New Years Eve

Ok ppl. Listen up.

The new years eve plan is a pot luck at my house. So that means, bring food / drinks.

What's being contributed already:

KFC
salad
chicken n mushroom pasta
n I'm making lamb bryiani n potato curry.

So let me know what u guys are going to bring n what time u are coming. Drinks n junk food are welcome... Sandwiches too. K? Let me know ASAP.

my vanishing friend

Around the corner I have a friend,
In this great city that has no end,
Yet the days go by and weeks rush on,
And before I know it, a year is gone.

And I never see my old friends face,
For life is a swift and terrible race,
He knows I like him just as well,
As in the days when I rang his bell.

And he rang mine but we were younger then,
And now we are busy, tired men.

Tired of playing a foolish game,
Tired of trying to make a name.

"Tomorrow" I say!
"I will call on Jim
Just to show that I'm thinking of him.
"But tomorrow comes and tomorrow goes,
And distance between us grows and grows.
Around the corner, yet miles away,"Here's a telegram sir,"
"Jim died today."And that's what we get and deserve in the end.

Around the corner, a vanished friend.
Remember to always say what you mean.
If you love someone, tell them.
Don't be afraid to express yourself.
Reach out and tell someone what they mean to you.
Because when you decide that it is the right time it might betoo late.

Seize the day.
Never have regrets.
And most importantly,
stay close to your friends and family,
for they have helped make you the person that youare today.

hmm...

got this frm najie, i think it's a good point to ponder about - how spectacular ur brain can function & a good example of God's greatest creation of all, us humans. enjoy!

"Don't delete this because it looks weird. Believe it or not you can read it. cool huh?

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt."

Drama Drama Drama

Gosh... So much drama going on there. Its good to hear that some conflicts is arising within the group. Some conflict is good as long as we all are clear of the objective. But I am sure all of you know that...

On a lighter note, I am writing from London now. I have been here for over a week now and apart from the weather, its a lovely place. Havent had a chance to catch enough play but will make sure I squeeze in as much as I can. Thinking of catching a Phillip Pullman play which lasts for 8 hours... Very intriguing...

Dora - I went to the Tate's Modern Art Gallery today. If you have not been there, I think you will just love love love it! I saw sculpture, paintings and installation by people like Dali, Matisse, Man Ray, Pollock, Picasso, Duchamp, Cezanne and like TONS more!!!! And they were actual pieces. It really made my day. I kept thinking of you and Langenbach.

Will blog again when I get the chance to next. Keep the spirit up peeps.

/love/

Plan for New Year's Eve

Dear YA's,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Hope u had a good holiday... lotsa tinsel, presents and fruit cake! Anyway, Idora and I were wondering if you fancied doing something for New Year's Eve n since we're don't have a specific plan, we're open to suggestions... anything with reason. *grin*

Let us know.

A Long Overdue Address

Dear All,

First of all, Happy Christmas and New Year.

You've probably been wondering why you've not heard from me at all about the recent issues that have arisen, mainly over Olivia's employment with VTC and her membership to the YAs.

I'm not sure why I've been keeping behind the scenes as well, though I assure you that I am well aware and have had a hand to play in the whole affair all along.

Anyhow, it's about time I think for me to address the various issue(s) as I can see an unneccessary schism (which is not neccessarily an unhealthy one) coming out of all this.

No doubt, it came as a rude shock for most of you that Olivia was no longer my Junior Producer and by default, no longer in charge of YAs. However, I think it would be fair to say that it was not a spur of the moment decision, and I might add that not only did myself and Sums dialogued with her about the various issues that culminated in her finally being discharged from the company, but it would further be unfair to say that we, or at the very least, that I did not try very hard to keep her discharge as a last resort. Olivia, I'm sure you have no objections to what I've just said.

I will agree that her discharge was not done in a subtle fashion, but I believe that as Resident Producer, it is very much my discretion to have taken a hard line on the situation, if anything, to send a clear and unequivocal message to Olivia as well as to all of you who are with VTC. What you make of that message, I wish to have no say in it, except that it was strictly professional and executed without any taint of malice whatsoever, on mine nor Sums' part. Olivia, that much I can assure you is true.

On the 15th of December, Sums', upon my instruction, posted a notice of Olivia's discharge from the company titled Termination of Services, which received two comments, in particular, Paik Yin's posting asking why Olivia can not remain in YAs.

To that, Sums replied with a Clarification which stated that:

"She (Olivia) was let go of her position as Junior Producer but she chose to leave the YA, as is her right to do."

to which Paik Yin once more responded asking why her name was taken off the YAs blog rota so quickly.

To that I can only answer that (i) her discharge was on serious grounds; and (ii) that she had already intimated quite clearly that she wanted no part with VTC nor YAs anymore. Therefore, we naturally did what was natural and neccessary - to remove her from the YAs register, as per her intimations. This was her stand the day and several days after the incident happened, which remained till she turned up for the following YA session, more on it will follow.

For all you conspiracy theorist, if there are any at all in YAs, no, we did not plan nor execute a graceful coup d'etat. It is not the most pleasant of business, but I wish you to understand that I made the executive decision with VTC's and YA's best interest in mind.

Moving along, I am aware that Olivia has been a major contributing part managerially speaking to the YAs. However, I had no choice other than to come to my decision for, inter alia, the following reasons:
i) Lack of professionalism; (and)
ii) Inability to separate personal crises from her work with us;
iii) (Resulting in) Unsatisfactory work performance.

Let me elaborate.

Firstly, I would like now to state for the record that I am assuming a large portion of responsibility for the Olivia conundrum. As her mentor, I feel that I have failed to mentor her as well as I could have, should I was still in KL in person. But that is a difficulty that I cannot overcome, having an LLB to complete in the U.K. I have spoken to Olivia in length and made my sentiments clear to her as well as personally apologised to her over this.

Secondly, I believe that my criticisms above are not unfounded, I would divulge my substantiations for the points above, but out of respect for Olivia, I prefer not to. Enough to say that I believe that Olivia largely agrees with me on the above points. This is an industry that is still fledging and in a country where the work culture and attitude is, as I gather, rather foreign to Olivia. Once more, inexperienced as she was when she first join VTC, I must admit responsibility here, for not being able to more systematically guide her through the processes and hardships involved. However, there is a strict line that I draw between work and personal matters, and I do not take kindly on the latter infringing and derogating the former, which is, to me, the deciding factor for Olivia's termination.

I understand that she has been going through a lot, but my only consolatory word is that as a friend, I do care about it, but as an employer, I have other responsibilities that must precede my friendship. Olivia, I believe you understand what I mean now, after our last conversation.

Moving on again, Sums' then posted another blog which contained the following:

...with regards the situation with Olivia. Lets cut to the chase, her services were terminated with regards her position as Junior Producer but she choose to leave the YA (emphasis added). However, she did show up for the session on Sat (which did surprise me n a few other's who had more intimate knowledge of the factors involve) but nevertheless, I didn't turn her away.

This is entirely true, as Olivia did not give me nor Sums any inkling that she actually wished to stay on with the YAs and turning up unannounced was the last thing we were prepared for.

Sums then goes on to say:

I however took exception to her attitude whiles Victor was instructing n her inappropriate attire (which all of u were aware of), so I pulled her aside and asked her about it. I was in turn rudely replied to but I nevertheless let it slide n let her rejoin the group and by then I had to leave so I left Victor in charge.

Once more, I believe what Sums' claims is true - that she was indeed rudely replied to and that Olivia was not in appropriate attire. However, I would like to offer Olivia's explanation to me over the phone during our last conversation - my pardons, Olivia - that the rude reply was due to an inability to resolve or discuss issues with Sums which had built up over the recent weeks, resulting in Olivia being frustrated and inadvertantly snappish in reply to Sums' advances. Further, Olivia felt very ill at ease, her status within the YAs rocky at best, and not knowing what exactly to expect nor do, in light of the recent developments. To that, I think Olivia's explanation provides a reason but not an excuse for her behaviour, which I have already told her in person.

Sums' then follows with:

The culmination of which leads to this. I have no personal problem with Olivia and I think her departure is a big loss to the YA but before inviting her to rejoining the team again, 2 terms must be 1st fulfilled:
1 That every single YA member wants her to remain (come back) n
2 That it can be guaranteed that she will not pull something like this come production time.

Olivia, this is not Sums' being patronising, but rather being a responsible General Manager. Whatever connections you may make to this being a reality show I shall discount in totality, as I maintain that she made a correct decision on the matter. She is taking the best interest of YAs in consideration and unfortunately, there seems to me no other alternative solution.

Sums' closes her blog with:

Now to address the other issue. It’s come to my attention that some of you think these actions are harsh and insensitive. Let me reiterate that her service termination was based on management reasons. Whiles I’ll cut u slack most of the time, I take exception to irresponsible behaviour. This is a small company n I need ppl I can rely on.

Please do not take this unkindly, all of you, as she is doing the uneviable job of maintaining what cohesiveness you all have developed in the past three months. She is simply doing her job, expounded from my instructions.

Next, Alia's posting. Controversial, yes. Direct, yes. Wrong? No comment.

vote: NOT WANTING olivia back into the YA
reason/rationale:
i might end up spanking her right in front of every crew actor due 2 her behaviour/attitude. all of u may see me as jolly,calm etc kind of person but i can MAY TURN nasty during productions on the day(s) of the show. it's for the production's sake, nothing more.

Semantics is the key here. I do not think Alia meant this with any malice, but as professionalism goes, I would be the first to say that unfortunately, Alia's stance is what would be the best in any given situation of this kind. She is not wrong to worry about further problems with regards Olivia. Nonetheless, I will stress that the above posting could have been more tactful, without obscuring the message.

Paik Yin's last post with her take on Olivia is next. I agree and can confirm that Olivia has no ulterior intention to 'spite' you all, as may have been perceived, and perhaps rightfully so, circumstantial interference being the root cause. I also know that Olivia had a genuine intention to resume her YA membership, though as I have mentioned above, she should have notified me or Sums in advance, which would have prevented a lot of the misunderstandings at the recent session. Paik Yin's observation of Olivia at the session is highly accurate, and is the case. However, Paik Yin, Olivia was removed from the blog with such immediacy because she intimated that she wished no longer to be a part of YA. What followed was merely procedural. So your objections is (no pun intended) objected to. Further, I wish to state for the record that we did offer her a chance to explain herself personally - this was before she was discharged, but we had already decided, in consultation with her, that her contract with us would not be renewed. Her temper and attitude was the main catalyst for her sudden dismissal, and following that, her removal from the YA blog and YA membership.

I have said a lot herein, which I hope is enough to pacify and clarify this messy affair. This is a regrettable affair, but will be no more regrettable than having a schism amongst the YA arising out of this, which may or may lead to the YA program's failure. Sums, Victor, Ghafir and I, as well as you all, have put in a lot into the program, and while my involvement may not be so visible, you are assured that I am heavily involved with all of you - if anything, financially.

As for Olivia, my requests to all of you is as follows:
(i) To understand that it was her decision in the first to resign from the YAs;
(ii) To understand that whatever reason Olivia may have for her part in this affair, it is not an excuse for the resulting behaviour and actions that culminated in her dismissal;
(iii) To understand that the same applies to all of you as well - we at VTC do not favour favourtism;
(iv) To understand that I have extended my invitations to Olivia to rejoin the YAs as a performer during our last tele-conversation, to which, in light of the recent postings, she has responded to me by an email which closes as follows:

...this whole thing has become extremely unprofessional and immature.
if they think i am such a bad/horrible/nasty person, then they havnt
experienced anything, and they will be in for a shock when they do go out in
the real world and meet some real nasty jackasses.

i have come to the conclusion that i am probably not on the same wavelength
as everyone else in the group, and that perhaps it was doomed from the
start.

That, I think examplifies why I do not appreciate Olivia's stance towards her work with us. She may have written it in anger, as she has done many times during the past three months, but I remain that that is not what I look upon as professional work attitude.

Therefore, please understand me when I take the hard line and report that I will no longer consider having Olivia back into the YA, not until she can work out her own problems and come to full appreciation why things have happened as it has. Nonetheless, I wish to extend my friendship (which was never retracted in the first place) and apologies to Olivia once more with a note that the fault is not solely hers - its as much mine as hers.

Should any of you have any objections to this, please contact me personally by phone or email.

I bid you all a good holiday. It will no doubt not be the happiest, but I hope things will improve henceforth.

my take on olivia

ok i can't make any vote on the issue of olivia because i have just heard from one side of the story.

What is stated below is not a represenation of what Olivia.
Disclaimer : Opinions below is solely my take on this issue

Just to clarify things if any of you feel that olivia came to the last session to spite you guys than all i can say is NO.
Why?Coz in actual fact she didn't wanna come to the session and I asked her to come. Maybe even hassle cause well i dunno when to shut up...but it worked muahhahah.(Persistance pays yea.)

Back to the issue.We were suppose to go to a rock concert together and when she decided to stay instead of following me to the concert, I was pleasantly surprise because to me it meant that she really wanted to be part of the group and it wasn't just me psycho-ing her by repeating COme come COME. In actual fact she wanted to quit the group (fact) because she got fired and she was embarassed (sort of fact)...go ask her if you really wanna know how she feels because i am not her (no guarentee she will tell though)

I highly doubt she came to spite us all and in my opinion all she wanted was acceptance from us. If you wanna say she is fucked up then well i dunno coz everyone's fucked up in thier weird way.Look at me (yea a call for attention to meself).If she was rude well what can i say, people can get extra defensive when they feel theaten won't you. IF you guys are voting her out because you think that her behaviour was inappropriate for not joining in then well erm from her i got the impression that she felt unsure and was just waiting for the time when she feels comfortable before joining us because at that time in my opinion she probaly didn't really feel like she was a part of the group.

All i am asking from everyone within the group is to try and see things from Sum's point of view as well as Olivia's and then make a decision. I don't know what happen after i left and i had only feedback from Teresa and olivia.
Admitedly everyone wants something and i guess sometimes its hard to ask for help because no one wants to seem weak hell i should know. What sort of "safe" space is YA's going to be when conflicts between people aren't resolved? I still remember a very drunk and extremely talkative Ariff telling me that there can never be a production with no conflict and yea i was pissed off for a while (but not any more la) because well yea I like things going smoothly because it makes my life easier etc etc (Note to myself:must get everyone drunk together one day)

this isn't a post to ask you guys to side me etc but i really do NOt agree to the fact that when olivia's service with vtc was terminated she was kicked out from the YA's blog too. to me it seemed that she was kicked out of YA's and left with no avenue to state her take on what happen. Grossly unfair (alright alright i am not trying to be an activist or start striping naked and go Save the whales blabalbal) I also do not think that we can all make a fair judgement to vote on the issue of Olivia when we are only presented with one side of the story.

Right talked enough and i am grumpy. Sorry people but you problay see me getting grumpy when you hang out with me everyday (once a week is just not enough). If i say anything offensive i apologize but do tell me because i am a blur person and don't know when to shut up...sometimes i think

Ok its back to mom and her cooking and the MMUWorlds which is causing me to not poo due to stress (yea i know everyone got stress in thier lives but this is my post so its about me ME muahahhahah).

ohh by the way do come and check out the debates.check it out at
www.mmuworlds2005.com
Come and check out the Worlds biggest big mouths.Can't guarentee that they will be as entertaining as me (at least i hope i am entertaining I know i entertain myself...some how sounds so wrong). Erm if any of you turn up for the social then i got to say sorry but you guys aren't allowed in due to security reasons. Yea thats the time where i will be getting sloshed again (dun you guys just hate me) because there is going to be a free flow of beers and liquor.*SIGH* And there is a lot of it.*Multiple SIGHS* (yea it be great if its orgasms which i will hopefully get soon. the best stress buster...that is if you don't have to work for it in return :P)

HAllmark moment
Ok i said i would shut up but i didn't. Will shut up now after the little note at the bottom. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.Forgive and forget and accept one another warts and all.


p/s inappropriate language /spelling mistake/unexplainable verbal diahrrea(how do you spell that)/abusive language/me being big headed, i blame it solely on the fact that i had a total of 10 hours of sleep for the past 1 week and me having a massive ego as well as a big head. Spelling errors due to me not using Words and spell check ehehe.Yeah its excuses :P

I proof read this post :P me is show off

ME : Over and out.
people reading this : Finally

At Last!

Thank so much Sums.

This will be my firs post, and I don't know what to write. Maybe something that we can share our thoughts out of it:

KEINGINAN adalah sumber PENDERITAAN
tempatnya di dalam fikiran
tujuan bukan utama
yang utama adalah PROSESNYA

Kita hidup mencari bahagia
harta dunia kenderaannya
bahan bakarnya BUDI PEKERTI
itulah nasehat para nabi

Ingin BAHAGIA, DERITA di dapat
karena ingin SUMBER derita
harta dunia jadi penggoda
pembuat MISKIN JIWA kita

Ada benarnya kata orang-orang suci
MEMBERI ITU TERANGKAN HATI
seperti matahari yang menyinari bumi

Keinginan adalah SUMBER penderitaan....

GOD bless us all

Merry X'mas & Happy New Year

Alia's Posting [Reposted]

vote: NOT WANTING olivia back into the YA

reason/rationale:
i might end up spanking her right in front of every crew actor due 2 her behaviour/attitude. all of u may see me as jolly,calm etc kind of person but i can MAY TURN nasty during productions on the day(s) of the show. it's for the production's sake, nothing more.

--
Posted by alia to youth.arm blog at 12/23/2004 06:09:30 PM


Editorial Note:
Sums, Idora, Victor and the rest of the YAs, I wish to stress this once only. I will not allow any censorship on this Blog for whatsoever reason. I do not know why this posting was taken away, but I do not wish to see it happen again. This is not how I nor VTC deals with issues.

-- square

8/12/04 session

dear ppl:

unfortunately i will not be able to join u guys as i'll be going 4 my short course in Theatre Technology registration @ ASK (Akademi Seni Kebangsaan).

(w-what?!) yes, it's true. i've already informed sums the GM & idora the Jr Producer about this. i'll be spending almost all day there - registration in the morn & talk session in the evening but i'll be starting my classes MOST probably next week. it is a 14-week long, straight 3 2hr lecture slots (me thinks). therefore, i'll miss all the fun @ sunway college's theatre hall as well as missing out watching u guys perform ur movement pieces...aww...just perform well & be happy with your pieces ok? have fun!

hope i'll be able to join all of u after i 'graduated' & HOPEFULLY my coming work shift doesn't clashes with the VTC schedule.

to sums & idora:
pls. keep me updated eventhough i'm away. thanks, really appreciate it.

keep those creative juices of all of u flowing like an endless river!!!
oh yes! merry xmas & eP new yr :D
cheers.

Xmas homework (due - 8/1/04)

a word from our artistic director...


hey guys,

just to cap the homework i gave on sat 18/12/04

PIECE 1 : DANCE NARRATION - (TRANSLATION)


* Purpose - To test translation ability from a written piece to movement _expression
* write an original story that is relevant to your life - be sincere!!
* The performance length should be of 3 mins to 5 min max!!!! (any longer will be cut). Its a
good idea to time yourself
* No dialogue, no music , keep props to the minimum
* Be creative, make it interesting, worth our time, avoid the cliches if possible
* Include all the theories you've learnt from the sat class.
* Style, tempo, genre etc is up to you. MAKE SURE IT IS REFINED & CLEAN

PIECE 2 : MUSIC & LYRICS TRANSLATION

* Purpose - To test translation ability from a combination of peotry/lyrics and music written to movement _expression
* pick your favorite song
* perform 3 to 5 min of it . You can choose any part of the song you want to perform
* There must be a considerable amount of message/info/story in lyrics
* It can be a step format but preferably narrative
* Please do NOT translate word-for-step!!!!
* Translate the meaning of the song
* Take a non-cliche angle of the story and express it. For eg.. the song 'I will survive', we all know its abt a woman who was hurt and mistreated by her lover and then gets the courage to tell the lover off and picks herself up to carry on living and loving.... now, it can told in an office set-up like a subordinate telling off the boss. Translate the main MEANING and EMOTION of the song (in this case courage, frustration, strength & hope) and not the exact story in as described in the lyrics. Another intersting angle is - If the song feels feminine, take the masculine side and present it, make sure the finishing is masculine ...or ...take an uninteresting song and make it interesting by replaying it slowly like 'Happy Birthday' and make it sad and emotional as though celebrating a loved one who has passed away. Or move to 'NegaraKu' but take different angle like the victim of 1942 japanese torture... let your juices flow...!!
*
* Include all the theories you've learnt from the sat class.
* Style, tempo, genre etc is up to you but make sure it fits the music and lyrics. MAKE SURE IT IS REFINED & CLEAN
* listen to music/lyrics for ideas. All the secret of creativity and expressions are in the song. Be sensitive and feel it. Open up and absord. also take into account the beat _expression, purcussion used, tempo, flow of melody, harmony, chords, energy, bass, intruments used, culture, tecnology, era.

remember:

- a simple story like 'Washing my car' or a song like ' O Bladi-O blada' can be made very interesting.. its the :

a) structure - how you tell the story
b) angle - viewing the story it from a different perspective / side of of the story
c) finishing - the refined & clean delivery, energy, physical and emotional capabilities

BTW it gonna be at sunway auditorium - a large area - so UTILIZE THE SPACE FULLY!!

If there is any inquiry PLS PLS PLS call me, my number is at the bottom. Dont go and ask your friends. clarify with me. Ill give you ideas to improve your piece.

You are ur best judge. Push yourself emotionally, physically and creatively. do things that you dont normally or think you cant do ... lets see that other side of you. and pls prepare early. dont do last minute work, you have 2 weeks to prepare so i expect some form of depth, details and finishing to this!!

above all, lets have fun!!!

for Art & Soul
Victor
012 3325011
(wah! like terrer like dat!)

Apology / Announcement / Information / Reprimand

Dear YA's,

1st of let me apologise for my sudden exit on Saturday, I had a prior engagement at Actors Studio I could not avoid and thank u to those who stayed till 10pm.

Anyway, this posting is basically to announce officially that Idora Alhabshi will be taking over as VTC's new Junior Producer. So from now on, she will be the YA administrator. As part of the management team, we look forward to working with her as we feel she has so much to share and impart with regards the YA.

2ndly with regards the situation with Olivia. Lets cut to the chase, her services were terminated with regards her position as Junior Producer but she choose to leave the YA. However, she did show up for the session on Sat (which did surprise me n a few other's who had more intimate knowledge of the factors involve) but nevertheless, I didn't turn her away.

I however took exception to her attitude whiles Victor was instructing n her inappropriate attire (which all of u were aware of), so I pulled her aside and asked her about it. I was in turn rudely replied to but I nevertheless let it slide n let her rejoin the group and by then I had to leave so I left Victor in charge.

However, upon my return, I was informed of her behavior in my absence. At which point, I requested she leave, which she did. I then went on to explain the circumstances of these events to those present (Arfi, Azmir, Teresa, Michael, Idora, Victor, Azhar n Alia)* and i gather that they understand why I had to do what I did.

The culmination of which leads to this. I have no personal problem with Olivia and I think her departure is a big loss to the YA but before inviting her to rejoining the team again, 2 terms must be 1st fulfilled:

1 That every single YA member wants her to remain (come back) n
2 That it can be guaranteed that she will not pull something like this come production time.

So I would appreciate it if all of u email me ASAP with your vote.

Now to address the other issue. It’s come to my attention that some of you think these actions are harsh and insensitive. Let me reiterate that her service termination was based on management reasons. Whiles I’ll cut u slack most of the time, I take exception to irresponsible behaviour. This is a small company n I need ppl I can rely on.

The point of the YA is that u come out more knowledgeable and that u stage a good production at the end of the programme. U also have a very limited amount of time to conceptualize, stage and accomplish this. Any interruptions will not be tolerated cuz your behavior / problems do not only involve u if u bring it to a session but they also affect the rest of the members who are there to genuinely to learn as well.

If u have something to air, do it during the ‘after session’. During the session pls stick with the programme.

That’s it for the reprimand. See u at the next session, which Idora will keep u informed about.

* Pik Yin, Najie and David, pls revert to me during the next session or call me when your free for the explanation / clarification due to u.

yayyyyy!!!!

omg omg omg omg omg omg.....


To
Idora Alhabshi
71 Jalan Setiakasih Satu,
Damansara Heights,
50490 Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan MALAYSIA
2005-373

OFFICIAL INVITATION

Dear Idora Alhabshi

Congratulations!

With great pleasure we invite you to attend the third BERLINALE TALENT CAMPUS from February 12 – 17, 2005, in Berlin. You were selected from over 2500 applicants from all around the world.

Please confirm your participation by returning this email to: info@berlinale-talentcampus.de no later than December 21, 2004.

We hope you understand that if we do not receive confirmation by then, your place will be given to one of the many candidates on the waiting list. By accepting this invitation you reconfirm that you agree to the conditions for the Berlinale Talent Campus 2005 as stated in the application form.

In particular you agree that your mini-film or sample of work submitted to the Berlinale Talent Campus may be used as follows: Your mini-film or other sample of work may be - shown publicly at the Berlinale Talent Campus, - streamed on the internet website of the Berlinale Talent

Campus and/or related organisations or sponsors of the Berlinale Talent Campus without temporal limitation, - published and/or exhibited by the Berlinale Talent Campus in full length or as an excerpt in print, television
or any other multimedia format for promotional purposes.

Also, you confirm that you are the sole copyright owner of the mini-film or other sample of work submitted. If you are a joint-copyright owner of the mini-film or other sample submitted, you assure that you have obtained the consent of the other copyright owners for the use of the mini-film or sample of work as agreed above.

Finally, you agree to indemnify the Berlinale Talent Campus against all claims by third parties with respect to the use of the mini-film or other sample of work submitted as agreed above.

To avoid misunderstanding, we kindly ask you to confirm your acceptance of our conditions in writing by signing a document which we will hand out to you together with the accreditation badge upon your arrival in Berlin.

We are happy to inform you that we will provide 350 Euros for reimbursement of your travel costs. This sum will be paid to you in cash on your arrival at the Berlinale Talent Campus. Please keep your receipts and your ticket for travel cost reimbursement. We are not allowed to reimburse you without these.

The selected accommodation for non-German participants is free of charge. No participation fee for the BERLINALE TALENT CAMPUS will be charged.

DO YOU WANT ONE MORE DAY OF INVALUABLE INSIGHT? Media City Berlin is looking forward to inviting 50 participants of the Berlinale Talent Campus to a Berlin Angels Day. On Friday February 18, 2005, the day following the closure of the Berlinale Talent Campus. 50 of you will have the opportunity to meet and discuss with film industry professionals based in Berlin for a personal perspective on working within the Berlin film industry.

Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg will cover the costs for the additional overnight stay. To participate in Berlin Angels Day you have to complete an application form which will be available at www.berlintoday.de/berlinangelsday as of December 20, 2004. More details will follow soon in a seperate e-mail after your confirmation.

Please do not forget to e-mail us with your confirmation by December 21, 2004 and do not hesitate to contact us in case you should have any questions.

We are looking forward to welcoming you to six inspiring days during the 55th BERLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.

Yours sincerely,

The Berlinale Talent Campus Team

Clarification

Dear YA's,

I think there is need to clarify Olivia's position. She was let go of her position as Junior Producer but she chose to leave the YA, as is her right to do. In any case, I will be giving u a proper explanation this Sat so do come for the meeting. U can then make up your own minds and see if u still want to go try convince her to come back n join the YA's. Ok?

Sums

Termination of services

Dear YA's,

Please be informed that as of today, the 15th of December 2004, Victorian Theatre has officially terminated the employment of Olivia Oon (Junior Producer) and that she no longer has the power to represent Victorian Theatre in any capacity.

I know this might come as a sudden shock to you and that some of you might be upset and have questions, so please don't hesitate to contact me.

Also, note that Olivia's termination does not affect the Youth.Arm project in anyway and that a replacement has been appointed with immediate effect to take over her position. This Saturday's session will go an scheduled and I will announce who the replacement is then.

Sums

First Post

This is my first post.

I don't post or blog for the simple reason that I never know what to put in these things. Despite being designated-writer, I'm not very inclined to post because I have my reservations with making my personal life public.

I know my involvement with you has been tenuous, at best and downright antisocial, at worst. And 'at worst' being the most accurate description. But as odd as it sounds, I've never had any beef with you. I probably even have quite a bit in common with you, only I've never articulated this. My reasons for leaving once are my own and you can take a shot at guessing, just don't ask me about it.

I don't offer any justification or excuse for my behavior but I played my part as the observer, trying to tailor-make your characters or learning more about you. But I was told by someone that I have to be with you rather than a watcher. Something about involvement rather than detachment.

Despite my reservations and my apparent antisocial disposition, I'm actually a pretty accessible guy. So, I'm going to try to be a little more hospitable come the next session. I'm not promising a radical change or miracle working but I'll contribute my two-cents worth where it's called for. Thanks for accommodating or putting up with me as long as possible.

This is my first post.

Ignorance is...

I often ponder if ignorance is truly bliss...

If I did not know
The things I do now
Would I live a life
Less complicated?

Free of worries
Free of shackles
That bind me to
The knowledge I possess?

Would I sleep any better
Walk a little easier
Run a little faster
Dream a little further?

Would I breathe a little deeper
Lingering on every breath
Relishing every smell
Filling my lungs?

Eat a little slower
Savoring each bite,
Remembering every taste
Grateful for every swallow?

Would I be content
To be empty of content
Not knowing the things I know
No confusion to cloud my view?

Would I love without restraint
Would I give without a thought
Would I care without a care
Would I even care at all?

I do sometimes wonder
If ignorance is bliss
If knowledge is a burden
If I'm living a lie

For if these above are true
Then I'm most happy to say
I'd rather do without
Bliss in any way.

Old Man on the Blog

(As opposed to New Kid)... Hahaha!

Thanks to Oli for graciously sending me the invite. Now the full strength of my oh-so-mad blog inputs will be unleashed upon an unsuspecting Blog... MWAHAHAHAHA!!! Thanks Oli, you've created a Monster....

But don't mind me... I'm just an old man getting used to and catching up with modern technology!!!

Incidentally, I did post two blogs but I think only Teresa got them... One was about lack of emotions, the other about how I've been re-living the past. Oh dearie me... Now I gotta re-post them. Shucks!

My scRipt

Right guys this is a very sloshed up woman in the Phillipines shouting out to you guys. In the case where I do not make any sense at all, all i can do is to blame it on the cheap beer found in the Manila (1 can of San Miguelcan cost up to 25peso = rm 1.25 ) so much so that i feel that i have alcohol running thru my viens *buRp*

My script... or whatever i can remember

I have a confession to make.
I am not who you think I am,
I am not as strong as you think I am.

The truth is...
I am lost.
Lost in this sea of life.

But when I am with you
You fill a hole inside me
And I feel free.

So please don't go
Stay with me.

Plan:04/12/2004 - La Bodega

Ppl...! Cell's phones... text messaging... Don't u guy's answer/check? Well nvm.

Since there isn't a session today, here's the plan. For all of u who aren't doing anything tonight, Oli, Idora n myself will be at the La Bodega Lounge in Bangsar from 7pm onwards. So, if ure feeling bored... come join us. Bring mates if u want. The more the merrier. Lov Ya'll...

Sums

new web blog

forget my old web blog, here's my latest blog site:
http://emevtcjurnal.blogspot.com

welcoming comments etc frm ALL of u ppl.

thanx.

construct & reconstruct

it seems tht i DO hv 2 accounts in blogger, nw i'm trying 2 figure out either 2 delete the other or somehow merge 'em into 1....tht also means i need 2 redo/ reconstruct my web blog....dammit!!

can only do tht aft. i've receive my p/wrd 4 my other acc. tht is...4getful me,must've swallowed billions of ants in my coffee/any particular drink 4 tht matter.

hv a pleasant weekend ppl!

hi: hi

hi: hi

above is a link as u ppl scroll ur mouse onto it...u guys can try posting some comments on my blog, i'm still trying 2 understand why i hv 2 different biodatas.....go figure alia!

Revamped

Dear all,
I have reposted by blog. Bookmark and put it as your Favourites! http://www.wan-derkind.blogspot.com/

sessions...! :)

hope everyone's sane aft. the evaluation/frantic self-check. a few more sessions & we'll be finishing off our 1st "trimester". another two more 2 go b4 the big day, so keep ur heads up ppl!

i hv some news 2 break 2 u guys...i'll be starting work @ HSBC Cyberjaya this coming monday 6/12/04>hurray!!<, BUT....tht also means tht there'll be some sessions i'll be missing >frown<...unless i'm able 2 negotiate my work shift (i don't knw wht shift i'll be in, let's hope i'll get the usual 9-5 shift coz HSBC deals with many regions in the world & tht means i'll be working perhaps wee hours of the day) then i'll be able 2 attend all sessions :D

fret not about me ppl, not yet...i'll figure out a solution sooner or later, just keep ur fingers crossed then.

Crying

A Stoic of the woods, a man without a tear. --Campbell.

Crying. The gift of tears. Natural way of healing.

Never had the relief of such as being able to cry, not since years back when my beloved dog died. Somewhere during my teenage years, expressing grief has been an experience I have somehow either displaced, or completely rid off my emotional vocabulary.

I have an innate ability to push away or internalise the feelings of sorrow, despair, fear, dejection, loss, disappointment, etc... you get the idea. Never cried at funerals, neither did I shed any tears with intense physical pain nor emotional hurt. They get all nicely thrown back deep down in a pit (I call it my abyss) which already I believe needs to be cleared as the stuffs in there have piled up and solidified. It's like a heart that has been hardened on the OUTSIDE, in a cryogenic state.

There came a point where I thought the idea of stoicism (the principle or practice of showing indifference to pleasure or pain) and being in that state keeps me safe from the vulnerability of the heart. And with it came the inability to openly express affection, love and the suppression of passion. And that, had an impact in my interpersonal relationship with people in the past. I lost spontaneity. I lost myself.

Last year, it was an arduous struggle in my acting class just doing simple appearances of HAPPINESS, LOVE, JOY which most other people were just natural at. Afterwhich, some serious self evaluation and soul searching took place. Result : a case of Come Undone.

~ to be continued