[Movie Review] Skyfall (2012)

by Daniel Chiam

Back to Basic ★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8/10

Skyfall marked the 50th Anniversary of the James Bond series which started back in 1962 with Dr. No. It is also the 3rd installment for Daniel Craig to reprise the role as James Bond and in my opinion, Skyfall is the best Bond installment ever if compared to previous Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace.

This time, rather than an international crisis that's threatening the MI6, the threats were much more personal for the villain -  Raoul Silva/Tiago Rodriguez (Javier Bardem) torward the head of MI6 - M (Judi Dench). In order to keep M safe from Silva, Bond revisit his past in Scotland - Skyfall, Bond's childhood home.

Everything was stripped to the core for Skyfall and it was genuinely a bold direction for a Bond movie to be made as such. No fancy gadgets, no overly expensive car with crazy weapons, no seductive female co-star, no crazy stunts and it was truly an original non-over exaggerate Bond movie. I love it.

Even without all those that made Bond of who he is the last time, it is still an actions filled and entertaining movie to watch. Skyfall really reinvented James Bond with much more character, charisma and charm. You will be extremely delighted with it (I hope, haha). 

The 143 minutes movie prove to be worthy of watching. It's original. It doesn't overdo. It's stay true to Bond's capabilities and charm. Skyfall really brings something very fresh to the famous franchise and instead of serving the expected treat, you are in for something ecstatic this time.

Thanks to Sony Pictures Malaysia and Nuffnang for the invite.

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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How to Tell Real Leather from Fake Leather

by Max Law from MaxMayo.com

If you're not a fan of leather goods, most of the time you can't tell the difference between a real and a fake leather.

In general, fake leather (or synthetic, artificial, human-made leather) is made of plastic compound and its identity is naturally reflected in the price tag.

You may have already known this:

         

                    Genuine Leather is never cheap.

However, there are times when a premium priced leather good may appear dubious.

For example, a new or a relatively unknown label that claims to use genuine leather in their bags. A "Made in Italy" or a "Genuine Leather" tag inside the bag can't really guarantee their statement.

Before you seek for the advice of experts, here are a few quick tips you can try:

• Real Leather Doesn't Smell Like Plastic

Real leather is made of real animal skin. It should smell like a skin, and it never smell like a plastic, even when it's still a new bag.

• Real Leather Looks Like Skin

Scrutinize the leather and if you see uneven pattern on the leather, it's most likely a real leather. Real skin is not perfect.

Real skin has pores, and the texture varies on different spot of the fabric, just like your skin.

A fake leather will look "too perfect" in comparison. You should be able to notice almost identical pattern and texture across the surface.

Faux vs Genuine Leather. Which is which?

• Real Leather Feels Like Skin

Touch and feel the leather with your hands. The smoothness should be very pleasant, as if you're touching a skin.

Related to the previous point, the texture on the leather should feel natural, not "bumpy".

• Real Leather Wrinkles

Try to flex or pinch the leather. Real leather should wrinkle according to your pressure, while fake leather will stay the same. Fake leather is similar to Botox-injected faces: they won't wrinkle naturally when they smile.

Wrinkles appear when pressed = Genuine Leather

No wrinkle = Faux Leather

So now, let's do a test:

By looking at the texture, can you tell if this leather below is genuine or faux? Let me know your answer at the comment below and do tell me why.

[Click to enlarge]

Ending this post with an informative video on how genuine leathers are made. The tedious process explains why genuine leather is much more expensive than faux:

Hope you find this post helpful.

Source: Image 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Checkout Max at MaxMayo.com and follow him on twitter @maxmayo for more updates and fashion tips!

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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[Upcoming Movie] A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)

by Daniel Chiam 

I guess Bruce Willis is really hard to die, or will it be any different when it is A Good Day to Die Hard? Haha, most likely no. If you are a die hard fan of the series you will roughly know what to expect in Die Hard 5; explosions (lots of it), jumping off somewhere, falling off somewhere, lots of shooting and of course an epic escape from all the bad situations by John McClane. 

This time, everything will take place in Moscow, Russia, and from the second trailer released, John is kicking butts with his son Jack (Jai Courtney). I was thinking that the introduction of Jack could create the possibility that he might be the one to continue the Die Hard saga after this. Then again, it is still too soon to tell.

Anyway, if you've watched Spartacus: Blood and Sand, you will recognized Jai Courtney as Varro, a close friend of Spartacus in the series. Jai who also star along side Tom Cruise in the movie Jack Reacher (2012), could be another action hero in the making, and hopefully Hollywood will give this Australian actor the opportunity to shine even more.

A Good Day to Die Hard is expect to be released in the United States on 14 February 2013, and might be earlier for some other countries. So marked down your calendar cause this is one Valentine's Day date that you don't want to miss!

Photo source: 1, 2

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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My Breast Cancer Story: Just Suntin

by Just Suntin from Just 2 Story


It’s the month for Breast Cancer Awareness! It's the month of pink!

Here I am, proudly declaring that I am one of the breast cancer survivor, who has just completed the whole required treatments 3 months ago.

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer Stage 2B just a year ago exactly on this date (25 October)! How could I forget? It was me and my husband's 8th year Anniversary as a couple and we were supposed to celebrate it happily with our pre-ordered cake. 

I first found out about the unusual lumps on my right breast two weeks earlier. I managed to stay calm yet worried at the same time. Then I went for an ultrasound and mammogram at the hospital, and thereafter I proceed with a biopsy.

I burst into tears when the doctor break the news to me! It broke my heart even more when the doctor suggested that I should go with mastectomy (removal of whole breast). I know its not the end of the world yet, but it was not easy to accept what's happening at that time. I was only 32 years old back then!

That night all of us (my husband and my mom) was sadden by the news. Somehow, my husband and I still manage to cut our 8th Anniversary cake.

Eventually, I didn't proceed with mastectomy. I went for a second opinion and was glad that Dr. Patricia Gomez, a Breast Cancer Specialist from Hospital Pantai KL (Bangsar) advised me to proceed with lumpectomy (a surgical procedure to remove the lump) instead of mastectomy.

So I went with the lumpectomy surgery.

Still can smile couple hours after the surgery! Not bad huh!

I was asked to rest for a month after the lumpectomy surgery before I get to start with the scariest treatment – chemotherapy. I Googled on others experiences to prepare myself and at least, I know what to expect. I was concern about losing all my hair. Experiencing hair falls and being bald is the last thing that every woman want in their life!

Then again, I was blessed when I was found negative for HER2 receptor, a much more aggressive type of breast cancer if compared with the rest.

I started my first cycle of chemotherapy on 3rd of December 2011. I had to go through 2 parts of chemotherapy. Part 1 consists of 4 cycles of chemotherapy and Part 2 consists of 12 cycles of chemotherapy. A standard cycle is 6! 

The chemotherapy

Even though Part 1 was quite tough, I am glad that I don’t really experience all the side-effect such as nausea, vomit, constipation, sleeping problems, extreme lack of appetite, etc. The strong dosage of drugs only made me feel fatigue for couple of days after each cycle. Other than that, I hate it when I was infected with flu and cough. That was when I feel very ill cause it will takes 2-3 weeks for me to recover.

Balding

My hair started to fall tremendously 2 weeks after the 1st cycle. To my surprise, for the first time in my life, I can’t wait to be bald! Well, it was actually better than seeing your hair on your pillow every time when you wake up in the morning. Wait till you see all the hairs on the bathroom’s floor! 

Being bald and enjoy at the same time! Positive!!

My kids were asking why am I bald. So, we explained that mommy is not well. Mommy is sick and I am really glad to have them around because they are my source of strength to fight this decease positively!

Covering baldness! 

Guess what? Hubby and I even made it to Universal Studio Singapore when I was still on my chemotherapy treatments. The flight tickets was purchased months before and we were already excited for the 1-night trip. So yeah... why not!

Radiotherapy

Upon the completion of my chemotherapy, I started my 25+8 daily sessions of radiotherapy in June. It didn't really cause me any problems. It was a very quick 3-minutes-laying-down-process with minor side effects.  

Today, it has been 3 months since I completed all my treatments. I feel really good and my hair is growing back too! Yay!! 

I just want to the opportunity here to thank my company for taking care of my medical bills. In fact, I was on paid MC for 9 months! 

Me, myself and I! Photo taken on 21/10/2012

It was a long journey yet I am so bless to have great people around me especially my husband, my mom and my lovely kids.  You all had helped me to get through a very difficult time in my life.

Last but not least, my advice to all woman, please perform BSE (Breast Self-Examination) regularly and do go for ultrasound or mammogram if you are already above 40. Breast cancer can happen to anyone regardless of their age, and early detection is always better.

Do visit Just's blog to read all her cancer story in details.

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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The Sexily Exotic Mila Kunis

by Daniel Chiam 

Not long ago, Mila Kunis was named as the sexiest woman alive by Esquire magazine. I mean what took them so long?! She's always the hottest one in That 70s Show, and I always thought that she's somewhere from the middle east because of her exotic eyes.

Turns out she's from Ukraine and it just made it to my must-visit-countries-list. Another thing that I didn't know is that she's the voice of Meg Griffin from the animated television series Family Guy since 1999. I used to watch Family Guy a lot because of the ridiculous humor. That explains why she's in Seth MacFarlane's motion picture "Ted".

So far, I only like her acting in the movie Black Swan. Perhaps it was because of the character given is much more serious if compared to her characters in Friends with Benefits (romantic comedy) and Ted (fantasy comedy).

Kunis will be playing the witch, Theodora in the up coming 2013 movie; Oz The Great and Powerful, along side James Franco. I hope to see more of Kunis in the silver screen. This 29 year old babe is really easy on the eyes :D 

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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My First Live Ring Side Muay Thai Experience

by Daniel Chiam 

All the Nuffnangers were all hyped up and excited about the Thailand vs Asia's Muay Thai matches after we attended the Muay Thai Saved My Life Workshop last month. The anticipation was fairly high for me because it was going to be my first time attending a Muay Thai fights and to know that Fay Hokulani is going to be there too, I got extra excited even.

Thanks to Cik Lily Putih for taking care of the tickets for all the bloggers. Oh yes, all of us attended the event with media pass and thus gave us the privilege to stand on the ring side, take pictures and enjoy the fights from up close.

There were 6 matches in total and whereby 3 of the matches is the highlights of the night, the fights between Thailand and Malaysia. The 3 Malaysian representative are Kudin, Ali Yaakub and Faizal Ramli, while the rest of the challengers are Liu Xiang Ming (China), Leo Monteiro (Brazil) and Mosafa Abdollahi (Iran).

The sport has long been dominated by the Thai and to defend their honor on that night were 6 prominent and  skillful Muay Thai fighters namely Yaya, Changpuek, Jom Kitti, Petchumpol, Madsua and Armin. The pressure were high because every fighters were desired to prove themselves to be the best in the sport.

Watching the match live from the ring side definitely gave a different experience. The punches and kicks that were throw by these trained athletes were as hard and as powerful as their desire to win. The sounds of the body clashing brings shiver down the spine. One can only imagine how painful it is to be hit by any of them.

Ali Yaakub (right) was dominating his opponent that night.

Each round lasted for 3 minutes and each fight will only last for 5 round (unless if there were a knockout in early round). The Thais prove themselves to be worthy of the throne when they won 5 out of the 6 matches that night. Being the only challenger to win that night, Ali Yaakub has made Malaysia very proud.

Fay Hokulani and Diana Danielle, the emcees of the night.

It was really an unforgettable experience to be able to see a glimpse of what this fighters had to go through in the ring. One can only imagine the amount of training and beat up they had to suffer before they were able to be prominent in the ring and proven to be a worthy opponent to their challenger.

Muay Thai is definitely one of the most full on body contact sport that I have seen so far and it is also one of the sport which hold highly of it cultural background. I really wish to see more Muay Thai event being highlighted in Malaysia. Not just announcing that there is a Muay Thai event per se, but hopefully more activities or workshop is being done to promote and expose to the rest of the Malaysian.

Ali Yaakub and me :D

All photos courtesy of Cindy Tong.

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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My Malaysia Story: Lee David Bananuka

by Lee David Bananuka from Tanzania

I got to Malaysia five years ago. So many things have happened since, and picking just one Malaysia story is challenging. I’ll tell you one of my favorites.

I’m a bit of a foodie at heart. I eat just about anything and think meals should often be an adventure. So coming to Malaysia one of the things I was really excited about after who I would meet, was what I would eat.

I started asking what are the good things to eat as soon as I arrived at the airport. If you are from here, then you know that in Malaysia that is a long list. I had no idea where to start so I asked a local what is the most Malaysian of all Malaysian dishes. I realize now that question was still a little too general but he suggested Nasi Lemak. So I went with that.

Nasi Lemak with friends

I went to a nearby Malay food stall near where I lived, and I ordered it. They served it up, and I sat down with it. The interesting thing is almost everything about Nasi Lemak looked completely familiar to me. Rice is a staple in Tanzania, the aroma of the coconut milk also brought memories of cooking in Tanzania. Anchovies are fished out of the Indian Ocean right off the coast of my home town. The only thing that I couldn't identify on sight was the sambal sauce. So I scooped a big spoonful of that, added a little rice to it, put it in my mouth and began to chew.

A little background on Tanzanian cooking… It is rarely spicy. Most times peppers and other kinds of chili are served as a side. You add them according to your personal taste. This was probably the first time in my life that I had so much of something so spicy in my mouth all at once.

It was a pretty warm night, and there wasn't much breeze where I was sitting. All of this has nothing to do with the way I was sweating that night. Luckily I had a nice cold limau ice at my side. Never has a lime juice been so badly needed in my life.

I came away from that adventure a little more cautious about how I eat. But I can honestly say that after tonnes of Nasi Lemak, Nasi Goreng, Chee Chong Fun, Bak Kut Teh, Briyani and desserts whose names I can’t recall, Malaysia truly is a never ending food adventure for me. 

Even better than all the food, are all the people that I've always found willing to eat a meal with me, and teach me all about the food here. Malaysia is a beautiful place that's full of awesome food, but best of all, full of awesome people who just seems delighted to share it with everyone else.

That’s it for now, I’m off to have a bit of food adventure!

Lee David from Tanzania was an Information and Communication Technology student in APIIT & APU University, Malaysia. When this was posted, Lee David is currently working with Pasific Frase Sdn Bhd as a Business Development Executive.

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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Malaysia First Ever 6-Star Asian Surfing Championship

by Daniel Chiam

Malaysia first ever 6-Star Asian Surfing Championship surfing competition will take place in Terrenganu at Batu Burok Beach from November 30th until December 2nd, 2012. This was announced by Rip Curl Malaysia during the press conference on 17th October.

The renowned Australia surf brand - Rip Curl (Malaysia) is proud to be the first surf brand in Malaysia to sponsor a 6-star rated ASC surfing competition with total prize money of RM36,500 (over $12,000 USD) across five surfing divisions; Men’s, Women’s, Longboard, Masters, and Bodyboard, plus a Skateboard Slalom Race and various specialty awards such as “Best Malaysian Surfer” and “Best Surf Wipeout” to name but a few. In addition there will also be RM22,500 ($7,500 USD) worth of Rip Curl products given out to the finalists.

Official Announcement of Terrenganu Rip Curl Pro 2012

There were also a fashion show before the press conference started to showcase the latest surf/beach wear from Rip Curl. It really made me feel like going to the beach after the show, and I am truly excited for the event happening end of next month.

Fashion Show by students from Amber Chia Academy

How often do we have such prestigious surfing competition happening right here in our own backyard? People from all around will be gathering at Batu Burok beach to witness the surfers takes on our Malaysian waves, and if possible, I don't want to miss that.

The Malaysian Surfers - Brenda Lee, Semmy, Bryan Ng and me

I believe surfing is not yet a popular sport in Malaysia and I strongly believe that this event is a great stepping stone to promote the sport to our Malaysian youngster. Hopefully our wave will be great enough in the monsoon for the surfers to perform their ultimate best.

Again, Rip Curl and the partnership with State Government of Terengganu will bring you Malaysia first ever 6-Star Asian Surfing Championship surfing competition that will take place at Batu Burok Beach, Terengganu, from November 30th until December 2nd, 2012. Extreme sports fan, make sure you be there!

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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[ENDED] Buy 1 Free 1 Secret Recipe's Marble Cheesecake

by Daniel Chiam 

In conjunction with the Secret Recipe's 15th Year Anniversary, for TODAY ONLY, they are selling their famous Marble Cheesecake only at RM86.90 and you will get another one for absolutely FREE!

The event is happening at these branches:

The Mall, KL

The Weld, KL

Wisma Lee Rubber, KL

Jalan Bukit Bintang, KL

Leisure Mall, Level 2, KL

Pusat Bandar Damansara, KL

Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad 1, KL

Centrepoint Bandar Utama, PJ

SACC Mall, Shah Alam

Plaza Pelangi, JB

Aeon Permas Jaya, JB

Aeon Tebrau City, JB

Gurney Plaza, Penang

Syuen Hotel, Ipoh

Jusco Ayer Keroh, Melaka

Jalan Song Thian Cheok, Kuching

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu

Marble Cheesecake

If you are nearby, do drop by and get your Secret Recipe's Marble Cheesecake cause it is Oh-So-Delicious! Trust me, I have tried it. I love the feeling of awesome cheese melts in you mouth *drool*.

This kind of offer from Secret Recipe is very hard to come by. Its really worth every second of your time queuing! From what I saw at the Centrepoint Bandar Utama branch, the service was quite fast! No queue is required if you are a senior citizen! That is so considerately kind of Secret Recipe!

The long queue at Centrepoint Bandar Utama

You can even ask them to write greetings and wishes on the cake. Know anyone who is celebrating their birthday today? Better yet, know any twins that is celebrating their birthday today? Get a buy 1 free 1 and both can have the same delicious Marble Cheesecake.

If the cake were running low and is waiting for restock when it is your turn to buy, you can first buy 1 of the cake and Secret Recipe will give you a voucher of a FREE Marble Cheesecake that you can redeem within a given time. It's still buy 1 free 1 and better still you can redeem the free cake later :D

Again people, RM86.90 to buy 1 free 1 Secret Recipe's Marble Cheesecake at the selected outlets for TODAY ONLY! Don't say I didn't inform you earlier. Go and spread some cheesy love! 

That's me with the Marble Cheesecake :D

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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How Did I Won A Brand New Samsung Galaxy SIII

by Daniel Chiam

Did anyone of you went for the #ChurpOut2012 event at Publika yesterday? Cause it was freakin' wet and awesome! I met a lot of familiar blogger's face there, celebrities, pretty girls and most importantly, I won a brand new Samsung Galaxy SIII there!

I've been desperate to change my X10 mini pro into a larger screen phone for quite sometimes now, but my saving for phone never met its target and somehow, I really attended the event with a burning flame to win that SIII. 

I joined the Xpax Whatchuwant Pimp My Ride contest and they ONLY accept the first 15 people who registered for the contest on the spot. Yes people, I reached Publika early just to be that first 15 people who sign up, haha.

All of us were given 1 hour to paint or customize a white Mini Cooper car model as creative as possible. Then the game begin. I had no preparation what-so-ever for the contest and whatever I did to the car is just all base on the little arts experience that I have in the past.

When the one hour time was done. I looked at everyone's car and was truly impress by most of it. So many talented people and somehow it's going to be tough for the judges to select the winner. I had given all my best and whatever happened I should really enjoy the fun time painting the car, haha.

This was what I drew initially but I had to wipe it all off and redo again afterwards =/

I truly enjoy the company of fellow blogger friends. Merryn and family is always the best to hangout with, haha. Specially when you have the energetic Ethan around. I wanted to take a ride on the rodeo bull but then all the contestant were being summon as they are ready to announce the winner.

As we gathered. I can see that there were 2 judges who is still deciding and looking at all the cars that was displayed in a row, and mine was on number 11. I can see that they were pointing at my car and then look at others again. The tension is really killing me! I was like "just announce the winner and let's get this done with". One of them scribbled something on a piece of paper and pass it to Linora Low from Red FM who was the official emcee of the day.

Bottom right, that's my car with the flare :D

Either I win this or I shall get soaking wet by joining the Dunked & Draw game that were going on in the event as well. Linora opened the paper, and she didn't announce it just yet. She asked confirmation from the judges, they nodded and one of them were saying something to her. I was like "God please let me win!!! Please choose number 11".

"Aaaaand the winner is.... nummmmber... Eeeeeeleven!". I was over joyed when I heard I was the chosen winner, I got up and I gave my best shout: "Wooooohoooo!". Linora was like, "you are the winner?". Oh yes I am the winner yo! Followed with a lot of pictures taking session.

Everyone was congratulating me while I'm still in disbelief. It takes awhile before reality kicks in for me. I am truly happy cause I never won such expensive prize in my life, really thank God for the blessing. I congrats the other participant that I know also, cause truly everyone had the chance to win and so happened mine was selected by the judges.

Photo taken from the Xpaxsays Twitter account.

Will show you the phone once I collected it (hopefully SOON!). Thank you again to friends that shared my joy. All of you are truly the magnificent. Thank you Xpax, ChurpChurp, Nuffnang and if MTV is willing to pimp my ride, I will thank you too, haha. It was indeed a great event. Everyone had a lot of fun and see you all again at #ChurpOut2013 next year :D

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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