Archive for » December, 2009 «

29
Dec
Top 10 Box Office Movies of 2009
admin

Boasting no explosions, CGI robots or vampires, but propelled by good word-of-mouth, this inspirational drama climbed its way into the number ten spot over the Christmas holiday weekend.10. THE BLIND SIDE
Total Gross: $184,387,000

Boasting no explosions, CGI robots or vampires, but propelled by good word-of-mouth, this inspirational drama climbed its way into the number ten spot over the Christmas holiday weekend.

9. Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Total Gross: $196,573,705

Not only did the prehistoric critter crew return for their biggest box office outing yet, the third ‘Ice Age’ adventure conquered the number 2 spot at the worldwide box office with a massive $883.7 million.

8. Monsters Vs. Aliens
Total Gross: $198,351,526

In a crowded field of animated titles this year, this monstrous adventure towered over the pack, stepping into the top ten with one of the biggest spring opening weekends ever.

7. AVATAR
Total Gross: $212,268,000

Arguably one of the most anticipated movies of the decade, director James Cameron’s visionary sci-fi epic leaped into the top ten during the final weeks of the year.

6. Star Trek
Total Gross: $257,730,019

Live long and propser! Director J.J. Abrams’ bold re-imagining of the classic sci-fi franchise proved popular with both old and new fans alike, easily grossing more than any previous Star Trek movie.

5. The Hangover
Total Gross: $277,322,503

Easily the surprise breakout hit of the summer, this tawdry tale of the ultimate Vegas bachelor party gone wrong defied all expectations to become the number one R-rated comedy of all time.

4. The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Total Gross: $280,924,000

Hot off the success of 2008’s ‘Twilight,’ the second installment of Stephanie Meyers’ supernatural romance saga wolfed down a record-breaking $72,703,754 for the highest opening day earnings of all time.

3. UP
Total Gross: $293,004,164

The animation wizards at Pixar did it again, soaring to number three, nabbing the studio its second highest grossing movie ever (behind Finding Nemo), and becoming the highest grossing 3D movie of all time.

2. HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE
Total Gross: $301,959,197

The popular teen wizard returned for his sixth year at Hogwarts to grab second place, but cast a powerful spell on the worldwide box office, taking the top spot with a magical $929.4 million.

1. TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN
Total Gross: $402,111,870

Autobots battled Decepticons to the top of the box office, not only becoming the top earning movie of the year, but also firmly planting itself at number 9 among the top ten highest domestic grossing films of all time.

Source

Tell me what do you think in the comments below!

Category: News  2 Comments
09
Dec
Money vs Academic Results
admin

Money? Academic results? Well, four of us came to the same university 3.5 years ago, it was really tough as we have to study in reverse every year (meaning that we have to go through second semester before first semester). Life is even tougher with the allowance we got. Since then, I have made my decision to work part time while study to have a better life and not suffering due to lack of money. I knew it would be hard, no matter how hard it is, no matter how many sleepless nights I have (I lost count of them actually), no matter how tired I am, no matter how sleepy I am, I still keep going as I always remember that “What doesn’t kill you make you stronger”. It has been a very long journey to me. I suffer depression, abuse and pressure from my workplace but still I have to study, do my assignments, attend classes and tutorials, just trying to be professional as a student.

Today three of my friends will be graduating with first class honours while the best I can achieve is second class first division. I know I could have done better if I allocate my working time for my study but I have done my very best to balance between work and study. I do regret of choosing money over academic results in the first place as I know I would have gotten a better result without working. Nevertheless, I am glad that I did because I can buy things I like, I can make someone happy by buying him/her present, I can buy electrical appliances to my family, I can give money to my parents, I can go for movie every week, if not once in fortnight, I can afford to ear out, I can go travelling around, I can go to concert, I can have a better holiday at home, I can have good savings for my future and lots more. So if I chose academic results in the first place, I wouldn’t have got all these! As we know, everything has its own pros and cons, just that which one outweighs another. So the question is, do I regret? Yes, sometimes.

In the end, does academic results really important? It seems like now as it is a passport to secure an interview or even a job but it is not a guarantee for a successful career. So does it make money important as well? Not really. If you have money, you can’t buy the academic results but you can use it for your future such as investment, savings and etc. After all, I am extremely sad today, I am demotivated and I wish I could have done better. Although I still have a semester left with 2 unit of studies to go, it is totally impossible now to achieve first class. I accept it and I am down to earth now. So close yet so far. Full stop.

Category: Daily life, Personal Opinion  Tags: , , , ,  Leave a Comment
04
Dec
How to keep workers motivated
admin

I’VE often been asked by organisations how to keep their staff motivated, interested and engaged in their work. Many have shared how quickly enthusiasm seems to wane nowadays; how new, young enthusiastic workers become disillusioned, bored ex-employees.

Solutions are numerous, of course. Money, status, praise, recognition, empowerment, a fair reward system, a social support system at work; these are all important elements of work motivation. Put all of them together and chances are you will get a highly motivated work force.

But there is one more important element that, in my humble opinion, creates the drive and momentum that keeps us going – meaning.

There are some organisational psychologists who believe that human beings seek meaning and significance in their work. They argue that we need to feel that we do make a difference. Research has also indicated that workers who have this sense of meaning in their work tend to produce better results and to be more committed to their organisations.

It’s true that most working people say that they work for the money, and no doubt, if their companies stopped paying them, they would stop turning up. But I suspect that for most of us, we want it to be about more than just the money.

When I think of the successful people in the present and the past, what strikes me is how their energy levels were driven by a mission, something greater than themselves.

more…

Category: News  Leave a Comment
01
Dec
Best hotels to celebrate New Year Eve!
admin
PORTO BAY RIO INTERNACIONAL, RIO DE JANEIRO

PORTO BAY RIO INTERNACIONAL, RIO DE JANEIRO

PORTO BAY RIO INTERNACIONAL, RIO DE JANEIRO

Brazil’s Copacabana Beach attracts millions of people of all ages on New Year’s Eve and is Brazil’s second biggest party of the year after Carnival. But if you don’t fancy joining the throng in your Brazilian thong bikini, the Porto Bay Rio International is right on the beach and has fantastic views of the party and the fireworks as the clock strikes midnight.

In fact, some of the best sights of Rio de Janeiro can be experienced from the rooftop pool and bar which is where all the action happens on New Year’s Eve.

If you’re lucky enough to get a room with a view, you may even be able to experience the festivities from the comfort of your own hotel room. On clear days you can see Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Corcovado statue.

HYATT REGENCY SANCTUARY COVE, GOLD COAST

HYATT REGENCY SANCTUARY COVE, GOLD COAST

HYATT REGENCY SANCTUARY COVE, GOLD COAST

If you feel like spending New Year’s Eve by a pool sipping cocktails, playing a round of golf (the hotel is flanked by two golf courses), or maybe experiencing one of the Gold Coast’s renowned theme parks (Dreamworld and Warner Brothers Movie World are both located within 15km from the hotel), the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove is the place for you.

Once the sun begins to set, head to one of the two restaurants for their New Year’s Eve feasts and then dance the night away to the live music on the Verandah Bar. If you are taking the kids, the Hyatt hosts Camp Hyatt for 4-12 years olds where they can bring in the New Year with games, videos and dancing.

HILTON MELBOURNE SOUTH WHARF, MELBOURNE

HILTON MELBOURNE SOUTH WHARF, MELBOURNE

HILTON MELBOURNE SOUTH WHARF, MELBOURNE

The Hilton, located in Melbourne’s newest shopping and dining destination, South Wharf, is offering several enticing New Year’s Eve options. Overlooking the Yarra River, the Hilton guarantees an impressive view of the city’s New Year festivities.

Guests can choose the New Year’s Eve delights with a Spanish tapas feast or a meal prepared by Michelin star chef Ramon Freixa both on offer.

Each room, inspired by the Yarra River, offers views of the river or the city so even if you choose to see in the New Year in your room, you will still have an unforgettable view.

SEBEL PIER ONE, SYDNEY

SEBEL PIER ONE, SYDNEY

SEBEL PIER ONE, SYDNEY

The Sebel Pier One in Sydney, located right in the heart of The Rocks, provides outstanding views of the Harbour Bridge and the harbour – perfect for a New Year’s Eve mini-break.

The Sebel also offers a New Year’s dining experience to make your mouth water. Enjoy a scrumptious fresh seafood buffet with unrivalled views of the festivities and bring in the New Year with a chilled glass of bubbly whilst marvelling at the world famous firework display.

When you want to call it a night, retire to your room where you can relax in your luxurious bath robe.

BANYAN TREE, BANGKOK, THAILAND

BANYAN TREE, BANGKOK, THAILAND

BANYAN TREE, BANGKOK, THAILAND

Thailand has embraced the Western New Year as well as its own Chinese and Thai New Year and Bangkok pulls out all the stops to impress its guests. The city and its vibrant culture offers light and sound shows, live entertainment and of course fireworks.

However, if you want to spend New Year’s Eve in the lap of luxury, look no further than Banyan Tree hotel. Its Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar is an open-air rooftop lounge, 61 floors above the streets of Bangkok, with breathtaking views over the city. If you are afraid of heights try dinner at Pier 59 where guests dine ‘under the sea’ in a recreated underwater chamber.

To relax after the party spend New Year’s Day at the Banyan Tree Spa, which offers a host of appealing treatments.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, PRAGUE

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, PRAGUE

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, PRAGUE

Prague is an enchanting place to visit, with its ancient castle, 14th century Charles Bridge and intricate cobbled stone streets and on New Year’s Eve the city truly does come alive. The Mandarin Oriental in Prague is housed in a 14th century monastery set on the banks of the Vltava River, 500 metres from the impressive Prague Castle.

This New Year’s Eve the hotel will be hosting a ‘Viva Las Vegas’ themed Gala Buffet Dinner in the Grand Ballroom, which is sure to impress. Guests can also meander down to Charles Bridge for the fireworks display above the castle.

On New Year’s Day visit the Christmas markets for some local mulled wine and fresh, hot doughnuts.

So which one would you prefer? ;)

Category: News  Tags: , , , ,  One Comment