Movie log: Teeth / An Inconvenient Truth

Teeth (2007) - 1 star

...









An Inconvenient Truth (2006) - 3 stars

Lacks the Michael Moore punch but delivers the message well. Didn't like the biography bits of Al Gore though.

The Good Ol' Days

Movie log: Mamma Mia!

Mamma Mia! (2008) - 4 stars

An excellent escape from reality in this feel good musical. Now I hope and pray for "Backstreet Boys The Movie" in 20 years. :)

Weight log - 26 Sep 2008

8 weeks ago - 79kg / 174.2lbs

5 1/2 weeks ago - 77kg / 169.75lbs

10 days ago - 75.25kg / 165.9lbs

Last night - 73.8kg / 162.7lbs

8)

Movie log (Direct-to-DVD): Stargate The Ark Of Truth, Stargate Continuum, & Starship Troopers 3: Marauder

Stargate: The Ark Of Truth - 3 stars

A fitting end to SG1's 2 season story arc









Stargate: Continuum - 3.75 stars

Time travel stories always make good sci-fi. Should have had more Richard Dean Anderson though









Starship Troopers 3: Marauder - 2 stars

A 'true-er' sequel to the original that keeps the comedy bits in. Never really liked the first one, so this one is just passable

KFC Original Recipe Fillet Burger

Yet another KFC rant.

RM5.50 for this 'original recipe fillet burger that's the size of the palm of my hand?! Ri-fracking-diculous!

Go to the link below for the previous rant in January
http://brianjchong.blogspot.com/2008/01/kfc.html

Pending Weekend Costs

Police summon - RM300
Replacement tire - RM250?
Rear wiper - RM20
New tub of Whey Protein - RM220

Constipated look on my face - ALOTOFMONEYFROMMYPOCKET

Training Log (Aug-Sep recap)

Early Aug 2008 - Daily Whey Protein supplementation w controlled diet and new 35 mins cardio plan & light weight/more reps 5-6 days a week training regime

Aug 16 2008 - 77kg, 170lbs

Aug 18 2008 - (Creatine loading begins)

Aug 24 2008 - Men's Health/Shape magazine 5KM Marathon

Aug 30 2008 - 77kg, 170lbs (Creatine has added muscle weight via water retention, fat mass loss is visible)

Sept 15 2008 - 75.25kg, 166lbs

Oct 1 2008 Target - 74kg, 163lbs (1.25kg deficit - 15 days remain)

Movie log: 21

21 (2008) - 3 stars

Simply above average weekend entertainment

Movie log: Babylon A.D

Babylon A.D (2008) - 1.5 stars

Besides not getting the story, this sci-fi RPG-like plot is boring. The props and sets are very good though.

Movie log: Never Back Down

Never Back Down (2008) - 2.5 stars

A modern teenage "Kickboxer" for the new millenium. Predictable and a little too long for its own good. The main 'bad guy' looks too damn skinny though.

The skinny-ass antagonist

Roots (A Revelation of OMG porportions)

After doing some research on my grandmother(Mom's side)'s Portuguese language, it is interesting to note the following about the Portuguese dialect (Kristang) that is spoken by Malaysians with 'Portuguese' roots.

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"A small number of Eurasians, of mixed Portuguese and Malay descent, speak a Portuguese-based creole, called Papiá Kristang.

The Kristang language originated after the conquest of Malacca (Malaysia) in 1511 by the Portuguese. The community of speakers descends mainly from marriages between Portuguese settlers and local Malay women, as well as a certain number of migrants from Goa, themselves of mixed Indian and Portuguese ancestry.

Even after Portugal lost Malacca and almost all contact in 1641, the Kristang community largely preserved its language. The language is not taught at school, although there are still some Church services in Portuguese."

Source: Wikipedia
--

Now, the question is... "Does that make me partially Malay... or Indian as well??"

Oh what evils the internet holds.

Further reading: http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/13/asia/letter.php

Movie log: I Am Legend

I Am Legend (2007) - 3.75 stars

Interesting and frightening tale about human survival. They should have made the 'darkseekers' out of human actors though.


Note: Dog lovers be warned

Bry & MS's Day Out In Korea

Our Korean adventure started when we entered a convenience store which was pretty crowded with the congregation of a nearby church. Everyone in the shop (around 20) were speaking in a language that was foreign to me. Korean. Ahh.. The pronunciations, the words... remeniscent from the days where I watched Korean soaps. Here's what we found while browsing for some groceries...

Korean energy drinks

Korean cereals

Daniel Henney endorsed coffee

Mini mart sales!

Taking a walk down the street we found some interesting shop signs that meant jack to us.

ngeh?

ngeh?

Ahh.. Samsung Mall

It was lunch time and we were recommended this restaurant called Nak Won where we got to sit on the floor while eating our Korean meal.

Assorted kimchi

My 'spicy beef something something'. Yum. That greyish black vege is called 'Kosari', a mountain vegetable!

MS enjoying her complimentary 'unknown' dessert. It tastes like sweet barley though.

Ahh what a Sunday it was. Nice weather, smooth traffic... all in all a relaxing Sunday in KoreaTown.

For more information, head on to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koreatown

Movie log: The Scorpion King 2: Rise Of A Warrior

The Scorpion King 2: Rise Of A Warrior (2008) - 2.5 stars

Adding another chapter to "The Mummy" franchise, this prequel to "The Scorpion King" is a rather awkward addition. However, despite it's crumminess, awesomely bad casting (Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's Mathayus played by not-so-buff ex Power Ranger Michael Copon?!) and pathetic acting from almost everybody in it's cast (especially UFC Heavyweight Champ Randy Couture), the movie does it's job by entertaining it's audiences. Recommended to fans of "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" and "Xena: Warrior Princess" fans. I actually think this would make a pretty cool TV series. :)

Note: Directed by "Highlander"'s Russell Mulcahy!

The World Needs Captain Planet

31 August 2008 - The North Pole has become an island for the first time in human history.

Startling satellite pictures taken three days ago show that melting ice has opened up the fabled North-West and North-East Passages - making it possible to sail around the Arctic ice cap.

The opening of the passages has been eagerly awaited by shipping companies which hope they will be able to cut thousands of miles off their routes.

They had the power to educate the younger generation almost two decades ago. They may have only delayed the inevitable.

Movie log: The Love Guru

The Love Guru (2008) - 2.5 stars

A mildly dissapointing Mike Myers effort

Phrase Of The Day

"When you think you can't, you can."

Movie log: Doomsday

Doomsday (2008) - 2.75 stars

The trailer gave me the impression that this was a cross between Resident Evil and Escape From New York. Post killer plague semi-futuristic Britain looks grim and dirty. Action sequences are good, quick, and gory. All in all, an entertaining movie.

Note: Star Trek alum Alexander Siddig stars as the British Prime Minister

Men's Health/Shape Magazine Run '08

After some work colleagues decided to drop out of the run (except Samantha), I got Mei Su & Soon Min aka Ethan to take up the empty spots and join the run. It's actually the first 'marathon' I've participated in.

5 kms is the distance in the 'fun run' category (with our runner's number starting with 'F'). Took me about a month plus in the gym training for this and it really paid off. I finished the course just below 30 mins and came in as one of the first twenty. =D

Freebies, 'super yummy' Milo in a truck, finishing the course in due time, and 1901 Hot Dogs as post running food made it a really fun morning.

I wonder when the next marathon thingy will be. :)

All the "F"-atty fun runners (including myself behind the camera) getting ready for the rolling start

Soon Min aka Ethan getting some facial tips from a Lab Series semi-dude

'Kaki Sampai Mati' of the Nokia Wireless Adventure 07 fame

Some tourists helping their bus driver by lifting a Proton Wira off the ground to avoid scraping the hell out of it. I believe it got dented anyway. (My car was metres away!)

Movie log: WALL.E

WALL.E (2008) - 3.25 stars

Cute tale about the Earth's near future and it's consequences

Pushmore Fitness Centre Boot Camp Day

My first ever boot camp score sheet. I got 2nd place! =)

http://www.pushmore.com.my

--

What is Boot Camp?
BootCamp comprehensive fitness training program that runs for a period of 3 months with two or three workouts per week. Our class structure is based on simple yet effective functional movements aimed at improving and maximizing a participant's physical levels.

The program is intense but not impossible. Whether you are a seasoned exerciser or completely new, BootCamp will reveal you inner athlete, both physically and mentally. Be ready for amazing results!

What you can expect from a BootCamp class:

Total Fitness Workout: The class is structured to train and target every aspect of you fitness - cardiovascular, strength and flexibility. The workout will have a combination of gymnastics, weightlifting and metabolic conditioning. Your entire body will be challenged!
Comprehensive Coaching: Good movement equals good results. Our coaches will ensure that you are moving effectively and safely during the session.
Group Dynamics: Working out as a group has never been better. Motivate and support each other in the group as all of you journey towards your goals.
Scalability: Anyone can take part in the BootCamp class. The workouts and exercises are fully scalable to individual fitness capabilities.

Movie log: L.A. Confidential

L.A. Confidential (1997) - 4.5 stars

An intricate tale on crime, corruption, and glamour in America's 1950s era. A must-watch.

Movie log: The Mummy - Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor

The Mummy - Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor (2008) - 2.25 stars

With high hopes came dissapointment. Lack of fun and grandness makes this entry only average. Maria Bello did a good job with Rachel Weisz's English accent but doesn't come close to the real character. Even Brendan Fraser seems tiresome.

Movie log: You Don't Mess With The Zohan

You Don't Mess With The Zohan (2008) - 2.75 stars

A hit-and-miss slapstick Sandler summer fun :)

Movie log: Munich

Munich (2005) - 2.5 stars

I didn't enjoy this

Movie log: Evolusi KL Drift

Evolusi KL Drift (2008) - 2.25 stars

Cliche, lame characters, OK cars. The anticlimactic ending was a bigger buzzkill. At least it was entertaining.

Velvet Sky

My current fav pro-wrestling female. Velvet Sky of TNA Wrestling.

Weekend recap

Line of the weekend: "How many carats are those?" said Chermaine Poo while pointing to my earring

8)

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Friday Night - STYLO Singapore Grand Prix

The former 'STYLO' gang @ the STYLO Singapore Grand Prix thingy.

Sigh. Where's AhNeh, AH Yap, and Adri.

Saturday - Bleh~

Saturday was such a bummer. A failed attempt to the MTV Asia Awards and a cruddy night with the boys at the annual Kiara Jazz Fest. The night's main highlight was us singing 'With Or WIthout You' in the car whilst driving home.

Sunday - Late mass service /1Utama window shopping

After shopping at 1Utama, I found Kara mingling with her sister from Johor. :)

--

Thinking of headin' to city centre next weekend. Hmm..

Movie log: Hellraiser - Hellworld

Hellraiser - Hellworld (2005) - 1.5 stars

Directed by the same guy who did the horrible one before this, 'Hellworld' is almost as bad and throws the original Hellraiser concept to the rubbish bin. The tagline states "Evil Goes Online". That in itself already tell what crap we're about to witness. Full of clichè scenes, characters and unnecesary nudity.

Trivia: The script was adapted from a treatment titled "Dark Can't Breathe," which was unrelated to the Hellraiser series.



--
"Hellworld"'s lead actress Katheryn Winnick (top) shares a big resemblace to Gossip Girl's Blake Lively (bottom) don't you think?

Serving time, whether guilty or not

An interesting read.

--
Serving time, whether guilty or not
by Desmond Ho

The legal maxim that one is innocent until proven guilty does not seem to favour foreign workers who have no relatives in Malaysia and who do not have the money to make bail.

I REMEMBER being intrigued with the phrase “the new poor” used by a Jesuit priest in one of his sharings with me. The new poor refer to those who are destitute, those with needs, those who are suffering.

They are the new poor because only recently are we recognising and beginning to be aware of their existence.

In reality, they have been poor for a long time. It is difficult for society to see and recognise them as the new poor due to the clichéd definition of being poor.

I am amused when friends want to contribute to charity for the poor and immediately think of the financially destitute but are oblivious to the new poor – the migrant workers that they meet every day, whether in the market or down the street.

The plights of migrant workers are numerous but I wish to highlight what may actually happen when a migrant worker is arrested and charged in court for a criminal offence.

The following is an account based on my personal experience in court. (Some particulars however have been changed to protect the migrant worker’s identity.)

Nguyen Thanh Dan (not his real name), a Vietnamese migrant worker, was arrested just after Chinese New Year in February over a fight that occurred in the middle of the night with some Indonesian migrant workers outside his employer’s apartment, where the workers resided, allegedly over some derogatory statements he made about them.

He was immediately charged under section 148 of the Penal Code for possessing weapons or missiles at a riot.

He claimed he was the victim as he was outnumbered and that he merely grabbed a stick to defend himself. He therefore pleaded not guilty and claimed trial. But he had no legal representation. He could not afford one on his meagre salary of RM450 a month.

His employer immediately terminated his employment contract despite him not having been convicted yet, and refused to pay the bail amount of RM5,000.

He has a dilemma at hand now. Either he remains in prison waiting for his trial to complete, which may take six months to a year before a decision is delivered, or plead guilty and leave his mitigated sentence at the mercy of the magistrate.

Even if he waits for his trial to complete and is found innocent and set free, he would have languished in prison and wasted months.

This scenario is all too familiar with lawyers assisting migrant workers charged in court for a criminal offence. That he is a migrant worker necessitates the magistrate imposing a high bail amount to ensure his appearance in court.

Yet the legal maxim that one is innocent until proven guilty does not seem to favour foreign workers who have no relatives in Malaysia and who do not have the money to make bail.

The further requirement of a Malaysian surety makes it even more difficult for him. This forces the unwilling migrant worker to remain in prison.

Therefore, there is the high possibility that even after he is found innocent after a full trial he would have already served six months to a year in prison waiting, which would have been his full sentence if he were found guilty at the end of the trial.

To add to his misery, time is not in his favour as there would be postponements of his trial due to the absence of material witnesses, or unforeseen circumstances.

Every time the trial is delayed, he waits agonisingly to be set free, not knowing he has already been effectively “sentenced” and is serving time. The difficulty of getting a foreign interpreter compounds the delay.

Hence, Malaysians should not so quickly forget the case of Nepalese worker Mangal Bahadur Gurung, who was wrongfully imprisoned in 2006 for 51 days and given one stroke of the rotan after having been mistakenly convicted of entering the country illegally.

For that, he was offered a paltry compensation of RM8,340 by the Government. He has since returned home to his old job as a trekking guide, but is reported to still suffer nightmares whenever he looks back on his days as a migrant worker here.

In fact, the migrant worker comes to work in Malaysia because he sees in this country a greener pasture where he can earn a better living, and hopefully send some money back home.

The unfortunate chance of being arrested and charged in court would effectively lead to the scenario of serving time before being sentenced, and paint a gloomy picture of our country.

I would agree that the migrant workers should go through the same legal system as Malaysians.

However, due to the circumstances that they are in, it is my sincere hope that Malaysians will be able to see and recognise migrant workers as the new poor and assist in any way possible.

When we Malaysians travel abroad to work, are we not also migrant workers susceptible to the laws of a foreign land, and pray for our disadvantages to be recognised, and for justice to be meted out accordingly?