Upcoming reviews

Last few months were fantastic and memorable. Just lazy to face my netbook to blog about it.. lol

1. Hotel review: Doubletree Hilton, KL
a) Deluxe room

b) Deluxe suite

2. Valentine's day Dinner at Social@KL, G Tower

 

Stay tuned.. :_

Game review: Angry Birds.... vs Green Pigs

Seriously, ask anyone who owns an Iphone what do they think of when they see pigs? "Angry birds"!!

My friend introduced me to this aps on her new Iphone last year whereby the aim of the game is to sling shot birds into green pigs in elaborate structure(to kill them). Why? Take a look at the trailer below to find out the history of the angry birds...


The clip shows three birds adoring their little nest of 3 eggs while at the background, 3 green pigs (one of them is a king presumely with the crown) eating grass and hating it.

The King pig spied the eggs and suddenly salivates at the thought of omelette and decides to steal the eggs when the birds silly enough got so angry over a mosquito touching their eggs. And there begins the vengence of the Angry Birds vs the pigs.



The aim of the game? In Angry Birds, players take control of a flock of birds that are attempting to retrieve eggs that have been stolen by a group of evil green pigs. (taken from wikipedia).

The birds come in 4 variation according to my own description.. lol :
1. The Red bird which goes "huaaa heee" when sling-shot into the target.(Power: Average)
2. The Blue bird which goes "thud tweeet" when activated and separates into 3 little birds (Power: Multiple targets)
3. The Yellow bird which tweets when activated and accelerates into the target (Power: Kinetic force)
4. The Black bird which goes "weee" when activated becomes a bomb. (Power: Explosive)
5. The White bird which goes "weee thud" when activated drops an egg bomb and flies away to safety. (Power: Drop grenade) - only bird which does not do kamikaze.
6. The Green bird when activated boomerangs into the target. (Power: Angled shot)

These different "ammo" is important to defeat the pigs especially when they have elaborate structure in timber, steel, stone and ice with helmet as armour from the vengence of the Angry birds. Lol

And when all fails, the players can always opt to buy the secret weapon known as the "Mighty Eagle". Watch it at play in the trailer below:



The craz of Angry birds can be seen with other clips: Angry Birds Peace Treaty, and references made about it. I was surprised to see the host, Neil Patrick Harris (better known as Doogie Howser MD) in the 2010 Spike Video Game Awards doing a demo of "Angry Birds" live. Real life pigs painted in green appeared on the stage and Neil was about to launch a real-life rooster into the pigs when the director voiced over and said "Listen, PETA called, we gotta shut this down."

There are fans out there who built their own Angry Birds model and a life sized game of it... Just google to find out more stories.

Well, ironically, I don't even own an Iphone or an Ipod/ Ipad or the application itself and I'm hooked on it! So far, I've played occassionally on my friend's Iphone and one night, I've played few hours straight on my bro's Ipad. Hence, yes, it is fun, addictive and frustrating when you can't get the 3-stars-leveled but when you win, you'll shout a loud "Yes"! ;)

p.s. My ringtone is the song from Angry Birds. Lol
Can anyone get me one of those green pig plushie for my pig collection? Lol

Movie Review: 127 Hours (spoiler alert)

I won preview tickets to watch this movie and The Rites on the same day! So since I vaguely remembering 127 hours being nominated for some award earlier this year and is based on a true story.... I chose it.

Last Wednesday night, I went to watch 127 Hours without really reading up much about it. The weekend before, a friend caution me about a scene about the character cutting his own arm... I decided to forewarned my fellow friend who was watching with me.

127 Hours in a nutshell... IMHO

It started with a confident, nonchalant guy, Aron who goes around making a "simple trip" over the weekend to mountain climb in the Canyonlands by himself without informing anyone. It shows how he packs his food and gears very simply without worries. He even left his trusty Swiss army knife because he couldn't reach it. He ignores phone calls from his mum and didn't inform anyone of his plans.

He makes his way to the destination by himself. As the movie progress with picturesque views of the canyons and a silent journey of a confident guy through the lands, one feels his confidence and a little cockiness as he hops around the canyons like a mountain goat.

He meets 2 girls along the way who were lost and offered to be a "tour guide" to their destination and showed them a brave memorable time jumping through rocks into the underground water. Here, the movie makes me feel in awe of the freedom and fun potrayed here.

He parts way with them confidently by himself and that's when the unexpected happens, a large boulder dislodged and landed on his right hand which traps him in a canyon below - unseen from above.

The next few scenes are memorable. It showed Aron still being confident and unfazed by what has happen. He unpacks his essentials from his backpack : "China-made pen knife", a 500ml bottle of water, a pack of sandwich, climbing rope, camera, video cam and I think some climbing gear.

He tries to dislodged his arm by chipping away the boulder with his blunt knife. At a moment, he thought of cutting him arm but the knife was too blunt. He created a pulley with his rope and tries to use his weight to dislodged the boulder but to no avail. Mind you, he was only using one arm to do all this.

I thought, "Wow.. he doesn't show fear and is still determined to pull himself out of this jam".

However, after a few days, the reality sank in and as he talks to himself in the video cam, Aron shows remorse for the things he done in the past and wished he spent more time with his family. The trailer shows the scene where he makes a morning radio show interviewing himself about the silliness of not informing anyone of his whereabouts so no help was coming until it will be too late.

A few scenes would shock you but the main scene was Aron being stuck in the canyon through the harsh cold (he wraps the climbing rope to keep himself warm), 15 mins of sunlight - heat, rain and starvation. He rationed his water to the extend of saving his own urine to avoid dehydration. He talked to the video cam to keep his sanity.

I guess James Franco deserved to be nominated for his performance as you feel his agony and remorse through these scenes. However, it has to be noted - he showed Aron as still having a strong will to live even facing the possibility of death.

In the end, Aron broke his own arm and then cut if off to free himself from the boulder. The scene of him poking his arm with blood dripping out is not a scene for the queasy. But I forced myself to watch it to appreciate the acting and potrayal. The music selected for this scene was piercing and makes one feel the pain of Aron.

The scene does not end there. Aron still has to climb out and abseil 65 foot of wall and hike over eight miles before he was rescued. (figures obtained from wikipedia).

Wow... the movie ended with the scene of the real Aron with his arm/stump left. He shows him swimming confidently in the pool. The short description tells he still continue mountain climbing and doing extreme activities. He met his love of his life and have a child now.

The spirit and will power to live is vividly and well-shown in this movie. Bravo to Danny Boyle, James Franco and the rest of the crew. It has made me want to read the autobiography "Between a Rock and a Hard Place" to see what other details and reality had happened.

So my advice, go ahead and watch this to see the willpower of someone who wants to live to the extend of helping himself since there is no one around. And yes, you will pick up an important lesson too: "Always let someone- a person to know your whereabouts in case something happens to you, at least people would know where to look" and the epitome of "Where there is a will, there is a way".
For those who can't stomach blood, just close your eyes and let the music make your own imagination go wild during the scene of cutting the arm.. Enjoy! ;)

Trailer below...

Happy Chinese New Year!!

Been occupied lately. Better post up the CNY greeting before it ends.. lol!! :)

Gong Xi Fa Cai!! Hope it is a good one this year! :)

Bunny Year

How has 2011 been to me so far?

The prolonged inevitable "train crash" has come tumbling in. (Obviously this has to be work-related rantings)....

CNY holidays passed by in a blissful week and here I am back again to work. Trying to pick up the pieces of the wreckage...

Hence, time passes even more quickly as you dread a day and hope it goes on swiftly... then you always look for a respite on weekends away from all the gloom.

Yes, it's still CNY mood but alas, a gloom lingers on my face. Sad!

Again, I remind myself... This Bunny year should not be about work,work, work! Bunny O' bunny - cute and cuddly... give me a year of bountiful joy and fun with lots of white fluffy laughter.

Once, I feel more human again, I'll upload my CNY food pics!

Welcome the new year of 2011

I say.. Time flies.... Gosh!! It's going to be a new decade/chapter of my life.

First day of work, not that positive but must maintain a positive, cheerful outlook!

It's normally people-problem that bogs one down.. but as this is the first working of the year, I shall not falter, I shall look up at God and cast all my worries to Him. :)

And go back to finishing up things I need to finish before leaving the office.

P.S. New resolution that MUST be kept: Go back at a decent hour and not to work too late everyday. Have a life after working hours. Call me out for plans so I'll try to cram up and limit work to the REAL working hours. lol

Ending the year of 2010

It is almost that time of the year again. Christmas time then New Year 2011. I can't believe that time really passes in a blink when we're stuck in the working world. It's scary to look back and realised that you're no longer that young teenager just fresh out of school.

Let's see.. how should I treat the beginning of 2011?

Some take this as a time of reflecting and others a new beginning.
Resolutions are made again - either carry-forwards from the previous years or new ones.
(I need to refresh some old ones and I have in mind of some really important ones)

It's time to do your income tax again (groan)
It's time to dread adding another year to your age.
Or it's a time for celebration that you can live here another year with your loved one.
It's also time to give thanks for all the grace and favours God has showered over me and my loved ones.
It's time to remember the purpose in life...

I guess I've back-slided over this year based on feelings of rejection and bitterness. Some might say I oversensitive, emotional and that one should always learn to forgive. But.. you and I know, these things are always easier said than done.

Hence, for 2011, I pray Lord for your grace. So that I can learn to forgive and forget. Then continue to move on with my walk with You. Lets us run the race so that we can end it with a bang for the Lord!

Then we can tell the Lord that "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7- NIV)

Bags bags Galore: Chic&Sleek Eco Bags

I've been looking for A3 sized bags to put my A3 sized documents and lo behold, Miu decides to promote stuff online for shopaholics again... grrr.. :p

Chic&Sleek Eco Canvas Tote

Based on Miu's description of how she started making this bag... I assumed the expensive bags her hubby mentioned could be the "I'm Not a Plastic Bag" (by Anya Hindmarch) which is a canvas tote bag sold for a few hundred Ringgit here.

“Our aim with this project has been to use our influence to make it fashionable not to use plastic bags. ‘I’m Not A Plastic Bag’ was designed to be a stylish, practical, reusable bag that would raise awareness of this issue and spark debate. We feel that we have achieved this aim beyond our wildest dreams. For more information about where the bags was made etc, please see our website." (Anya Hindmarch)

Hence. when I saw these bags... wow... I am quite impressed. These are a few that that caught my eye. Actually, personally for casual use, I like the bright pink of Paris Rendevous but since I'm getting one for work to carry all my documents and drawings, I would like to get something like the Lovers which is in monochrome coloured. Simple and adorable horses. I wonder if she does customisation?

Dear Santa Miu, can I have a bag for carrying my heavy submission drawings and documents?? :p I've been looking high and low for a nice sturdy bag to carry my drawings besides using Ikea bag.. lol

 

 

Chic & Sleek Eco Canvas Totes RM68
Size: 44 x 30 x 15 (L x H x W)   (Fits A3 size documents!! Yipeee!!)
Material: 100% Canvas with Cotton Checkered Lining

Chic & Sleek Eco Canvas Totes RM58
(for files, laptops, smaller in size)
36.5 x 27.5 x 6cm (L x H x W)
Material: 100% Canvas with Cotton Checkered Lining 

Free Shipping only in the Klang Valley for Max 2 pcs. First come first serve, while stocks last, from now 22/12/10 until 31/01/11. To place an order for your very own chic and sleek eco canvas totes e-mail Leen at chicandsleek@yahoo.com!

For readers of plusizekitten.com - you can use the promotion voucher as stated in her website for RM5 discount and free shipping.

Book review: Yes, You can Look Slimmer (by Sheila Wong)

I was curious on dressing right for my body shapes and looking for tips in books. Hence, I thought I'll give a local writer a chance.

This book: Yes, You can look slimmer, by Sheila Wong caught my eye.

Price-wise
Personally, for a thin book of 1 cm, half an A4 sized, I think RM39.90 is a tad pricey. Perhaps it needed more cost for the glossy pages.

Content
1. Body Shape
Body shape explanation was rather brief and diagrammatic. This make it more like a quick reference than understanding your body shape.

2. Body proportion
Very brief one page explanation and a diagram which most art student would have learnt. Interesting enough, there was further few pages to give suggestion on the type of top or bottom to wear based on proportion. (This is something I have not seen described in books like Trinny and Suzannah)

However, it would have been better with more examples to suit to the current trends.

Shoes selection was pathetic: merely a few sentences. I would have suggested if this was not mentioned at all. It showed no substance and research. Mere common observation which can be done by anyone.
Additional info was a 2 pages face symmetry description.

3. Accessories for different face shapes
Again, a pathetic 2 page explanation without any examples/diagrams. Perhaps the author should have just focused on body shapes instead of trying to cover everything without substance.

4. Clothings in types
Good to point out are parts of clothing like:
i. Collars, necklines and sleeves
ii. Skirts
iii. Tops and blouses
iv. Jackets & coats
v. Sheath dresses
vi. Ensemble
(Disappointingly, 2 pages minimum of diagrams for each topic shows a very rough summary; which applies for the rest of the topics)

5. Accessories
i. Shoes
ii. Bags
iii. Styling scarf (including scarf for Muslim ladies)

6. Special occassion clothings
i. Special characteristics
ii. Pattern & print
iii. Capsule Grouping (matching of clothings with accessories)
iv. Business Formal (typical old style matching - should be modernised)
v. Business Casual
vi. Business Evening
vii. Party dresses
viii. Formal Evening Wear
ix. Tudung (head wear for Muslim ladies)

7. Subjective topics
i. Psychological Language of Style
- Quite meaningless 2 pages which reminds me more of a feng shui description i.e. vertical line means alert, stately, stable, poised, strong, upright, commanding. Yes, she wrote ALL those description. No offense to the author.

ii. Body Image Personality Type
- Another meaningless topic such as: Quester means you are always searching, always buying and never satisfied or Clueless: you want to work with what you already have in your wardrobe. ? ? ?

iii. Your Business Wardrobe
- This is an interesting general topic which highlights the basic item you should have in your wardobe like the white blouse and a few advise on clothing care

Again, all these are 2-pages description.

Conclusion
IMHO, I think it's not worth paying RM39.90 for a general description of things most people know. There are a few pages of interesting points to note but after reading this book, I felt cheated. Hence, I don't really recommend getting this book unless as a simple reference or a nice glossy book for a gift.

Christmas performance: Joanne Yeoh

In a blink of a bite, slurp and gulp, we've eaten Christmas meals and had a nice hearty laugh with friends and family. :)

Many asked, "How was your Christmas?"

To me, it is a celebration of family time and in essence, it should be also a celebration of God. Somehow, in the midst of advertising, Christmas is now celebrated as festivity to eat, drink, sing and exchange gifts. However, worshiping with fellow believers together will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.

Walking into church last Saturday, I was moved to see a good violinist (Malaysia's top violinist), Joanne Yeoh.

Her charisma and confidence shown through her performance, posture and words. I find her a very good performer in terms of getting the attention of the spectators and even through her music, getting them to clap along to the beat. It is evident her passion shines through and she is such a good example to be in the marketplace. (Somehow her bright smile with her pixie-short hair just captured my eyes. Her violin's hues of blue is also stunning).

Trivia: Joanne Yeoh started her music education at the tender age of four and has never turned back since. Her natural talent was a real blessing and her skill was quickly noticed by being selected as the solo violinist for Jacky Cheung’s World Tour. Following that, David Tao, a Taiwanese singer handpicked her to join him on his tour.

Watch a little of her performance at the embedded video below of theisentry.

Besides that, the Punctuation team made a moving sketch about believing God and staying faithful. It started with a widow of 3 children and an ailing father-in-law who had no means of income after the death of her husband. A job opportunity came which made her leave her young children in the care of her father-in-law. For 3 years she diligently worked as a caretaker to her employer's children without complaints. One day, the employer found out she has children which she never mentioned. The employer was prompted to bring her children to stay with them. Obviously, the impact of this sketch is more moving by watching it than my brief summary.

The testimonials that followed were also amazing whereby one sister shared about her lowest experience: suddenly diagnosed with 3rd stage lung cancer, marital problems and lost of income at the peak of her career; everything slowly fall back together with support and God. She did blamed God initially and rejected help but somehow, everything was good again. She was healed from cancer, she found another source of income and her marriage was stronger.

This Christmas was surprisingly pleasant for me. It was more of quality time and rest. Didn't do much but felt like a nice break/ weekend for once. Thanks to all for a wonderful quiet Christmas. :)