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Showing posts from 2017

A thought on The Last Jedi

Having watched the new Star Wars movie on the sneak preview showing, I must say the movie was very well done. Although a lot of Star Wars fans have different opinion and comments, I thought the way the movie goes is to pave a new trend for the future trilogy. You see, any particular character can't stay for so long, thus, most of the important characters are being slowly written off from the current trilogy. But the essence of life is worth mentioning: hope, the good, mentorship. One important truth (in my opinion) that is presented is the economy of war. You see, this is the current fact of our lives. Someone will take advantage on any circumstances, especially during conflict or war. Selling weapons and military stuff is just a part of a bigger economy. The Last Jedi has truly brought out the very nature of human (and other galactic species?). It all lies on the choices available.

Haedong Yonggung Temple, Busan (2016)

Some HDR processed photos of the temple. It was a rainy day.

New attraction in Genting Highland

Have not been to Genting Highland for ages. At last, it's time to revisit this place. We went there earlier this month. Part of the area was closed for upgrade. The new Sky Avenue is a great place for shoppers. There's even an hourly LED light show. Besides that, there's another shopping area at the foothill - Genting Premium Outlet. So unless you have something to buy, it's just a place to escape from the hot temperature of the city. Waiting for the 20th Fox Century Theme Park to open next year. Premium outlet The new cable cars at Awana SkyWay station The interior of Sky Avenue LED light show LED light show LED light show LED light show LED light show Photos and videos were taken with iPhone 6s

TEDx Petaling Street

This year I've found my favorite program: TED Talk. Occasionally I will watch some TED Talk clips on YouTube. But most frequently, I listen to it broadcast from radio or podcast. I even envision to be a speaker in such event one day. Attending the event is another personal wish. Fortunately there was a local TED event organized on last Saturday. With a small fee, I quickly registered for the event even though the event would be conducted in Chinese / Mandarin. Well, there were at least one speaker whom spoke in English. Not too bad. Some of the talks were informative, some were just a mere personal publicity. Overall it was just an okay-value-for-money event. Probably will attend overseas TED Talk if there's an opportunity.

Another trip to Taiwan

We just came back from Taiwan. Spent a week there (Taichung and Taipei). Basically we just checked off the remaining must-visit-list from our previous trip in year 2013. Compared to previous trip, we found that this round, Taiwan did not give us any surprise. Maybe because we had covered the interesting places in northeastern side previously. Nevertheless, it was a commendable place for a family trip.

An Inconvenient Sequel

I never thought I would watch this documentary film in movie theatre, and at a premium. Turned out the whole hall I was the only audience. That speak so much about the choice of moviegoers. In this sequel, Al Gore presents some new statistic but with more narrative on his work and movement. The central theme of the film focuses on the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement 2016. The film was released recently, right after President Trump decided to have USA pulled out from the agreement. At the same time, the North America continent is experiencing two or more damaging hurricanes (Harvey and Irma). Coincidence? It's a good documentary. But I think the previous Inconvenient Truth is more engaging. We have to take our part to stop the global warming. Support green energy movement.

National Planetarium

Haven't been to the National Planetarium for ages, so daddy brought the boys to the planetarium last week. Basically, our National Planetarium is very basic: a theatre dome and a small space for exhibition. Some of the exhibits included our national astronaut. Unfortunately, I couldn't find exhibit on our solar system. Hmm..... probably it's in the interactive exhibit? Inside the theatre dome The periodic elements No. 2 son posed with the space shuttle The entrance of the planetarium Photos were taken with iPhone 6s

Prague Castle

The following day, we took the subway across Vltava River, and walked towards Prague Castle. The benefit of walking, I would say, you can see where the locals and tourists hang-out. The castle compound is huge, worth a half day trip there to explore the interior and its environment. After the castle, we walked back to the Old Town via Charles Bridge. No doubt, Charles Bridge is magnificent. Full of tourists walking thru. St. Nicholas church is behind the building Monument nearby St. Nicholas church View around the castle entrance The entrance to the castle compound One of the statues at the front gate The front facade of the cathedral Golden Lane where row of houses were built beside the castle compound The boy with a golden penis, well, it was repeatedly rubbed by people. The windows of the cathedral Inside the cathedral The cathedral Swans on Vltava River Charles Bridge One of the statues along Charles Bridge

Tuesday with Morrie

Read this book quite some time ago. It was one of the easy reading book I had read (another one was The Last Lecture). Somehow the book gained popularity many many years ago due to its truthfulness and great lesson sharing. Personally, I found the following idea worthy to emulate: Love is the only rational act. Put a daily limit on self-pity (if you always blame yourself). We all need teachers in our lives. Know you are going to die, and be prepared for it at any time. Love each other in a family. Learn to detach from emotion; but you first need to fully experience it. It's a book that you should read at least once in a lifetime.

SEA Games 2017 - the ice rink

For the past two weeks, we were following the medal tally of the SEA Games. After all, Malaysia is the host for this round. I've been attending the matches in ice rink. Ice hockey, figure skating and speed skating were the official event there. Ice hockey was interesting. Though Malaysia didn't get gold, they've shown a good sportsmanship spirit. The official cheering team was great as well. Probably there would be less winter sport games in future SEA Games, unless regional countries invest in such sport. The ice hockey rink is dubbed to be the best in the country Malaysia lost by one goal point to the Philippines in men ice hockey event Victory ceremony for men figure skating event

Walking tour in Prague

Dr. Mike and I took up the free walking tour organized by a local travel agency. The tour started in Old Town Square. From we walked to nearby area like Jewish quarter, opera house (Rudolfinum), the bridge (don't know what's the name, it's just next to Charles Bridge), and finally back to the Old Town Square. Basically, the tour just cover the vicinity of the Old Town area. The tour was ok. Gained some historical knowledge of the town and its country. At the end of the trip, as usual, we tipped the guide as an appreciation.  Photos were taken with iPhone 6s

Dunkirk (2017)

You gotta watch this movie in IMAX. With intense soundtrack and great filming photography, you will be hooked. It's a very very simple movie - evacuation of troops from a place called Dunkirk. Very minimal dialogue but the acting is sufficient to portrait the scene. The story is depicted in three scenarios with different time frame but each event is interwoven. Very interesting indeed. My guess is this movie should be nominated for its cinematography, editing and soundtrack. By the way, I still prefer Interstellar. Maybe because I'm from science stream education background.