On this day in the year of 2007, Nuffnang started off as – in our co-founder Timothy Tiah’s words, a “leetle dotcom” – in a humble office in Penang.
Today, we’re celebrating our third anniversary together with all 130,000 of you bloggers registered with Nuffnang! WOOHOO!
In just the short span of three years, we’ve expanded our network to serve four countries – Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and Australia – and the best is yet to come! We couldn’t have done any of this without all of you. Thank you so very much to each and every one of you; your support is what keeps us going and growing every day.
Over the years, we’ve had quite a few events which gave us memories we hold dear to our hearts, like our first bloggers’ meet in Penang…
We’re really proud that Nuffnang has become such a great community along the way, and it’s always awesome to see more and more new faces at our events. Group hug!
As the numbers of bloggers registering with Nuffnang continue to grow to unbelievable numbers every day, our little family of Nuffies has grown too! Barely two years ago, the Nuffnang Malaysia staff looked like this:
Today, our family has grown to include over 40 people spread out over 4 countries!
Pretty awesome, no? We’ve truly come a long way from where we first started. Here’s to a great three years of ‘firsts’, and may there be many more to come! Speaking of which, we might be planning something big which would be another first for us, but you’ll just have to stay tuned to find out what it is. :)
In the meantime, you could send us a birthday card (ahem), or anything at all so that we can post it up on our Nuffnang Footprints Wall! We always get very excited whenever we receive something from our bloggers :)
Before we start stuffing ourselves with birthday cakes, thank you once again, and have a great year ahead everyone!
Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Singapore, Nuffnang will be giving out 50 pairs of tickets to catch the GALA PREMIERE of the movie, ALICE IN WONDERLAND on:
From Walt Disney Pictures and visionary director Tim Burton comes an epic 3D fantasy adventure ALICE IN WONDERLAND, a magical and imaginative twist on some of the most beloved stories of all time.
JOHNNY DEPP stars as the Mad Hatter and MIA WASIKOWSKA as 19-year-old Alice, who returns to the whimsical world she first encountered as a young girl, reuniting with her childhood friends: the White Rabbit, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Dormouse, the Caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the Mad Hatter. Alice embarks on a fantastical journey to find her true destiny and end the Red Queen’s reign of terror.
The all-star cast also includes ANNE HATHAWAY. HELENA BONHAM CARTER and CRISPIN GLOVER
To win yourself a pair of tickets to the gala premier, simply write a blog entry on the following:
1) Tell us who is your favourite Alice in Wonderland Character and why.
2) Embed the movie trailer found here.
3) Sign off with “Catch Alice in Wonderland Movie starting from 4th March 2010 and join the official Facebook and Twitter page!”
Lastly, submit your permalink to aiw@nuffnang.com with your FULL name, email and contact details!
Deadline: 28th February 2010, 12pm.
*Note: Results will be released on 1st March 2010 via email.
Exclusive Alice In Wonderland World Live Premiere (London, UK)
As Walt Disney Pictures and visionary film-director Tim Burton bring you one of the most highly anticipated movie releases for 2010, Alice in Wonderland, fans worldwide will be able to experience the enchanting Alice In Wonderland world premiere via a Ustream webcast as it unfolds live from the red carpet in London on Thursday 25th February. Simply by visiting www.ustream.tv/aliceinwonderland, viewers will become virtual guests at the magical Alice in Wonderland world premiere from the comfort of their computer!
The live premiere stream begins at 6.15pm (GMT) – Singapore 1.30am with exclusive access all areas footage, including interviews with Alice in Wonderland’s all-star cast as they walk the premieres red carpet; from Johnny Depp (the Mad Hatter), Anne Hathaway (the White Queen), Helena Bonham Carter (the Red Queen), Australian rising-star Mia Wasikowska (Alice), and UK comedian Matt Lucas (Tweedledum and Tweedledee) to the film’s director Tim Burton.
Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will also be attending the Alice in Wonderland world premiere in aid of The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts at London’s Leicester Square.
From one of our memorable childhood bedtime stories to the epic blockbuster screening on the big screen, the tale of a girl who fell into the rabbit hole will come to life. The 1865 novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, who used his then pseudonym name – Lewis Carroll, brought us all into an imaginary world of fantasies.
Century of years later, we will soon get to experience the fun filled fantasy and incredible adventures that Alice encountered during her exploration of Underland (Inhabitants like us call it ‘Wonderland’). The peculiar and anthropomorphic creatures will be brought to the big screen through director Tim Burton’s dark and quirky vision. The combined techniques of live action and motion capture will definitely sweep us away on a realistic and true exploration of Alice’s journey in Underland.
UNDERLAND, says screenwriter Linda Woolverton, is a part of the earth. “But it lies somewhere far beneath our world. The only way to get there is to fall down a rabbit hole.” It is the same fantastical land that Alice visited as a child, but she misheard the word “Underland” and thought they said “Wonderland.” Alice, now age 19, heads back down the rabbit hole and though she has no memory of her previous adventures in Underland, she is reunited with its inhabitants, including a swashbuckling Dormouse, an off-his-rocker Mad Hatter, a grinning Cheshire Cat, a caterpillar called Absolem, a beautiful White Queen and her spiteful older sister the Red Queen. “Time has passed,” says Woolverton. “The Red Queen rules the whole land. It’s under her thumb. And the people of Underland need Alice.” Underland has come upon hard times since the malevolent Red Queen took over the throne. It is, however, a truly wonderful land, which might explain why the girl who mistook it for Wonderland has been called upon to help return it to its glory. But, says Woolverton, “Underland has always been Underland since the Beginning, no matter who sits on the throne. It will remain Underland until the End.”
The creation of the mythical Underland started all from a simple sketch with a pencil and sketchpad.
Thanks to the top notch technology, the transformation of a 2 Dimensional image is generated into the realistic picture we all imagined.
The work does not stop there! In order for us to enjoy the magnificent Underland, animators further enhance the pictures to ‘revive’ each and every single object.
Every single detail is the fruit of the animators and developers labour. Imagine the tedious process they went through to create a realistic and impeccable Underland that we all used to fantasize about when we read the novel.
Aside from the gorgeous landscapes in Underland, what’s Alice in the Wonderland without Alice?
ALICE (Mia Wasikowska) is a 19-year-old woman contemplating her future. An independent soul, she feels trapped in the narrow-minded views of women in aristocratic Victorian London. Alice Kingsleigh is uncertain how to balance her dreams with other people’s expectations. Following the death of her beloved father, she attends a garden party with her mother and sister, although, unbeknownst to her, it’s been planned as her engagement party. Just as the arrogant and dull Hamish Ascot proposes to her, Alice spots a White Rabbit wearing a waistcoat and pocket watch scurrying across the grounds. She rushes off after the furry fellow, tumbling down a rabbit hole and into Underland, a place she first visited as a child (and called Wonderland)—though she has no memory of it or its inhabitants. Alice nevertheless reunites with her childhood friends, including Absolem the caterpillar, the Cheshire Cat, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and of course, the Mad Hatter—and seeks her true destiny. “In the beginning, Alice is very awkward and uncomfortable in her skin,” Wasikowska says. “So her experience in Underland is about reconnecting with herself and finding she has the strength to be more self-assured in figuring out what she wants.”
Tim Burton’s choice of an unfamiliar actress in the movie allows us to relate to Alice and share her emotions. The dark and mysterious scenes are always Burton’s trademark. This intrigues us to a new level and Alice definitely captivates our heart.
Wonder how Alice wanders around the whimsical land? Mia was shot in front of the green screen for most of her scenes.
Computer generated graphics are added in the post production stage to put Alice in the Underland.
Other elements were then included to complete the overall look of Alice in the Underland.
Every female viewer wants to be THAT Alice in the Wonderland. It’s time for the ladies to search for the rabbit hole!
Up next, how can we ever forget the downright strange character in Underland?
THE MAD HATTER (Johnny Depp) doesn’t just wear his heart on his sleeve—his ever-changing moods are quite literally reflected in his face and his attire. He’s been anxiously awaiting Alice’s return and is, arguably, her one true friend, believing in her when nobody else does. He is fearless, going to great lengths to protect her at his own risk. Once the proud hat maker for the White Queen, the Hatter has been affected by mercury poisoning, an unfortunate side effect of the hat-making process, and isn’t altogether well. “I always saw the Hatter as kind of tragic,” says Depp. “He’s a victim in a lot of ways. The mercury has certainly taken its toll, but there’s a tragic element to his past in this particular version that weighs pretty heavily on the character.”
Not only did Johnny Depp adapt effortlessly into his role as the Mad Hatter, his costumes and make-up enhanced his credibility. His versatility never fails to impress the audience.
Intricate details of the costume design and make up are extremely crucial to portray the feelings of the queer Mad Hatter. Look at the intensity of Depp’s facial expression, it can only be described in one word – flawless!
“The March Hare will be much the most interesting, and perhaps as this is May it won’t be raving mad — at least not so mad as it was in March.” – Alice
THE MARCH HARE (voice of Paul Whitehouse) hosts the Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties at his Hare House. Paranoid, anxious and slightly insane, he constantly wrings his paws and ears and has a thing for tossing teapots and other items. He has a penchant for cooking and is one of the few Underland inhabitants to escape the Red Queen’s clutches altogether.
Would you like the March Hare to host your tea parties? Only if he doesn’t toss my tea sets!
Enough of the insanity from a hare, this tabby Cheshire cat will calm you down in no time, with a grin.
CHESSUR, THE CHESHIRE CAT (voice of Stephen Fry) is a dapper tabby with the ability to appear and disappear. He is all calm, casual sensuality with a seductive grin that masks his cowardice. It’s the cat’s disembodied head that first appears to Alice in Tulgey Wood after she’s been attacked by the vicious Bandersnatch. He offers to purify the gashes on her arm by licking them. Alice declines, although she allows him to lead her to the Hatter’s Tea Party where the Hatter blames him for deserting them on the day the Red Queen seized control of Underland. Using his skills and the Hatter’s coveted top hat, Chessur later finds a way to redeem himself.
The most significant notion of the Cheshire Cat is its grin that resembles the smile of a human trickster.
The Cheshire Cat is fully computer generated and like most fictional characters in the film, he is developed to capture what Lewis Carroll envisioned in his 1865 novel.
The character is then added into an environment for a scene.
TThe addition of textures on the Cheshire Cat’s fur creates a realistic look. Considering the time and effort spent on the character, the outcome looks truly impeccable.
A leopard can never change its spot. Well… the Cheshire Cat can never change its grin.
More characters will be announced on the following Wonderland Wednesday!
Stay tune and anticipate.
Continued…
Last week, we’ve revealed the first 5 characters from the upcoming blockbuster, Alice in the Wonderland. By the end of this post, you will be able to know 5 more distinctive characters that bring you on a magical journey in March.
Who hates animals and uses them as furniture?
IRACEBETH, THE RED QUEEN (Helena Bonham Carter) is the tyrannical monarch of Underland. With her oversized head, fiery temper and propensity to scream for people’s heads to be chopped off, she rules her subjects through fear. “She’s got emotional problems,” says Bonham Carter. “It takes nothing, practically, for her to lose her temper. Her tantrums are that of a two-year-old.” Her younger sibling, the White Queen, has designs on the throne and crown that Iracebeth once stole from her.
Tim Burton visualized the Red Queen by sketching her out then started developing the character, which includes casting and computer generated graphics.
Like all the human characters, Helena Bonham Carter had to go through filming in front of the green screen, then the final scene was generated by the amazing animators.
The Red Queen’s head was increased in size by 3 times on the big screen. Her huge head definitely matches up to her huge ego as well.
Every ‘queen-dom’ will have its her army, and there is no exception to the Red Queen’s.
SILOSOVIC STAYNE, THE KNAVE OF HEARTS (Crispin Glover) is the head of the Red Queen’s Army. Seven feet, six-inches tall, with a scarred face and a heart-shaped patch covering his left eye, Stayne is an arrogant, tricky character who follows the Red Queen’s every order. He’s the only one capable of pacifying her and calming her dramatic mood swings. “I am the martial element for the Red Queen,” says Glover. “The Red Queen has a fair amount of short-tempered reactions to things that people do, and so my character has to be quite diplomatic.” His darker side emerges in the shadows of the castle hallways.
Like the Red Queen, Burton also sketched out Knave of Hearts with the emphasis of the heart-shaped eye patch.
Here are some of the progression stills of Knave of Hearts.
Meet another character who is working for the tyrannical Red Queen, but also a secret member of the Underland Resistance.
TMCTWISP, THE WHITE RABBIT (voice of Michael Sheen) is always late, always in a hurry, always rushing about. Charged with finding Alice and bringing her back to Underland so that she can fulfill her destiny, he shows up at her garden party in an effort to lure her back down the rabbit hole. “He’s a warm character,” says Sheen, “but, at the same time, he can be quite fussy and quite strict with Alice as well. He has an edge to him, a nervous energy, always feeling like he’s behind time. Time is very important to him, but he’s quite brave when called upon.”
Time is a very important element for the White Rabbit; he will always be seen with an antique pocket watch.
Unlike the human characters, a creature like the White Rabbit has to be completely developed by the animators.
Sheen, who did the voice over for the White Rabbit thinks the character itself is so iconic, he did not want to break out too much from the mold.
What is a movie without an adorable character like the tiny Dormouse?
MALLYMKUN, THE DORMOUSE (voice of Barbara Windsor) is a swashbuckling mouse in Underland who wears riding breeches. She refuses to believe that the White Rabbit has found the right Alice, the one who can help return Underland to its true splendor, and is only too happy to poke poor Alice in the ankle with a hat pin when Alice insists she’s only dreaming. But the tough little mouse comes through in a pinch when Alice is threatened by a clawing creature called a Bandersnatch. Her loyalty to the Hatter is unmatched, and she willingly faces the prospect of death to stand by him.
ABSOLEM, THE CATERPILLAR (voice of Alan Rickman) is the all-knowing and absolute guardian of the Oraculum, an ancient document that depicts every major event, past, present and future, in Underland’s history. Alice is taken by the White Rabbit and the Tweedles to meet Absolem, so that he can ascertain whether she is, in fact, the real Alice who first visited Underland as a child, the Alice who is destined to help them. They find the bulbous blue caterpillar atop a mushroom in a mushroom forest surrounded by misty smoke. Several times Absolem challenges Alice to come to a better understanding of herself, forcing her to face the difficult question: “Who are you?”
The last 5 set of characters will be released shortly. Please stay tune.
The creators of the beloved “Toy Story” films re-open the toy box and bring moviegoers back to the delightful world of Woody, Buzz and our favourite gang of toy characters in TOY STORY 3. Woody and Buzz have accepted that their owner Andy would grow up someday, but what happens when that day arrives?
In the third instalment, Andy is preparing to depart for college, leaving his loyal toys troubled about their uncertain future. Lee Unkrich (co-director of “Toy Story 2” and “Finding Nemo”) directs this highly anticipated film, and Michael Amdt, the Academy Award-winning screenwriter of “Little Miss Sunshine,” brings his unique talents and comedic sensibilities to the proceedings.
BE THE FIRST TO MEET THE NEW CHARACTERS!
Grab your binoculars and join Ken on a safari!
A swinging bachelor who’s always on the lookout for fun, Ken sports the perfect outfit for his eco-adventure: light blue shorts and a leopard-print shirt with short sleeves sure to keep him cool in the hot sun. And after his exciting expedition, Ken will be ready to hit the dance floor in style. His accessories include matching scarf, sensible loafers and a fashion-forward gold belt. Dozens of additional Ken outfits sold separately.
Peas-in-a-Pod will quickly become a parent’s favorite on-the-go toy.
The soft, plush pod secures the happy peas inside with a durable metal zipper, making it perfect for the car or stroller. The Peas-in-a-Pod plush toy also develops fine motor skills by catering to a child’s natural grab instinct. Pulling the three peas out of the pod will provide repeated enjoyment for infants and toddlers, and soon they’ll learn to put them back in! Machine washable. Not for human consumption.
Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear is a jumbo, extra-soft teddy bear!
With a pink and white plush body and a velvety purple nose, this lovable bear stands fuzzy heads and shoulders above other teddy bears because he smells like sweet strawberries! With a smile that will light up your child’s face and a belly just asking to be hugged, Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear is sure to become a bedtime necessity. Stain-resistant. Spot clean plush surface with a damp cloth.
Stay tune to meet more of the fascinating new friends!!!
Dell Make It Yours Design Studio held a contest where the brilliant designers celebrated their creative self-expression by designing and submitting their original masterpieces.
The submitted artworks are individually unique and innovative! From simplicity to graphically conscious and to the ever-classic pieces, the creators of these designs illustrated their top-notch skills and artistic talents.
Now that the entries are in, it is time to review all the artworks of the talented designers! Which design captivated your eyes and made you have your second glance? Which artwork deserved to be voted for? And most importantly, which design would you like on your laptop?
The Cathay offers you MORE than just a big screen! The six-storey high shopping mall has all forms of entertainment, from intensive gaming, sumptuous dining experience, to shopping and more! No doubt a great place you can spend your day.
Simply tell us what you can do in The Cathay and stand a chance to win three big “Angpows” and consolation prizes for Chinese New Year:
CONTEST PRIZES
Golden Packet: $1000 Cash Silver Packet: Black Berry 9700 (Bold 2)
Bronze Packet: Sony VAIO Netbook
Five Consolation Packets: $50 Ben & Jerry’s Voucher each
CONTEST DETAILS
To participate,
Step 1:
You are required to write a blog entry on the following topic:
(Contest entry can be about your plan which have not happened, it can be even be about a trip down to Cathay! Explore various angles on this contest and let your creative juices flow!)
Step 2:
Sign off with, “Join The Cathay Facebook page (www.facebook.com/thecathay) to get updated with latest promos, events, contests & giveaways!”
Contest Period: 29Jan 2010 – 14 Feb 2010, 2359 HRS (Deadline amended as per email sent)
Lastly, submit your blog permalink tothecathay@nuffnang.comwith your name, email and contact details!
Contest entries are judged based on effort and creativity.
The first week of 2010 has gone by just in the blink of an eye! But 2009 was an awesome year for all Nuffnangers and Nuffies alike, wasn’t it? We started off with only two offices in Malaysia and Singapore, and now we have expanded the community to serve Australia and the Phillipines as well. We’ve grown by leaps and bounds since we first started out in 2007, and we couldn’t have made it this far without the neverending support from all of you! Here’s a recap of the year that was 2009:
5
Nuffnang offices worldwide
28
Nuffnang events worldwide
40
Nuffnang staff worldwide
43
Nuffnang movie screenings worldwide
4,697
Bloggers following Nuffnang on Twitter worldwide
9,768
Nuffnang Facebook fans worldwide
118,817
Bloggers on the entire Nuffnang network
1,838,722,862
Nuffnang network page views
And finally…
5,110,861,010
Number of ad impressions served on the entire Nuffnang network
Quite impressive, if we may say so ourselves. And it’s all thanks to you! All of us at Nuffnang would like to express our gratitude (and give you all a big group hug) for your continuing enthusiasm and support, as you bloggers are what keeps us afloat through thick and thin. We’ll continue to grow and expand our family this year, so do stay tuned for latest developments via our blog and Facebook page (http://facebook.com/Nuffnang) Here’s to an awesome year, and to many more after it!
Can you imagine what kind of disaster 7-year-old twins would have caused?
Courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Singapore, Nuffnang will be giving out 50 pairs of tickets to catch the preview screening of the movie, Old Dogs on:
Date: 28th December 2009, Monday Time: 7:15pm Venue: Cathay Cineleisure, Hall 7
Details of Movie
Sypnosis: Two best friends — one unlucky-in-love divorcee (ROBIN WILLIAMS) and the other a fun-loving bachelor (JOHN TRAVOLTA) — have their lives turned upside down when they’re unexpectedly charged with the care of six-year-old twins while on the verge of the biggest business deal of their lives. The not-so-kid-savvy bachelors stumble in their efforts to take care of the twins (newcomers ELLA BLEU TRAVOLTA and CONNER RAYBURN), leading to one debacle after another, and perhaps to a new-found understanding of what’s really important in life.
Contest Details
To win yourself a pair of tickets to the preview screening, simply write a blog entry on the following:
1) Watch the following clips and let us know your favourite comedy scene with the video embeded!
The festival will stretch across 2 weeks from 13Jan – 24Jan and you can start purchasing tickets at SISTIC now! Join us in the coming year to explore the myriad interpretations and perspectives of Art in relation to Law!
Nuffnang, being the Official Blogging Community, has selected our choice picks of interesting performances we thought you might not want to miss.
________ CAN CHANGE
THE NECESSARY STAGE (Singapore)
$27 | $19
13 – 16 January 2010, 8pm
16 – 17 January 2010, 3pm (75 minutes without intermission)
Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore
Festival Highlight. World Premiere
Some Mature Content (15 years and above)
The performance presents changes of Singles, Homosexuals and Marxists in the modern society, each presented and explored in three plays.
Some of you may undoubtedly find yourself relating to one of the abovementioned characters and their situations. Catch ____ CAN CHANGE to find out how you can overcome and create change.
All you have to do is to include the question and answer in your blog post, and submit the permalink to fringe2010@nuffnang.com with your name, email and contact details.
There are a total of 3 pairs of tickets to be won! Get involved!
Plus, more exciting prizes (including the Grand Prize of a pair of tickets to Maldives) if you are one of the 15 winners in the Live-Navigation Challenge!
Lastly, submit your blog permalink to garminasus@nuffnang.com with your name, email and contact details!
Note: Judging criteria for both options: Creativity and nothing else.
kelly:
I cannot find the result as well! ): No notification , no nothing!!!!! im a contestanttttttttttttttttttttttttttt...
Angie:
Happy birthday Nuffnang! You are awesome!...
Eugene:
happy birthday to nuffnang! i met some of then guys before in a restuarant and they are one of the most coolest people that i met for a long time.... Keep it up, boss ming and boss tim....
Allie Kolasinski:
It was to hope a total reinvention of Wonderland, with the twist that Burton gives to his films, but sadly, this version on LSD of "Alice in Wonderland" is not much than that, because where previous B...
Peixin:
Happy birthday nuffnang. Awesome achievements over a short span of 3 year. Hip hip hooray!...
chinese democracy:
Nice post, I personally think the movies released this year are of better quality then last year. I CANT WAIT for toy story 3!...
