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| Archive for November, 2006 |
 Happy Feet |
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Happy Feet official site: http://www2.warnerbros.com/happyfeet/
Now… the trailer got everyone to like it. The happy penguins. The little dance moves… the happy feet. When everyone was expecting it to be happy happy… funny. Yes, it’s going to be christmas and all the happy and cheerful mood is in the air.
Okay… I got in, settled down and the show begins. I must say the animation for this show was top notch. Superb to the dot. But I didn’t really like it. Haha… sounded contradicting? Okay… it looks real and I don’t know… maybe I just never really like something 3D to mimic something real to perfection. I dunno how to say… it just don’t feel right. But yeah… from the trailer itself, I never actually expect this movie to me so musical. Not that I hate musical… just… I never expect it to be lots of singing. Sounded a little like animated Moulin Rouge.
Let’s get it started, the movie started with a breath taking opening. It starts by showing how Memphis (Hugh Jackman) get together with Norma Jean (Nicole Kidman). Norma was one cool chick which was adore by many since she can sing really well. Obviously she have a some sorta love mark on her chest to differentiate her from the rest.
Well, as an Empror Penguin, singing is a born with it thing. That’s how you find your partner and that is what it’s all about for them. The day has came when Memphis is left behind to hatch the egg while Norma goes hunting for food. While trying to get close together with other penguins to keep warm, Memphis accidently dropped the egg (which apparently was a bad thing).
When everyone’s egg hatched, Memphis starts to worry. The cute little Gloria (Brittany Murphy) came along with his dad to try console Memphis when suddenly Mumble (Elijah Wood) starts hatching. He was gifted with this special feet that just tap and tap and tap since the day he was born.
His life soon turn miserable when he finds out that he can’t sing. His natural tap dancing ability was not appriciated by his community. He soon felt more and more seperated from the rest of the colony. To make matters worst, he has fallen for Gloria who happens to be the best student in the singing class.
Being labeled as a jinx, Mumble constantly got blamed when he tries to tap dance. One day, he was being attacked by a sea lion. While in the middle of the chase, he saw some mysterious things. His adventure soon begins when he landed himself at another penguin colony.
There, he met this 5 other Latino penguins lead by Ramon (Robin Williams) who appriciate his dance moves. He quickly got close to them as they all share the common dance interest. Being upset after being blamed to cause the fish shortage, Mumble is all set to find out the truth. Ramon suggested Mumble to ask Lovelace (Robin Williams). Lovelace is said to be one of the “knot it all” penguin in the colony.
They are all set to go find out what happen to the fishes and unleash more mystery. Going through thick and thin, they finally arrive at this “alien” place. There is where Mumble finally found out what happen to the fishes.
He just swim and swim and swim towards the big ship that took the fishes. He landed himself at a shore and was soon sent to the zoo. There, he felt weird and different as things around him that looks so real turns out to be just painted walls. He starts hallucinating when he misses his family.
Sad little Mumble was quickly delighted when a little girl appriciate his dance moves. His ability to tap dance spread around very fast. He was then tagged and sent back to where he belongs. When he got back, everyone still think of him as a trouble maker and wanted to throw him out of the colony for good. To make matters worst, he have this weird thing stuck to his back.
He tried to tell the others what he has been through and the “alien” (refering to humans) is coming to save them, everyone just laughed at him.
Well nevertheless, you would have know how it ended. I must say it was funny especially with Ramon and Lovelace. Yeah, all thanks to Robin Williams. The latino speech was somehow, some part not clear and hard to catch up with.. but well… that’s latino.
But I was quickly disappointed with the ending. I think it just got too serious for the “Happy Feet” title and to make matters worst, the stop fishing thing.. the protest… okay!! I dunno… towards the end I thought it gotten a little draggy, boring and just not happy any more.
To make matters worst, it makes as if they saved the penguins because they can tap dance. What happen if they didn’t do the tap dancing thing towards the end? It does mean humans will never have the protest thing and continue to fish.. steal all their fish?
Now come to think of it.. it’s not as if we are going to stop eating fish. |
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Posted by by velverse at Thursday, November 30th, 2006
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| Bangkok Trip Day02: The Shopping Begins! |
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Backdated post. Actual event took place on 18 August 2006.
Yawn… I am still too tired to wake up. I want to sleep.. but I can’t breakfast on the house is waiting for me. I… NEED…. TO…..W..A..K..E… U…zzzZzzzzz zz *after 30 mins* ..P.
After getting ready, tucking in the map, money and most importantly hotel’s card… we are all set to go have breakfast.
It wasn’t much variety but I think it was good enough to get me going in the morning. They have the western style breakfast section, some thai food, chinese style food and beverages.
I ate like loads of stuff, toast, sausages, scrambled eggs and more bread. I then go for some thai food like stir fry kailan and some curry brinjal with meat.
It was like amazing. The thai style stuffs were amazing. By far, everything I have eaten in Thailand taste extremely good. It’s like I can’t believe hotel breakfast taste this good as well.
Just amazing. I can go around KL and tell you food here wasn’t that great. Not tasty… la la la… but here.. haha.. seems so difficult to find bad food (not that I want to find one).
I must note… the coffee they serve for breakfast… my god… taste 20x better than Coffee Bean’s breakfast coffee. They should really look in to the problem man. I mean S.E.R.I.O.U.S.L.Y look in to it!
Right after the heavy breakfast.. we started our journey. As planned… we took a cab to Siam Square.
Siam Square is a shopping and entertainment paradise in Bangkok. To all Malaysians, Siam Square is similar to our Sg.Wang shopping mall. A place where you get lots of cheap and youthful stuff. The only difference is, Siam Square takes u a few street, while Sg. Wang is just a shopping mall.
Here, you can find lots and lots of weird theme cafe and local designer label clothings. The best part, it links to many other big shopping mall such as Siam Paragon.
My shopping spree in Bangkok has officially started. I manage to get some stuff here. But then… I was more amazed with the signages… with lots of funny and funky names.
There were lots of stickers and grafitti at almost every corner of the streets at Siam Square. I try to act funny and took some pictures there. But everyone around me was looking at me in a weird way. Sigh…
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We then continue our quest to Siam Paragon. It is an upscale shopping center, similar to Starhill Gallery. It has been listed as one of the biggest shopping centre in Asia.
The interior designs for the restaurants was simply amazing. Not to even mention the small ponds in side the mall. It’s very spacious and without a doubt, very classy and elegant like.
Address:
Siam Paragon
991/i Rama I Road, Pathnumwan,
Bangkok, 10330 Thailand
Telephone: (662) 610 9000
URL: http://www.siamparagon.co.th/
We walk around since Jimbo is looking for a nice and decent bag. Me… I am just walking around for souvenirs. There are lots of high classy stalls around but you surely can find lots of cute and fun stuffs inside as well. I manage to get some local designer stuff here as souvenirs. While Jimbo… sad for him. He didn’t get to find anything he likes.
When our stomach start making noise, we know it’s time to look for food. We went to the lower ground level and search for food. There were lots of stalls and restaurant there. Very big food court, lots of options… and best of all… nice deco.
Ging Kalpapruek was pick of the day! It was quite a busy place. Quite a pack place where people just come and go, come and go. Er.. then again, probably it’s lunch time.
Here… let’s see, we have Fresh Spring Rolls (85 Baht) as appertizers then move on with Fried Mixed Vegetables with Oyster Sauce (85 Baht) and Fried Chicken with Chili and Cashewnuts (110 Baht). I also ordered Passion Fruit Juice (45 Baht).
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Okay… the fresh spring rolls was served with some special sauce, a stalk of spring onion, more chili and a dash of mustard. The sauced poured on to the spring rolls were rather sticky and it’s not the sweet and spicy type we used to have over here in Malaysia. This one is rather salty.
What was wrapped inside the spring roll is pretty much the usual stuff. The combination between the sauce and the spring roll.. hemmm.. it’s just refreshing. I never know how much sauce can influence the taste of something until now. Just opens up so much more possibility.
The fried mixed vege was pretty much standard. To me nothing can go wrong with fried vegetables except the fact that you over cook it or throw in super duper lots of salt in it. Otherwise… everything is pretty much standard!
The Fried Chicken with Chili and Cashewnuts was hot! I was totally deceived by the looks of it. It looks like if I could just seperate the chili away.. everything would be fine.. but nope, they sorta pounded the chili to small pieces as well and cook it together with the sauce and chicken. So yeah, it’s flaming hot!
We then walk out and take some pics around. We then walked to the nearest train station and try to just go around town. Similar to the MRT in Singapore, the BTS surely does cut down lots of traffic jams in Bangkok. From the Siam station, we hop to Nana. We took the train that direct us to On Nut which I think was a rather funny name.
Ah… one must wonder, why Nana, why not any place else. Okay… Nana was an inside joke… which I guess only a few people know… in fact very few. But well.. besides that, it’s just a station away from Sukhumvit so yes, sight seeing a bit.. then stop at Shukumvit and just shop again!
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I wasn’t sure if Nana is a hit place among tourist or not, but it sure have lots too see. The buildings was rather different than the ones you see at the big places like Sukhumvit or Siam. It’s not that modern. They have lots of cute an funny signage.
Jimbo the decided he wants to call friends he get to knoe from a workshop and go out and hangout. While he hangs on the phone, I went on snapping pictures around. There were so many things to snap. I just can’t help it.
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After a tiring walk, we stop at Green House Terrace at The Landmark. It was quite a place for coffee where we both just sit down, lepak a bit, drink some coffee, enjoy some small town sights and just rest our legs.
I had the Iced Cappuccino (90 Baht) while Jimbo have their Iced Coffee (90 Baht). I must say, it was just a nice feeling.. doing nothing while everyone is working, sitting down by the roadside drinking ice cool cappuccino. Just amazing! Surely do feel time just stop and I could just do this sorta stuff on a daily basis.
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After a tiring walk, we stop at Green House Terrace at The Landmark. It was quite a place for coffee where we both just sit down, lepak a bit, drink some coffee, enjoy some small town sights and just rest our legs.
I had the Iced Cappuccino (90 Baht) while Jimbo have their Iced Coffee (90 Baht). I must say, it was just a nice feeling.. doing nothing while everyone is working, sitting down by the roadside drinking ice cool cappuccino. Just amazing! Surely do feel time just stop and I could just do this sorta stuff on a daily basis.
We lepak for an hour or so before continue walking.
Address:
Green House Terrace at The Landmark
138 Sukhumvit Rd.,
Bangkok 10110 Thailand
Telephone Number:
(660) 2254 0404, (660) 2254 0424
Fax: (660) 2253 4259
URL: http://www.landmarkbangkok.com/
Along the way I took pictures of their thin and sleek ATM machine (I think it would be a goner in a days time over here). Being a “bully” I just gotta snap a picture in front of the Bully’s cafe! And not to mention, while we were busy complaining our petrol prices are expensive, take a look at other country’s price.
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We carry on walking and walking… thinking we were heading to Sukhumvit, we were actually heading otherwise and ended up at Phleon Chit. Being a little tired of walking, we took the train from there and stop at Shukumvit where Jimbo will meet up with his friend at the Emporium.
The mall there was not as luxurious as Siam Paragon but still have everything a mall need. Branded stuff, household stuff, food section. Everything was just there.
After walking for like a while, Jimbo’s friend arrive and we sat down for coffee at Starbucks. The place was just next to the Emporium. It looks rather classy, sorta dim with some down lights and from there… the sunset scene was just so amazing. Oopss.. I was to in to it till I forget to snap some pics.
While drinking coffee, Jimbo’s friend tells us more about Thailand and places we should visit and go see. I like how he gives us options on like sight seeing, you should go this, this and this place while if you want to go shopping, you should just hit on this, this and this places.
He even recommend us to come visit thai during the ermm “Water Festival”. Ah… he said it would be a fun time, but we must make early arrangements as Bangkok would be packed with tourist from around the world.
After a long chat, we all decided to make a move and head to the place Jimbo’s friends picked for dinner and a meet up. It is said to be one of a very famous restaurant in town.
It was actually quite near to where we are. We just sort of like walk for 10 minutes and we arrive at this small little house like place. Very cozy and comfortable place called Sonie’s.
Apparently this place is a very famous place and used to be packed. Yes, it is said that it’s quite difficult to find good fusion food in Thailand. But well, I guess it was quite my day.  Sonie’s is one of the famous fusion food outlet in Bangkok. While marketing itself as a Thai-Japanese restaurant, Sonie’s ends up delivering almost every culinary influence ever to touch upon Thai shores.
When Jimbo other friends arrive, we started ordering so much food… so much that we all have a hard time finishing.
We ordered lot’s which includes sushi, pizza, salad. It is said that their very own pizza, Sonie’s Pizza is not to be missed. Unlike other pizzas that uses this thick bread as base, Sonie’s Pizza had shrimp, crab, and flying fish roe crumbled on top of rice and seaweed.
The secret to its success is an added element of what I think is crumbled rice in tempura batter, fried again to resemble in taste and texture crushed junk food, like a bad-for-you deep-fried rice cake. Supposedly an appetizer, forget about sharing and order one for yourself.
We even have fresh sashimi, which was a typical Japanese dish. The Fresh Salmon Pizza was amazing also. I think it was nicely blended fusion food. A little Japanese with Italian. Just a perfect combo. You can see the pizza was baked and topped with fresh salmon. It just added a new texture to eating pizza. The cold and hot blends in just so well.
There were many more weird and different type of rolls and this big soft shell crab salad that came later on. But as usual, when I was too in to eating, I forgot all about the snapping.
Dinner was on Jimbo.. so I have no idea how much it cost Anyway… thanks bo! Lovely dinner, lovely friends you have.
Address:
Sonie’s
59/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, Bangkok
Telephone Number: (662) 258 4247
We chit chat a little and they were telling how they get to know each other in the workshop and all the fun they have… oh… it just makes me jealous.
After dinner, everyone was sorta busy with their own agenda. One of Jimbo’s friend was kind enough to drop us down at Silom where have a short walk around again. This time we focus more on looking at the stalls than walking around looking for food. Jimbo manage to pick up some deco lightings for her mum while I just look around.
We manage to even walk in to Patpong Road. Wow.. I was totally shocked to know that actually the stalls at Silom pass by Patpong Road. I always think Patpong is a street where you could just walk in the middle of the road… looking left and right, with not much people except poll dancing girls, guys… loads of guys asing you to go in and take a look thing.
But nope, there were stalls selling Thai stuff from the start till the end of Patpong street. But well, I wasn’t comfortable shopping there as people will come approach you with this funky books with funky names.
Oh yes, never know one can do so much stunts! Now yes, if you would just a life size bottle opener, perhaps this is a place to get one.
We then just head back to hotel and doze off. It was really a tiring day considering the amount fo walking, and shopping done. Total damage… hemmm let’s not get to that part yet!
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Other related post:
Bangkok Trip Day01: Breakfast at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Bangkok Trip Day01: The Centre of the Backpacking Universe
Bangkok Trip Day01: Very Touristy, but hell I am a tourist!
Bangkok Trip Day02: The Shopping Begins!
Bangkok Trip Day03: Just TUK fast TUK furious!
Bangkok Trip Day04: Goodbye Bangkok~ |
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Posted by by velverse at Thursday, November 30th, 2006
(versemark Uncategorized)
9 Comments » | Link to post |
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| Project Crossroad: Cook |
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Yeay… I am on a one person mission again. So no wonder the cook have to do everything. Have 6 hands… preferably more. But was too time consuming for me to copy and paste. Too tired as well. Yes, I am drawing this while my other pc render another file. Yawn… I need a break.
Well… I guess I ain’t a good cook… being so messy and all. But that’s cooking.. and that means fun!
What is up next week?
Project theme: Santa Clause
Project description: When you see this guy with big beer belly, red outfit.. carrying loads of presents and still wondering how he manage to get pass the tight chimney.. yes, that’s what we are talking about.
Project deadline: 6 December 2006, Wednesday.
Submit to: mandy@velverse.com
Anyone and everyone is welcome to join. Be it good or bad… it’s just something we do for fun! Generate some cool ideas and well.. surely fill up some of our boring times 
 Click on the banner go link to the project crossroad gallery.
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Posted by by velverse at Wednesday, November 29th, 2006
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14 Comments » | Link to post |
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| A Battle of Wits |
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A Battle of Wits official site: http://www.abattleofwits.com.hk/
Everything else could wait when it comes to priority for Andy Lau. Yes, Thai would have to delay, any other post can wait… even if I will have to be backdating 6 months events.
A Battle of Wits is a long awaited movie since Andy only acted in one or two movie a year. He did give a hint of what he was doing when he came down for concert last year. Which gets everyone all hype and anticipating.
I must say I am not disappointed at all with the movie. In fact, I think it was very much an exciting movie. Based on a famous Japanese manga “Bokkou”, this movie basically tells the history of Mozi.
Leave behind hopes of seeing extreme fights. Nope… not much blood fight scene… not much violence and gore as it’s not really what Mozi teaching is all about. It’s more about war strategy… universal love… peace. Yes, I know many were expecting big fight… millions of troops fighting and streams of blood which leads to a disappointment.
Okay… set in 243 B.C. when China was torn among seven states and was ruled by individual ruler. Everyone tries to conquer the other countries to expand their power. Smaller and weaker states often fell prey to larger and stronger ones.
The Liang city was an unfortunate victim when the Zhao state wanted to conquer the Yan state. Knowing that they have to take down Liang city first as a stepping stone to win the Yan state, a war must be fought. Desperate for help, the King of Liang (Wang Zhiwen) asked the fellow Mozi’s for help. 2 months has passed and yet, not even one person showed up.
One day, just when the Zhao army was getting ready to attack, a Mozi tribesman called Ge Li (Andy Lau) came to the rescue. Ge Li was having a hard time persuading the people of Liang to fight for their own rights and homeland. Everyone was motivated when Ge Li manages to scare away the Zhao army.
The King of Liang, being a selfish and greed for power person just couldn’t care less for his people. Even when the kingdom is on the brink of being attacked, he still have the mood to drink and get drunk while leaving all the war task to his son, Liang Shi (Choi Si Won).
Knowing he needs good leadership, he quickly promoted Zi Tuan (Nicky Wu). This make Lian Shi angry and a small competition of archery was done to prove Ge Li’s choice of men was right. Ultimately Zi Tuan did not disappoint Ge Li and was appointed General.
It’s amazing how one person can plan, decide, navigate and just be so rasional at the same time. When the King know he can’t do anything but trust Ge Li, he pass the ultimate power to command the war troops to Ge Li. Ge Li’s strategy was working fine as he surely knows how to fight a psychology war. Yes, I do agree is all in the mind. The stronger the mind is… the higher the chance of winning.
Ge Li even come up with ideas like building a bulwark from the palace wall stones in seven days to strong hold the enemy out while shocking them with their ability. He even have everything planned out for instance ways to keep their water and food supply safe and the use of manure as a blanket on the villagers’ thatched roofs to prevent the spread of fire from flaming arrows.
The Zhao army, being lead by Commander Xiang Yanzhong (Ahn Sung Ki) suffer a big lost after the first round of attack. They retreat when the Commander was being shot by Zi Tuan. Being upset and angry with the lost, the Zhao army plan to re-attack Liang city.
Yi Yuen (Fan Bing Bing), the Calvary officer quickly assist Ge Li to spy on the Zhao camp. Being spotted and attacked, it leaves them no choice but jump from a cliff. After saving Yi Yuen, she quickly falls for Ge Li. Ge Li keeps pushing Yi Yuen away as a Mozi believes in one should care for all people equally.
The Liang kingdom under Ge Li’s plan once again manage to survive the Zhao attack when they treid to ambush the kingdom. Being surrounded and shot till death even when the Zhao army dropped their weapons, this has caused the other Zhao army to be angry.
Everything starts to tear apart in the Liang kingdom when they thought the Zhao army has retreat. The jealous king starts to worry that Ge Li would overthrown him. He quickly order his faithful general, General Niu (Chin Siu Hou) to get rid of Ge Li and everyone who obeys Ge Li.
It was surely a heavy price to pay to get rid of Ge Li. The Liang kingdom was vulnerable to attack after Ge Li was gone. The remaining Zhao troops came back to attack the Liang city as they think it’s really a disgrace such a big and strong kingdom was defeated by a small city under the supervision of one Mozi follower.
What happen next… hemm, you will have to really see it for yourself. Yes, I am leaving lots of empty blanks to fill in because I simply think it was a great movie. Muahaha.. it’s all in the mind! I totally love the idea and the storyline but I somehow think they could still further develope some of the character. Yes, they have a rather simple setting and costume compared to “The Banquet” but I must say, it outcome was far more better than “The Banquet”.
Having a great soundtrack to go along with the movie just brings out all the emotions and effects. Ah… not to mention… having Andy Lau is more than enough to kept me drooling. I just love handsome, cool, calm and capable man. Now… should I see it again? Should I not… I think I should. I don’t know… *drool* |
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Posted by by velverse at Friday, November 24th, 2006
(versemark Uncategorized)
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| Project Crossroad: Prisoner |
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Being the only person who draws the prisoner means… er… yeay… I am the sole survivor~ Okay… let me show off my Minor Mo version of Mini Me. Hemm… yes very much like ikan, I am inspired by Austin Power as well.
To fellow people who have seen my sketchbook… yes, it’s very much different! I know… I have no idea why I tend to stray away from my original idea. Seems like I just want to add everything in. Then again… I am fickle minded.
Right… not all prisoners are as handsome as the ones in Prison Break okay! So you gotta live with it Hehe… reality check… they all should be bald, my dear sis!
What is up next week?
Project theme: Cook
Project description: Food… more food… more and more please. *burp* I want more! So someone gotta cook it for me!
Project deadline: 29 November 2006, Wednesday.
Submit to: mandy@velverse.com
Anyone and everyone is welcome to join. Be it good or bad… it’s just something we do for fun! Generate some cool ideas and well.. surely fill up some of our boring times
Click on the banner go link to the project crossroad gallery.
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Posted by by velverse at Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006
(versemark Uncategorized)
11 Comments » | Link to post |
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| The Covenant |
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The Covenant official site: http://www.jointhecovenant.com/
If “Charmed” was meant to make guys drool over the sexy and beautiful witches. The Covenant is the total opposite of that. Now finally the girls sit down and drool at the handsome guys and their withcraft powers while the guys job is to supply tissue, hold the popcorn and pass drinks whenever needed.
Haha… I sounds cruel? No, I don’t. Seriously… unless guys like watching other HOT guys. I mean… most of the guys I know just felt so physically challanged looking at other HOT guys. Started making remarks like.. “very HOT meh? handsome meh? I dunno why you all like the guy so much.. blah blah blah”. Well… I still can never understand why guys drool over Jennifer Love Hewitt or Jessica Alba so yeah… woman are hard to understand, so are guys.
Back to the movie ,The title of the movie refers to five families, The Putnums, Danvers, Perrys, Sims and Garvins which untold powers who form the covenant of silence. One of the famiy wants more and was banished with their bloodline disappear without a trace.
The Covenant starts of with a very fast pace music and fast montage opening. Some might complain it goes too fast no one understand what it was trying to tell… but well, it’s fast but they kinda repeated the same images for many times. So if you see clearly, it’s basically telling about how the witches community was killed during the witch hunt. Stuffs that happen in the Ipswich Colony back then and images from the Book of Damnation.
Right after that, they started with a very cool start trick with the four sons of Ipswich, Caleb Danvers (Steven Strait), Pogue Parry (Taylor Kitsch), Tyler Sims (Chace Crawford) and Reid Garwin (Toby Hemingway) jumping or I should say floating off a cliff to join the other people at a party.
At the party, Caleb and Reid sort of spot on this new girl, Sarah Wenham (Laura Remsey) who just joined the Spenser Academy. Sarah was then introduced to them by Pogue’s girlfriend Kate (Jessica Lucas). When the cops was here to bust the party, the guys once again use their power to free themselves. The four combined power to make the car float off the cliff. I just love how they say “Harry Potter can kiss my ass.”
Everything was cool until one of the students was found dead at the party place. Caleb starts having nightmares that woke him out of sleep. He started to worry and gather the others. Caleb started suspecting Reid for overusing his powers which leads them to fight against each other. Apparently, the powers are addictive, the more they use it, the more it weakens and age them.
The sweetest part is, Caleb’s power still has the potential to grow. Which is when he is 18, his power will mature and he have greater powers than the rest. Unknown to them, all the problem appears to be the work of the fifth family of the Ipswich Colony.
Right, he is back and he wants more. He wants to seek revenge, wants to have more power. That’s because the power has got him so addicted. Caleb was the main target since his birthday was soon and the fifth “son of Ipswich” wants him power badly. The best way to get to him was through his friends and Sarah.
I love how the movie uses the soft way of slipping in messages about one battling one’s evilness against drugs. The powers are like drugs. It’s powerful, addictive.. but the more we use it the more it weakens us and kills our body. I totally love the effects of the car breaking apart and sticking back together. I totally love the scenes, the Danvers house but I somehow think the fights were a little “street fighter” style.
I know many people sort of have high hopes since it was from the producers of “Underworld”. But hey, this is a rather low budget movie.. with all new stars… I think it was a pretty much movie considering the budget and the new stars. Obviously they could have done better. But I think it was good enough for a start.
And yes, they gathered 4 handsome guys together… now that is eye candy and additional points. Oh yes, by the way… it’s not any horror movie. It’s a mixture of a little action and a little thriller. So… yes, I want to see more! I want more… I hope they come out with a part two *drool*
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Posted by by velverse at Monday, November 20th, 2006
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| Bangkok Trip Day01: Very Touristy, but hell I am a tourist! |
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Backdated post. Actual event took place on 17 August 2006.
… a pink colour cab! Mmm… I like~ just so ME :). That is whan I notice a very old looking building right opposite. Looks very much like a fort.
The camera is all set to pop out and snap snap snap. We cross the busy road. I think crossing road in Thai is the most challenging task ever! The cars just go passing by non-stop. The tuk-tuk were like the motors here.. coming out from left from right.
When we finally reach, There was this big signage taht writes, Santichaiprakarn Park. This park is built around the Prasumen Fort at the north east forner of Rattanakosin Island (an area that demarcates the old city area of Bangkok).
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The park has this really beautiful Thai style Pavillion. It is being known as the Santichaiprakarn Pavillion. The view of the pavillion facing the waterfront… it’s simply breath taking. There were lots of sculptures, beautiful lumpoo tree and plenty of benches. You can really see it’s a tourist sport when you see plenty of backpackers just lay on the grass reading a book. Some were plain taking a rest.
They have signs all around which supposed to read “No Smoking No Alcohol” but I can’t help to laugh and read “No Smoking Alcohol”.
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Looking south, one could see the Phra Pin Klao Bridge. It looks kinda cool… ermm sorta similar to the ones we have in Penang.
We then continue to walk towards north along the riverside. Hemm.. the view was simply cool.. since evening is up soon.
The riverside path was seriously long. We just kept walking and walking and walking. The next thing we know, we are walking towards the the National Theatre which was located next to the National Museum. Both this building is alongside Na Phra That Road.
We were busy figuring out what building it was in the first place since the front part was half way re-constructing and most of the signs there were in Thai… which have me just looking at them with my big eyes yet… feeling helpless.
Address:
National Theatre
2 Rachini Road
Phra Borommaharatchawang Sub-District
Phra Nakhon District
Bangkok 10200
Telephone Number: (662) 221 0174
Fax: (662) 221 0171
The buildings here never failed to amaze me. The attention to details, the sculptures, the gold leaves… awww… it’s killing me softly~
I wanted to go in and have a look at the National Museum. Too bad they were closed by the time we reach. (Click here for virtual tour)
Address:
Bangkok National Museum
Na Phrathat Road
Phra Borommaharatchawang Sub-District
Phra Nakhon District
Bangkok 10200
Telephone Number: (662) 224 1333
Fax: (662) 224 1404
Opening Hours:
Wednesday - Sunday: 9am - 4pm
Closed: Monday, Tuesday, Public Holidays
Alongside this area, there were several university located nearby. Which makes Jimbo drool over the cute school girls with short and tight uniforms. No kidding, university students in Thai all wear uniform!
Along the way, there were many things that fascinates me. Stuff as little as the electric cables and poles, the every amazing tuk tuk, the architectures, even the small decos on the wall. It seems like Khao San alone it too great for me to handle.
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Along the way, there were many things that fascinates me. Stuff as little as the electric cables and poles, the every amazing tuk tuk, the architectures, even the small decos on the wall. It seems like Khao San alone it too great for me to handle.
As we walk, we noticed this very grand, very golden, very Thai style building. I can guess it must be some big and lavish building by the looks of it even before re-checking the map.
The awesome building was Wat Phra Kaeo. Wat Phra Kaeo is a temple built at the outer section of the Royal Enclosure west of the Grand Palace. It was built on the orders of King Rama I along with the Grand Palace and Rattanakosin Island. It was s built as a temple in a Royal compound like Wat Sri Sanphet in Ayutthaya. (Click here for virtual tour)
The building looks totally awesome from the outside. It was a late day. All the places were closed. All we ever have was only time to walk around and look at stuffs from the outside. Well, there’s always other time
Anyway, they wouldn’t allow us to go in also, since I am wearing shorts and Jimbo is wearing slippers.
Address:
Wat Phra Kaeo
Na Phralan Road
Phra Borommaharatchawang Sub-District
Phra Nakhon District Bangkok 10200
Telephone Number:
(662) 222 8181: 3801 3890
(662) 222 2208 623 5500: 3100
Opening Hour: Daily 8am - 4pm
Admission Fee: 200 Bht (Foreigner)
Prohibited:
Taking photo inside the ubosot
Man: Shorts Pants Slippers
Woman: Undershirt Singlet Shorts Sandals
The Grand Palace is at the right side of the Wat Phra Kaeo main entrance. (Click here for virtual tour)
Address:
Grand Palace
Na Phralan Road
Phra Borommaharatchawang Sub-District
Phra Nakhon District Bangkok 10200
Telephone Number: (662) 224 3328 226 0255
Fax: (662) 225 9158
Opening Hour: Daily 9am - 4pm
Admission Fee: 10 Bht
Prohibited:
Taking photo inside the building
So, if you are planning to visit these places, always remember.. they close early. Aih… I think the next trip to Thailand.. I will surely go in Wat Phra Kaeo. Lovely… just lovely.
Since we didn’t get to go in… we just stand around taking pictures and everything else when suddenly a guy in his mid 30’s walk to us. He then asked us where are we going. We just reply we are walking around. And the the conversation below started.
The Guy: Hello, where you all want to go? You tourist?
Jimbo: We are just walking around (busy taking pics while I am posing)
The Guy: Where have you all gone to? How many days you will be here?
Jimbo: We are just walking around. It’s a 3 days trip and today is our last day here. *liar*
The guy the took our map and pointed to us we should go to this few places.
The Guy: You must go these few places. If you want to go.. you must go now or else they are closed. Must go. Take tuk tuk. Very cheap. Tuk tuk take you here (pointing at location A), tuk tuk wait for you. Tuk tuk take you here (pointing at location B), tuk tuk wait for you. Tuk tuk take you here (pointing at location C), tuk tuk wait for you. Only 45 Baht. If more no go.
The Guy: Are you thai? You look thai. You speak Thai?
Jimbo: No. *smiling*
The Guy:: Where you from?
Jimbo: Malaysia
The Guy: You two honeymoon?
Me: NOOOOOOOooooo *shake head*
Jimbo:No, we are just friends.
The Guy: Now friends… next time come and honeymoon together. You buy her (pointing at me) and buy her a big ring. You should go to (pointing at location B). Buy ring with big rock is cheap. *showing his ring*. Summore tuk tuk wait you there.
Jimbo: It’s okay… we will just walk around.
The Guy: Really… tuk tuk bring u here wait for u, bring u here wait for u.
He then waves and like in less than 3 seconds a tuk tuk come. Then the guy took our map and talked to the tuk tuk driver and told him to bring us to these few places and wait for us for 45 baht. The tuk tuk driver then nod.
We told them we just want to walk… that is when he lowered his price to 30 Baht. We insisted we want to walk and he lowered his price again to 20 Baht. We then said we REALLY just want to walk. He lowered his price to 10 Baht!
That is the point when we have serious doubt. They bring you to like 3-4 place and they wait for you for 10 Baht… which like when exchange back, it’s only 1 buck. Sounds fishy… anyway… we still decided to walk away.
The Guy: Are you thai? You look thai. You speak Thai?
Jimbo: No *smile again and walk away*
We then continue to walk along the road and saw a big field. Along the roadside, there were many stalls selling food, flower bangles, miracle oil and some were even playing chess.
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We walk and walk and walk until we were tired and decided to take a cab to this place where Jimbo’s friend recommend us to go for the cultural show & food at Silom Village.
The taxi driver didn’t know where we want to go so he just stop us at Silom Centre. From there we walk straight down. Passing by lots of small roads with lots of stalls. Fresh seafood stalls, cloths, souvenirs, t-shirts, lightings, craft work and many more.
Along the way, we also pass by the famous Patpong Street. Yes, I bet you most guys would have heard of this place since it is a famous red light district with lots of action. Who know you might get to bring home a life size bottle opener.
Since we walked and stop by at stalls looking at stuffs. It was quite a busy place. As we walk further down, the place gets less crowded and less stalls were visibly seen.
Then.. we pass by a number of hotels and fine dining restaurants. We started to get tired as it seems like we are walking aimlessly and the place mentioned was no where to be seen.
Me and Jimbo have given up hope in locating the recommended place and decided to just hop on to the next not so expensive yet decent thai restaurant. Just as we have given up hope… we saw this bright neon light place… and when we look up.. it spells Silom Village. Finally… yes.. I mean finally.
Silom Village is said to be the last old style Thai tradition village on Silom road (which is quite true, since I don’t see much traditional buildings along the road). These houses were constructed in the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1908 and converted to restaurant and Thai handicraft shop in 1981.
We walk in only to notice there were lots of stuff going on there. They have many different type of food. Western style, Thai food… and the best part, they have a stage in the middle where you can enjoy Thai cultural performances.
We decided to have a good meal that night. Jimbo ordered food to eat since anything just goes for me. We had, “Tom Yam Koong” Prawn in Spicy and Sour Soup (150 Baht), Fried Morning Glory with Chili and Garlic (90 Baht), Deep Fried Bubble Fish served with Thai Spicy Sauce (depends on the size of fish). I tried the Coconut Frosty (50 Baht).
The Tom Yam was cool. It is a little different from the ones we have in Malaysia. It has big prawns in it and lots of mushrooms I love mushrooms. Yeay~ Their tom yam was a little creamier than the ones we locally found at our mamak.
When I look at the menu, I think Fried Morning Glory sounds cool. I have never tried something like that. I imagine it to be the fried blue flower thing that clings around the gates and fence thing. Only to notice it was our local “Kangkung Belacan” when it arrived at our table. 
I was pretty much impress with the Bubble Fish. At least until now.. I still wonder how it is suppose to look like. When the dish arrive, it pretty much look like a piece of fish and chips thing. Very crunchy, and as if I can just eat everything. But it’s sorta cool when we flip it around only to notice it was actually one whole fish cut in to half.
The Thai spicy sauce is really something. I still can’t figure out what they use to make the sauce. It was not that sour, not that salty… er.. a little bit sweet and a little spicy. Hahaha.. seems like everything in one. Just amazing. Jimbo on the other hands just can’t resist the peanuts.
The Coconut Frosty was refreshing. They take out all the flesh from the coconut and then blend it together with ice and the coconut water and put it back in the coconut. It was cooling and refreshing. Ah… something that I just need!
During the entire dinner time, we were still talking about the guy that came and talked to us when we were in front of Wat Phra Kaeo. And we make a big joke out of the “Are you Thai? You look Thai. You speak Thai?” thing.
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After dinner, we walk around the place to notice lots of huge and fresh seafood around… some small shops selling buddha figures, souvenirs and craft/art works.
Address:
Silom Village Inn
286/1 Silom Road, Silom Road,
Suriyawong, Bangrak 10500. Thailand
Telephone Number: (662) 635 6810
We then decided to take a cab and head back to hotel to take a refreshing bath. Seriously, I felt so heavy as if 1 inch thick dust got stuck to my body.
Oh yes, please do remember to write down the address of places you stay or want to go to cause our pronounciation of words are just so different. When we got in the taxi and said we want to go Khao San they dun understand what we were talking about. We tried different variations like KHAU SHAN, KAU SAN.. still they never know. We could only point to the map.
Then he askd us what street it was at. We said Rambuttri Road. He was giving us this “I don’t know this road exist” look. At one point… we go like RAM-BOO-TRI, RAM-BOO-TREE… at a point I even said RAMBUTAN… sigh… none of them come close.
But the taxi driver was such a friendly and nice person. He took the iniative to use his cellphone and called someone with better english command and pass the phone to Jimbo. Jimbo told that person where we wanted to go and then convey the location to the taxi driver.
Aww… I am so in love with their service and attitude. Not to mention the taxi driver is not bad looking. *evil grin*
After we reach our hotel and took our bath, me and Jimbo decided to walk down and grab a drink. Since there were lots of pubs and places to drink around, we just walk towards one that is less noisy ones. We sat down where Jimbo have a cold glass of beer and I have my fair share of Gin Tonic.
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And soon.. Jimbo start with his Tell Me A Story™. Okay.. so now I am suppose to tell stories. Great~ I am now a story teller! Talk about still have to think of what story to tell on a Holiday!
I then started to tells stories. Hemm.. what sort of stories? Let’s just say I have lots to tell. Too many to mention… you will find out if you go holiday with me
I am not being known as a crapper among my friend for no reason. 
We then went back to the hotel and just doze off to bed to wake up early the next day and start our day early!
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Other related post:
Bangkok Trip Day01: Breakfast at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Bangkok Trip Day01: The Centre of the Backpacking Universe
Bangkok Trip Day01: Very Touristy, but hell I am a tourist!
Bangkok Trip Day02: The Shopping Begins!
Bangkok Trip Day03: Just TUK fast TUK furious!
Bangkok Trip Day04: Goodbye Bangkok~ |
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Posted by by velverse at Sunday, November 19th, 2006
(versemark Uncategorized)
16 Comments » | Link to post |
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| Bangkok Trip Day01: The Centre of the Backpacking Universe |
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Backdated post. Actual event took place on 17 August 2006.
… I smell Tom Yam. Er… I mean I smell Thai. I woke up only to notice I am still in the plane. Still wondering what to do. That’s when Jimbo woke up too and he start impressing me with his iPod videos and showed me adicolour ads. I was amazed with the ads.
We then safely touch down at Thailand International Airport. Gone through massive checks… walk out to find transportation to our hotel.
As we walk to the information counter, I notice there were lots of brochure about Thailand available, but the sad part, it’s all in Japanese or Korean language. At the counter, we got a cab to our hotel. The cab fare cost 700 Baht inclusive of tol fares.
By the way, the exchange rate: RM1 = 8.57 Baht.
We walk out to our cab only to notice Shinhwa (famous Korean boy band) is arriving also. We saw lots of fans holding big banners and all waiting for them to arrive.
Just as I board the cab to get to out hotel, it was amazing! It’s like I have been living in the cave for like a million years. Everything seems different. Little little things amaze me. I somehow find their ads more creative (although I don’t really know what most of them is talking about). They have a lot of ads on the glasses of the buildings.
It took us 45 minutes to reach the hotel. The jam in Thailand wasn’t as bad as what being rumoured. It was alrite. I think it was somehow far better than some of the jams I had back in Malaysia.
We check in to Viengtai Hotel which was located at Khao San (the centre of the backpacking universe). Loads of travellers, perfect spot for cheap stuffs, bars that open till late night and many other exciting stuff.
Address:
Viengtai Hotel
42 Tanee Road, Banglampu,
Bangkok 10200, Thailand
Telephone Number: (662) 280 5434 45
Fax: (662) 281 8153
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After we check in and dump our luggage, we sit back, pulled out the map we took just now and plan what we will be doing for the next 3 days. Looking at infos that Jimbo print out, notes his Thai friends gave him, we finally have everything planned.
We then walk around Khao San for food. There were actually many eating place around. Lots of roadside stalls, hawker food along the way. No worries of getting hungry any time of the day.
We decided to eat at Pannee Guest House to eat. It was just like 3 minutes walk from the hotel. It wasn’t really any fancy place since we wanted something more local and thai. Something not so classy yet not too dodgy. Moderation is the keyword.
Jimbo ordered Shrimp Fried Rice (65 Baht), I ordered Fried Rice with Pineapple, Cashewnuts and Shrimp (70 Baht). What is visiting Thailand all about if I miss out the Pineapple Fried Rice?
We also ordered Chicken Soup with Coconut and Chili (80 Baht) to share. As for drinks, we each have Ice Tea (25 Baht).
I don’t know what to say. The food here comes in this really big portion. With generous amount of shrimp and yet the price was reasonable.
It just tasted good. I don’t know what they throw in.. but it was really really good. It tasted just right. Not too salty, not too spicy, not too oily. I obviously love the taste since I love lemongrass :). I think it was one of the best herbs ever found!
But I must say the soup was rather sourish for my taste. Erm… maybe I didn’t expect it to be sour in the first place since most sour stuff over in Malaysia are normally red (e.g Asam Laksa).
Address:
Pannee Guest House
Soi Rambutri, Chanasongkram
Telephone Number: (662) 282 5576
Right after luch, we took out the map and started our journey. We started to roam around our area only to notice the street behind our hotel was pretty much like Petaling Street (refer to top most picture). Busy with lots of stalls that sells cloths, pyjamas, food and etc.
Suddenly, something catch our attention…
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Other related post:
Bangkok Trip Day01: Breakfast at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Bangkok Trip Day01: The Centre of the Backpacking Universe
Bangkok Trip Day01: Very Touristy, but hell I am a tourist!
Bangkok Trip Day02: The Shopping Begins!
Bangkok Trip Day03: Just TUK fast TUK furious!
Bangkok Trip Day04: Goodbye Bangkok~ |
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Posted by by velverse at Thursday, November 16th, 2006
(versemark Uncategorized)
11 Comments » | Link to post |
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| Bangkok Trip Day01: Breakfast at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf |
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Backdated post. Actual event took place on 17 August 2006.
I was pretty excited the night before. Jumping around, surfing a lot of sites to know more about Bangkok. I know I am going to be there in less than 24 hours.
I recheck my luggage I think at least 8 times. I even have a check list which I re-tick like 2 times. It’s been a while since I wake up this early. I woke up earlier than my usual hours and the best part is I didn’t complain.
I met up with Jimbo in KL Sentral and we both took the KLIA and arrive to the airport just in time to check-in our luggage. In case you wonder… yes, it’s just jimbo, me, I and him in this trip. And no, we are not couples.
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After checking in, we still have like an hour or so till the plane leaves for Thailand. Jimbo stop by a convenient shop to buy reloads.
We then stop by Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and have breakfast. Wooohoo… we both ordered the same thing there. We both have the Break ‘O’ Day.
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The Break ‘O’ Day, being priced at RM14.70 comes with coffee/tea, 2 sausages, 2 thick lightly toasted bread (with butter and jam), scrambled eggs and dried cranberries salad.
I think overall, everything was pretty much alrite except… yeah… except for their coffee. Being known as COFFEE Bean, their coffee sux to the max. Even a person like me who doesn’t know how to appriciate good coffee thinks it tasted bad.
Now you tell me how bad it is :).
We then walk around the terminal to look for postbox since Jimbo wanted to post something out. Amazingly, we can’t find any. So yeah, it’s not like what you see in TV where you can just post a postcard or something before you leave the country. Not here
After walking around a while, we decided to go in and just wait for our plane to arrive and I seriously can’t wait to get on board.
Looking at the surrounding, I find this place sorta odd. I felt like I am at this big factory where I am like being smuggled out of the country.
Did I just say I felt like I am being smuggles out of the country? Well it seriously feels so. It felt so different. The experience is just so different. Way different from the ones I have in KLIA.
*still waiting for plane* Sigh… the que is long!
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Ah.. our plane is here and we are now just 2 hours away from holiday!I am still excited. Jimbo was trying to catch some sleep since he didn’t sleep. Men and football *sigh*.
Since no one talk to me. I snap some pictures and then doze off to sleep. When I wake up…
Other related post:
Bangkok Trip Day01: Breakfast at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Bangkok Trip Day01: The Centre of the Backpacking Universe
Bangkok Trip Day01: Very Touristy, but hell I am a tourist!
Bangkok Trip Day02: The Shopping Begins!
Bangkok Trip Day03: Just TUK fast TUK furious!
Bangkok Trip Day04: Goodbye Bangkok~ |
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Posted by by velverse at Wednesday, November 15th, 2006
(versemark Uncategorized)
14 Comments » | Link to post |
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| Project Crossroad: Clown |
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Circus, big tents… it’s just a few things that excites me. What is even better is a big pack of popcorn, a big fluffy pink cotton candy, large coke. Better still if I could win a big dollie and carry around. I like talking to dolls :). Well.. then you will see a big group of kids surrounding something. Yes, a clown. One with big red nose. Make up face, funky big mouth, colourful hair, polka dot cloths and big flappy shoes. Now let’s see what they all have to say.
As promised in his previous comment, Brian is all set to cheer everyone up with his joyful sheep after missiong out on the previous project. A cute clown sheep with cool balloon tied to it’s leg. I simply like the background. It just somehow brighten my day~
Winnie is back! This time, she dumped her Liucas and submitted cute Miss Natalie in. Being so funky and trendy, her clown is all set with ribbons and bow. No to even mention the super duper big red nose! Now, even clowns are more fashionable these days.
Ah… I did my part of the clown. Not exectly what I want it to be. It sorta have a lot of difference from the one I initially sketch out. But well… probably another enhanced version in the near future.
But well, I am totally happy with the eyes of the clown as it turns out exectly like what I want it to be
What is up next week?
Project theme: Prisoner
Project description: You commit a crime. You get caught, You stay in this small tiny room for the rest of your life. Wearing only stripe cloths. Well.. think on the bright side. At least you won’t have to bother to mix and match your cloths
Project deadline: 22 November 2006, Wednesday.
Submit to: mandy@velverse.com
Anyone and everyone is welcome to join. Be it good or bad… it’s just something we do for fun! Generate some cool ideas and well.. surely fill up some of our boring times
Click on the banner go link to the project crossroad gallery.
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Posted by by velverse at Wednesday, November 15th, 2006
(versemark Uncategorized)
10 Comments » | Link to post |
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