REVIEWSSSSSSS

Ok guys and girls .. time to update my blog .. and why was there a drought?? .. well ... there was supposed to be one 2 weeks ago .. but i forgot to save .. and lost like one of the longest movie review i had written ... ARGH ....

Well .. finally gotten over it so here i am gonna start again .... but i have watched so many movies since ... so i am gonna just do a quick 1 paragraph intro of each ... plus a percentage rating ....

1) Brazil (Director's Cut) 90%
Wildly imaginative. Though it will seem dated for today's audience, it's twist on the take of an alternate 1984 was brilliant and overflowing with creativity at every moment. The screenplay brims with an operatic feel, and its mix of joy and grim seem all so ironic and yet familiar at the same time. An Instant Classic.

2) Dark Water 75%
For what it does, it does so well. The movie is made all the more believeable with the main character's believable troubles. She's trying to win the custody of her daughter from a broken marriage, she's trying to find a job to boost her credibility, trying to find a nice apt, she's trying to make sure that she picks up her daughter from school everyday ... while trying to not have a nervous breakdown. So while having to deal with all these earthly troubles, she's being disturbed by some unearthly beings. Not a good situation to be in. Worthy of mention is the little girl's performance. She's good. The problem with many horror movies (esp Asian ones) is that they sometimes linger at the edge of reason and may even seem ridiculous at times. There were some moments like that in this movie too, but the credibility of the movie was enhanced by the realism of the characters - and thus made the whole story a bit more believable.

3) Ju-on 2 55%
Ok. This movie is ludicrous. The first movie could have worked because it was only 1 movie. After more than 10 deaths obviously related to the house (from part 1 -2), I find it strangely curious that the government, secret police, FBI, and paranormal experts are not swarming to the house to do their investigations ... or tear the damn thing down.

4) The Manchurian Candidate 75%
A good psychological thriller. This is a remake of an old flick of the same name, but updated for today's audience. The movie would have been just mediocre if not for Denzel Washington's performance. That said, I also felt the material was not very compelling, but the performances by the actors were commendable. The obvious references the screenplay tried to make to the current state of affairs in US are there, but I am not sure many people would be swayed by it's message - they've already been brainwashed.

5) Bourne Identity 82%
Ok, I obviously have some catching up to do with my movies. I didn't read the novel, and I always believe that movies should be judged upon independently from the books that they are based on. A book can convey so much more than a series of pictures can, for instance, many a times, you read about what a character is thinking about, but with movies, you'll need to find other ways of expressing it. Furthermore, to shrink 1000s of pages of information into a 2hr movie is not an easy task - there will be many things to re-write or edit and if a bookfan is not too understanding, he'll never be satisfied. Well, nuff of my talk about how movies and books shld each serve their own medium. This movie is entertaining, and convincing (I delayed watching this movie because I can't picture how Matt Damon could be an action hero) enough to win my vote. I don't know why but it conjured up the feeling I got when I was watching the TV old series of The Incredible Hulk, where the hero just keeps moving from one place to another, to avoid being caught, and never knowing when or how it will end. The pacing was great and the character's journey was exciting enough that you'll want to know what comes next. At least it's a somewhat happy ending.

6) Bourne Supremacy 80%
To resurrect a movie with a happy ending, you need to destroy the original happy ending. Though the beginning of the film felt somewhat forced, the rest of the journey more than made up for it. As we discover the complexity of the character's dark past, the movie grew more interesting as a result. The movie was well made and I am not gonna miss out on the 3rd episode should there ever be another.

7) Crash 86%
This is a movie I truly loved, yet i am reluctant to give it anymore than what I would give the movie that i was reminded of so much - Magnolia. For the record, I would rate Magnolia a 90%. For those who haven't watched this, please import it from Amazon. I have yet to see any Singaporean DVD shops carry it. Ok, back to Crash. It is a movie about a bunch of different people, somewhat connected, yet unrelated, having their lives affected by a series of miscommunication, misunderstanding, uncontrolled fits of anger and inconsiderate actions all resulting from stereotyping and racism. The dialogue written are brilliant and are so real you'll find them so eerily familiar. That's because we all suffer from the same flaws of the characters that is being represented on screen. We see them happen, sometimes we are the ones who make them happen, and the movie shows how simple it is to decide how you want to behave, yet the consequences often do not reflect directly. In a way, this a movie about retribution, though you may not see it directly from the result of your actions. But it is also about redemption and hope, but I guess they might not know that they are redeeming themselves even when their actions are.

8) Born on the Fourth of July 82%
Oliver Stone delivers, and Tom Cruise shine. This movie rocks. It is unflinchingly sarcastic to the powers who control the nation, and though this movie was made to reflect the Vietnam War, it sets people thinking about the arrogance of the current US administration with respect to the Iraq War. It was the war against communism then, and it is the war against terrorism now. But they both used "freedom" as an excuse to further their military purposes. Americans should be wary of extremists not just outside their country, but how their own government is using it to further their own goals. By the way, the character played by Tom Cruise is a real person.

9) Thirteen Days 80%
Another military movie. This is about the Cuban missile crisis. Another movie using history to send a message to the current Bush administration, on being prudent when it comes to military actions. Apparently, people in the white house do not watch too many movies.

10) The Island 70%
Ok ... reviews all over the place are blasting this movie to bits. I didn't feel it was too bad, and did find it rather entertaining. There were some typical Michael Bay moments which I hate (characters joking and talking cool when the situation was obviously not suitable for that, totally destroys credibility), but thankfully not as plentiful as his previous works (Pearl harbor and Armageddon). This time, most of the humor and its story does apply rather suitably so I will not harp too much on it. The setup was great. I sorta wish the trailer wouldn't give away everything, and I might have liked the movie even more if I didn't know that the "Island" was fake.

11) Fantastic Four 68%
This is an entertaining movie, if your sense of logic is thrown out the window. If there weren't the likes of X-men, Batman Begins and the excellent Spiderman movies, this movie wouldn't have been so badly rated. I guess the issue I have with this movie is, it felt like it came up short in so many areas that it ends up not "satisfying enough". Well, it performed admirably at the box office and so I think a sequel would probably be on its way. I just hope they give the characters a little bit more depth the next time round.

12) Home Run 78%
This movie I have resisted to watch as well because I loved the original Iranian movie that it was based on. Homerun was based on Children of Heaven, and the setup was also similar - a boy lost his sister's shoes, and then he goes for a marathon so that he can win a pair shoes for his sister. Homerun succeeds in areas where it nicely adapts the setup into a Singaporean context, and does it rather well. It uses conflicts between some of the kids to reflect the recent water squabbles between Singapore and Malaysia. Jack Neo's weaknesses however, were his tendency for sappiness and his inability to use subtleties to reflect his messages. His endings are usually too "unnatural" as well. This results in some rough edges in his film. This is his fifth (??) attempt at movie making and I sincerely wish that he improves in these areas of his writings for his future works for these are the same problems I see in his previous works too.

13) White Noise 50%
Ok ... too much holes ... too much time wasted. I feel sorry for the character's son, as well as the little boy who acted as the son. What's your purpose? When Keaton read the script, did he not wonder how people would be interested to see a man watch white noise on TV screens, scenes after scenes. If you did catch the film, please explain to me how he could get worked up watching those blank screens when there's nothing there? If you haven't caught it, please don't

Initial D - not too bad ... if not a bit flat .. 71%

Watched Initial D over the weekend. I went in with zero expectations. I have never read the comics. I am not a car fanatic. I didn't really plan for the movie until a few friends wanted to watch and asked me along.

Well, simple story. This kid is the son of a car racer legend. He turns out to be better than his father. And the along the way he fell into love, and out of love. But 2 characters who stole the show, are the father "Bunta", and his best friend, Itsuki" who brags too much. The kicker of the movie are the racing scenes. They are very compelling, and really cool to watch. But somehow, the focus on "drifting" seems to have been over emphasized, that makes it seems like who ever can drift better will win the race. The races are well choreographed and considering that the story is running around 1 single track, and the fact that they can make it interesting enough for more than 1 hour is quite an achievement already.

But how about the flaws? I am not sure about how the actual character is supposed to be, but watching Jay Chou's interpretation, it seems like Takumi's a rather boring dude, who really doesn't have much way of expressing his own feelings. Like I said, I didn't read the comics, but while there are overacting seen in actors, he's a case of underacting. I didn't understand how the girl could get so excited over him for? And it wasn't explained what she sees in him. Also, she mentioned that she has known him for years and they always talked, until recently. Why? Did the main character go through something that turned his personality into the passive, quiet type?

The father "Bunta" played by Anthony Wong is the character to watch. He's dynamic and it seems like he's having fun playing the role. Same for Kenny Bee, but he's not having the most screen time. "Itsuki", played by Chapman was the usual, having all the loud talking always seem by him in other movies, maybe he's chosen because he is ultimately just natural at being a loud mouth brat.

What I learnt, Initial D was a Japanese Comic that got translated into Chinese and then made into the movie. What I would truly like to see, is whether the script was written originally in Japanese, then translated and localized, or was it the other way around. I would wanna watch the Japanese dubbed version to see how it works out. It would be kinda weird to see a bunch of Chinese acting as Japanese - if I were a Japanese. And the fact that those "gang" members who are so blatantly "lineless" just made the movie kinda flat to a certain extent. The inability of the main chinese characters to interact with the rest of the obviously Japanese team members (for instance, the relationship between "Ryousuke" and his gang") is strikingly obvious.

the Box that will be ....

EDWARD (To BRUCE WAYNE)
Why be brutalized by an uncaring
world? My RES Box will give Joe Q
Public a realm where he is king.
(sultry)
Not that someone like you would need
it. Someone so intelligent. Witty.
Charming. But for the lonely, the...

STICKLEY
Paranoid? The psychotic?

EDWARD
(didn't miss it)
...The Box can change their lives.
(looking around)
Our stock coupons will spike.

Edward turns, actually CLAPS Stickley on the back.

EDWARD
Hell. Might even bring old Stickley
here a few extra bucks. Huh, Fred?

STICKLEY
Fred?

Bruce takes off his glasses, rubs his eyes in vague
disbelief, cleans the lenses.

EDWARD
Wayne Enterprises will spearhead an
entertainment revolution.

Later in the movie

RIDDLER (EDWARD)
"How fitting that numbers lead you to me. For numbers will crown me king. My Box will sit on countless TV's around the globe, mapping brains, giving me credit card numbers. Bank codes. Safe combinations. Numbers of infidelities. Of crimes. Of lies told. No secret is safe from my watchful electronic eye. I will rule the planet. For if knowledge is power then tremble world, Edward Nygma has become a God."

TAKEN FROM "Batman forever" (1994)

1994, Riddler (Edward) aimed to take over the world with his little green TV boxes.

2001. Gates did the same with his hugeass Xboxes.

Long Live Blogs

"A strong and confident government may not like its critics, but it should be able to withstand a robust public debate. The right to be who you are and express what you feel is one of the most fundamental of human existence, and governments who lock up dissenters are showing contempt for all their citizens.

Freedom of belief and freedom of expression are far from universal. But in the words of the Declaration of Human Rights, they are the 'highest aspiration of the common people.'"

Long Live Blogs :)

Bush's stance on Global Warming

Finally ... after rejecting that Man has any role to play in warming up the planet ... he has finally given in ... a little bit ... this time .. the answer is "to a certain extent"...

"I am sorry ... US economy is more important ... the rest of the world will just have to burn in hell with the warming issue, we can't fix the CO2 issue if we can't make mo' money"

So .... let the selfish leaders of the world decide what's more important. Money or the Health of the planet. Yes, money can help to heal the planet to a certain extent ... but there's one thing it can't buy .. Time ....

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-warming5jul05,0,7451975.story?coll=la-home-headlines

MJ

Man i love Michael Jackson. Recently I have been going through some sort of a MJ renaissance, going around looking for his CDs and snapping up the old discs that I missed. Listening to his music again suddenly brought back memories of my teenage years when I was so crazy crazy over him. Yes, yes ... I admit i did practice the moonwalk behind my closed doors. :P I bought every single, and taped all the TV shows with his appearances .. and of course, I went to his concerts. :)

Now, again looking through the collection of all the MJ stuff I have, I am suddenly amazed again at how wonderfully talented this singer is. He's lived his entire life providing entertainment to people, and if you think about it, it is a very scary thought. I mean, I hardly remember anything from 5, 6 years old, but that is when he started. For 4 decades. 4 freaking decades. His life is like a movie played out 40 years for people to watch. The recent trial was probably one of the biggest thing in his "History" when one looks back from the future. I just hope that his musical/entertainment journey doesn't just end here.

Here's hoping to many more years of Jacko's Wackiness, and great music. :)

Are Singaporean pampered?

My observation, would be "yes", and I didn't realize that about myself too until I have spent a few years overseas. It is funny how we cannot see our own faults until we step into other people's shoes. It is always tough to take criticisms, but it is like bad tasting medicine - they are essential to making us better.

But another problem with Singaporeans (generally speaking, again), is that, they want to rebuke, explain, and use excuses to justify their actions, without first considering why the criticism are raised. They are too eager to offer a response, that they refuse to look at things from the critics' perspective.

Back to the pampered issue. Why do I say so about Singaporeans? Well, we're too sheltered, having the system spoon feed us in every way, always having rules to control our behavior in the society, etc ... these in one way or another, resulted in a parental disciplinary kinda of attitude the government has towards us, the children. And as a result, this kind of attitude gets filtered down to the kind of upbringing we're subjected to - the parents who never allows the kid to do anything unless permission is given, in a way to protect the kid - thus the kids will grow up teaching their kids the same thing. A vicious cycle. They see that the kind of "sheltered upbringing" is keeping them safe, and prosperity. They see that by believing what the government tells them to do, our economy will prosper, our children would be safe, and everything would be great.

The system works, so everyone in their own comfort zone, learn to obey the rules and see everything else (outside Singapore) as not as good as what you got at home. "We are Singapore. We are Singapore. We're a nation strong and free forevermore" sings the children. "We have the best airport, busiest port .." as we are taught. The system has instilled in all of us a sense of elitism that we close our minds to the fact that "we're not No.1 in everything".

But reality now comes back to bite us. We are not as dynamic as we should be in a slump of the economy. The people are inflexible. Now the pampered Singaporeans who follows the rules are realising that following the old rules doesn't seem to pull our economy back on its feet ... and the now a few crazy ones wants to revolutionize and make things better. But the "crazy ones" are the, minority. But they are ones who wants to create, and inject changes - something the pampered system would resist.

However, the system understands that it needs the crazy ones to work with and improve the system, and not to shut them out entirely. The system understands that it is the crazy ones who will create new markets and new opportunities.

But the crazy one says ... "I am a quitter. I can't fight the system alone. I will leave and find my opportunities elsewhere". So the system will have to find a way to work with, and not fight the crazy ones. Or the system might one day drown in its own delusional elitism.

War of the Worlds (2005) - 75%

Yes, finally caught it. Like many of Spielberg's movie, there were so many of his signature shots in there. He loves to do long continuous shots of conversations and do the panning around the characters maneuver. You see quite a number of these in War of the Worlds 2005. Actually I only noticed this style of his from his last film "Minority Report" and I realise that he has repeatedly used this again and again here.

One scene one might not notice, is the shot of Cruise and kids in the car for the first time, and u see how the camera is flying around them while the entire conversation is taking place. Awesome awesome awesome ..... For those who didn't notice, watch the show again and discover this. It is totally impressive.

Ok, enough of the technical stuff. How about the story? It is basically the same as what novel and the previous movie were about. Aliens arrive, aliens attack, people run, people die, people go crazy, then aliens die. Nothing unexpected, but the effects are very very impressive. There's a very simple setup, and within 15min, the action started to roll. And it is a rollercoaster ride all the way from start to finish. It is intense, and unforgiving. No holds barred aliens bent on human extermination. This is not a kiddy movie, and it does not serve to explain why things happen the way they do. It is like a documentary of what happened in the history of mankind in a few crazy days. As a result, you leave the theater with lotsa of unanswered questions. But the movie reminded the audience, that in the heat of emergencies and destruction, it is the people around you that matters. Basically, you do not stop to think, for you may die if you do, you'd just run and survive first.

The references to war are also there. Or at least if you bothered to make the references. To me, it didn't matter if it was the aliens who attacked or not - survival was all that mattered. "I don't care if you hate me .... think of your sister ... I love you", said Ray, the character played by Tom Cruise, to his son in a pivotal moment in the movie. It is the sacrifices you're willing to make to protect the ones you love, and what truly mattered or not in war. Or should I say, what didn't matter, when all you got to lose, are all the loved ones around you.

So does the ending suck this time? Hmm ... it is basically still the same as before, but I thought in light of how the movie is setup (no explanation how/why things started), it is alright that they ended with no full explanation. Maybe there will be a documentary in that world that would show on their History channel few years after the events that happened in the movie, that would explain what they found out. But we will have to satisfy with at least the scenes of how the events unfolded - and leave the rest to our imagination.

Come on, help me out

Ok guys who are reading this ..

I have a friend's wedding coming and I wanna do a special stag night for him. Been to those typical KTV, health center, Pubs, transvestite shit .... now I am looking for a "Thai-girl show" equivalent in Singapore. Where can I find such?? Anyone heard of anything like that locally?

War of the Worlds (1953) - 72%

Now that the War of the Worlds 2005 is upon us, let's do a quick review of the original 1953 Classic.
When the original 1953 was released, it was a sci fi megaton. The special effects (then) were groundbreaking and the "forcefield" effect they did with the miniatures were very impressive. The scenes of people going chaotic and crazy trying to flee the city and how looting started occurring when the city was under attack, were done pretty realistically. I realised that you as an audience, would just watch the chaos unfold, but you never question why people would turn mean and uncivilized the moment foreign attack was upon them. And in a way, we understood, that human nature is in its very roots, selfish and cold.

And had I watched this film earlier, I would have noticed all the references made by the movie "Independence day" to this classic. One scene blatantly ripped from the original was how nuclear bomb was unleashed upon the enemy but to no effect. It goes to show that in more than 4 decades, the nuclear bomb is still the lingering threat that exists in all the major superpowers' crackheads. I guess in these recent years, terrorism is the new threat, and I'd be interested to see how the new movie would play to exhibit that.

The original story was written by HG Wells, with a political reference to the British Imperialism in the 19th century. The movie in 1953, was obviously a knock on US's then "superiority" with their Nuclear bomb. I guess in these recent years, terrorism is the new threat, and I'd be interested to see how the new movie would play to exhibit that.

What to expect from the 2005 version?
Now the original 1953 classic was groundbreaking in the special effects department. The movie also garnered an Academy Award for Best Special Effects. So I would expect this 2005 version to be visually impressive as well. What I didn't like about the original was its ending. Maybe I shouldn't give it away for those who hasn't seen it, but let's just say that it felt like they had ran out of ideas or budget to kill the aliens so they made one pretty lame excuse for it. "Independence Day's" ending was pretty damn ridiculous too. So was "Mars Attack", but at least they made it funny. I hope they would make this ending a satisfying one.

Crime fears.

Straits Times. Home Section. June 25, 2005.

Debate in court over accused's access to lawyer.

A recent brutal murder case has rattled the island. In case you're not aware, a 22 yr old lady from China, is found dismembered - body severed into 2, upper and lower torso wrapped in plastic bag, head severed, feet still missing. The suspect, her supervisor at work, is arrested while investigation is still undergoing.

The case is definitely gruesome and disturbing. The suspect, in almost every certainty at this point, looks to be the most likely killer in this case. However, no matter how the case at hand is going to unfold from this point, the suspect is still unconvicted, and dare I say, innocent until proven otherwise. That's why he's named, a suspect. He's in custody, and arrested based on suspicion. He is not yet convicted.

What boggles me is why the question of him having access to his lawyer is even mentioned. Why should he not be given access to the lawyer, and most intriguingly, the block was done by the DPP (Deputy Public Prosecution) and even more surprising, upheld by the Distric Judge.

The DPP's reason for the block was that the police had to expend much time and resources to locate and verify parts of her body. DPP Koh told the courts yesterday "the scope of an order of investigation necessarily excludes any external meetings or conversations". Honestly, I do not understand what the hell that means nor does it seems like it made any justification for blocking an accused access to his lawyers.

The Judge said that the court has a duty to balance the rights of the accused and the obligations of the police. Why would the rights of the accused to have access to his counsel be in danger to or jeopardize the obligations and the investigative work of the police? Makes no sense to me, and if anyone who is a lawyer could help enlighten me, I'd truly appreciate.

District Judge also says "I am also aware of the view that the interests of the accused will not be compromised by the lack of access to the counsel at this stage". This puzzles me even more. His rights as an unconvicted accused to a lawyer is being compromised, and why wouldn't his interests be?

HDB owners??

Recent survey shows .... 2.84 million singaporeans live in HDB flats (CNA report 21 june 05, HDB Household Survey). That's up 5.2%. The report does not show how many percent of the Singaporean population is that, but using 4million (2000 survey) as an estimate, it would make it about 71%.

Now the report also says ""buying" beat "renting" hands down - an overwhelming 95.6 percent of households interviewed prefer to own rather than rent a flat. ".

My question now would be:
1) How many of these people actually think that they "own" their 99 year lease hold flat?
2) How many of these people actually know that they are actually "renting" these HDB flats from the government, and not "buying" them?
3) Or are these people voicing their unhappiness that these flats are "leasehold"?

If they fall into (1) and (2), that means they need to be educated about how stupid they are, thinking that they "own" these flats. Thus more than 70% of Singaporeans are not home owners. And if we look upon houses as assets, then 70% of Singaporeans do not own any assets. Gulps ..... that truly sucks ....

Why HDB is a scam?
- They are 99 leaseholds.
- "lease" n. definition: A contract granting use or occupation of property during a specified period in exchange for a specified rent. Go read your HDB contract, you are a "leasee" and HDB is the "leasor".
- Assuming they cost between $200-$300,000 for an average unit, and assuming you are using 0% loan (only assuming) you are paying rent of $210 per month for a unit costing $250,000. In fact there are the new HDBs that costs more than $400,000 to "lease", so the monthly rent is even higher. But hey ... no one lives for 99 years, and in fact, I don;t think anyone even buys a HDB until they are at least married or 35 if you're single. So if u take that into account, the effective rental for the HDB per month goes up even more considering that you live there for only 30 to 40 years!! And at the rate of 30-40 years, the rental rate of a $250,000 zooms up to at least $500!! Assuming you'd still have to pay about $200 per mth for carparking, you're paying more than $700 for rent.
- I pay $500/mth for rental of a condo unit, with free parking and gym and swimming pool facilities. Compare that with the numbers above.
- Oh yes ... you are supposed to pre-pay your 99 year rent to the HDB for "leasing" their unit. I mean, the banks have to lend you the money to pay the HDB for renting their place! If you don't call this a scam I don't know what is?

Wait a minute? ... Isn't this supposed to be government property? And if it is, it is paid for by the tax payers money? So the government basically takes our money, builds some apts and we have to pay to use it somemore?

Food for thoughts ....

I LOVE it :)

This was a great weekend .... mainly cos I finished a wedding DVD for a friend and it was one of the prettiest. Man .. the look on their faces when they saw the DVDs, the packaging, the designs, the menus ....man I LOVE it ...

That's why i love doing wedding videos. Yes it is pretty good money ... but it is also pretty hard work.

I hope I can keep doing this until I die.

There's this movie called "The final Cut". About an unknown future, where people can implant a certain chip in their brains (or their child's brain) and then at their death, have it reedited by a "cutter" into a "rememory" for friends and family to watch. Or even have it on their grave for people to watch. Very interesting, and me doing wedding videos for people, makes me feel like somewhat a "cutter" of some sorts. :) nothing morbid about weddings of course.

I am helping people to "rememorize" their weddings :)

Power of inaction

Deep thoughts of a Singapore Critic

When people do not act, the power is given to those who do.

Quote by? Yours Truly :)

Grammar fixed :P

I promise

I promise .... these coming weeks. .... less play .. more rest ..

I will say with great resolve ... that I shall sleep more this week ....

I promise ....

MJ is aquitted

Well ... Wacko Jacko is aquitted. I am really not surprised. In fact if he was guilty, I'd be very surprised. I guess those who followed the case closely wouldn't be surprised either. I was a fan, but even I had my doubts. But as the case unfolded, the prosecution just didn't have a strong case. They had no evidence, only witnesses and their accusations. And the defense attorney did a spectacular job at gunning down every single one of the accusations raised, either through clever cross examination or introducing witnesses that destroyed the accusations of the prosecutions witnesses.

In the end, i guess, MJ did finally cleared his name, but at the same time confirmed a few details:

#1: MJ was stupid and gullible to pay those money to those blood suckers
#2: MJ is still weird
#3: MJ is really black by birth, but will probably die a white man.
#4: MJ is probably bankrupt by now

Batman ... finally begins ...

Last night ... Batman Begins premiere ...

Finally .... after all the injustice served to the fans (and creator) of the comic book Batman with the circus acts named "Batman forever", "Batman & Robin", this is a proper tribute to the Dark Knight. This is how Batman should always have been.

Batman was supposed to be a detective, with a dark brooding emotional baggage, with great acrobatic (and kungfu?) skills, and also, a great businessman.

For the Tim Burton and Joel Shumacher's outings, he became a "star", no longer mysterious, and worst of all "showy" ... Batman became sorta like a fantasy superhero version of James Bond, with big names like Val Kilmer and George Clooney all vying to be the "sexy lips with the black cape". But Batman was never supposed to be about the lips.

Batman Begins is a return to form, back to basics. Most importantly ... this movie had a solid storyline to back it up. Yes, there were holes, but not too glaring, and at least it treated the character seriously, never allowing him to become ridiculous. Bruce Wayne was a man that felt real.

The Marvel comic Heroes have been kicking the DC comics' butt, because they took their characters seriously. We're talking the success of Spiderman and X-men, making the fans and the critics rave about them. While the DC comic heroes were making a fool of themselves (Superman 3 & 4, Batman & Robin and Batman Forever), the Marvel ones were making cash. So what is Warner, with a load of DC franchises in hand gonna do? Give the respect back to the characters .... here's we've seen how they did it with Batman ... next change ... Superman Returns. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Good laws .. bad laws ... episode 1

Just as there are good people and bad ones .... there are good laws and bad laws ....

This was something that was said by Gandhi and how very true. When there is a government that straddles on extremism, you get laws that tries to cover every corner possible to give them any excuse to allow them to do anything they wish. In other words, unreasonable laws.

We have quite a number here in Singapore. Here's one:

Please note the definition of "film" in the "Film Act":
"film" means —
(a) any cinematograph film;
(b) any video recording, including a video recording that is designed for use wholly or principally as a game;
(c) any other material record or thing on which is recorded or stored for immediate or future retrieval any information that, by the use of any computer or electronic device, is capable of being reproduced or displayed as wholly or partly visual moving pictures,
and includes any part of a film, and any copy or part of a copy of the whole or any part of a film;


Licence for carrying on business of importing, making, distributing or exhibiting films
6. —(1) No person —
(a) shall carry on any business, whether or not the business is carried on for profit, of importing, making, distributing or exhibiting films unless he is in possession of a valid licence; or
(b) being the owner or occupier of any place shall allow the place to be used by, or let the place or otherwise make the place available to, any person who is not the holder of a valid licence for the purpose of carrying on the business of importing, making, distributing or exhibiting films.
(2) Any person who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than $10,000 but not more than $40,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to both.

Here's another:

Films made in Singapore to be deposited in approved warehouse
12. —(1) The owner of any film made in Singapore shall, within 7 days after the making of the film, deposit the film in a warehouse approved for this purpose by the Board.
(2) Any person who fails to deposit the film in accordance with subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000.


Penalty for possession, exhibition or distribution of uncensored films
21. —(1) Any person who —
(a) has in his possession;
(b) exhibits or distributes; or
(c) reproduces,
any film without a valid certificate, approving the exhibition of the film, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —
(i) in respect of an offence under paragraph (a), to a fine of not less than $100 for each such film that he had in his possession (but not to exceed in the aggregate $20,000); and
(ii) in respect of an offence under paragraph (b) or (c), to a fine of not less than $500 for each such film he had exhibited, distributed or reproduced, as the case may be (but not to exceed in the aggregate $40,000) or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both.
[10/98]
(2) Any Censor and any Deputy or Assistant Censor and any Inspector of Films may at all reasonable times enter any place in which any film is kept or is being or is about to be exhibited and may examine the film, and if on such examination he has reasonable grounds for believing that an offence under this section has been or is about to be committed in respect of the film he may seize the film and any equipment used in the commission of the offence.
(3) Any film and equipment seized under subsection (2) in respect of which any person has been convicted under this section shall be forfeited and shall be destroyed or otherwise disposed of in such manner as the Minister may direct.
(4) For the purposes of this section if any film is altered in any way after it has been approved for exhibition under this Act, the film shall be deemed not to have been so approved.

So these are just some abstract from the "Film Act" of Singapore. Boys and girls. If you're reading this and you possess any Digital camcorder, and had made any home videos, travel videos, wedding videos or any kind of videos of any sort, you'd better send it into the censorship board to be inspected, and get ready some cash to pay for the licenses. If not, get ready to hide them real well, or may the government have mercy on your soul.

Amen. Amitaba ....

In light of all the violence ...

It saddens me to see how the wheel spinners at the White house still tries to claim "we're making good progress in Iraq".

"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent."
-- Mohandas K. Gandhi

When u got nothing to write ....

When u got nothing to write .. point your readers in the direction where there's something to read ...

And read this u must dear readers .. before it gets pulled or sued .... :)

http://www.yeocheowtong.com

Death

My friend of 16 years passed last week.
Fell from his apartment on the 8th Storey.

Accident.
Grief.
Funeral.
Tears.
Memories.

16 years.

Night Safari

We have a cool theme park in Singapore ... the name? Night Safari.

This is one thing about Singapore that I am mighty proud about. This is one tourist attraction that I do not feel like it is a trap, and that it is not trying to rip me off.

Why? It is professionally designed, and conceptualized. It is a theme park that trusts its customer who will behave even given the closeness they can get to the animals. They dare to think big, and they dare to execute. Not like many other places where corners are cut to save costs, they are willing to spend to polish the place, and trust that the higher fee that they charge will justify its exhibits. They do not make you feel like they are ripping you off because you enter the place and you feel like it is worth every single cent you put in.

Do you hear people complaining about Disneyland being a rip off? Yes they are expensive, but once you've entered the place, you can literally do anything you want without fearing that you'll be subjected to other "hidden" costs. Night Safari is very close to replicating that "not being ripped off" feel.

I've been there thrice .. and I would love to bring more people back there again - Singaporeans and tourists alike.

Complaining about bad service?

We got lotsa customers complaining about bad service. We appreciate that most of the time. Being in the restaurant business myself, I need these feedbacks to see how we should improve our operations, products, services etc.

But then .. there are those customers i wish i could strangle them, tell them off, burn them at the stake .... but being the civilized me and always having the "customer is king" attitude, I endure, smile ... But anyways, the complaints are always the same. Food is slow, Payment is slow etc.

It is very sad about some simple observations about many Singaporean customers, ask anyone who runs a restaurant and they will agree with you :

1) They expect to be treated like Kings and Queens
2) They think "I am paying money and service charge, of course I expect nothing less than what I demand"
3) They think their money is BIG DEAL
4) Even if they are told they have a certain waiting time for their foods, they still complain.
5) They finish their foods, then they complain - when you couldn't do anything to resolve the issue by then.
6) They can't put themselves in other people's shoes.
7) You apologize, give them discounts, and they will still want to give you a hard time. Should I retract my apologies and discounts then, because if they are not pleasing to you, what will?
(I had even given customers free meals before and they are still angry. HUH???)

If there are any of my customers who are reading my entry and had experience bad or slow service at my restaurant, I apologize, and I would also hope that, you guys be more forgiving. I am just asking Singaporeans to be more understanding, forgiving and gracious. We're trying to make a living, by selling you our foods and providing a nice ambiance.

Stop thinking spending your money at restaurants will mean you can start treating people like they are your slaves. The next time readers, when you eat at any restaurants please keep the following in mind:

1) We're just humans.
2) To you, you're just waiting for your food and paying up when you're done. To us, we have to do the following:
- Send you to your tables, send you your menus, explain to you about the menus if necessary, take your orders, send your orders, prepare and make your drinks or salads and soups, send you your bill, collect and process your bills/cards, return your change/receipts, and clear your tables, and set the tables for the next customer.
3) And we do not have 1 service staff to attend to each customer, typically, it is 3-4 persons, doing all the above (and other things as well) and serving 70 of you all. Think I should hire more? Are you will to pay more?
4) Ever waited long for your payment? The bottleneck could be the credit card machine. OR if multiple customers wanted to pay all at the same time, you'd have to wait your turn. More machines/staff to process payments? I'll ask again, are you willing to pay for them?
5) Look around and see if we're trying to slack on our work. Seriously. Does it look like we're not trying our best to serve ALL of YOU??

All I am urging, is that customers do not just ask and complain why services suck. But they should also ask themselves, am I being reasonable or gracious at the same time? If you want to complain, we'd be happy to hear them, and accept criticism, but also let us offer you a way to compensate you, in a form of a discount, replacement or whatever. And please please please, appreciate it.

PS. A friend recently asked "Is there a place where I can place complaints abt bad restaurants and all?" Most restaurants allow you to channel your feedbacks via a form or something. Why not go direct? Instead of complaining and destroy other people's reputation via a blog, maybe you could help by giving them advice or feedbacks to help them improve directly?

Remember, you're not really helping anyone by being nasty.

Do Singaporeans complain too much?

Singaporeans complain too much. We read reports and people talking about this ... I am sure we're familiar hearing about how the government (man heard it from so many sources i am not even sure which government person who said it) saying that Singaporeans should not criticize if they've got no concrete suggestions or solutions to come forward with.

Really .... personally, I feel Singaporeans should be allowed to complain, and criticize ... even if they've got no solutions to boot. Why? Because I firmly believe in the power of the people. I firmly believe that enough Singaporeans have gone through enough education to learn to differentiate what is senseless bashing versus nonsensical babblings. I believe the government should let the people decide for themselves what is right and what is wrong.

Well, if the people can't do that efficiently all the time, we should still allow them to learn from their mistakes. Maybe a government who acts like parent will have to learn to accept the fact that the children has grown up. The parent's guidance is important is instilling the right values for the kids when they are young and growing, but when they have grown up, it is time to let them make their own decisions and learn to take responsibility from their own actions.

So getting back to the issue of complaints. There are constructive complaints and criticisms, and there are the senseless ones ... and usually it is the constructive ones that will result in one thing - discussion. We should promote discussions as much as possible, among the people, and between the state and its nation. Actions to discourage discussions (like the use of fear tactics and lawsuits etc) can result in conformity and the lack of innovation. The Singapore economy is in dire need of creative and innovative ideas to push for the next growth, and the state should do all it can as a start, to promote active, healthy and most importantly, FREE discussions. Let the market run itself ....

concerns about criticism

Yesterday I had this conversation with my friend.

ywchai says: (6:08:17 PM)
   i wanna start writing on my "singaporecritic.blogspot.com"

says: (6:08:37 PM)
   you better get out of the country first .. seriously

says: (6:08:51 PM)
   i really believe they will come after you.

The fact that I have to be worried about voicing my concerns about my own country boggles me ... i mean ... this is a perfect example of how Singaporeans are so scared about saying anything ... ANYHING at all about the system ... even in general ....

i bet if they had a machine that can read minds ... the migration rate and suicide rate of Singaporeans would explode

Revenge of the Sith?

Now I might be reading too much into this .. but watching the Revenge of the Sith .. made me think about how similar it was on Mr Bush's self righteousness on what he believes is the correct thing to do ... to push for war in Iraq.

Same thing .... Anakin never thought what he did was wrong ... even up to the point he was facing his wife and Obi-wan ... he believes the Jedis are staging a rebellion to betray the Republic ...

Bush refers to the soldiers of US as on a "crusade" .... and uses religion to back up his war .. and keeps saying God is on his side (US side) .... well how about Allah? Is there a difference? He uses false intelligence to go to war and even when it was proven that those information were wrong, he still thinks the war is justified.

Shouldn't he be put to trial by the UN?

Oh no ... the "emperor" shld never be questioned. :) the Empire is already under his control ... there is no senate .....
"Tum tum tum .. tum tum tum ..." (The Imperial March theme plays)

A*STAR incident

I am sure everyone has read about this ..
Mr Chen Jiahao ... 23 year old ... blogger ... wrote about A*STAR and Mr Philip Yeo ... supposedly about some "defamatory" comments about A*STAR and Mr Yeo himself ("supposedly" because it was never stated which were the defamatory comments). So, Mr Chen got threatened with a vague lawsuit that did not specify which were the bad statements, and he eventually gave in and took down the ENTIRE site, with the exception of an apology.

I have a few thoughts ... very deep concerned thoughts about the whole situation. This is getting rather disturbing. I am living in a country where the Govt threatens with the all expensive lawsuit against a student, when he basically made some comments that the Govt found offensive OVERSEAS, in blog hosted on a FOREIGN server.

What was the Big Brother so worried about that made them go to such extent? If the purpose was to prevent further discussion about the comments, their actions had definitely resulted in the opposite. Many many more sites now spring up in discussion on about the comments, but about concerns of how ridiculous the actions of the Mr Yeo was.

Sorry Mr Chen, you were never meant to win. You probably didn't even wanna win anything, but they struck you down anyways. They know you (or any Singaporeans to begin with) would not be able to afford the time and the money to fight the case. You're already guilty before you could fight it. They accused you of defamatory, when they did not even specify how you did it. You could have resisted, and they could then have you jailed for not giving into their demands to remove your blog.

I am wondering, if I started saying how I hated Microsoft in my entire blog. Or dedicate a special blog just to bash how i dislike their products or Bill Gates. Would Mr Gates come after me? Probably not. Why? Because if it was baseless, unfair accusations and comments, no one will give a shit and some people might even leave comments to bash me. There are "invisible" market forces who will balance the comments out and readers will decide for themselves if what I write make sense.

But the Singapore Government apparently do not yet have the same level of trust for its own people. They do not trust the people to make up their minds on what is right and what is wrong. I had spoken to some people who supports the Singapore government's harsh treatments and strong arm tactics to keep the country at peace, and use that as a reasoning why we should trust the government to know what's best. That is a very dangerous proposition. It is a same situation to having Microsoft controlling 90% of the browser market and you see how they had slacked in their product development of IE. I am sure both Microsoft and the Singapore Government will go explain why they still are the innovators, while at the same time destroying those companies and people who threaten their dominance.

What is the eventual result of using "fear" as a tactic to ensure peace in Singapore? The younger generation become subdued and content with what they have. They do not question, and accept all decisions by the government with little actions to resist. These Singaporeans are not those who would like to concern themselves with the way the government runs the show. They just want to make their living and make stay happy. They are probably not interested to give actions to make the country better, just their own lives because it is "not their problem". If these are the type of Singaporean that the government wants to groom, I'd say they've done a mighty job. But what I think, is that the Singapore Government wants something else.

Singapore Government wants entrepreneurs, they want talents and they want a nation that loves its country. They are trying to sell us songs that make us feel that "This is my country, this my flag, this my family, these are my friends, We are Singaporeans". But the opposite is happening. The foreign talents who come in do not "love the country", they love "the money". The younger Singaporeans who love the country feels that they can't do what they want, say what they want, and they leave. Like a feeder school, Singapore is breeding young Singaporeans they wish to keep , but they can't stay loyal. Those who stay and can't do/say what they want, are constantly looking for ways to "get out". Singapore wants to have a nation of young entrepreneurs who takes risks and think creative, but at the same time, Singapore also wants control.

So ... what do you want Singapore? What do you want? If you want change, you have to let go. Just when I thought I see signs changing, like the relaxing of the censorship laws to allow more uncut movies, and our very own "speaker's corner", things like the A*STAR incident totally destroys my faith in the Government. The Govt says something and does another. They claim to promote freedom of speech, yet they do not execute all the way. They claim they hear, but they do not listen. You want to make a speech at the "speaker's corner"? Sure, as long as you head down to the police post to register. I know changes are hard. But if you want changes, you should not execute it in a crippled manner and then use it to support your future claims for the lack of interest in it.

I love to see a better and freer Singapore. But the day is not today ... and from the looks of it, we still have a long way to go.

Can I say whatever I want?

Can I say whatever I want in a blog? This is a tricky question ... recently apple sued some bloggers for releasing some confidential information that were supposedly not to be released under NDAs. I guess that would be not right due to the fact that there were some legal bindings to the information concerned.

How about regular ramblings and criticism about things in general? Do we have to watch what we say? Is it due to the fact that blogs are public, we have to be extra careful about what we write? I mean ... do you have to justify your criticism or complaints in your blog? Do you have to think about what your thoughts are before writing them out? Isn't that almost like censorship? But if blogs are personal thoughts and opinions .... why should it need to be subjected to journalistic integrity?

Eg. Do I have to justify if I dislike someone's face?

If I have to watch everything I say on my blog in fear of offending anyone .. and be politically correct about all the things I blog about .... I'd rather not blog anymore ....

Singapore Critic

I will be changing my blogname to Singaporecritic ... since I realised that many of my blog entries are about my thoughts and criticisms about many issues, movies .. and every damn thing that bothers me ... well ... guys please update the blog URL ..

http://singaporecritic.blogspot.com

Too many blogs ..

Too many blogs .... I had started sonysuxx.blogspot.com, nintendoplay.blogspot.com etc ... but my time is limited ... to see myself updating 3-4 blogs everyday is tough ... very tough ...
but at the same time .. if i talk about every damn thing i am interested in my blog ... it will also lose its focus ....

well heck it .... to me a blog is like a diary ... i will not keep multiple diaries to keep track of different things ....

so .. here i am gonna stop updating elsewhere and continue to blog here ....

how ... i am gonna change the name of my blog soon .. so guys ... hang in there :) i'll keep u posted

For the Love of the game

My love for TV console gaming has sort of seen a resurgence in the past few years. And there's one gaming firm I love. Nintendo. So here's a new blog dedicated to my favourite underdog.

http://nintendoplay.blogspot.com

boys will be boys and girls will be girls

u girls will never see the value of us boys going gaga over boxes that you deem unworthy of the hundreds we put in .. and we boys will never see why you women will plunk down hundreds for a piece of mass produced sewn handiwork

Customer is King

I run a restaurant ... and assuming most who reads this blog are my personal friends, you should know. My restaurant's main target group are young working adults ... Yuppies? Rich, well paid executives? Ok ... you get the picture ... And in the past year, i've seen many of them come and go in my restaurant ... and fair to say that most of them are rather civil. But there is an annoying pattern I have noticed among this group, and luckily they are not the majority. But I do see quite a number of them.

Behaviors:
1) They think they should be given seats even if we're full.
2) I said "sorry I can't give you an estimate of how long you have to wait". "Are you telling me to leave?". Do they have to be angry and make it sound like we're out to offend them? I mean, why get so short tempered?
3) They expect to be treated like Kings (and Queens). "Why do i have to wait to pay?" "Sorry sir, as you can see, we have to clear other people's bills that came before you." "you should have someone handling this what?!" ???
4)" Can I sit there?" (pointing to a 4 seater). "Sorry madam, the table is for bigger groups and we expect a crowd tonight". "But I don't see anyone now what! And the 2 seater is so uncomfortable!"
5)"Do I get a discount with any credit card?""Yes sir, UOB""Can I use this stamp card to redeem my free meal too" Sorry sir, you can't combine offers""So? I am sure you can make an exception!!" (after much haggling, my manager took the card, then realised, the stamp card has expired 1 mth ago) " Sorry sir, the card has expired". "So what? I want to see your boss""Sorry my boss is not around tonight, I am the manager in charge here. I am sorry I can't combine the offers""I am not coming back here again!"

I really wish I could talk back and scream at these idiots. "Have you ever ran a restaurant?""Are you fucking blind you can't see there are 4 persons serving 75 of you fuckers?""You think I should hire more staff? Are you gonna pay for them?""If we've told you the wait for the food might be long, why are u complaining?""I have said sorry and have taken the item off your bill, why do you still wanna make a big fuss? What do you want? Kowtow?""Can you be more considerate?? Why take up table for 4 when you have only 2 persons??"

All these bad arrogant spoilt brats, taught me to truly appreciate those understanding ones. I channel my anger to treat the good customers even better than usual. And why isit that always those who say "Don't worry, I can tell you're busy", are those foreigners? This is not a stereotype ... this is unbiased observations. Singapore still have a long way to go before we become a gracious society.

Geeky over Tiger :P

Just installed a copy of the new Macintosh OS on my powerbook .. and man am i impressed ...

It boots much much faster.... and dashboard .... so damn cool .... u windows users should really check out dashboard .... it makes your computer... much more gadgetary .... funny how on windows, users hate spyware and mini bots installed in their computers .. this dashboards to me, are like little trinkets of virtual gadgets that u install .. and can have them pulled from a drawer anytime u wish ....

then this spotlight feature which i didn't think much of ... turns out to be a life saver for me on more occasions than one ... think of it as google for the desktop ... u type in a keyword and even before u finish typing the word, matches start appearing .. it is that fast .... and the word can appear anywhere ... incl a word doc, an email message .. damn .. this thing finds anything anywhere ... u gotta see it to believe it

ichat? .. man this new baby is cool too ... I have my ICQ, AIM, Jabber and .Mac users all one 1 list ... I just wish they could allow me to add MSN and yahoo users too .... then it would be IM nirvana :)

YW

Dark water ...

Last night .... got a call from Colombia .... a supplier called to tell me their CEO's visit had to be brought forward and will be arriving right the next day. I was grateful for that call. Yes, not just for the notice .. but for waking me up. I heard a weird noise coming from the kitchen. It was like someone erected a fountain or waterfall at the back of the apt.

Well ... close enough ... the kitchen was flooded ... apparently in the back room behind the kitchen which houses the washing machine, a water pipe broke and it was like "the day after tomorrow" happening there. If I had not woke up earlier .. it could have been wetter ... and the waterbill could have been even worse ...

Well .... I am glad I got woken up in the middle of the night ... for once. .. :)

Updates ....

ok .. it is time for more ramblings....

I am so thoroughly tied up with so much work it is not even funny. I am gonna make myself a promise now ... I will update this blog as often as i can ...

often pple stare into the crystal and wonder .. waht do i see in the future ...
I find it even tougher to look back the past few weeks and ask .. wat do i see? ... man my memory is definitely failing me ..

random things that hit me:

1) Spending too much time with my Nintendo DS .... completed this game called PacPix ... damn it is good .... but way too short ... finished it like in 3 days .... basically u draw a pacman .. it comes to life and it chomps up things on the screen. well it really is not as simple as it sounds .... but it is real fun .. :P while it lasted .. Now I am wearing a minish cap wondering around the land of Hyrule :) .... Zelda rocks ...

2) Ok .... been counting down to E3 .. was so excited about the new Xbox 360 ... until all the leaks basically revealed every damn thing there is abt it .... and the announcment is still at least 2 days away .... MS still has a lot to learn from Apple and Nintendo .. even at keeping secrets ... Sony Ps3 somehow doesn't get me as excited as what is coming from MS and Nintendo ... Revolution is just way too mysterious and it is generating some serious hype purely due to speculation .. damn they are good at keepi ng their mout shut. And one thing i can't wait for? Nintendo Online ... it is free :P .. eat that Xbox .... but well .. the Xbox is looking like the coolest piece if gear ... now unless PS3 blows me off this E3 announcement, my money is going to Mr Gates this fall.

3) Star Wars on the horizon. Well .. the 3rd one ... and reviews coming in are all positively better than the first 2 .... What more can I say .... May the force be with everyone ....

4) I am undergoing lotsa personal changes this past few months .. I have explored things i never thought i would .. and I am implementing changes in my life that i never thought I would .. some of them actions do conflict with my previous stands on certain issues .... now ... this is cryptic ... just as a lot of my personal posts .. but hey .... let's just say that I am learning to let things loose .... and not be so stubborn and anal when it comes to handling problems..... let go ... and not be so hard on myself ... i have been suffering many mental disturbances .. and i am actually improving my mental health in the process ....

Well ... here's the first post of many to come ...
hang on to your boots readers :P

YW

Straitstimes subscription based now

Straitstimes .... arguably the most biased newspaper in the world ... and the only paper in Singapore where u can get all the politically correct news (to none other than the PAP) is now subscription based only. WOW!!!!

Lemme count how many papers out there in the world does that? .... NY times was the first to start a "free registration" thingy and almost every major online newspaper followed suit (incl. Straitstimes) .... Now ... Singapore straitstimes wants to be the leader .... to be one of the first *ahem* "mainstream" newspaper to go subscription. We'll see how well it does ...

I have stopped reading the local govt propaganda brainwashing newspaper for a while already .. but started to read up the online version ... now they want me to pay .... ok ... I'll stick with my usual Google news, NY times and BBC, India times etc .... and if there's any Singapore-worthy happenings? I think it shld appear there .... but I seriously wonder .... who cares ...

This is a funny funny ad!!

http://www.adforum.com/creative_archive/2005/lastweektop5/reel_detail2.asp?ID=47391&TDI=VDszE1LD&PAGE=2&BSHOP=&ta=2779

Sonysuxx.blogspot.com

Boys and Girls,

I have started a new blogging site to track the sony versus me issue.

http://sonysuxx.blogspot.com

Please visit this site if you have any comments to leave.

Thanks!

Sony Pictures are a bunch of f@#@ heads

The story goes: I placed the Kungfu Hustle DVD online for sale at ebay. Then it was pulled by ebay saying that they were contacted by Sony Pictures that I am infringing on their copyright policies. I contacted Sony and they gave me a canned answer. I responded angrily demanding an explanation for double standards and they didn't respond. Once again, I posted the item on ebay after 1 week and they pulled it again. Here are the email exchanges, starting from the earliest.

---------------------------------------
Dear Yee-Wei Chai (ywchai@mac.com),

**PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT EMAIL REGARDING YOUR LISTING(S)**

We would like to let you know that we removed your listing:
6379569310 Kung Fu Hustle DVD Collector's Gift Set
because the intellectual property rights owner notified us, under penalty of perjury, that your listing or the item itself infringes their copyright, trademark, or other rights.

We have credited any associated fees to your account. We have also notified the bidders that the listing(s) was removed, and that they are not obligated to complete the transaction.

If you relist this or any other similar items on eBay, your account likely will be suspended.

If you believe your listing was ended in error, or have questions regarding the removal of this listing, please contact the intellectual property rights owner directly at:

Sony Pictures Entertainment
piracy@spe.sony.com

eBay is available to answer questions, but since it is the rights owner that requested the removal of your listing(s), we encourage you to contact them first.

For more information on eBay's cooperation with rights owners through the VeRO Program, and a list of rights owners that have created About Me pages, please visit:

http://pages.ebay.com/help/confidence/vero-removed-listing.html
http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/vero-aboutme.html

Thank you for your cooperation.

Regards,

Customer Support (Trust and Safety Department)
eBay Inc
-----------------------------

And so I responded:

Yee-wei Chai

03/03/2005 04:55 PM
To:        piracy@spe.sony.com
cc:        
Subject:        RE: ebay listing ended

Hello,

I recently had an ebay listing removed  by the ebay Vero system and I
wasn't given a proper reason why it had infringed on any interllectual
ppty. Your email was listed for contact so I want to know what was the
reason for so?  The DVD is original, everything was new and why shld I
be penalised for listing something that is not pirated?? My ebay record
has been perfect and with such removal you have seriously impacted my
image on ebay.

The DVD in question was 6373700920 Kung Fu Hustle Limited Edition
Collector's Gift Set DVD. It was an official release and purchased from
HK. What is the problem here?? Could you kindly explain??

Yee-wei Chai
ebay id yeeweichai
-----------------------------------------------------

Then I got a response from Sony Pictures:

From: Piracy@spe.sony.com
Subject: RE: ebay listing ended
Date: 11 Mar 2005 AM 02:28:58
To: ywchai@mac.com

Sony Pictures Classics Inc. ("SPC") holds the exclusive right to distribute the motion picture, "Kung Fu Hustle" worldwide in all formats. As such, SPC is the only entity authorized to distribute this motion picture for sale in any format worldwide. SPC has not yet released this motion picture in the United States theatrically or in home entertainment. Any other company or individual that sells this motion picture or offers this motion picture for sale in the United States infringes SPC's exclusive distribution rights in the United States

------------------------------------------------------------

Then I replied again:

From: Yee-Wei Chai
Date: 11 Mar 2005 AM 11:17:02
To: Piracy@spe.sony.com
Cc: send-news-suggestions@cnet.com, harry@aintitcool.com, answerman@gmail.com
Subject: Re: ebay listing ended

Dear Sony Pictures,

This doesn't makes sense. Plenty of people sells Code 1 DVDs to the rest of the world even though they are not released (or never released) and no one is going after these individuals. I live in a region Code 3 country (Singapore), but Code 1 discs are available everywhere. Does it make all these retailers illegal? Furthermore, I see other ebay selllers still listing this item, as well as other Asia DVDs/CDs sites like "Yesasia.com" selling the same item as well worldwide including US. What gives them more right to do so than myself? Are you coming after me because I am easier to scare/pick on? Why don't you pick on someone your own size.

I am re-selling my DVD to someone else in other parts of the world, not just US. Piracy is a term used for thieves and I am certainly not pleased for being branded as such when what I am doing is exactly what everyone else on ebay is doing - selling different region DVDs to places which are of not the same region indicated.

This region coding technology is a chore and a hassle in an extremely interconnected world of today. Everyone is more international than ever before thanks to the proliferation of understanding between cultures and countries. To set up this region coding to prevent reduced profits due to your inefficient distribution penalizes those individuals who are well travelled and speak multiple languages. I am a fan of japanese movies, HK movies, US movies, and as a result of your region coding, it has extremely inconvenienced me in my pursuit of exploring the different myriad of movies out there. Would the only legal solution for people like me (which there are plenty) be to purchase a DVD player from each different region so as to enjoy DVDs from different countries?

I am copying this email message to Cnet, ainitcool.com, as well as Roger Ebert in hopes that this ridiculous issue of region coding which was introduced to the world by the selfish media giants, may be brought to more attention and generate discussion.

I love movies, and I love music. I have always sought to support the movie and music industry by purchasing originals although I live in a region which sees the proliferation of pirated medias. I have even sought to study film in college and is now in the process of shooting my own short film. But in recent years, the media giants have been seeking many ways to prevent piracy and their methods have been taking its toll on legal supporters like myself. In light of all the "rules and regulations" set by these bodies, it is giving the "law-abiding" end-users less reason to support them. There's always the big media firms complaining about the how much profits they are losing through piracy and how they have to implement DRM to fight the pirates. But who is speaking up for the legitimate users like us who are getting their rights shreds to bits over the years?

Yee-Wei Chai
Singapore
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And after more than 1 week, I still haven't heard back from Sony. So thus I relisted the item, seeing that tons of people are still selling Kung Fu Hustle on ebay, obviously ebay didn't go after them. But 1 day after listing it, it got removed again. This time I am mighty pissed as expected.

Here's my latest response back to Sony again:

From: Yee-Wei Chai
Date: 22 Mar 2005 AM 10:47:30
To: whyended@ebay.com
Cc: piracy@spe.sony.com
Subject: Re: VeRO NOTICE: eBay Listing(s) Removed - VeRO Program

Dear Ebay and Sony,

I do not understand why is my item being removed/unallowed to sell on ebay when a search of kung fu hustle results in so many other listing that are legit and even allowed to complete auction? This is the 2nd time this has happened. I have contacted Sony regarding my item and they gave a unreasonable and unsatisfactory answer. I responded but they never answered back for more than a week. The double standards by Sony and ebay (vero) is unacceptable.

I seriously demand an explanation why am I not allowed to sell this item when others could? What makes my act one of piracy versus the rest of the ebayers?? Why am I targeted?

The last response from Sony is as follows:
Sony Pictures Classics Inc. ("SPC") holds the exclusive right to distribute the motion picture, "Kung Fu Hustle" worldwide in all formats. As such, SPC is the only entity authorized to distribute this motion picture for sale in any format worldwide. SPC has not yet released this motion picture in the United States theatrically or in home entertainment. Any other company or individual that sells this motion picture or offers this motion picture for sale in the United States infringes SPC's exclusive distribution rights in the United States.

Then please answer my questions:
1) Why are other ebayers allowed to sell the same item I am selling?
2) If "SPC is the only entity to distribute the picture in any format worldwide", why are retailers in Hong Kong and Singapore allowed to sell them everywhere? These include legitimate companies like HMV and Tower Records
3) If "Any other company or individual that sells this motion picture or offers this motion picture for sale in the United States infringes SPC's exclusive distribution rights in the United States.", why are US online retailers like Yesasia.com allowed to do so, and even continue to do so after taking down my listing? Why the double standards?

I expect a response from both ebay and sony picture classics regarding this issue, and addressing all the points I have listed above.

Regards,
Yee-Wei

----------------------------------------

I will update the site with my latest saga on this issue so check back often to see what these shitheads at Sony and ebay has got to say.

Cool Readings

Funny ...
Bill Gates Knighted The World Reacts

Very cool read about a dairy written by an European Doctor during WWII in Singapore.
War Diary


This one makes my day!!
Maritess VS Superfriends

Dee Veee Dees

Hmmm .... I shouldn't be spending so much money on DVDs ... but the words "Limited Edition" and "Collector's Edition" always have an indescribable effect on me. An exceptionally strong allure :P ... Oh what a sucker ...

Now here goes my latest splurges:

1) Ghandi Special Edition. - Gold case - should be the first print. The subsequent ones are all with black DVD cases. Oh.... pretty :P

2) Rain Man Special Edition - with a transparent clear sleeve. First print too. OOOOh ...

3) Kung Fu Hustle Collector's Gift Set - I got 3 of them hoping to sell them on ebay, but got pulled cos Sony contacted me saying that I have violated their piracy act and that they are the only authorized entity to sell that item in US. I say Screw them. Gonna relist it and see what they'll do to me. But if you guys are interested, let me know. There's only 5000 pieces in the world and it is very cool - with a leather case, and an embossed palm print, as well as other goodies.

4) JFK Special 2 disc editon - this not only contains the Director's cut of the magnificent movie, it also contains tons of extras. Nice :)

Now on my wishlist:
1) Donnie Darko Director's Cut
2) Ray Limited 2 disc edition
3) Infernal Affairs 8 disc edition
4) Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Collector's 2 disc edition - Loved this movie ...... "Oh my darling oh my darling clementine"

It's been a while!

Wooo wee ....

It has been quite a while since my last posting ... ahahhah ... lotsa things been going on and sucking the time and life juice out of me. So what's been keeping me bz bz ?? Now in no particular order .. here goes:

1) Moved to a new place. Yes boys and girls! I am now happily relocated to Upper Thomson Peirce View Apts. So any of you dudes and dudettes looking for a kaki to supper with, you just call my hotline #96945061.

2) Restuarant got on TV last week. That means business boom. ... But even before the Tv show started, this has been an incredibly BZ month. Can't really complain about that :P

3) Been trying to rush to get my script finalized. And I yes it is done! .... I am quite pleased with the changes to "the Black box". Those interested to have a read, shoot me an email to ask for it. If not, just wait for the short film on it to come out in July :) ... Will start principal shooting next month. So excited!!!

4) Getting ready to re-start my life. Running errands for pple ... My free time is being re-allocated to do other pple's stuffs ... I am truly drained.

Well, that's about sums up the past few weeks. The moving part was definitely tough. Moving forward the next few weeks. Gonna start my midnight jogging routine again and start nourishing my body with better care. Its been neglected for way too long.

The Academy Awards!!!

Ok . it is the time of the year again. Yes, there's the golden horseys ... and the Golden Globes .... but nothing quite keep the blood pumping like the Oscars Academia!!!

This year, there are so many good movies .. mostly are not big money rakers and that's quite something. This goes to say that this year's Academy will honor some works for their true artistic merits, not merely based on some popularity votes. That's not to say popular = bad. It is just sad that there were years when too many good films go unnoticed just because they didn't look quite as glitzy.

Now this year's forerunners (in no order of preference) are:

1) Aviator
2) Million Dollar Baby
3) Ray
4) Hotel Rwanda
5) Sideways

I have watched everyone of them except Sideways and I must say they all were very very good. They are all winners in my opinion and if you haven't caught them, please do so I urge you. These movies are not exactly uplifting types, but they all celebrate the power of human determination and the will do make a difference in their own and/or in other people's lives. Except Sideways which is a comedy drama, but is also very highly rated by Roger Ebert, my favourite movie critic.

Who am I rooting for? Million Dollar Baby. Hillary Swank delivered a knockout performance (no pun intended) once again and Clint Eastwood delivered too, as a man caught in a very very difficult situation. However I got a feeling the big prize is going to the Aviator - and I won't have any complains either. Great story telling and great performance by Leo. And also Jamie Foxx in Ray was astounding!!! .... and Hotel Rwanda is such a powerful film ... aw!! .. Guys ... this year's Oscars got some of the best stories ever.

Mo Chuishle

Every now and then a movie will come by and makes you fall in love with the art all over again. A projector, shooting a light stream of moving colors and images, that reflects off the silver screen. The synchronized sounds and music completes the illusion of a moving and living storybook. And what makes a great movie is what makes a great storybook too - its story.

Million Dollar Baby is a great movie, with a great story. This story has a heart, and it touches the people who watches it. It is a simple story nonetheless, of a girl who wants to make a difference in her life, and a man placed into a position to make the decisions that will eventually affect the rest of their lives. Clint Eastwood plays Frank who is a boxing trainer and Hillary Swank plays Maggie who wants to be a boxer. Morgan Freeman plays Scrappy, a character who is the friend of both and also narrates the throughout the film and that is what seems to tie the whole film together.

The joys and the pains in Frankie and Maggie's relationship is heartfelt and the story works so well not as much as a boxing story, but as a study of 2 characters being placed into situations which they must take the routes they are most unwiling to take, in order to make a difference in each other's lives - for better or for worse.

I will not want to give away the plot of the story, and strongly i urge everyone to check out this movie which is not very much publicised yet deserves all the attention it can get.

You'll find out what Mo Chuisle means.

Valentine this, valentine that ...

I had a bizarre valentine's day yesterday. It is definitely the most memorable one. No it wasn't one filled with sex, booze, romance, wine and flowers blah blah. But it was one of theatrics and dramatics - filled with tears, despressed souls and individuals indulged in self-pity. Gladfully, none of the above applies to me, I was just a spectator in all the happenings. I was just running my restaurant watching the world go by (and keeping the cash that comes my way :P).

Now what I have noticed - almost all the single individuals whom i chat with or interacted with felt one of the following: depression, sadness, unhappiness, loneliness - all because it is "V-day" and they are "still single" without a date. Now this is freaky .... Cos it is just a day with a name attached to it and if it doesn't apply to you, get over it man. You don't see Buddhists or Muslims commiting suicide during Christmas because they felt left out! But yesterday was the most extreme I had ever encountered in the my singlehood "V-day" experiences. Almost every single men and women was depressed.

I think I will be seeing more of these as I grow older as they can only feel shittier about their singlehood the older they get. One of my girl friend (I shall not be naming names) even came to my restaurant and started crying the moment I mentioned "Happy V-day!!". Woah ... I mean talk about extreme reaction man!! But it is truly "the day" that makes people compelled to do things out of the ordinary, or think in ways that may not be the most rational. For instance, this is one day people use as an excuse to execute one of the following cos it would give it the extra punch:
1) express their undying love
2) express they deepest feelings for the other party (may it be good or bad :P)
3) get hitched
4) get laid
5) or sadly get rejected

Now if you have got the right person, everyday would be like a V-day. But the expectations for extreme actions is much higher on this "tagged lovers day" so I guess, the pressure to act is much higher than usual. So whatever the case, it is a day where not just people get all the fun, but they get all the shit, just because of social pressure. Sigh .... all these unnecessary pain and self inflicted sufferings just because of a day that compels one to social norms.

I say, please get jiggy and happy. Do what you like whenever you like, don't just wait for Valentine's day. And if things turn sour, screw it and enjoy the rest of the day, week or year. :)

Peace and out.

Peee Asss Peee .. Drool ....

Ok .... i succumbed to my desires .... it was not a need. It was pure desire for a gadget that I totally do not need. But it is soo cool.... I can't help it!!!! I haven't felt like a kid, wanting a toy ... the toy behind the glass window. The toy that shimmers under the spotlight, the toy that is "sold out" everywhere ... the toy that I just gotta have ....

And now that I got it .... oh my gosh ... I pick it up .. look at it ... fondles it .... but shit .. the truth is i can't do jack shit with it. It is quite a task to put movie clips on the damn thing. It comes with only a miserable 32MB memory stick and I have to pay like another $150 to get a 512MB stick (when I could have simply bought an ipod shuffle that does music pretty well and doubles as a thumb drive and is 1/20th the size of the PSP). It doesn't have any games that I want - so far it is mainly strategy, RPG and racing games, all of which I wouldn't touch. Then there're the puzzle games like puzzle bobble which I like very much, but I would not pay a crazy 90 bucks for a game that I could buy a gamecube version for less than half the price. The only thing that I have thrown at it and it plays magnificently are pictures/photos.

But ... there's always the but ....

It is just a fine cool piece of gadget that you just must see to believe its allure .... It is the devil's work .... and damn you'd want a piece of it.

going back to droolin over my PSP ..... :P

New Year .. A New Hope

Just got back from Japan. It was a great. For those who wants to see the pictures, follow this URL http://homepage.mac.com/ywchai/PhotoAlbum28.html

Now the world seems much clearer. The air seems much easier to breathe.
All because, I've learnt to let things be. Let it be. 3 simple words. Truly words of wisdom.

The mind is a complex toy. But it is only complex if u made it so. And Complexity can stem from not being able to let things go. It is all about letting things be the way they are supposed to be - not expecting results from every action that you execute. Cos we all want to be "in control" of situations, when the truth is all that the only thing that we can be in control of , is ourselves. We should let everything be the way it wants/supposed/fated to be. As long as we've done our part, we should be accountable to ourselves. We should not be acountable for anything that we have no control over.

That's the problem with me. I have been expecting, hoping, for things to work/turn out in a certain way. More often then not, they will not and they do not. Then I feel shitty, crappy and all. And it all boils down to my own doing - I am just crapping over my own thoughts and delusions. This applies not just to relationships (all sorts) , but to work, and everyday living.

Thank you clarity.
Thank you Japan.
Thank you silence.
Thank you for letting me be.

Peace.

The Aviator and Hotel Rwanda

2 great movies in 1 weekend ...

Let's start with Aviator. Leonardo Dicaprio delivered an incredible performance. This movie kinda reminded me of "Citizen Kane" and that's a good thing. Citizen Kane was a masterpiece, and so is this movie. Leo plays Howard Hughes, a genius who is only constrained by the limits of his physical/mental capacity, as well as the people around him. He stresses out the people working for him due to his inexhaustible flame of creativity, but what those people do not realize, is that he stresses out himself even more. Finally you see his body/mind breaking down due to the incapability to sustain his passion and Leonardo did a wonderful job portraying this suffering genius. Please watch this film as this is one truly great performance by a highly talented actor.

Hotel Rwanda, is a true story based on a genocide that occurred 10 years ago. 1 million people were killed in a span of 100 days and it is truly horrific to learn that racial "cleansing" can still happen in our generation. This is the story of Hotel Milles Collines and its manager, Paul. It is the story of a modern day "Oskar Schindler" and it is truly gripping. The story told of how the inaction of people, can cause the death of so many. This is a movie that spurs people to action, and not just sit back and read/watch news - but to act upon it. Because people's lives depend on it.

Anyway

Anyway

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered,
Love them Anyway
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives,
Do Good Anyway
If you are successful, you will win false and true enemies,
Suceed Anyway
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow,
Do Good Anyway
Honesty and frankness make you vunerable,
Be Honest and Frank Anyway
What you spent years building may be destroyed overnight,
Build Anyway
People really need help but may attack you if you help them,
Help People Anyway
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth,
Give the World The Best You've Got Anyway

-From a sign on the wall of Shisu Bhavan, the children's home in Calcutta

Bush's Freedom Peace Talk

Bush was inaugurated yesterday and his speech has a central theme - Spread Freedom. There was no direct reference to Iraq, and no specific mention of any plans for anything. It was a speech of ideals, goals and his beliefs on how freedom should be spread across the world. Below are some of his quotes, along with some of my comments.

"For a half century, America defended our own freedom by standing watch on distant borders. After the shipwreck of communism came years of relative quiet, years of repose, years of sabbatical — and then there came a day of fire."
- So for the past 1/2 a century (presumably he started count after the 1st Day of Fire - Pearl Habour), US has been standing watch on distant borders? Has he forgotten Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Vietnam, Korea and oh yes, Gulf War by his daddy-o? Is selling of arms to Isreal "standing watch on distant borders"? "Shipwreck of communism?" check out China baby.

"The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands..... The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world."
- Bush used war to liberate Iraqis from a "tyrant" ruler Saddam. He did this using phony evidence (WMD anyone?). Kinda put his "expansion of freedom in all the world" into perspective. Is his next plan to invade all the other countries whom he thinks are not aligned with his view of freedom and will create pokey evidence to do so?

"From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth. Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave. Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our Nation. ... Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation's security, and the calling of our time."
- So he is starting to align the beliefs of this government with that of "the Maker". And along with this is "the calling of our time", what is he setting us for? So if we're with this goverment, we're with God?

"So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world."
- Gulps! Shudders to think what these "democratic movements" are. More tyrannical war to end tyranny?? Violence begets violence buddy.

"This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary."
- Now the word is out. War was he meant. So when is "necessary"? When they found/create a bunch of reasons to go preemptive again?

"We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation: The moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right. America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies."
- Is this Judgement Day? Judged by who? The "Second coming" (2nd inauguration). Who does he think he is??

"Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country."
- Err ... What if the country doesn't think democracy is good for their people? For instance China? How about the Arab countries who believes in their version of democratic-dictatorship - like Iraq? Oh we saw what happened to that. "Future leaders in your free country" - we've got an example here! Reagan planted one called "Saddam" in Iraq to take care of Iran and when that went out of control, they made him a prisoner. How's that for reversal and who makes the rules?

" I ask our youngest citizens to believe the evidence of your eyes. You have seen duty and allegiance in the determined faces of our soldiers. You have seen that life is fragile, and evil is real, and courage triumphs. Make the choice to serve in a cause larger than your wants, larger than yourself — and in your days you will add not just to the wealth of our country, but to its character."
- So the "cause larger than your wants" that was "WMD" is now "freedom and liberty". And when the choice is made on wrong information, is that cause still justified? And if the cause is not justified - what kind of character is being added to the country? And war costs money - lots of money and it sure doesn't add wealth to the country, it takes it away.

"In America's ideal of freedom, the exercise of rights is ennobled by service, and mercy, and a heart for the weak. ... And our country must abandon all the habits of racism, because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time."
- Ask the abused prisoners in Abu Ghraib about service, mercy and the heart for the weak. .. and oh yeah about racism too.

"Renewed in our strength — tested, but not weary — we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom."
- Geeze ... invading a country based on fake evidence and then claiming it to be an act of liberation is a great achievement of freedom. Let's see how history books will write about it in 20 years. It is so sad that people NOW do not see the truth as it is.

"May God bless you, and may He watch over the United States of America."
- Yup .... God Bless America. And let's just wish the rest of the World Good luck :P

Thoughts of the past week

I haven't updated the blogs with my "deep thoughts" of late. Mostly interesting articles that I've read, but that's all. Well I'll admit, it is easier to post those. Take up less time. So for the fans of my ramblings, sorry :P. Really who reads my blog anyways. So today, I've decided to write in a more freeform way. Whatever comes to my mind.

Ok, so I went to Sting's concert last Monday. Awesome!!!! This guy rocks my world. His music, his words, his works. Beautiful. And I got a feeling this might be the last time I am gonna see him live, so I tried to breathe in every air of the atmosphere, and soak into the ambience of the night. It was nice of him to remember coming back to Singapore 10 years ago, and I wonder how many of the people in the indoor stadium that night was like me thinking "I was there ..." :). Was kinda worried if the friend I was bringing will enjoy the show since she knew nuts about his music - "I only knew the stalker song ...". Now she knows a bit more about the shape of his heart and this englishman who spent sometime in NY. :)

Talking God. This was a "spiritual" week for me. Talked alot about Religion, God, Buddhism, Tarot blah blah .... with a bunch of people who were very much touched by HIM. Reminded me of the time when I was bashing Mac users and eventually became a Mac User myself. I think my friend was right, I am pretty closed though how open I claim myself to be. I should probably extend the kind of openness to God and way I opened my heart to Buddhism. I started reading the Bible again - this time, using my heart. I started praying everynight, like I did when I was small. Strange things have been happening. I think I am gonna be eating my words again.

Feeling sorry for Buddha. Now this is weird having me talk about Buddhism after talking about God. Cos I kinda feel bad for Buddha that the theories of "LIFE" and "PERSPECTIVES" that he had taught, has transformed into joss sticks toddling and idol worshipping traditions. Whatever happened to the "Middle way" and the "8 fold path"? Well, it has since become "the extreme ways" and "8 ways of burning papers". :P Well well, seems like enlightenment is the last thing on these people's minds now.

Ok ... so talking about how I was a Mac Basher? ... Now I am sooo in love with Macs. After so many years of being made fun of as a Mac User, I am so happy to see Apple kicking ass these days. Latest Toys from the Appleland? Let's start with the iPod Shuffle. Very Cool Very Small and Creative is gonna start peeing in their pants again. Granted it has no screen, but it is as small as a thumbdrive, almost like a chewing gum strip, and it is very clean looking. Oh man I am a sucker for clean designs. Clean and simple. Mac mini is another apple truimph. This machine will make tons of converts. This little computer will fly off the shelves cos why? It is simple, clean, and cheap. No .. cheap is not a good word to use. Inexpensive. YESSSS :)

Now another of cool toy recently acquired. Resident Evil 4. Awesome Game ... totally blew my mind. I wish the rest of the PS2 and Xbox world would just wake up and get themselves a Gamecube. This game is truly one of the best, most immersive I have ever experienced on any platform. :) The graphics .... are also top notch. Wow .. just awesome .... can't wait to play it when I go home tonight.

Too much money lost. Ok ... 3 weekends of mahjong has had a toll on my health and pocket. Gonna stop this week. I haven't watched a movie in a few weeks ... time to hit the movie theaters soon. What's showing now? Alfie, Aviator, damn ... too many good shows .... gonna have to choose. Do I have to choose?? Argh ...

Happy Shiny Me :)

It's a Brand New Day ....
Let's bring it on in a new way.
Leave the past behind,
And let the the Word guide the way
The lamp upon me
Will shine the path to see
The future is murky
But why should it bother me?
To know I have the faith by my side
Is the comfort I have in the darkest night
No fear or unnecessary worrying
Only the joy of everyday living.

The last word on WMD

This is a great article written on the recent report on US finally giving up on the search of WMD.

Final Word on Iraq's WMD Sounds Very Familiar

What we read from the news is what is provided to the news reporters ... who, in turn are getting their news from??... none other than the ones who wants to mislead. They do not research on the credibility .. they "relay" not "report" anymore.

And yet the most disgusting thing we see now, is how Mr Bush is trying to stand by his decisions as correct and just.

US gives up search for WMD

Ok, the news is in. No Weapons of Mass Destruction. Period. Before the invasion, it was all the shoddy facts and evidence they claimed to support it. Right now, after the invasion, after winning the US election, after the death toll of 1350 American troops with 10000 wounded, our dear Mr Bush still has nothing in his hands. But wait, he still has the world in his hands, he still stands as the president of the only country in the world with the capability to nuke the world, and he has proven how easy it is to convince 1/2 of America with cleverly constructed media.

U.S. Wraps Up Search for Banned Weapons in Iraq

I anticipate this to be the next topic to be mentioned by Jon Stewart to create some laughs. But, what the American people would be laughing, would be at their own gullibility. So is Mr Bush going to apologize to the Americans who has fought so hard for the war that was unjustified, or to the Iraqis who's lives have been shattered due to this invasion? Somehow I can sense a spin doctor working his magic behind the scenes now. Let's wait for the drama to unfold ... :)

Englishman In Singapore

Last night, I went to the Sting's concert. It was a great experience. I think this time, the crowd was better than it was 10 years ago. Here we are looking at a 54 year old man ("virile" old man in my friend's own words), who is able to get an entire sold out concert full of people to stand and dance to his music throughout most of the night. Read: Throughout Most of the concert. And this is not the teeny booper crowd we're talking. These are folks ranging ages twenties to forties and fifties. Many of these people are his fans, and it was a very surreal feeling, just listening to the crowd singing along with him.

Here's hoping there's many more years of great music from him. He's inspired millions and I hope there'll be many more. Well he has made at least one new fan out of the friend I brought along.

Personal recommendation:
1) Why Should I Cry For You?
2) All This Time
3) Fields of Gold
4) Shape of my Heart
5) Englishman in New York
6) Ghost Story
.... there are really too many :)

Celebration of Music

Songs = Music + Lyrics

Music is like the body and the lyrics make up the soul. Through the melody, the music takes shape. Through the lyrics, the music is given thoughts and meaning.

It is incredible that through the vibrations of the air, frequencies can be tuned and fashioned. The patterns of sounds composed become a melody. The melody of sounds can be arranged in an infinite number of ways and like a piece of art, it is an expression of one's feelings - be it happiness or sadness.

The lyrics of a song, serves to add meaning to a melody. The melody can be on its own, but the lyrics add to it a personality, and gives it a character. The lyrics can be the description of the melody or it can be the face of the body. It can be shaped to fit the melody, to enhance it or even deface it.

Great songs are usually a combination of great melody and beautiful lyrics. I love true artists who does both and excel.

Now what is this blog entry all about?? Well, guess really about nothing. I just felt inspired to write about this because I was listening to a new CD box set I just bought. It is a collection of songs by different artists from 11 record companies, all written by the venerable James Wong. These songs written by him are truly truly great. If you understand Mandarin and Cantonese, you should really give this box set a go. The lyrics are masterful and the melodies show how versatile he really is. The death of James Wong has brought for the first time the collaboration of 11 record companies and that speaks volumes about the kind of respect he gathers in the industry.

Now how about the English music industry, who do I prefer? Sting. Go read the lyrics of his songs - they read like poetry without even the music to accompany them. Why Should I Cry For You? Fields of Gold... and many more. And his music? He is an extremely talented fellow who tries different genres and styles of music for each of his albums. He never bores. He is also coming to Singapore for a concert on January 10th. So go get a ticket and get lost in his music. :)

Say Goodbye to 2004 ....

Guys and girls ... 2005 has arrived .. and looking back, it had been a tumultuous 2004. Even up to the very last few days of 2004, it was not an easy one for many, especially for those who's lives have been affected by the tsunami disaster. As of last count, 155,000 were confirmed dead and many still missing. At least 1/2 a million people in Sri Lanka are now homeless. 2004 has ended in a way that left millions dead, mourning, or grieving. Never in the recent history of mankind has new year been so difficult to pass. Compare the deaths in this tragedy to the one on Sep 11th 2001 where 3000 were dead, and you see the proportion of this disaster.

I had said before many times ... that 2004 is a year of change, and who would have thought the last days of the year brought more changes for almost everyone on this earth. Here's to all who have suffered, and may the new year bring new hopes and bring about a new beginning for all.