Twice as much ain't twice as good

This week has been very busy for me, I joined the company at the time where we are very much having our campaigns, promotions and what nots. Have exhausted my full tank in just 4 days from too much comuting from Bandar Utama, Bangsar, Klang and Shah Alam. Weekend's great, had another "too-much-to-drink-session" at a friend's place. Saturday's great too, watched The Love Guru with my parents in MV, I know its wrong to watch this movie with parents.

I've watched Death Race, and I shall review about it (don't worry - no spoilers)

To begin, this movie has a very limited development of characters, a very clear cut and simple plot, one dimensional characters, and predictable ending. Nevertheless, these are the aspects of a success formula for money generating movies. Not award winning material, obviously. Basically, high EFX budget, modern camera angle, perfect for high weekend grosses. Also, not cult material.

However, single dimensional roles has given very clear cut responsibilities for each actors. The bad guys are obvious, and the good guys easily noticeable. This has given the opportunity for the actors to be good at their roles, but very bad for Jason Statham. Jason is definitely a very good actor (albeit his very static expressions) but unfortunately, he never get good movies to shine on. But he is every production company's money maker. Tyrese Gibson also acted well as a racer whose desperate to set loose from prison. Robin Shou (of Mortal Kombat fame) also made appearance as a asian prisoner/driver but as usual, in American movies, Asians die fast.

Everything flows smoothly in the movie, Natalie Marinez plays the beatiful and dangerous side kick, Ian Mc Shane plays the mentor, and of course a few mobs add up to the adrenaline rush. Movie has a rather straight beginning up towards the end. With a "bash-em-up" theme behind the movie, the makers of the movie has set a very straight line in managing viewers emotion to the character and the storyline. A very 80s Jackie Chan story line style.

But Jason Statham fans would remind us, no one can be as cool as Jason but himself.

A good watch for the weekend, also, for such a power packed movie, for god's sake, watch in a THX cineplex.

P/s: I was taught to manage my expectations, so I know enough not to put high hopes, and just to enjoy it

***

I know I've asked many questions, stupid ones (but definitely made all of yous think for a minute or two, no?) and I'm going to ask yet another one. If you have watched any shows, well more usually, chinese series, dead grand parents or family members sometimes make appearance in dreams, or in the afterlife, or posessing a medium.

The past month was in the lunar calendar, the hungry ghost month. In Taoist temples, when we have ceremonies to chant for our elders in the underworld, it is often believed that their souls are set free and wander close to their family members. My father recently presented offerings to my grandparents on one of the nights when their souls return to their family. During such events, a medium will be around to "communicate" with the afterlife and convey the message to the respective family member. So my father was told that my grandparents are happy in the after world and have received enough food and money from my family.

It made me wonder, that when we always watch on the TV, when you are dead and your soul travels to the after world, they remain in the condition they were right before their demise. But I was wondering, my grandmother died with alzheimer, and before she died, she had already forgotten all of us, so if that's the case, how could she remember us, and said that we offered enough contributions? Sometimes, I don't wanna believe in spirits and all, but time and time again, Science failed me. And guys, TVB also failed us in explaining things like this.

***

Dear guys, soon enough, after putting the "buy-julian-a-key-chain" sidebar, I am going to also include my wishlist on the sidebar. Ok, I'm not that thick skin to ask all of you's to buy anything for me, cos I know the only thing I am gonna get are key chains. The reason I wanna put it in is to have some of you to tell me when and where can I get them. Cheap and nice.

Ok, I have a few things I want to buy, but I think I'm gonna need a bag more this time. What kind of bag? I don't know yet, maybe a messenger bag, duffel bag or a tote. These are the things I wanna put in the bag:

An Inspiron 1420 lap top ( Buying soon, got a good deal!

My Creative Zen Vision: M

Kodak C763 ( purchased )

My 1 GB Flash Drive

My Nokia 5300

And of course, my note book and a pen

Some lozenges

And of course, a hand sanitizer

I really like a tote bag, looks really classy. I'd like a bag where I can put my essentials and to bring around all the time with me. So if you see a nice cheap one, do let me know cos I don't wanna splurge on luxury items, like a stupid lousy vuitton bag, or a dumbhill bag. I don't believe in spending twice the price for a bag when you can buy it at half the price. I mean I'm in the marketing line, but I'm definitely not a believer of super over rated brand names. Maybe cos I'm in a different line. I still have faith in smart shoppers.

Nothing's ever promised tomorrow today

Last Thursday, my boss wanted me to experience how a TVC is shot for one of our brand. Basically a 101 of how the ad agency, production crews, the talents, work together to get the TVC done. And before we have been brief the process of getting the story boards, offline and online acceptance, and what not.

The shot was done in Monash campus (Its a really really nice campus) and at the end of the day, what I experienced was colleagues, managers and directors going crazy over the lead actor. Totally outshined his heroine. Haha. Some pictures down here.

(l-r) The lead guy and girl, Jessica and Me

But I have to say it is a damn good experience. I've experienced it once, when I was in a video clip but this time, the crew is massive. Oh by the way, the talents are Thais, Thai talents are chosen apparently because they are much cheaper than local talents, and they are better looking. Oh just for you girls information, the guy is Half Thai and French and he's just... 18.


And my usual gym updates:

max rep in 2 minutes each of: Pushups, pullups, tyre flips, rope skips, situps
my results: (47, 26, 18, 260, 65)

8 Rounds of 20 Seconds for pullup pushup situp squats
my results (57, 106, 77, 113)

100 sumo deadlift to high pulls, 21 thrusters, 15 pullups (for time)
75 SDHP, 18 thrusters, 12 pullups (for time)
50 SDHP, 15 thrusters, 9 pullups (for time)

My time:
9:13, 8:25, 5:45

***

My sister told me that this 27 Aug, some sort of eclipse is gonna happen, where a nearby planet will be side by side with the moon therefore making it look like there are two moons. According to her, this only happen once in a few million years.

Why do I hear this kind of happening every year stating that we will only be able to see that some sort of event once in a million years? It seems that there are endless things that are gonna happen for one time in a million years every year. Doesn't make sense, but it happens.

And of course, last but not least and never forgotten... Congratulations Su Yen on your graduation. And really hope to see you soon!

***

Nic: Are you going to church tomorrow?
Justyne: Yeah, see you tomorrow
Nic: Yeah, get to see big boobs tomorrow!
Julian: Wow! Can I go too? For the wrong reasons!
Nic: Come la, anyway you're still going church to admire god's creation what
Julian: Yeah, you're damn right!

Hahhaa.. yeah, only Nic can think of this...

And to be honest, 84.73% of the time, we only believe in religion, when we get ourselves into deep shit... like: Holy cow! I missed my deadline *starts chanting* (hoping that I won't get screwed by my boss!)... Judging by the society these days, this seems to be the trend.

And we'll recall when time runs out : "That it only took a moment to be loved a whole life long"

My weekly update...

My life in my new company has certainly been a very enlightening one. Life is very different and challenging now that I've moved on, and my responsibilities heavier. As one of my assignment, I've been chosen to lead in holding an event, and at the same time assisting in a few launches. To be honest, I'm in a total blur, but its only my second week, so I thought.. it should be ok. Being new to a different set of practice and cultures isn't always fun, cos it takes time to adapt.

For the assignment I had to go to Pantai Medical Centre to for some negotiation and this is what I found on the way up to the conference room:

I was like.. what the fuck?

Well last last week was the convo for a few of my close friends namely, Ah Liang, Wee Leong and Jiro. Its been awhile since I've been back to campus, so Ken, Victor and I decided to pay our campus a visit. Nothing's changed but it does bring back a lot of fond memories to me. Its funny how I miss those days but never really felt like going back again. I love my life now thats for sure.

Liang's graduation

Been drinking quite often lately (ok, guys, I'm slowly accepting this sin, ok?) not that I really like to drink, but more for social purposes. I'm starting to like Stout, though (Believed to have some health benefits). This weekend was Eva's birthday party so we celebrated at Titanium, which happened to have the "Jack Daniel's Global Battle Of The Bands" which kinda... suck big time. There were only maybe 20 people cheering.. max. But we had a great time... Eva and Liang got drunk... in which Liang eventually became sober after a dose of Claypot Loshifun. Oh its great to see Lilian too, its been quite awhile since I've seen you.. (I guess since new year's day). Anyway a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO EVA!

By the way, Alicia, thanks for the free movie, Wall-e's really good, but the Thai Food you ordered for me...sucked la! Next time I'll never leave the menu to you anymore! :P And I know I got no choice, but let me tell you, I don't like the cheesy-corny-cliched-scandalous-dumblonde-tak kena-highschoolmusical2! But don't worry I'll forcefully watch with you if you want to.

And in the past month, i kena MBPJ saman twice, police saman once, and lost my parking ticket once! Damn!

***

My usual gym diary!

Workout of the day 081508

3 Rounds of: 50 Double Unders, 50 Sumo Deadlifts @ 32kg, 50 Unanchored Situps (My time: 22:01)

My super saiya hair!

Workout of the Day "Jackie"

100 Sumo Deadlift to High Pull @ 20kg, 50 Thrusters @ 12kg, 30 Pull Ups (My time: 14:13)

I do, You Rest

You Do, I Rest

***

Here's a favourite of mine, originally composed and sang by Hoagy Carmichael but covered by a myriad of artist, but my favourite remains to be Nat King Cole's rendition of the song. Its called Stardust, a really beautiful jazz song.

And now the purple dusk of twilight time
Steals across the meadows of my heart
High up in the sky the little stars climb
Always reminding me that were apart
You wander down the lane and far away
Leaving me a song that will not die
Love is now the stardust
Of yesterday
The music
Of the years
Gone by

Sometimes I wonder why I spend
The lonely nights
Dreaming of a song.
The melody haunts my reverie
And I am once again with you.
When our love was new, and each kiss an inspiration.
But that was long ago, and now my consolation
Is in the stardust of a song.
Beside the garden wall, when stars are bright
You are in my arms
The nightingale tells his fairy tale
Of paradise where roses grew.
Though I dream in vain, in my heart you will remain
My stardust melody
The memory of loves refrain.

The nightingale tells his fairy tale of paradise where roses grew

Its been a real long while since I've had such fun, but you know, sometimes we just have to let loose. This will be one of those few times. It was a little crazy last night, but its been such a long long time that I was that stupid in public.

But I have to admit, its not really the place or the things we were doing that made my day. Its got to be all the people around. Cos the right people do make a difference in our lives. Thanks guys! Ahh.. Now that I've had so much fun, I'm so reluctant to go through the weekdays again.. hmmm.. oh well...

Anyway, ken, maybe you're right... why destroy the feeling of meeting a stranger by having any sort of contact.. After all, we looked so silly.

Old friends

Short lived

Oscar Wilde's

The Nightingale and the Rose

A nightingale overhears a student complaining that his professor's daughter will not dance with him, as he is unable to give her a red rose. The nightingale visits all the rose-trees in the garden, and one tells her that it can produce a red rose, but only if the nightingale is prepared to sacrifice her life to do so. Seeing the student in tears, the nightingale carries out the ritual, and impales herself on the rose-tree's thorn so that her heart's blood can stain the rose. The student takes the rose to the professor's daughter, but she again rejects him because another man has sent her some real jewels, and "everybody knows that jewels cost far more than flowers."

Everybody knows.

I'm coming back into your system!

Since I've started in Reckitt Benckiser, I haven't really been getting a fair share of online time. I've got no lap top and no internet connection now. The only chance is to go to the cyber cafe which is what I don't really like. The new company's cool, the people are really young and driven.. and what made me a little worried, people are really fast there.. Nothing bad there but it has been a one week of culture shock for me, knowing there's more days to come in the coming week and so on... Anyway, like what my former boss said, your life is gonna be more difficult, but thats gonna be a challenge I'm taking, if not now, someday I'll still have to.

Obviously, there are more chicks as well :p, nice office, big pantry, a strategic location, but all of it comes a big price to pay. A big commitment. Definitely different from what to expect in my old company, definitely an eye opener. Lets hope all is well for me!

Gonna spend this weekend nicely with my bunch of friends, with a couple of pints of Guiness Stout! Don't get me wrong... I am not an alcoholic, but more of a health drinker, which was why I've develop a liking for Stouts

Anyway some gym photos as usual!

The killing 30 muscle ups, which tore my palm skins

Our abs workout

The Push Press with Nigel C!

Sumo Deadlift to High Pulls!

The Pull Ups!

It takes alot to get home, But its ok when the light is always on

The inevitable... Never expected such an early departure... Well, I only live once... so Que Sera Sera.

The Thank you and Good Bye



The piece of paper which was waiting to be shredded and retired

The Jalangness of the guys.. priceless, really. Thank you all for the great times.

The only demotivation to go into my new company is that I don't have the security of working

with the best people around.. :)

The girls.. Well, the ecosystem needs a balance to work! :D

Dear All,

Today is my last day, A year have already passed me by. Through out my tenure in Nielsen, I have developed the interest in this industry, and will be moving on with other endeavours. I would like to thank all of you for the support, guidance, and feedbacks in work and personal matters. Thanks for the wonderful experience, thank you all for making my first job a fantastic and great one!

Nielsen has set a benchmark not only in the research industry, but for having the greatest people to work with!

A very special note of thanks goes to:-

Teoh: Thank you for the guidance, advice and support you have given on work as well as on life. It is an honour to be under you.

Ling Ling: Thanks for hiring me ;) It has been great working under you, despite my shortcomings, you are patient and forgiving. It is too bad I was only able to work under you for less than half a year.

Nina: Thanks for your guidance and feedbacks in the past 6 months!

All CS: Thanks for being great colleagues to work with, *wishing* my new colleagues are as nice! To the guys: Thanks for the 'priceless moments'... And the girls, you all missed out the fun the guys had :P (I could go on, but do not want to break Kush's longest farewell email record)

Halmi, Chang, Huei Chien, Sandra, See Wai, Ju Peng, Yin Yee, Ying Ying, Weng Yeng and Tatt Wee: Thanks for your extensive help and sorry for all the trouble.. at the end of the day, its all in the good spirit of work! :)

Last but not least...I wish you all well in all your future undertakings. Please keep in touch, my e-mail and contact details as follows. Thank you and I hope our paths will cross again.

There are two less lonely "people" in the world...

Seriously, who can deny me sexiness now? Despite my chicken legs. YOU! YOU! AND YOUs!

Dear Mom,

Despite all the countless times you say I have a flat ass, and the countless times you asked me not to over exert myself in the gym. And all the time you try to put excess oil and try to feed me fatty food, I STILL HAVE A SEXY ASS! WHAT UP?

Love,

Your son

***

(excerpts from my farewell replies)

Hi Julian,

Good luck in your future job...Yes...U do have a nice ass for someone who is so skinny...kekekekkeke Is your replacement in yet? Oh Yeah, please say Hello to Ng Lee Yin for me. She says she's in your dept..so I am sure u know who she is...She was my schoolmate back in Secondary School...

Best Regards,

M****

E******** MALAYSIA SDN BHD
Add: **, Amoda Building, 22, Jalan Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur. MALAYSIA
Tel : +********** (DID)
Tel : +********** (Main Line)
Fax : +**********

***

Hey Julian,

All the best to you in whatever you are venturing into next... You make all of us sound very demanding... hope that's not the reason why you are leaving... hehhehehe... Well, the truth is you've put up a lot with me, I know... and I thank you with that...

Anyway, since you are leaving already, let you in a little secret... M**** says, you've got nice butt - despite being thin.... (I've got her permission to reveal this to you) Take care and good bye my friend...

Cheers,

************** Brand Manager - Personal Care
E******** MALAYSIA SDN BHD
Add: **, Amoda Building, 22, Jalan Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur. MALAYSIA
Tel : +********** (DID)
Tel : +********** (Main Line)
Fax : +**********