iDifferent

Time for a quick update (and yes, in case you were curious about the picture, I'll touch on that as well later on).

Subway dinners are awesome especially this particular outlet I went to a couple of hours ago (I'm not trying to plug for them but those who love Subway sandwiches will get the deal). To top it off, they had this awesome promotion; buy ANY Subs and get a large meal totally FREE.

So yea, I ended up with one of my favorites, Cold Cut Trio, foot long, no pickles and green chili, sweet onion sauce WITH a large meal (3 chocolate chip cookies, 1 huge cup of coke) entirely on the house.

You can't say that isn't awesome.

Ended up feeling really (really) full and as often when you're feeling full, sleepy (pig much?).

The pass couple of days for me were somewhat enriching to a certain extend.

I've been doing an extensive research about Apple and Apple products. Partly because I'm really impressed with their range of products (with form as well as function) like the newly released iPhone 3G, iPod Nano Chrome and partly because Apple has a really unique marketing system, both in terms of sales as well as conceptualization. Allow me to elaborate.

Apple's sales and production ideas function on the basis of

If I have a phone as well as an MP3 player, why not merge them together?

as well as

I (the company) think the product is cool, you (the consumer) should too.

correct me if I'm wrong about the above observations but as a common consumer in the modern market, that is what Apple is trying to say to its customers.

This is however, not necessarily a bad thing.

In a recent conversation with my folks, we've talked about a myriad of issues, one of which revolving around the idea that teenagers (young adults) yearn to be different in whichever way they can.

Be it in terms of their dressing, hairstyles or even their attitudes, young people nowadays are really being over of the box huh?

as commented from one of my folks.

Yet I can't agree more. Being a member of the "young people" classification myself, I can't help but agree to that observation that the "people of tomorrow and the future" want to and more often, strive to be different.

I guess we prize individuality as an asset and rightly so, in my opinion. I've always believe that being a unique individual is something that no one, will and can ever take away.

And that recollection kinda linked me back to Apple.

The reason why they're doing so well in terms of worldwide sales (for their iPods, Macs, as well as the iPhones) would probably reason down to the simple fact; they approach their businesses differently.

Companies nowadays adopt the marketing concept as it is largely considered "safest" and that's what the consumers generally want, as claimed by marketers. Customizing products to suit its customers' needs and wants may sound really vital and smart in the modern competitive market. But is it what it seems?

With Apple, it is largely believed that they adopt a product concept, generally going along the lines of "Hey, if I think my product is good, it IS good". Simply put, the producers believe in their product.

These guys do not take the consumers' needs and wants into top priority but instead ask themselves stuff like "It would be pretty cool to have a device which you can communicate, listen to music, watch videos as well as surf the internet altogether in one wouldn't it?" and in doing so, conjuring up with fantastic and innovative products.

In a way, Apple is lucky to have received such a response, for it is a huge risk; what if the general consumer base rejects the way the company thinks?

Yet millions of people own Apple products worldwide and I'm pretty sure that a large number comes from the young adults and their ideas of "being different".

Sure, Apple is different from other companies, but it works for them and up till now, I'm trying to figure out why.

This coming from the fact that I have a Safari browser (an Apple program) running looking up facts of the iPhone and just a couple of hours ago, downloaded iTunes (another Apple program) to sought out my music.

And in case you're wondering, yes, I'm seriously contemplating a purchase for the newly released iPhone.

Why the appeal?

I'm afraid its a mixture of the right marketing tools as well as an excellent production process. Both the marketing process, the hype generated thrown into the blender with an already excellent technological marvel results in an exclusive result, something that will attract consumers en masses.

Being different isn't a bad thing and for that, I applaud you Mr Steve Jobs (CEO of Apple) for bringing the such innovative and revolutionary gadgets into the world of not only young adults, but also the world of human beings as a whole.

I know that the people of tomorrow, will carry not only the knowledge but also the gadgets of tomorrow.

And I, being one of them, have some serious considerations to make before my final decision.

This isn't just a trend, but also a statement. Not a fashion equivalent but a statement to being different and a statement of revolution.

Should I or shouldn't I? That is the question.

Alright, as I ponder over that little question, remember to check back for updates as well as the upcoming review and revisit on Hysteria's Call right here on metallic-stains.

As mentioned previously, articles might flow in slower during this period of time and thus I express my sincere apologies. But be sure to check back for updates and remember to share your thought via the comment option you see right after this post.

Cya'll later.

The Rite of Life.

Okay, for a little something different this time, I will be chronicling the day's events (something which I have never really articulated on this page).

I've always stood in favour for class bonding events, such as the "soccer" session we had today; it was really awesome and I'm pretty sure most if not everyone enjoyed themselves. Its good to see you guys in sporting outfits once in awhile for a change.

We should really do this often.

Along my bus ride back from my (second) class with my tuition student, I've come to realise a couple of things that has often puzzle and befuddled me previously. This aspect of which, will be featured in my upcoming article, so turn on your feeds and check back when the post is done!

I also realised that once in awhile, its really really nice to give yourself a good treat. Reward yourself for a particular well done job or even a good deed done; so as long as it remains a privilege, not an entitlement.

Self rewards are only effective if only reserved and saved for deserving moments or milestones in one's rite of life.

And for me, it was a good foot long Parmesan, Cold Cut Trio with no chili and pickles and plenty of sweet onion sauce to top it off. Mmm...

Life is really unexpected and justifiable, and thats what makes it exciting all the more. When life comes round and punches you right smack on the face, clean up the mess, stand right up and stand tall.

And this is why I always tell people to live life to the fullest, for you'll have no idea when you'll disappear. Second chances are few; third tries are scarse. Thus, always make sure to revolve your life around purpose and values.

Having said so much, I think I'd better continue with my narrative as seen in the previous post, call it a followup if you may...


"
The man stands very still now, not knowing exactly what to do.

Thoughts and recollections of the past memories he had with the oasis suddenly exploded in his mind and this was also why the sand around him saw drops of water.

The man dropped to the ground on all fours. More drops of water appeared and the man was not at all surprised for the tears that welled up in his eyes flooded his soul too.

He wasn't sad.

But of those were tears of confusion and indecision. The man felt helpless and desolated.

Perhaps this is the end, he thought to himself and pounded the sand with his fist, letting out a cry of agony in doing so, not being able to mask it anymore.

Was this the end for the man? Has the oasis and the desert given up on him?

Dusk soon settled around the man, who lay broken both mentally and physically, in a pathetic heap on the massive sand dune in which the man climbed the earlier day.

The desert was no place to be at night and the man knows that, having survived being in the desert for what seemed like years to him now. He soon regained his composure and got to this feet.

As he rose, the man saw and took note of the massive sand dune he scaled that very afternoon; that massive sand dune which he stood on and broke down on.

The person I am now wasn't the one who scaled this sand dune, he reflected.

It all suddenly fell into place and the truth hit him like a truck. The man knew what he had to do and as if to reaffirm this, something made him look to the sky.

He saw it and took it as a sign. Desolated and agonized emotions that took their place on his face were replaced by a firm and renergised expression.

It was at this point that he knew exactly what to do for he regained his determination.

He dusked away the remainding sand that settled upon his hair and ragged attire and began his pace. He knows this is the right way to go for the sign has convinced him and one day, maybe one day, he'll realise this reinvigorated goal of his.

The winds blew and the sands shifted, covering the footprints left behind by the man as if to guide him along his way.

Move on, they urge.

And thats exactly what the man does...
"

There is subjectivity in this narrative and I hope you guys will read and understand this both on a literal and metaphoric level. There is no definate answer for it leaves to your perception to decide the flow and the content of the narrative.

I would like to hear about your reactions from you guys, my readers, on the narrative and the whole concept of it.

A little food for thought again then. Remember to check back for updates and articles.

Till then.

Cya'll later.

Remember the Time when...

Just a little detour before heading back to work.

I've added a new counter to the site, if you've managed to observe. Its kinda cool actually; it tracks your ip, the type of browser you're using, your OS, where you navigated from, etc. Pretty neat huh?

Oh, but don't worry, your privacy is safe here at metallic-stains.blogspot.com.

Anyway, moving on. I'll update my Bucketlist by this week or the next for its been uncompleted since uh... forever really. I'm open to ideas (though I've already got a few in mind) so yea, feel free to share them and click on the link on the navigation bar to your right to check it out; its rather neat (or weird).

Been feeling rather intensive these few days for a couple of reasons. Mainly due to work but an assortment of others as well.

"We're approaching what they call the Business End of the season."

And thats true apparently. We've been given piles to do, just before the end of the semester. Thats the life of professionals, I guess. Even taking some time off for family and friends might seem like a guilty pleasure.

Aside from that, I've been feeling well... out of sorts of late. I kinda know why but then again, I don't. yea I know, its complicated and rather well, personal. Snap out of it will you?! lol.

Okay fine, maybe I'm starting to feel a little "sentimental" again. I blame the late nights, I blame the oh-so-quiet atmosphere you get when you're awake at 3am in the morning alone and I guess I blame myself. Gah.

Oh well, on to the main idea of the post.

Was in the shower just a couple of minutes ago and I thought of my childhood, which then linked to my busy life now. Such differences.

I wonder how many of you guys have actually stopped and thought about your childhood despite the fact that you're growing up with different commitments and all; its really amusing, in a way.

Remember the time when...

You first wee-ed in your pants (eww.)
You took your first step (Ok I don't)
You drank milk out of a bottle
You thought everything was called by its colour (ie. Orange)
You enjoyed and hated to get out of showers
You didn't like mealtimes
You cried when you first when to school
You got back the results to your first spelling test
To you, the world was a playground
To you, ever single detail was so interesting
You enjoyed your life

Okay, not that I hate my life now, its just that theres something different about life then and life now. Simple pleasures evolve, from finding a "foil" in your weekly trading card game pack to completing an assignment. From being able to have "coco-crunch" for breakfast to being able to have Subway for dinner. You get what I'm going on about yea?

I miss my life back then, but I know I'll miss the life I'm living now, thus I cherish every moment thats ever happened to me, be it good or bad.

Life is fragile, you might be gone like the next moment, I might even die right after I type this post or I might not wake up from my sleep the next morning; who knows?

Thats why we cherish life and put it in such a high regard. Have a life? Live it.

Okay, I see the potential for an article here but I'll leave it at that for now; time to do work.

I don't see myself sleeping tonight, to be honest, though not necessarily a bad thing; Jazz+Late Nights= awesome.

Remember to check back for updates and articles and oh yea, the completion of my bucketlist.

Cya'll later,
I Hope.

Awesome-ness (personified)

What do you get when Steven Tyler, Axl Rose, Slash and Joe Perry share the same stage? Total awesome-ness. Check this video out, my readers, Especially if you're hardcore Classic rock fans.



no seriously, its an insane performance. Think titan meets titan, think , think Subway meets Starbucks, you get the deal.

Cya'll later.

The Evolution of Survival; The Minimalistic Way of Life and Subjective Demands.

Term breaks are finally here and that means its time for a good rest, as well as a couple of article catching up.

Dinner today was great; Subway with the family (as usual) at a quiet outlet (awesome-ness). That was complimented with a nice walk to digest the food as well as a trip to the supermarket around my estate thereafter for we had to get some supplies.

The "Frozen" section of the supermarket has been a personal favorite of mine when I was young, partly due to the temperature and partly due to the variety of food that is usually found there; I was fascinated by the feasibility of keeping food fresh in low temperatures.

I observed the people in the supermarket as much as I do with the products and the selling concept. What is it that makes people come back again and again to the supermarket to restock their supplies?

It voices down basically to the most fundamental concept of life; Survival.

I derived that these people in the supermarket (including myself), are here because they see it as a necessity, as a NEED, which is in this case, to buy food and other daily objects that they NEED to survive.

Sustenance, or more commonly termed, Food and water, is a very basic need of not only human beings but living creatures. in general. Without these physical needs, existence will not be possible for the body functions on these to work.

However, I begin to contrast the differences between our mode of physical survival needs now and in the ancient past. Our need for survival has indeed changed but is it for the better or the worse?

In ancient cave-men times, people had to hunt for their food. It wasn't easy, for some hunts would end in vain and they would return empty handed and would have to go hungry.

In contrast, currency has brought about convince to the people of the world today. From an literal sense, obtaining currency may seem like a "hunt" and it is but there is no doubt about the convince we the people of today have as compared to the people of hundreds and thousands of years ago.

For instance, a person living hundreds of years ago might have to milk a cow for milk. And now? All we have to do is to walk into your local provision shop to get all the "milking of a cow" in one carton; its that much simple.

We can thus say the need for survival has changed, for when one society changes and develops, so does the need or rather the mode of survival, as seen in the example above.

As society advances, trends in the market follow. Fresh and new marketing strategies are constantly implemented to cope with the rising demands of customers' varying needs.

Imagery is very important when marketing your product as successful branding will result in the consumer remembering the product the moment he sees something related to the said product.

However, recent trends in the market include packaging and customization. With the society's evolution, people pay closer attention to the packaging details as after all, human beings are more visually oriented beings.

This is evident, as I survey the supermarket and its products in the frozen section. We have what marketers call "shelf talkers" where they'll persuade consumers to purchase products and try to win them over. Flashy packaging, large fonts and unique containers surround me as I walk and browse through the groceries.

Is this how far our evolution for survival has preceded?

It is a marvel, really, to see, study and compare the growth of our medium and source of survival. However, with the advancement of society comes variety and choices and in cruel business terms, competition. Marketers have to come up with fresh new concepts in order to attract consumers.

As we develop, we'll naturally ask for more and more to satisfy our growing desire for higher standards of living and higher levels of satisfaction. Alot of emphasis is put on convince, especially food, which as mentioned, is essential for survival. What this means is that preparation of food is easier and faster. A quick browse through the section reveals a whole selection of "instant" food, all with just a microwave button away.

Convince food is controversial in recent periods due to its health benefits; there has been alot of debate surrounding the harms of consuming such products. Certainly, convince comes with a price.

This is inevitable for different people have different demands to their terms of survival.

The Evolution of our survival reflects on the society that we're living in. It is the need that spurs the people I observed in the supermarket.

So Lets just take a step back, and think about the magnitude of our evolution as human beings. And if we were to evolve further, what would become of us? Will we be eating out of infra-red waves or blue tooth signals?

I sure hope not, though someday, the time will come for the due advancements as that is the way of life; we constantly improve ourselves and our society, vice versa.

Thus be it frozen chicken wings, instant pizzas to raw meat or milk freshly obtained from a cow, the evolution of survival is no doubt in the balance and in action in our society, though they share the same purpose ultimately.

So let us define our way of living as only with that, can we fully chart our evolution and look back at our growth.

The Much Awaited... Modern Minds and Pastimes Tour, The Click Five, a special low-down

Banners and posters all around; People gathered in the stadium; Nervy anticipations and excited faces everywhere.

Yes, this is it, the moment you've been waiting for...

"GET READY TO ROCK with THE CLICK FIVE"

The queue outside the Singapore Indoor Stadium lengthened slowly but it was still early in the night and after a quick dinner (Subway Club, foot-long), you and two of your friends decides to join in the queue to enter the concert.

Indeed, you feel excited, though you're not a major fan of The Click Five, a Boston, Massachusetts based pop-rock band, the hype of the entire event has clearly gotten to you.

The queue snailed and after around 15mins, the three of you are finally in the stadium, much to the discomfort of standing outdoors.

Impressive.

Through only half of the indoor stadium was used for the event, you're clearly awed by the sight and the set; a huge white canvas spread of the stage, clearly of purpose later on.

Coincidentally, another group of your friends are also in attendance at the concert. Both parties eventually meet up and you take the chance to catch up on them.

You soon begin to observe the surroundings and since you and the rest of your friends stood not more than five rows from the front, the view was pretty much okay.

Your attention soon switches to something red and shiny behind the huge white canvas that was supposed to "cover" the stage.

You smiled to yourself. Indeed, that's Joey's drumset. And being a drummer yourself, you gain a sense of urgency to pay special attention to the drumset.


Many people around you are also taking pictures with their mobile phones or digital cameras; all of them eager to take back memories in the form of pictures.


A quick time check revealed 8:25, and as if on queue, the lights in the stadium dimmed and screams erupted, piecing your delicate eardrums.


Yes, as you thought to yourself. And so it begins.


Everyone waiting intensely as a projection introducing the band was flashed on the huge white canvas that was covering the stage.



"Joey Zehr"


"Ethan Mentzer"


"Ben Romans"


"Joe Guese"


"Kyle Patrick"


"ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?"


You cheer, along with thousands of other screaming fans in the stadium. At a time, it felt as if the stadium was about to give way.


A countdown appeared on the screen.



"10


9


8


7


6


5


4


3


2


1"


Silhouettes appear on the white canvas.


A flash of blinding light shines at your eyes as the canvas drops, revealing the band, The Click Five, not more then 20meters away.

Everyone around you erupts as they catch a glimpse of the very band that they're here to watch perform.

You're rooted to the spot for about 2 seconds as you look at the band themselves. The piecing screams around you however, eludes your senses and you know you'll have to do only one thing: jump to the music.

They played "Flipside" as a show-starter, its fast paced and catchy tune a perfect way to start the concert.

As the concert went on, many songs that are familiar to you were played. From the high energy "Just The Girl" to the emotional piece "Empty" and even a new acoustic piece that wasn't released in the album.

Throughout the duration of the songs, you find yourself more and more active. So high in fact that you feel your kneels feeling numb by the mini interval of the concert.

Distinct pieces like "Happy Birthday" got the crowd singing as well.

"Yea Yea woah-oh!". You soon get addicted to the song and join the crowd in the sing-along and since it was Kyle's birthday a couple of days back, everyone was even more hyped up.

The individual solos were incredible and you were awed by each everyone's solos, especially Ethan and Joey's. You felt that Ben's solo was really over the top as he paced from one end of the stage to another and even rolled on the floor.

Their hit single, "Jenny" and other tunes like "I'm Getting Over You (acoustic)", "All I Need Is You", "Catch Your Wave", "Addicted to Me", "Long Way to Go" and of course, "Empty", together with a couple of new songs were all belted out in the duration.

They ended the concert with "Headlight Disco" and by then, your throat's sore from shouting and you literally cannot jump or stand properly, being clearly on the high.

And as soon as the crowd dissipates, you and the rest of your friends regrouped. (you guys were so carried away during the concert that some of you got separated from each other) You rushed towards the stage to get a better front row picture of the stage as the staff clears the mess away and people start leaving the stadium, clearly satisfied with the performance.

As your group slowly walks towards the exit, discussions about the concert started. You're personally disappointed that "Mary Jane" and "The Reason Why" were not played but other then that, all of you agrees it was a totally rad concert.

Slumped against one of the walls outside the stadium, one of your friends suddenly received a call from another friend of his that apparently, caught Kyle Patrick's guitar pick when he threw it.

The excitement grew as both groups met up.



The pick had the words "Kyle Patrick" printed on one side and "The Click Five" printed on the other. Obviously the group felt envious.

Your group soon parted with the other, leaving you with your friends.

Perhaps curiosity got the better of you as you saw a section of the car park outside barricaded. Somehow or another, your group of friends decided to "wait for the Click
Five to take the bus and go off" thus the group of you waited and waited... and waited...

A really small group gathered there as well; majority of the crowd gave up on waiting as it was getting late. You were persuaded to leave due to the time but a friend insisted the group to stay.

At around 11:45PM, a man wearing a brown vest dressed in all black came out of the side entrance to the carpark area. Screams from fans around the area filled the quiet night sky. You spun around and saw non-other then Joey Zehr, exiting the building, making his way towards the bus dragging a luggage behind as he made his way.

Intuitively, you climbed on the barricade and shouted "Joey! Can I have a Picture or an Autograph?"

For a moment, everyone around you felt disappointed as Joey boarded the bus without a second glance. However he re-appeared as soon as he left his luggage on board and walked towards the mob of you around the barricade area.



You and your friends, in a desperate bid for autographs, scrambled whatever bits of paper you had. Tickets, Scraps of paper, Subway Menus and even Shirts. You exchanged a handshake with him together with a couple of words. As strange as it might seem, your heart's actually thumping with excitement.

Another friend of yours even managed to hug him, before being shoved away.



You're contented with the entire experience and you know its something you'll remember for a long long time to come...



*Apologies about the blur-ed images. My camera wasn't too clear and the lightings were substantially too bright (not to mention all the jumping). Feel free to comment about this entry.

"Yea Yea Woah-Oh"

I Spy... (Part 5)

Freaking awesome Subway Dinner.

Hectic week one is over and thus, hectic week two presumes. Lets see, what to expect this week? Oh you know the usual; ICAs for Digital film and production, ICAs for Creative & Thinking skills and the usual lot of tutorials.

Well at least I'm enjoying myself now; family outings ftw.

But lets have a little game of "I spy" as I wait for my ICE CREAM.

Red
Plain water
Squares
Hat
Spoon
Coffee Beans (as in the object, not the shop ffs)
ICE CREAM
mirror
watch
Shops
"You are on L2"

ahh look my ICE CREAM's arrived. Guess I'll stop here for abit. Its time to eat! Give me a minute...

ahh.. now you see it now you don't. That felt good. lmao

Will update with articles soon. Be sure to check back.

Cya'll later!

Friday night+Friends= Awesome-ness

Friday Night. Starbucks. Awesome.

These are the various aspects in which contributes to my destressing activities for the past week due to the taxing demands of poly life. In this article I'll talk about the... Oh wait, an article?

Yea right...

Let see, Starbucks last night (Friday) was awesome. Like really really awesome, period. Friday nights ever fail to perk a stressful week up.

First it was the Subway Sandwich I had IN Starbucks and the Coffee Frap which went really really well with the Subway Club (foot-long). Then it was the conversations we had and after that, a random photoshoot on one of my friend's Macbook. It was really rad.

Oh well. Thats all for the update I guess. Heading out into the wild concrete jungle soon; loads to complete. Will try and update soon. And oh yea, before I forget, a couple of pictures from last night. lol.

There are a couple more but I'm kinda lazy to upload them. Look, blame the workload yea?

Cya'll Later.

Psh.. this isn't happening.

Not gonna say too much here, I've got loads to do at the moment. But one thing's for sure...

Subway should NEVER EVER EVER run out of bread, Period.

It just doesn't make sense at all. Unless the world has ended. I mean for example, does Pastamania ever run out of Pasta? I think not. This isn't happening...

Getting back to work. Psh.

Cya'll later.

Iron Man; A Personal Insight

Just got home not too long ago from a little movie whom I watched with a couple of friends.

We had dinner out at Subway (excellent choice) and headed over to Starbucks (ditto) to chill out before our movie at 8:40pm. I wasn't really keen on watching the movie (mostly due to the fact that the ticket cost me $10) but I conformed anyway.

The time reads 1:26am, so I'm probably gonna keep this article short, sweet and to the point (as long as I stay awake).

*SPOILER ALERT*

Title Of Movie:
Iron Man

Impression Of The Movie (before watching it):
As I've mentioned earlier in the post, I wasn't really keen and hyped up about the whole Iron Man pheomenon thing that has been speculating around for quite some time now. To be brutally honest, I'm not much of a comic book fan; I don't really read classical super hero comics. I wouldn't die if I were deprived of the chance to watch it, I guess.

Technical Analysis Of The Movie (Brief)

Content:
Basically the content, to me, was the most disappointing aspect of the whole movie and this was mainly due to the fact that it was a comic book based story plot; there won't be room for much to wow audiences who have rough ideas or impressions of Iron Man. Its pretty much your average "guy returns from life changing experience and decides to turn into a superhero and fight for justice" kind of storyline. The story observed a basic narrative flow of events which could further be played upon in the film. The "epic showdown" between Iron Man and in-movie nemesis, 'Iron Monger" climaxes the entire movie and vivid action scenes are encrypted into the audiences' minds. There won't be room (or so I think) for a sequel partly because Tony Stark reveals in a press conference scene towards the end of the movie that "I Am Iron Man" upon deep deliberation, something that he does NOT do throughout the entire comic series (or so I understand)

An interesting aspect of the film content however, is due to the fact that the events that happen during the movie and the settings, are very much real and current that is happening in the whole now. What I'm refering to is the reference of the war on Terrorism that is played crucially in the film. The fact that both fictional and real world issues are put in the mix of a comic based movie such as this one is complimentary.

Visual:
Without a doubt, the visual element in the movie is the main attraction of it all. From hi-tech gadgets like computerised assistants, the Iron Man suit etc to awesome graphics and digital rendering that has been put into the production process, the film is sure to give CGI junkies a run for their money. Even car junkies (such as myself) are treated to eye candies in the form of the Audi R8, RS4 and others.

Character-wise, the portrayal of Iron Man is certainly spot on; its exactly like that of the original comic, if not better. The props fabricated for the movie were state of the art and in ways similar to the movie, advance and life-like. The visual component of the entire movie would certainly score points with critics and to me, the grahpics are really cool and off the charts.

Talents (Cast):
The main role of the protagonist, Iron Man aka. Tony Stark, is perfectly played by Robert Downey Jr. He looks the part, thinks like the part and most importantly, feels like the part. A little humour is injected here and there in the movie and that actually spices things up; something which the audience would enjoy in a good movie.

The choice of talents used in the film are pretty much suitable as they very much look the part, especially the afghanistan troops and their leaders. However, a more impactful villian would have been more effective if used in the movie.

Audio:
Rocking tracks accompany various scenes of the movie. From AC/DC to Black Sabbath, I feel that the mood generated is very much on the same vibe as compared to rock genre pieces; hardcore, head bobbing and mind blowing. Thus making it an effective medium to bring its messages across effectively. The idea of Iron Man itself came from a rock song similarly titled by Black Sabbath. Stan Lee drew inspiration from that song and somehow, fabricated the entire concept of Iron Man. Naturally, the song played during the finale and ended the movie off, on a high vibe.

Impression Of Movie (after watching it):

I finally see why Iron Man has been much anticipated amongst comic junkies and fans alike however, its a movie that I would want to watch but NOT insist on doing so. And even as I walk out of the theater, that thought never left. I found the story content a wee bit of a disappointment; I was looking for at least a twist in the plot. But coming from a comic series, it is understandable in a way as story content would usually not stray too far from the original.

Its probably a show that I would watch 3 times (maximum) in a row and again after a couple of months if resouces grant (note that I'm NOT a comic junkie whatsoever). I appreaciate the graphics, audio and talents in the show but was personally looking for a little more in terms of content, as mentioned

Movie Score:
3.7/5

edit: i'm so freaking pissed with the html coding that i'm gonna STOP fiddling with it and go to bed. Gah...

The Beauty Of Having a Laptop

Awesome-ness. Blogging from Starbucks at United Square, using WirelessSG. You can't say thats not awesome.

Oh well, basically I'm 17 on the 18. Didn't really have anything to do so I decided to hang around solitary. I'll try to post an article asap but currently right now, my notes and revision are of piority; it has been a busy but informative week.
Stomach's grumbling and that means time for some Subway.

Cheers to United Square for having all round internet coverage.

A (weird) new goal in life, i guess.

A Hundred (Weird) Things To Do Before I Die
*IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER WHATSOEVER*

1. Smash and totally ruin a guitar
2. Balance a book on my head and take a sip of (really hard) liquor
3. Drink coffee (preferably from Starbucks) through my nostrils
4. Bite staples
5. Use drumsticks and make holes in drumheads
6. Wear jeans inside out for a date
7. Order a Subway club, foot-long, sandwich at Starbucks
8. Order a Coffee Frap, Venti-sized, at Subway
9. Cut my pinkie on purpose just to see it bleed and collect my blood in a pill bottle
10. Be a Chink for a week
11. Drink from my (huge) cup without using my hands
12. Sit on my head and complete a miserably hard Sudoku puzzle
13. Tell everyone I know that Black isn’t really my favorite colour
14. Try wearing makeup (eyeliner, mascara etc) (√)
15. Eat a whole tube of toothpaste and live to tell the tale
16. Tell someone on the streets that he/she has BO (even if its not true)
17. Be an Emo kid for a year (that means all black, LONG fringe and angst)
18. Not talking for a month
19. Being trapped on an island alone
20. Wedgie a friend
21. Spit at someone without getting into trouble
22. Tell everyone and everything that the world’s gonna end
23. Force myself to scream (very very loudly) when I stub my toe
24. Go without sleep for around 3 days
25. Go without laughter for 2 weeks or more
26. Eat out of a straw
27. Confuse the person who makes the drinks at Starbucks
28. Go and actually stay overnight at a 24 hour MacDonald’s outlet
29. Help every person I see for a day (even if they don’t need or want it)
30. Drink a cup of water out of Dad’s fish tank
31. Kick a moving car
32. Smash and totally ruin a useable cell phone
33. Stand in front of an audience (more than 20 people) and say something weird
34. Use hairspray as an air-freshener for my room
35. Break one of those fire alarm things
36. Go into a car showroom and yell “(brand name) sucks!”
37. Dial 999 just to hear what actually goes on
38. Drink Coke and eat Mentos just to see what happens (√)
39. Taste Ink
40. Sleep for more then 20 hours
41. Pay a hundred dollar (or more) bill entirely with coins only
42. Eat Subway at least once a day for a week
43. Speak only Chinese for a week
44. Order chicken rice without chicken
45. Clean the windows of a Starbucks outlet using a window wiper
46. Unscrew a lighted light bulb
47. Travel in someone’s car boot
48. Try to break a thermometer using heat
49. Sit in every chair in a particular Starbucks outlet
50. Do a pushup in a crowded area
51. Do the weather forecast once
52. Sleep through a really really really boring movie
53. Learn to rap (properly) in a foreign language
54. Get shot by a stun-gun (just for kicks)
55. Convince someone to do something on this list
56. Try and convince a female friend that her boyfriend/soul-mate/husband is gay
57. Praise everyone you know for one day (even if its not really complimentary)
58. Learn to speak Jamaican and/or African
59. Tell only lies for a week
60. Tell only the truth for a week
61. Take a bath sitting down
62. Take a particular bus from the interchange to the next interchange and then back again
63. Learn to sing an entire song backwards but in melody
64. Eat something exotic (like a live animal)
65. Say something mean to a famous person
66. Taste (or smell, rather) pure Oxygen
67. Strike a casual conversation with a stranger on a public transport
68. Throw something at a television set and break it
69. Lie to someone that you have a terminal disease
70. Take “Neo-prints” with only guys
71. Give a ten dollar bill to a street entertainer
72. Do a “power slide” in front of parents
73. Walk into the toy’s section and look at every Barbie doll on sale
74. Taste pet food
75. Act as if you’re 5 years of age for a day
76. Shower with the door open for once
77. Try and pay for something using monopoly cash
78. Tell a lecturer/teacher that he/she is beautiful (√)
79. Swim in a public water feature (eg. Fountain)
80. Take a bath in the rain
81. Use the laptop while on a tree
82. Break a PSP
83. Buy a Blendtec (or any other high powered) blender
84. Sit in a public shelter until it rains
85. Fall asleep while walking
86. Go up and down the escalator for one entire hour
87. Tune all the clocks and time devices in the hours 3 hours faster for a day
88. Learn and try to perfect the ability to fart on demand
89. Sing (horribly) in front of a (huge) crowd
90. Have a dog or a cat eat up a piece of my work
91. Taste waste (ie. human waste, animal waste, you know the lot)
92. Take a swag of Wasabi powder via the nostrils (Jackass Style)
93. Sky dive without a parachute (Jackass Style)
94. Watch Television programs for 24 hours non-stop
95. Start a mosh-pit in a crowded area
96. Walk to school or work place (from home) to and fro for a week
97. Convince a smoker to quit smoking
98. Swim or get wet in an artificial water feature
99. Use the wrong side of chopsticks for a week
100. Do a particular task on this list again

Those tasks that have a tick beside, (√), signifies its completion.

[/EDIT 10 October 2008] I've managed to update the list and fill up all 100 spots. I will be, however, revising some of the tasks on the list due to feasibility and interest so check back soon for updates and details.