I was unfortunate enough to be home on a Thursday night and spent my time in front of the TV. And since there was nothing much to watch, I switched to NTV7 and saw Ampang Medikal for the first time.
A lot have been said about the show. Critics have been harsh, with no mercy spared. And I can't really blame them. The show simply lacked a lot of things. It's like it's been done for the sake of making a series about a bunch of medical interns living their lives. Something out of the ordinary, something new in the local scene.
The only thing new is how suck they can be.
The main character, Dr Siti, is the Meredith Grey of Grey's Anatomy. Now, don't get me wrong. I'm simply saying she is Grey because she narrates at the start and at the end of the show. Just like Grey. But that's the only similarities they have. Yes, Siti might have plenty of problems, especially when it comes to love, but her problems exist because men tends to fall in love with her.
And what's up with that? Everybody seems to be in love with her. Married men flocked to her like sheeps flock to grass. They know it's forbidden, they know they can't have her, yet they are still chasing her. I think in the hospital itself, there are more than two men vying for her love. And oh, she is engaged, if you're wondering.
Another noticeable bit about the show is the bad editing. One thing I cannot tolerate is the fact that I have to increase the volume of the TV to maximum to hear what the heck they are talking about. And to think that I have not gone deaf yet. It's bad enough that the acting sucks, there are noises in the background and at times, it is very hard to hear what they are saying.
And what's with the camera angle. Some of the scenes were shot haphazardly that you can't help but wonder if the cameramen were high on glue while filming.
The only thing I like about the show is the underlying theme, But the message come across badly. Yesterday's episode was about parents-children relationship. In one end, you have a mother who was about to give birth to twins. But due to complications, she has to choose one twin, while the other one will die.
Then there was Dr Maznah and her fight for custody for her son. Apparently her ex-husband is getting married again and moving to Australia and planning to take the son with him. And we also found out that the ex gave her something more than just the title janda. Apparently, he also left her a souvenir in the form of some disease.
Then there was Dr. Siti's father who was hospitalised in the ward. From what I can fathom, he is separated from the wife (most probably divorced) and Dr Siti never knew that he kept in touch with her mother. I don't think Siti has a relationship with her mother. From the looks of it, she hates her mother. And so she was angry when she found out that her father is on talking terms with her mother.
In the end, it's all about choices. See the similarities with Grey's Anatomy? I won't be highlighting that now, since this is only my first time watching.
More reason to make plans on Thursday nights now.
Showing posts with label TV-aholic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TV-aholic. Show all posts
Friday, October 17
Thursday, September 18
Ezora revisited
I know this post has been long overdue. Blame it on the Teen Titans, they are all I think about and watch nowadays.
But better late than never, right? And I owe it to some people out there to tell them the ending.
After a grueling 60 episodes, Ezora finally said goodbye to Malaysia and fly to London to be with one of her love interest. Yes, she chose Adreen instead of Reza, after going from one man to another. It was a complicated relationship. Ezora married Reza, but later separated when Reza married Leeya. She then got together with Adreen, only because she pities him and wanted to help him out. But in the end, it was Adreen that she chose. I guess love is weird, in a twisted kind of way.
The fate of Leeya wasn't that good. Her plans to marry Badree backfired, instead she was beaten by Badree when he discovered that she knew about his plan to kill Madam Ezah. Yes, Badree choked Madam Ezah to death, and he now rots in prison. Meanwhile, Leeya rots in a mental institution. I guess the shock of being beaten by someone whom she was supposed to marry was too much for her to handle. But then again, the whole family is cuckoo, so it wasn't a suprise that Leeya followed suit.
Lisa and Josh were given a lifeline, when Johan surrendered himself to the police and admitted that he killed Ringo and Fendi. Lisa, who turns out to be Madam Ezah's grandaughter, turned a new life and chose Josh to be her life partner. Good ending for the both of them.
Amy, Fara's psycho sister, was foiled in her attempt to kill Adreen and Fara. It turned out that she was acting on the orders of Madam Ezah, and also pursuing a personal vendetta against Adreen. She could never forgive Adreen for marrying Sara instead of her.
Bob and Kak Ton patched things up after the discovered that the baby Karina was carrying was in fact Maniam's and not Bob's. In a funny twist, Karina gave birth to an Indian boy, much to the chagrin of Bob and Kak Ton. The fate of Karina remains unknown, most probably she and Maniam got together and live somewhere near Thailand. Kak Ton decided to adopt the baby, since she can't have one anymore.
Back to Madam Ezah, it turned out that she chopped up her daughter's bones to create an amulet of protection using the art of black magic to ensure that she is untouchable in her quest for power. Somewhat of a psycho, she manipulated and lied her way around people, even pretended that she has gone crazy when her past was revealed to everyone. While plotting for Ezora's downfall, she continues to use Ezora's kindness for her own good. In the end, she died with her eyes wide open, her face contorted in a shocked expression. During her burial, a snake appeared on her body, and the grave rejected her by spewing hot lava and boiling water. Okay, maybe not that, but something of that sort. A little spooky, I must say.
All in all, Ezora managed to entwined me to the couch for far too long than I expected. The series wasn't that bad, the plot was good with so many twists and turns along the way. The ending was kinda expected, but in the end, good always prevails over evil.
And I guess, that is the moral of the story.
But better late than never, right? And I owe it to some people out there to tell them the ending.
After a grueling 60 episodes, Ezora finally said goodbye to Malaysia and fly to London to be with one of her love interest. Yes, she chose Adreen instead of Reza, after going from one man to another. It was a complicated relationship. Ezora married Reza, but later separated when Reza married Leeya. She then got together with Adreen, only because she pities him and wanted to help him out. But in the end, it was Adreen that she chose. I guess love is weird, in a twisted kind of way.
The fate of Leeya wasn't that good. Her plans to marry Badree backfired, instead she was beaten by Badree when he discovered that she knew about his plan to kill Madam Ezah. Yes, Badree choked Madam Ezah to death, and he now rots in prison. Meanwhile, Leeya rots in a mental institution. I guess the shock of being beaten by someone whom she was supposed to marry was too much for her to handle. But then again, the whole family is cuckoo, so it wasn't a suprise that Leeya followed suit.
Lisa and Josh were given a lifeline, when Johan surrendered himself to the police and admitted that he killed Ringo and Fendi. Lisa, who turns out to be Madam Ezah's grandaughter, turned a new life and chose Josh to be her life partner. Good ending for the both of them.
Amy, Fara's psycho sister, was foiled in her attempt to kill Adreen and Fara. It turned out that she was acting on the orders of Madam Ezah, and also pursuing a personal vendetta against Adreen. She could never forgive Adreen for marrying Sara instead of her.
Bob and Kak Ton patched things up after the discovered that the baby Karina was carrying was in fact Maniam's and not Bob's. In a funny twist, Karina gave birth to an Indian boy, much to the chagrin of Bob and Kak Ton. The fate of Karina remains unknown, most probably she and Maniam got together and live somewhere near Thailand. Kak Ton decided to adopt the baby, since she can't have one anymore.
Back to Madam Ezah, it turned out that she chopped up her daughter's bones to create an amulet of protection using the art of black magic to ensure that she is untouchable in her quest for power. Somewhat of a psycho, she manipulated and lied her way around people, even pretended that she has gone crazy when her past was revealed to everyone. While plotting for Ezora's downfall, she continues to use Ezora's kindness for her own good. In the end, she died with her eyes wide open, her face contorted in a shocked expression. During her burial, a snake appeared on her body, and the grave rejected her by spewing hot lava and boiling water. Okay, maybe not that, but something of that sort. A little spooky, I must say.
All in all, Ezora managed to entwined me to the couch for far too long than I expected. The series wasn't that bad, the plot was good with so many twists and turns along the way. The ending was kinda expected, but in the end, good always prevails over evil.
And I guess, that is the moral of the story.
Wednesday, September 17
Frontpage: The truth behind the news
It's been a while since a really good local show surfaced on our TV screen. A few months back, we were treated with the out-of-this-world Ghost on 8TV. It was quiet since then, with the occasional TV3 dramas filling up my thirst for local dramas, but nothing good to shout about.Then there is the highly publicised medical drama, Ampang Medikal which is shown on NTV7. I am not going to say anything about that, since you can read all about it here.
And just when I was about to give up hope on our local scenes, Frontpage comes galloping around and my faith in local dramas has been restored. The first episode aired on September 7 and I have to say, it was so good that I can't wait for the next episode. And the next one was even as good as the first one, so now I look forward to my Sunday nights.
So what is Frontpage all about? It revolves around a group of investigative journalists who do whatever it takes to get a story. The best part about the story is each episode is based on actual news headlines that had appeared over the last 20 years. And I think the team of writers, led by Mira Mustaffa really outdone themselves with superb scripts for the show.
If you have yet to watch a single episode of Frontpage, worry not cause nowadays you can catch it online. And if you're at home on Sunday nights, remember to catch it on NTV7 at 9.45pm.
By the way, did I mention that Cheryl Samad is also in Frontpage?
Monday, August 18
Who is Ezora?
So Kiah binti Dogol turns out to be just another makcik with a good heart. But that doesn't stop me from watching, since the end is near and the jigsaw puzzle is almost complete.
As it turns out, Edreen is not the son of Johan and Salmah the maid. Salmah the maid was caught in close proximity with Tony and they were married and had a son, which turned out to be Edreen. So Edreen is not the grandson of Madam Ezzah. In fact, Edreen has no blood relation to Madam Ezzah.
Meanwhile, Fara turns out to be the long-lost twin sister of Sara, the late wife of Edreen. Their parents went their own separate ways after the mother gave birth to the twins, and Fara went with the father while Sara went with the mother. The mother remarried and had a daughter, Amy, who turns out to be Edreen's ex-girlfriend.
To sum it up, Edreen had a relationship with Amy, wanted to marry Amy but was stopped by Madam Ezzah. Amy was heartbroken and she went overseas to heal her broken heart. Edreen then went out with Sara to heal his wounds, but ended up falling in love with Sara. They married without Madam Ezzah's blessing. Madam Ezzah then arranged for Sara to be killed, and she died in a car accident.
When Fara knew all these, she wanted to avenge her sister's death and infiltrated the family by pretending to be in love with Edreen, and working at the hotel. But she ended up being the loser in her own game, when she fall for Edreen and got into a pickle when Edreen, who was supposed to marry Ezora, chose Fara instead. This of course, infuriates Madam Ezzah, who wanted Edreen and Ezora to be married.
Edreen being a man, couldn't decide who to choose. He knows he's in love with Ezora, he's been in love with Ezora since the day he first met her. But Fara reminds him of his first true love, and that puts him in a dilemma. But Ezora is just marying Edreen as a sense of responsibility, when her heart will always be with Reza.
It was then revealed that Ezora might not be Madam Ezzah's granddaughter. For all we know, she might even be Madam Ezzah's daughter, since Pak Zaki and Madam Ezzah were known to have a relationship. And then there is the question of Lisa, who is not Ezora's real sister. Could Lisa be Kak Ton's daughter? We all know Kak Ton had a daughter once, although it has not been revealed yet.
Eight more episodes to go. Two more weeks. And all questions will be answered. Stay tune for more updates.
As it turns out, Edreen is not the son of Johan and Salmah the maid. Salmah the maid was caught in close proximity with Tony and they were married and had a son, which turned out to be Edreen. So Edreen is not the grandson of Madam Ezzah. In fact, Edreen has no blood relation to Madam Ezzah.
Meanwhile, Fara turns out to be the long-lost twin sister of Sara, the late wife of Edreen. Their parents went their own separate ways after the mother gave birth to the twins, and Fara went with the father while Sara went with the mother. The mother remarried and had a daughter, Amy, who turns out to be Edreen's ex-girlfriend.
To sum it up, Edreen had a relationship with Amy, wanted to marry Amy but was stopped by Madam Ezzah. Amy was heartbroken and she went overseas to heal her broken heart. Edreen then went out with Sara to heal his wounds, but ended up falling in love with Sara. They married without Madam Ezzah's blessing. Madam Ezzah then arranged for Sara to be killed, and she died in a car accident.
When Fara knew all these, she wanted to avenge her sister's death and infiltrated the family by pretending to be in love with Edreen, and working at the hotel. But she ended up being the loser in her own game, when she fall for Edreen and got into a pickle when Edreen, who was supposed to marry Ezora, chose Fara instead. This of course, infuriates Madam Ezzah, who wanted Edreen and Ezora to be married.
Edreen being a man, couldn't decide who to choose. He knows he's in love with Ezora, he's been in love with Ezora since the day he first met her. But Fara reminds him of his first true love, and that puts him in a dilemma. But Ezora is just marying Edreen as a sense of responsibility, when her heart will always be with Reza.
It was then revealed that Ezora might not be Madam Ezzah's granddaughter. For all we know, she might even be Madam Ezzah's daughter, since Pak Zaki and Madam Ezzah were known to have a relationship. And then there is the question of Lisa, who is not Ezora's real sister. Could Lisa be Kak Ton's daughter? We all know Kak Ton had a daughter once, although it has not been revealed yet.
Eight more episodes to go. Two more weeks. And all questions will be answered. Stay tune for more updates.
Wednesday, July 30
Kiah binti Dogol
I am perplexed.
Who is Kiah binti Dogol? This is the first time she appeared in my life, and for the life of me, I can't remember who she is.
Now, I know for a fact that she is a relative of Fara, the klutzy reporter who is trying to unearth the history of Madam Ezzah's crazy family. It is indeed a crazy family, what with cousins marrying cousins, mother killing daughter, son back from the dead seeking revenge. Complicated? Wait till you hear the whole story.
Madam Ezzah has two children. Johan, the eldest, had an affair with the maid, Salmah, and they have a son, Edreen. Salma, the second child, married Pak Zaki, and has a daughter Ezora. Salma later had an affair with Ringo, and Leeya was born. In the meantime, Mona, Salma's best friend married Tony and they have two kids, Badree and Joshua. However, Badree and Joshua could be anybody's son, since Mona was known to sleep around, even with Pak Zaki.
But wait, there is more.
Ezora then married Reza. Reza married Leeya. Ezora then left Reza, and got together with Edreen. They moved away and have a daughter, Aishah. Leeya, in the meantime, is sleeping with Badree.
Still not confused?
Ringo killed Pak Zaki. Johan, who was assumed dead (killed by Madam Ezzah), is back and roaming the streets with his booming voice and hat covering his eyes. Oh, and he sold his soul to the devil, hence the reason why he is back from the dead with black magic skills (he can disappear the moment you turn your back away from him).
Now, Madam Ezzah has a shady past. She was married twice, and is rich beyond measures. She is believed to kill both her children, so that she can inherit her late husband's estates. She kills anybody that gets into her path, and has no regrets for her actions. She's like Tony of the Sopranos, Michael Scofield of Prison Break and Hannibal Lectar of Silence of the Lamb.
But I think Madam Ezzah has met her match, in the form of an old lady by the name of Kiah binti Dogol.
With a name like that, Kiah binti Dogol is indeed the women everyone should fear. And yes, I know I said Ezora sucks, but with Kiah binti Dogol around, how can I stay away anymore.
Damn you, Kiah binti Dogol!
Who is Kiah binti Dogol? This is the first time she appeared in my life, and for the life of me, I can't remember who she is.
Now, I know for a fact that she is a relative of Fara, the klutzy reporter who is trying to unearth the history of Madam Ezzah's crazy family. It is indeed a crazy family, what with cousins marrying cousins, mother killing daughter, son back from the dead seeking revenge. Complicated? Wait till you hear the whole story.
Madam Ezzah has two children. Johan, the eldest, had an affair with the maid, Salmah, and they have a son, Edreen. Salma, the second child, married Pak Zaki, and has a daughter Ezora. Salma later had an affair with Ringo, and Leeya was born. In the meantime, Mona, Salma's best friend married Tony and they have two kids, Badree and Joshua. However, Badree and Joshua could be anybody's son, since Mona was known to sleep around, even with Pak Zaki.
But wait, there is more.
Ezora then married Reza. Reza married Leeya. Ezora then left Reza, and got together with Edreen. They moved away and have a daughter, Aishah. Leeya, in the meantime, is sleeping with Badree.
Still not confused?
Ringo killed Pak Zaki. Johan, who was assumed dead (killed by Madam Ezzah), is back and roaming the streets with his booming voice and hat covering his eyes. Oh, and he sold his soul to the devil, hence the reason why he is back from the dead with black magic skills (he can disappear the moment you turn your back away from him).
Now, Madam Ezzah has a shady past. She was married twice, and is rich beyond measures. She is believed to kill both her children, so that she can inherit her late husband's estates. She kills anybody that gets into her path, and has no regrets for her actions. She's like Tony of the Sopranos, Michael Scofield of Prison Break and Hannibal Lectar of Silence of the Lamb.
But I think Madam Ezzah has met her match, in the form of an old lady by the name of Kiah binti Dogol.
With a name like that, Kiah binti Dogol is indeed the women everyone should fear. And yes, I know I said Ezora sucks, but with Kiah binti Dogol around, how can I stay away anymore.
Damn you, Kiah binti Dogol!
Saturday, July 19
The heart of the matter
Quotes from last week's episode:Meredith: [narrating] In life, only one thing is certain, apart from death and taxes. No matter how hard you try, no matter how good your intentions, you are going to make mistakes. You’re going to hurt people. You’re going to get hurt. And if you ever want to recover... there’s really only one thing you can say.
Meredith: Where would we go?
Derek: Wine country.
Meredith: Wine country sounds like a couples' place.
Derek: Well, there's wine, there's country, and you wouldn't see any of it. We'd be in bed all weekend.
Meredith: Oh, a weekend of sex.
Derek: Now you're paying attention.
Izzie: Callie. Hey. Hi.
Callie: We have to talk.
Izzie: Okay. Um, about?
Callie: George told me.
Izzie: He told you?
Callie: Everything. Cafeteria, noon, you and me. Be there.
Izzie: What did you say?
George: Um, I didn't expect her to forgive me. I expected...rage, uh, bloodshed.
Izzie: No, she's saving all her rage and bloodshed for me. She's gonna kill me in the cafeteria at lunch.
George: No, she wouldn't.
Izzie: She breaks bones for a living, George. She's crazy.
George: No, she's not crazy.
Izzie: Well, she is if she thinks I'm not gonna put up a fight.
Norman: So is he the one you call, uh...McDreamy or, Mc, uh, Sleazy, or Mc, uh, wait a minute, what is it?
Meredith: Norman, we have labs to deliver.
Norman: Yeah.
Meredith: Labs and discharges.
Norman: Uh, this one's being discharged to hospice?
Meredith: When there's nothing else we can do.
Norman: So we have to tell someone they're dying?
Meredith: Don't worry. I'll teach you the protocol.
Norman: McSteamy! He's the one you girls call McSteamy.
Cristina: I'm not a bad resident, am I?
Meredith: Don't ask me. I lost a patient today.
Cristina: Oh, you killed someone?
Meredith: Lost. Literally can't find.
Cristina: Shepherd says I'm selfish and competitive. What the hell is wrong with that? I kick ass. I'm an excellent resident.
Meredith: I'm not. In addition to losing my patient, I also lost my intern. Turned around, he was gone. AWOL.
Cristina: See, what... what is wrong with these interns? We weren't like this.
Meredith: We were great interns.
Cristina: I was great. You were... you were good.
Izzie: What, I'm invisible now?
Alex: What do you want?
Izzie: So you hate me now, too. Well, join the club.
Alex: You and O'Malley? O'Malley!
Izzie: What? What is it that I did that is so horrifying? I fell in love, Alex.
Alex: He's married.
Izzie: Yeah, so? You're carrying a big ol' torch for Ava or Jane Doe or whatever it is that you call her, and she's married. So what gives you the right to judge what I do? Why do you even care?
Alex: You told me you weren't ready yet...after Denny... to be with anyone. And then O'Malley? O'Malley. And then you tell me like I'm one of your chick friends. Come on.
George: Callie...you can't...just forgive me. What I did to you...is unforgivable.
Callie: That's how it works. That's what "I forgive you" means.
George: No, see, I...I think it means you don't forgive me. I...you don't know how to talk to me right now. I mean, look, you don't...you can't even look at me. You're so angry that...I think the only way you can deal with me is to say you forgive me and...what, we pretend it didn't happen?
I...it happened. And you don't forgive me.
Callie: You're right. I don't.
Meredith: You can say anything to me.
Derek: I want to marry you. I want to have kids with you. I want to build us a house.I want to settle down and grow old with you. I want to die when I'm 110 years old in your arms. I don't want 48 uninterrupted hours. I want a lifetime.
(Meredith takes a step back)
Derek: Mm-hmm. Do you see what happens? I say things like that, and you fight the urge to run in the opposite direction. It's okay. I understand. I didn't, but now I do. I do...you're just getting started. And I've been doing this for a long time. Deep down...you're still an intern. And you're not ready.
Meredith: I'm not ready right now. But things could stay the way they are... And I can get ready. I'll get ready.
Derek: Things can stay the way they are. We can still meet in the elevator or the on call room. And maybe you'll be ready. And I'll wait. I'll wait until you're ready.
Meredith: Okay, then.
Derek: Yeah, but what if...what if while I'm waiting I meet someone who is ready to give me what I want from you?
Meredith: What if you do?
Derek: I don't know.
Meredith: [narrating] Forgive and forget. That’s what they say. It’s good advice, but it’s not very practical. When someone hurts us, we want to hurt them back. When someone wrongs us, we want to be right. Without forgiveness, old scores are never settled… old wounds never heal. And the most we can hope for, is that one day we’ll be lucky enough to forget.
Tuesday, July 15
The weak shall inherit the earth
I do not know about you, but one thing I cannot tolerate at all is a man hitting a woman. Or to be specific, a husband hitting his wife.
It's despicable. A cowardly act. Like a big bully in the school yard. Just because you are bigger and stronger, you think you can go around and hit other people. And just because you think you have the power over your wife, you can treat her like a slave, push her around and beat her up. But I'm getting ahead of myself here.
I am an avid follower of Kisah Benar(also known as Neraca). In case you have no idea what that is, it is a TV series showing on TV3 every Monday to Thursday at 1pm. Yes, I'm one of those fortunate ones who stays 5 minutes away from where I work. Hence lunch is always a home affair, with the bed and TV being my lunch partners most of the time.
Hence my addiction to Kisah Benar. I think I've watched almost every single episode of that series, to the extend of repeating them again, twice. Kisah Benar, as the name suggested it, is based on true stories, with some embellishment and exaggeration added in for some sugar and spice. Some of the episodes are plain ridiculous and stupid that you feel like smashing something after watching them.
Today's episode was one of them. It was about a man who treated his wife like shit and fool around outside with other women. To make matter worse, he was not working, so his source of income was from the wife. The wife always ended up late to the office, because she had to send their two kids to school, by bus. She has a car, under her name, but the husband drives it like he owns it. She almost got fired because of this, and practically had to beg to the boss to give her another chance. Then, after work, she had to take the bus and fetched the kids from school, while the husband happily talked to other women on the phone at home. There was once when the husband dumped her and the kids out of the car in the middle of nowhere!
One day, the husband was so desperate for money that he stole the kids savings. That was the last straw. The wife finally lost her patience, and a fight ensured. Of course she got beaten up, yet again. She finally told her brother (a tough macho guy) who came and paid them a visit, and beat up the husband to a pulp. He finally realised his errors, and apologized to the wife.
I think, women should not tolerate men who act like a barbarian, husband or not. Especially those who do not respect you, and feel all so mighty and powerful that they can do anything that they want. In the show, I think the wife should have bolted out of the door at the first sign of abuse. Granted that they have been married for 10 years, and have two kids. But what kind of a father is that? Won't you rather your kids to be fatherless than having an abusing one running around beating up everybody in the house?
That's the sickening part. I don't know which one I hated the most, the husband for being an abusive barbarian, or the wife for being a timid and ever-so-obedient wife. But that's the thing, in the real world, this kind of things do happen.
And to me, that is the most sickening part.
It's despicable. A cowardly act. Like a big bully in the school yard. Just because you are bigger and stronger, you think you can go around and hit other people. And just because you think you have the power over your wife, you can treat her like a slave, push her around and beat her up. But I'm getting ahead of myself here.
I am an avid follower of Kisah Benar(also known as Neraca). In case you have no idea what that is, it is a TV series showing on TV3 every Monday to Thursday at 1pm. Yes, I'm one of those fortunate ones who stays 5 minutes away from where I work. Hence lunch is always a home affair, with the bed and TV being my lunch partners most of the time.
Hence my addiction to Kisah Benar. I think I've watched almost every single episode of that series, to the extend of repeating them again, twice. Kisah Benar, as the name suggested it, is based on true stories, with some embellishment and exaggeration added in for some sugar and spice. Some of the episodes are plain ridiculous and stupid that you feel like smashing something after watching them.
Today's episode was one of them. It was about a man who treated his wife like shit and fool around outside with other women. To make matter worse, he was not working, so his source of income was from the wife. The wife always ended up late to the office, because she had to send their two kids to school, by bus. She has a car, under her name, but the husband drives it like he owns it. She almost got fired because of this, and practically had to beg to the boss to give her another chance. Then, after work, she had to take the bus and fetched the kids from school, while the husband happily talked to other women on the phone at home. There was once when the husband dumped her and the kids out of the car in the middle of nowhere!
One day, the husband was so desperate for money that he stole the kids savings. That was the last straw. The wife finally lost her patience, and a fight ensured. Of course she got beaten up, yet again. She finally told her brother (a tough macho guy) who came and paid them a visit, and beat up the husband to a pulp. He finally realised his errors, and apologized to the wife.
I think, women should not tolerate men who act like a barbarian, husband or not. Especially those who do not respect you, and feel all so mighty and powerful that they can do anything that they want. In the show, I think the wife should have bolted out of the door at the first sign of abuse. Granted that they have been married for 10 years, and have two kids. But what kind of a father is that? Won't you rather your kids to be fatherless than having an abusing one running around beating up everybody in the house?
That's the sickening part. I don't know which one I hated the most, the husband for being an abusive barbarian, or the wife for being a timid and ever-so-obedient wife. But that's the thing, in the real world, this kind of things do happen.
And to me, that is the most sickening part.
Saturday, July 12
Let the truth sting
Quotes from last week episode:Meredith: [narrating] Doctors give patients a number of thing. We give them medicine, we give them advice and, most of the time, we give them our undivided attention. But, by far, the hardest thing you can give a patient is the truth. The truth is hard. The truth is awkward and very often the truth hurts. I mean, people think they want the truth. But do they really?
Meredith: Hey, I just heard. Welcome back.
Alex: Is it true? Really old guy woke up?
Izzie: He has a name.
Charlie: This time tomorrow, you can call me really dead guy.
Izzie: Guys, I don't think Mr. Yost knows who you are.
Charlie: Sure I do. That's Meredith. She and the brain doctor are always running hot and cold. And you're, uh, Alex. You still got a thing for that old patient of yours? I was semi-comatose, blondie. I could still hear you guys.
Izzie: Get a CT, a CBC and chemistries. Your kidneys may be working again, which may be why you woke up. That's good news.
Charlie: Oh, it just means now I got two things to do today, take a pee and die.
Izzie: Nobody's dying.
Mark: Do you ever feel old?
Derek: I'm young. I'm a fetus.
Mark: Nah, I mean you ever feel like there's gonna be a time when new techniques pass you by?
Derek: I'm a genius and a scholar.
Mark: Shut up.
Derek: Meredith isn't telling Cristina about us. And, well, she tells Cristina everything.
Mark: I thought you broke that off.
Derek: I meant to.
Mark: You think she's gonna want to get back together.
Derek: No.
Mark: You think she's gonna grow up and get all whole and...want a relationship.
Derek: I do not.
Mark: You're a bad liar.
Derek: You're old.
Mark: I'm just gettin' started, my friend.
Alex: I saw the whole thing, Yang. You can stop pretending.
Cristina: Oh, I'm not pretending. I'm sad. I'm very sad. Me so sad.
Alex: Maybe I should try it, see if I can get Grey to take my new intern.
Cristina: No. Hey, forget it. Sad is mine. Go find your own pretend emotion.
Cristina: Hey. I heard about really old guy. What's the matter? Couldn't find his LVAD wire?
Izzie: It was a coincidence, and he's still alive.
Cristina: Well, have fun with really old guy. I'm off to do Meredith's hemi-glossectomy.
Charlie: A person wants to die, you let them. It's polite.
Izzie: Not in a hospital, it's not. In a hospital, it's a lawsuit.
Charlie: I don't like you.
Izzie: Really? 'Cause I thought we were BFFs.
Charlie: You know what? Just for that, I'm dying right now.
Izzie: That might make you poop your pants, but it's not gonna make you die.
Charlie: Oh, damn it.
George: Izzie...
Izzie: What? What is there to say, George, I'm a blondie. I'm the other woman. I'm a bad '50s cliché?
George: No, no, no. We're not in this together.
Izzie: Wow. Great. Well, thank you for letting me know.
George: Hey no, no. No. You don't get to be mad here.
Izzie: Seriously? We said...
George: No, no, no, no. There is no "we. " It's just me. I'm the one who has to tell Callie. I'm the one who has to destroy her. This is not about you and me. This is about her and me. I'm ending a marriage to a wonderful woman. Me. I'm the one. It's not you. You... it's not something you just blurt out. It's not. I'll do it. I will do it. You have to back off and let me do it.
Izzie: I'm sorry.
Alex: I'm sorry I unloaded on you, Norman. You know how it is? Heat of the moment.
Bailey: Don't apologize to him.
Alex: What?
Norman: Oh, Dr. Bailey's right. It...
Bailey: Shut up, Norman. I'm not talking to you. He got in your way. He's been doing it all day, and when that happens...when an intern gets in the way of a resident...you're not doing what's best for your patient. Now you almost missed diagnosing that kid today because Norman here thought it was drugs. So don't apologize. He should be yelled at.
Alex: Dr. Bailey... he's as old as the hills.
Bailey: I don't care how old he is, Dr. Karev. He's still an intern, and interns are basically teenagers. We are not hard on them because it's fun. We're hard on them because this is a life-and-death job. They need to learn that. There is a reason why we have a pecking order in a hospital. It saves lives.
Meredith: You're damn right I know, surgery stealer.
Cristina: So, person-who-is-sleeping-with-Derek?
Meredith: How'd you know that?
Cristina: What, you think I'm too fragile to handle your sex life?
Meredith: Well, he did leave you at the altar. And I'm your person.
Cristina: How, by...by "protecting me"? That's not how to be my person. That's not what we do. You know that. I'm dealing. Okay? The best I can. So if you need to take care of someone, you're gonna need to take care of someone else. Okay?
Meredith: Fine. But you owe me a surgery.
Cristina: Yeah, well, you owe me sex details.
Cristina: What are we supposed to say? We didn't even know the guy.
Izzie: We ate lunch in here for a year. The least we can do is say a few kind words about him.
George: Me? He...he didn't snore too loudly...
Meredith: He, um... never complained. And he always took his meds.
Alex: Hardly ever farted.
Meredith: Alex.
Alex: Fine. Uh, he had 12 surgeries this year, and he...he lived through them. That's...that's impressive.
Izzie: Thank you, Alex. Cristina?
Cristina: Uh, I got to practice stuff on him...central lines and IVs...it was good practice.
Izzie: Um...Charlie, the truth is...you were a bastard. You were. You were mean and stubborn and just...a bastard. But you were a bastard who knew what you wanted. And you stuck to your guns and proved that if you want something badly enough, if you're...determined enough and patient enough, eventually it will happen. It will. And that gives me hope, so...thanks for that. Bye-bye, Charlie.
Meredith: [narrating] The truth is painful. Deep down, nobody wants to hear it, especially when it hits close to home. Sometimes we tell the truth because the truth is all we have to give. Sometimes we tell the truth because we need to say it out loud to hear it for ourselves. And sometimes we tell the truth because we just can't help ourselves. Sometimes, we tell them because we owe them at least that much.
Thursday, July 3
Love/Addiction
We are all addicted to something throughout our lives. Be it love, sex, coffee or even booze. And it's never easy to kick the habit once you're in it. So what do you do? How do you kick the addiction?There first step is by admitting that you have a problem. Because believe me, once you're aware of it, then you'll know what you need to do. Eventually.
Enjoy the quotes!
Meredith: [narrating] In the hospital, we see addiction every day. It's shocking how many kinds of addiction exist. It would be too easy if it were just drugs and booze and cigarettes. I think the hardest part of kicking a habit is wanting to kick it. I mean, we get addicted for a reason, right? Often, too often, things that start out as just a normal part of your life at some point cross the line to obsessive, compulsive, out of control. It's the high we're chasing, the high that makes everything else fade away.
Mark: What's wrong with the chief?
Derek: He's a junkie.
Mark: Him? You're the one who looks all strung out.
Derek: I'm just tired.
Mark: Let me guess. You and Meredith are back together, and you've been up all night doing the horizontal salsa.
Derek: Mambo. Horizontal mambo. And Meredith and I, we're just friends.
Mark: Sexy friends?
Derek: You're like the worst, most juvenile human being I've ever met in my life.
Mark: You know the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem?
Derek: How many nurses have you slept with this week?
Mark: That's not a problem, man. That's an adventure.
Meredith: Mrs. Burke. What a surprise to see you here. Are you visiting someone?
Jane: You're the maid of honor. Miss Grey.
Meredith: That's me.
Jane: When you stood up in front of Preston's friends and loved ones and you said, "It's over. It's over. It's so over" were you trying to smash the hopes of the best man, or were you just trying to be funny?
Meredith: I...
Jane: Because making light of that situation would be inappropriate. And to use that moment to send a message to your boyfriend... well, that's... selfish. So were you being inappropriate, or were you being selfish?
Meredith: I, uh... am, uh...I apologize for that, Mrs. Mama, ma'am. I'm just gonna go. Okay.
Jane: Miss Grey?
Meredith: Yes, ma'am.
Jane: When you report back to Cristina, would you tell her, please, that I am waiting for her and that I will continue to wait for her?
Meredith: Yes, ma'am.
Cristina: She keeps staring at us.
Meredith: I know.
Cristina: Make her stop.
Meredith: You make her stop.
Cristina: You're her sister.
Meredith: I'm an only child. You're her resident.
Cristina: If you have time to stare, you have time to get me coffee, so move, move, move. Two, stay.
Meredith: Now see? If you could just do that with mama...
George: Mrs. Burke!
Jane: I don't think I know you.
George: I'm George O'Malley. I'm a friend of Burke's. I was Burke's guy.
Jane: Hi, George O'Malley...Burke's friend, Burke's guy. Please sit.
George: I guess I have a minute. You know one time he let me live on his sofa when I had no place else to stay? How is he? Is he...okay?
Jane: He's Preston. He's a gentleman. And so... he doesn't like to talk about it. And I just really don't know what to say to him.
George: Maybe, uh...I don't know. Maybe you can tell him that he dodged a bullet. I mean, marriage is...once you're in, you're in. Burke is smart, you know? He didn't make a mistake. 'Cause it's a mistake that, you know, it's hard to take back. Which, even if you want to take it back, you can't. So you can tell him that.
Jane: Once you're in, you're in. Make sure you have that engraved on your wedding ring when you get married.
George: Oh, I'm already married.
Jane: You're already married? George O'Malley...Burke's friend, Burke's guy...staying in a marriage out of obligation? That's no way to live. That's no way to love. But I think you know that.
George: I do. Sometimes I do.
Derek: He's not returning my phone calls anymore.
Jane: He's doing his best. Do you think...do you think she really loved him...Cristina?
Derek: I...I think she loved him the best that she knew how.
Jane: And that would not have been enough for you either?
Derek: No. It wouldn't have been enough for me either.
Jane: So you would've ended it, too?
Derek: Well... burke and I are...are built differently. He's stronger than I am. He was strong enough to... and, um, we're not built the same.
Jane: Honorable men are all built the same.
Derek: And you think I'm an honorable man?
Jane: Do you know when to walk away? Do you know when not to take less than you deserve? If you do, then you're an honorable man.
Lexie: Um, Dr. Grey...I was wondering, do you know where the thermometers are? 'Cause...
Meredith: Do you really not know where the thermometers are, Lexie? Or are you just looking for an excuse to talk to me?
Lexie: I...
Meredith: Simple question, Lexie. Are you an idiot or a stalker? Okay, that was a mean thing to say. I'm aware of that because I'm generally not a me but I'm a person who just doesn't want to know you. And you are a person who's making that very difficult. So please, just stop making it so difficult for me to not know you. Okay?
Callie: So I take it you still want to talk?
George: Yeah, I do.
Callie: No.
George: No, I...
Callie: No, you don't. George, please. Just...please, please don't say anything. Please. I am asking you as your wife. I am asking you not to say anything. I am asking you to just not. Not tonight. I am your wife. Do this for me?
George: Okay.
Meredith: [narrating] Still, they say you don’t kick the habit until you hit rock bottom, but how do you know when you’re there? Because no matter how badly a thing is hurting us, sometimes letting it go hurts even worse.
Tuesday, June 24
A change is gonna come
Things change. People change. The whole world changes. Nothing remains the same. Not for long.The first episode of the new season was superb, as always. Some old faces left, and more new faces were introduced. Remember those new faces, because some of them will be sleeping with some of those old faces.
Enjoy the quotes!
Meredith: [narrating] In the practice of medicine, change is inevitable. New surgical techniques are created, procedures are updated, levels of expertise increase. Innovation is everything, nothing remains the same for long. We either adapt to change, or ... we get left behind.
Meredith: Have you seen Burke?
Cristina: No. Have you seen Derek?
Meredith: No.
Izzie: Wait, you haven't seen either of them since the wedding?
Meredith and Cristina: Nope.
Izzie: And you're all fine?
Meredith: Yep.
Cristina: Yep.
Izzie: Wow. You're either incredible healthy or completely messed up.
George: I don't respond to being called a number.
Derek: How is Meredith, anyway?
Cristina: Fine.
Derek: She's always fine. That's her problem.
Cristina: We're fine people. We do fine. We're fine.
Mark: I didn't come to Seattle for Addison, I didn't come to Seattle to be chief. I came to Seattle for you, okay? I came to Seattle to get you back... I know I wanna take that back, but now, it's been said..
Derek: Yeah... maybe we should have a drink.
Mark: We could?
Derek: Yeah.... Not today.
Izzie: Don't you see? I'm Bambi. I'm Bambi, George. If anyone in this situation is a sad little cartoon character, it's me. I'm all alone in the forest, all alone in the forest, George. And my mother's been shot by a hunter and where are you? Where the hell are you?
George: I'm on my way to surgery.
Meredith: I...uhm....
Derek: You're not ready for this.
Meredith: No.
Derek: I asked for too much.
Meredith: I think so.
Derek: So, this is it?
Meredith: Yeah.
Derek: We're breaking up?
Meredith: We're breaking up.
Derek: We're broken up.
Meredith: It's done.
[They start kissing]
Derek: Break-up kiss.
Meredith: Break-up kiss.
Derek: Lets have break-up sex.
Meredith: Yeah, lets have break-up sex.
Meredith: [narrating] Change; we don’t like it, we fear it, but we can't stop it from coming. We either adapt to change or we get left behind. And it hurts to grow, anybody who tells you it doesn’t is lying. But heres the truth: the more things change, the more they stay the same. And sometimes, oh, sometimes change is good. Oh, sometimes, change is ... everything.
(The nice song at the ending is called "To build a home" by Cinematic Orchestra)
Friday, June 20
A fresh season
It has been a long wait, a very long wait. But finally the wait is coming to an end.
Come tomorrow, Season 4 of Grey's Anatomy is debuting on our local screen. Well, that's what the snippets on TV are saying. Saturday - 9.45pm. I might be wrong, since a check through the website yields nothing. It's either they have not updated it yet, or they simply don't care. A tad frustrating, if I must say.
Let's recap what happened in last season's finale. Preston and Christina were getting married, when Burke got jilted and he took it as a sign to leave everything behind. Yes, there will be no more Burke in Season 4.
Meredith and Derek were on the verge of a break-up. Something about Derek meeting a new girl at the bar (which turns out to be Meredith's little sister!). More on that in the show.
George and Izzie were having an affair. Well, Izzie is in love with George, but George is married to Callie. Does George has feelings for Izzie too?
Not to forget, George failed his exam. Will he repeat the whole thing and be an intern again, or is he moving to a new hospital to cool things off with Izzie and gain his wife's trust back?
The race for chief is getting hot, with Addison being told that she is out of the race, hence her departure from the hospital for good. But despair not, for you will see her an hour after the show, in her own show - Private Practice. More on that later.
Derek was offered the post, but he declined. Does that mean the Chief will still be around? Isn't he supposed to quit and be with his wife? Or could Mark be the new chief?
Mark was hoping that Addison would want to be with him, but alas! Addison if off on her new adventure and Mark is left picking up the pieces (and the other nurses).
Alex, well, Alex missed out on the girl that could have been the one. After rejecting Addison, he rejected Rebecca Pope (a patient) and now he has no one. Poor Alex.
I can't wait to watch the first episode of the new season. There will be new faces on the show, new romances, new twists, and new dramas. So if you don't have a reason to stay home on Saturday nights, now you do!
Grey's Anatomy airs every Saturday on NTV7 at 9.45pm.
Private Practice airs every Saturday on NTV7 at 10.45pm.
Two hours of ecstasy!
Come tomorrow, Season 4 of Grey's Anatomy is debuting on our local screen. Well, that's what the snippets on TV are saying. Saturday - 9.45pm. I might be wrong, since a check through the website yields nothing. It's either they have not updated it yet, or they simply don't care. A tad frustrating, if I must say.
Let's recap what happened in last season's finale. Preston and Christina were getting married, when Burke got jilted and he took it as a sign to leave everything behind. Yes, there will be no more Burke in Season 4.
Meredith and Derek were on the verge of a break-up. Something about Derek meeting a new girl at the bar (which turns out to be Meredith's little sister!). More on that in the show.
George and Izzie were having an affair. Well, Izzie is in love with George, but George is married to Callie. Does George has feelings for Izzie too?
Not to forget, George failed his exam. Will he repeat the whole thing and be an intern again, or is he moving to a new hospital to cool things off with Izzie and gain his wife's trust back?
The race for chief is getting hot, with Addison being told that she is out of the race, hence her departure from the hospital for good. But despair not, for you will see her an hour after the show, in her own show - Private Practice. More on that later.
Derek was offered the post, but he declined. Does that mean the Chief will still be around? Isn't he supposed to quit and be with his wife? Or could Mark be the new chief?
Mark was hoping that Addison would want to be with him, but alas! Addison if off on her new adventure and Mark is left picking up the pieces (and the other nurses).
Alex, well, Alex missed out on the girl that could have been the one. After rejecting Addison, he rejected Rebecca Pope (a patient) and now he has no one. Poor Alex.
I can't wait to watch the first episode of the new season. There will be new faces on the show, new romances, new twists, and new dramas. So if you don't have a reason to stay home on Saturday nights, now you do!
Grey's Anatomy airs every Saturday on NTV7 at 9.45pm.
Private Practice airs every Saturday on NTV7 at 10.45pm.
Two hours of ecstasy!
Thursday, May 29
Ezora is not the new Bella
After a grueling 60 episodes, Bella finally met her doom when she succumbed to her death just before gaining her revenge over the three stooges. She was cackling madly, and gloating over her victory while babbling incoherently and at the same time, pouring some gasoline over her captives. With a lighter ready in hand and a gun in the other hand, she managed to make them begged for their life, and just before her moment of glory, she dropped to the ground, paralysed from the waist down, and if that wasn't the cue, the whole gang burst out into the screen, I mean into the room.
With her final breathe, she told her husband that she loved him, even after what he did to her.
The end.
And I can't believe I stayed on for 60 episodes. I know I can be addicted to TV, but never to this kind of dramas. And I tell you, there were plenty of dramas along the way. Too much for me to handle, come to think of it. But stayed I did, and when it was over, a huge sense of relief washed over me. Never again will I commit myself to such arduous task. To rush home from work early, and stayed glued in front of the TV at such hours, just thinking about it send shivers down my spine.
Overall, Bella wasn't that bad. The storyline was a bit flawed, but acceptable. Some of the characters were just redundant, but the lead characters were superb. I would have preferred another ending, where the bad guys get burned (but not dead) and Bella didn't die but lose her mind and had to be admitted to the mental hospital.
Don't you think that would be a better ending?
Anyway, now that Bella is over, another drama is filling up its spot, and from the look of it, I'm glad it sucks because that means I won't be glued to it. Okay, I admit, I saw a few episodes already, but that was purely because I am so used to be watching TV at that hour. But now that I know it is not worth my time, I won't be watching it anymore.
Yes, Ezora sucks. Simply because she is engaged to her long-time sweetheart, who went to the city to work and somehow got engaged to another woman (who is rich and also a bitch). So now the guy is juggling between two fiancees, and I think he is planning to marry both of them.
Well, I'm not going to stay and find out how this will end. But if you do, let me know. Simply because I'm just curious.
With her final breathe, she told her husband that she loved him, even after what he did to her.
The end.
And I can't believe I stayed on for 60 episodes. I know I can be addicted to TV, but never to this kind of dramas. And I tell you, there were plenty of dramas along the way. Too much for me to handle, come to think of it. But stayed I did, and when it was over, a huge sense of relief washed over me. Never again will I commit myself to such arduous task. To rush home from work early, and stayed glued in front of the TV at such hours, just thinking about it send shivers down my spine.
Overall, Bella wasn't that bad. The storyline was a bit flawed, but acceptable. Some of the characters were just redundant, but the lead characters were superb. I would have preferred another ending, where the bad guys get burned (but not dead) and Bella didn't die but lose her mind and had to be admitted to the mental hospital.
Don't you think that would be a better ending?
Anyway, now that Bella is over, another drama is filling up its spot, and from the look of it, I'm glad it sucks because that means I won't be glued to it. Okay, I admit, I saw a few episodes already, but that was purely because I am so used to be watching TV at that hour. But now that I know it is not worth my time, I won't be watching it anymore.
Yes, Ezora sucks. Simply because she is engaged to her long-time sweetheart, who went to the city to work and somehow got engaged to another woman (who is rich and also a bitch). So now the guy is juggling between two fiancees, and I think he is planning to marry both of them.
Well, I'm not going to stay and find out how this will end. But if you do, let me know. Simply because I'm just curious.
Thursday, April 10
Ghost
I have always wanted to write about it, but I kept telling myself to wait for the next episode, and each episode, I kept telling myself that. Until finally, there were no more episodes.
You see, everytime when I thought I had everything figured, there was another curve ball thrown, and everything went back to square one. Yes, the plot was that good, it was so good that I think it deserve a mention.
The plot was extremely good.
There, I've mentioned it.
But hang on, not only was the plot good, the songs in the series were definitely good too. I especially love the opening theme, and I've been searching for it with no luck so far. I think they should have a soundtrack for it, although it's unlikely, since it was only a 10 episodes series. Nevertheless, I would be the first one to buy it if word of the existence of the soundtrack is true.
If you think the plot and the songs were good, wait till you see the lead characters. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Cheryl Samad. I think she played Eza really well, and the way she brought Eza to life, it was absolutely magnificent. But don't believe every word I say, since I might be bias considering I've had a crush on her for ages now. I love her sad and terrified face, and when she cried in the show. You don't get to see that often, and I can really feel her sadness or anger. I wonder if she is seeing anyone at the moment. I wonder if she would be interested in me. I wonder if she would be sad if she misses me.
Not that it will ever happens. But I digress. Now where was I?
Did I mentioned I watch the series because of her?
Apart from Cheryl, Nazrudin Rahman also played a big part in the series. You might remember him as the cheery and happy guy from other 8TV series, namely KL Lights, and also Realiti. You just can't help it but laugh when you look at him. He has such a funny face, that it is weird to see him sad and angry in this series. But that proves that he can act, and act well he did.
Ghost is basically not your typical Malay series. Unlike Bella, and other such dramas from TV3, where there are lots of rich people, corporate battles and love triangles, it is more relaxed and provide a fresh insight to the imagination. You'll be wondering about the connections of each characters, and how the story would end. Of course, anything is possible, until you watch the final episode. It is such a mind blowing experience that it feels like you're watching CSI or Criminal Minds.
I know a lot of people have reservations about mixing English and Malay in dramas, but I think it is perfectly normal. We converse in both languages in our everyday's life, and what is wrong with portraying our unique Malaysian life in a series? Of course, there are limits to everything, but I think Ghost shows that you can mix about anything as long as you do it correctly.
Of course, it helps a lot having Ng Ping Ho of the Kopitiam fame as the director.
So what is it all about? Basically, it's about Zack Imran, a famous movie star, who died in a car accident. He was drunk, and he smashed his car and died. But that wasn't the whole truth. He was murdered, and that was why his soul still wander around. To find his killer.
Enter Eza, a young and smart journalist for a tabloid newspaper. After being dumped by his boyfriend, she encountered Zack at the parking lot, and offered him her place to stay for the night, since he looked lost and disorientated. Little did she know at that time that Zack has died, and she was the only one who can see and communicate with him.
After convincing Eza to help him, their investigation revealed more about themselves that they would like to admit. Zack wasn't an angel when he was alive, and the deeper they went into it, the more Eza got to know about him. Bad stuffs. And the suspects were plentiful. Almost everyone introduced in the series have reasons to kill Zack.
But I'm not spoiling it up for you. For those of you who missed the series (it was aired on 8TV Sunday at 10.30pm), you can still catch it here. Watch them all, there are only 10 episodes anyway.
For now, I'll leave you with the opening theme, written by Douglas Lim and Chelsia Ng.
You see, everytime when I thought I had everything figured, there was another curve ball thrown, and everything went back to square one. Yes, the plot was that good, it was so good that I think it deserve a mention.
The plot was extremely good.
There, I've mentioned it.
But hang on, not only was the plot good, the songs in the series were definitely good too. I especially love the opening theme, and I've been searching for it with no luck so far. I think they should have a soundtrack for it, although it's unlikely, since it was only a 10 episodes series. Nevertheless, I would be the first one to buy it if word of the existence of the soundtrack is true.
If you think the plot and the songs were good, wait till you see the lead characters. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Cheryl Samad. I think she played Eza really well, and the way she brought Eza to life, it was absolutely magnificent. But don't believe every word I say, since I might be bias considering I've had a crush on her for ages now. I love her sad and terrified face, and when she cried in the show. You don't get to see that often, and I can really feel her sadness or anger. I wonder if she is seeing anyone at the moment. I wonder if she would be interested in me. I wonder if she would be sad if she misses me.
Not that it will ever happens. But I digress. Now where was I?
Did I mentioned I watch the series because of her?
Apart from Cheryl, Nazrudin Rahman also played a big part in the series. You might remember him as the cheery and happy guy from other 8TV series, namely KL Lights, and also Realiti. You just can't help it but laugh when you look at him. He has such a funny face, that it is weird to see him sad and angry in this series. But that proves that he can act, and act well he did.
Ghost is basically not your typical Malay series. Unlike Bella, and other such dramas from TV3, where there are lots of rich people, corporate battles and love triangles, it is more relaxed and provide a fresh insight to the imagination. You'll be wondering about the connections of each characters, and how the story would end. Of course, anything is possible, until you watch the final episode. It is such a mind blowing experience that it feels like you're watching CSI or Criminal Minds.
I know a lot of people have reservations about mixing English and Malay in dramas, but I think it is perfectly normal. We converse in both languages in our everyday's life, and what is wrong with portraying our unique Malaysian life in a series? Of course, there are limits to everything, but I think Ghost shows that you can mix about anything as long as you do it correctly.
Of course, it helps a lot having Ng Ping Ho of the Kopitiam fame as the director.
So what is it all about? Basically, it's about Zack Imran, a famous movie star, who died in a car accident. He was drunk, and he smashed his car and died. But that wasn't the whole truth. He was murdered, and that was why his soul still wander around. To find his killer.
Enter Eza, a young and smart journalist for a tabloid newspaper. After being dumped by his boyfriend, she encountered Zack at the parking lot, and offered him her place to stay for the night, since he looked lost and disorientated. Little did she know at that time that Zack has died, and she was the only one who can see and communicate with him.
After convincing Eza to help him, their investigation revealed more about themselves that they would like to admit. Zack wasn't an angel when he was alive, and the deeper they went into it, the more Eza got to know about him. Bad stuffs. And the suspects were plentiful. Almost everyone introduced in the series have reasons to kill Zack.
But I'm not spoiling it up for you. For those of you who missed the series (it was aired on 8TV Sunday at 10.30pm), you can still catch it here. Watch them all, there are only 10 episodes anyway.
For now, I'll leave you with the opening theme, written by Douglas Lim and Chelsia Ng.
Wednesday, March 26
Bella
I know I'm a slave to TV, but never have I thought that I would leave work early everyday just so that I could catch Bella on TV3 at 6.30pm. The show airs everyday from Monday to Thursday, and I'm counting the days for the final episode, because truth to be said, I'm glued to it just because I want to know the ending.
Not that I can't imagine what's the ending going to be like. Knowing Malay dramas, and knowing TV3 very well, there can only be one typical ending to everything. Good will always prevail over evil.
Bella is about a young girl by the same name who has a filthy rich father who owns a huge company called Paradine. The company has several hotel chains, and is run by the family itself. Bella's father is the CEO, while her uncle and cousins also work there. Things started to get ugly when Shah (Bella's cousin), plotted for the demise of Bella and the ownership of the company.
Shah is aided by his evil mother, and with the two of them plotting and scheming, they managed to kill Bella's father. Now that the father is out of the way, they plotted for Bella's downfall. And this is achieved with the aid of Zahar, Shah's buddy from his college days, who infiltrate himself into a relationship with Bella.
To cut it short, he ended up marrying Bella. Now everything is in place. But wait, Zahar ended up falling in love with Bella, and was a bit reluctant to follow through on Shah's plans. Shah took drastic action by killing Bella, and now he can own the company.
But there is Bella's mother, Datin Mariah, who still holds the bigger share of the company. She needed to be taken care off, so Shah attempted to kill her, but fail. Instead, she was admitted to a mental institution, and left to rot and tell anybody who cared to listen about her evil nephew and how her daughter is still alive.
And lo and behold! Bella is still alive! (well duh! How can you kill the main character in the middle of the series?) Unbeknown to the killers, Pak Hassan, Bella's loyal servant and bodyguard, managed to save her and bring her to safety. With the aid of Dr. Rayyan, Bella's childhood friend, they nursed Bella back to health.
Shah is now the CEO of Paradine. Datin Mariah is in a nuthouse, and Bella is still in a long and deep coma. Zahar is nowhere to be seen, Dr. Rayyan is getting engaged to Dr. Mia and is torn between Bella and his fiancee, and the series don't seem to be ending soon.
So that can only mean one thing. I will be the first one to leave the office indefinitely.
Not that I can't imagine what's the ending going to be like. Knowing Malay dramas, and knowing TV3 very well, there can only be one typical ending to everything. Good will always prevail over evil.
Bella is about a young girl by the same name who has a filthy rich father who owns a huge company called Paradine. The company has several hotel chains, and is run by the family itself. Bella's father is the CEO, while her uncle and cousins also work there. Things started to get ugly when Shah (Bella's cousin), plotted for the demise of Bella and the ownership of the company.
Shah is aided by his evil mother, and with the two of them plotting and scheming, they managed to kill Bella's father. Now that the father is out of the way, they plotted for Bella's downfall. And this is achieved with the aid of Zahar, Shah's buddy from his college days, who infiltrate himself into a relationship with Bella.
To cut it short, he ended up marrying Bella. Now everything is in place. But wait, Zahar ended up falling in love with Bella, and was a bit reluctant to follow through on Shah's plans. Shah took drastic action by killing Bella, and now he can own the company.
But there is Bella's mother, Datin Mariah, who still holds the bigger share of the company. She needed to be taken care off, so Shah attempted to kill her, but fail. Instead, she was admitted to a mental institution, and left to rot and tell anybody who cared to listen about her evil nephew and how her daughter is still alive.
And lo and behold! Bella is still alive! (well duh! How can you kill the main character in the middle of the series?) Unbeknown to the killers, Pak Hassan, Bella's loyal servant and bodyguard, managed to save her and bring her to safety. With the aid of Dr. Rayyan, Bella's childhood friend, they nursed Bella back to health.
Shah is now the CEO of Paradine. Datin Mariah is in a nuthouse, and Bella is still in a long and deep coma. Zahar is nowhere to be seen, Dr. Rayyan is getting engaged to Dr. Mia and is torn between Bella and his fiancee, and the series don't seem to be ending soon.
So that can only mean one thing. I will be the first one to leave the office indefinitely.
Saturday, December 22
I will move the stars for you
How do you make a woman fall for you? Do you keep on trying even after she tells you that she is not interested in you? Or do you keep your distance, but never too far away, so that whenever you are needed, you are always available for her?
There is nothing more heartbreaking than a rejected love. But that doesn't mean it is the end of the world, or the end of your life. There are other loves out there. There are other chances, other opportunities. You shouldn't shut yourself up, build an invisible barrier so that no one can penetrate. No, you should let yourself fall again, and let yourself get hurt again. Because in that process, you will be better person, if not bitter.
I particularly enjoyed an episode of Futurama, where Fry tried to woo Leela and asked her to date him. He tried a lot of things, said witty (more like stupid pick-up lines) remarks, yet Leela still wasn't interested. Some of the examples:
Fry: Psst! Leela. I've set up a time-proof shelter in the closet. There's only room for two, and you're the one I wanna share it with.
Leela: Fry, that's so sweet. Let me see... How exactly will this protect us from time jumps?
Fry: Because when we're together in here, baby, time will stand still.
Leela: Your face can take a lot of punishment. That's good to know.
Fry: There's a lot about my face you don't know! Perhaps you and it could get better acquainted over dinner.
Leela: Alright! Cool your jets, hotshot.
Fry: C'mon, Leela, why won't you go out with me? We both know there's something there.
Leela: No, I mean cool your jets. They're melting Bender's face.
Fry: So, Leela, how about a romantic ride in one of those swan boats? They're kinda dangerous but I finally mastered them.
Leela: Those aren't swan boats, they're swans.
Fry: Oh. That explains these boat eggs.
Fry: Leela, I want you to know I think the way you moved those stars around was really wonderful. I got you something.
Leela: Moderately-priced, domestic, non-vintage champagne? How did you know?
Fry: You deserve it. I mean, nobody ever stops to tell you what a great captain you are.
Leela: Aw! That is so true and sweet.
Fry: You're smart, you're beautiful, and best of all, you'll go out with me-e?
Leela: Fry, please try to understand: You're a man, I'm a woman. We're just too different.
Fry: Look. I've been studying how to pilot the ship. Impressed?
Leela: Yeah, actually. You're doing OK. The core reactor temperature's nominal, the blinker's off.
Fry: I learned how to work the gravity pump too. In case we need to move more stars. So, are we dating now?
Fry: Look, Leela. I know there's some perfect, amazing thing I can do to make you love me, and when I figure out what it is-
Leela: Fry, stop. I don't wanna hurt you, but there is absolutely, positively no way that you and I will ever, ever-
Of course, Fry never gave up. They ended up being married, but that's not the point. He finally got Leela to love him by using the gravity pump to move the stars, and formed the words "I love you, Leela". Now, I bet any women would fall for that.
Still, you need to watch that particular episode to understand the whole story. I find it really romantic in a weird way, although it wasn't meant to be so.
So what was the best thing you ever did to make someone fall for you?
There is nothing more heartbreaking than a rejected love. But that doesn't mean it is the end of the world, or the end of your life. There are other loves out there. There are other chances, other opportunities. You shouldn't shut yourself up, build an invisible barrier so that no one can penetrate. No, you should let yourself fall again, and let yourself get hurt again. Because in that process, you will be better person, if not bitter.
I particularly enjoyed an episode of Futurama, where Fry tried to woo Leela and asked her to date him. He tried a lot of things, said witty (more like stupid pick-up lines) remarks, yet Leela still wasn't interested. Some of the examples:
Fry: Psst! Leela. I've set up a time-proof shelter in the closet. There's only room for two, and you're the one I wanna share it with.
Leela: Fry, that's so sweet. Let me see... How exactly will this protect us from time jumps?
Fry: Because when we're together in here, baby, time will stand still.
Leela: Your face can take a lot of punishment. That's good to know.
Fry: There's a lot about my face you don't know! Perhaps you and it could get better acquainted over dinner.
Leela: Alright! Cool your jets, hotshot.
Fry: C'mon, Leela, why won't you go out with me? We both know there's something there.
Leela: No, I mean cool your jets. They're melting Bender's face.
Fry: So, Leela, how about a romantic ride in one of those swan boats? They're kinda dangerous but I finally mastered them.
Leela: Those aren't swan boats, they're swans.
Fry: Oh. That explains these boat eggs.
Fry: Leela, I want you to know I think the way you moved those stars around was really wonderful. I got you something.
Leela: Moderately-priced, domestic, non-vintage champagne? How did you know?
Fry: You deserve it. I mean, nobody ever stops to tell you what a great captain you are.
Leela: Aw! That is so true and sweet.
Fry: You're smart, you're beautiful, and best of all, you'll go out with me-e?
Leela: Fry, please try to understand: You're a man, I'm a woman. We're just too different.
Fry: Look. I've been studying how to pilot the ship. Impressed?
Leela: Yeah, actually. You're doing OK. The core reactor temperature's nominal, the blinker's off.
Fry: I learned how to work the gravity pump too. In case we need to move more stars. So, are we dating now?
Fry: Look, Leela. I know there's some perfect, amazing thing I can do to make you love me, and when I figure out what it is-
Leela: Fry, stop. I don't wanna hurt you, but there is absolutely, positively no way that you and I will ever, ever-
Of course, Fry never gave up. They ended up being married, but that's not the point. He finally got Leela to love him by using the gravity pump to move the stars, and formed the words "I love you, Leela". Now, I bet any women would fall for that.Still, you need to watch that particular episode to understand the whole story. I find it really romantic in a weird way, although it wasn't meant to be so.
So what was the best thing you ever did to make someone fall for you?
Tuesday, October 2
Fair & Lovely
When you watch a lot of TV, like I do, you will also watch a lot of commercials along the way. Some of them are repeated so often that it annoys the hell out of you. Some have catchy catch phrase that got stuck in your head for hours while going through your day.
Like the other day, I had this "Hidup biar sedap" going on a never-ending loop in my head. The irritating part is since I was fasting, I couldn't get myself a Wall's ice cream. So I just had to endure the craving until after 7pm, and guess what I had for breakfast? For starter, I had Wall's Solero, then the main course was the Viennetta Brownie Chocolate and for dessert, Mini Poppers. Ice cream overdosed, I would say. But at least I got rid of that phrase from my mind (more like I numbed my mind with all the ice creams until I couldn't think anymore).
I got a sinking feeling that advertisers really did their research on how to subconsciously influence unsuspecting people into buying their products. It worked on me, and I'm sure it worked for others too. I was once in a focus group for this particular brand of drink. They were testing the market for a newly launched drink. So they had a whole group of people, from different age groups to different hairstyles, to test the product.
And they paid cash too to the participants. So it was a win-win situation for both sides. They got what they wanted, and we got paid. Fair enough.
One commercial that I really like is the Fair & lovely "Tiap hari sayang". The way the made the whole thing, it kind of reminded me of a life that I could have had. Not that it mattered anyway, because I didn't have it in the end.
But I digress. There was a time when beauty products used to rule the TV airtime. Especially skin whitening products. I'm not really sure why is it important to be fair? What's wrong with being dark, or tanned? I have a dark complexion, and I can never imagine myself being fair (and I secretly love women with dark complexions, like Cheryl Samad! Okay, now it's not a secret anymore, duh!) .
Surprisingly, not only women fall for the ploy. I have a few male friends who actually use the product. Not that they became fairer or anything, but they must be quite vain to even attempted to change their skin colour.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
It is just weird.
Nowadays, it's hair products that rule the TV. Shampoos from Rejoice, Clear, Head & Shoulder, Pantene, Dove to Sunsilk are competing against each other, all promising no-dandruff and straight shiny hair.
First, you have to be fair, now you have to have straight shiny hair.
What's wrong with curly, or wavy hair?
And if you read the papers, you will come across plenty of slimming adds. From slimming centres to slimming products, all with before and after photos, to show the effectiveness of their products and programmes. There are too many of them that's it's hard to keep track anymore.
Whatever happened to the old fashion exercise and diet?
So now you know. If you want to be perfect, you need to be fair, have long, straight shiny hair, and be extremely slim.
As if.
Like the other day, I had this "Hidup biar sedap" going on a never-ending loop in my head. The irritating part is since I was fasting, I couldn't get myself a Wall's ice cream. So I just had to endure the craving until after 7pm, and guess what I had for breakfast? For starter, I had Wall's Solero, then the main course was the Viennetta Brownie Chocolate and for dessert, Mini Poppers. Ice cream overdosed, I would say. But at least I got rid of that phrase from my mind (more like I numbed my mind with all the ice creams until I couldn't think anymore).
I got a sinking feeling that advertisers really did their research on how to subconsciously influence unsuspecting people into buying their products. It worked on me, and I'm sure it worked for others too. I was once in a focus group for this particular brand of drink. They were testing the market for a newly launched drink. So they had a whole group of people, from different age groups to different hairstyles, to test the product.
And they paid cash too to the participants. So it was a win-win situation for both sides. They got what they wanted, and we got paid. Fair enough.
One commercial that I really like is the Fair & lovely "Tiap hari sayang". The way the made the whole thing, it kind of reminded me of a life that I could have had. Not that it mattered anyway, because I didn't have it in the end.
But I digress. There was a time when beauty products used to rule the TV airtime. Especially skin whitening products. I'm not really sure why is it important to be fair? What's wrong with being dark, or tanned? I have a dark complexion, and I can never imagine myself being fair (and I secretly love women with dark complexions, like Cheryl Samad! Okay, now it's not a secret anymore, duh!) .
Surprisingly, not only women fall for the ploy. I have a few male friends who actually use the product. Not that they became fairer or anything, but they must be quite vain to even attempted to change their skin colour.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
It is just weird.
Nowadays, it's hair products that rule the TV. Shampoos from Rejoice, Clear, Head & Shoulder, Pantene, Dove to Sunsilk are competing against each other, all promising no-dandruff and straight shiny hair.
First, you have to be fair, now you have to have straight shiny hair.
What's wrong with curly, or wavy hair?
And if you read the papers, you will come across plenty of slimming adds. From slimming centres to slimming products, all with before and after photos, to show the effectiveness of their products and programmes. There are too many of them that's it's hard to keep track anymore.
Whatever happened to the old fashion exercise and diet?
So now you know. If you want to be perfect, you need to be fair, have long, straight shiny hair, and be extremely slim.
As if.
Wednesday, September 19
Hell's Kitchen
I've always been a fan of cooking shows. Seeing how dishes were created, from an assortment of ingredients, into a wonderfully beautiful dish, always make me hungry with delight, and pleasure.
So it came to no surprise that I got hooked to reality shows involving cooking. I remember watching Jamie's Kitchen some time ago. Jamie Oliver, I have to admit, is a very good chef. However, he is not the best of teachers, and not as inspirational and charismatic as he should be when it comes to teaching. Therefore I found that the show lacking the attraction and the pull-factor. I never stayed till the end.
The same could not be said about Hell's Kitchen. The show is simply superb, and hilarious in a lot of ways. And the guy who made all this possible is Chef Gordon Ramsay. Personally, I have no idea who he is. But after watching the show for a few times, I got a feeling that the man is best suited as a commander in an army boot camp instead of a chef. He is brash, very strict and nonplussed about his choice of words. But he is a very successful and rich chef, owning more than 10 award-winning restaurants, and having won so many awards in the industry.
The show concept is easy. 12 aspiring chefs battled it out to be the sole winner. Every week, one contestant will be eliminated (some even quitted, not being able to withstand Chef Ramsay's profanity and berating). In the end, the two remaining contestants battled it out, taking charged of the kitchen and their own restaurant and serving one whole meal to a bunch of customers, who will be part of the judges. Of course, Chef Ramsay will make the final decision, after taking account on how the contestants fared during the competition.
The winner for the first season was Michael Wray, and personally I think he deserved to win. He is a good cook, very creative and innovative, although lacking in charisma and leadership. His rewards - he gets to open his own restaurant, all expenses paid. However, Chef Ramsay was so impressed with Michael that he offered him a chance to go to London with him and work alongside him to become a master chef. Michael accepted, seeing that there are still a lot to learn to be a great chef.
The finale for season 1 was shown last night, and I have to say, the suspense, mixed with the humour, were too much for me to handle. Each finalist was given 3 staffs (fellow contestants who were eliminated earlier) and one of them, Jeff Dewberry was fun to watch. He is big sized, soft spoken and likes men. At one point of the show, feeling the heat and pressure getting over him, Dewberry felt like fainting, so he took a breather outside. However, after much coaxing from his fellow team member, he entered the kitchen again, and Ralph (the losing finalist) said to him, "you're Gilbratar! You are the Hope Diamond!" to which Dewberry replied, "I'd rather you say I was Brad Pitt's wife!". I was laughing so hard that I threw up the cheese and egg and tuna sandwiches with mango juice that I ate earlier.
All and all, it was a very entertaining show. Chef Ramsay had the final say, "We turned an unknown into a master chef, and that has to be the perfect way to close Hell's Kitchen, tonight."
So it came to no surprise that I got hooked to reality shows involving cooking. I remember watching Jamie's Kitchen some time ago. Jamie Oliver, I have to admit, is a very good chef. However, he is not the best of teachers, and not as inspirational and charismatic as he should be when it comes to teaching. Therefore I found that the show lacking the attraction and the pull-factor. I never stayed till the end.
The same could not be said about Hell's Kitchen. The show is simply superb, and hilarious in a lot of ways. And the guy who made all this possible is Chef Gordon Ramsay. Personally, I have no idea who he is. But after watching the show for a few times, I got a feeling that the man is best suited as a commander in an army boot camp instead of a chef. He is brash, very strict and nonplussed about his choice of words. But he is a very successful and rich chef, owning more than 10 award-winning restaurants, and having won so many awards in the industry.
The show concept is easy. 12 aspiring chefs battled it out to be the sole winner. Every week, one contestant will be eliminated (some even quitted, not being able to withstand Chef Ramsay's profanity and berating). In the end, the two remaining contestants battled it out, taking charged of the kitchen and their own restaurant and serving one whole meal to a bunch of customers, who will be part of the judges. Of course, Chef Ramsay will make the final decision, after taking account on how the contestants fared during the competition.
The winner for the first season was Michael Wray, and personally I think he deserved to win. He is a good cook, very creative and innovative, although lacking in charisma and leadership. His rewards - he gets to open his own restaurant, all expenses paid. However, Chef Ramsay was so impressed with Michael that he offered him a chance to go to London with him and work alongside him to become a master chef. Michael accepted, seeing that there are still a lot to learn to be a great chef.
The finale for season 1 was shown last night, and I have to say, the suspense, mixed with the humour, were too much for me to handle. Each finalist was given 3 staffs (fellow contestants who were eliminated earlier) and one of them, Jeff Dewberry was fun to watch. He is big sized, soft spoken and likes men. At one point of the show, feeling the heat and pressure getting over him, Dewberry felt like fainting, so he took a breather outside. However, after much coaxing from his fellow team member, he entered the kitchen again, and Ralph (the losing finalist) said to him, "you're Gilbratar! You are the Hope Diamond!" to which Dewberry replied, "I'd rather you say I was Brad Pitt's wife!". I was laughing so hard that I threw up the cheese and egg and tuna sandwiches with mango juice that I ate earlier.
All and all, it was a very entertaining show. Chef Ramsay had the final say, "We turned an unknown into a master chef, and that has to be the perfect way to close Hell's Kitchen, tonight."
Tuesday, September 18
Letting go
Lost Season 3 is back, with more twists and questions as ever. I know some of you have already watched the whole season on Astro (or probably on DVD). But not being privileged with cable TV, I had to rely on local channels. I don't really mind. I'm a patient man, and now I have something to look forward to on Mondays.
The good thing about good TV shows, is the fact that there is always something that you can relate to with your life. That's why I'm hooked to shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Criminal Minds (you never know what you are really capable of), Lost, Prison Break, and many more. Apart from the drama, comedy and suspense, there is always an underlying theme behind each episode.
And sometimes, it is similar with your life, the tune is exactly the same, and it hits you smack in the face. I've experienced this countless times. That's why I keep coming back for more. That's why I park myself in front of the TV.
It happened to me last night, while watching Lost. An obsession. A grudge. Of not being the man I wanted to be, the man I thought I would be.
And not letting go. Holding on to the remnants of a broken relationship. Holding on to the fragments of painful memories. Holding on to an invisible thread, not even knowing what is at the other end.
Letting go is never easy. Once we attached ourselves to something, or someone, it is never easy to detach ourselves again. For that matter, some people build a barrier around them, an invisible shield, so that they don't have to go through the hurt and pain. So that they do not feel the anguish and betrayal.
Always safe, behind the barrier, always non-committal, in everything they do.
But can you find happiness by doing this? Maybe at first, but in the long run, loneliness, among others, will catch up with you. Yes, you might argue, you'll get used to it. You're right. Some people, they do get used to it. They are somewhat happy. Not extremely happy, but happy nevertheless.
Everything you do in life is a risk. Happiness is a risk. How can you be sure anyway?
You don't. But that doesn't mean you have to go through life blindly. You learn from past mistakes. You have friends and family to help you along the way. It might not be a perfect life, but it is your life.
And this, this is my life. Am I happy? Probably not. Am I the man I imagined myself to be? Definitely not. Do I have regrets? Plenty of them.
But I'm still alive. And I'm still doing the things that I love to do.
And I need to learn how to let go. Just let go.
The good thing about good TV shows, is the fact that there is always something that you can relate to with your life. That's why I'm hooked to shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Criminal Minds (you never know what you are really capable of), Lost, Prison Break, and many more. Apart from the drama, comedy and suspense, there is always an underlying theme behind each episode.
And sometimes, it is similar with your life, the tune is exactly the same, and it hits you smack in the face. I've experienced this countless times. That's why I keep coming back for more. That's why I park myself in front of the TV.
It happened to me last night, while watching Lost. An obsession. A grudge. Of not being the man I wanted to be, the man I thought I would be.
And not letting go. Holding on to the remnants of a broken relationship. Holding on to the fragments of painful memories. Holding on to an invisible thread, not even knowing what is at the other end.
Letting go is never easy. Once we attached ourselves to something, or someone, it is never easy to detach ourselves again. For that matter, some people build a barrier around them, an invisible shield, so that they don't have to go through the hurt and pain. So that they do not feel the anguish and betrayal.
Always safe, behind the barrier, always non-committal, in everything they do.
But can you find happiness by doing this? Maybe at first, but in the long run, loneliness, among others, will catch up with you. Yes, you might argue, you'll get used to it. You're right. Some people, they do get used to it. They are somewhat happy. Not extremely happy, but happy nevertheless.
Everything you do in life is a risk. Happiness is a risk. How can you be sure anyway?
You don't. But that doesn't mean you have to go through life blindly. You learn from past mistakes. You have friends and family to help you along the way. It might not be a perfect life, but it is your life.
And this, this is my life. Am I happy? Probably not. Am I the man I imagined myself to be? Definitely not. Do I have regrets? Plenty of them.
But I'm still alive. And I'm still doing the things that I love to do.
And I need to learn how to let go. Just let go.
Wednesday, September 12
Is that your identity?
$500,000 at stake. 12 strangers and 12 identities. You match them correctly, and you're $500,000 richer.
The game is called Identity. Hosted by Penn Jillette, an Emmy-Award winning comedian-magician, this new game show is something different from the others. You have 12 strangers, from all walks of life, standing on a platform in front of you. You are then given 12 identities, and for each turn, you need to match the correct stranger with the correct identity. With each correct guesses, your price money increases as you solve each stranger's identity.
The ranges of identities are quite wide, it varies from a sumo wrestler, WWE Diva, preacher's son, preschool teacher, nuclear physicist, kidney donor, blackjack dealer, belly dancer, sciencetologist, cage fighter, bull rider and so on. There are also celebrities strangers, so it helps if you know them. Some of them are Stan Lee, Frank Stallone, Tony Hawk, Joe Maloof, Jordan Knight and also sportsmen Bruce Jenner, Ray Crockett and James Douglas. Of course, some of the identities are a no brainer, such as the sumo wrestler, where you can straightaway identify the correct stranger. They will normally give you 2 or 3 easy ones, while the rest can be quite challenging and confusing.
You are also given 3 helps during the game. You have mistaken identity, where you can make one mistake during the show, and you can still keep your winning money and continue playing. However, once you've made another wrong guess, you'll lose all your money and the game ends. There is also the tri-dentity, where you choose an identity and the number of strangers to choose from is narrowed down to three. And the last help is ask the expert, where a panel of three experts consisting of a body language expert, a psychologist and an FBI behavioural expert, will give their opinion on a chosen identity. Of all these three, I found that only the mistaken identity is helpful, the rest doesn't help much. But that doesn't mean that it's impossible to win the game.
So far, more than one contestant have solved all 12 identities and win $500,000. Of course, most of them would prefer to keep their winnings, instead of risking all the money for nothing. Therefore you get a lot of them stopping halfway, after exhausting all their helps, and not wanting to take the risk.
All and all, the game show is fun to watch, as you tend to make your own guesses from home. Like any other game show, it's fun to watch the contestants sweating it out and making the wrong guesses. It would be interesting if they adapt the show over here in Malaysia, then maybe I'll volunteer as one of the strangers. My identity - The Loser. A no brainer? Probably not!
(Identity airs every Monday and Tuesday at 7pm on NTV7, your feel good channel)
The game is called Identity. Hosted by Penn Jillette, an Emmy-Award winning comedian-magician, this new game show is something different from the others. You have 12 strangers, from all walks of life, standing on a platform in front of you. You are then given 12 identities, and for each turn, you need to match the correct stranger with the correct identity. With each correct guesses, your price money increases as you solve each stranger's identity.
The ranges of identities are quite wide, it varies from a sumo wrestler, WWE Diva, preacher's son, preschool teacher, nuclear physicist, kidney donor, blackjack dealer, belly dancer, sciencetologist, cage fighter, bull rider and so on. There are also celebrities strangers, so it helps if you know them. Some of them are Stan Lee, Frank Stallone, Tony Hawk, Joe Maloof, Jordan Knight and also sportsmen Bruce Jenner, Ray Crockett and James Douglas. Of course, some of the identities are a no brainer, such as the sumo wrestler, where you can straightaway identify the correct stranger. They will normally give you 2 or 3 easy ones, while the rest can be quite challenging and confusing.
You are also given 3 helps during the game. You have mistaken identity, where you can make one mistake during the show, and you can still keep your winning money and continue playing. However, once you've made another wrong guess, you'll lose all your money and the game ends. There is also the tri-dentity, where you choose an identity and the number of strangers to choose from is narrowed down to three. And the last help is ask the expert, where a panel of three experts consisting of a body language expert, a psychologist and an FBI behavioural expert, will give their opinion on a chosen identity. Of all these three, I found that only the mistaken identity is helpful, the rest doesn't help much. But that doesn't mean that it's impossible to win the game.
So far, more than one contestant have solved all 12 identities and win $500,000. Of course, most of them would prefer to keep their winnings, instead of risking all the money for nothing. Therefore you get a lot of them stopping halfway, after exhausting all their helps, and not wanting to take the risk.
All and all, the game show is fun to watch, as you tend to make your own guesses from home. Like any other game show, it's fun to watch the contestants sweating it out and making the wrong guesses. It would be interesting if they adapt the show over here in Malaysia, then maybe I'll volunteer as one of the strangers. My identity - The Loser. A no brainer? Probably not!
(Identity airs every Monday and Tuesday at 7pm on NTV7, your feel good channel)
Tuesday, August 28
Sex, birth, death
T.S. Eliot wrote, "Between the idea and the reality, between the motion and the act, falls the shadow."
What is it like to be afraid of your own mind? Knowing of what you are capable of, and having those acts being played inside your mind. Over and over again. Fantasies. When do they become realities?
When you start believing in them?
Or when you start acting and doing them?
We all have our own world inside of our mind. And unlike our life, we are the only ones who have access to it. No one else can intrude into it, and most of the time, no one else knows what's going on inside. Sometimes, the mind has a life of its own. Like watching a show on TV, but instead, it's all in the mind.
This week's Criminal Minds deal with this issue. A killer was out killing prostitutes, purging the streets of the wicked. A young boy was having fantasies about cutting up women, and hurting them bad. He knew he has a problem, and he acknowledged it. But somehow, he was powerless to stop himself. His mind was too powerful, and too demanding.
In the end, he tried to end the fantasies, by killing himself. It was better to die than to hurt another. Noble intentions? Probably.
T.S. Eliot wrote, "Between the desire and the spasm, between the potency and the existence, between the essence and the descent, falls the shadow. This is the way the world ends."
What is it like to be afraid of your own mind? Knowing of what you are capable of, and having those acts being played inside your mind. Over and over again. Fantasies. When do they become realities?
When you start believing in them?
Or when you start acting and doing them?
We all have our own world inside of our mind. And unlike our life, we are the only ones who have access to it. No one else can intrude into it, and most of the time, no one else knows what's going on inside. Sometimes, the mind has a life of its own. Like watching a show on TV, but instead, it's all in the mind.
This week's Criminal Minds deal with this issue. A killer was out killing prostitutes, purging the streets of the wicked. A young boy was having fantasies about cutting up women, and hurting them bad. He knew he has a problem, and he acknowledged it. But somehow, he was powerless to stop himself. His mind was too powerful, and too demanding.
In the end, he tried to end the fantasies, by killing himself. It was better to die than to hurt another. Noble intentions? Probably.
T.S. Eliot wrote, "Between the desire and the spasm, between the potency and the existence, between the essence and the descent, falls the shadow. This is the way the world ends."
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