Just Simply Words

Good films

2012-01-04T10:56:00.001+08:00

I have recently watched a few good movies, both at home and at the theaters. These are the movies, arranged in no particular order whatsoever.

Sherlock Holmes : A Game of Shadows

This film is a must-see. I went to the theater with mom and dad to watch this film and it is perhaps one of the best detectives movies I've seen. The visual effects, though at times seemingly overdone, are superb and dazzling. I especially love the slow-motion scenes.

The sequel manages to keep its humour and pace, as well as its plot. Professor Moriarty is revealed and the battle of the minds begin. Despite the fact that the crossing of antlers between these two geniuses may seem less climatic than the fight between Blackwood and Holmes, which is more physical and heart-stopping, it is interesting how they can expect each other's every move, as though through a telepathic connection, but in the end, Holmes still triumphs.

Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are proved to be a great pair in this film playing the two famous figures of detective fiction.

My rating for this film would be four out of five.

The Help

This is a comedy you don't see everyday. Emma Stone plays a young lady who attempts to help the black community of Jacksonville, who had been treated unfairly. Bryce Dallas Howard plays the bitchy Miss Hilly and Jennifer Chastain as a white lady who also is an outcast of the community. Viola plays the protagonist, Aibileen, who tells the story of her life as a black maid.

This is way better than 'The Blind Side'. The film is well-acted, humourous, tear-jerking and heart-wrenching. We hardly get films like this anymore.

If I do say so myself, this film deserves at least an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for Jessica Chastain and Bryce Dallas Howard and Best Actress for Viola. Though I partially doubt this, but it would also be a pleasant surprise for this film to get a nomination for Best Film.

My rating : 4/5

The Adventures of Tintin
I am a Tintin fan and a Steven Spielberg fan since childhood. When I found out about that Spielberg is directing a film based on the Tintin comics, I had chills running down my spine.

I finally watched this and it blew my mind away. It's not exactly like the book, but a great adventure, all the same. Spielberg kept the true essence of the characters.

My thumbs up also to Peter Jackson in this collaboration.

John Williams has done a great score for this movie as well. In fact, he has made a tribute to his own works in this soundtrack. Some of the tracks had familiar tunes and parts which resembled those of his other scores like 'Catch Me If You Can', 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban' and 'Star Wars'.

So my rating for this film : 4/5.

Tron Legacy

Okay, I'll have to admit it. I never thought so much about this film before. I wasn't particularly interested when I saw the trailer because I thought it might be all action and visual effects. Boy was I wrong. I got the movie and watched it at home. Beginning was okay, but after that, it got better. It gives us an insight to the life of programs in the Grid and then later it brings us to the protagonist's father's lair outside the Grid. It's an interesting story and very captivating as well, but I also have to admit, some parts were quite boring, but on the whole, beautifully done. The visual effects are astounding and script is good. The ending sent chills down my spine.

Like I said, I never thought much about this film until I've watched it. It's quite heart-wrenching at parts, which is good. The actors are good, but the lead actor could do better. Jeff Bridges is awesome, as always.

So my rating : 3.5/5

The Tree of Life

For this film, I'll say I thought too much about it. When the film began, I was beginning to feel that this film is very deep, but I never knew it was that deep. The prologue was fine, then the film plunges back to the beginning of Time, where the story truly begins. It soon leads up to the point where the family of the story is. The middle part of the film is something which I can relate to because I have felt that way before. When it reaches the epilogue, it seems to imply that the world has come to an end or something like that, and they are in heaven, but I kinda lost touch on the film by then. Stunning imageries and effects bewildered me, then the film ended with the mysterious glowing light, which appears episodically throughout the film.

I don't know what to say about this film, exactly. I was puzzled. Even 'Inception' was more comprehensible than this. The music was fine (bone chilling in fact) and the effects and art direction were astounding. But a question mark still hangs on the plot. Yes, it is very deep, but too deep for me to dive in, for fear that the mere pressure of thinking of it would crush me.

My rating : 3/5

Gladiator

I have watched a part of this film on television once, but never the full story, but seeing as it won Best Picture in the Oscars in 2000, I bought the DVD and watched it. By jove, this is perhaps one of the best films I've seen! Extremely well-acted with stunning effects and a great plot. The bloody violence, I can live with.

Russell Crowe brings life to the gladiator Maximus who is a general convicted of treason and is about to be executed when he escapes, only to find his wife and son murdered. He is taken in by Proximo, a man who buys slaves to be used as gladiators in bloodsports. He soon finds himself in the Colloseum of Rome, where his enemy, the current emperor of Rome, Commodus (who had killed Maximus' family) has revived an age-old game where gladiators fight and kill to entertain. Maximus plans his revenge and, of course, succeeds, but himself dies at the end as the emperor has poisoned him. The ending is tear-jerking, as he leaves the world of the living to meet his family in the afterlife. Triple thumbs-up to Ridley Scott, Russell Crowe, Richard Harris, Joaquin Phoenix and the rest of the crew for this excellent piece of film.

My rating : 4.5/5

A Beautiful Mind

Now this is truly a winner. I've never watched it before and I saw the DVD. Seeing as it too won Best Picture of the Oscars in 2001, also acted by Russell Crowe, I thought I gave it a try and the try is worth it.

The film is based on the real life of John Nash, who is a mathematic genius, but also a schizophrenic. This film is quite the total opposite of Forrest Gump, but still it produces buckets of tears. Scenes which got me crying are the times when he is in the Psychiatric Hospital, in his cell and during his treatment--which is insulin shock therapy--and the times when he tries to ignore his hallucinations. At one point he seems to feel that he should return to the hospital for the treatment again, but he doesn't. Jennifer Conelly, who plays his wife, shines in this movie as well. She supports her ill husband through the hard times, rendering a strong relationship between them. The film has its humours and its smiles.

Ron Howard should continue with films like these. It's his cup of tea, I guess.

James Horner also produces an excellent score for this film.

Overall, the best film I've seen to date.

My rating : 10/5.

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

The Start of a New Beginning...

2011-12-02T21:01:00.004+08:00

I have just finished with my public exam, SPM, and I can tell you, I'm starting to feel useless now. Nothing to do. Well, at least I have my holidays planned till the day I enter university. Uncle's assignment to do, loads of own assignments as well.

Movies to look forward this December.

- Sherlock Holmes 2 (Guy Ritchie)
- The Adventures of Tintin (Steven Spielberg)
- War Horse (Steven Spielberg)

Sherlock Holmes 2 : Saw the first film and I loved it. So when I heard about the 2nd film, I was a little skeptical initially, until I saw the trailer. Talk about a film heavily laden with CGI, and I have to say, they were 'divine', not like those crappy ones in 'Immortals'. I suddenly felt the urge to drag myself to the cinema to watch this.

The Adventures of Tintin : Steven Spielberg's first animation film, and I felt it as a must-see of the month. Steven Spielberg has been and always will be my favourite director since childhood till now. So definitely going to watch this with my family, who has grown to love Spielberg's films too.

War Horse : Another Steven Spielberg film. Need I say more?

So three movies to watch this December. A Christmas treat, I will say. A mix of action, drama, childhood memories, perhaps some romance, definitely comedy, obviously some fantasy, apparently science fiction, and definitely the best films money can buy. Can't wait for their releases soon. Haven't been this crazy since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2.

Booyah!!! Looking forward to a wonderful December and a divine Christmas.

WITHOUT WAX,

SamFrancis

What A Day...

2011-08-16T14:41:00.005+08:00

Today (Tuesday) was supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life, but it turned out I was wrong. I had a row with my mum.

I have to admit that it was entirely my fault. I was driving home from school with my mum in the car and she asked why some of my friends were staying back at school. I told her it was because they had extra classes for History and she asked me why didn't I join them. I told her that up till now I had been having piano lessons on Tuesdays, with the exception of today of course. When she asked me about the extra class info, I could not tell her. I didn't know anything about it. She wanted me to go, but part of me, I have to admit, was lazy to attend the classes. I think she sensed that I was becoming proud and arrogant and she said, "My, my, Sam, you have changed."

It really got me there. I asked myself, "Really? What the hell is wrong with me?" We had a small row and we did not speak for the whole afternoon after that. Not even for once looked at each other.

I feel it was entirely my fault. Not the hormones, not the demon. Mine. I mean, I'm no longer attending piano lessons after this and I do have time for the extra class, yet I'm so lazy and expect good results to grow on trees. What am I thinking? Maybe I should go. It might be good.

So, lesson of the day: Get back down to Earth where I belong.

Without wax,
SAMFRANCIS

Harry Potter and everything else...

2011-08-02T21:12:00.002+08:00

Just watched Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 a few weeks ago and I have to say: this is the best film of the series. Heck, probably the best of the year. I was open to the changes they made to certain scenes and it wasn't all that bad like everyone else was complaining. It was superbly done. Great visuals, as usual. Great acting, great script and lovely epilogue. What made the epilogue lovely was because I had been hoping that the whole movie ended with the track 'Leaving Hogwarts' from the first Harry Potter film playing. I thought it would be nostalgic. When the soundtrack was released, I listened to the last track, thinking it was the epilogue track and was slightly disappointed when it was the theme from the kiss scene between Cho Chang and Harry in Order of the Phoenix. So, I lowered my expectations. As the film reached the end, it turned out that the last track of the soundtrack was actually the music playing after Harry snapped the Elder Wand (a drastic change which I didn't mind at all; it was acceptable. Better actually). when it came to '19 years later' and the track 'Leaving Hogwarts' played, I had goosebumps all over me and I wanted to cry out in joy! It was a wish-come-true! The audience that night, luckily, was very sporting, so I joined them aplauding as the faces of the famous trio faded out. A great way to end one of the most captivating and best series every made. I loved it, my parents loved it... We thought we would want to watch it a second time, but hadn't got the time.

After years growing up with Harry Potter, it was really hard to say goodbye, but we all knew it was coming soon. An era has ended. I'm looking forward to the next era of another successful film series -- hopefully not about Harry Potter again. If they decided to make another Harry Potter movie, I will be pissed. Even if it's just a prequel, because the series is as perfect as it is. Another film would've ruined the whole thing. So in conclusion, a perfect end to a perfect series. Goodbye, Harry, Ron and Hermione for the years I've been with you and thank you, Miss Rowling, for the childhood.

Rating : 5/5

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

To Be or Not To Be....

2011-06-02T08:24:00.002+08:00

I know I'm still seventeen, still studying, but I think I had my calling a few days ago. The calling to become a Franciscan Friar.

It started off a few days ago when I was watching a video involving two Franciscan Friars and I later went to research on Franciscan Friars, which sparked my interest. Usually, this would fade off after a day, but no. It's not like the obsession I had over books or movies or clothing. This feeling of desire has sat in me for quite a few days already. It could be a calling.

I don't know. For the past two years or so, my faith has been wavering. I felt far away from God. When I pray, my mind wanders off to other things. I talked and thought like a atheist, I'll admit it. I've sinned a lot of times. Too many times, in fact.

Maybe God wants me to turn back to him. It is possible.

So for that question: To be or not to be...?

Well, one thing's for sure. I'll keep my head in my studies first before I decide. It's still a long way. God, please help me in my studies and my MOCK and SPM exams. Amen.

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

Troubled day

2011-02-25T15:57:00.002+08:00

Today can be considered a pretty bad for me. Four things happened to me today.

One:

I've forgotten to pack me reccess food. I didn't eat much and was so hungry after break time.

Two:

I've been asked to produce a coloured sketch for the High School Idol 2 stage decorations and they wanted me to do 4 copies....

Three:

I literally betrayed two friends today by talking to one behind the other's back. These two are in a cold war and one of them can't stop calling the other a bitch. I am in a dilemma. While I know one of them is wrong and the other is right, the one who is wrong is my best friend and I hate the idea of losing him. I guess I'm the bitch here.

Four:

We had YCS meeting and I fucking left the auditorium with the keys in my pocket. This problem has been solved. I returned it to one of the school clerks.

Without wax,
SAMFRANCIS

Updating Movies...

2011-01-30T08:37:00.003+08:00

Been watching a few movies lately and, whoa! Some are good, some are bad...

1. Inception (Rating: 3/10) [Don't like this one. The idea is interesting but the whole thing is not really a good one]
2. Sorcerer's Apprentice (Rating: 8/10) [An okay Disney film. Wonderful effects and simply beautiful]
3. A Nightmare on Elm Street (Rating: 7/10) [DAMN! It is good! I just don't know why people say the original film is better. The original kind of sucked.]
4. Armageddon (Rating: 9/10) [Love this movie. The ending is really touching]
5. All Good Things (Rating: 8/10) [Gosh I love this film too! Great acting and interesting plot.]
6. Buried (Rating: 2/10) [Eww! Boring boring boring! Just one guy in a stupid coffin! I know it is scary but it is best to be a book, not a movie.]

So, there you go.

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

Life's a bitch, ain't she?

2011-01-16T21:51:00.003+08:00

Life can really drive one insane. After watching this mystery romance film, All Good Things, I'm telling you, I think life's a bitch. Well, not completely. Sometimes, life is. It tests you, pushes you to the point where you can go mad for no apparent reason. And the one thing about life is, you'll never if you've made the right choices until you've been through it and by then it will be too late. I have my regrets in the past, things which I thought then was right but ended up being wrong. Those were the times that I wish I could get back, but like I said, life's a bitch. "The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh," Job had said in the Bible.

However, to take back those years and to go through that part of life all over again up to this point will be pretty boring. The only thing to do is learn from the past and move on with whatever scars you have in your soul. If life were as good as what was in the movie Altitude, it would be great. To right the past.

Life really is one hell of a bitch.

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

You'll Learn To Know Me By Another Name...

2010-12-12T16:08:00.004+08:00

I have to say.... The Chronicles of Narnia books are among the most unforgettable classics of old which endured till today, and the movie had been turned to great movies. By far, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader is the best. It truly possesses the real tone of the book. Michael Apted did a splendid job. I really could not stop thinking about the movie rigth now. I just feel like going back to the theater for more. Georgie Henley is more beautiful than ever and still successfully retains that child-like innoncence in her, which is what Lucy really is like. Skandar Keynes did a good job as well, especially facing his worst fears: Jadis. Will Poulter did a wondrous job on his role as Eustace Scrubb, an annoying little brat who just could not stop complaining until he turns into a dragon. The magic of the film is still kept, bringing together a good holiday movie for the family during this season of Christmas.

I pray hard that the series will go on till The Last Battle. Forget about all those negative critics. The Series is doing well entertaining both young and old. I'll be anticipating The Silver Chair for the next one or two years and more to come.

RATING : 9/10

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

Twihard fans are scary....

2010-11-26T12:24:00.003+08:00

See this link... I think you'll know what I mean...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BozgGQ9w-W4&feature=channel

When someone voices their opinion against the Twilight series, TwiHard fans would go to the extent of criticising them back for being "stupid, movie dumb, retarded, gay, etc etc." And why does people love to compare Harry Potter with Twilight? Of all the series in the world, why Harry Potter? It is only going to make Harry Potter blasted down by TwiHard fans worse and I don't like that. I for one would not like criticising heavily on Twilight as well for I have friends who love them (but that are not exactly hardcore fans). Perhaps pointing out certain flaws would do. Honestly, I initially thought the idea of the series to be interesting. "My boyfriend's a vampire." That's quite cool. And I can tell you, the movie adaptation of the series has improved with time. Despite the idea being interesting, I still find the storyline a bit draggy and, no offence, boring. Stephenie Meyers could have done better with her Terrific Trio: Bella, Edward and Jacob. Perhaps more thrill and actions than the usual sweet-talks and kisses and ineffective conversation. That is, in my opinion, of course. The adaptation to Eclilpse was beautiful with graceful action moves and all. Let's just hope they won't suck up for Breaking Dawn.

No matter what, I still remain loyal to the Harry Potter books and movies. They are my childhood and the first novels I've ever read, which got me to reading, so Harry Potter is still the best. And TwiHard fans, please don't go over the internet calling 'Twilight haters' stupid and movie dumb. You are only showing that TwiHard fans are like teens who have too much of their hormones and could not control themselves. Be realistic and professional, and don't get too attached either, because there's more to life than just vampires and romance.

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

Harry! LOVELY LOVELY LOVELY!

2010-11-21T22:05:00.000+08:00

A near flawless opening to the great finale of a great phenomenon ever

in cinematic and entertainment history. When the film opened with the

crumbling WB logo and Hermione's preparation to leave, I knew the film

would be way off better than the sixth, and more emotional. It is. This

is the first Harry Potter film ever that made me cry! Literally! The

scene where Hedwig was killed trying to protect Harry (it was different

from the book as Hedwig was in her cage in the book, therefore her

death was less tragic) really got me there. Other scenes were almost

accurately portrayed in the film.

Action scenes were well done (though short and brief). Of course, this

film is meant to be more of an introduction to what the Deathly Hallows

is and what Voldemort is planning to do with them, hence the

conversations in between.

The special effects are also very beautiful. The Seven Potters scene

was really stunning as well as some of the fight scenes. Ever since

David Yates came to direct, I noticed that the special effects had

improved from the last few. Just beautiful.

The cast was perfect and the acting was brilliant. Once again, the trio

returned and gave their best for the franchise which had brought them

together and made them what they are today. Everyone is putting their

best foot forward for this film to work, as it did for the book.

In a nutshell, brilliant. Simply brilliant and absolutely perfect.

Well, near that. 10/10

Without wax,

SAMFRANCIS

'Inception' a real bore...

2010-11-18T22:00:00.002+08:00

I've gotta say! Even 'Eclipse' is way better than 'Inception'! Not doubt it is intellectual and great and all, but it isn't that interesting. I watched the movie, expected great scenes, and the beginning blew the movie away to smitherings. Seriously! Chris Nolan has definitely NOT improved since Dark Knight which was, in my opinion, another let down. The ending sucked as well. That particular ending would've worked in a short story or a novel, but not a movie. The plot, as I watched on, is merely centred around this Dumb Cop dude and his wife who went crazy just because he did inception on her. Now, inception is where a person plants an original idea into a person, which affects them. The idea about dreams was interesting, but not the movie.

Overall: 2/5.

Without wax,
SAMFRANCIS

2010-11-03T19:49:00.002+08:00

FINISHED EXAMS! For now... Well, I'm going to put all my effort into finishing my first symphony and post it up on YouTube and start studying during the holidays. May my results be bad or good, I'm looking forward. The one thing that kept me going will always be this:

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS!

I seriously can't wait! It's around the corner! It's coming soon! VERY SOON! You'll wait Harry Potter! Exams over, now it's you!

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

Possible another downhill for my life...

2010-10-26T14:06:00.002+08:00

Just when I thought it was the turning point of my academic life, I have a strong feeling it is going to get worse. I just did four papers for exam and I can feel myself being dragged down the abyss, deeper. Physics was really terrible. English was fairly hard. Add Maths was fine (It was the one and only tough I had been fine so far). BM was slightly harder. Perhaps I'm getting lazy, unlike last time. Sigh, I ought to curse and blame myself. I think it is safe to say that I will have to kiss my violin bye-bye because if my physics result comes out bad (high probability of that happening) I'm going to have to take tuition classes for physics and cancel violin classes.

"Bless our efforts" my arse. My efforts are nigh zero. Well, holiday's coming and I can improve from there.

Without wax,
SAMFRANCIS

PIANO: MY DE-PRESSURISER

2010-07-26T16:35:00.003+08:00

I haven't been updating my blog for a very long time now... Gosh! So stressed out! There is our school's test tomorrow and I need to swallow whatever information I can. Argh! Good thing I have a piano. That's the best thing for me to release my stress. I feel a little too much pressure on me, the piano will de-pressurise me. Have to learn physics and mathematics. English, perhaps I'll just need to brush up on my summary-writing that is all.

Just had Prefect's Night on Saturday. I had pictures, but hadn't the time to upload them now. Will do in the next post perhaps.

Well, this is a very short post, eh? I gotta make it quick. Very busy.

so

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

PS. Cheers to unhappy stress... again!

Shrek 4ever After

2010-05-28T16:17:00.003+08:00

Yahoo! Great movie! Funny! Quite funny! Nothing else I can say... Just wonderful...

Rating: 4.5/5

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

I need stress pills! Anybody got any?

2010-05-03T21:33:00.003+08:00

Well, it's going to be stress, stress, and what was it again? Oh yes... Stress. Had finished prefect camp, and boy was I tired. But, it was fun, playing in the mud and all. That was the first time I ever get to sink my body in mud. COOL! Best experience during the camp. Worst experience? Got effed up by a senior. He was so freaking pissed that my team did the wrong thing during Crowd Control simulation. So, anyways, it was okay. Got pretty good advice excluding all that eff words.

In the midst of stress, I have my friend to lighten me up. Dave. He is a damn good joker. The first line I wrote in this post was his idea. He has dozens of other jokes and never fails to make me laugh.

Exam is coming soon, school examination, and now stress piles up again. I find the stress de-piling a little when I listen to music (calm or classical music). Just so nice. Torture and comfort at the same time. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down, as Mary Poppins say.

Plus I have lots of pressure from different people: my Vater, for one; my teachers; and of course peer pressure. Well, no one can do anything about that. Only I can. Life goes on.

Well, here's a toast, to unhappy stress.

CHEERS!

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

The Shawshank Redemption

2010-04-15T21:28:00.003+08:00

Beautiful. This movie is just beautiful! Just so beautiful. This is a great story about life and hope. The ending is really perfect. Frank Darabont did a good job, as well did Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. This film would most definitely be on my top ten favourtie movie list. I think I'll have to rearrange my list. I have to drag some out of the top ten. One of them: Avatar. Sorry, James Cameron, but I just feel it is getting a little boring to watch that movie. No hard feelings to James and Avatar fans.

Well, rating: 5/5. EXCELLENT

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

Clash of the Titans

2010-04-04T07:53:00.004+08:00

I just went to watch this remake of the 1981 film, also entitled 'Clash of the Titans'. It was a good watch, nice effects, good story, great cast. Really entertaining. Pretty much like 'Percy Jackson'. Or is it, 'Percy Jackson' is pretty much like this movie? I say this because Percy Jakson is based on this story.

Perhaps this movie has a few inaccuracy in the Greek myths and legends, but I don't mind. I find it rather amusing the way they alter the myths and put it into a great story.

Those who are fans of Greek myths and legends, don't be too disappointed of the inaccuracies. It's just a movie, nothing to be disappointed.

I read that people are criticising on the script of the film. Well, maybe it's bad, but I find it quite okay. I'm that sort of person. As long as I get the story and the story is a good one, I'm fine with it. (The only films I loathe are those with extreme blood violence, nude scenes and sex scenes). Perhaps Io, one of the characters of the film, was a little emotionless. Pretty poker faced.

I love this film. Perhaps it will be at number 2 in my movie list. (Honestly, I think it is much more entertaining than Avatar.)

Rating: 4.9/5

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

Cirque du Freak:The Vampire's Assistant

2010-03-17T20:53:00.002+08:00

Quite a freaky yet entertaining story, this movie. Wow! Effects was... well... not bad... Story was terrific. Madam Octa was kinda cute, as well as the monkey girl, Rebecca. The Wolfman looked weird, and when the vampires flit, it looked weirder (the flitting, I mean). But overall, great story, can't wait the sequel, if they are making any.

Rating: 3.9/5

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

PS. Good work with the humours.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

2010-03-16T20:47:00.002+08:00

Just watched this film today and it was great! Very Harry Potter-ish though. Great film all over. In this film, Percy is the Harry Potter, Annabeth is Hermione, and Grover is Ron, only that in this film, the Harry Potter hooks up with the Hermione, not the Ron with the Hermione.

I never the read the books actually, but the film seemed fine. I've seen some people dissapointed because Percy is supposed to be 12 or something like that, but the movie shows him well over that age. And Annabeth supposed to have blonde hair. I don't know, but I like this Annabeth better.

I love the scene where he conjured up water while battling Luke, which I believe would be Kronos... No wait! He is not Kronos. He is just helping Kronos.

Well, can't wait for the sequel, if there is any...

Rating: 4.5/5

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

Alice in Wonderland

2010-03-14T21:49:00.002+08:00

"Alice has returned to Wonderland," said the Red Queen.

Just watched this film today with a couple of friends. Watched it in 2D and was great. Very beautiful and colourful, the film. Love the Cheshire Cat very much. A very sly fellow, ain't he? The Red Queen seriously needs full head acu-puncture, though. Great movie. Professor Snape is a caterpillar! NO! From black to blue! Well, great job, Tim Burton. You've once again made a movie which is violent (eg. the beheading of the dragon and the removal of a monster's eye) yet not violent (i.e. not gory).

Rating: 4/5

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

Cast Away

2010-03-14T21:41:00.002+08:00

Now this is another movie worth watching. You can say this is a modern remake of the tale of Robinson Crusoe, only that the protagonist's name isn't Robinson Crusoe, but Chuck Noland, and that he isn't a sailor, but a FedEx employee stranded on an island for four years, not 28 years, who befriends a volleyball named Wilson, instead of a cannibal named Friday. The ending is sad, unlike Robinson Crusoe's ending which is happy. Robinson married and had kids, and after his wife died, he went on sailing. Chuck is a whole different one. Not going to reveal the ending. You'll just have to watch it yourself and see...

A great film to watch.

Rating: 4.9/5

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

The Blind Side

2010-03-13T22:03:00.003+08:00

The Blind Side

Now this is a movie worth watching as well. Very touching and well-made, plus it has bits of humor in it. And it's a true story! Of Michael Oher...

I reccomend this film to all to watch.

Rating: 5/5

WITHOUT WAX,
SAM FRANCIS

Taylor Swift

2010-02-20T21:19:00.003+08:00

Just a little something I did to past the time. I drew this picture of Taylor Swift and turned out okay.

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

Paranormal Activity...

2010-02-17T21:13:00.002+08:00

Just watched 'Paranormal Activity' and was completely freaked out! The movie nearly scared the s*** out of me!

Mum did not really like it though, because of the ending that was obviously unresolved.

Poor Micah and Katie. They'd make perfect couples without the demon around.

I can't say anything more about the film. Perhaps a four out of five rating.

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

On the Second Day of New Year, My True Love Sent to Me...

2010-02-15T20:09:00.004+08:00

Second day of Chinese New Year.

Been to Cousin Sam's house and had a long chat with her sister, Sherry, about movies and TV shows and songs and singers. We also went to YouTube to watch movie trailers. After that, we went to another relative's house and later returned home. My aunt came over with my uncle and my two young cousins. I entertained them with music. One of my cousins, Alvin, hated the piano so much that he cried (I think). He finally stopped when dad suggested showing Mickey Mouse and Alvin was so happy after that. He is so cute and he is a bright kid.

That's what I got for the second day of Chinese New Year. Will keep posting.

Just some random picture

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

On The First Day of New Year, My True Love Sent To Me...

2010-02-15T09:34:00.025+08:00

Yes, it was the first day of Chinese New Year yesterday and Valentine's Day as well. Yesterday was fine. I wore a short-sleeved samfoo shirt yesterday and a pair of jeans. Perhaps next year I would want to try a full samfoo suit (the long-sleeved one). It was fine. The food, the visits, the ang pows, the relatives, the laughter... most 'excruciating' of all--firecrackers!

--The sort of samfoo

I might be wearing

next Chinese New Year--

Nothing much for yesterday and today would not probably be any more interesting. Visiting Cousin Sam's place today. (Sadly Cousin Sam is not in Kuching at the moment. To find out, go to her blogspot [purpledoi.blogspot.com])

Saw the trailer for the film 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief' and I was like 'ARGHH!!!'. I seriously can't wait for the movie!

Well, two more days of holiday and I am back in school. Other schools take a one-week break. For my school, break ends on Wednesday and we have to go back on Thursday. Seamy will be gone for the whole week though. Gone somewhere for a vacation with his family.

Will post more.

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

Gong Xi Fa Cai Coming Soon... A Heart Attack is the Most Definite Thing I Would Get...

2010-01-23T08:14:00.003+08:00

Hello, hello, hello again, dear readers. Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy Chinese New Year! May you all have a wonderful new year.

Chinese New Year is the one of the most enjoyable festivals of the year for the Chinese because of the food, visits and, of course, firecrackers and fireworks. I, on the other hand, don't find it as enjoyable. The food and the visits, I can live with that, but the firecrackers and fireworks at midnight, no way! Sure it scares the evil spirits away but it is scaring my spirit too! All those explosions and loud noises are sure to give me a heart attack.

Daw would most definitely enjoy it. He literally loves fireworks and firecrackers. Another friend of mine, Law, likes them too.

Anyways, to all Chinese out there, Xing Nian Qui Le!

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

PS Can't wait for Christmas.

AVATAR!!!!

2010-01-20T21:31:00.004+08:00

I'm screaming! I'm screaming! Just watched Avatar (the 2D version) and OMG! My mouth was literally agape whilst watching. Shocked! Bedazzled! Awed! (Any synonyms for surprised) James Cameron! GREAT WORK! So beautifully made. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana are great. Perhaps it would be on number 4 of my list though. The first is '2012'. Second, 'Forrest Gump'. Third, 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'. Cousin loved it very much and now is starting to get hooked up on Twilight as well. Said that New Moon was fantastic and will try Twilight soon. Well, Good Luck to that.

Back to Avatar.

A great story and beautiful effects. If you haven't watched it, I recommend it. It's just too irresistably beautiful to miss.

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS.

New Year and New Tortures...

2010-01-14T16:24:00.005+08:00

A New Year! I know. That was like two weeks ago. I was pretty busy now that I am in form four, a whole new different world from form three. Got new subjects: physics, biology, chemistry, additional mathematics. Got a newbie in our class: Andrew. He was a guy we met at Swinburne debate championship as well, and sadly, he had to bid farewell to his long hair because my school is very strict with hair length.

Spent a few nights in piles of stress which I finally overcame. Got my hair buzzed very recently and people began calling me Skinhead in class, the first one being Daw. I kinda like the buzzcut and probably stick with it, and I'd probably go for shaved during the year-end holidays. This is my second buzzcut. I had one two or three years back, I think. Before the buzzcut, I had a high-and-tight haircut. Daw liked the haircut when he saw it on the day we went to receive our PMR result slips.

It is raining right now actually and it hasn't stopped since last night! MY GOSH! Start-of-year weather, you could call it. Friends in class either wore sweaters or rubbed their hands. Well, a wet New Year it is.

Well, Happy New Year to all readers! Have a blessed year!

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

Merry Xmas!

2009-12-25T08:01:00.004+08:00

Hello, dear readers!

Just to wish you all a very

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS.

Most Touching Movie....

2009-12-24T13:05:00.003+08:00

By the end of this film, I felt like crying my eyes out. It's just so beautiful. A great story. Two thumbs up to Winston Groom, the author of the novel the movie was based on, and also two thumbs up for the crew of the movie. Tom Hanks, two thumbs up as well.

Yes, dear readers. It is the famous 'Forrest Gump'! Another great movie about life I've watched this year. If you have not watched it, I suggest you hurry and get it. It is a good watch. My parents and I love it.

Tom Hanks did a great job in acting as the titular character. It is not easy for a sane guy to act insane. Great job!

The story tells of this man whose IQ is low, below normal. As a boy, he had to wear leg braces and he is always picked on. Although he is, as everyone calls him, 'stupid', he becomes famous, meeting presidents, going to China etc etc. He also loves someone sincerely, a girl who became his best friend on his first day of school. The girl lives a messy life and later settles down with Forrest. That's all I can say. I don't want to spoil the fun. You watch it on your own.

Well, great movie. 5/5 stars for this one.

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-24T12:05:00.004+08:00

It is Christmas Eve, a very wet one here in Kuching. The song 'White Christmas' should be changed to 'Wet Christmas' and the first line of the song should be changed too.

I'm dreaming of a Wet Christmas...

Yes, it's rainy, but guess what? I am not gloomy! My PMR results came out! PMR is a public exam taken by Form 3 Secondary students here in Malaysia. I got Straight A's! 7A's! Dan got 8A's! (He got an extra subject: Islam Education) Daw go straight, too, as well as Greg. Greg's brother came back from Australia. His name is Pierce, by the way. Well, thanks to all my teachers for the help and guidance they had given us throughout the years.

Today, I thought of going out to watch 'Alvin and the Chipmunks 2' with my cousins. That plan did not work out. On of my cousin, Kelvin, got his results and apparently he did not want it publicised so I would just not write it here. He's not in the mood. And after calling my other cousin, she said she changed to 'Avatar' and she is going out with her little brother and friend. I told her maybe I'll watch with my parents and told her to go with her buddy and brother. She was fine with it. I'd rather go watch with her and Kelvin only than going out with the people I am not close to. So now here I am, writing this blog, finally deciding not to go and watch for my dad is not so well and he does not seem to love 'Avatar' that much for the heavy use of CGI. In fact, I am not so into it either because the movie is just too...well...not me. Will just wait for the DVD release.

Well, now waiting for tomorrow, that is Christmas where I'll get to meet up with my cousins and play, that is, if Kelvin's in the mood.

Will continue posting.

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

Me and Prisons...

2009-12-20T20:01:00.006+08:00

I don't know what's into me and prisons... Everytime I make up a story, it will always involve prisons and prisoners, and also torture and injustice justice systems. Jeffrey Archer's Prisoner of Birth became one of my favourite novels after that obssession began to grow in me. It's just so sad to sometimes think of those condemned souls who will spend their lives in that place. I would also feel very sorry for those who were wrongly accused and imprisoned.

So what got me into being obssessed with prisons? I really don't know. My obssession began after watching a Korean Drama Series 'All In'. Was it the jumpsuit? Was it the feeling of pity? Was it the actor who happened to be one of my favourite Korean actors? Perhaps it's a little of each. Ever since the series, I became obssessed with these things, even until now. I am thinking up stories of different genres and putting prison scenes and prisoners in. One of my stories, a story about a priest who, unable to control himself, committed two sins by raping a nun and accidentally killing her. Because of that, he was sentenced to life imprisonment, which angered the nun's mother, because she thought the priest ought to die. The priest then mysteriously died in his cell and woke up in Hell. That was where the story split into two. One was about the priest's life in Hell and the other was about the investigations done to find the priest's killer.

I don't know if the story is lame or not. I just wrote down what I felt that moment; my fear of dying and entering Hell, to suffer for eternity.

Another story, which I plan to write in four parts, will also have a prison scene in the third part. You can call this series a series of short stories because each part is a short story. The first three parts have totally different stories with different protagonist in each. The first two are incidents happening at the same time and same place. The third happens at a later time in a different place. In the forth part, all come together. I had this idea in me for a long time already and always tried writing it down, but always ended up tearing it apart because the story did not seem to fit. Now, at least it seems okay.

I also have a novel in my hands now, too. A fantasy one. The apocalyptical novel did not make it. It is now a series of short stories, which is the one mentioned in the paragraph before. This fantasy novel is inspired by JK Rowling, Christopher Paolini and prisons! It is about a boy, yes, like Harry Potter, only that he isn't an orphan and the story takes place in another place, and this is where Paolini's influence comes in. This novel might, I repeat, might have prison scenes. I don't know yet. I am still working on it.

So, about me and prisons... Well, that's all. Will keep posting.

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

Twilight

2009-12-01T20:43:00.004+08:00

I know there are many Twilight fans out there in the world, comprising of mostly girls in their teens. I've just recently watched the first movie myself.

Honestly, I am not a fan of the Twilight saga. I never did watched it at first because I thought the story was just a little to romance-ish for me. But anyway I gave it a go. The first movie was...sort of okay. My parents loathe it, because, and I quite agree to them, the film was somehow quite boring and the storyline did not seem right. The part where Edward runs very fast seemed pretty fake, as though the film-makers fastforwarded it. And when in close-up, the running seemed like the sort of 'mid-air' running as I call, that is usually used in Chinese fantasy films where the Kung Fu fighters would 'run' in mid-air. Like the Volvo, though. A friend of mine is a Twilight fan, and she found the first movie quite dissapointing. (Guess who's that? Sofie)

I saw the trailer for New Moon. I think I would definitely watch this one, when the DVD is out. The trailer seems nice and better than the previous one. Chris Weitz is not a bad director. His film 'The Golden Compass' was one of my favourite (the only dissapointment in this film is the ending, which wasn't supposed to end that way.). Will see the next instalment of the Twilight Saga.

Twilight and New Moon is like a Romeo and Juliet story put together. The two people fell in love and knew their love to be forbidden but still carry on until on has to leave and the girl will be depressed and commit suicide. The boy, hearing that the girl died, also wants to die and there is the climax, the conflict. Pretty much similar. I wonder if Stephenie Meyer was influenced by the drama.

Well, I hope New Moon will be a better movie than Twilight. Another reason why I want to watch this film is because one of my favourite actresses is acting in it, Dakota Fanning! Can't wait to see this beauty acting the bad girl.

Oh yeah, come to think of it, the two authors who wrote bestselling series of books are both females! Stephenie Meyer and JK Rowling! OMG! I still prefer JK Rowling's Harry Potter series. This series of books is the one which brought me into the reading world. My very first Harry Potter book was the sixth, Half Blood Prince. What got me into reading it was the first three movies. I was never allowed to watch the movies in my youth because my parents told me it had black magic influence etc etc. It was at the age of 11 or 12 did my father finally decided to let me watch and the whole family found it great! Nothing bad about the movie actually! Just pure fiction. My cousin and I got hooked to it immediately and keep reading the books and anticipating the last book. When the last book came, I read the book for seven days, which was the shortest time I have ever had to read a novel. I usually spend more than a month to get a book done (depending on the thickness). Dan read it in four days. Or was it Greg? I don't know. What touches me in Harry Potter is when Harry sees his parents. He longs for them and would give anything to see them. I was most touched in Goblet of Fire when his parents appeared to him in the form of spirits during the battle at the graveyard.

In Twilight, nothing touched me actually, but in New Moon, it was not the touchy feeling, but the heartbreak. When I watched the trailer, I literally clapped my hands to my mouth when Edward dumped Bella. Golly. Poor Bella. And I also prefer Jacob with the short hair. The long hair makes him look...I don't know...homeless? Probably.

Can't wait to see New Moon, but over that, I am most anticipating Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!

That's all for now.Will post more soon.

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS.

Har-Megido!

2009-11-20T07:58:00.011+08:00

OMG! I've watched the film '2012', and I was awed by it! I love it! My gosh! Roland Emmerich really is the man for these sort of movies!

My family and I went to MBO cinema at 'tHe Spring' shopping complex and...DARN! The queue was long. My dad and I waited for almost an hour. We were hoping to catch the 12 pm show, but the queue was pretty long. When it was nearly 12, my dad and I decided to take the 1 pm show instead if we could not make to the counter to buy our tickets. There were only two counters open that time.

Just when it was nearly 12 pm, it was our turn. HALLELUJAH! We tried to make it quick so that the people behind us can buy their tickets. So after that, we just went straight to the theater without the popcorn. My mum had to queue up to buy it and there wasn't any time. So we left for the theater and sat down at our seats.

During the movie, my mum was praising the CG effects all the way through and the movie story as well. Yes, I find the CG EFX pretty convincing, except one part, where the plane was engulfed in the volcanic smoke. When the plane emerged from the smoke, it should have a little of the smoke trailing behind it, but instead it seemed as though the plane had just emerged from a hangar. Overall, it is a great movie. Congratulations, Roland Emmerich! This is the best movie that I have watched this year, apart from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. John Cusack was great too. The little girl, Lily, was cute, too. "My hats!" was what she said when the house collapsed. And she wears pull-ups! OMG!

One of the CG EFX that amazed me. The end of Las Vegas!

Another scene which never fail to amaze me.

Go, John Cusack! You are one of very best!

Love the film so much! I'd probably give it a 4.9 rating out of 5.

This is all for now. Will post again soon.

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

Wee....!!!! Or rather... YEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

2009-10-18T20:54:00.005+08:00

Just finished PMR and Microsoft Access Exam!!! So free. Wait!! Not so free actually. Immediately after PMR, Dan and I joined the Sarawak Education Department Orchestra for this year's Konsert Syukur (direct translation: Gratitude Concert). For day and night, we had to practice. Julie (a friend from where I learn music) joined as well. Julie and I are first timers actually. Dan is a second timer. He first joined the orchestra last year.

It was held at the old DUN (Dewan Undangan Negeri) Building. It was the place where the Malaysia Philharmonic Youth Orchestra performed on December 12th last year, which I attended.

As we had to practise for the whole day, Dan and I had to skip school and the organisers had sent release letters to our school. Guess who I met during practice. PREMA!!! This time, her elder brother (Dominic) and her youngest sister (Chassy [KAS-ee]) were in, too, both playing the violin.

We made new friends. Bella (first violinist and also quite close with Chassy), Jessie (from Kolej Abdillah and who seems pretty young for her age), Lynn (I think she is from Kolej Abdillah as well, seeing that she is very close with Jessie), Amy (Cellist and wonderful but daring friend, and I mean literally daring), Sofie (flautist and a daughter of a piano teacher I knew), Mikey (Sofie's sister and also the cellist), Lyndie (Saxophonist, comedian, photographer, penguin and a fish), Neil (second violinist), Tesa (an ex-theory classmate) and Eunice (who prefers her name to be pronounced eun-EES rather than eu-NAIS).

The conductor were Maestro Ridwan (sorry, Cikgu, if I spelt your name incorrectly) and Maestro Razali (again, sorry cikgu if I spelt your name incorrectly).

We played many songs, mostly Malay songs. There were two Chinese songs and three English ones, namely 'Save the Last Dance for Me' , 'Say You, Say Me' and 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight'. I loved them, including some of the Malay songs, especially Anuar Zain's 'Lelaki Ini'.

The practice sessions were fun. M. Ridwan was sometimes making jokes, not on purpose. The actual title of one of the piece was 'Sikit Kasih Banyak Minta' but he said 'Sikit Minta Banyak Kasih', which means totally different. The latter means 'little asked, more given' while the earlier one means 'little given, more asked'.

Ah, yes. You migth be wondering why I called Lyndie a fish. We were talking about something the other time when she started to sing a phrase from Kitaro's 'Impression of West Lake' which was 'Yeee-ee-ee-ee-ee...' and we started teasing her, calling her a fish and 'yee' (Chinese word for fish!). When she wanted to take pictures, we would say, "Everybody say YEEEEEE!" It was so funny. Dominic said, "Everybody say CHYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE!"

We performed the pieces with the singers on the night of October the 17th, which was actually last night. The Chief Minister and Governor (TYT) of Sarawak were there. And guess what? I have a microphone clipped onto my violin! I am not a good player! And they put that thing on my violin! I can't believe it! I began intensive practice on my own since then. I'm grade Four in violin and Julie's in Grade Six. Why not her!!!???

Mum (left), me (centre), Dan (right)

Anyway, I made it through okay, though I can't actually hear what I was playing, really. The orchestra was loud. Perhaps they did not switch on the microphone. I hope so!

Once done, we left to backstage and began talking on how we are going to miss the good times we had. It was so, just so wonderful. We had fun laughing and joking...and killing a beetle by feeding it to the fishes in the pond outside the building. Wait! We didn't have fun doing the last bit. Julie was the one who enjoyed that. The little beetle was first 'in love' with Chassy and began crawling towards her. We were sitting by the pond, by the way. So Chassy moved and the beetle stopped for a moment before it turned to Dan, who said something and it stopped for a moment and then continued to him. He then put a bottle there and the beetle was blocked from him. He made its way round the bottle towards Dan. Dan then stood up to go and pray. He's Muslim and he is very holy, very God-fearing and very good guy. The beetle perhaps felt heartbroken and turned to the pond. We were amused. We thought the beetle might want to commit suicide. Then Julie put a piece of bread in front of it and it climbed over it. She then picked the bread up, lifting the beetle and Sofie screamed. Julie then threw it into the pond. We watched helplessly as the fishes made their way first to the bread crumb and then to the beetle. So sad.

Wait, why am I talking about this anyway? Okay, so that night after the performance, we returned our coats which we borrowed from the organisers and left for home. So tired. Our arms were aching, especially us violinists because we had to hold the violin with our shoulder and chin and that will hurt when you hold in that position for a long time. Anyway, it is a memorable experience. The VIPS had their feast, while we left for home. I slept and woke up quite late the next morning feeling so much better with the ache gone. So nice.

Well, that's what I got so far. Will post more.

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

Born Free!!!

2009-08-21T14:54:00.009+08:00

Hallelujah! I'm free! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

Trial Exam's over! But still, there is PMR. Oh well. Glad I finished the exams.

Three days before the exam, a Friday, a classmate and I went to KL with my mum and a teacher. We did not go to school but stayed home to prepare. We met at the airport at one. Dan (my classmate) was there earlier, I think. All of us did not bring much luggage for it was a two-day-and-one-night trip. We went to KL by budget airline (AirAsia) and guess what, Dan and I go priority seats! So we get to go in earlier and get free food! Yay!!! Next to our row was a a group of three teenagers, two years older than us, which we found out later. They were from Greenroad school. Their names are Bryan, Yap and Adelyn. We did not know them at that time. Only the following day when we met them again.

From Left to Right: Yap, Adelyn and Bryan (taken during the ceremony)

So our flight took about an hour plus and we arrived in KL in one piece. We were staying at the hotel in Mid Valley called Cititel, where Dan and I, on the following day, found Jules (another classmate) there.

Dan (left) and me (right).

The hotel, surprisingly, was just next to a shopping mall! So upon arrival, my mum, Dan and I went shopping. Our teacher went to her sister's house. Dan and I spent most of our time at MPH (our favourite outlet because we love books!) I bought one and he bought another. Guess what I bought. MISERY!!! I always wanted to buy that book. Dan bought a Terry Brooks book. It was the second to one of the series or something, I can't remember. All I know is that it has something to do with Shanara.

We later went back to the hotel and took our bathes. (or did we take our bathes before we went shopping? Can't remember) That night we watched Pathology. Dan was so engrossed in it. We later slept quite late and woke up very early next morning. We took our bathes and went down with my mum for breakfast. Our teacher did not come along. She usually has late breakfast so while we were eating, she was still sleeping.

Knights in shining blazers (Dan holding a pink hairdryer)

Power of the hairdryer: Dehydrate any opponent

After that, Dan and I changed into our uniforms and put on our blazers. We went down and all of us hailed a cab to take us to Wisma Sejarah. It was for a price-giving ceremony. Dan and I won third place in a history essay writing competition last year. At the ceremony, guess who we met. The three Greenroaders! They won third too for their catergory, which was the form 4-5 category. There were two speeches and then the prize-giving. And then later we had a little feast before departing.

The prize-giving (sorry, picture not clear)

The Greenroaders were so anxious to go shopping. (Adelyn wanted to buy a pair of Roxie (or Roxy) flip-flops for a friend.) (During the feast, Bryan did mention that Karrie ( a nickname for one of the Greenroad debaters at the Swimburne debate who screamed at us during the practice debate) is hot!) Later, the four of us (Dan, teacher, mum and I) went for a little lunch again at a Penang style restaurant and went shopping. We then got ready to leave and left for the airport at 3. We arrived a 4. At 5 pm, we took off and arrived in Kuching safely. We departed. Dan was met by his brother, Don, and our teacher was met by a daughter, Chris. I never knew Chris much actually. Never even actually talked to her, except during a phonecall where I wanted to speak to her mum and she answered.

Final picture taken before departure for home.

We won't get the prize money until after the holidays! So long! Well, just have to wait.

Well, I think that is all. Will keep posting.

Without wax,
SAM FRANCIS

The Good...and the Bad

2009-08-09T21:32:00.003+08:00

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good..."

"Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs

are proud to present

the

Imperfect

Glade"

Sounds familiar? Yeah, had watched Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince few days after its release. So FUNNY!!! It is the funniest Harry Potter film yet. I love it! The one part that managed to make me jump from my seat was the section where the Inferi grabbed Harry's hand when Harry wanted to scoop some water from the lake for Dumbledore. Scary. Overall, it was largely an enjoyment. Well, frankly speaking, those who haven't read the book will not quite understand the film. And those who read it, might be a little disappointed. You have to forgive Yates. He can't fit the whole book in. It would be impossible. (Some of my friends even found it boring and terrible. I don't know. Perhaps there wasn't a clear climax. Well, I think there is, but not a very big one though. The part where the Deatheaters entered Hogwarts. One even said it was wasting money. Perhaps he prefers pure action films like G.I.Joe which he finds very interesting.)

Can't wait for Deathly Hallows. But for now, I can't think about that. Got my Trial Exam coming up soon and I need to study. And also because of that, I had to quit the orchestra which I joined quite recently. Actually, there will be a performance on the twentieth of August and the orchestra is needed to accompany a pianist for Chopin's 2nd Piano Concerto. Coincidently, the performance is during my Trial Exam week and my parents would not allow me. Not just because I will have no time to study, but also they want me to have a good night sleep. Yeah, I think so too. So I puck up the courage and told the conductor about it. He thought of changing the date, but can't. So he eventually let me go. A relief. My orchestra buddies started calling me 'Kiasu' (in Hokkien, it means 'scared to loose', literally) and that they would not forgive me (they were just kidding). "Prema" and I started sticking tongues out at each other, too.

Soon I'll be facing the Trial Exam and after that, the big exam, PMR, a public exam for Form 3. Scary. Well, I'll have to study and pray hard, and hope for the best; getting straight 'A's. Still writing my stories during resting periods. Now I am working on 3 projects; two novels, one fantasy and another post-apocalyptic, and a collection of short stories. I might post some on my blog soon to get reviews.

That's all from me, now.

"Mischief Managed"

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

Hujan Emas di Negeri Orang, Hujan Batu di Negeri Sendiri, Lebih Baik di Negeri Sendiri

2009-06-10T09:01:00.011+08:00

Hey there!

Six days ago, which was a Thursday, my family, some of my dad's collegues and I had a trip to Singapore. We stayed for four days and three nights. It was fine. Singapore is very very...er...modern and more advanced if compared to Malaysia. For the first day, we arrived in the evening, so we could not do much. We just had a dinner with Miss Leena (or Lina. I don't know how her name is spelt) and Datuk and Datin (not very sure who they are, actually). We were all very full by the time the dinner ended. I kinda liked the first dish, which was Sashimi!

The hotel we stayed in was Copthorne King's Hotel. Not very big but very nice. It has got balconies with flowers. I had a sleepless first night (perhaps it was due to the cold and chilly air-conditioned air). Woke up next morning with a nosebleed. The lining in my nose is very thin and my nose can burst into blood when conditions are dry.

On the second day, we had a city tour in the morning and Sentosa Island tour in the afternoon till evening. The tour guide for the city tour was funny. She was all jokes and all. We took photos at stops we made. There was this one couple, from Russia, I think. When we were on Mount Faber, there was this Indian couple who let tourist try holding a python and let it slither on you. It was really interesting. But I dare not try. Honestly speaking, I am a coward. The couple I told you about, they went for a try. The husband went first. The wife went next and she was nervous at first. She grooved in with the snake later. She then felt so brave and courageous doing it. She said, "Well, now I have something to talk about back home!"

Well, this snake wasn't that big. There was a bigger one in Sentosa. It was an albino! Sentosa was fine. We went to the Museum, the Underwater world, the Dolpin Park, the skyride and the Songs of the Sea show. The best was the Songs of the Sea show. The most terrifying...skyride. It was like a cable car, only that the cable car is replaced by benches with nothing except a bar which prevents the passengers from falling. I felt so vulnerable back then. Rob (one of my dad's colleagues) was terrified after he alighted. The Songs of the Sea was wonderful. I like the coordination of the music with the lasers and the fountain. The story was okay.

On the third day, we went shopping! My favourite part of the holiday! I get to buy genuine Nike stuff at half price! It was a sale, so yeah. I bought a basketball jersey (red) and a pair of Nike shoes, plus some books, a miniseries DVD and a blue not-fully cotton singlet.

On the last day, we stayed till noon and left the hotel after lunch. We made our way to Changi Airport. After checking in, I went in and guess who I met. Seamy!!! He was going to be on the same flight. He had just returned from Perth with his Uncle, Aunty and cousins.

We arrived at Kuching International Airport about four in the afternoon or so. We then left for home.

Perhaps Singapore is modern and more advanced, but I still love Kuching. The morning air in Kuching is very cool. Singapore's is very warm the moment the sun rises. And Kuching is my hometown. As they say in Malay, hujan emas di negeri orang, hujan batu di negeri sendiri, lebih baik negeri sendiri. In direct translation, it is 'raining gold in other's country, raining stone in yours, yours is still better'.

Without wax,

SAM FRANCIS

Pant Pant Pant...

2009-06-02T19:37:00.003+08:00

It may be the holidays...but it doesn't feel like one! Had to study form 4 general and additional mathematics for some competition. (And I am only form 3!) Sigh... I'll need a human-head-sized nutcracker to crack my head open!!!

Before the holidays was our school's Sports Day! Well, I'm a member of the St. John Ambulance and had to be on duty...and we had to march! After the march-past, we had to stand in the middle of the field under the morning sun and listen to speeches. Well, we were lucky the speeches weren't so lengthy (otherwise Joe (not Joel!!!) would have fainted again like two years ago!). After that, we had fun...in the sun. Kind of reminds me of this song.

We have joy we have fun,

We have seasons in the sun...

I did massage a few athletes' legs for they had muscle cramps. Most of the time we 'sunbathed', but still we are more fortunate than the Red Crescents. We get to stretch our legs and move slightly away from our posts for a while whereas the Red Crescents had to stay put right at the very spot they were posted at. Poor fellas. When the Interact Club members passed around the Milo drinks, I took two; one for me and another for my Red Crescent friend, Ah-Chien.

You know, there was this little fella in the St. John Ambulance from form 1C who used to be in the same primary school as me, whom many mistook as my little brother! Just because we looked alike! His name is Alfred. Yes, I have to admit that he is kind of cute, plus he is about 120 metres tall I think. (When I say 'cute' in describing a male, it doesn't mean I am gay! There are no other words to describe him other adorable which sounds awfully weird to me!) There is this other guy, about his height, same class as him and also from the same primary school with me last time. His name is Justin. He never used to wear glasses. Now he is. It took me a while to recognise him. Alfred and Justin treat each other like twin brothers. (No joking. They look almost the same too, though they are not true brothers.)

Immediately after the two days of Sports Day, we had our mid-year break and I had things to do. I had finished my Civic project and am now learning the mathematics beyond my level. Plus I had to practice more of my piano exam pieces, scales and sight-reading. These are my pieces, just for your info: Cimarosa's Sonata in D minor, Clementi's Sonata in B flat major, Gershwin's The Man I Love. For the third piece, I had to play that because Piazolla's Retrato del Alfredo Gobbi wasn't my type. So I had to play a girl's song. The title may be The Man I Love, but guess what my mum advised me? "Imagine the girl you love. Change the title to 'The Woman I Love' or something." Then I thought, Not a bad idea. But the lyrics would be different then and I can't imagine the song with lyrics that don't go with the melody. So what I did was this: After my piano teacher had let me listen to the song and she told me something about getting the feel of it. So whenever I play this song, I guess I could say that I temporarily transformed myself into a lady singing and playing of the man she loves (in this case the man I love). It was weird but good somehow. Clementi isn't that bad. I eventually got the hang of it and it feels good. Clementi may be a little boring, but I find it quite nice and charming once I master his pieces. Cimarosa was okay. The start is simple and plain. And that's how I like it. It starts in a simple way and gets complicated at the climax. When it comes to the climax, I tend to burst like Liszt, which I am not supposed to, because Cimarosa was way before Liszt. And at that particular point, I am supposed to grow and not burst at the end of it but rather quieten down a little and grow again to the next section.

You know, after I've played through a few pieces, I don't think I am the 'Mozart' type of person. Perhaps I am more towards Clementi, maybe also towards the romantic composers like Chopin (whom I adore) and probably even Debussy! I just don't know why I tend to smudge up music with the piano pedal. Am I an impressionistic pianist? I wonder... Maybe I am. And I just seem to like dissonances like those they use in the Baroque period.

Okay! Going off topic here!!! Well, I'll soon be taking off with my family and my dad's colleagues for a vacation. Going to enjoy while I can before coming back to stuff myself with more math formulae.

Without wax,

Sam Francis

Swinburne Debating...

2009-05-01T07:31:00.015+08:00

Yes! I know that ONE out of TRILLIONS of people is waiting for this post, and that ONE out of TRILLIONS is "Prema" (She doesn't want to be known by her real name {I changed it after she post a comment!})! So let me begin my story.

Once upon a time, there was a boy who never did love debating. Well, the funny thing was he ended up joining the debate team of the school. Perhaps it was his sudden interest towards debating or perhaps he was curious and wanted more experience. Guess who was the boy...

ME!!!

Yes. I never did love debating, but after participating, I found it interesting (especially the part where I had to say the reply speech and that was the time I can insult the opponent's team. Well, I learn this from my 'Sze Foo', J[something something] Joel Justin George, who would just like to be known as Joel.)

The competition lasted for four days; the first day was for a workshop, a demonstration debate by the Swin Team, a practice debate and the first Preliminary round with Oral Adjudication. My team was the junior team. The first speaker was Michael, the second was me and the third was Seamus. During our practice debate, we were up against the senior team of SMK Green Road! The first speaker was Samuel, second was Hannah and third was Karren [feisty young lady and a loud speaker!]. We lost to them. We knew that the moment Karren came up with her rebuttals and she was practically 'screaming'! No offense, Karren, if you are readingt this. Plus to make matters worse, THE ROOM WE WERE IN WAS DEATHLY COLD!!! We should have brought a jacket each. After the oral preliminary, we made our way back to the auditorium together, talking to our new friends. In the first prelim, we were up against St. Thomas senior team and guess what. WE WERE ASSIGNED TO THE SAME DEATHLY, DOUBLE-FREEZING COLD ROOM! @#$%&^*!!! We lost again to them. THU... We are juniors and they are seniors! After the debate, we were talking together like friends, which was the strangest thing. I always heard the St. Thomas and St. Joseph would always fight each other, but it was totally different when we were around them. They were friendly.

Ah yes! I nearly forget! During the workshop earlier, Dr. Sucharit from Kota Kinabalu gave us a talk on debating. Well, he likes to be known as Dr. Sooch. He was funny. (He too had no interest in debating in his younger days.)

On the second day of the event, we had the 2nd, 3rd and 4th prelim. In the 2nd and 3rd we have oral adjudication, as well as the 1st round, where the adjudicators would give us advice and point out our mistakes. In the second round, my team won against... Muara Tuang [I think]. It was a close debate. In the third round, we lost to Samarahan, who expected us to win. Our topic was on banning bloosports. The Samarahan teams third speaker said something about HORSE POLO RACING!!! I was like O_o??? What has POLO RACING got to do with bloodsports??? Anyway, that was just a minor mistake they made. One thing my team have learnt was that in this form of debate, matter matters over manner. My team had manner but we lake matter as in points on what we are speaking.

In the 4th round which was a silent round [where there are no oral adjudications], we were up against the Lodge junior team! The moment I heard that I was like OMG D-:/!!! WE ARE UP AGAINST A SCHOOL WHO HAD BEEN THE CHAMPION FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS!!! So we went in and did our best. And guess what? WE WERE IN THE SAME BLOODY, BITTERLY, DOUBLE-FREEZING COLD ROOM AGAIN AND I WAS REALLY ANNOYED! The girls were like... OMG so aggresive! Their confidence had nearly convinced me completely that we were about to lose. After the fourth round, we left immediately without any oral adjudication.

The next day was the 5th silent round, quarter finals and semi-finals. Guess who we were up against for 5th silent round. SAMARAHAN!!! It was so DARN FUN!!! We talked about...sorry, I have just forgotten what we did for that round. But I had so much fun doing the reply speech. I noticed that the three girls lifted their hands at the same time to POI Seamus (I think, or was it Michael?). I then remembered Joel's lines. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is a show of pure insanity. POI, POI, POI!!!" So I used that plus these, "And if you see from the side view, they would seem like this. What is this? Aeroplane signal?" and this "With sugar, spice and everything NOT nice, plus chemical 'L', you get them; the Powerpuff Girls. Or rather the 'Loserpuff' Girls," and so on and so forth. Daniel, who was observer that moment, was giggling at the corner. When I sat, Seamus and Michael were like, "We didn't know you were going to do that." I replied, "I wrote it on the paper. You guys still can't see that?"

The Powerpuff Girls!!!

We left the room in peace and the girls were thrilled!!! Thrilled because they were the cute Powerpuff Girls, especially Cassandra, whom I called 'Bubbles'. Lannesha wasn't too happy with the Powerpuff Girls thing because she was Buttercup. LOL. I got back to the auditorium and Joel's team plus the observers observing him were not there yet, so I took my seat, not wanting to tell anyone anything, even Edwin's team. In the end, Seamus and Michael told them all. Joel seemed to be 'proud' of me for inheriting his 'talent' of indirectly insulting people.

So we made to quarter finals and went against Kolej Abdillah. We debated about terrorism stuff dot dot dot. And we won. (To our surprise, delight and also a bit to our dismay because we wanted a break that moment. We wanted to lose against Kolej Abdillah, but instead we won.) We then went against St. Teresa in the semi finals, and guess what. We got busted by the girls. Perhaps we were acting too 'gentlemen'-ish towards our 'neighbours' or rather 'sisters'. (St. Teresa and St. Joseph are opposite each other) Joel's team made it to finals. Edwin's team never made it to quarter finals, even.

In the Junior Finals the next day, St. Theresa were up against Lodge Team C. The St. 3 girls were really at it. The Lodge speakers were talking all the way, saying stuff that perhaps even contradicts their points (maybe they did, maybe they didn't. I am not sure. Probably I had to clean my ears for that!).

OMG! I got so much to write. There is still the joke that Swinburne Debate Team member Ashiq (pardon me if I spelt it wrongly, brother) told us and Senior Finals and the Award Ceremony and... AH!!! There's just so much to tell.

Okay, on to the jokes. You know, Ashiq isn't from Malaysia. So the first time he came here, there was one time he had some tea and a local asked him whether he would like some 'susu' or in Malaysian, milk. Well, Ashiq didn't know what the local actually meant. To him it meant whether he would like some 'pee' in his tea because that is what 'susu' means in his hometown. Then, he was at a mall (tHe Spring shopping mall I think). A local wanted to say thank you and he said it in Malay which is "terima kasih". Well, Ashiq got infuriated. This was why. In his hometown, 'teri' means 'your', 'ma' means 'mother' and 'kasih' (probably spelt 'kasi') means 'goat'. I'm sure you know what the whole thing means. He cursed, "What the f***!" The local then explained what he meant and this was Ashiq's conclusion: "Strange..."

Now, moving on to the Senior Finals. St. Joe vs Gapor. It was interesting. Gapor's first speaker Rebecca was good. The second speaker was a little... I don't know... Off course? He didn't sound convincing to me. (Um... if you who were the second speaker that day for Gapur were reading this, please forgive me.) The third was okay. St. Joe was "astounding" but probably not as convincing towards the adjudicators. I really pitied Gapur when Joel blasted them with his reply speech. (I especially felt sorry for Rebecca.)

Well, after the Senior Finals, we left the hall for the interval and went back in for the prize giving. There was an almost unending line of speeches. Not 'short' after that, the certificates and then the prizes. St. Theresa beat Lodge! OMG!!! I 'm so proud of our 'sisters'!!! And for St. Joe, well, they didn't make it to champion. (All because of Joel's over-ego!!!) Gapur got champion. Rebecca screamed with delight, and I am serious. Congratz, Rebecca!!! And to your team as well!!! Someone up there must've loved you!!! Now you can hold your head up high! And St. Joe, not to be treacherous or anything, turn down the ego. (This is for Joel!!!)

We may have lost but the experience was great. I feel great beaten by the girls. New friends are made. Oh! It was wonderful. Hope I could join again next year. And Prema, I know you are waiting for the photos, for a very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very (breathe) very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very,very, very, very, very (breather) very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very long time. (gasp) Here they are. So sorry. Because I had a test in school and I have projects to work on.

Till then,

Wihtoux wax,

SAM FRANCIS

A Holiday Which Doesn't Feel Like Holiday...

2009-04-12T14:02:00.006+08:00

Un-Tagg...

My Easter Holidays do not feel like a holiday at all... Know what I did with my friends? Not partying, not playing, not drinking... but PROJECTS! We were very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, VERY BUSY!

On Good Friday, I was supposed to go to church for Good Friday mass but I couln't leave my friend to do his project alone. Our group consists of three; Daw, Greg and I. Greg, being a holy man and all, went for mass and only did part of the project with us in the morning.

In the afternoon Daw and I had to go to the Sarawak Museum for our history project. I could not just leave Daw alone. Anyway, I haven't the intention to go to the mass. People start going to the church way earlier than the time the mass started. Some perhaps even sacrificed lunchtime so that they could get the best seats. I remember attending the mass last year and a few people had fainted. Good thing the Red Crescents were there. Even my Granny doesn't like it! She said she hates the heat. And the church is not air-conditioned. It is a Roman Catholic church.

So I went with Daw, taking pictures and stuff [though I know that photo-taking isn't allowed in the Museum]. The guards weren't serious at all. Until a tourist informed them. We were lucky. We left the place on time.

The next day I had St. John Ambulance marching session. We were training for our Sports Day Marchout. From 9 till 11 am, we huffed and puffed and sweated and cursed and laughted etc etc etc. In the afternoon I had to make up some conversations between us [interviewers] and the guards at the museum for our History Project.

On Sunday [today], I was at Greg's house for Geography project. It was raining slightly so we started our surveying of the housing area later when the rain subsided. We had a drink at a café and drinks are on Seamy. [Daw and Greg said he'd pay. I did not say anything!] I had warm Milo [though I thought I ordered cold Milo] but still it was nice. So we headed back to Greg's place for lunch. His mom cooked pasta and steamed sausages. It was delicious!!! Greg's mom's cookings are great. Daw, Seamy and I even had oysters. Daw had one and Seamy and I shared. Seamy had half, I the other half. Mmm.... Sorry did not take picture of the food. Thought I was being rude doing that. So in the afternoon, we spent our time chatting online, playing military games, blogging etc. etc

Tomorrow I'll have to go to my teacher's house for some debating exposure and discussion. Daw, Greg and Seamy are going as well. Lol... For this year, whatever project, I'm always with Greg and Daw...

Okay, I'll stop here. Will keep posting...

Without wax,

Sam Francis

About Me (II)

2009-02-03T14:21:00.001+08:00

Hello again.

About my dream of becoming a writer, yeah... Now I am currently writing about the apocalpytic one. I thought at first of some virus attacking civilization, like 'I Am Legend', but as I wrote, my story took a turn from science fiction apocalyptic to 'biblical apocalyptic', as in Armageddon. So I rewrote the prologue and rethought the story through again till I came to a final decision. I am writing a book based on the Book of Revelation in the bible. That was after I began watching The Omen (2006 remake). Crazy ideas kept filling my head and I just had to write them down before I forget. I have to make sure that what I write is almost exactly accurate, otherwise, it won't be the Armageddon from the Revelation. It is interesting.

Also, the characters in the book are based on real people, my friends, that is. I only changed their names by scrambling the letters to form annagrams. (I had that idea after reading 'Angels and Demons')

I already have plans for few other future individual novels. I haven't got plans for book series yet, just individual novels, and I must say, I find myself having a strong liking for prisons and prisoner abuse as well as human rights. So do expect some chapters on prison, mayhem, justice and torture in my books (if they are ever published).

Usually I would turn my dreams into ideas. There was one night when I was asleep. I dreamt that one of my friends died of heart attack. (Ridiculous, actually!) Another dream was of the friend I mentioned and another friend who were lying in a pool of blood! (It was scary! I nearly thought it was true!) I turned them to ideas and will find a suitable place in the book to slit it in. Some of my dreams can't be turned into ideas (e.g. I was on top of a building and when I got round to the other side, I found myself by the seashore!)

About my passion for writing, I probably got it from my Dad as well (besides J. K. Rowling). I recalled my Dad telling me of his pen pals and how he used to write to them in his youngers days. Their letters, to my astonishment, weren't just one page, but few pages! Even my Mum told me of my Dad writing to her when they were in love. She said he expresses better on paper. I am proud of my Dad... and my Mum, too, who expresses well verbally.

Actually, I too have the passion in music composition. I love classical music and perhaps little bits of pop and modern. I was inspired by Frederic Chopin, Beethoven, Vivaldi, Handel, Bach and Mozart to compose. My parents knew of that, but for these years, I didn't publish any yet. I am still keeping quiet. A few of my friends know as well as my relatives. It is interesting, really.

Okay, I have got to go. I'll keep on posting.

Without wax,
Sam Francis

About Me

2009-02-02T16:49:00.001+08:00

Un-Tagg,

If you've seen my profile, you should know who I am. I just want to write more about myself in this post.

I am currently a fifteen-year-old student of an all-boys school. There is an all-girls school just beside a cathedral which is opposite our school.

Friends in my class would call me 'Professor' because I usually get top in class. Actually, I really hate it when they call me that. IT IS DOWN-RIGHT ANNOYING!!!

I am also the only son in the family, but that doesn't mean I'm a spoilt little brat! Don't get me wrong! My parents are very, very strict in my younger days and one little misbehavior would be 'rewarded' either by a spank or 'room arrest' as I call it. Now, knowing that I am more disciplined, my parents give me a little more freedom to explore, for example, learning the piano and violin. For your information, I am currently at Grade 8 for the piano and Grade 3 for the violin (which I started in 2008!). I'm not showing off or anything, which some people might think so.

I am also a person who prefers to stay indoors and seldom outdoors. In short, I am not at all sporting. Kind of like the writer Alexandra Rover from the Nim's Island.

Speaking of writers, I am planning of becoming a writer someday. I got the inspiration when I was twelve, from my favourite author, Joanne Kathleen Rowling, the writer of the famous Harry Potter series. I wrote at that time about a story of an orphan (like Harry Potter) who didn't know he was a wizard (like Harry Potter again!). Then, I stopped and restarted, trying to think of another story and stick to it. But after writing a few chapters, I revised through and my head was saying, "My gosh! This is so much like Harry Potter again!" So I erased everything again and did another. I tried and tried but all were plagiarism.

Then, when I was watching 'I Am Legend', I had an idea of an apocalyptic novel and began writing the prologue. Now, I am still working on it.

I'll stop here. I have got to go now.

Without wax,
Sam Francis

A New Beginning...

2009-02-01T21:46:00.000+08:00

Hello there, to whoever is reading this...

This is my first time using the blog and still getting the hang of the settings and all. You see the picture above? The one on the left is me. Yeah, maybe I look like a nerd, huh? Well, I can't write much now. Will do soon.

Without wax,
SamFrancis