There are times we should indeed quit while we're ahead, and then there are times you have to stick like glue.

Just saw X-men 3 movie and... Wrapping up was well-done, but overall, it could've been better.


Let's take a look at the flaws:


-Bryan Singer quit. What's more, he quit so he could do the highly doubtful Superman movie. He's either really adventurous or really idiotic. Who would quit on a baby they worked on from the start?


Well, if he was looking for a challenge, he got it.

- The "Twenty years ago" and "Ten years ago" put in too much drag. Just one or the other would've surficed.

- A lot of major characters were killed off too early. Seeing powerful powers in action was part of the thrill, and these major characters are called "major" because they formed the pillars of the franchise. And before any character-insight can take place, POOF!! ... No more character. Even Mystique, our favourite villian in the movie franchise so far, is vastly deprived of movie time. Cyclops doesn't even make appearance, even though Scott does. Pathetically.


If you're going to kill them off, early or otherwise, at least do it properly.

- The lousy introduction to Phoenix. I don't remember Jean having counselling sessions in the previous instalments. There was absolutely no allusiont to Phoenix having existed before this movie.

-New characters, old characters, underdevelopment. Poor Kitty was just there to be the imaginary third party. And Rogue has been reduced to a jealous teen.

Much of Rogue's character built via the last two instalments has just been sheared drastically. The movie took for granted that the audience knew Rogue was a tragic figure, and did away with every oppurtunity to explore her emotions: her sadness of not being able to touch loved ones, her frustration at being unable to give comfort, the horror of Death's touch. Where was all that? Couldn't anything else have been explored, like how she would not be able to fight alongside the X-men if not for the very Death's touch that brings detriment?

As previously mentioned, Mystique is deprived of movie time. I don't see why that has to be. I don't think Mystique's fighting skills are directly connected to her mutation, though it does help. So why deprive her of screen time?

Poor Winged Walter. That character had much potential, he even had a past shown to the audience. A really good one, too. And in the entire movie, he was relevant figure ethically, symbollically, psychologically, emotionally... and totally irrelevant in the plot. All he did was save his father, who really didn't need to be saved.

Like, what the heck? Why would you waste a flying character like that? Surely a person with wings would be a great asset in The Last Stand. Why put him there if you're not going to use him??

And the Boy-in-need-of-rescuing, the key to the Cure, was practically ignored.



And here are the movie's saving graces:


-Short, subtle (and also short-lived) but thought-tugging references to the relationship between Charles Xavier and Eric. Magneto is self-conceited as he is powerful, but despite his arrogance, there has been one, and only one person for whom he has had genuine recognition and respect, both as an enemy and as a friend.

- That "Ten years ago" for Winged Walter. That was really painful to watch, and it just reveals the desperation that drives some to the extreme, because society said they were guilty of nature's crime, because a child will do anything to keep his father's love.

- Young Jean Grey lifting all the cars in the neighbourhood. (I know I said one or the other would've been enough, and I meant it. But the way in which both were done contributed to saving the film)

-The Beast. One of the few new characters given adaequete screen devotion. He is as cute a character here as in the comics/cartoons.

- Iceman's blizzard shooting out from his arm. Very well done.

-The unbelievable extent of Phoenix's powers.

-Lifting of the bridge. Whoa.

- The wicked ending with Magneto... If you can call it an "ending". Similar to the 2nd instalment, where Xavier looks outside the window for "no particular reason", only this time, it feels more evil.



Must also give credit to the bus stop advertisments. The Phoenix one wasn't really thought out, but the Winged guy one (Alienated X Liberated) and the Storm one (Cursed X Gifted) struck really well. Especially the former.


Currently being seduced by manga.

The line between cocky and confident non-exista... Oh wait, there it is.

Ego ego on the rise...


Yes me. And yes, I'm admitting it. Aren't I cocky? Must be the added effect of flamenco. *posturia; arrogance!*


Anyway.


SMU seminar on QF didn't go very while, mainly because my nose was running all over the place and (once again) I did not pack tissue paper.


Mood improved during the trial flamenco class. Mother believes that Angel is impressed with me. Apparently, she heard Angel say that I could be brought up to grade 2 level in 4 private lessons. I dunno. Didn't hear that part. I only know Angel asked me if I wanted to catch up to my sis' friend, in grade 2. Very enjoyable! Each class is $75/=, split between the number of students in one class. Anyone want to join me next Wenesday?


Meanwhile, maternal unit and I poked verbal fun at each other our usual way.


By the way, I have no qualms about using Angel's name, because Angel is already a well-established flamenco teacher, and I think Angel will appreciate publicity of various sorts.


And just so you know, Angel is a guy.


Close your jaw. Remember Buffy? The name "Angel" isn't reserved for girls, you know.


Parental units and I had dinner in Ikea, where we shared a table with a couple, with whom I got aquainted with. Parental units weren't very participative though. Never mind my dad, I thought my mom would've been proud of me. And it turns out she was, only she said I didn't have to introduce parental units. Chee.


5 days to Xmen 3! Paternal unit got some free tickets.


I have a sudden zeal to learn everything. I suppose it'll all end come August, when school starts. Isn't it typical?

Guilty pleasures can be good for you.

I just finished reading The Count of Monte Cristo. And I've decided I shall buy the book.


Reasons being:
1. It was a good book!! I like!!
2. It got some mean words inside... I like!!
3. Due to the length of the story, my time disorganisation and the fact that it was a library book, I wasn't given much space to savour it properly. Plus I'm sure I missed some keypoints.
4. Since I usually did my reading late night, my brain was to wonky to do proper analysis of what I was reading.


Anyway, here be my book report thus far:


Now I understand why I've seen two instances of tv cloning of Monte Cristo (One french drama series and an anime, both of which I didn't bother to watch, only the anime had catchy ending song).


The unfolding of events is quite fantastic, mainly because the author gives few but significant hints that nearly every event has been pre-empted, calculated and manipulated with near impossible detail by our enigmatic Count. Down to the very second.


However, patience is something you'll need for the first half of the book. You definitely won't speed up after that, 'coz you'll find much pleasure in details by then (unless, like me, you're on a deadline. That really killed my joy a bit)


The book first introduces Edmond Dantes to the reader (rather than usher in the Count straightaway. Told you patience was required), illustrating his skill, his humility, his loyalties, his faith, his integrity... everything good and honest in a man. The ideal.


However, his honest personality has granted him what selfish men want. Ignorant and naive, Edmond is framed for treason (ironically, this means he carries the crime committed by the late captain he so adored), and cruel chance seals a fate that could have been undone. A blessing in disguise.


Several years later, a mysterious but filthy rich Count of Monte Cristo is introduced to Parisan society, stirring up sensation. This Count not only has style, but also rich tastes, rich knowledge, deep pride and deep pockets. The ideal. And a much deeper vendetta.


The author makes clear to the readers what the characters around the Count are oblivious to. Rather than killing the mystery, though, he ups the suspense to a strange level.


Part of its dark allure comes from the contrast between Edmond and the Count. To see a person spurred into a complete personality change like that is scary. Inspite of knowing the obvious connection between the two, it seems clear that Edmond and Monte Cristo are two separate entities.


What makes it scary, is what I've already mentioned. The Count of Monte Cristo's precise planning. An obvious and eerie indication of this is the Count's punctuality. He (and all else that is his) never arrives earlier nor later, but at the exact moment that he has specified beforehand. It is as if the Count, who has great influence over his aquaintances, also includes Time as one of them.


One of my favourite characters is Monsieur Nortier de Villefort. His precision and foresight are brilliant, possibly surpassing Monte Cristo. Ironically enough, the relationship between his granddaughter, Valentine, and Maximilian is positively ridiculous. I could have done without that, except that it is through this that Nortier gets to showcase his prowess.


Another interesting aspect of the story is that there is no clear antagonist or protoganist. You know who you want to fall, but you're really not sure if you should root for anybody.


I think the author mixed up Greece with Arabia though.


I do believe, however, that Danglers got away with it too lightly.


EEEEPP!!! It's nearly 2am!! Me needs beauty rest.

Appearances are decieving. That's why they're important.

Did I neglect to mention some good news yesterday?


CCS GOT THIRD PLACE IN THE FINALS!!! The school has GOT to recognise THAT. With some support, CCS can go so much further.


Now I can relax a little. The CCS isn't going anywhere soon.


So it looks like I didn't manage to do that Mother's Day thing. Oh well. There's always christmas.


Going for some Quantitative Finance seminar held by SMU next Sat (and losing $90/= of income for it). Might take it up as 2nd major. Therefore I need to show my face, and possibly my voice.


Wahh what happened to all the guys working in the Kemb 7-11? They've disappeared!! I enjoyed flirting with them.


Nevermind. Hopefully, a particular cute guy will be present tomorrow during my blading session. My, my... what a fine catch...


Also, hopefully my skating will be much better tomorrow. Otherwise I'll keep ramming into the afore mentioned cute guy. Contrary to popular belief, that is not a good thing.

Who says you shouldn't cover up your mistakes? Just make sure nobody ELSE UN-covers it.

Apparently, my previous blog (both versions of it, the original and then the game intro) have been reported as spam blogs. Huh? Erm... mistake? Maybe. But in the first place, I deleted that blog.


Weird.


Anyways, on Tuesday I think, I baked some wholemeal buns out of ready-packed bread flour with instructions on the flour bag and a fast-approaching expiry date. Four bugs made some early estimation in that area, but the buns turned out okay, and no one has died yet. Tastes lovely when hot, with butter.


Now I got to find a chance to bake naan before the expiry date reaches the flour first.


Just now I suddenly remembered a reaction of one of my CCS members last year, just before the CCA registration. Huahahaha... quite amusing.

Thing is, he was a (confident) J2 who just volunteered to coach the calligraphy class (it lasted last year only), and I left him and a few others guarding the booth while I made for the bathroom to swap my glasses for contacts (anything small thing to attract more members).

After I came back to take up my post, I was doing some final sorting out on the booth when for no apparent reason, he gingerly and deliberately stepped up and said, "你好。" I was befuddled by (1) his sudden change of behaviour and (2) the greeting, since we'd spoken, like, barely 3 minutes ago, so I sorta just froze and stared at him, prompting him to repeat his greeting before I returned it with much bewilderment.


My secretary later informed me that this guy asked upon my return, "这是谁啊？" and was greatly shocked to be told that I was the same chinese society pres who walked out barely 3 minutes ago. He didn't recognise me without my glasses!! HOhohohoho... My secretary, by the way, also seemed quite taken aback at me minus my glasses (for a short time afterwards, he wouldn't stop commenting on how different I looked), but at least he recognised me.


It didn't seem like much at the time, but whenever I was reminded of this afterwards, it was always hilarious to me. Like, come on, how much different can one look? It's not like I wear fancy glasses. My glasses are plain and brown-rimmed since forever. Black, blue and pink have come before, but generally changes are unnoticable. Maybe next time I do glasses, I should try no rim hahahahaha.


I've an idea for Mother's Day, don't know if I can make it in time. We'll see.


I want a big stick and someone to hit with it. Any volunteers? Wait, lemme rephrase...


Any nominees?

There's a thin line between insanity and need for insanity.

Pingpingping!! I'm nuts.


Anyways, I learnt a new word today! Or yesterday... whatever.


Upon request from a very restless daughter, my mother brought me out for a jaunt along Orchard Rd late at night, and we eventually landed in the Longbar.


Can you believe it? MY mother... bring ME... to LONGBAR. I'm sure by sunrise tomorrow, we'll find the earth has reversed rotation.


Anyways, for all thou young youths yonder with no knowledge of this place (er, me included, I guess), Longbar is a bar (duh) near Raffles Hotel that retains the pre-worldwar ambience, with innovative decor on the ceiling (go see for yerself) and a really fun policy of allowing, or rather, encouraging customers to throw peanut shells on the floor. Peanut shells, nothing else. And if you leave them on the table you've wasted your courtesy: the waitresses sweep the shells straight on to the floor, where they're left for the rest of business hours. In a way, it's part of decor.


They've also got these funny tall, skinny beer glasses that each require a stand. And their whipped cream is really thick and creamy... yummm...


They've a band playing upstairs, and the music I heard just now was good.





The stinkbug lay eggs in the bathroom. Now the little critters are out and moving and hanging around the eggs that are still stuck on the bathroom wall. It would've been kinda of cool if not for the fact that these things stink when they grow up, that these things could hide in my clothes, etc... a long time ago, stinkbugs really did hide in my school socks. Never liked stinkbugs since then. Stinkbugs are coming back. GO AWAY!!!







Oh, did I mention that on my third skating lesson on Monday, there was a super cute guy doing his fourth lesson with me? We struck up pretty well. He says he's signing up for another round, and it seems Monday is his designated timeslot. Wish me luck.

If one was perfect, life would worthless.

On Sunday, I freakin' forgot to collect my salary. Can you believe it? \-_-/\>_<'/\-_-/


I guess Wonderland will have to wait. But I'm longing to start playing with Stinky and Loof again.


Mumz dearest took me to East Coast for rollerblading session on May Day. Since both of us (and several other strangers present) didn't know how to rollerblade, it was quite hilarious, until she found an instructor who took me on for a first lesson with the fee on the tab. Quite fun. I still wish we could have flouced about a bit more though. Mother dear refused to take the lesson.


After which we had to pick up Aunty G for lunch -_-
Her claws (yes, her claws--that's how she uses her hands when she grips somebody's arm) are still painful. Thankfully, this time it didn't leave four distinct bruises in the shape of fingerprints.


I know she's lonely, I know that she's family, I know I'm being mean for thinking the way I do, but WAAARRRRRGGH. This is one side of me that's going to take all my willpower to overcome. Maybe I don't have enough. Who knows? I don't. I'm playing by ear.


Right. My room finally looks spacious. But I still have lots to do before my territory is fully sorted out.


Chronicle of the Wings!! New anime craze for me. It has the anime version of an all-star cast, ie, it's a CLAMP character rojak. They pulled characters from the different CLAMP mangas/animes and squished them in this multi-dimensional tale. It's really fun spotting the familiar characters. They even similar relations, despite the fact that the characters in this tale have nothing to do with the mangas/animes they originated from.


I should sleep, shouldn't I? Just a note: bread+peanut butter+thin slab of butter (area does not have to be as big as bread. Could just be one quarter of the sandwich)=addictive lovely guilty snack. I'm addicted.