Stupid Logic

Suzy and Syukri's Wedding Preview 2

2009-06-29T01:52:00.004+08:00

Suzy and Syukri's Wedding Preview

2009-06-15T07:43:00.001+08:00

Congratulations to the lovely couple.

It has been a while...

2009-06-01T16:02:00.001+08:00

It has been a while that I posted anything under the Modelling category. Of course, again, featuring Ryda. This is a collaboration with my decidedly awesome make up artist partner in crime, Q of GosipdanGincu fame. She's offering basic makeup classes, so do go check it out!

Geronimo!

2009-05-31T20:26:00.002+08:00

Taken during last year's 50mm challenge, touring Kg. Ayer. An upcoming competition will be on soon at BruneiForever forum. Join up, take part, win fantabulous prizes.

KL Trippin' New Years

2009-05-22T22:13:00.003+08:00

I've just realized I haven't posted quite a lot of Trippin' photos lately, as I have not been out of the country with the camera lately. So in an effort to bolster my Trippin' collection on this site, I'll have to regurgitate some photos I've taken from my New Year's trip to KL.

As I was waiting for everyone to return from their shopping, initially I tried to sleep off the afternoon to lessen the effect of the previous boat/plane/bus/LRT ride, but how can you when KL is beckoning just downstairs? So with camera in hand, I set out to explore a bit of Jalan P. Ramlee, and what it has to offer.

Instantly as I set out of the apartments, this was waiting for me at the shoulder of the intersection. Composing it against the background of blaring lights and music, sets off a tone of normalcy against the hectic city life. Great area we stayed in actually, stalls just down the road, a small grocery shop (important!) and a great Indian eatery just a bit of walk away down a small road, where I get my breakfast everyday while everyone's still out of it on their beds.

I find that I'm a bit reluctant to shoot on the streets of KL. While the other lads are more than happy to hang around and shoot their hearts content along Jalan Bukit Bintang, I still feel a bit concerned about whipping the darn thing out in public. My lenses aren't actually tiny, save for the 50mm and the 105mm, but I tricked myself that I'd be more inclined to shoot in public only if I have the 50mm with me. I'd have done so too, if we weren't too busy shopping and eating! Yeah, show me to the nearest Adidas boutique or sports apparel shop, I guarantee you you'd find a shopaholic in there (me!).

Oh I wanted to try the steamboat after a long night of partying, but at 3AM, it was already gone. Darn.

Star Trek (2009) Movie Review

2009-05-08T19:56:00.006+08:00

Imagine a world where space travel is common place, where there are crafts travelling faster than light speed warping through space and time, where transporting humans across distances can be achieved with teleportation, where ingenuity, courage, determination and loyalty are character traits to be expected. Now imagine experiencing all that during your formative years watching Star Trek: The Original Series. While we've all become jaded over the years, and special effects have come a long way since the 70's, sometimes we all need a movie to come along to bring back the fond memories of watching the possibilities of the human species advancing beyond our time.

While a new gloss of paint is slathered over this reboot of the franchise, the underlying Trekkiness is all there. The characters and their mannerisms, the epic space battles, the Trek universe science, the ingenious problem solving, the sense of duty to the Federation; it's all there, hitting the right notes, echoing the spirit of The Original Series. While not an exact carbon copy of exacting standards, merely an artist sketch and rendering of a source material that is fondly loved by most, and alien to some. In other hands, I don't think this reboot would work, but in the hands of master artist J.J. Abrams, the final artwork manages to rekindle memories of past for die hard Trekkies, I mean Trekkers, and introduce the average moviegoer to what is arguably the best representation of Star Trek: T.O.S. for this decade.

While the story is essentially a genesis story of how the legendary crew of U.S.S. Enterprise came together, the star of the show was definitely Chris Pine's portrayal of James Tiberius Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock. Mind you, fitting in the shoes left by William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy is a herculean task considering the intellectual property and the millions of die hard Trek fans out there; they've taken these beloved characters' essence and made it their own. While Heroes fans might have a hard time to dissociate Quinto from Sylar, by the end of the movie, Quinto is unmistakably Spock, no nonsense, and logical antithesis to Kirk, brash, devil may care attitude with a wicked sense of gut instincts that proves to be useful to the Federation. The interplay between the duo's distinctly different approaches are woefully brief however, as there needed to be screen time to develop the other characters as well, but it's nothing a sequel can't rectify.

All the other beloved characters are present and accounted for, with John Cho as Sulu and Anton Yelchin as Chekov, Karl Urban as the inimitable DeForest Kelley, I mean Dr. McCoy, Zoe Saldana as the love interest Uhura, and Simon Pegg as the beloved Scotty. While a sequel is still up in the air, there is room for the actors and actresses to grow into the characters and make it their own. While Karl Urban is undeniably DeForest Kelley reborn, Simon Pegg has redefined Scotty to be a very excitable Simon Pegg. Even the Enterprise has that certain T.O.S. retro charm to it, with the consoles and control panels looking like the updated versions of the T.O.S. ones, there is that feeling of adherence to the original cast, Enterprise included, while updating it for a fresher look to attract the new fans.

While the story's plotlines are not what you'd expect from previous Star Trek movies, but in the world of J.J. Abrams, it fits right in. All the important plot points are plausible in the Star Trek universe, with a number of movies in the Star Trek saga having had established precedents. But if you somehow by now managed not to know the storyline, then you will be pleasantly surprised. While it might seem too complex to the average moviegoer at first, but during the viewing, the suspension of disbelief is carried forward ever so gently by the pacing and the avoidance of total sci-fi geekery by not bombarding technical jargon at the audience. By the time of the movie's revelation scene, the audience will be so emotionally invested in the characters and their predicaments; they will be much more receptive of the ideas introduced in the movie.

Special mention has to go to the cinematography and the special effects. The sweeping angles, the dramatic, and poetic, slow motion sequences, the believable presence of the U.S.S. Enterprise, the most realistic CG sequences ever put on screen, even the controversial overuse of lens flare; it all adds up to a unique viewing experience not matched since Iron Man. Considering the movie was directed by the man who brought to us the unique Cloverfield, and the best sci-fi show since the X-Files, Fringe, there was no doubt from the start that Star Trek will be a unique movie experience. While die hard Trekkers would bemoan this very fact alone, but the net effect of boosting the popularity and accessibility of the Star Trek franchise cannot be ignored. This is the one movie to catch this summer blockbuster season. Bar none.

9 Red Shirt Ensigns out of 10.

Fishing at Damuan

2009-05-01T16:07:00.003+08:00

Early Morning Stroll

2009-04-28T09:43:00.002+08:00

This was taken the same day as the previous shot. Started my early morning with a stroll at Meragang. It looks rather different in the morning light. Might do another morning trek to the other side soon.

Photoshoot 3

2009-04-20T13:12:00.004+08:00

This was the third, and what I thought to be the final, photoshoot last Saturday. I was running all around, doing different kinds of photoshoots, having taken my off day in lieu. Productive, fun, tiring, but if you know me as much as you do, you'd know I'll do another run like this in the future. Watch this space.

Anyway this is a teaser shot, just to highlight an upcoming collaboration between me and my decidedly awesome Make Up Artist. We both literally found out that same night that we'll be working together for an upcoming wedding of mutual friends. High fives were dispensed accordingly.

Beacon of Hope in a sea of Darkness

2009-04-17T15:45:00.001+08:00

Dinner by Candle Light at Sheraton Utama Hotel

2009-04-03T12:55:00.002+08:00

This was taken during Earth Hour 2009, where Sheraton Utama Hotel did an event marking the occasion with a presentation and talk about the effects of Global Warming.

Will get back to the swing of things soon. Been too busy with a wedding event, and my short trip to KK. Will do a post requested by my mate from a mate of mine for a very interesting topic for you frequent travellers. Stay tuned.

Moment of Zen in a sea of movements

2009-03-13T17:26:00.003+08:00

I can't believe I have not featured this shot here... Taken way back last September...

Just a Little Bit More...

2009-03-07T14:31:00.001+08:00

Having the resolve not to turn back early on is a great way to have the resolve not to turn back when you're almost at the top.

Long Way to the Top

2009-03-06T19:33:00.003+08:00

Time and time again, life has proven that getting to the top is arduous and a difficult task, but the feeling at the top more than makes up for the hardship.

More photos coming up soon.

Today is a 'Meh' kinda day...

2009-03-05T17:14:00.001+08:00

So I'll just post a picture of my cat...

National Triathlon

2009-03-03T06:53:00.002+08:00

Good job dudes on finishing the Triathlon group competition! Aw3some!

Turkish Delight

2009-02-25T00:09:00.000+08:00

More photos tomorrow.

Of Pasta and Pizza

2009-02-07T22:34:00.002+08:00

A Capers Lunch is one of the events I look forward too. An all-you-can-eat lunch consisting of fabulous pasta and delicious fresh pizza is quite a temptation, even when one's on a supposed weight loss challenge.

But Sheraton's Pizza might come up and take over the crown of the best Pizza in town. Pick out from the menu, add extra ingredients to your heart's content, or make up an entirely eclectic mix of toppings, it's up to you.

Happy Chinese New Year!

2009-01-29T00:55:00.004+08:00

Happy Chinese New Year to everyone's that are celebrating. I hope the year of the Ox brings much happiness and prosperity to you and yours.

I haven't actually shot this shot at this year's CNY Eve, as I have not been active in shooting in quite a while. I have been a bit sick recently, with last week or so being the hardest hit I've ever been in a while, as I literally couldn't function on one particular day that I broke down into a terrible fever that same night.

I haven't joined the forumites at our usual haunt as of late, as I've quit smoking, and rather not have the constant temptation blowing from all directions through the night. Furthermore, haven't really joined most of the organized outings too. I think it's just a phase, and I will shake out the cobwebs soon. Lining up model shoots, organizing outings for the officemates who have recently taken up photography, doing some paid jobs, and of course, the National Day celebrations is a call to arms to all the forumites to come down and do a show of force.

Soon, I'll be back into the swing of things, and there will be a lot more new shots posted up. At the mean time, I'll post up some random photos from before that have not been featured here, and I'll intersperse that with new photos as well. As the nature of my shoots recently is leaning towards the um... shoots of... a different variety, there's not a whole lot of motivation for me to post those shots here. But if you know me, you know I'll post em on my Flickr, as some have found out, and they just keep up to date on my postings there.

Happy New Years 2009 Everyone!

2009-01-05T11:52:00.002+08:00

First and foremost, Happy New Years 2009 everyone! Hope you had an awesome time in 2008, an awesomer time at New Year's Eve, and the awesomest time in the year ahead!

As you can clearly see, I was back in KL to do a spot of partying, a spot of R&R, and a spot of photography, if you can believe that. Figured I'd stuff my bag full of clothing rather than photography items, I gambled on just bringing my D300 body and 50mm f/1.4D, as my main target was to do another shoot with my fave model there. And I've worked out a booking with Ted Adnan and Barebones Studio so I have my shooting space and lighting gear ready when I got there, so I have the opportunity of utilizing a bigger shooting space, without having to lug my heavy lightstands around, as my backpack is heavy enough, and finally get a chance to meet one of the region's Strobist heroes.

My travel was not without it's perils. The boat, Seri Anna, taking me to Labuan disembarked so late and travelled so slow that by the time I reached Labuan terminal, I was literally already late for check-in at the AirAsia counter at Labuan Airport. Got out of the terminal, I whistled for a cab and when it came near The license plate said fresh and it had dice in the mirror. If anything I could say that this cab was rare, but I thought, "Nah, forget it. Yo, holmes to Bel-Air!" I pulled up to the house about 7 or 8 and I yelled to the cabbie, "Yo holmes smell ya later!" Looked at my kingdom I was finally there, to sit on my throne as the prince of Bel-Air.

...sorry, sorry... Internet meme... Had to do it...

Anyway I whistled for a cab, got in as fast as I could, paid him double so he could get me to the airport within like, 5 minutes, jumped out when I got there, ran to the counter. I asked what the closing time for the counter was, and he said, "9:45"; the exact time I have on my watch. The same kinda thing happened as well when I was going to KLIA's LCCT. Finished the shoot quite late at 4pm, while my flight was supposed to be 6pm. Ted's studio was in Kajang. KLIA was quite a ways away. Traffic was jammed.

Under the predicament at hand, the model need not send me to LCCT, she was late for an appointment anyway. But she sent me still anyway, getting lost in the process. And people wonder why she's my favourite model... Well fortunately that's the end of my perilous journey to KL. Hopefully in the near future, I'd pick out far better travel arrangements so as not to stress myself out during my supposed R&R session.

Anyway, here's an ubiquitous shot of Petronas Twin Towers at night. I'll post other shots soon. Again, limiting myself to one lens is quite a good exercise in getting the shooting cobwebs out. More shots to come soon!

Nobody Knows It, But You've Got a Secret Smile...

2008-12-19T23:47:00.002+08:00

And you use it, only for me...

BFF Bowling

2008-12-15T14:38:00.001+08:00

Awesome times, awesome times.

Mobile StupidLogic

2008-12-08T14:09:00.004+08:00

I'm pleased to announce the launch of the mobile version of StupidLogic.com. Just head on to http://m.stupidlogic.com on your mobile to get the mobile version of this website, complete with smaller photos for faster loading, and a page formatted for your mobile. If your phone has a QR Code reader, like my Nokia E71's barcode tool, the QR Code for my mobile site is here.

For iPhone and iPod Touch users, head on to http://iphone.stupidlogic.com for a page specifically formatted for the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Speaking of iPhone interfaces, you can surf on to http://m.flickr.com/photos/stupidlogic to surf through my Flickr photostream on your iPhone and mobiles as well. While a bit heavy for a mobile site, it is quite nifty to have a neat and clean mobile interface to Flickr now. Previous versions didn't have a Fave mechanism for instance.

Venus, Jupiter and the Moon

2008-12-05T13:58:00.003+08:00

Didn't manage to find the smiley back on Monday, but at least I've taken this photo on the preceding Saturday. Anyway, watch this space. I'm starting to get an interest in astrophotography, so more cool stuff soon.

Wasai Wong Kadir pt. 2

2008-12-05T01:24:00.000+08:00