More Albums

Artist: White Rose Movement
Album: Kick
Album Length: 49m33s
Release Date: 06 March 2006
Country: London, England, United Kingdom

Band Members
Finn Vine (vocals)
Jasper Milton (guitar)
Owen Dyke (bass)
Taxxi (keys)
Edward Harper (drums)

Want your hair to do that flippy thing like the guy from the band could do, probably these guys from White Rose Movement could give some advice. No, definitely not talking about Emo. White Rose Movement are heirs to the exhiliriating electroclash movement, which means that it's all about being retro, stylish and essentially - dancing. and this, of course brought me to their arty hairstyles that varies from spiky haired in kung-fu boots doing "the robot" dance to the Fischerspooner, to the likes of flippy front curtains of hairs like Bandon Flowers and the guy from Bravery.

Almost every track on Kick plays up a handful of retro electro-80's tropes and they deserve a credit for not trying to mask their frequent hero-worshipping to Depech Mode and Joy Division. The title track, "Kick" gets things off to a fine start, seductively merging distorted guitars with some deliciously dark synth while the femm vocals of Finn Vine produces an attitude with his constant yelps and screams. "Girls In The Back" would probably get your flippy hair thing going on and you legs jiggling on the dance floor with the trance breakdown and the sing-along chorus. The album peaks at third track, "Love Is A Number", which is their most applaused single out of the album. Even Bloc Party's Kele wish he'd written this song. The cohesion of electronica and effortless guitar buzzes with heavily trampled rhytm, the outright catchiness and the vocal punch is what this song is all about, and it seemed everything falls in the right place for it to work. "Alsatian" is their hard-rcok approach to their musical styles, relying on piling vocal effects and building guitar riffs until reaching the chorus. "London's Mine" is viperous, speeding and definitely spinning while "Idiot Drugs" lives up to what the title implies: totally dumb and trashy, makes you spin into nowhere and eventually collaps on the dance floor. "Speed" gives another high to the album with it's edgy hooks and the trance breakdown where everything cut out except the electronic drums. "Cruella" closes the album sounding too much like the remixed version of Bloc Party's "She's Hearing Voices" on the beginning with the measured drummings and the dub-dub-dub chanting.

Kick is definitly not original in every way, yes; because New Wave or electroclash is only is going to get as far as this musically, it's all been-there-done-that. Listen to Depeche Mode or Joy Division, how about the Killers and The Bravery - yeah they all sound pretty similar. However, Kick came out with strenghts of it's own conviction that contains some remarkable songs; nicely executed for a debut that blends in different genres of music, while remains true to their musical style. This album is highly infectious, and it need a surround sound speaker to make it come full cicle, well actually my Sennheiser HD212Pro works just fine - sending jolts to my senses while it's pounding rentlessly to my ears.

And this is exactly where I need to get back to my comment about the hair-do thingy I mentioned earlier. The thing about electroclash is that Style always always comes first than Content. Having said that clear, I would like so totally give White Rose Movement a big fucking A+ to their hair-dos but the content of the album...er..nay probably not; that is what you find on first listen is probably as much as you're going to find at all after repeated listen, but then the first time round would offer enough pleasure and experience to make you want to listen more. I mean.. If they spend half as much writing music and perfecting it than they do on their hair style, this album would be totally awesome.

Beaker's Verdict: A-

Artist: The Kooks
Album: Inside In/Inside Out
Producer: Tony Hoffer
Album Length: 40m51s
Release Date: 23 January 2006
Country: Brighton, United Kingdom

Band Members
Luke Pritchard – lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Hugh Harris – lead guitar
Max Rafferty – bass guitar
Paul Garred – drums, percussion

It all seemed that the British Invasion 2 that begun last year has slowly died down in 2006, not many bands, if any has emerged successuflly from the scene to make an impact. The Brighton based lads, The Kooks is probably one of the best British act that has came out this year with their raunchy debut Inside In/Inside Out suggesting no intention to continue the invasion influx, if only. The Kooks' style isn't too hard to pin point, unlike any recent indie brits, The Kooks' music are somewhere between bouncy Britpop and acoustic driven anthems, somewhere between raw and polished and somewhere between pop and indie.

Album opener, "Seaside" is an acoustic mid-tempo love song that shows the crisp clear vocals of lead singer, and the main selling point of the album- their accent. Stand out tracks such as "See The World", first single "Eddie's Gun" and "You Don't Love Me" crests on waves of fizzy guitar pop and heavy drum beats, that became the moments that brands The Kook's musical style. Mellower tracks like "OOh La" and "Naive" both offer bouyant and catch singalong chorus that no one could possibly hate.

Where there is a new band, there will be comparison made. The Kooks music probably resembles back to Razorlight's 2002 debut Up All Night. Songs like "Eddie's Gun" bristle with the dynamism of Supergrass. Inside In/Inside Out is probably a mixture of what their peers have done, and remastered, AND this is where this album came in great, but at the same time it became a main weakness for the band. And one thing that deducts the rating for this album is that it doesn't not have a dynamic flow between tracks; song after song, there is no certain direction where it's going making the album flat, and loses it's charm. Nevertheless, their exuberant youth and adolecent has made Inside In/Inside Out an easily accessible album; meaning it reaches out to public but at the same time remains personal. It's like a blog.

Essential Listen: See The World, Ooh La, You Don't Love Me, She Moves In Her Own Way, Naive

Beaker's Verdict: A-

Goal!

Movies about basketball has been made, movies about baseball has been made, movies about tennis has been made, hell movies about disabled rugby has been made, just every single sports has been turned into big screen, well, other than Football. I mean a decent one, though Bend It Like Beckham seemed okay. It's not hard to see why, almost 1 million Americans tune in to watch Superbowl in the United States, and people who watch soccer? Almost 20 million people watch the English Premier League every Saturday. Point is, to make a football film is like making a christian film because there will be a lot of pressure from football fans world-wide. If the movie is bad, it is likely that the director wouldn't direct another movie anymore. If the movie is great, everyone is happy.

Goal! is a decent movie about football. Fact, period. It's about this young kid, Santiago Munez (Kuno Becker), who is an illegal immirgrant in The States from Mexico. He is poor and he loves football and would play it every chance he gets. So, well while he was kicking some ball, he was spotted by an ex-Newcastle United scout, Glen Foy (Stephen Dillane) who helped him to land a trial chance with Newcastle United. With great enthusiasts, he flew to England to pursue his dreams. From, there he made it to the reserve team, and due to his outstanding skills, Newcastle Manager Erik Dornhelm (Marcel Iures) put him to play with the main team, against Chelsea and Liverpool in the English Premier League. Then he scored a winning goal for Newcastle, and his dream came true.

There are several cliche storyline like a disapproving father, and a supportive grandmother that cancel each other out, and having asthma, and some twisted love part, this movie is good in its own way. It's a pop movie, it is relatively face paced, there isn't a single dull moment in the movie. Now the surprising thing about this movie is that it is really really CONVINCING. Goal! actually gets the nod from FIFA before the filming starts and what's really surprising thing is, in one of the scences, the stars of Real Madrid - David Beckham, Raul and Zidane actually appears in the movie, like for real and you get glimpses of Chelsea stars like Lampard and Terry, Liverpool stars like Gerrard and Crouch. Shearer also made several appearences in the movie. Isn't that a real treat or what. Now the thing is that the directors actually get the permission to film in location at the stadium when the Chelsea and Liverpool match is going on. After the match, the actors would run around in the field, and the real footballers would run around in the background to reenact a real match. This is just great.

Nuff said, go and watch Goal! while the football fever high and hot. Goal! 2 is currently in post-production stage and is due release some time this year. In Goal! 2, Santiago Munez went from Newcastle to Real Madrid. Isn't that worth a wait?

Directed by Danny Cannon

Tagline: Every Dream Has A Beginning

Goal! Trailer

David Beckham scene, boy he can't act

ENG-GE-RAND!

Ok, so I just finished watching the World Cup match between Engrand and Ecuador, and I am truly inspired to write this piece of bullshit despite the fact that I am really sleepy. Well anyway, the match kicks off at 3a.m. in the fucking morning, and of course, bearing in mind that this might just be Engrand's last match, I had to watch it. NO MATTER WHAT. And so I dragged my friend, Kyle to go with me to this bar, The Palace for World Cup entusiasts-who-doesn't-have-SKY-at-home, and Kyle dragged another female friend of his, who is trully the most annoying thing I have ever met in the mist of uncertanties. I am talking about Engrand. So there was only like 15 people in the bar, 6 of which were wearing Engrand's jersey and had Engrand flag painted on their face. Other's were Asian like me, and other other are those who have no fucking clue how important this match is - which is my friend and his annoying friend.

Well, enough of that, before 60 minutes, I was nervous as shit, I bite my nails and it bleeds and I bite and it bleeds more. I am that fucking nervous. Engrand is worrying the shit out of me. Well it's not just me. Other supporters were making sounds like "arrrgghhhh", "ohh my goddd", "what the fuck". Well just about anything to express their worries and displacement. Well that's not my point. Point is, after this match, I am reminded of several very important facts.

Reminder 1. Rooney reminds us why we all love him in the first place. Despite his injury last May, Rooney actuall performed well in this match. His glory youth, and his ever-so-enthusiastic attitude is why we all love him. Although he have not generated any goals for Engrand, his performance was worth giving praise, and he is so fucking young, in no time he will be the best footballer ever lived. Maybe I am biased but who gives a fuck cuz Ova' Da Moon, We've Got The Roooon

Reminder 2. Beckham reminds us why we shouldn't hate him. Despite his poor leadership and early misjudgement and low accuracy, his fucking amazing pivotal goal for Engrand is how he redeemed himself.

Reminder 3. Engrand reminds me the reason it's so fucking cool to be their fan. Well Engrand never ceases to surprise anyone. Winning or losing, it will be a bg fucking surprise. Watching Engrand play is like waiting to be burnt alive. It's like so totally hot. I don't know what I'm saying but I am just sayin' it because I am kinda in a happy mood right now, which is highly unusual, because I was never happy. Hmmm..

Reminder 4. Not exactly a reminder but after this match, I have the utmost respect for Chelsea leader John Terry, and keeper Paul Robinson, thanks to the influence of Dwight, I find myself slowly, slowly fancy Chelsea. Please,don't judge me.

Keane - Under The Iron Sea [2006]

Artist: Keane
Album: Under The Iron Sea
Producer: Andy Green
Album Length: 50m31s
Release Date: 16 June 2006 Worldwide
Country: Battle, United Kingdom

Band Members:
Thomas Chaplin (vocals)
Tim Rice-Oxley (piano, keyboards, bass),
Richard Hughes (drums)
Dominic Scott (guitar, 1997-2002)

After two years and over 5 million copies of Hopes and Fears sold world wide, Keane is back with their sophomore release, Under The Iron Sea, which unfortunately suffered the "Second Album Syndrome". Keane said, “we were writing, singing and performing with a drive, intensity and fury that is almost unrecognisable from our previous music”, which is not entirely true. Under The Iron Sea is a close and improved replica of Hopes and Fears, in which that Keane is more confident, more assuring in what they're doing.

"Atlantic" opens the record in dark and dramatic fashion, painted in moody electronic hues, wants to be bitter, wants to be mysterious, wants to be dark and brooding. I don't think so. It is painfully blatant and failed as an introduction to Under The Iron Sea, however it does convey what they are trying to do with the record, dark and mysterious, like the deep iron sea. Second track, "Is It Any Wonder" is lashed with guitar that sounds like U2 to a certain degree, with a rather infectious chorus.

The almost exact sound from Hopes and Fears is fairly obvious in "Nothing In My Way", heavy with piano and infectious chorus, guarantee to sweep you like a tidal wave. "Leaving So Soon" and "Crystal Ball" is probably the catchiest, the popest singles throughout the whole album with catchy and energetic chorus that makes you go toe-tapping and sing along. Worth mentioning as well is the vesratility of Tom Chaplin's vocal when handling the song "Leaving So Soon". "Hamburg Song" is mellow and beautiful and mesmerizing, a hidden gem in the album. In general, the arrangement and the choice of songs are pretty consistent without any surprise, but yet each track is enjoyable.

Having said all these, Under The Iron Sea is neither good or bad, in fact it is impossible for anyone to hate this album because it is surprisingly pleasant. The album is sophisticatedly arranged and produced with lots of piano, lots of measured drumming, lots of portentous clichés and earnest singing. Nothing ground-breaking as being speculated before the album was released, neither it is bad because they have more or less improved in their comfort zone. 

Beaker's Verdict: B+

Built To Spill - You In Reverse [2006]

Magic Spell

Artist: Built To Spill
Album: You In Reverse
Producer: Doug Martsch & Steve Lobdell
Album Length: 54m24s
Release Date: 11 April 2006
Country: United States of America


Doug Martsch (guitar, vocals)
Brett Netson (bass, guitar)
Ralf Youtz (drums)
Andy Capps (drums)
James Bertram (bass)
Dave Schneider (drums)
Peter Lansdowne (drums)
Scott Plouf (drums)
Sam Coomes (keyboard)

Formed back in 1992, Built To Spill is an American art-rockers lead by Doug Martsch and over the 13 years period of their career, they have released 6 studio album. Back in 2001 when they released Ancient Melodies of The Future, it became a big disappointment. Each track seemed blatant, and mechanical. Something wasn't right and it was confusing, for the band and the listener. Then in 2002 when Martsch released his own solo work, Now You Know, it went straight to the trash bin. And after five years of experimenting, stumbling around and contemplating, Martsch and his crew are back in perfect shape and it's perhaps one of their finest album to date, You in Reverse.

Built to Spill's earliest intention were to be a cast of musicians to serve as a reliable platform for Doug Martsch's brilliant song writing. However, in this album, it's no longer Doug Martsch's show. You in Reverse is a true collaborative effort, which each member contributing equally, creating a rather organic sound that casts off the usual meticulous guitar and studio polish in pursue of a more rugged, less refined and more spontaneous music that almost sounds like a live recording.

The album begin with the spectacular “Goin’ Against Your Mind” kicks off with the drum-propelled beats that gallops past the eight minute mark, delivered intuitively and effortlessly, welcomes the listener with a steady and driving rhythm, that kicks open the door and lay out the path for songs to follow. Second track, “Traces” is a spooky mid-tempo follow up to album opener with strong layering of brilliant guitar styling and Martsch’s warm blanket voice. “Conventional Wisdom” marks the point where You in Reverse starts to heat up. From it’s slick and dirty opening riff to it’s explosive guitar hook, “Conventional Wisdom” conveys an exuberance that graced and flourished this album. In contrast with their trademark layering of guitars, “Gone” offers a simple guitar chords that slowly builds up to a crescendo, then descends to a spooky sounding reggae beat, courtesy of Sam Coomes. The album finally peaks with Mess With Time, a fierce opening guitar that reverberate alongside Marstch’s voice that builds up the atmosphere for a mere three minutes before blasting into the shuffling ska jam session. You In Reverse end on a high notch with “The Wait” with country style accompanied by reversed guitar and outer space sounds. The last two minutes of melodic jamming is the most memorable, almost like an encore to their concert.

You In Reverse might just be one of my favourite records this year and perhaps one of the strongest non-mainstream album you’ll find this year. Five year in the making, after five years of contemplating and experimenting, You In Reverse delivers interesting and invigorating sounds that will haunt the listeners. From opening to the end, You In Reverse is skilfully produced and the sounds are flawlessly executed. Even after repeated listening, this album has not lost the surprise and the joy of first listen, and in fact this album will continue to grow on the listener. It’s almost like the difference between mass produced cookies and home-make cookies. Home made cookies always tasted better.

Beaker's Verdict: A+

Sonic Youth - Rather Ripped [2006]

Rather Nice

Artist: Sonic Youth
Album: Rather Ripped
Album Length: 51m53s (11 Tracks
Release Date: 13 June 2006
Country: United States of America

Sonic Youth has been around since the early eighties, and have released tons of great records from punk to hardcore to post-hardcore to new wave to alternative rock, whatever you want to call it, Sonic Youth is there to answer it and their latest studio album Rather Ripped is their most subtle and most mature record to date. Rather Ripped resembles 2004’s brilliant Sonic Nurse sound, sophisticated and elegant, smothered with 2002’s explosive rock-arena style in Murray Street. Having said that, Rather Ripped is as good as 1984’s Daydream Nation, only mellower, more subtle and more refined.

Opening track Reena is a trademark Sonic sound, quietly blasts through the entire track with multi layering of guitar and subtle chords change. This is a great opener to Rather Ripped, as it introduces sound that are so familiar but yet new that every Sonic fans would appreciate. “Incinerate” is yet another subtle track that shows their brilliant musicianship handling the instruments, layering them to make it sound ever so beautiful. “Rats” has and intriguing jazz vibe to it, blended with the heavy bass and the raw guitar sound, this song is a nice change to the previous songs in this album. “Turquoise Boy” is one of the main highlight in this album; with Kim Gordon’s yeaning vocals this song starts off with low-key Glen-Branca’s sophisticated guitar breakdowns before returning to a quick burst of distorted clamour that Sonic Youth is best known for. This album peaks with “Pink Stream”, which is probably the best track out of the album, caries a solid testament of their ability in layering the guitars and drums to create this intricate piece of solid 5 minute jams that resonance through the ear before the vocals kick in.

Every few years Sonic Youth throws out a record, that’s part of the deal in their contract with Greffen Records and having one last album before the contract ends, Rather Ripped was speculated to have made just to finish up with Griffen. Whichever the case was, Rather Ripped certainly have become one of their best record ever in their catalogue. Now Rather Ripped might not have the social impact of Daydream Nation or Murray Street, it carries a rather personal and intimate statement of Sonic Youth. Rather Ripped is a graceful, elegant way to end the story. It seems to almost complete a circle, of little bit of something they have done. It’s an instant classic.

Beaker's Verdict: A+

iPod Questionaire

Random iPod Questionaire

My friend Kyke discovered a cool questionaire, where you answer each question with the next song title that plays with your iPod on shuffle. (People with no iPod culd do it with their media players set on shuffle, but it's so much better with an iPod.

How does the world see you? The poineers - Bloc Party (I don't think so......)

Will I have a happy life? Questions - Degree Absolute (Probably right, questions, questions....)

What do my friends really think of me? Wake Up - The Living End (Really?)

Do people secretly lust after me? Unleash The Fury - The Feelers (I have no idea.)

How can I make myself happy? Murder That Sound - The Infadels (I think "that sound" refers to my aunt)

What should I do with my life? Sleep - Copeland (Probably)

Will I ever have children? Say Hello To The Angels - Interpol

What is some good advice for me? Spectacular Little Death - Motocade

How will I be remembered? The Funeral - Band of Horses (-.-" This is so weird)

What is my signature dancing song? Bigmouth Strikes Again - The Smiths

What do I think my current theme song is? Cowboys and Engines - The Boxer Rebellion

What does everyone else think my current theme song is? Coffee and TV - Blur

What song will play at my funeral? Your Blood - Destroyer (seemed apropriate)

What song will play at my wedding? Jogging Gorgeous Summer -Islands

What type of women do you like? Oh Stacey (Look What You've Done) - The Zutons

What is my day going to be like? You Have Killed Me - Morissey

What will be the reason for my break-up? Lighting Strikes Twice - Saint Etienne (err..)

What will be the first word my son is going to say? Wake Up - Arcade Fire

What am I going to say to my parents next time I see them? Teen Angst - M83 (definitely, though I'm way past teen)

What should I say to Bush? Grandmother Wolf - Pretty Girls Make Grave

What will happen tomorrow? Like Eating Glass - Bloc Party

What will happen to my future? Low - Coldplay (nt good)

What does my friends want from me? Right on Time - Red Hot Chili Peppers (that's very true)

What does me family expects of me? Tyrant - The Bravery

What does my girlfriend/boy friend expects of me? Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

What does my room looks like? Deborah Carne - White Rose Movement (who the hell?)

The song I am going to hate after 5 years? Andvari - Sigur Ros

The song I will sing at American Idol final - I Have Forgiven Jesus - Morrissey

Random Interest

Favourite Movie Lines

How many lives do we live? How many times do we die? They say we all lose 21 grams... at the exact moment of our death. Everyone. And how much fits into 21 grams? How much is lost? When do we lose 21 grams? How much goes with them? How much is gained? How much is gained? Twenty-one grams. The weight of a stack of five nickels. The weight of a hummingbird. A chocolate bar. How much did 21 grams weight?

-Tagline from 21 Grams

If you can't fix it, then you've got to stand it.
-Ennis Del Mar, Brokeback Mountain

It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something.
Det. Graham Waters, Crash

You know that point in your life when you realize that the house you grew up in isn’t really your home anymore…all of the sudden even though you have some place to put your shit, that idea of home is gone…or maybe its like this rite of passage…you will never have that feeling again until you create a new idea of home for yourself, for your kids, for the family you start, it’s like a cycle or something…maybe that’s what family really is…a group of people that miss the same imaginary place…
Andrew Largeman, Garden State

Memory can change the shape of a room; it can change the color of a car. And memories can be distorted. They're just an interpretation, they're not a record, and they're irrelevant if you have the facts.
Leonard Shelby, Momento

Beneath this mask there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea, Mr. Creedy, and ideas are bulletproof.

But if you're looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror.
V, V For Vendetta

Kim Jong Il: And now you see: da new world is inebidable!
Lisa: It's what?
Kim Jong Il: Ineb - inebidable.
Lisa: One more time...
Kim Jong Il: Inebidable!! Tings awr inebedably going to change! God dammit, open your fuckin' eaws!
Team America World Police


Check out John Frusciante and Flea, perfect combination of bass & Guitar in Charlie



Another one, John Frusciante & Flea Instrumental: Live at Slane Castle

I Do Give a Damn Shit

I am so sick of people asking me “Hey, what have you been up to?” “Hey, you got a job yet?” “So you gonna come back next semester?” I mean what the fuck, can’t they be more original and come up with something new other than asking the same old bloody question fucking over and over again. I hated it, man seriously and if any of you out there who happened to read my blog, please I plead the fifth and I beg the shit out of you guys not to ask me this bloody question again the next time you guys see me, or I will shove my fist up your fucking ass I swear to god. The thing is I HAVE NO FUCKING IDEA WHAT TO DO WITH MY FUCKING LIFE; I might as well just die. So, until I figured out what I want to do with my pathetic life, just leave me the fuck alone and stop asking the fucking questions. Once is enough and once is just fucking enough. I will tell when I want to tell and I will fucking say it out loud if I figured it out, unless if I decided to kill myself, you guys will probably get a letter instead of hearing me say out loud. I am messed up right now and I am having a very very very hard time to remain calm, and I have a very very very hard time dealing my own demons, so until then, ask me anything other that these questions. Ask me did my bitch aunt say anything to me last night, ask me about Rooney, ask me about which team I support for world cup, ask me to fuck you, ask me if I am gay, ask me if I like vagina, ask me if I commit suicide, how’d I do it, or you can tell me a fucking story. Anything, anything, anything other than my fucking future.

Here are some fucking guidelines what NOTto ask me (be smart, don’t ask anything similar):

1.What are you up to these days, BRO? Or equivalent (ask, “Hey, what’s up” instead)
2.Are you looking for a job or are you gonna come back next year? Or equivalent
3.Have you found a job yet? Or equivalent
4.Are you going to come back at all? Or equivalent
5.What kind of job are you thinking of? Or equivalent
6.Do you want to work in, like an architecture firm or you want to do something else, BRO? Or equivalent
7.Are you going to finish BArch at all, BRO? or equivalent

And bloody last but not fucking least (gosh, that rhymes), a BIG FUCKING NO NO is – “WHY DON’T YOU FINISH BARCH, BRO I MEAN IT’S JUST ANOTHER TWO YEARS” -That is not even a fucking question but trust me, this is the most FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION FAQ FYI . If I hear anyone ask me that, I will fucking shove not my fist, but my fucking leg up your sorry ass and I KID YOU NOT. Please guys; just be more sensitive to how I feel. It felt stink alright, and those bloody questions makes me feel like a piece of shit. If there is nothing to talk about, then just let it be awkward, don’t force to bring out a topic by repeating a conversation we already have gone through zillions of time. That is just so fucking last year.

Thread is not directed at anybody in particular at the time it is being written, but if you ask me any of the questions listed above in the future after having read this post, you might as well just go to language school. Ouch.

GOOOO ENGLAND!!

GOOOOOOOOO ROOOOOOONEY!!



GOOOOOOOOO GERRRRRARD!!!

......BECKHAM WHO????

Almost There

Sandy: You don't feel warm.

Seth: How about cold and clammy?

Ryan: Maybe you've got the Summer flu.

Seth: Yeah, it's November, but it's possible.

Ryan: Maybe you need some Anna-biotics..


The O.C. Season 1 Episode 12 - The Secret

Untitled 2

You don't from the wet sand, you don't form at all.....You don't form in the wet sand......I DO..........YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stop Crying Your Heart Out

Up until I was 17, I have never cried, I mean not including when I was an infant. I did not cry when my grandfather died, I did not cry when I cut my leg, I did not cry when I burnt my fingers, and I did not cry when I bleed. It was as if nothing gets to me. Life was simple back then, and I was happy back then. I did not cry not because I feel the need to supress myself so others wouldn't think I am wuss. I did not cry because I don't feel there is a need to cry because it is as it is.

But everything seemed different after 17, after I left and came to New Zealand.

I cry and I cry and I cry.

I cried at the airport after I waved my parents goodbye, I cried when I father was mad at me for crashing his car, I cried after I read a book, I cried after I watched a movie, I cried after I watched a TV show, I cried in the bathroom when I took crap, I cried in the studio when I am stucked, I cried in the morning when I wake up, I cried in the afternoon when the depression kicks in, I cried at night when I feel lonely and I cried in the middle of the night when I fear of uncertainties. I cried for no certain reasons.

I cry and I cry and I cry.

The psychologist I used to see once told me "You are a brave young man because you did not hide your feelings." That was after I broke down sobbing like a helpless SOB telling him about my dramatic life story. The comment ain't making me feel better, sorry. I knew that I am like seriously depressed and I knew that it's just a matter of time before I snap and honestly I cannot wait for that day to arrive.

Because it will be the day I stop crying and everyone who loved me starts crying.



And, thanks Dw, you've been the best thing that've happened to me since this year. See you when I see you again.

People fuck you up as much as you fuck of yourself up and it all came down to one thing, take the opportunity to fuck things up yourself before anyone fucks you up because at the end of the day, everything will be fucked. Who is going to give a shit anyway.

..50 ramdom things.

1. My roommate once: took a crap on my bed. Kidding. Never had a roommate before.

2. Never in my life have I: killed someone?

3. The one person who can drive me nuts, but then can always manage to make me smile: sorry can't tell

4. High School was: awesome.

5. When I'm nervous: I bite my nails.

6. The last time I cried was: Tuesday morning because I felt depressed.

7. If I were to get married right now my bridesmaids/groomsmen would be: nobody. I am a loner

9. My hair: is black and short.

10. When I was 6: I asked my mum to have my name changed

12. When I turn my head left, I see: a chick looking at a cross-section diagram of a vagina holy shit.

13. I should be: looking for job

14. When I look down I see: my erm..crotch?

15. The craziest recent event was: the fact that my mate Norman could infact look like a hard-core emo, if he wants to. I swear to god it's scary to think about it, he looked like a freak. I mean like omg..

16. If I were a character on Friends I'd be: Ross

17. By this time next year: I will probably be buried six feet underground.

18. My favorite Aunt is: nobody. They are the most controlling and demanding bunch of bitches that I have ever met in my entire fucking life, like totally suffocating me.

19. I have a hard time understanding: bun-di-di-a-doo-doo-bum-bum. Got it? bun-di-di-a-doo-doo-bum-bum..got it???. bun-di-di-a-doo-doo-bum-bum. Nevermind

20. One time at a family gathering: I got so disgusted and narked at some of my family members that I actually threw up on my bowl. And man, that was the greatest thing ever, I had the excuse to leave.

21. You know I "like" you if: you like me.

22. If I won an award, the first person (people) i would thank: Beaker.

23. Take my advice: go eat glass.

24. My ideal breakfast is: Scrambled eggs, with white bread and a cup of coffee with a cigarrette.

25. If you visit my hometown: make sure your return ticket is set on the next day, early morning.

26. Where do you plan to visit anytime soon: an empty apartment.

27. If you spend the night at my house: you will never want to come again.

29. The world could do without: my aunts.Ouch!

30. I'd rather lick the belly of a cockroach than: live with my aunt. Ouch ouch!

31. Most recent thing you've bought yourself: Peanuts M&Ms. gosh don't you love them.

32. Something someone else bought for you: A Borders gift card from mate Jurian.

33. My favorite blonde is: Reese Witherspoon

35. It was never a good idea to: do something in the studio, thinking no one is watching you. You are so wrong.

36. The last time I was high: I passed out in my friend's backyard. They found me the next morning.

37. The animals I would like to see flying besides birds: is snakes. It'd be so weird.

38. I should have been: more cautious. I still get lost in your eyes sometimes. Burrr.. that's like the lamest thing ever.

39. Once, at a bar: some random guy grabbed my crotch, and hence become my best mate now. ironic.

40. Last night: I watched CSI:NY's last two episodes and I feel sorry for Aiden deep down because she was killed by DJ Pratt. I feel so sad it's not even funny.

41. There's this girl I know who: who is the most helpless bitch I ever met, and gosh she is ever man's worst nightmare. She have a real fucked up face structure FYI.

42: I dont know: how to get closer to you. Hmm...

43. A better name for me would be: Harrow? Everyone seemed to say that to me these days.

44. If I ever go back to school I: will have a little wank and a little cry.

45: It's funny how: those guys in L5 could be so gay. I mean like, totally.

46. Two days ago: I was at uni, and Norman said "F for FAIL" at some of the design works that he was looking at. Triple OUCH!

47. I think she/he hates me because: I am better, obviously, I mean like duh..

48: In retrospect: leaving uni was such a bad idea.

49: And by the way: I think that people architecture school is really cool, not the school itself though.

50: Last but not least: All wrongs reserved.

Crack Up

Matthew MacFadyen.

Color Me Red, Please

Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Album: Stadium Arcadium
Producer: Rick Rubin
Album Length 2:02:41
Release Date: 5 May 2006
Country: United States of America
Genre: Alternative, Rock
Band Members:
Flea - Bass/Trumpet
John Frusciante - Guitar/Background Vocals
Anthony Kiedis - Vocals
Chad Smith - Drums


Disc One: Jupiter
1. Dani California
2. Snow (Hey Oh)
3. Charlie
4. Stadium Arcadium
5. Hump De Bump
6. She's Only 18
7. Slow Cheetah
8. Torture Me
9. Strip My Mind
10. Especially In Michigan
11. Warlocks
12. C'mon Girl
13. Wet Sand
14. Hey

Disc Two: Mars
1. Desecration Smile
2. Tell Me Baby
3. Hard To Concentrate
4. 21st Century
5. She Looks To Me
6. Readymade
7. If
8. Make You Feel Better
9. Animal Bar
10. So Much I
11. Storm In A Teacup
12. We Believe
13. Turn It Again
14. Death Of A Martian

When Foo Fighters released In Your Honor in 2005, a double disc album - I thought it sucked. Mainly because they tried too hard, and after the first few songs, the album starting to sound too blatant. Every song sound the same, a repetition it's almost like they have recorded a bunch a song, and decided to put it in one album, without filtering out the bad ones, and hence a mundane record. Sorry, sometimes double-album just doesn't do it for me, and the conclusion I have is - don't make a double album unless you can fill the two album with good songs.

Unlike the Foo Fighters or any other double album out there, Red Hot Chili Peppers pulls it off with their most ambitious work yet of their twenty-three-career, Stadium Arcadium, the twenty-eight-song-double disc extravaganza - their most accomplished follow-up to their California recordings.

It's not hard to understand their intention with Stadium Arcadium. Red Hot Chili Peppers have come a long way to reach their status today. When formed in 1983, Red Hot Chili Peppers were a Hollywood band, and after releasing their first 4 miserable album, theme revolves around hard drugs and pathetic sex accompanied by utter chaos and tuneless vocals of Anthony Kiedis, Red Hot Chili Peppers were not million-copies-selling material. Following the death of their funding guitarist, Hillel Slovak, found overdosed in 1988, they traded their Hollywood dreams for the California dream. It was in 1991, they released Blood, Sex, Sugar, Magik under the producer Rick Rubin, the Chilis finally immersed from under the bridge to mainstream market. Gone are the days of socks hanging on their willies, Red Hot Chili Peppers work their way to a define their music, and finally succeded in 1999's Californication, making them the household name in United States. By 2002's By The Way, they already conquered the world selling millions of copies, picture one in every 35 Brittons own a copy of By The Way. And their latest release, Stadium Arcadium is their attempt to consolidate everthing they have done in the last decade, from Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik to Californication to By The Way. Produced by same longtime Red Hot Chili Peppers producer, Rick Rubin, Stadium Arcadium spread out over two hours of joyful listening pleasure of two disc, first named "Jupiter" and the second named "Mars", which each contains 14 songs. This album is a testament of what they do best; a psychedelic mix of spacial guitar-bass breaks with funky and physical arrangements that boost every track so effortlessly.

Much of the credit for this album's success goes to guitarist John Frusciante. Since being told by Kiedis "clean it up, Johnny," and making a come back in Californication, Red Hot Chili Peppers took a new turn in their music path, and in Stadium Arcadium we finally see them in full bloom, and noticed spotlight shifted from lead singer Anthony Kiedis, to John Fruschiante. If anyone loved the almost orgasmic solo by John Frusciante in "Scar Tissue", "Otherside" and "Californication", be prepared to hear the even more orgasmic solo in Stadium Arcadium, thanks to the brilliant arrangement, Frusciante was given a slot to showcase his talent in almost every single track. In fact it's not too exaggerating to dub John Frusciante the best living guitarist, because he is simply a genius. From near-fatal drug addiction to rehab and to the hero in Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Frusciante finally able to redeem his spot as a guitar master, and he just can't wait to do it. In the opening track, "Dani California", he showed off his talent with the amazing Jimi Hendrix guitar solo style and then did it again in "Wet Sand". His beautiful and immaculate style creates a new depth and dimention to each track, and hence producing the complete, almost perfect Stadium Arcadium.

Of course, Red Hot Chili Peppers are a true band, where everyone plays their part, and no one is ever replaceable. Bassist, Flea, regarded as one of the world's best bassist is in full bloom too, totally taking control of the mostly bass-driven "Tell My Baby" then moving to the funky-franting-popping bass in "Toture Me" and "21st Century" it's a true joy for the listeners. And then there's Kiedis, the lead vocal showing versality throughout the album, from singing with shouting and slurring to his original roots of rap-rock, he embrance each track and layer them with his deep emotions. And last but not least the drummer Chad Smith, beating the drum hard core like there is no tomorrow, creating head-phone candy arrangements that the listener could only enjoy with a pair of high-end headphone, or a sub-woofer.

Now lets start with the content, Disc 1 dubbed Jupiter is unquestionably the side that contain most of the best songs, and I bet most of the singles would've came off Jupiter. Dani the girl.. (By The Way) appeared for the third time in "Dani California", the opening track, also the first single of this album, is probably the popest, and catchiest song in Stadium Arcardium and sure to be another summer anthem. "Charlie" is another powerful gem, starting with monochromatic guitar breaks, and suddenly bursts into the crazy falsetto harmonies of Frusciante's guitar solo. Glimpses of By The Way and Californication influence is evident in the rather mid-tempo tracks "Slow Cheetah", "Strip My Mind" and "Wet Sands" which are equally infectious on it's own way. Omar Rodriguez of Mars Volta made a guest-appeareance on "Especially In Michigan" playing the solo, apparently because John Frusciante appaeared on one of the track in Mars Volta's debut album, De-Loused In Comatorium.

Moving on to Disc 2, the one called Mars, presumably because it's a bit further, and hence harder to reach. While I haven't throughly listened to Mars, there are some worth mentioning highlights include "Desecration Smile", which retains the feeling of "Scar Tissue" and "Californication". "Turn It Again" is a perfect blend of the four-piece, with the spatial bass breaks of Flea, the yearning vocal of Keidis and finally ends with the almost two-minute intricate-final-crushing-mind-blowing guitar solo of Frusciante, this is one of the true gem in the album. Finally, the Chilis experimented a little in "Death of A Martian", the closing track for Stadium Arcadium, revealing the softer side of Red Hot Chili Peppers, with the almost psychedelic bass chanting alongside with Keidi's vocal.

Stadium Arcadium would probably recieve two extreme critique, either very good, or mediocre. For die hard Red Hot Chili Pepper's fans, Stadium Arcadium could probably be their best album to date. For Red Hot Chili Peppers dummies, this album would probably be the best to summarize their musical journeys in twenty three years, and for strict music critics, they would probably think Red Hot Chili Peppers played it way too safe and stayed in their comfort zone. Nothing groundbreaking. Some might say the Chilis could have done better if they narrowed down to few good tracks and working on the strong points instead of working with mere 30 songs and produced a 28 track album. Where I am neither of those, I think Stadium Arcadium is neither about making statement, or breakthrough. Stadium Arcadium is Red Hot Chili Peppers at their top of their game, at their state of total indulgement and freedom, almost like their California-dreams-came-true-moment. Out of 28 tracks of Stadium Arcadium, there are at least 14 stand-out singles, while more songs could possibly grow on the listener, Stadium Arcadium is the 21st century's answer to the period of Queen, Led Zeppelin and Guns 'n' Roses. Stadium Arcadium is an epic.

Beaker's Verdict: A+

Trivia; Stadium Arcadium sold 442,000 units in its first week of release in the U.S alone (2002's By The Way sold 282,000 copies in its first week), and after it's first week of release, it sold over 1 million copies worldwide. Currently Stadium Arcadium topped album sales chart in 24 different countries, making it their most successful album to-date.

Feelin' Rather Ripped

I remembered I picked up Da Vinci Code back in mid 2004 when I was in Wellington. Before that, I have no idea what the book is about. The cover looked boring, and all I know is that I remember seeing it on top of every best-seller shelf every bookstore I went. I found myself picked up the book and read the plot summary on the back cover. What's the fuss? It's just another fiction, but I bought it anyway because I have a 12 hour train ride for me to read when I leave Wellington 4 days later. As soon as I start reading, holy oh my god, it's like so so interesting, I mean,... well anyway, I ended up staying up late, finishing the book in 3 days, because I was simply too obsessed with it and I don't even want to put it down because I just had to know what happened next.

So after almost two years waiting for the movie to hit the big screen, it comfirmed the exciment as well as my fear; it did not live up to my expectation. What I find amusing about the original fiction is that it is so full of adventure and the detailed description of how the codes are being cracked, and how Dan Brown has so richly potrayed each character in the book. And these are exactly what the movie lacks of. Picture this, Ron Howard decided to take the 400 pages book to a butcher shop and had it chopped to pieces. "Wait a minute, how about Leornado DaVinci? I can't possibly butcher him man," says the butcher, and Ron Howard would reply "Don't worry about that, I am sure my viewers had read the book with all the reference books available out there". The movie fails because it left out the most interesting thing the book offered; the meanings behind Da Vinci's work, and the mythologycal background associated with the master himself. Having said that doesn't mean Ron Howard (or the writer for that matter) disrespected the book. They probably have too much respect for it to follow it so faithfully that the movie had to have everything that was mentioned in the book, and that is the reason why it loses so much vital information. For those who went to Venus for vactions, ie, those who had not read the book, they would either find the movie amusing because they don't have the expectation/pressure after having read the book; or totally hated it because they have no fucking clue to what is going on in the movie. Holy Grail? Mary Magdelene? Jesus's Wife? WTF????????? I mean how could a movie that provide so many clues could remain entirely cluesless? Are the viewers supposed to crack the Da Vinci Code themselves? I don't think so.

** Warning: Spoiler Ahead**

So to elaborate where I am coming from, first of, when Langon arrived at the magnificient Lourve, Captain Bezu mentioned about the mysterious 666 pieces of glass used to construct the glass pyramid. Great piece of information huh, probably too great to elaborate further, Langdon rushed to the crime scene where the Lourve curator Jacques Sauniere was killed and had left a weirdshit symbol on his body, some absurd numbers, and some nonsence clues on the floor. Immediately, Sophie came into play and says "It's fibonacci sequence". Then come Robert Langdon, who happened to have just read "O Draconian Devil" written on the floor concluded "it's anagram" and so clever-ly rearranged to word and BANG! "Leornado Da Vinci!!" . So, wow, Fibonacci huh, Anagram huh? Cool, now let's assume that Fibonacci and Anagram has to do with Leornado, so why not go and have a look at the Mona Lisa for some clue? Hmm, probably not, it's just a painting, well, let's move on to the Madonna of the Rocks. Nothing, oh ah, the police is chasing us, we'd better flee the Lourve.

Run Run. Que. Opus Dei, Opus Dei and Opus Dei. Cool. Before the viewer even know what Opus Dei is, comes the death. Well it doesn't take Pentium 4 to process it. It's some religious extremist because where there is Opus Dei, sure we expect to see death. Hmm, wait a minute, what the hell is the thing Silas is wearing? Oh why is he beating himself up? Oh hang on, what does it have to do with Leronado DaVinci then? Pick up a book or maybe sit in the cinema for mere 120 minutes before the movie finally revealed that Opus Dei, is actually an extrimist sect of Catholic and that Silas is actually cleansing his daily sin with those bondage looking tools.

Another problem with the movie is how the characters are being potrayed. I certainly do not question Tom Hanks's (or Audery Tautou) ability to act and I think they suit the characters just fine. But watching the movie, I can't help but to feel an utter disguist to the poor character development and the zero chemistry between them. The plot is not driven by it's character but by the over fast-paced need to find a solution, moving quickly from one scene to another resulting a painfully blatant presonality. But I do praise Ian McKellen for playing the character Leigh Teabing. He is the only character in the movie that actually performed better than what the book described.

Last but not least, I also have problem with the flashbacks to ancient biblical and medieval historical religious wars in the Holy Land and Europe. C'mon, what are you thinking, they look like pieces taken from Kingdom of Heaven oh-my-god. I did expect these flashback and was actually pretty excited as how it will be done in the movie. However, what I did not expect is how poorly it's done. It was just seconds of glimpses accompanied by Robert Langdon's speech about the history, and trust me it's really not convincing at all.

Anyway, this movie is neither bad or good, it's like a religion. Either believe it or not. Watch it and decide for yourself

I Am Confused.

So Rei and I are going to watch Da Vince Code on Saturday since everyone else who is doing design is kinda stressed the hell out of themselves, I am rather excited. It has been released today, which makes NZ first country in the world to premier the movie. However, I checked on rottentomato.com, 24 reviews has been officially posted and 19 out of 24 says the movie sucked. So what the hell? I am confused, will the movie actuall kill the book? Or maybe because people just hated the book because all the fuss it has been getting lately. I am still excited.

想起聽王菲的日子.

無常
曲/詞﹕王菲

夜風微涼
樹搖月晃
雲兒在飛
我在想
水流
花兒香
一片夜色放心上
喜中帶憂
暗中有光
怎麼度
怎麼量
田野
山崗
美麗之下的淒涼
無常
你看那山色湖光
你看那藍天白楊
看不到一絲渺茫
你再看海天碧浪
你再看晚霞曙光
禁不住匆匆忙忙
把希望留給失望

浮躁專輯(1996)

A Little Indie and A Little Metal

Album: Grand Unification
Artist: Fightstar
Release Date: 06 March 2006
Genre: Emo-rock, Metal
Country: London, United Kingdom
Band Members:
Alex Westaway (vocals, guitar)
Charlie Simpson (vocals, guitar)
Dan Haigh (bass)
Omar Abidi (drums)

Fightstar is a rather interesting band. If you have heard of Busted,the teen-pop band and totally hated it, there'd probably be a prejudice about this band because Charlie Simpson used to be in Busted. But then I didn't know when I listened to Grand Unification, and only to found out soon after it. Lucky that I didn't, I find this album surprisingly pleasant. I was mostly intrigued by the album artwork, provoking a sense of doom, dark and mysterious, so as the album.Listening to this album is like being educated in Fightstar's own theories, from opening interlude To Sleep to closing track, Wake Up, Grand Unification is a pretty consistent album which is why it is pleasant. Though it lacks of surprising moments, this album has it's own hiddem gem. Waste a Moment and Open Your Eyes are infectious in it's own way while Grand Unification Part 2 is the song that shows Fightstar's strength, from the message it's trying to say to how they uniquely presented the song. Perhaps Busted would be the reason that killed the hype Fightstar should be getting. Grand Unification is definetly not a masterclass release, moderate at it's best but other than that, the album is very successful in creating the mood for listeners, totally transform the listener into their Grand Unification project. From start to end, this album is worth a listen.
:: Beaker's Verdict: B-


Album: As Fas As The Eyes Can See
Artist: People In Planes
Release Date: 28 March 2006
Genre: Indie-rock
Country: Cardiff, United Kingdom
Band Members:
Gareth Jones (vocals)
Peter Roberts (guitar)
Kris Blight (bass)
John Maloney (drums)
Ian Russell (keyboard)

As Far As The Eyes Can See is one of my favourite album so far in 2006. From Cardiff, UK, People In Plane's debut album is an unique indie album that has been much under-rated. Generally, people can say this is an indie album but really, there are several noticeable genres in this album that it's much more than indie. And this is why this album is so brilliant. Their ability to blend their musical instruments with their vocal perfomance to create songs heavy with atmosphere and complex with melodies is where they come out different than any other indie bands. As Far As.. is a good album full of hidden gems, and the listener would be surprised to find out what the album has to offer songs after songs. The highlight of the album would probably Token Trapped Women, from the words to the guitar riffs to the vocals, this song is a almost a perfection. Falling by the Wayside is also another gem. The vocal performance was stunning accompanied by dark atmospheric slow acoustic guitar riffs. "I'm losing control, falling by the wayside, I'm losing control, falling by the way side.." there is just something painful and gloomy about the way he sings it. Fire would be my ultimate favourite of this album, it's slow and it's dark, the lyrics are brilliant. "The flower grieves the wall..." a sorrow way to kick off the song, and slowly, infecting my ears and then my mood. It's almost like I could feel the pain of the song. Closing track, Narcoleptic is their most ambitious attempt on this album, a blend of blues and rock, this song is unique at it's own right. This album by comparion, quality wise, is a very close follow-up to 2005's The National's third album, Alligator which was also no.3 in my 2005 favourite albums. It's very mood manipulating, and most importantly, People In Planes does not sound like any other bands out there. They've created an album that is pretty honest to themself, as well as to the listeners.

::Beaker's Verdict: A+

Album: Murder Nature
Artist: Head Control System
Release Date: 04 April 2006
Genre: Experimental, Metal
Country: Portugal, Norway
Band Members:
Daniel Cardoso
Kristoffer G. Rygg

I am pretty unfamiliar with heavy metal genre so I don't really know what makes up of this album to be considered as good. I was simply attracted to the title: Murder Nature and hence made an effort to listen to it, and really I quite like it. It's just my instinct that I think this album is pretty good. Kill Me, Rapid Eye Movement and It Hurt are some of my favourites.

::Beaker's Verdict: B

Comfort of Friends

I have a big fucking family - on it's 4th generation of Lim. The oldest in my family is of course my grandmother (Grandpa died before I was borned). I have 3 uncles, 8 aunts and more than 30 cousins. See that's fucked-up factor one. Then, I am the fucking asian which made it fucked-up factor number two. Having said that, asian families are generally fucked up, purely because being asian means holding on to the asian traditional values.

The word family scares me for some reason which I can't quite put it to words. And honest to god I hate it. My family is basically a big fucking drama, just like those prime time soap opera. See, the problem with having a big family is that there are too many people you have to answer to. When something happened, the phone just wouldnt stop ringing, one by one calling just had to know what happened. The words travel fast, and in almost every single case, the story will lost in translation, form bad to worst. Then comes the part everybody love to watch, the blaming game; you blame me, I blames you, she blames her and he blames him. Then after everyone had done some blaming and been blamed, there comes the cold war of prying eyes. They start to talk about you in your back, smile when they see you, then talk about you again. It's almost like it's never going to end.

For me, relying on your family is like walking into a lion's den and being eaten alive. I don't trust my family (again, except my actual family - mum dad bro sis) and I fucking hate them. They just simple don't fucking understand, and I am so fade up of living up to their expectations. I mean, they treat me like I am a fucking dream factory, like I can manufacture dreams for every single one of them, but sorry I am not. When I first told them I wanted to do architecture, non of them said anything (or perhaps they did behind my back) but if I were doing engineering or medicine, I'd probably be the star of the family. I don't know how they could produce so much disguist towards architecture. My uncle was like "Why can't you study architecture by yourself? A lot of architects don't go to university. You can just get books and study it. But it's different with engineering because it is so much harder and you have to go to university" (BTW he's an engineer and a fucking prick) I felt insulted and I felt like spitting on his face. One of my cousin is actually doing bio med, and I think they have no idea what that means and I suppose they assume it must be something bravo like doctor and guess what, they think she is fucking brainy. Why are they so fucking naive. Why are they so shallow. They're adults and they are supposed to know better than me, but obviously they didn't.

Words travel fast in my family, secret leaks and gossips travels. I know my aunts are saying that I am useless because I spent so much money studying architecture, almost spending all of my parents money. Somehow the words got to my mum and she was upset, and I felt guilty. One thing if they talk about me and just me, but I hate it when they talk about my mum. We are a fucking family for fucks sake and this is what it is being a family, talking shits about each other. Fuck them. When I got awards and shits, they didn't even care. All they see is the bad side. Like me smoking, big fucking deal. It's almost like 7 out of 10 architecture students are smoker. Then of course fucking naive old asian cunt, once they thought of cigaretts, instantly, they will relate it to drugs. Yes, they think I am doing drugs and so so so much more it's take me the whole day to list it out. Point is, in my life, I have been trying so hard, so hard to prove that I am not useless. I force myself to indulge in studies and get results and graduate but do they even care? No they don't. All they care is how bad things look and just how good they are at making things look even worst.

That is why, I find comfort from my friends. I am lucky because whether I am back home in M'sia or New Zealand, I have friends that I could find comfort from. People who don't judge me, people who accept me as it, and had never expected anything out of me or the friendship.

Few nights ago, I was having a conversation with Sajeev and Muy in the studio about this particular topic. I don't know how we even go to this conversation but just like me, they are having the same issues with their family, and we came to the conclusion that we are asians and that asians family are fucked up. Life is an utter chaos, I am fucked up, my family is fucked up but it's not the end of the world because I am not alone. Just like Sajeev said "You have to take control of your life". Yes, it's cliche but it's working. For now I manage to convince myself not to give a shit what my family have to say, and I want nothing to do with them, ever. I am taking control of my destiny, not them.


Meanwhile, I really wanna see Rooney playing in World Cup. Fuck Chelsea.

Autumn ' 06

: : : Life is beautiful when you guys are around.

I Wish I Knew How To Quit You

I have four reasons to be upset tonight;

1.I am leaving Miri today,
2.I am leaving my family, again.
3.I am leaving my friends, again.
4.I am going back to live my shithole life in Auckland. AGAIN.

And yet I have hundreds of reason why I shouldn't be.

Almost 4 months back home, almost everything has been strangely fine. Everything I needed, family, friends, cheap cigs, cheap movies, and ASTRO. I like it when I lose track of what day it is, I enjoy just talking to my friends, I enjoy catching live Manchester United matches with my friends, I enjoy having a car to drive and knock down a lakia motorcyclist. But yet, the feeling of loosing these things is just too hard to comprehend. I know it's not the first time, and I should've get used to feeling this way by now but truth is I'm not. I'm feeling even worst now than it was last year to begin with. I am just human, and it'd be weird if I hasn't felt anything at all because it has really been a ride for me, emotionally. I don't know why this thing is affecting me.

Well, actually, I do.

It's because after all this year, these bunch of people I call friends, or to make it cheesy, my brothers has been really really great to me. These bunch of people fits perfectly into one of those cliche "friendsip moments". They're always there when I needed them, they held my hand when I am lost yadda yadda. I can honestly said I have learnt a great deal of stuff from them and their company meant the world to me.

But,

To be honest, I felt our relationship drift apart everytime I came back. It's not between you and me, or him and him. It's like between you and me and him and you and him, like all of us all together. If that make any sense. Everyone goes on with their life, setting their own priorities. But then I am not worried. When I look closer deep down, our bond did grew stronger, maybe not so much on the physical side, but mentally yeah, I'd think so. So many things had happened over the years, from Jeffery's never ending story, to solving everybody's cinta scene, what we been through together is pretty amazing.

It's almost 4am now and I will be leaving in another 10 hours, but I feel like I need to get this off my chest before I go to bed.

I need to gather myself up. I wish leaving could be easier. I wish I don't have anything that's keeping me here. But what I have here is one of the most important thing to me. I felt upset and I am not going to deny it. I am grateful for what you guys have done to accomodate me when I'm back, and likewise, I hope my presence in this few months had meant something to you all.

Bye for now.

Recurring Dreams

"Recurring Dreams"

He has been sitting in the dark all night long,
Looking out at the flickering street lamp down the lifeless street,
He has been wondering how his life would be,
Traveling through this ghost town all alone,
He have been feeling nothing but fear,
Afraid that tomorrow is way too far,
So he lits a cigarette and let it burn,
Because it reminds him of the fire that's still within him.

But they don't believe him,
But they stand in his way,
Veils is all they could see,
Lies is all they could hear,
They throw him with their fabricated dreams,
They drown him with their manufactured accusations,
On and On, they turn their back on him,
On and on, he's sick of trying.

So he crawls into the shadow of doubts,
He dwells in the infinite measure of uncertainties,
Because darkness is all he wanted to see,
Because his heart is all he wanted to hear.
He want to leave everything behind and never return,
Because he thinks everything that mattered has long expired,
But when he lets his soul break free,
He knew that the dream is all he have,
And it's the only thing that is worth holding on to.

So he allow himself to breakdown and cry,
To wash away what he has become,
And when the tears run dry,
He stood up and sought for light,
This is his final waking hour,
He is reaching for the door and walk out from the dark,
He is going to take the wheel and forget his way back,
This is when he understood the meaning of his recurring dreams,
It isn't about the changing lanes of the passing dreams,
It isn't about how many detours along the way,
He is no longer thinking about the shortest possible routes,
He is no longer afraid of being overdue,
All he wanted is to reach and make believe,
Someday, somewhere,
The place only in his dream is just right below his feet.

Bucky Done Gone

American Idol Top 8 Elimination Show
Official Results
Bottom 3: Ace Young, Bucky Covington, Elliot Yamin(wtf!!??)
Eliminated: Bucky Covington & Ace Young

So I am pissed and my annoyance threshold has officially been breached because Elliot was in the bottom 3 again. WTF?, But thank godness, after like 10 weeks overdue, America finally sent Bucky back home. Ace in the bottom three doesn't surprise me and in fact, he will be going home next week. I mean let's face it, I never once watching that show thought Bucky had a great vocal to begin with and Ace is playin the all-American attaboy which it really gross. Honestly though, I am kinda satisfied with the result show tonight because Bucky went home and Ace in the bottom 3. I would be perfect if Chris Daughtry was in the bottom 3 instead of Elliot. Elliot has something almost everyone lacks in the competition, his humble and genuine personality. Unlike Ace who looks like he's pouting and going to throw up everytime Ryan announced the votes. I mean is he really that clueless? He really isn't that great. Or maybe he is just too confident, or maybe he is a fucking great actor, making that silly face trying to win more votes from silly school girls next week. Duh.

This will be the last time I can catch the show live because I am going back into reality, so I'll have to find other resources or just hope Elliot and Katherine did well in it. Honestly, I don't see Elliot or Katherine winning this competitione but I'd be glad if either one of them is actually the American Idol. There will be no reason to watch American idol without them both but there will be a million reason why people should watch if Ace or Chris is not in the competition. After Bucky's gone, Chris will be my next big dislike.

Red is the New Black

:::Rocking your ass May 9th 2006

[Music] The Gathering - Home [2006]

Artist: The Gathering
Album: Home
Genre: Experimental rock,
Release Date: 18 April 2006
Country: Oss, Noord Brabant, Netherlands

Band Members:
Anneke van Giersbergen - Vocals
René Rutten - Guitars
Marjolein Kooijman - Bass
Hans Rutten - Drums
Frank Boeijen - Keyboards
 

Read more »

Arty Beaker

You scored as Art. You should be an Art major! How bohemian! Art 100% English 100% Sociology 92% Dance 83% Philosophy 83% Theater 83% Journalism 83% Linguistics 75% Anthropology 67% Psychology 42% Biology 33% Mathematics 8% Chemistry 8% Engineering 8% What is your Perfect Major? (PLEASE RATE ME!!<3) created with QuizFarm.com

I got this quiz from Theresa's Blog which is rather interesting.

United 93

This is the controversial official trailer of United 93 (perviously named Flight 93), a real time story of 9/11 event about United Airlines Flight 93 plane, one of four which were doomed that day, and will be the first movie in the history to tackle the 9/11 issue head on. Even after five years, New Yorkers think this movie is too soon that they are not ready to watch this horrible event being portrayed on screen, and many audience found this trailer disturbing. Currently, one movie theater in New York has pulled this trailer off the screen due to complaints by audiences who were shocked to see it. Directed by Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy), United 93 is having its world premiere Apr. 25 as the opening night selection at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival--an event created to help Lower Manhattan recover from the 9/11 attacks--and is scheduled for USA nationwide release on Apr. 28.

[Music] Bands of USA

Album: The Black Magic Show
Artist: Elefant
Release Date: 18 April 2006

Country: New York, USA
Members:
Diego Garcia - Vocal
Mod - Guitar
Jeff James - Bass
Kevin McAdams - Drums

From New York, Elephant delivers The Black Magic Show, their second recording studio album after their debut album Sunlight Makes Me Paranoid in 2003. On fisrt listen, I would've thought this band could have been from Great Britian because they have a more British pop sound then Americans, and The Black Magis Show sounds like a mixture of British bands like Editors, Starsailor, Keane with the ever so haunting gurtar riffs of Interpol. Although The Black Magic Show does not have anything new musically, but it's is a very solid, all round good package for the band. The music are just simply sincere and captivating.
Beaker's Verdict: A


Album: Everything All The Time
Artist: Band Of Horses
Release Date: 21 March 2006

Country: Seattle, USA
Members:
Ben Bridwell - guitar, vocals
Mat Brooke - guitar
Chris Early
Tim Mienig
Joe Narnone

Band of Horses copied My Morning Jacket, their music is entirely unoriginal, but just like Jessica copied Britney, Ashley copied Hillary while Hillary copied Avirl, the only difference is My Morning Jacket is perhaps the good choice to copy while omg-Britney-Jessical-Ashley-Hillary is totally not cool no matter who imitated who. Anyway, point made, Everything All The Time is those album that will eventually grows on you the more you listen to it because it's just the way it is. Some really good songs like The First Song, The Funeral, The Great Salt Lake while other are just ho-hums, not that appealing to me. Suitable for listening on some lazy breezy sunday afternoons, god, that rhymes.
Beaker's Verdict: B+



Album: She Wants Revenge
Artist: She Wants Revenge
Release Date: 31 January 2006

Country: Los Angeles, USA
Members:
Justin Warfield
Adam 12



She Wants Revengs is the latest branch from the Interpol-wannabe family tree, after The Bravery and Editors in 2005, music almost close derivative to Interpol, then the lead vocal Justin Warfield trying sing like the next Paul Banks, and whats even better, they just got their name into the Worst-Band-Name hall of shame. It's harsh I know but it's okay because I totally dig this genre. She Wants Revenge IS the parody of Interpol's Turn On The Bright Lights mixed with the Remixed-Antics and if that's not enough, they decided to take it further by adding Spoon's Gimmie Fiction. She Wants Revenge is only good for a certain period and it won't be surprising if it's disposed to the 5 dollar bin next year
Beaker's Verdict: B

Laughter: The Universal Language for Annoyance

Actually I just got back home from a rather horrid movie experience. Well I just watched the supposedly funny Ice Age 2: The Melt Down with couple of my friends and the movie was actually pretty entertaining, I mean it kinda funny, you know, with enough laugh-able moment but apparently for other audience, it was like a like nut-busthin, jaw breaking, salive bursting omg, omg it was sooooooooooooo funny, omg, omg, I can't stop laughing flick. Puh-leeeeeseeee peoples.

Before the movie started, I was like yay Ice Age 2! Ice Age 2!. I was actually pretty excited but somehow, maybe not even more than 20 minutes into the movie, my enthusiasm just slowly dissipates like the melting ice. You see, very unfortunately a bunch of retards people who happened to sit somewhere behind us just couldn't stop laughing and I literally mean they just won't stop laughing. The movie was funny alright, but honest to god I didn't think it was THAT funny to deserve the over-manufactured laughter. Those idiots basically laughed their shits off the entire movie from start to end, well, maybe not the entire movie, I mean how could anyone?, but it was close. Hello? Was my sense of humor not functioning tonight? I don't think so. What really got on my nerves was their never-ending-ever-so-coherent-synchronized-laughing and their ever so permanently surprised by the movie woo-wah sound. For instance, Scrat secene 1 - HAHAHAHA, Scrat scene 2-HAHAHAHA, Scrat scene 3-HAHAHAHA, ice-crackin WOOooOO, Crack the possum - HAHAHAHA, Sid swimming - HAHAHAHA, The fugly alien-crocs - WOOooOO it's almost like the whole think is a joke, uh how pathetic. Seriously, have they never watched any funnies before because everything just seemed so god damn funny to them, or maybe they were just a bunch of clueless error-404-page-not-found nerds who don't get the joke but laughed to everything to save the embarassment for not laughing when the crowd thinks it's funny. Duh peoples, please laugh when it's funny, giggle when it's kinda funny but not really funny or pretend to laugh, but not too loud if you don't get the joke but people around you are laughing and simply just shut the fuck up when no one think it's funny.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry just got waxed.

Joining his brohter at the Madame Tussaud's in London, and man the wax model looked so real. So real!