[Random] Happy Chinese New Year 2012
“May the good force be with you,” whispers the Black Water Dragon.
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[Thoughts] Reflections on 2011
It is the last day of 2011, there are many agenda that happened during the last 365 days that I had no idea where to start, where natural disasters, to iconic figures leaving us. I agree it has been a massive roller-coaster ride.
Created a startup, that did not make it: diish.my
It is really sad to see my first venture into start-up did not go as planned. In fact, there is more things that I underestimated, things that go beyond my control, from administration and people-issue. Reflecting myself back on this, it is almost 2 year since I started it and I have no regret, will look forward to next year, and possible a comeback.
Completed first commercial iPhone / Android App and Blackberry Playbook App
I am really glad to be given chance to venture into the app world which exploded in the past few years and brought most of the Flash developers down to their knee. Many, including me had lost direction on our career future when there is massive uncertainty over Flash’s future posed by the company. But all is not lost, as I have seen this kind of drama happening all over again, and being in this line of business, it is either you pick yourself up or to be left in the dust.
Bought my first house (!) and my first car is one year old
…finally.
Portfolio is updated after 5 years
Long overdue, I’m finally glad to have completed the rehaul of my portfolio website showcasing works for more than half a decade since my graduation in 2005. Perhaps the stance are really different compared to what I used to think of portfolio website should be. It is now more information centric and working towards a much more semantic site that is search engine friendly. It appears making a good website is entirely different with a good-looking website.
Completed my first 10km run!
I have to say, I am really f***ing proud of myself and have never thought I can do it. Last October 5th, 2011. Completed my first ever 10KM run within 1:21 and I really can’t believe what I had went through. Finally knew it is really not about the prizes but more about mental and physical determination. My whole body ached like crazy for a week after the run but it is all worth it.
It is indeed a crazy year, and I’m glad it is finally coming to an end. There is not much of a bell and whistles for me, but I’m looking forward towards the coming new year. It had never occurred to me, but passing the 25-years-old barrier kept me thinking a lot of about myself. May you have a blessed year ahead.
[Inspiration] When videogame comes to life
There has been an explosion of fan made tributes videos for games within the last few months. Most of it are a live-action interpretation of the game itself. To my surprise, the quality of the short movies are almost as good as full commercial movies. Is it a digital revolution or technologies has became an easier reach to the consumers? Or the big boys has ran out of ideas on what to do?
Previously, I did a round up on how fan made Street Fighters videos are millions way better than Hollywood made ones and soon a lot of other live action games tribute came out. Below is a list of other fan made tributes that made its way to the internet, and boy… it is real good.
Following the launch of the latest Bethesda’s latest blockbuster game from its Elder Scrolls series, Skyrim.
Portal: No Escape
Popular game from Valve, following the release of Portal 2. This video features great selection of casting, visual effects and sound design.
Escape from City 17
Perhaps it is never too late to share this tribute to Half Life 2. With a budget of $500, the Purchase Brothers released this video around the same timeframe the movie District 9, which gathered a lot of debate between the two, which of course the latter being a full feature film with a larger budget. And soon not too long (2 years) after that, the second part is released.
Following the boom of popularity in this game, Minecraft. You mine and you survive.
A tribute to the Grand Theft Auto series.
Following the over popularity of a FPS game, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. You will be amazed by the large amount of crews participating in this movie (almost half an hour long!), and all the props are of course, made out of cardboard. Though you might think this is a child game, the production is definitely going to blow you away with the quality of cinematography and sound designs. It is as good as a film.
A tribute to the popular NES game, Duck Hunt.
Mortal Kombat Legacy
Though by no means this is not a fan made movies, but it does gives us some hint on the boom of popularity in short films that movie studios will produce to promote the games new releases and sustain loyal fanbase while attracting even more potential buyers. This short series does made fan’s dream came true by doing it some justice compared to its old featured film in the 90’s.
List of inspiring filmmakers that resides in YouTube:
Update:
[Inspiration] Interactive Installation In Singapore
If you are looking to get inspired on some of the latest technologies around for your studies, you might want to drop by Esplanade MRT to the IDA Singapore’s iExperience Centre.
It is pretty amusing and really beneficial to students which are always looking to get inspiration and access to such technology, what’s more that this place is offering free admission to the public.
To my surprise, the amazing Live Singapore! installation is available for public access at this facility. I thought it would be assimilated after the Singapore Biennale exhibition earlier this year.
An introductory video is even available on YouTube.
There’s even a great set of images taken on the venue available at Facebook.
More info related to this place:
[Inspiration] The Lion King Broadway Musical
Looking for something to do this holiday? Wanted to get inspired? I would strongly recommend you to pay a visit to this magical broadway show. It will only be available until 30th of October 2011. Opened in Singapore since March 2011, it has unknowingly attracted more than hundred thousands of people and I’m proud and happy to finally watch it.
It is my first time to watch a musical, and perhaps would be the best ever, The Lion King musical.
Though the price are pretty steep, but it is really every cent spent. This is because the amount of effort and details in designing the show is absolutely brilliant. It is an extreme understatement to even describe how great the show is. There is another great reason why you should watch it, touted as the last destination for their tour which will end by this month, it is actually started way back in 1997! That is such as amazing feat for them to design such show back in the days where there is no Facebook.
Inside the venue, it is pretty interesting to know that there is quite a lot of people despite the price of the tickets, from 65 to 200!
Instead of literally translates the original animated movie into the show, a lot of contemporary touches are added to the show, making you entirely immerse into the world of the Lion King. I will not reveal much detail of the show but you will definitely appreciate this project a lot more after watching it’s making-of video. Perhaps a legacy worth preserving for. The music and the story are just top notch.
Catch updates of the show from their facebook fan page. Definitely a strong recommendation.
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