Crapberry: A Stupidphone is More like it.

Do you believe me if I say that I become a crackberry user? Nooooooooo!!!

I hated it. Still do.

But being a crackberry user? Hmmmm... I actually am.

Would you believe me if I say that I become a crackberry user so that I can mock it? Personally?

Well.. you should. What a price to pay right, but no worries since I get it for free anyway.

Which is why now I am replacing the term "Crackberry" to "Crapberry" as I think this is by far the crappiest phone I've ever own.

Bitched about this on my Failbook page sometime ago from the way my Crapberry is making me stupid and unproductive. Now, as I got deeper in shit, I get to post about the downside of this smart stupidphone. Well... here goes.

I hate the ridiculous limit on file sizes when downloading from the browser. Look, if I want to download a friggin’ video file, let me.

Attachments are pretty bad and it has to do with RIM’s sneaky compression. We’ve heard that when data is sent over their network, it literally can take a 100kb file and compress it to around 7kb. (A carrier’s dream). Just let us get the entire file without having to constantly wait for it to render when we zoom it, etc.

My crapberry freezes up so much its not possible. I can say that I'm not too fond of the hour glass.

Such a simple command like copy from the phone to SIM card it is just impossible. We have to copy one by one or go to the Desktop Manager.

And don't even get me started on the Desktop Manager. It took Desktop Manager forever to update the operating system. I think it’s fair to say RIM has the longest OS update time in the biz.

This 21st century business class smart phone has no auto keyboard lock function. You have to manually lock your keyboard every time after you use it. And if you forgot to do it, remember it has a trackpad and it sticks out from the phone, so it will for sure do something weird when its in your pocket. But fortunately, some developer thought about this and created an app to auto-lock CB keyboard. But seriously, do you expect your smart phone to lack basic functionality like this?

It takes more time to reboot the Curve then it does to reboot my desktop and then my laptop one after the other. For a full five minutes the device is useless. I wish I understood why it takes so long.

All and all:

It is the most stupid and annoying phone I ever got (unless you just want to use the  built in messenger). There is nothing intuitive in this phone and you cannot do anything the normal way. Go for an Android or iPhone instead.

10 Things I Like About Ramadhan

Currently on a semi-sleeping mode... so most likely will be 5 things instead of 10...hahaha

1. I got tired easily, meaning I took off to sleep much-much earlier... I looooove sleeping but sometimes having trouble when in stress like so many other working women.

2. I love the peacefulness (helloooo.... Allah bind all the devils and satans). Even in a very amazingly wicked traffic jam I get to enjoy the contemplation during those jammed traffic.

Now... my eyes feel sooo heavy

3. I get to eat a lot at night (which I enjoy very much, compared to other months).

4. I really-really enjoy praying during ramadhan, hopefully will increase my faith after-wards... Insya Allah.

5. All the buka bersama things, suddenly everyone is arranging another event with friends, family, colleagues, etc... I like the silaturrahim during Ramadhan.

6. Now.... I can picture my bed in my mind...looking so delicious.... ahh.....I'm coming dear bed..... zzzzzzz

If I Ever Had an Indian Name, That Would be "RAIN"

I love when it rains, especially at night. 

To me the rain is the closest thing I ever get to nature in the big city. The nature we can see, smell, touch, feel, hear and taste. Rain has that full senses effect. A feeling of nature taking its course, something completely out of my control. But I don't care. I like it. 

I want to walk out from under my cover and enjoy it, feel the cold water run down my skin. Once again, I'm going back to my childhood dream, playing in the rain, pretending to fall down so that I'll get wet and gives a heaven of an excuse for me to stay outside.

I hear the drops. The water falling. 

Cool. Water drifting through my hair. It feels like it is in a rush to get somewhere, then it stops, not knowing where to go next. After a moment of hesitation, it is off again in a new direction, pushing my hair back and forth.

A feeling of calm and peacefulness washing over me. Makes me extremely reflective and introspective, bring about a ton of thoughts about anything.

I love listening to the rain softly hit the windows or the roof as I go to sleep. It almost creates a feeling of comfort and being safe and that in itself will tend to lull me to sleep.

We've come on a very friendly terms, the rain and me....

It's Like Banging Your Head with a Hammer

Why do I keep banging my head with a hammer?

Because it felt so good when I stopped. 

Doesn't mean that I'm a masochist, no sir.

Well, I kinda felt like that yesterday, post of my first experience of participating in a race, well... short distance race that is, approx 5K running. Or should I say, running altered with walking in my case. But I give myself a better credit, not bad for a beginner like me, completing 5K (with no training whatsoever) in approx 38 mins.

For a beginner like me... well... I kinda like myself after wards...  I love me, I love the feeling of completing the race. The relieve feeling, it's like a mind blowing bleeding experience, a good one.

I'm looking forward to experience that feeling once more ...(the pain and the mind blowing relieve).

I guess this is just another lost cause, Mr. Paine

I love that line... it was from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. It was a line said by Jeff Smith near the end of the movie, closed with Smith being fainted in the courtroom, defending on that he believes.

Saw it  for the first time 2 years ago. Ever since that moment, (the late) James Stewart (absolutely no relation to K-Stew by the way) has been my all time most favorite actor.

If by any chance you're into political movies, I RECOMMEND you to see it. Mentioned the movie in my previous post http://virnamedina.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-is-most-inspiring-or-impressive.html. 

Well, how many of us stick to something the way Smith does?

The movie was about a naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, is appointed on a lark by the spineless governor of his state. He is reunited with the state's senior senator--presidential hopeful and childhood hero, Senator Joseph Paine. In Washington, however, Smith discovers many of the shortcomings of the political process as his earnest goal of a national boys' camp leads to a conflict with the state political boss, Jim Taylor. Taylor first tries to corrupt Smith and then later attempts to destroy Smith through a scandal.

self note: 
All you people don't know about lost causes. Mr. Paine does. He said once they were the only causes worth fighting for. And he fought for them once, for the only reason any man ever fights for them; because of just one plain simple rule: 'Love thy neighbor.'... And you know that you fight for the lost causes harder than for any other. Yes, you even die for them.

Sarcasm is a bitch

Sarcasm is beautiful. 

Well.... that's an overstatement, even from me. 

I think sarcasm is the lowest form of humor. Chandler Bing is the king of The Sarcasm Kingdom. While Gregory House is the Prime Minister who runs the daily ops. How bout that for starter?

I admire sarcastic people. I think they're intelligent just not good enough comedian. Life is already funny, so who needs comedians anyway. Sarcastic people has a quick wit, sharp tongue and the ability to extract the second point of weakness into a conversation or a simple comment (bahasa gaulnya 'nyeletuk').

In this case, the lowest form of humor is underrated. I revise my previous statement. Sarcasm is a form of humor. A bitter one if I may say. I'm still in a self learning on how to be better at sarcasm. However if sometimes I manage to throw my own sarcasm people would stare at me blankly or with doe eyes (tatapan nanar). They sometimes think that I'm just being rude, when actually I'm just being "me".

One time I blurted out quite loudly for a table manner during a formal organization congress (after this guy coming down from the podium). "He is amazing. Nobody can deliver a perfectly long speech for the silliest and smallest idea. How cool is that?!" I remember the people at my table were staring angrily at me, like I was some kind of witch, or a bitch maybe.

I Laughed, Astonished, and Laughed a Lot More: Fringe and Other Underrated Shows

Don't you find it annoying when you're talking about something and nobody seems to be aware of what you're talking about? Especially when you're talking about some TV show that you really-really enjoy watching.

Seem that you're the only one in your circle that is watching the show. Hmmmm.... I find it sad. I'm anxious - if not dying - to talk about my following addictions (according to my very own personal rating).

I. Fringe - I laughed, astonished and giggled

Before I watch it, I never thought i would like Fringe. I didn't enjoy the X-Files (Sci Fi show, also JJ Abrams' creation). I've been watching it since it first aired and I'm glad I did. Now I can't stop wandering what's going happen next. It's my new addiction. show

Woooow. Is the first thing i said when I watch the first episode of Fringe. At the beginning i thought this show wasn't going to be interesting but when you start watching you get caught by the exciting episodes, the wonderful experiments and the great characters. I think that there aren't other actors who can play Olivia and Peter. I think both of them and Walter Bishop the "mad scientist" are hilarious. John Noble really give it a twist. This is an edgy show that you'll enjoy while you have the courage to watch (as you may become a Fringe Junkie like me).

Luckily Fox decided to extend this show, proven by the skyrocketing rating (become 3rd most anticipated show after "the big bang" and ). So.... it's not actually overrated. The premise of an "alternate universe" is just too irresistible.

Oh, and here's my fave quote of the show (I just adore the Bishops - both father and son).

Peter Bishop: How's it going, Walter?

Dr. Walter Bishop: I plan to urinate in 23 minutes.

Peter Bishop: Good to know.

Dr. Walter Bishop: I'm telling you because I'm going to need help unzipping my fly.

II. Castle ... I hope and I laughed

I was surprised at how much I love Castle. I love the interaction between Beckett and Castle, and between Castle and his mother and daughter. Some murder shows take themselves too seriously and get too gory/gross. Castle has a few graphic images, but in general the tone stays fairly light. Just right for watching after a long day at work.



Nathan Fillion shines as Richard Castle in this show. His quirky behavior is endearing. I must say, this role seems to be written just for him. The writing for this show is great. I was worried this show might get "the axe" like "Life", so glad it's sticking for a third season. The rating is actually good, so not exactly underrated.


III. Jericho .. I'm amazed and surprised.

Was heartbroken when I heard it was canceled and ecstatic when the fans helped CBS change their minds to at least give this show a "proper ending". I recommended this to some friends and they love it. It's refreshing to watch a show like this, that's never been done before and see things that unfortunately in today's day and age aren't that far fetched to possibly happen here someday.


It's refreshing to see someone touch on something new because I too care less to see anymore Crime Scene Investigations, one more reality show or new spin off of some stupid game show. Still mourning.


IV. The Mentalist & Life - I surrender for broken men (as usual)

I already did a post on both shows before, but maybe a hint the Mentalist, since Life is dead...

The Mentalist might be compared with NBC's "Life." Although The Mentalist's Patrick Jane is not nearly as quirky as Life's Charlie Crews, both are driven to find out who killed people once close to them. In Jane's case, his wife and daughter were shot by a serial killer he had disparaged during his phony psychic days.


Simon Baker, as we quickly see, is capable of carrying the load. Jane is a clever blend of characters he played on "The Guardian" and "Smith." This role is tailor-made for Baker, who has a flair for playing irreverent characters who are crucial to the success of the system even as they tweak its authority figures. As a detective/consultant with above average observational powers, Simon Baker manages to be both playful and haunted - a neat trick. The fun of the show is in seeing the world through his eyes.

I'm hoping The Mentalist will stick for more and not be in the same fate as Life :'(

Oh, great! Now The Cheerleader, The World & The Show Need to be Saved. Heroes & Other Overrated TV Shows

Ever had people tell you certain TV show is completely amazing and you just HAVE TO watch? Just to realize you have no idea what all the fuss was about? Here’s the list.

American Idol (2002-Present; season 9 in progress)


I’m not really into reality/game show type of entertainment. I watched couple of episodes during season 8 final (Adam vs Chris) and wasn’t that impressed. I mean, it’s cool they give opportunity to talents no one would ever know otherwise, but do they actually succeed (with the exception of Kelly Clarkson). Anyway, it’s nice to watch if you have nothing better to do, but it’s definitely not as amazing as everyone says.

Lost (2004-2010; season 6 and series finale will air on May 23rd)

I watched this show just last year, borrowed from a friend. I loved it, especially caused by Ian Somerhalder (Boone) and Hugo. I loved season 1 and 2, but in the mid of season 3 I suddenly lost interest. Firstly because of the whole Kate-Jack-Sawyer love triangle thing. It's just not an easy thing to watch these 2 nice men fighting over some selfish bitch. Call me jealous. I don't care.


Second cause I started to slow down watching Lost is when they killed off Boone.
Hello!!! Killing Ian Somerhalder - the ultimate eye candy and the good enough guy in that show?



The Office (2005-; season 6 finale will air May 20th)


It was supposed to be funny, hilarious even. Yeah, I didn’t get that. To me it was just a bunch of boring people in the office. Situations in which they got into, their relationships, whatever…it wasn’t entertaining enough for me to keep watching. And it’s more painful than funny. Sorry.

Glee (2009-; season 1 finale airs June 8th)


Usually when new shows come out ,I pick one or two episodes to watch, then decide if I’m sticking with them or not. I pick Glee all together with "The Good Wife", "Human Target" and "Spartacus". The Good Wife is the only thing I'm hanging on to after watching the first 2 episodes. Still trying to decide whether to watch the ridiculously entertaining action of Human Target. Glee didn’t make the watch list. I don’t know, maybe it’s the whole teenagers singing songs for an hour deal that doesn’t appeal to me. I might give it a chance later if some other series turn out to be bad so I can make time. We’ll see.

Mad Men (2007-; season 4 starts airing in July)


This one keeps coming up in conversations as super awesome show. I watched the first 2 episodes and thought the show is just "meh". Sure the whole advertising thing might appeal some of us working in the industry, but not others. I don't think so. Even Don Draper (plus the lovely Christina Hendricks) is not enough to get me to watch the 3rd episode. I just can’t buy into Mad Men. Something about the show has always struck me as fraudulent. Maybe it’s the fact that all those cigarettes you see being smoked on Mad Men aren’t even real.

30 Rock (2006-; season 4 finale airs May 6th)


Comedy. Isn’t that suppose to be funny? This one’s not. Not even a little bit. Maybe it’s the script, storyline or the cast, I just don’t like it. The only thing that’s funny about it, is the fact I usually love Alec Baldwin, but in this show he bugs the hell out of me. Can't compare this with How I met Your Mother, let alone Friends.

Heroes (2006-2010; season 4 ended in February)


Oh, Heroes. When it came out it was fresh, entertaining, different. I loved it. It was the only sci-fi show I could watch in a while. It became super popular and soon after lost all of its appeal. I watched the first two seasons and stopped in the middle of third. It was right after Adam Munroe's death and after Sylar killed Elle. The show started to loose its former glory around the end of season 2, but I kept watching because of Kristen Bell. When she was killed off, I really had nothing to look forward to anymore. Weak storyline, average performance by the cast and no more silver lining. Forget the heroic actions. After that, heroes became ordinary people. Boring ones.

So, what do you think about these shows? Love them, hate them, love to hate them? Let me know :) And be sure to come back for the most underrated ones.

Between a Humanitarian, a Former Prime Minister and A Comical Couple

The Book of Eli

Saw this last week. I have to say I’m impressed with the post-war futuristic yet apocalyptic and grim setting of the movie. In some common Hollywood movie, we will get a visual satisfaction of what the future would be, and certainly not the one captured in this movie. That is what makes this movie interesting. The idea of "The Book of Eli" is to rebuild society, but who will carry those ideas? The clash between Eli (Denzel W) and Carnegie (Gary Oldman) is quite interesting to watch. As Eli, Denzel’s performance is impeccable. Oldman is a remarkable actor, we are all aware of that. But to see him in this movie is to be aware that he allocates his entire spirit and personality for this role (Carnegie). I can’t stop observing his performance and I think it’s inimitable.

Lastly, I like the movie partly because it is a reminder to us human, not to waste things, to have a respect for objects we threw away, we might need them someday.

One particular quote I remember from the movie: "Before, people had more than they needed. They threw away things that people would kill for now.”

Verdict: 4.2 out of 5

The Ghost Writer

The movie is directed by Roman Polanski. Couple of years ago, he was quite famous.... for being a pedophile. For some time we seem to forget the great director behind the man. His latest big movie was The Pianist, gain Oscar nomination, but not quite as entertaining as Rosemary's Baby. It was my favorite Polanski movie by far.

Well.... I think the great director is back. Now I can remember him as the Director of Rosemary's Baby. As RB, I can also describe The Ghost Writer as a dark thriller. It's a dark political thriller and it gave me an unsettling feeling, through the uncertain nature of conspiracy. The movie was made with precision, supported by a great cast and a creepy atmosphere, Polanski left no detail unattended. The story centers around a politician and his support for America, or should I say his service to America to follow and back up whatever its direction lead him. Was Mr. Polanski inspired by the “love” story between Tony Blair and GWB? I think so. It’s a brave subject to begin with, Mr. Polanski. (I think I'm going to see Rosemary's Baby for the umpteenth times). Verdict: 4.5 out of 5.

Date Night

I'm very critical of comedies, so the fact that I giggled throughout the movie is a good sign. I like Tina Fey, so I took a chance on it. I didn’t like Steve Carrell, I always thought he looked stupid, but this movie proved me wrong. Still not loving him, but I have to admit he is a good comedian. They both are and they had great chemistry. The plot is silly, but the dialogue was hilarious. I would put this in the "dumb movies that are funny" category. I'd recommend it.

Verdict: 3.7 out of 5

What Are Your Guilty Pleasures?

I am now inside my room, browsing the internet and blogging...... wearing a very loose batik daster/caftan (it's like a caftan made of batik) while listening to Britney Spears' Toxic and other songs on my guilty pleasures play list.

Sooo..... what is a guilty pleasure anyway? How do you define that? I found myself having a hard time putting it into words, so I turned to yet another guilty pleasure: the internet. Dictionary.com and Wikipedia came up blank on the concept. Google didn't acknowledge it as a whole concept (define: guilty; define: pleasure).

So, I just have to come up with my own definitions:
1. Guilty pleasures are things that I like but having a hard time admitting to anyone.
2. Guilty pleasures are songs that I listen to (i.e. Britney, NKOTB) but sure as hell wouldn't wear their t-shirt in public.
3. Guilty pleasures are things that I enjoy doing although I know it's baaaaaad for me.
4. Guilty pleasures are things that I enjoy but ashamed to admit.
5. Etc.

Hah!! Talking about music taste, this is really not my taste (for most of the times). But I have to say I secretly enjoy listen to these songs when I'm feeling kinda crappy. What are the others? Well... to name a few: The right stuff by NKOTB (^_^), Material Girl by Madonna and Boyzone's No Matter What.

Daster/Caftan
And I'm not yet getting into the daster/caftan part. It's really really a comfy piece of clothes, as I can eat whatever I want while wearing it.


Food
Ok, so I don't have a hard time admitting that I like oily and very spicy belacan fried rice (with sunny side egg) and cakes, but I have a hard time feeling good after finishing a big plate of fried rice and later a thick slice of choco fudge cake, accompanied by mocha ice blend, with extra whipped cream. Peanuts, chocolate and ice creams are my weaknesses. I enjoy life a tad too much sometimes.

Music & Film
The likes of Britney and NKOTB for sure. Also a little Air Supply and The Bee Gees (shock right?). I also have a whole box set of Jane Austen Romance Movies. My favorite is Pride & Prejudice.

I have six versions of Pride & Prejudice Movies:
1. 1940 BW version starring Greer Garson and Lawrence Olivier (my fave version).

2. 1980 AE version (downloaded from the internet)

3. 1995 BBC version starring Colin Firth (my least fave - bought the box set in Lahore, Pakistan in 2004). I think Jennifer Ehle is too cynical and serious, kinda ruin the Lizzie character.

4. 2003 Indian version starring Aishwarya Rai

5. 2003 modern version (downloaded)
6. 2005 version starring Keira Knightley and Matt McFadyen (I have to say he's my favorite Mr. Darcy, he gave me mixed emotions: anger, annoyance, excitement, compassion and love)

Apart from movies, Grey's Anatomy and Vampire Diaries are my current TV obsession. Heroes used to be one, but the show become so ugly it's no longer a guilty pleasure, more like a public annoyance, like Sinetron.

Books
I like historical romance novels.... yeah. Jane Austen's I enjoy, but not exactly embarrassed to admit. I like the cheesy ones. There. I said it. This is one of 'em.