[roux]

A newer movie (2004) compared to all the others I've been watching recently. I'm surprised Depp looks just as young as how he looked when he first started. The magic of make-up! And he's got the cutest haircut and outfit in this movie.


Anyway, this isn't one of my favourites, I must admit. The story started off in a fun note: children running around and giggling, dogs happily wagging their tails, lovely walks by the park, etc, but then it eventually fizzled out.


Death seemed to be a very predominant theme in the movie, that it started to bring the entire film down for me. It was happy at first but then it ended up as sad.


Putting that aside, I particularly liked the scene when they were playing with the kite. Kinda reminded me when I first successfully played it at the ripe age of 23 by the beach. Harhar.


I did try when I was a kid with my brother at a nearby playground, but it never lifted off the earth. Due to frustration, we headed to 7-Eleven and got ourselves Slurpee and there goes our kite into the dustbin.


Kite flying is fun. For the first 10 minutes. Then I don't see the point of keeping it in the air anymore. But it was good experience and that's all that matters.


Back to the movie, the scenes when Depp's character, who's Scottish by the way (kudos for the great accent that he managed to pull off), was playing 'pretend' with the four kids (Peter being the cutest of course) was the best. As a matter of fact, it was very lighthearted, you can't help smiling and wishing you were part of their little game.


Expect to see lovely sceneries throughout the movie, especially the lovely Kensington Park with trees lined up perfectly.


The movie shows that anything is possible with just a little imagination. You can turn the dullest moment around and make it memorable. As a matter of fact, a little dose of imagination does cheer up the dusty world. But then it's when your entire life is just pretend is when it falls apart.


Anyhoo, the story of Peter Pan has always been endearing. Never growing up forever. Never having to face the perils of adulthood. Always having fun and games. How is that not enticing?

# bleah-ed by arshana @ 8:28 AM :: |

Iron Man

At first, I didn't quite like the movie. I was starting to remember all those reviews I read in the papers. What's so great about this movie?

Let's talk about the hero. Rich? Check. Playboy? Check. Smart? Check. Seemed like James Bond in superhero suit to me. But I was in for a surprise.

I didn't quite like the beginning of the movie either. Terrorists yet again. When will the Americans ever stop? They're always the good guys eh? How stereotypical.

I must admit, I'm no fan of Iron Man. I never followed the story as a child. I was more into Spiderman, Superman and X-Men.

I'm a sucker for technological marvel, so I was lost for words when I saw the suit come to live. That was the only entertaining part in the movie.

But I do have a point to share. Anyone noticed how 'shapely' our hero is? I didn't notice it at first, but my dad kept pointing it out. It was crystal clear during the scene when he escaped the terrorists using his suit and he crash landed into the desert, only to find him walking aimlessly with his shirt wrapped around his head.

When I saw that scene, the only thing that came to mind was oh great, another Arabian lady who has come to seduce our playboy hero. How typical. And boy was I wrong! It was Robert Downey Jr.!

I couldn't stop laughing. We were in a hysterical bout. He looked like a girl, with classic hourglass figure. We concluded that Robert probably lost weight on purpose so that he could fit into the suit. A bulkier Robert means a bulkier Iron Man and that wouldn't have been very pleasing.

Speed Racer

From bits and pieces of reviews I read in the papers, this movie is based on an anime. The movie left me confused.

For starters, the same people who did Matrix did this movie. I loved Matrix, the first one that is. Didn't quite like the sequels. Anyway, when I say confusing, I mean it.

There was too much colours going on. Characters popping in and out and speaking at the same time. Past and present collides. There was just too many things happening at one time. I was starting to regret watching the movie.

Apart from all the chitter-chatter, the movie was quite good. I'm also a sucker for car races. I love those racing video games, even though I suck terribly in comparison to my brother.

Anyhoo, the only interesting part was when the race itself was taking place. At times, it was just too fast to make any sense of it. But all you need to know is the hero wins. As usual.

Another interesting point to note is Rain. Yes, that Korean actor-cum-singer who's got a smile to melt anyone (based on Full House). I gotta admit, he's English is pretty impressive. For short sentences. It even comes with an accent. It bombs when it comes to longer sentences, but you gotta give credit to the guy for trying. Plus, he loves screaming in the movie. Woo! Woah! Wow!

Oh, and I find the actor who played Speed Racer looking a lot like a younger version of Joaquin Phoenix. Next up: Finding Neverland and The Ninth Gate.

# bleah-ed by arshana @ 5:56 PM :: |

Read this. Taken from today's Education pullout from The Star:

A market stall owner who had always wanted to read, has donated more than RM5mil so that children from poor families can go to school.

As a child, Yoo Yang-Seon loved to read, but her father believed educating women was a waste of time and punished her with a whipping whenever he found her with a book.

Now the 75-year-old works 18 hours a day running her stall in a Seoul fish market, so that she can give some of today's economically-deprived children the education and opportunities she was denied.

For the past 25 years she has sent books and funded scholarships for children in schools and orphanages, with total donations estimated at US$1.6mil (RM 5.1mil).

Clad in a yellow rubber apron that earned her the nickname “Yellow Grandma’’, Yoo sells jut, a fermented and salted fish condiment for the national dish kimchi, at Noryangjin Market in the South Korean capital.

“When I was a child, my dream was to immerse myself in reading books all day. But, this dream was never achieved because of poverty and discrimination against women,” she said, while being interrupted by customers seeking what she proudly terms “the best jut in the world”.

Born to a subsistence-level farming family in Seosan county, 100 km (62 miles) southwest of Seoul, Yoo and four other children toiled from an early age, working in the potato field, weaving hemp and cotton clothes, and tending silkworms.

She attended elementary school, thanks to her mother. But her father believed a woman's role was to obey her husband, work hard, cook and bear sons.

Bad marriage

When he caught her reading, he whipped her, but she persisted. On one occasion he grabbed her book and notebook and threw them into a manure tank.

“At those times when I was being whipped I managed to hold back tears, but that incident made me burst into tears. I wept and wept for hours,” Yoo said.

Her mother salvaged the book and notebook, and helped her clean the pages. But the smell lingered, driving away classmates.

“Whenever I send books to children, the book and notebook soiled by manure comes to my mind.”

At the age of 28, in a traditional arrangement, she was married to a man from a relatively rich farming family in a nearby county.

“I was treated worse than a cow there,” she said of her foul-mouthed mother-in-law and violent husband.

Their abuse worsened, she added, after she was found to be unable to have children.

Her husband started keeping mistresses on the pretext of trying to carry on the family line, and moved to Seoul to start a new business. Yoo had to support her ageing parents-in-law alone.

After one mistress finally had a child, Yoo's status in the household fell further.

She was forced to leave home and make a living doing needlework.

But her sewing skills suffered, Yoo said, when her husband broke her thumb during an argument.

Finally her in-laws took pity on her and pressed her husband to hand over his prosperous jut store to her, as a reward for taking care of his mother.

She began working 18-hour days. “I drank as little as possible as I was afraid of losing customers while I went to the bathroom,” she said.

Yoo's thrift is legendary. She used salt instead of toothpaste to clean her teeth, candles to save on electricity bills, and did not burn heating fuel despite freezing nights.

Thanks to her diligence, frugality and high-quality products, Yoo began to make good money. But, but, another tragedy was in store.

During the time spent away from her husband, she had adopted a baby girl left on her doorstep – what she called a “gift from heaven.”

But, when Soonae was 10 years old, she was hit by a bus while crossing the street, suffering crippling mental and physical damage.

It was around this time that Yoo began sending books to schools in poor areas and orphanages.

“I wanted them to appreciate and achieve what my daughter and I were unable to,” she said.

At the age of 60, Yoo finally divorced her husband and redoubled her efforts to support needy students with money and books.

In 1998, she donated a building to Hanseo University near her hometown.

In 2006, she contributed a plot of land in the southern island of Jeju to the same university.

But she will never give up her most precious possessions.

“These are my assets,” she said, proudly producing bundles of letters from children thanking her for her help.

“Whenever I find some time to rest, I read these letters. This is the biggest source of my happiness,” she said. “I have to keep going because of these children.” – AFP

So, count your blessings. I know I have.

# bleah-ed by arshana @ 9:25 AM :: |

MAS and AirAsia seems to be in a huge 'fight' right now and the consumers seems to be winning. Tickets are getting cheaper by the day. First it was free tickets by MAS for domestic flights. Then AirAsia fired back with free tickets as well for domestic flights. To top it off, they also accused MAS for trying to steal their business of budget airlines. Then, the next day AirAsia was offering free tickets for international flights. OH MY GOD!

Can I book one now please? Pwetty please?

No, make it a dozen. Pwetty please with a cherry on top?

But it's never going to happen. *sigh*

Anyway, I've been having this urge to go back to Hong Kong for some odd reason. It seems like HK is something I'm familiar with. I've been there twice. Can I have it as my kampung please?

*sigh*

Talking about kampung, why isn't my family based all over the world so that I can visit them during the holidays? Free accommodation and food. Why of why? Why don't I have a cool aunt in France? And a cool uncle in Spain perhaps? A wealthy cousin in Dubai? How about rich aunt in HK? Oh wait, I do. But they're uncles and they're not my favourite.

Even a round trip to London is only RM 1200. Just kill me already!

Okay, okay. After I finish my Masters, I'm going to work till my bone cracks and eat all the fancy food I want, travel all over the place like a tai-tai and buy anything I want without looking at the price tag first.

Money is the source of all evil. But it also makes the world go round. *sigh*

# bleah-ed by arshana @ 8:54 PM :: |

... that I love Malaysia. :)

On a side note, I'll be working with rice for my Masters research while the rest of the world battles inadequacy. Aah, the irony.

# bleah-ed by arshana @ 7:01 AM :: |

I'm sorry I don't blog about serious stuff. You know, about education, environment, health, economic, politics, etc. Maybe my brain has gone to hibernate mode. Maybe the cells are tired. But hey, it's not like I always write about serious stuff anyway. What's so fun about being serious anyway.

I'm sorry that I only prefer to blog about how sexy Johnny Depp is or how cute HYDE is, which is true by the way. I'm sorry if I keep on writing about the new album releases of my favourite bands. I'm sorry for obsessing over my neighbour's fat cat. I'm sorry I always put up list of movies/ dramas/ animes I've watched, because that is pretty much my activity at home.

I'm sorry if I come across a lazy bum. I'm sorry if you think that I'm completely useless, akin a bimbo. Because that's how life is. Psyche! Hahahaha. Now shadap and go away.

Haih... It's so tiring being the middle child. Having to set a good example. Having to do this. Having to do that. All the high expectations. Haaaa... It's so tiring! And I hate it when I get depressed like this. Because the chocolates at home are not helping nowadays, but that's because it's in a funny flavour I don't like.


Hahahaha. This is so cute and funny. It's good that I can be online most of the time so that I can get the updates straightaway. Yeah, I know I have no life. Now go away.

p/s: Loving blogspot's scheduled posts! :)

# bleah-ed by arshana @ 11:11 AM :: |

To think that I'm fat, ha! Shocking (and funny) as it may be, I'm now the heaviest among my mom and sister. Black hole once again. Yeah, yeah, whatever. I live to eat, not eat to live. By the way, my BMI is still 19.

Talking about weight, I don't like Rosie anymore. The cat that I thought was cute is now fat. That's what happens when you eat 3 times a day at two homes Rosie! Now, now, I have nothing against fat people because you know, even my father is a tad bit fat.

I have now started to call the cat Fatty and my sister says it looks like a fat cow. Haha. Fatty fatty bom bom... I forgot how the rest of the song goes.

Anyway, to replace Fatty we found ourselves a new model. A much younger and agile version. Very common breed, but cute nonetheless. Meet Dum Dum. We couldn't think of any other name.


Anyway, Dum Dum was so close to it's stupid mommy cat, who used to hiss at us every time we got 3 meters close. My sister was diligently feeding the poor kitten and this is what we get. So, one hot sunny day, my dad and sister decided to give the kitten a bath because apparently it was smelly. All hell broke loose. The mother rejected the kitty. The poor soul.

So now it's a permanent inhabitant of our porch. We don't really let it in the house. Stray, you know. Social standing, yadda, yadda, yadda.

I have nothing against cats, but I don't really like touching strays. I find them unhygienic. Sorry animal lovers. Anyway, I couldn't resist. It likes to tilt it's head slightly and look at us with the most innocent eyes ever. How not to pat it.


It used to sleep like a baby on the green plastic mat (think 'Welcome' mat without the words), but ever since it started to bite and tear it apart, we put it away. It resorted to sleeping on the shoe rack, with it's paws stretched out. Even though we did provide it a box.


It loves playing with the water as it trickles down after I water the plants. It loves jumping on the jasmine plant branches, to chase ants. Yeah, it's called Dum Dum for a reason.


When no one is looking, it sneaks into the house, sharpens it's claws on the carpeted staircase and when we catch it in action, it runs helter-skelter around the house, hiding behind a cabinet, thinking that we can't see it and as we get closer, it makes a dash for the door.


Occasionally, it sharpens its claws on the car tire.


Then there's the usual daily banter with Fatty, running around the potted plants and hiding behind pails. They don't seem to be getting along at all. Dum Dum even has an escape plan. When Fatty comes too close, it hides between the slitted wooden door and the grill.


Maybe it's not so dumb after all.

DISCLAIMER: I don't like animals.

# bleah-ed by arshana @ 11:25 AM :: |

Another Johnny Depp oldie! This one is a 1993 production. It's really a sweet, quirky movie. I laff, laff it!


This was around the Edward Scissorhands era (3 years after it to be exact), so expect to see a relatively young Depp.



I luurvvee his hair. So wavy and soft. Me likey. Like Hyde's latest hairdo seen in their new PV, Drink It Down. Talking about Hyde, I can't wait for VAMPS new single!! Super duper extremely excited! Do check out the band's blog.


Same hair! I laff, laff them both!


Back to the movie. Johnny Depp plays Sam, an eccentric guy, who thinks himself as some comedian. I forgot the name. I think it was Charlie Chaplin. I don't know any other silent comedians except him.



After watching the movie for quite a bit, I spotted a Willy Wonka. Haha. Not really, but Sam's clothes did remind me a lot of Willy Wonka; with the top hat, high-waisted pants, suspenders & a cane/ walking stick. Except it wasn't purple. And minus the thick makeup as well.


The actress who played Joon did a marvelous job portraying someone mentally ill. Well, she's a little off sometimes (and so is Sam) but the quirkiness is so appealing.


I was smiling and laughing throughout the movie, I could have been mistaken for a nut case as well. But both the characters were so cute and you can't help loving them both.


I especially loved how grilled cheese and mashed potatoes were made. Genius! Who knew there were other uses for an iron.


And those slapstick comedies Sam did. Haha. Silly but still funny nonetheless. It's a wonder how Depp manages to pull a straight face.


Uh, and he can't write. Or read. That much. But this shows that there are still people out there deprived of the basic necessities of life such as education. You might hate school (like me) but school is still IMPORTANT. There are still so many kids out there, even in our own backyard, who are not fortunate enough to get basic education. Education is important and I'm glad education has been made free in Malaysia. :)


That's all for the nerdy message. By the way, I love this movie. It's a keeper. It was funny in an eccentric way and not those sloppy romantic movie which I usually abhor. I laff, laff this movie! So cute.


Johnny Depp's movies are excellent. So far I haven't come across any that I don't like. But then again that would be explained by the fascination I have. *ahem*


But, seriously. This man is a genius! So many different roles he has played. All quirky and eccentric and odd in its own way and yet he manages to pull it off without a hitch. I like his expressions and his big, brown eyes. *chuckles*


I know, I know. This is starting to look like one of those fansites with a gazillion pictures and never ending adoration of the subject, but cannot tahan la. So cuuutteeee!! Okay, I'm gonna stop now. Until the next Johnny Depp movie, ta!


p/s: Yes, yes. I have noticed the amount of pictures have doubled. Go away.

# bleah-ed by arshana @ 2:37 PM :: |

Movies I've been watching lately:

1. Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles: Amusing and twisted but I wouldn't recommend it, as much as I'm fascinated with vampires. If you'd like to see Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt and Antonio Banderas in their girlie best, this is one movie you shouldn't miss.


2. The Lake House: A slow but interesting movie. Having a house by the lake is interesting, and so is by the ocean. But then there's tsunami to worry about. Ouch. I did see the Korean counterpart halfway, and as I recall it was much slower.


3. National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets: Nice. Reminds me of Indiana Jones. All those booby traps and hidden drawers are fascinating.


4. Donnie Brasco: I always wanted to watch this movie and I finally did today. It was interesting and gives you deep insight in the mafia lingo. Pretty colourful words they have. Anyway, I didn't enjoy it as much as Blow. This was a little slow paced. Blow was very entertaining. But kudos to Depp for that excellent accent he pulled of. As always.

# bleah-ed by arshana @ 7:06 PM :: |

It's so hot these days, I feel like putting my head in the freezer. I'm starting to miss the -20^oC and -80^oC freezer in the lab. If this isn't a sign of impending global warming, I don't know what is.

Anyway, recently I found this amazing online streaming show called J-Melo by NHK from one of my daily Jrock-online-related-stuff romp. And what's so amazing about it? It's a show about Japanese music and it's in English!! There's still hope for the rest of us.

But since it's a streaming video, my broadband speed is not enough for me to watch the show without hiccups. Plus, they were having Miyavi this week and I couldn't resist. Teehee...

I couldn't do anything about the broadband speed though. Then a brilliant idea stroke me faster than the broadband speed. YouTube! What would the world be without YouTube?

But all I found was just a 2+ minute show, a preview of the real show. And Miyavi speaks in English. Let me repeat that, Miyavi speaks English, not Engrish. OH MY GOD! And it sounds nearly perfect. He even has a cute American accent. So adorable. Must be due to all those impromptu trips to US. Psst, Malaysia isn't so far away from Japan.

Check this one as well. Sssoooo cccuuuttteeee!!! One thing for sure, his favourite English word is 'awesome'. Awesome!

"Miyavi, who is the sexiest man alive?" "Hell yeah, of course it's me. Yeah, absolutely."

# bleah-ed by arshana @ 4:47 PM :: |