Thursday, April 29, 2010
Breaking Dawn News
Breaking Dawn, the last book in the Twilight Saga, is set to be adapted into a movie. At last! Whether it'll be spilt into 2 parts remains to be seen.
Who is the director for this? None other then Bill Condon, Oscars winner and nominee. Frankly, I've never seen movies he directed or screen-played so I can't say much about his style.
But we shouldn't pass judgement too quickly. We jumped on the bandwagon so fast the last time Chris Weitz was to be director for New Moon. There was so much ill-will going on and on and look what happened? Majority of the fans gave positive reviews for New Moon. The same goes for David Slade.
Breaking Dawn is a delicate matter though. There are just so many aspects of it that are potentially problematic and will fail big time if handled wrongly.
Renesmee will be one big problem to overcome and I can't wait to see the end result. Freaky CGI baby, we can all do without, seriously. And then, there's the issue on gore, blood, love and imprinting...
It's obvious that Breaking Dawn movie will not pass the PG-13 rating because of several issues, particularly Stephenie Meyer's.
Another wonderful news is that Stephenie Meyer will be joining on board the team as a producer! Wow, congrats! With the author herself on the team, fans can be more assured that her vision will be brought to life in the silver screen.
Indeed, the news about Stephenie Meyer joining in the producing of the film get more comments than the announcement of the latest director, which is kind of weird because based on my experience on the site, fans alike like to comment (good or bad) on directors or scriptwriters.
Woah, I can't wait! This is very exciting!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Of Internship
Nothing much to say about it actually. Go to school, come back. Essentially, wash, lather, rise, repeat.
Oh right, the lecturers. Speaking about them makes me missed the lecturers of old. Seriously, this semester we just had to have the luck of getting lecturers/tutors who are strict, stern and old. Did I mention it? Sigh, what happen to jokes and lightness during classes?
Lecturers are mundane and make me sleepy. I have thought that I am cured by now.
Student Internship Programme is one big heartache and headache. It was understood that the best deal is to self-secure a posting on your own as you are in control. I guess given the connections I have, it's a no deal for me.
Besides, it's really a chore to do self-secure. Yes, yes, I really like the idea of doing a job I like for 11 weeks. But, there is always a "but".
What bothers me isn't the potential crappy post I can get from the school-posting system, that I can still grit my teeth and bear it. What bothers me is the allowance given during the stint. Obviously, when you self-secure, you can negotiate about the allowance and can find a post with a higher pay. On the other hand, when the school secure a post for you, you will have to deal with the lesser allowance.
Gahhhhh! I really need the money! Just imagine, if I have a pay of $700 for one month, that will be $2,100 in total. If not, I could end up with just $400 plus a month. The difference, is just so darn big!
With the extra cash, I can buy so much more stuff. Oh, the thought is almost too unbearable to think.
How I wish that someone in the family is working in some company that will allow me to do temporary work. If only, huh?
Think I'll just go with the flow. I think I can get through the stint pretty well. If I get some crappy post, I'll blame it on my luck then.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Of Clocks & Trailers
After much trials, over the weekend, I finally had it up due to sheer luck. There is still something wrong with the sharing of the html code. But, when I was browsing other widgets, I found this one whose code is still intact. I did my own customisation and voila! My countdown clock for Eclipse is out!
I may be changing the picture when I have the time. As much as I like this picture, I don't think the colour theme suits the overall feel for Eclipse the movie. It's way darker than what I have.
And it's just in time to commemorate the showing of Eclipse movie final trailer, which is way awesome!
It's all action in this trailer as compare to the romance in the first. The CGI and special effects are looking real good in the trailer. I love it! All things aside, the 2 minute plus trailer is sufficient for my thirst.
I can't wait to see David Slade's vision of Eclipse! Only hoping that it won't be that creepy, what with all the newborns rising from the waters like zombies.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Blast of a Year
It's only the second day and I'm feeling the pressure and stress that is in association with Year 3. "You are no longer in Year 2", to quote the lecturers. Well, obviously. But they expect greater things from us this time round.
If I thought Sem 2.2 was tough, honestly speaking, it seems like child play. Really. Looking back, I realised those were so much easier than what we are doing now.
2010 will pass soon enough. The tentative timetable is like this.
By July, we'll finish all projects. August will see us a one month study break/holiday due to the Youth Olympics Games. Thank goodness! First 2 weeks of September will be exams, then comes the Internship/attachment for 3 months. Around December, which will be well into Semester 3.2, the internship will end. Back to school for a couple of more subjects, then it's time to graduate.
This means that by February 2011(if I'm not wrong), everything will come to a close. Around April/May 2011, there will be a graduation ceremony, as it's happening now. Wow, to think that next year will be us. I'm going, of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world.
So, it's either I leave for my trip before or after the graduation ceremony.
Oh my god! This is insane! What a tight schedule to operate on! I don't think I can get myself into the mood of enjoying even my brithday.
The months and days will blend together so much so that I'll work myself up in a frenzy. As seen from the tentative dates above, technically, I'll have no holidays. So, it's just my luck that YOG is here this year and we get to have a break!
Fortunately, among this mess, there will still be simple pleasures in life. There are movie events, books release coming up that I can treat myself myself.
As for work, we'll see how that goes. I'm toeing a fine line by working and studying at the same time in such a crucial year. Where my priorities lie, of that I'm certain. Still, it'll be good if I can have cash by my side. God knows I need money for my coveted trip.
Tuesdays are going to be a bomb. I'll be leaving home early in the morning (7am) and only be back at (10pm plus). What a joke! Stupid arrangements.
I can still take it this couple of weeks, once the semester really starts, I'll have to decline any other work on other days.
This year is going to be blast. This year is the year where limits will be pushed and tested, where emotions will run high. All in all, I must get ready for an emotional rollar-coaster ride of a lifetime.
If I lose my sanity behind... prayers will be needed...
Monday, April 19, 2010
Le Premier Jour
First day in school as a senior. Officially.
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Wow, it was a torture waking at 5.30am after a nearly 2 months hiatus. Naturally, buses were full of people but the bus I took had vacant seats.
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When I reached school, the front area near Engineering School had lots of people milling around. I bet most of them were first year students waiting for friends. It's quite funny though.
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Like my friend said, freshmen usually tend to stick around as a class for the first one month or so, and then they will start to spilt into their various groups and cliques.
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For us, we have "been there, done that". I'm quite desensitized.
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The situation in the canteens and buses are going to be bad for the first few weeks. There will be lots of students, all eager to make it. After the original first few weeks, attendance will drop and canteens will have vacant seats again. Not that I like canteen food.
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So, first day lecture was Event Management. I just found out that the month of August will be a holiday (study weeks) for us. It is due to the high participant rate in the Youth Olympics Games and the fact that the few week of September will be the examinations.
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Yay! All the more for me. I can treat it as a minor holiday before the day of reckoning.
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However, rather than cutting study materials short, I guess they squeeze all the syllabus before August. The deadlines for projects are certainly so. Oh boy, projects here and there. Have to start early.
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Well, that's that. Nothing to talk about actually. I'm glad to see my friends. One last year before everything changes. The debacle on JCs, Polys and Universities is making me very nervous and anxious. It's certainly a reality check for me.
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I know that going to University from a Poly route isn't going to be easy, but never have I thought it will be so tedious and difficult. I used to think that as long as I get good results, I can stand a fairly good chance of making it. Now? Not so much.
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I never think of stopping with a Diploma only from Day One. In my opinion, that's really not a choice if I want what I want. Each of us have different thinking, it's how you work it out that matters.
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In the past, I harbour thoughts and plans to go to an overseas University. I still do so, but I guess my dreams are going to crash. Going overseas is and still is my first choice for studies. If I can't make it this time round, there is always higher education like Masters. Then, I'll go overseas.
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At least, I have one year to work things out in my favour. I just need the strength and will-power to do that. If I am not changing now, when will I do so?
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Things aren't looking too good now. Life isn't a bed of roses, I know that. I just never thought that it will be a bed of steel needles. Sighs.
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Having work on Tuesdays and Fridays. Double Sigh.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The End is Near
Just over a day left for me. Then, it will be another year, another nerve-rending year. Darn you.
Only this time, it'll be different. There won't be another long holiday for me. I will literally become 'holiday-less' since there will be an internship soon.
I can see that I'll have a terribly "good" time this time round.
The train is leaving the platform, last call before all gates are shut. Will I be left chasing after the train or will I be sitting comfortably in the first-class cabin? Will I be a passenger or a worker or the driver? Will I be left behind in the last cabin or will I be in the first? Will the train take me to the place I want to go or will I be lost? Will the journey be smooth or be rattling?
So many may-bes and will-bes. Sighs. When did I become so melodramatic?
I can't let go of the past. Why?
It's not that I'm pessimistic. It's just reluctance to let go of good times.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Of Treasures & End
For one, I finally cleared and spiffed up my cupboards since years. It's on my to-do list this holidays, I just never got about doing it. Well, on this beautiful, last day as a free person, I did it.
I will give myself a pat on the back for a job well-done. I had this big bag full of papers and what not to throw away. In the midst of clearing, I discovered treasures from the past.
Can you imagine having diskettes still? Those should belong to a Museum of technology. Lots of mouse pads too.
I had uncovered diary entries that made me laugh in horror. Boy, was my spelling atrocious back then. It isn't exactly better now but all thanks to spell-check, I can ensure that what I wrote is proof-read.
Anyway, I can't bear to throw all my memories away. I just ripped off some of the notes that I did way back when I was in Primary School.
I had collected many news articles over the years. Those I can't bear to see them gone. Each and every one is important to me. Why else would I cut them out in the first place? Lots of Harry Potter related articles, posh cars advertisements that caught my eye, etc.
I did throw out those movie reviews I thought was bad taste. Pheesh, what I want are facts and news coverage, not some critical reviews which has absolutely nothing to do with what I like. If they don't like it, fine, I don't have to read what they have to say.
I vacuumed and wiped my tables.
I still didn't managed to spiff up everything. But the remaining potions will have to wait. Holidays are a-ending and I'll extremely not free.
Well, well, I am proud of myself having accomplished what I set out to do.
Besides cleaning, I arranged for a pedicure and haircut session as well. A new start for a new semester.
I tried something new this time. I went for a dark blue colour for my toes. It's pretty bold for me to choose this colour because I usually stick with pinks.
Alas, the polish was not completely dried and I hit my foot against the pedestal in the hair salon. Gone was my nicely painted toes. I really, really hated it...
Luckily, it was my toes instead of my fingernails.
Today was extremely wonderful as I don't have work! This is the crucial event that led to my arrangements.
The end is near.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Craptastic
Darn it!
What a crappy timetable, at least in my opinion.
Waiting for the timetable is just as nerve-recking as wating for results. But, at least, for results, it's much more predictable and I can control it. Whereas for timetables, they're like lottery, you never know when you'll strike big time.
For 3 times a week, I have classes at 9am which means I have to wake up at 5.30am. Bloody Brilliant. On the other hand, I get to go home early on most days, except Wednesdays, classes till 6.00pm.
Thursdays and Fridays will be ending as early as 1.00pm, which makes it possible to go for work. Whoopidoo.
I'm going only for 2 days a week. So, it's either Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays. I rather I be free on Saturdays actually. Or alternate days will be better as well. Damnation, I won't be coerce into making stupid decisions.
That teacher, again. I should have known. We must keep up our standards now.
Oh no, the very thing I wished for didn't come true! Why?! The teacher I wanted for Managerial Accounting 1 is nil. Noooo! Well, he's off teaching his Business Finance classes.
I could live with that, I suppose. With time, I could even learn to love it.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Taking Off & Timetable
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I'm keeping my fingers crossed and praying that I'll get a brilliant one. What I want is good distribution of the subjects (going home early) and good lecturers/tutors. Please, please, please... -
If there really is a need to choose between the two, I will go for the latter. Please, I need someone real good and approachable for Managerial Accounting 1. Actually, I have a teacher in mind, let's just see if I have the good fortune to get him. I really want to get him...
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Well, I need some time off to go for work too. Can't believe I'm saying this huh? Shrugs. I need cash for my big plans.
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So, the ball is not in my court anymore. If tomorrow timetable proves to be great, the tentative title for it shall be "C'est bon". If not, then it shall be be "Craptastic".
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On Friday, 9th April, after work, the family went to Changi Airport to bid adieu to my cousin who was going to Taiwan for his army stint.
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Wow, the meeting place was filled with army boys and their loved ones. I heard that they will be having an SQ plane all by themselves.
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Their flight left at dawn.
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Before that, we went to McDonald's for supper. As we finished ordering and standing by the side to get our trays, someone spilled his hot beverages, all over us. The 3 of us, my cousin, brother and I, got scalded on the legs.
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At first, it was shocked. I thought that my brother was the one who spilled them. Turned out to be another guy. My brain didn't register the hotness at first. Actually, looking back, it didn't feel that scalding.
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But, there was tendrils of smoke wafting from the spilled drinks on the floor.
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Anyway, had our supper and we went to the meeting area. I bet the tourists must be wondering what was going on. It's almost midnight and there was this large group of people hanging about.
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In the end, we left just after midnight since I needed to wake up early the next morning.
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Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Not in Kansas
Sunday, April 11, 2010
D for Denial
On the other hand, how can I be in denial when the facts are 'in my face'? I hardly doubt it's called denial at this stage. Sure, I am reluctant to let go and face the future, but I can't change facts, can I?
One last week of utter freedom and being a person with no heavy responsibilities. Time is passing as I typed. It's like after being let out for good behaviour, now, I'm back to the dungeons.
I've so much to do before school starts.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Slipping Through My Fingers
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"I felt like someone had kicked my legs out from under me ... I was out of time. And I wasn’t ready."
All the days seem to have speed by without me. Looking back, I wonder at what I've been doing all these days.
You know it's time to start school when I starts to reminiscence about the good, ole days that is the holidays. Seriously, I can't seem to get ready for school.
Going back is like preparing for another battle. I can almost smell the need for victory, again. Of course, there is only a way forward and that is the only path to take. No cross-roads here. There is to be only one end. And that is for me to emerge as the victor.
I really, really don't want the time to pass so quickly. Yes, I have been granted almost 2 months of holidays, more so than many others. But, it seems as if I have not done many things constructive, huh.
I am like a jellyfish. Floating around all day and night. I go where pleases me. I can do what I like, when I like. I don't have to care about people judging me and pointing fingers. If I want to sleep the day away, I will because I can.
I literally hold time in my hands.
However, there is a sinister underplot, as I am controlling my time, time is controlling me as well. I'm standing on a ticking time-bomb. Sooner or later, the bomb will burst and I have to go back to reality.
Fantasy is good while it lasts.
I went back to read my previous posts, it seems as if it was still the first day of the holidays. Really. The days did speed past. I was still on the platform but the train has already left the station, with everything on it.
I live in the past, I must admit. I live for the future too. As for the present? I try my hardest to live for the moment.
Typing all these makes me think that there is something whacked about myself. Normally, I aren't this sort of person. Ahhh, who am I kidding? I'm always this sort. I like to overanalyse things, make myself all strung-up over tiny matters, lose sleep over them and start over again the next day.
There are only a few days in the year where this does not strike.
Lots of thoughts jumbled in my mind. I'll try my hardest to write them out.
Oh right. I might as well write this together with this post.
Working in a "tuition" centre, I realised that being the kids of today are quite pitiful actually. Myself included, I guess. But, they still have a long, long way to go.
As I get older, thoughts like these start to plague me. Higher education, career, money-matters, etc.
I wonder if I have the goods to make it in this world. I wonder if I'm good enough to survive in the corporate world. I wonder if I can get a good job and stay with it. I wonder whether I can fulfil my goals and dreams.
I guess we all have a hand in molding the future we want. But, life, there is just so much we can't control. Life is full of surprises and shocks, ups and downs. One day, you are top of the world, the next, you are nothing.
I just have an epiphany. Life is the greatest when you are young.
This is a short teaser, no doubt a grave one, leading to my 19th birthday. It's almost fore-boding...
Monday, April 05, 2010
In Which We Talk of Books
Anyway, back to the main topic, which the title already displayed clearly.
Hooray for the industry! Not so much for my pocket. There are a couple of new novels coming out and I'm getting them! What else is new?
First of, surprise, surprise from Stephenie Meyer!
She is releasing a new novella titled "The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner". After a year or more hiatus, it's awesome she is releasing this. Although, this novella was written before Twilight was published. It is originally meant for the Twilight Guide but it's too long to be included, so, now it's a stand-alone.
I love the cover! Its matching cover with the rest of the Twilight saga books means that it is meant to be a collectible. I can't wait to read the darker side of the Twilight vampire universe. All we ever read was the good side and sometimes, the other side. This story does not have a happy ending, that I can say as much.
Some fans are not too happy about this piece of news. They wanted Midnight Sun. Me? I'm thrilled with whatever Stephenie gives. Of course, who doesn't want Midnight Sun? However, she is in no obligation to owe fans anything. I think some mistook that fact.
This is also Twilight-related. It's a graphic novel. There is two volumes to it and what I'm most thrill about is that I can finally see how the characters look like. Really. Non of that movie-'nonsense'. No Robert Pattinson look-a-like here.
It's here in Singapore but unfortunately, it's so expensive! I don't understand why. Amazon and Borders USA are selling it at US$11+, in Singapore, a freaking S$36+. Do the conversion and you will see that the bookstore is extorting us. Urgh. I now wonder if I should ask my friend to help me get it instead.
Actually, all these new books here are not to be missed. Alas for my funds then. Although, what's a little money in exchange for happiness and fantasies?
Saturday, April 03, 2010
How To Train Your Dragon movie review
I may be parroting what reviews have said about the movie but the fact is that this movie is great for everyone. So what if the theater is full of children, I'm almost an adult and love the film. I'm sure many people who have watch the movie feel the same.
Friday, April 02, 2010
April Fools 2010
The day when Google was turned into Topeka, Leaky Cauldron turned into Gleeky Cauldron that supports the Glee Club.
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The day when Twilight Lexicon was closed as the families had enough.
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The day when Deathly Hallows was announced to be turned into a trilogy with Part 3 coming in 2013, J. K. Rowling decides to write about Elvendork (more popular than Harry Potter), Harry Potter books latest change of covers and new titles, Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme Park to expand in 3 area on Mugglenet.
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What day was it? Fred and George’s birthday, of course!
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Early in the morning on April 1st (GMT +8), I was on the prowl for April Fools jokes around the net. I wondered what Mugglenet and Twilight Lexicon had in store for us this year.
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In the afternoon, there was a sign on Twilight Lexicon, Closed until Further Notice. That didn’t got me. I was prepared for anything they dished out. But great job, girls! A few people got tricked, I think. I always enjoyed the jokes on the Lex. Last year’s was fun as well as when the humans took over the Lex.
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When I got home from work at night, I checked out Mugglenet for pranks. Immediately, I saw a post saying that J. K. Rowling is planning on writing a pre-prequel, on a character called Elvendork. It was said that it will more popular than Harry Potter. In my mind, I was thinking, “Cool, great.” And moved further down.
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This news got me. Deathly Hallows to be turned into a trilogy?! With the last part out in 2013?! I was like “What the Holy is this?” I saw the number of comments on it and I thought that surely many fans will be outraged at Warner Brothers. Saw a couple of posts, and realised I was fooled.
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I have to admit that was great! The “fan-gasm” and “picked up his Looney Tunes commemorative pen, and started pretending to throw Avada Kedavra spells at other studio's headquarters” didn’t register in my head for a second.
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What made it more fun was the reactions that people had over the web. Oh my goodness, those reactions were hilarious and classic! Over at Facebook, people were so angry over the news! -
Mugglenet’s approach is smoother and sneakier. To think I was actually looking for pranks and I got pranked myself. Instead of changing the whole fansite, they put the jokes in the daily news.
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The latest pranks included Harry Potter books having new covers and new titles and Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park expansions.
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Goodness, I love the new titles and covers for Harry Potter! Harry Potter and the Super Cool Stone, who wouldn’t want that? The covers had me cracking up!
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Wow, I enjoyed myself very much this year! Can't wait for next year's!
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That's why I love the web and the world. Without it, can I imagine passing my time in my boring, old country? No, I doubt so. The sites are where I get my first-hand information on what is going on. I rely on them for entertainment and news coverage so much so that I can't leave them.
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Once again, Happy Birthday Fred and George! Although, R.I.P Fred. Happy April Fools 2010!