MunY - TangTangTang!

a shitty state of mind

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 13:45:00 +0000

Let me start with this little meme, which I've quoted similiar references for quite some time now to friends and colleagues.

As we go through work life, we always feel that some other place might be better.

Well, some times it might be. But the surface is does not represent everything.

Many job and career advice sites have many articles about how to approach a new job prospect. Find out more, ask around, do your research before taking the plunge they would repeatedly tell you.

A peek behind the curtain will sometimes reveal more than you will ever hear, because seeing is believing.

However, our state of mind is going to be the most important factor to our success. No matter how shit a place is, or the people are, we determine the next step.

Shit is what we processed, so if we keep on processing shit in our brains, it'll be natural that we end up with a shitty state of mind.

So I have constantly remind myself to keep calm and carry on, which is advice i received back long ago.

Hope you will also find Greener pastures, but if it ends up being more shit, just tip toe around like a ballerina, step around it, and dance your way out of it. :)

Dialect going the way of the Dinosaur

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 15:13:00 +0000

Intesting that in today's article about Lee Kuan Yew, the below was mentioned.

Occasionally, when I disagree strongly with something, I make my views known to the Prime Minister. There was an instance of this when the Government was looking to reintroduce Chinese dialect programmes on free-to-air channels.

A suggestion was made: "Mandarin is well-established among the population now. Let us go back to dialects so the old can enjoy dramas."

I objected, pointing out that I had, as prime minister, paid a heavy price getting the dialect programmes suppressed and encouraging people to speak Mandarin. So why backtrack?

I had antagonised an entire generation of Chinese, who found their favourite dialect programmes cut off. There was one very good narrator of stories called Lee Dai Sor on Rediffusion, and we just switched off his show.

Why should I allow Cantonese or Hokkien to infect the next generation? If you bring it back, you will find portions of the older generation beginning to speak in dialects to their children and grandchildren. It will creep back, slowly but surely...

The other day, me and a friend were just discussing the same topic. As i mentioned that the coming generations of Chinese will not know these dialects, and it's a shame.

And my friend jokingly mentioned that when they don't want the kids to know what they are saying, they will say it in hokkien.

For me, I grew up in Penang, so I understand Hokkien and because my family is cantonese and I watch alot of TVB shows, I understand it pretty well and speak decent fluid cantonese.

It is the a shame in my opinion, but there is nothing wrong in what Mr Lee did as he needed to consolidate a nation back then.

I really do hope dialects continue strongly back in Penang, as Penang Hokkien is unique, and is a very distinct characteristic of a Penangite.

For instance, if I'm in Singapore and I hear a few people conversing in Penang Hokkien, I immediately know they are from my hometown!

So dialect creates a bond for a family and community, and to give it up is a loss of a culture and history that we will never find back.

Pity.indeed.sigh.

Discipline

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sun, 11 Aug 2013 09:18:00 +0000

I don't have discipline when it comes to writing.

There, I said it.

I think alot of things do boil down to discipline, when you have it, it's easier to plan and execute. When you don't, there are always reasons to get in the way.

I wrote alot more when I was living in India, maybe because I was alone. But that's just another excuse.

Today if i want to write, I can just whip out my Smart phone and type away.

I remember back then, I set myself a target of 2 blog post a week. And I kept to that.

Recently I started running, as I realized I am no longer in my 20s and health needs to take a more important role in my life.

How does running factor into writing? It's the same I suppose, I've started running, I need discipline to meet my running distance set for the month.

On writing, I should have more to write nowadays. Given that I joined a new company, got married and having my wife moved down to Singapore to stay together.

Discipline, it's an interesting word. Defined in the oxford dictionary

dis·ci·pline

activity, exercise, or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training: A daily stint at thetypewriter is excellent discipline for a writer.

Well, one of it anyway.

My point to myself is, if I want to do something, I should be able to.

I love writing, though I'm not very good at it. Probably it's a better way for me to express myself.

There are ways to improve of course, but it also comes accordance with reading. The more you read, the better you can compose.

So right now, 3 things to get disciplined about:

1) Running
2) Reading
3) Writing

what's my goal? I know it, and I'll leave it that way.

Hope to have more back here soon.

Note to future self, if you meet your goals, give yourself a good pat on the back. If not, try harder.

Badminton. Bringing a Family, a Nation together...

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:49:00 +0000

It's been a while since my last post, but after watching yesterday's Olympic Badminton finals. I feel I have to write something.

First and foremost, I want to thank DLCW and LD for giving an absolute marvellous display of athleticism. The game was thrilling, heart stopping and in the end heart breaking for Malaysians. But elation soon took over, as we realize, the effort DLCW put in >100% effort to fulfil a nation's dream.

On facebook, there were many many updates. The whole nation was watching, behind one goal. Families huddled in front of the TV, shouting and screaming at every exchange of point. I've long forgotten how that felt like. (In today's world, family also huddled in front of a laptop watching youtube live)

I remember in my younger years, whenever there were monumental badminton events, we would all be there. My dad with his tea, my mom sometimes knitting away. Me and my sister happy because we had ice cream with sliced bananas. (no free baskin robin in the 80s/90s)

This time round, I did not have the opportunity to spend it with my family as I work abroad. But the game brought back memories, which I hope in the future, 3 generations can share the same excitement.

Again, thank you again DLCW. Not only for trying so hard, but bringing the families together and my warm memories back.

Trailers: Looper

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 04:31:00 +0000

First, watch this.

Another time travelling movie, how many questions would you come up with? :) time travelling is always mind blowing.

Fables invading tv and cinemas in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 16:11:00 +0000

2012 seems to be the year of fairy tale story telling.

On TV, you have Once Upon A Time and Grimm. Both TV shows building on the base of fabled fairy tales characters that we grew up with. I've not personally watched the two shows, well, maybe an episode or two.... but entertained I am not.

On the big screen, you have the ever popular snow white coming to live in 2 forms. Mirror Mirror(Which I wrote about) and Snow White and the Huntsman.

Mirror Mirror is the lighter version of the 2 movies, with Julia Roberts taking the helm as the queen. While Snow White and the Huntsman, from it's trailer, looks to be a far more darker version. With Charlize Theron as the queen, and Kristen Stewart(Twillight) and Chris Hemworth(Thor) also starring.

I'll let you be the judge based on the trailer, but Charlize Theron looks the part of bad ass evil queen!

P/S Read some where that Sleeping Beauty is also in the making, with Angelina Jolie as the Evil Fairy Maleficient!

MunY Movies: Mirror Mirror

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 14:20:00 +0000

I am sure you are all familiar with the fable of snow white, especially the one from Disney we watched over and over again.

Well, 2012 brings different perspective on an age old story we grew up with.

Mirror Mirror stars Julia Roberts, who carries the movie among all the other hollywood lightweights.

How is the movie? Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 48% rating, while the audiences gave it 54%. I can understand that it may not appeal to many adults, but I think the movie is entertaining for a family outing.

Think of all the debates you can have with your young ones about which version of snow white is better.

The next snow white iteration will be Snow white and the huntsman, and that is a way darker version compared to mirror mirror.I'll compare them in a different post.

But for now, if you are looking for some light hearted family entertainment. You can goto the cinema or just wait for the DVD.

MunY Movies: American Pie Reunion

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 14:12:00 +0000

It's been 13 years since the first American Pie movie made me laughed my head off, and today American Pie reunion brings all it's original cast together for one last Hoorah!

After 13 years, the kids from the original movie are all grown up and living adult lives. Married, kids, career. And with the high school reunion, everyone is back to rekindle the good times.

Overall verdict, entertaining. It's a sentimental movie for those who watched it years ago, something friends got together and laughed at.

However, most of the actors in the movie are today in exile from Hollywood. With the exception of Alyson Hannigan (with How I met your mother) & Seann William Scott(Goon), the rest of the crew are nary to be seen in any movie.

Anyways, if you are looking to just have a good time and get some laughs out go watch the movie.

Rotten Tomatoes rating of 45% , but I think it's worth a watch. Trailer below.

MunY Movies: Wrath of the Titans

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 16:29:00 +0000

It's been a while since I last wrote on this blog. However today seems to be a good time as any to do so after watching the latest movie of Greek gods and titans.

So, Sam Worthington reprises his role as Perseus from Clash of the titans. After killing medusa and the kraken from 'Clash', he is now a fisherman, widowed with a son.

The Demigod wants to lead a simple life, but the gods would not let him.

Too lazy to write the whole story here since I didn't really find the movie any better than the first one. For those who are trying to find out more, here's my service by providing a link to rotten tomatoes here.

A rotten 25% rating from the tomato site, you know where I am going with this. The trailer for the movie was probably the best thing going for it. See for yourself.

Other than that, the story was weak, and a cast that boast both Ralph Fiennes & Liam Neeson couldn't do much to save it. For a while during the last 20 mins of the movie, you'd thought Liam Neeson was doing a Qui-Gon Jinn.

If you watched the first one and wanted to just follow through, because you are such a committed movie goer, go ahead and watch it. Else, just steer clear.

You've been warned.

My random thoughts on Anwar Ibrahim

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:49:00 +0000

Today Anwar was acquitted of his Sodomy trial, it was probably one of the most intensely followed trial in Malaysia for sometime.

And in an article, it noted that Anwar back in the 90s was suppose to be the heir apparant to Mahatir. And it got me thinking, 'what if'.

Would Anwar be the champion of change he is today? Or would he just be another one of those umnoputras that are despised by the opposition and the people today?

In an alternate reality, probably. It begs the question, is he fit to lead the country to new policies once the current government gets rejected by the people. (if it ever happens)

I'm of 2 minds, but the gist of it is. Change is needed, and the catalyst of that change seems to be day Anwar and Mahatir came to clashes.

I missed my opportunity to vote back in 2008, I am hoping I will not miss it in 2012. If it happens this year that is.

Vote for change, vote for the future generation of Malaysia.

MunY Movies: Crazy Stupid Love

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 17:08:00 +0000

What's Crazy and Stupid all at the same time? Love apparently. But we all know that already don't we? But what the heck, why don't we let another movie tell us that.

Have a look at the trailer here. warning : 2mins and 32sec long

Ok, if the trailer didn't make you feel like watching this movie. You should then forgive the trailer. I actually really like this movie. And not just because it stars Emma Stone.

A good cast as you can see from the poster, Steve Carell and Julian Moore takes the lead in this sweet and touching comedy.

I pulled the synopsis of movie from rotten tomatoes.
At fortysomething, straight-laced Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) is living the dream-good job, nice house, great kids and marriage to his high school sweetheart. But when Cal learns that his wife, Emily (Julianne Moore), has cheated on him and wants a divorce, his "perfect" life quickly unravels. Worse, in today's single world, Cal, who hasn't dated in decades, stands out as the epitome of un-smooth. Now spending his free evenings sulking alone at a local bar, the hapless Cal is taken on as wingman and protégé to handsome, thirtysomething player Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling). -- (C) Warner Bros

IMDB rating: 7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes : 75%

I used the word sweet above because it really is, didn't even need caramel popcorn during the movie to leave the lingering taste of sweetness in my mouth.

The cast is super talented, Steve Carell and Julian Moore needs no introduction. Steve Carell again brings to the table a strong performance as the main character you would root for. If you've seen Steve Carell previously in Dan in Real Life, you would now what I mean.

Emma Stone is quickly becoming one of my fav actresses in the industry, Zombieland, Easy A, and she will be in the upcoming reboot of spiderman movie. Can't wait!

For the ladies, you have eye candy in the form of Ryan Gosling. The bunch of girls sitting in front of me during the movie just went 'oooooooo' when the below scene appeared.

Also special mention to Marissa Tomei and Kevin Bacon, both gave solid performances to complete the movie.

There is a good surprise within the story, which I really didn't anticipate but really liked.

So if you have time, I recommend to go watch it with a love one. It's probably one of those movies that'll be entertaining and heartwarming at the same time.

Watch it if
You like Steve Carell
You like Emma Stone
You want to watch a good movie this summer

Lost....

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 13:28:00 +0000

sorry guys, been abit lost as of late.

Hope to be back soon....

Looking forward to : resident evil:After Life

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:50:00 +0000

seems abit matrix like, here's the latest trailer.

Something to look forward to? Probably.

MunY Movies: Toy Story 3 - 3D

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:31:00 +0000

Did you enjoy Toy Story and Toy Story 2? Do they bring back memories for you? Well, Pixar is back with the 3rd installment of the Toy Story franchise. And I'm so glad they did.

Almost every year, I look forward to Pixar's animated feature. Because they are not only movies, they are stories told by excellent story tellers.

A year ago, I paid extra $ to watch 'UP' in 3D. This year, again, I forked out extra $ to watch another Pixar animated feature.

Last year, I said I'd prefer non 3D. The feeling is the same this year. I didn't like the glasses dulling down the colors of the movie, but didn't give me the exact 3D experience I was hoping for.

But back to the movie, Pixar brings Toy Story back after 9 years since it's sequel. This time, with a darker storyline.

Andy, the toys' owner, is now grown up and is ready to goto college. The toys, faced with either life in the attic or becoming landfill, decided to take a 3rd option.... donation to sunnyside daycare center.

Woody and Buzz returns, with Slinky, Mr and Mrs Potato, T-rex and Jessie. This time also joined by Barbie. Yes, Barbie finally arrives in toy story playing the blonde that she is.

Thinking the day care centre is a heaven for unwanted toys, the group soon finds out a darker side of the new toys they meet. Do not want to put any spoilers out here, so really, go watch it.....

Pixar captures the essence of emotions between owner and toy so well, I heard a few sniffles nearing the end of the movie. Did I choke up? OF COZ NOT. ehem....

The only warning is to watch it on a day when children and toddlers are unlikely to be present...... if you want to enjoy a disturbance free movie. Can't fault the kids as they get excited about the characters on the big screen, you can only fault the parents for not telling them better.

My Verdict: one of the best movies I watched this year. yes, BEST.

Watch it if.....

You love Pixar movies
You want to feel warm and fuzzy at the end of a movie
Because it's just that good.... just watch it.

Having Fun at work?

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:48:00 +0000

Steve Jobs: I have one of the best jobs in the world. I get to come in and work with some of the most brilliant people in the world. We play in the best sandbox...

Recently I saw this excerpt from the D8 interview with Steve Jobs.

Made me think of my own job and work environment.

Used to be alot of fun, still fun today. But could be better. Yeah, everything could be better.

But having fun at work is probably one of the most important things to really consider. And when I say having fun doesn't mean smoking up and going into work all high.

Enjoying the experience, the people, and environment...... it makes all the unbearable annoyances.... bearable I guess.

I remember my fist 2 years with the company, it was fun at work, even though there's the pressure of daily numbers.... there was still a bunch of friends who'd have a smoke and play 'six degrees of Kevin Bacon'. After that, the learning and the 'circle of trust' made for a totally new fun experience.

'Stress is a figment of your imagination' - words uttered by someone truly legendary... in my mind at least.

Then came India, also alot of fun because it was a new country, new environment, and a whole team of awesome people.

And coming back, having a team of great people working together with me...... still fun.

Friends betting that you'd throw a punch at the annoying man at work..... well... ok, fun.

Comments like, 'Mr B, you're a bit soft there' uttered during conference call makes for big laughs!

Am I still having fun at work? probably, just need to find that happy place again soon.

MunY Movies: Prince of Persia, The Sands of Time

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sun, 30 May 2010 15:40:00 +0000

Did you play the game prince of persia on your PS2, PS3 or PC? I didn't, but I heard enough of it from friends that made me curious about the movie. And you know what they say about curiosity......

Prince of Persia, the Sand of Time is a summer flick to replace the likes of the pirates of carribean franchise. That is of course my humble opinion...... but did it manage to do that?

The trailers were actually quite superb, but then again, i've been fooled by trailers more than once. But I still go back for more.....

Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Prince Dastan, an adopted prince, because the king saw him throwing apples at the royal guards.... no, that's a sign of courage, not stupidity.... but if at just that moment, the king was not looking, he'd be handless.... now that'll be a sign of stupidity alright.

Gemma Aterton stars as Princess Tamina, the guardian of the mystical dagger, and also Prince Dastan's love interest in the movie..... Gemma Aterton was previously in the movie Clash of the Titans, where her role, same as this movie, feels...... insignificant. She started off the movie with promise.... but as the movie went on...... she turned from fierce protector of the dagger to damsel in distress..... yawn.

Oh, Ben Kingsley also stars in the movie. And before Prince Dastan figures out who the villain is, the audience would've know far earlier when they see Ben Kingsley in Adam Lambert's eyeliners....

Any movie that touches on the topic of time travel is always cool..... but very hard to pull off.... and I feel it's the same with POP, TSOT. But if you don't think about it, sit back and relax.... the movie does it's job of entertaining you with special effects, breath taking scenes, Jake G (for the ladies) and Gemma A(for the gentleman).....

Is it a must watch? The jury is out on that one. Really depends on personal preferences...... I know there'd be alot of people out there that'll be giving it the thumbs up.... for me, the only response was the one I put up in facebook. 'MEH'

My Rating: Standard Blockbuster movie..... watchable.....

Watch it if
You are a fan of the game
You have the hots for Jake Gyllenhaal (both men and women) cause he is super buffed up.

You want to take your 3-6 year old kid to annoy the row sitting in front of you

All is LOST.....finally....

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Tue, 25 May 2010 14:34:00 +0000

I am talking, of course, about the series finale, one of the most talked about TV series in the past 6 years.

Frankly, I did not watch the show until it's final season. I did not watch it when it first debut back in 2004, I did not watch it along the years, I did not watch it when I was in India...... I just did not watch it.

Then one day, after returning from India, sitting in the living room of my new house, tuned into channel 701 on Astro. It captured my attention, I sat up, and that one single episode blew my mind. And the rest, as we all say it, was history..... at least for the past year.

I already had the first 3 seasons of lost on my hard drive, I did not download them, I had them for 3 years, passed to me by a friend. But did I go back and watch every single episode before diving into season 6? No.... I watched episode 6x00.

Yes, Episode 0. What's that you ask? It is an episode, which sums up the past 5 seasons in less than 60mins. Is it even possible? Well, it sure did it for me.

I find the show interesting because of the characters, the story.... and most importantly.... the music. The music along the show could give me goosebumps.... yes, they were that good.

Alot of people told me that they are lost when watching LOST. Well, I'd still recommend it.

The final episode was heartwarming and probably tear jerking to some. (not me, :P)

For the final episode, I avoided all online chatter of the show, and it's a good thing none of my friends on Fb actually watches the show so no one could really spoil it for me.

Was it a great finale? I think it was adequate. The story telling was great like all the other episodes, and it provided the right closures and left some of the story to the imagination.

What will I do next now that the show is over? Why, get the Blu-ray and watch it from the beginning of course. :) Lost marathon, anyone?

looking forward to these 2 movies....

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:23:00 +0000

Inception

with Christopher 'The Dark Knight' Nolan directing Leo 'Titanic' Dicaprio and Ellen 'Juno' Page in this sci-fi thriller..... and with the sound track sounding like The Dark Knight's...... what can I say?

Splice

The trailer looks interesting, the poster looks ok. And starring Adrien 'kiss halle berry at the Oscar' Brody... not a big fan of his....... but then it's sci-fi..... It's human cloning, and I just recently finished reading Y-The last Man. what can I say? I'm a big geek at heart.

The evolution of alcoholic drinks in my life...

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sun, 23 May 2010 15:53:00 +0000

Back when I was 5 years old, I had this.

Then when I reached my teens, it was this. (hmm... kinda giving away my age with this)

And just before college, I had this.

Then when needing to feel more grown up, I turned to these.

And when I started working, we went on these....

God forbid that my liver hates me the most during those years..... 'You make me work overtime you son of a bitch!' I hope you puke your guts out and drown in them!!!! - note to liver, 'sorry'

then after puking too often, I decided to cut down and goto this in moderation....

No more drink till you drop, no more loud music.......

It's funny when I think back to all those years of drinking, each alcohol kinds of depicted a certain stage of life for me.

Not saying I don't drink beer, hard liquor or Shandy anymore... I love shandy. But it's just the progression and evolution of my drinks.

I know I had not posted something for quite sometime now, so hopefully the inspiration comes back so I can continue where I left off.

MunY Movies: Clash of the Titans

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 15:27:00 +0000

Oh, how the greek gods have fallen. Clash of the Titan totally dumped them from Olympus to the pits of hades, in my humble opinion.

Starring part terminator, part naavi Sam Worthington, movie is a remake of the 1981 movie of the same name. Movie also stars recognizable names such as Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes and Gemma Arterton.

In case you don't recognize the name Gemma Arterton, formerly from Quantum of Solace, she will again appear in another summer blockbuster movie alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in Prince of Persia. So keep an eye out for her. Frankly, she's not my type but she might tickle your fancy.

Liam Neeson plays Zeus, and he is clothe is BLING armor that really really hurt my eyes. That is not the Zeus I know. While Ralph Fiennes plays Hades, lord of the underworld, where he tries to petrify human beings to his submission by releasing the Kraken unto Argos.

Oh, did I forget about the leading man? Sam Worthington..... he plays Perseus. The bastard son of Zeus, Demi-god that slays giant scorpions, rides a pegasus, beheads Medussa and destroys a kraken. Yes folks, that's the gist of the story. Sounds awesome? well, it's not.

The story telling is poor and the movie badly edited. I think Percy Jackson and the lightning thief might even be better than this, again, in my humble opinion. The director tries to educate the audience on Greek mythology by having a voice over at the beginning of the movie, but fails to further bring cohesiveness to the rest of the movie.

For people who are expecting a fantasy genre extravaganza, I suggest to lower expectations, or just probably not watch it at all in the cinema.

My ratings: Epic........ fail.

Watch it only if
You are deeply entrenched in Greek mythology and must see every single movie with the mention of it
You watched the 1981 version and would like to have a compare
You want to see Sam Worthington wear a skirt and dance around with a shiny sword

You've been warned.

My thoughts on Performance Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 17:18:00 +0000

I have gone through several performance reviews through out my time with the company, usually only requiring me to just listen and provide some feedback to my manager about my thoughts on the assessment.

This year's been abit different for me, I had to provide performance review to my staff. As a first time people manager, it was a learning experience for me.

This year was particularly difficult, as the economic environment, though improved globally, still has effects on business worldwide. So there were some tough news to be delivered to my staff across the region.

Everyone on the team worked really hard through out the year, and trying to deliver news that are not ideal can be really difficult. I tried to be as fair as possible, but it is always difficult. So one thing I learned through the process, is to not only manage expectation, but to have a constant development review with my staff moving forward.

Time needs to be invested, from both manager and staff. This gives a good compass to your staff on your expectations, and the requirements from yourself. This is to avoid any ambiguity on performance and expectations.

In a large corporation, I've seen at many times, that expectations are either incorrect from a staff, or direction unclear from the manager, that causes the loss of key talents. And retaining talents should be one of the key priorities of the organization, because for me, I believe, people are asset.

My advice to people who aspire to be successful:
1) Stay passionate, and keep on learning daily.
2) Be humble. Whatever you think you know, there will always be someone who knows something you don't. So keep an open mind.
3) Be detailed. As the saying goes, 'Devil is in the details'. There are too much fluff out there, to rise above it, you need to put in the work and get into the details.
4) Be patient. If you are doing all the right things, you will be recognized. Even if you don't, your personal growth will get you to a better place.
5) Be paranoid. Yes, they are all out to get you. No, I'm kidding. But always be on alert, remember, calm before the storm. So always be prepared, check and always check again.
6) Trust and earn trust. Be sincere, to people you work with or for. If you are insincere, people can see and sense it.

You are your biggest roadblock to success, always reflect and work towards improvement. Always keep on asking yourself, 'what can I do differently to improve?'. Having a victim mentality, will only get you no where.

I'm still working on how to improve daily, and I've been told I'm too anal. I call it perfectionism. :P

MunY Movies: Green Zone

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 12:57:00 +0000

Did you watch Bourne Supremacy and Bourne Ultimatum? Did you like them? If they answer is yes, then you should probably consider watching Green Zone.

Starring Jason Bourne, oh wait, Matt Damon..... Green Zone is a story set in 2003 during the invasion of US troops into Iraq to stop Saddam and retrieve WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction).

*Spoiler Alert*

There are many conspiracy theories on the attack of Baghdad, the movie written by Brian Helgeland and directed by Paul Greengrass tackles one of them.

Matt Damon plays Chief Roy Miller, who has been deployed with his troops in Iraq to recover all the WMD based on the 'reliable' source received from a top secret source from teh white house named Magellan. However, all these sites turned up empty of WMD and he starts questioning the intel.

So during one of his operations, he comes face to face (almost) with the Jack of Clubs, Saddam's top man General Al- Rawi. But instead of taking in the POW, Special forces show up and takes them away from Chief Miller and crew.

Smelling a rat, Miller starts investigating with the help of CIA Martin Brown and confirmed his suspicion with WSJ journalist Lawrie Dayne, that info from the white house was not realible and the reason US went to war with Iraq was based on a lie.

Clark Poundstone(Greg Kinnear) is the controversial figure in the middle of this conspiracy, and will stop at nothing to keep everything under wraps.

So did Chief Miller manage to get the truth out there? That Bush made the wrong decision, on making the wrong war? Well, partly yes and partly no. You'll have to watch the movie to know what I mean.

My verdict: good action movie with a good pace and suspenseful storyline.

Watch it if
You are a fan of Matt Damon
You are a conspiracy theorist
You just love to watch war movies, regardless if it's Vietnam or Iraq

MunY Movies: Alice in Wonderland

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:46:00 +0000

If you feel like falling through the rabbit hole, and remembering childhood bedtime story telling... Alice in wonderland is the movie for you to watch this March.

This time, directed by Tim Burton, Alice in wonderland is brought to you in his vision. Tim Burton's movies have always fascinated me, ever since the first time I watched Beetlejuice back in 1988. (don't forget the 1st and 2nd Batman movie too... )

Special effects were used to make Johnny Depp's eye larger.

This time round, he's brought Alice in wonderland to life. With Mia Wasikowska(try saying that 5 times fast) as Alice, Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen and Anne Hathaway as the white queen..... this is cast that is pretty solid.

really liked all their acting in this movie

Story brings Alice back to Underland(wonderland in her younger days) after 13 years, where she is required to slay the Jabberwocky. Upon her return, she is met by Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, Mallymkun the Dormouse, McTwisp the white rabbit and Uileam the DoDo bird.

And along her journey, she meets up again with Absolem the Blue caterpillar, Chessur the Chesire Cat.... goes to the tea party where Mad Hatter and the March Hare was partying away.... in a rather torn down party environment.

So she retrieves the vorpal sword, slays the Jabberwocky, the white queen returns to power, the red queen is banished forever. Very fairy tale like I must say, and a very different version of alice to the one we all grew up with.

I loved the pace of the show, the animation and the world of underland is definitely a true trademark of Tim Burton. If you liked Edward Scissorhands or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this world will feel very familiar.

My verdict: Entertaining movie for anyone between 6 to 60.

Also, stay back to listen to the song at the end of the movie..... I loved it. But if you don't wanna, here's a sample from YouTube.

Watch it if
You are a fan of Tim Burton movies
You and your kids love fables, and want to see the characters like Chesire cat, blue caterpillars come to life
You want to see a true shining star in the form of Mia Waskowska (hope to see more of her)

And the Oscar goes to.....

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:27:00 +0000

So another year, another glitzy show at the oscars.

Unfortunately for me, I did not get to watch the Oscars. Not during the live show, not during the repeat telecast at night?

Why? Cause I don't subscribe to Astro's Starmovie channel on Ch412. :( Tried to look around for the torrent, but could not find it. Next stop will be online streaming sites...... right after this little article.

Friends who know me know that I watch quite a number of movies, but probably not to the extent that I only hide out at home and become a movie hermit. Last year served up quite a number of cool movies, and now it's award times!

And really, the only Oscars we really care about are best movie, right? no.... ok, ok. So i'm over simplifying again. :P

But because I'm too lazy to write about the whole ho-hum of the event (even though I heard Alec B and Steve M did a great job of hosting the show), I'm just going to write about the nominees for best movie of the year.

And they are:

Avatar (watched)

The Hurt Locker (have it, waiting to watch it)

The Blind Side (watched)

District 9 (watched)

Up in the Air (watched)

Inglorious Basterds (have it, don't know when i'll watch it)

Precious (have it, erm... abit too heavy for me)

A serious Man (don't have it, not sure if i'll watch it)

An Education (same as the above)

Up (watched, I don't usually miss pixar cartoons)

For the first time, there were 10 nominees. And some of them pretty heavy weights in the box office.

So here's the deal, just in case you have not heard.
The Hurt Locker won best movie, Sandy Bullock got her first golden statuette for her role in the Blind side, Jeff Bridges won for Crazy Heart, Mo'Nique for Precious and Christoph Waltz for Inglorious Basterds.

Some movies mentioned above did not even show in the cinemas here. So now that it's got 'oscar' recommendation, I'll bet it'll start showing up on DVD racks all over and the guy with the funky hair will try to sell it to you with his thumbs up saying, 'Oscar one ah, must watch!'

So at the end of the day, the real winner? DvD peddlers? nah, it's for the love of the movies. So if you really like them oscar movies, go watch it. Legally or illegally, it's up to you. :)

Never piss off your P.A...

noreply@blogger.com (munytang) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 01:54:00 +0000

No matter how powerful u think u r..... U r not. The PA holds the power. Be kind!!!