In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

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The last one week had been a little weird for me. I think 'decadence' would be the word. Eating and drinking, eating and drinking. Food - very fine food, wine, cigarettes, cigars, furs, available women, fast cars, jazz, beer, cocktails, coattails, polished shoes, epic discussions, flattery... etc.

It cost me nothing, financially. What I did get in return were a few hangovers. And a reminder of days gone by - times at Zouk, especially. All without the pounding techno, which used to be the best part about clubbing. What I did for the last one week wasn't clubbing though.

Anyway, I'm finally on my semester break now - 1 week (only). I wanted to go up to Sydney, but I didn't have time to plan that much. I've been revising on my three dimensional geometry from high school in order to reinvent a lens adapter for MiniDV camcorders. It's quite a complicated job because I already forgot most of my maths.

Note: My archives are working again... to visit the archives section, click on the words 'retrospect' on the right side of the screen below...

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.


Marcello Mastroianni.

I think if I was ever to cast an actor as a lead for a European period film of the 40s and 50s, I would choose Marcello Mastroianni. The only thing is that he's passed away already, so too bad.

I bought a book called Federico Fellini: The Complete Films. It's not bad. I like Fellini's stuff. I mean, travelling from the world of neorealism to surrealism... haha. His films are like his life: forever heading in the direction of escapism (some people disagree on this... don't worry, just my opinion).

I've only ever seen one of his films - Otto e Mezzo (8 1/2 - 1963). It was enough to blow my mind away. There Mastroianni actually acts as a director in creative paralysis. In real life, Fellini himself didn't know what the hell the film was going to be about, until the shooting started... incredible, huh? In the end he actually decided to document his creative paralysis in Otto e Mezzo. He thought it was a poor effort of imagination but the production as already underway and couldn't halt the process. Of course, he was pleasantly surprised he won and Oscar for it.

Mastroianni, up till the production of Otto e Mezzo, had been touted as Fellini's onscreen alter ego. When everyone saw this film, it was a confirmation.

Mastroianni is Fellini onscreen, down to the signature black suit and ominous hat.

Why am I talking about dead celebrities? Envy for the glory of those long passed? I wish one day I could great like Fellini, for someone to call me Il Maestro, all around the world.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.


I love cats.

Went to the Earthdance party at Federation Square yesterday... it was awesome. It was the first time I've dance since Sonic Edge. Earthdance, by the way, is a hippie party. I got a few hippie friends there who asked me along.

Anyway, I also had fun with my new Super 8 camera. I caught some hip-level slow motion shots of people dancing. I can't wait to get the film developed! Hehehe.

Here's what the camera looks like:


Canon Auto Zoom 518 SV Super 8.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

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What's so good about this rig:
- 35mm film depth of field and angle of view is preserved
- can use 35mm film lenses: Arri PL-mount, Nikon F-mount, Canon FD-mount... depending on what you choose
- because of this converter for 35mm lenses, DV is about to look like the image of real 35mm film
- lightweight parallel bars for lens add ons like follow focus unit, zoom unit, mattebox and 4"x4" filters...
- SteadyCam-compatible
- looks so professional! haha.

How's life, everyone?

On Saturday night, while, walking on the streets still brooding about the fine I got on Friday, some Australian girl handed me a flyer. On the flyer was a message written to the effect that God loves me. I know this already, of course. But quite suddenly, I felt relieved. Felt it's time to stop brooding. Get on with it.

So I popped into Stalactites and bought a lamb souvlaki (I don't like kebabs. Souvlaki's are better! Greeks rule!). Arigato gozaimasu, kami-sama.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.


I thought only Malays played chup-teh.

Marc, if you're out there reading this, go to:

http://www.pstechnik.de/datasheets/d_mini35.htm

You'll find something very interesting for your Canon XL1S. By the way I missed enrolment to VCA Film & TV programme for 2004... so I guess I'll join you in 2005? I heard only 1 in 15 applicants get in. Hope you get in. I've been around the place. Looks pretty impressive!

Anyway, I just got fined AUD 100 today. Feel so embarassed. I was fined for not buying a tram ticket. Oh well. I think God is trying to teach me a lesson. Those tram operators have to earn a living too. Also, I think I'll need to learn to be a little more honest about these things. Honest to myself and honest to others.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

I would like to request prayers for my friend David who has been severely injured in a bike accident on Friday night. Apparently, he is in stable condition now but there is a chance of complications in his chest and stomach area.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.


Okonomiyaki.

I miss okonomiyaki. There are restaurants here that serve okonomiyaki of course, but they are no good. People here don't know how to make true okonomiyaki from Osaka.

I'm hungry. Haven't eaten lunch yet... But all I want now is okonomiyaki. Well, I might head to a Japanese restaurant later, but to eat other stuff. If only I can visit Japan again, get some local guide to show me the very best restaurants in the old towns... whoa.

I saw a TV show late last night: Joyce Meyer Ministries... I never heard of her before, but the way she preaches... it was full of common sense. No extremes, nothing. Just plain common sense backed up by just-as-sensible verses from the bible. I'm inspired by the Word. Because of this, I feel more encouraged to push forward in my life.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.


Don't pose for a photo with your mouth full...

That's Lili for you. Haha.

Last night had a long session of screen reading and a production meeting with a group of Aussies who have begun planning a TV drama series. It's very exciting. I will be contributing by writing one episode and will be the main editor during post. Sorry, can't tell you what the series is about. It's confidential.

I am still having quite a lot of dreams recently. Something in me has gone berserk. I won't write every dream down. Last night's one was nice. I spend a whole night with a girl in my arms. That's all it was. If you want to read about yet another dream, flip over to the b-sides.

I just keep having romantic (or something related) dreams. Maybe it's time to find love again? Haha.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam