So Vampire Knight ended..

Ugh. That sums up what I feel about this manga. And I had so much hope. Obviously something went wrong somewhere. I, the fickle that I am, has abandoned this like, erm, ages since it turned into something like pandering to the fans. Oh ya, it ended on May 2013 so I was late. Better late than never :)

The ending was, umm, horrible? I have no words. I'm really glad I stopped reading and buying it. Let me be honest, I'm a Zero fan. I like his character, his good looks, no. He has the trappings of every bad thing around him but he grows up fine and wiser. Look, if you read the story from the beginning, a lot of his past was fleshed out meticulously, it's hard not to root for him. Unlike Kaname. I could sense this is the OTP the manga was building. So in the beginning I rooted for Zero-Yuki. I liked Yuki. She was a great character, she had a kind heart and she cared about Zero. Now she's just meh, trapped between two guys. And she could never pick one. Double meh. You know, you don't just build this fantastic relationship and then do a detour. It kills the story and makes the buildings a waste and waste my time.

Owh the ending. Apparently Yuki ends up with Zero only because Kaname died. Really. Argue with me all you want but I think Yuki really loved Kaname to the point she sacrificed herself for him (and if she really loved Zero, she wouldn't have feelings for Kaname) I could sense that the author was torn between the two factions. And I heard in Japan the Kaname faction rules. Yikes. So the author gives us the ending of Yuki having children of both men (don't ask) and Zero gets to spend 1000 years with Yuki. But you know what, Yuki loved Kaname more. And Zero doesn't deserve Yuki. He deserves someone better. I'd like it if Zero ended up with someone else (people don't always end up with people they love you know) and have those adorable twins. Let Yuki end up with Kaname sheesh.

Still the best image ever from VK!

 I don't judge a story by its ending, especially is the journey is great. VK has all that would make a great manga. It has great drawings too. Too bad it becomes sour halfway through. My favourite story arc is the arc of Zero and his twin, Ichiru. I feel so much for both of them, till now. That is what I will best remember VK about. 

 I'm glad it ended early. And one thing for sure I'm not gonna start a manga with ambigous OTP. Sucks.

Malaysia is number 56 in PISA for Reading, Maths and Science

I feel sad. Well, as an educator, I wish the results were better but then again, I am trapped in this education system that emphasizes on exams rather than learning and studying. Msia, apparently reads less than the average number and performs below average too in science and maths. I am not shocked. I am just disappointed. I hope, as a teacher, I am not churning out people who don't like reading but I hope I help in building people with character and sensitivities.

I am extremely jealous of students overseas who read at every chance they get. I do it too. But not my students. Not all of them, I know,  but many of them. I read a lot of books but I think I'm the only one in my immediate surroundings who does it. My siblings don't share my enthusiasm and my parents even more. Not their fault but it's the way the society is constructed. I read Sherlock Holmes and nobody I know reads it. I really am alone. It's a struggle at school. I know many of my colleagues don't read so how am I suppose to inspire the students? And they read thrash like those romance novels. I did too. I was young too but I also read all those fantastic literature on the side. 

Please read. Reading is for your soul like food is for your body.

Benefits of Being A Cat Owner

The war between cat and dog people is vicious and will probably never end. Here’s some ammunition for the next time you're talking to one of those horrible dog lovers.

1. You're Smart!

A study of British pet owners found that people who owned cats tended to be smarter than their dog loving counterparts. Both in terms of IQ score and overall level of education, people who own cats come out on top in the brains department. It’s probably not the cat itself making you smarter, though; the researchers conducting the study said that smarter people tend to work longer hours, and since cats require less attention than dogs they are a better choice for the busy intellectual.

2. It's Better for the Environment!

If you're worried about your carbon footprint, it’s better to own a cat. A 2009 study found that over its lifetime, the resources needed to feed a dog make the same eco-footprint as that of a Hummer. Meanwhile, cats—which eat less in general and are more likely to eat fish than corn or beef flavored products—only have the approximate carbon footprint of a Volkswagen Golf.

3. Helping You Cope!

Losing a loved one is incredibly painful, but one of the best ways of coping is to own a pet. Cats have been shown to help people get over their loss more quickly, and show less physical symptoms of pain, like crying. Despite the fact that they are only animals, cats serve as a social support during difficult times. People in mourning report talking to their pet to work out their feelings, since it is often easier to talk to something that won’t respond and can’t judge than to another human being.

4. Helping You Mate!

If you’re a single guy and you can’t seem to get a date, get a cat! A British poll found that 82 percent of women agreed they are more attracted to men who like animals. And while having a dog will do wonders for your dating life, a whopping 90 percent of single women said that men who own a cat are “nicer” than other guys. It seems women buy into the stereotype that cat owners are more sensitive and thoughtful, so listing that you own a cat on your dating profile could do wonders for the number of responses you get. But remember, a cat is for life, not just until you find a partner.

5. Heart Health!

Owning any pet is good for your heart. Cats in particular lower your stress level—possibly since they don’t require as much effort as dogs—and lower the amount of anxiety in your life. Petting a cat has a positive calming effect. One study found that over a ten year period cat owners were 30 percent less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than non-cat owners.

6. Companionship!

The stereotype that dogs are more affectionate than cats is just that: a stereotype. In fact, it turns out that cats can be just as good companions as dogs, especially for women. A 2003 Swiss study found that having a cat in the house is the emotional equivalent of having a romantic partner. As well as initiating contact much of the time, studies have shown cats will remember kindness shown to them and return the favor later.
But cats really do have the upper hand in these relationships. After thousands of years of domestication, cats have learned how to make a half purr/half howl noise that sounds remarkably like a human baby’s cry. And since our brains are programmed to respond to our children’s distress, it is almost impossible to ignore what a cat wants when it demands it like that.

7. A Reflection of Your Personality!

Owning a cat tells people a lot about your personality. While dog lovers tend to be the life of the party, cat owners are quieter and more introverted. However, they score very highly when it comes to how trustworthy they are and how much they trust other people. Cat owners are also less manipulative and more modest.

Read the full text here: http://mentalfloss.com/article/51154/8-benefits-being-cat-owner#ixzz2hzNfcdBx
--brought to you by mental_floss!

Reading Classic Literature Makes You A Mind Reader...

I kid thee not.

My Favourite Telepath Other Than Time Lords

Apparently a new research has found that people who read more classic work of literature, well, are better 'reader' of the thoughts and feelings of people around them. Yeah, I use ''Mind Reader'  on the subject and a picture of the yummy Telepath Xavier just to aggravate it but really this is just one of the many benefits of reading.

And soo finally one of the greater mysteries in my life is finally solved-I think I have a higher perception of people's thoughts and feelings. I mean you know what people say when they meet new people? Don't judge a book by it's cover. Yep, doesn't work for me. I am one of those guys who, my first instinct on somebody is always, always true. Sounds ridonkulus rite? But, it's not that. For example, if I met someone for the first time and I hated his guts, most probably my impression on him will get better once I get to know him better. But something, an incident or event will always, always happen to prove that my first impression on him is right. Yeah, I'm telepathic that way... 

But of course, one of the downsides of being a telepath LOL is that people don't like me and I'm aware of that. Seriously. That is still a wall I need to climb.

Oh, do I read classic literature? I do. Lots of them. I am an aficionado.  I live and die for literature.

I'm Mourning...

For the death of The Other Mr Darcy, my intended.

Apparently, Helen Fielding has killed him off in the latest Bridget Jones book, and yes, it is traumatizing. Mark Darcy has always been 'the perfect man' character that most girls fantasize though he's not without shortcomings but by God, he's the best thing since toast bread, really. Especially when he espouses that immortal words that touched the core of every woman in the world.

'just as you are'. Indeed

Thefore, let me be-

sob sob sniff sniff

Harry Potter Series' Wisdoms (2)

If it's not clear, let's read the whole excerpt where this quotation comes from,

"Well, now he's back(Voldemort) it's bound to hurt more often," said Sirius.
"So you don't think it had anything to do with Umbridge touching me when I was in detention with her?" Harry asked.
"I doubt it," said Sirius.  "I know her by reputation and I'm sure she's no Death Eater---"
"She's foul enough to be one," said Harry darkly and Ron and Hermione nodded vigorously in agreement.
"Yes, but the world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters," said Sirius with a wry smile.  "I know she's a nasty piece of work, though --- you should hear Remus talk about her."

The first time I read this, I was struck because all these time, I had always judged like that-if you're not good, you're evil. It's not, really. Now I know better. I know there are good people, evil people and nasty people. Like Robin Hood; he's bad cuz he steals from rich douchebags people but he does that to help the oppressed . There's always that grey area to consider.

Now I know better.

Harry Potter Series' Wisdoms (1)

 Nothing irks me more than people assigning the Harry Potter series as 'Children's Books' because it is anything but that. I grew up with the book and the book taught me a lot of things in life. I mean A LOT. So I'm gonna start dispensing those advice that taught me a lot to my readers :3

Meaning, to see the true character of someone, if he is kind or nasty or pretentious, look at the way he treats people of a lower station than him, rather than the way that person treats his equals like his colleagues or friends because if he's really worthy, he'll be kind to people who is below him.

This wisdom is not new-in fact we are told to be kind to people but this quote makes it fantastic because it is the truth; most people treat their inferiors like shit terribly when that person really needs not anybody's inconsideration because he already in that unfortunate situation.

Please be kind to others.

I'm A Pluviophile

That's why I chose Rainee for my email. Imma Pluvophile 100%.

Baju Melayu Raya dan Abah

Assalamualaikum semua. Ada lagi ke orang yg baca blog nih? Hehehe maaf sbb dah lama tak tulis. Asyik update pasal Hunger Games sbb you know. Yeah. Hari ni nak cerite citer 'touching' sket. Not to a lot of people maybe but for me personally. Tentang my abah and baju raya.

Abah saya tidaklah mewah orangnye. Dia bekerja kerajaan maka dengan gajinye yang seciput itulah dia membesarkan keluarganya di KL-semuanya 7 orang anak + mak jadi semuanya 9 orang. Jadi mak dan abah byk berkorban. Mak ambil upah menjahit baju, jual kuih dan buat bunga telur- in short, dia seorang yang serba boleh. Hidup kami tak mewah tapi taklah melarat-apa shj tentang pelajaran kami akan dapat tapi kalau nak beli kaset, walkman, sori la heh

Abah seorang yg sangat berjimat. Tiap2 malam dia akan kira belanja rumah lol. Dia siap buat buku akaun perbelanjaan. Terpaksa, sbb anak-anaknya ramai... Tapi abah tak belanja untuk dirinya. Jam yang dia pakai sejak bujang (Jam mahal gak hehehe) dia pakai sampai hari ni. Kasut jangan cerite. Baju melayu pulak dia pakai yg mak jahitkan aje :)

Jadi, semenjak saya masuk universiti, rase ade duit sket (sbb dpt biasiswa). Saya berkenalan dengan ramai orang termasuk bff saya, A. A nih nak kate, hidup die lg susah dr sy. Saya slalu gak hulur kat die. Tp tiap kali raye die akan beli baju raye utk mak dan ayahnye. Sy pun terikut belikan baju utk mak dan abah.

Masih ingat lg kali pertama beli baju utk abah dan mak di Giant Shah Alam. Baju mak tuh keluaran Avon, RM30 je tp cantikkk sangat bagi aku. Dan baju melayu utk abah pn RM30 ikut taste aku yg tahke bende tah. Mase kasi kat mak ngan abah, mereka pelik sbb mereka x didik aku utk belanja barang utk mereka. Abah siap cakap "dia tak kisah takde bj raye"- ayat le tuh hehehe. Tapi aku buat degil gak. Every year aku akan belikn bj raye, sampaikan adik beradik aku semua terikut2 belikan baju utk mereka (seronok rasenye)

Nak buat cerite, tahun lepas sy terlupe langsung beli baju raye utk mak ngan abah. Sibuk sgt sejak sek masuk pengetua baru dan dibebani tugas2 yg macam2. Masa bulan puasa siap kene tanda kertas muet lg, masha Allah. Nasib baik ada adik belikan baju raye utk mak. Tah macam mane terlepas pandang beli baju abah. Ingatkan adik dah beli. Jadi pagi raye tuh abah suruh adik bongsu tuh gosok baju die dan semasa abah bersiap2 gi masjid, terpandang abah pakai baju lama (tp masih cantik). So, mulut bacul nih terus tanye,

" takde baju lain ke Bah?"

Abah terdiam. Tapi dia jawab gak,

" takde baju baru tahun ni. Tp baju lama pun ok jg "
kire camtulah abah jawab. Nada die biase je. 

Saya pandang muke adik2. Pastu masing2 kate diaorang ingatkan aku dah beli sbb memang aku x pernah

terlepas beli baju utk mak abah... Masa tu hanya Allah aje yg tahu betapa sayu hati ni tgk abah senyap2 pegi masjid. Dia cakap 'it's no big deal' but it was, to me. I was a lousy daughter. Lepas terus peringatkn diri utk jgn lupe lg beli utk tahun depan...

Bermaksud tahun ni. Jadi sgt gembira sbb dah beli baju utk abah, and mak, err... die byk tempah baju raye hari tu, grand rupenye mak I ni lol. Beli baju yg simple utk abah, sbb dia refuse nk pakai baju kaler terang sbb dia kate die dah tua (though sebenarnye abah nih cerah and still ensem so pakai bj terang xpe tapi xpelah...) Baju yg sy beli utk abah sebijik cam gambar kat bawah ni tehehe

Adik2 kata cantik, so berehh... Next year nak carik baju cam baju raihan kat atas tu :)

Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley

I met a traveller from an antique land
Who said: "Two vast and trunkless legs of stone
Stand in the desert. Near them on the sand,
Half sunk, a shattered visage lies, whose frown
And wrinkled lip and sneer of cold command
Tell that its sculptor well those passions read
Which yet survive, stamped on these lifeless things,
The hand that mocked them and the heart that fed.
And on the pedestal these words appear:
`My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings:
Look on my works, ye mighty, and despair!'
Nothing beside remains. Round the decay
Of that colossal wreck, boundless and bare,
The lone and level sands stretch far away". 

__________________________________________

This is a powerful poem-it describes a story told by a traveller who

finds the remains of a vast statue of a very powerful but arrogant

king named Ozymandias who claimed that people should 'look at him

and despair'. The irony is the written pedestal claims such greatness,

nonetheless, all of that greatness have been destroyed and levelled by the

sand.

In conclusion, no one is most mighty. Even great people will die.

Do not put greatness into yourself or perceive you are higher than

others. In the end, we're dust and sand.

Hunger Games: Loneliest, Saddest and Most Damaged

Is what is written above true. Maybe. But it's oh so cool. My favourite trio.

I'm soo looking forward for Catching Fire-don't let me down !

(Photshopped) Catching Fire Pictures

The following images are as mentioned above but doesn't make it less awesome!

The Wedding Dress?

Men of Catching Fire. ~swoon~

soo gorgeous!

Catching Fire pictures

I have no words. The latest teaser is clever. Very clever. Withholding the tournament, it hints on the Tour of Duty done by Katniss and Peeta and we see the glimpse of the revolution. However, not spoiling, I'll just upload two images I like so much from it.

My guess this is when they stop at District 11

Haymitch potecting Katniss during The Whipping

I. am. stoked. Ok, there are also a bunch of 'portraits' released way before the trailer, aptly called 'The Capitol Portraits'. I'll post what I like tehehe

Notice the ray shade on his coat, symbolising his 'grayness-y'?

simpleton outfit

in white, part of the propaganda

looking awesomely regal, the only standing portrait cuz Katniss is NOT LIKE any other

I've been listening non-stop

              Ever since I watched the movie 'Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons' I just can't stop replaying the song at the end of the movie when [SPOILER] Sanzang sets out to the west with his three disciples(And that gorgeous montage of Shu Qi in the midst of the sun) It's an old song too but it sounds so good. No matter what people say about Stephen Chow (google him) I have enjoyed all his movies and found them very much to my taste and I honestly think his sense of music, as in ost, is excellent! Like that song in Kung Fu Hustle, Zhi Yao Wei Ni Huo Yi Tian, so lovely and sentimental.

               Back to JTW: CTD, the song that I liked, particularly, is actually titled 'G Men '75 /Super Orchestra' Yes, it's a theme song for a famous tv drama in Japan back in the 1975. I think the music sounded familiar, maybe I've watched this when I was young (like Akantare wut) Anyway, if you're interested, the vidsong for it is down below

Scenes I want from 'Catching Fire'

I think everybody knows how much I adore 'The Hunger Games' trilogy, especially

the middle book, 'Catching Fire'. I just can't shut up about it. This is just like when

I was spazzing about 'The Dark Materials' series a few years back. Good times,

good times.

And my flames were reignited when I read about the 10 scenes picked by readers

that they want it to be filmed here, I had to make a post of it too. Hence, I present

you my top 10 scenes I would like to see.

10. The Tour

District 11, please. I wanna see the dynamic of Katniss and Peeta and their

compassion and how Katniss tries to covince the people that the end of

their hunger games was all love story, nothing about rebellion. I mean

pretending to be sweethearts but the guy doesn't know the reason for it?
Pure drama material. Shut up and take my money!

9. When Katniss discovers she's going back into the Game

I wanna hear these words from Haymitch

"You could live a thousand lifetimes and still not deserve him"

My crack. Really.

8. Arena Force Field

I wanna see Katniss freaks out. And Peeta's deadpan joke.

7. The Whipping

Because of the heartbreak Peeta would feel seeing the girl he

likes sacrifices herself for another guy. AH THE FEELS

6. Every scene that has Snow and Katniss

Cuz I love me some good ol' fight. Snow threatening Katniss and she in turn
becomes defiant? PURE AWESOMENESS

5. The Wedding Dress

I wanna see it turns into a mockingjay. BURN BABY BURN

6. Haymitch's Quarter Quell

Because I adore Haymitch and it should be pretty awesome

and explain much about his current condition. Oh and Maysilee!

5. Katniss spending time with Peeta

They burn the scene over 9000. Oh and this quote by Peeta,
"I wish I could freeze this moment, right here, right now, and live in it forever."

4. Peeta gives Katniss the pearl

Cuz cuz Peeta says "I don't want you forgetting how different our circumstances are. 

If you die, and I live, there's no life for me at all back in District Twelve. You're 

my whole life." Peeta says. "I would never be happy again. It's different for you. 

I'm not saying it wouldn't be hard. But there are other people who'd make your life 

worth living."

and Katnis realizes,
 "I realise only one person will be damaged beyond repair if Peeta dies. Me."

3. Finnick Odair

Cuz he's delish. And fantastic too a character. Swoon. Oh, did I mention
a trident. Badass.

2. Johanna Mason

So cool. And terribly strong. Yay! Oh did I mention an axe?
Triple badass.

1. Katniss screams and attacks Haymitch after realising he used her

    and Peeta and left Peeta to Capitol

OMG I can just imagine how Jennifer Lawrence would do this.

It would be fantastic!! Can't Wait!! All the angst and hurt and emo
and mental and grief plus Haymitch's regret.

Can u guess who they are? I think from left, Wiress, Beetee, Enobaria, Johanna Mason, Finnick, Peeta, Katniss, Gale, Plutarch Heavensbee, Haymitch, Chaff and Prim, with Buttercup.

The Diary of Lizzie Bennet

Just when I thought I'd had my fill of Pride and Prejudice and I might have passed the

age of swooning over Darcy and Lizzie, then comes The Lizzie Bennet Diary.

It's basically Pride & Prejudice, but this time in the incarnation of a video log,

or vlog, some kind of video diary.

And it is good, cuz they've transported the world of P&P into modern day America

without losing the favour and fervour of that past period. In LBD, Lizzie is in her

final year of Mass Com and the vlog is kinda her thesis.

Also it is quite awesome because we get to see more of Lizzie's interaction and

dynamics with her sisters, and we even get a major fight! I totally relate to this

because I have sisters, just like Lizzie and we blow up like that too..

Like Lizzie, I have two sweet sisters who are demure and never talks bad about

other people, unless provoked, very much like Jane. And I have that sister

that is not unlike Lydia (whaaat) who does whatever she likes and gets away

with it and she never thinks when she says anything. Serious. But she's not a

slut like Lydia though heh.

That leaves me to be Lizzie (I would like that, wouldn't I *wink wink*) But I 

can't judge myself. I do think the similarities between me and Lizzie is that I 

am rational and I think a lot when doing something. There. But I'm not 

precocious as she is so people tend to see me as a stuck-up.

And getting back to LBD, The Men. Gosh they are huge gorgeous specimen

(am I shallow? tsk tsk) I was pleasantly surprised with Bing Lee, a med

student in this incarnation, and Wickham is a swimming coach (gasp)

Even the annoying Mr Collins and the friendly Fitz are cute.

But Darcy, lordy. The hair and dress, not so much, but he grows on you.

When he first appears, eps 61, he is akward and very much, out of place,

but by the time we see him again, he's such a gem, I'd like to wrap him

and bring him home! (btw that applies to every Mr Darcy, like, ever)

Let me end this post with pics of the OTP. I love em both!! They sizzle

like mad on screen!!

Love him in that suit. Looking dapper and Lizzie looking classy in that dress!!

And in this one, Lizzie's so so pretty. Her dress has like this ribbon-like tied and the
colour is gorgeous too !

So go ahead. Watch it :)

Happy 200th Birthday, Pride and Prejudice!!

Yes, it's not too late to say HB to my perhaps most favourite novel and for 

a lot of people too... on 28th Jan 2013, it has been 200 years since P&P has

 graced the readers and for the past 14 years, for me (I started reading when 

I was 19)

So, How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

You came to me when I was 19 and was in the cusp of really learning English,

and while Dickens and Stevenson and even Doyle had been my favourite authors,

you came like a breeze of fresh air in a hot, stagnant day. Colin Firth's Darcy is

indeed a thing to behold but Ehle's Lizzie is perfect too... *swoons*

It was a jarring performance as it was too Americanized, but still the spirit is there.
Sir Laurence Olivier still made me swoon as Mr Darcy *heart*

The 2005 film was amazingly beautiful too. My favourite parts were when
 Lizzie twirls around in her swing, symbolically interpreting how her present
life is dizzying with Mr Darcy in it, and that proposal under the rain, oh my,
Mr Darcy all wet and looking at Lizzy so intense I wavered. Really... <3 p="">

Then Bridget Jones' Diary and nobody could say Bridget is not Lizzy, she is,
just a bit less self esteem, but all wonderful, witty, classy, kind and real.
And Firth's Darcy is heavenly awkward and snobbish *kiss kiss* And I will
never forget 'I like you, just the way you are' part. Gets me every time...

As smitten as I am with Darcy, I don't find 'Lost in Austen' compelling because the idea

of putting a Mary Sue in Lizzy's place doesn't work for me, especially when both of

them (Lizzie and Darcy, I mean) were put on the screen together, they're electrifying!!

Gemma Aeterton is a spunky Lizzy, rightfully so, and even when she is accidently

placed in the 21st century, she's a survivor, and I really want to see her in Pemberly

but alas, that is not LIA is for...

And my most favourite quote from the book is this,

‘He is a gentleman and I am a gentleman’s daughter: so far, we are equal.’

when  Lizzy was asked about her 'inferior' station to Darcy by his auntie. Gawd,
Lizzie makes me so proud, even today.

Thank you Jane Austen.

Catcher in the Rye

How is it a work from 60 years ago still relevant today?

Catcher in the Rye was a pleasure, there's no plot progression as clear as what
u get in plot graph but the story is good. All of us are Holden Caulfield at one time (or maybe is)

The last part in chapter 24, when Holden says this,

My hunting hat really gave me quite a lot of protection, in a way, but I got soaked anyway. I didn't care though. I felt so damn happy all of a sudden, the way old Phoebe kept going around and around. I was damn near bawling, I felt so damn happy, if you want to know the truth. I don't know why. It was just that she looked so damn nice, the way she kept going around and around, in her blue coat and all. God, I wish you could've been there.

I cried. I was so happy for Holden. The way he finally gets listened to by Phoebe, and inadvertently saved by her, even though he was the one who wanted to be 'the catcher in the rye', but it was he who was saved by his younger sister.

Mr JD Salinger, lots of admiration from me from far away...

Everybody is except Holden