This life is getting to me. Or rather more accurately, this neighbourhood is starting to get to me. I live in a row of terrace houses, all streamlined, neatly into opposite row, facing one another. It's actually a nice area, with wispy tree branches flowing gently to the street giving it an urban chic look.

However, all is not well. I've been having great difficulty in getting some sleep nowadays. Directly across my house, lives an Indian family, or at least I think it's a family. I love Indians, don't get me wrong. I think they have wonderful culture values, particularly in the culinary department. But, their particular loud-TV-noises-of-Indian-movies-think-everyone-will-love-it volume is starting to drive me nuts. You know how it is with Indian movies, yes they sing badly! And it also doesn't help at all that I occupy the front room which faces the front of the house. This usually delves deep into the night. Yes, at times up till 2 or 3 am and when all is quiet and the sound becomes pain-in-the-arse darn clear. In fact, I think I can even learn to enjoy the story, if I was to understand the Indian language. It's that clear and loud.

On my right immediate neighbour, lives a Malay family. They're alright, decent except for occasional hormonal screaming. Some people just talk loudly, having no idea at all that their conversation is being blared to the selective hearing of those around them. That, I can live with. Until recently. It seems that the Malay family (sorry I don't really know their names) have purchased a new, swanking modern washing machine. Seems to be attached right to the wall facing my house. And it vibrates gargantuan-ly. Is there such a word? I don't care. I mean it, it's DARN LOUD! It goes BONG BONG BONG BONG BONG GONG BONG BONG BONG GONG GONG BONG GONG BONG WOOOOOOOO GOOOONG BONG BONG TONG TONG every time it does a wash. It's all hunky-dory when Ms Dame-Wash-A-Lot washes only once or twice a day. But noooooo! The new swanking washing machine seems to be in load all the time, from 9am and even 3am! I thought it was only me, having despised outrages noises but my family commented on the same thing. So it's not just me. She does indeed wash a helluva lot! and at inconvenient times at that.

And as a result, I don't get a good night sleep anymore. And it's starting to take a toll on my skin and lifestyle.

And yes, I am complaining. Doesn't help much as I'm in a foul mood these days.

Confined at home.

Frustrated.

Bored.

Need a job!

Destination : Paris

Sitting at home for almost 2 months is beginning to have an adverse effect on me. I'm starting to feel really bored and itching to head back to work. Anyway, I thought I'll talk about my last trip to Europe in Summer '05 since I have never really talked about it and I'm also reminiscing. I only had a day in Paris as it was a compulsory stopover before departing on my next journey. I had Paris all planned out that is to head to the places of attraction that I missed going at my last trip which was in 2003. Arrived in Paris about 18:00 which means I have an evening and a full day out. My plan for the full day was to visit the Château de Versailles and Les Invalides. But well, all didn't quite go as according to plan.

I met Sarah, a girl from New Zealand travelling on her own as well. We decided to head over to the Sacre Couer to watch the night sky set in along the steps before the church. Prior, we went to purchased a bottle of wine + some good french cheese. p.s. be sure to pack your corkscrew upon your travels.

We met 2 American boys and started to chat with them. For the life of me, I have tried hard to recall the names of the 2 American chap but I just cannot remember it. Anyway, it was fun just chilling out with wine and talking crap. Don't you agree that the guy without the cap looks like that crazy guy from 'Something About Mary'? *heh*

Above-left: Illuminated Sacre-Coeur
Bottom-left: 2 American chap with Sarah. We were seated at the steps in front of the Sacre-Couer, enjoying the night away. It was jammed-packed with tourist of all shapes and sizes. I was the one behind the camera.

Here's an interesting illustration to depicts what are the effects to one's appearance should one keep thinking ugly thoughts. This was one of the many pieces of work by Blake for Roald Dahl's famous book, The Twits. This was actually a story of revenge: the revenge that Mr and Mrs Twit take on each other and then the revenge their victims take on them. What ya reckon of the picture? Think there's any truth in it ?

The Big Read

The Big Read, Books of Books - The Nation's 100 Favourite Books was a survey conducted by the BBC on 5th April 2003. It was a survey to which questions such as "What is your best loved book? The one that feels like an old friend; the one you grew up with; the one that gets you through hard times; even the one that changed your life?" were posed to the British public.

The nominations period lasted for 2 weeks. Only novels were eligible but they could be from any country or time and a series of books, such as Lord of the Rings, could count as a single title as long as it has been published in a single volume. Such a bookworm as I am, I was thrilled to learn that my all time favourite book was within the top 100 books at Nu. 66 - The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton's. It features story about an enchanted tree within deep in magical forest. 3 young kids had just moved to the country. Sooner or later, they ventured out into the woods during their pastimes. Soon, they discovered there were different pieces of land which lands at the top of the enchanted tree on weekly basis. Lands such as Land of Birthdays and Nursery Rhyme Land. The children visit mysterious worlds with their friends who live in the tree. Some of the lands that appear at the top of the tree are magical and usually mishap adventures take place. Whatever land it was and whatever misadventures it was, the children could always climb back down the ladder to the Faraway Tree.

I love this book. It gives me a quick view of all the books I have read and have yet to read. Book junkie, that I am!

A Canny Advertisement

Here's what I came across whilst reading a really old Malaysian Law Journals [MLJ], 1954. These days, law journals are a boring read as nothing graphical and colours are allowed in. However things were quite different back then which is why I quite like to browse through the old version, with a particular like for advertisement.

Illustrated above is an advertisement to promote liquor, namely Whiskey and back then, it was selling at $3.95 only. These days, you'll be lucky if you can get a Coke for that price.

I instantly like the graphic advertisement. It's smart, clever and it definitely got my attention as to how bad an addiction does to a person. It illustrates an elderly man lying in a bed, with a bad leg and to satisfy his addiction to Whiskey, he came up with such a brilliant idea.

Look carefully. Brilliant huh.... Don't you just love it.

p.s. click on the picture for a larger view.

Septimus Heap

I first discovered this book while I was browsing through an aisle of Fantasy books at Popular, our local bookstore. I was still undergoing my Pupillage and was bored to wits ... so I thought, I'll just myself a good book to read to curb my boredom. Reading to me, is in way escaping reality and I want nothing more than to digest myself fully in a good book, ideally a Fantasy one.

My attention was grabbed immedietely by a book titled Magyk, along with it's beautiful illustrated cover. I read the first few pages and I was instantly hooked. I finished the book in a day and was scouring bookstores for the sequel. The story tells of a family with seven children in a magical family but really the story is emphasised more on the seventh son of a seventh son, which is truly believed to possess an immense magical power, namely Septimus Heap. I think that's a good name. Something happened on the night he was born and he wasn't reunited with his family until a few years later. The story has fascinating characters, great adventures albeit slightly predictable but nevertheless enjoyable to read.

The best part of it - it's easy to read. Think Harry Potter. This book is a great reading for children and adult such as I. Call me a kid if you want.

I have now finished Flyte, the sequel and waiting in anticipation for the third one, Physik but it's not due out until April 2007.

PICTIONARY

There is a new addiction along with a new lifestyle. Life has been pretty much relaxing albeit a few must-do with getting Called to the Bar. I have completed my pupillage and got Called to the Msian Bar on Friday. It was an auspicious day for me and I couldn't help but to feel a sense of achievement although I have been Called to the Bar, England and Wales before. Still, it's good to experience it twice! Ahh yes, I was introduced to PICTIONARY lately and I must say, it's helluva fun to play, especially in a big group. Remember that American program called Win, Lose or Draw ? Same concept, different format. How does one draw Illusion, Remember, Soul ... Udder .... Mad ... PHWOAR --> It's been fun guessing and even more fun guessing it right!

As for work wise, I've been sending out mass application and only heard from 2 law firms. 'Sigh' ... how dissapointing. Attended one for a position in Corporate law and the lady was way arrogant. All I could remember her saying was .. "It's a privilege to work in Shearn". This was repeated every 5 mins. Though, at the end ... she offered a position for me but it wasn't a good offer. So, I'm just gonna keep my options open and fingers cross that I hear many responses soon! Otherwise, I'll be jobless. It's a horrible feeling after a while.

I have a few pics to upload ... but I'll leave it for the next time as it's too late now.