The "Unofficial" Negaraku

So, what so special about this guy? Well, he tried to share his opinion about Malaysia. He criticizes about Malaysia stuffs. I can't really say much however, I do admire his braveness to speak out.



After the video was released, the government managed to get the "hype" about the video and now wanted to arrest him. Then, he released another video saying he's sorry...


Definitely worth the watch..LOL!!


PS. Thx to Cheng Haw for showing me this "interesting" video.

Potter Time

Happy to be the first few hundred to buy the latest Harry Potter series - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Sorry folks, I'll most probably need few days to enjoy reading the book.. Will be updating after reading it..

Till then,

Me..

Who Wants to be a Millionaire??

I will just do a rather short post as I have class tomorrow. First off, I'm sure you have watched reality tv shows such as The Amazing Race (just loved Kris n Jon and the Bransen family), Survivors and the latest edition to the reality show - the Pirate Masters. So, what is the common link between all these reality shows besides of course it's part real part drama, that is the money (reward) they offered to the winner of its specific show - the GRAND and AMAZING $1 million dollar.

1 000 000 USD = 487 317.80 GBP = 3 451 650.00 MYR
(Source :http://www.xe.com/ucc/)

I was just wondering what can you get with USD $1 Million. I'm sure when you are in your primary school, the favorite topic for essay either in English or Malay, the topic is usually like this:-

Jika anda memliki satu juta ringgit, macam mana kamu membelanjakan wang itu dengan bijaksana?

OR

What would you do if you have RM 1 Million?

Well, indeed this is my favorite topic that I would choose and write as it pretty simple actually. First, give some to parents then, I'll buy a house then buy my favorite things then travel around the world then save the additional (last portion) money in the bank. Isn't that easy? Well, that's the days when everything is kinda cheap. The amount of money definitely seems huge to me (or for most of us actually).However, you can't even achieve a quarter of the options that I have just mentioned earlier if you have RM1 Million right now.

Now, I'll tell you why. Let me convert the RM1 Million to USD $1 Million since it's the official currency worldwide. So, what can you get with USD $1 Million?

1. You can hire artist such as Paris Hilton (OMG!! Who would even want to hire a bitch like her?), Beyonce for a cool $1 Million so that they can perform and strut their stuff on your own birthday party/event/private gigs. That's not all guys!! You have to provide the stage and so forth AND they only perform for 10-20 minutes or so (I sometimes really don't know what the fans are thinking? The artists are already filthily rich and you still want them to perform at such a high cost? Why don't you come and hire me for the lump sum and I'll sing for you too,eh??)
2. Or you can buy the million dollar cellphone. The so-called most expensive cellphone produced (it definitely is) has features such as Bluetooth, camera with 8x zoom, MP3 player, FM radio and so on. C'mon, isn't that every BASIC cellphones nowadays has such features and they even comes with a 3G option which the cellphone lacks. So, what causes the cellphone to have such an outrageous price tag? The BLINDING 120 carats worth of VVS-1 grade diamonds which I personally dunno what the hell is that.
   
3. If there's a million dollar cellphone, there must be a million dollar laptop. Well, not much information is given from the notice except that you have to make APPOINTMENT with the creator in order to purchase that laptop (I guess the creator will try to see who is that dumb to buy that crap black laptop that can be bought for RM 8k.)
4. Now, to the cars. The most expensive car that you could get your hands on for $670, 000 is the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo (My source might be wrong though). Well, don't get too happy so soon. You must be thinking, "I still have a balance of $330, 000 after I bought the car", however, the change from the million WOULD JUST ABOUT pay your gas and insurance (Btw, maybe I'm not a real car enthusiasts, but isn't the Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches better than that Saleen S7?)
5. Or you can have your wedding celebration just like celebs such as Brad Pitt, Tony Parker and so on that causes them a near $1 Million for all the foods, decorations, presents and of course, GLAMOUR..
   

Well, this are just a few examples that would empty that $1 Million from your account easily. Isn't the value of money are getting smaller and smaller nowadays? However, it is also pretty easy to earn for certain people (definitely not me!). So, how easy is it to earn that amount of money? Just an example, it is reported that the Harry Potter writer, J.K. Rowling earns an approx. $145 PER MINUTE. That means in just 5 short days (if my calculation is correct), she can earn a cool million dollar and not to mentioned that she is only the 9th richest in the entertainment world (That would most probably take me few years to make it if I'm real smart in the future).


All in all, this post is just to highlight the shrinking value of money. Oh yeah, FYI, all these are calculated based on USD currency and not out own MYR currency.


P.S. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows coming out real soon..I'm sure Harry won't die
P.P.S University classes has started. Won't be updating that often
P.P.P.S Love myself...

Movie(s) Review of the Week 2

So, here goes. I'll be reviewing the 3 latest movies that I have watched over the week titled Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Ratatouille and License to Wed. It sounds like I'm some well-known critic giving out my opinion on the movies, however, I dare say I have watched A LOT more English movies than any of you. So, here goes...

I'll start from the movies I preferred to the least preferred.

Ratatouille

RAT - A - TOO - EE

As always, animation movies that were produced by Pixar have moral behind the story and Ratatouille has its own meaning behind the story that is "Anyone can cook". I personally like this movie pretty much as it follows about a rat called Remy that has an extraordinary sense for taste and he loves food so much that he dreams to be a chef in Paris just like his idol chef Gusteau who just passed away and frequently appeared to Remy as an apparition. Hence, he left his family.


However, he is still a rat and unable to hold knifes and so on. One day, he met a garbage boy Linguini, who gets the credit when Remy attempted to cook a delicious soup at Gusteau's restaurant. Soon, Linguini befriended Remy and "symbiosis interaction" between the two occurs where Remy directs Linguini cooking while Linguini gets the plaudit and love interest. As the story goes on, the chief-in-charge Chef Skinner got pretty jealous of Linguini as he gets better reviews for his food rather than Skinner and developed plots to kicked him out of the kitchen. Remy finds himself torn between following his dreams or returning forever to his previous existence as a rat. He learns the truth about friendship, family and having no choice but to be who he really is, a rat who wants to be a chef.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

The BIG scene. The KISS. Every reporter has been asking Daniel Radcliffe this question. Maybe I guess this is the most significant scene in the entire movie. However, the director, David Yates did a pretty good job by cramming all the events in the 766 pages story book into a 2 and a 1/2 hour movie. As before, I really have no big expectation for the series as the previous 4 films has disappointed me. And Order of the Phoenix, for all its shortcomings, does make clear the sense of loss and struggle that comes with maturity.


However, I have to say that the visuals are getting better as for each movie (Grawp, Centaurs, scene where they flew over London etc). And if you have read the book just like I did, you will see that many things have been omitted (although expected). I feel that he sure cut scenes such as the hearing and shows event such as Hermione and Ron being elected as prefects thus alienating Harry, Dumbledore's explanation to Harry about the propehcy (c'mon, 30 seconds screentime describing it was way too short) as well as the fighting scene between Lord Voldermort and Dumbledore. The should-be most emotional scene (Sirius's death) did not really touched me just like the book as the relationship between Harry and Sirius was not well developed. Overall, the screenplay was good as the plot was intact and easy to follow even without reading the book

Now, I will be talking about the acting skills. I really like Evanna Lynch who potrayed the weird, loopy behaviour of Luna Lovegood. Besides, I feel that Bellatrix character was well played and of course Doleres Umbridge (although she appears to be quite different as described from the book), she really makes everyone hates her and wants to slap her. As for Harry, Ron and Hermione, I have no feel or whatsoever that they tries to command the movie even though they are the main characters and are eventually swallowed by the whole movie franchise. And I dislike Cho's character as well as Dumbledore. I hated Micheal Gamdon potraying a character that is calm and collected (please replace him with other actor such as Ian McKellen (Gandalf))

Luna Lovegood

License to Wed

As for this movie, I seriously recommend people not to watch this cheap romantic comedy that was not even funny at the first place. I really didn't know what to write about this comedy because I fall asleep after 50 minutes into the show (and no, I don't fall asleep easily even the show sucks). Scenes such as robotic infant for the soon-to-be wed Ben and Sadie (Mandy Moore) to practice baby-tending causing a predictable mayhem and of course, the wedding ring inscription "Never to Fart" instead of "Never to Part". I mean who would ever make that mistake on a wedding ring. so LAME...


One word to sum it up..ZZZZZZZZZZZZ...

AVOID IT AT ALL COST...

P.S. I won't be giving ratings for this review as I got pretty tired writing this..So, until next time...

SLEEP

Today I'll be talking about the famous topic that has been published in the newspaper these few days - SLEEPING. It appeared in The STAR and NST on the very same day (July 8th) and then NST again (July 10th) discussed about it. So, you must be wondering what is the purpose of me writing about it when it everyone knows what is SLEEP. Well, of course I know what is it, however I got pretty pissed because after my mom has read all these reports, she is forcing me to sleep early (Well, for everyone that knows me, I usually goes to bed around 3-4 in the morning although it is on schooling days - And no for those who think I have insomnia.)

So, what does sleep do for us? According to the report, sleep deprivation will affect your health, performance and safety (They are even considering that 11pm is rather late where the student has 6 1/2 hours of sleep). Although I hate to admit it, after few days of sleeping early (around 1am), I have been rather active and unlike my previous state - I fall asleep in the daytime when I’m just downright exhausted then the quiet of nighttime and lack of sunlight just make me feel more vibrant and alive.

In the end, is really sleep that important and should I go to bed earlier than I have been??




On a different note but related, it is reported that sleeping in class in ACCEPTED in Japan. The lecturers said that they teach those who are awake and this somnolence is perfectly normal and tolerated. This seems to be a coping strategy for those whose attendance at colleges or universities is compulsory but active participation is not required. WTF?!? How come the lecturers in Malaysia don't follow that style of teaching? I mean there must be times that you barely keep your eyes open in some lectures that are plain boring or you had a very tiring night on the previous day but you are so afraid of the lecturer might call your name out of a sudden which makes every head in the class turn to YOU!!! Isn't that kind of embarrassing? I mean would you try to pretend you are listening to the lectures in front or would you rather be having your nap PEACEFULLY??

Well, I'm not really sure it's related. It just to illustrate that Calvin was daydreaming and was suddenly awaken by the teacher.

Sicko

No. I'm not going to talk about the movie Sicko. However, I got pretty interested with the heated debate between the director of Sicko, Michael Moore and the CNN Health Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the Larry King talk-show on July 10th 2007. The topic of discussion is obviously about the health care system in the U.S. where Micheal tries to condemn it and the government as well whereas Sanjay tries to defend it and claims that the facts that Micheal brought upon are half-true. I know it doesn't really concern us, but just take a look at it.

Who came up on top?? It'll definitely be an entertaining watch if you love debates.










After watching it, IMO, I definitely think that Dr. Gupta beats Micheal fairly easy by mocking him and beating him down with the facts (Loved it when he says that Micheal is speechless). I mean Micheal keeps on complaining the same facts as in the numbers and people in Iraq whereas I'm sure Dr. Gupta has gone through some extensive research. I mean he chooses the facts published by so-called unauthorized company (I can even make a movie that is that biased if I can simply picked which source I would like to use as my reference).

However, I'm in no right to say whether Micheal or Dr. Gupta is right or wrong since I'm not living in U.S. It also makes me wonder how bout the health care system in MALAYSIA??? I have checked that according to World Health Organization, Malaysia is currently ranked at number 49!!!!!! (We are just few rank below U.S.)Meanwhile, its neighbor country, Singapore is ranked at number 6 (how come Singapore has such high ranking,eh??),luckily Indonesia is worse than us at number 92. LOL. I'm not sure any of you have been to any government hospital in Malaysia. From my experience, it's pretty bad actually where you have to wait and wait and wait before it's your turn (I will stop here...)

Dear Me,

I just suddenly have this question while browsing through the internet,

"If you could write to your 11 year old self, what would you write?"

I would write:

Dear Me,

Hi. I'm Henry. You must be shocked to receive a letter from your own self that is 19 years old currently. Don't be surprised and just continue to read this letter. I'm sure the millennium is coming real soon, don't worry about the rumors saying the Y2K bug that might shut the entire networking system as well as other electronic gadgets. That's all crap, don't listen to it..Just go out and celebrate the Y2K. You'll have a very wonderful and joyous high school years. There will be times where "bad" people will try to mix with you and influence you, try not to mix with them and make sure you pick the right friends.

There will be 5 friends that will appear (actually you know them pretty long but not that close) when you are in your Form 2. They are pretty hilarious and be sure to make friends with them as they are helpful and will be by your side through thick and thin. Oh yeah, try not to be too disappointed with your PMR results as you will do better in your SPM. However, there will be a major incident (2001) that will rock the world although the event does not really affect you in any sort of way.

At times, there will be downtime for you. Try not to be too upset about it and be cheerful. Matters will be solved by itself. You will also meet and experience your "first love". Don't be too excited over it as it might later harm you in the future. It will hurt, but time will heal it. The relationship does not last that long however enjoy and cherish every moment you have with her.

Nothing really interesting happened when you are in your teenager years. However, you will be hooked to a game that is very very popular currently in 2007 which is called DotA. You will be so into it that you are even playing it even though you have exam on the very next day. So, try your best to avoid it as it is very addictive once you started as the game might pull your grades down. Again : AVOID the game called DotA!!!!!

Anyway, treat your parents with care and love them as they always want the best from you although at times they might scold or hurt you. Be a good boy as you will turn out to be a fine young man.

With hugs and kisses,

Me.

Defense of the Ancients (DotA)

DotA is a game that was introduced few years back and widely recognized by all gamers around the globe. I'm currently playing DotA on GG Client and Hamachi. However, I'm not as described by Uncyclopedia.org where most Malaysian's DotA player worshiped DotA heroes as God and so forth, but I play quite frequently. So, the question "what makes DotA so attractive that millions and millions of gamers play DotA and never got bored of it?" arises. Here is my top 3 reasons (actually there's a lot more but I have no time to write it down only):-

1. DotA is a online game that doesn't take much of gamer's time unlike other normal online game such as Ragnarok, Maple Story and etc which requires someone to constantly play it in order to level and equip better items for his/her hero. A game of DotA just lasted approximately 1 hour and you have the option to stop quit at any time you wish. Isn't it better than other games?
2. DotA is practically a game that requires teamwork. It's something like a game of basketball where there are 5 players on each side and you have to be alert as ganking (double team in basketball term) and pushing by opponent at any time. Hence, you need to be with teammate when you sense something weird. Besides, you get to know friends that have the same interest as you. (Note: DotA is all about teamwork and not a one-man show game)
3. As DotA has over 72+ heroes on the current map, you have to option to choose these heroes at every games that you played as each hero as its own unique ultimate and items that are suitable to them. It's interesting to master each of these heroes and as there are constant update in DotA Allstars map, new heroes will be added as well as new items to be used.

Hmm.. I have an "interesting" news that was published by CBS News on the July 2nd 2007. Since this post is about games, I just thought it would be appropriate to include this news. It stated, recent discovery shown that "Video Games May Divert Kids From Homework". I mean, wow, I DID NOT KNOW THAT. Who would have thought that,eh? Actually, IMO, I think that homework is the MAIN CAUSE that diverted our attention from video games and not vice versa.

The researchers also say several other extremely enlightening statements such as "Boys tended to spend more time than girls playing video games". Isn't it like duh??? Of course guys play more than girls generally. There's also, "gamers and non-gamers did not differ in the amount of time they spent interacting with family and friends". I don't really get this statement. What the hell are they trying to proof here? So, does that means that hardcore gamers have social life as well just like non-gamers???

I mean I can't believe it. Why do they want to research something that is generally known by anyone? Even a 7 year old would be able to guess it without any reference. What a waste of research money that can be used for better options instead of these crap discovery.

Regarding the topic, I believe that the problem of gamers doesn't excel in academics in school does not lies in the video games but within the individuals. I'm not trying to boast but even though I play more than the average time they suggested on the research, I still did quite well in my studies compared to others who have been working real hard. Isn't that prove that video games does not determine your failure in exams but it is all about time management as well as self-control.

A Sweet Escape

Okok, there's a few people asking me why do I choose this name as my blog name. So, I will just have to create a post to explain (sort-of la). Well, according to About.com, when choosing a blog name is kinda hard decision where it should be short and sweet and easy to be read by readers. As first impression is always important, you can't simply create a blog or websites for that matter with names such as

• Looking for a Pen? - www.penisland.net (which actually stands for Pen Island) OR
  
• Experts Exchange - www.expertsexchange.com (WTF!?! trying to find me a expert sex change??? No, thank you wei... I mean who would even dare to go to check their website OR
• Who Represents? - www.whorepresents.com (Once again WTF!?!, actually it's a site where you can find the name of an agent that represents a celebrity, now it becomes "whore presents".. What are whores gonna presents?? Strip???

(All the websites above are real)

Now, back to my point, isn't it very important to have a good name before you choose a URL name or even blog name? Now, why do I even picked A Sweet Escape as my blog name? Actually, I never really thought about that. I was listening to Gwen Stefani singing this particular song when I was thinking hard how to name my blog.

After all, I did some research on Wikipedia and found that the second single of Gwen even made to a number one debut in New Zealand and entered the top ten on several chart (Oh yeah, how great is it? Wikipedia now has its own Wikimedia Player which plays songs as well) and it definitely beat her other singles such as Hollaback Girl and Rich Girl. Besides, the song is about someone who is behind bar and trying to escape just to get back the love of his girlfriend. So, a title that was created by a split second decision has so much meaning behind it. Not bad eh??

Farewell, Friend

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what is made by the friends whom we choose.” -Tehyi Hsieh

Well, the saying is quite true. And it is not a dull moment with you around (I try not to sound so GAY, so I'll just make it real short). So, the purpose of this post is just to wish someone by the name of Kian Chee which will be going to Australia soon. Hope you have a safe trip and happy studying!!! I will try to go and visit you when I reach there myself too..

L-R: Kae Yi, Kian Chee, Me

Good luck and Have fun!!

Movie(s) Review of the Week

Since I'm on my hols now (1 more week to go,hohoho), I'm quite free at home. Besides DotA as the most obvious activity to pass my free time, what else do I go for??? Movies of course..So, in this post, I'll be reviewing 3 of the movies that I have watched this week: Evan Almighty, Live Free or Die Hard (also known as Die Hard 4.0) and Transformers. Well, among all the 3 movies that I have watched, definitely Transformers is my top pick followed by Die Hard 4 and Evan Almighty.

So,here goes...

Transformers

Their War. Our World.

So, just let me give you a brief history and plot outline of Transformers. Transformers is a live action film based on the cartoon Transformers franchise and stars the young and upcoming actors, Shia Lebeouf and Megan Fox (Extra note: She is FREAKING HOT for the most part of the show). Besides, Transformers is produced by Michael Bay. At first glance, I really undecided whether Transformers would be a movie to watch as other Michael Bay's production such as Pearl Harbor (where I fell asleep 30 minutes into the movie) or The Island (where people starting cloning each other in a sort-of virtual world). However, Transformers really changed my mind about Michael Bay. He really did an AWESOME job where there are destructions, actions, max-CGI (when the Autobots or Decepticons are transforming is a sight to behold) and LESS love interactions between the 2 humans.

More than meets the eye.

The Autobots and Decepticons were embroiled in a war that led to the destruction of their home planet Cybertron and since then, the survivor have been scattered in search of the AllSpark that can transfoms any device into robots. However, the Decepticons discovered that AllSpark is located on Earth and all of them started arriving. Soon after, Autobots also arrived and the Earth is caught in the middle of the war between two races of robots.

Autobots

AllSparks

Optimus Prime vs Megatron

• Story: A+
  
• Acting: A (I know it's quite difficult to act w/o the real robots but props to them)
• Directions: A+ (Micheal Bay rawks)
  
• Visuals: A+++++++
  
• Overall: A+

Live Free or Die Hard (Die Hard 4.0)

What we all (or just me) expect from the Die Hard series, and this one doesn't disappoint with it's over the top, outrageous action sequences, and the cheesy one-liners that John McClaine doles out in spades. Besides, there is also Justin Long (Accepted) as a newbie hacker which offers few numerous jokes (Are you alright? after John has blown a helicopter etc.). The plot line also adds some political resonance to the post 9/11 world, and the script adds some heart with the introduction of John's daughter, Lucy Gennaro played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Final Destination 3). However, it's pretty unrealistic where John able to solo everyone and rampage through his way until he reaches the bad guys. All in all, a crowd-pleasing action movie.

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

• Story: B
  
• Acting: B (Maybe it's because of my bias view over "yong sui" Maggie Q but loved Justin Long reactions)
  
• Directions: A- (Total action packed suitable for action junkies)
  
• Visuals: B
  
• Overall: B+

Evan Almighty
(From the director of Bruce Almighty)

I suggest that anyone who have watched Bruce Almighty and loved it, you will most probably be interested to watch Evan Almighty as well where the plot is very similar to the previous show. It all started with the newly elected to Congress, Evan Baxter, is the next one anointed by God (Morgan Freeman again) to accomplish a holy mission--walking in the footsteps of Bruce Almighty. His life gets turned upside-down when God appears and mysteriously commands him to build an ark. But his befuddled family just can't decide whether Evan is having an extraordinary mid-life crisis or is truly onto something of Biblical proportions (Genesis 614). Oh yeah, Evan Almighty has no female actor that worth mentioning. So, no eye candy for side watching (disappointed). Overall, I still prefer Bruce Almighty based on the originality and Jim Carrey.

• Story: B- (No originality)
  
• Acting: B (Jim Carrey > Steve Carell and Jennifer Aniston > Lauren Graham)
  
• Directions: B
  
• Visuals: C (The part where the ark moving on water is total crappy)
  
• Overall: B-

Watch movies on ori DVD = RM 50++ and time
Watch movies in cinema = RM 11 and queues
Watch movies on pirated DVD = RM 10 and unclear
Watch movies whenever you want on PC = PRICELESS

...( read more )

Warm Welcome!!!

Hi, I'm Henry and a very warm welcome to my 99999th blog that I have created. I started blogging few years back with my blog page is in every blogsite that you could named (Bloggers, MySpace, Friendster, Vox, Windows Live Spaces, Bloggles, LiveJournal and etc), however, due to my laziness, I tend to neglect the blogs. Now, I'm sure I'll try to update this blog now and then. This blog will depicts my daily life as well as a checkpoint where all my friends are able to communicate.

Well, that's basically all I have to say about my very first post.. I will also assure everyone that this is my last blog and I will update ASAP

Hope people will enjoy reading and visit my blog frequently.