Hypocrisy to the max...

OMFG...

Little Girl Substituted By Cuter Little Girl In Olympic Opening Ceremony

How can this happen :(

Fans vs Mass Market

Manage to get myself a night off to catch 2 movies - that as fans shall not miss. Back to back some more.

Anyway not going to write movie review, just want to say how I observed the fans and non-fans reacted to both movies.

X-Files

I believe (insert puns here) that this 2nd movie would make the perfect closure for the cult following TV series. As fans, we all know that the sexual tension between Mulder and Scully has always been something present, yet almost taboo like that it was never discussed about. Matter a fact, for hardcore fans, the most memorable moment is when they *almost* kissed at Mulder's apartment hallway, when the kiss was interrupted by a bee sting that almost killed Scully.

Another thing that was never really talked about, but insinuated throughout the series, is that Mulder was William's father.

That's why fans can relate when I said that I had goose bumps when Mulder and Scully's sexuality was so publicly displayed, so casually shown off in the 2nd movie. It was a moment that completed us all X-Files fan. They even openly talked about William.

Which leads me to the point, why I am so not surprised when hearing how the non-fan reacted in the cinema. The girl sitting next to me commented:"Har? Like that finish liao ar." Sounded almost like she was cheated or something. Come on la, the mystery was solved (no spoilers here), the bandits were caught - what else you want la?

Dark Knight

When I was queuing for my movie tix, I overheard "Why I cannot see Batman on the list one? Which one is Batman ar? Still on ar?" which someone was nice enough to tell the girl that Dark Knight is the Batman movie then she said "OOOOoooohh... haiyah, why not just call Batman la."

Beh tar han.

Very obviously she has not read the Dark Knight series.

The other comment that I heard inside the cinema was the confused sound of "Huh?" made at the ending of the movie when Jim Gordon said that he would have to pursue Batman, even after he just saved Gotham from destruction.

Fans would understand this because Batman was never a publicly welcomed figure - not openly anyway. Unlike Superman, who appears in fund raisers, talk to kids, shows up during the day time - generally a public figure. Batman works on the opposite, his most powerful is not the Bat Mobile or the Bat-pod (which was super cool. BTW), but fear. He uses fear to achieve his objectives, hides in shadow, wears dark color.

And he is labeled vigilante at best, not ever a "superhero".

And that is why the authorities will always disapprove of his methods, or his existence for that matter.

Whirlwind Week

Last week was a mad week for me, with Iz getting hospitalized and the big tender closing (in that particular importance order).

Apparently Iz had a stomach virus infection. Which means,

He has to be put on IV - OUCH!
...for 2 days - OUCH!
And Jo's pregnancy is making her very tired nowadays - DOUBLE OUCH!
And the cooling off period for Iz's new medical card policy has not pass yet - (small) ouch.

I do thank God for looking after my family in times of crisis, and at the same time teaches me some humility and realignment of priorities.

Price Point

It's interesting to see how the patrol price hike have changed the dynamics quite a bit.

Firstly, eating fast food is not a big deal anymore, because Chap Fan (self service mixed rice) typically cost around RM6 now.

Secondly, taking taxi is cheaper now, (whether you can get one in your area, is another story all together), especially if you cost in the parking fees. This is because their prices are regulated, and they use NGV, which the price was not affected.

So, who's joining me for burgers at lunch, and going there by cab? :)

Announcement!

If you hadn't known already, Joey is expecting again :) Wishes and prayers are welcomed....

myCar

A lot of people have asked me why I have not "upgraded" from my 10 year old Proton Wira. Guess that I have to clarify it once and for all:

1. I owned the car from day 1, and I know all the knicks and knacks of it. Plus I always replace with good parts, so the engine is tip top condition. Matter a fact, it's so well maintained, it's still running the same mileage since day 1, i.e. RM450/tank.
2. I missed my chance when I could. Many times.

Heh - you all probably dying to know what I meant. I'll talk you though it by chronological order, from when I got my Wira.

1. Year 1 - already thought of it. Talked to a few friends, and told me it's bad value to sell Proton until at least Year 3, coz it's gonna be the same price. So I waited.
2. Year 5 - got into this cybercafe business, had too much partying and got into another stupid business. So I waited.
3. Year 7 - getting to get married. So I waited.
4. Year 8 - wife pregnant, angel of joy coming. So I waited.
5. Year 9 - sole bread wiener. So I waited.
6. Year 10 - economy downturning. So am waiting.

And that's why they all say, "it's the timing, man". So true, so true.

"So when will you change?", you said?

1. My car seizes to work,
2. Migrate and buy a kick ass car overseas! (screw Malaysia import duties)

Of coz I hope that it'll be case 2.

BSG S4E10

I don't like the ending at all. Period. They better have a super duper fantastic come back from the mid-season hiatus.

And soon.

Ubah Gaya Hidup

In case you haven't already seen this from Patrick Teoh's site @ http://niamah.blogspot.com.

 

Fate and Luck

Was talking to a friend the other day who told me that her husband, who once broke up with her, but finally went back to her and got married.

And she told me that the reason why he came crawling back is all because he was going out with this bitch during the "break" (in reference to HIMYM), which got him to realize that my friend was in angel in comparison.

Well, I think I will have a different take on this. I believe that a person will always be together with this other person, no matter what, is because they are soul mates to start with.

And yes, soul mates are like best friends, sometimes you argue with each other and have different opinion on something, but sooner or later you would kiss and make up.

Don't ask me what soul mates are or their characteristics or symptoms, because I just believe that you will instinctively know who he/she is, once you have met them. It's just like that, no explanation required.

I am so lucky to have married my soul mate.

iPhone 3G

What a yucky name.

There you have it folks - same old factor.

And [C] your wish come true:

Women want Men 2

"Love is no value without power and position." - Anne Boleyn

Women want Men

I have a very in depth conversation with someone the other day.

Basically, it revolves around what does a women look for in a men, for marrying purposes. It boils down to either:

• Already have money, or
• Have the prospect to earn a lot of money.

In this regard, women is divided into two categories:

• Those who acknowledge the above fact, or
• Those who does not.

And those who does not usually hide behind fantasy ideology called, "LOVE". I am sure quite a bunch of you are going into disgust now, but let me assure you that the above facts came from the horses' mouth. And I have a simple explanation for those who feel how they feel - wait for it.... wait for it.... naive-ness.

It's because you are not old enough to know it. Either you are still in your first relationship, or had the luck (or bad luck) to be in one yet, or because the idea of living with someone for the rest of your life has not crossed your mind yet. Really.

Trust me, it's a yardstick that you had been using to size your man up, from the day one you laid your eyes on him. It's nothing to do with his charmingness, his sincerity, his nicely shaped abs or the size of his junk. It's the money making the potential that you are sizing up first. Let me translate that to you in plain English:

• "He is a poor artist but he has passion in his art" <= "He will make lots of money when he can finally sell his paintings"
• "He is a honest guy making a honest living as a clerk" <= "Hopefully his boss will think honesty is a great attribute and make him a manager soon - and make lots of money"
• "He is struggling with his small business, but he is very working hard" <= "His business will turn around if he works hard enough for now, and eventually will make lots of money"

Need I say more? Don't agree? Let me know why are you attracted to your man. I will in turn tell you the truth. Don't believe? Try me.

Of Gas Price Hike and Bitching

Early this morning I got into this very interesting conversation with my friend who is currently working and staying in Singapore. I got a bit ticked and the conversation went like this. My fren's name is changed to Dude :)

Dude
Johnathen
yo.. got story to share?

Johnathen
Dude
?

Dude
Johnathen
petrol price lar

Johnathen
Dude
other than the traffic jam at the petrol station?

Johnathen
Dude
nothing la - still cheapest in the region..

Dude
Johnathen
you sure this is wat you think?

Johnathen
Dude
converted to USD - yes.

Dude
Johnathen
you mean your pay?

Dude
Johnathen
or the petrol price?

Johnathen
Dude
petrol la

Dude
Johnathen
i really feel sorry for those in malaysia..

Dude
Johnathen
worry for my family business also

Johnathen
Dude
nothing to feel sorry about la - it's sooner or later. i am surprised that ppl are taken back by "sudden" price increase

Johnathen
Dude
either thosse ppl never read newspaper or dun care

Johnathen
Dude
because crude oil price already doubled over 5 years

Johnathen
Dude
so of coz u have to be prepared for the same thing for gasoline price

Johnathen
Dude
plus government still subsidy what - in a differnt way la

Johnathen
Dude
i am happy because i am driving my old 1.3 wira

Johnathen
Dude
save petrol and get extra rebate :)

Dude
Johnathen
how many tanks of petrol pump a month?

Johnathen
Dude
the most 4

Dude
Johnathen
the rebate only give you free 2 tanks a month

Dude
Johnathen
assuming 40 liter once

Dude
Johnathen
free as in the extra money you need to pay

Johnathen
Dude
wah...very good liao lo

Johnathen
Dude
safe 50% petrol - and petrol price barely went up 30%

Johnathen
Dude
good wat

Dude
Johnathen
free as in that extra rm0.78 you are paying per liter

Dude
Johnathen
not the total price

Johnathen
Dude
ok la - no need to kiam siap. like i said, still cheapest in region

Johnathen
Dude
i am sure singaporean will still drive to JB to pump - if the government still allowed it

Johnathen
Dude
haahahahaha

Dude
Johnathen
you kenot compare..

Dude
Johnathen
singaporean earn SGD

Dude
Johnathen
1SGD = RM 2.35 now

Dude
Johnathen
singapore got fantastic public transport to fall back

Johnathen
Dude
i tell u - i was in Indonesia - and that is worst

Johnathen
Dude
their fuel price is even higher and their pay is a lot lower

Johnathen
Dude
even in china is bad

Johnathen
Dude
the petrol price vs. earning ratio

Dude
Johnathen
like i say, its different..

Dude
Johnathen
malaysia net export all the crude oil

Dude
Johnathen
and those money are malaysian's money

Dude
Johnathen
it should be used to pay back

Johnathen
Dude
those are politics who i dun give a rat's ass la - coz it does not affect me

Johnathen
Dude
what affects me is the ground items

Johnathen
Dude
if the government is so corrupted, there is notihnng i can do

Johnathen
Dude
so i no need to worry about something that i cannot change

Johnathen
Dude
there is already enough worry in real life :

Johnathen
Dude
:)

Dude
Johnathen
we can change things around.. like wat happend in mar

Dude
Johnathen
higher diesel price will mean higher consumer item

Dude
Johnathen
unless you are earning too much now that you dun bother lar...

Dude
Johnathen
hehe

Dude
Johnathen
more things will hit, if this imcompetent government keep going on

Johnathen
Dude
so - u propose i go to the street to protect ar?

Dude
Johnathen
nope

Johnathen
Dude
then?

Dude
Johnathen
since BN is rotten to the root

Dude
Johnathen
why not PKR take over

Dude
Johnathen
since it can't be worse

Dude
Johnathen
there must a someone to start with this, and ppl must aware and follow

Dude
Johnathen
so our part, is to aware and kenot ignore lar

Johnathen
Dude
hahahaha

Johnathen
Dude
u come back be politician la

Johnathen
Dude
i dun fuck care about politics one

Johnathen
Dude
it change- then lucky me. if not - dun bother

Johnathen
Dude
dun like then fuck off

Johnathen
Dude
i mean fuck off from the country

Johnathen
Dude
hahahaa

Johnathen
Dude
it's not really my country anyway

Dude
Johnathen
u must be leading a good life down there

Johnathen
Dude
it's ok la - because i have seen worst from my recent travels..

汽油

昨天刚从布吉岛度假回来上班，本来兴致仆仆的，哪里知道去油站打油的时候， 我用的那个泵他妈的竟然在油缸满了时不会自动跳掉，搞到整个地上都是汽油。Ni nah beh - 好彩老的闪得快， 不然一定会被喷到全身都是。搞不好还会变成自焚。

我很毒兰的跑到柜台去找人吊，然后那个死肥佬猪supervisor竟然还敢讲我是不是用手按着那个泵所以才会搞到酱。Nia mah cao ci bai - 老的驾车多过十年都没有发生过酱，竟然那条他妈的死猪想赖我!! 我火上脑就开始很毒兰很毒兰一直在吊他，要他赔钱。吊吊吊吊吊吊吊到他没办法他就讲要POC到底是不是那泵的问题。

长话短说 - 那条鸡白肥猪siaosiaolan给会我十块钱。

看图吧。还有录影tim.

Me and Iz Day

So 2 Saturdays ago, Jo decided that she needed a proper haircut, so we stopped by Snips at The Curve. So I was left with Iz for around an hour.

So we went carting around for a while, and ended up in Borders - which has an excellent children's book corner.

"Ma, look - one hand niah."

 

Ice Cream

Babies are not suppose to have ice cream. I think.

So the other day during Cheng Beng, there was this old dude who was selling ice cream on bicycle. Iz was intrigued by the ring ring sound that the ice cream man was making and motioned Jo to bring him closer to see.

The nice old man gave Iz a free cone. He loves it! See how much he as already chewed through.

(Sorry for the small pic size, accidentally set the wrong resolution)

Safety

I always insist that Iz is properly strapped down during road trips, regardless of distance.

Yet, this is what I saw yesterday.

Don't see what I mean? Look closer. A mother sits in front, together with 2 children crawling all over her.

Really beh doh.

Ultramouse

Do you guys remember that when Ultraman is low on power and in distress, the beacon on his chest would blink in red?

Well, so does my mouse =>

"Low batt liao la!"

Class A Idiot

I feel like an class A idiot (quoting Liz Lemon).

I would never thought that I fall within the category, especially when dealing with computer hardware. This is because:

1. I have single handedly built many machines from the past, and
2. I have worked part time as a technician to repair boxes in cybercafe.

I thought I have seen my fair share of weirdness (esp. when dealing with dirt and smog choked equipment) but this case caught me with my pants down.

I have sent in the media PC for a motherboard replacement (another story) and the techie booted it up before passing it back to me. When I reached home, I happily plugged it in, and punched the power switch.

Nothing.

No lights, no sound. I opened up the case, and the LED on the board was lit. I said to myself... wtf.

Tried by passing the power switch by jumping the power jumpers using screwdriver, no love there.

Pissed, I brought the box back to the service center, and told them that it would not boot up at all. The guy who serviced me the day before looked at me with wild, open eyes, and said nothing. He took over the box, plugged in, and while staring at me with that matter-a-fact look, punched the power button.

It came alive. IT'S ALIVE!!! (so much for Frankenstein.)

...

WTF.

...

To cut the story short, I brought it back, plugged into 3 different power outlet - 2 from different rooms and another one via my study's UPS.

It refuses to turn on..... This is probably a good time to freak out.

Either karma is telling me to frak myself, or there is a variable that I have missed.

Hmm.... what that be? What's that missing element? Compassion? Love? Faith? Wait a minute.... it's.... "heat"!

Went to get my Jo's hair dryer...  While blow drying the power supply, I kept repeatedly pressing the power button... and out of the blue, the power supply started to turn on! OMG. I am a fraking genius. But wait! Still no display!

More blow drying of the rest of the components. Then it really came alive.

The box is now sitting on top of the cabinet now and chugging along happily. I wonder what's wrong at the first place.

What-if series (Intro)

Just want to run my imagination wild once a while. So I'll start a What-if series, where a small tiny what-if could have impact in the world.

I missed writing fiction, which I used to do a lot during my schooling days... Hopefully I will be able to drum up something good soon.