Saturday, February 28, 2009
What A Great Weekend!

We all just need to hope.
Because hope is good.
__________________________
Labels: places, reflections, short-talk
Friday, February 27, 2009
Sunny Day Real Estate
With only one prize (the phone, of course) up for grabs and seeing how much I love and miss the phone since CNY - I immediately took this opportunity and shot a music video not too long ago.

Funky colours on a bright sunny day.
After much discussion with the usuals, I gathered them as my crew and took 2 days to finish my storyboard on recycled paper during the weekdays. The weekend soon came and with the weather on our side, it was the perfect setting in the making.

Explaining how the scene would be.
To push myself further beyond the traditional method of shooting (well, a lot of pizzaz are also done in post-production, no doubt) - I did some research with the crew to see what would work in terms of suitability to the song provided.

There's just stripes everywhere these days.
And the results can be seen in the full length video at the end of this post. Perhaps you have seen it (camera angles) before, but do check it out and a comment or two would be nice.
The entire video was shot in four different locations in the same vicinity and took about 5 hours from the start till the end of it.

A very big thank you goes out to the two main talents for the video : Kelz & Jen.

The 12 o'clock sun did not dampen us but taught us a few good things.
Using an actual Nokia 5800 XPM in the storyline, thanks to David who loaned me the phone to review - it has all the more added that extra zing to the video making it somewhat a form of commercial in some ways.

Donning the stripes given to us for the phone's launch in January.

Ribuan terima kasih juga diucapkan kepada David for being the driver on that day. Look for his cameo.

With blondie and greenhead.

"It's a wrap!"
All photos by Royalshortness.
Labels: Absolut Pitch, contest, friends, music, Nokia, places, video
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The Big B
We are surrounded by brands daily. From the moment we get up from slumber right till the time we lay our heads down on our beds, there is not one moment brands of products are not around us. Have you ever thought of how many brands you use in one day? Well, I created a brand timeline of my typical weekday and this is what came out :
How about you? Go ahead and try it out yourself. You'd probably realize Facebook is your best friend. Heh.
Labels: reflections, short-talk, technology
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
I Am Legend
Been on the AI and PS 24/7 since last week.
Lots of Ctrl+Z-ing, Ctrl+C-ing and Ctrl+V-ing.
And did I mention Lightroom's the bomb?
Winter images are ready too.

I hear there's going to be a special denim event sometime later this year.
We'll have to wait and see I guess.
And for you folks out there with some extra cash, here's one way you can spend it :

Or you could save up since times are bad nowadays.
Hmm.
And there goes February for all its worth.
Hello March.
Labels: event, Quiksilver, Roxy, short-talk, work
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Shutter Pals




Can't wait for the coming weekend!
Labels: friends, places, short-talk, shutter-pulse
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Good Times
I guess I really showed them what a good time is - dancing away at Zouk KL.

Certainly a night to remember!
Labels: friends, places, short-talk
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Fitter Happier

______________________________
Photo by Aaron.
Labels: friends, places, short-talk, work
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Rodney & Elaine : A Preview
Besides, capturing them is really fun because you are not only saving snapshots into your memory card but soaked in that very special moment shared by the couple altogether. And the results after going through stages of selection and editing?
A complete set of photos that just puts a smile on your face. Can't wait to see the reaction of the couple when they see it. Anyway, here's some I would like to share of my cousin's wedding that happened just recently :





____________________________________________________________________
Photos by Shutterpulse photographers :
Aaron
David
Myself
Labels: friends, places, wedding
Monday, February 16, 2009
Biotherm Anyone?
So, while most people were busy preparing to take their loved ones out for that special treat, me and the usuals found ourselves at Biotherm's booth in Midvalley - thanks to Kelz - early in the morning to check out the latest they had to offer.




David scored an overall 84% - rather good skin he has. Not too sure about the girls.

The boys trying out the Anti-Fatigue roll-on stick for the eyes while Jen gets scanned.

At the lovely garden-swing setup they had for portrait shots.
Labels: Biotherm, event, friends, places
Friday, February 13, 2009
I Want A Nokia 5800 XpressMusic
Soon enough, I had the opportunity to actually use it throughout CNY, thanks to David Lian who loaned me the phone for a video shoot and also to review it.
After returning the 5800, my 5220's screen cracked right at the time when I needed a phone the most and thanks to David once again - I'm using the 5320 now temporarily. Ah.
So here's my take on the 5800.
The first thing I did with the 5800 was to plug it to the TV using the TV out capability. Somehow I love doing that when I see such cables being provided though I doubt any of you out there would be using it often. Having the same output resolution as the 5800's screen (640 x 360), I tapped through the gallery and played the default videos included in the phone with ease.

Straight to TV for a bigger view.
I managed to hook it up to the plasma TV at a mamak near my place just to show the owner my latest video effort. He was impressed - not at my video but at the phone's capabilities of course. Just remember to convert your videos from .mpg or .wmv to .mp4 before transferring it into the 5800 for playback.

The 3.5mm jack being connected.
But you don't really need to do that since the 5800 boosts a very impressive set of external speakers that can change a medium sized room into a little party hall.

Playing music is what the 5800 do best.

Please mind the screen sticker/protector.

Bounce it like its hot.

The fingerprint looking back cover of the 5800.

Taken with the 5800. Yes - that's cornflakes on the chicken.

Standard picture gallery.

Taken with the 5800 during a gambling session.
Personally, I've been using the full screen QWERTY with ease and find that short fingernails would help more in its response much like how a plectrum would work on a bigger scale.

Full screen QWERTY rocks!

Mini QWERTY - not really fancied.

Handwriting recognition.

Middle photo nicked from the default image gallery.

L>R : Camera button, lock slider, volume button. Top L>R : Power button, charger jack, 3.5mm jack & USB.

Accessories right out of the box sans charger, composite cable and the regular manual.

Bidding goodbye.
Labels: friends, Nokia, technology
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
5 Reasons Facebook Is Bad For You

David was actually helping me to backup my data on my crushed-screen phone. Thanks a lot dude!




And 3 reasons why its good :

The bubbly Beatrice and happy Erna.


Nigel paying what's due.
___________________________________________________________________
Thanks again to the people at Text100 for having me over. I had fun. Let's do it again sometime soon.
Labels: friends, places, short-talk
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
When Chic Meets Cake
Oh well, that aside. Click here if you want to have a look at them.
So what's with the cupcakes story? Well, me and the usuals recently had the opportunity to try out Cupcake Chic's cupcakes located at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara.



Soon enough, everyone reached and without wasting anymore time, we spent the entire evening munching the latest offering complete with an Iced Mocha. Yummy!




We take a short breather with cupcake cronies, David & Jen.

Welcome back.







And in a spanking new and chic box too!


Are you cupcakechic yet?
Labels: Cupcake Chic, food, friends, places
Monday, February 9, 2009
Celebrate Valentine's Differently This Year
Couples get together, towards love, they sway,
Now, if you've got nothing on for that special day,
Hotel Maya's got something for you on their tray.
If flowers and chocolate isn't your thing,
I bet food is, that's how we Malaysians swing,
Tired of the same old place in that new wing?
Check out Still Waters for that special zing!
Having the chance to dine in this fine place,
Ebi Almond Age, is the first dish served with grace,
Not your usual tempura with almonds - great taste,
This starter's sure to leave a smile on your face.

Next on the menu is the Salmon Toro Sashimi,
The plate holds the finest salmon trout belly,
Being a Sosaku cuisine, there's also wasabi,
Looking dainty, the meat is chewy and light on the tummy.

Pira Pira Gyuniku Salada Crispy is next in line,
Served with Spicy Beef Strips, its one of a kind,
The Thai Dressing and glass noodles - is so fine,
You wouldn't want to leave this dish behind.

Potato lovers rejoice for the upcoming one,
Gratin Creamy Hokkaido Scallop is really fun,
Comes with Black Summer Truffle, like a bullet to a gun
Completing its wholesome taste, creamy - yum yum!

Sliced Venison Faute is the main course,
Comes with Japanese Beancurd Paste - there's no pause,
With fragrant butter rice and Teriyaki Sauce,
The meat is soft and you won't be at a loss.

Oh, if deer meat isn't your liking - all is not lost,
You can choose chicken or fish - you're the boss!
__________
One bite of each, combined on the tongue - a dream,
Extremely rich in taste, well-balanced - supreme,
64% chocolate with heart-shaped chewies - perfect to the theme!

So why not give it a try - at Hotel Maya for a change?
This exotic Japanese fusion package - a new range,
At RM180++ - you're gonna spend anyway - nothing strange,
Hope you enjoy if you do - this Valentine - the love exchange.
__________
For more info on the Valentine package, click here.
Labels: food, friends, Hotel Maya, places
Sunday, February 8, 2009
"Do You Love Me More Than These?"

Congratulations Rodney and Elaine!
__________________________________________________________
Labels: event, friends, places, short-talk, wedding
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Like Spinning Plates
Time for a little break.
The kind that energizes you when you've caught some secret sleep.

And before you know it, its back to the cycle of life.
That vicious cycle.

The only thing one looks forward to is to have our fill.

Fill of the day.
Filling in forms.
Fillet O' Fish

Weighed down by the days, there is still hope.
It just takes more than what the eye sees.

Do we see it?
Do we seek it?
Oh well.
Time to wake up.

Wake up.
____________________________________________________________
*pictures from the Bidor stop on the way to Penang*
Labels: food, friends, places, reflections, short-talk
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Go Bananas This Weekend!
Check out what's happening this weekend :

Perhaps a little shopping for your loved one for the upcoming occasion?
Or plainly just pamper yourself with Julius and his team?
Whatever it is, Paul Frank is your friend!
So, head on down this weekend to the Paul Frank Store to grab that hoodie you always wanted!
__________________________________________________________
Labels: paul frank, short-talk, work
Monday, February 2, 2009
Jalan-Jalan Cari Kawan
This year's CNY was a rather busy and eventful one for myself. Here are some pictures in no particular order from the week's journey throughout :

Captured Faith biting on some cookies during the extended family meet. Cute?

Me and the usuals met up with Sheon after ages of online communication and isolation in the upper region.

Had this baby to keep and review. More on the Nokia 5800 XPM soon.

Prawn madness - home cooked food for reunion dinner. Finger lickin' good!

Say no to Bankers Getting Rich Scheme! Won a couple of ringgit though. Haha.

Contrary to popular belief - CNY is indeed a muhibbah gathering of all sorts in my family.

Shot, directed and produced my first effort for 2009.(Thanks David for the pic!)

Caught Rendra's last performance before the dude goes to Japan - on video too.

Sang my lungs out on A-Ha's 'Take On Me'. Old school I know.

Gearing up to shoot my cousin's wedding soon.
And to end this random summary of my CNY, here's a picture of Inara :

The little cousin that amused me by climbing gates. Isn't she adorable?
Indeed, times have changed. Ah, back to the grind tomorrow.
Labels: chinese new year, event, food, friends, places
Sunday, February 1, 2009
FVOTM : Zee Avi

Having the chance to catch her playing some of her newer stuff recently, check out the video on my header above for one of her latest tunes called "Kantoi" - sure to put a smile on your face.
And here's the lyrics to the featured song in the video :
Kantoi
Semalam I call you, you tak answer
You kata you keluar - 'Pergi dinner'
You kata you keluar dengan kawan you
But when I call Tommy, he said it wasn't you
So I drove my car pergi Damansara
Tommy kata maybe you tengok bola
Tapi bila I sampai you - you tak ada
Lagilah I jadi gila
So I call and call sampai you answer
You kata 'Sorry sayang, tadi tak dengar'
'My phone was on silent - I was at the gym'
Tapi latar belakang suara perempuan lain
Sudahlah sayang I don't believe you
For its known that your words were never true
Why am I with u - I pun tak tahu
No wonderlah my friends pun tak suka you
So I guess that's the end of our story
Akhir kata, she accepted his apology
Tapi last last kita dapat tahu she was cheating too
With her ex-boyfriend's best friend - Tommy
*For more of her stuff, click here.
____________________________________________________________________












