Greatest movie character of all time...

In the November issue of EMPIRE magazine, a list of the 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time (as voted by the readers) were revealed. You really couldn't argue with the top 10:

1. 1. Indiana Jones (pictured, left) - Indiana Jones series, played by Harrison Ford
2. 2. The Joker - Batman (Jack Nicholson), The Dark Knight (Heath Ledger)
3. 3. Darth Vader - Star Wars eps 3-6 (David Prowse, voiced by James Earl Jones)
4. 4. Jack Sparrow - Pirates 1-3 (Johnny Depp)
5. Hannibal Lector - Lector trilogy (Anthony Hopkins)
6. James Bond - 007 series (Sean Connery, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, Daniel Craig)
7. Tyler Durden - Fight Club (Brad Pitt)
8. Han Solo - Star Wars eps 4-6 (Harrison Ford)
9. Forrest Gump - Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks)
10. The Terminator - Terminator series (Arnold Schwarzenegger)

Only one that raised my eyebrow in the top 10 was Tyler Durden. But there's no doubt he is a truly memorable character. Agree, disagree with the list?

Interesting to note was of the 100 characters only 12 were female. And the first female character does not appear until no.18 with Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz. Proving that there are no real "strong" female roles in Hollywood or else where these days. It's a shame because there are so many talented actresses.

cíao,

Ippei

So, that's what it means...

Ever had a day when you woke up and something wasn't quite right?

And not because you have the serious case of the hangovers or jet lag, but just feel...different?

I apologise for the cryptic-ness, but I recently found out what it is like to "get up on the wrong side of the bed". And it isn't exactly pleasant to say the least.

You wake up and the first thing you realise is you don't feel like yourself. Nothing looks different, but something's definitely a skew. You try to get on with the day just like any other; Have a shower. Change into your clothes for the day. Pack a bag for the gym. Go downstairs to get something to eat. Yet you find yourself not moving at all. You realise you're still in your pajama pants and with the remains of your hair product still there.

And then as the time ticks over you feel less and less like doing anything you had planned for the day. Maybe it's too early. You try to sleep it off, forgoing your morning, only to wake up with day half over and still feeling no better.

It was a weird feeling. Not least of all because I'd never felt like that before but actually quite scary because you can't figure out why you were feeling that way. And i still don't know. All I can say is I rolled off the wrong side of my bed and into bizzaro-world. Funny, because there is only one way to roll off my bed. lol.

Never the less, that was a one day thing and I've been fine since. Here's to hoping it doesn't happen again anytime soon, or at least when it does I can figure it out.

cíao,
Ippei K.

On surgery...

9 days...

That's how long it's been since the surgery. And as much as I've complained, bitched and moaned it's gone by fairly quickly. But Fuck I'm bored.

I hoped that at least I'd come out of it with an impressive story to tell. Not the case unfortunately. I didn't even get to do the whole "count backwards from ten" thing as they put me under the anaesthesia. It was more like, 'fade to black aaaaaand we're back'.

I did wake up with an oxygen mask, an blood pressure belt, finger pulse-thingy AND most importantly the morphine button. Although they called it something else...hmmm...

Anyway, the button. As soon as they handed me the button, I kept pressing it like crazy. Mind you, I was "in pain" but probably not enough to warrant the amount of times I pressed it. But unbeknownst to me (at the time and found out later), the button had a light. And unless it was lit up, it didn't allow any "morphine" into my system. I have no idea how long it took to re-light so I probably had enough for the night because I didn't need to use the button the rest of my stay.

The rest of the stay was rather uneventful. But you people have no idea how hard it is to pee in a bottle. Let me explain. Every time I needed to pee (and ironically it happened a lot), I had to ask for a "bottle". I offered to go to the toilet but nurses weren't comfortable about getting out of bed. So they got me the said bottle. Now I was curtained off from everyone (thank god), but it is still incredible difficult to go. And who knows how loud the, lets just say, "discharge" sounded.

Other than that, the food was bad but that was to be expected and they kicked me out of the hospital after a night's stay. Now I've been home on my arse, presumably getting fat from the lack of exercise. I still haven't showered since which I HATE. And I've also let my beard grow out.

Today, I decided to throw on a hat because the hair was so itchy now I look like someone trying to be incognito. If only I was going somewhere...

Peace,
Ippei K.

A year on...

hmmm, a some what familiar title...but oh well. :P The swinging pendulum that is my mind, I'm sure I've repeated myself countless times without even knowing. Glancing through my old posts, it's interesting to realise how much your mindset changes depending on certain situations. It's incredible. But that's how it should be.


Right now I'm in a good place. At least I think so. From the outside perspective it might not look it, but I'm enjoying life. Working hard, sleeping lots, seeing friends, watching movies, eating (very) well. Not much to complain about.


Looking back on some photos I have, it's strange. Not one to carry around a camera myself, though i have a very good one, I can't be picky about the collection. I do have many great photos. What's strange is that I don't have many with the people I'm closest with or care about the most. That not to say i don't care about people who I've photos with (I love you all, you know that. :P).


Me thinks this needs to change. Pity then that, they are also the people I don't get to see that often, for a number of reasons. Some I might not be able to see for a long time.


I digress...


This post was meant to be about my (now annual, for now. :P) trip back to Japan.

As was the case last year, I'll be stopping over in Singapore for a few days (hopefully). Then it's back to good ol'Fukuoka for a week. No frills this time. It's only going to be a ten day trip. Mostly to visit people, so it's not too long or too short. It's weird to call it "going home" but that's what it is. Technically. :P


It'll almost be to the day a year ago that I got back from the trip, when I leave. I'm fairly excited about it. But the excitment purely comes from seeing the people again; Aaron (and maybe Shez) in Singapore, relatives in Japan, friends of family, etc. etc. Not to mention my sister who I haven't seeing since I was last there. That might not sound like anything, but that's the longest period I haven't seen her, since she was born! lol.


I finish this post with a photo...

...only two weeks-ish to go...(would have also been a photo with Aaron and with Shez, except I don't have one! :S)

peace,

Ippei.

Welcome to Post #1

Well, actually, it should have been Post #29 a LONG time ago, but shit happens and you get lazy. :P

For those that I haven't seen or talked in a while, Happy New year! A big hug and a kiss for 2008. (C'mon, you know you love it.)

I probably had better things to blog about in this, the first post of 08, but I thought I'd do a random update of my blog and figured I might as well do a post.

I figured the picture to be appropriate as we look forward to a new year. It's open see and vast horizons ahead as we wait and see what this year will bring. 2007 seemed like a year wasted to me. Didn't get a whole lot done (except the whole graduating thing, but that's overrated. :P) 2008 already feels good. This is continuing on from the great finalé I had towards the end of 07.

Plus it's our year fellow Rats (people born in 96, 84, 72, etc.)! Let's make something happen. lol.

Peace out for now and not forever...hopefully,

Ippei.

bringing out emtions that you never knew you had...

I've been meaning to post this for some time now. Well, at least ever since I got back from Japan which was way back in Feb. I've talked to some people about it, other will be hearing this for the first time...

Being born in Japan but raised here, I'd never previously had the opportunity to visit Hiroshima. Now that I had a railway pass (ulimated travel on the Shinkansen-system) I wasn't about to pass up this chance. I was hoping that either my sis or ma would come with (they had been there before) but both refused. It was probably for the best.

Let me set the mood. It was a cloudy and dreary day. There was no sky to be seen, just an endless stretch of grey and misty rain falling non stop. It was a very somber atmosphere. It suited the site I was to visit on this day.

It was the Peace and Memorial Garden/Park (I'm annoyed I don't remember the exact name of this place). As soon as you get off the light rail the imagine below hits you...

That's the Atomic Bomb dome. It what remains from the building that was pretty much directly below where the bomb exploded. Imagine it though surrounded in mist and it coming clearer as you got closer. It was that type of weather.

As you work your way around this park, you encounter the Peace Bell, the countless tributes, the memorials and it concludes with the mueseum. I'm not a shamed to admit that I had saltwater well up in my eyes several times as I spent a good 2-3 hours here. I think the weather might have contributed to that though. :P

What suprised me the most is how emotional I got. It was kinda shocking but also inspiring at the same time. It's something that's affected a lot of people in Japan, and even probably the world. I guess thinking of it that way, it's no wonder I was. lol.

If you ever get the opportunity to go to Japan. Please visit it. It might not effect you in the way it did me. But I'm pretty sure it's an important part of world history and something that we all need to learn from.

Peace,

iP.

The old man in the red coat...

Before you all start thinking it's a little too early to start thinking "Christmas", though it is only about three months away (OMG! by the way), this post isn't about Christmas or the Santa Man.

I recently found out something really interesting.

Have you ever wonder why Santa wears red? Of course not. Because the way Santa is presented (see above) is the universally accepted, friendly old man that brings joy to us all!

BUT did you know, prior to (I think) 1937, Santa was never dressed in red? Every country had a Santa, but none wore red. They general wore different outfits. Usually suiting the culture of the country.

So how did we come to have the Santa we all know and love?

The year (I'm pretty sure) was 1937 and the clue is in the picture above. Have you gotten the answer yet? Yup. Believe it or not, it was apparently a Coca-Cola campaign during Christmas that gave Santa his colours. The campaign and the colour was so successful that it has stuck ever since.

Kind of an iffy story, I know. And I've done absolutely no research on this. But it's actually not that hard to believe, if you think about. Coke is the only company/organisation/entity to have successfully conquered the world!

much love,
Ipz.

Year 24 begins...

Before you correct me, yes I know. I'm 23. Just recently in fact, but so hence I'm in my 24th year of exisitence. Or whatever you might like to call it.

(mmm...I like clothes straight from the drier. So warm...)

I went through a few phases last week. Triggered, of course, by the date that is recognises as my own. The 21st of August. I still struggle with the fact that it's winter over here. Funny, given that it's been 17 years since I moved here. But I guess something in my bones, my blood, lets me know that I'm a summer boy. Albeit with a winter body. :P

As all my friends will no doubt know. I don't celebrate my birthday. At least not in the traditional sense. No parties, no presents. Barely even a recognition. But that's the way I like. I don't like making a fuss about a day that lets me know I'm one year older. It happens every year and everyday for someone else. No big deal.

Thank you to those that sent me txt, emails, messages on Facebook or gave me a call though. Don't think I don't appreciate it because I do...a lot! :)

The week was unusually busy. At work I mean. I had more shifts and there was a sudden abundance of customers. It was the best it's been in years, dad tells me. Which is terrific. Perhaps it's good karma finally paying off. lol. No coincidence it was in the week of my birthday then, eh?

It was all capped off with a little splurging. C'mon you have to right? :P

Then you hit the relfective phase. You've been on this earth for 23 freakin' years. What the hell have you achieved? mmm, good question. I'd say a lot but nothing at all. Nothing I can hang my hat on I suppose. But that's okay. Or rather I don't care.

People have always told me, I should go out more often, or get a girlfriend already, or have more fun, or get a job, or whatever. And I'd at times felt as though I was obliged to do so. And felt like an incredible loner if I didn't go out partying every night. But I realise now, and should have always known, that it doesn't matter what people say. I'm living my life the way I want, and hey, I'm enjoying it! There are things I'm sure that would make my life even more great but "good things come to those who wait" or so I've heard. :P

I've got Friends. Great friends in fact. Some I should call more often and some I wish I knew better.
I've got my health. Except my freakin' dodgey knee. Probably overweight in most categories but I don't feel it. lol. I'm healthy enough to donate blood (or from now on Plasma).
I've got money. Not excessive amounts, but enough to get me by. Even enough to satisfy my spending spree moments.
So what if I over indulge in movies? That's what I love. So what if I don't have a girlfriend? I've still got a lot of friends. So what if I don't have a job? That's only a matter of time. I should have more fun? How do you know I'm already not?

...argh, I hate reflective moments. It always comes out in a jumbled mess. blah!

So as I continue with my journey in life, one major path may soon reveal itself. I have an interview with the "Teach in Japan" people this coming Tuesday. If all goes smoothly, I might be out of here sooner than I realised. All those wondering about my AIESEC exchange, the process is taking too long. SRB is in late sep or early oct. Don't like the wait.

My path may yet continue back in my homeland. And as I said, I might be there quicker than i had previously anticipated. Beyond that though, I can't tell you. I can tell you I don't see myself "living" in Japan permanently. Yet I might end up there for a while. Who knows? I'm just a little bit excited at the prospect. But I've learned not to count my chickens before they hatch. All will be more clearer come this tuesday.

One thing is for sure though. I need out of Australia for a while. Be it a week, a month, a year, a decade. I hate leaving behind everything I have here, but it's a change I might need. Or at least want.

much love,
Ipz.

A plasma...donation?

Yes, sorry to disappoint. I'm not donating plasma TVs now. Apparently it's something in your blood. Yes, I know! Go figure right? Or am I the only one that didn't know already?

I'd been donating blood for about a year now. As impressive as that may sound, that's only really three or four donations. :P They only allow you to donate once every three months, you see. Well, apparently since I'm such a special Australian (Japanese), I can donate Plasma as well.

They told me the procedure. Apparently they take my blood as with a usual donation. Then they distill/filter my blood and effectively take the plasma out of it. Then what they do is pump the blood back into me. :S Yeah...that's the look I had too. It sounds kinda scary. But I'm sure they have advanced machinary to make sure it's done safely.

...I just hope it's advanced further than the technology in the picture above. lol. Now to find out what the hell Plasma exactly is. Wikipedia, here I come! (I just found out about the amazing-ness of this kind.) lol.

much love,

I.

Impactful movies? ...Part II

It'd be about a month ago now...I was posed a question. "What movie has made the most impact on you?" My first answer was King Kong. Now I've another.

The movie is...Dogville. And this for entirely different reasons to King Kong.

I don't know if any of you have seen it. The entire film is shot on a sound stage. Meaning that there is very limited props and basically chork lines for buildings. It's like watching a stage show. It's an innovative idea, but one that fails miserably in terms of the "feel" of the movie. This isn't why it had an impact.

The impact comes in the story. It explores the ugly side of humans. And what could be interpreted as "human arrogance". I digress. Let me explain.

The movie is about Grace, who wonders into a small village called Dogville. A place with a popluation of 15. She is on the run. The villagers vote to let her stay, in exchange she does chores for them. It begins all rosy, but as soon as it becomes apparent that Grace is more than she seems, the attitudes of the villagers begin to change and they "bare their teeth".

It's the second half that's very impactful. Grace becomes a victim. She gets raped, abused, belittled and basically emotionally attacked. The villagers know about it but they don't care, they in fact act as if it's normal. This is the ugly side of humans I was talking about. The once cheerful and friendly villagers, who are for all intents and purposes "social hermits", become very bitter and vengeful as soon as they discover the danger in keeping Grace around. The turn is quite horrific and hard to watch (not visually, but it's just hard to bare). You get so frustrated and angry, you want to yell or throw something at the screen.

Then there's the other side. Grace's side. She accepts this abuse. Granted, she is in hiding, she doesn't necessarily have to stay in this village but elects to. It eventually gets to a point when she can't leave (they chain her by her neck to a heavy metal wheel so she cannot move freely), but that's later. And you realise why at the end and the key here is "arrogance".

The film explains that she allows all this to happen to her because she is arrogant. You might be thinking "huh?" but hear me out. It explains that she is so arrogant, that she puts herself on such a high peddistal. A peddistal to which she believes no body else can ever reach her level. So in her mind, if people like the villages who don't know any better and are trying their best to survive but do something bad, it's not their fault because that is what they know. That's their best.

It was a very "wow" moment after hearing that speech (delievered by James Caan's character). I probably didn't explain it very well. If you are at all intrigued, I suggest you check it out. Or ask me, I've got a copy of it. :P

By the way, this movie has a very satisfying ending. But it's by no means a happy one. It's not a movie you watch and you get the great feeling after. You've been warned.

much love, I.

A great passion?

What is passion really?

I think this word is thrown out there willy-nilly, like the word 'love', and the meaning of the word is starting to get lost. It's a really strong feeling/emotion for/or about something right? So I think in that case I've got two definite ones at the moment.

One goes without saying. The other...basketball...

Even with my current head-cold, I decided to brave the cold. Strap on my black and yellow sneakers. Pull on my elbow supporter. Grab that round leathery ball and head out for some shoot around. It's a 'kid friendly' park across the street. The ring lower than I remember. The weather cold as hell. The sun slowly fading.

I've just been craving to play. Dribbling. Shooting. Laying up. Wishing I could dunk. =P

Surprisingly, I hadn't lost any of my skills (at least of what I had. =P) but had lost all of my fitness. But I guess it's like the whole 'once you know, you know forever' kinda thing. Like riding a bike. Except I can't ride a bike...lol.

It was just me and the ball. 'Playing' basketball for the first time in who knows how long and as tired as I was getting, I felt so relaxed. So free. It was fun. Maybe because I was craving it so much. Maybe not.

It also reminded me of a lot of the past experiences I've had...

Watching the NBA on TV with dad. Playing basketball every lunch time and after school during primary and high schools. Rolling my ankle three times. Winning the 'B Grade' championship way back in 96. Crying because the training session was so tough. Getting our ass handed to us by a team at least twice our size but in the same age group. Countless jump shots I've made. Even more that I've missed. Always wishing I was taller, more athletic. Trash talking. Remembering when I used to be soft. Nailing a winning basket. Missing potential game winning free throws. Missing our finals because of sickness in 05. The days when a great friend and I played one-on-one for as long as both of us could see...

The funny thing is I don't even know when my love of this game started. But I guess that's what a 'great passion' is. Something you know that is important and means a lot to you, and it's been there since you can remember...

How many of these are you allowed to have?

much love, I.

What's in a name?

チュース！

I don't know what it is. I get inspired to blog about something, then get distracted completely and then forget what I wanted to post about. Then I come up with another idea and soon forget, because I remember what I wanted to blog about but get distracted again...It's a vicious cycle...

Having recently being lured into another internet-based-meet-your-friends-give-out-info-create-your-own-stalker-site known as Facebook, I'm yet to be convinced that it's as addictive as people claim it to be. But then again, I've never really been "into" these types of sites.

What I did find though, was an amusing time-filler on Brenna's page (see her blog to the right).

What you do is use the list below to see what statements correspond with the letters in your name. The statements are meant to describe the type of person you are. It's quite funny. =P

A : You like to drink.
B : You like people.
C: You are great in bed.
D : You like to drink.
E: You are easy to fall in love with.
F : You are dead sexy.
G : You never let people tell you what to do.
H : You have very good personality and good looks.
I : You are great in bed.
J : People adore you.
K : You're wild and crazy.
L: Everyone loves you.
M : Best kisser ever.
N : You like to drink.
O: You are an awesome kisser.
P : You are popular with all types of people.
Q : You are a hypocrite.
R : You are easy to fall in love with.
S : Fuckin crazy.
T : You're loyal to those you love.
U : You really like to chill.
V : You are not judgemental.
W : You are very broad minded.
X : You never let people tell you what to do.
Y: Best friend anyone could ask for.
Z : Always ready.

Incidently, I'm great in bed and am popluar with all types of people. I am popular with all types of people and I'm easy to fall in love with. Oh by the way, did I mention I'm great in bed? =P

It's an fun little procastination tool. Give it a go. What does your name say about you?

またな。
I.

Humour inside...

Another random/bored post...

I don't know how many of you have seen 'Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back' (see the link to the right), but it's one of my favourite "funny" movies. There are a lot reasons but the main one is that there are a lot cameos, and they all make fun of each other and/or their past work.

Which you have to admire.

From Jason Biggs complaining about how he's only known for his 'dick in a pie moment', to Shannen Doherty reacting with a stern "Dick!" after being called "Brenda". Both play themselves in the movie.

These are all inside jokes, mind you. If you don't know what they are talking about, it's probably not funny or sound totally random. (For those that don't know, Jason Biggs is the star of the first three 'American Pie' movies and Shannen Doherty was the star of the cheesy 90s soap-drama 'Beverely Hills 90210' in which she played a character called 'Brenda')

But the cake goes to the two lovebirds, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. They are in one of the funniest scenes of the movie, again playing themselves.

The scene is set, on the set, of a sequal to Good Will Hunting (yes, WTF? lol). There are few things that occur that are funny but the funniest is this exchange of dialogue...

Matt Damon: Just take it from "It's a good course."

Ben Affleck: Oh, now you're the director.

Matt Damon: Hey shove it, Bounce-boy. Let's remember who talked who into doing this shit in the first place. Talking me into Dogma was one thing, but this...

Ben Affleck: Hey look, I'm sorry I dragged you away from whatever-gay-serial-killers-who-ride-horses-and-like-to-play-golf-touchy-feely-picture you're supposed to be doing this week.

Matt Damon: I take it you haven't seen Forces of Nature?

Ben Affleck: You're like a child. What've I been telling you? You gotta do the safe picture. Then you can do the art picture. But then sometimes you gotta do the payback picture because your friend says you owe him. [They both take a beat and look at the camera]

Ben Affleck: And sometimes, you have to go back to the well.

Matt Damon: And sometimes, you do Reindeer Games.

Ben Affleck: See, that's just mean.

It's basically the two dissing each other over notoriously bad (critically) flops that each of them have made previous to this one. It's hilarious! And you gotta respect them for doing that.

(note: I still don't like Affleck, but no longer hate him...)

much love, I.

Money...or Prestige?

Taking a break from hurting my brain to remember what I did last summer, and before I get to the post, a few minor changes/insertions to my blog.

As you can see, along the right, I now have a many a links, mostly concerned with movies. You know I love talking about them, so leave me a comment regarding anything and I'll post back.

Agree? Disagree with any of it?

The visual DNA thingy is quite interesting. Give it a go yourselves and compare.

If I've got any of your locations wrong, please let me know. I'm only going by "last known location".

I've also finally gotten a hold of some pics from my travels to Japan. Check them through my Flickr.

Now, onto the post...

This came on the back of reading an article in Empire Magazine (not so much an article, but a section. and YES, it's a movie mag. =P). It was comparing two actors. Both talented in their own right, both are big earners and both are black.

Denzel Washington. Will Smith.

Now, it's not a matter of who's better (we'd all have our opinions on that) or who's made better films (same thing again). The comparison outlined their CVs, so to speak. And it made me think...who would you rather be? Or rather, in which situation would you rather yourself in?

Denzel has had only 2 movies that have raked in $100Million+ at the box office (The Pelican Brief(really?) and Remember the Titans). But from 5 Oscar nominations, has won 2 (Glory, Best supporting actor, and Training Day, Best Actor). He's probably the most critically acclaimed black (African-American) actor in history.

Will on the other hand has had 10 (!) movies that have raked in $100Million+ (Independence Day, Enemy of the State, Wild Wild West, Men in Black 1 & 2, Bad Boys 2, I, Robot, Shark Tale, Hitch and The Pursuit of Happyness). His had 2 Oscar nominations, but has failed to win one as yet. He's probably one of the most likable/charismatic guys ever. Can also rap...well, kinda. =P

Now in the modern era, when Box Office returns count for sooooo much. Hypothetically, who's shoes would you rather be in? The money and "big star" status that Will Smith has? Or the prestige and accolades of being recognised as one of the modern eras greatest actors?

It's food for thought...

And I know you might think, "doesn't being an Oscar-winner make you a big star?" Well yes and no. Best case example would probably be the lovable Tom Hanks. He's won at least 2 Oscars, yet is lucky enough to continue to be able to churn out Blockbusters. Then on the other end of the scale, you have Adrien Brody. Adrien who?...you may ask. Well, that's my point. (He's the dude that smooched Halle Berry when we won and got away with it.) A fine actor in his own right, but what has he done lately? There's also Johnny Depp, but he's an anomaly. =P

I also know that actors don't usually get to choose. Or rather most aren't even lucky enough to get to this point. That's why it's a hypothetical.

In my humble opinion, I would take the prestige. Being recognised as the best at what you do, I think is the highest honour that anyone could have. You might be out shined or over shadowed by the more "flasher" stars, but knowing you are the best (or one of the) in the game is something that's going to be priceless.

I guess, it would also depend on why your in the game in the first place. The fame and fortune or the art?

much love, I.

"What movie has had the most impact on you?"

I was recently asked this question and it kind of took me off guard...

I love my movies. I appreciate the art behind it, the skills involved and foremost the escape that it can offer.

To date, I've seen countless movies. Quite literally, I've seen so many movies sometimes I get plot lines confused. I wouldn't call myself a movie buff, I simply got into it too late to be a full fledged one, but I like to think I know a thing or two.

But this question, made me think...I've seen a lot, but have any of it really made an impact on me? Be it negative or positive? The others quickly mentioned the movies that have had negative impact; Closer (for its up front dialogue and general theme of relationships), Irreversible (for its shocking violence and rape scene) and Trainspotting (for its...well, general disturbing-ness).

The only movie that really came to mind was King Kong.

Now, before you laugh your heads off, hear me out.

As I told the others, as an "aspiring" film person (director/producer/the whole sch-bang), the 2005 version of King Kong was...magical.

I had just seen the original King Kong, before seeing the new, which probably helped a lot. In the new King Kong, you can see the little touches that Peter Jackson (the director) has added in reference/honour of the original. Be it a line of meanless dialogue, some set pieces clearly inspired by the original or amped up sequences of the original. And further more, technology has allowed Jackson to tell a better story as you can really see the emtion coming from Kong himself and the actors. (In the original it was made in the 20s or 30s, so the only emtion from Kong was a raise of the eyebrow, in which we are lead to believe "love conquered him". What love are they talking about?)

I guess as a stand alone movie, it's not as great as I claim it to be...

And maybe I'm the only one that feels this way...

It doesn't really matter. But THAT question... I'm still thinking it over...

much love, I.

Words of wisdom at 2 am...

What's crackin' y'all? It's 5 mins to 2 in the AM and I am still up, yet again. Although my eye lids are finally getting heavy.

I promised to bring you tales from my travel in Japan and it has literally been two month since I got back. My old age, combined with my increasing senile-ness is making me forget them. I'll start posting about them, whether I get the photos from my sis or not, very soon...

Whilst I was there though, I heard some very good quotes/philosophies that particularly stuck with me and wrote them down at the back of my diary and I recently found them whilst attaching my Country Road voucher to my diary. I thought I'll share some of them with you guys.

The basis for these were that they were quotes/sayings from a grandmother of a very poor peasant boy during the war-era in Japan. With both parents dead, he was leaving with his grandmother. They didn't have much money, but definitely ALOT of heart.

1. "Even if there are 2, 3 people that hate you, just turn around and there are a million people."
2. "Don't money this, money that! Even if you have a million dollars, you can't make a fish."
3. "Kindness, is when the person receiving it doesn't even realise it."
4. "Smart people, dumb people. Rich people, poor people. After 50 years, they all turn 50."
5. "Have a dream until you die. If it doesn't come true, it's just a dream."
6. "If you have the courage to die. I want you to live."

You have to read deeper into the meanings of them but something about them stuck with me. There were about 12-15 of these.

There's one other quote I like, I don't know where I heard it or got it from. I had it as my MSN nickname for a while, and I really find it to be very accurate. I'll leave you guys on that note.

much love, I.

"Loving what you find is easy. Finding what you love is infinitely harder."

Transformation, complete.

herro,

it's 3.15 in the AM and I'm still up...mind you not aimlessly. Talking to a friend on MSN, watching G.T.O. and "trying" to work on an essay that's due in about 48 hours. =P Finally figuring out how to upload photos from my new digital camera. Looking at my bottle of Turkey on the wall wondering, 'should I or shouldn't I' at such a gastly hour. lol.

The point of my post was that I have big news!

(cue the drum roll)

I have transformed. =P

No, I'm not really a robot in disguse. Just my appearance. I have gone and gotten my head shaved. lol. It feels nice. It's fun to rub it now. I could do it for ages. hehehe.

I thought I might celebrate this by posting my chameleon like changes in the past year. Enjoy!

PS. You don't have to tell me how self-indulgent and egotistical this post is, I already know! But meh, it's my blog. =P

Back in business...

Hey y'all, what's the happy-hap?

It's almost been two month since my return and finally, FINALLY, I have an internet connection at home. Que the marching band and the pyro techniques...throw in a few party poppers while we're at it. *sniff, sniff* Thank you, thank you *teary eyed*. =P

All joking aside, now you'll see me more regularly on MSN and be more prompt at answering emails and hopefully posting here more...of course that's all contingent on my 'めんどくさい' (can't be bothered) level. Which tends to be quite high on a regular basis. haha.

I've become a social hermit the past few weeks...Me don't like it. But I can't help it. Hopefully it a temporary thing. At least until I finish uni. I'm not sure how that helps but you know...Actually what would help most is if dad found someone to fill in for me at the restaurant. THAT would help me out a lot actually. But let's keep that on the down-low. Haha. The fact is, I love working at dad's shop. And you know me, family matters.

...I don't know what the point of this post was...Oh yeah! It was about the internet...but that's kinda anti-climactic now...damn it...

I.

The new!

...Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration, as I haven't changed physically (ie. still fat) or mentally (ie. still...me. lol).

The title should actually really read something like 'Welcome to my NEW life', because I feel like I'm living one that is totally different from the one before I left for Japan. (Still no photos unfortunately...Sis if you're reading this, send them to me NOW! =P)

'The Upstairs' is half settled in. I say "half" because MY room is all done. The big (dad's) room, is not. He has until the end of March to completely move in, so he has plenty of time...I suppose. It also means though, that I still won't have net access until around that time. =( But hey! No net, is part of the reason my life is so different now.

Without the net, I don't chat (which I must admit, that I miss) and therefore I get to bed a lot earlier. This means I also wake up earlier (duh). So each day starts at around 7am. (Yes I know it's early. lol) I go downstairs to grab the paper and spend about an hour reading it cover to cover. The only downside is that it's the Herald Sun. lol. I also start my day with a glass of Milk and a bottle of Yakult (a habit I picked up in Japan). I also eat a bunch of fruit, which makes up my breakfast. This keeps me fairly energised for the rest of the day.

Then depending on what I have to do that day, I do it...(hmmm, I'm not sure what I was trying to say there...pretty obvious eh? lol.) I have committed myself to 'walk' everywhere, as much as I can. You're not going to catch me walking to Doncaster or Glenny, but the city and Carlton I can do. From my place it takes around 40~50minutes to the city, depending on how fast you walk. I walk slow, so I take 50~60mins. lol. But I so enjoy it. I never noticed how nice the Crown riverside is. Previously it's always been just a shortcut to Village cinemas, but now I enjoy the view as I walk. =)

Why the commitment to walk? Two reasons. The first is that I'm cheap and I can't (or rather don't want to) pay for public transport. Which by the way, seems to be increasing in price every time I look. The other is because I want to live healthier and do my part for the environment. Hmmm, I know that's not exactly true, but I want to think of it that way...So I guess that's three reasons. lol.

My room is bigger than expected which I'm very happy about. It could easily fit two people on the floor, so if you ever need to crash near the city, you know who to call. =P I also have a fridge (which is suprisingly just filled with fruits and yougurt) and a new LCD TV with digital. I also have a little corner with three bean bags, which I REALLY like. lol. Come check it out, there's nothing to do there, but we can all enjoy our company in the confinds of a stuffy upstairs room. lol.

The other major thing I've been doing is catching up on a lot of movies. Especially with the Oscars just been held last night, I had too. I have to say I was ecstatic when Martin Scorsese picked up best director and even more so when 'The Departed' won best picture! =D I was so awe-struck when Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg came out to present the award to Scorsese. It was like seeing four legends of the industry together! (Okay, so maybe George Lucas, isn't all that great, but meh, I'll include him this time.) Forest Whitaker's speech was great and the live performances were awesome. I loved Will Ferrell, Jack Black and John C. Reilly's comedic performance. lol.

Movies I have watched include: Volver, Flags of Our Fathers, The Guardian, Black Dahlia, Marie Antoinette, Flushed Away, Stranger Than Fiction, Babel, Dreamgirls, The Host, Letters From Iwo Jima and The Last Kind of Scotland. (The first few were on the plane. I'll write short reviews on them if I can be bothered and when i have more time, and not waiting for a class. =P)

So a lot has changed in my life, but not all that much if you really look at it. lol. Whatever the case, I'm really enjoying life at the moment. I'm missing 'that person' to share it with I suppose, but I can't worry about that. lol.

Oh and finally, my goatee is gone! Haha, it's on a long-term hiatus. It's return has yet to be scheduled. lol. =P

Much Luuuuuve,
I.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-chia! ...I mean change!

It has finally come. After a crazy fortnight since new years, the first big turning point has happened.

I am writting this as I wait for my flight in transit...I'm at Changi airport in Sing-Sing! lol.

I have now moved out of my Royal Parade apartment and moved even closer to the city (...relatively =P). I have moved to what I affectionately refer to as the 'upstairs'. yah-huh, that's right. I shall be living above my dad's restaurant from now on. I have quickly discovered that there are obviously benefits and pitfalls to the situation.

The major benefit being...the, FOOD! =D It's like having a chef on call. =P Well, technically, it's more like, 'daaaaaaaaddddd. *in childish voice* I'm huuuuuungry.' lol. =P The major pitfall is that it's CRAMPED! and it's stinkin' hot! If we get anymore 40 degree type weather, I'd die. If you visit me, it'd be like comming to see a 'mummified' version of me. lol.

Mum and sis, are already in Japan...and they will stay there indefinitely. As dad would put it, 'three people are going (me, mum, sis). One back after a month (me). One after a year (possibly sis). and one FOREVER!' =P lol. It's just very, very uncertain at this point.

I'm suring I've got more to say...but I'm running out of session time...

Due to popular request, I've decided to no longer bore people with my movie reviews...just quick ratings:

An Inconvenient Truth - 4/5
The Pursuit of Happyness - 3/5
The Queen - 3/5
Scoop - 2/5

Hey! Look at that, it's in decending order! =P

So off to Japan I go, hopefully I'll be able to get access to the net and blog some more. If not, I'll do it upon my return to Melbourne.

Next up: Singapore stop over...

My love to all that I care about,
I.