How I spent my Nov 2007 weekends

Most of my weekends in November 2008 I spent on fixing the Gundam kits I bought from Taiwan, while video chatting online with GF + watching Mandarin dubbed Cantonese movies on cable television Star Hub+ occasional web searching. For lunch and dinner, I ate whatever food stuff I can find in the house without going out.

Really Otaku (stay in the house) weekend life. Talk about multi-tasking.

Dunny: Auction Won from Ebay!!

Bought these 2 dunnys from Ebay. Cost me a BOMB!! Well, this was my 1st Ebay Purchase.

The 1st one is Lennin, from the famous Bolshevik Revolution of Russia. This is my favorite dunny so far.

The 2nd one is Mao Zhe Dong. This dunny was sold in 2005 and only 1098pcs was sold. Among the 1098pcs, 989pcs is Mao Zhe Dong and 109pcs is the rare Zhiang Ching. Now Zhiang Qing is going for nearly USD1,000.

Well, this 2 dunnys are very meaningful as they represent 2 of the most influential people in the modern history of the world!!

Dinner with Friends (7th Dec 2007)

Managed to caught Aik Hong and wife just after reaching Singapore from my Bangkok trip. We ate Tonkatsu (Japanese Fried Pork Cutlet) at Takashimaya Ngee Ann City, orchard road.

Well, all fried stuff, Fried Pork Cutlet, Oyster, Prawn with bread crumbs. I love the food, so was anxious to introduce to my friends.

Read this!! Fellow Malaysians

Finished this book, learned a very important piece of history of our country. By knowing the fact behind May 13, commoners would not have supported BN (Malay "Elites" capitalists who strongly withheld the "Malay special rights", supported by Chinese Biz men whose sole interest is their own $$ but not of the Chinese they represent, and the Indian "follower") but the Opposition Parties.

I am taking the synopsis from this site.

Synopsis:

This is the first credible account of the May 13, 1969 racial riots in Malaysia, using documents recently declassified at the Public Records Office, London, after the lapse of the 30-year secrecy rule.
These documents provide the only available confidential observations and memorandum by British and other foreign embassy operatives based on their intelligence and contacts with local officials and politicians. They include dispatches by correspondents which were then banned in Malaysia.
A social scientist, Kua Kia Soong provides a fresh political analysis of this "May 13 incident". In his view, the riots were by no means a spontaneous outburst of violence between Malays and Chinese but rather a planned coup d'etat by the ascendant state capitalist class against the Tunku-led aristocracy. He discusses the contradictions of the post-Independencec Alliance racial formula and traces the rise of this new Malay capitalist class which has ruled Malaysia since 1969.
These documents clearly show who were responsible for the violence and pose the question why the security forces allowed the violence to go on. With this publication, it is hoped that the frequently raised "spectre of May 13" by the Barisan Nasional government will be forever put to rest.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Kua Kia Soong is a director and founding member of human rights organisation, Suaram. He was a Member of Parliament for Petaling Jaya (1990-95), a former political detainee during Operasi Lalang (1987-89) and former lecturer at the National University of Singapore (1978-79).

Golden Compass not for kids

Watched this on Saturday night. Very disappointed. And the mentioning of Daemon (pronounced as Demon) really stirred up some issues among Catholics Community. I agree with the Catholics as the movie will mislead children about the real meaning of Demon.

And the main character Lyra, the kid with the compass, she really set a bad example for kids. She is practically lie-ing her way through every obstacle she faced. I like Samwise Gamgee and Frodo Baggins better. Their character and personality is really Good, compared to Lyra.

The Plus side of the movie is all the nice computer animated graphics. Basically the actors are all acting behind green screen most of the time. Nicole Kidman is beautiful and elegant. But that's all about it.

Overall, this movie is a no no for kids.

Kinokuniya Christmas Sales!! 20% off Books & Magazines

Hi Guys! Book Sales is on in Kinokuniya from 7th Dec to 1st Jan 2008. Any body wants to save on buying books just let me know. I will be back b4 CNY to give it to you. Surely wont pass them during CNY.

Power to the People!!

Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein

Just finished this book after 3 weeks. This book is thick and full load of information on how corporations and certain "elites/privileged" have used "Shock" Method or "Shocked" situation created by nature or human to exploit the public/nation.

Well, this book seems to be really well researched and edited, with facts backing up most of the claims. Histories and current affairs, on the evil face of Capitalism and Neoliberalism (a political movement that espouses economic liberalism as a means of promoting economic development and securing political liberty. in an easy word, more privatization and less government control). This did widen the polarization
of the wealthy and the poor where only the "elites" and corporations extract enormous wealth while leaving the public with huge debt and very little money just to barely survive.

Well, it was like reading a history book, I just read through it quickly to get the whole idea and message this book is trying to convey. This book really covers a lots of topics. Can be used as a very good reference tool in the future.

From this book, it leads to another 2 books I just bought:
1. The Road to Serfdom by F.A. Hayek (Liberal, Capitalism, free from States)
This book is promoting liberal capitalism, free from states and government control. Human should have freedom from the control of government. Anti-communist. This powerful and famous book was ban in Russia and China.

2. The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money by John Maynard Keynes (pronounced as "Cains") (Socialism)
This book is the oppose of the ideology of The Road to Serfdom, (although Keynes praised Hayek on writting the book), believing in wealth creation and distribution by wise government and responsible corporation and individual. (After the great depression, America achieved great economic growth in creating the vast majority of middle income population, seems was based on the ideas of Keynes.)

So... will try my best to finish this 2 books and compare their ideology. And go for Karl Marx famous book later.

Well... History and Politics are some of the most important subject we should learn from young. Really regret for not knowing the importance of it during school days, slept through most of the history classes at school.

Movies for the weekend

Finally I get to watch the full version of the Original Conan series. 1. Conan the Barbarian. 2. Conan the Destroyer.

Just bought it at a discounted price of SD23.80.

As a kid, during the VCR age, I have video taped the Conan series from then RTM2 and watched over and over again until the tape is spoilt.

But I never had a chance to watch the full version with all the Blood and Gore + Sexy scenes due to the censorship. For example, the original Conan the Barbarian was 2hr 11min, but the one I remembered taping was just over 1.5hr. RTM showed it in a 2hr slot with loads of commercials.

Really looking forward this weekend.

Got the Transformers 2 disc special also since it is on 30% at Borders. I have watched 4 times in the Cinema, frankly speaking already a bit bored, but will bring back to KL for my family to test their new LCD TV.

Well, I sure will spend some time to play frame by frame some of the transforming sequence.

10" Joe Led Teddy Trooper by Adfunture

This Baby just courier in from Shanghai yesterday. The Teddy Trooper figure is design by Eddi of Adfunture and the Art is by Joe Ledbetter.

I really love this guy. The color combination is one of my favorite. He is 2 inch taller than my 8 inch dunnies, and a Giant among my 3 inch dunnies.

Lust, Caution 色 戒

Went to the city to watch the full version today. After reading and hearing many review about this controversial movie, must watch it my self.

Below is my opinion, the plot of setting up assassination by a bunch of drama club students (amateurs) of the head of counter intelligence is a bit too unrealistic. No point killing a person that can always be replaced by another monster so easily.

At least Mr.Yee is humane enough to end the sufferings of the tortured/interrogated prisoners swiftly.

The Wang LiHom character is very weak, and his acting is mediocre. He is just a runner boy for the entire movie. I can't feel any emotion from his acting in many situation where he should express grief, frustration and affection.

Well, the 2 main characters Mr.Yee(Tony Leung) and Mrs.Mok/Ms.Wang(Tang Wei) were very good. No doubt of Tony Leung's acting, and Tang Wei's interaction with Tony was very amusing. I love the scene when Yee offered Mok a cigarette in a restaurant, her face lit up, smoking the cigarette while seducing Yee with her eyes and facial expression.

The intimate scenes were MUST for this movie. As Yee was a very busy and important (life threatening job) man, the only time he had chance to develop any interaction with Mok was when they were alone and having an affair. Through the Intimate Moments, Yee and Mok developed affection for each other. The actors really did a big sacrifice for art.

Was this affection Lust, as suggested by the title? Well, I personally think that Lust(at the beginning) was starting to be replaced by Love, but it ended abruptly & painfully.

The movie is 2.5hrs long, watching it in a lazy morning or afternoon during weekend is recommended.

Last 8" Dunny for the year

Got this 8" Dunny today. I personally love the color purple/violet, so this one to me is very very nice. The face is based on the famous Pro-Wrestler Andre the Giant. He was the "Good Guy" of the Pro-Wrestling field, always go for the good fight. He acted in number of films also. No more buying for the rest of the year.

Crazy about Dunnies!!

I bought the Baby Blue (Teal) Bubble Yucky Dunny by Tara Mcpherson . Well, they look better in pair. Although I spend a lot of $$ lately, must control. GF is chanting "Buy less toy... buy less toy.. save $$, save $$" whenever I speak to her.

Well, got this hard to find Paul Smith Dunny (plastic though). Really like this guy. A piece of ART.

Ninja Dunny I bought previously.

And a Set of 17pcs, 3" Dunny series 4. I could never complete the whole set. There is another 4 pcs which are ultra rare. each of them over USD200 on EBay at the moment.

Below are the 4 Ultra Rare ones I don't think I can ever get it.

Biz Trip to Taiwan

Went to Taiwan last week for Biz Trip. 11/18(Sun) to 11/21(Wed). Only Sunday I have free time to move in Taipei, and the rest all packed with Biz Schedule.

I stayed in Regent Formosa Taipei (Zhong San North Road, nearest MRT Zhong San station), seems to be one of the best Hotel in Taipei. After checking in and pack a small back pack, I go out to search for Toy Shops in Taipei City.

Took the MRT from ZhongSan 中山to ZhongXiaoDunHua中孝吨化. Went to 2 Stores, bought some toys there and got to know that Kaiyodo of Japan was having an exhibition in Taipei City Art Gallery at YuanShan圆山. At that time was 4pm, and the Gallery will close 5.30pm. Well, rushed to 圆山and managed to reach there before 5pm. Free admission after 5pm. Lucky!!

No photography allowed in the Exhibition Hall, but it was very very interesting to see the collection of Kaiyodo Toys. Original Sculpts, 1:1 Ratio Models (Beautiful Anime Ladies and Macho Men). Over all it was a very good experience. Too bad they don't sell limited exclusive stuff there.

6pm, since the famous ShihLinYeShi (剑潭station) is just one station away, dragging stuff along, & went there for my dinner. Could not take any pic due to me carrying stuff. I ate: famous MeeSua(面线）, American Hot dog, Deep Fried Chicken Cutlet, Water Fried Bao(水煎包 very nice), Almond Milk. Wish I have a bigger stomach. ShihLin was packed with people... I really enjoyed the experience.

After all the food, just 7.30pm, took the MRT again and went to XiMenDing (西门町). Here many youngsters and a lot of stores and building selling young fashion. Went to a building where many toy shops are located. The stuff is really cheap... cheaper than Singapore and Malaysia. Wish I could have more space for my luggage. Again, spent a bomb there. (Below is one of the many stuff I got.)

10.30pm, finally back to Hotel. Bought some nice dessert and drinks from the Convenient Store Family Mart. (Our partner in Biz, must support)

Well, the next day, after a days work, my Taiwan colleague brought me to the most famous Beef Noodle in Taipei. (Maybe was Famous from last time, price is high and the taste was just OK only.) But I enjoyed the tit bits / appetizer (小菜) very much. I LOVE 小菜very much!!

After a hefty meal, my colleagues took me to a tea house to relax. The tea house was a very good experience, the ambient / decoration is nice, music (Chinese Instrumental) was soothing. And enjoyed many types of different tea.

Well, the next 2 days were all Biz. Had nice and expensive dinner with customers.

Overall it was a very good trip. But really wish to go Taiwan again for vacation next time.

Beowulf !!

This movie really blown my mind away. Watched it in Singapore Cinema. Many scenes of the movie might be edited in Malaysia. A bit sexy and violent for Malaysia.

Won't want to spoil the movie for you guys, but the story is a bit different from the original epic poem though. Over all the movie is packed with action and adventure. And "Some" Battle scenes are 100 times better than Harry Potter.

An one of the screen writer is the famous Neil Gaiman. He is very good in adapting stories into comics.

Well, sit back and enjoy!!

8" Pink Bubble Yucky Dunny

I bought this 8" Pink Dunny yesterday. Well this is the latest just released world wide on 15th Nov 2007. Limited to 2000 pcs world wide. (rumored to be 50/50, 1000pcs per colour.)

At 1st I wanted and reserved the Teal (baby blue) one with the shop, but a case of 6 pcs the shop received are all pink. Kidrobot who is the producing company only sell to each distributor 1 case of 6 pcs. Well, no choice but to grab the pink one 1st.

Do you think I should get the teal one too if chance come by and no need to pay more than the pink one???

Fixed another Gundam model

Fixed this over the weekend last week while chatting on MSN video call. Lucky nothing is broken this time. Bought some decal to stick on this guy later. He will look much better with decal on. Well... a pass time for a geek alone in the house on weekends.