Daily Contradictions

By. Eleven Something

Life in the Advertising Industry.

Terbangun!

By Mr. Eleven Something.

The horror!! It was about 3.30am today that I was woken up by my cousin's private sexcapade conversation with his girlfriend. I tried to ignore it. I tried to fall back asleep but tak boleh ye. So there I was wide awake, unwillingly absorbing their lust fest. I wanted to say something but I'm afraid it would embarass him.

Aiya! I can be 'open-minded' but this just blew the door right out of its hinges man... very grafik ye! ahahahahah! I think I should make it a habit to shout "I"M AWAKE! I"M AWAKE!" everytime i bangun from sleep even when there's nobody around. Just to be on the safe side :P

So let it be known to anyone who reads this that I can be a light sleeper. Please do not let me be an unwilling 3rd party.

Thank you.

Devil May Cry 4

By Mr. Eleven Something.


I bought this game out of impulse last weekend. So far, it looks like a good hack & slash game. As usual to the DMC franchise, the graphic looks awesome. I can't believe my old computer can take this game on the highest setting. Looks like I made the right investment on the high end graphic card. The controls are abit rigid and I feel it would be better if I use gamepad rather than the keyboard.

New Jeans!

By Mr. Eleven Something.


I bought myself a new jeans yesterday at Quicksilver!! WOOHOO! I'm been thinking to get a new jeans for the longest time now.

And the best thing is, I found out that I AM MANNEQUIN SIZE!! (I think that's good cause they mold it after an 'ideal' size). That jeans was actually the last piece of size 32 which they had to take off from the actual mannequin. I cant believe it fits very well. how awesome is that. Even the length is perfect.


Ps: Credits also goes out to Li San, my fashion consultant for the day. She actually picked out the jeans -which happens to be the most expensive of the lot thank-you-very-much. Habis burn RM400 :P

Memories

By Mr. Eleven Something.


I found this in my wallet the other day. The ticket stub from our trip to the Movie World in Australia. It's so nice to be with the family like that again... :(

Beautiful Disaster

By Mr. Eleven Something.


Wow! For a huge disaster, this is beautifully illustrated! Now this is what you call an eye for beauty. Even the ugliest of situations can be breathtaking. Relating myself back to an older post, i have to say this... Now if THIS is the kind of work anyone produce, i guess being a Diva while they work is OK.

As part of London Festival of Architecture 2008, award-winning media production studio Squint/Opera envisions London life in 2090, long after sea levels have risen from global warming. Imitating some of the techniques of the super-idealistic Victorian landscape painters, Squint/Opera have used a combination of photography, 3d modeling and digital manipulation to present five unique visions of a tranquil utopia in a familiar, yet drastically altered, landscape



Euromonitor International: 25 Global Consumer Trends 2008

By Mr. Eleven Something.

Have been reading up on the Euromonitor International: 25 Global Consumer Trends 2008. It’s a VERY loooooooog read but I’ll summarize it you’re your easy reading (I hope).

Basically the mood for 2007 and 2008 is really different - like day and night. A year ago there was a more positive mood. Those people who warning of dark days to come economically were regarded as doomsayers. But now 2008, it is somewhere between anxious and gloomy! People now are worried of high inflation and recession. It hasn’t really come to depression-era or anything like that but one thing for certain is that people are uncertain of what the future may hold. And uncertainty is bad for business especially in the new interconnected world which is hugely dependant on confidence. Dun dun dun!!!

With dark clouds, there’s always a silver lining. It’s no acceptation in this case. With doubt and instability (in some sectors. Too long to get into that right now), the people want change. Locally, we are seeing the biggest lost for Barisan National and the rise of opposition party. In the US, Barack Obama’s talk of change appears to be resonating well with many American voters. In China, the Beijing Olympics is anticipated to draw the world’s attention to China and there’s debate as to weather it will lead to more or less freedom for the people of the country. On top of that, “New technology” is becoming normal and access to the internet is growing. People are putting their thought and opinions online and User Generated Content are becoming more and more popular.

OK! On with the 25 Global Trends….

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Expanding Waistline
Despite widespread advice on eating less and rising awareness on healthy living, people of the world are getting FATTER.

Paying for health
Consumers are spending more and more on health. Medical care, pharmaceutical products, insurance, hospital bills, etc.

Hearts & Minds
As the world’s population is ageing, many are looking into supplements to promote their health. Especially products for the heart and mind. Ginko Biloba, Glucosamine, Fish Oil, Garlic, Vitamins, etc

Health Inequalities
The gap between life expectancy of rich and poor is growing wide as the gap between rich and poor are getting wider within nations.

Gut Feeling (Probiotic & Prebiotic)
Probiotic & Prebiotics are becoming more popular as healthy ingredients within foods. USA, Japan and Italy are the biggest contributor to the world value sales. Trend could possibly grow in other countries.

IDENTITY, SELF-EXPRESSION & HAPPINESS

Happiness
Economies with a large population tend to be less happy. (China, Japan, India).

Pirated Goods
Many people are happy to pay for fake goods without asking questions. Affecting the entertainment industry mostly where music and movies are concern.

Return of rarity and Rise of Simplicity
As luxury brands look for mass appeal, many are also looking for exclusivity. People are looking to be different to impress. Manufacturers are now turning to “Limited Editions” , “Customizables” and “Exclusivity” to market their products/brands.

As for simplicity; status always require rarity, and with “luxury” being ubiquitous, sometimes less is more and simplicity is a signifier of luxury.

Rise of connoisseurship
Specializing in a category is a rising global trend. The rise of the internet has facilitated the rise of connoisseurship. For example, online booksellers and music sellers makes it easier to find rare editions.

Rise of middle class? Or the consumer class?
“Middle class” people are growing could also mean the rise of spending power. Consumers who spends more now are seen as the “norm” as household incomes had grown with both men and women working.

BELONGING

Social Networking
The nature of communication has been taken to another level where people are reconnecting with lost friends, collage mates and other social groups. Facebook may be the flavor of the month but social networking is here to stay.

New business models for networks
Consumer appeal of social networking has been strong which are also attracting advertisers. A balance must be struck to keep it non-invasive yet money making. Myspace’s advertising revenue was USD805 million while facebook a mere USD305 million.

Online Etiquettes
New online etiquettes are forming with the rise of the internet and social networking. Privacy, courtesy and ethics are all new and developing rapidly.

DIY
“Made for me” overlaps with the move towards greater luxury. Those seeking to find discernment are looking to buy original. For some there is also the added advantage of being able to specify how the goods are made.

Brands are identity.
When people have to create their own identity, brands become symbols that help them to navigate the world and find others whom they share values and dreams.

TECHNOLOGY

Identity anxiety
Concerns about identity theft are increasing. Travelling on-line leaves footprint, now as visible as anything left in the real world. Identity fraud is rising and so people are more guarded on this matter.

My mobile my home
For many young people, their mobile is their home. Music, videos, movies, clips, contacts, calendar, reminders and games are all on their phones and that makes it very important to them.

The new MTV – Mobile TV
The interaction between on line-and off-line is blurring. Manufacturers and broadcasters are catering and contributing more to this new media. While TV is not dying off as predicted, mobile TV is definitely picking up.

Life’s a Game
Online life/gaming is growing especially for the youth market. People are spending more and more time is virtual world compared to the real one.

Magical Technology
Technology is moving at great speed. Things that seem like sci-fi are now becoming possible. The new becomes old fast so developers will always need to be on their toes.

WORK, REST & PLAY

Wealthier but not better off
The increase in overall economy wellbeing are not being translated directly into consumer income.

Home & The Basics
In developed markets, most home owners have mortgage but vice versa in less developed markets. However trends are showing upcomers like China & India are slowly changing towards home owners with mortgage.

Food or Fun
Americans have spent more money on eating out and especially foodservice rather than on buying food for home consumptions. This could be a following trend especially if the world is heading towards ‘convenience’ and ‘too busy to buy food’ people.

Unemployment
Unemployment, and the fear of unemployment, is the largest driver of changes in spending behavior. This might affect all market sectors.

Fast Money
Fast money is looking to be strong trend globally. More people are opting for Credit cards, ATM cards, Debit Cards, Smart Cards as compared to before. This could incur more spending unconsciously since people do not feel the money going out.

Divas & Dramas

By Mr. Eleven Something.

Photobucket

Yesterday was abit of a stressful day for some of my colleagues. As usual, timelines are tight and work still needs to get done so drama happens. I understand that the creatives can get bogged down with a lot of things, but that's no excuse for being RUDE. It’s fine if you argue back on work and give your opinions but there is no need to be Divas and throw tantrums. It just reflect how poorly some people are brought up – IMHO lah.

Review : No Limits Play @ KLCC

By Mr. Eleven Something.


I went to the No Limits play last weekend with Nabihan. I haven't been to alot of plays but I really enjoy this one. I must say that the sci-fi concept is abit out-of-this-world but the values and morals from the storyline is pretty solid. The songs are really catchy too with a mix of originals and classic pop songs. Performance wise, I think it was done well with some chacters standing out and stealing the spotlight light away from the main actors. The one thing I like most is the fact that it has a very Malaysian feel to it. But there are some of the chinese jokes which I didn't get (cause I dont understand the language. DUH!) which in turn makes me feel annoyed. But overall, I LIKE!!!

I went for entertaintment and entertained I was. - I give it a 7.5 / 10

I Love Birthdays! (And Free Food)

By Mr. Eleven Something.


It's Husna's Birthday!! Organized by her husband and her family. And because there were loads of kids, they did it at Burger King! FREEE FLOWING BURGERS! Heaaaaveennnnnnn!!!! *angel sings!!!*

It's good to catch up after not seeing everyone for ages. Had loads of fun. Should do this every time laaaah!

Silly Me!

By Mr. Eleven Something.

Bee
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!! YA ALLAH! I find this incredibly stupid yet FARNIE!! Somebody slap me.

Recent Post

By Mr. Eleven Something.

As you can see the recent comments are gone cause one day it decided to stop working altogether. Brilliant right! So i had the "Post It" up instead to cuba try test this new widgets.

Review: Dining @ Banquet, Bangsar Village II

By Mr. Eleven Something.



Upfront, here’s the breakdown.


Food: 7.5 / 10
Ambiance: 8 / 10
Service: 6.5 / 10

OVERALL: 6.5 / 10



We went for dinner at the banquet on Friday, 4th July 2008 for my birthday. The last time I went there was with a friend and it was only to try their chocolate cake dessert. So I guess this would be a good time to have a full course meal and celebrate together with my immediate family.

Food

Ok. I must say first and foremost that the food here is good. Not great but well enough to be good. The portion was also alright. However the WAITING we had to do for the food to arrive is absolutely ridiculous. It is just not worth the food at all. We had to wait about 40 minutes for the main course to arrive. And after waiting more than 45 minutes for a simple crepes to arrive, we were forced to cancel it because it was absolute rubbish to wait that long for a simple crepes (which we had ordered and asked to be served together with the main course instead of dessert). However, the manager was nice enough to give us complementary a cake of our choice in substitute for the crepes. Fair is fair.

The delays; it made no sense at all because it was a Friday night and the place wasn’t packed. I mean it wasn’t completely empty either, but judging it was a Friday night and first week of the month I’m sure they would foresee that people would come out for dining since they just got their pay.

Ambiance

Beautiful. Simple yet tastefully done.

Service

The waiters were very attentive and diligent in checking up for our food. It is not their fault at all that the food arrived late; but service is not just the waiters, but also to what goes on behind closed doors (The kitchen). I honestly do not know what they are doing in there, but the delays are unacceptable whatever the reason may be.

Conclusion

Would I come here again sometime soon? NO. Not soon but maybe sometime in the future I would give it a second go. In all fairness they DO have good food and possibly the ridiculous waiting for food is just a one off thing. Here’s hoping that this is a case of right place, wrong time.

Diablo 3: World Lore and Environment Art Panel

By Mr. Eleven Something.



Looks really good! They have really thought this through.

So How You Gonna Fix It Fix It Fix It...

By Mr. Eleven Something.


Danity Kane - Damaged

At first this song annoyed the hell out of me but now I'm the one whos annoying my colleagues with this song! Muahahahahaha!!!
So how you gonna fix it fix it fix it...!

Another 5am Post

By Mr. Eleven Something.

So weird. At 5am I am already wide awake. I tried to sleep back but it aint working so here I am now writing about it. Maybe I'll check out some blogs.Oh, Ummi is still online too. Lets chit chat with her!

My New Zen Song

By Mr. Eleven Something.




Israel Kamakawiwo'ole - Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Edit: Dedicated to Michael Turner. May you rest in peace. You will be missed...

(Mp3 @ source)

Aiya!

By Mr. Eleven Something.

I forgot to bring back the damn book!!! ARRRRGHH!! How caressless!!! My poor 'A Game of Thrones'! Dont cry ya baby. I'll read you tomorrow.

Diablo 3 : Gameplay

By Mr. Eleven Something.

Hotness Maximus!

Part 1


Part 2

A Game of Thrones

By Mr. Eleven Something.


I am currently devouring A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin at the moment! It took me awhile to get into the storyline but once it hits...IT HITS!!!! I am so hooked to this book, you can see me carrying it everywhere in and out of office. I can't give a review or rating just yet as I need to finish it first. But so far it looks like a damn good book to me.

A Game of Thrones is the first of seven planned novels in A Song of Ice and Fire, an epic fantasy series by American author George R. R. Martin. It was first published on 6 August 1996. The novel was nominated for the 1998 Nebula Award and the 1997 World Fantasy Award, and won the 1997 Locus Award. The novella Blood of the Dragon, comprising the Daenerys Targaryen chapters from the novel, won the 1997 Hugo Award for Best Novella.

All of the novels in the series use a system whereby each chapter concentrates on one character in a third person limited point of view. Correspondingly, each chapter bears the name of the current POV character (ex. "Bran," "Catelyn," "Daenerys") with the story flipping back and forth between the main characters.


Ps: Thanks Li San for the recomendation and Amanda for the book!

(Source)