All time favourite movies: My Top 5

Ever since AD started the Top 5 desert island CD thing, i've wanted to start a list for my top 5 movies. The following are the absolute top 5 movies in no particular order that i will never ever get tired of watching.

Singing In The Rain - 1952
One of my all time favourite musical. Love the songs and dance routines featuring the legendary Gene Kelly! Any of you remember the scene where he danced in the street under the heavy rain? That scene was later remade into an ad for the VW Golf GTi in 2005. What more can you ask for from a musical? Great music, great dancing and a decentgood story-line about the changing times in Hollywood during the period when "talking" movies came out in the roaring 20s.

Citizen Kane - 1941
One of the first ever black and white movie that i enjoyed. I bought the DVD from ebay and has never failed to be amazed by this Orson Welles masterpiece. The story line of how someone can forgo their entire past to become rich and famous, only to realise that it will bring no happiness on your death bed is timeless and still holds true.

The Shawshank Redemption - 1994
The story of how Tim Robbin's character got wrongly convicted of murder and got jailed for 20 years has captivated me since i first watched this movie back in 1995. I like how, in the most extreme of condition, with hope and a little help from Morgan Freeman's character, our hero can plot his escape from the prison and dish the ultimate revenge to those who took advantage of him throughout his 20 years in the slammers.

Star Wars - A New Hope - 1977
Who can forget about THE movie that basically started the whole sci-fi movie craze? The special effects was out of this world when it first came out. I still glee in delight every time the Star Wars tune and the word starts scrolling up the screen at the start of the movie. I actually enjoyed the Trilogy but since i can only choose one, i settled for the first in the series - the original!


Forrest Gump - 1994
I can't get enough of the IQ level 75 character: Forrest Gump. The story line wasn't the most complex piece of writing but somehow the simplicity of it just never fail to capture my imagination. The feel good factor of the movie never fails to cheer me up whenever i watch it. "Life is like a box of chocolates, you'll never know what ya gonna get" - who knew this simple line will be the basis of a simpleton character that seems to take part in some of histories most unforgettable events? Tom Hanks was worthy of his second consecutive Oscar after his also great acting work in Philadelphia.

Gosh! There's so many other movies that could have easily made it into my list. Some of them includes Gone With The Wind, Casablanca, Jerry McGuire, Mary Poppins, Sound of Music, Breakfast at Tiffany's and countless other great movies. I am a sucker for classics, musicals and feel good movies (including some chick flicks) ;0)

So AD and Mark (you're free add in comments section since you don't blog) you guys know what to do. Might tag even more of you guys and gals later! Have fun...... muahahahahaha!

JonC's 5 Top Albums Ever!

Thanks to my champion blogger of a friend - Anfiled Devotee, i have to bust my brains to come out with my own 5 absolute must have albums. Coming up with this list is harder than i think as the range of music i listen to is as wide as the freaking Grand Canyon! Anything from classical to jazz and rock will keep me entertained as long as the tune clicks with me brain.

1) Nirvana - Nevermind.
The first grunge rock band and song i ever listen to was Nirvana with their angst fueled "Smell Like Teen Spirit" back in '93. A slow starter but still an ardent fan of Kurt Cobain. I was intrigued by the band's start stop melodies before going all out with their guitars blaring. Being a teenager at that time i instantly click with the anti-establishment, social alienation and non-confirmity lyrics. Notable tracks that still relates to my erratic and fiery temper are - Lithium, Come As You Are and On a Plain.

2) The Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
The band that had everything in their repertoire - gothic rock, heavy metal, dream pop, psychedelic rock, arena rock and in some instances, electronica. I paid for this double disc album after struggling through a week on bread and instant noodles during my A-Levels college days in Taylor's back in '95. Paying about 70 bucks for this album was a monumental achievement in itself! The songs that got me through my first year in college consists of 1979, Tonight Tonight, Zero, Bullets with Butterfly Wings, We Only Come out At Night, Lily, Beautiful and By Starlight. Again, i was intrigued by the wide ranging arrangement and melodies used by Billy Corgan, James Iha and D'arcy Wretzky (one of the first rock chicks that i dig). I absolutely got blown away by the string arrangements in Tonight Tonight. The song that i relate to most was 1979, it was like listening to the story of my life and the struggle to find myself in the process of growing from a rebellious and somewhat anti-social youth.

3) Diana Krall - All For You - A Dedication to the Nat King Cole Trio.
One of the first Diana Krall cd i ever bought and still rank as my favourite among her albums. After starting my working life back in 2000, i wanted something to help me mellow down and relax after a crazy day at work. By chance i managed to listen to her song over the radio and got hooked on her unique and soothing voice. Had always been a fan of Nat King Cole thanks to me dad and to see the list of songs in this albums made me glee in delight. Favourites from this album consists of the happy songs like Frim-Frame Sauce, Hit That Jive Jack! and Deed I Do.

4) The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
The American answer to the The Beatles onslaught. Most will question why on earth would i choose this American band who sings about nothing else but surfing, the beach, girls and cars. Well, if you've heard the most notable song from this album - God Only Knows, Wouldn't It Be Nice, Good Vibrations and Sloop John B, you'll understand why i am such a big fan of them. This album has been consistently rank as one of the most influential pop music album ever made. The catchy tunes and vocals arrangement by Brian Wilson (father to 2 of the girls from 90's girl group Wilson Phillips) is awesome and mind blowing. It's been widely publicised that The Beatles' Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album and one of their very best was a direct respond to challenge brought on by this ground-breaking album.

5) U2 - The Joshua Tree
U2 has to be in my list as they are one of my all time favourite band (especially their older stuff). I've always dig the politics infused lyrics by U2 but this album was different because it drew a lot of inspiration from the US - blues & folk music, geography and politics ( the album was specifically aim at the American market anyway). I instantly got hooked on to the 2 most famous songs from this album: With or Without You and I Still Haven't Found What I've Been Looking For. Another notable song was Where The Streets Have No Name. I can't seem to get enough of the hypnotic sounding guitar rifts by the Edge. The "Infinite Guitar" effect was fooking awesome and hounding. I still sing to these song's whenever i hear them over the radio and tv.

Thats the albums on my list at the moment. Countless that i can't seem to think of at the moment. So thanks, AD from making me waste most of my morning trying to crack me brain on the subject matter. :0P

PS - El Terrorista and Unker Bernard, you guys have been tagged to continue this discussion.

**Edited to include the album covers + the tagged bloggers.

Makkal Sakti! Malaysian say we want to take back out beloved country.

Been a crazy weekend and a crazy day for me. But irregardless of all the problems in my work place today, nothing can rub the devilish smirk away from my face! MAKKAL SAKTI! MAKKAL SAKTI! MAKKAL SAKTI!

Had a feeling something big and historical is going to happen but never in my wildest dream did i even dare to think that my home state Perak and my adopted home Selangor will fall to BR. That really sent shock waves through the entire region and rub it nicely to the face of "you know who." Well, when you've been arrogant and plundering the wealth of the people, the people will show you the bird and say good riddance!

I was the happiest when i found out the ex-MB of Selangor got booted out from the Selangor State Government spectacularly. The opposition...... *ahem* i meant the ruling coalition swept every darn thing in Klang!!! Even the proxy for one infamous "Chiak Ka Liau" was unceremoniously dumped from the Port Klang DUN. The look on the face of one of me colleague who supports "you know who" was priceless.

The DUN at my hometown was won by DAP and the MP from "you know who" was maintained albeit with a significantly reduce margin. That being said, the MP did do a lot of things to improve my hometown, so i'll have no qualms about him staying put. It's just his bosses that i've got major issues with.

Starting from 8th March 2008, Malaysia will never be the same again. We've said we've had enough of corruption, racial politics and we want equal opportunity. We want to help the all the needy and poor irregardless of the colour of their skin. We've matured into a society that will not be intimidated by outdated scare tactics - no body wants to start any riots. ALL of us want to work together to improve the quality of life for ALL Malaysian.

No more "korek, korek, korek!" No more "bodek, bodek, bodek!" No more "heroes" with IQ lower than a 3 year olds in Parliament. No more "yes man" who do not understand the meaning of standing up for you constituents. No more "longkang" and road watching MP. No more money politics. SYABAS RAKYAT MALAYSIA!

We've changed it and i took part in it. Let's work together for a better future and Malaysia.

The price of freedom, equality and justice?

All the talk about how 5 million eligible voters are not registered and the numbers of voters who will not be bothered to vote is saddening and mind-boggling. As the citizens of Malaysia, one of our most fundamental right is to vote and give a piece of our mind to the government and politicians - WE RUN THE COUNTRY, WE ARE THE BOSS.

Has the political climate in Malaysia turned so bad that the future leaders and the younger generation have given up hope? If most of the youth think it has, then the future for Malaysia is even bleaker than i thought. I was among those who wasn't bothered until i got my act together and decided to say "fook this, my destiny and how i want my country to be is decided by me and only me!" No one can bribe me, fool me, and sweet talk me into thinking otherwise.

Everybody keeps on harping about how bad Malaysia is and do nothing about it. Nothing is going to change if all we can do is talk. Talk is cheap and action speaks louder than word. If you want the apples to fall, shake the apple tree!

It's been 50 years since our independent, all of us are pretty well educated and can decide for ourselves. Why do we want to let others think and decide for us? Why choose to be spoon fed with lies after lies? The signs are already there, why do we choose to stay blind? It is the dawn of a new era, we need to seize the opportunity to change our country for the better. 50 years of mediocracy, corruption and marginalisation ( not only the Chinese, Indians, indigenous tribes in Peninsular and East Malaysia but also the poorer Malay communities) is eroding everything that is good about our beloved country.

The disparity of income and wealth is getting bigger as the rich and well connected (you know who you are) are getting richer while the middle and lower income citizen like most of us are not getting any better. All the talk of us having the lowest price for this and that in the world holds no weight - our standard of living and income level is lower compared to the countries the comparison is made. How many of us think that our yearly income increment is enough to cover the increases in prices of everyday essential items? Do you believe the inflation rate is lower than your pay check increment rate? All this problems effect EVERYONE, inflation rate and widening wealth distribution knows no skin colour. To all those who said we're better off than say "Myanmar," i'll say this to you - "bullshit."

Some will say, why bother since i can just migrate anyway. Well, to people like me, it's not even an option. I do not have the means to do so economically and emotionally. My grandparents worked hard to start a new life in Malaya and i'm not willing to see the roots they planted going to waste. I am born a Malaysian and i plan to leave this world as one as well.

Those who do nothing and sit around hoping freedom, justice and change to fall from the sky are as guilty as those who vote mediocracy, corruption and marginalisation into existence. So fellow youths of Malaysia, please exercise you rights to vote and let your voices be heard. The change might not come easy but to settle for even more non-sense that we're already suffered for the last 50 years will be tragic.

Now is the time to stand up and be accountable for our own future. Now is the time for us to do something for our beloved country so "ask not what the country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country." This is the best time for us to work towards a better Malaysia. This is the best chance for us to leave our mark for the betterment of our future generation. This is the best opportunity for us to say i took part in changing Malaysia! So, please vote wisely not only for yourselves but also for our younger generations.

Just Change It! Enough Is Enough!

My 2nd & 3rd ceramah in Subang Jaya, USJ 12

I was compelled to attend more ceramahs after i got hooked ever since i attended the one in Port Klang. The reason i choose to attend those in Subang Jaya was because:
1 - Subang Jaya was the first place i set foot on when i came down to Klang Valley to continue my studies.
2 - USJ was my home for 6 years.
3 - I like the vibe and cleanliness of the entire township - but not the traffic jam lah!
4 - Majority of my friends still stays in USJ.
5 - I still spend a lot of time hanging out in USJ - Futsal nights and countless hours in mamaks.

The first ceramah in USJ 12, took place last Sat night and it featured Hannah Yeoh [cili padi ver 2.0 for the Selangor State Assembly ;0)], Loh Gwo Burne (candidate for Kelana Jaya), Tony Pua (candidate for PJ Utara), Nur Izza (daughter of Anwar Ibrahim), Harris Ibrahim (blogger - The People's Parliment), Teng Chang Khim (incumbent ADUN for Klang) and Teresa Kok (incumbent MP for Seputeh and Kinrara candidate).

It was a great ceramah with a turnout of 5000 to 6000 Subang Jayan and a few out-of-towners like me..... hehehehe! Donations for Hannah's campaign totalled about MYR31k (apparently a record for DAP ceramahs)!!!! Although no where near the budget of the "you know who" candidate, i am sure with the support of her young and tireless team, she'll make sure every single cent will be use to kick "you know who" out of Subang Jaya.

Last night's 2nd ceramah was a crazy affair. It's been hyped-up because "Mr. Opposition" himself, Lim Kit Siang will be speaking. The heavy down-pour did force some to leave but majority of the crowd that initially totaled about 6000+ did stay back and waited in the rain for him. The ceramah started with the 5 time incumbent MP for Cheras - Tan Kok Wai, before Gobind Sigh Deo (Puchong MP candidate and son of Karpal Singh) build up the crowd further with his fiery style of speaking. Next up was Loh Gwo Burne and by this time, it's already raining. When the next speaker from Keadilan (i did not manage to catch his name due to the heavy rain) it was already raining cats and dogs.

The MC - Ram (Hannah's husband) had asked the crowd if they wanted to stop the ceramah but they shouted a resounding NO! The ceramah was suspended until the rain relented and continued on with Edward Lee (Adun candidate for Bkt Gasing) and the President of MTUC (Syed Shahir) speaking. There was two other guests i am not familiar with.

Finally, the cili-padi herself spoke. From what i gathered, her speech has grown progressively better in the space of just 1 week +. She certainly has the drive and the fire in her eyes. Her team of young and inexperience helpers have certainly jumped leap and bounds in their quest to send her to the state assembly. Kudos to the whole lot of them!

While waiting for the star of the night to arrive, one of her supporters spoke about their humbling experiences while campaigning and how they were inspired by the support of the Subang Jayans. When Lim Kit Siang finally arrived at about 11:40 pm, the whole crowd erupted and started chanting his name. Needless to say, i was impress by this 67 year old "fighter," who despite suffering from sore throat and feeling the strain of non-stop campaigning, still have the energy to address the enthusiastic and pumped-up crowd. He proudly declared the support from everyone is better than any medication doctors can prescribe to him, much to the cheer of everyone.

He touched on everything that was wrong with the "you know who" government. The crowd chipped in with humorous comments and interacted with him. I lost count how many times i shouted the infamous "Correct! Correct! Correct!" line. By the time he was done, it was already close to 12:30 am.

Even though i had to walk close to 2km and got myself soaking wet from my toe to my hair, last night was still the highlight of all the ceramahs i've been too. Must give a big shout out to the residents of USJ 12 who had said "enough is enough" and had help organise the ceramahs in their padang. Still buzzin from last night as i type this entry and still feeling good after standing in the pouring rain for 2 hours.


JUST CHANGE IT!

** Sorry for the rather chiplak / chaplang looking pictures. My damn Nokia 5300 phone has a rather lousy camera function and it was not help by the dark conditions.