Monday, July 28, 2008

...And Academic Anthropical Atavism

Back to school. Back to school, to prove to Dad that I'm not a fool. I got my lunch packed up, my boots tied tight, I hope I don't get in a fight. Ohhhh, back to school. Back to school. Back to school. Well, here goes nothing.

I had a great first day back at school. Apart from the excessively cold weather, it was a good return. I got to sleep extensively this morning which is always a pleasure. In fact, I slept from 9pm the previous day through to 9am this morning. My early nap last night was a result from a messed up body clock caused by Nikki's party on Saturday night. Anyways a 12 hour nap combined with not having to be at school until 4pm is a great first day in my book.

I started the day with a mega breakfast comprised of two home made meat pies and strawberry jam toast. Sadly, this would be my last meal in a while, for the rest of the day I consumed just two muesli bars and a pack of chewing gum until my arrival back home at 7:30pm.

My arrival at school was an hour early since I'm not one to take any risks of late embarrassing arrivals. I hate being more than 5 minutes late to church (when I used to go), let alone late to the first lecture of school. Anyways when I approached the hallway to the lecture room, I went from my casual frowny look to an instant smile as I saw all my friends from last semester. A great relief because originally I thought I would be a lone wolf in my economics classes.

After 2 hours of economics, I already feel like I'm going to fail the subject. Apparently its a harder subject then Accounting, but I've got enough experience of school to have an awareness of the correct way to handle this subject.

Thankfully I get to sleep in tomorrow, considering I don't start until 6pm.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

...And Actors and Actresses Assessed

So I watched The Dark Knight last night. My desire to watch the movie really took care of itself. You're talking about a movie that surpassed Spider Man 3 at the box office in a million categories, surpassed The Godfather to be the #1 film on imdb.com and currently boasts a 94% on rotten tomatoes. When all these factors come into play, you really have no reason not to watch it, unless of course you're a *bleeping* idiot.

Bale was outstanding as usual. When you have Bale in a film, it's a definite given that the film will kick ass. I also think it's safe to say that Heath Ledger left with a bang, and I'm happy for him and the movie. His performance in terms of creepiness is right up there with Ed Harris in Just Cause and Jack Nicholson in The Shining. Obviously his role warranted a more versatile performance and I'm certain he nailed it. To highlight the passion he incorporates into this character, put it this way. If you were to watch The Dark Knight without knowing the cast and then later find out it was Heath Ledger playing the Joker, you'd think 'no way'.

While I'm on the subject of films, I figured I'd compile a list of my Top 10 films. I must say however that my Top 10 is always changing, so here is the current list. You'll notice that my list is missing foreign flavor, simply because I haven't had the opportunity to see any good foreign films. Either way, I encourage you to watch the accompanying youtube clips to get an insight to the films if you haven't already seen them.

My Top 10 films:

10. The Deer Hunter (1978) - Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, Meryl Streep.
A brilliant psychological film that focuses on how the Vietnam War affects the lifestyles of a group of industrial workers and their families. While this is a war movie, the movie emphasizes emotional stability rather than action. I repeat, it is not a shoot-em-up, but more a character driven piece. On initial viewing I thought the pre-war section was quite long, but eventually I realized it was important in establishing the build-up to what would become post-war or the 'result'.

Check out this clip showing 'part of' the Russian Roulette scene. Perhaps the most intense scene of the film.



9. American History X (1998) - Edward Norton, Edward Furlong
With the exception of his small role in The Italian Job, this film was my first exposure to Edward Norton and safe to say, he left me with a great 'second' impression. The film looks at a former neo-nazi skinhead's attempt to prevent his younger brother from going down the same path.

While I have all the respect in the world for Norton, I don't believe his later performances have matched the intensity and passion put into this film. His only other performance that comes close to his role in the film is his role as the alter boy in Primal Fear back in '96. Back on track, the movie provides the audience with a philosophical insight to the world of black and white. If there was one thing I disliked about the movie, it would be the ending, but for all the wrong reasons if you know what I mean.



8. Before Sunrise (1995) / Before Sunset (2004) - Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
Yes that's right people, I'm a fan of romantic dramas as well. If you don't like it, then you can go to hell. I put these two films together as one because they are basically one whole film if you combine them. Before Sunrise shows how a young man named Jesse (Hawke) meets a young woman (Delpy) in Europe. They end up spending the night together, forming a very special bond, unfortunately they both realize it may be their only night together. Before Sunset is set 9 years later in which the couple meet again on Jesse's book tour of France. Like the first film, this one day may be their only chance together.

The film does a great job of capturing a couple's adventure that has endured an 8 year gap. It shows how strong a couple can stand against the test of time. I must give props to both lead actors and their acting ability since the film features various one-take scenes that durate over 5 minutes. In fact, the average shot length is 10.1 minutes.

Why do I like this movie so much? It's simple. I'm attracted to the characters, to the extent that to this day I still carry hope that they're going to make a 3rd film.



7. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) - Gene Wilder
This film perhaps pretty much sums up my whole childhood. It's been years since I last watched this film, but I remember it as if I watched it only an hour ago. In fact I must have watched it at least 30 times up to now, it's that good. Watching it all those years ago, I was green with envy of those kids that got to be surrounded by all that candy even if it only a film.



6. American Psycho (2000) - Christian Bale, William Dafoe.
While I haven't read the book, and I doubt I ever will, I thoroughly enjoyed this film, particularly Bale's performance. Bale plays a wealthy New York banking executive named Patrick Bateman who secretly carries a psychopathic alter-ego, eventually unveiling this alternate ego upon his co-workers and friends. Bale's talent is clearly evident in this film, with his artificial yet accurate American accent despite being from Wales, as well as his ability to demonstrate different personalities. Defoe is also great as the cop who is investigating whether Bateman was behind the murders or not.

One of my favorite scenes:


5. Police Story (1985) - Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung
This would have to be pinned down as my favorite Jackie Chan film, and its a shame his later movies are unparalled to the genius of this film. Jackie Chan shows us his versaility in this film by not being the lead, but also the director. I'll be honest though, I'm guilty of watching Jackie Chan films for only the action. Police Story however contains a great script, and magnificent acting of a Spielberg or Scorcese standard. The scene where Chan is about to be arrested by his own police force is the single most intense acting I have seen from Chan. The film has been an inspiration for other action movies as well. For example, the scene in Bad Boys II where they drive through the shack village was taken from Police Story.

Check out one of the greatest fight sequences ever. They eventually nick-named this movie 'Glass Story' because of so much glass used.



4. Die Hard (1988) - Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman
Over the decades we have been blessed with many entertaining action flicks, including Predator, Under Siege and Hard Target, but this film definitely takes the cake.



3. Memento (2000) - Guy Pearce, Carrie-Ann Moss
This is the film that truly exposed director Christopher Nolan to the film industry. Since then, he has gone on to direct Batman Begins, The Prestige and The Dark Knight, which most would consider to be as brilliant. Director Nolan was also responsible for the screenplay of this film.

Guy Pearce plays Leonard Shelby, a man suffering from short-term memory loss. Under his condition, he uses notes and tattoos to find out the people who murdered his wife. This movie is confusing upon first viewing. At first I was trying to figure out whether Teddy was a good guy or bad guy, but after a couple more watches, I understand everything now.

For a low budget film, this film truly is fantastic. Original as well.



2. The Cure (1995) - Brad Renfo (R.I.P)
This is another one of those films I watched many times as a kid. The film looks at Dexter, an 11 year old with AIDS who befriends his older and much bigger neighbor Eric. The pair become best friends and go on an adventure to look for a cure for Dexter's illness.

I don't care how much of a man you are when you watch this film. If you don't at least shed a little tear at the end of the film, there's truly something wrong with you.

Here is the first 9 minutes of the film. The whole movie is available on youtube.




... now for my number one film that has always been my number one

...

... number one by a longshot

...

... I based my first ever HSC assessment task on this movie, and I FAILED with a mark of 7/15.

...

... BUT it's still my favorite film of all time.

...

... It is ...

...

...

...

1. Stand By Me (1986) - Jerry O'Connel, River Pheonix (R.I.P)
This film really needs no introduction. I don't care how old it is, you should have at least seen it at one point in your life. If not, shame on you and keep reading.

I first watched this film when I was 3 or 4 years old. I eventually bought the VHS and I still enjoy it on every viewing. Everything about this movie is perfect. Story, casting, acting, heck even the soundtrack is ace. Great performances from such a young bunch of actors including a young Jerry O'Connel, River Pheonix, Keifer Sutherland and John Cusack.

The film centres on a man's reflection of his boyhood, particularly a journey he undertook with 3 other friends in a quest to find a missing body. Within minutes, we are engaged in his reflection as we follow the footsteps from home all the way to the discovery of the missing body. The train dodge scene will go down as one of my favorite scenes in a film.

I've seen this film too many times, enough to be able to recite all dialogue.

Here are the first few minutes of the film.



Thanks for reading ! I encourage you to see these films if you have not already done so.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

...And An Assuasive Arrangement

Ok. Let's see.

  • Uni starts in a week.
  • I have no car until Thursday.
  • Wanting to watch The Dark Knight because Bale is God.
  • In urgent need of a Programming textbook. Any givers?
  • I can no longer write insightful blog posts.
It's 12:30 in the morning and I'm in no mood to write up a long post, so rather I will share with you a list of songs that I found very calming. I could name trillions of songs, but I'll mention the 10 that come to mind.

Final Fantasy X Piano Collection - Besaid Island - A great piece that I underestimated when I first heard it years ago. I only started listening to it again this year, and I realize what great melodies the piece contains.



Final Fantasy X Piano Collection - Via Purifico - I fell in love with this piece on initial listen, enough to attempt to learn a few bars on piano.



Zero 7 - Destiny - I first heard this song one night on Channel V's Night Shift segment back in Year 9. Come to think of it, that was the last time Channel V was ever great. A very calming song with amazing female leads. The video clip is a piece of art too.



Kenny G - By The Time This Night Is Over - Don't hate on this man people. An undeniably talented musician. His 1992 album 'Breathless' is probably the best thing in my house at the moment. Not only that, but he looks hell of a lot like former Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman.




Massive Attack - Teardrop - No need for an explanation. You should already know this song.



Mista - Blackberry Molasses - While this same came out while I was still in Kindergarten, I only came across this song a couple years ago, and its slowly risen to become one of my favorites. It features a young Bobby Valentino on lead with very laid back beats. Check it.



Floetry - Getting Late - I don't know how I came across this song, but dammit I'm glad I did. This is real music.



A Tribe Called Quest - Bonita Applebum - Ok most ATCQ songs are calming and have the best laid back beats, but this one takes the cake. Electric Relaxation is probably their most recognized song, but it has nothing on this. Long live the tribe.




Donkey Kong Country - Aquatic Ambience - Before I explain this song, I just want to say that Donkey Kong Country for the Super Nintendo is without a doubt the best game I've ever played. I used to play this game 24/7 with my older sister before I was even in school. As for the song itself, this is the the theme used for water levels. It is just atmospheric and beautiful.



And last but not least...

Agalloch - Falling Snow - To be honest, all Agalloch songs are calming, despite the compelling dark atmosphere that they carry. This song however is the cream of the crop. In the video, 7:27 and onwards is probably the most beautiful tune I have heard in my life. This song is just epic greatness.

Monday, July 14, 2008

...And Accounting Abortive

What up people. Life hasn't changed one bit since the last blog entry. I'm still my inactive jobless self with messy hair.

Ok so uni results came out today. No holding back. All will be revealed.

Managing People and Organisations - Credit - 71%
Accounting for Business - Fail - 35%
Communications for IT - Distinction - 81%
Information Systems - Credit - 69%.

Give it to me.

Meanwhile, I've managed to watch 4 seasons of Entourage in 6 days. Great series. Can't wait until Season 5.

Monday, July 7, 2008

...And Absent-Mindedness Appears

Throughout the weekend I watched the entire first season of 30 Rock. While it's not entirely the most entertaining show, at least not as much as Two and a Half Men or Friends, it still has its moments. I'm currently a few episodes into the second season, and thankfully they are shooting a 3rd season which is scheduled to premiere later in October. I could easily give you many reasons to watch 30 Rock, but realistically I only need two. Number one, Alec Baldwin. Number two, Katrina Bowden. Have a taste of 30 Rock.



Today I unecessarily woke up at 6am to prepare for what I imagined would be a long day in the city. I headed off to uni courtesy of Brent for transport which I am greatful for, especially now that petrol prices are totally bollox, so bollox that I haven't bothered to refill in over 3 weeks. After dropping Nikki off to her marketing exam, Brent and I walked down to Capital Square post office so that I could post off an overdue eBay item.

I then paid a visit to Building 10 to apply for a student ID replacement which I happily received within a matter of seconds upon applying. No more paying extra for public transport now. While I was at Building 10, I retrieved my recently marked Communications assignment, just barely scraping into the High Distinction zone with a mark of 85%.

After getting my assignment, we still had an hour to kill until Nikki finished her exam, so Brent and I played ping-pong at UTS. We played a total of 6 games, the two of us winning 3 each. Eventually Nikki met up with us and then we bought some goods from the bakery and then we finally went off home.

Unfortunately for me, it is at this point where I lost my newly marked assignment I talked about earlier in this blog. I lost it in similar fashion to my mobile phone, where I put it on top of a surface, later leaving it there without realizing. In this case, on our way back to Brents car, I put my assignment on top of his car so that I could have a drink of Apple Juice, and then we left the carpark, forgotting that I had placed my assignment on his car. Right now my assignment is lieing somewhere in Market City carpark.

On the way home we passed by Plumpton shops for a much needed toilet break, and then passed by Det's for a little bit, until Brent finally dropped me home. I used the afternoon to spray paint a pair of yellow shoes that I had lying around to a wearable white-cream color. It's resting as I speak.

Before I end this post, I'd just like point out a music video I stumbled upon on youtube. It is one of the weirdest songs + videos I have ever laid eyes on. It is right up there with Aphex Twin's 'Windowlicker'.



It's a song called 'Tastes Like Kevin Bacon' by a band called 'IWRESTLEDABEARONCE'. They are an experimental grindcore band featuring a female vocalist who has great singing range from piercing screams to hardcore to the singing reminiscent of the girl from Evanescence. I was wtf at 0:17 and and 2:22.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

...And Automotive Ammunition Abates

I have a lot of things I want to talk about in this blog entry, but I'm not going to talk about them. Uhmmm ... what? Basically, I say a lot of things that I say I'll do, but I don't end up doing them. Prominent Example. I promised myself this week that I would take it extremely easy on the petrol consumption, but sure enough I've managed to spoil the balance.

Today I spent the whole day with Kevin. He was given a day off work, and I don't even work, so when you add those two terms into the equation, you're given one great day. Our rendezvous was Mounty Westfield since he had to buy a DS Lite, and I had to cash in a cheque from Zinifex shares. Our stay at Mt. Druitt was limited because of my own selfishness, spawned by the absolute emptiness of a cesspool of a shopping center. I decided to quickly visit ShopSmart to see if Irregular Jeans Warehouse was still in business, but disappointingly its operations had ceased. Since Donut King was there, I decided to buy a donut dinosaur. I bought one with green icing. Now when you buy a treat with bright green icing, you expect it to taste out of this world. You expect a surprise. I was definitely surprised. I was surprised as to awful it was. The flavors were an offence to my taste buds. I might as well have ate mangled animal carcus, I can tell you that much. Worst $2.20 I've spent in quite some time.

After sharing my graphic review to the public, we decided to drive up to Blacktown to catch a movie. On the way there, Kevin used his phone to check what screening times were available. I seriously didn't know you could get your phone to do that. What will they think of next? We ended up watching Kung-Fu Panda, which I must say was better than expected. I couldn't imagine anyone else but Jack Black doing the voice of Po. Now that I've seen Kung-Fu Panda, I am now looking forward to Wall-E. Despite how recent it is, it is already #9 on the Top 250 films of imdb.com.

At around 2pm, we decided to drive up to Rouse Hill to get some churros. Since I shouted for the movies, Kevin shouted for the churros. We bought cinnamon churros with caramel dipping sauce which was bloody ownage. After Rouse Hill, we drove up to Kellyville to make a pit stop at Kevin's house so that I could borrow his can of white spray-paint for reasons to extreme to disclose. While I was there, I had a chat with Kevin's parents who I must say are the coolest parents out. They fill you with food and drinks like you've just come back from the Sahara.

After exhausting the capacity of my stomach, we went back to St. Clair where eventually Brent came over and told me about his new high-tech PC setup. Hopefully I'll get to see his new gear tomorrow ... rich bastard. At around 6pm, I picked Ana up and we went to John Paul's house for our youth meeting, which was very vocal and informative. Lots of ideas were exchanged which made for a very constructive meeting. We then had pizza thanks to JP's private chef. If I had my own chef that could cook as good as that, I'd never have to eat out.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

...And An All-Round Account

Just jumped fresh out of the shower, therefore I thought I'd write up another blog entry as a way of occupying myself while I wait for my hair to dry. I guess I'll use this blog as a way of summarising events that occured in the past 72 hours ... not that there's really anything exciting to recount on.

Last week was Det's 18th - while a great party it turned out to be, at the same time it was also a reunion for the St Marys people. I managed to enjoyed myself even though I was sitting in front of the outdoor heater playing with fire and blocks of coal for the majority of the evening. Apologies to Salih for immaturely pulling back his chair, resulting in him falling. The damage was returned when he pushed me and I broke one of Det's chairs.

On Tuesday I drove up to Parramatta to look for a certain pair of Lacoste shoes at Zero, but unfortunately they didn't have my size, so instead I drove back to Blacktown and bought it from the Zero there. I don't know why I didn't just buy it there in the first place. Later that day I went to Blacktown Workers Club with Shirley to play a much needed table tennis match. She completely dominated me. *eye rolling*. But yes, I intend on making an impact at the UTS ping-pong tables once the Spring semester commences. Using my membership card, I was able to get free drinks off the vending machines located on the gambling floor. The membership actually permits you to receive three free drinks per day. I opted for 3 hot chocolates.

Last night was the decider of the State of Origin series. I feel very sorry for Danny Buderus who was playing his final game for the blues. Not entirely the best way to leave the arena, but I'm sure his career will continue to blossom over in Englad. Like he said, there really wasn't much between the two sides, only the brilliance of Johnathan Thurston in the final quarter.

Today was a great day weather-wise. Actually, the whole week has delivered us great weather. Cold and sunny is the way I like it. Had a morning session of kicks with St. Clair boys and then a short game of 2 on 2 soccer, and then hung out at Jinno's after. Later in the evening I caught the train to Parra to meet up with Shirley, Veronica and Carmen to go shopping. In the end, everyone bought a piece of clothing except me. The only thing my money went to towards was dinner at Pho Pasteur, which is my 3rd dining there in as many weeks. I decided to order combination vegetable with beef and rice noodles. If it wasn't for the high amounts of sauce they put, the meal would have been good, but instead I was left with a soggy plate. On the bright side, I saw Michelle eating there as well, whom I haven't seen in a long time.

Tomorrow I believe I am hanging out with Kevin at Mounty County and maybe catch a movie. Feel free to invite yourself if you're reading. If not then I guess I can start watching the 30 Rock seasons I got from Jinno. Katrina Bowden = WIN.


Well my hair is dry so I guess its time for bed.


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