The Masterful Surprise

The One With The Car Discussion

2010-10-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

It's 5:12am. The Charlatans are playing You're So Pretty in the background, and I've just watched Jamiroquai's two new videos from their upcoming album and it's looking real good. I've plagued myself with the "what car?" question this past week (Jay Kay does not help me at any point), and I've promised myself to write a rant about the looming problem so that future generations of myself can view this post, shake their heads in disagreement to the tune of "What was I thinking?". So, here goes:

As you know, I've traded in the Lancer GT about half a year ago for a 07' Proton Saga. Yes, a Proton Saga. What brings upon such madness? Why would any sane person do such a thing? I've questioned my sanity multiple times, and let me tell you that it's actually the most practical (surprise, surprise) reasons that get to me. It's all partly down to Proton's annoying deal with Mitsubishi to rebadge the Lancer as the Waja next month or so. (Insert quote from Armageddon here: It's happened before, it'll happen again.) So yeah, Lancer owners will now have sleepless nights that their pride and joy will now not only be worth less than a half a ham sandwich; but in the process of Malaysian-ization it will also be nicked by the Waja owners in their futile attempts of Waja-lutionizing their badly made Malaysian product. So, OK it makes some sense in selling it off before depreciation sets in, besides it wasn't an absolutely lovely car to drive anyways, the CVT is rubbish unless set in manual mode; where it becomes clear that there's one virtual gear too many, and only fun at the limit, which is a shame because while it's got a lovely chassis, when the gearbox is pushed it warns the driver that something very expensive to replace is overheating and you should slow down (imagine a nice girl telling you that in the middle of a heated...); which is fine if you have that remedy of what they call being rich, but not quite; because you then realise that most of the service centres are run by incompetent EON staff. I've got to say that the only redeeming factor about the car was it's rigid body (apparently stiffer than an Evo IX) but it just didn't have the grunt to make it shine through. All in all, it was sold off because it wasn't a serious enough of a machine, and the fact that it's just plain silly to hang on to something that will soon depreciate and then get stolen. So right, why the hell replace it with a Saga then? It's all down to economics. If I were to drive the said Lancer for say 3 years, it'll depreciate at least RM30,000. If I swapped it with the cheapest car I can find, and drive it for the same 3 years, I lose whatever the cheap car costs, and keep the remaining that I would have lost to depreciation plus I gain the cheap car. It all makes sense.

However, making sense is rarely a nice thing. It's neither comfortable, nor quick. Or safe. It feels absolutely on the edge most of the time, and being an extremist of sorts, I do appreciate some of it's qualities; the interior is quite nicely laid out (after the mods) and it's very exciting to drive even at slow speeds (simply because the bodywork is made from metal so thin, and noise insulation is non-existant); but if I'm honest, it is also amazingly cheap to run. So a plus then?

Not quite. It's blessed with an immensely hard ride (why Proton decided that this car needed firmer springs I will never fathom), rubbish to look at (except for the rear three-quarter view; which I still maintain is retro-cool; but I'm very sure nice looking model types will never realise this) and smoke from either the exhaust manifold (or from somewhere mysterious along the pipe) leaks into the cabin on certain days. I find this a pain because it is my A-B (Oh how I loathe A-B cars, but that's a whole different story for a different post) daily driver, this. It's even more of a pain simply because I've been driving all these lovely supercars of late. One day in a DBS, and the next in horrible horribledom. I'm not complaining about the supercars (please, keep em' coming) but something's got to be done about the Saga. But what?

The way i see it, I've either got the option of fixing it (the uber annoying bits), or; like my mind suggests: change it. Sure, while fixing it's bad points might make it more comfortable and livable, it will not, without a doubt, make it look any prettier, or garner much respect in any form whatsoever; unless I put a tractor arm in the boot or something (Ha! I was serious about that, Chen. Always serious.). So it's a change then? Some fresh air?

Not really. If it's a question of getting the GTT I've been harping about in the last post, then I'm sorry but I don't think my lack of career allows me to maintain it. Same goes with the almost-10k-a-year maintainence of the 350Z. That just about scraps most big engined, rear wheel drives off the list. What if they cost much less? What? A GTO? It looks a bit dated, and to be honest, I can't really pretend that the gearbox won't crumble in short intervals. Rotary engines are not even an option due to their imminent problems, so that rules out any RX-7 and the bargain bin RX-8. Something newer then? An Impreza Ver. 7 or 8? An Evo VIII? Impressive performance but... Nah. I'm not into the whole 4-door saloon thing. Let me explain: I'm against the whole practicality thing. It's the same reason I shoved two huge buckets into the Saga (Trust me, I would remove the rear seats in a heartbeat if I had the option to). I never understood the whole need to buy a practical car. Do you carry full luggage every single day? Do you really need to carry more than one passenger at a time? If your svelte girlfriend needs to carry more than a miniature handbag out to that function that you're attending, you've got the wrong girl anyways. Do you really need more legitimate reasons to help your friends move house? That's what I thought. As far as I'm concerned, practicality robs a person of two things: performance (from weight) and pointless additional cost (from carrying idiots in the rear who again rob you of more performance (The rear seats are heavy enough, you now want to carry people on them too?), fuel economy and most importantly; style (4 door cars look rubbish next to coupes)) Now i'm sure there are some exceptions to my anti 4-door rule. In my book, there are four exceptions: they're called The Flying Spur, Quattroporte, Panamera and Rapide. That's simply because that while they do have four doors, that does not make them any more practical than the next sports coupe (or less mad for that matter). And unless I decide to have a family, I wouldn't be exempted from my own ruling to buy anything close to a Cayenne Turbo, which I do respect immensely. Incidentally, it's my ideal car for the school run. It's called a run for a reason, yea? So what else is there? Something classic like an old 911 or 1980's 3-series coupe doesn't make financial sense; and parts will be hard to find, especially after next year's governmental ruling on half-cuts. Older S-Classes are more expensive to maintain than a GTT, and would probably break down twice, no three times as often. So what then? I've thought hard and long, and there's no real answer because everything is a compromise for something.

"And on that bombshell..."

It's October? Already?

2010-10-03T10:29:00.000-07:00

It's 1:30am and Hyun_A's Change is about to come on, it's about (give or take) a month or so to GT5. It's like Fast & Furious all over again. I'm going to be that boy that bought the large popcorn to get the key ring with no real ride in the garage just yet. I know. I've been harping on the issue for just over 3 and then some years now. It's annoying. It's been annoying my thoughts, and a good part of me is going a little insane. In terms of getting a real job, there's been a lot of directions this year. From being a systems engineer, to multimedia web designer, to freelance designer, to wedding media production. Then there's the whole Korean direction. The world seems to be heading in that direction. And I can't blame them. It's just a lot of change for a person that just wants a R34 GTT for as long as I can remember. I've been scouring a good part of the local web and print classifieds and seeing them (GTTs) come and go really makes me weary. I feel for every pristine example that will probably never surface in the same condition again. It's like when I laid my eyes on that yellow Tommy Kaira R34 when I was just back from my 2 and a half year "expedition". The horizon looks barren and the space far in-between; the sounds of that turbocharged six cylinder inline nowhere to be heard. It's about timing apparently. But we all know how that goes, and I'm not convinced it'll turn out the way it's supposed to.

It never does.

August

2010-08-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

It's August 2010. Lily Allen's Who'd Have Known is playing. It's quite fitting of the situation, simply because all those months ago when I stepped off that plane I certainly didn't expect that in a year or so life was going to make a huge three-sixty sporting a big up yours. Sure, you could argue it wasn't all bad. There were the supercars I never dreamt I would drive (this soon anyways) and go sideways in. Then I went and did that whole relationship thing (which, mind you was so immensely overrated and tiring). And then that freelance thing. It's pretty much downhill from there. I'm not out of control. I'm just letting it slip. It's one thing to go into self destruction, and much a different story to do it willingly. In a roller coaster of sorts, you know you need the sudden realization to wake up. But get this, what if I'm not asleep? And I wake up from nothing? And all this is really what I've gotten myself into? Picking up the pieces have never been my forte, nor am I a stranger to it. It's just like John McClane, how many times can the same shit happen to the same person again, and again? It sometimes feels like life is a damn sequel with all the familiar plot twists. Some days, I just dont give a fuck anymore. What's the big plan anyway? There is a voice to reason, and it sounds like a bitch.

I remembered a time in the past when it was all apart, but yet it was all perfect. If I ever get that opportune moment again, please make sure I don't let it all go all over again.

What?

2010-02-09T01:57:00.001-08:00

It's 5:47pm and I'm at the office staring down at the FSLabs blog, (the F-Secure one that updates on security happenings around the world) and Daiki Kasho's playing on the earphones plugged into the laptop but I'm not listening to them, as the office room is filled by random melodramatic malay ballads in the background (thanks to my workmate). I'm not really enjoying any of this (besides the nice freezing air conditioning). It's now about 10 minutes till pack up and go, and I can tell you this: it's been a good 3 months in this job and I'm kinda getting used to it. The routine. The pointlessness. It just seems that my dreams keep getting further away day by day, and that I'm here just sat doing nothing. It really should be a wake up call but I'm not really sure I can get out of the gravity of the situation without the help, or more precisely: some good alco sessions. Well it's time to go home. Will update perhaps tomorrow, when it all loops again.

SURV1V3

2010-02-09T01:25:00.000-08:00

[instrumental - 2 bars]

(When the daylight's in my eyes)
(It wakes me and I feel alive)
(Drift away to free my soul)
(Drive away to free my will)
(Fade into the air)
(Just to stay alive)
(...alive...)

[instrumental - 3 bars]

I can't, I can't survive
Struggle to find the way, but faith is on my side
There's nothing left, block out!
Stuck in my life, why can't I go do my thing
Break out!
Nothing to gain, you know it feels like ash
I can't, I can't describe
I feel I've lost control, within the twisted will in my eye
Work out!
Stuck in this place, why can't I rise up through this maze?
Break out!
There's no way back, the time is now for me

[instrumental - 1 bar]

Drift away to free my soul
Another day, another way
Fade into the air
Just to stay alive
Find myself again
Drive away to free my will
Straying like the clouds
Just to stay alive

[instrumental - 6 bars]

(When the daylight's in my eyes)
(It wakes me and I feel alive)
(Drift away to free my soul)
(Drive away to free my will)
(Fade into the air)
(Just to stay alive)

Walk out!
Stuck in this place, why can't I rise up through this maze?
(Drift away to free my soul)
(Drive away to free my will)
Walk out!
Stuck in this place, why can't I rise up through this maze?
(Fade into the air)
(Just to stay alive)

I can't, I can't survive
I try to find the way, but faith will be my guide
There's nothing left, block out!
Stuck in my life, why can't I rise up through this maze?
Break out!
There's no way back, you know it feels like ash

[instrumental - 1 bar]

When the daylight's in my eyes
It wakes me and I feel alive
Fade into the frozen air
Just to stay alive
Face myself again
Drift away to free my soul,
Find the way, 'cause faith looks in
On my side, he rode

[instrumental - 2 bars]

(When the daylight's in my eyes)
(It wakes me and I feel alive)
(Drift away to free my soul)
(Drive away to free my will)
(Fade into the air)
(Fade into the air)
(Drift away to free my soul)
(Drive away to free my will)
(Fade into the air)
(Just to stay alive)

Something's Not Quite Right...

2009-10-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

It's a minute to 4am as I'm typing this on my excellently new, nice, but slightly less well equipped keyboard (my Australian one called it quits; what's new?) and I'm completely knackered. I've spent most of my Friday night completing my rendition of a Veyron-Ark painting for my portfolio (whilst completing a half-bottle of Chivas Regal at the same time) listening to MSTRKRFT's Fist of God album (which is brilliant, I must say). Why am I sat doing work on a Friday night when I should be out lingering with pretty girls at the clubs or scouring the streets for lovely supper? The answer is hardly surprising: It's almost been two months (or has it?) since I've gotten back home, and I'm supposed to get a job. My portfolio has been on hold for a decade or so simply because I have had better things to do. And I do have better things to do. Tons of games need to be finished, weight needs to be lost, and my car needs some customising. That's not even inclusive of the claiming of my superannuation from my previous job back in Melbourne. It's hard to believe that I was there for a few years. It all seems all too distant, and my reality has again shifted considerably. Nothing has really gone to plan, and I'm a bit sceptical that anything will. You see, when a sports-coupe becomes a sedan, and weight-loss becomes weight-gain, the weather isn't exactly enjoyable, and all the girls you see cannot compare (per sq.ft.), it becomes real pointless to find a job. Except for the money thing, obviously.

Which is annoying, because there was supposed to be a 350z in the garage, a lot of (alcoholic) tropical drinks with little paper umbrellas, and sexy girls to do (instead of portfolios) on Friday nights.

The Kojima Report

2009-06-06T09:51:00.000-07:00

So what happens is; after waking up at 8am on the 2nd (after sleeping at 5am); I'm treated to the serenity of what was torrential rain and thunder into somthing really calm and nice, soft hues of streaming water and birds chirping, only to be disturbed by the fact that the next in the line of MGS games is going to be a Raiden based one. Not too surprising since he happens to be Kojima's favourite son of sorts. What IS interesting comes the day after: a proper MGS for the PSP?

E3 was immensely exciting too: Mario Galaxy 2? A new new Super Mario Bros? GT for the PSP? And get this....Kojima doing a Castlevania? What the hell's going on yeah? It's brilliant. And I can't wait for Ghostbusters at the end of the month, amongst other things.

So Kojima, you like to see yourself on TV huh?

2009-05-21T18:37:00.000-07:00

So I was there waiting (read:no toilet breaks during the vicinity of the thing going zero) for the stuped timer thing to go off and give me a sort of exclusive reveal on their next project. So the thing does go to zero. And does nothing. No insane hints or flashes of Naomi (nice pun!). Being a paranoid android, I tabbed the page and reloaded it on another hoping for something new. Being overloaded as hell (the site), it sure took it's time. So you'd think there'd be some sort of mild anticipation when...

All I get is another timer. WTF mate? ANOTHER TIMER? You gotta be kidding me. So it flashes 5, E, e, 3 (in that order). What does that even mean? Reveals at e3? 5Ee 3? WTF?? Mind you I could have gotten it a bit wrong but yeah.

So I'll see you in 199 hours Kojima. It better not be another timer.

It's funny when where you want to be isn't a location.

2009-04-16T22:08:00.000-07:00

April 16th came and went, and it was good. Built my day around the movie (and as expected), ran into logistics issues. It was well worth it, but only got to watch it twice. Now, it's the day after; and the after-effects are yet to set in proper. The soundtrack has been on loop for the past week or so (Blanco!) and yes, as Sal pointed out so blatantly, this is the first time I've watched a F&F movie without any sort of automobile sat in the garage. I thought I would have gone a bit madder than this. But it's a sad realization that I might have accepted the facts, and that's worrying simply because; I never accept the facts.
As far as I can see, the movie did have some direct effects: the return to modding culture has been re-sparked, and as long as I keep myself in line, that's a good thing. It was also surprisingly well made (I'm biased on this) and a nice reunion with characters that I have grown to adore 8 or so years ago.

Need to head out to work again, so have to leave this as it is. And yes, it's this stark contrast with reality that will drive me mad.

Square One.

2009-03-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

Haven't written in for quite a bit and quite a fair bit has happened. First off I've moved away from Milano into someplace in the middle of Richmond, where most of my day takes place anyways (think uni and work). Secondly, my project-cum-workhorse EG4 has been totalled (read total-loss) last Tuesday (I won't go into details but it was not my doing for once). So it's all a bit odd. There were some (Sydney for one) good times with the car. It was surprisingly fuel efficient, torquey and did the job without (much) complaining, although the red-pink faded paint job did bring back not so fond memories of the 1.3. Well I suppose the end of the project was inevitable anyway. A considerable amount of time (and resources) was put into sourcing suitable wheels, tyres, exhaust tailpipe, let alone the Spoon front splitter (understand that Melbourne is a total mod part sourcing nightmare). I just kinda feel bad for the EG. It's like it had such potential. A B18C transplant, a pair of Recaros and some footwork complimented with some gun metal paint was all it needed (OK maybe a decent amp, some 6X9s, a sub, sunroof, front and rear lens, a HID system, mudflaps, boot cover, spoon spoiler and some upholstery refurbishing was in order).
So yeah, it's all over now (for the better I suppose) but then what I'm left with is the bicycle again (and public transport). Granted that the train station is really close by and the tram stop is directly in front of the house, it means trips to K-mart at 3am or my frankfurter run to the Safeway in Camberwell is pretty much a no-no. I've contemplated cycling around at night, but it's getting pretty cold at the moment. I like cold mind you, but then I like cold so I can huddle up in my blanket, safe and warm. Not so much when you're travelling at 20 or so km/h without a windshield (Don't say superbiking is the same cos you get to wear nice leathers and a full faced Arai or whatever and you'd just look silly riding a bicycle in leathers.) So it's back to PGR4 I suppose.

Square one. Again.

Tiger Wooks 09' for XBOX360, PS3 & Wii.

2009-02-14T21:25:00.000-08:00

Leading sports video games maker EA Sports has announced earlier today that they will be dropping their world #1 franchise Tiger Woods PGA TOUR for a new partnership with Tiger Wooks, golfing world's current ultimate champion, and released a press release stating that Woods was "past his prime" and [that] "gamers needed a change, but will not really notice the difference anyways". Wooks is a newcomer to the golfing arena but made headlines early last year when he entered the PGA Tour without a handicap quoting that "Pros aren't limited to such trivial things". Well known for taking radical risks on the course and then somehow winning them through sheer trajectory (or luck), Wooks is the only player in golfing history to win the PGA Tour twice in a year, entering two player profiles in 2008, and then getting to a tie with himself at the top. "I really wanted two jackets." was Wooks winning quote as he clinched the title last year.

EA Sports's decision to drop former #1 Tiger Woods came as a shock to many PGA TOUR fans as they were worried that the increased skill of Wooks would mean that uncomprehensible skill would be required to play the game. To calm diehard fans of the game, Wooks released a press statement stating that the game mechanics would remain exactly the same down to the box art itself (bar the change of Woods to Wooks). Wooks was also quoted saying that "fans of the old Woods game will feel right at home with Wooks simply because it is the same game." and [that] "we didn't want to change the game at all not because it is perfect, but because it's a waste of time and money". When asked if there were any differences at all, Wooks cunningly smiled and said "It's got my name on it."

Wooks also sparked controversy early this year after blowing the time-old adage that golfing requires skill -- "Golfing is not about skill, it is about trajectory. I acknowledge skill, and am therefore thankful not to possess any." Wooks plans to win 3 PGA Tours this year to "set the record straight" by using his 2010 game in 2009. When asked how he will perform such a task, he said "people [other golfers] always bring forth their game to evolve. I bring my game from the future so it's already evolved."

-Golferworld

Making sense of fate, and perhaps love itself.

2009-02-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

It's 3.55 in the morning, and I'm back on the bourbon. I've just watched Ghost Town (right after Kevin Smith's aptly titled Zack and Miri make a porno.) and after a bit of emotional soul searching (something I tend to do after watching movies; especially rom-coms), I've just realised that fate is the direct consequence of a cumulative will of others. And because of that there is no way to actually fully control anything. When people tell you to do your best, they're basically asking you to have the will to try and control your fate. Which is subject to the cumulative will of others, or "the environment" around us, so to speak. So what you ask? Where am I going with this? The point of this rant really is to prove two things. First, controlling your life is absurd, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't try. There are things that we want to control, the illusion of power, acceptance and perceived happiness envelopes us. However there is one thing that money and power can never buy. And The Beatles were right, it really is love (well they were on the right track anyway). Money can get you percieved love yes. Physical love definitely. But not true love. None of the heart wrenching feelings you get when you see that perfect smile. Or that warm glow. But the point really isn't about love. It's about the will of others , mislead with the example of love. You can influence people to change their minds. But you can never really control their will. And that's the one true gift that each of us have. That's the one equal thing that each and every inhabitant of this planet has. The amount of will however, is sadly not equal. The second point I was trying to get at was that will itself is the only important thing we need to build. Because, with will, we can achieve the skills we don't have, get the things we want, and get the things we need. But things will remain things. And remember, you can never buy true love. That comes from a culmulative will of two (or in some instances, more) people. And that, my friend is exactly is why some people will always tell you that love is fated.

It's November? Is it?

2008-11-23T06:20:00.000-08:00

It's been way too long since I last put a rant in, and all I can muster up is probably one that wouldn't do the hiatus any sort of justice. So what's new? As you can probably tell, I've just went and watched Quantum of Solace...twice. Gemma Arterton really is someone to look out for, I mean Kurylenko really is exotic, but Gemma simply lingers in the mind really. I'm really a little appalled that most of the people I have met did not enjoy the movie, yet alone think it was great. It was well choreographed, the DBS scene was lovely, and I think it was quite well balanced for a movie as such. Did anyone even remember the horrible horrible Die Another Day? Either ways, my end of the year break has just begun, well, as soon as I hand up my practically finished design doco anyways. It feels like a holiday already anyway. I've got work tomorrow afternoon so can't really do much now at all. This holidays was meant to be action packed, but the momentum it has built over the past few weeks have slowed down into a slow, lazy crawl. I'm not sure myself what's been going on this semester really. It's been a full thirteen (or fourteen) weeks constantly juggling insanity with work and assignments, kept in check by the consumption of way too much alcohol at home (which I'm on at the moment) , lack of any actual relationships (although that doesn't mean I didn't have any time to get a bit..naughty.) Getting bored...will continue this rant in a bit.

Australesque Days

2008-09-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

I got myself a bike. No. Not the one in the picture. It's a bicycle. Wanted to upload a picture of it, but this looks...so much prettier. But this is the bike I keep stopping to stare endlessly at when riding along Elizabeth on my way back from work. That's right. I got work. I'm not sure how long they'll let me keep doing what I've been doing. But I do hope they pay me real soon. Because I've spent most of my money on the bicycle. And a wii. The bicycle's pretty specced up, 21 gears, speed meter and all the bells and erm..lights. I was planning to hook up the N95 to it but have yet to do so. GPS and Rihanna live on the go sounds pretty nice. On a bicycle. Well it's all in the works (and by that I mean someday soon probably). Anyways, the wii was a sudden thing as well. I was playing on my housemate's wii and almost finished Sonic 2 on it when I realised that this will be as close to a NES that I'll ever get. And that's something I've wanted since 1985. And so I went ahead on that front. Classes have been good and bad. I've been going but assignments are accumulating as usual. Life's been kinda surreal these past weeks. I don't think it's good or bad. Just different. I have a lot less PGR4 time, but it's not really such a bad thing. It's nice to have that to come home to but it's been less of a relaxation compared to some bourbon and sleep. Am also toying with the idea of rearranging the room. Taking the minimalist approach this time around. Something calm yet stylish. At the moment it's all the very messy. But a functional mess. It's like layers of stuff that's connected somehow. I've always wanted to give the minimalist approach a shot, but it always seems distant considering my inner OCD wants everything to be on demand. What makes this attempt any different? I figure with this much change happening around me, maybe I should just ride it out. Make a real change. And see where that takes me. Maybe it'll take me to that bike shop on Elizabeth selling that beautiful yellow CBR1000RR. And that ain't half bad.

Times like these..

2008-08-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

I'm bothered. I'm not sure by what. Oh, that's right. I'm annoyed that class starts in 2 days. I'm annoyed that I haven't done anything to mark the end of the holidays. I'm annoyed that the Tattslotto numbers I got on 8/8/08 didn't turn out the way it should've. I'm annoyed that it's raining and the weather outside is just too cold to do any form of venturing or any sort of partying. I'm annoyed at my $100 mobile bill. I'm annoyed by the fact that I'm not sure why I got The Corrs DVD. I'm annoyed that the only thing that was worth watching on TV was Star Wars Episode II (NOT the Olympics). I'm annoyed that there hasn't been some miracle that has somehow made me an owner of a brand new Skyline. I'm annoyed that I was too full up from dinner to have Pacific duck rice or the Shanghai dumplings after. I'm annoyed that I'm starting to sound like I'm bitching over trivial things. Silver lining? I saw a massive rainbow today. I met a really really cute waitress at a nice Japanese restaurant today (the food was nice as well but pales by comparison to her). I've managed to play a few songs on hard mode in Guitar Hero. I managed to not splash on a PS3 today (although who knows what spending spree tomorrow holds?). I got the definitive Foreigner remastered CD and liked it. I have fallen in love with chocolates again and have surprisingly no worries on how many calories they might hold. And I got my lovely chicken chips. I managed to contact some old acquaintances too.

Negativity wins. I'm bothered. Good thing for me (and you lucky readers!) I have the picture on this post to stare endlessly at. Whoever she is.

At Holiday's End

2008-08-06T09:24:00.000-07:00

I hate the feeling that I get when a new semester is looming beyond the weekend. Given that most of my semesters are kinda like my holidays but with commitments and trips to Glenferrie dotted about my calendar, it's still annoying really. It's like having this whole commitment shadow over you. It takes the fun out of everything. Which is why I've literally gone mad about going mad for the past week or so. It's like a release to kick off the semester. It started with the notion of what if? and continued to what if I got a macbook? what if instead I got a VAIO? (I've been wanting the lightweight TX series for ages) what if I got myself a bike? what about a car? what if I just bought a ticket to Tokyo? or Hong Kong? It was all physically possible. This idea to go mad. None of it was really viable though. First off I already have a laptop, and all those that I wanted had a similar specification. Secondly, a learner permit only allows me to ride a 250cc bike, which ruins all superbike aspirations. I could get a car, but would have nowhere to park it. Or pay for the maintainence for a 1980s BMW 5 Series. And the globe-trotting trips just cost more than a bike and laptop combined. So I've just bought myself some Nelson County and Wicked Wings (that's bourbon and fried chicken to all you non-Aussie folks) and some chicken chilopolatas (chicken sausages), and did a few hours of PGR4. It's one of those times where I'm glad I bought that 360 steering wheel. It really helps me cruise (I'm referring to my state of mind). But it's annoying that after awhile you realize that you're cruising in circles. Might need Import Tuner Challenge. Perhaps that's something to do tomorrow. Along with FFIV. But that's just...pointless. Hmm...well I had no problem with Melbourne until now. Not like I have a real problem with the city. Well I do actually. It's too damn small. Maybe I'm just limited by my insistence that I DO NOT LIKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT. All the very..pedestrian. It's good for exercise or what not; but it'll never beat driving the GTi down any given highway. And now that it's sold, I'll be coming home to...ugh. I don't even want to think about it. It's at least a year before I see a replacement, and I hope PGR4 and GRID really does it's job. But there's a bright side to the sitch you say? How's buying a bicycle? I'm seriously thinking about it; but apparently it doesn't do any favours for my manhood. It's on the internet, so it's gotta be true. Alters and kills your kids apparenly (and get this..even before you get that tofu-breasted supermodel you see on Project Runway). I feel as though the city doesn't want me to get transport of any kind, kinda like a sick joke that happens to be real. Very real. What's worse? M3s and Skylines and S15s are aplenty. All driven by korean hippies that wouldn't know the difference between traction control and ABS. Well OK so that might be an exaggeration. But it's really starting to make me wonder. Is the want of an RB26DETT that big of a dream? Is the 355 GTS really more capable that the FQ-400 as it implies in PGR4? I think the correct answer to that is whatever. Tomorrow comes whether you're content or not.

Might as well put whatever to good use.

July

2008-07-19T02:10:00.000-07:00

It's been ultimately a very long time since my last post. I'm well aware of that, and what better time to update the blog now when all traffic has probably come to a halt? It'll make a good update anyways. Tons have happened since the last post that I'm not sure where to even begin. Let's see, there was the semester (which wasn't the smoothest of semesters I might add, but it's all good at the moment), and Uni probably starts in about a month. That leaves me with much less time to finish what I started out to do. Given, so far this holiday has seen MGS4, GTA4 and Halo 3 finished so far, but it's a far cry from what is my everyday life. That was all done in a span of about a week. What about the other month or so? I can't really remember much about it except that I've been spending the past week or so getting best times for PGR4's Quebec grand city tour route. It's really a very brilliant course. Made real by the 360 steering. I can't say I've felt a more realistic driving simulation solution atm. It's really brill until Sal decides to get the G25 for GT5 (although he's probably going to use it to run Daytona USA on emus) , which is basically a date TBA. Oh, and been guitar heroing around the house every so often, esp with the new Top Gun Anthem available free. Besides that I've been really just been watching the Long Way Down (which is absolutely brilliant) and dreaming of buying superbikes for a week or so. It's terribly annoying that there's no job replies yet. But like Rachel once said (in SE01 EP01 more accurately) "I'm qualified for nothing!" and then goes on to be so cheerily happy because she got her new boots boots with her dad's credit card. Or something like that. I would like to say I'm in a similar dilemma, except I didn't run away from a wedding, or have a credit card for that matter. I suppose my dad probably had an epiphany that I'm more than capable to buy a bike had I been given said card. Wise. But that doesn't change the fact that I don't have personal transport to Sydney for my year end extravaganza. Well, it's still a few months away and I need to get a license as well. All this ranting seems too...amateurish! Annnyways..it's about 13 degrees outside and it's kinda lovely weather especially with Daft Punk's Technologic playing in the background. It's been one really different year. It's not that much better, but then I can't say it's that much worse as well. It's just been horribly weird. Changes are good they say. Really? I've thought about it. People adapt to changes in two ways. One, they (sooner or later) accept their fate, and give in to change. The second, adapt to the change but do not accept their fate, trying to make the change controllable, or more to their own tune. This is both good and bad as it is directly related to the intensity of action versus the probability of change. Increased intensity increases probability but does not guarantee a good change or change at all. So the bad would be failure to change what is, and increased intensity only allows for a higher probability of failure as well as increased height to which we fall from. So which is better? There is no direct answer simply because it's down to contentment. If change makes you content, then intensity remains the same (or in most cases) a negative figure. Therefore you stay where you are when you are content. So really, change isn't always good, it either makes you long to preserve the present, envious of the past, or trying to change the future. It's all work anyways. And all this even after I had those seven days in sunny June.

Seven Days In Sunny June

2008-03-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

It's 6:23 in the morning, and I'm still awake having just watched what seemed like a few hours worth of some Friends documentary on E!. Okay, so I was supposed to complete my 1,000 word essay on some Unreal Tournament level; and I've barely started, bar testing out the capabilities of my newly setup workstation (I just had to brag about it). Today's been rather uneventful bar the morning readings on bsp, a trip to the city, and dinner at Coretto's. I've also tried to straighten my already straight-ish hair (with mixed results, and an odd smell). Oh, and Earth Hour too. We turned off all the lights and watched Black Adder reruns for an hour. I'm not really one for the environment, but hey doesn't hurt to participate yeah? Pics later perhaps. Since my trip back; (and my extended hiatus from this blog) I haven't been doing much except being focused on way too many video games. Granted that I'm supposed to be considering it's relevant to my course, I think it's taken much of my normal time. Aside from the alcohol that seems to just appear every now and then; life has pretty much been Guitar Hero and Xbox live. Well this really isn't much of a rant as it is a worry. I just hope this semester works out (again) and that everything too does work out; and I can finish those games and shows I've started. Gym too perhaps. Ooh and finished FFXII finally, along with DMC4 and some obscure H-games that well, just had to be finished. More goals to complete, including juggling this sem's subjects with sleep, games and work. I suspect, only when it's all done, can I have those seven blissful days in sunny June.

The Update Of Champions

2007-11-03T21:54:00.000-07:00

It's 3:58pm and I'm waiting for the oven to preheat so that I can make breakfast. It's sausages and (hopefully) scrambled eggs and toast today. Been a hectic week this last one. 24 15 page summaries, a 3D model and a 2k word essay PLUS presentation and finishing Mario Kart DS. Okay, so Mario Kart wasn't on the list..but it was brilliant. It's been raining these past two days and it's raining like mental now. Now when I say mental I mean not the mental rain we get back home...that's just preposterous. Well...there isn't much on this lazy Sunday to speak of (yet); I've just woken up about 2 hours ago to exchange some stuff at the shops, and I have been listening to Razor Ramon HG's Young Man on loop for a good part of the time I've been awake. It is really saysaysay. So then, it's been awhile since a serious update (wired posts at 5am don't count) and there's been tons that have happened. Well there was the Jacky concert which was just so brilliant. It went on for like 3 hours and was simply amazing. In between that time and now it's been blurry really... just a mix of free time and messing about watching Ewan's Long Way Round and drinking and a bit of Crown in between. Oh and I found out that when you do drink too much coffee(and you can), there is such a thing as a coffee hangover. Coffee veterans probably know this, but it is not funny at all. It's like an alcohol hangover except you're not drunk, and it's clear as hell; added with the fact that I think I overworked myself (I never thought that was possible; but constant-summarizing can do that to a man), it was terrible. Really. Well...what have I been up to presently then? Started Gurren Lagann finally; and have been trying to get myself to finally finish FF12, and the list of games I made to keep me going before the assignments were done. So what next? There's tons of media to catch up on; been planning to do this all month (since the beginning of the semester actually), but then haven't been able to even get a decent night's sleep. I have also found the recipe to the world's greatest neslo. It could be because it's not really nescafe I'm using. And the milo here apparently tastes funny. But it works! Ooh and yes the world's most beautiful steak as well. I suppose if you keep making the same thing, it'll evolve to something amazing. Staring at the xbox now, thinking of T3, Outrun 2 and SVC Chaos; the few games I DO have for that system; thinking how I really should get a PS3 instead. Been spending some time with GT HD and way too much time with Resistance: Fall of Man; which kinda sucked initially, but turned out to be a rather good and interesting foray. Just played Heavenly Sword yesterday, and it was brilliant. Seriously. Sal's been going on and on about it for months, and in true masterful fashion, I just ignored his hype; until now. It's interesting this. Anyways, there are the three big releases (FFXIII, MGS4 and GT5) next year so best get one of them machines by then. Or at least, figure out something by then. Either ways..I can't think of anything more to write about. Till the next time.

Oh, and that's Tash from Atomic Kitten if you're wondering. The wonders of print screen.

It's 5am I'm Wired

2007-10-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

5am 2 cups of coffee later and listening to LL Cool J. He's cool he is. I mean no one else in Deep Blue Sea could beat his performance there. The chef. What a good show. Anyways, as you can probably tell from my nonsensical rant (or from the rather obvious title above) that I'm a little wired. It's bright here at 5am. It's annoying. All I've done tonight was watch human beatboxing , Jin's rap contests as well as the everbeautifulandlovelytastysupertalented Marie Digby. Marie-ay fellas. Marie-ay. Don't say it the wrong way. It's like when people pronounce stradale as stra-dale not stra-da-lay. Bloody annoying. Oh, and Gallardo is Gay-ar-do. Damn Akon don't know how his shit. Well anyways, it's been awhile since I've posted any real posts on this blog, and no it won't happen tonight. I'm wired remember? I'm not planning to do some endurance rant that will make me go on till 6am. I've got a class at 12; which means I need to get up by 11 to make it there on time; which also means I need to get up by 9 cos I've got a little design thing due. Damn deadlines. Keeps my life in check I suppose. Not too pleased with my progress this semester. It's been way too chill for this. Rubbish.

Better go. Sleepy time.

Evolution.

2007-10-18T20:25:00.001-07:00

Thursday in September

2007-09-27T07:18:00.000-07:00

It's 12:25am in the morning, so it's technically Friday. But I'm typing about Thursday. Thursday was a slow, lazy day. It was fun at the start. I slept at six looking for media on that pretty pretty Marié Digby. It's rather amusing how one youtube video can change your life (hers, not mine). Either ways, that's how it began. I went to sleep at six wildly tired, and woke up at 1pm-ish. Should have been sufficient, but I had like 5 hours from the night before, and that made things.....difficult. Anyway, I woke up at 1pm eyes feeling weird, brain feeling weird; just feeling weird overall; an urban headache that really isn't a headache. It made my day just lying down on the couch trying to dream. Trying to reach out. Trying to make my day work. But no. It didn't happen. Until now. I feel like the day's gone, but to badly quote Metallica, the memory remains.

Either ways, I'm off to watch Stranger Than Fiction, and hoping to enjoy the couch after that. Maybe tomorrow will be lovelier.

Chase The Dream.

2007-09-10T12:17:00.001-07:00

Well it's another season of Entourage, and it's been good. Seriously, where is that lifestyle? Is it in hiding? Does it even exist? That really gets to me. Whether it really exists. Because if it does , then I can rest easy.
I mean logic would tell me, that if someone can dream it, and produce a visual representation of it, then someone somewhere is living it. Most of us dare not dream or see what we really want to dream simply because a stark comparison to what reality serves up to us, and that just basically scares us. Dismissing 'the life' as a goal, but not a realistic one.

I ask why. I ask how. I will not be scared to dream it, and compare it with reality. I will not be disappointed to find that it does not exist. Because I have seen glimpses of it; but never the full picture. Sometimes I wonder why society binds the majority to difficult situations that breeds counter-acts to this sort of behaviour. Because in the end, it is unmistakable that the reality of it all is the dream. And that dream really is nothing more than a collective state of mind. Materialism exists, no doubt; but the road to the dream lies in the mind, nothing more; definitely nothing less.

People are always dreaming because they can't find their invisible bridges to make them a reality.

I say let's start building them now.

Reorganizing Priorities

2007-09-09T11:05:00.001-07:00

It's really quite fascinating how much one's life revolves around computers, and even more fascinating what a lack of internet connection can do to someone. By someone I mean me. Ever since the laptop suddenly called it quits last Thursday; I've been whining on and on about it, not necessarily as much as I had hoped for; but what surprised me the most was my ignorance on the night of the disaster, and the events (sorry, emotions) that preceded thereafter the very next day. It's odd that I would have been so accepting of the event when the laptop just didn't want to boot, sure there were things that went through my head like "how am I going to do my summaries now?" or "how am I going to complete my video assignment?", and although the solution is clear: that I use the computer outside, it was the start of something that I had not expected; something I'd like to call the privacy barrier, or lack thereof. I had not noticed as much before, but my laptop was all I had as my internet gateway. It was my private connection with my online persona, and it had gone. It's interesting how one can suddenly feel a void, a gaping hole in one's timetable; an amount of time suddenly freed that just left me lost. It's not as serious as I make it seem, but as usual, I like the drama of it all. The point is, it's really the reason a personal computer is called personal is that it does get personal. At the beginning, I felt that this was a good opportunity to not go crazy, but actually live life like everyone else; and to spend more time on social activities instead of wondering how well vista would suit the big picture. So it seemed. I ended up reverting to my old habits (they die hard, with a vengeance) and not only did I feel that it wasn't private anymore, it wasn't comfortable at all. In a way it has opened my eyes to new horizons on psychoanalyzing myself in understanding the cause and effect of the sudden loss of personal, or private space. The guinea pig being myself, it was easy to see that I obviously did the human thing and started colonizing the computer outside, the very one I'm typing on. It started with simple personalization and moved on to settings and ultimately getting comfortable with the UI. This is where the problem begins. I am not the only user on this system, and this leads to security issues, being the very insecure paranoid user that I am. Either way, it's been a good three days on this computer, and even though I am getting more comfortable with it; it still seems all the rather public. I suppose it's all a sort of training and good realization that things can just escape us without warning, and it is not how fast we adapt that makes or breaks us, but how often.

The Year Of Jacky Cheung World Tour 2007 X The Masterful Surprise

2007-08-27T00:53:00.000-07:00

We here at TMS would like to announce our attending the Year of Jacky Cheung World Tour 2007 right here at the Vodafone Arena in Melbourne in October! And here we were thinking that our first concert down under would be something related to a certain Jay Kay. It's really one of the more exciting things we're looking forward to. TMS offices here in Melbourne has also realised that we indeed end up watching more HK movies here which is really odd considering how back home would be much more appropriate.

Lovely!

Days In Sunny Spring

2007-08-25T21:22:00.001-07:00

Well, it's Sunday again, and boy is it warm outside. I'm glad winter is over, but then again am not really looking forward to summer. Spring seems fine, but really; I'm not looking for a tan. It's 2:37 in the afternoon, just woke up about an hour or so ago, Live In Verona is playing at the moment, really adding to the whole Sunday theme. If only I didn't have assignments at the back of my mind, It'd just be lovely. It's like another one of those nice Sundays when I was much younger.

Although, something seems different..

First Ever Arctic-Inspired Post

2007-08-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

This is me; an arctic fox. I'm typing this post on my balcony.It's 1am and according to my widget, it's 7 degrees out here. My hands feel numb from the cold and I'm here sitting out here listening to the GT4 soundtrack; and I can tell you this is one seriously surreal experience. It's hard to concentrate on typing. My brain is confused on whether to pay attention to the elements or what to type next. It's really a first for me, for this blog; and dare I say it: all of mankind? But, but. The atmosphere is just right. The subtle music just compliments this whole debacle just right.

All sorts of things come to mind sitting out here: cars, girls, even class. I've got a class early tomorrow morning which spans just about till afternoon/early evening. Not really that excited about that but I suppose it's something to look forward to. Blogging here under the stars in winter really has got to be one of the experiences I would remember. I think. It's like man and machine against what mother nature throws against us. It's beautiful, but somehow I've got the feeling that the cold would eventually get the better of us. I mean, the battery can only last so long anyway. And my hands are really freezing at the moment. I mean like really. It feels like when I touch cold stuff out of the freezer. But no matter, it's all about the now. I feel I'm just rambling on endlessly; not to mention needlessly about my newfound "sport". Extreme blogging I'd call it. Makes you wonder if anyone else is doing the same at this same moment. I doubt their stupidity. Absurdity even. Well, I think I better stop here before I really freeze.

Winter eh? It's all about ingenuity.

Confused.

2007-08-05T21:52:00.001-07:00

So Apparently I've missed one or two Vista features before uninstalling it all and abandoning it like a sinking, terrorist-laden (haha good pun, if I may say so myself..terrorist-laden...geddit??) ship stuck in the Arctic; and thus contemplating whether to give up this secure, stable-ish xp platform I'm currently typing on and move back to the choppy but incredibly beautiful risk-taking everyday of the average Vista user. So what makes me think this?

Well, good marketing for one. I mean; I was just checking acceptance of Vista in Japan, simply because of my obsessed J-style mentality (which ocassionally pops up from hiding and messes up my western-influenced direction in life) and found these pictures. Apparently able to run H games fine is one thing, but to run 8 of them simultaneously, with seperate audio controls and with aero to flip between them all? Granted that I do not indulge in such games often (stop sniggering... AG2 was ages ago); but the ability to do so, and it being the Japanese mindset to sell Vista (shops are actually promoting it this way in Japan) it's just very tempting...I mean...really...look at them screens. Interesting to say the least.

The other reason was my ignorance, forgetting to test out the readyboost feature in Vista. You see, what Vista does is you can insert any USB 2.0 device, and/or flash memory cards into the drives to increase system memory, and thus launching stuff faster, apparently making it a better experience. And I do have a spare micro-sd lying around.. so then two reasons. That and video detection is slightly better for the TV s-video connection. Granted that I'm slightly biased on this point and that XP can probably achieve the same settings, it's just that Vista does that automatically. Oh, and apparently the Sp1 is coming out soon, which should sort out tons of issues...I hope.

However, I am not oblivious to the fact that I switched back to XP because I did miss the stable feeling. But. I do not feel that safe. It just feels like returning to that rough neighbourhood again. I had a trojan the first time I installed on Saturday night. Hence a re-install on Sunday. It's a risk I'm thinking about evading. No doubt this pc is better suited to XP (illustrated by the flawless microphone performance), with the nice aquarium screensaver to boot, but there's a nagging feelinhg at the back of my head that keeps telling me to switch back.

So the verdict? I'm not sure. Only time will tell.

Windows Vista, I Bid You Adieu!

2007-08-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

a·dieu

interj.

Used to express farewell. Especially used when expressing anger and/or hatred to poorly written programs by Microsoft.

Note: When something is more useless than it is pretty, it is deemed pretty useless.

n., pl. a·dieus or a·dieux

A farewell. To rubbish operating systems.

[Middle English, from Old French a dieu, (I commend you) to God : a, to (from Latin ad; see ad-) + Dieu, God (from Latin deus).]

So, What Have You Been Up To Then?

2007-08-01T16:26:00.001-07:00

It's 9:30 in the morning. I still haven't slept yet. I've been up all night trying to finish Final Fantasy XII. Yes. The same Final Fantasy that I didn't sleep while levelling up back home. It's the whole reason why I brought the PS2 here to Melbourne, and as procrastination would have it, I have left it till the last few days of my winter holidays to start playing again. Needless to say, there's a lot of ground to make up. I've been playing it for about 8-9 hours straight. And I'm still not past half way. The game really amazes me with it's graphics presentation and storyline. I mean, there's much better graphics nowadays with the PS3 and the 360, but this one really puts up a fight. I was thinking about it and it would be safe to say that this could be my PS2's swan song. I've just cleaned the internals a week or so ago (and it strangely just got more moody) and while it's in good physical condition, it really doesn't like to read DVDs much nowadays. So I suppose this will be one of the last big games the trusty PS2's going to play. I would hope not, but it seems that way. Ah, the end of another generation of consoles. I can still remember the first time I laid my hands on a Nintendo Entertainment System. How times have changed...

Now, on to the food issue..

"Roast Chicken Drumsticks served with Spaghetti and Brown Gravy" - Worked out better that I thought.

"Spaghetti Bolognaise" - Well, it's bolognaise..

"Fish Fingers in Toast with HP Sauce" - This one was Jamie Oliver's recipe. It tastes surprisingly lovely. And real easy to make too. Although he did specify tomato ketchup instead of HP sauce. Potato Potahto I say.

"Fried Rice with Fried Beef Sausages And Egg" - Forgot salt on this one but ended up not too bad; thanks to the chicken stock. Will try again soon. Still have to get this one perfected.

Oh, and finally got the laptop connected to the telly thru S-Video link. You know what that means... Daytona USA on Model 2 Emulator! Still has some issues but looks so much better. Capcom games run almost arcade perfect! Keyboard bashing commence!

Of Connoisseurs, Good Wine And Hartz Chicken Buffet.

2007-07-24T10:17:00.001-07:00

It's early Wednesday morning, Pink Martini softly sounding in the background; creating a sort of "ambiance" that, with my eyes closed, would suggest a sort of atmosphere one would find in a beautiful classy vintage European restaurant; I mean, I'm thinking steak house; something akin to The Ship, but because of yesterday's foray into the whole lamb chop debacle coupled with the stumbling on Oz & James Great Wine Adventure; a nod to the return of unshaped internet, it opening of my mind to a whole new way of looking at my life here in Melbourne, but more importantly: at life itself. I have learnt a great deal of ,um, let's call them facets of everyday living this week. First of all I noticed (from Sunday's watching of Formula One) that most of my life's heroes have a certain quality to them. Besides being champions at whatever sport or genre, and being really exceptionally good at what they do; they tend to have an air of arrogance around them. Now, I know society (and probably your mom at some point) would frown at such said behaviour and you've been taught that it's not such a good trait to have; and people would hate you for it. Well, look at Michael Schumacher, Jay Kay; even Raikkonen. While there tend to be parties that view them as pretty arrogant pricks, and to some extent love to hate them; those very same parties cannot deny their talent; and when on form they just elevate much higher than the rest into a different level from those who can only do things well. What I'm trying to get at here is that it's arrogance that makes them who they are. It's arrogance that comes from being on top. It's arrogance from knowing that you have the ability to do so. And it's arrogance that gives them character. Now, I'm not saying I'm just going to be arrogant. I'm just saying it's a nice position to be in when you can.

Other things I've come across this week are the sudden passion for cooking, and a sparkling newfound intrest on wine. It's a real easy explaination this one. It all started on Sunday (or more likely Monday morning) with the Jamie Oliver book. Okay so I was reading it going like I could probably learn a bit from it; so far it's just a sudden interest in spices and that lovely fish dish I would love to make; anyhow, it all started from last night's lovely lamb chops (see below) and today's spaghetti dinner; when the sudden realiasation that something so tasty could come from something so easy to make; (and really affordable too) just made me point in a new direction, thinking what I could make for tomorrow. I'm sure I was dreaming of food last night. That, and watching the Great Wine Adventure has got me thinking, tasting, and smelling what has to be a good nice dish of European flavour. It's been really educational, that show. It's even got me pondering to go down to the store downstairs tomorrow to get some cheap wine. I mean, I've tasted wines at dinners tons of times, but to be able to enjoy it without the notion that all you wanted to do was get drunk; but as a compliment to great food is still a relatively new concept to me. And besides, if you don't start with the bottom of the lot, how can you differentiate it with what lies at the top? Brilliant.

Oh and the whole experiment of what if. What if I had woke up and just pretended that I was somewhere else. Somewhere like in Venice. Or France. I mean it's kinda hard when Melbourne Central's just staring you in the eye, but think about it. The weather's just about right. The colour too. And the older buildings just give the correct atmosphere. I suppose I still think I'm in KL. I mean, as getting used to the city goes, I pretty much can say that I have conditioned myself so I'm not really excited by the place. It feels pretty normal. But I got a feeling that somewhere in my thought patterns it's just because my brain still thinks I'm still back home. I mean the sights and sounds might look a little different, but they all feel the same. Even the winter cold that came from night walks to Lygon that just numbs your face and hands just felt a little...fake. I've got a whole theory on how this really isn't real. And just some long, dated, crazy yet detailed imagination of a dream. It's just odd. People say how you learn a lot living in a foreign country. I've learnt a lot from a BBC programme which I downloaded off the net while living in a foreign country. Does that count? I mean seriously, I've learnt cooking from oven instruction manuals and bits and pieces of advice from friends and family, but a big part from that cookbook that I bought simply because Jamie Oliver looked like a cool bloke and he was on last season's Top Gear. Does that count? It's the same stuff you can do at home. It's the same stuff all over the world. So, what's the difference? The key I believe is understanding procrastination, and knowing how to push it to a corner. No one can tell you how to do that but that nutter that's shouting and waving his hands wildly whilst running around chasing an imaginary tail: you.

I think this post has gone for quite a lot longer than expected, so I'll just end it here with a hats off to the new "Royal Hartz Chicken Buffet Club" banner found heading this post. It's lovely really, and I really am looking forward to be tasting the juicy, crispy chicken again. Till the next time then; ta!

Jamie Oliver X The Masterful Surprise

2007-07-23T10:31:00.001-07:00

It's lovely what a bit of inspiration and some lamb chops can do. I mean really lovely; and yes: while I may sound a little proud of my latest masterful concoction at the moment, that's purely because it's so lovely to taste; and what more, the house still smells of it! Let's see what should I call it "Lovely Garlic Lamb Chops served with Pasta and Brown Sauce"..Pity it takes ages to grill though, but well worth it. It really opens the doors to the direction of cuisine I should be heading towards for everyday meals.

In a word: "Loveeelyyy"

The New Masterful Pad!

2007-07-16T09:59:00.001-07:00

It's the same yet different! A new re-arrange has seen the TV stolen..er.. I mean bought from my housemate and all the consoles are now central in the room. Lovely. I also have come to the realization that I tend to recreate my room wherever I go..seriously...it feels...like...home...sortof. The color's about right and the compactness just feels all too familiar...kinda Bangkung; and I could just sit here if it wasn't for the fact that there are things that need attention. Like food perhaps.. But really, it's shaping up. Not my bank account though... It's getting really tight around thereparts...I blame shops.

Anyway, the top pic is er.. Generals again. I was about to uninstall it for good the other day and was like.. I HAD to give it one last go. I mean, really...it's been resident game on the computer for ages, and countless hours spent multiplaying it the past months..annnyways...if you examine the screen picture closely, I pretty much conquered the entire map. And then made them into all money generating things. Okay okay. I know this all seems very nerdy/gamer type; but I had a goal in mind. I wanted to see if the money counter would stop at some number. And more importantly, what that number was. Six hours later the number was still increasing. I think I stopped at 13 million. It was annoying, that sound. I was getting a headache from all that noise. So I just quit and got back my 2 gigs of free space. Pointless story really.

Okay then, onto more important things. There's really nothing important to report except that it's really bloody cold, and I really should be asleep by now. I mean; really. Got a long day tomorrow, and then followed by 3 weeks of doing something with the holidays; then it's the whole semester cycle again. All that talk about actually doing something I'm not sure exactly what; but my brain keeps telling me to finish Mario Kart DS and FF12. Which is wrong. Because I mean, what am I going to do on the plane then? In November I mean. Or December. I'm really not sure. Either ways, off to bed.

You know what they say:
"Early to bed, early to shine, makes Megan Fox all mine"

or something like that..

The Masterful Camaro

2007-07-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

It's been pretty quick, this week; with Thursday suddenly looming ahead, that only means one of two things: the weekend's coming again, or the realization that I am not any closer to my goal with time running out; fast. Boy has it been quick, I mean; really... it's already July, almost my sixth month in Melbourne; and I did lose the plot most of last semester (although near the end it was good), partly because I didn't really have a plot to begin with, and also because I had no idea what I was doing.. setting myself in the right sort of direction was difficult; let alone any direction: it was on the edge stuff, with the end of semester completed with very little room for error. Now, although directionless, the past five months or so has been relatively kept in check by my desire to get something done. The holidays have come and put it all in a sort of limbo. That and my hurt left foot. Anyways, it all started to come back to me after Transformers, and the second viewing yesterday only made a stronger realization, but only right now; as I'm typing this do I feel the need to complete what I had started. So here I am at 3:27am local time with Player's "Baby Come Back" looping endlessly (since morning really) , Oh! and G-Star sale's now on as well, so it's something to do tomorrow; but anyway the point really is: that scene where Mikaela was almost walking away, that sunset, that buildup of emotion when this song plays; that is the point of it: so when I saw this Camaro at Safeway this afternoon, I had no reason not to get it. It's an American icon perhaps, but it stands for so much more. It stands for that moment. It stands for that feeling. It stands for reason. It stands for the meaning. It stands for that perfect picture.

It stands for all that is important.

Time to sleep. A new day beckons.

The Brand With The Three Stripes / The Shoe Issue

2007-06-29T01:39:00.001-07:00

It's all Jay Kay's fault really. It really is; although I have yet to experience Boss (though almost, very nearly almost...damn sale..); or see his line, Adidas (or what we prefer to jokingly call Asadi) has pretty much been prevalent in the house. Seriously I was out to get some nike trainers partly because the red Gazelle I've been using for running have been a little tight; and the blue/yellow ones just hurt my feet after long usage. Although the blue/yellow ones are a nod to the Oregon JKs I've been scouring shops to find, they're gorgeous in their own right (although the majority of people I meet tend to like my Londons so much more; it really is a mystery). So anyway, I was out for the nike ones simply because I was overwhelmed with BoA nike ad photos that I have been recently er.. overwhelmed with. So I was just down shopping when I saw these black Barracks: ok so it wasn't really love at first sight, but then I saw that the stripe designs were reminiscent to the 350z door handles, and that I had yet to have a non-colorful shoe (the Porsches were getting dirty too often, requiring too much cleaning; and in no way I wanted to ruin them as much); it was pretty dead on where I was heading. The image of Jay Kay sitting in that High Times DVD interview didn't help. So I was pretty happy with myself (I did splurge on some clothes as well, but that is left to another story..) until i met my housemate for dinner, and we decided to 'pop' by this other shoe shop which was on sale. That's how the Orions came home. It was really really reasonable and I did talk about them just a day before; though the original color I wanted was this dark blueish thing with orange stripes, it's now red with black. And seriously, those are some comfortable comfortable shoes. Haven't had a run in them, but had walked around the apartment yesterday being silly; annnyways... the point of it all really was..

I was supposed to get nikes.

It's all that space cowboy's fault.

Up Is Down.

2007-06-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

It's the holiday time, and yet it doesn't really feel like the hols. I really believe I did more during the semester, and by doing more I really mean having more fun; having a crazy time whilst trying to balance classes and work. Now it's become rather laid back; up until the point almost that I haven't really had any time (wait..substitute that with motivation)to work out even.

Ah the joys. Reminds me of that Offspring opening to Smash. Good album that one. It pretty much summed up my mid-teens: roller-blading, R/C cars and The Offspring. That and my back neighbour's really really cute sister. If I could only remember her name. Cause' I sure as hell can remember her face.

Oh lovely. So where was I? Right. The holidays. I'm here typing this at 2:54am with YUI playing in the background; waiting for my sheets to get dry because the washer/dryer didn't do the job right the first time around. I've been sick again these past two days. I'm not sure whether it's the accumulation of the baked stuff and late nights; that few bottles of Smirnoff OR the coffee I've been drinking. It's French. Noir or something. It's lovely. It really is. But anyhow, I'm not getting off the coffee; so I better think of other ways not to get sick. I really don't like being sick (really,who does?-Ed) and yes, it's like really, really annoying. I just can't seem to do the things I want to do well, or at least; comfortably. Hopefully the end of this sickness marks continuing progress to my plans.

Like Jack Sparrow once said, really "Up is down."

Infiltration Plans

2007-06-22T03:51:00.000-07:00

For many, the Inflitrator 3 project is/was long gone in their minds, with many key players out of the picture (quite literally), and with a half finished introduction that hardly told what was to come let alone communicate the big planned scenes. There has recently been talk between development teams to re-shoot parts of the intro and re-integrate on-location shoots. However, on other news, there is a rumored planned comic/animation in the works. How far is this true? The new logo featuring the three main characters have appeared; but there were no futher press releases. Only time will tell.

The Masterful Update June 20th!

2007-06-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

It's been long overdue for me to update the blog; so here it is! Tons have come and gone by since my last post; the Chow Yuen Fatt DVD craze have extended to the God of Gamblers series (I couldn't resist the apparent "winter sale"; and speaking of which there is a mid year stock-take sale at Myer tomorrow...what oh what will I do?); and boy were they good...; the semester has finally ended, and a last minute frantic has hopefully gotten me through *fingers crossed*. Oh, and a long overdue thanks to all that helped me complete the semester on time; I owe you guys one..you know who you are ;P

That aside, this semester's been kinda packed; interesting, but packed with countless ups and downs; many new experiences; some more favourable than others, but you really can't really tell what's in store; much like the weather which has now permanently stuck in it's winter mode, it's like cold Genting weather outside. Even though we've decided not to opt for heating in favour for cheaper bills, nothing else really has been "super saver" so far; although I really should. It's really interesting how the word "sale" has an affect on me here. On other news, just finished all of Last Exile about a night ago, 26 episodes of pure goodness, why did Dio have to die? Annnyways, on other news, I've found Daytona machines at the bar across from where I live, and have been trying to set time records but am not up to par with my previous schoolboy days records; though in a drunken state. This is however; not defeat; as I have so far gotten names into 2 out of the 4 machines. I've never seen JSR light up the top slot of those machines in a very very long while.

Speaking of the old times, I've managed to find tons of retro video game albums online, official and some even remade. I never knew some of these gems exist! Lovely. Also found some songs that have evaded me for some time.

Been getting used to Melbourne, but the cold is mental sometimes. However, there are tons of stuff that is good and bad about this place. I mean, I can see why some people are addicted to the lifestyle here, but then again, you can't really do as much. Which is why I always end up at Chinatown, which is really a nice piece of bits of home. The Sungei Wang bits especially. Still haven't set foot in Vic Market. It's what I'm starting to call a myth. People talk stories about it, but I've never seen it, so it just might not exist. But then again, I'm just being silly.

So what are my plans for these few weeks of break? Well, there's Wolf's Rain which I just started last night, as well as the need to complete FFXII and the other tons of games that have literally been lying around. Then there's Mai Hime, Tenjou Tenge, starting the whole Gurren Lagann thing and maybe squeezing in Miina. It's all very J-fanboy I'm sure, but then again; I've been catching up on Megatokyo, so go figure.

Well, it's 4:55am over here, and Younha's been playing for the past half hour (probably less); it's really hard to think of what to type, so might just go to sleep; or maybe catch up on some Wolf's Rain. Who knows?

Not me.

I Really Wonder If You Know How They Live In Tokyo

2007-05-31T10:02:00.000-07:00

It's been a weird month; the semester has technically ended; with the one exam left on the 14th; and as there are no classes.. whats' a boy to do? I've recently got the entire A Better Tomorrow Trilogy and Nintendogs (although have yet to finalize my dog's name; it's like a hard epic battle between Kelly and Rachel) and although it should mean enough entertainment for a long time; we've finished the trilogy in almost one night and well, I can't really start on the game until I've figured out a name. So; as demonstrated in last night's ordeal; what we ended up doing was watching the Tokyo Drift DVD extras; followed by the movie, and then the movie again, then looping it on the laptop while going to sleep. Waking up to sounds of tyres squealing is surreal; but then again, it really isn't the first time I've done that. Then if you look closely at the bottom picture, yes that's two 360s in the house at the moment (none of them mine); which equates to enough processing power to topple even the mightiest of PS3s; if only it worked that way. Anyways, going to sleep. Need to catch up on that. Ciao.

Welcome Back, General.

2007-05-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been pretty much this scene. Ever since the sudden Command & Conquer: Generals craze hit off that faithful day, every other day has turned into a raging battlefield filled with er...battles and a sudden overuse of the words Colonel and Burton. That has temporarily stopped at the moment; mainly because most of us have gotten a bit sick of it, and in partial because I had tons of assignments due last weekend; and more to come.
So what's been up? Well, all I can say is that it's mostly been something to do with food, or something to do with alcohol; namely the sudden beer drinking fiesta that started a few weeks back (could it be Generals related?) and yeah, it's been good and bad at the same time. I do miss the simplicity of home life terribly, not to say that I'm not starting to really like drinking at 5pm on a Tuesday evening. At 15 degrees. Outside. Without a jacket. It's great. The weekend's really almost stopped existing. Everyday can be weekend material; although there might be a price to pay the next day. Which is fine if you don't have weird assignments due the following day. I'm getting used to writing 1,500 words with referencing desperately in about 5 hours but have yet to get used to actually doing it a week before so that I wouldn't have to. And the DS lite if finally into it's second battery charge at the moment as I type this..not really big news but well...yeah..Oh! and I finally got around to getting that new YUI album..she's so brilliantly cute and her music has just evolved into some really brilliant stuff but sadly the shop didn't have any extra posters this time around..I was hoping to get one of the promo ones like when I got the Mika Nakashima album a month or two back. Oh well; such is life (pardon the pun). Can't really think of anything else to say at the moment; so I guess that's it for now...

The Food Issue..With Chef Justin "Jamie Oliver" Raymond

2007-04-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

First off, there's this, a Twin Chicken Chop With Separate Sauces, which consists of brown and mushroom sauces respectively. This was inspired by the neverending quest to find chicken chop here in Melbourne. Like they say, if you can't find it, make it! Below are the other tasty specials that the masterful surprise has cooked up!

Macaroni With Braised Steak & Onion. A lovely serving of macaroni soaked in ox-tail soup tasting sauce with juicy steak and onion bits. A local favorite!

Pasta With Braised Steak & Onion and Baked Crumbed Fish. The beautiful helping of pasta encapsulated with the aforementioned special home-made steak & onion joined by a helping of tastefully baked crumbed fish to delight!

Bruschetta ala Corleone'. The house classic special where specially prepared garlic bread is topped with juicy fresh tomato, onion and oregano!

Meat Pie With Mashed Potatoes, Baked Crumbed Fish & Brown Sauce. Beautiful combination of three lovely tasty meat pies, butter-soft mashed potato and our special baked breaded fish: all topped in a sexy brown sauce!

And in true Kim Gary fashion; Omelette In French Fried With Brown Sauce! Oh what a name! Delicious like crazy! You try! I try! I like!

1m02s

2007-04-15T04:27:00.000-07:00

Every Friday seems like a battle with academics. The last time around I had to work 12 hours straight to get everything done with about 30 minutes to spare. This time around it was 1 minute 02 seconds, an adrenalin filled end to Assignment 1 for Interactive Games Structure as internet connection had to be boosted significantly to send the file through to the internet dropbox. Let's hope I get the next one done at least a day before. It's getting crazy.

Let's party.

The Return Of The Masterful Surprise

2007-04-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

Not that soon, not that soon...but it will happen, and I do hope it happens according to plan..in a brief burst of nostalgia mixed with a heavy dosage of will to make it coupled with the fact that it's actually 5:08 in the morning, and Jay Chou's been looping on the laptop (Eh?), it suddenly becomes clear what the whole plot is. It's a very different plot from that originally planned (okay, so maybe the fundamentals are the same; but the outlook might be a bit different..), and with that whole project kay becoming a distant memory; along with the original plot pretty much vanishing out the window the moment I set foot on that bus that got all of this madness going in the first place. The past month(s) (has it really been that long?) have been a confused, weird thing really. It's hard to tell which part of this is reality, or indeed a very long dream that I just cooked up from one too many late night snacks. I have trouble believing what I've gone and done. I have even more trouble actually believing it actually happened. It's just gone by too fast. It's just one surreal picture that does not include any room for error. Losing the plot was really an issue. Partly because losing the plot that held up all this in the first place is a very dangerous thing to do. I would like to clarify that the plot is not conventional, nor is it what you think it is. It really is a messed up thing, something that I really don't want to note here. Though I really wasn't clear of the plot to begin with, or what it involved. Which makes losing it kinda hard. That's what The Masterful Surprise really is all about: the ability to astonish, or in this case, the ability to lose something you never had in the first place. However, I think I'm beginning to shape together a new one (a plot that is..); and the funny thing is, the new plot really doesn't really differ from the fundamentals that always was the driving force behind it all anyway.

On another note, (and I think I already told Ian this) it's funny what you miss when you're far away from home. And now, now, most of you ready to say I told you so; then pointing at the ability to have mamaks or whatever normal people miss when they leave home will be very wrong. First off, I do not miss the food. I only miss the chicken chop; simply because the idiots who portray it as western food when it's really a recipe cooked up by some hainanese back in the day gave me no warning of this. Chicken Schnitzel is NOT THE SAME THING. Secondly, I would like to point out, for some very weird reason, I miss driving 180km/h on the NKVE and Federal Highways. I really do. I think about it almost everyday. It's annoyingly weird. I also miss Hartz Chicken Buffet, but that one is understandable..so...but annnyways... there might be a couple of things I miss about home, but those are the main ones..it's weird how they have excellent chicken rice here (and I mean absolutely stunning) with equally excellent waitresses to boot..AND NO CHICKEN CHOP.

Anyways...it's getting late...back to stalking that beautiful japanese girl I keep bumping into in the elevator (cue Harold & Kumar moment minus the nice bits at the end)

The "Wow" Starts With Hypocrisy..

2007-04-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

After weeks of campaigning on how Windows Vista is so completely and utterly rubbish, I have gone back and installed it simply because it's so pretty, and a sad realization that I'll eventually have to use it anyway, so why not start now?

As you can see from the screenshot, it's really very pretty; and I hope the system stays pretty much stable. I still blame Bill Gates appearing on The Daily Show for nudging me into my decision to using the Vista CD I have kept stashed away somewhere in the room. As much as I still maintain that he is the work of pure evil and that Microsoft is the end of all things free and lovely for computing as well as the internet, (and your very soul perhaps?) but he seemed like a pretty okay guy. Jon Stewart really did poke fun at him though, and the fact that if The Daily Show did in some weird off-key way promote Vista...it surely can't be THAT bad...or can it? Either ways, it's 4:08am, and the PC's pretty much set up... (I started all this Vista marlakey at 11am) so I gotta go...oh and by the way, to all you avid readers of TMS, we would like to wish you HAPPY EASTER!

Ciao.

Somewhere, Somehow, Someone...

2007-04-04T06:13:00.000-07:00

The Masterful Surprise is back. It's been an incredibly hectic 24 hours; with 2 major assignments due, and tons of stuff in between. Now it's easter break, so hopefully it'll be a bit more relaxing.

It's just been one crazy week.

Will post more soon.

+Photo Update

2007-04-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

Motorshow Pics Pt.1

2007-04-03T05:02:00.000-07:00

Due to connection constraints, we are only able to upload 2 pictures. Individually both very sexy cars, they are made even more so by the fact that they are posted on this interweb!

Incredible! On other news, we at TMS has gone for the Moomba festival @ Melbourne Showgrounds and watched Hot Fuzz amongst other incredibly talented things.

This post might be the last one in awhile as we set up our new office and get the interweb sorted.. so don't worry too much!

We'll be back.

Citations

2007-04-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm supposed to practice my citation skills, so I'm going to go ahead and cite Clarkson from his new column.(though in a very wrong format, totally in random, and to be fair it's not really even a citation; more of a quote: but the surprise is masterful, and being masterful also means never being wrong...)

"Yes, you can go round a corner two miles per hour faster in the Ferrari F430, but while doing so, you'll be wearing a rather serious, Autocar test driver face.In the Lambo, you'll be playing Vertigo, at full volume and grinning like a Halloween night pumpkin."

"At petrol stations, people always say to a Ferrari driver, "Ooh, I bet you don't get many miles to the gallon out of that" or "I can get more luggage in my Maestro". But if you have a Lambo, they'll say "My God, it's got orange seats" and "Can we have sex in it?"

Anyhow, I'm at the library again; steady internet connection still evades me like a plague, and seriously having some trouble getting top gear 9X05 (already got 06) because we went and pissed off some cybercafe owner last night who kept insisting that "NO NO NO P2P PROGRAM HERE! YOU SLOW DOWN ENTIRE CAFE! YOU NO NO P2P!"; he looked Korean. I believe I had more right to be in Chinatown than him. But anyways, good thing torrents are resumable, as I got it from another cafe down the road. But really man, you're a bloody internet cafe. That means you sell internet. Those bastards playing WOW or whatnot don't need the bloody bandwith (I might be wrong on that one), but seriously; what else is more important than Top Gear? Poor deluded Korean fool. But 200kbps+ is amazing.

That out of the way, I'd say for some stupid innane reason I've been playing U2's "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb" on repeat. Maybe it's the nice euphoric feeling of the instruments. Maybe it's Bonio's echoing voice. Maybe it's just more accepted here. But then again, eternal flame's playing on the ipod at the moment. So then again...maybe not.

The Masterful Surprise at the motor show!

2007-04-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

The Masterful Surprise will be attending the Melbourne International Motor Show tonight. We will be giving out nods and kisses to the beautiful honeys all night around; so catch us while you're there!

Remember; the surprise is MASTERFUL!

The Gig In The Sky

2007-04-03T04:54:00.000-07:00

The Sun newspaper (UK) has today (Thursday) printed what is an accurate report and interview from the Gig In The Sky and not what was put together by the Mirror newspaper on Wednesday.
"If I was a taxi my light would be off this year. I just want to be doing ordinary things, things I don't get to do like go to the pub or go shopping. I am a free agent which is a nice position to be in. There have been other offers, but there are so many things to consider. We'll investigate a new record label but for now we're busy rebuilding the studio at home."
Talking about the performance on-board the flight he said:
"It was the weirdest thing I have ever done. I have been known to stand up and stagger around on planes but that is usually when I am inebriated en route to Santiago."

Don't Stop.

2007-03-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but honestly, these pictures don't describe much. Finally got hooked up to the internet connection at uni (am at the library now) and can finally get some of this blog stuff sorted.

Right. So what's been happening? Well the 599GTB on the top of the is basically on display at Crown Casino, some 60th anniversary Ferrari gig. The second pic is basically the sunset view from the southbank apartment (where I was staying for the past 2 weeks or so; am now relocated to Surrey Hills until the 12th where I hope to get to my new place opposite Melb. Central. Lovely!

And oh the T-800 is just a random pic of something I saw. Oh and found blue /yellow gazelles! It's the closest thing I can get to the Oregon JKs. Still haven't found anything close to an Oregon here.

Dammit. Either ways, nothing much else to report I suppose. Girls here are amazing though. Amazinnnnggg..

The Ego Has Landed

2007-02-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

It's friday.11pm local time. Haven't had any net connection for the past week, which is like ten years; if you're a dog. After the whole 26 hour ordeal on monday/tuesday, I think it's safe to say all's gotten slightly more stable, though I have yet to do what I came here for.

Not much time left. Have to download Top Gear.

THE ULTIMATE HOUDINI pt.1

2007-02-12T00:02:00.000-08:00

It's 4pm here at Changi airport (yes...in Singapore), and it's been pretty smooth so far, minus the little cigarette incident that occured at customs earlier. Aaaanyways....the first half of the surprise went as planned, however the second leg of the journey is still to be seen. Oh and Quantas was nice enough to give me an additional 5kgs! SORTED! It's green lane all the way as I dumped the PS2 CDS after copying them all to HDD.

26.

My name is Justin Raymond. And this could be the most different 26 hours of my life.

Right. Gotta go. This thing is time limited. The bastards.

SSM LAUNCH IN ETA FOUR DAYS

2007-02-04T07:13:00.000-08:00

Jamiroquai's Telling Me Something..

2007-01-24T00:48:00.000-08:00

Can you dig it
Something in the air tonight
Got a one way ticket
Baby, don't you wanna ride
Got to make it
Make it to the other side
I've got demons
Snapping at my heels tonight

I just want to runaway
[Turn me loose]
Got people around running me down I cant stay
I just want to get away
[I just wanna get away now]
Get them off my back today

Can you feel it
Im stuck inside in a hurricane
Chasing rainbows
Can't you see I'm going insane
I wanna be a free man
But I'm spinning on this crazy wheel
I'm jumping for the high bar
Can't you dig it
No longer know what I feel
Can't you see

I just want to runaway
[Turn me loose]
Got people around running me down I can't stay
I just want to get away
[I just wanna get away now]
Get them off my back today

I just wanna runaway
Turn me loose, turn me loose
Turn me loose, turn me loose

Got to make it, got to make it
Got to make it, got to make it

I just want to runaway
[Just wanna runaway]
Got people around running me down I can't stay
[Can't stay no longer]
I just want to get away
[I just got to get away]
Get them off my back today

I just want to runaway
La la la la la la
Just want to get away
La la la la la la
Turn me loose, runaway runaway
Got people around running me down I can't stay
Runaway, runaway

I just want to runaway
La la la la la la
Just got to get away
La la la la la la
Turn me loose, runaway
Get them off my back today

The Funk Odyssey Begins..

2007-01-17T12:12:00.000-08:00

2007.It's about time.

It has begun..

2007-01-15T14:43:00.000-08:00

To be honest I started my 2007 with a bit of skepticism, and since 2006 was a somewhat dreadful year for me, I was really counting on a miracle to make this new year a much better one. However, it appears that 2007 has all of a sudden shown me a preview of what's to come (entertainment wise, of course). To begin it all, Top Gear returns on the 28th (a big yay!) with Entourage soon to follow. Ian will probably have the rest of the OC, so no worries there. However, there is one worrying thing. I've just popped by Deep's to piss all over the place (another story for another time) and discovered what a little beautiful, beautiful gem of a series Las Vegas is. Molly Sims is incredibly gorgeous, but Vanessa Marcil, oh she melts me into the puddle of drool I have become. Pictures don't show much I know, but oh so incredible in real life (I personally call it the Rachel Green syndrome); well moving anyway. Sad but true moment of the day; there's 4 seasons as of now, and I've barely gone through the first, let alone purchased/have some sort of access to the rest. I'm contemplating the box set, as torrents for the first season are so incredibly hard to find. If that isn't it, there's further excitement from Pirates 3 AND Die Hard 4 coming out somewhere this year.. C'mon; you have to admit...Keira, Captain Jack and McClane all in one year?

Things are starting to shape up.

Ladies & Gentlemen, introducing the F1-2007.

2007-01-14T10:09:00.000-08:00

This is the new contender from the Scuderia that will wipe the smile off Flavio's previously "lucky" team. 2007 is the return to form for the scarlet carmaker. 19,000 rpm my friend. 19,000 rpm.

Some cars are made to perform.

Others, to compete.

This one is made to become a legend.

Welcome aboard Kimi!

2007-01-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

Well, it's a new year, and the F1 2007 will be unveiled tomorrow! So, here's to a great season. Let's hope the Iceman can kick the silly Spaniard back to where he came from, and if not I hope Sato is back to his previous PUSH 100% form.

Well it is brilliant, and I hope the 2007 Ferrari will look absolutely stunning... only time will tell; but if previous models are anything to go by, then all you tifosi can rest easy.

On other news, after my whole Jay Kay episode earlier, and the whole "Runaway" video fiesta (what's a siesta again?), I stumbled upon this site (ok so I knew the address from my 2003 yearbook) and a few very intriguing questions popped in my head. When can I actually have the honour to grace it's contents? How do I get the pin number? Do I get it even after purchasing a second hand 355? Can I order beautiful italian models to go with me on my european love affair? Oh, the suspense. The drama. I'd be lying if I said it didn't get me excited, let alone dream about Heidi Klum yet again. Well then, do I really have to form a british funk rock band that encapsulates the very style and splendour that moves the world?

Not really.

The sad reality is that I'm not very good at singing, let alone playing the guitar. To be fair I'm not making much progress in life either, so to speak. That leaves me with only one option then. The one and only thing that has kept the fire, the spark; the dream alive.

The style option.

22in wheels are nothing

2007-01-13T02:35:00.000-08:00

I'm blogging this from my mobile so i'll just keep this short. End!

New Look, Same Surprise.

2007-01-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

Hello friendlies!
It's 3:59am again and I'm just doing a post simply because everyone's asleep, I've got nothing much to do, AND I forgot to do the whole 'grand opening' thing for the new layout in the last post. That's the 2007 er..template thingy for ya. I would go and make a new banner, but I can't be bothered.

You might question the Schwarzenegger picture on the top, but you can't help but at least smile when looking at the pic; lest burst out laughing at his muscles. I personally find it incredibly amusing, and fans of the masterful surprise as well as king joe would no doubt know it's been used in a muscle joke once. But only a fool doesn't know that there is no such thing as "enough" muscle jokes when it comes to this man. Cheers to the commando, the terminator, and last but not least to the Austrian bodybuilder. Cyberdyne Systems Model 101, I salute you.

So what else is new? Nothing immediately comes to mind. So I'll just leave it at that.

Merry belated X'mas everyone, and have a great new year!

2006-12-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

Whoopsie-daisies!

Oh forgot to post this one in the last post as I was practically too busy bragging, but yeah. Wanted to do a Masterful awards feature before 2007, but have yet to find the time. Will try though.

I said try.

Internet downtime? Bah!

2006-12-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

I feel as though I am the only one not really affected by the "internet disruption" that hit the asia-pacific (You probably wouldn't believe me, but the whole internet became this way when I hit the download button on a certain webpage, trying to get that ending theme to Aim for the top ! 2; I can't confirm whether it was because I clicked on that button, or whether..no. it was because of me that the internet became this way...yes. I do like the notion that I hold the power to this much disaster..). Well okok..so maybe the msn has become a bit laggy and websites take some time to load (okok I lie...takes forever to load) but............my torrent downloads are immensely efficient. And superspeed. And look at this! I'm blogging! What's the issue? To prove my point, let me upload something...

btw yes. That's Bangsar Village on fire.

This. Is.
The masterful surprise.

Unlock Street Fighter 2 : Masterful Fighting!

2006-12-18T01:25:00.000-08:00

This code can be only used in the Arcade Champion Edition. You must enter the code before you insert the coin, not after. Never after. And you have to be completely naked. I know this might sound immensely like a trick, but believe it or not, even back in 92' ,the Capcom CPS board had a built in sensor to seperate the chumps from the champs.

To enter the code you have to wiggle the joystick upwards. Not up mind you. Upwards on the axis. Kinda like how you click R3 on the PS2 pad. But pull up in smooth jerking motions. Do that ten times, then another five, but this time pressing the HK+HP softly alternating between both 10 times. All this must be done simultaneously and completely stark nekkid.

Now comes the tricky part. You have to tap all six buttons in alternating fashion:
(location of buttons:)
-1-2-3-
-4-5-6-

tap in following order, 1-3-2-4-6-3-2-1-5-3-1-3-5-2-1-3-4-1-4-1-2-5-6-2-1-2-5-1-2-4
REMEMBER! All buttons must be tapped within a milisecond in between each other!

if you have done it correctly then the title screen will change to MASTERFUL FIGHTING!
You will now have to insert coin, but five times the amount, as the licensing for some of the characters was very expensive. When you enter the character select screen, you will have to select your character and input the above code again in reverse order 3 times until the special characters appear. They will have a "PP" marked on the top standing for "POWER PLAYERS"

Changes in the game include new characters, a cool new bonus game and new endings, as well as chun li in compromising positions. Try it today!

Dialogue of the century

2006-12-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

Darth Vader: I've been waiting for you, Obi-Wan. We meet again, at last. The circle is now complete. When I met you I was but the learner. Now, *I* am the master.

Obi-Wan: Only a master of evil, Darth.

created in the office! using toys! how appropriate! yippeee! - (ok that's enough - ed)

Happy Blue Rainy Days!

2006-12-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

It's odd really. I really shouldn't be able to cope with this madness. It's not like I'm not mad. But it's like the real amount of craziness that is actually and virtually (in my head) happening at the moment I think I should already have broken down a long time ago. Instead I think I'm back on my happy mode yet again! I might have just found it unearthed beneath all the rubble that was the former me. The core to all the sunny days of the past self. Does this mean I'm one step closer to finding me? I hope so! I really want to meet my old self again! The happy days of long ago! I mean, it's not like I suddenly became happy (although Younha did help). It's sudden realisation on what life is, what I have been living about, and what I should live for! Maybe it's all the quitting that has helped me! I don't know, but whatever it is, I hope it's here to stay! Let me chase that blue sunshine baby!

Tale of one Lancer Evolution, nice photography & Younha.

2006-11-30T02:45:00.000-08:00

Weird days have yet set upon my life yet again. Not weird bad mind you (so far anyway..). How weird? Yesterday I was fishing prawns till about 12am. And before that was a blackout at the office which saw me walking around and taking beautiful photos from my secret location in the business park (I call it secret cos it's kinda like my little retreat that I visit regularly when I'm there).
Also been waking up earlyish to make phone calls to Aussie; to which I always get the voicemail, but never seem to mind.
Then there's that Younha video. So incredibly upbeat, and so incredibly uplifting. It's odd that
it has this feel to it, considering it's not that different a video anyway.

It's December again. And X'mas is just around the corner. I'm looking forward to the festivities, but know I'm going to be somewhat dissapointed unless I plan ahead. Which basically means I plan now.

But...

X'mas is the more expensive time of the year anyway.

Maybe I should do this thing like next next week or something and feel content doing nothing on the real day. Haha. Right.
This post is pointless. Just like how it should be. Whatever. The sun has to come up sometime right?

Rebel Alliance is the way to go!

2006-11-24T00:53:00.000-08:00

Han Solo had his fair share of hardships. It ain't easy being a rogue smuggler and fighting for the rebel alliance. The empire has a funny way of infiltrating the rebel outposts, as well as turning their allies against them; mostly for the price of freedom (ie. lando calrissian in the turnover of solo at sky city). You'd be really surprised how far the emperor is willing to go to get what er...he wants.

Which is why, join the rebel alliance today!

We know this blog is being monitored by the empire, although with enough underlying sarcasm as well as star wars anecdotes, I'm thinking the rebels would be pretty safe...

for now.

The Coup d'état

2006-11-19T22:49:00.000-08:00

Political engineering. "Tactically, a coup usually involves control of some active portion of the military while neutralizing the remainder of a country's armed services. This active group captures or expels leaders, seizes physical control of important government offices, means of communication, and the physical infrastructure, such as streets and power plants." In a nutshell, an internal hostile takeover.

How about a social one?

Social engineering. Recontrolling social environments to select and reenact group leaders, revise social politics as well as environments. Through this process, if conducted carefully; can result in a comfortable "perfect" social environment for the initiator of the coup. However, results do vary accordingly and cannot be predicted accurately.

What do you do when the revolution doesn't include you?

Do you create your own?

Do you have the capacity to do so?

Make haste.

73H L33CH1NG 15 D0N3..

2006-11-13T22:46:00.000-08:00

Hello friendlies! I'm at the office again, so graphic intensive material is kept to the minimum.(Although, the pic I did manage to find is R0xX0rzZ.) Today is a weirdfest so far, after non-sleeping for the longest time (since 2am) I am now in auto-zombie mode. However, yesterday (well, this morning) was fun, I managed to get another cd burned, and downloaded tons of stuff.AAANND the final catchup on Megatokyo izz finally complete! yay! now i'll have to wait for strips like the rest of the other morons.
Arr.Just wondered.Where do you find a girl that would like to sit on you? I don't mean like the fat ones where they sit on you to KKND j00 a55. Or even the 5exX0R positions. I mean like a girl that f33l5 1ts au naturale to sit on y0ur lap, and 15 kinda grunge. N0t lik3 g0th grung3 but like jeans n t. Maybe just teh T.
ummm..luvly. NO NO 53xX0rZ Thoughts get out of my head!! Out!!!!
yeah well, what the question is a girl which is comfortable enough with the opp0site sex, but yet not because of t3h 3V1L influences. Just cummfy.
NVM. This isn't working out to be how teh question w45 initially d351gn3d.

Can't wait to get home but I can't. Have 2.5 hours left, and a p05t3r to c0nc0ct. J0k35 a5id3 I think I'm going to 5kip d15ner and sl33p again. Maybe tonight will be more fun. Maybe it will.
I think I will d0 Ch1xX0rZ research tonite! HYO!

1 15 G0iNg M3nt4l. l337 0v3rl04d.

What the hell is V Core?

2006-11-09T10:41:00.000-08:00

It's almost 3am. Yesterday was an overclocking fiesta. Long story short, now the graphic card's finally got a new driver, along with the mobo and netwerk card as well. This mere translates into smoother (and higher rez)nfs most wanted, and (much better)beautiful carbon graphics. However, the stability of netframe has yet to be determined.

On other stories, epiphany has told me that anything 'performance' has to do with speed. The faster, the better. And high performance means only refers to the capability to withstand high speed.

Whatever.

Tomorrow's (well, today) Friday, and it's yet to be determined how this weekend will unfold, as usual. But unfold it shall, and while it might seem trivial, it never is.

It never is.

L337N355 15 C0MPR0M153D

2006-11-05T23:54:00.000-08:00

I'm typing this from work so the diagram is not the best of artworks, but will do to explain the compromise in l337ness recently. While Hasbro was deemed as a drain, it is now since been converted into a training ground! Orange Doom and pointless excursions with the unl337 are deemed as bigger drains of unadulterated l337 5k1llz. I think it is tim3. 0r4ng3 d00m I can't do anything about, but the the unl337 should be bl0ck3d.

Tyler told me this.

2006-10-29T11:41:00.000-08:00

I have been irony. I have been melancholy. I am neither of those. I am not your perception. I am not your muse. I am not your laughter. I am not your sunny day. I am not your anorak. I am not your door-to-door salesman. I am not your madness. I am not the reason you don't make it in life. I am not the reason your girlfriend doesn't look anything like Jessica Alba. I am not the reason she acts like a bitch. I am not your kitchen sink. I am not you.

The day I find me, is the same day you lose you.

The Big Update

2006-10-11T02:32:00.000-07:00

First things first... The Masterful Surprise has yet again shone through with our win of the "Man of The Year" award; (obviously) for our incredible wit and performance throughout 2006 till about forever, we reckon. The golden "Arnie" is not just a sign of our socio-economic achievements but that of more importance than the nobel prize. It is quite apprent that in today's madness where such silliness like the Bush administration is allowed to prevail, the world needs us.

Secondly, it's the haze. The incredibly annoying haze that has yet again befallen upon our lands. It is mainly annoying because walking outside tends to smell like burnt pants and also because when it doesn't rain, haze-dust sticks to the car, and when it does rain , it dirties the car even more. I agree with Ian that we should set up giant fans (see pic) (which coincidentally happen to be wind electric generators as well) so we can blow the haze to some other country. While I have some reservations about Ian's idea of blowing it (the haze) to Singapore, I would much rather send the dust back to Indonesia, and then use whatever electricity we have gathered from the giant fans to power some doomsday device to sink Singapore (right after bringing Denise Keller back here of course).

Thirdly, while NFS:MW progress has been virtually zero, I have magically managed to get a Cayman S. Yeah..look at them curves. It's pretty pretty, and is the fastest thing in the garage at the moment; and we really shouldn't be discussing some year old game. Well we can't be bothered anyway.

OOH.

Then there's this..

Kim Possible.
We here at TMS have gone incredibly kimpossibly crazy about..er..Kim Possible. I know that it's rather wrong to be harping over some toon, especially at this sort of stage, but it's just something in the show, something about the character that makes it so damn appealing. So there, (virtual) TMS girl of the month.

Oh yeah, and on other news, our long standing K750i has been replaced with a V3i, simply because it seems to be so utterly stylish. Regrets about the shoddy camera quality pretty much vanish when realization upon the amount of videos, music and the quality of the whole thing comes to play.

Oh, and let's not forget Infiltrator 3. Okay. Okay. So shootings been a bit dodgy, and progress is practically gone with the lack of script (but mostly lack of lead actor), we still got a semi-kickass introduction to boast about. Let's just say in that two minutes, there is more action and proper shots than the entire previous two movies (well, trailers) combined.

I guess that's all for this round of updates. TMS out!

Real World Tuner-ology

2006-09-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

So it's finally been done, the car's finally been tuned. I'm proud to say it's finally got about 128.4bhp and 161Nm of torque at the wheels, and since powertrain losses are about 15% that means the car has about er...147.66bhp...just about.

All said and done, that means the car has an increase from factory figures about 10bhp. Which brings me to the question... if my current figures show that...what was the siemens ECUed power back then? 90bhp at the wheels?? No wonder it seemed much like the 1.3 ocassionally back then.

Shocking revelations from the dyno charts also show that my previous fuel consumption was incredibly high due to the engine running incredibly rich. I did an estimate on my previous fuel consumption and it came out to about 250km per full tank(urban driving); which is about 50 litres, that's about 14 miles per gallon. Those figures won't mean much until you realise that a Ferrari F430 does 15.4mpg. And that's a 4.3 V8 producing 483bhp. My fuel consumption is only trumped slightly by the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti at 13.6mpg...and yes that's a 6.0 V12 producing 540bhp. Really puts things into perspective. Where did all the fuel go??? It sure didn't translate it into power.....was that why the exhaust smelt like fuel everytime the car was idle? Figures. On the graph that would be the dotted blue line versus the one with er...a blue line. Apparently I'm the record holder at the tuning garage for insane fuel consumption for a naturally aspirated 1.8. Figures.

NFS Evo Antics...

2006-09-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

The evo finally has new transmission coupled with better brakes etc. so it's faster than my supra now...crazy nitrooooooo
either ways...haven't touched the game for the past few days......
been thinking about real life. And how it sucks comparatively to my virtual one....
if onlyyyyyy ...four fully done up sports cars and Yua Aida...mmmmmmmmmmm
and cassshhhhh
and not forgetting josie marannn....aar....better go to sleep ......

Improve YOU! Make The Sun Shiny Goodness!!

2006-09-08T04:01:00.000-07:00

The call of the world has been formed in shape n' size in the special DYNAMIC BODY IMPROVE SYSTEM! The Masterful Surprise has new objective in world conquest of super hot body system! Make easy of Hyper Hot Female!

How DYNAMIC BODY make better!

1) Improve hyper stylishness and super human player skill!!

2) Make running faster so performance increase can make bed sports ultimate dream!

3) Increase make of Ultimate Fighting Spirit. with Hyper Fighter Version Street capability Unlocked! Female will be wow.

4) Fuel/Power Ratio increased!! Run away from dog is no worry. Consistent Power Regulation System is achieved!

With concept of DYNAMIC BODY in hands, the world of bed sports has changed forever! TMS Co. Ltd. is in the forefront of increase special technology! Never let hyper hot female out of target ever again!

(c)2006 TMS Japan Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Mundane-ity

2006-09-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

Melancholy. I like that word. It sounds nice, but it isn't obviously. Unless referred to any Suzumiya-esque references, it's not a very positive thing. Days go by like clouds in the sky. Set in a blue sky in my head, but reality seems to have the opacity turned down low, colorless, mundane. Kinda like what that sepia button does on my digital camera. Or phone. Whatever. The point of the matter is.. it's 2:43 in the morning. The foos are keeping me company with Next Year off their There Is Nothing Left To Lose album. Which is great, but their music tends to be very nostalgia-based-reminisence feely thing. So it's really not the best sort of music to play.

Melancholy.

More NFS antics..

2006-08-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

EA's attention to detail is amazing. The Fast & The Furious fans are gonna love doing this shit. Only be careful, when under the trailer you can't see shit so keeping the speed constant is immensely tricky. Hit the wheels on this trailer, and the whole thing comes to a halt. Hit the ones carrying logs, and they break off all onto the highway...into the police...hahahahaahaha...

Either way, just scored the RX-8 from Izzy (is it?) and it's pretty fly. Can't wait for the Evo 8! Rank 11 here I come...

You can guess what I've been doing and you wouldn't be wrong..

2006-08-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

My initial IS300-- superb sound and handling...

--and my brand spankin' new Supra! Tempted to spray it F&F orange but...you know that's just plain wrong.

Well it's 5:02am, kinda like yesterday; when I first got the game from Theo, and got immersed into the Josie Maran/crazy mad racing scene that is NFS Most Wanted. I know most of you will probably have one eyebrow raised and a proverbial thumb and finger on your chin, partly because the game's about a year old, and it kinda shows. Three reasons I'm playing it: 1) I've always wanted to play it but then my X-box died. 2) Josie Maran 3) Josie Maran; oh, and the cars sound beautiful, the soundtrack's amazing, the graphics could be better if I had a faster computer and.....it's partly because I'm halfway through the impossibly difficult PSP version.

On other news, I wasn't even supposed to blog anymore, but since I'm back to playing games, I suppose bad habits die hard. A bit like Hartz. Which is back. I'm tempted to write about it, but Ian already has done that, so just go to his blog instead. Finally got my transcripts today, but I doubt I'll be doing anything productive anytime soon; besides NFS, which really isn't productive anyway. Then there's my sudden love for Kim Possible. It's crazy. One day you're just thinking about your future and chicken chop, the next day you watch a disney cartoon and go nuts. About the character even. It's like she's reallllly nice. Her friend at school is insanely hot as well. I think I should stop writing about this. Aaanyway, it's getting late, gotta wake up early tomorrow, got races to win, and Josie to impress.

No direction in life? Bah. I've got plenty.

Changes are..

2006-08-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

I'm here typing this at 4:11am on a Tuesday morning and I'm listening to John Mayer's "Waiting On The World To Change", his new single, from yes; his new album. It's lovely. It also makes sense. As avid readers (or maybe not that avid) of this highly unpopular blog (as well as my previous one) would notice, right about now I'd be writing about my day, and how at this time of the year I'm about to make a crazy change in my life, how I'm going to go register in college, and make a good semester, how I'll topple the business world with my immense talent, or even to edge in a subtle nod at my views on class, and to nod even more at the slightest chance that I possess such said qualities. Some may even expect me to post the new scantily clad Heidi Klum pictures I have acquired (thanks Ian..) and drool all over it; or even (god forbid) I talk shamelessly about my car and it's endless modification list that bears no real bearing on anything, except to fill that gaping hole which I call an ego. Then there are those posts where I try to act out the crazy man in me (with substantial proof most of the time), the who I've been portraying to most people, for the most of my life. There is some truth in these words I assure you, but I will not show it. This is because most of the time I don't know how, and sometimes it's because I simply don't want to.

This post is a start of something. I can't tell you what, because it is something I don't know, but I can safely say that it is true that every beginning has it's end.

And to plagairise Dylan Thomas, I will not go silently into the night.

Isn't she the greatest thing on the planet?

2006-08-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

Maybe not the single greatest thing, but she is immensely close to the person I want. And that who be Natasha from Atomic Kitten (taken) and/or Jenny (taken), also ftom Atomic Kitten..This however, I saw in my friend's car mag (thanks Chen) and get this, she's real life. Not some pseudo celebrity that I can't ever have the chance to get.. she might even put Australia back on my map... I think she is...looks more British by my reckoning. But wow.
Oh and she's a modder. And wow. I'm out of my mind.

Let me say this again. Dreaming is the single most beautiful ability we have. And this photo is proof that out there, on some other continent; dreams really do come true.

The return of the real(ish) GTi

2006-08-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

With the original mmc inlet manifold firmly bolted back in place, the transformation is finally complete..full mmc electronic control is regained. Power is back to (nearish) stock configuration but as usual, top speed isn't tested yet. Last set of runs with the idling issues gave me about 185km/h top end, here's hoping that the mivec extractor works it's magic. It's been exactly a week of worrying and dreaming about manifolds, throttle bodies and sensors, and since it took so damn long to complete, it hardly feels any more special than the other day when I was grinning all the way home after having had fixed the ac/idle problem. Apparently my compressor is faulty now and makes a strange vibrating noise at high revs. I beg to differ, but with my normal driving style it seems relatively okay. It could be the manifold, but then again, I'm really tired of this. So tired, that all I want to do is lower the car and call it quits.

Managing Power

2006-08-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

ECU change isn't as easy as it looks. It's taken 2 days and everything's fine. Except for the air-conditioning. And the damn alarm. Anyhoo, power is restored to my 4G93. Not too mental power, but then again, it's never been truly tested yet. Here's to hoping that it manages to sail past the 180 mark and go on to reach the great 200. Pipe dream perhaps, but not truly impossible methinks.

Here's the original part list(what was supposed to go in):
1) Evo 2 ECU
2) Evo 2 wiring
3) Evo 2 throttle body
4) GSR inlet manifold
5) Evo 2 spark cables
6) Evo 2 Injectors
7) Evo 2 Air Sensor w/piping
8) MMC knock sensor
9) MMC relay
10) A/C reconfig relay

Here's what went/stayed in:
1) MMC ECU
2) Evo 2 wiring
3) MMC throttle body
4) Siemens/Proton inlet manifold
5) GSR spark cables
6) MMC Injectors
7) GSR Air Sensor w/piping
8) MMC knock sensor
9) MMC relay
10) A/C reconfig relay

Here's what went horribly wrong:
1) A/C Compressor kick in loads too high leading to...
2) inconsistent idling when A/C is turned on...which means....
3) car is tuned up to 1500rpm on normal idle...
4) losing 6000-8000rpm when A/C is turned on..
5)dammit...something always has to go wrong.

So there...my worries of the past 48 hours and more...

Running it in

2006-07-27T12:01:00.000-07:00

I've just gotten back from Klang, in about 15 minutes. I'm not very proud about that, simply because it's been done before. Neither am I proud about the fact that I hit 193 km/h on that stretch of road, again; because it's been done before. However what I am proud of is that I kept it at 193 km/h for most part of the journey. You probably are thinking, so what? Here's the issue. My car doesn't like going past 175 km/h very much. It's mostly siemens's fault, but partly mine. Let me explain. 160 km/h is fairly nice cruising speed; and easily reachable, but getting it up to 180km/h tends to worry me. It tends to take really really long straights and then some to get there. The federal highway isn't exactly straight, or flat, so I tend to slow down. The last time I reached 193 km/h for record purposes was such a short stint before a corner appeared, I hardly felt what the speed feels like. Today however, was different. Apparently I've managed to unknowingly screw with the underside aerodynamics of the car that at 175 km/h, the turbulent wind pushes on the inside/outside air switch thingy so hard it moves by itself. It literally opens itself to outside air at that speed, and I can't close it until I've slowed down. Either it was my doing or it was really turbulent wind today. Anyway, the point of all this marlakey is that 193 km/h feels great, and while it's 7 km/h short of 200, it has kept me satisfied with my baby, at least for another month or so.

It's been awhile..

2006-07-13T11:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a good forever since I last updated this blog/pointless ranting outlet. What's happened thus far? I'll try to keep the updates as in timeline-esque fashion as possible, but thanks to my 53 year old brain (a DS lite told me so), it'll guranteed to be a bit messed up. Okay, so i'll start with the car update. First off, the new rims.. well..not that new anymore, but since the last post...and the engine light's been as busy as an intersection traffic light at noon. Apparently it's the dirty throttle body, and that's fixed sorta, but the whole siemens system is to blame anyway, so I'm still frustrated. The car's been sitting pretty at home for the past 8 days as my mom just went to China for hols, and have been driving her car to work; which was horrible (work not the car...) initially...until I met this girl yesterday, who was so super nice and hot, although I doubt she had what I had in mind...anyway, that's a story left for another day..Been making paper animals for 8 days now..my room resembles a miniature zoo; am still yet to take my ace ventura picture.

On other fronts, nothing much has been really new except for the world cup, which initially started as my "boycott the damn world cup because they're messing with my top gear timetable" and became "dammit i've seen almost all the games except the finals thanks to peer pressure". France should've won though. At least Zizou went into retirement in style. My msn nick currently says "real men fight; but only legends do it in the world cup finals..". Like Cantona before him, he's the other frenchman that has made me proud. Oh yeah just coined a new footie special move you guys will get to experience when we play (someday) --"The Hammer of Zizou". Along with "The Foot of Cantona" and the established "Wall of Maradona" I think I should win world player of the year (not that player you ass..) in due time. Eat your heart out Ronaldinho.

Then there was the Japan GT that came to town. I have fallen for the Ferrari race queen/girl/person. She's just so kawaii desune. I think I maxed out my camera memory taking voyeur-ish pictures of her. On hindsight, voyeur is such a harsh word. Appreciation is much more suitable.

Right.

What else is there? Movies Movies Movies! Tokyo Drift was so damn good. I don't care what the critics and non-car loving people say.. it was so damn good. Superman and Da Vinci fall in the same league of "it's sorta nice but that's because the female leads were unbelievably hot so I'll vote for them"-- but not great. However...Pirates was one helluva good damn ride. Keira is so damn fine.

So...damn...fine.

Then there was MI3. Nigel can go eat his shorts as it was unbelievably good. So now all that's left is Click and Miami Vice. Rocky 6 anyone?

Nigel Eat Your Heart Out

2006-06-08T04:21:00.000-07:00

Your Penis Name Is...

Goliath

Penis Name Generator

Some things really require no explaination..

Having CLS

2006-06-02T01:46:00.000-07:00

Been spending the last few days giving Jamiroquai's Live in Verona quite a bit of airplay, and it's really brilliant. The real attraction of this vid, basically most of whatever Jay Kay does, is while it does have brilliant brilliant music (even better live really), it's got an unwritten class and style to it. Almost subtle, but always present. This is the best balance of what stylissimo really is. It's not overdoing it, but balancing it with a natural style. Natural class. Most of the time people relate it to money and wealth (pretty much the same thing); however this is not the (only) way to achieve it. The key is perception. Perception on the things that matter, or more importantly, the things that don't. Having class means getting used to things that would be out of the ordinary for normal people. It means taking things for granted. And it means doing things in that context because you have the confidence that it doesn't really matter at all. Whether it does or not in reality, is a different matter. Like smoking an expensive cigar. You might've worked your ass off to get it, but if you were to smoke it like it was made of solid gold, it's really ruined. Smoke it like you would a cigarette. That's class. Concentrate on the style on handling things, not the thing itself.

Stylissimo. It's like owning a CLS and not giving a tosser because you have the 599GTB to worry about.

Obscenely Fascinating

2006-05-29T01:46:00.000-07:00

Really. Obscenity is a way of life. Most people would frown at the word, yet it means so much more. I believe obscene is another word for flair, and flair is a good thing, no? I'm telling you this, because I know that deep down inside, while everyone strives to be "normal" (which is just basically another word for going against our natural being), they actually want to be obscene. Stylissimo, a variation of obscenity is what we want. It's about being obscene in a subtle way. It's about having a passion for living in obscenity in style.

Everyone wants to be obscenely rich.

Everyone wants to be obscenely famous.

Everyone wants to have obscenely pretty girls.

And everyone wants to get obscene with them.

Ego Trip

2006-05-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

"Many centuries ago, people believed that the earth was the epicenter of the universe, and everything revolved around it. This theory has in recent times been disapproved with the notion that the earth was not the epicentre and revolved around the universe instead.

Bullshit.

The universe revolves around me."

I Heuer Very Much!

2006-05-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

The Masterful Surprise Surprise has been tagged! Blessing or curse? You Decide!

THREE NAMES YOU GO BY:
1. Justin.
2. Woi.
3. The Masterful Surprise.

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. Bulk. I can stop almost anything.
2. Insulation. I can withstand extreme temperatures.
3. Space. It's what buffet champions are made of.

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS YOU DON'T LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF:
1. Bulk. It means I'm not agile.
2. Insulation. It makes me look like a polar bear.
3. Space. The distance you can see me from.

THREE PARTS OF YOUR HERITAGE:
1. Chinese.
2. Dammit.
3. Do I really have to acknowledge the 25%?

THREE THINGS YOU CAN'T STAND:
1. My 25% and anyone associated with it.
2. Pointless sports like football.
3. The fact that I'm not with a supermodel, or anywhere near a Nissan Skyline.

THREE THINGS THAT SCARE YOU:
1. That I might never get Hyo Lee, or even Kate Beckinsale.
2. That I might never own a Ferrari.
3. Evil winged spawns of the devil.

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE SHOWS:
1. The Mischa Barton bits in the O.C.
2. The Kristin Kreuk bits in Smallville.
3. Top Gear TV.

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE JAPANESE ANIMES:
1. Eureka 7.
2. Initial D.
3. Nana.

THREE OF YOUR CURRENT FAVORITE SONGS:
1. Sweetbox - Don't Push Me.
2. Ariel & Ephram - Testacles. (I do. I worry ouften)
3. M-flo ft. Melody - Miss You.

THREE MOVIES YOU CAN WATCH OVER AND OVER AGAIN:
1. Back to the Future.
2. Lost In Translation.
3. Serendipity.

THREE MOVIES YOU WOULD LIKE TO WATCH:
1. Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
2. Da Vinci Code.
3. MI3. (again..I know; but I'm a sucker for Maggie Q)

THREE OF YOUR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS:
1. My Mobile.
2. My Car.
3. My Ego.

THREE THINGS YOU ARE WEARING RIGHT NOW:
1. Glasses.
2. Some blue(or purple) shirt.
3. Some blue(or purple) pants.

THREE THINGS YOU WANT IN A RELATIONSHIP:
1. She must be hot.
2. She must be hot.
3. She must be hot.

THREE PHYSICAL THINGS ABOUT THE OPPOSITE GENDER THAT APPEAL TO YOU:
1. Incredibly beautiful facial features.
2. Lovely toned stomach and/or figure.
3. Dyed Hair.

THREE BAD HABITS:
1. Choosing pointless things over logical ones.
2. Making rubbish jokes that don't work half the time.
3. Bitching.

THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE HOBBIES:
1. Driving.
2. Making Out.
3. Eating.

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO REALLY BADLY RIGHT NOW:
1. Drive.
2. Make Out.
3. Eat.

THREE CAREERS YOU'RE CONSIDERING OR CURRENTLY PURSUING:
1. Professional Champion.
2. International Playboy.
3. Student.

THREE PLACES YOU WANT TO GO ON VACATION:
1. Milan.
2. Paris.
3. Wouldn't be a vacation if I told you.

THREE KIDS' NAMES YOU LIKE:
1. Rachel.
2. Jennifer.
3. Keira.

THREE THINGS YOU WANT TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE:
1. Drive a supercar down an airstrip.
2. Make out with Hyo Lee and/or Kate Beckinsale.
3. Eat at that shrimp place by the beach in Fast & Furious

THREE WAYS THAT YOU ARE STEREOTYPICALLY A GUY:
1. The constant dream of wanting to drive a supercar down an airstrip,
2. the need to make out with Hyo Lee and/or Kate Beckinsale,
3. and the wanting to eat at some shrimp place by the beach.

INITIALS OF THREE CRUSHES:
1. I cannot publish these here,
2. mainly because these are either friend's girlfriends,
3. or close acquaintances.

THREE PEOPLE YOU TAG TO DO THE SURVEY:
1. Ian.
2. Theo. (Now you both have to do it again! Ha!)
3. YOUR NAME HERE!

Virtual Insanity

2006-04-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

Last week's been a reality check. My godfather's passing has been surreal, and when i got back from my trip from samui, everything at home seemed to be in disarray as well. For one , the XBOX is gone, which means all of the OC and all my Top Gear(3 full seasons at least), along with a good selection of anime as well as movies are gone. Secondly, the PC was affected as well, which really was an issue as the assignment deadlines were due. A week on, I'm typing this to say that after the incident, I've realised that life is surprisingly short, and if you're not going to do what you want, when you want to, then you might never know. What does your life stand for? What do you stand for?

On other news, for this semester's video assignment, I'll be recreating Jay Kay's virtual insanity video to a certain degree, and short of actually creating rigs (which translates to time x money), or setting up a green screen (also time x money, but more practical for future endeavours), I've actually no real idea on recreating the award-winning masterpiece. I've thought about a few "cheat" methods, and while they all seem to work perfectly in my head; until the actual filming is done I'm not sure if any of it will even work at all.

Disco Time

2006-03-27T06:16:00.000-08:00

I've just come across a move song, which is simply awesome. Simply simply awesome. The song is awesome, and so is the video. It expresses the craziness of the driver on roadtrips when the passengers are asleep. So bloody brilliant. Damn. I miss those trips.

Electrorock is back.

Twenty-Zero-Six

2006-02-27T10:21:00.000-08:00

What's in a year? Why does the counting of the planet's orbital movement in any way affect your life? I'll tell you why. It's because we need an excuse. We always do. To question why is only to give way for another excuse. You're probably asking why? why? and why? to many of your problems. You already know the solution. You already know the outcome. However, initiative is one tricky entity. It needs excuses. Without an excuse to do something, nothing gets done. I'm not implicating that everyone needs excuses to get things done. Most of the time it's money that gets things done. But for all those other times, it's safe to say that excuses has had it's fair share of initiative er..initiation. The lesson of the story? Well, stop using excuses to fuel initiation. Take initiative for no reason at all. Do it because you can, not because you want to. And with that, suddenly you become your own. You discover a world that is the choice of champions. The world that is the masterful surprise.

I've often quoted that this world is made up to three types of people: Those who watch, those who do, and those who do well. This is particularly true, and as aspirations are very much different to commitment and success, to that they might be more difficult to achieve. But hey, this isn't mission difficult, it's mission impossible, difficult should be a walk in the park for you. (Sorry, even the forces that are TMS couldn't stop that line--Ed.)

And back to the totally contradictary nature of this blog, where we often say one thing, and do another: this post itself was an excuse to post the lovely Keira Knightley pic above. We want to wake up to her tomorrow morning. Oh how we do.

Orido MAX Style

2006-01-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

This is Manabu "Maximum" Orido, and he is a japanese man. He drifts cars really well. His style is taking it to the max.

YOUR LIFE!

DO IT MAXIMUM STYLE!

Life in Pictures

2006-01-11T21:50:00.000-08:00

Often, we have this romantic link to a certain concept to life, one that we see as perfection. A life in a picture. The picture on the left is not really my ideal life, but it comes close. This is a picture painted by some marketing department to shout in your ear and say "hey you! get a PS2! look at the life you can have!", and to be fair, some people do indeed have such a perfect looking life. I've seen it, felt it, but have never lived it fully and that is why I keep chasing the life in pictures. My pictures.

It's true. You never know what you can lose until you've had it.

The Masterful Art Collection

2006-01-05T22:23:00.000-08:00

Here it is! In all it's glory the first limited piece of the Masterful Art Collection, entitled "Flight of The Cock", a contemporary art piece that is, and will always remain a true classic; simply because unlike some other art pieces that just sits there and does nothing, this one does it stylishly, and more importantly, masterfully. Our resident TMS contributor Randy Andy was spotted grabbing his crotch every time he passed by the art piece. When asked why he only muttered something about it being "powerful yet so sexy" before running off to the washroom with a box of tissues. The piece represents today's lifestyle, the end of monogamy and keen female art enthusiasts are bound to find more uninterpreted new meaning simply by staring at it when not wearing underwear. Kids can also spend hours on end laughing at the giant cock while entertaining themselves to a simple maze game also included in the piece.

Limited to 3 worldwide.

Bids start at $25,000. Contact TMS offices to get hold of a chance to own one.

YUI Are My Number 1!

2006-01-03T20:05:00.000-08:00

It is day four of 2006 and nothing feels remotely noveau. Nothing feels like a big different year. It's 2006, that's six years since the y2k scam, a time where the generation X fad has become so passe. And that says something. This year (as was last year actually) is actually nothing new. What was new has become everyday life. And what is everyday life is the same. The question we need be answered is this : do we really need change? I've heard that change is good, it brings new concepts and ideas together and that in turn brings nice new things to your life. However, I've also heard that familiarity breeds content. Content? I think more like contentment. We get used to things we're familiar with, we get comfortable. Changes are high risk manouevers that we may not all be prepared for at all times. But it is in that non-preparation that we learn. The human race is not really a race at all. It's a confused gene-pool of evolution that doesn't know where it's heading and more importantly; it doesn't know why. This explains why people often question their purpose in life. I was posed such a question at a forum the other day, and interestingly enough, the answer came rather easily. My purpose in life is current. And in that purpose is to listen to this really awesome single by YUI, who happens to be really cute as well. Oh how I love her life video. Makes me melt.

New year. New philosophy. In girl we thrust.

The Masterful Ingredients

2005-12-30T00:16:00.000-08:00

How to make a the masterful surprise:
3 parts anger
5 parts brilliance
1 part joy
Stir together in a glass tumbler with a salted rim. Add fitness to taste!
Do not overindulge!
Use as you see fit.lovely.girls.

Neu New Noveau

2005-12-29T22:34:00.000-08:00

Another new year is just very literally around the corner, and all the resolutions are flooding through the..er..flood gates like a monkey on heat. This year the resolutions have come in early, with crazy active lifestyles and the cigarette quit more imminent.Ar, such a lazy Friday here at work. The iPOD is out of battery (hence charging) and the woman who plays MixFM is on leave, so that leaves no music but aircond noise and muffled traffic. 3 more hours to go; till I can go home and sleep (maybe) and look at my sexy pretty Talho. And maybe eat. AAr. Me be off now. Got some white ninja to read up on.

Sarah Carter makes me so hot.