| Wednesday, March 31, 2004 |
| Junior Year |
Haih....been busy these few days and gonna be so until at least after my second midterm on April 8. Doing my study plan is actually more rigorous than I imagine. Plus, there aren't many good choices for this summer semester. So I ended up just registering for Digital Systems and Anthropology. I do hope I will be able to get into the Core IT program. If I do, I will be able to learn something outside my usual and earn $400 for just participating! Need the money for Japan.
Also, after this semester, I will finally be able to declare my major. That is, if I don't kantoi in my Calculus 3 and if I managed to get through MSD and JPA. Sungguh don't understand these few recent chapters. Next semester is mostly Maths: Intro to Mathematical Stat(2), Intro to Survey Theory and Methods, Linear Algebra and Elementary Matrix and Modern American Literature. I wish I could take CS371(Info Systems) or a History class but it will be too tedious, considering the Stats classes that I have to take. It is sure painful to be a junior, isn't it? |
| posted by efarina @ 3:32 PM |
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| Sunday, March 28, 2004 |
| Tracing the path |
I want to hang out with more gurls! Don't larr just sit in the room or tak invite me out together with you people :p. Muse gig...should I go?
I just picked up my book that is on hold. A History of Malaysia. Now is a good time to recall what I've learned in high school. Should pay more attention to politics too. Do you know Hishamuddin is the new Minister of Education....whoa! I never can understand larr when he is talking. |
| posted by efarina @ 9:46 AM |
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| Saturday, March 27, 2004 |
| Boys and Girls |
Why izzit in Madison that it feels more comfortable and easier to hang out with the guys? At least maybe it is for me. I learned a lot more new things from them. Even sometimes I have no idea what their inside jokes are about, it is laughable. The smoke from their ciggarettes may bother me a little, but it is nothing compared to the good times that I enjoyed, talking about stuffs that I won't get when I am hanging around with the girls. And for that, I miss my girlgang terribly. Arina is probably already in London right now for her two weeks vacation. Elliana too is probably on her way from Ireland to London. All of the gang will be spending times in London having good times, and how I wish I were there with them right now enjoying fabulous time. I wish I could connect more with the girls here. No offense, I am not saying they are no fun, we do have great times playing bowling and watching movies, but we just aren't similar. Maybe I could. Perhaps I'm the one yang vary boring and ugly, so no one wanna friend me...hehe. I just have to find the right way....
P/S: I even miss old good times with A.R....hahaha. He's one great guy buddy to hang out with. Now I have no one to bicker with anymore. |
| posted by efarina @ 4:13 PM |
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| Friday, March 26, 2004 |
| The Verve Pipe-Colorful |
This is a very beautiful song. I love it to the bits. I couldn't find the video though. If out of blue, I do come across it, I will put it on the HitzVid. In the meantime, go ahead and download the MP3 :p.
Verve Pipe - Colorful
The show is over close the story book
There will be no encore
And all the random hands that I have shook
Well they're reaching for the door
I watch their backs as they leave single file
But you stood stubborn, cheering all the while
I know I can be colorful
I know I can be gray
But I know this loser's living fortunate
Cause I know you will love me either way
Most were being good for goodness sake
But you wouldn't pantomime
You are more beautiful when you awake
Than most are in a lifetime
Through the haze that is my memory well
You stayed for drama though you paid for a comedy
Look ahead as far as you can see
We'll live in drama but we'll die in a comedy
I know I can be colorful...
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| posted by efarina @ 4:16 PM |
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| Thursday, March 25, 2004 |
| Spring Shopping |
I haven't played my darling Ashton for I don't know how long. Yesterday, tried to strum some tunes... definitely out of tune! It has been ages since I last learn to play a new song. I bet my skills 'karat' already. Haih.... I wonder when will I find the right moment to play guitar again. Couldn't play during Spring Break coz I was tired working and by the time I got home, I was in no mood to do anything except reading my novel. Jose is always teasing me these days because he caught me reading a romance novel....bla bla bla...whatever dude. It's not entirely romance anywayz but classic love and revenge theme. Kinda remind me of Braveheart when I read the book.
I've reached the stage where I am not understanding what I am learning in Calculus. I don't know how to do the homeworks and exam is 2 weeks ahead. *Sigh*. I need to get good grades for this course. Or else, I won't make it into the department. Changing major has become messier. I need to find a way to convince JPA I am not straying away too much from what I initially should be doing. God, please don't make me go back to Malaysia to continue my degree. And what the hell, I should be doing something I want, not what other people want me do! What do I care about your 'pengurusan sumber manusia'? Berlambak lagi computer scientist undergrads out there who will be happy to take my position. Sheite..sheite. Was soll ich zu tun?
As I look into my closet...I immediately realize how little clothes I have and most of the clothes I have is rather uninteresting and out-of-date. Well, I haven't done shopping since last semester, so that explains a lot. I seriously need to get rid of those clothes. And I gotta get some new clothes and pants as well since spring is here! I should've buy more MNG pants while I was in Malaysia. |
| posted by efarina @ 1:06 AM |
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| Monday, March 22, 2004 |
| It's Over! |
Spring break was good. Worked everyday. Went to watch the soccer friendly match last Friday. Though we lost in the last 2 games, but heyy.... practice makes perfect. We'll definitely do better for Midwest Games. Had a good social dinner after the match. But today, school starts again..arrgghhh...and I have a programming assignment due tomorrow and a German vocab quiz!
I made a big promise to myself before I came back from Malaysia last summer because I failed to be strong. It is hard to resist to temptations and natural feelings, but by God's will... let me be strong and not fail again. Not this time. This time, NO MAN can come into my life. |
| posted by efarina @ 10:12 AM |
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| Tuesday, March 16, 2004 |
| LP Tour Uploaded |
| I finally found a neat place to upload web photos for free. Well, not exactly free but you know...yada yada rules and stuffs. So, Linkin Park Tour photos are finally up on the web. Seemed like a long time ago but eh, who cares. They are still great pictures! Now, I am hell bored. Can somebody give a pretty idea of how I should spend my last few days of Spring break? |
| posted by efarina @ 3:09 PM |
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| Monday, March 15, 2004 |
| Asphyxiated |
| My heart is still at unrest. Somehow, the part where Jesus was caned and tortured was still playing on my mind. I have no idea why. Also, I suddenly feel like reading all those books I have never imagine reading. And I was a quarter pages of reading The Vampire Lestat, and it pisses me off when I read the part where Lestat keep questioning God. I don't know whether I should continue reading or just stop right now. Let me tell you, I never feel that way when reading a novel before. This whole situation is asphyxiating. I wish I could go watch Starsky and Hutch now, laugh my head off and forget about everything that bothers me. |
| posted by efarina @ 5:20 PM |
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| The Passion |
I went to watch The Passion of Christ today. The movie is very emotional and I admit, I cried a little during the scene where Jesus (or should I say Prophet Isa) was being tortured unmercifully. He was let bleed and his flesh was ripped. In fact, I was at the verge of leaving the theater because I just couldn't bare to see the madness. It was pure evil and heartless. During the scene where he was crucified, again, I just closed my eyes because I couldn't bare to see such act.
Yet, in a way I do feel a bit dissappointed because I expect something more of the story. And my heart is at unrest too because I know that is not what exactly happened to Prophet Isa (peace be upon him) according to the Quran. He was not crucified but rather an enemy who God made his face looked like him was. But seing unjustice in the movie, I suddenly become to love my religion even more because I realized how hard it was for all the prophets to spread the words of Gods at that moment when I cried.
Mel Gibson is harsh...or I don't know, maybe that's how the story goes in the Bible. But if there is a second chance, I don't think I want to watch that movie again.
"Apabila Allah berkata, 'Wahai Isa, Aku akan mematikan kamu, dan menaikkan kamu kepada-Ku, dan Aku membersihkan kamu daripada orang-orang yang tidak percaya .....'" (3:55)
"ucapan mereka, 'Kami telah membunuh al-Masih, Isa putera Mariam, rasul Allah.' Tetapi mereka tidak membunuhnya, dan tidak juga menyalibnya, tetapi hanya satu kesamaan yang ditunjukkan kepada mereka. Orang-orang yang berselisih mengenainya benar-benar dalam keraguan terhadapnya; mereka tidak ada pengetahuan mengenainya, kecuali mengikuti sangkaan; mereka tidak membunuhnya, yakinlah." (4:157)
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| posted by efarina @ 1:31 AM |
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| Saturday, March 13, 2004 |
| Muse - Unintended |
Song that keep popping in my head these days:
You could be my unintended
Choice to live my life extended
You could be the one I'll always love
You could be the one who listens
To my deepest inquisitions
You could be the one I'll always love
I'll be there as soon as I can
But I'm busy mending broken
Pieces of the life I had before
First there was the one who challenged
All my dreams and all my balance
She could never be as good as you
You could be my unintended
Choice to live my life extended
You could be the one I'll always love
I'll be there as soon as I can
But I'm busy mending broken
Pieces of the life I had before
I'll be there as soon as I can
But I'm busy mending broken
Pieces of the life I had before
Before you
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| posted by efarina @ 8:39 PM |
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| Miss 'em Thangs |
Woiii....I miss the ambience in Malaysia. Damn you for making me remember. Mamak stalls, busy dirty streets, packed shopping malls, cafe bistros, hop busting clubs, immensely loud gigs, stupid immature guys fellas acting like dorks, pretty girls everywhere. Not to mention good food, fabulous beaches and islands, LRTs (owh God!), Petaling Street, Bintang Walk, Jonker Walk in Malacca and Jaya Jusco near my house that sell delicious pandan cakes! Cuckoo.....Isetan, MNG, Watson (yeah, my fave store!), Esprit, Zara, Vincci, U2, Giordano, Morgan and all those cheap stores in Sungei Wang Plaza. Oh my, oh my...life is much more exuberant in my hometown, ain't it? Fast pace, luxuries, phat love, my pimps and hoes... that's what I need. I want my Honda too!
Looks like the everfamous Rotiboy has their own website now! Woohoo.... check it out Rotiboy.com. I still remember this funny scenario when Nana was in a dire need for buns. Thought of hitting some other bakery shop but then we saw a heck of a line at this Rotiboy shop. No idea what was it these people were lining up for. Decided to line up anywayz without knowing exactly what to buy but for sure we wanted to get the same buns as all those other people were buying. Heard the person in front of us said "Gimme 3", so when it was our turn we said the same thing too! Still dunno what we are getting though coz all those buns are already wrapped in a plastic bag...hahaha! Turn out they were the famous Rotiboy yang sangat sedap. Looks like buying certain stuff on impulse can do you good!
Hit the store Lupe at State St. It is a pretty cool shop...pretty tops they have! Kinda remind me of those shops at Sg Wang Plaza. |
| posted by efarina @ 5:49 PM |
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| Friday, March 12, 2004 |
| Living A Solitary Life |
It sickens me to think about this. To think of the fact that it is hard for me to make good friends at a new place since INTEC UiTM years. It was so damn easy back then in MMU. I easily found people I can connect to. But once I left that place and up till now, I haven't find a single soul that I can talk freely with. Oh yes, I made friends, no doubt about that. But it seems like they're just friends I have during the good times. No one knows the wilder heart that I have inside....the wilder life that I longed to enjoy.
It sickens me that I couldn't rush into the advice or help of someone when something bad occurs, or when I need to tell my deepest darkest secret while I am here. God knows just how much are being bottled up inside my mind and my heart. I miss Puteri and Pial and Arina and Serene and my fellow closest friends for that. But I can't do that here, can I? I ache for that kind of friendship. The one where you hold onto no matter how harsh the situation is...the one that I find very difficult to build here. Am I being choosy? Or perhaps I can't find someone I can connect to? I don't know. Some say good friendship are molded when you were younger. Maybe they are true.
It sickens me to feel so lonely.....it sickens me..... |
| posted by efarina @ 11:31 PM |
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| Thursday, March 11, 2004 |
| Amuse Yourself |
First midterms are over. Now I can relax and enjoy my one week Spring break. Tho I have to worry about my CS assignment which is due once school is open. Will be working cashier and circ desk all shifts for the break, which is a relief coz I don't have to deal with tiring tasks.
This website: Muse is pretty cool and neat. I like the way they make a tree to choose tabs. I love their singles Unintended and Running Out of Time. Also loving Colorful by The Verve. Looks like I am changing my wind to old school, slow and emo rock this week.
I am turning 21 next month. Owwwh, how I anticipate it!
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| posted by efarina @ 5:41 PM |
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| Tuesday, March 09, 2004 |
| Men are like.... |
Courtesy from an anonymous:
Men are like........Laxatives........They irritate the shit out of you.
Men are like....... Bananas........The older they get, the less firm they are.
Men are like........Vacations........They never seem to be long enough.
Men are like........Weather........Nothing can be done to change them.
Men are like........Blenders........You need one, but you're not quite sure why.
Men are like........Chocolate Bars........Sweet, smooth, and they usually head right for your hips.
Men are like....... Coffee........The best ones are rich,warm, and can keep you up all night long.
Men are like........Commercials........You can't believe a word they say.
Men are like........Department Stores.......Their clothes are always 1/2 off.
Men are like........Government Bonds........They take soooooooo long to mature.
Men are like........Mascara........They usually run at the first sign of emotion.
Men are like........Popcorn........They satisfy you, but only for a little while.
Men are like........Snowstorms........You never know when they're coming, how many inches you'll get or how long it will last
Men are like........Lava Lamps........Fun to look at, but not very bright.
Men are like........Parking Spots........All the good ones are taken, the rest are handicapped
Talk about men. I am very pissed off with one particular man right now. |
| posted by efarina @ 7:08 PM |
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| Monday, March 08, 2004 |
| Steel Dragon |
I have passion for movies more than any people might think. However, these days due to financial constraint, no mean of transportation and piles of assignments and exams, I found no time to indulge myself at the theaters. Worse, I don't even know who or what to blame...me for not having money all the time or the loaded assignments. But this spring break is gonna be different, I promise. I will work my ass off and earn more money to pay for my rent and bills, and the time after that will be spent watching a string of movies. These are the movies I am looking forward to watch:
(1) The Passion
(2) Secret Window
(3) Starsky and Hutch
(4) Dirty Dancing Havana Nights
(5) Saving Private Ryan
(6) Run Lola Run
(7) The Last Samurai - repeat
(8) Helen of Troy - repeat
(9) Pirates of the Carribean - repeat
(10) Young and Dangerous 1-6 [if the CDs ever arrive to my mailbox. The seller is really pissing me off. You thief!]
Hopefully, I will be able to watch if not all of them, most of them. I'd better receive my Y&D VCDs or else I will be steaming mad. I've just watched Rock Star yesterday...didn't get to watch it 3 years ago. The movie was cool. Mark Wahlberg is a true performer. I guess it is true when critics commented that he looked better being a rock star rather than a rap star. But I give him three thumbs up for maturing and landing on a good platform after a series of notorious cases while he was a with his rap group and while he was the CK underwear model. Watching E! channel does educate me a lot....... |
| posted by efarina @ 11:25 PM |
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| Saturday, March 06, 2004 |
| Scorsese to remake INFERNAL AFFAIRS |
So I just found out that Pitt will be playing Andy Lau and Leo Di Caprio will be playing Tony Leung. Are you freaking kidding me?! Leo is definitely too young for the character. He's a good actor no doubt about that but....ntahla, I dunno why I am being so pessimist. Maybe I have this idea that Western and Asian film are just two different world. No adaptation or a remake will do any good. I just hope these people stick to the original version. These are some actors I think suitable for characters in the movie. Brad Pitt - Andy Lau (mole in police), Edward Norton - Tony Leung (mole in triad), Sean Connory/Ian McKellen - Anthony Wong (superintendent) and Al Pacino - Eric Tsang (triad leader). Then, Leo can play the young Leung. Below are a few feedbacks I found on the web:
"Aren't you all seriously shamed to be American yet?"
That was the response I got from Asian Fever columnist Shogo, when I asked him about the planned U.S. remake of the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs. Variety reported today that Martin Scorsese is in the middle of negotiations with Warner Brothers to re-make Infernal Affairs after he completes The Aviator. The film will be produced by Scorsese along with Brad Grey and Plan B (Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's production company). Word is that Pitt is very interested in playing one of the leads. The film will be based on the immensely popular Infernal Affairs trilogy which has broken just about every box office record in Hong Kong. The films concern an ongoing battle between Hong Kong police and the triads who rule the area. In the midst of this battle an undercover police officer has infiltrated the upper ranks of one of the gangs, while a triad member has simultaneously infiltrated the police department. Miramax picked up the U.S. distribution rights for the films in October but has so far not announced any plans to release the films here. No word yet on what role Miramax will play in this re-make, but this definitely smells like something they would be involved in. We have already documented Miramax's lousy treatment of Asian films. As time passes, it sounds less and less likely that we will ever see the films in their original version here in the U.S. If you want to see the original Infernal Affairs before this Hollywood remake hits your multiplex, we recommend you start looking for import versions or bootlegs immediately
Why? Is the original Internal Affairs bad? Is Scorsese too mainstream? Is Pitt too hot? Or is my aforementioned comment just too positive for your psuedo patina?
Infernal affairs is one of the best hong kong movies I've seen. it's a shame westerners don't appreciate foreign movies so I guess a hollywood remake will have to do. hope it stays true o the original.
Infernal Affairs is the best non-martial arts asian film I think I've ever seen. Now it looks like DiCaprio is up for one of the two lead rolls in the American version of the film, with producer Brad Pitt considering the second. All joking aside, I actually think Leonardo would be great in this. He is a talented actor and seems to have the right "aura" about him for it (you'd have to see the origninal to understand what I mean).
This movie is that good I think it should've been nominated for Best Foreign Films in the recent Academy Awards. |
| posted by efarina @ 11:10 AM |
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| Thursday, March 04, 2004 |
| Remake of Infernal Affairs Trilogy |
The latest news I found on the web about Martin Scorsese, director of Gang of New York. The web address is www.scoresesefilms.com.
Feb 13 2004: GANGS OF HONG KONG . . .
Martin Scorsese and BRAD PITT are reportedly keen on a remake of a popular Asian film. Scorsese would possibly direct with actor Brad Pitt and wife JENNIFER ANISTON through producing it their production company, Plan B. Pitt would also consider a role in an American version of the thriller "Infernal Affairs," one of Hong Kong's most successful films. The complicated plot centers on the rivalry between a police mole in the Triads and a Triad mole in the police force. Both men have risen to the top after years undercover but suddenly become aware of each other and become involved in a race to learn the other's identity before they are exposed. The English-version of the film opens in Ireland on February 27 2004 and is being shown as part of the Dublin International Film Festival on February20.
1 March 2004: LEO BACK FOR A THIRD TIME?
The Hollywood Reporter has a tip that Leonardo DiCaprio might reteam with Martin Scorsese for a third feature film. The two worked together on Gangs of New York and the upcoming release The Aviator. The Hollywood Reporter says DiCaprio is in talks to star in Infernal Affairs for Warner Bros. Pictures. "Infernal" is being produced by Scorsese as well as Brad Grey, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt's Plan B production company. Pitt most likely will star in the picture as well. William Monahan has written the script for the film.
Hmmm...seriously he wants to make a remake of this movie? I am even surprised that he knows the existence of this movie. Infernal Affairs trilogy is undoubtedly the best Hong Kong movies in these modern years which have claimed many awards because of its brilliant plot. I guess it is time for the Westerners to open their eyes and to realize that Asian movies have big potentials as well. Just found out from Laura that Infernal Affairs is one of Sofia Coppola, director of Lost In Translation, favorite movies too. But somehow I have doubts about the idea of remaking the US version of Infernal Affairs. Will it be as good as the original? Hmmm..... it better be or else, I will be very dissappointed.
Info: Infernal Affairs stars all Hong Kong big hits - Andy Lau (Best Actor in Hong Kong Film Awards for performance in Running Out of Time), Tony Leung (Best Actor in Cannes Film Festival), Leon Lai, Kelly Chen, Eric Tsang and Anthony Wong. More at Infernal Affairs.com |
| posted by efarina @ 10:39 PM |
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| Books On Sale |
I went to the Book Fair at Memorial Library this morning. Gosh... all the books are S0 cheap! I bought five new paperback novels for only 5 dollars. That is equivalent to about RM20. You can't even get one book for that price in Malaysia. The hardcovers are sold for only $2. They have a lot of other interesting old books on variety of topics such as hobbies, travel, religions, international relations and academic subjects. Everyone should go check it out... that is if you're into books. These are the books that I get for myself:
(a) Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts
A story about Tory, a girl with a tortured past who returns to her old hometown to start a new life and to discover about the brutal murder of her childhood friend.
(b) The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan
Chinese Americans, bind in a tradition between the east and the west. While the parents are strictly traditional, the children are trying to explore the new culture they are exposed to.
(c) The Beach House by James Patterson & Peter de Jonge
A driven student of the law who gets the chance to dig more when his brother was murdered.
(d) The Wedding by Julie Garwood
A beautiful classic romance between Lady Brenna and Connor MacAlister. Setting of England and Scotland.
(e) The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
There's no need to describe Lestat. If you don't know Lestat, you obviously haven't watched Interview With the Vampire.
Pretty good bargain, huh? I am trying to find Sidney Sheldon masterpieces but unfortunately I have read all that they have on sale. :( ... Well, gotta go start reading now! |
| posted by efarina @ 9:20 PM |
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| Tuesday, March 02, 2004 |
| Curse of the Black Pearl |
| I personally think Captain Jack Sparrow a.k.a Johnny Depp should have won the Oscar for Best Leading Actor. I admit, at first I was quite surprised that he was nominated but his performance in the movie is undeniably good. Of course, the other nominees gave superb performance in their movies. But for once, just imagine...Take out Sean Penn from Mystic River and replace him with another good actor and I'm pretty sure the movie will still be a good movie. The same goes for Bill Murray in Lost In Translation. I can name thousand other actors that can play his role equally well. The same case for Ben Kingsley. But can another actor replace the weird, funny Captain Jack Sparrow? Gimme at least two names that can bring Captain Jack to Oscar. I don't think so. I bet no one will be able to bring the character as well as Johnny Depp. Imagine Sean Penn, Ben Kingsley or Bill Murray as Captain Jack. Hmmm....better not. |
| posted by efarina @ 7:48 AM |
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| Monday, March 01, 2004 |
| 76th Annual Academy Awards |
Phew....11 sweepstakes by The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King. One 'ring' does rule all! I must say LOTR deserves every category it won especially best director Peter Jackson and movie of the year. All those sweat he put behind the camera to make a beautiful epic comes alive was finally paid off last night. Peter Jackson is a truly great and magnificent director. What I don't understand though, is why Virgo Mortensen and Orlando Bloom were not at the ceremony last night. Neither did they were present at Golden Globe Awards. Also, a big congrats to Charlize Theron, winner of Best Female Lead and Sean Penn, winner of Best Male Lead.
Catherine-Zeta Jones looked extremely stunning in her red dress. And so does Naomi Watts in her shimmering golden dress. Nicole Kidman, as always, was goddess of the night alongside Liv Tyler, Diane Lane and Angelina Jolie. I undoubtedly agree with Billy Crystal that Johhny Depp is the sexiest man alive. He looks extremely good with his new haircut. It is so weird how some 40 years old guy get hotter when they grow older. Another fashion success is Ken Watanebe with his European style long coat. All in all, last night Oscar was one of the most deserving.
My love for movies is beyond words. |
| posted by efarina @ 2:03 PM |
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