The weird, the strange, the unique, the good...the MIFF!

Okay, so it's been a good two weeks since it ended. I have nothing to do most the time, yet I have no time to do anything. Go figure that one out. lol.

The MIFF (Melbourne International Film Festival, for those of you playing at home), was something I talked about going to every year. It was always, "Oh the festival is happening. I have to go check it out." Then the festival goes as quickly as it came.

But this year was different. I took a stand (...against myself?) and decided to go. I bought me a mini pass. This entitled me to any ten movies (excluding the opening and closing nights, which cost like $25 a ticket or something ridiculous like that) and three free 'day' sessions. So if utilised effectively, that's 13 movies for the handsome price of $110 (conc.)

Not too shabby.

Only catch though is that most of the movies (at least) I'd never heard of, so a lot of my choices were made at random. This could be good and bad. You go in not expecting anything at all, on some occasions not even knowing the plot. The strike rate, I'd say was about 50/50. But hey! When else am I gonna get the opportunity to see 13 (mostly) random movies, right?

The line-up included: 5 US films, 3 Korean, 1 Japanese, Russian, Danish, Romanian and UK. US heavy, I know. I couldn't be as adventurous as I had hoped. In my defence though, most of the US films, I had already heard about and wanted to see.

The movies were as follows (look these up on imdb.com, if you want more info):

1. My Friend and His Wife (Korean) - Confusing. In a sense that, the actions taken by the characters are very hard to fathom. It's out of the norm and you ordinarily wouldn't expect people to act that way. I don't know if it's whether I missed something, or the Koreans have whacked sense of morality or what. It was weird.
2. The Mourning Forest (Japan) - Festival-ly. Apparently it had rave reviews at the Cannes film festival and it's THAT type of movie. Slow paced, drawn out and hard to tell what it's trying to say.
3. Bug (US) - Trippy. The most whacked out, tripped out, crazy ass thing I've seen. It's about paranoid schizophrenia. And it's so crazy it's almost humorous. But there was something so believable about it. Had decent actors.
4. Black Snake Moan (US) - Gritty. One of my favourites from the line-up. Terrific performances and awesome soundtrack. More commercial for a festival film though.
5. Rescue Dawn (US) - Duplicated. Had not soooo many movies like this been made, this would be awesome. However it's not original or creative enough to lift it above the other prisoner-of-war movies.
6. Day Watch (Russia) - Fun. Completely enjoyable. It the 2nd installment of a trilogy. The fun part about this was the fact that the subtitles were almost "part" of the movie, so it was a bore having to read them.
7. Woman on the Beach (Korean) - Random. In the same vein as the first Korean film. It's about love and relationships and all that, but it's totally random. Things happen but not much of it made sense.
8. Fay Grim (US) - Mish-mesh. Comedy/espionage movie. The audience apparently found it hilarious. I didn't get it. Sure it was funny, but THAT funny? Had one of my favourite actors, Parker Posey, in it.
9. The Boss of it All (Denmark) - LOL. This was so funny. Even with subtitles. Now that's rare. Being an European film, it doesn't have a what-you-would-expect ending.
10. Interview (US) - Copycat. Another film that is similar to previous movies that you wonder why they bothered. Having said that though, this was made very well and actually pretty good. Just nothing new.
11. Breath (Korean) - Finally. Third time lucky for the Korean pictures. lol. This was still very artsy and heavy on the 'deeper meaning' aspect, but it was quite well made and fairly enjoyable.
12. Mister Lonely (UK) - Zzzzz. I don't know if the movie was shit or I was just tired, but I actually fell asleep in this one. I'll have to see it again to give it a proper judgement, but initial signs don't look good. lol.
13. 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (Romania) - Brilliant. It's film making at it's best, particularly with a very difficult subject matter of illegal abortions in the '87 communist ruled Romania. It's the type of film that would garner awards.

As you can see, I was quite a busy boy. But it was so much fun. I'm ready to do it all again next year...provided I'm in the country, that is. :P

Much love,

Ipz.

options open...excitment fills the air...

ワクワクしてきたぜ...

It's the moment you start to realise there actually might be a light at the end of the tunnel, you feel...good. It's more than that. It's sense of joy. It's a cocktail of emotions (as a friend would put it). Excitement, anxiousness, etc, etc....God, I can talk shit when I want to. hahaha.

Reason for this post is that things have become clearer in my mind. The way I see it, I have three options from here on out.

1. Teach conversational English in Japan - this idea died after I was discouraged to go by my mum (the company I was going to go through were in the news in Japan apparently). But by chance (actually, I was dragged to an AIESEC stall) I went to the 'Work abroad' expo at RMIT and talked to the recruiters and it re-ignited my desire. And talking to people who've already done it has further emphased this.
2. AIESEC exchange - call me a hypocrite. I don't care. After promoting it and helping people actually do it, I figure I should experience this myself. More so than that, I want an international experience through AIESEC. No better way than through exchange.
3. Work in Australia - I haven't applied for anything so in actuality this is probably the least likely of the three. But a friend says she might be able to hook me up with a job next year. If that happens, I'll be into full time work here. Not a bad prospect in itself.

I guess I could do all three. It's just a matter of what order and what comes up first. It's good to have options. And all viable options too. I best not count my chickens before they hatch however, I still need to apply and pass the procedures for all three of those things. lol.

----

As an end note.

The count down has began for my year of the Jordan (ie. my 23rd). God damn, that was fast. It's so true that time goes by quicker as you get older. There are so many thing I want to achieve and time keeps ticking away for me to achieve them. Ah well. It'll happen eventually, I'm sure.

As for the massive birthday celebration i've been promising everyone...it's not going to happen this year. Still can't afford it. When I can though, I'll invite everyone to a "Ippei's Better Late Than Never Birthday Bash!"...I suggest you don't hold you breathe though...

----

much love,

I.

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.

71...

アカン！　今日、１３日の金曜日やんけ。

Spontaneous 'kansai-ben' Japanese aside, it's been a while since I last posted and blardy hell it's Friday the 13th. :P Not that I'm superstitious or anything, but I like to expect the unexpected. lol.

Anyway, the title is "71" I figured that that was an appropriate number to focus on.

71, was the score I got for my final subject in uni, Ethical Issues in Accountancy. So that's a Distinction for those playing at home. Not a bad mark, but I don't think I've ever been disappointed in getting a D before. lol. Figuring since it was the second time 'round HD would have been on the cards, but barely even got a D...Which on hindsight is fair enough given the amount of time given to the subject. So I ain't complaining.

It brings an end to an era. The end of my educational-life...at least for now. Good bye and good riddance to study. Now I can be a master procrastinator, procrastinating from...well, nothing. hehehe. Here's to a good 16 years of education! Cheers! Now down to the pub! :P

...waiting half a year til the 'actual' graduation ceremony is going to be a bi-Atch though... :S

71% is how my knee is feeling at the moment. It's been almost three weeks. Visited the GP yesterday, told me I shouldn't haven gotten back on my feet so quickly. But man, I'm getting a little ancy. I want to get back out there runnin', playing basketball and more importantly hittin' the gym. Feel so heavy right now. lol. I've gotten some anti-imflammatories now, so should be 100% soon enough.

Going away from the number, I feel so out of touch with the AIESEC crowd. Attended a conference party and never felt more out of place at one. meh, I think it might be time to call an end to that short chapter as well...Many fond memories though...

I digress...but don't we all?

much love, I.

Not what I knee-ded...

Excuse the stupid pun. I'm a little annoyed. Mainly with myself. I've gone done it again...

Same leg. Doing the same thing. 'Cept this time it's my knee.

I hurt it, once again, playing the game I love. Basketball. But the pain I felt when I initially did it was hella crazy. Funny thing though. After the initial pain, for the rest of the day it didn't hurt. AT ALL. It was a very WTF moment.

On Sunday. I remember studder-faking to the right. Jumping up for a shot. And then the snapping feeling as I landed (it didn't turn out bad, but it sounded and felt like it was). I immediately knew my knee was fucked.

Friends helped me to the bench. And oddly enough I felt no pain. Bend. Nothing. Stretch. Nothing. I told them to go back to playing. I sat on the bench massaging it, bending and stretching. I felt good enough to get up. Good. No pain so far. Bend the knees. Good. Feels fine. I take a step with my left then a step with my right and BAM! It felt like my knees were either locking up or buckling. Then the shot of pain again.

I hopped back to the bench massage again...and the pain disappears. W.T.F.

Spending 4+hrs in the Alfred hospital was, oh! so much fun (please feel sarcasm here). And after all the checks and x-rays, they ruled it a sprained knee. But the fact that I felt no pain was apparently an 'unusual presentation'. No shit! After spending all the much time, all I got was a pair of crutches.

Monday was bad. The pain began in the wee hours of the morning. It started to throb. Then swell up. Then pain! I could no longer bend nor stretch and definitely still couldn't walk. Much of Monday was spent rubbing ointment and taking painkillers (Panadol).

Now it's the end of Tuesday and knee's feeling fine. It feels a little tight and hurt when I bend it, but other than that I can limp-walk, so it's all good. I should be fine by the end of the week...I hope.

And hey. I made the shot. :P

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.

Back in the ring for Round 2...

(cue the Rocky theme music...)

(the room is darkened, and mist appears at the entrance way. The spotlight beams down and a lone figure can be seen...)

...

Clearly, I used to watch too much wrestling. =P

Putting the stupid "boxing/wrestling/whatever" analagy to the side. It is almost time for my final exam in the cra...I mean the "great" institution known as RMIT.

The date is June 14th. Location, MSAC (table tennis courts). 9.15-12.30.

I have already accumulated 31 of a possible 35 marks. All I need is to pass the exam (that's get 32.5 of 65) And I'd still pass with a credit level. Having failed by just two marks, I told myself I wouldn't be satisfied unless I got a HD. But meh to that. I'm gonna go for it, but the greatest reward will be being done with uni.

The hard part is after that...

But as I dust of the gloves in preparation for the exam in about a months time, first things first.

VS

Wish me luck? =P

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.

Whirlwind stop over...

It's been a long time coming...and lets see if I can remember...

On my way to, and from, Japan, I had a 5+ hour transit at Singapore's MASSIVE Changhi airport. Now, it used to be that I would happily spend that time in the airport, making use of:

• the sleeping area: with our luggage held tight, in a bear-like grip.
• the free net: on annoying 15minute intervals, but they didn't have this five years ago.
• the endless shopping: had I had more cash, probably would have come away with more than what I did (Chivas, cologne, cookies)
• the food: it's not a matter of trying something 'different' because they also have the stock standard.
• the TV/lounge area: usually often packed. And TV playing irrelevant sports...argh...

But this time it was different. I decided to spend almost two days, on the way, and the transit hours, on the way back, there. All thanks to a great friend being able to show me around.

I arrived in Sing-sing at about 8pm? I think. Went my separate ways with my mum and sister, who were spending the transition hours at the airport, before heading straight to Japan. I went through customs and had a random convo with the officer about my cap (Nike tracker LBJ cap) and how he couldn't find one like it in Singapore. I was like WTF? but okay...

Aaron WAS meant to meet me at the arrival lounge but, surprise, surprise, he was no where to be found. I took a wonder around, exchanged a few Aussie dollars for Sing dollars (go the exchange rate!) and waited. Eventually he showed up with his cheeky smile... AND I brought him some goodies as well (2kg worth of NUTS and Johnny Black).

Let's see, what did I do...

• Had Asahi black! It's just stout beer I think. But it was pretty good.
• Had a Singapore Sling! I really can't remember how it tasted...
• Had SOOOOOOOOO much to eat, it wasn't funny...it seemed like every place we went, I was eating something. But it was sooooo cheap and it was all good.
• Met a few AIESECers. Didn't really talk to them though...
• Bought a phone! Which I will no longer use, because I don't need it. lol. EBay anyone?
• Got caught in the infamous Singapore tropical down pours! It came from no where and we were eating kakigouri (Japanese-style, ice shavings with syrup, mmmm) at the time. Lucky I didn't catch a cold.
• Had really good Arabian food (I think that's what it was). Unique but it was fantastic. Found the place randomly as well.
• Went to a really cool bar in the style of a villa. The atmosphere was awesome, but I remember it closing early...
• Met up briefly with Heidi for lunch.
• Wondered randomly in the streets, through markets or something...
• Had tea and sheesha on Baghdad street (see picture above).

That was about it. Quite a random collection of memories, scatter-brain that it is...

Oh, oh. One thing I can't forget is the Singapore taxis. Each time I saw one, I thought that was a real person and freaked me out (see below). lol. Never got used to that and still amuses me to this day. =P

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.

Woooooork!

Herro people!

Before we I get started. Sorry, no photo's yet...as always blame my sis. =P If I don't get them soon I might start forgetting what an awesome time I had. But I'm sure the photos would bring all those memories back. Like a weird thought of Deja Vu. lol. =P

Anyway, the purpose of this post is because I got a job! lol. There goes the-formerly-known-as-a-bum, Ippei. haha. And would you believe it? It's in sales! haha. Never picked me for that did ya? I started this week and I've only had one day of actual field work, but I'm having an awesome time.

It's such a friendly atomsphere, where we have leaders, but they are more your colleagues. We have training and meetings and random chanting and music in the office...sound familiar, people? lol. I love it! Plus this company has offices in over 20 countries and obviously all over Australia, and there is ample opportunities to move up and travel around. So the similarities go on, eh? The hours are a bit long, but they go by so quickly. Did I forget to mention a half-yearly convention? lol. =P

You might ask why? Why did I choose this line of work? It's simple really. I just wanted to expand myself. Build confidence. Be able to talk to all kinds of people. Because I love talking to people as it is, I just want to continue to improve and this job is giving me the opportunity to do that. So if I'm not readily available, I apologise, but know, that I'm becoming a new and (hopefully) improved me! =P World watch out! lol. WHO-RAH!

No net at home yet though...lol. But call/sms/email me. I miss y'all. lol.

much luv,
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.

Ta-da!

Well...I'm back...at least physically...=P

I have some what settled into my new pad, 'The Upstairs'. But I have no net access and won't like to get it for about a month...but we'll see. Currently having to deal with using the net at uni.

I'll start fully blogging again once I get that back, for the moment, it's just back to life.

I took many photos but it's all on my sis' camera, so until she sends them to me I have none.

Look forward to catching up with all of you.

...hmmm, I think I'll walk home now...

much love,
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.