Sunday, November 23, 2008
Today's "Criminal Minds" was great! I only get to watch repeats of the show on saturday nites becuz in the hostel, the reception for 8TV is really bad.
Today is abt two best girl friends who were kidnapped by some teenage guys. Well, one of them died while the other survived becuz she was trained to be tough, trained to face violence becuz her dad used to be in the mafia. The ending of today's episode was brilliant.
Agent Reid (my fave) was persuading the father to not kill the kidnapper. It goes something like this:
" Your daughter is persuading you to kill the guy. is this wat u want? her future will be violent if you act violently...you promised ur wife be4 she died that you'd take care of your daughter...is this how you take care of her? when will violence stop in your life?"
then...the father has this really great expression on his face...he successfully make u anxious to find out if he would shoot or not and then he said...."Tomorrow" and he shoots!
"Criminal Minds" is a great show. It's not like any other crime solving tv shows. it always try to get to thinkin at the end of every episode. It makes you think abt life - what is right, what's wrong - or is there just a fine line. The show doesn't focus on finding out who the criminal is...sometimes u'll know who the criminal is at the beginning of the show...they focus on how the profiles of the criminals are made and the reason behind each violent or insane act...
I love psychology..i love studying people and that's why this is my kinda show. but of course CM focuses more on those criminals with twisted thinking - unlike the psychology of normal ppl. they give explanation on why certain people act certain ways and the environment that might cause the act.
For example, last 2 weeks episode was also one that had made its mark in me. It was abt a comic artist who witness his gf being raped and murdered by a gang. he doesn't realized it, but after the incident, he was mentally affected. He calls his gf everyday and because she doesnt answer the phone, he tot tat she was mad at him, when in fact she is already dead.
He draws comics - showing how a hero murders evil wolves, without knowing that during the nights, he actually re-anacts his drawings; he as the hero and the gang members as the wolves. the gang members were all brutally killed. The artist has no idea tat he was behind it.
Towards the end, he was caught but sent to the asylum. Everyday he calls his girlfriend just to hear the voicemail. I really pity him. An agent said in the end of the episode - this was one guy she caught that isn't evil. He just doesnt know he's sick. He was a successful comic artist 2 days ago and then suddenly, just because of an incident, he just cracked.
Scary to think that this could all happen to us just like tat. v will never know wat incident can just lead us to insanity.
In terms of the editing and production, CM is very creative in its techniques. It's hard to explain but from what i see, the directors love to try out different techniques in editing, in conveying time and space etc. They use sometimes different colors, different percentage of grain in the film...
It is very difficult to do TV shows, harder than movies and i'm really really impressed with U.S.'s tv productions. TV drama can be so interestingly done and with such tight budgets. "Heroes" and "Supernatural" - these are 2 dramas that i think is really awesome both in terms of storyline and the shooting techniques. I actually got to watch the making of "Supernatural" on youtube and if you see da process of making the show, you'd be really impressed.
It would be so wonderful if i can one day be part of a US production and see how they actually work. i mean, i have been lucky enuff to be part of 2 local film productions during my internship and if possible, i'd really wanna go to the states and compare the production methods.
Anyway back to Criminal Minds...i hv to also mention two of my fave actors in the show - Matthew Gray Gubler and Shemar Moore....Matthew is such a cute geek. He's, i think, the only skinny guy that i'm into haha...Shemar is hot. I just love to see him...This two characters deliver some of the best funny lines in the show...their jokes are very natural and complementing the storyline...i just love them both
These days i'm in love with an old song called "True to your heart" by 98 degrees n stevie wonder. i'm sure u guys know this one from Mulan, the cartoon. i dunno but this song really gets me going haha...
also "in the ayer" is nice and catchy. It just gets u in the mood to shake ya body haha....
anyway got to go now...til next 2 weeks
cya ppl...
tammy the awesomist
p/s: if u r my college mate n if you are actually reading this... go to Youtube and type "With Love from Eugene to YY"; "What if your boyfriend is not around" and "Derique's advice on going to the toilet"...some of those funny moments....;P
With Lots of Love & Hugs & Kisses & Chris Richardson's scent from BabyT ;
Saturday, November 22, 2008
ME
Clumsinesss rhymes with me
I walk as if I can’t see
Prone to different kinds of injuries
Misplaces all my keys
Sometimes even my IDs
That God I’ve never fell from a tree
Forgetfulness rhymes with me
It’s what I call my short-term memory
I would forget where I parked my “Kenari”
Sometimes even how to count to three
Thank God I still remember how to pee
Laziness rhymes with me
I can be as laidback as can be
I can sleep all day under a tree
And wake up only in the afternoon around three
How can I let this be?
I tried very hard you see
Try not to be clumsy, forgetful and lazy
I get nags from my family
But it’s just hard not to be me
But Happiness also rhymes with me
I always feel lucky as can be
I always have people watching over me
Even though there are times I feel lonely
God still gives me my friends and family
So even though I can be silly-Tammy
I’m still me – HAPPY!
Nov-2008
With Lots of Love & Hugs & Kisses & Chris Richardson's scent from BabyT ;
DESTINY
I believe in destiny
I don’t know if you agree
That all good things happen
Especially when you least expect it
With a twist of fate
And like I said
Fairytales and dreams will come true
When you least expect it
I love the word serendipity
A Pleasant and fortunate discovery
Imagine finding your one true love in the city
And finding happiness on the road towards eternity
I don’t want to push some things
But does that mean I have to stand and wait
Sometimes things don’t work out either way
So I guess I’ll make decisions, not hesitate
When things happen, hear the voice
Hope I see the signs and make the right choice
I do believe in life and fate,
That good things come if you wait,
Everything happens for a reason,
So when you’re down,
Just borrow a shoulder to cry on,
For after one road bump, only then will you see the sun,
After losing, only then will you find the right one.
So, never stop believing in wonders,
For they are out there waiting for you,
I know I can’t live everyday with laughter,
But at least, know that hard times will pass through,
It’s that leap of faith that keeps us going sometimes
But what is wrong with believing in good during the bad times?
The waters you sail on might be rough, bumpy and tough,
But if you look back…
Those would be the times you’d share a good laugh.
20- November-2008
With Lots of Love & Hugs & Kisses & Chris Richardson's scent from BabyT ;
21st November 2008
i was actually pretty gay today...i mean, come on...it's the ipoh weekend again! i'll get to taste the sweetness of home after a long 2 weeks wait.
but then my sister have to ruin it for me. I mean, sometimes, the person i cant stand most in my life is my sister. it's like ...we have to end up arguing abt things practically every single day...
My sister and i are complete opposites of each other. Basically, we have nothing, and i can tell you, NOTHING in common except the same set of parents and genes.
We usually never agree on anything. That's the problem.
I am the kiddy type, who loves to take things as they come. i usually follow my heart and my motto is happy-go-lucky. i'm not afraid of taking myself lightly or embarrassing myself sometimes - like jumping around and making a fool of myself just to make ppl laugh.
My sis on the other hand usually takes things seriously. She is always rational and she lives with the word "rational" embedded on her forehead. THings have to make sense before she does it and she feels that decisions must and MUST be made using brains. I mean, i'm not saying that it's wrong to think things over. i do agree that some things have to be mulled over before decisions are made, but for her, it's just a mandatory step in every situation. She hates being embarrassed and if you embarrass her, you're so gonna get from her.
If you just wanna share a gossip or opinion with her...my advice is ...FORGET IT if she's in a crappy mood. and mind you....she live 90% of her life in a crappy mood.
I love to talk...communicating is essential in my life. My sis hates my talking. she always thinks that the things i say are crap. Whatever i say, she'll disregard because she thinks that i'm always wrong.
i think she feels that she's better than me. and the truth is, she is, in so many ways. but i just feel that i shouldn't be treated disrespectfully.
Sometimes...when i talk to her, and if she's in a bad mood, she just won't answer me. Do you know how that feels like? It's like talking to four walls when actually there's another human breathing in your room...
i remember her first day in college. She came back and i was happily asking her about her first day....She didn't answer me. And i was so stupid... i pressed on. She then just scolded me for bugging her and told me that she had a rough first day becuz she can't find any friends.
I was pissed...i mean...GOD! It's only your first day and i remembered my first day. I had no friends either and i had to deal with everything alone. And does that give me the rights to just throw a tantrum at others...especially those who are caring for you?
Sometimes i really do not understand. She gets along fine with my brother...she just doesnt get along with me. Is it my problem?
I treasure my best friend YY alot. It's because that deep inside, i feel that sometimes, YY is like a sister to me. One who understands me even more than my own sister. And she also knows how my sister's attitude is towards me and YY was the one who was always there to console me.
My mum always say that sisters should stick together and not argue...but mum doesnt know...she always ask me last time, why don't i spend more time in the room with my sister. She asked me why do i always spend time in YY's room.
if your sister always think that what you say is nonsense and gives no feedback, would you rather be in a place where at least there are people who would talk to you?
since young, i was like the baby in the family...even though i'm the eldest. this is mainly because of my personality. I am always the 'manja' one and usually i get wat i want because of my ways of getting on the soft side of mum. therefore, my sis is definitely more independent and she is in a lot of ways better than me.
but then i just feel that even though i might be kiddy at times, it doesnt make what i have to say stupid.
today we were arguing abt blogs. Apparently bloggin abt movies is stupid. Well to her! Gosh...i mean, you might wonder why i am so angry just because ppl criticises my blog...i should disregard them right. Correct...! but this is not the first time my sis kept criticizing wat i do. plus it's the way she says it...
she has her own interests and i have mine. I love to blog about movies and music. I love to write. SHe doesnt. So be it. I'm just mad that she just disses my stuff. i know my blog is not great and to tell the truth....my blog is like my personal space...what i have to say and i dont expect people to love reading it. it's just my expression of ideas. it's how i want it to be. it can contain as many words as i want it to have. SO JUST DONT SAY THAT IT'S LAME OR WHATEVER THE EXACT WORD IT IS THAT YOU USE TO DESCRIBE IT. (she always say i manipulate her words. she is particular abt blueprinting the exact words used in a conversation. she is darn particular abt using the exact word for the exact meaning. if you have ur own interpretation of a word that she doesnt accept, then you're wrong. For example, If your interpretation of dirty is 'illegal' in certain context, she might not except it. Maybe she doesnt know the meaning of metaphors. but dont argue with her. pointless - i always lose)
She always compares my blog to another girl's blog, which she loves to read... Well fine! I mean no one is stopping u from reading that wonderful blog but just dont compare us. She told me that the girl say that giving movie reviews are a waste of time... i'm not her and like i said....it is my blog. it's my life, my stories. and i'm different from that girl. Plus, it's not like i force you to read my blog.
I mean you can joke once in a while but today i just feel that it has gone too far and i just can't stand it anymore. Everything i do is wrong. Nothing i do is worthy in her eyes.
Her rudeness is also unbearable. can you believe that even my friend notice that attitude? i mean she is not only embarrassing me in front of my friends...but i think, she's embarrassing herself even more, though she dont realize it.
She is a person who thinks that she's always right...and she never listens becasue she always think she's right. Even my parents say so. if there's one thing that i can say that i'm better, it's that i smile more and i think i hv slightly better attitude. But yea...everything else, i lose.
she's prettier, smarter, more matured, better in sports, more ORGANIZED and CAREFUL and everything....
but then i also hv to admit my weaknesses. i'm not an angel (though she always say i think i am)i'm egoistic as well...and sometimes very selfish when i am dealing with her. becuz when she treats me that way, i tend to not give her the things she wants because i feel that watever i do for her, she wont appreciate. that's y i hog the net when i'm home, and even though sometimes i know she is right, i'll just continue to stand up for my points.
I am probably most unfair to my bro...well i hog the net. but to be fair...he has the net for like 11 days a week and i only get my chance during weekends...so? haha...my sis...well let her rot! hmmpf...
whatever it is ...i just wanna make it clear...
no one has to read my blog if you find it annoying. if you think it's too long, too wordy then don't read it. i know it's wordy..that's y i hv a warning "CAUTION" in the first post. i know i'm a grandmother when it comes to writing...i write crap yes! but that's how i want my blog to be...tat's how i like it. besides, there's always 'treasures' among the crap. ;P (*winks*) it's just how you see it.
and yea, you don't have to like the reviews either. everyone has their own opinions...their own ideas....their thoughts. I know that my sister doesnt like my blog, i accept it. but it's just that today, her repetitious comment was the last straw of other accumulative events.
So people have a nice day while i try to cool down...
but like i say, today is a great day for me despite the drama...i'm so happy to be home!
tomoro will be a challenge...time to start chapter 2 of the thesis....sigh....wtf..
-tammy-
With Lots of Love & Hugs & Kisses & Chris Richardson's scent from BabyT ;
17th November 2008
The first 1 hour of “Atonement” was boring. It wasn’t that interesting at all for me. In fact, there were moments where I was so lost and had no idea what was going on, or rather, I know what’s going on but I just wouldn’t believe that the storyline is actually that simple. I wanted something more complicated I guess.
Basically “Atonement” is a love story between 2 souls – Cecilia and Robbie. However, due to naivity and jealousy, Cecilia’s sister, Brioni, told a lie about a crime that Robbie did not commit, which caused Robbie to be sent to jail. Brioni had a crush on Robbie and she was just 13 when she saw her sis n Robbie had sex in the library. She thought that he was a sex maniac. I guess she doesn’t understand what was going on and she was also partly angry that Robbie chose her sister instead of her. So, later when her cousin was raped, Brioni, who was coincidentally the witness, pointed the finger at Robbie.
Brioni grew up to understand the consequences of her lies. She had prevented the happiness that her sister, Cecilia and Robbie had supposingly deserved. She wanted to atone for her mistakes, her lie, her sin, but it was too late.
The movie I would say is not that bad if you actually struggle through the first hour. After the first hour, towards the end, things become clearer and you’ll understand why the movie is in chunks – flashback here and there. Sometimes, certain scenes are slotted in, and you just have no idea why the scene suddenly appears at the moment.
At the end, you’ll understand that the movie is actually a true story told by Brioni Tallis in her final book – Atonement. The last scene sees Brioni in an interview, talking about the book. In the book, she wrote about her regrets of what she had done to her sis and Robbie. The couple didn’t get the happiness that they dreamed of – both died early and separately. Brioni basically had lived her whole life in misery because she knew, she caused the pain and the separation of a couple that is in love. Therefore In her book, she gave both of them a happy ending, she said, the happiness that they deserved. That’s how she tries to compensate.
Her quote from the movie, which I loved so much is …
“What sense of hope or satisfaction could the readers derived from an (sad) ending like that? So in the book, I wanted to give Robbie and Cecilia what they lost out on… I like to think this isn’t weakness or evasion…but a fine act of kindness…I gave them their happiness….”
By the end of the movie, you’ll know which part of the movie are fiction, made-believe by the author and the parts that actually happened – the truth. So it sort of unraveled the “frizzles” I had in my head regarding the storyline.
In fact the few minutes at the end of the movie, during the interview with the old Brioni is my favourite part of the whole movie. The old lady who played Brioni is fantastic… she is so brilliant in that part. When she speaks, her blue eyes reflects the sadness and remorse… it’s so expressive that just hearing her talk and say those beautiful words makes one feel her pain.
Yes, she may not be an angel because of what she did, but then again, everyone makes mistakes one and everyone had lied before for their own interest. I’ll be the first to raise my hand in admittance that I too had told lies due to my own selfishness. Of course her lie was in fact more serious but she did bear the consequences of living a life so agonizing. The guilt that she felt, I guess was some sort of punishment.
“Forrest Gump” opens with its signiture score, so beautiful and lovely to the ears. I find myself constantly repeating the opening – not to see the feather fly but rather to hear the music. Anyway, yes, it’s the end of 2008 and only now did I watch this critically acclaimed movie.
So sorry all “Forrest Gump” fans, but haha I guess I expected too much from it so, after watching it, I wouldn’t say it is as brilliant as it was known to be. I mean, it’s a good movie, in terms of storyline. Maybe cinematographically, it’s brilliant. The story is just, hmmm….simple but I guess inspiring to those who feel different, like Forrest. I guess “Forrest Gump” is how the Chinese TVB drama – “Fei Mau” got its English name – “Forrest Cat.” Did you know that the series is called “Fat Cat” (though “Fei Mau” means fat cat) but rather “Forrest Cat”? “Forrest Cat” is also about a man who is a bit slow (you know what I mean) like Forrest Gump. “Forrest Cat” however is funnier if u ask me haha.
I must really give credit to certain scenes though. The sceneries in the movie are very beautiful indeed. The most memorable one would be the beautifully captured reflections of the mountains in the lake while Forrest was running. Also the techniques used to combine the current Tom Hanks with those former US Presidents and John Lennon were really something.
So, now i know that one should watch movie with no expectations. When you have no expectations, you will tend to enjoy it more haha. Whatever it is, i have no regrets watching "Forrest Gump".
I can't wait to watch "Mamma Mia". I love musicals and this is one i know i have to watch. Thanks so much lydia for lending it to me...
Til next time ya...
_tammy the awesomist_
p/s: it's Zouk KL by the way ahha....and my harddrive...=( sorry yy, eugene, kf, lydia n nic...i know it's my fault
With Lots of Love & Hugs & Kisses & Chris Richardson's scent from BabyT ;
13th November 2008
Recently I had a chance to watch “The Shawshank Redemption” starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. This movie is basically about the lives of the prisoners in Shawshank prison. Well interestingly, I do notice one thing about prison movies – they always portray those inmates as nice and good people, usually treated unfairly by the prison guards.
I recently also watched a documentary on an American Prison (I forgot which one) and apparently, the most ruthless and dangerous criminals inhabit that place. I guess everyone knows that prison isn’t what you call a fancy place. You get beaten up just like that if you are in the wrong place, wrong time or just because you’re in the wrong gang. According to the documentary, the inmates all say that it is important to have a gang, so that ur butt is protected. And also, it is important to do whatever the gang leader tells you to, if not you’re dead. So basically, if your gang leader asked you to beat someone up, you have to, even though you risk being caught and then be sentence to a few more years in prison. In prison, you have to get your hands dirty for survival.
Also, there are transparent lines in the fields of the prison. According to the prisoners, each gang has their own areas, and they have to stick to their own areas. If they cross the invisible border, they will get beaten up, and that’s when fights among tribes happen. For example, the basketball court belongs to the African-American, the baseball to the Latinos etc.
Basically when I watch “The Shawshank Redemption”, it does give a similar depiction of what a real prison is like, except that in the documentary, the warden is kind but in the movie, the warden is evil. Well, usually in all prison movies, the warden is the villain. Remember “The Longest Yard” and “The Last Castle”?
But at least justice is served at the end of “The Shawshank Redemption”. Yes, although we all know that in reality, sometimes there is no such thing. People with power and money usually control the weak and the poor. If injustice is really going on in those prison, who knows right? In the movies, yes, the lead actor manages to escape from prison, with a new identity and a luxurious life in some beautiful island. Well, we still watch shows like this to feel better about life, to give ourselves hope. In fact, the most memorable line from the movie is actually the lead character saying to Morgan Freeman “Hope is a good thing.” Believe or not, I really believe that. Even though sometimes, when hopes get to high, you’ll feel a much deeper hurt. But sometimes, when we wish or hope, we might just get what we want. Sometimes I guess, we should never stop believing. Besides I really like these prison movies. It shows us that there’s a thin line between evil and good. You think that the cops are good people? Well they can be as merciful, or even worst that the criminals. People make mistakes and I guess that these movies also remind us to understand these inmates. They too are normal human beings, and sometimes, they deserve a second chance.
I truly admire how smart the lead character is in the movie. I mean, it’s his preserverance and his wisdom and intelligence. That’s what got him out of jail. He might be the mysterious, quiet type, who doesn’t know how to express himself, but deep down is a darn intelligent man. And to think that he was in jail for a crime he did not commit, that’s just so unfair. Sometimes, you watch those crime & justice shows and it really makes you laugh. They create the stories as though justice is served everytime. The characters talked as if they would do their best to find the truth and evidence. I’m so sorry but the truth is, sometimes you just get tortured during investigation and you have to admit it just because you can’t take it. Or worst, you are just freakin’ unlucky and all evidence just happens to point at you. Whatever it is, I just pray that I don’t have to land myself into these situations. I’ve heard stories about lock-up. Cops ain’t friends.
“The Shawshank Redemption” is also about friendship. Let’s just say that, I think that some of the best friends are made with those who had actually gone through hard times with you. And true friends are also those who don’t run away when you are in trouble. I think that I’m lucky enough to have a few of these really good friends. But anyway i really really love the ending. Thank God Morgan Freeman didn’t kill himself like Brooks.
The part which made me cry like hell (excuse me for being such a loser, but I can’t stand watching old people sad) was the part when one inmate, Brooks who was release on parole, committed suicide. He was old and he just ain’t used to the life outside of prison. I guess I can totally understand that. He has to try to fit into society that is new to him, he goes home to a lonely four-walled bedroom, lonely and I think also missing all his friends in prison. Plus it is true when they say, in prison, he is a librarian, but outside, he is really nobody, or worst, perceived as an ex-convict. Even for me, fitting in a new place and being lonely is hard to bear, let alone an old man, like him. I can totally relate to Brooks though I am maybe multiple years younger than him. Let’s just say for me, loneliness is my biggest fear haha.
15th November 2008
I guess I’m certified a boring person or maybe couch-potato is the better word that should be tagged on my forehead. Yesterday, or rather this morning, I went to “Zuok (or Zouk, no idea…see I can’t even spell Zuok *slaps head*) KL” with a bunch of friends to celebrate my friend, Siew Lai’s birthday. This isn’t my first visit to clubs, before this I had been to Maison, so ya…this is my second only la…haha. But of course there was excitement before the party because, come on! I mean, it’s Zouk, it’s like one of the most popular clubs in town lar…at least one I’ve heard of. It should be classier.
The moment I reach the entrance of “Zuok”, the first thing that came to my mind is – “I’m going die of chills tonight man!” It’s so cold and these women are wearing practically ahem…nothing. Strapless tubes, barebacks, lowcut haute, shorts, micromini skirts… you name it. I suddenly have great admiration towards these beautifully gorgeous women surrounding me who can look so hot and sexy despite the cold.
The 2nd thing was that, “please please, I just recovered from fever and cold, so please don’t let the cigarrette smoke get the best of me – I DON’T WANNA BE SICK AGAIN!!!!” You might also wonder why do I have to go in the first place if I’m sick…well that’s because I PAID RM30 beforehand and whatever it is, I have to at least consume something from inside or just smell the contaminated air inside Zuok just to get the RM30 worth of money. But at the end of it, it’s to celebrate Siew Lai since she wanted to go to Zuok. (And also to buy the privilege of being able to say “I’ve been to Zuok KL” haha)
Anywayz when I’m in Zuok, I felt like a little kid who’s out of place. I wouldn’t say that it’s culture shock because I have seen all what it’s like in clubs on TV before, haha, but experiencing it is a different thing. Well, Zuok is definitely a nicer place compared to Maison (I also dunno if I got the spelling of this club right) but basically everything is the same. It’s just that I think Zuok plays better music and there were a lot more hot Eurasians there. But sorry la, I’m true to Chris Richardson. ;P
Jokes aside, I must say you have to be extremely confident and extremely open-minded when you visit these clubs. I mean, you’ll be dancing on the dance floor and people will be all around you, watching. Guys especially are fishing for girls and suddenly they’ll just dance by the girl of their choice and have their hands all over. I actually embarrassed myself when I tried to save a friend from being... erm….the better word maybe is ‘admired’. The guy gave me that freaky look, as if I’m being the obstacle of his delicious ‘meal’. Sorry dude! How would I know? I saw him behind her and I pulled her away just like that. I didn’t know there’s a more not-so-obvious way of saving a friend. But then I ask my friend if she was ok with the guy behind her and she say it was fine so I just glide off la… I don’t wanna be the light AGAIN haha.
At around 2 a.m., I felt the exhaustion creeping over me. Usually 2 a.m. is the peak hour of my life, that is, if I’m in my room or house haha, on the Net or maybe watching movies. In the club, it’s like I can’t wait to head home. Okay lar…some might say I don’t enjoy it because there wasn’t any action going on for me haha…true lar, but then, those are not exactly stuff that you would want going on for you right? Not something you can be proud of, right? Haha… Besides, there were some great actions going on for others which I can watch okay…haha…like how JC and Nic got drunk. It seems so easy for the liquor to defeat them haha… Then there were 2 guys who almost fought in the club, and there were some lovey-dovey couples in the club also. IT’s like going to the movies…but it’s just that the storyline is not as interesting as “Tropic Thunder” haha…
Since I’m from a very conservative family background, it’s really hard for me to suddenly transform myself into such a socially-open culture. I mean all girls love to have guys admiring them, of course, we can’t lie right, but then I don’t think being groped by strangers is a form of admiration, at least not in my dictionary. I don’t know the facts, but I think more than half of those who after visiting the club get laid. Girls get drunk just like that. I see them all around, and next to them – the ‘nice’ guy. It’s so dangerous for them and they don’t know it. But that’s just how I see it, my opinion. Some would love clubs for the music, the freedom to express themselves through dancing, liquor and also opportunities. I love to dance and I love music but I think I’ll save all this within the confinement of my room.
If you ask me, it’s pointless bringing your date to clubs. I think I would be a whole lot better and SWEETER if a couple can talk about music or movies or just about life, somewhere by the beach or under the stars - just somewhere simple and quiet. In clubs, you can’t even talk to one another. This morning, I woke up losing my ‘beautiful’ voice due to excessive but futile screaming in the club trying to communicate with my friends.
2.30 a.m. and I’m starting to think that I’d rather be in a book club. See how desperate I am. The music in our room was “house music”, (if we want good music we have to go to the public room, which is packed and we don’t have seats there) and therefore, it was very boring. Then I start to think, (I think I was crazy then) if Chris Richardson likes clubs (which I’m sure he does), I’m not going to like him anymore haha. All ridiculous stuff just crawls through my head at that moment of desperation to leave.
When the clock strikes 3 a.m., I heard something… “HALLELUYAH!!!! HALLELUYAH!! …I see the lights of hope ….few more minutes left and I’ll be home but my throat hurts like hell. DARN IT! Don’t be SICK, I prayed! 3 a.m. and we still had time for mamak. Sometimes I salute myself for the courage to take my health to the next level. But thank God for the Teh O Panas…it kinda saved my poor throat.
We reached the hostel at 5a.m., half dead. I want to say we had a blast, but even though I can’t say that, I can say that I had an experience. At least now I’ll be able to tell everyone that “MUN YI’S BEEN TO ZUOK!!!” For many years, I’ve been known as the goody-two-shoes and as green as the green green grass of home. Now, officially I’ve been to Zuok. (APPLAUSE!! APPLAUSE)
Next time, maybe you guys can have birthday parties in book clubs instead, so that I can compare. Only kidding haha. But more importantly HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY SIEW LAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I mean, whatever it is…maybe clubbing is not that bad, just not for me. Different people have different idea of fun. For me, fun is just chatting and laughing with a bunch of friends, watching some DVDs with a cup of my own made iced-Neslo (yum-mee) and my baby bolster, Stylo, around my arms, blogging (also with my baby bolster, Stylo, around my arms) about my favourite things, music and movies, just loafing in the cinemas (unfortunately can’t bring baby Stylo), watching the latest movies, going for an adventurous outing with a group of good friends or just by hanging out by the beach to some good music in tranquility.
The good news…I woke up this morning…perfectly ok!! Except for the usual sinus, I think I should be good…*touchwood*
So I have energy to write about my favourite things in life! MOVIES!!!
I’ve watched like a few movies these few days but so little time to write about them. Don’t ask me about the progress of my thesis because it is not in progress, that’s why I have time for movies still. Sigh. I know…I’m sorry for being lazy but i still can’t do anything about it. But this is important. The most recent one that I love most is “Kite Runner”.
“Kite Runner” is a movie set in Kabul, Afghanistan and also parts of it, in America. SO the film is in 2 languages. The movie opens in San Fransisco, California, with kites in the skies. Then we see our lead, Amir, finding a box in front of his apartment. Inside the box is his masterpiece – his stories; his book. Then Amir receives a phone call from Rahim Khan.
The film suddenly enters a flashback…with kites again in the sky. We see a few kids playing with the kites. The flashbacks were about Amir as a young boy, with his best friend Hassan. Hassan was Amir’s family servant’s son, and also his best friend. However, they have different status. Nonetheless, Amir’s father loves Hassan and Hassan’s father, Ali, a lot. In fact even more than Amir because he felt that Amir was too timid. Amir is therefore educated and loves to write stories, which to his father, is a total waste of time. The only one who enjoys his story and supports him was his father’s best friend, Rahim Khan. (The caller at the beginning of the film) Also, he always reads his stories to Hassan. That’s what they both enjoy doing together.
This is one film in which you really dislike the lead actor. Amir is really a character that I dislike, for his cowardice. Hassan on the other hand, is what a call a man’s man. Hassan stood up for Amir every single time and he would do whatever it is for Amir. Amir on the other hand…was too afraid to stand up for anything, or anyone. He usually just runs away when he sees trouble.
So, apparently kite competitions were very popular in Afghanistan. They have this competition in which you fly ur kites in the sky and you cut down as many kites as you can and if you are the last kite standing, you win. Hassan was the best kite runner and together, he helped Amir won the competition. After you cut the last kite in the sky…usually your friend would run and catch the falling kite and then pass it to the kite runner as souvenir I guess.
Hassan, after getting the kite, was blocked by the village big bully and the bully ordered Hassan to give him the kite. Hassan was beaten up and also sodomised for not handing over the kite to them. Amir, who saw everything just stood there and watch. And said nothing! His friend was attacked and he just watched there….and even ran away. I mean, at least go get some help! Hassan always stood up for him when the bully tried to hurt Amir but this Amir did not do the same for his friend. After that incident, Amir didn’t mention anything to his father, and neither did Hassan. Hassan just became quieter and though Amir knew the reason and truth, Amir told no one about it. In fact, he wanted to get rid of Hassan. He tried many ways to kicked Hassan out of his house. He accused Hassan of stealing his watch. And because Hassan knew that Amir wanted him out, he admitted. Though Amir’s father forgave Hassan and asked them to stay, Hassan’s father, Ali said they are embarrassed to stay. From that day on, Amir never saw his friend again.
Then suddenly Afghanistan was at war and Amir’s father took Amir and both of them fled to America. 20 years passed, and then we see a grown-up Amir. He then got married and then his dad passed away. The story then continues from where the flashback began – when Amir was on the phone with Rahim Khan.
Rahim Khan then told Amir about the death of Hassan and his wife (because they refuse to listen to the militant’s order) and how he had a son, who is now in Kabul, Afghanistan. Rahim also told Amir a secret about Hassan. Let’s keep the secret a secret. Maybe you should watch the movie to find out. Amir was at first, AGAIN, afraid to go to Afghanistan because of the Talibans. But after he read a touching letter written by Hassan to him (Hassan had learnt how to write for him)…he changed his mind. And for the first time, you see a little courage from this Amir. At least he went all out for his best friend’s boy this time.
In the end he managed to bring the boy to America, and give him a good life.
The most touching part in the movie is definitely when Hassan told Amir, “Do you want me to run the kite for you? For you, a thousand times over…” and at the end of the movie…which once again tear me up….when it was Amir’s who told Hassan’s son…”Do you want me to run the kite for you? For you, a thousand times over…”
If you ask me…the “Kite Runner” isn’t about Amir…it’s about Hassan. It’s about a friend who stood up for another friend. It’s about bravery and integrity. Hassan is the character that carries the movie forward. His character develops Amir’s character and inspires us. I might be critical of Amir, but I mean, maybe I’m as timid as Amir, who knows? When face with war and inhuman militants, how many of us would actually dare to stand in front of a gun just to stand up for righteousness? I think most of us would prefer to save our butts haha. But whatever it is, I know one thing, if my best friend were beaten up or bullied, I won’t just sit there and watch okay. Even if I can’t fight the bullies myself, I’ll get help. The film also gives us an insight of the Muslim culture in Afghanistan and the Taliban laws, which can be ridiculous.
Anyway, “Kite Runner” is of course based on a very popular novel, of the same title. I’ve heard of the book before and I know it is a great book. Then I found out about the movie and I know it’s a must watch. I haven’t managed to get hold of the book but Thank God my friend Sze Too has the film. IT’s a fantastic movie. One I shall never forget. Now, I’ll try to find the book in the library. I’m sure it’s gonna be even better.
So, my 3 movie recommendations for now – “The Shawshank Redemption”, “Kite Runner” and “Tropic Thunder” (It’s hillarious).
Since I’m talking about my favourite things this week…haha…I actually wrote a list of my favourite things:
(In no particular order)
1. My Bed & my home
2. Chris Richardson
3. My Music
4. My movies
5. My Bolster
6. My laptop
7. My Friends
8. My Family
9. KL View
10. The Beach
11. The Stars
12. The Television
We’ll see what I can talk about next time. But definitely not football la…my sis was watching football just now…Arsenal vs. Aston Villa and Arsenal lost 2-0. That should explain my sis’s mood but what’s more important is there’s a new hottie in the club. My sis told me his name is Aaron Ramsey… Sorry la but sometimes I just watch a few minutes of football to check some of those hot people play. I know typically useless b***h haha. Anywayz til next time ya.
Take care……..
~Love ~
tammy
With Lots of Love & Hugs & Kisses & Chris Richardson's scent from BabyT ;
Saturday, November 08, 2008
I was walkin with my best friend in matching outfits yesterday - going to the cinemas. It rained suddenly as i went downstairs to her room. Then after we got all our stuff & walked out...it stopped raining. We walked & was discussing that we should actually get a cab. in case it rained again. We were near a shaded passageway suddenly it start drizzling...we ran to the shaded area & it poured! We started worryin about how to go to the LRT station..there's a long journey of open area at the end of the shaded passageway. When we reached the open area, the rain miraculously stopped n we quickly got a cab and then went to the LRT station. We tot of eating so we walked to a nearby shop. We were about to reach & suddenly the rain started pouring again...but we were just a few steps away so we managed to escape - dry. Then after eating the delicious chicken rice, the rain stop.
I guess u guys are wondering wat the hell am i talking about - rain & all. Well me & my best friend then discussed how nice God is to us actually. We are so lucky. Tat's how i usually feel. I mean, i know that i complain alot, because everyone complains...but at the end of everyday, i really consider myself a really lucky girl.
I get myself into trouble a lot of times, mostly because of my clumsiness & lack of organization. But at the end of everyday la...i wish to look at all those things that happened to me positively - like how those are all chances for me to learn & hopefully mature into someone better haha. Like the harddirve...because i need to fix the hd, i had to go all the way to damansara & had a chance to go to IKEA (my first time). However, the hd issue is still unsettled but the company is willing to exchange a new one. the data is the worrying part but hopefully my trusted computer geniuses (NORYO Computer shop) in ipoh can help me fix the problem at a cheaper price lar.
I remember crying when i found out i was chosen for National Service - how i hated my destiny of being chosen to go for some stupid military training. I hate camps & i hate leaving home! Why me? But today, i can say that i have no regrets going to camp because there i was destined to meet some of the greatest people & also met 2 of my best friends there - Huey Ning & Ah Chin, whom i treasured so much. God has always been nice to me...well usually nice. Every hardship He had me go thru...he would in the end help me thru. Just that, it's not complain-free.
Anywayz...back to movies - one of my fave things in life besides music. As i've already mentioned, i went to the movies yesterday with YY, YY's other half, Eugene & Lydia. I chose to watch "Tropic Thunder" over "Highschool Musical 3:Senior Year" for 2 reasons. One - to give YY & Eugene some alone time (i'm very considerate, see); two - becuz i think that "Tropic Thunder" is more worth the money hahah...it's star-studded!
Any regrets watching "Tropic Thunder" - my answer - no!
Would i watch it again? Yes.
Would i encourage u to watch it in the cinemas? - NO, why?
my advice is just get the DVD. (i'm not mentioning whether it should be pirated, downloaded or original, you figure urself) The DVD is good enough. It's not one of those action or horror movies that you need to spend money on in the cinemas for the sound effects etc. But overall, it is an entertaining watch. It's hillarious, but lame hillarious. The jokes & humor are not distasteful, which i like.
Plus, it stars Ben Stiller & Jack Black - 2 of my fave comedian besides Adam Sandler. They were saying that the movie has some subtle meaning or lessons in it...i however have yet to understand the hidden meaning though. I guess at the end, wat i get is tat one should not try to hard to be someone they are not. Be happy with who u r. maybe a second watch shall enlighten me more. one of my fave scenes is the ending where Tom Cruise dances haha...but then the whole movie itself was nice...
I also had a chance to watch "Premonition" on Astro last Saturday. "Premonition" stars Sandra Bullock & Julian McMahon. I actually like that movie a lot, and i was shocked to read all the negative comments on the movie. it was rated very low on RottenTomatoes, and Rebecca Murray wrote about it negatively in her movie review on About.com. It wasnt tat bad. I mean, ya, it's not like fantastically written or has brilliant cinematography but it has quite a nice twist.
The thing is, people think that it was a time-wasting movie. The movie is abt Sandra Bullock having a premonition abt her husband's death. Now the movie is interestingly arranged in a very confusing timeline. The movie starts with Wednesday...when Sandra found out her husband's death...then she sleeps...she wakes up & she finds her husband alive. It's Monday. Then she goes on with her day...then she sleep...she wakes up...she found that it is Thursday....her husband is dead. Her mum was there to console her.
Then she sleeps, she wakes up...it's monday. She sleeps - comes Friday, which is her husband's funeral. She then wakes up again and it was Saturday & on that day she was sent to the asylum because her mum feels that she is insane due to the stress of her husband's death. Basically the whole story happens in a stretch of one week...Sunday to Saturday. Sandra Bullock has no idea of what she is going thru until Saturday, after being sedated in the asylum. She then wakes up & found out that it's Tuesday. She then get organized & arranged all the events that happened according to the days. Soon she realized that Wednesday is the day her husband died. She can stop it. But because she found out abt her husband's affair, she was in a dilemma of whether or not to save her husband. Sunday came along and she tried to make amends with her husband & their relationship which was falling apart.
Then she sleeps & wakes up to the real Wednesday. She decided to save her husband. She calls her husband while her husband was travelling on the road he was supposed to die. Whether or not he survived...u might have to watch. But from the reviews, maybe u would have an idea already. In the end....most people find it time wasting. I find it quite interesting because the arrangement of the time & space is quite different from other movies. You really have to be attentive to understand the story. However, most people feel that the movie failed to bring out enough anxiety to the mystery elements of the story. I hv no idea why, cuz i was basically jumping off my car in the last scene...over-excited on whether or not her husband will make it. Maybe it's just me haha.
Anyway, i just managed to secure a few other movies from my friend Sze Too. I cant wait to lay my eyes on them. Also next time i wil talk abt "The Shawshank Redemption" - a fantastic movie. Thanks to J.T. Til next time ya..
tammy the great!
With Lots of Love & Hugs & Kisses & Chris Richardson's scent from BabyT ;
Monday, November 03, 2008
1st November 2008
Things have improved since I dropped my hard drive. No, I am still as clumsy as ever, and my hard drive issue had yet to be resolved. But at least now I don’t feel as sad as I was a few days back. See, the good thing is, I get over stuff quite easily, which is good and bad at the same time. I learn things the hard way haha…and I sometimes, NEVER LEARN~! But I am really glad to learn that I have friends who understand and are forgiving. I mean, they are people who know who I am and accept me for being me, though of course they would hope that I change my ways a little too.
Anyway why am I so estatic and happy lately? Well I got to go to the set of Latte@8 at Starbucks Sunway Pyramid last Friday and I got to meet Jason LO!!!!!!! (Will post the photos soon maybe on Facebook) He’s like my fave local artist and though I’ve met him once before, it’s just great to be able to see him live on set. Plus it is a bonus to get to see how a live show is conducted. Basically, it is not much different from what we see on TV, but then of course you get to see the various camera positions, the lighting and the crew members involved in it. It actually reminds me a bit of my internship shooting, just that that was a movie production and is not live.
College has been as slow as ever. The 5 hours of classes per week is not fun at all. I guess all of us missed the multiple hours spent together last time. I’ve been so desperate that I’ve actually visited the library a couple of times this semester. Believe me, it’s desperation in search of activities to fill time (especially when you’re broke). See, I never go to the library – yes, very sad indeed but that’s a different story. Lately, I actually would walk all the way to the college library in search of books. Usually, I am so unmotivated to read because it is so hard to find good books that have a magnetic function but thank God my previous few visits to the library were fruitful.
I’ve just finished “Profiles in Murder”, which is a fantastic book about criminal minds. The interesting part is all the crimes in the book are true stories told by a former FBI agent, Russell Vorpagel, who pioneered the Behavioral Science Unit. Now if you actually watch the TV series “Criminal Minds” (starring my fave Matthew Gray Gubbler) then you would actually have an idea of what this Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI is all about. In the show, the department is known as Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). I’m a huge fan of the TV series (it's on 8TV) because I enjoy crime solving shows and therefore this book really appeals to me. It’s like translating the show into reality because the stories in the book are real.
BSU or now known as BAU is a department that deals mostly with psychotic criminals and they do profiling of potential murderers. It involves studying crime scenes and clues and then trying to solve the murder by producing a list of personalities or characteristics of a potential murderer. Of course, they not only solve murder case, sometimes they are involved with rape cases as well as prevention of murder. These agents delve into the minds of the criminals, trying to understand why they do certain murder. You’d find the craziest and insane true murder stories in this book. Believe it, there are really some disturbed people out there. They are just ruthless and cruel, but mentally unfit. Sometimes, as much as you want them punished in hell, you really don’t know if you can blame them.
Wikipedia's definition: "The mission of the BAU is to provide behavioral based investigative and/or operational support by applying case experience, research, and training to complex and time-sensitive crimes, typically involving acts or threats of violence. The program areas addressed include Crimes Against Children, Crimes Against Adults, Communicated Threats, Corruption, and Bombing and Arson Investigations."
There were a few memorable cases, but it would be difficult to tell them in details here. One involved a guy who kills just so he can feed on human blood because he thinks that his blood is intoxicated and he needs fresh blood to survive. Then there is one about a guy who sodomises little boys and then in the end his fantasies with little boys drew him to murder.
The most insane thing that I’ve learned in this book is autoerotic deaths. Autoerotic means sexual feelings or gratification self-induced without having sexual relations with another human. It can be categorized into dangerous and nondangerous. The nondangerous type is familiar among us la – pornography, masturbation etc. But it’s the dangerous types that stunned me. The dangerous types involves inflicting tortures on oneselve to get the sensation – like hanging oneself to get the suffocating sensation or stiffing carbon monoxide.
This is one interesting and ghory case in the book. It’s about a male victim seated on his chair and in shorts and socks. He had his 2 fingers and an ear cut off. His penis was on the floor and scrotum in his mouth. Looking at the scene, authorities would definitely suspect foul play = murder. However it turns out to be an accidental death. What led Vorpagel to think that it was an accident was because this man was wearing his shorts. According to Vorpagel (the agent), it is uncommon for killers to put the victim’s shorts back on. An autopsy was run and it revealed that the fingers and the ear were in the man’s stomach and also drugs. This man is into autoerotic behaviour – which explains everything.
Another interesting part of the book is how the agent uses clues in the crime scene to determine whether the case is an accident, murder or suicide. Sometimes, some scenarios may look like suicides but are actually accidents. Some looks like accidents but could be murder etc. The case above was an example of how sometimes crime scenes can be misleading and we cannot judge a crime scene just by looking at it. We have to go deeper and think. Why does it matter you ask? Apparently it does because if it is suicide, the insurance company doesn’t pay. So usually the insurance company will try to push that the incident is suicide. Also if it is suicide, the family members usually feel tremendous amount of guilt and pain. They usually would blame themselves.
Vorpagel’s motive of writing this book is to get people to train coroners and authorities involved in crime scenes (Police officers etc). According to him, a stylist goes through more training than coroners or law enforcement personnels. Some coroners mistaken small animals as babies, pronounce homicides as suicides. To him, if they are not properly trained, crimes cannot be accurately solved. I think it’s so true. I mean, after reading this book, you just feel that investigating a crime scene is just not as simple as it looks. We really need trained, professional people with logic and brains in the field in order to correctly decipher the happenings of the crime. The book is a really good read and if you are a TARCIAN you can borrow it from the library haha. I’ll return it soon.
Anywayz that's all for now...gonna post about a few movies i've watched in the next installment
take carezzz....
With lotsa love & hugs,
tammy the awesomist...
;)
With Lots of Love & Hugs & Kisses & Chris Richardson's scent from BabyT ;
