Phenomenal

My mind seemed to have wondered quite far these past few weeks. So far, that I'm not sure if I can find back the original road that I was on before. When I try to go back, there's doubt. When I want to move forward, there's a heavy rain. Yes, the rain ain't stopping yet.

Hello readers! Sorry for the confusing introduction, but it puts my mind at ease when I make some of my thoughts clear through writing. Even though the gap between this post and the previous one isn't that ridiculous as before, but it's still wide. I need my writing spirit back! Help me! But hey, I did look for ways to get help and I found one. I'm going to go to some sort of writing seminar next week organized by SERUMPUN, and the theme "Melangitkan Karya, Membumikan Cinta" just swept me off my feet. Hope I get the the chance to enhance my writer's enthusiasm and acts.

The reason why I want to be back on track is because I have this dream. The dream to do something big, something phenomenal. I want to move people with what I do, and I want the world to be shaken (in a good manner of course) by my name. When we were still young, my brother Farris and I had the idea to spread the Azere (our second name) name and build the Azere empire. I still want that, and I know my brother is doing it in his own way for now.

This October is the month of smiles! And in line with my dreams especially in achieving a phenomenal grade, I've also launched my first ever campaign related to this month's theme. Welcome to DANS October Smile Campaign! The details can be read in the 'Campaign' section below, so I hope that it'll get a good response from the public. For now I'll pray hard for things that I really want, strive to work intensely and let fate decide the rest. Take care readers! :)

[CAMPAIGN]

Hello! Welcome to DANS October Smile Campaign! In conjunction with my university's upcoming convocation, I've decided to hold a Smiling Campaign this hold month.

Smiling is, in fact, something easy to do. It's a symbol of happiness, it's fun, it's sweet and it's a simple gift that any human can ever give to someone. I like smiles a lot, since it reminds me that there are still some things in this world that can make the heart flutter. My specialty is suddenly smiling when reading something sweet and romantic anyway. :P

So how does the campaign work out? It's simple. Just send me a picture of you or your group through e-mail, showing smiles that you think are the best. Also tell me what makes you smile. I'll gather up all of the pictures by the end of every week and post it up for people to see (here at my blog, Arlene), so that they too can be inspired to smile more and participate in the campaign. Sharing is caring right? I hope that by doing this we can spread the smiles through even the darkest hours.

Below I've inserted a step by step method as to how to make this campaign active. You can promote this campaign with your friends, through your blog or even forward it to your institutions. I hope that everyone will have a great day, and a smile that promises to stay strong always. Thanks a billion.


1. Get your best picture (solo or group, old or new, drawn art is also acceptable) showing the best smiling pose.

2. E-mail your picture to danielazere@yahoo.com along with details below:

* Name
* Current school/university/workplace/location
* Reasons that make you smile
* E-mail (optional)

3. Check out your picture at the end of every week at this blog and spread the smiles!

[REVIEW]

I've never really been a big fan of newspapers. So on the date that IIUM's (International Islamic University Malaysia) first ever newspaper 'The Torch' was supposed to come up, I totally forgot about it (even though I was kinda anticipating it the day before). When a friend of my came to me holding it, I slapped my head.

Anyways, 'The Torch' issue number one is out! With a collaboration with the New Strait Time (NST), IIUM finally published it's very own student's newspaper. It's not as thick as a regular paper, but the news inside was definitely concise and well written. The paper focuses greatly on news related to IIUM and it's people; which makes it easier for the IIUM community to relate with the stories published. Oh and the paper was free for all.

What makes me kinda proud about the paper is the fact that it's a project that requires a lot to do to pull it off, and the paper's team (consisting of mostly the students themselves) managed to give a clean start to The Torch. When it came out almost everyone I met around the campus was holding one, and it indeed has garnered a phenomenal start. Though there were a few minor errors that I noticed, I'm really supporting the best for the newspaper's prospects in the future. If there's some extra money, I hope that The Torch can improve in the quantity of it's content and sections. Good job! (Rating: 4.3 out of 5)

Goodbye and Hello

After going through new year twice, I think it's time for us to say goodbye to a few things and hello to certain stuffs. On an important note, I've been thinking on 'the self' these past few days. Who am I really? What character do I actually conceive within me? I know finding the answer won't be easy, but I'm not that hopeful at finding any answer at all.

Haha, putting that thoughts aside...lets re-cap 2008 in one breath!

1. The year where A-level ends, with high hopes that the bond created lasts...
2. The year where love seems delusional, and noticed that I'm really just not that type anymore...
3. The year where this blog began, taking another step towards achieving the dream...
4. The year where I realised what 'artificial connection' was, my trust begins to disappear...
5. The year where I created 'Sweetness Day' (13th April) and 'Kite Day' (27th December)...

Well, a lot of things happened. It'll never be enough to tell all the joy and tears we all had together. We'll talk about self resolution another time. Learn the past, experience the present, paint the future. Enjoy readers...!!!

"People always say make a better for the New Year...does it matter when nobody cares? [And Happy New Year everyone. Still loving you guys!]"

[UPDATE]
A brand new year, a brand new spirit. I wanted to make the best of it this year, and I'm always praying that I could espeacially manage myself well. Here's one update for the new year! I'll add something new next time, and I'm hoping that all who enjoys Malay writings would wait with expectations; espeacially Dwane, Tasha, Nazir and Wan Khai. Today's motto is: "Believe in yourself!"...take care and enjoy readers!

1. "Shot! :: She Asked "Why?"" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/

[REVIEW]
"You and I are both the sides of the same coin."

On today's review, I'm going write on an interesting Role Playing Game (RPG) of 2008 called 'Persona 3: FES'. Surely most avid gamers would know of the game; espeacially for it's uniquely designed storyline. The game revolves around a main character, who is expected to join an investigation team regarding the Dark Hour and Tartarus. What is a Dark Hour anyway? Well, lets just say it's an extra hour that exists in the main character's world; making the day actually having 25-hours instead of 24. Tartarus is the mysterious tower which only appears during the Dark Hour. The investigation team must go inside Tartarus, battle monsters called Shadows using Personas (a monster residing inside a character's soul) and try to erase the Dark Hour.

Enough said on the storyline, what attracts me to the game is actually how we must make bonds (called Social Links) with people in the game to make our character much stronger. It's like making friends and then understanding what different adversities the human face in an ordinary life. The Social Link system really helped me a lot in understanding our real life better; how to cope with displacement and betrayal, what it's like loving someone older, internet socialisation and many other problems.

I always believe that games could become educational at times, espeacially on the language and soft skills. Though this game uses quite a language (with "sh*t" and "f*ck" inserted), other than that the game's quite okay. Gamers might even learn some interesting facts in 'Persona 3'. I need to say that this is a 'Matured' rated game, so parental discretion is advised for youngsters under 16. 'Persona 4' came out on English version on December, can't wait to finish this one!(Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0)

Being Busy Is Not Always Bad

My simple ways of getting busy is either I play a game for 2 hours straight, read at least 4 volumes of comic or write anything that piques my interest. I guess these activities are not as 'healthy' as it sounds, but it's not entirely bad as well. Sometimes, being busy with the things you like most can take your mind off the things that are troubling you; such as problems at work, at school or at home. Ease up the pressure inside for a while, and get back to solve you problems calmly and efficiently (leaving them unintended is a pretty bad situation).

Getting busy is negative when you neglect others around you. "I'm busy working, so I don't have any time for my kids." or "I'm busy playing games, so I can't do my chores." are just a few of the sentences that could make a relationship go haywire. Unable to 'get busy' with others may lead to further problems you are running away from, thus making you even more pressured than before.

So readers, don't just get busy doing your own things; but get busy mingling and caring for those who are important as well. Think positive, and there should be a way to settle the scores fairly.

[UPDATES]
I'm starting to sound like some kind of motivator or something. Haha, here are the updates for this time. A few things are bothering my mind, so I guess I'm going to get busy updating more often (hopefully...). ^^

1. "#06: In Search For Nana" - http://tesl-dissapear.blogspot.com/
2. "Shot! :: It Could Be..." - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/

[REVIEW]
Anyone who are fans of J-drama should definitely have heard of a drama entitled 'Hana Yori Dango' which was released with 2 seasons. And now, the story's own movie is finally up and running on movie screens nationwide! The story basically revolves around Makino Tsukushi, who is closely involved with a group of outrageously rich guys who calls themselves F4; Tsukasa Domyouji, Hanazawa Rui, Nishikado Soujiroh, and Mimasaka Akira (check wikipedia for more info).

In the movie, Domyouji is now Makino's boyfriend, and announces to the world that he will marry her soon (reminder: he is the head of a mega corporate group!). Domyouji's mother then gave Makino a tiara, The Smiling Venus, as a symbol for her to enter the family. This tiara is said to be worth at least 30 million dollars! Things began to get disastrous when suddenly, the tiara gets stolen and only the couple knows who took it. In order to save the marriage, both Domyouji and Makino must find the tiara, leading them to a testing adventure of love and friendship. Will they ever get married?

The movie is as interesting as its drama; packed with action, suspense, romance and values to ponder. Whenever the couple's relationship seems to be in a pinch, it always give a certain 'vibe' in my soul (and a 'churn' in my stomach). The plot is interesting, the twist magnificently manuevered. It's sad to know that this is the last title that the story is going to show, but all that begins must come to an end. Then an end gives rise to another beginning. Check this movie out on TGVs near you! ( Rating: 4.0 out of 5)

Warning: Beware of Evil

Seriously dear readers, do take care of yourselves wherever you go. Criminals nowadays are real psychos, and they've got a new style too. Now, they attack without warning. I've got this sudden chill in the spine when I heard my parents talking about a car theft that had just occured somewhere in Malaysia. To put it simply, the victim that had its car stolen is now in a coma since its head was shot. Scary! My parents were really concerned, saying that criminals nowadays don't ask much question in getting the job done. Erase, and get what you want. It's that simple for them.

This issue always gets my stomach churning. My family members, friends and readers are all out there across the world. I just can't stop worrying since you never know what will pop up. Right now, I only pray intently that all whom I care for are safe from harm. Insyaallah...again, this is a warning post. Do become extra careful. Crimes will pay, one day. Take care!

[UPDATES]
Evil lurks since there are motives within the human heart. Then does pure evil exist within them? New updates for this time folks! Sorry for a late update, been a bit off the hook. Ah, it's raining! Well then, enjoyyy..!! (link next to title)

1. "Dwane VS The Enigma: #3" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/
2. "Shot :: Cloudy, Cloudy Indolence" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/

[REVIEW]
Since I'm a manga freak, it'd be weird if I don't have any manga review in this page. Getting my review today is a manga by Kazuki Takahashi; 'Yu-Gi-Oh!'. That's right. This popular manga is the basis of the famous Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card games that once took Malaysia by storm. Having a unique title, many would wonder what the story is about. This manga is actually a story about a boy named Yugi, who manages to complete the Millenium Puzzle and gets possesed by a pharaoh spirit. Now Yugi has a double personality; one the weak and hesitant original, the other a proud and confident pharaoh.

Thus begins their adventures, with two souls sharing one body. Takahashi-sensei had put an interesting theme in this manga, which is the theme of 'games'. Each obstacles faced by Yugi in the story are in game form, where Yugi and his companions need to play games for their safety and for their lives. The most notable game is the card game (which had been made popular), and this had been the main core throughout the manga.

One other thing is the Millenium Artifacts. Remember the Millenium Puzzle? This is just one of the seven Egyptian artifacts that has magical powers. Others who possess this artifacts might have speacial powers, and some are evil. These villains are quite powerful, and play games by the 'Dark Rules'. Well, at least they play by the rules. Not like our criminals in reality! All in all, the manga is quite fun to the end. Maybe the card games could get draggy, but it's packed with emotions and strategy! (Rating: 3.9 out of 5)

Graduation, Our Own Way

I present to you, the row of gorgeous young women of TESL (batch 7)! Another part of graduation, completed in style. Everyone looked great, everyone looked happy. I wished we would stay like this forever, but then again, future has its own way of presenting itself. For me, Graduation Day is not just about the certificates and flowers...it's also about how much I realised that we have all grown up! Upon our first meeting on 2006, until the day we officially completed our studies...lots of things has happened and changed. I'd like to dedicate to everyone a huge thank you and congratulations, espeacially my beloved classmates, for making it through it in one piece! What was most important to me, is that we did it together. As friends, as a group, as TESLs, as a family. We finally completed our studies in our own way! I opened with a picture, and I seal with it again. This time, it's the charming young men of TESL (batch 7)! Enjoyy your days.

[UPDATES]
TESL people are speacial, and if you are one I hope you feel speacial too. Updates for this time folks! Remember to wash your feet at night to avoid nightmares. Enjoy these piece! (the link is next to the title)

1. "Zero Degrees: Three" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/
2. "Dwane VS The Enigma" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/


[REVIEW]

Need some chill in your spine? Or just looking for interesting information on occults? Today, I'll review a spooky book entitled "Missing: Spirited Away" by Gakuto Coda which I find it a very interesting read. This novel is a unique novel, where the mystery of the story really gets deeper and deeper along the end, making you want to know more and more. A rough synopsis: there was a group of 5 friends in a high school club, each having different personality and traits. One of them, Kyoichi Utsume, has a mysterious ability connected with the 'other' world. To make it short, one day Kyoichi vanished! Their friends then desperately went on a lookout for him, trying separate methods. Mystical and scientifical. I won't go on further, but I would recommend it if you're into occults and ghosts. It's quite popular in Japan, there's even a manga on it! Well, right now I'm reading the second book "Missing: Letters of Misfortune", and I think it's really good. Take care~ (Ratings: 4.4 out of 5)




*"MISSING: SPIRITED AWAY" BOOK*

My Feet Walked Up to 'Classics'

The unusual and mysterious sub-concious mind. I went to a bookstore yesterday hoping to find something interesting to read, and decided that I'll find a book under anything except from the 'Classics' shelf (since I thought I've had too many classics for once). Turned out I was wandering aimlessly from aisle to aisle, when a horror book caught my attention. It seemed interesting with a catchy title, I was quite delighted reading the book's description. My jaw dropped when I noticed that the book was under the 'Classics' section. Maybe I do have some kind of weird connection with classical books? Finally, I bought the book (entitled: "Not Exactly Ghosts" by Sir Andrew Caldecott) and also a Malay novel (entitled: "Dear Yayah" by Farihah Iskandar) which is quite rare in my actions of buying books. The last time I read a Malay novel was probably during Form 5. Well that's a two years gap! Mind do have its ways for quirks and surprises. =)

p/s: Right now I'm beginning to open my heart to different aspects/genres in books, as a part of my training to become a writer. My fatal weakness has always been in description of surroundings and physical traits of characters. Help! It's Anisah's birthday today, so happy 20th birthday girl(no updates this time, folks)


[REVIEW]
"WALL-E", another wonderful production from Disney/Pixar. I've grown up watching most of their production (missing only "Cars" and "Finding Nemo") and all of it managed to capture my attention with their unique characters and themes. Last time I watched "Meet the Robinsons" who taught us to 'keep moving forward', this time with my family; "WALL-E" had succesfully showed its own teachings to not be too dependable on technology. In the story, Earth had been too filthy to live in and all humans have gone up to space to spend some time there while robots called WALL-E clean up the mess. Turned out that most WALL-E robots malfunctioned, leaving only one left doing its work. Many years later, a robot called EVE came to investigate Earth... What's interesting in the story is mostly how human emotions are prominent in WALL-E's character. He (or it?) shows fear, curiousity, lonliness and even love towards EVE. These traits seemed to mock the 'sloth' humans up in space, where they themselves act like robots; not walking by themselves, unsociallised, oblivious of their surrounding. After watching this movie, I'm sure most of us would want to do better for ourselves!
(Rating: 4.2 out of 5)

p/s: The romance between WALL-E and EVE was interesting as well. I liked the way EVE shows her womanly 'seriousness' and 'wrath', while WALL-E managed to show the 'idiotic' and 'stubborness' of a man in love! But what's worth the awe, is how both took care of each other. You would want to think twice before making a woman angry - with the 'wrath' and all. Hehe...

Worries of the eldest brother...

Mmmm...most of you might already know, but I'm a person that tends to worry about others too much. How they feel, how their actions may affect them, how my actions may effect them...these are the regular worries that comes to me when I interact with people. I become totally worried when it comes to my siblings. It's sometimes hard when you're the eldest. You try to be that caring and cool brother, but you don't realise that sometimes you're just being hard on them. Many of my friends have never seen me get really mad or upset, but my brothers have seen everything. Either when they went out of sight during dusk, or when they don't get what I was teaching them (the same thing over and over again); my emotions do run a bit out of control. Sometimes I think I'm much nicer to others than them. But I know that's not true. I always believed that sharing all of our emotions (happy, sad, angry, depressed) with someone, means that you want them to understand and care for you. Even though they rarely show it, I'm always touched by how they look up to me and love me. =)

[Thank you to Farris and Hafiy for being such great brothers. Farris is a brother that thinks his thoughts aloud and always share the same interest with me. Hafiy on the other hand is adorable when occasionally, he would ask me to hug him. Sigh...love you guys!!]


[UPDATES]

Alright, my first blog title (for this time) is out! I hope readers would enjoy my writings much more this time! Oh, and don't forget to check out Dwane's blog. Very poetic and touching... (just click the link next to the title)

1. "Zero Degrees: Prologue" - http://dansoriginal.blogspot.com/


[REVIEW]

I went to watch a movie the other day and decided to give a review on it since the storyline was quite interesting. The movie was called "Mirrors", and it's an 18SG movie (not suitable for the young...hehe). What attracted me in this 'horror + psycho' genre was the impression of mirrors it used in the story. In the movie, the main character is confronted with some sort of evil inside mirrors which wants him to find 'Esseker'. It turned out that the evil residing in the mirrors was the psychotic nature of a person named Esseker, collecting human souls by killing them through any kind of mirrors. The movie did a wonderful job in inflicting some sense of paranoia (is this a word?) towards mirrors, as the main character could not escape from mirrors wherever he goes. There are mirrors in the bathroom, in a locker, attached to cars and even puddles of water could be some kind of mirrors. If you were chased by something from the mirrors, can you really escape? Realise this, mirrors are everywhere!
(Rating: 3.5 out of 5)