Thursday, February 22, 2007

Info on the Ghost Rider characters

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DASMOND KOH, DAREN TAN (PSS 2 champion) and CHERYL CHIN

Here I decide to list out the various powers and abilities of the main characters in the latest Marvel film, "Ghost Rider".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_Rider_%28film%29

JOHNNY BLAZE- GHOST RIDER
Johnny Blaze made a deal with the semi-demon Mephisto by selling his own soul in order to save his own father Barton Blaze from cancer (who unfortunately got killed in a motorcylce stunt soon after) and was consequently transformed into a Ghost Rider, a leather-clothed skeleton, his head cloaked in a sheath of flame.
The common theme of the Ghost Rider is a human host who transforms into a flaming headed motorcyclist with supernatural powers. When riding their bikes, the vehicles can travel faster than conventional motorcycles and can maneuver impossible feats such as riding straight up a vertical surface or across water. The bike was shown to be capable of riding on nothing but air. Initially when transformed, Blaze's motorcycle would simply catch fire. Later, he could create a cycle made of pure flame (hellfire).

Demonic Transformation: Originally, Johnny Blaze would automatically transform at night or in the presence of evil. Recently, however, he has gained control over his transformations and can transform through an act of will or when innocent blood is spilled.

Superhuman Strength: As the Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze is superhumanly strong and capable of lifting about 5 to 10 tons

Mystical Durability: Ghost Rider possesses mystical durability, resilience, and toughness, capable of withstanding bullets without strain whatsoever.

Hellfire Manipulation: Ghost Rider possesses the ability to generate, control, and project mystical fire, or "hellfire" at will. Hellfire is an emphyreal and supernatural flame that burns the soul of a person and not their physical body. He can utilize this fire in various ways, including projecting it from his eyes, hands, mouth, or even channel it from his body into his weapons like his shotgun, form walls of hellfire, and even create a motorcycle completely out of hellfire.

Mystical Chain Projection: Ghost Rider wields a mystical chain that is capable of growing in length, cutting through almost anything, and transforming into other weapons. He can also spew and project chains from his mouth or chest at will.

Penance Stare: Ghost Rider possesses the supernatural ability to cause any individual who stares into his eyes to see and feel every bit of pain they have ever inflicted on anyone in their entire lifetime.
Known Abilities: Blaze is an accomplished stunt rider. He possesses knowledge of fighting and the occult.


MEPHISTOPHELES
An entity of pure evil, Mephisto is commonly mistaken for the biblical version of Satan, but is just one of many demons to make this claim. Mephisto's true origin has yet to be revealed, despite at least two explanations as to his beginnings by Mephisto himself. Given that deceit and obfuscation are Mephisto's stock in trade, it is doubtful that anything presented to date is true. Despite the fact that Mephisto is not Satan, his appearance and behavior match the idea of the Devil. One particular trait - collecting the souls of the dead - has brought him into repeated conflict with the heroes of the Marvel Universe.
Mephisto possesses vast, incalculable supernatural powers. As Mephisto exists metaphysically, he is essentially invulnerable to conventional harm. Mephisto can use his magic to accomplish virtually anything. Mephisto and his realm are also symbiotically linked. If Mephisto were to be destroyed (as he was once by Franklin Richards) he will begin to regenerate and reform there. Mephisto's power is at least equal to that of Galactus, while he is in his own realm. He fought the world-eater to a standstill that almost destroyed the universe. The cosmos was saved only by Galactus being able to make Mephisto think he had won.

Magical Manipulation: He can use this magical energy for various effects, among which are the augmentation of many aspects:
His own physical strength

Levitation
Teleportation
The projection of mystical energy as force blasts
Invisibility
Matter manipulation
Image projection
Size transformation of his body or other objects or beings
The creation of temporary interdimensional apertures

Ensnare Astral Bodies: Mephisto also possesses certain powers enabling him to capture and detain the astral bodies (sheaths of the soul) of recently deceased human beings.

Dimensional Entrapment: Apparently Mephisto can entrap a living human being within his realm through sheer physical force, even if the person did not submit his or her will to him.

Immortality: As a demon, Mephisto is functionally immortal and beyond such human needs as food, air, and sleep.
Supernatural Durability: His body appears to be composed of some supernatural substance that is more durable and resilient than human flesh and tissue.
Netherworld Dimensional Power Tap: Among the demons of various extradimensional netherworlds adjacent to Earth, Mephisto has few rivals in terms of personal power and scope of influence. Mephisto's power seems to be connected to his extradimensional domain and diminishes over time spent away from it. Therefore, he usually sends demonic agents to do his bidding.

Limitations: There seems to be no single feat beyond Mephisto's capabilities, with two exceptions: the subjugation of any sentient being's will to his own without that being's deliberate submission, and the "reading" of a sentient being's thoughts.

Strength Level: Unknown. Mephisto does not engage in hand-to-hand combat. He can magically augment his physical strength to unknown levels.

BLACKHEART
Blackheart is a powerful demon of the highest order and possesses vast supernatural powers. He is essentially invincible to anything but the most powerful magic. When Blackheart's power is at it's full potential he is stronger than even that of Mephisto (which is why he diminished it in the first place). Unlike Mephisto, Blackheart's power is a combination of Magic and Cosmic. His power is equal to that of the Sentry when at maximum efficiency. When at maximum power he possesses virtually infinite psionic power which he can draw endlessly from hyperspace, from which (in the Marvel Universe) the primordial energies creating the fundamental forces of the universe, strong force, electromagnetism, the weak force and gravity flow into our plane of reality. When he is at "full" power (Blackheart's power is always rising due to the magical and cosmic nature of his power) his known powers and abilities are:

Vast energy manipulation
Dark Energy: A blast of pure dark energy that can be transfered from a concussion blast, to a dark fire, to dark lighting.
Ice Energy: He can blast a beam (or several) of super cold energy and freeze anything in it's way.
Elemental manipulation: He can manipulate the four elements of Earth (fire, water, earth, air) to unknown levels. He has been known to turn water into ice and rock into magma.
Light Manipulation: He can manipulate light to unknown levels. He has made "Prysm blasts" from the light energy of the sun.
Magical Energy Manipulation: He can manipulate magical energys to do nearly anything he wants.
Psychic energy: he can use his psychic power to create energy blasts and shields.
Shadow Manipulation: He can manipulate the shadows around him by magically controlling them.

Invulnerability: essensially nigh-invulnerable to anything but the most powerful magic and cosmic power (Phoenix Force, etc)

Telekinesis (He can mentally manipulate and control any form of matter down to the subatomic level. He can rearrange the molocules of objects in order to change their form. On one ocassion he ripped apart an entire planet through a sheer force of will. His telekinetic powers seem to be unlimited in power)

Telepathy... he has several other abilities that include:
Telepathic Illusion: ability to create realistic telepathic illusions and cause people to experience events which are not actually occurring
Telepathic Cloak: Can mask his presence from being detected by others. His abilities can at times go undetected or be counteracted by other more powerful telepaths depending on their level of skill in using their own psi abilities. He can extend these defenses to others around him as well.
Mind Blast: ability to place large amounts of information in another's mind.
Mind Control: ability to control the minds of others upon mere concentration. This power can allow him to completely shut down several peoples' minds, making it appear as if time has stopped.
Mind Possession: ability to possess the mind of another, and use that being's body as his own.
Mind Alteration: ability to alter the minds of others by force of will.
Mental Amnesia: ability to cause loss of particular memories, and amnesia in another person or even in a group of people
Psionic Shield: ability to erect a psychic shield for protection of himself and of others minds
Psionic Blasts: can project psionic force bolts which have no physical effects but which can affect a victim's mind so as to cause the victim pain or unconsciousness and can even kill an adversary.

Super Speed: can think, move, and react at a rate near the speed of light

Levitation (magical flight): can use his magic to fly and combine his superspeed with his flight essenssially allowing him to fly at speeds that are near the speed of light

Super Strength: can lift an excess of 100 tons

Super Enhanced Senses: has a amazing superhuman sense of sight, hearing, touch, and smell. He has no mouth, so he has no reason for a sense of taste.

Regeneration: can reform himself after total partical vaporization.
Energy Suppression: can supress other being's powers and energy making it unusable to them, seemingly unlimited

Reality Manipulation (comprable to Franklin Richards when his power isn't suppressed)

Control over the Darkforce Dimention (seemingly unlimited)

Commands legions of demons and monsters

Intangibility: He can make himself intangible at will, thus giving him phasing)

Teleportation: can teleport himself and others through space and time itself; abilities are more advanced than other teleporters like Nightcrawler

Astral Projection: can create intangible copies of himself

Invisibility: can make himself and others around him invisible by mentally bending the wavelengths of light around himself without creating any distortion effects. He can also use magic to do this in order to avoid any confrontation with those who can see through his normal invisibility, again such as the Invisible Woman.

Physical Copies: can use his magic to make solid the intangible copies of himself, but they have no free will of their own and are at the total control of him

Shapeshifting: can take any form he chooses. This power also includes extending body parts or growing larger or smaller at will and changing the phyiscal form of any part of him

Hyper Psionic energy (draws nearly infinite psionic energy from hyperspace and can control the four fundimental forces of the universe)

High levels of Matter Manipulation (seemingly unlimited and he can manipulate matter to the subatomic level)

Interdimensional Transportation (Can transport himself and others to any plane of existence he wishes, and can enter and leave any number of dimensions he wishes.)

Intelligence and Immortality: Highly intelligent, cunning, can survive in the vacuum of space and can survive without food, water, air, or sleep.

Unusual Features: His "hair" is really millions of head tentacles. He has a long prehensile tail and possesses no mouth or nose. He smells unpleasantly of burning ink and roses and has no discernible heartbeat.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Chinese New Year celebrations part 2

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO KELSEY GRAMMER (Beast), ELLEN PAGE (Shaodwcat), LIM WEE HONG AND WENDY HO
The start of the Pisces star

Monday, 19th February- Uncle Freddy went to visit us for a short while. After that, me and family went to Hoon-jie's house for lunch (spagetthi!!). Most of the time was spent rummaging thru Zhewen's Power Ranger toys (most of which were once owned by me) and later watching some TV. I left the place at ard 4 pm to report to work. Business was slightly busier than before. Had I known then, I would haf gone to Chinatown on Sunday night instead of heading back home. But I still had my inner demons to confront.
Tuesday, 20th February- Woke up late as usual. Was too tired to even use computer. Before leaving the house, I bade Dad farewell (he was flying back to Thailand) and headed for lunch at Mc's. After which, I took the MRT to Isetan Shaw House and bought a Ghost Rider toy as well as some pasta packs before reporting to work. As I had noticed for the past few days, overwork is like a poison, and I slowly find out that I am at the brink of insanity and despair. The longer I suffer, the more this black void takes over my mind and eats away my soul. I can't even concentrate fully in my studies without worrying abt work. If Im not careful, I might just end up like Britney Spears (who shaved her own head recently) or the recently deceased former ECW wrestler Mike Awesome (who hanged himself just last Sat). I certainly dont wish to suffer from a mental breakdown. I would rather focus on my studies than work like a horse.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Chinese New Year Celebrations part 1

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOHN TRAVOLTA (Thomas Saint), KELVIN LIM ZX AND TENGKU ADIL

Saturday, 17th Feb- Lunar New Year Eve
I was working in the morning... super busy lor. After that, knocked off at 1630 hrs and went to visit relatives (Dad had returned on Thursday for the CNY celebration). I was feeling rather shagged and worn out from work, but still found come 'strength' to chat wif A-sor and Zhewen for a while. Most of them agreed wif me that Felicia is much prettier and sweeter than Rui En. Family and I returned home at around 2320 hrs, where I watched the second half of the CNY Countdown. Oh, and I did get hong baos as well "-)

Sunday, 18th Feb- 1st day of the 1st lunar month
Haha this one rocks!! Firstly me and family went for Sunday service from 0900 to 1030 hrs... was dozing half of the time due to the rather dull sermon on the prodigal son (having to take care of pigs). After which we went to haf lunch at Mos Burger AMK oulet... then went to visit A-King for abt an hour. After which me and bro took Bus 167 to Scotts Road, while Ma and Pa went back home... then I headed to Mos Burger; super bo-lang today (i.e. very few customers) due to de fact that the WHOLE of Isetan Shaw House is CLOSED, as well as Pepper Lunch. What surprised me tho is that I went for a very early break at 1530 hrs, and then Jeff told me that I can go back at 1730 hrs??? And I had worked for merely 2 hours!!! :-O
Anyway, I still took pic wif my colleagues during this period of lobo-ness (all the aunties had gone for CNY visitation, so they need not work at all)... including a cute young lady from the Ngee Ann City outlet who goes by the name of Melody Bautista (yes, the name of the World Heavyweight Champion!!). My sole regret was not being able to tka e pic wif that giggling bimbo Beverly cos she was kinda shy. After which, I went to haf dinner at Orchard Cineleisure, and watch GHOST RIDER!!! Lots of cool FX, Nicholas Cage delivers well as the brooding anti-hero Johnny Blaze, and Eva Mendes looked real HAWT in those low-cut tops and those dangerous curves. Plot kinda messy, but still worth the ticket price nonetheless. Stay tuned for more info on the film in a later post :-)

Bryan and Ikmal

Ikmal, Eneida and me

Ikmal and Jeff

Bryan and Jeff

Eneida and Jeff

Iskandar and me

Melody and me (acting cute!)

Friday, February 16, 2007

Peranakan Food Trail and Dance Floor results

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YONGXI, PO CHENG AND AIN

There weren't any lessons on Thursday... half the class went for a Peranakan Food Trial from 12 to 2 pm, along with a class from the BD (building Drafting) department. These are the people in the DMD class who went for the excursion (other than meself):



  • Xiaowei


  • James


  • Cheryl


  • Amber


  • Zack


  • Jade


  • Kimberly


  • Ain


  • Izzati


  • Ayu


  • Rashidah


  • Darham


  • Danial


Firstly, we all went to haf lunch at some Peranakan restaurant for abt 50 min... then we went to a Peranakan store to look thru some clothes and artefacts. Rather boring excursion. We all dropped off at bedok MRT station, and went separate. Myself followed Ayu, Ain, Kim, Izzati and Rashidah to AMK Central via Bus 25. There we met up wif Zaki and Ami (jambu!!). After going around many handphone shops, we decided to play snooker at the Snookerium-cum-video arcade located opposite the bus interchange. After which we met up wif Darham at the MRT station, then took Bus 74 to Mediacorp. There we waited til we could get into the good ol' theatre to watch... THE DANCE FLOOR!!! :-)

So happy to know that the judges had picked Styles From Beyond to advance to the Performance Rounds. Me and my classmates were jumping for joy after the announcement... Haphiz was really grateful, and SFB celebrated their advance wif a performance! My other prediction turned out to be correct when Batucadas (the salsa team wif the 2 very hot babes and 2 boyish looking guys) advanced as well (this time by pulic vote). SML (a trio of guys of different sizes) and GAIA (a duo of belly dancing aunties) were the two teams close to advancing. After the show, we headed for the reception area and took picture wif Jade Seah!! Dunno why but I was blushing non-stop everytime she walked past me in the theatre during the results show recording... :-p


After which, we went back home at around 9 pm... and I couldnt sleep well after taking pic wif Jade for a second time!!

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Bleah talk on work and future plans

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ELIS AND CAROL

Seriously I feel like vomitting blood already... haf to work almost every day and risk getting a decline in academic progress. But as far as I know, there's no way Im ever gonna end up like that bigtime loser Mr H who just got FIRED from the school due to his terrible attendance... the next major targets to leave haf gotta be Miss N and Miss I. And believe me when I say that Im dead serious abt resigning from my workplace come mid April.
I can't wait for tomorrow to come, for I would be going back to Mediacorp to cheer on my friend who's among the Top 32 groups of "The Dance Floor". I really hope his group advances to the next round; after all, they happen to be Taufik's back-up dancers. Also, I certainly won't mind taking pic wif Jade Seah again :-)
This song i dedicate to my secret crush and my dear friends :-)

CLOSE YOUR EYES

If you wanna know

Tomorrow morning I have to leave
But wherever I may be
Best believe I'm thinking of you
I can't believe how much I love you
All we have is here tonight
We don't want to waste this time
Give me something to remember
Baby put your lips on mine

And I'll love you forever
Anytime that we find ourselves apart

Chorus
Just close your eyes and you'll be here with me
Just look to your heart and that's where I'll be
If you just close your eyes till you're drifting away
You'll never be too far from me
If you close your eyes
Oh, close your eyes

I know I'm gonna see you again
But promise me that you won't forget
Cause as long as you remember
A part of us will be together
So even when you're fast asleep
Look for me inside your dreams
Keep believing in what we're sharing
And even when I'm not there to tell you

I'll, I'll love, love you forever
Any time that I can't be where you are

Just close your eyes and you'll be here with me
Just look to your heart and that's where I'll be
If you just close your eyes till you're drifting away
You'll never be too far from me
If you close your eyes...

Is there anywhere that far?
Anytime you're feeling low
Is there anywhere that love cannot reach? Oh no
It could be anywhere on earth
It could be anywhere I'll be
Oh baby if you want to see
You just close your eyes... oh

Just close your eyes and you'll be here with me
Look to your heart and that's where I'll be (close your eyes)
Just close your eyes till you're drifting away
You'll never be too far from me
If you close your eyes (just close your eyes)
And you'll be here with me (to be here with me)
Just look to your heart (look to your heart)
And that's where I'll be (that's where I'll be)
If you just close your eyes (close your eyes)
Till you're drifting away
You'll never be too far from me
If you close your eyes... oh yeah
Just close your eyes... if you wanna know

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Roadshow at Bishan that went all too brief

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GERALDINE TAY, JUSTIN LACEY, LEVIN NG AND JESSECA LIU

Obviously Im not gonna go too much into detail on Anna Nicole Smith's recent passing (even while most of us are still struggling to come to terms wif the losses of U-Nee and Hsu Wei Lun just last mth)... tho of course I feel kinda sad and shocked at the same time that the Playboy model would leave this world just months after her own son's passing... not that I would care too much abt a buxom whore, whose life as of late had been plagued by tons of controversy from her marriage to that old fogey named sumthin' Marshall III (who cares what his name is!!) to her disputes wif new husband and ex-lover, and to her drug-cum-alcohol addictions.

ANYWAY, life still must go on admist the recent losses, and wif that Im going to focus on my experiences on this short yet worthwhile roadshow that I went to just last Sunday...
When I got to de place, it consisted of less than 20 people. De crowds started packing only at around 1445 hrs, but still the frenzy for this event was nowhere as big as the time when the Singapore Idol Top 12 finalists (Jonathan!! Hady!! Jasmine!! Paul!! Joakim! Nurul! Mathilda! Rahimah! Jay! Emilee!! Gayle!! Norman!) showed up for the magazine autograph signing session at the very same place on the 9th of July last year.

The event was hosted by Brandon Wong (sporting a platinum blond hairdye), and the artistes involved in the CNY album autorgaph session came in 3 groups:

1) News presenters- Ng Siew Leng, Tung Soo Hua, Hsu Yun Ling



2) Cast of "Let It Shine"- Felicia Chin, Adam Chen, Ng Chee Yang, Teresa Tseng, Renfred Ng

3) Male comperes- Guo Liang, Bryan Wong, Dasmond Koh, Jeff Wang (Ben Yeo was noticably absent)


The autograph session lasted for abt 15 minutes or so... then the artistes all rushed off. From what I heard, they did not return to Mediacorp straight after leaving Bishan J8. At least Im glad to haf attended the roadshow in spite of the need to work in the evening... and yes, Felicia did notice me of course :-)


I suggest u buy the Mediacorp Chinese New Year Compilation 2007 Album... it's certainly worth the money, and u certainly won't haf any regrets. A must-buy for all Mediacorp fans in general :-)
P.S. I know my new hairdo looks kinda crap, but not worry, my spikes will grow back in no time :-p

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Happily Ever After guide 3: Info on Jade Emperor, Queen Mother and Erlang Shen

Info on the Jade Emperor:
It was said that the Jade Emperor was originally the crown prince of the kingdom of Pure Felicity and Majestic Heavenly Lights and Ornaments. At birth he emitted a wondrous light that filled the entire kingdom. When he was young, he was kind, intelligent and wise. The crown prince devoted his entire childhood to helping the needy (the poor and suffering, the deserted and single, the hungry and disabled). Furthermore, he showed respect and benevolence to both men and creatures. After his father died, the crown prince ascended the throne. He made sure that everyone in his kingdom found peace and contentment. After that, he told his ministers that he wished to cultivate Dao on the Bright and Fragrant Cliff. After 1,750 trials, each trial lasting for 120,976 years, he attained Golden Immortality. After another a hundred million years of cultivation, he finally became the Jade Emperor. (Using the given figures, this period before his becoming the Jade Emperor lasted for a total of about 211,708,000 years.)

Info on the Queen Mother:
Xi Wangmu (西王母), in Chinese mythology, literally "Queen Mother of the West" is the ruler of the western paradise and goddess of immortality. She is charged with overseeing the wall of heaven.
Originally, from the earliest known depictions of her in the "Guideways of Mountains and Seas" during the
Zhou Dynasty, she was a ferocious goddess with the teeth of a tiger, who sent plagues down upon the world. After she was adopted into the Taoist pantheon, she was transformed into a benign deity. In popular Chinese mythology, Xi Wangmu lived in a palace made entirely of peaches, so she has often been considered the patron deity of peach pit carvers. It was said the fragrance of the peaches of her palace could be smelled miles away, and the fragrance could put even the unhappiest person to sleep. She also possesses a peach tree which, every 3,000 years, produces a peach that grants immortality. Her role with respect to immortality and everlasting happiness probably arose from her origin as the goddess of fertility.

Info on Er-lang Shen and Celestial Hound:
Er-lang Shen (二郎神), named Yang Jian (杨戬), is a Chinese God with a third true-seeing eye in the middle of his forehead. A warring deity, he wields a Sān Jiān Ling Rèn Dāo (三尖两刃刀 - "Three-Point Double-Blade Knife") and always has his faithful Xiàotiān quǎn (啸天犬 - "Howling Celestial Dog") by his side. This dog helps him subdue evil spirits.
Er-lang Shen may be a deified version of several semi-mythical folk heroes who help regulate China's torrential floods, dating variously from the Qin, Sui and Jin dynasties. A later Buddhist source identify him as the second son of the Northern Heavenly King Vaishravana.
In the
Ming semi-mythical novels Creation of the Gods and Journey to the West Er-lang Shen is the nephew of the Jade Emperor. In the former, he assisted the Zhou army in defeating the Shang. In the latter, he is the offspring of a mortal and the Jade Emperor's sister.
Throughout the course of Erlang's duel between Sun Wukong in Journey To The West, he had been the stronger adversary. After many transformations that were performed in their duel (Wukong fleeing as a fish; Erlang and Wukong becoming larger birds, and so forth). Near the conclusion of the battle, he managed to see through Wukong's disguise (as a temple) using his third-eye. He was defeated at first, but eventually defeated Wukong through teamwork with several other gods; Lao Tzu personally had dropped his refined golden ring that had hit Wukong on the head, giving Erlang a chance to bring him down, and the Celestial Dog bit him in the leg. After Wukong had been captured, he and his heavenly soldiers would burn random areas of the Flower Fruit Mountain. Erlang would once again be seen far later into the novel, in which he would assist Wukong through chance by fighting against a certain ancient Dragon King and his allies.