nigelais

Saturday, February 28, 2009

What A Great Weekend!

Is there another world above those clouds?

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There's a possibility.

We all just need to hope.

Because hope is good.

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Posted by Nigelais @ 11:39 PM :: (2) comments

Friday, February 27, 2009

Sunny Day Real Estate

Not too long after the launch of the Nokia 5800 XPM and the Project : Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Facebook Group, a video contest of the phone was revealed. And this time around, it's not any sort of video contest but a music video contest where participants are to download the official Nokia 5800 XPM song and shoot a music video with it.

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.

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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.


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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.

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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.

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

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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.


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


And if you're wondering whether did it involve special gears and setup for the shoot, let me share a tip : you can actually save up by using what you already have and working your way around it. Remember that it doesn't matter what gear you have but what you make out of it and its contents are more important.

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


With a supportive and understanding crew - I thank all of them once again for making this happen. Not forgetting Gabriel from Absolut Pitch who got us the awesome wigs under such short notice. Give me a buzz should you need costumes of any sort and I'll hook you up.

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With blondie and greenhead.


Last but not least, with a day's worth of footage and a week's worth of editing - I present to you the final result, but before that, let me just say that :

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"It's a wrap!"


Okay, here's the music video already. Remember to hit play and pause for it to load completely for a smooth and undisturbed playback. Enjoy!



All photos by Royalshortness.

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Posted by Nigelais @ 1:27 PM :: (9) comments

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 :

brandtimeline

There's so much I learned from doing this like how I must have my mobile with me almost all the time and how Gmail has saved me from the stress at work, although I work with pretty interesting brands during the day time.

How about you? Go ahead and try it out yourself. You'd probably realize Facebook is your best friend. Heh.


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Posted by Nigelais @ 8:25 PM :: (18) comments

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

I Am Legend

Busy busy busy week. Gah!

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.

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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 :

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Or you could save up since times are bad nowadays.

Hmm.

And there goes February for all its worth.

Hello March.

5-5-5-5


Fancy a calendar wallpaper like the above?

Click here to get some.


Back to busy busy busy.

Gah!

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Posted by Nigelais @ 7:25 AM :: (2) comments

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Shutter Pals

After much planning and brainstorming - me and the usuals got around to setting up our studio over the weekend. It took us almost a day to get things together before actually having the time to take samples of ourselves. All in all, it was indeed a fun weekend and here's to more of them in times to come. Thanks so much guys! Here are some pictures from the test shoot :

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Can't wait for the coming weekend!


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Posted by Nigelais @ 11:17 PM :: (9) comments

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Good Times

The weekend was packed with fun with family and friends.
I guess I really showed them what a good time is - dancing away at Zouk KL.

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Certainly a night to remember!


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Posted by Nigelais @ 12:55 PM :: (0) comments

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Fitter Happier

crazyweek

Enough said.
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Photo by Aaron.

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Posted by Nigelais @ 12:31 AM :: (4) comments

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Rodney & Elaine : A Preview

Just came back from a photo selection session with the boys. If you ever wonder how many photos does one take at a wedding, I'd probably say anywhere between 500 to above a thousand. "Why so much?", you ask. Well, I guess its essential to capture every moment especially when its a special day for that two individuals (not forgetting family members who'd liked to cherish these memories).

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 :

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Photos by Shutterpulse photographers :
Aaron
David
Myself

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Posted by Nigelais @ 11:59 PM :: (6) comments

Monday, February 16, 2009

Biotherm Anyone?

The past weekend I had the opportunity to indulge into something most of us, men do not bother - face skincare. I have to admit - that for us, soap and water will do just fine. - even for myself.

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.

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Thanks to Eunice - we learned more about Biotherm's roots and even had the chance to go home and try 3 products from their Homme line. Perhaps another post on that when I've actually used it.

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The day did not end there as we geared up to find out more about our skin. With very little knowledge and a lot of curiosity - we took our seats and analyze our skin just to see what the computer has to say.

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We were told that men have thicker skin (I'm sure the girls agree with this. Heh!) and hence, would wrinkle slower as compared to women - an interesting fact amongst the many things we learned on that interactive day.

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

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

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At the lovely garden-swing setup they had for portrait shots.


With an overall score of 77% and being told that my skin was a little dehydrated - I finally understood that there's more to caring for your skin than just a close shave. Oh well, the journey continues. Off to try it out soon!


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Posted by Nigelais @ 1:33 AM :: (2) comments

Friday, February 13, 2009

I Want A Nokia 5800 XpressMusic

I've been surrounded by the XpressMusic family of phones lately. Winning the super thin 5220 last year was my first experience with it. Been using it ever since. Then came the 5800's launch just recently - which allowed me to further have a hands-on with the phone.

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.

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Straight to TV for a bigger view.

This really comes in handy when you want to share with your friends or family members your pictures or videos taken during that family trip.

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.

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The 3.5mm jack being connected.

The supplied TV out cable can also be used to connect the 5800 to stereos with aux inputs - giving you that added advantage of showing off your latest downloaded mp3s or customized play lists on a home audio system.

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.

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Playing music is what the 5800 do best.

Surfing the Net is the probably the best thing one can do with the 5800. With its 3.2" display screen, you can either choose to view webpages in a normal mode or double tap the screen for maximum size. Should you need to access your menu quickly, the nifty white button in between the green (answer call) and red (hang up) button works like magic.

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Please mind the screen sticker/protector.

The amazing display screen also works best when playing games. Somewhere along the way, it felt like a mini psp only to be controlling the characters using a stylus, a plectrum or your fingernails. I personally liked using the stylus for better guided control.

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Bounce it like its hot.

The 3.2 megapixel camera however is nothing much to shout about especially when pictures are taken in low light conditions. but then again, how often do you actually want to use your pictures taken with your camera for high quality printing? I would say its quite ideal for the common online sharing or even for blogging purposes. Check out two pictures I took indoors with the 5800 (flash turned on) below :

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The fingerprint looking back cover of the 5800.

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

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Standard picture gallery.

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Taken with the 5800 during a gambling session.

You've probably heard all about the input methods for this one. Ranging from the full screen QWERTY keyboard and a mini version of it to the standard simulated keypad option with T9 support (not shown) and handwriting recognition - users would be spoilt for choice when coming to replying text messages or even locking in that URL.

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.

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Full screen QWERTY rocks!

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Mini QWERTY - not really fancied.

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Handwriting recognition.


With changeable third party themes, GPS function and the standard pre-loads among others, the excitement around touch (and did I mention a subtle vibration each time you land your fingerprint on the screen?) and having a nice one at that - the 5800 seems to be Nokia's best all round multimedia devices ever seen.

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Middle photo nicked from the default image gallery.

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

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

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Bidding goodbye.


For more info on the technicalities of the 5800 - visit your nearest Nokia Centre or google the professional reviews. Definitely a phone to get at RM1,499. Just trying my best now to win it.



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Posted by Nigelais @ 8:09 PM :: (4) comments

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

5 Reasons Facebook Is Bad For You

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


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And 3 reasons why its good :

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The bubbly Beatrice and happy Erna.


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Nigel paying what's due.


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Thanks again to the people at Text100 for having me over. I had fun. Let's do it again sometime soon.

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Posted by Nigelais @ 12:30 AM :: (5) comments

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

When Chic Meets Cake

My last encounter with a cupcake was on my birthday last year. Friends of mine brought over a customized birthday cake made out of cupcakes. It was indeed a memorable birthday cake especially when they are so small and everyone can have a cupcake to themselves without worrying about not being able to finish that slice of chocolate cheesecake from the nearby bakery.

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.

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Now, if you haven't noticed them by now - its rather easy to spot them because of the prime location they are in - which is directly opposite the entrance of IKEA where you go to get your curry puffs and meatballs. And to make things easier, McDonald's (opening soon) is located just next to them. Do check it out sometime when you drive by to get to The Curve's parking lot.

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Upon reaching the walkway in front of the shop, we were greeted by Joanne, the owner of the place. We introduced ourselves, sat down and waited for the others who were caught in traffic. Lying on the tables were the new cupcake menu (out late February) and not having lunch that day made my tummy growl a lot more as I waited for the team to arrive.

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

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Our first cupcake was the Blackforest. Being a light cherry chocolate cake, it was well-balanced with the whipped cream frosting that came long on top on it. Oh and did I mention it has a sweet surprise inside as well? You'd have to try this one to know what I mean.

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Next up was the Jaffa. Now, if you are a lover of chocolate and orange - Jaffa is the cupcake for you as it fuses both - making it a chocolate orange cake with chocolate orange glazing. Extremely sweet and tasting a bit like Smarties - this is the choice for you sweet tooths out there!

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The third cupcake on the menu was the Tiramisu. I personally liked this one amongst the others as coffee and cheese are one my favourite tea time indulgences. Ultimate bliss. Enough said.

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

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Welcome back.

Up next was the Blueberry Crumble. If you like oats, then you've probably found your new best friend. Made up of oats cake and oats crumble - this is probably the healthiest cupcake ever. Light in taste and good on the body. Go for it!

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Halfway through the new cupcake menu - we were served biscotti as well - only this time around it wasn't like any normal biscotti. It was in fact biscotti made out of cupcakes! Unlike the hard bite one takes on the former, cupcake biscotti is rather soft with a tinge of chicness in it. Good to go with a cuppa.

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Last but not least, we had the Lemon Meringue. This lemon cake with meringue topping is a must try as it has a very light lemon taste to it - perfect for those of you who are looking for something to hold that hunger till dinner time.

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So the next time you're in The Curve or nearby, why not give Cupcake Chic a try? Away from the noise from The Street - Cupcake Chic is the perfect place to hang with your friends or just simply with a book and a cup of coffee (or cupcakes) in your hand.

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With a wide array of cupcakes to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice just like how you are about that donut shop down the alley. And that's a good thing - since there's something for everyone.

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And if you realized that you have to be at somewhere else suddenly while chewing your cupcake (obviously, you were too into it till you forgot the time - it's that good), don't fret. Pop over the counter and just ask for the remaining cupcakes to be boxed up. The staff does it in a jiffy.

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And in a spanking new and chic box too!

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A place for friends and family and ideal for that long awaited tea time with that friend that just got back from overseas, Cupcake Chic welcomes all walks of life who'd really like to experience what happens when chic meets cake without the glamour and glitz.

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Surf over to their fan page today (and be one of course!) as I heard that there will be fantastic fan promos coming up in March. Or you could log on to their official site from time to time to see what are they up to.

Are you cupcakechic yet?


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Posted by Nigelais @ 7:00 AM :: (5) comments

Monday, February 9, 2009

Celebrate Valentine's Differently This Year

Valentine's is this coming Saturday,
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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Oh, if deer meat isn't your liking - all is not lost,
You can choose chicken or fish - you're the boss!

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Dessert! - Manjari Chocolate Mousse with Passion Fruit Custard Cream.
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!

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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.



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For more info on the Valentine package, click here.

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Posted by Nigelais @ 12:28 AM :: (2) comments

Sunday, February 8, 2009

"Do You Love Me More Than These?"

Had a busy and tiring weekend shooting my cousin's wedding. With a total of 1000+ shots, it's going to be fun editing while looking back at them.
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Congratulations Rodney and Elaine!

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Posted by Nigelais @ 12:24 AM :: (0) comments

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Like Spinning Plates

Midweek's here.

Time for a little break.

The kind that energizes you when you've caught some secret sleep.

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

That vicious cycle.


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


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Fill of the day.

Filling in forms.

Fillet O' Fish

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Weighed down by the days, there is still hope.

It just takes more than what the eye sees.

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Do we see it?

Do we seek it?

Oh well.

Time to wake up.


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Wake up.

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*pictures from the Bidor stop on the way to Penang*


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Posted by Nigelais @ 10:30 PM :: (7) comments

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Go Bananas This Weekend!

Calling all Paul Frank lovers out there!

Check out what's happening this weekend :

PF - Banana Bonanza

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!

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Posted by Nigelais @ 7:22 PM :: (5) comments

Monday, February 2, 2009

Jalan-Jalan Cari Kawan

If you're an early 80s baby, you've probably realized that Chinese New Year for the past 10 years isn't so 'chinese' anymore (according to what we know and have experienced here that is.) Gone are the days where you can catch your favourite lion dance + fireworks combo at the family restaurant down the road. Heck, the regular Gathering of The Fireworks Playing Children Group has also cease to exist these days. Oh well, times have changed.

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 :

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Gearing up to shoot my cousin's wedding soon.



And to end this random summary of my CNY, here's a picture of Inara :

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The little cousin that amused me by climbing gates. Isn't she adorable?



Indeed, times have changed. Ah, back to the grind tomorrow.

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Posted by Nigelais @ 12:08 AM :: (4) comments

Sunday, February 1, 2009

FVOTM : Zee Avi

Yes, you'd probably noticed already that there's a video embedded in my header since last year and I've decided from now on to shed some light on it each month. So here goes :

fvotm-zeeavi

Now if you haven't heard of Zee Avi - you are missing out a lot! Formerly known as KokoKaina, you'd probably seen her around at cafes in town with her guitar or ukulele playing to a small crowd. You may also know her from her Youtube Channel that's reaching about 7800 subscribers to date.

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.
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Posted by Nigelais @ 2:32 PM :: (10) comments