Zoom in...frame by frame

'10' (Sepuluh) - Teaser Trailer

2009-08-15T11:54:00.005+08:00

For those who's anxiously awaiting the mini series to be on Astro Citra, here's a teaser trailer of the show from Episode 1.

Hope you enjoy it!

'10' (Sepuluh) - A new mini seires from Astro Citra

2009-08-15T11:33:00.004+08:00

There was a time when a football game was more than just a game. It was a time when the game united all supporters; young and old, near and far. It was also a time when the stands in the stadium is packed with charged up emotions rooting for their teams to win. Players play not for money but for pride and glory for their team.

After a long wait, I am excited with the upcoming release of another amazing Astro Citra mini series in their 'Suatu Ketika...' slot. For the whole of September, '10' will be brought to the screens of Mustika pack subscribers. It is a fictionalised story about Malaysian football and footballers. More importantly, it's a story that bring us back to the glory days of the game in this country and hopefully will reignite the same passion that have since gone by.

The 8-part mini series stars Beto Kusyairy (of Warkah Terakhir fame), Norman Hakim, Anding Indrawani, Cheryl Samad, Intan Ladyana, Radhi Khalid, Kee Thuan Chye and Yusmal Ghazali. It begins 2nd September 2009, every Wednesday and Thursday night at 9pm.

So all you local football fans (especially Selangor!!), here your chance to catch a glimpse of a great Malaysian football story. And for non-football fans, feel the emotions of the characters. As with all great stories, it will have you thinking about what we had, what went wrong and what are we going to do about it NOW!

Hidup Malaysia!

Anak Wayang - Pengurus Acara week

2009-06-14T22:15:00.003+08:00

With the two roles for Jururawat and Mekanik filled, it's now time for the third batch of contestants to grace the academy. One of them will join the cast of Kecuali Cintamu on Astro Prima.

The contestants for Pengurus Acara this week are :

1. Mai
2. Hairi
3. Fizz
4. Eiz
5. Meoki

Tune in to them on Sesi Anak Wayang Mon-Wed, 8:30pm-9:00pm on Astro Ria.

Your Mekanik finalists - Vote now!

2009-06-12T22:50:00.003+08:00

It's AWUNDI time again!! This week it's the Mekanik.

When tonight's episode of Pentas Anak Wayang ended, we are left with Afzan and Lan out of the 5 contestants. These two guys are the best of the lot during the Pentas show. Consistent and understands the requirements.

Sadly, Lokman didn't go all out. Biel was too over-confident and kinda annoyed one of the jury, Rashid Sibir. And unfortunately for Amar, good looks just does not translate to great performances as he seem to hold back on what he could've done.

Don't get me wrong, all three of those eliminated can be good actors. Their mistake on Pentas was not being able to shine under pressure. It doesn't matter how talented you are inside. What matters more is for you to show it in front of the audience.

A message to all future Anak Wayang contestants : use Pentas Anak Wayang carefully. It is an important stage to let other people experience you and your talent. It is the stage that can decide whether you stay or you leave the show. Don't play-play!!

I hope the rest of the contestants are serious with their goal of wanting to be an actor. It's really no joke and it is not easy. It's hard work!! Here's your one chance to shine, so use it to the max. And it doesn't require you to be OTT!!

But for this week, remember to AWUNDI AFZAN or AWUNDI LAN to 32999 to choose your favourite Mekanik to be featured in Kecuali Cintamu on Astro Prima. Votes will close 12 noon on Sunday, so hurry up!

Anak Wayang - New time slots!!

2009-06-12T22:25:00.009+08:00

Due to the overwhelming requests of the audience, Astro has decided to reschedule the airing time for Anak Wayang shows. This is to enable more people to tune in to this exciting show dan sama-sama memeriahkan lagi show ini.

Please take note of the new timings :

Sesi Anak Wayang, Astro Ria
New time : 8:30pm-9:00pm (Previous : 9:30pm-10:oopm), Monday-Wednesday

Panggung Anak Wayang - Kecuali Cintamu, Astro Prima
New time : 9:00pm-10:00pm (Previous : 8:30pm-9:30pm), Monday-Friday

Pentas Anak Wayang, Astro Ria
New time : 10:00pm-11:30pm (Previous : 9:30pm-11:00pm), Friday

Don't forget the new times!

Anak Wayang - Mekanik Week

2009-06-11T01:12:00.006+08:00

Get ready girls!! This is a hot week for you as the Mekanik candidates make a run at Anak Wayang. They are :

1. Lan

2. Amar

3. Lokman

4. Biel

5. Afzan

Who will be the best 2 finalists who will be headed for the SMS votes? I wonder what the juries will comment on these guys as they seem to have a bit of a tough time at the Academy. Stay tuned on Friday night 9:30pm for Pentas Anak Wayang on Astro Ria to find out!

Dayana - Anak Wayang's new Jururawat!

2009-06-08T22:20:00.009+08:00

After tonight's episode of Kecuali Cintamu, we finally have our first character winner for Anak Wayang. It's none other than Dayana. Just to recap, Dayana and Feeya was the finalists that remained when the juries eliminated 3 other contestants last week during Pentas Anak Wayang on Friday.

Now, Dayana will be feature in Kecuali Cintamu on Astro Prima from today till this Friday. After that she will come back again when all 5 roles have been filled. Then she has to fight with the rest of the winners to stay in the Drama! Exciting things to come for these winners.

Don't forget to follow the 5 new contestants at the academy : The Mekanik. How will the guys fare? Find out daily on Sesi Anak Wayang and Pentas Anak Wayang on Friday. Vote for your favourite Mekanik after the show.

Anak Wayang - Jururawat week

2009-06-05T16:00:00.011+08:00

Here's the first group of Anak Wayang contestants that will be vying for the role of the 'Jururawat' in the drama Kecuali Cintamu. They are :

1. Widya
2. Juwita
3. Dayana
4. Delina
5. Feeya

They have already spent 3 days in the tutorage of Ibu Fauziah Nawi, Marlia Musa, Che Kem and Hamzah Tahir. They also spent a day with Prof. A. Razak Mohaideen, shooting scenes that will ultimately showcase their acting abilities.

Who will be eliminated by the juries? Stay tuned for Pentas Anak Wayang tonight (Friday), 9:30pm on Astro Ria (Channel 105). Exciting stuff!!

For more info, please check out : www.astro.com.my/anakwayang

Panggung Anak Wayang - Kecuali Cintamu (Astro Prima) part 2

2009-05-18T12:42:00.004+08:00

As Ruby and Zalikha are thrown into relationship chaos and limbo of their own, their children and people close to them will be affected as well. Suria (played by Sabrina Hassan) is Zalikha's daughter. She's cheery, happy and completely unaware of the storm that's brewing in the family. Her younger brother Zack (played by Ashraf Muslim) is a playboy who thinks nothing of the family business or her mom. Together, the kids will soon find out the meaning of family.

Sabrina Hassan plays Suria

Ashraf Muslim plays Zack

On the other side, there's Jaslina (played by Siti Saleha) the bratty and demanding daughter of Ruby. She's playful and spirited. Her brother Badrul (played by Zain Ruffedge) is torn between his love of photography and his mother's insistence to get involved with her magazine empire. Little did Ruby know, Badrul does not like the privileged and sheltered life. He prefers to go his own way.

Siti Saleha plays Jaslina

Zain Ruffegde plays Badrul

As the mechanic for both families, Azran (played by Riz Ainuddin) loves nothing more than cars. Jaslina's appearance threw a spanar into his daily routine but he finds her interesting. Yet, Suria admires Azran from afar but never let her feelings for him known.

Riz Ainuddin plays Azran, the family mechanic

With the impending chaos in Ruby's family, Effendi seeks shelter from his troubles in Vivian (played by Janet Khoo). She's Ruby's personal assistant and she's as cunning as they come.

Janet Khoo plays Vivian Phang

Will they find what they are looking for? Will heart triumphs over head? Find out in Kecuali Cintamu on Astro Prima (Channel 105) every Monday-Friday, 8:30pm-9:30pm beginning 25th May 2009.

Panggung Anak Wayang - Kecuali Cintamu (Astro Prima) part 1

2009-05-18T12:06:00.008+08:00

As part of Anak Wayang, Panggung Anak Wayang will present the drama Kecuali Cintamu that will become the arena where the contestants will fight it out to showcase their acting talents. Of course, the ultimate prize is to be crowned 'Anak Wayang' at the end of the 10-week competition. Kecuali Cintamu is a 50-episode drama series about lost love and dreams. Ruby (played by Haleeda) is an ambitious woman who gave up her love of Kamarul (played by Mustapha Kamal) for wealth and money. Both went their separate ways and for 20 plus years, they stayed away from one another.
Haleeda plays Ruby Sujak

Mustapha Kamal plays Kamarul Baharuddin

Through a chance meeting, both of them bumped into one another at a convention and it started igniting all their past feelings and emotions. This is the beginning of lots of personal and family drama in these two people's households. Kamarul's wife, Zalikha (played by Nanu Baharudin) is a business rival to Ruby but she was totally unaware of her husband's past. Ruby's husband, Effendi (played by Aman Shah) is beginning to feel left out of Ruby's life as she focuses more on her business that him.

Nanu Baharudin plays Zalikha

Aman Shah plays Effendi

How are these 2 families going to handle these delicate situations? Will true love triumphs over wealth and status?

Find out the answers beginning 25th May 2009, Monday-Friday, 8:30pm-9:30pm on Channel 105, Astro Prima.

Anak Wayang - Astro's latest talent show

2009-05-18T11:13:00.009+08:00

After several successful seasons of Akademi Fantasia, the public is ready for something special. Usually, when we talk about a talent search competition, it's usually singing. However, this will change with Anak Wayang. This time, the spotlight is on acting talents! Yes, all you aspiring actors out there, Anak Wayang on Astro Ria and Prima, offers you the opportunity to be involved in the local Malay drama scene.

Anak Wayang consists of 2 components : a reality show in Astro Ria and a drama on Astro Prima. They will be broadcasted simultaneously and works hand-in-hand in the quest to unearth the new drama talent. Each week 5 new contestants will compete for one role in the drama. The weekly winner will then appear for 5 episodes in Kecuali Cintamu (the drama on Astro Prima). This process will continue for 5 weeks until all 5 roles are filled. Then these contestants will fight to stay in the drama as the audience can now vote them out! Exciting stuff!

Standby for some exciting times ahead. Watch out for Anak Wayang beginning 25th May 2009 until 31st July 2009. Stay tuned!

Drama Series : Kecuali Cintamu (Mon-Fri, 8:30pm-9:30pm)

Reality Show : Sesi Anak Wayang (Mon-Wed, 9:30pm-10:00pm), Pentas Anak Wayang (Fri, 9:30pm-10:30pm)

A door closes and another opens on Awan Dania

2008-12-16T01:34:00.004+08:00

Just like a wheel that keeps on turning, life too takes on the same motion.

Tonight, a chapter closed on two characters and the beginning of a new one for 'Awan Dania'. Episode 9 makes the end of the road for Kay (Nasha Aziz) and Shahira (Ika Nabila), while Gee (Vanidah Imran) makes her first appearance on highly rated show on Astro Ria.

This is a case of fiction mimicking life. When one door closes, another pops open. That's just the reality called living. While Kay was much loved, Gee brings something fresh to the show. While Shahira is endearing at times, her demise shows that nothing is certain in life. And on a television show, you are at the producers and writers whim. A whim that depends on between how good your character have been and what they had for breakfast! One wrong thing in the equation and out your character goes. Harsh realities but hey, life's like that.

So good luck to the two ladies who have stuck on for the ride. It's been fun, to say the least. And to Vee, welcome onboard. It'll be a great ride...or flight. Go, Go AirAsia! Whoopee!

BTW...Scha, you rock!

Blu is the new Pink

2008-12-13T02:12:00.009+08:00

The format war was over. Blu Ray triumphs over HD DVD...and the world moved on. Yet, I've been holding back on jumping into this new world. Touted as the next best thing since slice bread...or VHS (take your pick!), the brave new world of high definition entertainment is dawning.

I guess there's only so much more I can hold on. So, a few days back, I made the brave decision to jump into it, head first! And boy, what a ride it has been. I went to Sony Style at The Curve and bought myself the BDP-S350 Blu Ray player. It's truly astonishing how Blu Ray totally reinvent ways for you to maximise your enjoyment of movies. And this player is amazing in its own right.

Been swallowing Blu Ray versions of Hell Boy II : The Golden Army, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, Transformers, Harry Potter series and Ratatouille. The BD Live options on some of these discs really makes watching those extras much more fulfilling. Iron Man on BD Live was a joy. It goes beyond watching those extras on the DVD. It adds interactivity to the whole process and immerses oneself into the whole experience.

The only thing I had to complain about BD Live is the speed. It's dependant on the network speed you get from your ISP and in Malaysia, that means Streamyx for the most of us. And we know Streamyx...still much to do. Other than that, everything is jolly. The sharpness and definition bowled me over! What's missing is just the HDTV...whish is still a little pricey. Guess it's back to the waiting game on that one. But it'll come, one day.

Can't wait for my Blu Ray copy of The Dark Knight from Amazon to arrive next month. Anxiously waiting for the postman to arrive with the package.

(all images are from Amazon.com)

Awan Dania - Scha Al-Yahya's new drama series for Astro Ria

2008-10-25T00:39:00.000+08:00

It's been sometime since a down to earth, simple yet funny drama series have appeared on our telly screens. So, I've been hard at work making one...and I'm glad I did
.
Yes...Awan Dania is now on air, starting 20th October on Astro Ria (Ch 104). A story about the most unlikely candidate to be a Flight Attendant. Dania is rough and tough, grew up in a household of boys and works as a baggage handler at the airport. Yet, her dream have always been wanting to be one of those lucky ones who gets to fly. Go on the journey with Dania to see her coming to terms with her dreams and making it happen.

It has a great lineup of casts which consists of Scha Al-Yahya, Nasha Aziz, Irma Hasmie, Hans Isaac, Ummi Nazeera, Remy Ishak and Zizan Nin. A great drama must have the heavyweights of stars while also showcasing new blood. And the new blood in this show certainly made an impact. Scha was an absolute natural as the rough and tough Dania.

From the comments that I've managed to get from most forum groups, almost everybody who watched it loves it! One thing is evident, they love Scha Al-Yahya. No surprises there as she's as real as it gets. Nasha Aziz is ever the beautiful and Irma Hasmie's role as Fifi is a breath of fresh air from the roles that she usually plays.

Can't wait for more episodes to come to the airwaves...

Squeezing the sponge

2008-07-08T10:58:00.010+08:00

The good ol' sponge has an amazing ability to hold liquid many times its own weight. But there's a threshold of what might come out when you squeeze the life out of one. This much can be said of the local film and television dramas.

From a recent article in a local newspaper and also box office reports, our local films suffered ridiculously poor box office collections. Reports of RM150K-500K collection at the box office versus the investment of RM800K-RM1.5 million. That kinda figure will definitely make many an accountant cringe with fear!

What is happening to our local film industry is akin to the sponge. The love stories (tragic or the usual rom-com variety) that the Malay movie industry so vehemently squeeze out hoping to make a buck has reached a point of no return...literally. Their ideas have run dry, the juices have stopped flowing, everybody is copying one another to produce the same thing and the buck definitely stopped there.

How long more will it take for our producers to wake up to the fact that they can no longer pander us by packaging rubbish with trimmings and make us part with our money? When will someone step up and start a Malay film revolution? When will artistes learn that they need to work harder on being one and not rely on good looks alone?

The producers claim that THAT'S what the Malay audience want for entertainment. By THAT I mean the rubbish they dish out disguising as the Malay audiences' wish. I definitely doubt that's true. If not for the sake of variety, I think the Malay audience wants originality and gripping story-telling. A trip to the theatre or switching on the telly nowadays makes them reminisce the good old days of watching RTM shows. Boring and bland...

A brief note to the producers : Pretty faces no longer has that strong an appeal, strong ideas do. There's more to love stories. And if you decide to do a love story, do it well, with a twist and making it fresh.

Long I wait till that stupid sponge will dry out eventually...which is pretty soon. Then we all can look forward to something better...for the sake of the minds of the Malaysian audiences.

People Power

2008-03-09T18:59:00.006+08:00

Stayed up till 4am this morning to follow the election results. Was tuning in since 8pm the night before. I don't think I've ever done a 8 hour sitting of telly in one go before. But this time it's different. It's an event that warrants such a sitting. Also because I voted in it and I want to see what it has created.

As the night goes by and the numbers kept coming in from the voting centres, one thing was for sure. My heart was racing as if a new wave of change is dawning. Indeed, at the end of the night, the wave has swept almost all Malaysians who were tuning in.

It's not the loss of BN or the wins of the Opposition that was exciting. It was the collective voice of the people that was so loud, no one can ignore. Finally, the rakyat has managed to made their anger and dissatisfaction heard, loud and clear. The aftermath...5 states lost to the Opposition and old timer rejected. When Samy was defeated, I let out a scream only most Malaysians can understand! YES!!!

It's still too early to see what will come out of this but I'm optismitic about this change. But I know it's a change long overdue. A change that every Malaysian (except those govt. cronies of course) was looking forward to. This historic event sends a clear message to the people in power that they cannot bully its citizens because it is we who put them in power. And it will be us who will take them down just as easily. So, to the politicians who's reading this...don't ever bite the hand that feeds you.

Okay, now...back to business...let's abolish the import duties for cars. Let's abolish the NEP. And let's make Malaysians proud to be Malaysians regardless of race or religion. Let's be equals.

A vote and a car

2008-03-09T18:30:00.011+08:00

Yesterday I woke up excited, at the fact that I'll be going to vote in the general elections. This will be the first time I'm doing it. I understand the responsibility that comes with it and I thought about it's implications. I thought to myself, "I want to be heard! It maybe one little vote but it counts." So off I went to SK Bukit Lanjan.

Arriving there with ease and without any commotion (relatively calm and quiet actually), I walked right into the school compound and casted my votes into the ballot box. I was staring into the transparent ballot boxes and thought to myself, "Wow, this is the thing that will decide the future of this country." As that little piece of paper dropped into the box, joining the other hundred or so, I can't help but feel a little proud of what I've done.

And herein lies the end of meaningful contemplation for the next few hours...because it's Fuzzy's frenzy, once more.

Fuzzy, just like me, wanted to make a difference by voting. But the problem is, she's just lazy enough not to register herself to vote. So while having dinner on the eve of election day, I told her to check the electoral roll online. You'll never know...you may find your name in there maybe. And still she did not...until the morning after of course. Then it hit her...right in front of her face, staring at her from the laptop screen was her name and voting station info. She was so excited, she worked up a frenzy, all excited at the fact that she can finally fulfill her duty as a voter! What created the frenzy was 1) She didn't even know she was registered. 2) She's registered in LEMBAH PANTAI!!...where Shahrizat and Nurul Izzah is contesting. Lagi lah minah kecoh!

So off we went to cast her vote. She was so worked up, she had a child-like exurberance about the whole affair. And just like me, she too had made her voice heard. Sempat lagi minah ni suruh aku ambik gambar of the historic event!

And then, in all her new found feeedom and excitement, she went and bought a new car!

That's what I call liberating.

Kala Malam Bulan Mengambang

2008-01-31T09:35:00.001+08:00

Quirky and fun...two words I'll use to describe this new movie currently making its run in the box office. It has been a long time since many of us have watched a black & white film and Kala Malam surely gives a sense of nostalgia to the movie going experience. Those glory days of local cinema with P.Ramlee comes to mind.

A story about strange happenings in a small town, men disappearing without a trace, neo-Nazis bent on brainwashing the population and glorious femme fatales coming in all shapes and sizes was eough to tickle my brain funny. Yes, this film is actually funny! Read between the lines from the characters dialogue and you'll get the jokes (sorry, you need to be a Malaysian for this!).

I'll give it a thumbs up for a great idea, snappy jokes and comedy moments but falls short of 2 thumbs up due to some technical issues (like some scenes too dark!) and the ending being a little too long. Oh boy...common problem in local movies. But all in all, a great film to take your mind off for 2 hours and a local one at that!

Catch it at your nearest cinema. BTW, Avaa (LP100) is acting in it. Yes, my darling Kuda is in the film...

What do you want to watch today?

2007-12-24T00:32:00.000+08:00

A week into my new job and I'm beginning to worry...with wonderment no less.

I'm now with the opinion that we Malaysians (Malays more than anyone else) are addicted to tragedy. Other people's tragedy. Why? Because that's all they want to see on telly these days. I'm reading scripts after scripts of these things. Synopsis, story lines, idea pitches and development notes of programmes are filled with tragedy.

Don't get me wrong, I've got nothing against tragedy. Shit happens in this world, I know. But being in the media industry, I think we ought to be a little bit more inspirational than to sell to the masses that 'life sucks, don't bother changing it'. It worries me that 26 million people in this country get to tune in to shows that practically say 'there's no way out, it's been like that for ages, so don't bother'.

If you do drugs, you die. If you steal, you die. If you are forced into prostitution, you die. If you squander millions from the good guys, you die. DIE, DIE and DIE!!! Aiyoh...seems like there's no hope for these buggers. Have we condemned people to typical stereotypes? Is there no chance of a reprise, of turning a new leaf? Have we lost faith?

Hmmm...from the offering on telly these days, it sure seems like we have lost faith. Faith that people can still do good. Faith that there's a way out. Faith that deep in our hearts, there's a human being that wants to do good.

No wonder more people are turning off local programmes and switching on to international channels.

Therein lies my challenge. To change the face of television in this country.

Friends' Lives

2007-12-06T21:48:00.000+08:00

Not too long ago, it was a phone call, an email occasionally or meeting up for dinner or afternoon tea on the weekends. That was how friends kept in touch, amidst a full and busy week of family, work and miscellaneous drama everywhere.

Yet, the age of technology gave people another outlet to this mundane, almost archaic venture of keeping in touch. It's called a blog! Everyone's got one (well, almost).

Yesterday I was called (cos' I'm the Helpdesk to my friends) to solve another problem. Someone wants to set up her blog to get paid but dunno what an RSS feed was. XML? What kind of shit is that?! How come the lines don't appear to be the way I want it?.....and it goes on...

What was interesting was this is a friend who's not the best-est of friend with technology but guess what...she's managed to setup a pretty impressive blog on her own. Kudos Drama Mama...you should be proud. I'm sure you'll offer us mere mortals a glimpse of your life with the kids that's filled with giggles and raised eyebrows!

Even my Pathfinder buddy (the one that's Chinese but speaks Malay to each other like we're Malays! Yes, it's you Jeffrey Tan!) has got his very own...

So now that everyone's got a story to tell and the space to tell them to the world, I am looking forward to interesting tales from beyond the ones and zeros of cyberspace.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring to Drama Mama...(fingers crossed)

International Helpdesk...hello?

2007-12-06T21:22:00.000+08:00

When you buy a product, it usually comes with a warranty...and a Customer Care phone number to call in case the unimaginable ever happens to your purchases. But what do you do when the warranty runs out? You of course call on one of your more savvy friends...and assign them as your Helpdesk...for life! And that's where my story begins...'Good Morning! I'm Chee Yeong and I'll be your Helpdesk for life. How may I help you today?'

The occasional I-Can't-Log-In problem, My-Car-Makes-A-Funny-Sound problem, What's-The-Name-Of-That-Song questions and Do-You-Think-Black-Is- The-New-White opinions was the usual challenges I have to deal with. And it's all local of course...until recently.

Someone decided to make a long distance call (from Macau!) while on holiday with the family to seek the Helpdesk!! I guess overnight, I was elevated to the status of International Helpdesk....'wherever you are in the world, whenever the time you decide to call. Always glad to be serving you.'

Wow...that's peace of mind. If only big companies dish out such outstanding service to their customers. I know one company would not dare to even think of doing this...Microsoft. Their lines will be off the hook crazy.

(This article is written on a Mac...and proud of it!)

Load up on Hairspray!

2007-10-17T11:52:00.000+08:00

It's been some time now since there was a great musical movie that gets you going...no, High School Musical and it's sequel aside. I'm talking Moulin Rouge, Phantom of The Opera, Rent and Dreamgirls. And now...we have Hairspray!

It's a story about a large girl (trying to be PC) trying to fulfill her dream of being a dancer on the Corny Collins Show. Set amidst the racial segregation and integration drama of the 60's, it proves to be an engaging, entertaining and downright feet-tapping-crazy kinda show.

I must congratulate the producers of Hairspray for casting Nikki Blonsky as the lead. She is so bubbly she'll perk you right up with her charm and warmth as Tracy Turnblad, the large girl with a dream.

Despite her size, she is as agile as any when it comes to strutting her stuff on the dance floor. It's just a joy seeing her go through her moves when she breaks into song and dance her heart out. I'll bet large-sized girls around the world will look up to her as a role model no doubt.

For a relatively newcomer to the movie scene, Nikki's first outing sees her working with a long list of established names...John Travolta, Michelle Pfeifer, Zach Efron, Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden and Christopher Walken. That's quite a feat for a newbie, yet she held her own.

And speaking of Travolta, this movie sees him goes back to the genre that immortalised him forever. Beieve me, it's a thrill to see the man back in his dancing shoes, doing what he does best...albeit not as a man!

As Edna Turnblad, Travolta shines in shaking his booty (a REALLY huge one!) on screen that makes you just chuckle uncontrollably. Under all the make-up and prosthetics, he still managed to give an unforgettable performance. Truly a great performance from a multi-talented actor!

I thoroughly enjoyed the songs from the movie. Heavily influenced by the 60's era, the arrangement and compositions gets you going from the very first song in the opening of the movie till the end. I'm getting the 2-CD edition of the soundtrack. Fantastic!

If you haven't watched this...run now to a theater near you and shell out some dough on a great time at the movies.

You are your thoughts

2007-09-03T00:21:00.000+08:00

I was having a conversation with a friend today and noticed a pattern among some of our friends. They say that work sucks, can't find the man/woman that they want, money is scarce and blah blah blah...Too much negativity to put into words. But they say they want work that they're passionate about, to have man/woman that love/cares/respects them, to not have to worry about where next month's salary is coming from and blah blah blah... Too much hope to fill these pages.

It dawned on me that these friends of ours seem to be pulled stronger by the under current of their fixed beliefs in life than what they really want. I want a man/woman/marriage but I hate man/woman... Errr... Houston, we have a problem! Men are not gentlemen. women are gold diggers. How lah to have a relationship like that.

Don't you know that what you hold dear in your thoughts will manifest itself in the real world? The same real world that you wake up to every morning and retire every night! And trust me, what you hold dear are not the intended 'wants' in your life but the shoulda/woulda/coulda's of your fearsome, scared, defensive life.

So the remedy is... drum rolls please.....STOP THINKING THE WORLD'S OUT TO GET YOU!! Stop closing the doors to infinite possibilities. And for heaven sake, stop punishing yourself by punishing others!! Just stop, stop, stop and stop!!

The Law of Attraction is simple... you bring forth into existence your deepest thought. For you are the Master Creator of your reality. So the bullshit that you've been brewing in that huge ass cauldron of yours is going to be real, like it or not. In the end, you've got no one to blame for not having anything or anyone who gives a rat's ass about you but yourself. Unless of course, a sad, pitiful life was what you intended in the first place.

Hmmm...some people just love to beat themselves up. My advice... be a friend and knock the lights out of this person to wake them up. If they ask you why did you do that, just tell them "You told me to!" They asked for it, trust me. Really.

Merdeka - What's Next?

2007-09-03T00:05:00.000+08:00

Just 2 days ago, our nation celebrated its 50th anniversary of its independence. In my opinion, it was a bit of an anti-climax really. No real essence, all glitter. Is this what we've become as a nation?

I was at Pantai Hill on the eve of the big day, waiting to catch a glimpse of the fireworks display at KLCC. Found a great spot, parked the car and waiting eargerly. 5 minutes before midnight, I turned around and saw a huge gathering (about 150 or so people) as eager as I am for some good fireworks fun. The clock strikes midnight...and we waited some more. And more waiting... 40 minutes later, still no firewors in sight. What a damper...and people started leaving. So did I.

I went and drove around Bangsar and noticed the almost silent atmosphere. Isn't it supposed to be a time to rejoice as a nation after 50 years of striving to be a great nation? The silence only told me that it wasn't the case. That it was a sombre occasion. What happened?

Then the sound of fireworks broke the silence of the night and lit the sky... it was 1 hour and 10 minutes past midnight! Apparently, too many speeches delayed the display. I just wonder what was more important, the celebration of a nation or the speeches of politicians?

2 days later and nothing has changed. I really hope people of this country will wake up from their slumber of denial and realise that they have a role to play. Soldiering on will only create more soldiers with no soul. I hate to see us becoming a country full of zombies who can't think for themselves and take steps in being great together.

50 years has come and gone...what's next Malaysians?

6 days

2007-08-19T13:20:00.000+08:00

That's all it takes to make an otherwise sane, logical and strong person turn into an ugly mess...

When someone you love deeply goes away for an extended time (read that as more than 24hrs!), sanity and reason goes flying out the window. Time gives no meaning, home is just a prison, going out seem like a daunting task.

It is time like this that truly tests a person's resolve and ultimately a person's love for another. I'm glad to say that this time away makes the heart grows ever more fonder. But it's been a painful and long process. I'm just hoping there's an end to it soon, so that something great will grow out of it.

I know there is and it will...

I miss you terribly.

Voices from the past

2007-08-16T10:17:00.000+08:00

Got a call from AW yesterday and was told that someone was looking for me. It was Pasree and unknown to her, she will be playing a character voice in the animation I'm currently producing. When I told her that she got the part, she was so excited. I was taken aback a little by the enthusiasm, to say the least. But I'm glad cos it tells me that the project I'm in is headed towards the right direction.

Later that night, I was attending the Digi Apostrophe thingy and met up with another soul that went for the audition. I've known Bernice from the time I was working in Planet Films (some 9 years ago!) We got along talking about it and like Pasree, she too was overly excited about the prospect of this project. She said "Finally, I get to play a character for an animation! Been doing too many voiceovers for radio and telly. Please, please, give me a part!" We went on and on about the project and though she didn't get a role in the upcoming episode, I know she will be in one of the episodes, if not more. I like her voice. We'll KIV it lah!

Finally...some real proof that this is a great project to be in. Just when I thought that I was just the handful of people who's excited about it. Their enthusiasm and wanting to be involved in it really made my day.

Digi Apostrophe

2007-08-16T09:41:00.000+08:00

Went to attend the Digi Apostrophe competition last night and it was really interesting!

It's an initiative by Digi to flush out the creative geniuses from the average blokes and showcase their work being interpreted by artists. Over 8500 entries and only 16 was selected to be showcased. The task? Write a short, short story... using only 16 words!! Hah...

Just when you think the average Malaysian public is a dumb lot who cannot create anything new creatively and would buy into anything they are being fed (according to the some people in the government)... it was interesting to see the entries. Some were macabre, some sad and most just got you thinking. All in 16 words?! Yes, more DOES NOT mean better.

Here's an initiative from a corporate body that is serious in promoting the arts in this country, not some haphazard effort with a logo and a slogan with nothing to show. Bravo Digi!!

This is only the first of 3 events for this year. I'm looking forward to more...hehehe. Check them out at http://www.apostrophegallery.com/

Strange bedfellows

2007-08-01T00:39:00.000+08:00

An email can really spoil your day some time...

Got one that just droved me up the roof the other day. A colleague decides to be stupid and tried to cover up his incompetencies by doing a tai-chi number on me. In his effort to look like he had it under control and seem important, he even included my boss in the email...mistake number one! You whiny little thing...

He must not have known never to cross me...not when I'm right!...mistake number two. So, short to say that he got a rather not so nice email from yours truly (that I so generously included my boss as well). You see, this man's been working in an environment where people with grouses never voice their thoughts. Boy, do they talk among themselves and behind your back but never to confront. But me, not saying something when there's something to be said? Must be a dream then.

I'm sure it came as a surprise to him. And I'm sure he very much regretted using that tone with me for I know for a fact that he was called in to a meeting with his entire department by the boss. Just to show that sometimes, a little act of arrogance in the name of power can backfire quite badly. Especially in my space.

I have yet to receive his reply to my email...I'm still hoping.

I was just thinking...why does some people act strangely when they given a little power? How come people lose their sense of self and dignity when entrusted with a little authority? Can you get high on power? What drives these people? Hmmmm....power and stupidity makes strange bedfellows.

Parents

2007-07-31T23:09:00.000+08:00

Dear Parents,

Not a day goes by that I am not marveled by your act of giving.

You gave to one another and made me come true.

And when I came into this world, you gave me more that you ever dreamt for yourselves. I can imagine the nights I kept you up and the days that I made you worry, for you know not what to do with me and yet you kept trying. You kept wanting the best for me, though sometimes, i think you didn't really ask me what was it I want.

When I got into trouble, you were the first people I thought of...not to rescue me but I was afraid that I would disappoint you. I know deep down that it will hurt you, though sometimes, I just choose to ignore it. As the years gone by, and as the nagging, scolding and pestering subsides, I realise that you've left an imprint in my life. A blueprint of how I will lead my life. My choices, in hindsight, seems to be guide by you. My strength seems to be gathered from you. And my wisdom and how I look at the world, seems to be from your eyes.

It would be foolish for me to think that I can run away from you. There were times that it seemed like a good idea. But reality is, I am your child and nothing will ever change that. It is as certain as death. I have learnt to embrace who you are to me and I have learnt to accept me as I am. I am a being that you nurtured and put your hopes onto. Yet, I am not you and have to live a life of my own.

So, I want to tell you that everything you have said and done for me, I appreciate. The times you thought I've turned a deaf ear, I've actually listened. And in the moment of silence, your voices are the loudest in my mind. I was born complete by you and have been ever since.

Thank you for your kindness and selflessness. You have made me want to be better. Not better than you but a better me.

I just want to tell you that I am fine and forever will be.

Life Changing

2007-07-26T01:37:00.000+08:00

Someone email this to me the other day. Thought it might inspire some of you out there to dare to be different.

I personally like Steve Jobs's Stanford Commencement Address. I even have the actual sound file for this speech. Very cool!

CY

10 Articles That Changed My Life
July 17th 2007 by Shaun Boyd

It's easy to find a well written article.

It's not always easy to find a well written article with genuine value.

That's because the Internet has nearly limitless value -- you can use it to look up the correct spelling of a word, or to translate text between languages, or even figure out "what's the name of that guy from that movie who was in that other movie?"

You can also use the Internet to go shopping while at home, or do job searching while at work, or publish blog entries while on vacation.

Taking it to the next level, you can use the Internet to interact with people, make new friends around the world, or research your next dating partner.

What I've discovered to be most surprising, though, is that the Internet contains life-altering advice.

Regardless of this, most people don't think to seek it out. They regularly use the Internet as a convenient source of information, but fail to recognize its potential as an instrument for self-improvement.

Online articles that promote life-altering advice are like hidden gems of the Internet -- they're accessible, but they're difficult to find because of the sheer abundance of everything else that's accessible.

For this reason, I've compiled the following list of articles containing value so profound that they literally changed my life.

I therefore extend my gratitude to the authors of these great articles:

#1 - Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

For teaching me to stop attributing value to unimportant things, and start trusting my instincts. Before reading Jobs' speech, I was working a job I hated because it was really the only thing I ever tried. It was what I knew. Jobs says "You've got to find what you love." His article helped me realize that I was wasting my life living someone else's dream. If I settled for someone else's dream, I'd grow old and die without ever seeking my own.

#2 - Violent Acres' Most People Are Depressed For a Very Good Reason

For teaching me that being depressed had nothing to do with the serotonin in my brain -- the reason I felt depressed was because my life sucked. I was making choices just to appease the opinions of people around me, when I should have been making choices to appease myself. This article helped me realize that medication was not the solution to my joyless lifestyle -- the true remedy was to start making my own choices to live a more fulfilling life.

#3 - Steve Pavlina's Don't Die With Your Music Still In You

For teaching me that "to abandon a comfortable lifestyle that isn't deeply fulfilling is to abandon nothing." Steve's article helped me understand I was defending a comfortable career without good reason. At the start of each workday, I was reluctant to get out of bed. At the end of each workday, the amount of satisfaction I received from the work I was doing was nil. Steve caused me to ask myself: Why should I stay loyal to such a meaningless job?

#4 - Brian Kim's How to Find What You Love to Do

For emphasizing the importance of self-assessment. Brian made me take a good hard look at myself and figure out what it is that makes me happiest. What's more, his article discusses how uncertainty and fear are the most common obstacles preventing you from doing what you love to do. His solution involves self-analysis: identify your skills and interests, then use your strengths to live your passion. In Brian's words, "conquer indecision and ACT, and you will most definitely conquer all fear."

#5 - Fred Gratzon's Top 10 Signs You're Made to be an Entrepreneur

For helping me understand that the reason I'm reluctant to get a job is because I'd rather be the boss, president, or sole proprietor of my own creation. Thanks to Fred's article, I was able to see the entrepreneur in me: I'm always looking for a way for things to be simplified, made more efficient, or automated by a computer. There's a reason I feel this way -- and it's for the same reason that I don't want to have to answer to someone else.

#6 - Steve Pavlina's 10 Reasons You Should Never Get a Job

For teaching me that working for other people is stupid. Self-employment using passive income is the best way to earn money without trading away life's freedoms. In other words, Steve helped me understand it's possible to be "Happily Jobless."

#7 - Darren Rowse's 18 Lessons I've Learnt About Blogging

For teaching me to use the power of exponential growth. Like any other long-term investment, creating a successful blog takes time. Along the way, you're bound to have ups and downs, and people will undoubtedly tell you that you suck. Darren says that so long as you be yourself, work hard, and are willing to experiment, your efforts will be rewarded.

#8 - Caro Clarke's Are You a Writer?

For helping me realize my dream of becoming a writer. Although many people have tried to tell me that I'm a writer at heart, I always disregarded their comments under the belief that it wasn't true. After reading Caro's article, I recognized the writer in me: I get my inspiration from the world around me, and write every day because I enjoy it. When I'm not writing, I'm often thinking about writing. The signs are clear -- I am a writer.

#9 - Danielle Gibbings' Need a Reboot?

For being the very first source of encouragement from a complete stranger. Danielle discovered my blog during its infancy, and was inspired by the movement I was trying to create. She wrote about LifeReboot on her own blog to help lead more readers to my site. She read my site often and left encouraging comments. She sent me my very first donation. Danielle's supportive attitude helped me more than she'll ever know. She helped me build confidence in my decision to pursue writing, and caused me to realize how I was finally on the right track.

#10 - My own 10 Reasons It Doesn't Pay To Be "The Computer Guy"

For demonstrating that people enjoy the things that I write. After publishing my "Computer Guy" article, its popularity skyrocketed overnight. Until then, I had never written anything that gained such attention. To me, the immediate reaction I received from this single article was proof that I had a talent for writing.

Again, I'd like to extend my thanks to the authors. Thanks for sharing your advice, inspiration, and encouragement.

Chances are, some of these articles won't affect you the same way they affected me. I believe that's to be expected, since we're all different people.

The fascinating thing is, everyone has their own "gems of the Internet" just waiting to be discovered.

Think about it. Life-altering advice exists online. Advice to help you get out of debt, leave a dead-end relationship, or whatever type of self-improvement you can possibly imagine. All you need to do is consciously seek it out.

You'll know once you've discovered it. The advice will resonate with you, inspire you, and maybe even change your life.

http://www.lifereboot.com/2007/10-articles-that-changed-my-life/

Hi, my name is...

2007-07-19T23:11:00.000+08:00

While flipping through the newspaper recently, I came across a news article about Ning Baizura getting married. Another celebrity marriage, you say. Right... What caught my eye wasn't the news about her nuptial. It was a name. I'm referring to her new beau's name. What's interesting was how long it is! OMAR SHARIF CHRISTOPHER LAYTON DALTON. Don't try pronouncing it with your mouth full, you may just choke and die!

The guy is English (I think) and of course, has converted to Islam (a pre-req in this country!) As tradition goes, got to change name lah (though at present, I understand, the rules have changed somewhat regarding names) A few questions come to mind :

1. Why in the world would you want to name yourself after a movie star of yesteryear that is synonymous with some of the greatest classics ever made? It's not like he's from Timbuktu, never watched telly and can claim ignorance. But come on...OMAR SHARIF!??

2. I wonder there was enough little boxes in his application form for spouse visa with the Immigration Department...

3. When they procreate eventually, the resulting offspring will have an even tougher time with filling forms...imagine this 'Sharifah Maya Shereena bt. Omar Sharif Christopher Layton Dalton'!

4. Have you ever wondered how many spaces are there in your MyKad for a person's name? Will they issue you 2 MyKads in case the name does not fit into the name column...(IC 1 : Sharifah Maya Shereena binti (bersambung), IC 2 : (disambung) Omar Sharif Christopher Layton Dalton)

...and the list of questions goes on and on...

But seriously...what's in a name? Apart from the obvious, it is a very personal thing and yet we do not seem to have any choice over. We merely inherit the name given to us by our parent (pray that you have a clever set of parents). Some unfortunate ones have to live with such enormous pressure of answering to an embarrassing name that borders being obscene. You can understand why the guy at the corner of the waiting area in a bank refuses to answer when the clerk shouts out loud, 'Chow Chee Bai' (smelly cunt). He wish he could just shrivel up and die!

So for those who actually have a choice in naming yourself, choose wisely. I'm of course referring to Islamic converts. Yes...yes...choose a name with great meaning that reflects who you are/or want to be (whichever tickles your fancy). Yaadah, yaadah, yaadah... But it seems that there's more to consider if you happen to be a Chinese Muslim convert. Like :

1. Will you keep the name given to you by your parents? (Most parents find it unfilial of you if you abandon it) Ancestral curse, family shame and threats of being disowned aside, this can potentially be really messy.

2. But my dad's name is Cheong Fatt Choy, not Abdullah... (again, I'm told the regulation regarding this has changed but it's still a consideration.)

3. The eventual offspring...errr...what to name him/her? Can have Chinese name ah? Got bin/binti whatever at the back ah? Can him/her carry the dad's family surname ah? Ah? Ah?

Possible permutations :

1. Maya Karina Chong Fatt-Tze bt. Muammar Gadafi Chong Lan Si
2. Maya Karina Chong Fatt-Tze bt. Muammar Gadafi Chong
3. Maya Karina Chong bt Muammar Gadafi Chong
4. Maya Karina bt Muammar Gadafi
5. Maya Karina Chong Fatt-Tze
6. Maya Karina Chong

Hmmmm....personally, I prefer option 5 from the lot. Then they will be those who will say, 'Itu bukan nama Melayu' Errr...the resulting child will be mixed, so yeah...she is not Mah Lai to begin with, technically speaking. If it's a boy, well, then it'll be a little more testing.

So, does a name signals your race and decides how you will be treated in the future (regardless of how mixed up you are to begin with) or is it just a gift that a loving set of parents give to their child? Idealistically, I favour the latter but then you'll never know.

Important thing is, let the parents choose. Nobody else has any business in saying otherwise. You are not the one who will eventually have live with the name.

Heroes...

2007-07-19T11:59:00.000+08:00

Heroes....those that stood for a cause that inspired them to charge against all odds for the greater good. Unselfish, selfless, determined and a pillar of hope...

Well, that's the rose-tinted and idealistic version of it, of course. Sadly, there are some in this country who's definition of Heroes are a little monotone. Here's what happened recently in a meeting :

Buyer : I like your animated series...will like to buy it but can you change the title of the show?

Seller : Errr...what do you mean?

Buyer : We are buying the show through a political party. So, I think you should drop 'Wira' from the title.

Seller : What's wrong with the title? It's a show about Heroes of Independence.

Buyer : Yeah, I know... but you got Chinese and Indian personalities in it. So it's not apt.

Seller : Errr...(stunned silence)

In this day and age, callousness like this do exist. Politics and common respect doesn't seem to be good friends. What kind of a message does this Seller wants to perpetuate in this country? For me, it seems like unless you're a Malay, your contribution to this country, big or small, is not appreciated, let alone be recognised. History, it seems, are shaped by a process of elimination. Champion the popular ideal, no matter how skewed and subdue the rest. Suddenly, there's a caste system in place: the desirables vs. the undesirables.

Men and women of all ethnicity populate this wonderous land of ours. They toil and with their own blood, sweat and tears tend to this country. Yet, when it's time to shed a little appreciation for their effort, some party will like to stake the entire claim for it. It's not a matter of how much you've given for this country, it matters more if you belong to the right race.

Wake up people! Who in their right mind still plays the race card in this day and age? For a moment of racial pride, everything we have worked towards in creating harmony and strength by unity seems to be thrown out the window. People with these kind of conversations are but a small minority...but they tend to be the one who has the power to influence the masses with messages that they send.

I am always mindful of the power of communication. I work in the communications line. The material I produce are watched by all age groups and all segment of the population. And I've come across on many occasions, some material that I deem a little derogatory to race, gender and common decency. What kind of message am I perpetuating in participating in something like that? And almost everytime, I am able to change it for the better...almost everytime.

You out there...take a little time today, sit back, and think about what is it that you are perpetuating out there in the world. Are your actions advocating more fear, holding out and intolerance due to the differences in race...or are you in this together with everybody else.

You can make history...and heroes. Let's not have history make you.

Who are you?

2007-07-19T04:40:00.000+08:00

It's going to be a great celebration, we were told. As the nation approaches its 50th year of independence, it is a milestone in the country's achievement since gaining freedom, they extolled. Yes, we have one of the world tallest skyscraper and yes, we even have have a space programme (albeit too soon to know it's eventual fate).

But the question remains, who are we? Or a better question is, who have we become?

The idealistic views of our founding fathers about our great nation, sadly, have lost it's fire in the midst of today's rat race. Those people who risked everything in their struggle to gain us the freedom we enjoy today must be turning in their graves, for we have systematically diluted the spirit this country was founded upon.

What happened to striving for the greater good? What happened to equality? The introduction of a policy to close the economic gap between the races has spiralled out of control. What started as a noble idea has turned into a fiasco reeked with abuse. It has created more dependency rather than independence. Handouts, special privilieges and favours rules the day. And when it doesn't go their way....my God, you won't be able to hear the end of it. Like the powers that be owed it to them. And the worst part of it...the rich got richer, the poor stayed poor and the middle class, well, let's just say they are confused.

So, as we celebrate a milestone in our great nation's freedom, who do we want to identify ourselves with? A Malaysian or a Malay/Chinese/Indian/Dan Lain-Lain? 50 years is a long time but in the evolutionary timeline of great communities of the world, 50 years is just a bleep on the screen. We may have a long way to go before the people of this country will refer themselves without hesitation or doubt that they are Malaysian and proud of it. But how hard are we going to make it for ourselves? Time will tell but history has a way of not letting us forget.

Happy Birthday Malaysia from a proud Malaysian.