Read the book, watch the movie? OR
Watch the movie, read the book? OR
Read the book, don't watch the movie? OR
No need to read the book, it'll be a movie one day...
I was not too engrossed while watching the movie. I am talking about The Da Vincci Code film here. It was not 100% by the book, but it was... okay. Three out of five stars, I think. It's something like staying in Crystal Crown JB, the food was very nice, but the room was so-so. I don't know what's wrong with the movie, but it was just not engaging enough.
Throughout the movie, I noticed my legs getting the cramps (TGV should upgrade their seats...), I had the inclination to chat with my friend, I kept on looking all around the cinema, looked at the people, the fact that some were leaving made it worse. I was not glued to the screen. Maybe it was because I've read the book. But, I read LOTR before I went to watch the movie, I was... entranced. So, it couldn't be because of the reading. Thus the three blinking stars for The Code.
I'm sure most of you have watched the movie. To those who have not, I don't recommend the movie if you're not a fan with "talking" movie, because you have to listen to a lot of facts/fictions and arguments. Oh... but I applaud the way the facts were presented, because they have some sort of flashback to accompany the story. That was nice. A good way of presenting facts without making the audience bored. Anyway, I suggest to read the book first.
Hmm... Next movie is X-Men III.
May 24, 2006
May 20, 2006
Lite Read
Life at its core.
I just finished this book. The book was published in 2004. It just so happen it's the only book that looked interesting amongst the others on the shelf in the bookstore at the airport. So to kill time, I just pick it and paid. Didn't cost that much anyway.
It actually reminded me those times when I actually enjoyed dipping my hands in soild, planting shrubs and stuff. I used to have 12 pots of roses. Different colours. They were beautiful. But I guess, pouring too much love and time on them was not a good move. Well, besides the not-so-suitable weather and my unwillingness to use pesticide.
I still help my mum with the planting now and again, but I never really spend my time gardening anymore. It was too heart wrenching when looking at my 'children' dying slowly. I should've sticked to the normal flowers instead of taking my chances with roses, eh? But then.. life won't be so interesting if you don't take risks, will it?
Back to the book. The telling is pretty straight forward, nothing dramatic about the story line, just a simple tale about everyday people. About making mistakes and patching it up. About greed and how kindness prevails. It's a light reading without twist and turn.
How is everyone, by the by?
May 19, 2006
The paranoia of being... DIFFERENT
WARNING: LENGTHY POST
This is a disease amongst our people. It's just so sad when we have layers of people living together, in what we hope a harmonious nation.
Last Tuesday, I watched a re-run of Oprah. It was a show in 2004, featuring the casts from Ladder 49, two fire fighters who saved their fellow fire-eater (also present) and a memory tribute to a 10 yr old boy who died of a rare muscular disease and was buried with honour. There were no dry eyes in that show. I know mine were not.
At the end of the show, I wonder again, why are there so many hatred and distrust amongst different races and religions? When all religion preaches peace and love. When we all believe in the power of God.
I am ashamed to admit that there are people who are very close to me who do not have easy tolerance towards other races and religions. Even when we believe that ours is one true religion, the others have the same stand on their believes as well. So, how are we actually different from each other?
Let's not talk about people who change their beliefs. Any family members would have the same reaction when one of theirs decided to shift their lifestyle. Anyone would be hurt by it. Let's not go there, for this post is not spiritual in nature.
Let's talk about our similarities. We want peace. We believe in love. We are so very much alike in so many ways, especially emotionally. Because these are feelings and every one of us know and recognise these.
Recently, there was a commotion up north. What are we so afraid of when people of different beliefs want to talk about religion tolerance? No one is asking us to change our religion, isn't it? If we are so scared of this open discussion, that means we do not have confidence in our stand and our own iman. Regardless what faith you believe in.
I read in the newspaper this morning, in the same state, the state education department sent out circular to schools to boycott one project that is to promote social respect and integration. One of the agenda is to tour the different streets in the state, as well as visiting the holy places of the different religions.
Also, earlier this month, an indie film was banned by a bunch of people who has never watched it. Who are they to make decision for the rest of the people? Do they think Malaysians are so stupid and closed-minded that we can't think for ourselves? Listen carefully, I WANT TO WATCH THE MOVIE!
We are living in a multi-racial, multi-lingual, multi-religion, multi-cultural society. And we are PROUD of it. We are PROUD TO BE MALAYSIANS because of these differences. We promote these differences to outsiders and foreigners to catch their attention, to bring them in, promoting our tourism industry and boosting our economy. But I do not see we're upholding these differences within our country. WHY?
Sometimes, I feel embarrassed looking at my elders. These people are so-called professionals, experts in their fields. And when I say "my elders" I am not only referring to Malay people. Heck, we are Malaysians. Our nationalities are the same, our race is just tracing back our heritage.
Oh, one politician had to resign because of "irreconcilable differences" (ehem) with the rest of his fellow party members. Just because he opted to be different that one time. What is going on here? You're in the hall representing the people. Where is the people's voice? I've always dislike (hate would be too strong a word) politics, and you, my elders, are not giving any good impression so far.
I have a lot to say. But is anybody listening? Or is this just, again, venting out my frustration? I'm calling out to the people of Malaysia. New breeds of Malaysians who are actually thinking outside of the box. People who are confident of their worth and have faith in their beliefs. People who do not mind being different and talk about those differences. SPEAK UP!
How much longer should we live in this kind of environment? To quote from V for Vendetta, the people should not be afraid of the government, the government should be afraid of the people. The group of people up north had proved that point, by illegally protesting and the police had to stop the conference. So, why can't people with better causes, meaningful fights stand up, speak up, do the same? Well... not illegally of course...
Once, newspaper used to be the power of the people's voice. Once, it was a medium to bring people together. Maybe I am asking for too much. Maybe I am dreaming of an ideal world. But I know, you know that difference can be made.
This is not a post to smash the government. Nor is it a post to uphold the oppositions. This is not political. I'm talking about paradigm shift here. Be more tolerant to differences. It doesn't kill you. In fact, it makes you a better person. God does not ask you to hate other religion. Bring them to our faith, yes, but with good examples, good behaviour. Muslims should know the meaning of wasatiah and live by it. God does not asked for extremism. Islam is a religion of peace. Why are we so keen to prove it otherwise?
We are after all Malaysians. Whoever our ancestors were. It's hard these days to actually say whether we're a pure Malay, pure Chinese, or pure Indian. We are the assimilated breeds. We are one of the other. The sooner we realise this, the sooner we accept that races are mainly heritage, the better. Being a Muslim does not make you a Malay, being Chinese does not mean you're a Buddhist, being Indian does not mean you do not have Malay blood in you.
Love and peace, all.
This is a disease amongst our people. It's just so sad when we have layers of people living together, in what we hope a harmonious nation.
Last Tuesday, I watched a re-run of Oprah. It was a show in 2004, featuring the casts from Ladder 49, two fire fighters who saved their fellow fire-eater (also present) and a memory tribute to a 10 yr old boy who died of a rare muscular disease and was buried with honour. There were no dry eyes in that show. I know mine were not.
At the end of the show, I wonder again, why are there so many hatred and distrust amongst different races and religions? When all religion preaches peace and love. When we all believe in the power of God.
I am ashamed to admit that there are people who are very close to me who do not have easy tolerance towards other races and religions. Even when we believe that ours is one true religion, the others have the same stand on their believes as well. So, how are we actually different from each other?
Let's not talk about people who change their beliefs. Any family members would have the same reaction when one of theirs decided to shift their lifestyle. Anyone would be hurt by it. Let's not go there, for this post is not spiritual in nature.
Let's talk about our similarities. We want peace. We believe in love. We are so very much alike in so many ways, especially emotionally. Because these are feelings and every one of us know and recognise these.
Recently, there was a commotion up north. What are we so afraid of when people of different beliefs want to talk about religion tolerance? No one is asking us to change our religion, isn't it? If we are so scared of this open discussion, that means we do not have confidence in our stand and our own iman. Regardless what faith you believe in.
I read in the newspaper this morning, in the same state, the state education department sent out circular to schools to boycott one project that is to promote social respect and integration. One of the agenda is to tour the different streets in the state, as well as visiting the holy places of the different religions.
Also, earlier this month, an indie film was banned by a bunch of people who has never watched it. Who are they to make decision for the rest of the people? Do they think Malaysians are so stupid and closed-minded that we can't think for ourselves? Listen carefully, I WANT TO WATCH THE MOVIE!
We are living in a multi-racial, multi-lingual, multi-religion, multi-cultural society. And we are PROUD of it. We are PROUD TO BE MALAYSIANS because of these differences. We promote these differences to outsiders and foreigners to catch their attention, to bring them in, promoting our tourism industry and boosting our economy. But I do not see we're upholding these differences within our country. WHY?
Sometimes, I feel embarrassed looking at my elders. These people are so-called professionals, experts in their fields. And when I say "my elders" I am not only referring to Malay people. Heck, we are Malaysians. Our nationalities are the same, our race is just tracing back our heritage.
Oh, one politician had to resign because of "irreconcilable differences" (ehem) with the rest of his fellow party members. Just because he opted to be different that one time. What is going on here? You're in the hall representing the people. Where is the people's voice? I've always dislike (hate would be too strong a word) politics, and you, my elders, are not giving any good impression so far.
I have a lot to say. But is anybody listening? Or is this just, again, venting out my frustration? I'm calling out to the people of Malaysia. New breeds of Malaysians who are actually thinking outside of the box. People who are confident of their worth and have faith in their beliefs. People who do not mind being different and talk about those differences. SPEAK UP!
How much longer should we live in this kind of environment? To quote from V for Vendetta, the people should not be afraid of the government, the government should be afraid of the people. The group of people up north had proved that point, by illegally protesting and the police had to stop the conference. So, why can't people with better causes, meaningful fights stand up, speak up, do the same? Well... not illegally of course...
Once, newspaper used to be the power of the people's voice. Once, it was a medium to bring people together. Maybe I am asking for too much. Maybe I am dreaming of an ideal world. But I know, you know that difference can be made.
This is not a post to smash the government. Nor is it a post to uphold the oppositions. This is not political. I'm talking about paradigm shift here. Be more tolerant to differences. It doesn't kill you. In fact, it makes you a better person. God does not ask you to hate other religion. Bring them to our faith, yes, but with good examples, good behaviour. Muslims should know the meaning of wasatiah and live by it. God does not asked for extremism. Islam is a religion of peace. Why are we so keen to prove it otherwise?
We are after all Malaysians. Whoever our ancestors were. It's hard these days to actually say whether we're a pure Malay, pure Chinese, or pure Indian. We are the assimilated breeds. We are one of the other. The sooner we realise this, the sooner we accept that races are mainly heritage, the better. Being a Muslim does not make you a Malay, being Chinese does not mean you're a Buddhist, being Indian does not mean you do not have Malay blood in you.
Love and peace, all.
May 18, 2006
Lo and Behold!
You are the Curious Faerie. You're always wondering what's going to happen next, what's happened before, that sometimes you miss what's going on now. You can almost always be found with your nose deep inside your latest book.
Wings: Black and dark blue
Power: Knowledge
Sexual appeal: You are a bookworm; sometimes obsessively. But luckily for you, many guys think this is very cute seeing as you can sometimes be oblivious to what's going on around you when you're wrapped up in a book.
What you look for in a guy: You aren't really picky about what guy you have. You want to discover as much about him as you possibly can; no matter who your man is, as long as he respects you, you will definitely be a very close couple.
Take this quiz
Jade says: Bloody hell! I sound so boring! But... it is me...
The paranoia of being... ALONE
What is it about being on your own scares the hell out of you? And I am not talking about being alone physically. We really can't stand being alone emotionally, can we?
All our lives, as we grew up to be where we are now, do what we're hackling now, we were told that we need to go to school, get good results so that we can go to that posh boarding school and later we'll get better chance to go to good universities, and graduate magna cum laude. And much later we'll get married and have a bunch of kids.
The fact that our path had been planned before hand is a wonder. The fact that most of us actually follow that path is a norm. Because it's a well walked trail. The outcome is expected and most welcomed. Because it's the path to "true success". The fact that sometimes, not of all us could walk on that same road because we encounter road blocks and have to retract our steps is terrifying. The fact that it might mean... failure.
I found myself to be in this path. Where I have to retract and move on. And this all started when I first broke up with my high school sweetheart. It was the ultimate shocker. I have had an easy life, pretty much predictable life, for almost twenty years. The broke up shook the lovely cloud I was in and I was knocked back to reality. And things were never the same again after that. And my life has been a rollercoaster ride eversince.
No, I'm not complaining. It's just that, I used to see where I was going. I used to be able to accept what happen to me, just because I know for sure it is supposed to happen. Pretty boring, I know. But it was safer. It was easier.
Now, basically, I go with the flow. I have been, eversince that tearful day, realising that my life will never be the same again, and I will never be with that person I cared for. Heartbreak is something that I could not avoid. I remember the saying, "Live like you're going to live forever, Sing like nobody is listening, Dance like nobody is looking, Pray like you're going to die tomorrow". But there are still so much more that I want to do that I haven't done. And I plan to get to them as soon as I can.
One fact remains, my emotional glass is half full. The half that is filled up are my family and friends. I am still waiting for the day where, ehem, that special someone will help to fill the other... quarter. (Of course the glass can never be full, but that's a metaphor to be discussed another day.) Now, why am I not patient to wait for this person to come along? Why do I subject myself to failed relationships when I know it's doomed from the beginning? Is it because I'm so pathetic that I need that attention eventhough I know its short life span? Or is it because of the pleasure of the company and knowing for that moment there's someone I can count on? Or is it really, really because I'm paranoid of being... alone.
Hmm.. I've had this one relationship that I spent almost 4 years of my life, just because. I was prepared to even settle down, just because. But, I had my doubts. So, I prayed to God, that if this is the one, just make it happen smoothly and if it's not the one, kick me in the backside before I make the big decision. The relationship was never smooth. I subjected myself to emotional abuse, my self esteem was pulled down to zero. Maybe even had negative values at times. But I stayed.
We were in the midst of discussing of... ehem... engagement, when one morning I woke up with no feelings at all. No sadness, no happiness, no hatred and... no love. Just blank. And a very, very clear mind. My prayer was answered. I could not imagine myself spending the rest of my life with someone who has no respect for my feelings, my intelligence and my worth, but commanded full respect and love in return. Like duhh.
Eversince that, I'm thinking of myself first, and maybe because of that harrowing experience, it made me more... selfish. And maybe, because of that I'm still on my own.
I guess, what I'm trying to say, is that I'm tired of being alone. But I wonder if I should take the plunge just because. Well... not that I have any offers... it's just that I believe what you feel inside conveys the message to the outside world. And if you're not ready for it to happen, it will not, because your vibes are sending messages out for people to stay away from you. Huisshh... that sounds so... distressing. But then again, truth, most often than not, is always emotionally boggling.
So... what is my conclusion after all the babbling up there...? Hmm.. The fact that we are not brave enough to be alone is true. The fact that the people around you are spreading the love, but you're still the same is a bit... frightening. The fact that there are so much more to do, than rant about not having someone to lean on. Now Jade, stop the nonsense and get things done.
Ciao people.
All our lives, as we grew up to be where we are now, do what we're hackling now, we were told that we need to go to school, get good results so that we can go to that posh boarding school and later we'll get better chance to go to good universities, and graduate magna cum laude. And much later we'll get married and have a bunch of kids.
The fact that our path had been planned before hand is a wonder. The fact that most of us actually follow that path is a norm. Because it's a well walked trail. The outcome is expected and most welcomed. Because it's the path to "true success". The fact that sometimes, not of all us could walk on that same road because we encounter road blocks and have to retract our steps is terrifying. The fact that it might mean... failure.
I found myself to be in this path. Where I have to retract and move on. And this all started when I first broke up with my high school sweetheart. It was the ultimate shocker. I have had an easy life, pretty much predictable life, for almost twenty years. The broke up shook the lovely cloud I was in and I was knocked back to reality. And things were never the same again after that. And my life has been a rollercoaster ride eversince.
No, I'm not complaining. It's just that, I used to see where I was going. I used to be able to accept what happen to me, just because I know for sure it is supposed to happen. Pretty boring, I know. But it was safer. It was easier.
Now, basically, I go with the flow. I have been, eversince that tearful day, realising that my life will never be the same again, and I will never be with that person I cared for. Heartbreak is something that I could not avoid. I remember the saying, "Live like you're going to live forever, Sing like nobody is listening, Dance like nobody is looking, Pray like you're going to die tomorrow". But there are still so much more that I want to do that I haven't done. And I plan to get to them as soon as I can.
One fact remains, my emotional glass is half full. The half that is filled up are my family and friends. I am still waiting for the day where, ehem, that special someone will help to fill the other... quarter. (Of course the glass can never be full, but that's a metaphor to be discussed another day.) Now, why am I not patient to wait for this person to come along? Why do I subject myself to failed relationships when I know it's doomed from the beginning? Is it because I'm so pathetic that I need that attention eventhough I know its short life span? Or is it because of the pleasure of the company and knowing for that moment there's someone I can count on? Or is it really, really because I'm paranoid of being... alone.
Hmm.. I've had this one relationship that I spent almost 4 years of my life, just because. I was prepared to even settle down, just because. But, I had my doubts. So, I prayed to God, that if this is the one, just make it happen smoothly and if it's not the one, kick me in the backside before I make the big decision. The relationship was never smooth. I subjected myself to emotional abuse, my self esteem was pulled down to zero. Maybe even had negative values at times. But I stayed.
We were in the midst of discussing of... ehem... engagement, when one morning I woke up with no feelings at all. No sadness, no happiness, no hatred and... no love. Just blank. And a very, very clear mind. My prayer was answered. I could not imagine myself spending the rest of my life with someone who has no respect for my feelings, my intelligence and my worth, but commanded full respect and love in return. Like duhh.
Eversince that, I'm thinking of myself first, and maybe because of that harrowing experience, it made me more... selfish. And maybe, because of that I'm still on my own.
I guess, what I'm trying to say, is that I'm tired of being alone. But I wonder if I should take the plunge just because. Well... not that I have any offers... it's just that I believe what you feel inside conveys the message to the outside world. And if you're not ready for it to happen, it will not, because your vibes are sending messages out for people to stay away from you. Huisshh... that sounds so... distressing. But then again, truth, most often than not, is always emotionally boggling.
So... what is my conclusion after all the babbling up there...? Hmm.. The fact that we are not brave enough to be alone is true. The fact that the people around you are spreading the love, but you're still the same is a bit... frightening. The fact that there are so much more to do, than rant about not having someone to lean on. Now Jade, stop the nonsense and get things done.
Ciao people.
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