going down under

I managed to catch Australia at the media screening in Pavilion today. Was it good? Was it bad?

It was rather okay I guess. Although, I didn't have much high expectations for it in the first place. However, I felt it wasn't as bad as the critics have been saying.

Nicole Kidman? I still love her. She was the very image of beauty I stared at on screen growing up, and she still does it for me now. I think she's eternally gorgeous (plastic surgery and all).

Men are sad creatures

I read this yesterday with interest.

This particularly, was the highlight of the piece in my mind:

"Being a bachelor is also no consolation as expenses are much higher being alone as you cannot share expenses with anyone."

"I used to pay RM1 per piece for my shirt or trouser pants to be pressed but now it costs me RM1.50 per piece - a whopping increase of 50%."

Nice isn't it? A bachelor can't press his own clothes? He needs to learn how to iron first before he can start complaining about making ends meet. If he needs his clothes to be pressed, I'm sure he sends them there to be laundered as well. It's guys like these that give us, men a bad name.

The translation would be:

"Being a bachelor I have no wife to help me save on my laundry bill."

"If I can get married I can get free laundry services as well as a cook thrown in. My expenditure can be cut down by 50% with hardly any trouble at all."

Pathetic.

Tis the season to be jolly

It has been depressing walking around in shopping malls when all of the shops - except the ones you're looking to purchase things from, are having great discounts. I was actually getting more and more despondent as the weeks go by since the Malaysian Savings Sale started, until today. I got this in the email:


Christmas is certainly looking up.

There's a bag I've been eyeing.

Then some shirts.

Then some pants.

Then some jackets.

Then I'll end up starving and on the streets.

Oh well, as long we're happy during the festive season right?

(And it's not as if it'll be snowing in Malaysia, right?).

Aspiring whiners...oops, writers

I attended the MPH Creative Writing Workshop by Jim Plouffe, Editor-in-Chief of Reader's Digest Asia today and guess who I met?

A bunch of whiners.

I think what's wrong with these people are that they are totally not mature enough to actually be writing for a living (despite some of them are old enough to be grandparents). They turn up their noses at commercial writing, they turn tails at writing stuff they are not familiar with and they certainly turned their good chance at learning today into nothing more than a crazed attempt to get a measly story published.

Instead of asking about stuff that can actually improve their writing, they went all out with a mission to dig for insider info on how they could get their writing published in the Reader's Digest. Bombarding Jim about questions on how does the magazine choose the stories to be featured, what are the chances their pieces will be picked if sent in, and the list goes on. Then they started whining about writer's block, on not knowing how to start writing and how hard it is to become a writer in Malaysia.

My thoughts and experience?

It's easy to become a writer. It's a matter of just stopping the whining and applying for a job as a writer.

I've learn all these months as a writer that there is no such thing as letting a writer's block keep you from a dateline. That most of the time, you write what is needed and not what you choose. And of course, to find satisfaction in writing the simple stuffs like adverts and processing press releases.

Oh, of course they are beyond help if their only picture of a writer is of being a book author - and if magazines and newspapers are just not good enough for them.

Whiners aside. I actually felt the workshop was good. I managed to even get almost an hour with Jim in a one-on-one interview. Being a member of the media is such a boon.

:D

A Christmas Carol at KLPAC

It was a good turnout for opening night. The weather was surprisingly kind too - which says much looking at how it has been raining for the past days. The play? I'm not much of a critic on that, with not much of experience watching plays. But I think what's important was I enjoyed it.

Actor, Darius Taraporvala was just great as Ebenezer Scrooge and he totally embodied the character. He really did some wonderful acting. Didn't hurt that he looked the part too.

Though I would say the same for a certain Christmas tree, I didn't manage to see one. Yeap, no Christmas trees. A case of false advertising. Hmmmm?

Lol. While I'm on the topic. Have a Merry Christmas everyone.

Christina/Owen Final Scene Grey's Anatomy Season 5 Episode 10

Fantastic scene. So glad Christina finally found someone that really understands her. Being strong isn't easy at all.

Paper worth

I finally dragged myself to UM today to collect my degree. A piece of paper? Three years of education and all I have to show is a measly piece of paper. Is it worth all that much? I don't know. Maybe I don't appreciate it because I never really enjoyed my uni life. Those who know me personally will understand. And I would say my uni life really changed me - I think I became more embittered all those three years. It is sad how circumstances work in life sometimes.

Jurassic Joys

I loved dinosaurs as a kid. I had dinosaur figurines, stickers, books, bed spreads, tees - you name them, I had them. I could identify and differentiate all the different dinosaurs back then and I spouted dinosaur facts and trivia all the time. I even wanted to be a paleontologist at one time.

Which couldn't be further from the truth if you look at the present...

Anyway, with the death of Michael Crichton recently, I was reminded of how much I loved the Jurassic Park film and I went out to buy some of his books. After all, it has been a while since I last read Jurassic Park and reading it again sure does bring back memories. I used to watch Jurassic Park on VHS all the time. I think that the show became a much hated movie for my family - oddly, they did not share my passion for dinosaurs.

After reading the book I then downloaded the films. Yeap, I watched Jurassic Park, The Lost World and Jurassic Park 3 and although I'm not a kid anymore, I found that I still enjoyed them immensely. And I felt, the movies still have the most realistic looking dinosaurs on screen. CGI just doesn't cut it. Look at Jurassic Fight club on TV, they're laughable. Steven Spielberg did a fantastic job.

And of course, hats off to Michael Crichton himself for the fantastic novel. You rocked my childhood. LOL.

I am no supporter of Obama

Yes, I said it. I am just apathetic about the American elections and I just think that many in Malaysia are just hyped up about him winning without any real reason other than the fact that he's black. Yes, as much as it is considered racist to deny someone something based on his or her skin colour, I think it is just as racist to celebrate someone just because of his or her skin colour. If race is so unimportant, why keep saying that you are proud of Obama being the first black president of the USA? Why is being black a factor?

Besides, none of you Malaysians voted and thus I think it is just absurd to be going out for celebratory drinks or whatever that you all do to celebrate Obama's win. Come on, chants of 'We did it'? You people in Malaysia did nothing. You did not vote for him. Full stop.

I agree with XiaXue and also find this article that shes lead me too very interesting. Yea, I love reading Wendy's blog as much as many of you may find it hard to believe. She may not be the perfect picture of goodness but I think what's important is that she is honest.

That's exactly what this world needs. Not goodness.

Honesty.

PS: This post may have come abit late but blame it on my laziness. And also the Wicked Witch of the East that has been spoiling my mood. Who is the Wicked Witch of the East? Someone so evil that the mere mention of her true identity will strike you deaf (or blind, if I type it out ).

Janelle Monae - I love you

She released her first album in 2007 but I've only recently stumbled upon her and I'm hooked. I think she is just outrageous. She is quirky and her style is , well - so herself. Now this is a woman that defines being an individual.

Check out the vid below and also visit the GAP Christmas website. That's how I found her. Anyway I think the other Christmas remixes are also fantastic. Really puts me in a Christmas-sy mood.

The Bird and The Bee - My Love

This is a tribute to the person who posted the song on you tube. She is practically a saint in my books. Not only did she gave us all access to such a wonderful song that is not even released yet. She even mailed me the song in mp3 format for my ultimate enjoyment. I don't know how she got it and I don't wanna know but I think it is an ultimate feat. Thanks!

The song appeared in episode 5 of Grey's Anatomy Season 5 and is by The Bird and The Bee - due to be released on their album sometime next year.

Two hours of a good time

The two hour season premier of Grey's Anatomy Season 5 was a blast. It gave good promise to us fans, that season 5 will be once again be the show that we all fell in love with - way back in the beginning. Titled 'Dream A Little Dream Of Me', it narrated the course of the show around built up hopes and dreams of various characters with the central theme being that a happy ending does not exist in real life.

So true I would think. There is a reason why it is called a dream. Dreams only exist when you're sleeping. A lesson I have learnt all too recently.

For those who know what I'm talking about, the best part about season 5 (in my opinion) is the introduction of the love interest for Dr. Christina Yang. Dr. Owen Hunt is just what she needs. Someone strong that can match her fiery character definitely is a great pairing for her. I hope they keep him as a regular on the show. He'll make an interesting addition to the cast.

Kevin McKidd as Dr. Owen Hunt giving Patrick Dempsey a run for his money.

All said and done

With all being said and done, it's now official. I'm leaving my current company and in November, I'll be officially a writer for the NewMan magazine. It was a difficult decision with a lot of headaches and doubts but I think it's for the best.

Yea, I'm currently doing medical writing (in a sense), so I don't know how well I'll fare switching to lifestyle writing. But I guess I'll never find out if I don't give it a try - and I'll definitely will be trying my hardest.

Thanks to all of you who have been listening to me and giving me advice.Your time was well spent making me feel alot better (read: not look like a fool for switching jobs so soon and with all the odds against me). I really appreciate it.

Wish me luck.

The sun shines

Woot. It has been a good day. Firstly, roads were clear all the way back to Malacca. Although I strongly suspect it's because I went back so late (4 p.m. on Raya day itself). And went I got back I found this waiting for me. It was a gift! :)


I have not been wearing a watch for quite some time now but I guess it'll come in handy when it's needed to complete a look or outfit.

Grey's Anatomy Season 5 Official Music Video

And right on the heels of the last post, here's the official music video for season 5 premiere with Bryn Christopher's 'The Quest' song used in the 4th season finale.

Hoping for the best

Grey's Anatomy Season 5 premiered in the US three days ago and I still can't find a download for that season premiere. Whatever happened to the wonders of technology when you really need it?

I'm really looking forward to the revival of what once, was a great tv series. The astounding success of Season 1 only lead to mounting disappointment in Season 2 and 3 as the characters in the series got more and more tangled in a love web that lead to everybody getting hurt and whiny. However, watching Season 4, I think the story is picking up and I see promise in Season 5.

I'm leaving you with the closing scene of the finale for Season 4.

Feeding my ego

I feel that zodiacs do describe a person rather aptly but I have never really found a book that addresses the personalities of someone born on the cusp. Well, I read a book today in Borders that did and though it may not be all accurate but it'll do a fine job boosting my ego. I need every little bit of extra confidence that I can muster up for what I think will be a hard time for me in the coming few months. I survive solely in life sustained by confidence and heck, I'll certainly be needing it soon.

Those born on the Cancer/Leo cusp are creative individuals with artistic temperaments and a flair for the dramatic. Ambitious for worldly success, you are self-assured enough to continue believing in yourself in the face of obstacles and setbacks. You prefer a position of leadership yet you work exceedingly well within a team environment. You need to be in the thick of things rather than sitting on the sidelines. You always seem to know the best way to promote yourself and your ideas, and you have a gift for inspiring others to do the same.

The charming sunny personality of the July 22nd covers a proud inner nature with a concentrated drive to win. You project the illusion of tractability, but you generally manage to get your own way in the end. A incorrigible optimist, you enjoy the material trappings of the good life. When you want something, you buy it, even if you can't afford it. You figure that by the time the bill arrives, the money will miraculously be there to pay for them, and often that proves to be the case.

You believe that love makes the world go 'round, and in an intimate relationship, you're romantic and affectionate. You may flirt a good deal but you do it more for the attention than anything else. Once committed to another person, you're a loyal and devoted partner.

Voicing it

How much does a person's voice tell you about his persona and his looks? I have been getting alot of double takes from the people I have liaised with over the phone in the course of my work - when they finally meet me in person that is. All of them have said that I do not look like the person they imagine the voice on the phone belongs to. When pressed for details and an explanation on what they meant, they would desist in talking about it and I only get coy (or probably, devious) smiles. This has not happened once or twice, but lots of times.

I would like to flatter myself to think that they simply did not envision me to be so young but one can't help but wonder whether - the truth, will be very much more unflattering.

I don't think I can handle the truth.

Not yet anyway.

Killjoy

It was a rather good day, if I must say so myself - until I found out that my publisher's niece scheduled an interview for a writer's position in my company. And to say the least, I actually received a stellar appraisal from my editor this morning itself.

Now, I can actually feel my hopes and future in the company crumbling around me as I stood facing the new writer with qualifications more outstanding than mine. What more, she's a girl. Now now, I'm not being discriminating but on the flipside with the publisher and the editor being women, my chances of being given a fair chance at moving up in the company is at risk? No?

As much as women are clamoring for equality, sometimes it's the males that are overlooked. With everyone sensitized to female needs and demands, where are the men's lib groups to tip the scales? When one side is pushing hard, the other side needs to push back too - or else we men may just get rolled over.

I think I shall go back today and decompose on my bed.

Fit For A Prince

The Prince Court Medical Centre in KL is fantastic. Attending a media launch today, I was treated to a magnificent tour of its opulent facilities. Looking at the building from the outside, one would not guess it is a hospital and being inside, I would not think so either. It looks like a hotel, feels like a hotel and even smells like a hotel.

With fine dining cafeterias, Starbucks, fancy lounges, glass elevators and decadent decors, it is really unbelievable. And in case any of you are wondering, the price does not go up too high either. It is really comparable to other private hospitals out there in the city - pricewise.

The rooms come equip with a safe, refrigerator, flat screen tv, an enormous shower area and toilet, and even an attached regular room for guests. Oh and yes, the hospital is covered with its own wifi system. The fine dining cafetaria? You have complete meals with starters, main dishes and desserts. The media got to eat free of course, steaks, lamb shanks, salmons, salads, soups and plenty of sweet stuff like tiramisu and strudels. Now that - is bringing the term 'hospital food' to a whole new level!

Now this machine deserves special mention. You know why? It has somehow insulted me. It is a machine that is used to calculate a person's body mass index. I was picked for a demonstration and the following reading was given out:

BMI: 20.1
Average calories burn per day at resting state/BMR: 1393
Body fat: 13% (Yes, I'm not lean enough)
Muscle mass: 23% (Wth?? Is it possible to be so low?)
Weight: 54kg
Height: Not telling (I'm sensitive)
My body's age: 18

Yes, 18. The nurse was very happy to announce that and she thought I would be pleased to be having a body of an eighteen year old. I was actually flattered too until I went back and thought about it.

Was the machine confused because it thought I have the height of an eighteen year old?

Feeling like a fool

You know what is worse than looking like a fool?

Making a fool of yourself to the very person you don't want to appear like a fool.

Period.

The Land Before Time Soundtrack - If We Hold On Together

I recently got this song from a friend and listening to it brings back alot of memories. I loved dinosaurs back then and naturally, this was my favourite cartoon. I had the video and I remembered watching it lots of times - over and over. I even had part 2 but I didn't manage to watch part 3 and 4 (I think there were four movies).

Anyway, it is a beautiful song.

Ulu n' Terpencil

I had an event at the Pick n' Brew today. The place was rather nice I think but it's rather secluded - thus not many would know about it. It's deep, deep into one of the corners and is adjacent to the connecting door for One World Hotel. I have been to One Utama countless times but I've never even gone remotely near that particular place before.

Two words - Ulu n' Terpencil

Yes, those were shots from the camera in my new phone :)

Peter Gabriel's 'Down To Earth'

The song is fantastic. I think the lyrics are superb and the pensive mood it brings fits well with the movie.

China cheating in Olympics?

I have not watched the Beijing Olympics but nevertheless, I found this abit disturbing when I read about it. According to an article by the editor of AskMen, China is allegedly cheating in the prestigious event. I have not watched any of the sports event (apart from the feeble Malaysian attempt for a gold in badminton) and thus, I can't form much of an opinion.

For the record, I would like to state that I'm no fan of China (anyone who knows me personally would know why) and I think that the Chinese, of all people are the most competitive - making this not unlikely. However I feel that since it's coming from the USA, the credibility of the accusation is laughable.

They may be right but who's gonna sympathize with or believe allegations formed by a country that is in second place in the medal tally? A case of jealousy gone bad?

Then, I googled the term 'China cheating in Olympics' and my my, I got an eyeful of different opinions by various blogs, websites and forums.

I know that the home country usually gets a boost to their medal haul but to this extent where disgruntled opinions are being flashed everywhere?

Did stuff like these get raised in previous Olympics?

When it ends

The 2008 issue 3 of my magazine has been closed and it will be out in September. It has been a journey for me working all these months. What more with being understaffed. I'm the only in-house writer at the moment and I'm proud that I have been able to handle everything that has been handed to me. It really has been crazy for the last couple of weeks with work being everywhere in my life. Now it is time to relax and come up with ideas for the next issue.

Look out for my magazine in September. It has my name splashed around in alot more of the pages.

:)

AI will soon take over the planet

The GPS system in my new phone is fantastic. I was abit apprehensive at first and it took great will power to go against all skepticism I had for listening to a device with AI. However it proved to be so accurate that I'm now a firm believer that machines are definitely gonna rule the world soon. :D

Not only did it give accurate directions, the voice direction it provided was unbelievable. It was like having a personal guide sitting right beside you while you're driving and telling you what to do. For a fact, I've never had driving companions this omniscient about road directions before!

It provided helpful voice directions like:

- At the first possible turning, turn left
-After turning right, keep left
-After turning right, make a sharp direct turn to the left
-After 250 metres, turn left and then continue along the road for 500 metres before keeping right

Ok, I did get lost a few times but it was really because I was reading road signs and somehow it was contradicting the GPS. Thereafter I realised that the GPS is always right. But never fear because if you do happen to take the wrong turning (due to your own pigheadedness no doubt) the system automatically maps a new route from where you are now. Fantastic isn't it?

The only drawback is that the GPS can't tell which roads are to be avoided because of bad traffic. I made the mistake of following its instructions on my way back to KL and somehow it took me into all the small roads that are inexplicably jammed and that I would never in the whole world would think to attempt such a route.

Well you win some, you lose some.

The morning after

I found the experience of the graduation ceremony rather anticlimactic. Barely three seconds and it was over. Delayed gratification? Most likely not.

I think the excitement and pleasure came more from meeting the people you actually miss since leaving that part of your life behind. My stoic junior (thanks for the card and flowers), my patient senior (who actually left work early to come and see me), my roommate for 2 years (a saint - he survived living with me in close spaces all that time) and my research partners (pleasant memories of pulling our hair out while moaning about failed experimental attempts).

So little time for so much catching up in so short an afternoon.

The worst of both worlds

I was reading this bit on a website on Native American zodiac animals and I was surprised that I did not fit in with the general description of my animal sign. Could it be inaccurate? So I read the description for the animal of the group before mine since I'm so near to the cutoff point anyway. And I realized it was not accurate either. Then I realized that if you put the negative traits of both signs together, you get an apt description of me. LOL

By the way, the salmon looks so cute. Reminds me of those itty bitty ikan bilis I gulp down with my nasi lemak for breakfast. I might get a tatoo of it someday. How cute is an ikan bilis tatoo? :)

Salmon: Jul 22 – Aug 21
Electric, focused, intuitive, and wholly creative, the Salmon is a real live-wire. His/her energy is palpable. A natural motivator, the Salmon's confidence and enthusiasm is easily infectious. Soon, everybody is onboard with the Salmon – even if the idea seems too hair-brained to work. Generous, intelligent, and intuitive, it's no wonder why the Salmon has no shortage of friends. This Native American animal symbol expresses a need for purpose and goals, and has no trouble finding volunteers for his/her personal crusades. In a supportive environment, the Salmon is stable, calm, sensual, and giving. Left to his/her own devices, those that bear this Native American animal symbol can be egotistical, vulgar, and intolerant of others.



Woodpecker: Jun 21 – Jul 21
Woodpeckers are usually the most nuturing of all the Native American animal symbols. The consummate listener, totally empathic and understanding, the Woodpecker is the one to have on your side when you need support. Of course, they make wonderful parents, and equally wonderful friends and partners. Another proverbial feather in the Woodpeckers cap is the tendency to be naturally frugal, resourceful, and organized. In a nurturing environment the Woodpecker is of course caring, devoted, and very romantic. Left to his/her own devices the Woodpecker can be possessive, angry, jealous, and spiteful.

July is a shitty month to be born in

Yes, because all the retail discounts you get for your birthday month is pretty much redundant with the Malaysian mega sale going on...

When graduates go wild

In The Star today, a complaint was published with regards to the fiasco of collecting graduation robes on Monday in UM.

It came as no surprise that an issue like that would surface as a it was indeed a big fiasco and in so many ways more than just the morning rush that happened. As much as everyone would like to look good graduating, it was a big surprise for me when I heard from a friend that people were actually queuing up at midnight to secure the right size robes - particularly the 'S' ones.

Naturally, graduating is a big thing for most people and the ceremony, an even bigger event. However so, I think that it is very sad that students are no longer able to see the bigger picture.

There was a big upheaval not long ago too when UM announced that some of the graduation ceremonies would not be taking place in its main hall (Dewan Tunku Canselor) but instead at various halls around the different faculties. Students got so worked up about it that there was even talk of a peaceful demonstration to show solidarity against such a move by the university's administrators. I didn't see what's the fuss back then and I still don't see it now.

In my views, graduating is a thing to be proud of regardless of what you wear and where your convocation is. As much as I do hate the robes (I think they're appalling) and as much as I think the ceremony is a chore, I am proud to say that I'm a graduate. With or without the ceremony, one is still a graduate and that is what that matters most.

Students should stop being so hung up about their university life and start growing up. Maybe if they would have stopped nitpicking at every little detail in their life, they would have already gottten a job. I'm sure the ones in the fiasco were majorly the ones that are currently part of the thousands of unemployed graduates.

And for those who excuse themselves and say that they just want their parents to be proud of them on their special day, I say to you:

"My parents will still be proud even if I have my graduation ceremony in a cow shed wearing a potato sack!"

It is not where you graduate from that matters. It is how you're acting as a graduate, in life that matters.

When it just eludes you

I really don't get this no matter how many times I read it again and again....

PETA is taking it to a whole new level

Apparently I have been linked in a comment for a feminist's post regarding PETA exploiting women for their publicity campaigns. I have nothing much to say about PETA and of the near nude women posing in their ads but I do feel that sometimes, feminists really need to relax and not get their panties in a bunch over a seemingly harmless way of getting messages across.

The comment linked my post, 'When Men Go Nude' and while I'm totally alright with that, it also said that the following picture could be found on my blog. Actually I have never seen the aforementioned ad picture for PETA and I have not posted it on my blog.

The thing is, I liked it. It certainly makes a statement. So here you go.

Probably I'll be linked to the Pope's blog for this? I can almost imagine the title of the post , "Die you sinners! Thou shalt burn in hell." Or something similar in context...

Oh my nuts!

I was browsing through the AskMen.com articles when I came across this in their Manly Vegetables writeup.

Walnuts

They’re not veggies, but they’re just too manly to overlook. Walnuts have been used for millennia to enhance rock-hard maleness, if you catch my drift. More recently, scientists at the University of Malaya in Malaysia have developed a potent love potion from walnuts that rivals that famous blue pill performance-wise. The natural supplement, which contains the equivalent of 3.3 kg of walnuts, boosts performance for up to four hours. Still, eating a few walnuts every day has added benefits. They’re loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, a protective fat that has been shown to boost brain power, protect your cardiovascular system and stave off the worst effects of rheumatoid arthritis. They are, however, high in calories, so limit your intake.

Certainly not bad huh? Well, the thing is I really disliked the lecturer who spearheaded the research. In my opinion, he is one crappy lecturer that had no ability to teach whatsoever. It didn't help that I hated the subject he lectured on too. And oh yeah, I felt that he was one of those typical Chinese lecturers that resembled all the things I dislike in the Chinese in general.

Being reminded of him when I'm surfing a US men's website is something totally unexpected.

A book review: The Camomile Lawn

I seem to have a thing for British writers. I find their writing exceptionally beautiful and Mary Wesley's The Camomile Lawn is of no exception. Masterfully written, it vividly describes the tale of five cousins in wartime London and Cornwall - of despair, of hope, of sexual comforts and of lost innocence. The story reflects on how the uncertainties of war affects every aspect of life and how the heightened sense of mortality sheds inhibitions on love and values.

In my opinion, it is a book worth reading. It's actually a rather intense tale and I found it hard to put the book down after opening it up. Surprisingly though, there was humour to be found in the book with candid moments that I think is refreshing in a tale about war. It kept the story balanced, saving readers from being bored.

To balance the unlimited was to make it limited

It was just perfect. It couldn't get any better. I was so pleased that I actually couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it. I mean, could something free be that good? Well apparently it can be.

Yes, it was the most perfect seats. Dead right in the centre - not too close to the stage and yet not too far either. I was pleased that I could get free tickets for such good seats.

Then I saw the musical.

To be fair, I would say that it was not really my kind of thing. The humour, the pop culture references and the songs were just not right for me. I am sure alot of effort was put into it and it was a commendable work. However, the musical scores were not original (they used melodies from popular songs) and I found that abit corny. To make it worse, the humour was forced and it seemed like they were trying too hard to make you laugh. I felt the entertainment value was abit limited.

Performance-wise, it was good but other than that I can't say anything more positive about it.

Good seats, bad musical.

A rather good balance don't you think?

Accrued Benefits

I have been sleeping alot more lately. When I was a student, I only slept for about five hours a day and it was, surprisingly enough for me to function. Of course, I slept in lectures too but that's beside the point. Now, even ten hours a day is not sufficient for me to feel rested.

I scoffed at others that have an early bedtime before and look at me now - I'm asleep everyday at ten. It is kind of sad thing when you think about it.

Oh, I know, sleeping more is a good thing. Studies are showing that you can even lose more weight if you get sufficient sleep each day. Nothing like some beauty sleep, eh?

I got the sleeping part down to pat alright.

When does the beauty part kick in?

Lukewarm at best

I'm feeling a little disgruntled at the way I was treated today. I may not have been to many events since I started my job but I think, I have been to enough to tell that the company was not treating us right. Fine, maybe they thought focusing more of their attention on the retailers is the wise thing to do. Nevertheless, we, the media are the ones that not only will be reporting on your product launch but writing about your product. I think I shall give a lukewarm writeup at best, as I was received that way.

Alcoholics Anonymous

I feel like crap.

I had too much too drink yesterday at an office drinks session yesterday - and maybe a little too much too eat as well. Came back with a heavy head, totally inebriated and a full stomach. Fell asleep for a while and got up to hurl. Yes, hurl. Now I know why it is aptly called hurling. The flying projectile when rather far and with a rather great force. I could actually feel my stomach constricting totally as it emptied everything I had. Luckily I made it too the loo.

I can't really remember much but I think I did text a few people when I my brain was in shutdown. I hope I didn't say anything inappropriate.

Can't blame me. I had a bad day yesterday. Blame the horrible day?

Now, I'm nursing a bad hangover.

And everyone wonders why I don't drink.

Creative Coma

I think I'm suffering from writing overdose...

Too much of a good thing is bad.

Help?

LOL

Actually I wanted to write something about my day doing some men's beauty product research at the Pavilion and Suria KLCC but then somehow lost the will when I was trying to put together sentences. Am I desensitizing my creative thoughts to mental stimulation? Will that creative spark eventually burn out?

Crap. I'm raving and I totally don't know where I am heading with this post.

It's gonna me Monday again tomorrow. Join me lapsing into a coma?

Take a stand for those that can't

Today I made a difference. I pledged Rm 30 each month to the WWF Malaysia to help with their ongoing nature conservation efforts. I've always wanted to donate but I was a student back then - now that I'm working, why not? One dollar a day is not that much to myself but it will make alot of difference to the animals saved by the efforts of the WWF.

I made a stand for those that can't.

Will you?

Gratifying

So it has finally reached the one month mark of me working. How has it been? Oh, sure I have my complaints and the usual moanings about deadlines and stuff. However, if you ask me, I can't imagine myself doing anything else for a living. Writing is fun and nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing my name in print above a well written piece.

I received my first official paycheck yesterday. Yeap, money well earned is money to be proud of. However, you know what is better? I received the June issue of my magazine too yesterday - hot off the printing press. Let me tell you, it was one of the best moments of my life. Finally, I am a published writer.

If I had to describe my feelings in one word about my job, it would be...

- Gratifying -

How many out there can say the same thing? :)

Make sure you get it once it hits the bookshops. I have three articles in this issue but in the next issue, you'll definitely see more of me :)

My achy breaky body

I had a fitness event at Mont Kiara this afternoon. It was with Get Active, a personal training studio and I felt like a Hollywood star for at least a few hours. I had the services of a personal trainer and I think it was a really good experience. I mean, professional advice tailored to your fitness level, needs and goals - what more could you ask for?

My personal trainer, Amy was professional, cheerful and a really wonderful person to be around. Nevertheless, she really put me through the paces thoroughly. I went home feeling feeling achy but yet satisfied. I would certainly get her for full time training if only I had the cash. Naturally, they don't come cheap and good things even more so.

Should I continue with the regimen since I do have a gym at my place? I'll let my laziness do the talking.

A first taste

I attended my first theater production today and I had great fun. It was the local production of Paula Vogel's How I Learned To Drive and it was staged at the Actors Studio, Bangsar. As much of a neophyte I may be, I would say it was good. The script was fantastic and I savoured the language immensely.

Really wonderful.

My Devil Wears Prada Week 1

So one week has passed. Honestly, it wasn't bad. I had fun and ultimately it was a great experience. So much to learn, so much to pick up and so much to absorb in so much of a short time. What did I do?

Let's see. I finished a couple of editorial pieces. Completed an advertorial piece. Attended my first cover shoot and got to meet Malaysian singer, Ezlynn. Wrote the cover story and went for a beauty product launch.

Alot to happen in five days.

I survived.

My Alma Mater - A Love Affair

So it happened that I dropped by to visit my old school today. I didn't realize that it was the last day of school today before the term break and hence the overall atmosphere was rather hectic. Nevertheless, it came as a pleasant surprise that most of my teachers remembered me, if not by name at least by sight. I thought that it has been a rather long time since I paid a visit, I think about two years since I left five years ago. Nostalgic? Yeah, I miss my teachers - at least most of them.

Average makes it to the top

All hail Whitney, the very first average size model to win America's Next Top Model. Cycle 10 was a little bit disappointing but I really liked Whitney from the beginning. I think she's simply gorgeous.

This is one of the few times that the girl I really liked won. I was really rooting for her.

Kite Killer

Oh yeah. I watched The Kite Runner a few days back and I was a little bit disappointed. Oh, the movie was good but that was the problem - it was just good and nothing else. It did not give me any more reason for better praises and neither did it make an impact great enough for me to leave the cinema feeling awed. If I would be more brutal, I would like to say that the plot felt a little bit contrived. Certainly it was heart rending but overall, it felt forced as if the movie propelled forward with the sole purpose of making everyone shed a tear or two. I could very well make a prediction on what would be happening next just based on choosing the saddest thing that could happen in the storyline, short of killing off the main character that is.

I think all I'm trying to say is that there are other ways of evoking emotions that just relying on showcasing brutalities and deaths. Of course, there is nothing wrong with brutalities and deaths in a movie but when you have so many of those until other aspects are hidden, then it feels a tiny bit over the top. Other values of kinship, friendship and love in the movie was shunted aside in the attempt to milk sorrow from the audience.

Yes, I have not read the book but strangely, I'm not motivated to purchase it after watching the movie.