I think Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory's in Australia.....

Deidere came back on Friday - and like most people who return from a trip Down Under, they come back with chocolates. Not that I'm complaining!

These are stuff that we don't find in Malaysia.

All these plus packets of other sweets and gummy bears, gummy snakes etc. This will ruin any diet!

Plus she got some other souveniers, a colour changing Transformers mug. Haven't had a chance to try it out yet, but it works when hot/boiling water is poured into it. From what I can tell, the Autobot and Decepticon logo will appear once hot water is poured into the mug.

We had a gift exchange at work, and I got a 2008 diary, from my "secret Santa" - who happens to be one of the managers. He told me he wanted to get me something practical, and not some decorative item that would just sit on the cubicle desk on show.

Well, we all know how much decorative items I have at home!

The company also gave everyone one of these!

Famous Amos cookies! Every truck came with a bag of mixed Famous Amos cookies. I still like the No-Nut Chocolate Chip ones best! Nothing beats it!

I blogged about the upcoming "Knight Rider" movie a few weeks back. The teaser trailer is now available, and looks like the TV-movie is coming out in February 2008. If that's successful, the series will follow.

From what I've read online so far, not many people are happy about K.I.T.T being a Ford Mustang, instead of the old Trans-Am. Come on people, the Trans-Am is an old car! I personally don't mind the Ford Mustang.

Check out the 15 second trailer - they've got the theme as well, although, its not the full track.

T.G.I.F.....

I think the timing is spot-on - a post about T.G.I.F on a Friday.

Saw these a few days ago while doing some shopping for Xmas gifts at Giant 1Utama. Finally decided to get a few packets - more for curiousity if for anything.

They're not exactly cheap, you can buy a much bigger pack of that new Twisties potato chips for about RM 6.00 and that isn't too bad either.

a) Cheddar & Sour Cream Snack Chips 85.2 gm (RM 5.39)
b) Mozzarella Stick Snack, 50 gm (RM 2.99)
c) Quesadilla Cheese Snack Chips, 50 gm (RM 2.99)

The colours of the packaging are bright and vibrant - very familiar colour-scheme, the red and white.

Nothing beats the real deal, natural Mozzarella cheese flavour or not!

Now I wanna go to T.G.I.F's. It's been awhile since I was last there!

This probably isn't real, but this could work. The Proton Savvy doesn't look too shabby as a sedan, not a hatch! Still don't like the headlights though.

And finally, this in the mail as well, another poster from "The Dark Knight".

Heath Ledger sounds/looks like the best Joker now, better than Jack Nicholson's in Tim Burton's 1989 "Batman". If you haven't watched the latest trailer yet, you must! Watch it here!

This movie is so gonna rock.

Back In Black .....

Any of you remember Knight Industries Two Thousand? You might remember it by a different name - K.I.T.T.

Still doesn't ring a bell?

How about the following dude?

Surely everyone remembers that! Michael Knight and his super-duper talking car K.IT.T.

There have been on-going talks of a new "Knight Rider" series. Finally, they have revealed that there will be a TV movie, and if successful, a new series will follow. Read more about it here.

So what does the new K.I.T.T look like?

It's a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR (it looks like the Decepticon Barricade from "Transformers" movie, though I think that was a SALEEN Mustang, probably different specs). Different, but I like!

I think my obsession with the colour black stemmed from shows like "Knight Rider", "Airwolf" and "Street Hawk". Black is sexy.

I finally completed my "Transformers" Autobot collection. Got my hands on the Limited Edition Metallic Ratchet via eBay. Paid abit more than the original price when it came out - but what the heck! I have all 5 Autobots now!

WISH LIST updated!

Something from Australia, I think Aunt Maggie brought it back when she came back from Perth:

It's Cadbury Duo - a combination of milk AND dark chocolate. Don't think I've seen this in Malaysia.

Why don't we get the good stuff here?

Do Not Hesitate, Even For A Second.....

It's a phrase we have heard over and over again. In movies, when the mentor figure tells the rookie (cop/assassin/some other character) upon giving him or her a gun to shoot the good/bad guy.

And today, I think its a lesson I should learn and apply.

I was out the other day, doing some window shopping, to see what to get for the "Secret Santa" that we're having at the office again this year.

I came across this accessory set and was compelled to buy it.

It was the last set and it cost RM 255, and I hesitated. It didn't come with a body, just the uniform and gear for 12-inch figures. It looked really nice, but I was in a rush so I decided not to get it.

Today, I finally decided what to get for the "Secret Santa" and decided that I would like to get that Navy SEALs CQB set as well. Unfortunately, it was already gone when I got there today.

This is what you get for hesitating.

Disappointed, I didn't want to go home empty handed. Decided to go buy something else that I saw the other day - a new pair of shoes.

I never knew CAT made shoes before this, CATERPILLAR is well known for the tractors as far as I know.

The shoes were RM 329 but there's a Christmas sale going on (which is everywhere right now) and there was a 20% discount. It's simple, nothing too flashy, I like it. It looks abit like the Hush Puppies that I wanted to get a few months back, only less colourful. And this time, I didn't hesitate.

OK - that was a lie, I actually saw the shoe the other day as well and I finally decided to get it.

I spent another RM 200 or so on some Timberland shirts at a warehouse sale a few days earlier. And these weren't even on the shopping list!

I've walked past Carl's Jr. on several ocassions at 1Utama. Finally decided to give it a try. Dinner cost me almost RM 30!

What did RM 30 get me?

A Double Western Cheeseburger, Beef Chilli Cheese fries and a Medium drink.

Drink refills are free, and I finished half a cup of my SEASON'S Ice Lemon Tea before my food arrived.

I opened up the package of fries, and didn't really see any cheese on it - maybe it melted into the chilli - but when I checked my burger, there was no cheese as well! So, I got 2 items with cheese in its name, but did not contain any cheese. I took my burger to one of the staff and she replaced it with another one.

Normally, this would be a dangerous thing to do - there was recently a movie starring Ryan Reynolds about what "extras" go into food at a diner - but I didn't think much of it.

The burgers are expensive, and it wasn't bad. But it isn't anything to shout about either. The Double Western Cheeseburger came with 2 patties, the cheese (added on later was probably not even a full slice like in the pictures), 2 or 3 onion rings and barbeque sauce.

What's good about Carl's Jr.? The servings are GARGANTUAN. I kid you not. I ordered a Medium drink but the size of the cup was roughly the size of a Large cup at McDonald's. The burger was about the size of a Quarter Pounder from McDonald's.

I had trouble finishing my meal - but I swallowed every last bit - no way I'm going to let RM 30 go to waste! Plus everyone at home doesn't take beef.

If you do want to go to Carl's Jr., I'd suggest you go if you're really hungry, skipped at least 1 meal before or bring someone along. You can easily share a combo meal, and just get an additional drink.

I might probably go there to try out the other burgers on their menu, but give me a Big Mac or a Double Cheeseburger anyday.

Someone recorded the latest "The Dark Knight" trailer that screened before "I Am Legend" in the USA and posted it up on YouTube. I've seen it about 4 - 5 times. Shitty quality - but the trailer is awesome! Go check it out here. It will be posted up pretty soon here in High Definition!

Here's the latest video on YouTube, the prologue - the introduction of The Joker. He's freaky, you can see that this Joker is a psychopath. Heath Ledger is awesome as The Joker and the movie isn't even out yet. I think he's going to beat Jack Nicholson's performance, hands down. I'm loving it!

Also found these 2 "teaser" posters:

Why So Serious.....

If you can't tell, that's actually the Joker's face in that new poster that I found online. Plus, I also found some "Promotional" shots of Batman and several of Joker.

And if you still can't tell - this goes to show how much I really want to watch this movie. A post just on "The Dark Knight".

Apparently, the first teaser for "The Dark Knight" will be screened before Will Smith's upcoming "I Am Legend" (in the US of A, anyway). I've read the spoilers (although I know I shouldn't have) and it actually introduces the Joker.

Awesome, no?

Life Goes On.....

Despite all that has happened, there were things I had to do - I needed credit for my phone, so I decided to make a trip to Cineleisure with Ryan in the late afternoon. The weather has been a killer for the past week or so - really hot sun.

Of course, that wasn't the only reason to make a trip to Cineleisure. Ryan has been bugging me to get this XBOX360 game called "Mass Effect" for weeks and the order finally arrived. I was also previously planning to get the latest wrestling game, "WWE Smackdown VS RAW 2008". Lucky or "unlucky" for me, the wrestling game also arrived.

I also finally decided to get the "Batman Begins" DVD. The movie came out in 2005, and obviously, the DVD has been out for ages. I was planning to get the HD-DVD version, but I don't have a HD-DVD player yet, and I would need an LCD TV to fully enjoy the benefits of High Definition (HD) movies and games.

The price for the DVD was previously RM 49.90 and I did consider getting it then as the movie is awesome and its a movie worth watching over and over again. But somehow, I kept putting it off. Then a few months back, I saw the DVD selling at a new, lower price of RM 39.90. I told myself that I would get it but I still put it off.

I decided to stop by one of the shops near Gamers Hideout today and they have a sale! I got the DVD for RM 39.90 less 10%! That would be a good enough reason to get it now, wouldn't it?

I was also contemplating the "Transformers" DVD - yes, I'm absolutely nuts about the movie and toys but I couldn't decide to get the 2-disc version (RM 99.90) or the standard, single disc version (RM 69.90). Both of them had different covers, which were really nice - that made my decision harder. I decided not to get it for now.

We also checked out a few of the other stores, just admiring the LCD TVs that were on sale. The day will come..... and when it does, I will be getting HD-DVD/Blu-Ray movies which will cost RM 150 a pop!

Some interesting finds from the WWW:

The cover art for one of the most anticipated games worldwide, Grand Theft Auto IV:

I think I might be keeping a look out for this magazine..... or not.

EMPIRE magazine with Heath Ledger as the Joker from "The Dark Knight"

Photos from the upcoming J.J Abrams directed "Star Trek" movie are out. The photo is a photo of Spock, played by Zachary Quinto (who plays Sylar in "Heroes"). I guess he looks like a Vulcan - I'm thinking there's something about his eyes and/or eyebrows, which I noticed ever since I saw him in "Heroes".

"New" Spock from Star Trek

While touching on the subject of aliens, outer space, and all things "unexplainable", I came across this the other day:

The X-Files - The Complete DVD Collection (Seasons 1 - 9) - First Release

X-Files!

That's something I haven't heard in a long while. It used to be one of those shows that I NEVER missed whenever possible. It was that good.

The first release had a package designed like an old shoe-box with lots of stickers etc all over it.

The X-Files - The Complete DVD Collection (Seasons 1 - 9) - New Release

The price? The retail price is US $ 329.98 *ouch!* I believe there are 63 discs in the set.

Now, this is something for the "Wish List"!

Lost And Found.....

Aunt Cathy passed away on Thursday, 29th Nov 2007. She was Mum's twin, and was 52 years old.

She was discharged from the hospital slightly over 1 1/2 weeks ago, after surgery as she had cancer of the pancreas. She seemed to be recovering and doing well. Her death was sudden - she was staying at Aunt Connie's house and had just finished dinner and wanted to watch TV. While walking to the hall, she complained that she was short of breath and she just collapsed and stopped breathing.

The ambulance was late and only arrived after 30 minutes. By that time, it was already too late. The paramedics said that she died due to "cardio-shock". It was probably sudden death.

I was at work when it happened and was notified via SMS by Daphne.

The prayers and ceremony were held at the funeral parlour in Kampung Tunku from Friday, 30th Nov and lasted until this morning, Sunday, 2nd Dec 2007.

The last time I was at a funeral was probably more than 10 years ago. This one wasn't that much different, as far as I can recall. There were lots of chanting by the 3 female monks, lots of kneeling and standing.

Mum took it the hardest, with Aunt Cathy having lived with us for so many years and also her being Mum's twin sister. Then again, as I recall, Mum always cried at all the funerals that I've attended for all 4 of my grandparents. She was crying throughout the whole ceremony since Thursday.

May Aunt Cathy rest in peace.

I "announced" the incident in my Facebook status - I was truly surprised to receive an e-mail from an old college mate, Terence. He sent an email to offer condolences, but what really surprised me was that he remembered Aunt Cathy used to stay with us in Bandar Country Homes.

As I've known him for close to 10 years now, it wasn't something I'd expect from Terence - it looks like I found that there's another side to himthat I didn't know about.

Finally.....

My Transformers Movie Ironhide arrived in the mail today! It took 20 days but I finally have it.

As mentioned previously, I never had any luck with my 1st attempt at online shopping. I bought some action figures off eBay and the sellers were located in the UK and USA. Items were claimed to have shipped but I never got them.

I sent an email to Play-Asia to inform them of what happened - and I was the nice, understanding customer. I told them very nicely that I was a first time customer, and that they had been highly recommended.

A representative did reply to my email and said that an investigation would be carried out and that I would be compensated if my package was lost. Unfortunately, they didn't state what kind of compensation I would be getting.

Still, that was a comforting thought - at least they were trying to do something about it. This experience didn't restore my faith by that much. I had already planned to take a video of me opening up the package - in case it turns out that the contents wasn't what I ordered. Good thing there were no mix ups in this case!

The long wait has been torture - for the past 3 weeks, I was hoping for the package every time the postman stops outside. Today was no different. While watching in the hall, I saw the postman. He had a parcel on his seat behind him and I thought "This is it! It's finally here!".

Unfortunately, he only dropped off some mail in the postbox and rode off. I was cursing (again) and thought I'd have to wait even longer. The postman finally came back to the gate after doing his rounds on my street.

FINALLY! The wait was over - brought the package indoors and started to cut open the tape that secured the box while I got Ryan to shoot the video.

According to the date stamped on the box, the package arrived on 8th November 2007 at KLIA. Does that mean it took 2 weeks for them to deliver it?! But no matter, its all history now. As the saying goes, "Better Late Than Never".

Will I buy from Play-Asia again? Probably. There are some interesting stuff that I wouldn't mind buying, if I had the extra dough to spend.

And I hope I won't face these issues again. Maybe its a one-off thing, but am I that unlucky?

Only 1 remains - Ratchet. Then my Autobots will be complete.

Ryan has been bugging me non-stop (as much as I whine to him about not getting my Ironhide) to get this game called "Mass Effect" - some Sci-Fi RPG. Finally decided to go place an order for it at Gamers Hideout and also to see if I could get WWE Smackdown VS Raw 2008.

I would have never imagined that this game would be so hard to get! I'll have to wait until they get their stocks in.

We stopped by Shiok Toys and I had a chat with Rey, the owner. A good thing I didn't have to place a deposit for my Hot Toys Superman/Clark Kent pre-order. I guess he "knows" me well enough now, so that's kinda cool.

I was thinking that I would have a new game to pop into the 360 when I got home but I left empty handed, a little disappointed. But I suppose money saved is a good thing. And yes, it is just after payday - hence the little treats for myself.

We recently sent the car to repair the dent on the front which happened, awhile back. Some paint touch up and a new skirt. It's all good now.

There's also a new trailer to "Cloverfield"/"01-18-2008" (yes, its officially called "Cloverfield" now). You can check it out at JoBlo.com - links are on the sidebar. Basically, the trailer still doesn't reveal anything (and I didn't expect it to) but its one of the very few movies that I'm really looking forward to.

Found some more tid-bits on "The Dark Knight"! A new teaser site. I haven't read the whole thing yet but there are supposedly spoilers about the movie's plot in the "newspaper reports".

Just 7 months to go.....