The weather is UNBELIEVABLE. Now it's sunny and hot, then it will be sunny and raining. Yesterday I went to Box Hill and there was a STORM. Like you see in TV. It was really really scary. You cannot see anything. You can only see about 5 meters in front of you, nothing else but rain.
Apparantly it only went on for 5 minutes and then that's it. And, the other weird thing was that the rain only occur in the area. Cause when I went back home, there is absolutely no drop of rain in my house at all.
I think they should change the sign on the number plate. Currently, it says Victoria - Garden State. It should change to Victoria - Four Seasons (in a day) State. Brace yourself for some more weird weather in the coming days.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Thursday, January 26, 2006
memoirs of a geisha
Ok, by now everybody should know about the movie Memoirs of a Geisha. The bestseller novel turn movie with the help from the old folks in Hollywood. I haven't watched the movie nor read the book so I can't comment on both.
BUT, I would like to comment on the casts. As far as I recall, this Geisha thing happened in JAPAN, the land of the rising sun. Now, let's see the casts.
- Zhang Zi Yi
- Michelle Yeoh
- Gong Li
You see any problem ? They're all CHINESE people (that includes Hong Kong, etc) or at least people with Chinese background, heritage.
Isn't it bizzare ? I'm an Asian so I can see the difference between a Chinese and a Japanese. They are really different. Japanese has bigger this and that, Chinese has smaller this and that, such as the eyes. If one of the cast is Chinese, that's fine. But the main character are all Chinese. How could Hollywood miss this ?
Do you think that they're still angry with Japan from WW2 ? or maybe because Japan doesn't import US beef ? (If you don't know, Japan is currently imposing a ban on US beef in a bid to prevent the mad cow disease, so if you eat McDonalds there, it's 100% NOT American beef).
"Hmmm...let's make a movie that is based from a Japanese culture BUT we don't want to star any Japanese cause we don't like them. Aha! We'll just use Chinese instead, nobody would be able to tell the difference. Great idea."
Anyways, there are Japanese casts as well. One lady that played Mother, another Pumpkin and Ken Watanabe as the leading actor.
I just don't get it. Japanese actresses are HOT. You've got.....let me see....hmpph......hmmmm....can't remember any. Maybe it's a good idea to use Chinese after all.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
the case of the missing sex scene
Have you heard of the movie titled, Thank You For Not Smoking ? Well, it's a new movie coming out soon (I think, if it was not out already) and it starred Aaron Eckhart, Robert Duvall, Katie Holmes, etc, etc.
I don't think it's showing in US cinemas yet but it was played on the Toronto Film Festival (last year) and Sundance Film Festival. Apparantly when the movie was playing in the Sundance Film Festival, a part of the movie was gone. To be exact, 12 seconds of the movie just disappear.
Why are we fussing about 12 seconds in a movie ? What could happen in 12 seconds ? Well, a LOT. The missing scene was a steamy sex scene between the character played by Katie Holmes and the character played by Aaron Eckhart. Yeah Katie Holmes, that's right. The one that played in Dawson's Creek, do you remember (hehehe) ? What's going on ? What do you think went on ?
I bet that everybody is thinking that this is Tom's fault (Katie's over protective and over caring soon to be husband). Am I right ? Aren't you thinking that Tom did that and cut the sex scene out of the movie ? HAHAHA.......It turns out that everybody in the world think alike, at least for this matter.
Some rumours are spreading that Tom thinks the scene is too hot and some say this and that. But who knows.
Well, I don't exactly know what happened but the 12 seconds is gone and we WANT IT BACK. Come on Tom, don't be greedy...hehehe.
Anyhow, the filmmaker has assured us that he's going to PUT back the scene and said that what happen in Sundance was an accident (problem with the cutting and stuff). Maybe he's doing this to save Tom's ass or maybe he wants all of us to be happy. Nice.
When the movie comes out and I've watched it. I'll let you know whether this 12-second scene was worth fighting for.
waiting and waiting and waiting
Isn't it suck to wait ? I reckon we spent a quarter of our life waiting (or maybe our whole life).
- waiting to get a job
- waiting to pay the groceries
- waiting to get paid
- waiting to hear some news about your application
- waiting to die ?
sigh.....and I'm still waiting.
staircase, the series
If you were like me, has nothing to do, you would be flicking the TV channels, trying to find a good show. Of course, there is tennis but I'm not interested in that. I seriously can't watch a whole game of sports, I can only last a few minutes at most.
Then, there is SBS who always have interesting shows (not that kind of show!!). I find SBS shows are interesting, because it shows movies from all over the world. You can learn a lot from it.
Well, tonight (Tuesday night) there is a show called "Death on the Staircase". It is like a real-life Law and Order. They follow the trial of this man Michael Peterson who is being tried for the murder of his wife.
I didn't watch this series from the beginning so I'm not exactly sure what happened. But after some researching on the internet, I found out the story.
On December 9, 2001 at 2:41 a.m. the rescue squad of the city of Durham, North Carolina got an urgent call from a man who had a hard time explaining that his wife had fallen down a flight of stairs. He said she was bleeding profusely but still breathing. When the medical team arrived five minutes later, it was too late. The victim was dead. Her husband had traces of blood on his hands and face. For the inspector in charge of the inquiry, the facts spoke for themselves: there was too much blood and too many wounds on the victim. It was not an accident, but a murder. A week later Michael Peterson was arrested.
So the series is about the whole murder trial. The picture above shows Michael Peterson (on the right) and one of his lawyer on the left.
After watching just 2 episodes, you just feel weird. The whole court room drama, the family involved, the defence, the prosecution, they were all shown. I just don't understand how the family could deal with it, especially the daughters. I mean, the prosecutors are trying to dig up every single bad thing about your dad (I'm not sure whether he is their real dad) and making him look bad. If it was me, I wouldn't know how I can cope with it.
It's really an interesting insight into the court room without the touch of Hollywood. And, the case is REAL. Somebody died and there was an investigation, experts, etc, etc. It can really creep you out.
The series hasn't ended on SBS but the verdict is out and you can find out about it here. I don't want to let you know about it. But you should watch the series from the beginning and decide for yourself, what would be your verdict, an accident or murder ? I think the director really made the series to be as unbiased as possible, and trying to be really objective.
Then, there is SBS who always have interesting shows (not that kind of show!!). I find SBS shows are interesting, because it shows movies from all over the world. You can learn a lot from it.
Well, tonight (Tuesday night) there is a show called "Death on the Staircase". It is like a real-life Law and Order. They follow the trial of this man Michael Peterson who is being tried for the murder of his wife.
I didn't watch this series from the beginning so I'm not exactly sure what happened. But after some researching on the internet, I found out the story.
On December 9, 2001 at 2:41 a.m. the rescue squad of the city of Durham, North Carolina got an urgent call from a man who had a hard time explaining that his wife had fallen down a flight of stairs. He said she was bleeding profusely but still breathing. When the medical team arrived five minutes later, it was too late. The victim was dead. Her husband had traces of blood on his hands and face. For the inspector in charge of the inquiry, the facts spoke for themselves: there was too much blood and too many wounds on the victim. It was not an accident, but a murder. A week later Michael Peterson was arrested.
So the series is about the whole murder trial. The picture above shows Michael Peterson (on the right) and one of his lawyer on the left.
After watching just 2 episodes, you just feel weird. The whole court room drama, the family involved, the defence, the prosecution, they were all shown. I just don't understand how the family could deal with it, especially the daughters. I mean, the prosecutors are trying to dig up every single bad thing about your dad (I'm not sure whether he is their real dad) and making him look bad. If it was me, I wouldn't know how I can cope with it.
It's really an interesting insight into the court room without the touch of Hollywood. And, the case is REAL. Somebody died and there was an investigation, experts, etc, etc. It can really creep you out.
The series hasn't ended on SBS but the verdict is out and you can find out about it here. I don't want to let you know about it. But you should watch the series from the beginning and decide for yourself, what would be your verdict, an accident or murder ? I think the director really made the series to be as unbiased as possible, and trying to be really objective.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
travel warnings
I think the Australian government is really nice by providing their citizen with a dedicated website just for travelling. If you guys (and girls) don't know, the website is http://www.smartraveller.gov.au. And basically you can research on a country or two over there. It will tell you the latest threats, dangers in a particular country and even, in some cases, intel reports. In RARE cases (like Indonesia), the government even puts in rumour threat because they want Australian citizen to be careful.
This website is constantly updated and you can even subscribe to their newsletter that will tell you if there is an update on your favourite country (or all countries).
Anyways, today the government (Australian) has updated its travel warnings to Indonesia (AGAIN). It was updated with the situation in Sulawesi. Also, it is advising Australians to be careful with petty crimes in Indonesia.
Isn't that amazing ? Another country finally recognize that Indonesia has this STUPID problems with crimes. Just read the official statement from the website.
Petty crime is common and robberies are increasing. Credit card and ATM fraud is on the increase. In some cases, violence has been used. Thieves on motorcycles commit 'snatch theft' where they speed to a victim from behind and snatch their handbag. Thefts and robberies from cars stopped at traffic lights are increasing.
There have been reports of tourists being robbed after bringing back visitors to their hotel rooms. In some cases, the victims' drinks were spiked.
In and around Jakarta tourists have been robbed when they have stopped to repair car tyres that have been deliberately punctured by criminals.
Only use official taxi companies in Indonesia as foreigners travelling with unreputable taxi companies have been threatened and assaulted. Reputable taxi companies have counters inside the airport and can be booked by phone or from stands at major hotels.
If you are an Indonesian and you're reading this, you will want to laugh and be sad at the same time. Isn't this pathetic ? How would you expect people to come to Indonesia if they read this ?
Mr. President please read this and FIX IT. Bring some goddamn army and start the 'cleaning up' process. As I always say, Indonesia has more than 200 million people. If 10 thousand dumb, stupid people are gone, it wouldn't hurt the population at all....(relax...stay calm....breathe..calm down).
Ok, that's a bit mean but what I'm trying to say is that these kind of crimes have been going on for too long. It has been like that ever since I was in high school. And now, 10 years later, it's getting worse.
When my dad was here a few weeks ago, he brought this book from Jakarta. The titled was "A collection of fraud cases". Basically, the book collects all the fraud crimes that are known. Imagine that, the author can make a book that is as thick as a Harry Potter's first book but the content is all CRIMES. Have we got that many crimes ? Isn't that revolting ?
Yesterday, I was just telling my Australian friends about this and they just cannot believe it. It seemed like I was telling them the story of some movie or something. Well, I wouldn't blame them. Coming from a nice and safe country, who would believe that people can be hypnotised (like everybody's David Copperfield), cars vandalised, lottery scam, etc, etc. The list just goes on.
So, I can only say to all of you foreigners that are going to Indonesia, please be careful and stay alert. And for you who is thinking of going to Indonesia, think again.
This website is constantly updated and you can even subscribe to their newsletter that will tell you if there is an update on your favourite country (or all countries).
Anyways, today the government (Australian) has updated its travel warnings to Indonesia (AGAIN). It was updated with the situation in Sulawesi. Also, it is advising Australians to be careful with petty crimes in Indonesia.
Isn't that amazing ? Another country finally recognize that Indonesia has this STUPID problems with crimes. Just read the official statement from the website.
Petty crime is common and robberies are increasing. Credit card and ATM fraud is on the increase. In some cases, violence has been used. Thieves on motorcycles commit 'snatch theft' where they speed to a victim from behind and snatch their handbag. Thefts and robberies from cars stopped at traffic lights are increasing.
There have been reports of tourists being robbed after bringing back visitors to their hotel rooms. In some cases, the victims' drinks were spiked.
In and around Jakarta tourists have been robbed when they have stopped to repair car tyres that have been deliberately punctured by criminals.
Only use official taxi companies in Indonesia as foreigners travelling with unreputable taxi companies have been threatened and assaulted. Reputable taxi companies have counters inside the airport and can be booked by phone or from stands at major hotels.
If you are an Indonesian and you're reading this, you will want to laugh and be sad at the same time. Isn't this pathetic ? How would you expect people to come to Indonesia if they read this ?
Mr. President please read this and FIX IT. Bring some goddamn army and start the 'cleaning up' process. As I always say, Indonesia has more than 200 million people. If 10 thousand dumb, stupid people are gone, it wouldn't hurt the population at all....(relax...stay calm....breathe..calm down).
Ok, that's a bit mean but what I'm trying to say is that these kind of crimes have been going on for too long. It has been like that ever since I was in high school. And now, 10 years later, it's getting worse.
When my dad was here a few weeks ago, he brought this book from Jakarta. The titled was "A collection of fraud cases". Basically, the book collects all the fraud crimes that are known. Imagine that, the author can make a book that is as thick as a Harry Potter's first book but the content is all CRIMES. Have we got that many crimes ? Isn't that revolting ?
Yesterday, I was just telling my Australian friends about this and they just cannot believe it. It seemed like I was telling them the story of some movie or something. Well, I wouldn't blame them. Coming from a nice and safe country, who would believe that people can be hypnotised (like everybody's David Copperfield), cars vandalised, lottery scam, etc, etc. The list just goes on.
So, I can only say to all of you foreigners that are going to Indonesia, please be careful and stay alert. And for you who is thinking of going to Indonesia, think again.
Monday, January 23, 2006
change of gender.....
Ok, first of all I'm not going to change my gender. I just find the following amusing.
To all of you license holder in Victoria. If you decide to change your gender, you must notify VicRoads. However, you need to bring proof. This is what the official VicRoads website says:
To notify VicRoads of a change of gender, you must provide a medical report indicating that:
* a course of treatment is being undertaken in preparation for gender re-assignment, or
* surgical re-assignment has taken place
That's all folks. I just thought you want to know, cause you don't know what's gonna happen in the future. One day, you might wake up and you don't feel like a boy/girl anymore and you decide to switch sides, who knows ?.
Well, if you do decide to change your gender, you'll have one less thing to think about. You don't need to worry about changing you gender in VicRoads cause I've already told you know what to do (see above - in RED). You don't need to thank me as I might not recognise you with your new gender :)
To all of you license holder in Victoria. If you decide to change your gender, you must notify VicRoads. However, you need to bring proof. This is what the official VicRoads website says:
To notify VicRoads of a change of gender, you must provide a medical report indicating that:
* a course of treatment is being undertaken in preparation for gender re-assignment, or
* surgical re-assignment has taken place
That's all folks. I just thought you want to know, cause you don't know what's gonna happen in the future. One day, you might wake up and you don't feel like a boy/girl anymore and you decide to switch sides, who knows ?.
Well, if you do decide to change your gender, you'll have one less thing to think about. You don't need to worry about changing you gender in VicRoads cause I've already told you know what to do (see above - in RED). You don't need to thank me as I might not recognise you with your new gender :)
Sunday, January 22, 2006
a frickin HOT day
Helloooo summer. I think today mark the start of the summer here in Aussie. Yeah, we had a couple of hot days in December but nothing compared to the heat today. It was predicted to be 41 degrees (Celcius of course) but guess what, it went to more than that.
I left for Yum Cha around 1.30 pm and found no life outside. I was guessing that everybody just stayed indoors. There were only several cars around and even the shopping centres are a bit quiet than usual. It was like Christmas day, nobody is outside the house. Even the shops looked like they're closed. Unbelievable.
Along the journey, I was observing the temperature gauge in the car. It started from 29 degrees when I left. Then it slowly creeps to the mid 30s and then high 30s. Halfway along the journey, it hits 40. WOW...this is hot stuff. 5 minutes later, it was 44 degrees. Amazing.
I got back from lunch and guess what......the temperature was 45 degrees. HAHAHA, the sun has taken over the planet.
Amazing huh ? I think this is the first time that the first digit hits 4. Would you think that they actually limit the display of the first digit to maybe 4 or 5 ? Is it programmed to display temperature above 60 ? As a designer, you should think about this. Realistically, temperature above 60 is just not gonna happen. If it does happen, we would be dead anyway and if the display doesn't show it, nobody's gonna sue cause we'll all be fried. Interesting.....
Ok, back to the topic, hot hot hot. 4 o'clock in the afternoon and it's still hanging around 44 degrees.
What'd you reckon we should do in a hot day like that ? Staying indoors wouldn't help much unless you've got stacks of movies at home and a few air-conditioner. I think the best thing is to go to the supermarket and stay in the freezer section, buy a tub of ice cream and maybe bring your PSP and watch movie on it. Of course, you gotta bring a chair as well. Hahaha....that's ridiculous. But seriously, stay indoors. Cause if you went outside today, you'd know what I'm talking about.
And then, the unthinkable happened. The 'late change' happened. Within one hour, the temperature went DOWN 20 degrees and currently is sitting around 20-22 degrees. WTF ? Well, that's Melbourne for you.
Enjoy the cold while you still can and prepare yourself for a HOT Australia day. Maybe then, you don't have to use a gas or coal for your barbie (translation: BBQ), just stick em in the grill and let the sun do the rest. Good on ya mate.
I left for Yum Cha around 1.30 pm and found no life outside. I was guessing that everybody just stayed indoors. There were only several cars around and even the shopping centres are a bit quiet than usual. It was like Christmas day, nobody is outside the house. Even the shops looked like they're closed. Unbelievable.
Along the journey, I was observing the temperature gauge in the car. It started from 29 degrees when I left. Then it slowly creeps to the mid 30s and then high 30s. Halfway along the journey, it hits 40. WOW...this is hot stuff. 5 minutes later, it was 44 degrees. Amazing.
I got back from lunch and guess what......the temperature was 45 degrees. HAHAHA, the sun has taken over the planet.
Amazing huh ? I think this is the first time that the first digit hits 4. Would you think that they actually limit the display of the first digit to maybe 4 or 5 ? Is it programmed to display temperature above 60 ? As a designer, you should think about this. Realistically, temperature above 60 is just not gonna happen. If it does happen, we would be dead anyway and if the display doesn't show it, nobody's gonna sue cause we'll all be fried. Interesting.....
Ok, back to the topic, hot hot hot. 4 o'clock in the afternoon and it's still hanging around 44 degrees.
What'd you reckon we should do in a hot day like that ? Staying indoors wouldn't help much unless you've got stacks of movies at home and a few air-conditioner. I think the best thing is to go to the supermarket and stay in the freezer section, buy a tub of ice cream and maybe bring your PSP and watch movie on it. Of course, you gotta bring a chair as well. Hahaha....that's ridiculous. But seriously, stay indoors. Cause if you went outside today, you'd know what I'm talking about.
And then, the unthinkable happened. The 'late change' happened. Within one hour, the temperature went DOWN 20 degrees and currently is sitting around 20-22 degrees. WTF ? Well, that's Melbourne for you.
Enjoy the cold while you still can and prepare yourself for a HOT Australia day. Maybe then, you don't have to use a gas or coal for your barbie (translation: BBQ), just stick em in the grill and let the sun do the rest. Good on ya mate.
graffiti
Did I spell it right ? Should it have one t or two ? (Checked the dictionary, it's all correct). Ok, so graffiti. In the papers the other day, there was news that one of the biggest ringleader in graffiti has been captured. It is part of a $1 million clean-up in Melbourne.
The gang allegedly has 2 leaders. One is captured and another one is believed to have left Australia (not sure for hiding or just for holiday). The name of the gang is 70K (or something like that) because all the members were born in the 70s.
Back when I was in Indo, I used to frickin hate grafitti. They just can't see a clean gate or wall. After my dad painted our gate door, the following day there's already grafitti. "BOENTOE "or "BOEDOET" or some other writing that I don't understand (I think they didn't go to a graffiti school, that explains the bad graffiti-writing) . So the best thing was to let the writing be there and forget about it.
But here in Oz, the graffiti is much more different. It is cool. I have no idea how people can do such a thing with just a few cans of spray paint. Look at this stuff,
Isn't that cool ? There is another nice one in the coty as well. It's located in an alley between Flinders Lane and Collins St. Fully sick, I say.
I think this is a form of art. They are so talented.
BUT, the people that annoys me is the one that just writes anything anywhere.Well, maybe for them it has a meaning but for normal people, it's just crap. Like the people who did the graffiti on Sydney's opera house. Total IDIOTS. Ok, you want to protest and stuff but don't vandalise.
If you don't know, there were 2 people that climbed up Sydney's Opera House and spray painted the top with NO WAR. That is just dumb, don't you think? And, the weirdest thing is, they escaped any sentenced (I think they're sentenced were like a few hundred hours of community service). If I was an Australian, I'd be frickin angry. To have your national icon be mocked like that. That is embarassing.
Take this sign for example, what the hell are you trying to say mate ? Is that a D or S or what ? I just don't understand this people.
I really think that graffiti should be divided into sub-categories, there is the art graffiti that is all nice and creative and there is the DUMB graffiti that needs to be removed from the face of the earth....arghhhh,,,,Relax, stay calm, take a deep breath......hmmm...I'm calm now.
The gang allegedly has 2 leaders. One is captured and another one is believed to have left Australia (not sure for hiding or just for holiday). The name of the gang is 70K (or something like that) because all the members were born in the 70s.
Back when I was in Indo, I used to frickin hate grafitti. They just can't see a clean gate or wall. After my dad painted our gate door, the following day there's already grafitti. "BOENTOE "or "BOEDOET" or some other writing that I don't understand (I think they didn't go to a graffiti school, that explains the bad graffiti-writing) . So the best thing was to let the writing be there and forget about it.
But here in Oz, the graffiti is much more different. It is cool. I have no idea how people can do such a thing with just a few cans of spray paint. Look at this stuff,
Isn't that cool ? There is another nice one in the coty as well. It's located in an alley between Flinders Lane and Collins St. Fully sick, I say.
I think this is a form of art. They are so talented.
BUT, the people that annoys me is the one that just writes anything anywhere.Well, maybe for them it has a meaning but for normal people, it's just crap. Like the people who did the graffiti on Sydney's opera house. Total IDIOTS. Ok, you want to protest and stuff but don't vandalise.
If you don't know, there were 2 people that climbed up Sydney's Opera House and spray painted the top with NO WAR. That is just dumb, don't you think? And, the weirdest thing is, they escaped any sentenced (I think they're sentenced were like a few hundred hours of community service). If I was an Australian, I'd be frickin angry. To have your national icon be mocked like that. That is embarassing.
Take this sign for example, what the hell are you trying to say mate ? Is that a D or S or what ? I just don't understand this people.
I really think that graffiti should be divided into sub-categories, there is the art graffiti that is all nice and creative and there is the DUMB graffiti that needs to be removed from the face of the earth....arghhhh,,,,Relax, stay calm, take a deep breath......hmmm...I'm calm now.
some problems with the blog
You might be experiencing difficulties with the site (the layout's gotten all over the place), the server for the counter is having problems. Apologies for that.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
some facts...
Do you know that Calcutta (a part or province of India, where Mother Theresa did her work) has changed its name to Kolkatta? They changed it quite a long ago, in 2001. Why didn't anybody tell me ? But does that make a difference ? Why don't they change it to Bombay or Bonsoy or Raptor ? It will make more impact, right ? Calcutta -> Kolkatta, that's not a change. Changes should be big, different, shouldn't it ?
Another thing, do you know that the people from Southern part of India does not speak Hindi (their national language) ? The speak English instead.
Why is all this about India ? Why am I talking about it in the first place ? Hmmm....who started this ? Weird. Well, this is Ivan signing off with the 10.30 news. I'll see you again tomorrow, same time, same channel.
blogging, blogging and blogging
Ok, I started this blog purely for fun. My dream (on of it at least) is to my make own personal website that is cool, sleek, informative, etc, etc. BUT, I'm not so good on design. I like simple designs, just words and lines but that's not attractive. Who the hell wants to look at that kinda website ? So boring. I guess I just don't have an arty side in my brain, it's all technical.
Anyways, I'll try and learn all the stuff to make a nice, descent looking website (and I don't mean HTML), you know the other stuff, the stuff that are 'in', 'hip' and 'ccol' in the website industry...hehehe.
Once I get that done, maybe (and maybe) I will undertake this HUGE job in making my own website. First, it will be a list of restaurants and their ratings all over the place. Places that I've been and what I think of it. Then, Sasa (my friend who is currently confused looking for a 3-bedroom apartment around Melb Uni) suggested I make some kinda of survival kit for international student in Melbourne (not a bad idea...hahaha). We'll see in due time, all I need is a free server with unlimited everything (except pop-ups, banners, etc) and a domain name, www.ivanpedia.com sounds cools (don't try to check it out cause I don't think there is anything).
Ok, gotta bathe now and become a fresh food people for another 9 hours. Ciao
Anyways, I'll try and learn all the stuff to make a nice, descent looking website (and I don't mean HTML), you know the other stuff, the stuff that are 'in', 'hip' and 'ccol' in the website industry...hehehe.
Once I get that done, maybe (and maybe) I will undertake this HUGE job in making my own website. First, it will be a list of restaurants and their ratings all over the place. Places that I've been and what I think of it. Then, Sasa (my friend who is currently confused looking for a 3-bedroom apartment around Melb Uni) suggested I make some kinda of survival kit for international student in Melbourne (not a bad idea...hahaha). We'll see in due time, all I need is a free server with unlimited everything (except pop-ups, banners, etc) and a domain name, www.ivanpedia.com sounds cools (don't try to check it out cause I don't think there is anything).
Ok, gotta bathe now and become a fresh food people for another 9 hours. Ciao
return of the condor heroes....andy lau
Do you know the movie ? Well, it's not a movie. It's a TV series. This particular series that I love is playes by Andy Lau and Idy Chan. I think it was made in 1982. Based on some legend (or it could be completely fictious - novel), the story is about a young boy having a relationship with an older lady (could it be sum up to that ? hahaha). Along the way, of course, there are other interesting stories.
This series is actually the second part of the whole 'saga'. There is another series, titled "Legend of the Condor Heroes" which tells the story of the previous generation (the dad of character played by Andy Lau). That itself is another interesting story. But you can get away not watching that and just start on this series.
A lot of filmmakers have made this series. I think there's an anime for it as well. It was just released not too long ago, about 2/3 years ago ? But I think, this is the best one so far. Well, the special effect is not great and the locations can be a little dodgy sometimes but hey, it's the 80s.
Anyways, the DVD is now available with ENGLISH subtitle. Previously, they only have it with Chinese subtitle. The price is a bit expensive (US$120) but you are actually getting tons of episodes. I remember my uncle had this series on VHS and there were at least 25 tapes. So you're actually getting a fair bit of DVDs. If you want to check it out, just search for it in the yesasia box on the left toolbar. They've got any Chinese, Japanese, Korean stuff. They ship to anywhere around the world for FREE. So, if you order now, you can get a second set free, it can cut, chop ..... (oops, I got to carried away).
PS: This is not a promotion, I really love this show and want to share it with all of you :) I think the story is great. I'm gonna get it myself once I have collected enough cash. Yeah. Picture are copyright from YesAsia.com use solemnly for illustration.
Friday, January 20, 2006
scary movie stuff...
Have you watched Scary Movie ? I'm watching the third one of the whole series. I can't believe that it's actually funny. Go and watch it.
Oh, I want to get one of those Mother Theresa's statue. The statue can move it's head around like an Indian (people from India not the native American....hahaha) when they're dancing. Hehehe....it's really cute.
But something in the movie should be followed by everyone (by everyone I mean every girls and some guys). There is this scene where Tabitha (a.k.a. Sadako) comes out from the TV to kill the dark-coloured girl. Instead of running around, going through doors after doors, rooms after rooms. She actually punch that son of a b****. How brave. I just don't understand when watching horror movies. It's their fault that they die because they're asking for IT. They should be brave and get a baseball bat......and SWING AWAY.
So, my message is BE BRAVE, hehehe.....
Oh, I want to get one of those Mother Theresa's statue. The statue can move it's head around like an Indian (people from India not the native American....hahaha) when they're dancing. Hehehe....it's really cute.
But something in the movie should be followed by everyone (by everyone I mean every girls and some guys). There is this scene where Tabitha (a.k.a. Sadako) comes out from the TV to kill the dark-coloured girl. Instead of running around, going through doors after doors, rooms after rooms. She actually punch that son of a b****. How brave. I just don't understand when watching horror movies. It's their fault that they die because they're asking for IT. They should be brave and get a baseball bat......and SWING AWAY.
So, my message is BE BRAVE, hehehe.....
Thursday, January 19, 2006
introduction...
I've been writing this blog for several days but I haven't really introduce myself. Well, my name is Ivan, currently residing in Melbourne, Australia. I have two younger brothers, on here with me and the other one in Indonesia. As you can predict, I am Indonesian. I was 'forced' to come to Australia (hahaha...). Whilst I'm in Melbourne, I met with a girl who now become my girlfriend, hehehe. By the way, she's Singaporean (just in case you're wandering).
Oh, she will also co-write this blog with me. This is her own blog, http://faithilda.blogspot.com/.
What else whould I say ? I guess that's pretty much it. Have fun reading my blog.
Oh, she will also co-write this blog with me. This is her own blog, http://faithilda.blogspot.com/.
What else whould I say ? I guess that's pretty much it. Have fun reading my blog.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
24 season 5...go Jack Bauer
For all of you fans of 24, the new season has just begun in the US. The first four hours of the season is out (as in shown) and in the first 5 minutes, you'll be left shocked. Anyways, I'm a big fan of 24 so it's time to be thrilled again with Jack Bauer and friends.
is ipod ripping our wallet ?
I don't know why everyone's so crazy about ipod. I think ipod is nice but not THAT nice. Anyways, I bought an ipod nano for my dad cause he wants to listen to something on his journey (cool eh, a 53 year old man wants a nano...hehehe). So, I bought it in a duty free shop at the airport cause he's gonna take it home (to Indonesia) anyway and you can save on the GST which is quite a lot for nanos, around AU$30.
Because I bought it at the airport, I can't really check whether it's working or not, or even put some songs there and test drive it (nanos are famous for their easy-to-break-LCD, apparantly). Then, back in Indonesia, my brother smsed me asking whether the ipod can be charged without a computer. I said (confidently) OF COURSE, why not ? Just find the adaptor inside the box and plug it to the wall. That's a silly question I thought, but it got me thinking, my brother is dumb but not that dumb (hehehe...).
Then, I went to check the apple's website to find the content of the box. Found it, but I can't really understand which one refers to which so I refer to the online manual. I looked for 'Charging your ipod' or something along the line and I found it. "To charge the ipod, plug the cable to the ipod on one side and to your computer on the other side" (I paraphrase a bit..hehehe). OK, fair enough. Moving along, "Optional, you can charge your ipod anywhere by the USB power adapter" (again, paraphrase). I was like WHAT ?? OPTIONAL ?? since when does recharging needs a computer ??
I looked on the website again and went to accessories for the ipod. To my dismay, there it is, a USB power adapter for AU$48 listed as an accessory. I was shocked, 50 bucks for another adapter, which should be included with the ipod in the first place. I think somebody in the US should sue Apple. I don't think that Apple mentioned that you need a computer (mandatory) if you want to buy an ipod. I don't understand why Apple can be so greedy. I think it's a PATHETIC marketing strategy. To think that a big company such as Apple can think of a strategy like that, it's quite REVOLTING. Is Apple competing with Microsoft in who's-the-lousiest-company awards or something ?
And just recently, I read a PC magazine that says Apple is going to introduce an 'ipod tax' as a way to earn more money with ipod. So, basically every other third party company that wants to make an accessory for the ipod must pay Apple a percentage. In return, the company can put a sign on the product, MADE FOR IPOD. What a joke.
Unbelievable. So, I had no choice but to buy the adapter. Which sane person would turn on their computer for 3 hours only to charge their ipods ? Apparantly, the adapter USED to be included in the first generation of ipod but it's not anymore. So people, realise that when you are buying an ipod, the price you pay is not just $299 or $499 but it's more. Don't forget to add $50 for the adapter, another $50 for the stand (or dock or whatever), $50 for the remote, $30 for the skin (or cover), $70 for the FM transmitter, and so on and so on (and don't forget that the battery only lasts for a few years).
I'm not trying to put ipod sales down or anything (hey, I also bought the ipod remember). I just want to say to Apple, COME ON...
Because I bought it at the airport, I can't really check whether it's working or not, or even put some songs there and test drive it (nanos are famous for their easy-to-break-LCD, apparantly). Then, back in Indonesia, my brother smsed me asking whether the ipod can be charged without a computer. I said (confidently) OF COURSE, why not ? Just find the adaptor inside the box and plug it to the wall. That's a silly question I thought, but it got me thinking, my brother is dumb but not that dumb (hehehe...).
Then, I went to check the apple's website to find the content of the box. Found it, but I can't really understand which one refers to which so I refer to the online manual. I looked for 'Charging your ipod' or something along the line and I found it. "To charge the ipod, plug the cable to the ipod on one side and to your computer on the other side" (I paraphrase a bit..hehehe). OK, fair enough. Moving along, "Optional, you can charge your ipod anywhere by the USB power adapter" (again, paraphrase). I was like WHAT ?? OPTIONAL ?? since when does recharging needs a computer ??
I looked on the website again and went to accessories for the ipod. To my dismay, there it is, a USB power adapter for AU$48 listed as an accessory. I was shocked, 50 bucks for another adapter, which should be included with the ipod in the first place. I think somebody in the US should sue Apple. I don't think that Apple mentioned that you need a computer (mandatory) if you want to buy an ipod. I don't understand why Apple can be so greedy. I think it's a PATHETIC marketing strategy. To think that a big company such as Apple can think of a strategy like that, it's quite REVOLTING. Is Apple competing with Microsoft in who's-the-lousiest-company awards or something ?
And just recently, I read a PC magazine that says Apple is going to introduce an 'ipod tax' as a way to earn more money with ipod. So, basically every other third party company that wants to make an accessory for the ipod must pay Apple a percentage. In return, the company can put a sign on the product, MADE FOR IPOD. What a joke.
Unbelievable. So, I had no choice but to buy the adapter. Which sane person would turn on their computer for 3 hours only to charge their ipods ? Apparantly, the adapter USED to be included in the first generation of ipod but it's not anymore. So people, realise that when you are buying an ipod, the price you pay is not just $299 or $499 but it's more. Don't forget to add $50 for the adapter, another $50 for the stand (or dock or whatever), $50 for the remote, $30 for the skin (or cover), $70 for the FM transmitter, and so on and so on (and don't forget that the battery only lasts for a few years).
I'm not trying to put ipod sales down or anything (hey, I also bought the ipod remember). I just want to say to Apple, COME ON...
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Privacy...is it that important ?
Just a few hours ago, I went to a police station in Malvern. I went there to get some documents certified. For people who don't know, in Australia (and maybe everywhere else around the world except Indonesia) when you photocopy a document, it must be certified by somebody (police officer, lawyer, etc). I guess it's to prevent people 'modifying' the photocopy so that it's a true copy (what else could it be for ?).
Anyways, back to the story. When I went into the police station, there was this old lady in front of me who was apparantly lost her suitcase or bag or whatever and she was making a report for it. I did not listen in detail cause I don't want to be intrusive. Anyways, so I waited there and couldn't help hearing what this old lady was saying. She had lost her bag last week, during her bus ride home (or was it a train ride ? - not important). The police officer asked her several questions regarding the incident. And then the police officer asked, "What is you telephone number mam ?"....silent.....I thought that she was giving him her phone number cause old people might have a weak voice. But I was wrong, she did not say anything and the police officer was as confused as me.
Then, she breaks her silence, she said, "I'm trying to avoid the telemarketers". I was like WTF, you're trying to ask the police to help you find something and you can't even supply him with your telephone number.....(feeling like taking a chair and throwing it to her...like what they do in cartoons). The policeman was totally CONFUSED, I could just see it in his face. He raised his voice a little bit and said, "...how are we going to contact you then ? if we do find your items". She's still not assured. It was not until a few minutes later that she finally give her number and she insisted on writing the number herself onto the form.
I am just amazed on how Australians value their privacy. I really don't understand why she would think that the police will give out telephone numbers to telemarketers. I mean you could at least trust them right ? I know that telemarketers are really annoying but which one is more important, a few telemarketers calling you or your item retrieved ?
When the policeman asked of the content of her missing bag, she mentioned prescription sunglasses. She thinks that the thief knows that the sunglasses' frame are expensive and stole it. But I have never even heard of the brand and by the look at the policeman's face, he didn't know about it either. Along with the sunglasses, there was a big plate that she wants to return (to her friends maybe) and some Christmas decorations. I am just wandering whether that deserves to be reported, waste of police resources ? But hey, it's not my place to say that cause maybe the bag has a sentimental value or something like that.
Anyways, I hope that the lady get all her stuff back cause I know the feeling of losing something is crap (I just lost my friend's keys) and maybe we can be a have little bit more common sense in handling things. Privacy is important but we live in the world with other people and we should be aware of other people as well and not only think about ourselves.
Anyways, back to the story. When I went into the police station, there was this old lady in front of me who was apparantly lost her suitcase or bag or whatever and she was making a report for it. I did not listen in detail cause I don't want to be intrusive. Anyways, so I waited there and couldn't help hearing what this old lady was saying. She had lost her bag last week, during her bus ride home (or was it a train ride ? - not important). The police officer asked her several questions regarding the incident. And then the police officer asked, "What is you telephone number mam ?"....silent.....I thought that she was giving him her phone number cause old people might have a weak voice. But I was wrong, she did not say anything and the police officer was as confused as me.
Then, she breaks her silence, she said, "I'm trying to avoid the telemarketers". I was like WTF, you're trying to ask the police to help you find something and you can't even supply him with your telephone number.....(feeling like taking a chair and throwing it to her...like what they do in cartoons). The policeman was totally CONFUSED, I could just see it in his face. He raised his voice a little bit and said, "...how are we going to contact you then ? if we do find your items". She's still not assured. It was not until a few minutes later that she finally give her number and she insisted on writing the number herself onto the form.
I am just amazed on how Australians value their privacy. I really don't understand why she would think that the police will give out telephone numbers to telemarketers. I mean you could at least trust them right ? I know that telemarketers are really annoying but which one is more important, a few telemarketers calling you or your item retrieved ?
When the policeman asked of the content of her missing bag, she mentioned prescription sunglasses. She thinks that the thief knows that the sunglasses' frame are expensive and stole it. But I have never even heard of the brand and by the look at the policeman's face, he didn't know about it either. Along with the sunglasses, there was a big plate that she wants to return (to her friends maybe) and some Christmas decorations. I am just wandering whether that deserves to be reported, waste of police resources ? But hey, it's not my place to say that cause maybe the bag has a sentimental value or something like that.
Anyways, I hope that the lady get all her stuff back cause I know the feeling of losing something is crap (I just lost my friend's keys) and maybe we can be a have little bit more common sense in handling things. Privacy is important but we live in the world with other people and we should be aware of other people as well and not only think about ourselves.
I did it....
Yeah, I did it. I managed to create a blog for myself (how pathetic). Well, you see I am a newbie in this kind of stuff. I had some help from Gerald in understanding all these stuff, you can check out his blog at www.aerowalk.co.nr. Anyways, I named the page ivanpedia because my friends think that I know everything and but in fact, i know NOTHING. But then, the name is a bit catchy so I thought that I'll just use it rather than calling it sapiterbang (translation: flying cow), which is already outdated and probably nobody understand it.
Ok, I will try and put up a lot of posts, at least once a day (yeah right) and I'll share with all of you guys what I know so hopefully you know it too. Peace and enjoy the blog.
Ok, I will try and put up a lot of posts, at least once a day (yeah right) and I'll share with all of you guys what I know so hopefully you know it too. Peace and enjoy the blog.
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