Movie Review: Echoes of the Rainbow (spoiler alert)

I happened to watch this movie a few weekends back and I told myself, "I HAVE to review about it". Actually, I HAVE to rave about it.

This movie, Echoes of the Rainbow is so poignant and touching that it caught me by surprise. I watched it without knowing that it has won awards, "Crystal Bear for the Best Film in the Children’s Jury "Generation Kplus"" in the 60th Berlin International Film Festival and also a number of awards in the 29th Hong Kong Film Awards by big time Hong Kong actor/actresses such as Simon Yam and Sandra Ng. (info taken from wikipedia.com)

The movie revolves around the life of a little boy, Big Ears (narrates by him) as he goes around in a fish bowl on his head; imagining he is an astronaut. The fish bowl was expertly stolen by him from a fish shop. In fact, he is a kleptomaniac that he even stole the British flag from a presumably-British school to the statue from the temple and lugs all his "treasures" in his school bag. There was a funny scene where he stole a glow-in-a-dark figurine from a cinema and hid it in his pants.

Big Ears has an elder brother, Desmond who is an all-rounder student (good grades, school's representative runner and also for quizes). In fact, love was about to blossom between Desmond and Flora before she migrate to US with her family. Spoiler alert - unfortunately, Desmond is plagued by a disease (leukemia) which the movies slowly shows how his health deteriorated; affected his students, running, and eventually life. (The movie is set in the 1960's whereby research on medical treatment was still on going).

Not forgetting their parents, Mr Law the serious cobbler and his optimistic wife, Mrs Law (the sales lady whose art of persuasion will render you speechless). They show a committed life together through the hard times making ends meet while bringing up a happy environment for their children.

Interesting scenes to note is when they were preparing for dinner. The whole neighbourhood (along that street) will come out and eat together. The children and adults can just go around different tables to share food and eat. It's good to see the closeness of the neighbourhood.

Another touching scene is when Mr.Law makes a special pair of leather shoes for his wife with a discreet hole even for her corns on her feet to "breath" which is covered up with lovely flower decoration on her shoes. 

Even when their son is sick in the hospital, this couple take opportunity to appreciate each other and breath a little. It was kind of sad to see when Desmond was hospitalised, the nurses all demanded money for every little thing they had to do for Desmond e.g. bringing a bottle of water and to take blood sample gently. (If you pay too little, they will be very rough and it will be more painful).

The scene when the Mr. Law had to rush to a pawn shop late at night to get money for blood transfusion was met with a haughty nurse who told him a higher price for fresh blood versus frozen blood for the procedure. That scene was touching because Mrs Law noticed the missing wedding band on Mr Law's finger; showing he pawned it for the procedure.

Basically, there's little memorable scenes all over which really pulls your heart. Even when Desmond is finally buried, Mr Law acted out his words during the whole movie, "The roof is very important" by giving Desmond's grave a roof in the form of a bougainvillea plant.

Oh yes, obviously the part where the tornado hit their street and only their house was flown off was a bit illogical. But afterall, this movie is focus on the Law family. So don't think, okay? ;)

Take my word for it, watch this movie and prepare the tissue box for those who are more sensitive! I don't think I cried but my eyes was glassy... lol

Found a good review in theurbanwire.com and another review by screendaily.com for your further reading.

Nmachi - Black Parents White Baby

I stumbled on this headline in yahoo news and decided to click on it.

This is what I found out...  (taken from http://www.thesun.co.uk/)

Black Parents... White baby...

THE stunned black dad of a newborn, WHITE, baby girl declared yesterday — "I'm sure she's my kid ... I just don't know why she's BLONDE."

British Nmachi Ihegboro has amazed genetics experts who say the little girl is NOT an albino.

Dad Ben, 44, a customer services adviser, admitted: "We both just sat there after the birth staring at her."

Mum Angela, 35, of Woolwich, South London, beamed as she said: "She's beautiful - a miracle baby."

Ben told yesterday how he was so shocked when Nmachi was born, he even joked: "Is she MINE?"

He added: "Actually, the first thing I did was look at her and say, 'What the flip?'"

But as the baby's older brother and sister - both black - crowded round the "little miracle" at their home in South London, Ben declared: "Of course she's mine."

Blue-eyed blonde Nmachi, whose name means "Beauty of God" in the Nigerian couple's homeland, has baffled genetics experts because neither Ben nor wife Angela have ANY mixed-race family history.

Pale genes skipping generations before cropping up again could have explained the baby's appearance.

Ben also stressed: "My wife is true to me. Even if she hadn't been, the baby still wouldn't look like that.

"We both just sat there after the birth staring at her for ages - not saying anything."

Doctors at Queen Mary's Hospital in Sidcup - where Angela, from nearby Woolwich, gave birth - have told the parents Nmachi is definitely no albino.

Ben, who came to Britain with his wife five years ago and works for South Eastern Trains, said: "She doesn't look like an albino child anyway - not like the ones I've seen back in Nigeria or in books. She just looks like a healthy white baby."

He went on: "My mum is a black Nigerian although she has a bit fairer skin than mine.

"But we don't know of any white ancestry. We wondered if it was a genetic twist.

"But even then, what is with the long curly blonde hair?"

Professor Bryan Sykes, head of Human Genetics at Oxford University and Britain's leading expert, yesterday called the birth "extraordinary".

He said: "In mixed race humans, the lighter variant of skin tone may come out in a child - and this can sometimes be startlingly different to the skin of the parents.

"This might be the case where there is a lot of genetic mixing, as in Afro-Caribbean populations. But in Nigeria there is little mixing."

Prof Sykes said BOTH parents would have needed "some form of white ancestry" for a pale version of their genes to be passed on.

But he added: "The hair is extremely unusual. Even many blonde children don't have blonde hair like this at birth."


The expert said some unknown mutation was the most likely explanation.

He admitted: "The rules of genetics are complex and we still don't understand what happens in many cases."

The amazing birth comes five years after Kylie Hodgson became mum to twin daughters - one white and the other black - in Nottingham.

Kylie, now 23, and her partner Remi Horder, now 21, are both mixed race.

Even so the odds were estimated at a million to one.

The Sun told in 2002 how a white couple had Asian twins after a sperm mix-up by a fertility clinic.

Yesterday three-day-old Nmachi's churchgoing mum Angela admitted that she was "speechless" at first seeing her baby girl, who was delivered in a caesarean op.

She said: "I thought, 'What is this little doll?'

"She's beautiful and I love her. Her colour doesn't matter. She's a miracle baby.

"But still, what on earth happened here?"

Her husband told how their son Chisom, four, was even more confused than them by his new sister.

Ben said: "Our other daughter Dumebi is only two so she's too young to understand.

"But our boy keeps coming to look at his sister and then sits down looking puzzled.

"We're a black family. Suddenly he has a white sister."

Ben continued: "Of course, we are baffled too and want to know what's happened. But we understand life is very strange.

"All that matters is that she's healthy and that we love her.She's a proud British Nigerian."

Queen Mary's Hospital said: "Congratulations to Angela and her family on the birth of their daughter."

Other cases: mixed twin

Food Review: Boobalicious Smoothie

I'm the kind of person who would pay RM10 for a freshly squeezed juice, neat without added sugar and overflowing with ice. Unfortunately, eateries these days take opportunity to serve cordial fruit drinks for that same price. (bad experience with Eden RM10 juice some years back...)

Hence, whem I found a super smooth, thick delicious smoothie for less than RM10 in Boobalicious, Tropicana City Mall, I was kind of estatic! I try my best to have a cup whenever I'm there.

Seriously, how often do you get something that's refreshing fresh, smooth and delicious?

Here's the Passion Fruit/Mango smoothie with cream and boba (tapioca balls normally found in bubble tea). The later 2 items are optional.

Some pictures I took while sitting/relaxing on the sofa and slurping my smoothie. ;)

Wonder which combination I shall try next? Hmmm...

I think there's some other dishes and sandwiches sold there. But all I'm eyeing is the smoothie! Go try it and and quench your thirst with a creamy fruity drink! ;)

Food review: I miss....

I must learn to appreciate the little things in life.

I used to pass by Petronas petrol station along NKVE and stopped by to buy snacks, McDonalds breakfast meal, etc. Now that I've been using a new route for more than half a year, I suddenly crave and miss the nasi lemak I used to buy from Petronas petrol station, Damansara @NKVE.

Why? Firstly, it's convenience, cheap and yummy!!
I can't recall now but I think it's RM1.20/RM1.30 per packet.

Weird enough, I remembered to take picture of it. Think I wanted to blog about it. Here it is!

 

Have you tried it?? The rice is yellowish and the "sambal" is sweetish spicy... Mmmm... Where to get cheap delicious nasi lemak now?? Sighh...

Conclusion, appreciate the little yummilicious food in life! lol

Post World Cup: Missing the Vuvuzelas.

I've never heard of this word "Vuvuzelas" till World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

When I first heard the sound on the tv, I thought it was the crowd cheering loudly or playing some gadgets. I didn't realised they were horns (vuvuzelas).

Hence, during the entire world cup, my house is filled with the sound of vuvuzelas... uuuuuuuuuhhhhh...

Initially, it was kind of annoying. After sometime, I sort of got numbed by it. In fact, now when the World Cup 2010 ended, I wonder if anyone misses the vuvuzelas. If you do, go to this link to click on it. It's something that you either love it or hate it. (It helps that I'm not in the stadium with the loud deafening sound)

I have to admit, I never watch any of the matches except a glimpse of the controversial "goal" that England should have gotten. However, I shall remember World Cup 2010 because of the vuvuzelas in South Africa and not that Spain won! lol  ;)

Tired

I think I need a break somewhere. Been overwhelmed with work and we all know, work never finishes.

Anyone need a companion to travel somewhere? Preferable 3 days max and somewhere without doing anything. Maybe I should reconsider going to Shanghai for the World Expo. But I'm eyeing for something more relaxing and rejuvenating for the body, mind and soul. Any ideas?

Upcoming food reviews

Goshh I should really transfer all the food pictures and do the review before I forget.. Lol.. I have a number from last year too. Here are the upcoming reviews from most recent to the last.

Food Reviews
1. Tarbush - Arabic food in Empire Shopping Gallery, Subang Jaya
2. Lavazza - Fusion of Asian/Western in Cheras
3. San Fransisco SteakHouse set lunch in Tropicana Shopping Complex, PJ
4. Lamb Briyiani from Bt Tinggi, Klang
5. Sawadee - Homecooked Thai food from Bandar Botanic, Klang
6. Maru Restaurant - Japanese/korean food in Mt Kiara
7. Porkbelly - Western food in Sunway
8. Pepper lunch - Sunway Pyramid & 2nd try in Pavillion (new menu added!)

Wish me luck in completing this. Lol

Movie Review: Toy Story 1,2 & 3 (spoiler alert)

Why should you watch Toy Story 3?

Well, firstly, you need to take the following steps:

Watch Toy Story 1 (check)
Watch Toy Story 2 (check)

Fall in love with Pixar animations in between. :D
Then watch Toy Story 3!

Why? I personally think, you should see the history of the toys (the characters) in the previous installment to really appreciate why Woody chose to be with his buddies no matter what.

Brief historical recap (without any references.. wohoo!)
Toy Story 1 introduces the Andy's toys in his bedroom and the favourite toy, Woody (the cowboy) feels threatened with the arrival of a new toy, Buzz Lightyear. He plots to rid of Buzz who initially thought he was the real character Buzz Lightyear from Star Command. In the end, friendship blossomed through their adventures together against the evil neighbour boy. Woody and Buzz become best of buddies. I love the song "You've Got a Friend in me" by Randy Newman.

Take note how proud they are when they get marked with the word "Andy."

Toy Story 2 continues with the adventures of Andy's toys which became a mishap when Woody got kidnapped by the "chicken man" Al. He was kidnapped as the last collector's item for the Woody's Roundup to be sold off to Japan. Initially, he was determined to escape but soon felt sad for the other gang: Jessie the cowgirl, his horse Bullseye and the Prospector.

The touching part is when Jessie recollects how she was abandoned by her previous owner. She was left in a box by the road side when her owner grew up. The song worth noting here is "When She Loved Me" written by Randy Newman and performed by Sarah McLachlan.

In the end, the other toys came to rescue Woody and they all escape back to Andy's room minus the evil Prospector.


Toy Story 3 starts with Andy all grown up and ready to go to college. (I find this a little sad - it's like seeing your son leave and having the empty nest syndrome which was shown briefly with the mum looking so sad at the empty room). Andy's toys have been limited to those few favourites with many given away such as Woody's girlfriend - Bo Peep.

The story then shows that Andy decides to bring Woody to college with him and keep the rest in the attic. Unfortunately, while he was keeping the other toys, they were accidentally thrown away as trash. The other toys were upset and found out about a daycare called Sunnyside. Woody tried to persuade them to come back but the rest of the toys thought being played by kids in a daycare would be better than being kept in an attic.

Unfortunately, a cuddly-pink-strawberry-fragrant bear, Lotso, is a tyrant who bullies the new toys there. Take note of all the villains in each movie. Woody tries to rescue the gang in an elaborate, hilarious feat.

In the end, the most touching scene to me is when Woody packs himself with the rest of toys to be given to a little girl. The way they drew Andy's reluctance to be parted with Woody is so real and heart-wrenching. But he knows that it's time for him to move on and perhaps, Woody will bring more memories to the little girl. The last moment he plays with Woody and the gang... Awww.. You have to watch this movie! There's the little romantic scene of Buzz and Jessie too with the tango!! ;)

Hence, remember to keep your toys carefully or pass it on to the younger children who might have more cherished moments with the world of creativity and toys!

p.s. I bought a Woody action figure in HK Disneyland last time... lol!! I also have a pair of Mr and Mrs Potato Head (but it's different from Toy Story's) because of this movie. All still kept in their boxes though... hmmm... Hope they don't as bitter as the Prospector!

Scurrying "Lipas kudung"

In school, we used to learn proverbs and I especially remember this term " lipas kudung" in Bahasa Malaysia.

What does it mean?
It is used to describe a person who does work very fast.

I guess it describes literally the cockroach with its arms and legs scrawl over the place quickly. This reminds me of the singing cockroaches from the movie, Joe's Apartment. Lol

Why I'm suddenly reminded of this term?

Well, in the office, I noticed EVERYONE is like a "lipas kudung". We rush here and there, struggling and trying our very best to catch up and finish up the never-ending work. Everyone moves quickly; fingers busy typing, groups gather to discuss...

Unfortunately, despite all the effort, work is still overflowing. Sigh..

But then again, we try out best; scurrying around and rushing for work... what a hectic, fast-paced working life we have.

Hence, every Sunday, it's the Sabbath day for me. I've succumbed to pure laziness and rest by sleeping half a day and just bumming around.... like Sid the sloth in Ice Age. haha.. Thankfully, so far, it's enough to rejuvenate me to prepare another hectic week. But I do know I need to plan for some short trips to rejuvenate my mind and heart!

Hence, I'll transform from the scurrying cockroach to a lazy sloth and back again every week.... I just wish I'll remain human most of the time. LOL.. Have a busy week ahead!

10,000th Visitor (updated)

Updates: Congrats to Sherry for being the 10,000th Visitor! Hope you'll like your gift! :)


Wow.. look at the visitor count:

My humble personal blog managed to get quite a number visitors. My friend commented I should celebrate but I told her this is for fun. It's not like I'm making money. In fact, this blog initially started as a private blog for me to vent my frustrations and creativity juices. I just so love "writing" or in this sense, typing away.

Anyway, as a highlight, if you're the lucky...

10,000th Visitor... please capture screen of the live traffic feed when you drop by my blog. A special gift awaits you... which is a H20+ Aquatics Bath Set worth RM59!

 From your left: Natural Spring Shower & Bath Gel (1 fl oz), Natural Spring Moisture Boosting Body Balm (1 fl oz), Poolside Shower & Bath Gel (1 fl oz), Poolside Moisture Boosting Body Balm (1 fl oz) , Clearwater Shower & Bath Gel (1 fl oz), Clearwater Moisture Boosting Body Balm (1 fl oz)

There are 3 sets of sampler: Poolside, Clearwater and Natural Spring which comes in a handy clear bag (which can be used as a cosmetic bag for traveling too!). Each set has body bath and a body balm. Additional details on the ingredients can be found here. I will post to you by Pos Laju (only within Malaysia only). Good luck!

*Additional goody: Be my follower and be the first to blog about this giveaway and I will post to you an ELF kabuki face brush! ;) 

Blue Is In...

First, they have Avatar the movie. I thought, Avatar - the Air Bender.. NOT!

The Last Air Bender movie will be screening soon though! ;)

James Cameron's Avatar

Then they described Avatar as the "Dances of Smurfs" based on South Park's which satirized the 2009 James Cameron film, Avatar, suggesting the plot borrows heavily from the film Dances with Wolves, and comparing Avatar's blue aliens to the cartoon Smurfs.

The cover for the movie: Dances with Wolves (look at Dances with Smurfs.. they even used the same font type! lol)

Cartman trying to be one of the "smurfs"

And finally, this year... it's The Smurfs in 3D!
Remember Papa Smurf in Red? Brainy with his specs? And why is there only one female smurf, Smurfette? lol

Get ready to watch it this year.. Hope they will still keep the essence of the Smurfs like I used to watch when I was growing up! ;)

Staying Young

I was reading one of the rules in The Rules of Life by Richard Templar which made me paused and wonder. What it is? Rule 44 says "Stay Young".

Hence, how do we stay young?

Physical youth
For a few months, I was trapped in the typical perception of physical youth. I've noticed the aged skin on my face which lost its usual youthful suppleness. I started to worry and noticed the worry lines on my forehead. Then I started looking for minuscule lines and pigmentation which were not there before this.

(You've seen all those older men with 3 frown lines on their forehead? How do you prevent that?? Besides having bangs.. lol)

I contemplated getting little tubes of hardly a few ml but cost hundreds of Ringgit eye serum/cream to help prevent the "aging factor" I contemplated to start on anti-aging skincare products. I contemplated in forgoing all those "unhealthy" yet delicious food in the name of beautiful skin. (Unnecessary contemplation... )

Mental Youth
I think the rule speaks about thinking you are young and acting young. There are many examples of people in their 70's, 80's or even older who can climb mountains quickly and healthily compared to young youth these days. Forget about our unhealthy lifestyle for the moment and think. Wow.. your grandfather still can run and even outrun a 20 year old kid (who most likely sits in front of the pc and play games all day than do any sport)

So I told myself, "Think young, act young. And in your heart, you can always be young."
Hence, I'm doing a spot check on my actions these days. Have I been acting young?

Actions which are NOT young!
1. Nagging like an aunty (Yes, I've done that)
2. Giving advice to younger generation and comparing with your own yesteryear (Err.. I've done that)
3. Look at people a few years older than you and think you're older than them
4. Dress maturely all the time
5. Suppress urge to do silly things (lol)
6. Follow the law and avoid the rebellion at heart...

Arghhh...

Emotional Youth
How then? Do you feel young?

1. By telling yourself (I know it's deceiving but no harm brain-washing yourself) that you are young and forever young...

2. By being with younger people? Hmmm...

3. By letting your inner child run rampant? Sounds risky

I don't know. But I do know that after reading that rule, I've decided on a few changes.

My Action Plan
1. Do not worry about my facial skin that much.  (I actually read somewhere that the side effects to consuming roaccutane is aged skin - hence, that's the reason why I aged this year suddenly)

2. Do more aggressive activities. (If I don't do now, will I do it when I get older? No...)

3. Take up more daring new challenges. (Still brainstorming about this)

4. Take more photographs (studio would be better but minus the photoshop) You will never look this good again! lol

5. To be added progressively... ;)

My advice to all: Carpe diem! Who cares what other people think? Just do the things you always want to do and perhaps.. face the consequences later. Lol. Have fun and stay young!